On 22 April, at 9:30 a.m., the Consorzio Promovetro Murano took part in the event “Geographical Indications for Craft Products: a major opportunity for Italian artisans and Made in Italy”, held in Brussels at the European Parliament and promoted by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Belgium together with Confartigianato Imprese. The meeting was an important institutional occasion dedicated to the new opportunities opened up by European legislation on the protection of Geographical Indications for craft and industrial products.

Among the examples presented to the European institutions, Murano Artistic Glass played a leading role. The Consorzio Promovetro was invited to speak as the representative of one of the most recognisable expressions of Made in Italy worldwide: a symbol of a centuries-old tradition combining craftsmanship, cultural identity and economic value.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that the Consorzio Promovetro was the first in Italy to submit an application to the Ministry for recognition as a Geographical Indication, out of a total of 93 applications submitted so far from various European Union countries. This result confirms Murano’s pioneering role in the European process for protecting craft and industrial products.

European GI recognition for Murano Glass represents a fundamental step in protecting both producers and consumers, guaranteeing authenticity, certified quality and stronger protection against imitations and counterfeiting. This tool complements the “Vetro Artistico® Murano” trademark, established by the Veneto Region in 1994, further strengthening the protection of a sector that has carried the name of Venice around the world for centuries.

During the debate, Murano Glass was mentioned several times as an emblematic example of Italian excellence, confirming the cultural, symbolic and productive value that this tradition holds at European and international level.

Great satisfaction was expressed by Luciano Gambaro, President of the Consorzio Promovetro Murano, who underlined the pride of being able to represent at the European Parliament not only Murano artistic glass, but more broadly the great Italian craft tradition. Gambaro also drew attention to the need to define concrete tools to promote the GI mark internationally and, above all, effective control procedures, considered essential to make protection truly meaningful.

Matteo Masat, Director of Confartigianato Venezia, also emphasised the importance of the initiative, describing it as a significant achievement not only for Murano, but for Venetian craftsmanship as a whole. The path undertaken by Murano Artistic Glass may in fact serve as an example for other traditional products from Venice’s historic centre that aspire to obtain similar certification.

Finally, the Consorzio Promovetro expressed its thanks to the authorities in attendance, including the Members of the European Parliament, the representatives of Confartigianato Imprese, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Confartigianato Venezia, for their support and cooperation at this important stage.

Thanks to this collaborative network, Murano Artistic Glass confirms its role not only as an identity-defining heritage of the Venetian area, but also as a key player in a new European path of protection, promotion and enhancement of Italian craft excellence.