COUNCIL DECISION

of 31 May 2012

on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova on the protection of geographical indications of agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2012/292/EU)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular the first subparagraph of Article 207(4), in conjunction with Article 218(5) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1)	The Commission has negotiated, on behalf of the Union, an Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova on the protection of geographical indications of agricultural products and foodstuffs (the ‘Agreement’).

(2)	The Agreement will allow the reciprocal protection of the geographical indications of the Union and the Republic of Moldova, as well as contribute to the approximation of legislation among the neighbouring countries of the Union.

(3)	The Agreement should be signed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The signing of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova on the protection of geographical indications of agricultural products and foodstuffs is hereby authorised on behalf of the Union, subject to the conclusion of the said Agreement (1).

Article 2

The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the Agreement on behalf of the Union.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

Done at Brussels, 31 May 2012.

For the Council

The President

P. OLSEN DYHR

(1) The text of the Agreement will be published together with the decision on its conclusion.