EUIPO supports Western Balkans and Republic of Moldova authorities at OECD co-organised event on free trade zones
On 22 and 23 October 2026, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) supported the participation of intellectual property (IP) and free trade zone (FTZ) experts and enforcement authorities from the Western Balkans and the Republic of Moldova in ‘From FTZs to Innovation Ecosystems: IP as a Driver of Competitiveness’, an event co-organised with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Barcelona, Spain, in the context of the EU4IP-WB project.
The capacity-building initiative provided participants with insights into international standards, risk management approaches and governance models for preventing and combating IP infringements in free trade zones (FTZs). Discussions addressed vulnerabilities linked to counterfeit goods and the role of customs and other enforcement authorities in identifying and mitigating these risks.
Participants also explored how FTZs can contribute to innovation and competitiveness while maintaining effective IP protection and enforcement. Sessions covered good practices in monitoring FTZs, inter-agency coordination, data sharing and cooperation between customs and other enforcement authorities. The exchange also provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences and discuss common challenges with international experts and peers.
As FTZs increasingly develop into hubs for trade, investment, innovation and advanced industry, effective IP protection and enforcement are an important part of their governance. Enforcement authorities in the Western Balkans and the Republic of Moldova face similar challenges in monitoring and addressing IP infringements in these environments, making regional and international cooperation particularly relevant.
Through the EU4IP-WB project, EUIPO supports the participation of enforcement authorities from the region in relevant international capacity-building activities. By facilitating exchanges with EU and international experts, these activities contribute to strengthening knowledge of FTZ governance, sharing practical approaches to IP enforcement and enhancing cooperation in line with EU standards.
