Protecting European geographical indications in Argentina

Priority question for written answer P-000663/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Stefano Bonaccini (S&D)

On 5 February, it was announced that Argentina and the United States had signed a reciprocal trade and investment agreement.

As part of the treaty, Argentina pledged to address the issues highlighted in an American report (2025 Special 301 Report) on intellectual property protection.

Under the terms of the Agreement, Argentina must not restrict the market access of the 39 cheese and 11 meat-based products whose names are defined as 'common' and listed in Annex II thereof. These terms include European geographical indications of major significance like Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan), Grana Padano, Asiago, Fontina, Gorgonzola, Brie and Feta.

Argentina is also party to the EU-Mercosur Agreement, an entire chapter of which focuses specifically on protecting 347 EU geographical indications.

In the light of the above, could the Commission answer the following questions:

• 1.How does it assess the legal compatibility between Argentina's commitments under the US-Argentina Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment and the EU-Mercosur Agreement's obligations concerning the protection of geographical indications?
• 2.Which of the two agreements would prevail in the event of a regulatory conflict?
• 3.What steps will the Commission take to ensure that Argentina and all Mercosur member countries fully comply with their commitments to protect European geographical indications, as negotiated and provided for in the EU-Mercosur Agreement?

Submitted: 16.2.2026