# Official Journal C 463/2014

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 463 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5723 December 2014 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 463

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5723 December 2014

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | IV   Notices |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2014/C 463/01 | Council conclusions on participatory governance of cultural heritage | 1 |
| 2014/C 463/02 | Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on a Work Plan for Culture (2015-2018) | 4 |
| | European Commission |
| 2014/C 463/03 | Euro exchange rates | 15 |
| | European External Action Service |
| 2014/C 463/04 | Notice of entry into force | 16 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2014/C 463/05 | Public holidays in 2015 | 17 |

Notice No

Contents

page

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2014/C 463/01

Council conclusions on participatory governance of cultural heritage

1

2014/C 463/02

Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on a Work Plan for Culture (2015-2018)

4

European Commission

2014/C 463/03

Euro exchange rates

15

European External Action Service

2014/C 463/04

Notice of entry into force

16

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2014/C 463/05

Public holidays in 2015

17

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | European Commission |
| 2014/C 463/06 | Calls for proposals under the work programme for grants in the field of the trans-European telecommunication networks under the Connecting Europe Facility for period 2014-2020 (Commission Decision C(2014) 2069 as amended by C(2014) 9588) | 18 |
| 2014/C 463/07 | Call for submission of applications European Capital of Culture — EAC/A03/2014 | 19 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2014/C 463/08 | 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 | 20 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Commission

2014/C 463/06

Calls for proposals under the work programme for grants in the field of the trans-European telecommunication networks under the Connecting Europe Facility for period 2014-2020 (Commission Decision C(2014) 2069 as amended by C(2014) 9588)

18

2014/C 463/07

Call for submission of applications European Capital of Culture — EAC/A03/2014

19

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2014/C 463/08

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

20

| EN | |
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EN

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 23.12.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 463/1 |
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23.12.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 463/1

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Council conclusions on participatory governance of cultural heritage

(2014/C 463/01)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

RECALLING:

| 1. | the Council conclusions of 26 November 2012 on Cultural Governance (1) that underlined the importance to make cultural governance more open, participatory, effective and coherent and invited Member States to promote a participatory approach to cultural policy-making; |
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1.

the Council conclusions of 26 November 2012 on Cultural Governance (1) that underlined the importance to make cultural governance more open, participatory, effective and coherent and invited Member States to promote a participatory approach to cultural policy-making;

| 2. | the Council conclusions of 21 May 2014 on cultural heritage as a strategic resource for a sustainable Europe (2) that recognised that cultural heritage has a cross-sectorial policy relevance and plays a specific role in achieving the Europe 2020 strategy goals for a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, and called on Member States to promote long-term heritage policy models that are evidence-based and society- and citizen-driven; |
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2.

the Council conclusions of 21 May 2014 on cultural heritage as a strategic resource for a sustainable Europe (2) that recognised that cultural heritage has a cross-sectorial policy relevance and plays a specific role in achieving the Europe 2020 strategy goals for a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, and called on Member States to promote long-term heritage policy models that are evidence-based and society- and citizen-driven;

WELCOMING:

| 3. | the Communication from the Commission ‘Towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe’ that recognised that cultural heritage is a shared resource and a common good and that therefore looking after heritage is a common responsibility (3); |
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3.

the Communication from the Commission ‘Towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe’ that recognised that cultural heritage is a shared resource and a common good and that therefore looking after heritage is a common responsibility (3);

HAVING REGARD TO:

| 4. | the increased recognition at international level of a people-centred and culture-based approach to foster sustainable development and the importance of transparent, participatory and informed systems of governance for culture in order to address the needs of all members of society (4); |
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4.

the increased recognition at international level of a people-centred and culture-based approach to foster sustainable development and the importance of transparent, participatory and informed systems of governance for culture in order to address the needs of all members of society (4);

| 5. | the increased recognition at European, national, regional and local level of the social dimension of cultural heritage and the importance of activating synergies across different stakeholders to safeguard, develop and transmit cultural heritage to future generations (5); |
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5.

the increased recognition at European, national, regional and local level of the social dimension of cultural heritage and the importance of activating synergies across different stakeholders to safeguard, develop and transmit cultural heritage to future generations (5);

| 6. | the adoption of a locally rooted and people-centred approach to cultural heritage in several EU programmes, including in the research programme Horizon 2020 and the community-led local development approach supported by the European Structural and Investment Funds. This approach is also recognized by the Joint Programming Initiative ‘Cultural Heritage and Global Change: a new challenge for Europe’; |
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6.

the adoption of a locally rooted and people-centred approach to cultural heritage in several EU programmes, including in the research programme Horizon 2020 and the community-led local development approach supported by the European Structural and Investment Funds. This approach is also recognized by the Joint Programming Initiative ‘Cultural Heritage and Global Change: a new challenge for Europe’;

| 7. | the adoption of participatory approaches in the EU actions for the European Capitals of Culture and European Heritage Label (6); |
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7.

the adoption of participatory approaches in the EU actions for the European Capitals of Culture and European Heritage Label (6);

RECOGNISING THAT participatory governance of cultural heritage (7):

| 8. | offers opportunities to foster democratic participation, sustainability and social cohesion and to face the social, political and demographic challenges of today; |
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8.

offers opportunities to foster democratic participation, sustainability and social cohesion and to face the social, political and demographic challenges of today;

| 9. | seeks the active involvement of relevant stakeholders in the framework of public action — i.e. public authorities and bodies, private actors, civil society organisations, NGOs, the volunteering sector and interested people — in decision-making, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of cultural heritage policies and programmes to increase accountability and transparency of public resource investments as well as to build public trust in policy decisions; |
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9.

seeks the active involvement of relevant stakeholders in the framework of public action — i.e. public authorities and bodies, private actors, civil society organisations, NGOs, the volunteering sector and interested people — in decision-making, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of cultural heritage policies and programmes to increase accountability and transparency of public resource investments as well as to build public trust in policy decisions;

| 10. | contributes to increasing awareness about the values of cultural heritage as a shared resource, thus reducing the risk of misuse and increasing social and economic benefits; |
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10.

contributes to increasing awareness about the values of cultural heritage as a shared resource, thus reducing the risk of misuse and increasing social and economic benefits;

| 11. | supports contemporary cultural, artistic and creative works which are tightly related to identity and values and often based on traditional know-how and intangible heritage of people, and may therefore represent the cultural heritage of generations to come; |
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11.

supports contemporary cultural, artistic and creative works which are tightly related to identity and values and often based on traditional know-how and intangible heritage of people, and may therefore represent the cultural heritage of generations to come;

| 12. | helps triggering new opportunities brought by globalisation, digitisation and new technologies which are changing the way cultural heritage is created, accessed and used; |
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12.

helps triggering new opportunities brought by globalisation, digitisation and new technologies which are changing the way cultural heritage is created, accessed and used;

INVITES THE MEMBER STATES TO:

| 13. | develop multilevel and multi-stakeholder governance frameworks which recognise cultural heritage as a shared resource by strengthening the links between the local, regional, national and European levels of governance of cultural heritage, with due respect to the principle of subsidiarity, so that benefits for people are envisaged at all levels; |
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13.

develop multilevel and multi-stakeholder governance frameworks which recognise cultural heritage as a shared resource by strengthening the links between the local, regional, national and European levels of governance of cultural heritage, with due respect to the principle of subsidiarity, so that benefits for people are envisaged at all levels;

| 14. | promote the involvement of relevant stakeholders by ensuring that their participation is possible at all stages of the decision-making process; |
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14.

promote the involvement of relevant stakeholders by ensuring that their participation is possible at all stages of the decision-making process;

| 15. | promote governance frameworks which recognise the importance of the interaction between tangible, intangible and digital cultural heritage and which address, respect and enhance its social, cultural, symbolic, economic and environmental values; |
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15.

promote governance frameworks which recognise the importance of the interaction between tangible, intangible and digital cultural heritage and which address, respect and enhance its social, cultural, symbolic, economic and environmental values;

| 16. | promote governance frameworks that facilitate the implementation of cross-cutting policies, enabling cultural heritage to contribute to objectives in different policy areas, including to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth; |
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16.

promote governance frameworks that facilitate the implementation of cross-cutting policies, enabling cultural heritage to contribute to objectives in different policy areas, including to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth;

| 17. | develop synergies between sustainable tourism strategies and the local cultural and creative sectors, also through promoting governance frameworks which actively involve local people, in order to foster sustainable quality cultural tourism offer and contribute to the revitalisation of urban and rural areas, whilst safeguarding the integrity and maintaining the cultural value of heritage and balancing economic opportunities and the well-being of citizens; |
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17.

develop synergies between sustainable tourism strategies and the local cultural and creative sectors, also through promoting governance frameworks which actively involve local people, in order to foster sustainable quality cultural tourism offer and contribute to the revitalisation of urban and rural areas, whilst safeguarding the integrity and maintaining the cultural value of heritage and balancing economic opportunities and the well-being of citizens;

| 18. | make appropriate use of EU as well as national funding for these purposes; |
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18.

make appropriate use of EU as well as national funding for these purposes;

INVITES THE MEMBER STATES AND THE COMMISSION, WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE SPHERES OF COMPETENCE AND WITH DUE REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY, TO:

| 19. | cooperate on the issues related to participatory governance of cultural heritage, including in the framework of the Work Plan for Culture 2015-2018 (8), in order to identify and disseminate best practices and increase the capacity of the cultural heritage sector to engage with those issues effectively; |
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19.

cooperate on the issues related to participatory governance of cultural heritage, including in the framework of the Work Plan for Culture 2015-2018 (8), in order to identify and disseminate best practices and increase the capacity of the cultural heritage sector to engage with those issues effectively;

| 20. | promote the transmission of traditional skills and knowledge across generations as well as their innovative use and cross-fertilisation through scientific and technological developments; |
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20.

promote the transmission of traditional skills and knowledge across generations as well as their innovative use and cross-fertilisation through scientific and technological developments;

| 21. | make use of digital means in order to increase access to and participation in the governance of cultural heritage for all social groups; |
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21.

make use of digital means in order to increase access to and participation in the governance of cultural heritage for all social groups;

| 22. | explore the role of virtual communities in the development and implementation of cultural heritage policies, in the support to cultural heritage management, in the knowledge development and in funding (e.g. through crowd-sourcing and crowd-funding); |
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22.

explore the role of virtual communities in the development and implementation of cultural heritage policies, in the support to cultural heritage management, in the knowledge development and in funding (e.g. through crowd-sourcing and crowd-funding);

| 23. | make concrete progress on the governance of Europeana (9) in order to guarantee its long-term sustainability and its development as a cultural heritage-driven project, as well as to facilitate its link with education, cultural tourism and other sectors; promote, where appropriate, the reuse of digital cultural heritage content in order to enhance cultural diversity and stimulate the use of heritage knowledge in contemporary artistic expression and by cultural and creative sectors; |
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23.

make concrete progress on the governance of Europeana (9) in order to guarantee its long-term sustainability and its development as a cultural heritage-driven project, as well as to facilitate its link with education, cultural tourism and other sectors; promote, where appropriate, the reuse of digital cultural heritage content in order to enhance cultural diversity and stimulate the use of heritage knowledge in contemporary artistic expression and by cultural and creative sectors;

| 24. | promote civic participation in the framework of a smart development model for European cities which actively integrates cultural heritage in order to contribute to the innovation and revitalisation of European towns, connecting them to related sites and territories, promoting their attractiveness as well as attracting investments, new economic activities and enterprises; |
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24.

promote civic participation in the framework of a smart development model for European cities which actively integrates cultural heritage in order to contribute to the innovation and revitalisation of European towns, connecting them to related sites and territories, promoting their attractiveness as well as attracting investments, new economic activities and enterprises;

| 25. | follow up the Communication ‘Towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe’ to work together on the development of a comprehensive European strategy for cultural heritage; |
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25.

follow up the Communication ‘Towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe’ to work together on the development of a comprehensive European strategy for cultural heritage;

| 26. | enhance cooperation with international organisations such as the Council of Europe and Unesco to promote a participatory approach to cultural heritage governance; |
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26.

enhance cooperation with international organisations such as the Council of Europe and Unesco to promote a participatory approach to cultural heritage governance;

INVITES THE COMMISSION TO:

| 27. | promote evidence-based research on the impact of participatory approaches in cultural heritage policies and governance in order to contribute to the development of strategic approaches to cultural heritage; |
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27.

promote evidence-based research on the impact of participatory approaches in cultural heritage policies and governance in order to contribute to the development of strategic approaches to cultural heritage;

| 28. | continue the dialogue with civil society organisations and platforms in cultural heritage-related policy areas and consider to present a proposal for a ‘European Year of Cultural Heritage’. |
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28.

continue the dialogue with civil society organisations and platforms in cultural heritage-related policy areas and consider to present a proposal for a ‘European Year of Cultural Heritage’.

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(1)  OJ C 393, 19.12.2012, p. 8.

(2)  OJ C 183, 14.6.2014, p. 36.

(3)  doc. 12150/14.

(4)  UN conference ‘The Future We Want’ (Rio de Janeiro, June 2012); Unesco congress ‘Placing Culture at the Heart of Sustainable Development Policies’ (Hangzhou, May 2013); Unesco forum ‘Culture, Creativity and Sustainable Development. Research, Innovation, Opportunities’ (Florence, October 2014).

(5)  Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Faro Convention, 2005).

(6)  OJ L 132, 3.5.2014, p. 1 and OJ L 303, 22.11.2011, p. 1.

(7)  Cultural heritage is tangible, intangible and digital as defined in the Council conclusions of 21 May 2014.

(8)  OJ C 463, 23.12.2014, p. 4.

(9)  As stated in the Council conclusions of 10 May 2012 on the digitisation and on-line accessibility of cultural material and digital preservation (OJ C 169, 15.6.2012, p. 5).

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| 23.12.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 463/4 |
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23.12.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 463/4

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Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on a Work Plan for Culture (2015-2018)

(2014/C 463/02)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES, MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL,

I.   INTRODUCTION

RECALLING the objectives assigned to the European Union in the field of culture by Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU);

RECALLING the Resolution of the Council of 16 November 2007 on a European Agenda for Culture (1) and its strategic objectives, namely the promotion of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, the promotion of culture as a catalyst for creativity and the promotion of culture as a vital element in the Union’s international relations;

RECALLING the Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 establishing the Creative Europe Programme (2014 to 2020) (2), and in particular its general objectives which aim at enhancing European cultural and linguistic diversity, promoting Europe’s cultural heritage, and strengthening the competitiveness of the European cultural and creative sectors with a view to promoting smart, sustainable and inclusive growth;

RECALLING the substantial contribution of the cultural and creative sectors to economic, social and regional development, the importance of these sectors to the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and the fact that the discussion of Culture Ministers at the Council meeting on 25 November 2014 will contribute to the Council’s response in the framework of the mid-term review of the strategy planned for 2015;

TAKING NOTE of the results of the work carried out in the framework of the Council Work Plan for Culture 2011-2014 (3) as well as the results of the final evaluation carried out by Member States within the Council (4) which form the basis of the Commission’s final report on the implementation and relevance of the 2011-14 Work Plan for Culture (5);

HAVING REGARD to the Council conclusions of 26 November 2012 on Cultural Governance (6) and in particular its provision on regular and early-stage information delivery about EU policies and actions in other policy areas with direct or indirect impact on cultural issues and policies.

AGREE TO:

| — | establish, with due regard to the principle of subsidiarity, a four year Work Plan for Culture for the period 2015-2018, allowing for a mid-term review; |
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—

establish, with due regard to the principle of subsidiarity, a four year Work Plan for Culture for the period 2015-2018, allowing for a mid-term review;

| — | focus activities in the cultural field on the priority themes, key topics, outputs and working methods as listed in this Work Plan; |
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—

focus activities in the cultural field on the priority themes, key topics, outputs and working methods as listed in this Work Plan;

| — | adopt priorities for the Work Plan as set out in Annex I; |
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—

adopt priorities for the Work Plan as set out in Annex I;

| — | establish working groups composed of experts appointed by the Member States on the basis of the priorities, principles and mandates defined in Annexes I and II and to follow their work. |
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—

establish working groups composed of experts appointed by the Member States on the basis of the priorities, principles and mandates defined in Annexes I and II and to follow their work.

CONSIDER that a four-year Work Plan should be governed by the following guiding principles:

| a) | to build on the achievements of the previous Work Plan for Culture (2011-2014) while adding to it a more strategic dimension in order to reinforce the link between the Work Plan and the work of the Council and its rotating Presidencies; |
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a)

to build on the achievements of the previous Work Plan for Culture (2011-2014) while adding to it a more strategic dimension in order to reinforce the link between the Work Plan and the work of the Council and its rotating Presidencies;

| b) | to concentrate on topics with a clear EU added value; |
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b)

to concentrate on topics with a clear EU added value;

| c) | to take into account the intrinsic value of culture and the arts to enhance cultural diversity; |
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c)

to take into account the intrinsic value of culture and the arts to enhance cultural diversity;

| d) | to ensure the excellence, innovation and competitiveness of the cultural and creative sectors by promoting the work of artists, creators and cultural professionals and recognising the sectors’ contribution to the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy for growth and jobs, paying particular attention to the digital shift challenges; |
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d)

to ensure the excellence, innovation and competitiveness of the cultural and creative sectors by promoting the work of artists, creators and cultural professionals and recognising the sectors’ contribution to the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy for growth and jobs, paying particular attention to the digital shift challenges;

| e) | to mainstream culture in other policy areas, wherever relevant, in accordance with Article 167(4) TFEU; |
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e)

to mainstream culture in other policy areas, wherever relevant, in accordance with Article 167(4) TFEU;

| f) | to encourage cross-sectorial cooperation; |
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f)

to encourage cross-sectorial cooperation;

| g) | to ensure synergies with the Creative Europe Programme; |
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g)

to ensure synergies with the Creative Europe Programme;

| h) | to work towards evidence-based policy. |
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h)

to work towards evidence-based policy.

II.   PRIORITIES AND WORKING METHODS

| — | AGREE to pursue the priorities as set in Annex I:






  A. | Accessible and inclusive culture; |
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—

AGREE to pursue the priorities as set in Annex I:

A.

Accessible and inclusive culture;

| B. | Cultural heritage; |
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B.

Cultural heritage;

| C. | Cultural and creative sectors: creative economy and innovation; |
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C.

Cultural and creative sectors: creative economy and innovation;

| D. | Promotion of cultural diversity, culture in EU external relations and mobility. |
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D.

Promotion of cultural diversity, culture in EU external relations and mobility.

| — | AGREE that reliable, comparable and up-to-date cultural statistics are the basis of the sound cultural policy-making and therefore statistics are a cross-sectorial priority in this Work Plan; and therefore LOOK FORWARD to the results of the work to be carried out under the auspices of Eurostat in order to ensure the regular production and dissemination of statistics on culture, while taking into account recommendations contained in the ESS-net culture report; |
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—

AGREE that reliable, comparable and up-to-date cultural statistics are the basis of the sound cultural policy-making and therefore statistics are a cross-sectorial priority in this Work Plan; and therefore LOOK FORWARD to the results of the work to be carried out under the auspices of Eurostat in order to ensure the regular production and dissemination of statistics on culture, while taking into account recommendations contained in the ESS-net culture report;

| — | AGREE to take stock of the work carried out in the field of culture in EU external relations and on the need to continue working in this area, in cooperation with the European External Action Service and the Commission; |
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—

AGREE to take stock of the work carried out in the field of culture in EU external relations and on the need to continue working in this area, in cooperation with the European External Action Service and the Commission;

| — | AGREE to use different working methods, depending on the purpose and the topic:






  i. | the Open Method of Coordination (OMC), which should remain as the main working method of cooperation among Member States; |
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—

AGREE to use different working methods, depending on the purpose and the topic:

i.

the Open Method of Coordination (OMC), which should remain as the main working method of cooperation among Member States;

| ii. | informal meetings of officials from Ministries of Culture, including with officials from other Ministries; |
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ii.

informal meetings of officials from Ministries of Culture, including with officials from other Ministries;

| iii. | ad-hoc expert groups or thematic seminars convened by the Commission to further examine issues related to the Work Plan’s topics and interact with other instruments of the Work Plan; |
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iii.

ad-hoc expert groups or thematic seminars convened by the Commission to further examine issues related to the Work Plan’s topics and interact with other instruments of the Work Plan;

| iv. | stock-taking meetings organised by the Commission in the policy areas which were dealt with extensively by the previous work plans for culture; |
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iv.

stock-taking meetings organised by the Commission in the policy areas which were dealt with extensively by the previous work plans for culture;

| v. | conferences, studies and peer learning initiatives. |
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v.

conferences, studies and peer learning initiatives.

III.   ACTIONS

INVITE THE MEMBER STATES TO:

| — | consider, whilst respecting the principle of subsidiarity, the results achieved by this Work Plan when developing policy at national level; |
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—

consider, whilst respecting the principle of subsidiarity, the results achieved by this Work Plan when developing policy at national level;

| — | disseminate information on the outputs of the Work Plan to interested stakeholders at all levels. |
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—

disseminate information on the outputs of the Work Plan to interested stakeholders at all levels.

INVITE THE PRESIDENCIES OF THE COUNCIL TO:

| — | take into account, in the context of the Trio Presidency, the Work Plan priorities when developing their 18-month programme; |
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—

take into account, in the context of the Trio Presidency, the Work Plan priorities when developing their 18-month programme;

| — | inform the Council preparatory body in the field of culture on the work carried out by other Council preparatory bodies that has a direct or indirect impact on cultural issues and policy (7); |
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inform the Council preparatory body in the field of culture on the work carried out by other Council preparatory bodies that has a direct or indirect impact on cultural issues and policy (7);

| — | convene, when appropriate, informal meetings (including those of a joint and cross-sectorial nature) to discuss and take up the outputs obtained through the Work Plan, and to disseminate them widely; |
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—

convene, when appropriate, informal meetings (including those of a joint and cross-sectorial nature) to discuss and take up the outputs obtained through the Work Plan, and to disseminate them widely;

| — | consider, on the basis of a final report prepared by the Commission relying on the voluntary contributions from Member States, whether to propose a new Work Plan. |
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—

consider, on the basis of a final report prepared by the Commission relying on the voluntary contributions from Member States, whether to propose a new Work Plan.

INVITE THE COMMISSION TO:

| — | support the Member States and other relevant stakeholders in cooperating within the framework set out in these Conclusions, in particular by:






  a) | supporting the widest possible participation of Member States, as well as experts and other stakeholders, in the working structures referred to in Annex I; |
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—

support the Member States and other relevant stakeholders in cooperating within the framework set out in these Conclusions, in particular by:

a)

supporting the widest possible participation of Member States, as well as experts and other stakeholders, in the working structures referred to in Annex I;

| b) | supplementing the work of OMC groups with studies as well as peer learning exercises; |
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b)

supplementing the work of OMC groups with studies as well as peer learning exercises;

| — | disseminate information on the outputs of the Work Plan in as many languages as deemed appropriate, including via digital means e.g. its website; |
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—

disseminate information on the outputs of the Work Plan in as many languages as deemed appropriate, including via digital means e.g. its website;

| — | report to the competent preparatory body of the Council in the field of culture at the earliest possible stage about its relevant initiatives, with particular regard to proposals, for which the impact assessment has highlighted a direct or indirect impact on cultural issues (8); |
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—

report to the competent preparatory body of the Council in the field of culture at the earliest possible stage about its relevant initiatives, with particular regard to proposals, for which the impact assessment has highlighted a direct or indirect impact on cultural issues (8);

| — | ensure mutual exchange of information among OMC groups in the culture field and between them and relevant OMC groups working in related sectors; |
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—

ensure mutual exchange of information among OMC groups in the culture field and between them and relevant OMC groups working in related sectors;

| — | regularly inform the Council preparatory body in the field of culture on the progress of the work in the area of culture statistics; |
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—

regularly inform the Council preparatory body in the field of culture on the progress of the work in the area of culture statistics;

| — | consult and inform regularly stakeholders at European level, including civil society, on the progress of the Work Plan in order to ensure the relevance and visibility of the activities, including via the European Culture Forum; |
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—

consult and inform regularly stakeholders at European level, including civil society, on the progress of the Work Plan in order to ensure the relevance and visibility of the activities, including via the European Culture Forum;

| — | adopt, before the end of the first half of 2018, and on the basis of voluntary contributions from Member States, a final report on the implementation and relevance of the Work Plan. |
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—

adopt, before the end of the first half of 2018, and on the basis of voluntary contributions from Member States, a final report on the implementation and relevance of the Work Plan.

INVITE THE MEMBER STATES AND THE COMMISSION, WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE SPHERES OF COMPETENCE AND WITH DUE REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY, TO:

| — | work together in a cooperative and concerted manner by using the working structures and methods specified in these Conclusions in order to deliver added value in the field of culture at EU level; |
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—

work together in a cooperative and concerted manner by using the working structures and methods specified in these Conclusions in order to deliver added value in the field of culture at EU level;

| — | take culture into account when formulating, implementing and evaluating policies and actions in other policy fields, with particular attention to ensuring early and effective inclusion in the policy development process; |
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—

take culture into account when formulating, implementing and evaluating policies and actions in other policy fields, with particular attention to ensuring early and effective inclusion in the policy development process;

| — | promote better contribution of culture to the overall goals of the Europe 2020 strategy, given the sector’s role in achieving smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and considering its positive effects on areas such as employment, social inclusion, education and training, tourism, research and innovation, and regional development; |
| --- | --- |

—

promote better contribution of culture to the overall goals of the Europe 2020 strategy, given the sector’s role in achieving smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and considering its positive effects on areas such as employment, social inclusion, education and training, tourism, research and innovation, and regional development;

| — | promote reading as a tool to spread knowledge, enhance creativity, support access to culture and cultural diversity and develop awareness of a European identity, taking into account the various conditions applied to e-books and physical books; |
| --- | --- |

—

promote reading as a tool to spread knowledge, enhance creativity, support access to culture and cultural diversity and develop awareness of a European identity, taking into account the various conditions applied to e-books and physical books;

| — | share regularly and at an early stage information about the EU policies and actions with direct or indirect impact on cultural issues and policies and in this regard encourage them to exchange information via digital means, including virtual platforms; |
| --- | --- |

—

share regularly and at an early stage information about the EU policies and actions with direct or indirect impact on cultural issues and policies and in this regard encourage them to exchange information via digital means, including virtual platforms;

| — | foster cooperation with third countries, in particular candidate countries, potential candidate countries and countries of the European neighbourhood policy and with the competent international organisations in the field of culture, including the Council of Europe, including via regular meetings with the third countries concerned; |
| --- | --- |

—

foster cooperation with third countries, in particular candidate countries, potential candidate countries and countries of the European neighbourhood policy and with the competent international organisations in the field of culture, including the Council of Europe, including via regular meetings with the third countries concerned;

| — | undertake a mid-term review of the implementation of the Work Plan with a view to possible adaptations or reorientation in the light of the results achieved and policy developments at EU level. |
| --- | --- |

—

undertake a mid-term review of the implementation of the Work Plan with a view to possible adaptations or reorientation in the light of the results achieved and policy developments at EU level.

---

(1)  OJ C 287, 29.11.2007, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 221.

(3)  OJ C 325, 2.12.2010, p. 1.

(4)  doc. 9591/14.

(5)  doc. 12646/14.

(6)  OJ C 393, 19.12.2012, p. 8.

(7)  In line with the 2012 Council conclusions on cultural governance.

(8)  See footnote 7.

---

ANNEX I

Priorities for the Work Plan for Culture 2015-2018

Priority Area A: Accessible and inclusive culture

European agenda for culture: Cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue (3.1)

Europe 2020 strategy: Inclusive growth (priority 3)

| Actions by | Topics | Instruments and working methods (incl. if cross-sectorial) | Target outputs and indicative timeline |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Member States | A1) Development of the key competence ‘cultural awareness and expression’ | OMC (1), cross-sectorial
  Experts will identify good practices for the development of this key competence and its integration into education policies, on the basis of knowledge and attitudes identified in the Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning (2). | End 2015
  Manual of good practice for culture and education authorities at national and European level. |
| Member States | A2) Promoting access to culture via digital means: policies and strategies for audience development | OMC | 2015-2016 |
| Digital technologies have changed the way people access, produce and use cultural content. What is the impact of the digital shift on audience development policies and the practices of cultural institutions? | Experts will map existing policies and programmes and identify good practices. | Manual of good practice for cultural institutions and professionals. |
| Promoting reading in the digital environment in order to encourage access and audience development. Mapping of the regulatory framework with particular reference to licensing practices, cross-border services and e-lending by public libraries. | OMC sub-group (3)

  Experts will map best practices. | 2015
  Report containing case studies. |
| Member States | A3) Fostering the contribution of culture to social inclusion | OMC | 2017-2018 |
| How can public policies encourage and support cultural institutions in working within partnerships with other sectors (healthcare, social care, prison service etc.)? | Experts will map existing public policies dealing with social inclusion through culture and identify good practices. | Guidelines for policy makers and cultural institutions. |

Actions by

Topics

Instruments and working methods (incl. if cross-sectorial)

Target outputs and indicative timeline

Member States

A1) Development of the key competence ‘cultural awareness and expression’

OMC (1), cross-sectorial

Experts will identify good practices for the development of this key competence and its integration into education policies, on the basis of knowledge and attitudes identified in the Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning (2).

End 2015

Manual of good practice for culture and education authorities at national and European level.

Member States

A2) Promoting access to culture via digital means: policies and strategies for audience development

OMC

2015-2016

Digital technologies have changed the way people access, produce and use cultural content. What is the impact of the digital shift on audience development policies and the practices of cultural institutions?

Experts will map existing policies and programmes and identify good practices.

Manual of good practice for cultural institutions and professionals.

Promoting reading in the digital environment in order to encourage access and audience development. Mapping of the regulatory framework with particular reference to licensing practices, cross-border services and e-lending by public libraries.

OMC sub-group (3)

Experts will map best practices.

2015

Report containing case studies.

Member States

A3) Fostering the contribution of culture to social inclusion

OMC

2017-2018

How can public policies encourage and support cultural institutions in working within partnerships with other sectors (healthcare, social care, prison service etc.)?

Experts will map existing public policies dealing with social inclusion through culture and identify good practices.

Guidelines for policy makers and cultural institutions.

Priority Area B: Cultural heritage

European agenda for culture: Cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue (3.1)

Europe 2020 strategy: Smart and sustainable growth (priorities 1 and 2)

| Actions by | Topics | Instruments and working methods (incl. if cross-sectorial) | Target outputs and indicative timeline |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Member States | B1) Participatory governance of cultural heritage | OMC | 2015-2016 |
| Identification of innovative approaches to the multilevel governance of tangible, intangible and digital heritage which involve the public sector, private stakeholders and the civil society.
  Cooperation between different levels of governance and policy areas will be addressed. | Experts will map and compare public policies at national and regional level to identify good practices also in cooperation with existing heritage networks. | Manual of good practice for policy makers and cultural heritage institutions. |
| Member States | B2) Skills, training and knowledge transfer: traditional and emerging heritage professions | OMC, cross-sectorial | 2017-2018 |
| Capacity building for heritage professionals. Focus on the transmission of traditional skills and know-know and on emerging professions, including in the context of the digital shift.
  The participation of education experts will be encouraged. | Experts will map existing training schemes and identify emerging skills and training needs in the tangible, intangible and digital heritage field. | Manual of good practices for cultural and education institutions. |
| Commission | B3) Risk assessment and prevention for safeguarding cultural heritage from the effects of natural disasters and threats caused by human action
  Mapping existing strategies and practices at national level. Over-exploitation, pollution, unsustainable development, conflict areas and natural catastrophes (fire, floods, earthquake) are among factors to be considered. | Study | 2016 |

Actions by

Topics

Instruments and working methods (incl. if cross-sectorial)

Target outputs and indicative timeline

Member States

B1) Participatory governance of cultural heritage

OMC

2015-2016

Identification of innovative approaches to the multilevel governance of tangible, intangible and digital heritage which involve the public sector, private stakeholders and the civil society.

Cooperation between different levels of governance and policy areas will be addressed.

Experts will map and compare public policies at national and regional level to identify good practices also in cooperation with existing heritage networks.

Manual of good practice for policy makers and cultural heritage institutions.

Member States

B2) Skills, training and knowledge transfer: traditional and emerging heritage professions

OMC, cross-sectorial

2017-2018

Capacity building for heritage professionals. Focus on the transmission of traditional skills and know-know and on emerging professions, including in the context of the digital shift.

The participation of education experts will be encouraged.

Experts will map existing training schemes and identify emerging skills and training needs in the tangible, intangible and digital heritage field.

Manual of good practices for cultural and education institutions.

Commission

B3) Risk assessment and prevention for safeguarding cultural heritage from the effects of natural disasters and threats caused by human action

Mapping existing strategies and practices at national level. Over-exploitation, pollution, unsustainable development, conflict areas and natural catastrophes (fire, floods, earthquake) are among factors to be considered.

Study

2016

Priority area C: Cultural and creative sectors: Creative economy and innovation

European agenda for culture: Culture as a catalyst for creativity (3.2)

Europe 2020 strategy: Smart and sustainable growth (priorities 1 and 2)

| Actions by | Topics | Instruments and working methods (incl. if cross-sectorial) | Target outputs and indicative timeline |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Member States | C1) Access to finance | OMC (4), cross-sectorial | 2015 |
| Focus on the financial ecosystem for the cultural and creative sectors. Examination of financial instruments, such as loans and equities. Overview and analysis of alternative financing, such as public-private funds, business angels, venture capital, crowdfunding, sponsorship, donations and philanthropy.
  The participation of finance and economy experts will be encouraged. | Experts will identify innovative funding schemes and investment practices in the cultural and creative sectors. | Recommendations for public authorities. |
| | C2) Role of public policies in developing entrepreneurial and innovation potential of cultural and creative sectors | | |
| Member States | a. | Cultural and creative cross-overs to stimulate innovation, economic sustainability and social inclusion.
  To examine and promote synergies between the cultural and creative sectors, on one hand, and other relevant sectors, on the other hand. |

Actions by

Topics

Instruments and working methods (incl. if cross-sectorial)

Target outputs and indicative timeline

Member States

C1) Access to finance

OMC (4), cross-sectorial

2015

Focus on the financial ecosystem for the cultural and creative sectors. Examination of financial instruments, such as loans and equities. Overview and analysis of alternative financing, such as public-private funds, business angels, venture capital, crowdfunding, sponsorship, donations and philanthropy.

The participation of finance and economy experts will be encouraged.

Experts will identify innovative funding schemes and investment practices in the cultural and creative sectors.

Recommendations for public authorities.

C2) Role of public policies in developing entrepreneurial and innovation potential of cultural and creative sectors

Member States

a.

Cultural and creative cross-overs to stimulate innovation, economic sustainability and social inclusion.

To examine and promote synergies between the cultural and creative sectors, on one hand, and other relevant sectors, on the other hand.

possible Council conclusions

2015

Member States

| b. | To identify innovative measures to promote entrepreneurship and new business models in the cultural and creative sectors. |
| --- | --- |

b.

To identify innovative measures to promote entrepreneurship and new business models in the cultural and creative sectors.

OMC, cross-sectorial

2016-2017

| | The participation of economy and enterprise experts will be encouraged. |
| --- | --- |

The participation of economy and enterprise experts will be encouraged.

Experts will identify good practice of business support measures to cultural and creative entrepreneurs.

Manual of good practice and recommendations for public authorities.

Member States

C3) Sustainable cultural tourism

OMC, cross-sectorial

2017-2018

Identify ways to create a European tourism offer based on tangible and intangible cultural heritage as a competitive factor in order to attract new forms of sustainable tourism. Explore how digitisation of cultural content and digital services can foster the expansion of trans-European tourism networks and further the development of itineraries, including small emerging destinations, also taking into account contemporary arts activities, festivals and cultural events.

The participation of experts on tourism will be encouraged.

Experts will map methods and tools to make European cultural heritage accessible to and interoperable with the system of tourism promotion and marketing.

Guidelines for policymakers

Priority area D: Promotion of cultural diversity, culture in the EU external relations and mobility

European agenda for culture: Cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue (3.1), Culture as a vital element in international relations (3.3)

Europe 2020 strategy: Sustainable and inclusive growth (priorities 2, 3), Deploying EU external policy instruments.

| Actions by | Topics | Instruments and working methods (incl. if cross-sectorial) | Target outputs and indicative timeline |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Member States/Commission | D1) Unesco convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expression
  Assess the implementation of the 2005 Unesco Convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions on the basis of the report made on behalf of the EU in 2012 (5). Consider its impact on the agreements and protocols on cultural cooperation in free trade agreements. Examine its application in particular in the digital context. | Stock-taking activities | 2015 |
| | D2) Culture in EU external relations






  a. | Culture in the EU’s development cooperation policies |

Actions by

Topics

Instruments and working methods (incl. if cross-sectorial)

Target outputs and indicative timeline

Member States/Commission

D1) Unesco convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expression

Assess the implementation of the 2005 Unesco Convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions on the basis of the report made on behalf of the EU in 2012 (5). Consider its impact on the agreements and protocols on cultural cooperation in free trade agreements. Examine its application in particular in the digital context.

Stock-taking activities

2015

D2) Culture in EU external relations

a.

Culture in the EU’s development cooperation policies

Member States

| — | Support the integration of culture in the EU’s development cooperation agenda, instruments and programmes with third countries and assess the role of culture in sustainable development. |
| --- | --- |

—

Support the integration of culture in the EU’s development cooperation agenda, instruments and programmes with third countries and assess the role of culture in sustainable development.

possible Council conclusions

2015

Commission/Member States

| — | Existing programmes addressing culture in countries of the European Neighbourhood Policy |
| --- | --- |

—

Existing programmes addressing culture in countries of the European Neighbourhood Policy

Study

Discussion and follow-up in the Council preparatory body in the field of culture, with the participation of the European External Action Service (EEAS)

2015

Member States

| b. | Strengthening of a strategic approach to culture in the EU external relations |
| --- | --- |

b.

Strengthening of a strategic approach to culture in the EU external relations

Joint informal meetings of senior officials from Ministries of Culture and senior officials responsible for culture in Ministries of Foreign Affairs, with the possible participation of the EEAS (6)

2015-2018

Commission/Member States

| c. | Preparatory action on culture in EU external relations (7): discussion, analysis and follow-up involving the Council preparatory body in the field of culture and the EEAS. |
| --- | --- |

c.

Preparatory action on culture in EU external relations (7): discussion, analysis and follow-up involving the Council preparatory body in the field of culture and the EEAS.

Analysis and follow-up activities

2015-2018

Commission

D3) Intercultural dialogue and mobility

2016, reports for each theme

| a. | Intercultural dialogue |
| --- | --- |

a.

Intercultural dialogue

Stock-taking meeting

| b. | Mobility of cultural professionals, including tax obstacles to artists’ mobility in cross-border situations. The participation of tax experts will be encouraged. |
| --- | --- |

b.

Mobility of cultural professionals, including tax obstacles to artists’ mobility in cross-border situations. The participation of tax experts will be encouraged.

Stock-taking meeting

| c. | Mobility of collections |
| --- | --- |

c.

Mobility of collections

Stock-taking meeting

| d. | Illicit trafficking of cultural objects, including EU import rules for cultural objects illegally exported from third countries. |
| --- | --- |

d.

Illicit trafficking of cultural objects, including EU import rules for cultural objects illegally exported from third countries.

Study

2016

Member States

D4) Cinema: improving circulation of European films

OMC

2017-2018

Identify complementarities between film policies and support instruments at regional, national and EU level with a view of improving circulation of European films, in particular in the digital environment.

The participation of experts from ministries in charge of film policy and from national film funds and institutes will be encouraged.

Experts will identify good practices, taking into account the outcomes of the European Film Forum (8).

Manual of good practices.

---

(1)  Working group established in 2014 under the Work Plan for Culture 2011-2014, the mandate of which was extended. It consists of experts from both ministries of culture and education.

(2)  OJ L 394, 30.12.2006, p. 10.

(3)  This is a sub-group of the OMC working group on promoting access to culture via digital means.

(4)  Working group established in 2014 under the Work Plan for Culture 2011-2014.

(5)  Quadrennial periodic report on behalf of the European Union on measures to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions in the framework of the 2008 Unesco Convention — Commission Staff Working Document (SWD(2012) 129 final).

(6)  Meetings to be organised by rotating Presidencies of the Council on a voluntary basis.

(7)  http://cultureinexternalrelations.eu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Executive-Summary-ENG_13.06.2014.pdf

(8)  European Film Forum is a platform of structured dialogue established by the Commission in its Communication on European film in the digital era (doc. 10024/14). The first outcome of this structured dialogue is expected for 2016.

---

ANNEX II

Principles relating to the membership and functioning of the working groups established by the Member States in the framework of the Work Plan for Culture 2015-2018

Membership

| — | The participation of Member States in the work of the groups is voluntary and Member States can join them at any time. |
| --- | --- |

—

The participation of Member States in the work of the groups is voluntary and Member States can join them at any time.

| — | Each Member State interested in participating in the work of the groups will appoint experts as members of a working group. The Member State will ensure that the appointed experts have practical experience in the relevant field at national level and will ensure effective communication with competent national authorities. The Commission will coordinate the appointment exercise. In order to identify the most suitable expert profile for each theme, the Member States may appoint, if necessary, a different expert for each thematic area. |
| --- | --- |

—

Each Member State interested in participating in the work of the groups will appoint experts as members of a working group. The Member State will ensure that the appointed experts have practical experience in the relevant field at national level and will ensure effective communication with competent national authorities. The Commission will coordinate the appointment exercise. In order to identify the most suitable expert profile for each theme, the Member States may appoint, if necessary, a different expert for each thematic area.

| — | Each working group can decide to invite independent experts to contribute to the work of the group, representatives of the civil society as well as representatives of European third countries. |
| --- | --- |

—

Each working group can decide to invite independent experts to contribute to the work of the group, representatives of the civil society as well as representatives of European third countries.

Working Procedures

| — | The groups are to address the topics defined in the Work Plan complying with the timeline identified in Annex I. |
| --- | --- |

—

The groups are to address the topics defined in the Work Plan complying with the timeline identified in Annex I.

| — | The definition and timeline for the objectives may be revised during the mid-term review in the light of results achieved and policy developments at EU level. |
| --- | --- |

—

The definition and timeline for the objectives may be revised during the mid-term review in the light of results achieved and policy developments at EU level.

| — | A duration of a group is on average 18 months during which an average of 6 meetings may take place. |
| --- | --- |

—

A duration of a group is on average 18 months during which an average of 6 meetings may take place.

| — | Each working group will be responsible for appointing its chair or co-chairs for each thematic area among its priorities. |
| --- | --- |

—

Each working group will be responsible for appointing its chair or co-chairs for each thematic area among its priorities.

Reporting and Information

| — | The chairs of the working groups will report to the Cultural Affairs Committee on the progress of work in the respective groups. The Cultural Affairs Committee will be given an opportunity to give guidance to the working groups in order to guarantee the desired outcome and the coordination of the groups’ work. |
| --- | --- |

—

The chairs of the working groups will report to the Cultural Affairs Committee on the progress of work in the respective groups. The Cultural Affairs Committee will be given an opportunity to give guidance to the working groups in order to guarantee the desired outcome and the coordination of the groups’ work.

| — | For each objective mentioned in Annex I, the groups will submit an output on the work carried out, containing concrete and useable results. |
| --- | --- |

—

For each objective mentioned in Annex I, the groups will submit an output on the work carried out, containing concrete and useable results.

| — | The meeting agendas and minutes of all groups will be available to all Member States, irrespective of their degree of participation in a given area. The outputs of the groups will be published. |
| --- | --- |

—

The meeting agendas and minutes of all groups will be available to all Member States, irrespective of their degree of participation in a given area. The outputs of the groups will be published.

| — | The Commission will provide logistical and secretarial support to the work of the groups. As far as possible, it will support the groups by other suitable means (including studies relevant to their field of work). |
| --- | --- |

—

The Commission will provide logistical and secretarial support to the work of the groups. As far as possible, it will support the groups by other suitable means (including studies relevant to their field of work).

| — | The above reports will feed into the final report by the Commission on the implementation of the Work Plan. |
| --- | --- |

—

The above reports will feed into the final report by the Commission on the implementation of the Work Plan.

---

European Commission

| 23.12.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 463/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.12.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 463/15

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

22 December 2014

(2014/C 463/03)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,2259 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 147,06 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4401 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,78490 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,5536 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,2035 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 9,0565 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 27,618 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 315,33 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,45280 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,2665 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,4666 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,8423 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5057 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4257 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,5098 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,5803 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,6171 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 343,82 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 14,2082 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,6271 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,6650 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 15 255,54 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,2839 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 54,723 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 67,1555 |
| THB | Thai baht | 40,282 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 3,2455 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 17,8608 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 77,4769 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,2259

JPY

Japanese yen

147,06

DKK

Danish krone

7,4401

GBP

Pound sterling

0,78490

SEK

Swedish krona

9,5536

CHF

Swiss franc

1,2035

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

9,0565

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

27,618

HUF

Hungarian forint

315,33

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,45280

PLN

Polish zloty

4,2665

RON

Romanian leu

4,4666

TRY

Turkish lira

2,8423

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5057

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4257

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,5098

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,5803

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,6171

KRW

South Korean won

1 343,82

ZAR

South African rand

14,2082

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,6271

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,6650

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

15 255,54

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,2839

PHP

Philippine peso

54,723

RUB

Russian rouble

67,1555

THB

Thai baht

40,282

BRL

Brazilian real

3,2455

MXN

Mexican peso

17,8608

INR

Indian rupee

77,4769

---

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

---

European External Action Service

| 23.12.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 463/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.12.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 463/16

---

Notice of entry into force

(2014/C 463/04)

The Decision No 1/2014 of the EU-Swiss Joint Committee established by Article 14 of the Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other, on the Free Movement of Persons of 21 June 1999 amending Annex II (Coordination of Social Security Systems) thereto, enters into force on 1 January 2015 following the adoption by the Joint Committee on 28 November 2014 by written procedure.

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 23.12.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 463/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.12.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 463/17

---

Public holidays in 2015

(2014/C 463/05)

| Belgique/België | 1.1, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 25.5, 21.7, 15.8, 1.11, 2.11, 11.11, 15.11, 25.12 |
| --- | --- |
| България | 1.1, 3.3, 10.4, 11.4, 12.4, 13.4, 1.5, 6.5, 24.5, 6.9, 22.9, 1.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| Česká republika | 1.1, 6.4, 1.5, 8.5, 5.7, 6.7, 28.9, 28.10, 17.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| Danmark | 1.1, 2.4, 3.4, 5.4, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 24.5, 25.5, 5.6, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12, 31.12 |
| Deutschland | 1.1, 3.4, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 25.5, 21.7, 15.8, 3.10, 1.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12, 31.12 |
| Eesti | 1.1, 24.2, 3.4, 5.4, 1.5, 24.5, 23.6, 24.6, 20.8, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| Éire/Ireland | 1.1, 17.3, 3.4 6.4, 4.5, 1.6, 3.8, 26.10, 25.12, 28.12 |
| Ελλάδα | 1.1, 6.1, 23.2, 25.3, 10.4, 13.4, 1.5, 1.6, 28.10, 25.12 |
| España | 1.1, 6.1, 3.4, 1.5, 15.8, 12.10, 8.12, 25.12 |
| France | 1.1, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 25.5, 14.7, 21.7, 15.8, 1.11, 11.11, 25.12 |
| Hrvatska | 1.1, 6.1, 5.4, 6.4, 1.5, 4.6, 22.6, 25.6, 5.8, 15.8, 8.10, 1.11, 25.12, 26.12 |
| Italia | 1.1, 6.1, 6.4, 25.4, 1.5, 2.6, 15.8, 1.11, 8.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| Κύπρος/Kıbrıs | 1.1, 6.1, 23.2, 25.3, 1.4, 10.4, 12.4, 13.4, 1.5, 31.5, 1.6, 15.8, 1.10, 28.10, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| Latvija | 1.1, 3.4, 5.4, 6.4, 1.5, 4.5, 10.5, 24.5, 23.6, 24.6, 18.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12, 31.12 |
| Lietuva | 1.1, 16.2, 11.3, 5.4, 1.5, 3.5, 7.6, 24.6, 6.7, 15.8, 1.11, 24.12, 25.12 |
| Luxembourg | 1.1, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 25.5, 23.6, 15.8, 1.11, 25.12, 26.12 |
| Magyarország | 1.1, 2.1, 15.3, 5.4, 6.4, 1.5, 24.5, 25.5, 20.8, 21.8, 23.10, 1.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| Malta | 1.1, 10.2, 19.3, 31.3, 3.4, 7.6, 29.6, 15.8, 8.9, 21.9, 8.12, 13.12, 25.12 |
| Nederland | 1.1, 5.4, 6.4, 27.4, 5.5, 14.5, 24.5, 25.5, 25.12, 26.12 |
| Österreich | 1.1, 6.1, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 25.5, 4.6, 15.8, 26.10, 1.11, 8.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| Polska | 1.1, 6.1, 5.4, 6.4, 1.5, 3.5, 4.6, 15.8, 1.11, 11.11, 25.12, 26.12 |
| Portugal | 1.1, 3.4, 5.4, 25.4, 1.5, 10.6, 15.8, 8.12, 25.12 |
| România | 1.1, 2.1, 24.1, 12.4, 13.4, 1.5, 31.5, 1.6, 15.8, 30.11, 1.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| Slovenija | 1.1, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 15.5, 25.6, 24.12, 25.12, 28.12, 29.12, 30.12, 31.12 |
| Slovensko | 1.1, 6.1, 3.4, 6.4, 1.5, 8.5, 5.7, 1.9, 15.9, 1.11, 17.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| Suomi/Finland | 1.1, 6.1, 25.3, 27.3, 28.3, 1.5, 5.5, 15.5, 25.6, 5.11, 6.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| Sverige | 1.1, 6.1, 3.4, 5.4, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 24.5, 6.6, 20.6, 31.10, 25.12, 26.12 |
| United Kingdom | Wales and England: 1.1, 3.4, 6.4, 4.5 25.5, 31.8, 25.12, 28.12
  Northern Ireland: 1.1, 17.3, 3.4, 6.4, 4.5, 25.5, 13.7, 31.8, 25.12, 28.12
  Scotland: 1.1, 2.1, 3.4, 4.5, 25.5, 3.8, 30.11, 25.12, 28.12 |

Belgique/België

1.1, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 25.5, 21.7, 15.8, 1.11, 2.11, 11.11, 15.11, 25.12

България

1.1, 3.3, 10.4, 11.4, 12.4, 13.4, 1.5, 6.5, 24.5, 6.9, 22.9, 1.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12

Česká republika

1.1, 6.4, 1.5, 8.5, 5.7, 6.7, 28.9, 28.10, 17.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12

Danmark

1.1, 2.4, 3.4, 5.4, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 24.5, 25.5, 5.6, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12, 31.12

Deutschland

1.1, 3.4, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 25.5, 21.7, 15.8, 3.10, 1.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12, 31.12

Eesti

1.1, 24.2, 3.4, 5.4, 1.5, 24.5, 23.6, 24.6, 20.8, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12

Éire/Ireland

1.1, 17.3, 3.4 6.4, 4.5, 1.6, 3.8, 26.10, 25.12, 28.12

Ελλάδα

1.1, 6.1, 23.2, 25.3, 10.4, 13.4, 1.5, 1.6, 28.10, 25.12

España

1.1, 6.1, 3.4, 1.5, 15.8, 12.10, 8.12, 25.12

France

1.1, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 25.5, 14.7, 21.7, 15.8, 1.11, 11.11, 25.12

Hrvatska

1.1, 6.1, 5.4, 6.4, 1.5, 4.6, 22.6, 25.6, 5.8, 15.8, 8.10, 1.11, 25.12, 26.12

Italia

1.1, 6.1, 6.4, 25.4, 1.5, 2.6, 15.8, 1.11, 8.12, 25.12, 26.12

Κύπρος/Kıbrıs

1.1, 6.1, 23.2, 25.3, 1.4, 10.4, 12.4, 13.4, 1.5, 31.5, 1.6, 15.8, 1.10, 28.10, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12

Latvija

1.1, 3.4, 5.4, 6.4, 1.5, 4.5, 10.5, 24.5, 23.6, 24.6, 18.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12, 31.12

Lietuva

1.1, 16.2, 11.3, 5.4, 1.5, 3.5, 7.6, 24.6, 6.7, 15.8, 1.11, 24.12, 25.12

Luxembourg

1.1, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 25.5, 23.6, 15.8, 1.11, 25.12, 26.12

Magyarország

1.1, 2.1, 15.3, 5.4, 6.4, 1.5, 24.5, 25.5, 20.8, 21.8, 23.10, 1.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12

Malta

1.1, 10.2, 19.3, 31.3, 3.4, 7.6, 29.6, 15.8, 8.9, 21.9, 8.12, 13.12, 25.12

Nederland

1.1, 5.4, 6.4, 27.4, 5.5, 14.5, 24.5, 25.5, 25.12, 26.12

Österreich

1.1, 6.1, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 25.5, 4.6, 15.8, 26.10, 1.11, 8.12, 25.12, 26.12

Polska

1.1, 6.1, 5.4, 6.4, 1.5, 3.5, 4.6, 15.8, 1.11, 11.11, 25.12, 26.12

Portugal

1.1, 3.4, 5.4, 25.4, 1.5, 10.6, 15.8, 8.12, 25.12

România

1.1, 2.1, 24.1, 12.4, 13.4, 1.5, 31.5, 1.6, 15.8, 30.11, 1.12, 25.12, 26.12

Slovenija

1.1, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 15.5, 25.6, 24.12, 25.12, 28.12, 29.12, 30.12, 31.12

Slovensko

1.1, 6.1, 3.4, 6.4, 1.5, 8.5, 5.7, 1.9, 15.9, 1.11, 17.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12

Suomi/Finland

1.1, 6.1, 25.3, 27.3, 28.3, 1.5, 5.5, 15.5, 25.6, 5.11, 6.12, 25.12, 26.12

Sverige

1.1, 6.1, 3.4, 5.4, 6.4, 1.5, 14.5, 24.5, 6.6, 20.6, 31.10, 25.12, 26.12

United Kingdom

Wales and England: 1.1, 3.4, 6.4, 4.5 25.5, 31.8, 25.12, 28.12

Northern Ireland: 1.1, 17.3, 3.4, 6.4, 4.5, 25.5, 13.7, 31.8, 25.12, 28.12

Scotland: 1.1, 2.1, 3.4, 4.5, 25.5, 3.8, 30.11, 25.12, 28.12

---

V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Commission

| 23.12.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 463/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.12.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 463/18

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Calls for proposals under the work programme for grants in the field of the trans-European telecommunication networks under the Connecting Europe Facility for period 2014-2020

(Commission Decision C(2014) 2069 as amended by C(2014) 9588)

(2014/C 463/06)

The European Commission, Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, is hereby launching one call for proposals in order to award grants to projects in accordance with the priorities and objectives defined in the work programme for 2014 in the field of the trans-European telecommunication networks under the Connecting Europe Facility for the period 2014-2020.

Proposals are invited for the following call:

CEF-TC-2014-3, ‘Electronic Identification and authentication — eIdentification and eSignature — Generic Services’

Call documentation including content, deadline and budget is given in the call text which is published on the CEF Telecommunication website:

http://inea.ec.europa.eu/en/cef/cef_telecom/apply_for_funding/cef_telecom_call_for_proposals_2014.htm

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| 23.12.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 463/19 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.12.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 463/19

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CALL FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS‘EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE’ — EAC/A03/2014

(2014/C 463/07)

| 1. | In accordance with Decision No 445/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 establishing a Union action for the European Capitals of Culture for the years 2020 to 2033 and repealing Decision No 1622/2006/EC (1), the Commission, Directorate-General for Education and Culture, is launching a call for submission of applications for the Union Action ‘European Capital of Culture’ for the year 2021 for cities in candidate countries and potential candidates for EU membership which participate in the Creative Europe Programme. |
| --- | --- |

1.

In accordance with Decision No 445/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 establishing a Union action for the European Capitals of Culture for the years 2020 to 2033 and repealing Decision No 1622/2006/EC (1), the Commission, Directorate-General for Education and Culture, is launching a call for submission of applications for the Union Action ‘European Capital of Culture’ for the year 2021 for cities in candidate countries and potential candidates for EU membership which participate in the Creative Europe Programme.

| 2. | The aim of this call is to lead to the designation of one of these cities as European Capital of Culture in 2021. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The aim of this call is to lead to the designation of one of these cities as European Capital of Culture in 2021.

| 3. | The objectives of the European Capital of Culture action are to safeguard and promote the diversity of cultures in Europe and to highlight the common features they share as well as to increase citizens’ sense of belonging to a common cultural area, and to foster the contribution of culture to the long-term development of cities. Activities developped by the city that will be designated as European Capital of Culture will strive to enhance the range, diversity and European dimension of its cultural offering; to widen access to and participation in culture; to strengthen the capacity of its cultural sector and the links of the latter with other sectors and to raise its international profile through culture. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The objectives of the European Capital of Culture action are to safeguard and promote the diversity of cultures in Europe and to highlight the common features they share as well as to increase citizens’ sense of belonging to a common cultural area, and to foster the contribution of culture to the long-term development of cities. Activities developped by the city that will be designated as European Capital of Culture will strive to enhance the range, diversity and European dimension of its cultural offering; to widen access to and participation in culture; to strengthen the capacity of its cultural sector and the links of the latter with other sectors and to raise its international profile through culture.

| 4. | Detailed information, financing conditions and application form can be found in the full text of the call at: http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/creative-europe/calls/general/2014-eac-a03_en.htm
  The full text provides an overview of the eligibility, exclusion and award criteria that will be applied for the assessment of the applications as well as information about the selection procedure. Applications must comply with all the requirements set out in the full text of the call. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Detailed information, financing conditions and application form can be found in the full text of the call at: http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/creative-europe/calls/general/2014-eac-a03_en.htm

The full text provides an overview of the eligibility, exclusion and award criteria that will be applied for the assessment of the applications as well as information about the selection procedure. Applications must comply with all the requirements set out in the full text of the call.

| 5. | Applications must be sent to the address indicated in the full text of the call no later than 23 October 2015. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Applications must be sent to the address indicated in the full text of the call no later than 23 October 2015.

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(1)  OJ L 132, 3.5.2014, p. 1.

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 23.12.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 463/20 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.12.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 463/20

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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

(2014/C 463/08)

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).

AMENDMENT APPLICATION

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs
   (2)

AMENDMENT APPLICATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 9

‘PONT-L’EVEQUE’

EC No: FR-PDO-0117-01044 – 12.10.2012

PGI ( ) PDO ( X )

1.   Sections of the specification affected by the amendments

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2.   Type of amendments

—

—

—

—

3.   Amendment(s)

3.1.   Description of product

Certain technical and organoleptic data used to describe ‘Pont-l’Evêque’ have been updated in the description of the product.

In order to describe each size, the dry matter content, previously indicated only for ‘Pont-l’Évêque’ and petit‘Pont-l’Évêque’, is now specified also for the sizes grand‘Pont-l’Évêque’ and demi‘Pont-l’Évêque’. The net weight indicated on the packaging is likewise specified for each size on the basis of existing practices so as to better describe the product:

| — | grand‘Pont-l’Évêque’ has a net weight of 1 200 to 1 600 g and a dry matter content of 650 to 850 g, as indicated on the packaging, |
| --- | --- |

—

grand‘Pont-l’Évêque’ has a net weight of 1 200 to 1 600 g and a dry matter content of 650 to 850 g, as indicated on the packaging,

| — | ‘Pont-l’Évêque’ has a net weight of 300 to 400 g, as indicated on the packaging, |
| --- | --- |

—

‘Pont-l’Évêque’ has a net weight of 300 to 400 g, as indicated on the packaging,

| — | demi‘Pont-l’Évêque’ has a net weight of 150 to 200 g, as indicated on the packaging, |
| --- | --- |

—

demi‘Pont-l’Évêque’ has a net weight of 150 to 200 g, as indicated on the packaging,

| — | petit‘Pont-l’Évêque’ has a net weight of 180 to 250 g, as indicated on the packaging. |
| --- | --- |

—

petit‘Pont-l’Évêque’ has a net weight of 180 to 250 g, as indicated on the packaging.

Deletion of the reference to the orange colour of the rind and replacement of the golden yellow to orange shades with a whitish to reddish colour follows from the group's decision to prohibit the use of ‘rocou’ as a rind colouring agent.

The reference to the smoothness of the rind has been dropped, as that was a clear error in the specification registered in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 1107/96 of 12 June 1996 on the registration of geographical indications and designations of origin under the procedure laid down in Article 17 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 (3), given that the rind of ‘Pont-l’Évêque’ has never been smooth.

The usual practices have been described in more detail. The rind may be brushed (the physical action of a dry or damp brush against the rind) or washed (spraying of an aqueous solution under pressure). The practice of brushing has always existed and is considered equivalent to washing, even though it is not referred to as such in the specification registered in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/96. It is therefore specified that brushing may be considered a type of washing, though the optional nature of both of these is made clear by the words ‘may be’.

Finally, the elements related to the description of the method of production (draining and salting) have been moved to the appropriate paragraph.

3.2.   Geographical area

The modified geographical area of ‘Pont-l’Évêque’ now comprises 1 365 municipalities, or 38 % of the area presented in the specification registered in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/96 (2 129 municipalities have been excluded). The reduction in the geographical area is the result of work done to strengthen the link between the designation ‘Pont-l’Evêque’ and grass-based dairy production systems in Normandy and to define the heartland of the designation and its characteristics (natural environment/practices). Thus each municipality in the updated geographical area is in an area that is conducive to the growth of grass and has a fresh and humid climate and/or the presence of marshes and valley floors. The municipalities are characterised by the presence of a wooded landscape, which testifies to the maintenance of traditional grass-based dairy farming, and of dairy farms that continue to rely to a large extent on grass.

The reduction in the area is also part of a revision of the specification which strengthens the link with the locality by introducing an obligation to use some cattle of the Normande breed and a predominantly forage-based diet to produce the milk.

3.3.   Proof of origin

The changes to paragraph 4.1 are linked to changes in national rules. In particular, provisions on authorising operators are included in order to acknowledge that they are able to meet the requirements of the specification for the designation from which they wish to benefit.

A specific declaration is provided for in paragraph 4(2) to demonstrate the operators’ commitment to a gradual shift towards herds of the Normande breed.

A provision on the necessary declarations concerning knowledge and monitoring of quantities allows the group to gather the requisite data for the designation of origin ‘Pont-l’Evêque’.

The paragraphs on record-keeping and checks on the product have been supplemented.

3.4.   Method of production

Several points concerning the method of production have been clarified in the specification in order to provide a better description of the conditions under which the milk is produced and processed into cheese and which contribute to the characteristics and reputation of ‘Pont-l’Evêque’.

—   The milk production conditions:

‘Pont-l’Evêque’ is produced in part using milk from cows of the Normande breed, which make up at least 50 % of the dairy herd on each holding. In order to allow all breeders and producers of ‘Pont-l’Evêque’ to commit and adapt to this new production condition, the specification lays down a transitional period running until the end of April 2017. This amendment makes it possible to strengthen the link with the locality by making it obligatory to include cows of the Normande breed in the dairy herds.

For the purpose of simplifying the implementation of the specification, a definition of ‘herd’ has been introduced. ‘Herd’ means the entire dairy herd of a holding composed of lactating cows, dry cows and replacement heifers.

The dairy cows graze for at least six months a year. Each holding consists of at least 0,33 ha of area under grass per dairy cow milked, of which at least 0,25 ha is pasturable and accessible from the milking rooms, and of 2 ha of grassland per hectare of silage maize used to feed the animals in the herd. This makes it possible to guarantee a predominantly grass-based diet (grazing, hay, etc.), in line with the grass-feeding tradition of the geographical area.

In order to ensure a link to the geographical area, at least 80 % of the dry matter in the basic ration of the herd (fodder) must come from parcels of the holding located in the geographical area.

Outside of the grazing periods, the dairy cows are supplied with hay on a daily basis. The amount of complementary feed provided is restricted to 1 800 kg per cow in the herd per calendar year. The fodder and complementary feed authorised have been listed in the specification. Thus the link to the locality is asserted through the feed autonomy of the holdings and by restricting the amount of complementary feed.

—   The milk used:

In order to avoid to the extent possible any alterations of the raw dairy material, the storage times of the milk used to make ‘Pont-l’Evêque’ have been specified. The milk may not be stored for longer than 48 hours on the holding and 96 hours from the first hour of milking until the start of ripening. This duration is reduced to 72 hours for raw-milk products.

Furthermore, to avoid any practices not in line with traditional know-how, it has been added that the milk may not be concentrated by partially removing the water in it before coagulation and that, in addition to the raw dairy materials, the only ingredients, production aids or additives authorised in the milk and during its production are rennet, innocuous bacterial cultures, yeasts, moulds, salt and calcium chloride.

This latter provision in effect prohibits the use of ‘rocou’, a rind colouring agent that was formerly used to correct imperfections in the grain of the rind caused by the sanitary status of the milk. Improvements in the sanitary status of milk in recent years have rendered ‘rocou’ unnecessary. ‘Pont-l’Evêque’ producers have not used it for more than 15 years.

—   The cheese production conditions:

The processing conditions of ‘Pont-l’Evêque’, from the renneting of the milk to ripening, have been laid down in greater detail than in the specification registered in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/96. The different stages of the production process of ‘Pont-l’Evêque’, which correspond to local, trustworthy and established practices, have been described, in particular by using target values.

The following are thus specified:

| — | the milk container, a vat of a maximum of 600 litres, which makes it possible to mould the cheese in one operation and guarantee that the curdling time of the milk has been the same for all the moulded cheeses, |
| --- | --- |

—

the milk container, a vat of a maximum of 600 litres, which makes it possible to mould the cheese in one operation and guarantee that the curdling time of the milk has been the same for all the moulded cheeses,

| — | the ripening conditions: for less than 26 hours at a temperature below 40 °C, in order to regulate the parameters related to this stage, |
| --- | --- |

—

the ripening conditions: for less than 26 hours at a temperature below 40 °C, in order to regulate the parameters related to this stage,

| — | the renneting conditions: traditionally using rennet of animal origin only at a renneting temperature of 32 to 40 °C, |
| --- | --- |

—

the renneting conditions: traditionally using rennet of animal origin only at a renneting temperature of 32 to 40 °C,

| — | the method of obtaining curds: cutting into pieces of average size measuring less than 25 mm and stirring to ensure fairly substantial drainage in the vat, |
| --- | --- |

—

the method of obtaining curds: cutting into pieces of average size measuring less than 25 mm and stirring to ensure fairly substantial drainage in the vat,

| — | partial elimination of the whey prior to moulding, as a consequence of kneading the paste and forced drainage, |
| --- | --- |

—

partial elimination of the whey prior to moulding, as a consequence of kneading the paste and forced drainage,

| — | The renneting/moulding interval: moulding is carried out less than 2 hours after renneting in order to limit the acidification of the curd, |
| --- | --- |

—

The renneting/moulding interval: moulding is carried out less than 2 hours after renneting in order to limit the acidification of the curd,

| — | the in-mould draining conditions: the minimum duration is 10 hours between 17 and 31 °C, which are more precise temperature conditions than the references to ambient temperature and heated rooms in the specification registered in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/96, and the cheese is turned over several times, |
| --- | --- |

—

the in-mould draining conditions: the minimum duration is 10 hours between 17 and 31 °C, which are more precise temperature conditions than the references to ambient temperature and heated rooms in the specification registered in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/96, and the cheese is turned over several times,

| — | salting: it is done 1 to 4 days after renneting, as this is the minimum time required for the development of surface flora, |
| --- | --- |

—

salting: it is done 1 to 4 days after renneting, as this is the minimum time required for the development of surface flora,

| — | the drying phase and conditions: drying is the phase between salting and the beginning of ripening, and its temperature conditions (between 10 and 22 °C) are specified in order to regulate this parameter, |
| --- | --- |

—

the drying phase and conditions: drying is the phase between salting and the beginning of ripening, and its temperature conditions (between 10 and 22 °C) are specified in order to regulate this parameter,

| — | ban on the conservation of the dairy raw materials, partially finished products, curd or fresh cheese at a temperature below 0 °C, in order to avoid any practices that are not in line with traditional know-how. |
| --- | --- |

—

ban on the conservation of the dairy raw materials, partially finished products, curd or fresh cheese at a temperature below 0 °C, in order to avoid any practices that are not in line with traditional know-how.

—   Ripening of the cheese:

The conditions for ripening have been amended for the purpose of optimising the organoleptic qualities of the cheeses. The minimum ripening period, formerly 14 days for all sizes, has been increased to 18 days from the renneting date, except for grand‘Pont-l’Evêque’, for which the duration has been set at 21 days. Ripening takes place over a minimum period of 8-9 days, depending on the size, at a temperature of 11 to 19 °C. In order to allow the temperature of the cheeses to decrease after the drying phase following salting (where, it is recalled, the temperature may be between 10 and 22 °C), the maximum ripening temperature has been increased from 14 to 19 °C. ‘Pont-l’Evêque’ may also undergo additional ripening at a temperature of 4-15 °C once it has been packaged. The reference to red cultures (Brevibacterium linens) has been removed from the specification, because these cultures do not develop systematically, nor are they necessarily desirable. As the cooling required before transport blocks ripening, it has been additionally specified that the minimum ripening period does not include transfer times between production facilities and ripening facilities, it having already been established that these transfers may not take more than 72 hours.

3.5.   Link

This part of the specification has been re-written in accordance with the provisions forming the basis of PDO specifications. The specificity of the geographical area and of the product and the causal link between the physical and human factors of the geographical area and the characteristics of the product have been described herein. More detailed information has thus been provided on the know-how that is essential to the production of the milk and to the method of producing and processing the cheese and contributes to the qualities and specificity of ‘Pont-l’Evêque’. Furthermore, the role of the Normande breed, which nowadays is facing competition from other, more productive, dairy breeds, has been strengthened.

3.6.   Labelling

For the specifications to conform to national rules, the obligation to affix the ‘INAO’ logo has been dropped. The words ‘Appellation d’Origine Protégée’ or ‘PDO’ are obligatory, as is the EU PDO logo.

3.7.   Other

The bodies responsible for monitoring compliance with the specification have been specified and a table of the main items to be checked and the evaluation methods to be used have been added to the specification.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs
   (4)

‘PONT-L’EVEQUE’

EC No.: FR-PDO-0117-01044 – 12.10.2012

PGI ( ) PDO ( X )

1.   Name

‘Pont-l’Evêque’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Member State or Third Country

France

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Type of product

Class 1.3. Cheeses

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

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

The name ‘Pont-l’Evêque’ is reserved for cow’s milk cheeses that have a soft paste and surface mould that can be brushed or washed, a square or rectangular shape and at least 45 g of fat per 100 g of cheese after total desiccation. The rind is whitish to reddish in colour. The ivory-to-straw-yellow, supple paste, which is not sticky or runny, is homogenous, except for a few holes. The cheese has a mild flavour with a variety of aromas (plant-like, milky, creamy or slightly smoky).

‘Pont-l’Evêque’ comes in the following formats:

| — | grand‘Pont-l’Evêque’ has a square surface that is 190 to 210 mm long, a net weight, indicated on the packaging, of 1 200 to 1 600 g and a dry matter content of 650 to 850 grams, |
| --- | --- |

—

grand‘Pont-l’Evêque’ has a square surface that is 190 to 210 mm long, a net weight, indicated on the packaging, of 1 200 to 1 600 g and a dry matter content of 650 to 850 grams,

grand

| — | ‘Pont-l’Evêque’ has a square surface that is 105 to 115 mm long, a net weight, indicated on the packaging, of 300 to 400 g and a minimum dry matter content of 140 grams, |
| --- | --- |

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‘Pont-l’Evêque’ has a square surface that is 105 to 115 mm long, a net weight, indicated on the packaging, of 300 to 400 g and a minimum dry matter content of 140 grams,

| — | demi‘Pont-l’Evêque’ has a rectangular surface that is 105 to 115 mm long and 52 to 57 mm wide, a net weight, indicated on the packaging, of 150 to 200 g and a minimum dry matter content of 70 grams, |
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demi‘Pont-l’Evêque’ has a rectangular surface that is 105 to 115 mm long and 52 to 57 mm wide, a net weight, indicated on the packaging, of 150 to 200 g and a minimum dry matter content of 70 grams,

demi

| — | petit‘Pont-l’Evêque’ has a square surface that is 85 to 95 mm long, a net weight, indicated on the packaging, of 180 to 250 g and a minimum dry matter content of 85 grams. |
| --- | --- |

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petit‘Pont-l’Evêque’ has a square surface that is 85 to 95 mm long, a net weight, indicated on the packaging, of 180 to 250 g and a minimum dry matter content of 85 grams.

petit

3.3.   Raw materials (for processed products only)

Raw materials (for processed products only)

As from 1 May 2017, at least 50 % of the dairy cows of the holdings must be cows of the Normande breed.

3.4.   Feed (for products of animal origin only)

Feed (for products of animal origin only)

In order to guarantee a close link between the locality and the product by using specific feed from the geographical area, the dairy cows graze for at least six months of the year and the holding must have a minimum area under grass of 0,33 ha for each dairy cow being milked, of which a minimum of 0,25 ha is pasturable and accessible from the milking rooms, as well as 2 ha of grassland per hectare of silage maize used to feed the animals in the herd.

At least 80 %, expressed as dry matter, of the fodder-based basic ration of the herd must come from parcels of the holding located in the geographical area. The amount of complementary feed provided is restricted to 1 800 kg per cow in the herd per calendar year.

3.5.   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

The milk is produced, and the cheeses are manufactured and ripened in the geographical area described in point 4.

3.6.   Specific rules on slicing, grating, packaging, etc.

Specific rules on slicing, grating, packaging, etc.

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3.7.   Specific rules on labelling

Specific rules on labelling

Each PDO ‘Pont-l’Evêque’ cheese sold must bear an individual label that includes the name of the designation of origin written in letters at least two thirds the size of the largest characters on the label, as well as the words ‘Appellation d’Origine Protégée’ or ‘PDO’ and the European Union's PDO symbol.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

Concise definition of the geographical area

List of the cantons and municipalities in the geographical area of production of the PDO ‘Pont-l’Evêque’.

In the department of Calvados

In the department of Calvados

The entire cantons of Aunay-sur-Odon, Balleroy, Bayeux, Le Bény-Bocage, Blangy-le-Château, Cambremer, Caumont-l’Eventé, Condé-sur-Noireau, Dozulé, Honfleur, Isigny-sur-Mer, Lisieux, Livarot, Mézidon-Canon, Orbec, Pont-l’Evêque, Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives, Saint-Sever-Calvados, Thury-Harcourt, Trévières, Trouville-sur-Mer, Vassy and Vire.

The canton of Cabourg, with the exception of the municipalities of Colombelles, Escoville, Hérouvillette and Ranville. The canton of Falaise-Nord, with the exception of the municipalities of Aubigny, Bons-Tassilly, Falaise, Potigny, Saint-Pierre-Canivet, Soulangy, Soumont-Saint-Quentin, Ussy and Villers-Canivet. The canton of Villers-Bocage, with the exception of the municipalities of Le Locheur, Missy and Noyers-Bocage.

The municipalities of Airan, Argences, Barou-en-Auge, Bazenville, la Caine, Canteloup, Cléville, Courcy, Commes, Curcy-sur-Orne, Goupillières, Grimbosq, Hamars, La Hoguette, Janville, Jort, Longues-sur-Mer, Louvagny, Magny-en-Bessin, Le Manoir, Manvieux, Montigny, Moult, Les Moutiers-en-Auge, Les Moutiers-en-Cinglais, Norrey-en-Auge, Ouffières, Préaux-Bocage, Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, Ryes, Saint-Vaast-sur-Seulles, Saint-Ouen-du-Mesnil-Oger, Saint-Pair, Saint-Pierre-du-Jonquet, Sainte-Honorine-du-Fay, Saint-Martin-de-sallen, Sommervieu, Tracy-sur-Mer, Troarn, Trois-Monts, Vaux-sur-Aure, Vendeuvre and Vienne-en-Bessin.

In the department of Eure

In the department of Eure

The entire cantons of Bernay-est, Beuzeville, Cormeilles and Thiberville.

The canton of Bernay-Ouest, with the exception of the municipalities of Plasnes and Valailles. The canton of Broglie, with the exception of the municipality of Mesnil-Rousset. The canton of Pont-Audemer, with the exception of the municipalities of Colletot and Corneville-sur-Risle. The canton of Quillebeuf-sur-Seine, with the exception of the municipalities of Aizier, Bourneville, Sainte-Croix-sur-Aizier, Tocqueville and Vieux-Port. The canton of Saint-Georges-du-Vièvre, with the exception of the municipalities of Saint-Benoît-des-Ombres, Saint-Christophe-sur-Condé, Saint-Grégoire-du-Vièvre and Saint-Pierre-des-Ifs.

The municipalities of Morsan, Notre-Dame-d’Epine and Saint-Victor-d’Epine.

In the department of La Manche

In the department of La Manche

The entire cantons of Barenton, Barneville-Carteret, Brécey, Bréhal, Canisy, Carentan, Cerisy-la-Salle, Coutances, Gavray, La Haye-du-Puits, La Haye-Pesnel, Isigny-le-Buat, Juvigny-le-Tertre, Lessay, Marigny, Montebourg, Montmartin-sur-Mer, Mortain, Percy, Périers, Sourdeval, Saint-Clair-sur-l’Elle, Sainte-Mère-Eglise, Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët, Saint-Jean-de-Daye, Saint-Lô, Saint-Lô-Est, Saint-Lô-Ouest, Saint-Malo-de-la-Lande, Saint-Ovin, Saint-Pois, Saint-Sauveur-Lendelin, Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte, Le Teilleul, Tessy-sur-Vire, Torigni-sur-Vire, Valognes, Vesly and Villedieu-les-Poêles.

The canton of Avranches, with the exception of the municipalities of Avranches, Marcey-les-Grèves, Saint-Martin-des-Champs, Vains and Le Val-Saint-Père. The canton of Quettehou, with the exception of the municipality of Octeville-l’Avenel.

The municipalities of Les Chéris, Marcilly and Le Mesnil-Ozenne.

In the department of l'Orne

In the department of l'Orne

The entire cantons of Athis-de-l’Orne, Briouze, Domfront, La Ferté-Macé, Flers, Flers-Nord, Flers-Sud, Gacé, Juvigny-sous-Andaine, Le Merlerault, Messei, Passais, Putanges-Pont-Ecrepin, Sées, Tinchebray and Vimoutiers.

The canton of Carrouges, with the exception of the municipality of Ciral. The canton of Courtomer, with the exception of the municipalities of Bures and Sainte-Scolasse-sur-Sarthe. The canton of Ecouché, with the exception of the municipalities of Goulet and Sentilly. The canton of Exmes, with the exception of the municipality of Silly-en-Gouffern. The canton of Ferté-Frênel, with the exception of the municipalities of Couvains, Gauville, Glos-la-Ferrière, Marnefer and Saint-Nicolas-de-Sommaire. The canton of Mortrée, with the exception of the municipalities of Boissei-la-Lande, Marcei, Médavy, Saint-Christophe-le-Jajolet and Saint-Loyer-des-Champs.

The municipalities of Boitron, Bursard, Chambois, Coudehard, Ecorches, Essay, Louvières-en-Auge, Mont-Ormel, Montreuil-la-Cambe, Neauphe-sur-Dive, Nécy, Saint-Gervais-des-Sablons, Saint-Lambert-sur-Dives and Trun.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Link with the geographical area

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area

Specificity of the geographical area

The geographical area of ‘Pont-l’Evêque’ covers part of the territory of the three departments of Lower Normandy (Calvados, Manche and Orne) and the western fringe of the department of Eure. This area benefits from a temperate oceanic climate, with abundant precipitation (> 700 mm) distributed evenly throughout the year. There are gently rolling pasture landscapes in which fields enclosed by hedgerows predominate and a dense network of rivers with many associated marshes. Grassland, which has historically made up a vast proportion of the farm land of the geographical area, still accounts for over half of it.

This region with a long tradition of cattle farming is the cradle of the Normande breed, which, though it faces competition from the more productive Prim'Holstein breed, has always been present in the geographical area. There is a declared wish to maintain and increase its numbers. Nowadays, too, the feeding conditions of the dairy cows are marked by the predominance of grass in the animals’ diet and the consumption of this grass by grazing for at least six months of the year. Therefore a minimum area under grass for each dairy cow has been defined for the holdings. In addition, in order to assert the primacy of grass, in particular in relation to maize, holdings have, for the purpose of feeding their herds, an area under grass that is twice as large as the land under maize.

These age-old pasture and dairy farming traditions, which exist still today, have led to the development of recognised know-how in the making of soft cheeses. These ancient skills have been kept alive by a cheese processing method that uses curdling vats of a limited size and relies exclusively on rennet of animal origin and where the curd is cut into very small to medium-sized pieces.

This cheese, which is consumed after a relatively short ripening period, earned its reputation as early as 1622: Hélie le Cordier, a writer from Normandy, published a poem in 16 cantos in honour of ‘Pont-l’Evêque’. It contains the following well-known sentence: ‘Tout le monde également l’aime car il est fait avec tant d’art que, jeune ou vieux, il n’est que crème’. Gradually, in an effort to set ‘Pont-l’Evêque’ apart from other cheeses, the cheese acquired its square shape when wooden moulds started being used at the beginning of the 18th century .

5.2.   Specificity of the product

Specificity of the product

‘Pont-l’Evêque’ is a cow’s milk cheese with a soft paste which, since the introduction of wooden moulds in the 18th century, has had a square or rectangular shape with sharp edges and corners. Its whitish to reddish rind encloses a supple, non-sticky paste whose colour ranges from ivory to straw yellow. It has a mild taste with flavours that are often milky and plant-like and sometimes slightly smoky.

5.3.   Causal link between the geographical area and the quality or characteristics of the product (for PDO) or a specific quality, the reputation or other characteristic of the product (for PGI)

Causal link between the geographical area and the quality or characteristics of the product (for PDO) or a specific quality, the reputation or other characteristic of the product (for PGI)

The rainy and mild climatic conditions of the geographical area mean that grass production is significant throughout the year. This in turn makes it possible to produce milk from animals that have been fed mainly on grass. The milk, which comes from cows that graze for long periods of time, is very well suited to cheese-making This specificity is further reinforced by the presence of animals of the Normande breed.

Alongside this pasture and dairy farming expertise, cheese-making skills developed which have been crucial to the reputation that ‘Pont-l’Evêque’ has had since olden times. The cheese-making skills used rely on ‘soft cheese’ technologies, where the ripening period is fairly short. These technologies are very well adapted to the absence of climatic and topographical constraints that would make it necessary to preserve the milk in the form of cheese for a very long time. The result is a mild and tasty cheese whose excellent quality has been recognised for centuries.

Reference to publication of the specification

Reference to publication of the specification

(Article 5(7) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (5))

5

https://www.inao.gouv.fr/fichier/CDCPontl-Eveque.pdf

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

1

(2)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12. Replaced by Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

2

(3)  OJ L 148, 21.6.1996, p. 1.

3

(4)  Replaced by Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

4

(5)  See footnote 4.

5

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