Written question – Cultural and gastronomic identity of the Greek islands – E-001724/2025

Question for written answer  E-001724/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)

The Greek islands’ traditional gastronomy and local products form an invaluable part of Europe’s cultural and dietary heritage. However, for the most part, they are not covered by European protection and promotion mechanisms, such as PDO/PGI indications. As a result, they are threatened by commercial homogenisation and cultural invisibility.

In light of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

• 1.Does it intend to strengthen, through specific programmes or technical support, the recognition of traditional products from the Greek islands (such as cheeses, wines, sweets, herbs) as PDO or PGI products, thereby helping to preserve and strengthen local identity and the economy?
• 2.Does it intend to finance cultural measures to promote the gastronomy of the islands within the framework of European cultural policy, making use of gastronomy as a tool for sustainable tourism and regional development?
• 3.Is there a plan to create a single European platform for the promotion of traditional island products and recipes to strengthen the link between cultural heritage and the agri-food chain?

Submitted: 30.4.2025