Italian-Croatian tug of war for the name of a sparkling wine

Italian president Giorgio Napolitano and Prime Minister Enrico Letta in an open letter published in the newspaper Il Piccolo Trieste welcomed Croatia's EU membership, while the north-eastern Italian prosecco producers are already in a fight with the Croatians for the name of the sparkling wine.

Napolitano, who was also involved in the accession ceremony in Zagreb, pointed out in Il Piccilo that Italy’s and Croatia's future once again became common, and the Adriatic Sea region has regained its central role in Europe.

From Monday the Croats must withdraw their Prosek brand name – Italian prosecco producers stressed. However, according to Italian press reports, the Croats say no for it. (Sárközy Júlia, MTI)