# Official Journal C 453/2016

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 453 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 593 December 2016 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 453

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 593 December 2016

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2016/C 453/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8264 — Michelin/Limagrain/Exotic Systems) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2016/C 453/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8225 — GeoPost/Corfin 14/BRT) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2016/C 453/03 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8218 — Egeria Industrials/Clondalkin) (
  1
  ) | 2 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2016/C 453/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8264 — Michelin/Limagrain/Exotic Systems) (
  1
  )

1

1

2016/C 453/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8225 — GeoPost/Corfin 14/BRT) (
  1
  )

1

1

2016/C 453/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8218 — Egeria Industrials/Clondalkin) (
  1
  )

1

2

---

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2016/C 453/04 | Communication from the Kingdom of Sweden in accordance with Article 8 of the First Protocol on the interpretation by the Court of Justice of the European Communities of the Convention on the law applicable to contractual obligations, opened for signature in Rome on 19 June 1980 | 3 |
| 2016/C 453/05 | Communication from Ireland in accordance with Article VI of the Protocol annexed to the 1968 Brussels Convention on jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters | 3 |
| 2016/C 453/06 | Communication from the Kingdom of Sweden in accordance with Article VI of the Protocol annexed to the 1968 Brussels Convention on jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters | 4 |
| 2016/C 453/07 | Communication from Ireland in accordance with Article 11 of the Protocol on the interpretation by the Court of Justice of the Convention of 27 September 1968 on jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgements in civil and commercial matters | 4 |
| 2016/C 453/08 | Communication from the Kingdom of Sweden in accordance with Article 11 of the Protocol on the interpretation by the Court of Justice of the Convention of 27 September 1968 on jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgements in civil and commercial matters | 5 |
| | European Commission |
| 2016/C 453/09 | Euro exchange rates | 6 |
| 2016/C 453/10 | Commission Decision of 15 November 2016 establishing the position to be taken on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community within the Stabilisation and Association Council established by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and Kosovo, of the other part, concerning a Decision of the Stabilisation and Association Council adopting its rules of procedure | 7 |
| 2016/C 453/11 | List of acts of Union law in the field of transport that become obsolete | 8 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2016/C 453/12 | United Kingdom Government notice concerning Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| 2016/C 453/13 | Communication from the Minister for Economic Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands pursuant to Article 3(2) of Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons | 12 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2016/C 453/04

Communication from the Kingdom of Sweden in accordance with Article 8 of the First Protocol on the interpretation by the Court of Justice of the European Communities of the Convention on the law applicable to contractual obligations, opened for signature in Rome on 19 June 1980

3

2016/C 453/05

Communication from Ireland in accordance with Article VI of the Protocol annexed to the 1968 Brussels Convention on jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters

3

2016/C 453/06

Communication from the Kingdom of Sweden in accordance with Article VI of the Protocol annexed to the 1968 Brussels Convention on jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters

4

2016/C 453/07

Communication from Ireland in accordance with Article 11 of the Protocol on the interpretation by the Court of Justice of the Convention of 27 September 1968 on jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgements in civil and commercial matters

4

2016/C 453/08

Communication from the Kingdom of Sweden in accordance with Article 11 of the Protocol on the interpretation by the Court of Justice of the Convention of 27 September 1968 on jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgements in civil and commercial matters

5

European Commission

2016/C 453/09

Euro exchange rates

6

2016/C 453/10

Commission Decision of 15 November 2016 establishing the position to be taken on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community within the Stabilisation and Association Council established by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and Kosovo, of the other part, concerning a Decision of the Stabilisation and Association Council adopting its rules of procedure

7

2016/C 453/11

List of acts of Union law in the field of transport that become obsolete

8

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2016/C 453/12

United Kingdom Government notice concerning Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons (
  1
  )

1

9

2016/C 453/13

Communication from the Minister for Economic Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands pursuant to Article 3(2) of Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons

12

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2016/C 453/14 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.8291 — PSA/Aramis) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 13 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2016/C 453/15 | Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 14 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2016/C 453/14

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.8291 — PSA/Aramis) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

13

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2016/C 453/15

Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

14

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| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance |

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

| EN | |
| --- | --- |

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 3.12.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 453/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 453/1

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.8264 — Michelin/Limagrain/Exotic Systems)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 453/01)

On 28 November 2016, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32016M8264. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32016M8264. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

---

| 3.12.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 453/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 453/1

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.8225 — GeoPost/Corfin 14/BRT)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 453/02)

On 24 November 2016, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32016M8225. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32016M8225. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

---

| 3.12.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 453/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 453/2

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.8218 — Egeria Industrials/Clondalkin)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 453/03)

On 30 November 2016, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32016M8218. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32016M8218. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 3.12.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 453/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 453/3

---

Communication from the Kingdom of Sweden in accordance with Article 8 of the First Protocol on the interpretation by the Court of Justice of the European Communities of the Convention on the law applicable to contractual obligations, opened for signature in Rome on 19 June 1980

(2016/C 453/04)

In view of the amendments made to the legal order of the Kingdom of Sweden by:

| — | Act (2010:1408) on Amendments to The Instrument of Government, specifically regarding Chapter 11 Section 1 of The Instrument of Government, |
| --- | --- |

—

Act (2010:1408) on Amendments to The Instrument of Government, specifically regarding Chapter 11 Section 1 of The Instrument of Government,

| — | Act (2016:193) to repeal the (1970:417) Market Court Act, regarding the repeal of ‘Marknadsdomstolen’, |
| --- | --- |

—

Act (2016:193) to repeal the (1970:417) Market Court Act, regarding the repeal of ‘Marknadsdomstolen’,

IN ACCORDANCE with Article 8 of the FIRST PROTOCOL on the interpretation by the Court of Justice of the European Communities of the Convention on the law applicable to contractual obligations, opened for signature in Rome on 19 June 1980 annexed to the Rome Convention,

THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO THE PROTOCOL OF 19 DECEMBER 1988 ANNEXED TO THE ROME CONVENTION:

| (a) | The 14th indent of Article 2(a) should read as follows:
  ‘in Sweden, “Högsta domstolen”, “Högsta förvaltningsdomstolen” and “Arbetsdomstolen”,’. |
| --- | --- |

(a)

The 14th indent of Article 2(a) should read as follows:

‘in Sweden, “Högsta domstolen”, “Högsta förvaltningsdomstolen” and “Arbetsdomstolen”,’.

---

| 3.12.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 453/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 453/3

---

Communication from Ireland in accordance with Article VI of the Protocol annexed to the 1968 Brussels Convention on jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters

(2016/C 453/05)

In view of the amendments made to the legal order of Ireland by Section 8 of the Court of Appeal Act 2014 regarding the general jurisdiction of Court of Appeal,

IN ACCORDANCE with Article VI of the Protocol annexed to the Brussels Convention of 27 September 1968 and for the purposes of Article 64(e) of the Brussels Convention,

THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO THE BRUSSELS CONVENTION:

| (a) | the fifth indent of Article 37(2) should read as follows:
  ‘in Ireland, by an appeal on a point of law to the Court of Appeal,’ |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the fifth indent of Article 37(2) should read as follows:

‘in Ireland, by an appeal on a point of law to the Court of Appeal,’

| (b) | the fourth indent of Article 41 should read as follows:
  ‘in Ireland, by an appeal on a point of law to the Court of Appeal,’. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the fourth indent of Article 41 should read as follows:

‘in Ireland, by an appeal on a point of law to the Court of Appeal,’.

---

| 3.12.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 453/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 453/4

---

Communication from the Kingdom of Sweden in accordance with Article VI of the Protocol annexed to the 1968 Brussels Convention on jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters

(2016/C 453/06)

In view of the amendments made to the legal order of the Kingdom of Sweden by:

| — | Act (2014:912) laying down supplementary provisions on the jurisdiction of courts and the recognition and international enforcement of certain judgments, |
| --- | --- |

—

Act (2014:912) laying down supplementary provisions on the jurisdiction of courts and the recognition and international enforcement of certain judgments,

| — | Regulation (2014: 1517) on the recognition and enforcement of certain foreign judgments in civil and commercial matters, |
| --- | --- |

—

Regulation (2014: 1517) on the recognition and enforcement of certain foreign judgments in civil and commercial matters,

IN ACCORDANCE with Article VI of the Protocol annexed to the Brussels Convention of 27 September 1968 and for the purposes of Article 64(e) of the Brussels Convention,

THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO THE BRUSSELS CONVENTION:

| (a) | the 14th indent of Article 32(1) should read as follows:
  ‘in Sweden, to the “tingsrätt”,’ |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the 14th indent of Article 32(1) should read as follows:

‘in Sweden, to the “tingsrätt”,’

| (b) | the 14th indent of Article 37(1) should read as follows:
  ‘in Sweden, with the “tingsrätt”,’ |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the 14th indent of Article 37(1) should read as follows:

‘in Sweden, with the “tingsrätt”,’

| (c) | the eighth indent of Article 37(2) should read as follows:
  ‘in Sweden, by an appeal to “hovrätt” and “Högsta domstolen”,’ |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the eighth indent of Article 37(2) should read as follows:

‘in Sweden, by an appeal to “hovrätt” and “Högsta domstolen”,’

| (d) | the 14th indent of Article 40(1) should read as follows:
  ‘in Sweden, to the “tingsrätt”,’ |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the 14th indent of Article 40(1) should read as follows:

‘in Sweden, to the “tingsrätt”,’

| (e) | the eighth indent of Article 41 should read as follows:
  ‘in Sweden, by an appeal to “hovrätt” and “Högsta domstolen”,’. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

the eighth indent of Article 41 should read as follows:

‘in Sweden, by an appeal to “hovrätt” and “Högsta domstolen”,’.

---

| 3.12.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 453/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 453/4

---

Communication from Ireland in accordance with Article 11 of the Protocol on the interpretation by the Court of Justice of the Convention of 27 September 1968 on jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgements in civil and commercial matters

(2016/C 453/07)

In view of the amendments made to the legal order of Ireland by Section 8 of the Court of Appeal Act 2014 regarding the general jurisdiction of Court of Appeal,

IN ACCORDANCE with Article 11 of the Protocol on the interpretation by the Court of Justice of the Convention of 27 September 1968 on jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgements in civil and commercial matters annexed to the Brussels Convention,

THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO THE PROTOCOL OF 3 JUNE 1971 ANNEXED TO THE BRUSSELS CONVENTION:

| (a) | the seventh indent of Article 2(1) should read as follows:
  ‘in Ireland: the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court,’. |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the seventh indent of Article 2(1) should read as follows:

‘in Ireland: the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court,’.

---

| 3.12.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 453/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 453/5

---

Communication from the Kingdom of Sweden in accordance with Article 11 of the Protocol on the interpretation by the Court of Justice of the Convention of 27 September 1968 on jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgements in civil and commercial matters

(2016/C 453/08)

In view of the amendments made to the legal order of the Kingdom of Sweden by:

| — | Act (2010:1408) on Amendments to The Instrument of Government, specifically regarding Chapter 11 Section 1 of The Instrument of Government, |
| --- | --- |

—

Act (2010:1408) on Amendments to The Instrument of Government, specifically regarding Chapter 11 Section 1 of The Instrument of Government,

| — | Act (2016:193) to repeal the (1970:417) Market Court Act, regarding the repeal of ‘Marknadsdomstolen’, |
| --- | --- |

—

Act (2016:193) to repeal the (1970:417) Market Court Act, regarding the repeal of ‘Marknadsdomstolen’,

IN ACCORDANCE with Article 11 of the Protocol on the interpretation by the Court of Justice of the Convention of 27 September 1968 on jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgements in civil and commercial matters annexed to the Brussels Convention,

THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO THE PROTOCOL OF 3 JUNE 1971 ANNEXED TO THE BRUSSELS CONVENTION:

| (a) | the fourteenth indent of Article 2(1) should read as follows:
  ‘in Sweden, “Högsta domstolen”, “Högsta förvaltningsdomstolen” and “Arbetsdomstolen”,’. |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the fourteenth indent of Article 2(1) should read as follows:

‘in Sweden, “Högsta domstolen”, “Högsta förvaltningsdomstolen” and “Arbetsdomstolen”,’.

---

European Commission

| 3.12.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 453/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 453/6

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Euro exchange rates (1)

2 December 2016

(2016/C 453/09)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,0642 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 121,20 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4398 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,84303 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,7983 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,0751 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,9860 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 27,058 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 313,93 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,4892 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,5095 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 3,7747 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,4333 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4157 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 8,2534 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,4990 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,5140 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 247,36 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 14,9853 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,3310 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5445 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 14 388,31 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,7384 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 52,858 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 68,2570 |
| THB | Thai baht | 37,907 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 3,6909 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 22,1158 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 72,6380 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,0642

JPY

Japanese yen

121,20

DKK

Danish krone

7,4398

GBP

Pound sterling

0,84303

SEK

Swedish krona

9,7983

CHF

Swiss franc

1,0751

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,9860

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

27,058

HUF

Hungarian forint

313,93

PLN

Polish zloty

4,4892

RON

Romanian leu

4,5095

TRY

Turkish lira

3,7747

AUD

Australian dollar

1,4333

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4157

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,2534

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,4990

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5140

KRW

South Korean won

1 247,36

ZAR

South African rand

14,9853

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,3310

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5445

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

14 388,31

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,7384

PHP

Philippine peso

52,858

RUB

Russian rouble

68,2570

THB

Thai baht

37,907

BRL

Brazilian real

3,6909

MXN

Mexican peso

22,1158

INR

Indian rupee

72,6380

---

(1)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

| 3.12.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 453/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 453/7

---

COMMISSION DECISION

of 15 November 2016

establishing the position to be taken on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community within the Stabilisation and Association Council established by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and Kosovo, of the other part, concerning a Decision of the Stabilisation and Association Council adopting its rules of procedure

(2016/C 453/10)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 101(3) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Article 126 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and Kosovo (*1), of the other part (‘the Agreement’), establishes a Stabilisation and Association Council. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Article 126 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and Kosovo (*1), of the other part (‘the Agreement’), establishes a Stabilisation and Association Council.

| (2) | Article 127(2) of the Agreement provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council is to adopt its own rules of procedure. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Article 127(2) of the Agreement provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council is to adopt its own rules of procedure.

| (3) | Article 129(1) of the Agreement provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council is to be assisted by a Stabilisation and Association Committee (‘the Committee’). |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Article 129(1) of the Agreement provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council is to be assisted by a Stabilisation and Association Committee (‘the Committee’).

| (4) | Article 129(2) of the Agreement provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council is to, in its rules of procedure, determine the duties of the Committee and that the Stabilisation and Association Council may delegate any of its powers to the Committee. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Article 129(2) of the Agreement provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council is to, in its rules of procedure, determine the duties of the Committee and that the Stabilisation and Association Council may delegate any of its powers to the Committee.

| (5) | Article 131 of the Agreement provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council may decide to set up other special committees or bodies that can assist it in carrying out its duties. It further provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council shall, in its rules of procedure, determine the composition and the duties of such committees and bodies and how they are to function, |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Article 131 of the Agreement provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council may decide to set up other special committees or bodies that can assist it in carrying out its duties. It further provides that the Stabilisation and Association Council shall, in its rules of procedure, determine the composition and the duties of such committees and bodies and how they are to function,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The position to be adopted on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, within the Stabilisation and Association Council established by Article 126 of the Agreement, in relation to a Decision of this Stabilisation and Association Council adopting its rules of procedure shall be based on the draft Decision of the Stabilisation and Association Council, annexed to the Council Decision 2016/1232 of 18 July 2016 establishing the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Stabilisation and Association Council established by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and Kosovo, of the other part, concerning a Decision of the Stabilisation and Association Council adopting its rules of procedure (1).

Minor amendments to this Decision may be accepted without further decision by the Commission.

Done at Brussels, 15 November 2016.

For the Commission

Johannes HAHN

Member of the Commission

---

(*1)  This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

*1

(1)  OJ L 202, 28.7.2016, p. 27.

1

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| 3.12.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 453/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 453/8

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List of acts of Union law in the field of transport that become obsolete

(2016/C 453/11)

List of acts to be removed from the active acquis

(Safety at sea and prevention of pollution by ships)

Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2158/93

(OJ L 194, 3.8.1993, p. 5)

(Aviation safety)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 103/2007

(OJ L 28, 3.2.2007, p. 8)

(Road transport)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 3298/94

(OJ L 341, 30.12.1994, p. 20)

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NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 3.12.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 453/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 453/9

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United Kingdom Government notice concerning Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 453/12)

Announcement of United Kingdom Offshore 2016 Supplementary Oil and Gas Licensing Round

Oil and Gas Authority

The Petroleum Act 1998

Offshore 2016 Supplementary Round

| 1. | The Oil and Gas Authority invites interested persons to apply for Seaward Production Licences in respect of certain acreage on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Oil and Gas Authority invites interested persons to apply for Seaward Production Licences in respect of certain acreage on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf.

| 2. | Full details of the offer, including lists and maps of the acreage on offer and guidance about licences, the terms which those licences will include, and how to apply, are available on the gov.uk website (see below). |
| --- | --- |

2.

Full details of the offer, including lists and maps of the acreage on offer and guidance about licences, the terms which those licences will include, and how to apply, are available on the gov.uk website (see below).

| 3. | All applications will be determined where applicable in accordance with the terms of the Hydrocarbons Licensing Directive Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995 No 1434), the Petroleum Licensing (Applications) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015 No 766) and the Offshore Petroleum Licensing (Offshore Safety Directive) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015 No 385). The Secretary of State’s functions in this regard were transferred to the Oil and Gas Authority on 1 October 2016 by virtue of The Energy (Transfer of Functions, Consequential Amendments and Revocation) Regulations 2016 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/912/pdfs/uksi_20160912_en.pdf). Noting that anything done (or having effect as if done) by or in relation to the Secretary of State in connection with such transferred functions has effect, so far as is necessary for continuing its effect after the 1 October 2016, as if done by or in relation to the Oil and Gas Authority. Further, guidance in relation to all safety and environmental requirements can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/osdr/assets/docs/osd-licensing-operatorship-safety-environmental-aspects%20.pdf. Determinations will be made against a background of the continuing need for expeditious, thorough, efficient and safe exploration to identify the United Kingdom’s oil and gas resources with due regard to environmental considerations. |
| --- | --- |

3.

All applications will be determined where applicable in accordance with the terms of the Hydrocarbons Licensing Directive Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995 No 1434), the Petroleum Licensing (Applications) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015 No 766) and the Offshore Petroleum Licensing (Offshore Safety Directive) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015 No 385). The Secretary of State’s functions in this regard were transferred to the Oil and Gas Authority on 1 October 2016 by virtue of The Energy (Transfer of Functions, Consequential Amendments and Revocation) Regulations 2016 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/912/pdfs/uksi_20160912_en.pdf). Noting that anything done (or having effect as if done) by or in relation to the Secretary of State in connection with such transferred functions has effect, so far as is necessary for continuing its effect after the 1 October 2016, as if done by or in relation to the Oil and Gas Authority. Further, guidance in relation to all safety and environmental requirements can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/osdr/assets/docs/osd-licensing-operatorship-safety-environmental-aspects%20.pdf. Determinations will be made against a background of the continuing need for expeditious, thorough, efficient and safe exploration to identify the United Kingdom’s oil and gas resources with due regard to environmental considerations.

Innovate Framework

| 4. | Licence applications will be considered in light of an innovative approach being taken for Initial Term Work Programmes (‘Work Programmes’) for licences, which utilises the flexibility provided under the current Model Clauses. These Work Programmes will incorporate a flexible combination of up to three Phases (A, B and C) in the Initial Term. This will help to ensure Work Programmes for the block(s) that are being applied for are appropriate to the geotechnical and other challenges that must be addressed in an area, whilst optimising the factors listed in Paragraph 3. The flexibility afforded by the combination of up to three phases also enables applicants to design a Work Programme which is appropriate for their own particular plans and requirements.
  Phase A of the Work Programme comprises a period in which Geotechnical Studies and Geophysical Data Reprocessing will be undertaken; Phase B of the Work Programme will be a period in which New Seismic data will be Shot; Phase C of the Work Programme will be for exploratory and/or appraisal drilling. Applicants may decide the Phase combination, whether all three Phases, straight to Phase B followed by Phase C, straight to Phase C, or Phase A direct to Phase C.
  Phase A and Phase B are not mandatory and may not be appropriate in particular circumstances, but every application must propose a Phase C, except where the applicant doesn’t think any exploration is needed and proposes to go straight to development (i.e. ‘straight to Second Term’).
  All licences awarded in this round will have an Initial Term of up to 9 years duration and may contain surrender provisions in accordance with clause 5 of the current Model Clauses. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Licence applications will be considered in light of an innovative approach being taken for Initial Term Work Programmes (‘Work Programmes’) for licences, which utilises the flexibility provided under the current Model Clauses. These Work Programmes will incorporate a flexible combination of up to three Phases (A, B and C) in the Initial Term. This will help to ensure Work Programmes for the block(s) that are being applied for are appropriate to the geotechnical and other challenges that must be addressed in an area, whilst optimising the factors listed in Paragraph 3. The flexibility afforded by the combination of up to three phases also enables applicants to design a Work Programme which is appropriate for their own particular plans and requirements.

Phase A of the Work Programme comprises a period in which Geotechnical Studies and Geophysical Data Reprocessing will be undertaken; Phase B of the Work Programme will be a period in which New Seismic data will be Shot; Phase C of the Work Programme will be for exploratory and/or appraisal drilling. Applicants may decide the Phase combination, whether all three Phases, straight to Phase B followed by Phase C, straight to Phase C, or Phase A direct to Phase C.

Phase A and Phase B are not mandatory and may not be appropriate in particular circumstances, but every application must propose a Phase C, except where the applicant doesn’t think any exploration is needed and proposes to go straight to development (i.e. ‘straight to Second Term’).

All licences awarded in this round will have an Initial Term of up to 9 years duration and may contain surrender provisions in accordance with clause 5 of the current Model Clauses.

| 5. | Applications where the starting Phase is Phase A or B will be judged on the basis of the following criteria:






  (a) | The financial viability of the applicant; |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.

Applications where the starting Phase is Phase A or B will be judged on the basis of the following criteria:

(a)

The financial viability of the applicant;

| (b) | The technical capability of the applicant which will be assessed in part as demonstrated by the quality of analysis related to the block; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

The technical capability of the applicant which will be assessed in part as demonstrated by the quality of analysis related to the block;

| (c) | The way in which the applicant proposes to carry out the activities that would be permitted under the licence, including the quality of the Work Programme submitted for evaluating the full potential of the area applied for; and |
| --- | --- |

(c)

The way in which the applicant proposes to carry out the activities that would be permitted under the licence, including the quality of the Work Programme submitted for evaluating the full potential of the area applied for; and

| (d) | Where the applicant holds or has held a licence granted under or treated as having been granted under the Petroleum Act 1998, any lack of efficiency and responsibility displayed by the applicant in operations under that licence. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Where the applicant holds or has held a licence granted under or treated as having been granted under the Petroleum Act 1998, any lack of efficiency and responsibility displayed by the applicant in operations under that licence.

In accordance with the current Model Clauses, licences with a Phase B will specify a time period under clause 4(2) so the licence will expire at the end of this phase if the Licensee has not satisfied DECC of its technical and financial capability to complete the Work Programme. For licences with a Phase A but no Phase B, the licence will also specify a period under clause 4(2) so the licence will expire at the end of this phase if the Licensee has not satisfied DECC of its technical and financial capability to complete the Work Programme.

| 6. | Applications where the starting Phase is Phase C will be judged on the basis of the following criteria:






  (a) | the financial viability of the applicant and its financial capacity to carry out the activities that would be permitted under the licence during the Initial Term including the Work Programme submitted for evaluating the full potential of the area within the block; |
| --- | --- | --- |

6.

Applications where the starting Phase is Phase C will be judged on the basis of the following criteria:

(a)

the financial viability of the applicant and its financial capacity to carry out the activities that would be permitted under the licence during the Initial Term including the Work Programme submitted for evaluating the full potential of the area within the block;

| (b) | the technical capability of the applicant to carry out activities that would be permitted under the licence during the Initial Term, including the identification, delineation and analysis of hydrocarbon prospects within the block. The technical capability will be assessed in part upon the quality of the applicant’s analysis related to the block; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the technical capability of the applicant to carry out activities that would be permitted under the licence during the Initial Term, including the identification, delineation and analysis of hydrocarbon prospects within the block. The technical capability will be assessed in part upon the quality of the applicant’s analysis related to the block;

| (c) | the way in which the applicant proposes to carry out the activities that would be permitted under the licence, including the quality of the Work Programme submitted for evaluating the full potential of the area applied for; and |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the way in which the applicant proposes to carry out the activities that would be permitted under the licence, including the quality of the Work Programme submitted for evaluating the full potential of the area applied for; and

| (d) | where the applicant holds or has held a licence granted under or treated as having been granted under the Petroleum Act 1998, any lack of efficiency and responsibility displayed by the applicant in operations under that licence. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

where the applicant holds or has held a licence granted under or treated as having been granted under the Petroleum Act 1998, any lack of efficiency and responsibility displayed by the applicant in operations under that licence.

Guidance

| 7. | Further guidance can be viewed on the gov.uk website: https://www.ogauthority.co.uk/licensing-consents/licensing-rounds/ |
| --- | --- |

7.

Further guidance can be viewed on the gov.uk website: https://www.ogauthority.co.uk/licensing-consents/licensing-rounds/

Licence Offers

| 8. | Unless an Appropriate Assessment in relation to a particular Block is required (see Para. 11 below), any offer by the Oil and Gas Authority of a licence pursuant to this invitation, will be made within eighteen months of the date of this Notice. |
| --- | --- |

8.

Unless an Appropriate Assessment in relation to a particular Block is required (see Para. 11 below), any offer by the Oil and Gas Authority of a licence pursuant to this invitation, will be made within eighteen months of the date of this Notice.

| 9. | The Oil and Gas Authority accepts no liability for any costs incurred by the applicant in considering or making its application. |
| --- | --- |

9.

The Oil and Gas Authority accepts no liability for any costs incurred by the applicant in considering or making its application.

Environmental Assessments

| 10. | The Secretary of State has conducted a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) pursuant to Directive 2001/42/EC on the Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment of all of the areas to be offered in this Round. The findings of that SEA can be found at the gov.uk offshore energy SEA website:
  https://www.gov.uk/offshore-energy-strategic-environmental-assessment-sea-an-overview-of-the-sea-process |
| --- | --- |

10.

The Secretary of State has conducted a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) pursuant to Directive 2001/42/EC on the Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment of all of the areas to be offered in this Round. The findings of that SEA can be found at the gov.uk offshore energy SEA website:

https://www.gov.uk/offshore-energy-strategic-environmental-assessment-sea-an-overview-of-the-sea-process

| 11. | Licences pursuant to this invitation will only be offered if, in accordance with the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora):






  (a) | the activities to be carried out under the licence are not likely to have a significant effect on the management of a Special Area of Conservation(SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA), or if |
| --- | --- | --- |

11.

Licences pursuant to this invitation will only be offered if, in accordance with the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora):

(a)

the activities to be carried out under the licence are not likely to have a significant effect on the management of a Special Area of Conservation(SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA), or if

| (b) | an Appropriate Assessment has ascertained that the activities will have no adverse effects on the integrity of such SACs or SPAs; or |
| --- | --- |

(b)

an Appropriate Assessment has ascertained that the activities will have no adverse effects on the integrity of such SACs or SPAs; or

| (c) | in a case where the activities are assessed as likely to cause such adverse effects, subject to






  (i) | there being imperative reasons of overriding public interest for awarding the licence, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(c)

in a case where the activities are assessed as likely to cause such adverse effects, subject to

(i)

there being imperative reasons of overriding public interest for awarding the licence,

| (ii) | the taking of appropriate compensatory measures, and |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

the taking of appropriate compensatory measures, and

| (iii) | there being no alternative solutions. |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

there being no alternative solutions.

| 12. | Contact: Ricki Kiff, Oil and Gas Authority, 21 Bloomsbury Street, London WC1B 3HF, United Kingdom.
  (Tel. +44 3000671637).
  The gov.uk website: https://www.ogauthority.co.uk/licensing-consents/licensing-rounds/ |
| --- | --- |

12.

Contact: Ricki Kiff, Oil and Gas Authority, 21 Bloomsbury Street, London WC1B 3HF, United Kingdom.

(Tel. +44 3000671637).

The gov.uk website: https://www.ogauthority.co.uk/licensing-consents/licensing-rounds/

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| 3.12.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 453/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 453/12

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Communication from the Minister for Economic Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands pursuant to Article 3(2) of Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons

(2016/C 453/13)

The Minister for Economic Affairs hereby gives notice that an application has been received for authorisation to prospect for hydrocarbons in block P1 as indicated on the map appended as Annex 3 to the Mining Regulation (Mijnbouwregeling) (Government Gazette (Staatscourant) 2002, No 245).

With reference to the Directive referred to in the introduction and Article 15 of the Mining Act (Mijnbouwwet) (Bulletin of Acts and Decrees (Staatsblad) 2002, No 542), the Minister for Economic Affairs hereby invites interested parties to submit a competing application for authorisation to prospect for hydrocarbons in block P1 of the Dutch continental shelf.

The Minister for Economic Affairs is the competent authority for the granting of authorisations. The criteria, conditions and requirements referred to in Articles 5(1), 5(2) and 6(2) of the abovementioned Directive are set out in the Mining Act (Bulletin of Acts and Decrees 2002, No 542).

Applications may be submitted during the 13 weeks following the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union and should be sent to:

| The Minister for Economic Affairs |
| --- |
| For the attention of Mr D. W. H. Joanknecht, Energy and Environment Directorate |
| Bezuidenhoutseweg 73 |
| Postbus 20401 |
| 2500 EK Den Haag |
| NEDERLAND |

The Minister for Economic Affairs

For the attention of Mr D. W. H. Joanknecht, Energy and Environment Directorate

Bezuidenhoutseweg 73

Postbus 20401

2500 EK Den Haag

NEDERLAND

Applications received after the expiry of this period will not be considered.

A decision on the applications will be taken not later than 12 months after this period has expired.

Further information can be obtained by calling Mr E. J. Hoppel on the following telephone number: +31 703797762.

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V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 3.12.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 453/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 453/13

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.8291 — PSA/Aramis)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 453/14)

| 1. | On 28 November 2016 the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Automobiles Peugeot SA (France), belonging to the PSA Group, acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Celor SAS (France), head of the Aramis Group, by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 28 November 2016 the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Automobiles Peugeot SA (France), belonging to the PSA Group, acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Celor SAS (France), head of the Aramis Group, by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:
  —   the PSA Group: manufacture, distribution, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and financing of vehicles worldwide,
  —   the Aramis Group: distribution of private motor vehicles, mainly second-hand, exclusively in France. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   the PSA Group: manufacture, distribution, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and financing of vehicles worldwide,

—   the Aramis Group: distribution of private motor vehicles, mainly second-hand, exclusively in France.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2), it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2), it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit to it their observations on the proposed operation.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date on which this notification is published. They can be sent to the Commission under reference M.8291 — PSA/Aramis by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit to it their observations on the proposed operation.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date on which this notification is published. They can be sent to the Commission under reference M.8291 — PSA/Aramis by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

---

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 3.12.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 453/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.12.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 453/14

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Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2016/C 453/15)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1).

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION OF PROTECTED DESIGNATIONS OF ORIGIN/PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS WHICH IS NOT MINOR

Application for approval of an amendment in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

‘ESTEPA’

EU No: ES-PDO-0105-01321 – 12.3.2015

PDO ( X ) PGI ( )

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

Consejo Regulador de la Denominación de Origen Protegida ‘Estepa’.

| Address: | Polígono Industrial Sierra Sur |
| --- | --- |
| Avda. del Mantecado 7 |
| 41560 Estepa (Seville) |
| ESPAÑA |

Address:

Polígono Industrial Sierra Sur

Avda. del Mantecado 7

41560 Estepa (Seville)

ESPAÑA

Tel.

+34 955912630–607436353

E-mail

secretaria@doestepa.es

2.   Member State or Third Country

Spain

3.   Heading in the product specification affected by the amendment(s)

| — | ☐ | Name of product |
| --- | --- | --- |
| — | ☒ | Description of product |
| — | ☐ | Geographical area |
| — | ☐ | Proof of origin |
| — | ☒ | Method of production |
| — | ☒ | Link |
| — | ☒ | Labelling |
| — | ☐ | Other [to be specified] |

—

☐

Name of product

—

☒

Description of product

—

☐

Geographical area

—

☐

Proof of origin

—

☒

Method of production

—

☒

Link

—

☒

Labelling

—

☐

Other [to be specified]

4.   Type of amendment(s)

| — | ☒ | Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| — | ☐ | Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. |

—

☒

Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

—

☐

Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

5.   Amendment(s)

5.1.   Section B of the specification — Description of product — is amended as follows:

| — | Addition of the Arbequina monovarietal olive oil produced in the comarca of Estepa.
  This is an extra virgin olive oil with specific characteristics which has been produced in the area for over 35 years. Natural factors — land, orography, altitude, soil, climate, etc. — and traditional cultivation practices specific to the comarca of Estepa give the Arbequina monovarietal extra virgin olive oil a characteristic profile that distinguishes it from Arbequina extra virgin olive oils produced elsewhere.
  The Arbequina monovarietal olive oil has the same distinctive characteristics as the other ‘Estepa’ Protected Designation of Origin olive oils. It has a median score for fruitiness of at least 4,5, is rich in phenolic compounds and therefore very stable, has greater bitterness and pungency than other oils made from this variety of olive and contains more pigments, specifically chlorophylls and carotenes.
  The defining characteristics of Arbequina monovarietal extra virgin olive oil are:
  It is 100 % Arbequina, i.e. obtained solely from olives of the Arbequina variety.
  It has the fruitiness of green rather than ripe olives, with balanced bitterness and pungency on the palate.
  Median score for fruitiness: ≥ 4,5
  Median score for bitterness: ≥ 3 and ≤ 6
  Median score for pungency: ≥ 3 and ≤ 6
  Acidity (%): ≤ 0,3
  Peroxide value (mEq O2/kg): ≤ 15
  K270: ≤ 0,18
  The colour of the oil on the BTB scale may vary in the range: 2/3 – 3/3 – 2/4 – 3/4 – 2/5 – 3/5.
  Polyphenols: ≥ 250 ppm
  Oxidative stability: ≥ 43,6 h at 100 °C and ≥ 7 h at 120 °C.
  Tocopherols: ≥ 261,1 ppm |
| --- | --- |

—

Addition of the Arbequina monovarietal olive oil produced in the comarca of Estepa.

This is an extra virgin olive oil with specific characteristics which has been produced in the area for over 35 years. Natural factors — land, orography, altitude, soil, climate, etc. — and traditional cultivation practices specific to the comarca of Estepa give the Arbequina monovarietal extra virgin olive oil a characteristic profile that distinguishes it from Arbequina extra virgin olive oils produced elsewhere.

The Arbequina monovarietal olive oil has the same distinctive characteristics as the other ‘Estepa’ Protected Designation of Origin olive oils. It has a median score for fruitiness of at least 4,5, is rich in phenolic compounds and therefore very stable, has greater bitterness and pungency than other oils made from this variety of olive and contains more pigments, specifically chlorophylls and carotenes.

The defining characteristics of Arbequina monovarietal extra virgin olive oil are:

It is 100 % Arbequina, i.e. obtained solely from olives of the Arbequina variety.

It has the fruitiness of green rather than ripe olives, with balanced bitterness and pungency on the palate.

Median score for fruitiness: ≥ 4,5

Median score for bitterness: ≥ 3 and ≤ 6

Median score for pungency: ≥ 3 and ≤ 6

Acidity (%): ≤ 0,3

Peroxide value (mEq O2/kg): ≤ 15

K270: ≤ 0,18

The colour of the oil on the BTB scale may vary in the range: 2/3 – 3/3 – 2/4 – 3/4 – 2/5 – 3/5.

Polyphenols: ≥ 250 ppm

Oxidative stability: ≥ 43,6 h at 100 °C and ≥ 7 h at 120 °C.

Tocopherols: ≥ 261,1 ppm

| — | To bring the organoleptic profiles of ‘Estepa’ PDO olive oils into line with current legislation, the positive attributes of bitterness and pungency are included in the product description and their median scores are stipulated:
  Median score for bitterness: ≥ 3 and ≤ 6
  Median score for pungency: ≥ 3 and ≤ 6 |
| --- | --- |

—

To bring the organoleptic profiles of ‘Estepa’ PDO olive oils into line with current legislation, the positive attributes of bitterness and pungency are included in the product description and their median scores are stipulated:

Median score for bitterness: ≥ 3 and ≤ 6

Median score for pungency: ≥ 3 and ≤ 6

| — | In addition, to comply with Government of Andalusia Law No 2/2011 of 24 March 2011 on fisheries and food quality, published in Boletín Oficial de la Junta de Andalucía No 70 on 8 April 2011, the methods of analysis for assessing natural antioxidants, polyphenols (expressed in caffeic acid), oxidative stability and tocopherols not included in the current legislation have been laid down:






  1. | Polyphenols: liquid chromatography with ultraviolet diode array detection (ppm caffeic acid). |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

In addition, to comply with Government of Andalusia Law No 2/2011 of 24 March 2011 on fisheries and food quality, published in Boletín Oficial de la Junta de Andalucía No 70 on 8 April 2011, the methods of analysis for assessing natural antioxidants, polyphenols (expressed in caffeic acid), oxidative stability and tocopherols not included in the current legislation have been laid down:

1.

Polyphenols: liquid chromatography with ultraviolet diode array detection (ppm caffeic acid).

| 2. | Oxidative stability: Rancimat value with an air flow of 10 l/h at 110 °C and 120 °C (hours). |
| --- | --- |

2.

Oxidative stability: Rancimat value with an air flow of 10 l/h at 110 °C and 120 °C (hours).

| 3. | Tocopherols: liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (ppm). |
| --- | --- |

3.

Tocopherols: liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (ppm).

| — | The maximum values set out in the specification for polyphenols, oxidative stability and tocopherols have been deleted because there is no justification for an upper limit, as higher values enhance the freshness, antioxidant content and stability of the oils, and the criterion for assessing the tocopherol content has been modified:






  1. | Polyphenols: the maximum value has been deleted, as a higher polyphenol content indicates greater freshness and a higher antioxidant content. Given the specific characteristics of the Arbequina variety, the polyphenol content of Arbequina de Estepa is set at a minimum of 250 ppm, much higher than the average for this type of oil elsewhere, due to the specific characteristics of the olive groves in the comarca of Estepa, soil, latitude and cultivation practices. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

The maximum values set out in the specification for polyphenols, oxidative stability and tocopherols have been deleted because there is no justification for an upper limit, as higher values enhance the freshness, antioxidant content and stability of the oils, and the criterion for assessing the tocopherol content has been modified:

1.

Polyphenols: the maximum value has been deleted, as a higher polyphenol content indicates greater freshness and a higher antioxidant content. Given the specific characteristics of the Arbequina variety, the polyphenol content of Arbequina de Estepa is set at a minimum of 250 ppm, much higher than the average for this type of oil elsewhere, due to the specific characteristics of the olive groves in the comarca of Estepa, soil, latitude and cultivation practices.

| 2. | Oxidative stability: the maximum value has been deleted, as a higher value enhances this characteristic, so PDO ‘Estepa’ olive oils that are even more stable can be placed on the market. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Oxidative stability: the maximum value has been deleted, as a higher value enhances this characteristic, so PDO ‘Estepa’ olive oils that are even more stable can be placed on the market.

| 3. | Tocopherols: the maximum value has been deleted and the amended specification requires assessment of total tocopherols only. This simplifies testing and produces a more useful result, as ‘tocopherol’ is the sum of the alpha, beta, etc. tocopherols all together. The minimum is set at 261,1 ppm for all ‘Estepa’ Protected Designation of Origin extra virgin olive oils, as laid down in the specification currently in force. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Tocopherols: the maximum value has been deleted and the amended specification requires assessment of total tocopherols only. This simplifies testing and produces a more useful result, as ‘tocopherol’ is the sum of the alpha, beta, etc. tocopherols all together. The minimum is set at 261,1 ppm for all ‘Estepa’ Protected Designation of Origin extra virgin olive oils, as laid down in the specification currently in force.

| — | Advances in scientific knowledge have shown that a number of parameters actually determine the same characteristics, which means duplication of effort (testing) and unnecessary additional expense for the operators. Testing has therefore been rationalised and certain tests eliminated (K225, chlorophyll and carotene content and the oleic/linoleic acid and monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios), while more representative parameters have been introduced, although the original characteristics have not changed:






  1. | K225: this parameter, which chemically quantifies the positive sensory attribute of ‘bitterness’, has been deleted, as this attribute is tested in the sensory assessment of all ‘Estepa’ Protected Designation of Origin olive oils by means of the median for bitterness. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Advances in scientific knowledge have shown that a number of parameters actually determine the same characteristics, which means duplication of effort (testing) and unnecessary additional expense for the operators. Testing has therefore been rationalised and certain tests eliminated (K225, chlorophyll and carotene content and the oleic/linoleic acid and monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios), while more representative parameters have been introduced, although the original characteristics have not changed:

1.

K225: this parameter, which chemically quantifies the positive sensory attribute of ‘bitterness’, has been deleted, as this attribute is tested in the sensory assessment of all ‘Estepa’ Protected Designation of Origin olive oils by means of the median for bitterness.

| 2. | The pigment content (chlorophylls and carotenes) is directly related to the colour of the oil, and there is no need to retain both types of analysis, physical-chemical and organoleptic. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The pigment content (chlorophylls and carotenes) is directly related to the colour of the oil, and there is no need to retain both types of analysis, physical-chemical and organoleptic.

| 3. | The oleic/linoleic acid and monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios are closely related to oxidative stability and polyphenol content. These ratios have been deleted, as they are more accurately assessed and defined by oxidative stability and polyphenol content, and this saves operators unnecessary additional expense. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The oleic/linoleic acid and monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios are closely related to oxidative stability and polyphenol content. These ratios have been deleted, as they are more accurately assessed and defined by oxidative stability and polyphenol content, and this saves operators unnecessary additional expense.

| 4. | Waxes: this parameter has been deleted as it is neither specific to nor a distinctive feature of ‘Estepa’ oil, which simply has to comply with existing legislation. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Waxes: this parameter has been deleted as it is neither specific to nor a distinctive feature of ‘Estepa’ oil, which simply has to comply with existing legislation.

| — | Adjustment of the proportions of the different varieties in each type of oil so that they have the organoleptic characteristics laid down for ‘Estepa’ olive oils.
  Extra virgin olive oil is a natural fruit juice and is affected by climate in particular but also by current olive cultivation practices. The ageing of the trees, the incorporation of oils from new groves, the fact that many of the groves are now irrigated, especially those planted with the varieties in question, the use of new plant protection techniques and the time of harvesting are among the many factors that come into play.
  These practices, designed to improve the olive groves, the environment and the profitability of the holdings, alter the profiles of the oils obtained, so the proportion of each variety needs to be adjusted so that the final product has the requisite profile.
  Regarding the percentages of olive varieties in the oil, the specification provided for:






  — | Hojiblanca, Arbequina, Manzanilla, Picual and Lechín de Sevilla.
  This oil is made from at least 50 % extra virgin olive oil of the Hojiblanca variety, between 20 % and 30 % of the Arbequina variety and up to 5 % of the other varieties (Manzanilla, Picual and Lechín de Sevilla). |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Adjustment of the proportions of the different varieties in each type of oil so that they have the organoleptic characteristics laid down for ‘Estepa’ olive oils.

Extra virgin olive oil is a natural fruit juice and is affected by climate in particular but also by current olive cultivation practices. The ageing of the trees, the incorporation of oils from new groves, the fact that many of the groves are now irrigated, especially those planted with the varieties in question, the use of new plant protection techniques and the time of harvesting are among the many factors that come into play.

These practices, designed to improve the olive groves, the environment and the profitability of the holdings, alter the profiles of the oils obtained, so the proportion of each variety needs to be adjusted so that the final product has the requisite profile.

Regarding the percentages of olive varieties in the oil, the specification provided for:

—

Hojiblanca, Arbequina, Manzanilla, Picual and Lechín de Sevilla.

This oil is made from at least 50 % extra virgin olive oil of the Hojiblanca variety, between 20 % and 30 % of the Arbequina variety and up to 5 % of the other varieties (Manzanilla, Picual and Lechín de Sevilla).

| — | Hojiblanca and Arbequina.
  This oil is made from between 40 % and 60 % extra virgin olive oil of the Hojiblanca variety and between 40 % and 60 % of the Arbequina variety. |
| --- | --- |

—

Hojiblanca and Arbequina.

This oil is made from between 40 % and 60 % extra virgin olive oil of the Hojiblanca variety and between 40 % and 60 % of the Arbequina variety.

The text now reads as follows:

| ‘1. | For the Arbequina monovarietal oil, the olives are processed separately, so the oils obtained are 100 % Arbequina. |
| --- | --- |

‘1.

For the Arbequina monovarietal oil, the olives are processed separately, so the oils obtained are 100 % Arbequina.

| 2. | For the Hojiblanca and Arbequina coupage oil, the olives are processed separately and then the oils are blended using a proportion of between 20 % and 80 % Hojiblanca and between 80 % and 20 % Arbequina in order to achieve the organoleptic profile defined in the specification. |
| --- | --- |

2.

For the Hojiblanca and Arbequina coupage oil, the olives are processed separately and then the oils are blended using a proportion of between 20 % and 80 % Hojiblanca and between 80 % and 20 % Arbequina in order to achieve the organoleptic profile defined in the specification.

| 3. | For the multi-varietal oil produced from Arbequina, Hojiblanca and the other varieties, the olives arrive mixed together from different estates. The minimum percentages are:






  — | Minimum 15 % Arbequina. |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

For the multi-varietal oil produced from Arbequina, Hojiblanca and the other varieties, the olives arrive mixed together from different estates. The minimum percentages are:

—

Minimum 15 % Arbequina.

| — | Minimum 35 % Hojiblanca. |
| --- | --- |

—

Minimum 35 % Hojiblanca.

| — | Minimum 5 % the other varieties.’ |
| --- | --- |

—

Minimum 5 % the other varieties.’

5.2.   Section E of the specification — Method of Production — is amended as follows:

| — | The harvesting period has been extended by 15 days without diminishing quality. Whereas harvesting previously ended on 15 December for Arbequina olives and 30 December for other varieties, it now runs to 30 December for Arbequina and 15 January for other varieties. Recent years' experience has shown that this extension does not harm the quality of the oils in any way, as demonstrated by the fact that the quality parameters relating to early collection (fruitiness, bitterness, pungency) have been consistently maintained in the specification. |
| --- | --- |

—

The harvesting period has been extended by 15 days without diminishing quality. Whereas harvesting previously ended on 15 December for Arbequina olives and 30 December for other varieties, it now runs to 30 December for Arbequina and 15 January for other varieties. Recent years' experience has shown that this extension does not harm the quality of the oils in any way, as demonstrated by the fact that the quality parameters relating to early collection (fruitiness, bitterness, pungency) have been consistently maintained in the specification.

| — | In order to adapt the specification to cover the cultivation systems now in place in the comarca of Estepa, which incorporate advanced agronomic techniques that are more product- and environment-friendly, the texts of points a) Fixed parameters and b) Cultivation techniques of Section E) Method of Production, as set out below, have been deleted:

  ‘a)   Fixed parameters
  —   Planting distances and number of trunks.
  The average density per grove varies widely throughout the comarca: specifically, the averages range from around 75-100 trees per hectare in the old groves to 100-200 trees per hectare in the new ones.
  Regarding the number of trunks, only 12 % of Estepa's olive groves are planted with trees that have a single trunk, while over 77 % are planted with trees that have three trunks or more. It is important to note that many of the intensive groves in the comarca have been planted with saplings that have a single trunk, obtained by rooting woody cuttings in bags, or by rooting semi-hardwood cuttings under mist and then transplanting them to plastic bags, a method encouraged by the authorities in their olive grove restructuring plans.
  Regarding planting distances, there are:






  — | the traditional groves, which are mostly planted in the staggered pattern, 12×12, although there are also squares and rectangles and other distances such as 11×11, 13×13, 10×12, etc., and |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

In order to adapt the specification to cover the cultivation systems now in place in the comarca of Estepa, which incorporate advanced agronomic techniques that are more product- and environment-friendly, the texts of points a) Fixed parameters and b) Cultivation techniques of Section E) Method of Production, as set out below, have been deleted:

‘a)   Fixed parameters

—   Planting distances and number of trunks.

The average density per grove varies widely throughout the comarca: specifically, the averages range from around 75-100 trees per hectare in the old groves to 100-200 trees per hectare in the new ones.

Regarding the number of trunks, only 12 % of Estepa's olive groves are planted with trees that have a single trunk, while over 77 % are planted with trees that have three trunks or more. It is important to note that many of the intensive groves in the comarca have been planted with saplings that have a single trunk, obtained by rooting woody cuttings in bags, or by rooting semi-hardwood cuttings under mist and then transplanting them to plastic bags, a method encouraged by the authorities in their olive grove restructuring plans.

Regarding planting distances, there are:

—

the traditional groves, which are mostly planted in the staggered pattern, 12×12, although there are also squares and rectangles and other distances such as 11×11, 13×13, 10×12, etc., and

| — | the new intensive groves, where the planting densities are much higher and the distances therefore much smaller; here, both squares and rectangles are used: 8×8, 7×7, 6×8, 6×4, etc., the most common being 7×7 and 6×8. |
| --- | --- |

—

the new intensive groves, where the planting densities are much higher and the distances therefore much smaller; here, both squares and rectangles are used: 8×8, 7×7, 6×8, 6×4, etc., the most common being 7×7 and 6×8.

b)   Cultivation techniques.

—   Application of fertiliser

The land is tilled in winter – after harvesting – and in summer using vibro-cultivators at a depth that never exceeds 10 cm; this is done around four to five times a year altogether.

The circles of ground below the dry-farmed olive trees are kept free of weeds, and in the irrigated groves a strip is maintained between the trees, which is also kept under control using pre-emergent herbicides.

In the irrigated groves fertiliser is applied by mixing balanced, compound liquid fertiliser with the irrigation water, using formulas that are shared between the olive growers themselves or recommended by specialists working in the area.

Fertigation supplies mainly nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as trace elements to correct deficiencies that are detected either visually or via the numerous foliar analyses carried out.

There are many parcels where the land is now left untilled – previously the soil was simply left bare but in recent years ground cover has been maintained, mostly spontaneous vegetation, which is removed with strimmers at the end of winter.

—   Irrigation.

Most of the olive groves are non-irrigated. There has been an increase in irrigation though, especially in the last decade, mainly because groves are now planted more intensively.

Irrigation systems are in almost all cases localised systems, which supply variable amounts of water per hectare, depending on availability.

The irrigated groves are located throughout the comarca; they are not concentrated in any particular area.

—   Pruning.

The shape of the olive trees in the comarca of Estepa is determined by the type of pruning, which in this area involves removing large pieces of wood from the trunk, and is known as ‘poda de Lucena’ or ‘poda en cabeza’. Rational pruning of the ‘Jaen’ type has also been introduced, which is less aggressive. In both cases, the aim is to have a crown with ingrowing and outgrowing branches, which increases the productive surface of the tree. Attention is also paid to the ratio of leaf to wood, as an indicator of productive capacity.

Often, given that much of the area's crop is used to produce table olives, more intensive thinning is carried out in order to obtain larger fruit.

In the new intensive olive groves, there are more trees per hectare and they have a single trunk, which is the most suitable type for mechanical harvesting with the machinery currently available.

When the crown has reached good productive capacity and the growth is very thick, light pruning is carried out in order to ‘thin’ and to gradually define the branch structure.

—   Use of plant protection products.

The populations of the main olive pests and diseases are controlled and assessed by ATRIAS specialists and the agronomists employed by many of the entities associated with the ‘Estepa’ Protected Designation of Origin.

They establish treatment thresholds in the control stations set up in strategic locations throughout the comarca and have various ways (weekly bulletins, radio and television programmes, etc.) of keeping the olive growers informed as to when action should be taken, and which type of authorised plant protection product should be used, so as not to harm useful fauna and to leave no residues in the olives; their recommendations are followed by virtually all the growers.

Of all the pests and diseases that affect olive growing in our comarca, we shall mention only the major ones whose impact on quality requires extensive preventive treatment. These are: the olive fruit fly, black scale, the olive bark beetle and the olive moth.

The first of these, the olive fruit fly, is treated by aerial application of dimethoate, or ground-based application in cases where numbers exceed the established thresholds. The second, black scale, is treated with carbaryl and pyriproxifen; the quantities used are always recommended and controlled by ATRIAS specialists.

The same applies in the case of the olive bark beetle, which is treated with pyrethrin or dimethoate. The olive moth is treated with dimethoate and the treatment is doubled when numbers exceed the established threshold.

It should be emphasised that use of these products is always supervised by ATRIAS specialists. This important work is generally accepted and appreciated by the olive growers and is ensuring that optimal quality fruit is delivered to the mills.

In conjunction with the work of these control groups, integrated production groups (Agrupaciones de Producción Integrada — APIs) are being set up in the area and working in the mills to ensure that the oils produced offer a high level of food safety, as each API has specialists who directly supervise the entire production process from grove to mill, keeping a record of everything in the field record book that each olive grower has for his estate, which assures maximum traceability of the products obtained.’

The following text has been added:

‘To obtain ‘Estepa’ Protected Designation of Origin extra virgin olive oil, farmers must comply with the practices laid down in the production model for integrated olive production in Andalusia (Order of 15 April 2008 adopting the Specific Regulation for Integrated Olive Production – organic production) and Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 of 28 June 2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91. Should those provisions be repealed, farmers must comply with the provisions that replace them.’

5.3.   The information on the specificity of the product provided in section F of the specification (link with the area) has been amended. The reference to α-tocopherol has been deleted and a high level of fruitiness has now been added as a specific characteristic of ‘Estepa’ olive oil.

| — | As the specification has been amended and now gives a figure for total tocopherols instead of separate figures for alpha-, beta- and gamma- tocopherols, there is no longer any need to mention alpha-tocopherols in the section on the specificities of ‘Estepa’ olive oils. |
| --- | --- |

—

As the specification has been amended and now gives a figure for total tocopherols instead of separate figures for alpha-, beta- and gamma- tocopherols, there is no longer any need to mention alpha-tocopherols in the section on the specificities of ‘Estepa’ olive oils.

| — | A fruitiness of over 4,5 — which had been omitted from the summary sheet — is now stated as a specific characteristic in the single document. It is one of ‘Estepa’ oil's defining features, and section B.2 reflects this fact. There have been no changes to the physico-chemical and organoleptic properties of the oils stated in the specifications. |
| --- | --- |

—

A fruitiness of over 4,5 — which had been omitted from the summary sheet — is now stated as a specific characteristic in the single document. It is one of ‘Estepa’ oil's defining features, and section B.2 reflects this fact. There have been no changes to the physico-chemical and organoleptic properties of the oils stated in the specifications.

5.4.   Labelling

The following has been added: ‘The Regulatory Board's actions regarding the use of these seals, labels and secondary labels must never discriminate against any operator who complies with the specification’.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘ESTEPA’

‘ESTEPA’

EU No: ES-PDO-0105-01321 – 12.3.2015

EU No: ES-PDO-0105-01321 – 12.3.2015

PDO ( X ) PGI ( )

PDO ( X ) PGI ( )

1.   Name

Name

‘Estepa’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Member State or Third Country

Spain

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Type of product

Class 1.5. Oils and fats (butter, margarine, oil, etc.)

3.2.   Description of product to which the name in (1) applies

Description of product to which the name in (1) applies

Extra virgin olive oil obtained from the fruit of the varieties of olive tree (Olea europaea, L.) named below. There are four types of oil:

| — | Hojiblanca, Arbequina, Manzanilla, Picual and Lechín de Sevilla. |
| --- | --- |

—

Hojiblanca, Arbequina, Manzanilla, Picual and Lechín de Sevilla.

| — | Hojiblanca and Arbequina. |
| --- | --- |

—

Hojiblanca and Arbequina.

| — | Hojiblanca. |
| --- | --- |

—

Hojiblanca.

| — | Arbequina. |
| --- | --- |

—

Arbequina.

All the extra virgin olive oils must be obtained solely by mechanical or physical means that do not impair the oil, so they conserve the taste, aroma and characteristics of the fruit from which they are produced.

The olives must be of the authorised varieties, harvested directly from the tree when they have reached the degree of ripeness that will give fruity oils with the requisite characteristics.

Physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics of the oils:

Median score for fruitiness: ≥ 4,5

Median score for bitterness: ≥ 3 and ≤ 6.

Median score for pungency: ≥ 3 and ≤ 6.

Acidity (%): ≤ 0,3.

Peroxide value (mEq O2/kg): ≤ 15.

2

K270: ≤ 0,18.

270

The colour of the oil on the BTB scale may vary in the range: 2/3 – 3/3 – 2/4 – 3/4 – 2/5 – 3/5.

Polyphenols: ≥ 405 ppm for all the oils, except the Arbequina monovarietal oil, for which the requirement is ≥ 250 ppm.

Oxidative stability: ≥ 43,6 h at 100 °C and ≥ 7 h at 120 °C.

Tocopherols ≥ 261,1 ppm.

Methods of analysis:

Polyphenols: liquid chromatography with ultraviolet diode array detection (ppm caffeic acid).

Oxidative stability: Rancimat value with an air flow of 10 l/h at 110 °C and 120 °C (hours).

Tocopherols: liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (ppm).

As a result of early harvesting these oils have a fruitiness reminiscent of olives between green and ripe, with the characteristic of the green olive predominating.

The characteristics of the oils vary according to the olives used:

—   Hojiblanca, Arbequina, Manzanilla, Picual and Lechín de Sevilla.

Oil made from:

| — | Minimum 15 % Arbequina. |
| --- | --- |

—

Minimum 15 % Arbequina.

| — | Minimum 35 % Hojiblanca. |
| --- | --- |

—

Minimum 35 % Hojiblanca.

| — | Minimum 5 % the other varieties. |
| --- | --- |

—

Minimum 5 % the other varieties.

This type of oil has the fruitiness of green rather than ripe olives with a medium intensity. It has the bitterness and pungency on the palate typical of oils obtained at the beginning of the season.

—   Hojiblanca and Arbequina.

Oil made from between 20 % and 80 % Hojiblanca and 80 % and 20 % Arbequina.

This type of oil has the fruitiness of green rather than ripe olives. It has the bitterness and pungency on the palate typical of oils obtained at the beginning of the season.

—   Hojiblanca.

100 % Hojiblanca, i.e. oil made solely from Hojiblanca olives.

This type of oil has the fruitiness of green rather than ripe olives. It has the bitterness and pungency on the palate typical of oils obtained at the beginning of the season.

—   Arbequina.

100 % Arbequina, i.e. oil made solely from Arbequina olives.

The ‘Estepa’ Protected Designation of Origin Arbequina monovarietal extra virgin olive oil has the fruitiness of green rather than ripe olives, with balanced bitterness and pungency on the palate.

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

—

3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the defined geographical area

Specific steps in production that must take place in the defined geographical area

Production and processing.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product to which the registered name refers

Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product to which the registered name refers

—

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product to which the registered name refers

Specific rules concerning labelling of the product to which the registered name refers

The words Denominación de Origen Protegida ‘Estepa’ must appear on the labels and secondary labels.

The commercial labels of each registered operator must be approved by the Regulatory Board. All packaging in which the oil is released for consumption must carry a guarantee seal and a numbered label or secondary label issued by the Regulatory Board, in accordance with the Quality and Procedures Manual, affixed at the registered warehouse, mill or packing plant in such a way that they cannot be reused.

The Regulatory Board's actions regarding the use of these seals, labels and secondary labels must never discriminate against any operator who complies with the specification.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

Concise definition of the geographical area

The area comprises eleven municipalities in the province of Seville: Aguadulce, Badolatosa, Casariche, Estepa, Gilena, Herrera, Lora de Estepa, Marinaleda, Pedrera, La Roda de Andalucía and El Rubio, and one municipality in the province of Córdoba: Puente Genil, specifically the area known as Miragenil.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Link with the geographical area

Specificity of the geographical area

Specificity of the geographical area

The limestone soil, the scarcity of water and the continental climate with mild summers and cold winters are all factors that accelerate the ripening of the olives.

In this geographical environment, where a significant proportion of the olive groves produce table olives – around 30 % of total olive production is for the table olive industry – the harvest traditionally begins very early. This is the result, firstly, of natural factors, as the soil and climatic conditions cause the fruit to ripen more quickly, and, secondly, of the practice of uninterrupted harvesting, as the harvesting of the table olives that begins in September overlaps or is followed by the harvesting of the olives used for olive oil production.

These practices help to produce oils with distinctive chemical and organoleptic characteristics.

Specificity of the product

Specificity of the product

| — | ‘Estepa’ PDO olive oils have a pronounced bitterness, with a median score of between 3 and 6. |
| --- | --- |

—

‘Estepa’ PDO olive oils have a pronounced bitterness, with a median score of between 3 and 6.

| — | Minimum fruitiness of 4,5. |
| --- | --- |

—

Minimum fruitiness of 4,5.

| — | They are richer in phenolic compounds than oils obtained from other varieties and from the same varieties grown elsewhere. |
| --- | --- |

—

They are richer in phenolic compounds than oils obtained from other varieties and from the same varieties grown elsewhere.

| — | High oxidative stability. |
| --- | --- |

—

High oxidative stability.

| — | High content of the pigments found in olive oil, specifically chlorophylls and carotenes (BTB scale). |
| --- | --- |

—

High content of the pigments found in olive oil, specifically chlorophylls and carotenes (BTB scale).

Causal link between the geographical area and the characteristics of the product

Causal link between the geographical area and the characteristics of the product

There are two factors: natural factors (the ecosystem) and human factors. These agrological factors explain why the oils obtained have a higher polyphenol and tocopherol content, as laid down in the specification.

The region's soil is poor in organic matter and the landscape predominantly limestone. This determines the choice of crops – olive trees and certain tough, resistant varieties of plant, which are adapted to these conditions better than any other. In the comarca of Estepa 95 % of farmland is planted with olive trees.

The fact that many of the olive trees, especially Hojiblanca but also the other authorised varieties, are planted on limestone soil explains why, given the particular characteristics of these varieties, the oils obtained have distinctive organoleptic qualities and are much more fruity than other oils.

Studies show that this limy type of soil promotes higher levels of antioxidants that are of particular interest from a nutritional standpoint: tocopherols.

Another natural factor that has a decisive impact on our oils is the local climate, in that the water stress caused by the scarcity of water in the comarca of Estepa gives the oils a more pronounced bitterness than is found in oils produced elsewhere, including those obtained from the same varieties of olive.

Also, the low rainfall together with the fact that the summers are milder than in neighbouring areas, a typical feature of continental climates, accelerates the ripening of the olives and so they are harvested early.

Lastly, the human factor is of decisive importance. The fact that a significant proportion of the olive groves in the comarca of Estepa produce table olives – around 30 % of total olive production is for the table olive industry – means that the harvest traditionally begins earlier than in any other part of the world. This is the result, firstly, of natural factors, as the soil and climatic conditions cause the fruit to ripen more quickly, and, secondly, of the practice of uninterrupted harvesting, as the harvesting of the table olives that begins in September overlaps or is followed by the harvesting of the olives used for olive oil production. These practices help to produce oils with distinctive chemical and organoleptic characteristics.

Publication reference of the specification

Publication reference of the specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of this Regulation)

The full text of the product specification can be found at:

http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/export/drupaljda/PliegoEstepamodificado.pdf

or via the homepage of the Consejería de Agricultura, PESCA y Desarrollo Rural

http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/organismos/agriculturapescaydesarrollorural.html,

by following the navigation pathway:

‘Áreas de actividad’/‘Industrias Agroalimentarias’/‘Calidad y Promoción’/‘Denominaciones de Calidad’/‘Aceite de Oliva Virgen Extra’. The specification can be found under the name of the Quality Designation.

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(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

1

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