On October 14, 2025, representatives of the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI) – Liliana Vieru, Head of the Communication, International Relations and European Integration Department, and Diana Stici, Head of the Legal Department – ​​attended the inaugural meeting of the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property Rights of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), held in Budva, Montenegro.

The Subcommittee on Intellectual Property Rights was established by the CEFTA Joint Committee Decision No 9/2024, with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation in the field of protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, as well as the progressive alignment of the regulatory framework of CEFTA Members with the EU acquis.

Opening the event, the Director of the CEFTA Secretariat, Dr. Pranvera Kastrati, underlined CEFTA’s strong commitment to advancing regional cooperation, strengthening IPR protection and enforcement, and enhancing alignment with the EU acquis in close partnership with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

The meeting, chaired by Montenegro as the State holding the Presidency of the Subcommittee for 2025, agreed on the priorities and work programme for the coming period, which aim in particular to:

• implement the Decision of the CEFTA Joint Committee on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights;
• strengthen interinstitutional cooperation in the field of intellectual property rights enforcement and digitalize and develop a data exchange mechanism between the responsible authorities;
• create a legal framework for the mutual recognition of geographical indications (GIs) between the CEFTA Parties;
• strengthen institutional capacities and promote a culture of respect for intellectual property rights among the business community and the general public.

AGEPI representatives presented information on recent developments in the field of intellectual property in the Republic of Moldova, in particular in the process of accession to the European Union, and reiterated the commitment of the Republic of Moldova to actively participate in the activities of the Subcommittee and the implementation of the Decision of the CEFTA Joint Committee on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, in particular in actions in the areas of legislative harmonization and effective enforcement of intellectual property rights.

During the meeting, EUIPO representatives presented cooperation initiatives and projects aimed at supporting CEFTA Parties in the process of modernizing and digitizing intellectual property systems, as well as in strengthening the institutional capacities of the responsible authorities.

AGEPI’s participation in this event represented an important opportunity for regional dialogue and coordination, contributing to promoting the interests of the Republic of Moldova within CEFTA and advancing the European integration agenda in the field of intellectual property.