President: Protection of Regional Products Helps Preserve Slovakia's Uniqueness

Bratislava, 3 September (TASR) - Protecting the origin of traditional products is not only a tool for preserving cultural heritage, but can also serve as a foundation for successful business, tourism development and the prosperity of regions, stated President Peter Pellegrini in his address at the international conference "Origin Matters 2026: Protection and Development of Regional Products in Europe and the World" held in Bratislava on Thursday. Pellegrini commended the EU for creating a framework that allows the protection of products linked to a specific place or region of origin. He also praised Slovakia's active approach to using the new system for protecting geographical indications for craft and industrial products. "A product's origin is often part of its value and adds to its uniqueness. Behind a regional product lies not just a name or a spot on the map, but entire generations, their honest work, experience, knowledge, and in many cases also the stories of specific people with ties to a given place, municipality or region," said Pellegrini. The Slovak head of state also highlighted the importance of protected geographical indications not only for consumers but also for the development of the regions themselves. "A protected tradition can thus provide a basis for modern business, tourism and regional competitiveness. It can be a source of job opportunities and prosperity," stressed Pellegrini, adding that the protection of regional products goes beyond their economic significance. "It's about preserving values that are a source of our uniqueness and pride. The rich mosaic of our regions and municipalities, and therefore their products as well, contributes to the value of our cultural heritage," added Pellegrini. According to him, similar diversity and variety are characteristic of Europe as a whole. "Protecting regional products is therefore also about protecting European diversity," he said. Pellegrini recalled that traditional Slovak products can also find their place among established European products with protected origins, noting that a geographical indication will elevate exceptional Slovak products to the European level. He also expressed his support for efforts to preserve Slovak and European diversity and the further development of regional products, wishing Slovak and foreign producers every success so that they become known and prosper. "It's in our common interest," concluded Pellegrini. jrg/mcs