PHIL HOGAN MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Brussels, 29. 07. 2015 CRC/hm(2015) Honorable Members of the European Parliament, Thank you for your letter on 'Teran' in which you underline the significant political and economic importance which 'Teran' wine has for Slovenia. Teran is indeed a protected designation of origin (PDO) for wine traditionally produced in the Kras wine-growing region from grapes of the Ref osk vine variety listed in the register of designations of origin and geographical indications and protected in the EU in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No. 1308/2013 as from 2011. However, such protection is without prejudice to the legitimate interests and rights of Croatian wine producers to continue to use the name of the Teran as a grapevine variety. Pursuant to Article 100(3) second paragraph of Regulation (EU) № 1308/2013, where the name of a wine grape variety contains or consists of a PDO or a PGI, that name shall not be used for the purposes of labelling. In order to take into account existing labelling practices, the Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 227 laying down exceptions from this rule. Let me stress that both my services and I have had numerous discussion on the issue with representatives of Slovenia, touching upon all aspects of the issue with a view to finding a solution which protects the legitimate interests of all parties involved. As late as yesterday I met with Deputy Prime Minister Zidan and we agreed to clarify further some outstanding issues of concern. Yours sincerely, Mr. Milan ZVER, MEP Mr. Alojz PETERLE, MEP Mrs. Romana TOMC, MEP Mr. Franc BOGOVIČ, MEP Mrs Patricija ŠULIN, MEP RUE DE LA LOI 200 - B-1049 BRUSSELS - TEL.: (+32-2) 295 52 86 - E-MAIL: [email protected] .