EU to compel Germany and Türkiye to cease conflict over cherished meal – media
According to The Economist, Ankara and Berlin may be granted a six-month period to resolve their dispute regarding the status of the doner kebab. Read Full Article at RT.com
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Ankara is seeking protected status for the doner kebab, a beloved Turkish dish widely popular in Germany, but Berlin claims this could lead to increased costs and affect production.
According to The Economist, the EU may play a role in resolving the ongoing dispute between Ankara and Berlin over the doner kebab's designation. The European Commission is expected to give both countries six months to find a compromise or make a decision regarding the kebab itself.
The contention over the doner kebab began two years ago when Ankara submitted an application to the EU to have the dish recognized as a Turkish specialty, similar to Italy’s Neapolitan pizza or Spain’s Jamon Serrano. While Türkiye is not a member of the EU, the bloc has a Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG) scheme that allows member states or third countries to seek protection for traditional food items. If the doner kebab were to receive TSG status, it would be required to adhere to specifications established by Ankara throughout the EU.
In April, Brussels provided preliminary approval for Türkiye's registration request and made Ankara’s bid public on its official website. However, Germany, where the doner kebab gained immense popularity following its introduction by Turkish immigrants in the 1970s, quickly raised objections. Berlin contested specific aspects of the application, including the types of meat and other ingredients involved. Over the summer, officials from Germany argued that granting TSG status to Ankara could disrupt local meat production and drive up the dish’s cost.
Reports indicate that the European Commission has received 11 objections to Türkiye’s proposal. While a decision on the validity of these objections was anticipated by September 24, no announcement has been made. Should Brussels find the complaints valid, it is expected to give Ankara and Berlin six months to resolve their issues. If they are unable to reach an agreement, the Commission will then decide on Türkiye’s bid.
Cem Ozdemir, Germany’s minister of food and agriculture and of Turkish heritage, previously stated that this move would constitute an “intervention in the German market with a tangible economic impact.” He asserted, “[The] kebab belongs to Germany. Everyone should be able to prepare and eat kebabs as they wish. There is no need to get directives from Ankara on this issue.”
On the other hand, the International Doner Federation in Istanbul contends that doner kebab is an essential part of Türkiye’s culinary heritage and should be made according to Turkish regulations.
The European Commission highlights that doner kebab sales across Europe exceed €3.5 billion annually, with approximately €2.3 billion generated in Germany alone. If Türkiye’s application is accepted, the doner kebab would be the first traditional product from Türkiye to be registered in the EU.
For more stories on economy & finance, visit RT's business section.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
According to The Economist, the EU may play a role in resolving the ongoing dispute between Ankara and Berlin over the doner kebab's designation. The European Commission is expected to give both countries six months to find a compromise or make a decision regarding the kebab itself.
The contention over the doner kebab began two years ago when Ankara submitted an application to the EU to have the dish recognized as a Turkish specialty, similar to Italy’s Neapolitan pizza or Spain’s Jamon Serrano. While Türkiye is not a member of the EU, the bloc has a Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG) scheme that allows member states or third countries to seek protection for traditional food items. If the doner kebab were to receive TSG status, it would be required to adhere to specifications established by Ankara throughout the EU.
In April, Brussels provided preliminary approval for Türkiye's registration request and made Ankara’s bid public on its official website. However, Germany, where the doner kebab gained immense popularity following its introduction by Turkish immigrants in the 1970s, quickly raised objections. Berlin contested specific aspects of the application, including the types of meat and other ingredients involved. Over the summer, officials from Germany argued that granting TSG status to Ankara could disrupt local meat production and drive up the dish’s cost.
Reports indicate that the European Commission has received 11 objections to Türkiye’s proposal. While a decision on the validity of these objections was anticipated by September 24, no announcement has been made. Should Brussels find the complaints valid, it is expected to give Ankara and Berlin six months to resolve their issues. If they are unable to reach an agreement, the Commission will then decide on Türkiye’s bid.
Cem Ozdemir, Germany’s minister of food and agriculture and of Turkish heritage, previously stated that this move would constitute an “intervention in the German market with a tangible economic impact.” He asserted, “[The] kebab belongs to Germany. Everyone should be able to prepare and eat kebabs as they wish. There is no need to get directives from Ankara on this issue.”
On the other hand, the International Doner Federation in Istanbul contends that doner kebab is an essential part of Türkiye’s culinary heritage and should be made according to Turkish regulations.
The European Commission highlights that doner kebab sales across Europe exceed €3.5 billion annually, with approximately €2.3 billion generated in Germany alone. If Türkiye’s application is accepted, the doner kebab would be the first traditional product from Türkiye to be registered in the EU.
For more stories on economy & finance, visit RT's business section.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
