‘Livanjski sir’ (Livno Cheese) today becomes a product with a prestigious EU Protected Geographical Indication, joining a list of 3,639 products, whose quality and traditions are recognised and protected through the EU’s register for agricultural geographical indications. The EU’s quality schemes and geographical indications have a strong reputation worldwide, and receiving PGI status is expected to bring significant benefits to producers of ‘Livanjski sir’ when marketing themselves, particularly for small-scale producers.

In a video message to mark this milestone, the Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in BiH Luigi Soreca said, “As of today, Livanjski sir joins products such as Champagne, Parmigiano Reggiano and Jamón ibérico in receiving trademark protection from the EU. Congratulations to Bosnia and Herzegovina! ‘Livanjski sir’ is the first food product in the Western Balkans to receive EU protection. Our hope is there will be more. And we stand ready to advise Bosnia and Herzegovina’s outstanding food and drink producers how they can apply for and benefit from the EU’s geographical indication and quality schemes”.

The uniqueness of ‘Livanjski sir’ comes from the exceptional quality of the milk used, produced in a region where Mediterranean and continental climates meet. In this distinctive environment, with its mountain pastures and karst fields, there is rich vegetation and local aromatic herbs, which contribute to the specific taste of the cheese. Produced in Livno and neighbouring municipalities, ‘Livanjski sir’ has earned a global reputation for its quality and tradition. Since the late 19th century, its production methods have been passed down through generations, ensuring consistent quality.

The protection of “Livanjski sir” is a tangible example of the benefits Bosnia and Herzegovina enjoys as a result of its close partnership with the European Union. The PGI label protects the authenticity of ‘Livanjski sir,’ guaranteeing that only cheese made in designated areas according to traditional methods can carry this name. This label protects not just its unique flavour but also its connection to the region climate, pastures and traditional cheese production methods, making it a symbol of agricultural excellence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.