# Official Journal C 310/2015

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 310 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5819 September 2015 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 310

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5819 September 2015

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2015/C 310/01 | Information relating to the entry into force of the Agreements between the European Union and the Republic of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Turkey on the participation of, respectively, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey in the Union programme Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2015/C 310/01

Information relating to the entry into force of the Agreements between the European Union and the Republic of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Turkey on the participation of, respectively, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey in the Union programme Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)

1

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| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2015/C 310/02 | Council Decision adopting the Council’s position on draft amending budget No 6 of the European Union for the financial year 2015 | 2 |
| | European Commission |
| 2015/C 310/03 | Euro exchange rates | 3 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2015/C 310/02

Council Decision adopting the Council’s position on draft amending budget No 6 of the European Union for the financial year 2015

2

European Commission

2015/C 310/03

Euro exchange rates

3

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2015/C 310/04 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7747 — PGA/MSA) (
  1
  ) | 4 |
| 2015/C 310/05 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7612 — Hutchison 3G UK/Telefónica UK) (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2015/C 310/06 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7768 — Exor/PartnerRe) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2015/C 310/07 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7688 — Intel/Altera) (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2015/C 310/08 | Publication of an application for approval of a minor amendment in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council | 8 |
| 2015/C 310/09 | Publication of an application for approval of a minor amendment in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council | 14 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2015/C 310/04

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7747 — PGA/MSA) (
  1
  )

1

4

2015/C 310/05

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7612 — Hutchison 3G UK/Telefónica UK) (
  1
  )

1

5

2015/C 310/06

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7768 — Exor/PartnerRe) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

6

2015/C 310/07

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7688 — Intel/Altera) (
  1
  )

1

7

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2015/C 310/08

Publication of an application for approval of a minor amendment in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council

8

2015/C 310/09

Publication of an application for approval of a minor amendment in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council

14

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

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(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

| 19.9.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.9.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/1

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Information relating to the entry into force of the Agreements between the European Union and the Republic of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Turkey on the participation of, respectively, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey in the Union programme ‘Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)’

(2015/C 310/01)

The Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Albania on the participation of the Republic of Albania in the Union programme ‘Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)’ was ratified by Albania on 5 August 2014 following which it entered retroactively into force on 1 January 2014.

The Agreement between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Union programme ‘Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)’ was ratified by Bosnia and Herzegovina on 10 June 2015 following which it entered retroactively into force on 1 January 2014.

The Agreement between the European Union and Montenegro on the participation of Montenegro in the Union programme ‘Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)’ was signed by Montenegro on 1 July 2014 following which it entered retroactively into force on 1 January 2014.

The Agreement between the European Union and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the participation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in the Union programme ‘Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)’ was signed by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 1 July 2014 following which it entered retroactively into force on 1 January 2014.

The Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Serbia on the participation of the Republic of Serbia in the Union programme ‘Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)’ was ratified by Serbia on 16 September 2014 following which it entered retroactively into force on 1 January 2014.

The Agreement between the European Union and Turkey on the participation of Turkey in the Union programme ‘Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)’ was ratified by Turkey on 23 July 2014 following which it entered retroactively into force on 1 January 2014.

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 19.9.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.9.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/2

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COUNCIL DECISION

adopting the Council’s position on draft amending budget No 6 of the European Union for the financial year 2015

(2015/C 310/02)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 314 thereof, in conjunction with the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 106a thereof,

Having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (1) and in particular Article 41 thereof,

Whereas:

| | |
| --- | --- |

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The Council’s position on draft amending budget No 6 of the European Union for the financial year 2015 was adopted on 18 September 2015.

The full text can be accessed for consultation or downloading on the Council’s website: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/

Done at Brussels, 18 September 2015.

For the Council

The President

C. DIESCHBOURG

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(1)  OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1.

1

(2)  OJ L 69, 13.3.2015, p. 1.

2

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European Commission

| 19.9.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.9.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/3

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Euro exchange rates (1)

18 September 2015

(2015/C 310/03)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,1419 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 136,31 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4612 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,72980 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,3248 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,0913 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 9,2370 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 27,071 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 309,81 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,2030 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,4187 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 3,4253 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5709 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4876 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 8,8498 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,7703 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,5886 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 329,00 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 15,0962 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,2674 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,6305 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 16 399,84 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,8053 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 52,878 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 75,1599 |
| THB | Thai baht | 40,596 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 4,4370 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 18,7957 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 74,9929 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1419

JPY

Japanese yen

136,31

DKK

Danish krone

7,4612

GBP

Pound sterling

0,72980

SEK

Swedish krona

9,3248

CHF

Swiss franc

1,0913

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

9,2370

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

27,071

HUF

Hungarian forint

309,81

PLN

Polish zloty

4,2030

RON

Romanian leu

4,4187

TRY

Turkish lira

3,4253

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5709

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4876

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,8498

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7703

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5886

KRW

South Korean won

1 329,00

ZAR

South African rand

15,0962

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,2674

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,6305

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

16 399,84

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,8053

PHP

Philippine peso

52,878

RUB

Russian rouble

75,1599

THB

Thai baht

40,596

BRL

Brazilian real

4,4370

MXN

Mexican peso

18,7957

INR

Indian rupee

74,9929

---

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

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V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 19.9.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.9.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/4

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.7747 — PGA/MSA)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2015/C 310/04)

| 1. | On 11 September 2015, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which PGA Motors SAS of France (‘PGA’), controlled by Volkswagen AG of Germany (‘VW’), acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of MSA Groupe SAS of France (‘MSA’) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 11 September 2015, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which PGA Motors SAS of France (‘PGA’), controlled by Volkswagen AG of Germany (‘VW’), acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of MSA Groupe SAS of France (‘MSA’) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | PGA is active in the distribution of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (‘LCV’) of various manufacturers as well as in the distribution of spare parts and repair services for these vehicles and other vehicle related services in France. |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

PGA is active in the distribution of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (‘LCV’) of various manufacturers as well as in the distribution of spare parts and repair services for these vehicles and other vehicle related services in France.

| — | VW is active worldwide in the development, manufacture, marketing and sale of passenger cars, LCV and other vehicles as well as spare parts and vehicle related services. |
| --- | --- |

—

VW is active worldwide in the development, manufacture, marketing and sale of passenger cars, LCV and other vehicles as well as spare parts and vehicle related services.

| — | MSA is active in the distribution of passenger cars and LCV as well as spare parts and other vehicle related services in nine départements in France. |
| --- | --- |

—

MSA is active in the distribution of passenger cars and LCV as well as spare parts and other vehicle related services in nine départements 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. |
| --- | --- |

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.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7747 — PGA/MSA, 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 their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7747 — PGA/MSA, 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’).

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| 19.9.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.9.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/5

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.7612 — Hutchison 3G UK/Telefónica UK)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2015/C 310/05)

| 1. | On 11 September 2015, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking CK Hutchison Holdings Limited (‘CKHH’, Hong Kong, China), through its indirect subsidiary Hutchison 3G UK Investments Limited (‘Three’, United Kingdom), acquires, within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation, control of the whole of the undertaking Telefónica Europe Plc (‘O2 UK’, United Kingdom), by way of a purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 11 September 2015, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking CK Hutchison Holdings Limited (‘CKHH’, Hong Kong, China), through its indirect subsidiary Hutchison 3G UK Investments Limited (‘Three’, United Kingdom), acquires, within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation, control of the whole of the undertaking Telefónica Europe Plc (‘O2 UK’, United Kingdom), by way of a purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | CKHH is a multi-national group headquartered in Hong Kong and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Limited. CKHH has five core businesses: ports and related services; retail; infrastructure; energy; and telecommunications. |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

CKHH is a multi-national group headquartered in Hong Kong and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Limited. CKHH has five core businesses: ports and related services; retail; infrastructure; energy; and telecommunications.

| — | Three is active in the United Kingdom and provides retail mobile telecommunications services to end customers, mobile call origination services, mobile call termination services, wholesale access services, international roaming services and other mobile telecommunications services. |
| --- | --- |

—

Three is active in the United Kingdom and provides retail mobile telecommunications services to end customers, mobile call origination services, mobile call termination services, wholesale access services, international roaming services and other mobile telecommunications services.

| — | O2 UK is also active in the United Kingdom and provides retail mobile telecommunications services to end customers, mobile call origination services, mobile call termination services, wholesale access services, international roaming services and other mobile telecommunications services. |
| --- | --- |

—

O2 UK is also active in the United Kingdom and provides retail mobile telecommunications services to end customers, mobile call origination services, mobile call termination services, wholesale access services, international roaming services and other mobile telecommunications services.

| 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. |
| --- | --- |

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.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7612 — Hutchison 3G UK/Telefónica UK, 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 their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7612 — Hutchison 3G UK/Telefónica UK, 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’).

---

| 19.9.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.9.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/6

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.7768 — Exor/PartnerRe)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2015/C 310/06)

| 1. | On 11 September 2015, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Exor SpA (‘Exor’, Italy) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of PartnerRe Ltd (‘PartnerRe’, Bermuda) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 11 September 2015, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Exor SpA (‘Exor’, Italy) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of PartnerRe Ltd (‘PartnerRe’, Bermuda) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:
  —   for Exor: a company listed on the Borsa Italiana Stock Exchange, focusing its activities in long-term investments in diversified sectors, among which the automotive business, where it controls Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and CNH Industrial NV and to a limited extent in the non-life insurance business, in the EEA and the USA,
  —   for PartnerRe: company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, predominantly providing reinsurance and, to a limited extent, certain specialty insurance lines such as aviation and space, energy, engineering, marine, specialty casualty, and specialty property, globally. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for Exor: a company listed on the Borsa Italiana Stock Exchange, focusing its activities in long-term investments in diversified sectors, among which the automotive business, where it controls Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and CNH Industrial NV and to a limited extent in the non-life insurance business, in the EEA and the USA,

—   for PartnerRe: company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, predominantly providing reinsurance and, to a limited extent, certain specialty insurance lines such as aviation and space, energy, engineering, marine, specialty casualty, and specialty property, globally.

| 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 the 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 this 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 the 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 this Notice.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number Case M.7768 — Exor/PartnerRe, 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 their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number Case M.7768 — Exor/PartnerRe, 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.

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| 19.9.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.9.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/7

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.7688 — Intel/Altera)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2015/C 310/07)

| 1. | On 9 September 2015, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Intel Corporation (‘Intel’, United States of America) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of Altera Corporation (‘Altera’, United States of America) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 9 September 2015, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Intel Corporation (‘Intel’, United States of America) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of Altera Corporation (‘Altera’, United States of America) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:
  —   for Intel: designs and manufactures computing and communications components, such as microprocessors (also known as CPUs), chipsets, motherboards, and wireless and wired connectivity products, as well as platforms that incorporate these components;
  —   for Altera: design and sale of a variety of semiconductor products, including programmable logic devices (‘PLDs’), a product category that includes both field-programmable gate arrays (‘FPGAs’) and complex programmable logic devices (‘CPLDs’). |
| --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for Intel: designs and manufactures computing and communications components, such as microprocessors (also known as CPUs), chipsets, motherboards, and wireless and wired connectivity products, as well as platforms that incorporate these components;

—   for Altera: design and sale of a variety of semiconductor products, including programmable logic devices (‘PLDs’), a product category that includes both field-programmable gate arrays (‘FPGAs’) and complex programmable logic devices (‘CPLDs’).

| 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. |
| --- | --- |

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.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7688 — Intel/Altera, 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 their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7688 — Intel/Altera, 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’).

---

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 19.9.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.9.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/8

---

Publication of an application for approval of a minor amendment in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council

(2015/C 310/08)

The European Commission has approved this application for a minor amendment in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 6(2) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014 (1).

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF A MINOR AMENDMENT

Application for approval of a minor amendment in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council
   (2)

‘EDAM HOLLAND’

EU No: NL-PGI-0105-01336 – 18.5.2015

PDO ( ) PGI ( X ) TSG ( )

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

| Name: | Nederlandse Zuivel Organisatie (NZO) |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Postbus 93044 |
| 2509AA |
| Den Haag |
| NEDERLAND |

Name:

Nederlandse Zuivel Organisatie (NZO)

Address:

Postbus 93044

2509AA

Den Haag

NEDERLAND

Tel.

+31702191702

E-mail:

info@nzo.nl

Composition:

Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

Legitimate interest

The legitimate interest of NZO is based on the fact that it has specifically fulfilled its statutory objectives by submitting, as a ‘group’ within the meaning of Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, an application to register the name ‘Edam Holland’ as a protected geographical indication (PGI).

NZO has already been recognised by the national authorities and the Commission as a ‘group’ within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. That recognition in itself implies, in the light of the requirements that applicants must meet in order to be classified as a ‘group’, that NZO has a legitimate interest in this application. Also of relevance is the fact that NZO, in its dealings with the national authorities and the Commission, has always represented the interests of the Dutch dairy industry in general and of Dutch cheese producers in particular.

2.   Member State or Third Country

The Netherlands

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

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

—

☒

Description of the product

—

☐

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 to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 and requiring no amendment to the published single document. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| — | ☒ | Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 and requiring an amendment to the published single document. |
| — | ☐ | Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, for which a single document (or equivalent) has not been published. |
| — | ☐ | Amendment to product specification of a registered TSG to be qualified as minor in accordance with the fourth subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. |

—

☐

Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 and requiring no amendment to the published single document.

—

☒

Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 and requiring an amendment to the published single document.

—

☐

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

—

☐

Amendment to product specification of a registered TSG to be qualified as minor in accordance with the fourth subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

5.   Amendment(s)

5.1.   Description of the product

The second paragraph (Composition) under Section 3.2 (Description) of the ‘Summary’ is worded as follows:

‘“Edam Holland” is produced from one or more of the following raw materials:

| — | milk, cream and skimmed or semi-skimmed cows’ milk (exclusively cows’ milk) from Dutch dairy farms’. |
| --- | --- |

—

milk, cream and skimmed or semi-skimmed cows’ milk (exclusively cows’ milk) from Dutch dairy farms’.

In order better to reflect amended national legislation, we wish to reword the paragraph as follows:

‘“Edam Holland” is produced from one or more of the following raw materials:

| — | cows’ milk or cows’ milk products in which the ratio of whey protein to cows’ milk casein is not exceeded. The cows’ milk comes exclusively from Dutch dairy farms’. |
| --- | --- |

—

cows’ milk or cows’ milk products in which the ratio of whey protein to cows’ milk casein is not exceeded. The cows’ milk comes exclusively from Dutch dairy farms’.

The clarification reflects recent amendments to national legislation. The reference to the whey protein/casein ratio is intended to prevent ‘Edam Holland’ from being made with an excessively high whey protein content, which would impair its quality. The purpose of the amendment is therefore to ensure the intrinsic quality of the ‘Edam Holland’ PGI. The raw material must fully comply with the requirements concerning Dutch origin laid down in Section 4.5 of Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 1121/2010.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘EDAM HOLLAND’

EU No: NL-PGI-0105-01336 – 18.5.2015

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

1.   Name

‘Edam Holland’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Member State or Third Country

The Netherlands

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Type of product

1.3. Cheese

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

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

‘Edam Holland’ is a naturally matured semi-hard cheese. It is produced in the Netherlands from cows’ milk obtained from Dutch dairy farms and is matured to a consumer-ready product in Dutch maturing rooms.

Composition:

‘Edam Holland’ is produced from one or more of the following raw materials:

| — | cows’ milk or cows’ milk products in which the ratio of whey protein to cows’ milk casein is not exceeded. The cows’ milk comes exclusively from Dutch dairy farms. |
| --- | --- |

—

cows’ milk or cows’ milk products in which the ratio of whey protein to cows’ milk casein is not exceeded. The cows’ milk comes exclusively from Dutch dairy farms.

Characteristic properties:

The cheese is shaped like a ball with a flattened top and bottom, or it may be shaped like a loaf or a block. The specifications are given in the table.

| Type | Weight | Fat in dry matter | Moisture content
  (max.) | Salt in dry matter
  (max.) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘Baby Edam Holland’ | Max. 1,5 kg | 40,0 – 44,0 % | 46,5 % | 5,4 % |
| ‘Edam Holland’ (ball) | 1,5 – 2,5 kg | 40,0 – 44,0 % | 45,5 % | 5,0 % |
| ‘Edam Holland Bros’ (hard) | 1,5 – 2,5 kg | 40,0 – 44,0 % | 47,5 % | 5,3 % |
| ‘Edam Holland Stip’ (speckled) | 1,5 – 2,5 kg | 40,0 – 44,0 % | 45,5 % | 6,0 % |
| ‘Edam Holland’ (block-shaped) | max. 20 kg | 40,0 – 44,0 % | 46,0 % | 4,6 % |
| ‘Edam Holland’ (large loaf-shaped) | 4–5 kg | 40,0 – 44,0 % | 46,0 % | 4,6 % |
| ‘Edam Holland’ (small loaf-shaped) | 2–3 kg | 40,0 – 44,0 % | 47,0 % | 4,8 % |

Type

Weight

Fat in dry matter

Moisture content

(max.)

Salt in dry matter

(max.)

‘Baby Edam Holland’

Max. 1,5 kg

40,0 – 44,0 %

46,5 %

5,4 %

‘Edam Holland’ (ball)

1,5 – 2,5 kg

40,0 – 44,0 %

45,5 %

5,0 %

‘Edam Holland Bros’ (hard)

1,5 – 2,5 kg

40,0 – 44,0 %

47,5 %

5,3 %

‘Edam Holland Stip’ (speckled)

1,5 – 2,5 kg

40,0 – 44,0 %

45,5 %

6,0 %

‘Edam Holland’ (block-shaped)

max. 20 kg

40,0 – 44,0 %

46,0 %

4,6 %

‘Edam Holland’ (large loaf-shaped)

4–5 kg

40,0 – 44,0 %

46,0 %

4,6 %

‘Edam Holland’ (small loaf-shaped)

2–3 kg

40,0 – 44,0 %

47,0 %

4,8 %

The moisture content applies 12 days from the first day of preparation, with the exception of ‘Baby Edam Holland’, where it applies five days after the first day of preparation.

The other characteristic properties are as follows:

| — | Flavour: mild to piquant, depending on age and type. |
| --- | --- |

—

Flavour: mild to piquant, depending on age and type.

| — | Cross-section: must be uniform in colour with a few small round holes. ‘Bros Edam Holland’ has a large number of small holes. The colour of the cheese varies from ivory to yellow. |
| --- | --- |

—

Cross-section: must be uniform in colour with a few small round holes. ‘Bros Edam Holland’ has a large number of small holes. The colour of the cheese varies from ivory to yellow.

| — | Rind: the rind is firm, smooth, dry, clean and has no fungal flora. It is produced by drying during the maturing stage. |
| --- | --- |

—

Rind: the rind is firm, smooth, dry, clean and has no fungal flora. It is produced by drying during the maturing stage.

| — | Texture: young ‘Edam Holland’ must be sufficiently firm and suitable for cutting. Once the cheese has matured further, it becomes firmer and tighter in structure. ‘Bros Edam Holland’ must be sufficiently firm and hard. |
| --- | --- |

—

Texture: young ‘Edam Holland’ must be sufficiently firm and suitable for cutting. Once the cheese has matured further, it becomes firmer and tighter in structure. ‘Bros Edam Holland’ must be sufficiently firm and hard.

| — | Maturing period: a minimum of 28 days (a minimum of 21 days for ‘Baby Edam Holland’). |
| --- | --- |

—

Maturing period: a minimum of 28 days (a minimum of 21 days for ‘Baby Edam Holland’).

| — | ‘Edam Holland’ is a naturally matured cheese. Foil maturing is not permitted for ‘Edam Holland’. |
| --- | --- |

—

‘Edam Holland’ is a naturally matured cheese. Foil maturing is not permitted for ‘Edam Holland’.

| — | Maturing temperature: a minimum of 12 °C. |
| --- | --- |

—

Maturing temperature: a minimum of 12 °C.

| — | Age: the shelf-life varies from a minimum of 28 days after manufacture (‘Baby Edam Holland’) to more than a year. |
| --- | --- |

—

Age: the shelf-life varies from a minimum of 28 days after manufacture (‘Baby Edam Holland’) to more than a year.

Special quality criteria:

| — | When they reach and are stored by the cheese-maker, the milk, cream or semi-skimmed milk have undergone either no heat treatment at all or a non-pasteurising heat treatment. |
| --- | --- |

—

When they reach and are stored by the cheese-maker, the milk, cream or semi-skimmed milk have undergone either no heat treatment at all or a non-pasteurising heat treatment.

| — | The cream and the skimmed or semi-skimmed milk should undergo pasteurisation immediately before being made into ‘Edam Holland’ so as to meet the following criteria:






  — | phosphatase activity is undetectable, unless peroxidase activity is undetectable; |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

The cream and the skimmed or semi-skimmed milk should undergo pasteurisation immediately before being made into ‘Edam Holland’ so as to meet the following criteria:

—

phosphatase activity is undetectable, unless peroxidase activity is undetectable;

| — | acidity levels, for cream measured on the basis of the fat-free product, are no higher than 20 mmol NaOH per litre, unless the lactate content is 200 mg per 100 g of fat-free matter or less; |
| --- | --- |

—

acidity levels, for cream measured on the basis of the fat-free product, are no higher than 20 mmol NaOH per litre, unless the lactate content is 200 mg per 100 g of fat-free matter or less;

| — | no coliform micro-organisms are detectable in 0,1 ml. |
| --- | --- |

—

no coliform micro-organisms are detectable in 0,1 ml.

| — | Immediately before being made into ‘Edam Holland’, all raw materials must be pasteurised in such a way that the undenatured whey protein content does not deviate or deviates only slightly from that of unpasteurised raw material of a similar type and quality. |
| --- | --- |

—

Immediately before being made into ‘Edam Holland’, all raw materials must be pasteurised in such a way that the undenatured whey protein content does not deviate or deviates only slightly from that of unpasteurised raw material of a similar type and quality.

| — | Only non-genetically modified cultures of lactic acid-forming and aroma-forming micro-organisms may be added when manufacturing ‘Edam Holland’. These cultures consist of appropriate mesophilic starter cultures for ‘Edam Holland’: Lactococcus and Leuconostoc L or LD, possibly in combination with thermophilic Lactobacillus and/or Lactococcus cultures. The available starter cultures play a very important role in the maturing process and the formation of the typical taste and aroma. |
| --- | --- |

—

Only non-genetically modified cultures of lactic acid-forming and aroma-forming micro-organisms may be added when manufacturing ‘Edam Holland’. These cultures consist of appropriate mesophilic starter cultures for ‘Edam Holland’: Lactococcus and Leuconostoc L or LD, possibly in combination with thermophilic Lactobacillus and/or Lactococcus cultures. The available starter cultures play a very important role in the maturing process and the formation of the typical taste and aroma.

Lactococcus and Leuconostoc

Lactobacillus

Lactococcus

| — | Rennet: only calf rennet is used to manufacture ‘Edam Holland’. It is only in special circumstances, for example if required as a result of epizootic disease, that it may be necessary to switch to other types of rennet. In that case, the rennet used must comply with the requirements of the Warenwetbesluit Zuivel [Dairy Products (Commodities Act) Decree]. |
| --- | --- |

—

Rennet: only calf rennet is used to manufacture ‘Edam Holland’. It is only in special circumstances, for example if required as a result of epizootic disease, that it may be necessary to switch to other types of rennet. In that case, the rennet used must comply with the requirements of the Warenwetbesluit Zuivel [Dairy Products (Commodities Act) Decree].

Warenwetbesluit Zuivel

| — | The nitrite content of ‘Edam Holland’, in terms of nitrite ions, is no higher than 2 mg per kg of cheese. |
| --- | --- |

—

The nitrite content of ‘Edam Holland’, in terms of nitrite ions, is no higher than 2 mg per kg of cheese.

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

Method of production

Method of production

‘Edam Holland’ cheese is made from milk obtained from dairy farms in the Netherlands. The milk is cooled on the farm to a maximum of 6 °C and stored in a cooling tank on the farm. It is transported to the cheese factory within 72 hours. When it arrives at the cheese factory, it is either processed immediately or thermised (a non-pasteurising, light heat treatment) and put into cold storage for a short period of time before being turned into cheese-milk.

The fat content of the milk is standardised so that the fat/protein ratio is such that the cheese eventually produced has a fat content of between 40 % and 44 % fat in dry matter. The cheese-milk is pasteurised at a temperature of at least 72 °C for 15 seconds. It is curdled at a temperature of approximately 30 °C. The separation and coagulation of the milk proteins that occurs during this process is typical of ‘Edam Holland’.

The curds obtained by coagulation are separated from the whey and processed and washed to ensure that the moisture content and pH reach the desired levels.

The curds are pressed into the correct shape and desired weight in vats. The resulting ‘cheese’ is then immersed in the brine bath.

‘Edam Holland’ is only ever matured naturally, i.e. it is left open to the air to mature and is regularly turned and checked. As the cheese matures, a dry rind forms. Time and temperature play an important role in ensuring that the enzymatic and ageing processes are given sufficient opportunity to allow the cheese to develop the physical and organoleptic quality that is so characteristic of ‘Edam Holland’. It can take more than a year for ‘Edam Holland’ to mature, depending on the type of flavour desired.

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

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

‘Edam Holland’ may be cut and pre-packaged either in or outside the Netherlands, provided that the pre-packager has a comprehensive administrative monitoring system to ensure that the cut ‘Edam Holland’ can be traced by means of the unique combination of numbers and letters on the mark and that the consumer can be sure of its origin.

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

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

‘Edam Holland’ is a European Union Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

This indication must be displayed in a prominent position on all whole cheeses, on the label applied to the flat side of the cheese and/or on the band around the cheese. This is not compulsory if the cheese is sold in pre-cut and pre-packaged form as described in Section 3.5. In that case, ‘Edam Holland’ must be displayed on the pre-packaging.

A clear distinguishing mark must be displayed on the packaging to enable consumers to identify ‘Edam Holland’ on the shelves. Through naming, the use of a separate identity (a logo is being developed) and the EU PGI symbol, it must be made clear to consumers that ‘Edam Holland’ is a different product from other Edam cheeses.

Proof of origin

Proof of origin

A mark made from casein is placed on each ‘Edam Holland’ cheese before the curds are pressed (see diagram). The mark contains the designation ‘Edam Holland’, together with a combination of numbers and letters that is unique for each cheese (in ascending alphabetical and numerical order).

The COKZ (the Dutch dairy inspection institute) keeps a register of these unique numbers, which also contains a record of all test data (including time and place). The indication is easily recognisable to consumers and can be verified by an approval authority on the basis of the casein mark and the COKZ register.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

Concise definition of the geographical area

Geographical area

Geographical area

The geographical area covered by the application is Holland, i.e. the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Link with the geographical area

Link

Link

The geographical component of this product name is ‘Holland’. As is common knowledge, ‘Holland’ is a synonym of the more official name, ‘the Netherlands’. During the time of the Republic of the United Netherlands (from the 17th to the 19th century), Holland was the most influential of the seven provinces.

Historical background

Historical background

‘Edam Holland’ is a prime example of the Dutch tradition of cheese making, which stretches back to the Middle Ages and reached maturity as early as the 17th century (the Golden Age).

It is largely the geographical position of the Netherlands (mostly below sea level), its climate (a maritime climate) and the composition of the grass that grows there (predominantly on sandy and clay soils) that make the milk so suitable for producing a high-quality cheese that is packed with flavour.

The quality assurance systems in place on dairy farms and the intensive quality assessment system (each delivery of milk is tested and assessed according to various quality parameters) together guarantee the quality of the milk. Furthermore, there is an unbroken cold chain until the moment the milk is processed, with the milk being put into cold storage on the farm (maximum 6 °C) and transported to the factory in refrigerated tankers. The relatively short distances involved also help maintain the quality of the milk.

From its beginnings in farm-based production, ‘Edam Holland’ has developed, by way of production in local factories, to become a nationally produced product with a worldwide reputation and is an important, stable component in optimising the value of farm milk. At the beginning of the 20th century, national laws were introduced for Edam cheese, and the name ‘Edam Holland’ was established in the Landbouwkwaliteitsbeschikking kaasproducten [Agricultural Quality (Cheese Products) Decision].

Landbouwkwaliteitsbeschikking kaasproducten

Image of ‘Edam Holland’ among European consumers

Image of ‘Edam Holland’ among European consumers

A large-scale survey carried out in six European countries showed that European consumers see the Netherlands as the most important producer of Edam (and Gouda).

‘Edam Holland’ (and ‘Gouda Holland’) are symbols of Dutch cultural heritage. European consumers regard ‘Edam Holland’ (and ‘Gouda Holland’) cheese as brands. ‘Edam Holland’ (and ‘Gouda Holland’) are synonymous with Dutch quality products. Market research (carried out on a representative sample of 1 250 respondents per Member State, with 97,5 % reliability) in the six Member States where Edam (and Gouda) consumption is highest shows that:

| — | there is a strong association between Edam and the Netherlands; |
| --- | --- |

—

there is a strong association between Edam and the Netherlands;

| — | ‘Edam Holland’ is more popular than Edam produced outside the Netherlands; |
| --- | --- |

—

‘Edam Holland’ is more popular than Edam produced outside the Netherlands;

| — | almost half of consumers in the Member States surveyed believe that all Edam is produced in the Netherlands; |
| --- | --- |

—

almost half of consumers in the Member States surveyed believe that all Edam is produced in the Netherlands;

| — | Edam from Holland scores significantly higher on the variables ‘excellent quality’, ‘traditionally manufactured’ and ‘the original product’. |
| --- | --- |

—

Edam from Holland scores significantly higher on the variables ‘excellent quality’, ‘traditionally manufactured’ and ‘the original product’.

Over a number of centuries, various measures and laws have been introduced, both by the Dutch Government and by the industry, to ensure that the quality of ‘Edam Holland’ (and ‘Gouda Holland’) is maintained at a very high level. Moreover, the Dutch dairy industry has invested a substantial amount in meeting these high quality standards and opening up, cultivating and maintaining markets. Since 1950, more than NLG 1,4 billion (EUR 635 million) has been invested in advertising, awareness-raising and promotion in Europe (excluding investment in the Netherlands).

Reference to publication of the specification

Reference to publication of the specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1151/2012)

http://www.eu-streekproducten.nl/sites/default/files/Productdossier%20BGA%20Edam%20Holland%20gewijzigd.pdf

---

(1)  OJ L 179, 19.6.2014, p. 17.

1

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

2

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| 19.9.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.9.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/14

---

Publication of an application for approval of a minor amendment in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council

(2015/C 310/09)

The European Commission has approved this application for a minor amendment in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 6(2) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014 (1).

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF A MINOR AMENDMENT

Application for approval of a minor amendment in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council
   (2)

‘GOUDA HOLLAND’

EU No: NL-PGI-0105-01335 – 18.5.2015

PDO ( ) PGI ( X ) TSG ( )

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

| Name: | Nederlandse Zuivel Organisatie (NZO) |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Postbus 93044 |
| 2509AA |
| Den Haag |
| NEDERLAND |

Name:

Nederlandse Zuivel Organisatie (NZO)

Address:

Postbus 93044

2509AA

Den Haag

NEDERLAND

Tel.

+31 702191702

Email:

info@nzo.nl

Composition:

Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

Legitimate interest

The legitimate interest of NZO is based on the fact that it has specifically fulfilled its statutory objectives by submitting, as a ‘group’ within the meaning of Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, an application to register the name ‘Gouda Holland’ as a protected geographical indication (PGI).

NZO has already been recognised by the national authorities and the Commission as a ‘group’ within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. That recognition in itself implies, in the light of the requirements that applicants must meet in order to be classified as a ‘group’, that NZO has a legitimate interest in this application. Also of relevance is the fact that NZO, in its dealings with the national authorities and the Commission, has always represented the interests of the Dutch dairy industry in general and of Dutch cheese producers in particular.

2.   Member State or Third Country

The Netherlands

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

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

—

☒

Description of the product

—

☐

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 to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 and requiring no amendment to the published single document. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| — | ☒ | Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 and requiring an amendment to the published single document. |
| — | ☐ | Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, for which a single document (or equivalent) has not been published. |
| — | ☐ | Amendment to product specification of a registered TSG to be qualified as minor in accordance with the fourth subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. |

—

☐

Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 and requiring no amendment to the published single document.

—

☒

Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 and requiring an amendment to the published single document.

—

☐

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

—

☐

Amendment to product specification of a registered TSG to be qualified as minor in accordance with the fourth subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

5.   Amendment(s)

5.1.   Description of the product

The second paragraph (Composition) under Section 3.2 (Description) of the ‘Summary’ is worded as follows:

‘“Gouda Holland” is produced from one or more of the following raw materials:

| — | milk, cream and skimmed or semi-skimmed cows' milk (exclusively cows' milk) from Dutch dairy farms’. |
| --- | --- |

—

milk, cream and skimmed or semi-skimmed cows' milk (exclusively cows' milk) from Dutch dairy farms’.

In order better to reflect amended national legislation, we wish to reword the paragraph as follows:

‘“Gouda Holland” is produced from one or more of the following raw materials:

| — | cows' milk or cows' milk products in which the ratio of whey protein to cows' milk casein is not exceeded. The cows' milk comes exclusively from Dutch dairy farms’. |
| --- | --- |

—

cows' milk or cows' milk products in which the ratio of whey protein to cows' milk casein is not exceeded. The cows' milk comes exclusively from Dutch dairy farms’.

The clarification reflects recent amendments to national legislation. The reference to the whey protein/casein ratio is intended to prevent ‘Gouda Holland’ from being made with an excessively high whey protein content, which would impair its quality. The purpose of the amendment is therefore to ensure the intrinsic quality of the ‘Gouda Holland’ PGI. The raw material must fully comply with the requirements concerning Dutch origin laid down in Section 4.5 of Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 1122/2010.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘GOUDA HOLLAND’

EU No: NL-PGI-0105-01335 – 18.5.2015

PDO ( ) PGI ( X ) TSG ( )

1.   Name

‘Gouda Holland’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Member State or Third Country

The Netherlands

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Type of product

1.3. Cheese

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

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

‘Gouda Holland’ is a full-fat (48 % +), naturally matured semi-hard cheese.

It is produced in the Netherlands from cows' milk obtained from Dutch dairy farms and is matured to a consumer-ready product in Dutch maturing rooms.

Composition

‘Gouda Holland’ is produced from one or more of the following raw materials:

| — | cows' milk or cows' milk products in which the ratio of whey protein to cows' milk casein is not exceeded. The cows' milk comes exclusively from Dutch dairy farms. |
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cows' milk or cows' milk products in which the ratio of whey protein to cows' milk casein is not exceeded. The cows' milk comes exclusively from Dutch dairy farms.

Characteristic properties

The cheese is shaped like a flattened cylinder, a block or a loaf and weighs from 2,5 kg to 20 kg. A flattened cylindrical shape is a shape with convex sides that curve smoothly into a flat top and bottom and a height that is a quarter to a third of the diameter.

The fat content is a minimum of 48,0 % and a maximum of 52,0 % in dry matter. The (maximum) moisture content 12 days after the first day of manufacture is 42,5 % and the salt content in dry matter is a maximum of 4,0 %. The other characteristic properties are as follows:

—   Flavour: aromatic, pleasant and mild to strong, depending on its age. Cumin may be added.

Flavour

—   Cross-section: after slicing the cheese, hole formation is visible but may not be evenly distributed. The colour of the cheese varies from ivory to yellow.

Cross-section

—   Rind: the rind is firm, smooth, dry, clean and has no fungal flora. It is produced by drying during the maturing stage.

Rind

—   Texture: the cheese is slightly soft to pliable at an age of four weeks. Once the cheese has matured further, it becomes firmer and tighter in structure. The cheese is easy to cut.

Texture

—   Maturing period: at least 28 days. ‘Gouda Holland’ is a naturally matured cheese. Foil maturing is not permitted for ‘Gouda Holland’.

Maturing period

—   Maturing temperature: a minimum of 12 °C.

Maturing temperature

—   Age: the shelf life varies from a minimum of 28 days after manufacture to more than a year.

Age

Special quality criteria:

| — | When they reach and are stored by the cheese-maker, the milk, cream or semi-skimmed milk have undergone either no heat treatment at all or a non-pasteurising heat treatment. |
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When they reach and are stored by the cheese-maker, the milk, cream or semi-skimmed milk have undergone either no heat treatment at all or a non-pasteurising heat treatment.

| — | The cream and the skimmed or semi-skimmed milk should undergo pasteurisation immediately before being made into ‘Gouda Holland’ so as to meet the following criteria:






  — | phosphatase activity is undetectable, unless peroxidase activity is undetectable, |
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The cream and the skimmed or semi-skimmed milk should undergo pasteurisation immediately before being made into ‘Gouda Holland’ so as to meet the following criteria:

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phosphatase activity is undetectable, unless peroxidase activity is undetectable,

| — | acidity levels, for cream measured on the basis of the fat-free product, are no higher than 20 mmol NaOH per litre, unless the lactate content is 200 mg per 100 g of fat-free matter or less, |
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acidity levels, for cream measured on the basis of the fat-free product, are no higher than 20 mmol NaOH per litre, unless the lactate content is 200 mg per 100 g of fat-free matter or less,

| — | no coliform micro-organisms are detectable in 0,1 ml. |
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no coliform micro-organisms are detectable in 0,1 ml.

| — | Immediately before being made into ‘Gouda Holland’, all raw materials must be pasteurised in such a way that the undenatured whey protein content does not deviate or deviates only slightly from that of unpasteurised raw material of a similar type and quality. Only non-genetically-modified cultures of lactic-acid-forming and aroma-forming microorganisms may be added when manufacturing ‘Gouda Holland’. These cultures consist of appropriate mesophilic starter cultures for ‘Gouda Holland’: Lactococcus and Leuconostoc L or LD, possibly in combination with thermophilic Lactobacillus and/or Lactococcus cultures. The available cultures are protected. Their use is mandatory in the production of ‘Gouda Holland’. |
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Immediately before being made into ‘Gouda Holland’, all raw materials must be pasteurised in such a way that the undenatured whey protein content does not deviate or deviates only slightly from that of unpasteurised raw material of a similar type and quality. Only non-genetically-modified cultures of lactic-acid-forming and aroma-forming microorganisms may be added when manufacturing ‘Gouda Holland’. These cultures consist of appropriate mesophilic starter cultures for ‘Gouda Holland’: Lactococcus and Leuconostoc L or LD, possibly in combination with thermophilic Lactobacillus and/or Lactococcus cultures. The available cultures are protected. Their use is mandatory in the production of ‘Gouda Holland’.

Lactococcus

Leuconostoc

Lactobacillus

Lactococcus

| — | Rennet: only calf rennet is used to manufacture ‘Gouda Holland’. It is only in special circumstances, for example if required as a result of epizootic disease, that it may be necessary to switch to other types of rennet. In that case, the rennet used must comply with the requirements of the Warenwetbesluit Zuivel (Dairy Products (Commodities Act) Decree). |
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Rennet: only calf rennet is used to manufacture ‘Gouda Holland’. It is only in special circumstances, for example if required as a result of epizootic disease, that it may be necessary to switch to other types of rennet. In that case, the rennet used must comply with the requirements of the Warenwetbesluit Zuivel (Dairy Products (Commodities Act) Decree).

Warenwetbesluit Zuivel

| — | The nitrite content of ‘Gouda Holland’, in terms of nitrite ions, is no higher than 2 mg per kg of cheese. |
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The nitrite content of ‘Gouda Holland’, in terms of nitrite ions, is no higher than 2 mg per kg of cheese.

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)

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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

Method of production

Method of production

‘Gouda Holland’ cheese is made from milk obtained from dairy farms in the Netherlands. The milk is cooled on the farm to a maximum of 6 °C and stored in a cooling tank on the farm. It is transported to the cheese factory within 72 hours. When it arrives at the cheese factory, it is either processed immediately or thermised (a non-pasteurising, light heat treatment) and put into cold storage for a short period of time before being turned into cheese-milk.

The fat content of the milk is standardised so that the fat/protein ratio is such that the cheese eventually produced has a fat content of between 48 % and 52 % fat in dry matter. The cheese-milk is pasteurised at a temperature of at least 72 °C for 15 seconds. It is curdled at a temperature of approximately 30 °C. The separation and coagulation of the milk proteins that occurs during this process is typical of ‘Gouda Holland’.

The curds obtained by coagulation are separated from the whey and processed and washed to ensure that the moisture content and pH reach the desired levels.

The curds are pressed into the correct shape and desired weight in vats. The resulting ‘cheese’ is then immersed in the brine bath.

‘Gouda Holland’ is only ever matured naturally, i.e. it is left open to the air to mature and is regularly turned and checked. As the cheese matures, a dry rind forms. Time and temperature play an important role in ensuring that the enzymatic and ageing processes are given sufficient opportunity to allow the cheese to develop the physical and organoleptic quality that is so characteristic of ‘Gouda Holland’.

It can take more than a year for ‘Gouda Holland’ to mature, depending on the type of flavour desired.

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

‘Gouda Holland’ may be cut and pre-packaged either in or outside the Netherlands, provided that the pre-packager has a comprehensive administrative monitoring system to ensure that the cut ‘Gouda Holland’ can be traced by means of the unique combination of numbers and letters on the mark and that the consumer can be sure of its origin.

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

Labelling

Labelling

‘Gouda Holland’ is a European Union Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). This indication must be displayed in a prominent position on all whole cheeses, on the label applied to the flat side of the cheese and/or on the band around the cheese. This is not compulsory if the cheese is sold in pre-cut and pre-packaged form as described in Section 3.5. In that case, ‘Gouda Holland’ must be displayed on the pre-packaging.

A clear distinguishing mark must be displayed on the packaging to enable consumers to identify ‘Gouda Holland’ on the shelves. By using the name ‘Gouda Holland’, developing a separate identity and displaying the EU PGI symbol, it must be made clear to consumers that ‘Gouda Holland’ is a different product from other ‘Gouda’ cheeses.

Proof of origin

Proof of origin

A mark made from casein is placed on each ‘Gouda Holland’ cheese before the curds are pressed (see diagram). The mark contains the designation ‘Gouda Holland’, together with a combination of numbers and letters that is unique for each cheese (in ascending alphabetical and numerical order).

The COKZ (the Dutch dairy inspection institute) keeps a register of these unique numbers, which also contains a record of all test data (including time and place). The indication is easily recognisable to consumers and can be verified by an approval authority on the basis of the casein mark and the COKZ register.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

Concise definition of the geographical area

Geographical area

Geographical area

The geographical area covered by the application is Holland, i.e. the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Link with the geographical area

Link

Link

The geographical component of this product name is ‘Holland’. As is common knowledge, ‘Holland’ is a synonym of the more official name, ‘the Netherlands’. During the time of the Republic of the United Netherlands (from the 17th to the 19th century), Holland was the most influential of the seven provinces.

It is largely the geographical position of the Netherlands (mostly below sea level), its climate (a maritime climate) and the composition of the grass that grows there (predominantly on sandy and clay soils) that make the milk so suitable for producing a high-quality cheese that is packed with flavour. The quality assurance systems in place on dairy farms and the intensive quality assessment system (each delivery of milk is tested and assessed according to various quality parameters) together guarantee the quality of the milk. Furthermore, there is an unbroken cold chain until the moment the milk is processed, with the milk being put into cold storage on the farm (maximum 6 °C) and transported to the factory in refrigerated tankers. The relatively short distances involved also help maintain the quality of the milk.

Historical background

Historical background

‘Gouda Holland’ is a prime example of the Dutch tradition of cheese making, which stretches back to the Middle Ages and reached maturity as early as the 17th century (the Golden Age).

The cheese sold in Gouda became known as Gouda cheese from the 18th century onwards. Later, the name Gouda came to be associated with all full-fat cheeses produced in Holland and shaped like a flattened cylinder.

From its beginnings in farm-based production, ‘Gouda Holland’ has developed, by way of production in local factories, to become a nationally produced product with a worldwide reputation and is an important, stable component in optimising the value of farm milk. At the beginning of the 20th century, national laws were introduced for Gouda cheese, and the name ‘Gouda Holland’ was established in the Landbouwkwaliteitsbeschikking kaasproducten (Agricultural Quality (Cheese Products) Decision).

Landbouwkwaliteitsbeschikking kaasproducten

Image of ‘Gouda Holland’ among European consumers

Image of ‘Gouda Holland’ among European consumers

A large-scale survey carried out in six European countries showed that European consumers see the Netherlands as the most important producer of Gouda and Edam. ‘Gouda Holland’ (and ‘Edam Holland’) are symbols of Dutch cultural heritage. European consumers regard ‘Gouda Holland’ (and ‘Edam Holland’) cheese as brands. Market research (carried out on a representative sample of 1 250 respondents per Member State, with 97,5 % reliability) in the six Member States where Gouda (and Edam) consumption is highest shows that:

| — | there is a strong association between Gouda and the Netherlands, |
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there is a strong association between Gouda and the Netherlands,

| — | ‘Gouda Holland’ is more popular than Gouda produced outside the Netherlands, |
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‘Gouda Holland’ is more popular than Gouda produced outside the Netherlands,

| — | almost half of consumers in the Member States surveyed believe that all Gouda is produced in the Netherlands, |
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almost half of consumers in the Member States surveyed believe that all Gouda is produced in the Netherlands,

| — | Gouda from Holland scores significantly higher on the variables ‘excellent quality’, ‘traditionally manufactured’ and ‘the original product’. |
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Gouda from Holland scores significantly higher on the variables ‘excellent quality’, ‘traditionally manufactured’ and ‘the original product’.

‘Gouda Holland’ (and ‘Edam Holland’) are synonymous with Dutch quality products. Over a number of centuries, various measures and laws have been introduced, both by the Dutch Government and by the industry, to ensure that the quality of ‘Gouda Holland’ (and ‘Edam Holland’) is maintained at a very high level. Moreover, the Dutch dairy industry has invested a substantial amount in meeting these high quality standards and opening up, cultivating and maintaining markets. Since 1950, more than NLG 1,4 billion (EUR 635 million) has been invested in advertising, awareness-raising and promotion in Europe (excluding investment in the Netherlands).

Reference to publication of the specification

Reference to publication of the specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012)

http://www.eu-streekproducten.nl/sites/default/files/Productdossier%20BGA%20Gouda%20Holland%20gewijzigd.pdf

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(1)  OJ L 179, 19.6.2014, p. 17.

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

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