In 2011, four breweries from the province of West Flanders in Belgium formed the Supreme Council for Authentic Flemish Amber Beers (HORARB). They joined forces and submitted an application for recognition of the unique amber beer from their production range as deserving of a European PGI label.

Amber beer brewers in Southwest Flanders are the only ones which still mature their beer in wooden casks. This makes their region the only one where amber beer produced by mixed fermentation, with its characteristic sour flavour, has survived. These regional roots, the typical characteristics of the product and its specific flavour are the basis for the joint application for European recognition.

Over and above purposes of commercial promotion, a European PGI (protected geographical indication) label would have a number of immediate advantages for the brewers in terms of guaranteed quality and protection of producers.

Would the Commission please indicate the state of play with this application for PGI status, and the anticipated timetable for the procedure relating to it?