Claudia Martinez Felix Presents EU Scheme to Protect Craft Heritage

Yoanna Vodenova, Ekaterina Toteva

“Bulgarian crafts - traditions meet the future” international conference in Sofia, July 1, 2025 (BTA Photo/ Vladimir Shokov)

Sofia,

01.07.2025 13:37

(BTA)

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Claudia Martinez Felix, Deputy Head of the Intellectual Property Unit at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, presented the EU system for the protection of craft and industrial products at an international forum, emphasizing the Union’s commitment to safeguarding its heritage.

Speaking via video address at an international conference titled “Bulgarian crafts – traditions meet the future,” Martínez Félix highlighted the importance of the event, which focuses on the European Commission’s initiative to promote and disseminate information about Geographical Indications (GIs) for craft and industrial products. She stated that the EU seeks to preserve its heritage, noting that such efforts also enhance the Union’s competitiveness.

The scheme introduces special protection for craft and industrial goods, and starting in December 2025, artisans across Europe will be able to apply for registration under it.

Martinez Felix emphasized the benefits of the scheme for tradition-rich countries like Bulgaria. She noted that over 1,000 products could be protected under this framework. “This is a way to revive local craftsmanship, as UNESCO registrations in Europe have declined over the past decade. We want to ensure that crafts and traditions are passed down through generations, preserving the heritage and identity of our continent,” she said.

She further explained that the scheme would improve access to international markets, offering new opportunities for artisans. The Commission estimates that the initiative could generate 300,000 new jobs, both directly and indirectly, over the coming years making a significant contribution to the EU economy.

According to Martinez Felix, the application process will take less than six months, and she stressed the need to raise awareness about the new system.

The forum was organized by the Bulgarian Patent Office, in cooperation with the European Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

/DT/