‘Made in EU’ under fire

By Karen Carstens

Date: 15/01/04

THE possible introduction of a new "made in EU" label that could replace existing national designations of origin on products ranging from shortbread to shoes has touched raw national nerves and unleashed a heated debate among policymakers, governments and industry.

Although it has yet to put forward a proposal, the European Commission has indicated that it is looking into such a label to protect products and give them wider worldwide recognition.

But German MEP Ingo Friedrich, of the Bavaria-based Christian Social Union, said the "Made in Germany" and other national labels must be maintained as they are already recognized around the world. "Everybody thinks of quality and perfection when a car is "made in Germany" , of fashionable flair when shoes are "made in Italy" - and Scottish whisky enjoys world renown," he said. Using a uniform label instead would hurt European economies, Friedrich warned, dismissing any economic argument behind the notion "absurd".

Jonathan Evans, leader of the UK Conservatives in the Parliament, expressed similar sentiments: "It is hard to see how replacing the "Made in Britain" label with "Made in the EU" will bring any advantage to our businesses. The plans will lead to yet more costs and bureaucracy from Europe."

But the Commission must still decide whether the label will be compulsory or voluntary and whether it will be applied to all products or just some. Three "stages" are envisioned, ranging from voluntary to mandatory labelling - and not all industries are averse to the idea. According to reports, the textiles sector is pushing for the label as it often falls victim to counterfeiting. A more concrete proposal is not expected until the end of February at the earliest.

The European Commission is considering plans that would ensure all products manufactured in the European Union carry a 'Made in the EU' label.