# Official Journal C 178/2014

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 178 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5712 June 2014 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 178

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5712 June 2014

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2014/C 178/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.7212 — HML/MMC/MMC Superalloy Corporation) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2014/C 178/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.7212 — HML/MMC/MMC Superalloy Corporation) (
  1
  )

1

1

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2014/C 178/02 | Fifteenth Progress Report on the implementation of the EU Strategy to Combat Illicit Accumulation and Trafficking of SALW and their Ammunition — (2013/I) | 2 |
| 2014/C 178/03 | Sixteenth Progress Report on the implementation of the EU Strategy to Combat Illicit Accumulation and Trafficking of SALW and their Ammunition — (2013/II) | 9 |
| | European Commission |
| 2014/C 178/04 | Euro exchange rates | 20 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2014/C 178/05 | Communication from the Minister for National Development of Hungary pursuant to Article 3(2) of Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons | 21 |
| 2014/C 178/06 | Communication from the Minister for National Development of Hungary pursuant to Article 3(2) of Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons | 25 |
| 2014/C 178/07 | Communication from the Minister for National Development of Hungary pursuant to Article 3(2) of Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons | 29 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2014/C 178/02

Fifteenth Progress Report on the implementation of the EU Strategy to Combat Illicit Accumulation and Trafficking of SALW and their Ammunition — (2013/I)

2

2014/C 178/03

Sixteenth Progress Report on the implementation of the EU Strategy to Combat Illicit Accumulation and Trafficking of SALW and their Ammunition — (2013/II)

9

European Commission

2014/C 178/04

Euro exchange rates

20

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2014/C 178/05

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

21

2014/C 178/06

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

25

2014/C 178/07

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

29

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) |
| 2014/C 178/08 | Notice of open competition | 34 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2014/C 178/09 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7188 — Remondis Nederland/SITA Recycling Services/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 35 |
| 2014/C 178/10 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7216 — Reggeborgh/Argos Energy Group) (
  1
  ) | 36 |
| 2014/C 178/11 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7301 — PAI partners/Euro Media Group) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 37 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2014/C 178/12 | Publication of an 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 | 38 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

2014/C 178/08

Notice of open competition

34

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2014/C 178/09

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7188 — Remondis Nederland/SITA Recycling Services/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

35

2014/C 178/10

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7216 — Reggeborgh/Argos Energy Group) (
  1
  )

1

36

2014/C 178/11

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7301 — PAI partners/Euro Media Group) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

37

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2014/C 178/12

Publication of an 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

38

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| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

| EN | |
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EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 12.6.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 178/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.6.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 178/1

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.7212 — HML/MMC/MMC Superalloy Corporation)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2014/C 178/01

On 4 June 2014, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English language and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

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

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) under document number 32014M7212. EUR-Lex is the online access to the European law. |
| --- | --- |

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in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) under document number 32014M7212. EUR-Lex is the online access to the European law.

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

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 12.6.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 178/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.6.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 178/2

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Fifteenth Progress Report on the implementation of the EU Strategy to Combat Illicit Accumulation and Trafficking of SALW and their Ammunition — (2013/I)

2014/C 178/02

I.   INTRODUCTION

The fifteenth progress report on the implementation of the EU Strategy to Combat Illicit Accumulation and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and their Ammunition covers EU activities during the first half of 2013 (from 1 January 2013 until 30 June 2013). The report was prepared by the EEAS Division for Weapons of Mass Destruction, Conventional Weapons and Space in cooperation with other relevant EEAS and European Commission services. During the reporting period, the EU continued to promote the issues related to SALW and their ammunition in all multilateral fora as well as in its political dialogue with third countries in the context of relevant international instruments, such as the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (PoA). In particular, the EU actively participated in the final UN diplomatic conference on the ATT (18-28 March 2013, New York) and welcomed the adoption of the ATT by the UN General Assembly on 2 April 2013. Over the period, the EU also continued the implementation of a wide range of projects on combating or preventing the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and their ammunition, and started the elaboration of new initiatives to be further developed over the next months.

II.   IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACTION PLAN CONTAINED IN THE EU SALW STRATEGY

II.1.   Effective multilateralism to develop universal, regional and national mechanisms to counter the supply and destabilising spread of SALW and their ammunition

(a)   Implementation of the 2001 UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects

In the framework of the Council Decision in support of activities of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) to implement the PoA (Council Decision 2011/428/CFSP of 18 July 2011), a regional meeting on the implementation of the PoA was organized jointly with the League of Arab States (LAS) Secretariat from 10-11 June 2013 in Cairo for Member States of the LAS.

This meeting was the first regional meeting on the implementation of the PoA to be undertaken after the 2012 Review Conference, where all UN Member States agreed, by consensus, on an Outcome Document to strengthen the full and effective implementation of the PoA in the future. Discussions on the results of the Review Conference represented a significant part of the meeting in Cairo. A number of LAS States also expressed an eagerness to receive training in ammunition management and welcomed the fact that the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG) has been translated into Arabic as part of the implementation of activities under the Council Decision. The UN SaferGuard IATG software, which was also developed with EU support for UNODA activities in order to provide an accurate and efficient way for experts in the field to implement the IATG ammunition safety standards, was also well-received by LAS Member States (see http://www.un.org/disarmament/un-saferguard/).

In the first half of 2013, further important strides forward with regard to the implementation of Council Decision 2011/428/CFSP have also been taken in setting up weapons-marking machines in three African countries. On the basis of extensive consultations, relevant authorities in Burkina Faso and Togo, and, significantly, Mali, made the request to receive these marking machines. Mali is in the process of consolidating its armed forces (with assistance from the French Government) and is expected to launch a major procurement initiative in the coming months. Its reform efforts would potentially align well with a marking programme. UNODA is working with all three countries on the formalization of the provision of the marking machines, which will be a focus of the implementation of the Council Decision in the coming months. At the same time, given the successful completion of the UN SaferGuard IATG and its implementation software, an inaugural meeting of the Technical Review Board under the UN SaferGuard programme will be organized in November 2013 to further take the programme forward.

(b)   Arms Trade Treaty

The EU very much welcomes the successful adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and firmly believes that, when widely and effectively implemented, the ATT can make a significant difference in making legal international arms transfers more responsible and transparent, and in combatting the illegal trade in arms. To this regard, the EU intends to support the universalization and full implementation of the Treaty.

The inclusion of SALW in the ATT’s provisions was an important step. More stringent controls on legal international transfers of SALW for instance through more robust end-user controls and assurances and diversion mitigation measures can further reduce the risk of those SALW falling into the illegal trafficking. As such, the ATT will complement other relevant UN instruments such as the UN PoA and the UN Firearms Protocol.

The EU actively participated in the final UN diplomatic conference on the ATT (18-28 March 2013, New York) in line with its UN observer status. For lack of consensus and the opposition of only three UN States (Syria, DPRK and Iran), the draft Treaty text elaborated by the conference was taken up by the UN General Assembly which adopted it by vote on 2 April. All EU Member States have signed the Arms Trade Treaty since it was opened for signature on 3 June and ratification is now underway, depending on the relevant EU and national procedural requirements.

Following the completion of Council Decision 2010/336/CFSP of 14 June 2010, promoting the ATT process through the organization of a series of worldwide regional seminars, Council Decision 2013/43/CFSP was adopted on 22 January 2013 in order to continue the EU support in this area. Two seminars took place in Geneva in March and June 2013 and gathered most relevant stakeholders, respectively in preparation of the March diplomatic conference and in assessing the future implementation challenges.

(c)   Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms

A draft Council Decision for the Conclusion of the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, their Parts and Components and Ammunition (Firearms Protocol), supplementing the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, was adopted on 22 March 2013 and it is expected that the Council, with the consent of the European Parliament, will adopt it by the end of the year. The legislative proposal is aimed at finalizing the process of transposition into EU legislation of the provisions of the Firearms Protocol. The conclusion of the Firearms Protocol by the EU is still pending and represents an international commitment for the EU.

Through the Instrument for Stability (IfS) long-term component, a three-year (March 2011-February 2014) project to prevent and counter trans-national illicit trade in firearms by promoting the ratification and implementation of the Firearms Protocol continued in the first half of 2013. The geographical scope of the project encompasses West Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Togo), South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay) and the Caribbean (Jamaica). Targeted technical assistance continued to be provided on legislative harmonization and capacity-building on SALW management in line with the aim of promoting the ratification and implementation of the Firearms Protocol in Latin America, the Caribbean and West Africa. The project also raises awareness on SALW issues to enhance civil society participation and oversight in this area. Further foreseen activities include the conduct of a study on trans-regional trafficking of firearms which will provide partner countries with evidence to support policy making. The project is implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

In the framework of the IfS long-term component, the EU is also providing financial assistance to INTERPOL for the development and roll out of a database for tracking and tracing lost, stolen, trafficked and smuggled firearms (iARMS) via the Interpol I24/7 system in order to facilitate regional and trans-regional information exchange and investigative cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The pilot roll out (2011-2012) focused also on West Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Togo), South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay) and the Caribbean (Jamaica) and also included additional European countries (Czech Republic, Croatia, Portugal, Spain). The contract for the second phase of IfS long-term support to Interpol’s iARMS system commenced in January 2013 (2013-2014). The second phase aims at enhancing the functionality of the system and at making iARMS available to all 190 INTERPOL members. The project also foresees related capacity-building, training and criminal intelligence services on combating firearms-related crime.

In order to further strengthen the EU’s approach to the issue of firearms, the Commission (DG Home) is currently developing a Communication for October 2013 to identify areas for further legislative and operational action. The Communication will take stock, from a law enforcement perspective, of existing EU actions to reduce trafficking of firearms and present how the Commission sees future steps in this area. The Commission is also in the process of defining a relevant ‘2015 Firearms Package,’ possibly including legislative proposals, firstly on firearms deactivation and marking proceedings and secondly on approximating criminal sanctions against illicit trafficking in firearms.

A Commission Decision establishing a Commission expert group on firearms trafficking has also been adopted in March 2013 and the first meeting of the Group of Experts is scheduled for the end of 2013. The Group should be composed of experts from the internal security field, including producers of firearms and researchers and any other individuals who, in the Commission’s view, offer valuable expertise which may assist the Commission with possible drafting of legislative proposals and policy initiatives to improve measures against this illicit trafficking in firearms to safeguard the EU’s internal security.

The Council has also included the strategic goal of reducing the risk to citizens of firearms among the crime priorities of the 2014-17 policy cycle. It is important for the EU to take the operational lead in supporting international standards by tackling the persistent and intractable problem of illegal trafficking in firearms. The decision to include firearms in the next policy cycle is an ideal opportunity to provide the necessary spur to action on the part of the Member States and Europol.

Finally, a Euro Barometer Survey is being prepared to gauge views on the EU’s role in tackling the risk of firearms, with the intention of reaching a wider range of stakeholders, including victims organizations and other civil society organizations.

(d)   Export controls

Arms export control outreach activities have been further sustained with the adoption of Council Decision 2012/711/CFSP foreseeing a new series of activities in support of third countries, including regional seminars, study visits, staff exchanges, and individual assistance. The implementation of the Council Decision started early in 2013 with a legal review of the Montenegrin draft export control law (March 2013), a regional workshop on end-use controls in Skopje for South Eastern European countries (June 2013) and a study visit hosted by Sweden for officials of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Belarus (June 2013).

Political dialogues on arms export controls issues took place with Norway and Ukraine in the first semester of 2013.

II.2.   SALW in the framework of political dialogues with third countries and regional organisations, SALW clauses

SALW issues were included in the agenda of a number of the EU’s regular political dialogues with third countries and cooperation with regional organizations. Political dialogue meetings on non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control issues at working group level were organised with Russia (Moscow, 4 March 2013) and Ukraine (Brussels, 15 May 2013). Furthermore, the newly-appointed Principal Advisor and Special Envoy for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament held a number of informal consultations with various actors in the margins of important events, including the ATT Conference held in March 2013 in New York (including Algeria, Brazil, Egypt, India, NATO, Nigeria, Mexico, Pakistan, United States, Venezuela, UNODA, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Peru, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand), the Second NPT PrepCom held in April-May 2013 in Geneva (including Egypt, the League of Arab States, South Africa, Peru), and the Third CWC Review Conference held in April 2013 in The Hague (including the OPCW and the United States).

In line with the Council Conclusions on the inclusion of a SALW element in agreements between the EU and third countries adopted in December 2008, SALW elements are currently being negotiated with Afghanistan, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mercosur, New Zealand, and Singapore for inclusion in their respective agreements with the EU.

II.3.   Specific EU project assistance to Third Countries and Regional Organisations

(a)   Western Balkans

| I. | On 1 April 2013, a follow-up programme started to continue to improve, through the Instrument for Stability (IfS) short-term component, the security, safety and development perspectives for the individuals and the local communities that would be affected by accidental explosions at ammunition storage sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The programme will focus solely on high hazardous and unstable ammunition that is declared for destruction due to its poor conditions and improve safety standards of ammunition storage depots. The latter part will be implemented in partnership with the OSCE Mission to BIH. The programme will also provide assistance to improve the ammunition inspection and verification mechanisms of the BiH Government and to enhance legal and administrative expertise and good practice within the authorities. |
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I.

On 1 April 2013, a follow-up programme started to continue to improve, through the Instrument for Stability (IfS) short-term component, the security, safety and development perspectives for the individuals and the local communities that would be affected by accidental explosions at ammunition storage sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The programme will focus solely on high hazardous and unstable ammunition that is declared for destruction due to its poor conditions and improve safety standards of ammunition storage depots. The latter part will be implemented in partnership with the OSCE Mission to BIH. The programme will also provide assistance to improve the ammunition inspection and verification mechanisms of the BiH Government and to enhance legal and administrative expertise and good practice within the authorities.

| II. | Following the commitments expressed in Tirana Declaration on fight against illicit arms Trafficking in Western Balkans, the EUD/EUSR in BIH closely cooperated with the UNDP during the organisation and implementation of the ministerial conference on ‘Arms Control in the context of EU enlargement’ which took place from 18 to 19 June 2013. The conference targeted high level representatives of BiH authorities dealing with the area of arms control as well as international organisations involved in this topic. Effective fight against the illicit arms trafficking and the collection of the illegal weapons across the entire territory of BiH were two main areas discussed at the conference. The EUD/EUSR in BIH liaised with EUROPOL facilitating their presentations at the conference dedicated to the impact of illicit arms trafficked from Western Balkans countries in the EU. In addition, the EUD/EUSR chaired the panel on illicit arms trafficking and also delivered presentation on main EU requirements and standards in this field. BiH authorities were invited to consider transposing relevant provisions of the Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons and Directive 2008/51/EC amending Council Directive 91/477/EEC into national legislation pertaining to definitions, categorisation, marking system as well as the enhanced cooperation in the field of illicit arms trafficking. The participants at the conference concluded that stronger law enforcement cooperation, information and intelligence exchange as well as further approximation of the legislative framework with international and EU standards is necessary to counter the illicit arms trafficking. It was also recognised that a campaign to collect illegal weapons in BiH should be implemented in a time-coordinated manner across the entire country and pursuant to the international standards for small arms control. |
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II.

Following the commitments expressed in Tirana Declaration on fight against illicit arms Trafficking in Western Balkans, the EUD/EUSR in BIH closely cooperated with the UNDP during the organisation and implementation of the ministerial conference on ‘Arms Control in the context of EU enlargement’ which took place from 18 to 19 June 2013. The conference targeted high level representatives of BiH authorities dealing with the area of arms control as well as international organisations involved in this topic. Effective fight against the illicit arms trafficking and the collection of the illegal weapons across the entire territory of BiH were two main areas discussed at the conference. The EUD/EUSR in BIH liaised with EUROPOL facilitating their presentations at the conference dedicated to the impact of illicit arms trafficked from Western Balkans countries in the EU. In addition, the EUD/EUSR chaired the panel on illicit arms trafficking and also delivered presentation on main EU requirements and standards in this field. BiH authorities were invited to consider transposing relevant provisions of the Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons and Directive 2008/51/EC amending Council Directive 91/477/EEC into national legislation pertaining to definitions, categorisation, marking system as well as the enhanced cooperation in the field of illicit arms trafficking. The participants at the conference concluded that stronger law enforcement cooperation, information and intelligence exchange as well as further approximation of the legislative framework with international and EU standards is necessary to counter the illicit arms trafficking. It was also recognised that a campaign to collect illegal weapons in BiH should be implemented in a time-coordinated manner across the entire country and pursuant to the international standards for small arms control.

| III. | The EU is currently also considering to continue its previous support to the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of SALW (SEESAC) in order to further reduce the threat of the illicit trafficking of SALW in South East Europe. Building upon the successful implementation of Council Decision 2010/179/CFSP, a possible follow-up project could expand its scope to include the Republic of Moldova and Kosovo (1) while at the same time strengthening the regional cooperation aspect as the most efficient vehicle for ensuring long term impact and sustainability. |
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III.

The EU is currently also considering to continue its previous support to the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of SALW (SEESAC) in order to further reduce the threat of the illicit trafficking of SALW in South East Europe. Building upon the successful implementation of Council Decision 2010/179/CFSP, a possible follow-up project could expand its scope to include the Republic of Moldova and Kosovo (1) while at the same time strengthening the regional cooperation aspect as the most efficient vehicle for ensuring long term impact and sustainability.

| IV. | Finally, EUFOR Althea continued to participate in the efforts of the international community to address the issue of surplus stocks of conventional ammunition held by the BiH MoD. |
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IV.

Finally, EUFOR Althea continued to participate in the efforts of the international community to address the issue of surplus stocks of conventional ammunition held by the BiH MoD.

(b)   OSCE region

In the framework of Council Decision 2012/662/CFSP in support of activities to reduce the risk of illicit trade in, and excessive accumulation of, Small Arms and Light Weapons in the region covered by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the following activities were conducted during the reporting period:

An expert level training on enforcement of brokering controls on SALW took place on 24-26 April 2013 in Vienna for 12 countries from South East Europe, Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. The training focused on investigation and prosecution techniques. It was organized by the OSCE together with experts from the United Kingdom and was also conducted with the participation of UNODA, UNODC and the US Export Control and Related Border Security Programme. Participants learned about legislation, procedures and techniques for investigation and prosecution and also engaged in two case studies. Among other things, the training underlined the need for enhancing existing brokering legislation in some countries, especially with regard to their criminal law. Possible follow-up steps are currently being considered on this issue.

Following the presentation of an electronic SALW and ammunition record keeping application to OSCE participating States in Minsk on 28-30 May 2013, a six month testing period has now started with the Ministries of Defence of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Tajikistan taking an active part in this process. They received testing laptops with installed software and user manuals. A few other OSCE participating States expressed interest in obtaining additional information on the software with a view to join the project at a later stage. The software will also be translated into English, Serbo-Croatian, and Moldovan.

The Council Decision’s activities dedicated to physical security improvements of SALW storages and SALW destruction in Belarus and Kyrgyzstan concentrated on the development of the necessary legal framework and initial planning of further concrete implementation steps.

(c)   Africa

| I. | In the first half of 2013, the implementation of Council Decision 2012/121/CFSP in support of activities to promote EU-China-Africa dialogue and cooperation on conventional arms controls continued. So far, the project has shown some tangible results in terms of developing increased awareness and dialogue amongst civil society, industry, and government representatives of China, the EU, and African States on combating the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW in Africa, especially in Eastern Africa. So far, more than thirty bilateral meetings took place in Africa, China and EU Member States as well as three meetings of the Africa-China-EU Expert Working Group on Conventional Arms (EWG), one study visit to South Sudan, and a Regional Conference on Tackling Illicit SALW and Ammunition in Eastern Africa in Nairobi (2-3 July 2013). The latter was held under the aegis of the EWG and hosted by the Africa Peace Forum and Saferworld, in cooperation with the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms (KNFP) and the Regional Centre on Small Arms in the Great Lakes Region the Horn of Africa and Bordering States (RECSA), thus also meaningfully complementing the ongoing IfS support to RECSA (see further below II.).
  All these activities have shown an increased engagement from the Chinese side, including from senior military experts. Newspaper articles have started to devote attention to the issue of illicit SALW in Africa and make suggestions on what China should do to address this problem. The seminar in Nairobi also attracted significant media coverage in China. Furthermore, the translation of relevant materials is contributing towards increased awareness and knowledge of the SALW problem in Africa and has created opportunities for dialogue and debate on responsible SALW transfer controls amongst scholars, think tank experts and students.
  Good cooperative dynamics have developed amongst the members of the EWG who are engaging together in policy dialogues, holding consultations with officials and civil society representatives, and joining fact-finding visits to the field. Its members hold a substantial and varied set of experiences and networks on which the project is drawing in order to meet its objectives. This includes, but is not limited to, the Chinese military, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dutch military, United Nations disarmament missions, United Nations arms embargo investigation teams, the South Sudanese military, the South Sudanese small arms bureau, the Ugandan police, the Ugandan National Focal point on SALW, the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nairobi-based Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA), several governmental and non-governmental SALW-related field projects and numerous ties to diplomats, officials and civil society representatives across Europe, China and Africa.
  The project’s policy dialogue and advocacy activities have also been instrumental in the return of the issue of SALW on the agenda of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). At the Fifth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC, China committed itself to support African efforts ‘to combat illegal trade and circulation of small arms and light weapons’(Item 2.6, the Fifth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC, Beijing Action Plan 2013-2015). |
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I.

In the first half of 2013, the implementation of Council Decision 2012/121/CFSP in support of activities to promote EU-China-Africa dialogue and cooperation on conventional arms controls continued. So far, the project has shown some tangible results in terms of developing increased awareness and dialogue amongst civil society, industry, and government representatives of China, the EU, and African States on combating the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW in Africa, especially in Eastern Africa. So far, more than thirty bilateral meetings took place in Africa, China and EU Member States as well as three meetings of the Africa-China-EU Expert Working Group on Conventional Arms (EWG), one study visit to South Sudan, and a Regional Conference on Tackling Illicit SALW and Ammunition in Eastern Africa in Nairobi (2-3 July 2013). The latter was held under the aegis of the EWG and hosted by the Africa Peace Forum and Saferworld, in cooperation with the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms (KNFP) and the Regional Centre on Small Arms in the Great Lakes Region the Horn of Africa and Bordering States (RECSA), thus also meaningfully complementing the ongoing IfS support to RECSA (see further below II.).

All these activities have shown an increased engagement from the Chinese side, including from senior military experts. Newspaper articles have started to devote attention to the issue of illicit SALW in Africa and make suggestions on what China should do to address this problem. The seminar in Nairobi also attracted significant media coverage in China. Furthermore, the translation of relevant materials is contributing towards increased awareness and knowledge of the SALW problem in Africa and has created opportunities for dialogue and debate on responsible SALW transfer controls amongst scholars, think tank experts and students.

Good cooperative dynamics have developed amongst the members of the EWG who are engaging together in policy dialogues, holding consultations with officials and civil society representatives, and joining fact-finding visits to the field. Its members hold a substantial and varied set of experiences and networks on which the project is drawing in order to meet its objectives. This includes, but is not limited to, the Chinese military, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dutch military, United Nations disarmament missions, United Nations arms embargo investigation teams, the South Sudanese military, the South Sudanese small arms bureau, the Ugandan police, the Ugandan National Focal point on SALW, the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nairobi-based Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA), several governmental and non-governmental SALW-related field projects and numerous ties to diplomats, officials and civil society representatives across Europe, China and Africa.

The project’s policy dialogue and advocacy activities have also been instrumental in the return of the issue of SALW on the agenda of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). At the Fifth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC, China committed itself to support African efforts ‘to combat illegal trade and circulation of small arms and light weapons’(Item 2.6, the Fifth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC, Beijing Action Plan 2013-2015).

| II. | In the framework of the Instrument for Stability long-term component, the EU continued the implementation of a project to support the fight against the illicit accumulation of and trade in firearms and ammunition in Africa, through the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA), located in Nairobi. This project contributes to the implementation of the Peace and Security component of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy. Main activities include institutional strengthening of target countries and RECSA, promotion of effective SALW management (arms marking, record keeping, stockpile management and destruction) and information generation on SALW. The current support to RECSA ended in June 2013 after the completion of a study examining the level of implementation of the regional and international SALW commitments of Sub-Saharan countries. A second phase of EU support to RECSA was agreed in December 2012 and commenced in July 2013 upon completion of the project’s first phase. |
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II.

In the framework of the Instrument for Stability long-term component, the EU continued the implementation of a project to support the fight against the illicit accumulation of and trade in firearms and ammunition in Africa, through the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA), located in Nairobi. This project contributes to the implementation of the Peace and Security component of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy. Main activities include institutional strengthening of target countries and RECSA, promotion of effective SALW management (arms marking, record keeping, stockpile management and destruction) and information generation on SALW. The current support to RECSA ended in June 2013 after the completion of a study examining the level of implementation of the regional and international SALW commitments of Sub-Saharan countries. A second phase of EU support to RECSA was agreed in December 2012 and commenced in July 2013 upon completion of the project’s first phase.

| III. | On 24 June 2013, the Council adopted Decision 2013/320/CFSP to provide up to 5 million euros in EU support for assisting the Libyan authorities in their tremendous task of securing their massive volume of stockpiles in conventional weapons and ammunition. The EU offers this support to help the responsible authorities in Libya stop the further uncontrolled spread of conventional weapons and ammunition, which continues to fuel insecurity in Libya, its neighbouring countries and the broader region. This assistance is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to support the transition process to democracy, sustainable peace and security in Libya. The Council Decision complements the efforts of the EU Border Assistance Mission in Libya to develop Libya’s capacity for enhancing the security of their land, sea and air borders in the short term, and to develop a broader Integrated Border Management (IBM) strategy in the long term. |
| --- | --- |

III.

On 24 June 2013, the Council adopted Decision 2013/320/CFSP to provide up to 5 million euros in EU support for assisting the Libyan authorities in their tremendous task of securing their massive volume of stockpiles in conventional weapons and ammunition. The EU offers this support to help the responsible authorities in Libya stop the further uncontrolled spread of conventional weapons and ammunition, which continues to fuel insecurity in Libya, its neighbouring countries and the broader region. This assistance is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to support the transition process to democracy, sustainable peace and security in Libya. The Council Decision complements the efforts of the EU Border Assistance Mission in Libya to develop Libya’s capacity for enhancing the security of their land, sea and air borders in the short term, and to develop a broader Integrated Border Management (IBM) strategy in the long term.

| IV. | In addition, a joint project by DanChurchAid (DCA) and Danish Refugee Council (DRC), which is funded by the Instrument for Stability short-term component, has been providing risk education on SALW to the civilian population in Libya since September 2012. It aims to help reduce the number of accidents related to, and the visual presence of, SALW. DCA also advocates with local authorities policies on the safe management of SALW to help prevent armed violence. So far, 11 training courses took place for the Ministries of Interior and Defence on the clearance of mines/UXO. In the Tripoli area 96 800 m2 of land were cleared. In the Southern Sabha area, an agreement was signed to train explosive ordnance disposal searchers and mine/UXO risk education was delivered to 2 452 people from migrant communities, fire services and schools. |
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IV.

In addition, a joint project by DanChurchAid (DCA) and Danish Refugee Council (DRC), which is funded by the Instrument for Stability short-term component, has been providing risk education on SALW to the civilian population in Libya since September 2012. It aims to help reduce the number of accidents related to, and the visual presence of, SALW. DCA also advocates with local authorities policies on the safe management of SALW to help prevent armed violence. So far, 11 training courses took place for the Ministries of Interior and Defence on the clearance of mines/UXO. In the Tripoli area 96 800 m2 of land were cleared. In the Southern Sabha area, an agreement was signed to train explosive ordnance disposal searchers and mine/UXO risk education was delivered to 2 452 people from migrant communities, fire services and schools.

| V. | Two further projects in African States, which are both funded by the Instrument for Stability short-term component, continue to support assistance (1) to the Government of South Sudan on arms control, in particular through capacity building measures aimed at peacefully reducing the number of uncontrolled SALW in the hands of civilians in South Sudan; and (2) to the Government of Niger in effectively implementing its commitments from the ECOWAS Convention on SALW and the UN PoA. Both projects are being implemented by UNDP. |
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V.

Two further projects in African States, which are both funded by the Instrument for Stability short-term component, continue to support assistance (1) to the Government of South Sudan on arms control, in particular through capacity building measures aimed at peacefully reducing the number of uncontrolled SALW in the hands of civilians in South Sudan; and (2) to the Government of Niger in effectively implementing its commitments from the ECOWAS Convention on SALW and the UN PoA. Both projects are being implemented by UNDP.

(d)   Central America

| I. | The EU also continued the implementation of a project supporting the Central American Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Programme (CASAC). Through the Instrument for Stability long-term component, the project, which was previously implemented by UNDP, entered its second phase of support in September 2012 with the Security Commission of the Central American Integration System (SICA) as its implementing partner. The contribution of the EU project to the CASAC initiative aims at establishing the foundation for a regional structure and long-term strategy to fight the illicit trafficking of arms in Central America, both at national and regional level. The project is implemented in Central America and neighbouring countries, including the Caribbean region (particular focus is put on Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama). Main activities include regional and national public awareness campaigns and conferences, strengthening of national coordination mechanisms and registry systems, and cross-border projects as well as training in various areas. |
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I.

The EU also continued the implementation of a project supporting the Central American Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Programme (CASAC). Through the Instrument for Stability long-term component, the project, which was previously implemented by UNDP, entered its second phase of support in September 2012 with the Security Commission of the Central American Integration System (SICA) as its implementing partner. The contribution of the EU project to the CASAC initiative aims at establishing the foundation for a regional structure and long-term strategy to fight the illicit trafficking of arms in Central America, both at national and regional level. The project is implemented in Central America and neighbouring countries, including the Caribbean region (particular focus is put on Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama). Main activities include regional and national public awareness campaigns and conferences, strengthening of national coordination mechanisms and registry systems, and cross-border projects as well as training in various areas.

| II. | At the same time, the EU is currently also elaborating a possible Council Decision in support of further complementary activities on SALW control in Central America to specifically address CFSP objectives of necessary work to be undertaken jointly by the UN Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) and CASAC in order to successfully combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and ammunition in this region. |
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II.

At the same time, the EU is currently also elaborating a possible Council Decision in support of further complementary activities on SALW control in Central America to specifically address CFSP objectives of necessary work to be undertaken jointly by the UN Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) and CASAC in order to successfully combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and ammunition in this region.

| III. | Moreover, the Instrument for Stability short-term component is also supporting the Instituto de Enseñanza para el Desarrollo Sostenible (IEPADES) in the implementation of SALW related parts of the Central America Security Strategy, notably support to civil society in fighting and preventing crimes related to small arms and light weapons and armed violence. |
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III.

Moreover, the Instrument for Stability short-term component is also supporting the Instituto de Enseñanza para el Desarrollo Sostenible (IEPADES) in the implementation of SALW related parts of the Central America Security Strategy, notably support to civil society in fighting and preventing crimes related to small arms and light weapons and armed violence.

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

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| 12.6.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 178/9 |
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12.6.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 178/9

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Sixteenth Progress Report on the implementation of the EU Strategy to Combat Illicit Accumulation and Trafficking of SALW and their Ammunition — (2013/II)

2014/C 178/03

I.   INTRODUCTION

The sixteenth progress report on the implementation of the EU Strategy to Combat Illicit Accumulation and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and their Ammunition covers EU activities during the second half of 2013 (from 1 July 2013 until 31 December 2013). The report was prepared by the EEAS Division for Weapons of Mass Destruction, Conventional Weapons and Space in cooperation with other relevant EEAS and European Commission services. During the reporting period, the EU continued to promote the issues related to SALW and their ammunition in all multilateral fora as well as in its political dialogue with third countries in the context of relevant international instruments, such as the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (PoA) and the International Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (ITI). The adoption of an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in 2013 promises to complement and reinforce the work being done in UN instruments such as the PoA and the Firearms Protocol. The inclusion of SALW in the ATT’s scope introduces legally binding obligations and new norms for the regulation of legal transfers of SALW, which will further reduce the risk of SALW being diverted to the illegal market. Over the period, the EU also continued the implementation of a wide range of projects on combating or preventing the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and their ammunition, and adopted new Council Decisions on additional initiatives towards these goals.

II.   IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACTION PLAN CONTAINED IN THE EU SALW STRATEGY

II.1.   Effective multilateralism to develop universal, regional and national mechanisms to counter the supply and destabilising spread of SALW and their ammunition

(a)   UNGA68 First Committee

The 2013 session of the UN General Assembly First Committee offered an opportunity for the EU to support the effective and full implementation of the Outcome Document of the Second Review Conference on the Programme of Action on the Illicit Trade in Small and Light Arms (SALW) and the early entry into force, universalisation and full implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty. Several resolutions were adopted providing among others for the implementation of the UN Programme of Action. The Arms Trade Treaty became one of the most contentious issues in relation to a number of resolutions: strong language in support of the ATT and its early entry into force generated vigorous debates. The EU and EU Member States together with other delegations, expressed their overwhelming support for the Treaty and intended to include strong references in relevant draft resolutions to this effect. These efforts faced firm opposition by some and the resolutions, in most of the cases, ended up with weaker language.

Resolutions, ‘Assistance to States for curbing the illicit traffic in small arms and light weapons and collecting them’ (Mali), ‘The illicit trade of small arms and light weapons in all its aspects’ (Colombia) and ‘Problems of arising from the accumulation of conventional ammunitions stockpiles in surplus’ (Germany/France) were adopted without a vote, having previously been subject to wide discussions and consultations, also within the EU due to the ATT language they contained. All EU Member States, in line with previous years’ practice co-sponsored these resolutions. The European Union delivered an explanatory general statement before taking action on Conventional Weapons resolutions and highlighted the importance it attaches to the ATT and the first ever Security Council Resolution 2117 on Small Arms and Light Weapons. It also underlined the human rights/humanitarian consequences and the impact on violence against women and children, pointing also at the resolution on ‘Women, disarmament and arms control’ submitted by its sponsors without conducting prior consultations. The statement was supported by 25 third countries.

Resolutions ‘Transparency in Armaments’ and ‘National legislation on transfer of arms, military equipment and dual-use goods and technology’ (Netherlands) containing strong language in support of the ATT were challenged by some and finally approved by a vote of 145 in favour to none against and 28 abstentions, and 171 in favour to none against and 4 abstentions, respectively.

A separate resolution on the Arms Trade Treaty was approved by a vote of 141 in favour to none against, with 28 abstentions.

In line with the importance it attaches to the ATT, the EU offered comments and questions at an introductory session by the President of the Final UN Conference on ATT.

In the margins of the First Committee, the EU also participated in an informal meeting on the Fifth Biennial Meeting of States (BMS5) of the SALW Programme of Action reiterating the EU’s priorities in preparation of the Meeting from 16-20 June 2014.

(b)   Implementation of the 2001 UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects

The EU actively participated in all rounds of informal consultations in preparation of the 5th Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the PoA (BMS5, 16-20 June 2014, New York), which is going to be the next big UN meeting on SALW issues in the framework of the PoA after the Second Review Conference, which took place in August/September 2012. At these consultations and against the background of the substantive outcome documents, which the Second Review Conference adopted by consensus, the EU promoted the need for a focused discussion on the experiences and opportunities of peace support operations and other relevant actors to trace illicit SALW in conflict and post-conflict zones. The EU is convinced that increased and more systematic tracing in conflict zones can contribute significantly to improving our capacities to counter the illicit trade in SALW and their diversion to unauthorized end-users by, for instance, improving our knowledge on diversion channels, leaks from insufficiently secured stockpiles, or smuggling routes. Furthermore, the EU believes that BMS5 could make a significant contribution towards combating the illicit trade in SALW by examining the opportunities and challenges arising from recent developments in SALW manufacturing, technology and design for effective marking, record-keeping, tracing and securing SALW. Other important topics for BMS5 include, in the EU’s view, stockpile security and effective international cooperation and assistance.

To complement the EU’s political efforts at UN level as regards the promotion of more systematic tracing of SALW in conflict and post-conflict zones with a concrete project to practically improve the international community’s monitoring capacity in this regard and to provide relevant information for the future formulation and implementation of more evidence-based strategies and projects against the illicit spread and diversion of SALW, Council Decision 2013/698/CFSP was adopted on 25 November 2013 to establish an accessible and user-friendly global reporting mechanism on illicit SALW and other illicit conventional weapons and ammunition (‘iTrace’) to reduce the risk of their illicit trade.
   (1)

The system aims to track illicit SALW and other illicit conventional weapons and ammunition, plot specific weapon types, suppliers, transfer vectors and illegal recipients. Focused on conflict-affected regions and supplied with information from in-field research and already existing policy-relevant documentation on transfers of SALW and other conventional weapons and ammunition, iTrace is supposed to be the first global mechanism to monitor weapons trafficking systematically. It also seeks to help monitor ATT implementation, provide comprehensive information in support of ATT implementation reviews and strengthen the capacity of national governments to anticipate the impact of arms export licensing decisions.

During the reporting period, the development of the system has started and a series of field investigations to populate iTrace with real time data has commenced. Initially focusing on sub-Saharan Africa – including the Central African Republic, Libya and South Sudan – the scope of investigations is supposed to expand to the Middle East and, potentially, to South America and East Asia in 2014-2015. The implementing agency Conflict Armament Research Ltd (CAR) will launch iTrace at BMS5 in June 2014 in New York.

In the framework of the Council Decision in support of activities of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UN ODA) to implement the PoA (Council Decision 2011/428/CFSP of 18 July 2011)
   (2), a mid-term assessment of the implementation of the supported activities demonstrated the following concrete results: At the global level, the series of regional workshops on the PoA for States of Asia, Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean had a significant impact on the 2012 PoA Second Review Conference. Participating States provided feedback that the regional workshops greatly increased knowledge and awareness of SALW issues under the PoA in the lead-up to the 2012 PoA Second Review Conference. Concrete outcome documents were agreed at these regional meetings, which delineated regional and sub-regional priority issues on SALW. Moreover, increased coordination was facilitated between different national entities on the issue of SALW by the strategic effort to ensure that one representative from the capital and one representative from the Permanent Mission to the UN attended the regional meetings from each participating country. Finally, the development under the Programme of Action Implementation Support System (PoA-ISS) of the online reporting template to facilitate the submission of national reports on the implementation of the PoA was concluded successfully.

During the period of 1 July - 31 December 2013, the global work on SALW issues and the work at the 2012 Second Review Conference also translated into concrete capacity-building work in individual third countries. As regards the ITI, assistance was provided to the potential beneficiary States of Burkina Faso, Niger and Sierra Leone in preparation of the receipt of weapons marking machines in order to ensure that they would be able to begin marking and record-keeping nationally-owned weapons in accordance with the standards required under the ITI. The draft guidelines on the planning and implementation of national marking, record-keeping and tracing programmes have also been shared with West African States for their input to ensure national buy-in and to support putting in place effective and sustainable weapons-marking practices. Activities foreseen for 2014 will include the provision of the marking machines to the three beneficiary States, in-country training on the use of the machines for these three countries, and the regional training-of-trainers workshop.

During the reporting period, capacity was also built on the ground in the area of ammunition stockpile management. Intensive awareness raising and dissemination of the completed UN SaferGuard International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG) and its online implementation support tool kit (http://www.un.org/disarmament/un-saferguard/) is ongoing with the Association of Latin American Peacekeeping Training Centres (ALCOPAZ).

This has resulted in the decision of ALCOPAZ to use the IATG in their peacekeeping efforts. Brazilian national authorities in particular have also committed themselves to the task of translating the 700-page IATG into Portuguese. Awareness raising is also in the initial stages of taking place with African Countries. In the context of the regional meeting for members of the League of Arab States (LAS) to discuss the impact of the 2012 PoA Second Review Conference (10-11 June 2013, Cairo), a number of LAS States expressed an eagerness to receive training in ammunition management and welcomed the fact that the IATG have been translated into Arabic as part of the implementation of activities under the Council Decision. In 2014, advanced training on the IATG will take place in Latin America and in Africa and on-the-job mentoring on the IATG is foreseen for three Latin American and three African countries.

(c)   Arms Trade Treaty

The EU very much welcomes the successful adoption in 2013 of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and firmly believes that, when widely and effectively implemented, the ATT can make a significant difference in making legal international arms transfers more responsible and transparent, and in combatting the illegal trade in conventional arms. Towards this aim, the EU intends to support the universalization and full and effective implementation of the Treaty and adopted, in support of these objectives, Council Decision 2013/768/CFSP of 16 December 2013 on EU activities in support of the implementation of the ATT. (3) This Council Decision will provide significant funding in support of the ATT and will grant substantial diplomatic leverage to the EU when interacting with third countries about joining the ATT.

The inclusion of SALW in the ATT’s scope was an important step and more stringent controls on legal international transfers of SALW through, for instance, more robust end-user controls and assurances as well as through diversion mitigation measures can further reduce the risk of SALW being diverted to the illegal market. Thus, the ATT will also complement and reinforce other relevant UN instruments such as the PoA and the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, their Parts and Components and Ammunition (Firearms Protocol).

All EU Member States have signed the ATT since it was opened for signature on 3 June 2013 and, on 2 April 2014, seventeen EU Member States jointly deposited their ratification instruments, thereby significantly contributing to reaching the threshold of 50 ratifications needed for entry into force. Other EU Member States will soon deposit their ratification instruments, as their national ratification procedures are well underway.

(d)   Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms

A proposal for a Council Decision for the Conclusion of the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, their Parts and Components and Ammunition (Firearms Protocol), supplementing the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, was adopted on 22 March 2013 by the European Commission. On 10 December 2013, the European Parliament gave its consent to the proposal and the Council adopted the Decision on 11 February 2014. The Decision finalizes the process of transposition into EU legislation of the provisions of the Firearms Protocol. The conclusion of the Firearms Protocol by the EU was still pending and represented an international commitment for the EU.

Through the long-term component of the Instrument for Stability (IfS), which addresses global and trans-regional threats, a three-year (March 2011-February 2014) project to prevent and counter the trans-national illicit trade in firearms by promoting the ratification and implementation of the Firearms Protocol continued in the second half of 2013. The project is implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and its geographical scope encompasses West Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Togo) and South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay). Targeted technical assistance continued to be provided on legislative harmonisation and capacity-building on SALW management at national and regional levels (particularly with Mercosur’s Working Group on Firearms and Explosives) in line with the aim of promoting the ratification and implementation of the Firearms Protocol in Latin America and West Africa. More specifically, during the second part of 2013, a set of comprehensive reports have been finalised on the legislative assessment as well as gap analyses for 13 out of the 15 project countries, while tailored legislative advice and legal drafting support has been provided to 7 countries for the development of their draft national laws on firearms. A comprehensive training curriculum on firearms, which was developed in cooperation with INTERPOL and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, is in the last stage of finalisation, while the project experts revised UNODC’s Model Law Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms to reflect the synergies with the newly adopted ATT. In addition, the project sought engagement with regional civil society bodies and parliamentarians and organized capacity building workshops in order to raise awareness on SALW issues and enhance civil society participation and oversight in the implementation of firearms strategies.

In the framework of the IfS long-term component, the EU also continued to provide financial assistance to INTERPOL for the development and roll out of a database for tracking and tracing lost, stolen, trafficked and smuggled firearms (iARMS) via the Interpol I24/7 system in order to facilitate regional and trans-regional information exchange and investigative cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The first phase (2011-2012) focused on the creation of the database and the system’s pilot testing in selected countries in West Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Togo), South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay), the Caribbean (Jamaica), Europe (Czech Republic, Croatia, Portugal, Spain) and Australia. January 2013 marked the start of the project’s second phase and global roll out after the successful test run. The objective of the 2-year second phase (2013-2014) is to enhance the functionality of the system and make iARMS available to all 190 INTERPOL members. The project also foresees related capacity-building, training and criminal intelligence services on combating firearms-related crime. To date, iARMS contains around 300 000 records provided by the 107 countries which have signed up to the system. In November 2013, the first successful iARMS ‘hit’ occurred on a stolen firearm linking previously unrelated cases in Costa Rica and Panama. A third phase is in preparation for the beginning of 2015 with the objective of consolidating the achievements of the first two phases, to foster the global usage of iARMS and to exploit synergies with related systems, in the EU and elsewhere.

On 21 October 2013, the Commission adopted the Communication ‘Firearms and the Internal Security of the EU: Protecting Citizens and Disrupting Illegal Trafficking.’
   (4) The Communication takes stock, from a law enforcement perspective, of existing EU actions to reduce trafficking of firearms and presents how the Commission sees future steps in this area. The Communication sets out a comprehensive blueprint for Europe to act together in protecting the legal sale and ownership of firearms, and preventing gun-related crime. It examines some ideas on whether and how to strengthen legislation, how to step up operational cooperation between law enforcement services, and how to work better in and with third countries to stem the inflow of illicit arms. It also considers how to reduce the risk of diversion of firearms into criminal hands through the development of effective standards on deactivating civilian and military firearms, and greater efforts to reduce illicit trafficking of firearms (whether civilian or military) from outside the EU.

The Commission is also in the process of defining a relevant ‘2015 Firearms Package,’ possibly including legislative proposals, firstly on firearms deactivation and marking proceedings and secondly on approximating criminal sanctions against illicit trafficking in firearms.

A Commission Decision establishing an Expert Group on Measures Against Illicit Trafficking in Firearms to Safeguard the EU’s Internal Security has been adopted on 11 April 2013 and the first meeting of the Firearms Expert Group was held on 10 December 2013. (5) The Group is composed of experts from the internal security field, including producers of firearms and researchers and other individuals who, in the Commission’s view, offer valuable expertise which may assist the Commission with possible drafting of legislative proposals and policy initiatives to improve measures against the illicit trafficking in firearms to safeguard the EU’s internal security. The first meeting gave important suggestions about the policy priorities of two preparatory studies on new legislative proposals.

The Council also included the strategic goal of reducing the risk of firearms to the citizen, including combating illicit trafficking in firearms, among the EU’s priorities for the fight against serious and organised crime between 2014 and 2017 and, accordingly, the Council adopted an Operational Action Plan which provides the necessary spur to action on the part of the Member States and Europol.

Finally, a Euro Barometer Survey on ‘Firearms in the EU’ was published in October 2013. (6) It indicates that most EU citizens support stricter firearms controls and that two-thirds support EU action — in cooperation with national authorities – against firearms trafficking.

(e)   Export controls

During the second semester of 2013, arms export control outreach activities have further developed under Council Decision 2012/711/CFSP that provides for regional seminars, study visits, staff exchanges, and individual assistance workshops. (7) The Council Decision enabled two regional seminars respectively for Eastern European and Caucasus partners of the European Neighbourhood Policy in Tbilisi, Georgia, in October 2013 and for North African Mediterranean partners of the European Neighbourhood Policy, in Tunis, Tunisia, in November 2013. In addition, a legal review workshop took place in September 2013 in Serbia to assist in the review of the Serbian draft export control legislation and a study visit was hosted by Portugal for officials of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia in October 2013.

Political dialogues on arms export controls issues took place with Norway and the USA in the second semester of 2013.

II.2.   SALW in the framework of political dialogues with third countries and regional organisations, SALW clauses

SALW issues were included in the agenda of a number of the EU’s regular political dialogues with third countries and cooperation with regional organizations. Political dialogue meetings on non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control, mostly undertaken by the EU’s Principal Advisor and Special Envoy on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, were organised with Russia (in Moscow), Brazil (in Brussels) and China (in Beijing). He also held a number of informal consultations with various actors, including in the margins of international events such as the IAEA General Conference in Vienna (Republic of Korea), the UNGA First Committee in New York (including India, United States, Russia, UN Secretariat, South Africa), the G8 Non-Proliferation Directors Group in London (Canada), as well as with Kazakhstan (in Astana). The EU also coordinated its positions with the US at the annual EU28-US High-Level Dialogue on Nonproliferation, Disarmament, Arms Control and CBRN Risk Mitigation held on 13 December 2013 in Brussels.

In line with the Council Conclusions on the inclusion of a SALW element in agreements between the EU and third countries adopted in December 2008, further negotiations on the inclusion of SALW elements in relevant agreements took place in particular with Brunei, Japan and Kazakhstan. inter alia, the negotiations effectively contribute to awareness raising on the EU’s SALW policy, provide a forum for increasing mutual understanding of relevant positions, identify possible areas for future cooperation and encourage partner countries to make concrete headway with regard to the effective implementation of relevant international instruments on SALW control.

II.3.   Specific EU project assistance to Third Countries and Regional Organisations

(a)   Western Balkans

| I. | On 9 December 2013, the Council adopted Council Decision 2013/730/CFSP in support of SEESAC (South-Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of SALW) disarmament and arms control activities in South East Europe (8). The foreseen activities will build upon the work SEESAC completed during 2010-2012 under Council Decision 2010/179/CFSP. The Council Decision will support activities in Albania, BiH, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo (9), the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, and Serbia. Inter alia, it will help to further increase stockpile security, destroy SALW and their ammunition, improve marking and tracing of SALW, foster closer regional cooperation on SALW issues and support the collection of illegal SALW held by the population of South East European countries.
  While full-scale implementation of the Council Decision will start in January 2014, some preliminary activities already took place in late 2013. In particular, with the aim of facilitating the creation of a regional Firearms Experts Network in South East Europe, SEESAC, the Regional Unit against Organised Crime in South East Europe of the French Embassy in Belgrade and the French Interior Security Attaché co-organised a regional seminar on Combating Illicit Trafficking in Firearms in South East Europe, which took place in Podgorica, Montenegro on 26 – 28 November 2013. The seminar enabled deep and unprecedented, operational as well as strategic exchanges between customs, police and justice experts from France and from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo (10), Montenegro, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. As a result of the discussions, participants agreed on the utility of regional cooperation in combating illicit trafficking of firearms. The decision was taken to initiate a process of consultations with the relevant national authorities as a step towards establishing a regional experts network to combat illicit trafficking in firearms within which police, justice and customs services would be represented. It was agreed that SEESAC will coordinate the consultation process and act as interim Secretariat. The first meeting of the network is expected to take place in mid-2014. |
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I.

On 9 December 2013, the Council adopted Council Decision 2013/730/CFSP in support of SEESAC (South-Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of SALW) disarmament and arms control activities in South East Europe (8). The foreseen activities will build upon the work SEESAC completed during 2010-2012 under Council Decision 2010/179/CFSP. The Council Decision will support activities in Albania, BiH, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo (9), the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, and Serbia. Inter alia, it will help to further increase stockpile security, destroy SALW and their ammunition, improve marking and tracing of SALW, foster closer regional cooperation on SALW issues and support the collection of illegal SALW held by the population of South East European countries.

While full-scale implementation of the Council Decision will start in January 2014, some preliminary activities already took place in late 2013. In particular, with the aim of facilitating the creation of a regional Firearms Experts Network in South East Europe, SEESAC, the Regional Unit against Organised Crime in South East Europe of the French Embassy in Belgrade and the French Interior Security Attaché co-organised a regional seminar on Combating Illicit Trafficking in Firearms in South East Europe, which took place in Podgorica, Montenegro on 26 – 28 November 2013. The seminar enabled deep and unprecedented, operational as well as strategic exchanges between customs, police and justice experts from France and from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo (10), Montenegro, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. As a result of the discussions, participants agreed on the utility of regional cooperation in combating illicit trafficking of firearms. The decision was taken to initiate a process of consultations with the relevant national authorities as a step towards establishing a regional experts network to combat illicit trafficking in firearms within which police, justice and customs services would be represented. It was agreed that SEESAC will coordinate the consultation process and act as interim Secretariat. The first meeting of the network is expected to take place in mid-2014.

| II. | On 1 April 2013, a follow-up project started to continue to improve, through the Instrument for Stability (IfS) short-term component, the security, safety and development perspectives for the individuals and the local communities that would be affected by accidental explosions at ammunition storage sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). It is estimated that BiH has over 24 000 tonnes of military ammunition stockpiles, out of which over 17 000 tonnes are chemically unstable and represent a high risk of uncontrolled explosion which could possibly lead to human casualties and may have negative impacts for the region as well. The BiH Ministry of Defence does not possess sufficient capacities, capabilities and financial resources to ensure that appropriate standards are in place at the storage facilities. It is implemented by UNDP in partnership with the OSCE Mission to BiH and the Ministry of Defence and focuses solely on the destruction of unstable ammunition, the improvement of safety standards of ammunition storages and the development of ammunition control capacity. The project builds on and continues the work and progress already made within an Explosive Remnants of War project that was supported and funded by the EU in two phases through the IfS during 2008-2011 to an amount of approximately EUR 4,5 million.
  The project activities have been agreed with the project’s key stakeholder — the BiH Ministry of Defence — taking into account the Ministry’s policies and plans for the mid-term period as well as other initiatives aimed at supporting the Ministry and the Armed Forces. Furthermore, the quantities of unstable ammunition set for destruction have been approved by the BiH Presidency. Already at this stage, the project has brought significant progress to the rate of destruction of unstable ammunition. The intervention initially focused on the military ammunition destruction site of TROM, Doboj, where 13 ammunition and pyrotechnics specialists were deployed in order to overhaul and operate newly installed ammunition disposal machinery. The results surpassed the plans in two activities, namely industrial demilitarisation of unstable artillery ammunition (36 000 pieces planned, 70 000 pieces achieved) and destruction of unstable small calibre ammunition (2 000 000 pieces planned, 2 500 000 pieces achieved). A methodology for the disposal of white phosphorus was also developed and a partnership with other international partners for the disposal of highly hazardous munitions and complex weapon systems, including air bombs and rocket systems, was established. Under the Improvement of Safety Standards of the Ammunition Storages component, the priorities have been defined and approved and the actual works will commence in May 2014. As concerns ammunition control capacity development component, a training on contemporary trends in safe weapons and ammunition stockpile management was organised from 24 November until 13 December 2013, with the participation of 47 senior officers and officials of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. |
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II.

On 1 April 2013, a follow-up project started to continue to improve, through the Instrument for Stability (IfS) short-term component, the security, safety and development perspectives for the individuals and the local communities that would be affected by accidental explosions at ammunition storage sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). It is estimated that BiH has over 24 000 tonnes of military ammunition stockpiles, out of which over 17 000 tonnes are chemically unstable and represent a high risk of uncontrolled explosion which could possibly lead to human casualties and may have negative impacts for the region as well. The BiH Ministry of Defence does not possess sufficient capacities, capabilities and financial resources to ensure that appropriate standards are in place at the storage facilities. It is implemented by UNDP in partnership with the OSCE Mission to BiH and the Ministry of Defence and focuses solely on the destruction of unstable ammunition, the improvement of safety standards of ammunition storages and the development of ammunition control capacity. The project builds on and continues the work and progress already made within an Explosive Remnants of War project that was supported and funded by the EU in two phases through the IfS during 2008-2011 to an amount of approximately EUR 4,5 million.

The project activities have been agreed with the project’s key stakeholder — the BiH Ministry of Defence — taking into account the Ministry’s policies and plans for the mid-term period as well as other initiatives aimed at supporting the Ministry and the Armed Forces. Furthermore, the quantities of unstable ammunition set for destruction have been approved by the BiH Presidency. Already at this stage, the project has brought significant progress to the rate of destruction of unstable ammunition. The intervention initially focused on the military ammunition destruction site of TROM, Doboj, where 13 ammunition and pyrotechnics specialists were deployed in order to overhaul and operate newly installed ammunition disposal machinery. The results surpassed the plans in two activities, namely industrial demilitarisation of unstable artillery ammunition (36 000 pieces planned, 70 000 pieces achieved) and destruction of unstable small calibre ammunition (2 000 000 pieces planned, 2 500 000 pieces achieved). A methodology for the disposal of white phosphorus was also developed and a partnership with other international partners for the disposal of highly hazardous munitions and complex weapon systems, including air bombs and rocket systems, was established. Under the Improvement of Safety Standards of the Ammunition Storages component, the priorities have been defined and approved and the actual works will commence in May 2014. As concerns ammunition control capacity development component, a training on contemporary trends in safe weapons and ammunition stockpile management was organised from 24 November until 13 December 2013, with the participation of 47 senior officers and officials of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

| III. | Finally, during the reporting period, EUFOR Althea continued to participate in the efforts of the international community to address the issue of surplus stocks of conventional ammunition held by the BiH Ministry of Defence. |
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III.

Finally, during the reporting period, EUFOR Althea continued to participate in the efforts of the international community to address the issue of surplus stocks of conventional ammunition held by the BiH Ministry of Defence.

(b)   OSCE region

In the framework of Council Decision 2012/662/CFSP in support of activities to reduce the risk of illicit trade in, and excessive accumulation of, Small Arms and Light Weapons in the region covered by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), (11) the following activities were conducted during the reporting period: As regards the envisaged security upgrades of stockpile depots of conventional weapons and ammunition in Belarus and Kyrgyzstan, the on-site implementation phase to develop sustainable and effective security systems and infrastructure at selected SALW storage locations was launched. In Belarus, the installation of perimeter fences at the Gomel storage site was completed, the installation of power supply and outside and inside lighting in Gomel is in process, and a tender on the installation of fire alarm and security systems was announced in December 2013. These measures have immediately increased the security of the storage site, which is located in the densely populated suburbs of the regional city centre of Gomel and in close proximity to the Belarus-Ukraine state border.

In Kyrgyzstan, an open tender was conducted for the construction of storage facilities for SALW and conventional ammunition in Buzhum/Batken province, Koi-Tash/Chui province, and Gulcha/Osh province. Once the contract is awarded, the contractor will be given 90 calendar days to develop the project documentation for construction and/or refurbishment of the storage facilities. Based on this documentation, early in 2014, a tender for the construction works will be launched in coordination with relevant government agencies.

In October 2013, a joint assessment of a firing/demolition range in the vicinity of Bishkek was conducted jointly by the OSCE and the Kyrgyz MoD to determine its suitability for the destruction of 51 MANPADS and 97 Anti-Tank Guided Missiles by open detonation. A suitable demolition area was identified to meet the required levels of public safety from explosive blast, fragmentation and noise abatement. The destruction took place on 6-14 November 2013, including preparations of demolition pits and training sessions for engineer troops. For the next phase of the destruction process it is planned to build up national Kyrgyz capacities to destroy SALW surplus through irreversible mechanical deformation. An international tender is planned to be announced at the beginning of 2014 to procure specialized hydraulic shears. The creation of national capacities for SALW surplus disposal through cost-effective destruction methods is also expected to considerably mitigate the security risks in Central Asia in the ‘post 2014’ situation, especially in the fragile security context in the South of Kyrgyzstan.

In parallel with ongoing testing of the pilot version of the special software on SALW and ammunition electronic record-keeping by the Ministries of Defence of Albania, BiH, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Tajikistan, and the first positive feedback received from a number of the above states, the software was adjusted to be used under the operating system Linux ‘Ubuntu 13.04’. It is now available in Russian, English, Romanian/Moldovan, and Serbo-Croatian languages, and can be further translated in any other language. A number of other OSCE Participating States expressed interest in exploring the software once available in appropriate languages, and a user license was issued to Armenia to test the software.

(c)   Africa

| I. | During the second half of 2013, the implementation of Council Decision 2012/121/CFSP in support of activities to promote the EU-China-Africa dialogue and cooperation on conventional arms controls contributed to increased awareness and in-depth dialogue amongst civil society, industry, and government representatives of China, the EU, and African States on combating the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW in Eastern Africa and the ATT process.
  More than 30 bilateral meetings took place in Africa, China and EU Member States, including meetings with the Heads of 11 African diplomatic missions in Beijing (Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Togo, Burundi, Senegal, Djibouti, Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana), which were also attended by the Director of the Kenyan National Focal Point on SALW (KNFP) and the Executive Director of Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA). Discussions centred on sharing experiences and lessons learned in addressing the spread of SALW in Eastern Africa through national and regional instruments and on developments surrounding the ATT process. In September 2013, the preliminary findings of an internal report on weapon and ammunition supplies to rebel forces in South Sudan, which had been produced after an African-China-EU Expert Working Group (EWG) fact-finding mission in South Sudan in June 2013, were presented in Beijing during meetings with Chinese think tanks, military experts and defence industry representatives. The fourth meeting of the EWG was held on 14 November 2013 in Brussels, back-to-back with a policy dialogue seminar, held on 13 November 2013. The latter attracted 45 participants, including EWG members, officials from the EU, China, EU Member States, the African Union Commission (AUC) and intergovernmental organisations such as RECSA, together with international scholars, think tank and NGO experts. They shared perspectives on the major challenges and opportunities in tackling illicit SALW in Eastern Africa and made recommendations for collaborative Africa-China-EU actions on the ground. On 27 September 2013, EWG member Amb. Ochieng Adala gave a lecture at Peking University on the illicit trade in conventional arms, and the various measures being introduced by Africa and the international community to prevent the excessive and destabilizing accumulation of conventional arms, in particular SALW. The lecture brought together 40 students and professors, and was followed by a lively debate on the effectiveness of the ATT, on the loopholes of the current arms export control systems, and on the Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi.
  Numerous African, Chinese and EU participants who were involved in the above activities voiced their firm support for the work accomplished so far, applauding the achievements of the EWG whilst reiterating the importance of moving the project forward, building on what has been achieved and turning to concrete action on the ground. There was increased engagement from the Chinese side, including from senior military experts who, together with their African counterparts, engaged in direct, frank and practical discussions on how best to cooperate in tackling illicit SALW and ammunition. In particular, the evidence presented re. Chinese-made SALW and ammunition falling into the hands of rebel groups operating within South Sudan led to lively discussions on how to prevent the diversion of weapons from the legal to the illegal market, including ways to improve China’s end-use monitoring and verification of arms shipments, and the experience of other arms exporters. The project also generated significant media coverage in China. An EWG joint commentary calling on China and other countries to support the ATT process by swiftly signing the ATT and taking concrete steps towards its ratification was published and featured in major Chinese media outlets, such as Xinhuanet, Global Times and China Daily. |
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I.

During the second half of 2013, the implementation of Council Decision 2012/121/CFSP in support of activities to promote the EU-China-Africa dialogue and cooperation on conventional arms controls contributed to increased awareness and in-depth dialogue amongst civil society, industry, and government representatives of China, the EU, and African States on combating the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW in Eastern Africa and the ATT process.

More than 30 bilateral meetings took place in Africa, China and EU Member States, including meetings with the Heads of 11 African diplomatic missions in Beijing (Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Togo, Burundi, Senegal, Djibouti, Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana), which were also attended by the Director of the Kenyan National Focal Point on SALW (KNFP) and the Executive Director of Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA). Discussions centred on sharing experiences and lessons learned in addressing the spread of SALW in Eastern Africa through national and regional instruments and on developments surrounding the ATT process. In September 2013, the preliminary findings of an internal report on weapon and ammunition supplies to rebel forces in South Sudan, which had been produced after an African-China-EU Expert Working Group (EWG) fact-finding mission in South Sudan in June 2013, were presented in Beijing during meetings with Chinese think tanks, military experts and defence industry representatives. The fourth meeting of the EWG was held on 14 November 2013 in Brussels, back-to-back with a policy dialogue seminar, held on 13 November 2013. The latter attracted 45 participants, including EWG members, officials from the EU, China, EU Member States, the African Union Commission (AUC) and intergovernmental organisations such as RECSA, together with international scholars, think tank and NGO experts. They shared perspectives on the major challenges and opportunities in tackling illicit SALW in Eastern Africa and made recommendations for collaborative Africa-China-EU actions on the ground. On 27 September 2013, EWG member Amb. Ochieng Adala gave a lecture at Peking University on the illicit trade in conventional arms, and the various measures being introduced by Africa and the international community to prevent the excessive and destabilizing accumulation of conventional arms, in particular SALW. The lecture brought together 40 students and professors, and was followed by a lively debate on the effectiveness of the ATT, on the loopholes of the current arms export control systems, and on the Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi.

Numerous African, Chinese and EU participants who were involved in the above activities voiced their firm support for the work accomplished so far, applauding the achievements of the EWG whilst reiterating the importance of moving the project forward, building on what has been achieved and turning to concrete action on the ground. There was increased engagement from the Chinese side, including from senior military experts who, together with their African counterparts, engaged in direct, frank and practical discussions on how best to cooperate in tackling illicit SALW and ammunition. In particular, the evidence presented re. Chinese-made SALW and ammunition falling into the hands of rebel groups operating within South Sudan led to lively discussions on how to prevent the diversion of weapons from the legal to the illegal market, including ways to improve China’s end-use monitoring and verification of arms shipments, and the experience of other arms exporters. The project also generated significant media coverage in China. An EWG joint commentary calling on China and other countries to support the ATT process by swiftly signing the ATT and taking concrete steps towards its ratification was published and featured in major Chinese media outlets, such as Xinhuanet, Global Times and China Daily.

| II. | In the context of the Instrument for Stability’s (IfS) long-term component, the EU continued the implementation of a project to support the fight against the illicit accumulation of and trade in firearms and ammunition in Africa, through the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA), located in Nairobi. This project contributes to the implementation of the Peace and Security component of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy. During the first phase of the project from January 2010 until June 2013, with a focus on the 12 RECSA Member States, the main achievements of the project included: the establishment of National Commissions on SALW in the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Chad and Cameroon, the development of National Action Plans on SALW in the Republic of Congo, DRC and Malawi, as well as strengthened legislative capacity in terms of harmonisation with SALW instruments in Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya. Other activities included regional seminars to enhance trans-regional cooperation and coordination amongst civil society organisations, parliamentarians, and regional police chiefs. The project advocated the idea for the creation of an African continental Police Chiefs Coordinating body (AFRIPOL), while it also carried out a series of activities for the effective management of SALW and information generation. Following the completion of a study examining the level of implementation of the regional and international SALW commitments of Sub-Saharan countries, a second 3-year phase of the project commenced in July 2013 with a view to consolidate the results of the first phase and implement activities in the whole of the African continent. |
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II.

In the context of the Instrument for Stability’s (IfS) long-term component, the EU continued the implementation of a project to support the fight against the illicit accumulation of and trade in firearms and ammunition in Africa, through the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA), located in Nairobi. This project contributes to the implementation of the Peace and Security component of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy. During the first phase of the project from January 2010 until June 2013, with a focus on the 12 RECSA Member States, the main achievements of the project included: the establishment of National Commissions on SALW in the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Chad and Cameroon, the development of National Action Plans on SALW in the Republic of Congo, DRC and Malawi, as well as strengthened legislative capacity in terms of harmonisation with SALW instruments in Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya. Other activities included regional seminars to enhance trans-regional cooperation and coordination amongst civil society organisations, parliamentarians, and regional police chiefs. The project advocated the idea for the creation of an African continental Police Chiefs Coordinating body (AFRIPOL), while it also carried out a series of activities for the effective management of SALW and information generation. Following the completion of a study examining the level of implementation of the regional and international SALW commitments of Sub-Saharan countries, a second 3-year phase of the project commenced in July 2013 with a view to consolidate the results of the first phase and implement activities in the whole of the African continent.

| III. | On 24 June 2013, the Council adopted Decision 2013/320/CFSP to provide up to 5 million euros in EU support for assisting the Libyan authorities in their tremendous task of securing their massive volume of stockpiles in conventional weapons and ammunition. (12) The EU offers this support to help the responsible authorities in Libya stop the further uncontrolled spread of conventional weapons and ammunition, which continues to fuel insecurity in Libya, its neighbouring countries and the broader region. The project design acknowledges the complex political situation and resulting challenges in Libya as well as the necessity to ensure national ownership and empowerment of local partners. The foreseen duration of the project is five years. In parallel to the work undertaken by the implementing agency GIZ (German Agency for International Cooperation) and the co-financing German Federal Foreign Office, the EU promoted the aims of the Council Decision at several international meetings and close coordination with other international donors, UNSMIL/UNMAS, civil society organizations and other relevant actors will continue.
  The assistance provided in the framework of the Council Decision is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to support the transition process to democracy, sustainable peace and security in Libya. The Council Decision complements the efforts of the EU Border Assistance Mission in Libya to develop Libya’s capacity for enhancing the security of their land, sea and air borders in the short term, and to develop a broader Integrated Border Management (IBM) strategy in the long term. It is going to be implemented by GIZ, the German Agency for International Cooperation.
  During the reporting period, upon the request of the Libyan partners, a study trip to Germany was organised for the Arms and Ammunition Department, the Army Engineers and the Libyan Mine Action Center (LMAC). The study trip included a workshop on the future of PSSM activities in Libya and demonstrations of possibilities for industrial destruction and recycling options of ammunition as well as an introduction into training opportunities with the German Armed Forces and private institutions in the field of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). As a result of this trip, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Arms and Ammunition Department and the Army Engineers. Part of this MoU is the request to assist the respective departments with the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). With a view to establishing a training framework on PSSM issues, together with a training advisor from Danish Church Aid (DCA), twelve different course modules were reviewed and compared with international SOP regarding UN, British and German Conventional Munition Disposal (CMD), EOD and ammunition storage management rules and regulations. The available training material now complies with international standards and represents a professional basis for advanced training. The MoU also outlines assistance with a preliminary training plan. The plan will be finalized in 2014 and will result in training for officers and, subsequently, for non-commissioned officers of the Arms and Ammunition Department and the Army Engineers. All involved parties have agreed that trainings should be based on the international UN standards IATG (International Ammunition Technical Guidelines).
  The Libyan Arms and Ammunition Department and the Army Engineers have also agreed to develop a training area with different options for temporary ammunition storage, including the erection of three different structures which are used by NATO for field storage, and GIZ has been officially tasked to assist the Libyan Arms and Ammunition Department and the Army Engineers with consulting on existing and additionally required equipment. Moreover, contracts have been signed with DCA to procure and distribute gunlocks and weapon cabinets in Misrata and with the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) to support the provision of temporary arms and ammunition storage sites, including training of personnel in management of arms and ammunition storage sites. |
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III.

On 24 June 2013, the Council adopted Decision 2013/320/CFSP to provide up to 5 million euros in EU support for assisting the Libyan authorities in their tremendous task of securing their massive volume of stockpiles in conventional weapons and ammunition. (12) The EU offers this support to help the responsible authorities in Libya stop the further uncontrolled spread of conventional weapons and ammunition, which continues to fuel insecurity in Libya, its neighbouring countries and the broader region. The project design acknowledges the complex political situation and resulting challenges in Libya as well as the necessity to ensure national ownership and empowerment of local partners. The foreseen duration of the project is five years. In parallel to the work undertaken by the implementing agency GIZ (German Agency for International Cooperation) and the co-financing German Federal Foreign Office, the EU promoted the aims of the Council Decision at several international meetings and close coordination with other international donors, UNSMIL/UNMAS, civil society organizations and other relevant actors will continue.

The assistance provided in the framework of the Council Decision is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to support the transition process to democracy, sustainable peace and security in Libya. The Council Decision complements the efforts of the EU Border Assistance Mission in Libya to develop Libya’s capacity for enhancing the security of their land, sea and air borders in the short term, and to develop a broader Integrated Border Management (IBM) strategy in the long term. It is going to be implemented by GIZ, the German Agency for International Cooperation.

During the reporting period, upon the request of the Libyan partners, a study trip to Germany was organised for the Arms and Ammunition Department, the Army Engineers and the Libyan Mine Action Center (LMAC). The study trip included a workshop on the future of PSSM activities in Libya and demonstrations of possibilities for industrial destruction and recycling options of ammunition as well as an introduction into training opportunities with the German Armed Forces and private institutions in the field of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). As a result of this trip, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Arms and Ammunition Department and the Army Engineers. Part of this MoU is the request to assist the respective departments with the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). With a view to establishing a training framework on PSSM issues, together with a training advisor from Danish Church Aid (DCA), twelve different course modules were reviewed and compared with international SOP regarding UN, British and German Conventional Munition Disposal (CMD), EOD and ammunition storage management rules and regulations. The available training material now complies with international standards and represents a professional basis for advanced training. The MoU also outlines assistance with a preliminary training plan. The plan will be finalized in 2014 and will result in training for officers and, subsequently, for non-commissioned officers of the Arms and Ammunition Department and the Army Engineers. All involved parties have agreed that trainings should be based on the international UN standards IATG (International Ammunition Technical Guidelines).

The Libyan Arms and Ammunition Department and the Army Engineers have also agreed to develop a training area with different options for temporary ammunition storage, including the erection of three different structures which are used by NATO for field storage, and GIZ has been officially tasked to assist the Libyan Arms and Ammunition Department and the Army Engineers with consulting on existing and additionally required equipment. Moreover, contracts have been signed with DCA to procure and distribute gunlocks and weapon cabinets in Misrata and with the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) to support the provision of temporary arms and ammunition storage sites, including training of personnel in management of arms and ammunition storage sites.

| IV. | In addition, a joint project by DanChurchAid (DCA) and Danish Refugee Council (DRC), which is funded by the Instrument for Stability short-term component, has been providing risk education on SALW to the civilian population in Libya since September 2012. It aims to help reduce the number of accidents related to, and the visual presence of, SALW. DCA also advocates with local authorities policies on the safe management of SALW to help prevent armed violence. Activities to date included psycho-social support activities in 28 schools in the Misrata area, mine clearance (of 96 800 m2) in the Tripoli area, and the organisation of 11 training courses for the Ministries of Interior and Defence. In the southern Sabha area, an agreement was signed to train explosive ordnance disposal searchers and mine risk education was delivered to 2 452 people from migrant communities, fire services and schools. To support the clearance activities of the Mines Advisory Group, an armoured excavator for explosive ordnance disposal was procured. An experienced operator was recruited and national staff members were trained to operate this machine. In the Zintan area this excavator has so far contributed to the removal of (27 x 250 kg bombs and 9 x 500 kg) bombs.
  Another project within this component will also be implemented by the Mines Advisory Group and start activities in January 2014 to help further reduce the humanitarian threat posed by ERW and increase safe practices and behaviour of communities affected by ERW and SALW.
  Finally, in March 2014, the Small Arms Survey will commence another project funded by the IfS short-term component to contribute to developing capacities of the Libyan authorities to provide internal security and public safety. Its specific objectives are to build national capacities to map, assess and analyse interventions in the security sector and to provide support to develop strategies and operational plans to address community safety, potentially including also security threats posed by SALW. |
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IV.

In addition, a joint project by DanChurchAid (DCA) and Danish Refugee Council (DRC), which is funded by the Instrument for Stability short-term component, has been providing risk education on SALW to the civilian population in Libya since September 2012. It aims to help reduce the number of accidents related to, and the visual presence of, SALW. DCA also advocates with local authorities policies on the safe management of SALW to help prevent armed violence. Activities to date included psycho-social support activities in 28 schools in the Misrata area, mine clearance (of 96 800 m2) in the Tripoli area, and the organisation of 11 training courses for the Ministries of Interior and Defence. In the southern Sabha area, an agreement was signed to train explosive ordnance disposal searchers and mine risk education was delivered to 2 452 people from migrant communities, fire services and schools. To support the clearance activities of the Mines Advisory Group, an armoured excavator for explosive ordnance disposal was procured. An experienced operator was recruited and national staff members were trained to operate this machine. In the Zintan area this excavator has so far contributed to the removal of (27 x 250 kg bombs and 9 x 500 kg) bombs.

Another project within this component will also be implemented by the Mines Advisory Group and start activities in January 2014 to help further reduce the humanitarian threat posed by ERW and increase safe practices and behaviour of communities affected by ERW and SALW.

Finally, in March 2014, the Small Arms Survey will commence another project funded by the IfS short-term component to contribute to developing capacities of the Libyan authorities to provide internal security and public safety. Its specific objectives are to build national capacities to map, assess and analyse interventions in the security sector and to provide support to develop strategies and operational plans to address community safety, potentially including also security threats posed by SALW.

(d)   Central America

| I. | The EU also continued the implementation of a project supporting the Central American Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Programme (CASAC). Through the Instrument for Stability long-term component, the project, which was previously implemented by UNDP, entered its second phase of support in September 2012 with the Security Commission of the Central American Integration System (SICA) as its implementing partner. The contribution of the EU project to the CASAC initiative aims at establishing the foundation for a regional structure and long-term strategy to fight the illicit trafficking of arms in Central America, both at national and regional level. The project is implemented in Central America and neighbouring countries, including the Caribbean region (particular focus is put on Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama). Main activities include regional and national public awareness campaigns and conferences, strengthening of national coordination mechanisms and registry systems, and cross-border projects as well as training in various areas. |
| --- | --- |

I.

The EU also continued the implementation of a project supporting the Central American Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Programme (CASAC). Through the Instrument for Stability long-term component, the project, which was previously implemented by UNDP, entered its second phase of support in September 2012 with the Security Commission of the Central American Integration System (SICA) as its implementing partner. The contribution of the EU project to the CASAC initiative aims at establishing the foundation for a regional structure and long-term strategy to fight the illicit trafficking of arms in Central America, both at national and regional level. The project is implemented in Central America and neighbouring countries, including the Caribbean region (particular focus is put on Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama). Main activities include regional and national public awareness campaigns and conferences, strengthening of national coordination mechanisms and registry systems, and cross-border projects as well as training in various areas.

| II. | At the same time, the EU is currently also elaborating a possible Council Decision in support of further complementary activities on SALW control in Central America to specifically address CFSP objectives of necessary work to be undertaken jointly by the UN Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) and CASAC in order to successfully combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and ammunition in this region. |
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II.

At the same time, the EU is currently also elaborating a possible Council Decision in support of further complementary activities on SALW control in Central America to specifically address CFSP objectives of necessary work to be undertaken jointly by the UN Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) and CASAC in order to successfully combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and ammunition in this region.

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(1)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:320:0034:0042:EN:PDF

(2)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2011:188:0037:0041:EN:PDF

(3)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:341:0056:0067:EN:PDF

(4)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2013:0716:FIN:en:PDF

(5)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2013:107:0004:0006:EN:PDF

(6)  http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl_383_en.pdf

(7)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:321:0062:0067:EN:PDF

(8)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:332:0019:0030:EN:PDF

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

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

(11)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:297:0029:0033:EN:PDF

(12)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:173:0054:0064:EN:PDF

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European Commission

| 12.6.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 178/20 |
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12.6.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 178/20

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

11 June 2014

2014/C 178/04

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3547 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 138,19 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4615 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,80700 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,0467 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,2179 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,1085 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 27,445 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 305,62 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,1138 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,3958 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,8460 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,4419 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4749 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,5012 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,5831 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,6936 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 377,96 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 14,5603 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 8,4376 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5810 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 16 000,89 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,3540 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 59,363 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 46,5863 |
| THB | Thai baht | 44,041 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 3,0194 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 17,6653 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 80,3554 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3547

JPY

Japanese yen

138,19

DKK

Danish krone

7,4615

GBP

Pound sterling

0,80700

SEK

Swedish krona

9,0467

CHF

Swiss franc

1,2179

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,1085

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

27,445

HUF

Hungarian forint

305,62

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

PLN

Polish zloty

4,1138

RON

Romanian leu

4,3958

TRY

Turkish lira

2,8460

AUD

Australian dollar

1,4419

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4749

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,5012

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,5831

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,6936

KRW

South Korean won

1 377,96

ZAR

South African rand

14,5603

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

8,4376

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5810

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

16 000,89

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,3540

PHP

Philippine peso

59,363

RUB

Russian rouble

46,5863

THB

Thai baht

44,041

BRL

Brazilian real

3,0194

MXN

Mexican peso

17,6653

INR

Indian rupee

80,3554

---

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

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 12.6.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 178/21 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.6.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 178/21

---

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

2014/C 178/05

PUBLIC INVITATION TO TENDER FOR A CONCESSION

FOR THE PROSPECTION, EXTRACTION AND EXPLOITATION OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY UNDER CONCESSION IN THE BATTONYA AREA

On behalf of the Hungarian State, the Minister for National Development (‘the Contracting Authority’ or ‘the Minister’) as the minister responsible for mining and for overseeing State-owned assets hereby issues a public invitation to tender for the prospection, extraction and exploitation of geothermal energy under a concession contract on the basis of Act CXCVI of 2011 on national assets (‘the National Assets Act’), Act XVI of 1991 on Concessions (‘the Concessions Act’) and Act XLVIII of 1993 on mining (‘the Mining Act’), subject to the following conditions.

| 1. | The Minister will publish the invitation to tender, adjudge the bids and conclude the concession contract in cooperation with the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (Magyar Bányászati és Földtani Hivatal) in accordance with the Concessions Act and the Mining Act. Bids that meet the tender specifications will be evaluated by an Evaluation Committee set up by the Minister.
  On the recommendation of the Evaluation Committee the Minister will issue the decision awarding the concession, on the basis of which the Minister may then conclude the concession contract with the successful bidder in accordance with Section 5(1) of the Concessions Act (1).
  The language of the tendering procedure is Hungarian. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Minister will publish the invitation to tender, adjudge the bids and conclude the concession contract in cooperation with the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (Magyar Bányászati és Földtani Hivatal) in accordance with the Concessions Act and the Mining Act. Bids that meet the tender specifications will be evaluated by an Evaluation Committee set up by the Minister.

On the recommendation of the Evaluation Committee the Minister will issue the decision awarding the concession, on the basis of which the Minister may then conclude the concession contract with the successful bidder in accordance with Section 5(1) of the Concessions Act (1).

The language of the tendering procedure is Hungarian.

| 2. | Participation in the tendering procedure is open to any domestic or foreign natural person and to any transparent organisation within the meaning of the National Assets Act provided they meet the tender specifications; joint bids are also permitted. In the case of joint bids for this concession activity, the bidders must designate one of their number as representative, but assume joint and several liability for performance of the concession contract. Under the tendering procedure domestic and foreign bidders will be treated on an equal footing.
  For the purpose of carrying out the activity subject to concession, using its own resources the bidder signing the concession contract (‘the Concession-Holder’) must, within 90 days of signing, set up a company with its registered office in Hungary (‘the Concession Company’); the Concession-Holder must hold the majority of the shares, business interests and voting rights in the company at the time it is set up and for as long as it continues to exist, and must, as owner, undertake to enforce the requirements specified in the concession contract within the Concession Company. The Concession Company will enjoy the rights and be subject to the obligations under the concession contract as a mining operator. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Participation in the tendering procedure is open to any domestic or foreign natural person and to any transparent organisation within the meaning of the National Assets Act provided they meet the tender specifications; joint bids are also permitted. In the case of joint bids for this concession activity, the bidders must designate one of their number as representative, but assume joint and several liability for performance of the concession contract. Under the tendering procedure domestic and foreign bidders will be treated on an equal footing.

For the purpose of carrying out the activity subject to concession, using its own resources the bidder signing the concession contract (‘the Concession-Holder’) must, within 90 days of signing, set up a company with its registered office in Hungary (‘the Concession Company’); the Concession-Holder must hold the majority of the shares, business interests and voting rights in the company at the time it is set up and for as long as it continues to exist, and must, as owner, undertake to enforce the requirements specified in the concession contract within the Concession Company. The Concession Company will enjoy the rights and be subject to the obligations under the concession contract as a mining operator.

| 3. | Duration of the concession: 35 years from the entry into force of the concession contract; the original duration may be extended once without a further call for tenders for a maximum of half of its original duration if the Concession-Holder and Concession Company have complied with all their obligations in accordance with the contract and on time. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Duration of the concession: 35 years from the entry into force of the concession contract; the original duration may be extended once without a further call for tenders for a maximum of half of its original duration if the Concession-Holder and Concession Company have complied with all their obligations in accordance with the contract and on time.

| 4. | Data on area designated for concession:

  Area designated for concession: The area is situated between the municipalities given in the table below in the county of Békés.

  Size of area: 358,5 km2.

  Overburden of area designated for concession: 2 500 m measured from the surface and the bedrock: 6 000 metres below Baltic Sea level.
  The border point coordinates delimiting the area designated for concession can be viewed in the Uniform National Projection System by clicking on the ‘Koncesszió’ tab on the website of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (www.mbfh.hu) and on the website of the Ministry of National Development (www.kormany.hu/hu/nemzeti-fejlesztesi-miniszterium). |
| --- | --- |

4.

Data on area designated for concession:

Area designated for concession: The area is situated between the municipalities given in the table below in the county of Békés.

Size of area: 358,5 km2.

Overburden of area designated for concession: 2 500 m measured from the surface and the bedrock: 6 000 metres below Baltic Sea level.

The border point coordinates delimiting the area designated for concession can be viewed in the Uniform National Projection System by clicking on the ‘Koncesszió’ tab on the website of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (www.mbfh.hu) and on the website of the Ministry of National Development (www.kormany.hu/hu/nemzeti-fejlesztesi-miniszterium).

| 5. | Minimum net concession fee: HUF 27 500 000 (twenty-seven million five hundred thousand forint) plus VAT, but a bid for a larger fixed amount may be entered in the tendering procedure. Once the result is published, the successful bidder must pay the concession fee for the amount, in the manner and by the date specified in the concession contract. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Minimum net concession fee: HUF 27 500 000 (twenty-seven million five hundred thousand forint) plus VAT, but a bid for a larger fixed amount may be entered in the tendering procedure. Once the result is published, the successful bidder must pay the concession fee for the amount, in the manner and by the date specified in the concession contract.

| 6. | Participation in the concession tendering procedure is subject to payment of a participation fee of HUF 1 500 000 (one million five hundred thousand forint) plus VAT; this amount is to be paid in the manner specified in the Tender Document. |
| --- | --- |

6.

Participation in the concession tendering procedure is subject to payment of a participation fee of HUF 1 500 000 (one million five hundred thousand forint) plus VAT; this amount is to be paid in the manner specified in the Tender Document.

| 7. | In addition to paying the participation fee, for their bid to be valid bidders must lodge a tendering security of HUF 15 000 000 (fifteen million forint) by the day preceding the deadline for submitting bids as a guarantee that the bid is binding. The tendering security paid will be forfeited to the Contracting Authority if the bidder withdraws or if the bidder is successful but then fails to conclude the contract or fails to pay the concession fee offered, for the amount, in the manner and by the deadline stipulated in the contract. The tendering security is to be paid in the manner specified in the Tender Document. |
| --- | --- |

7.

In addition to paying the participation fee, for their bid to be valid bidders must lodge a tendering security of HUF 15 000 000 (fifteen million forint) by the day preceding the deadline for submitting bids as a guarantee that the bid is binding. The tendering security paid will be forfeited to the Contracting Authority if the bidder withdraws or if the bidder is successful but then fails to conclude the contract or fails to pay the concession fee offered, for the amount, in the manner and by the deadline stipulated in the contract. The tendering security is to be paid in the manner specified in the Tender Document.

| 8. | The rate of the mining royalty payable on the basis of the concession contract will be 2 % in accordance with the decision of the Minister; a bid for a higher mining royalty may be entered in the tendering procedure, which if agreed is recorded in the concession contract and must be paid for the duration of the concession. |
| --- | --- |

8.

The rate of the mining royalty payable on the basis of the concession contract will be 2 % in accordance with the decision of the Minister; a bid for a higher mining royalty may be entered in the tendering procedure, which if agreed is recorded in the concession contract and must be paid for the duration of the concession.

| 9. | The legal, financial, technical and other conditions and information relating to the tendering procedure can be found in the Tender Document. |
| --- | --- |

9.

The legal, financial, technical and other conditions and information relating to the tendering procedure can be found in the Tender Document.

| 10. | The Tender Document may be collected at the Customer Service Office of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (Columbus utca 17-23, 1145 Budapest; telephone: +36 13012900) on working days between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. up until the day before the submission deadline on presentation of adequate documentary proof that the purchase price for the Tender Document has been paid. The Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology will issue the purchaser with a certificate in their name confirming that they have received the Tender Document.
  When purchasing the Tender Document, for the purposes of being contacted and receiving communications the purchaser must also submit a Concession Bidder Identification Sheet, which can be downloaded from the website of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (www.mbfh.hu — under the ‘Koncessziós pályázatok közzététele’ (‘Concession bid disclosure’) option of the ‘Koncesszió’ tab). |
| --- | --- |

10.

The Tender Document may be collected at the Customer Service Office of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (Columbus utca 17-23, 1145 Budapest; telephone: +36 13012900) on working days between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. up until the day before the submission deadline on presentation of adequate documentary proof that the purchase price for the Tender Document has been paid. The Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology will issue the purchaser with a certificate in their name confirming that they have received the Tender Document.

When purchasing the Tender Document, for the purposes of being contacted and receiving communications the purchaser must also submit a Concession Bidder Identification Sheet, which can be downloaded from the website of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (www.mbfh.hu — under the ‘Koncessziós pályázatok közzététele’ (‘Concession bid disclosure’) option of the ‘Koncesszió’ tab).

| 11. | The purchase price for the Tender Document is HUF 100 000 (one hundred thousand forint) plus VAT, which must be paid by transfer into Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology account No 10032000-01417179-00000000. The message accompanying the transfer must state the code BATGTDV and the name of the person purchasing the Tender Document. The purchase price for the Tender Document may not be paid in cash and is non-refundable in part or in full. |
| --- | --- |

11.

The purchase price for the Tender Document is HUF 100 000 (one hundred thousand forint) plus VAT, which must be paid by transfer into Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology account No 10032000-01417179-00000000. The message accompanying the transfer must state the code BATGTDV and the name of the person purchasing the Tender Document. The purchase price for the Tender Document may not be paid in cash and is non-refundable in part or in full.

| 12. | Bids may be submitted only by persons having purchased the Tender Document and having paid both the participation fee and the tendering security. |
| --- | --- |

12.

Bids may be submitted only by persons having purchased the Tender Document and having paid both the participation fee and the tendering security.

| 13. | Bids must be submitted in person on the first working day 90 days after publication of the invitation to tender in Hungarian newspapers between 10 and 12 o'clock at the Customer Service Office of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (address: Columbus utca 17-23, 1145 Budapest) in Hungarian, as specified in the Tender Document. |
| --- | --- |

13.

Bids must be submitted in person on the first working day 90 days after publication of the invitation to tender in Hungarian newspapers between 10 and 12 o'clock at the Customer Service Office of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (address: Columbus utca 17-23, 1145 Budapest) in Hungarian, as specified in the Tender Document.

| 14. | From the time it is submitted the bid becomes binding on the bidder and remains binding until the tendering procedure is ended. Bidders may not exclude liability for failure to abide by their bid. |
| --- | --- |

14.

From the time it is submitted the bid becomes binding on the bidder and remains binding until the tendering procedure is ended. Bidders may not exclude liability for failure to abide by their bid.

| 15. | The Minister reserves the right to declare the concession tender procedure unsuccessful. No claims arising from the tender procedure being declared unsuccessful may be lodged against the Minister, the Hungarian State represented by the Minister, or the Ministry of Development as the Minister’s place of work. |
| --- | --- |

15.

The Minister reserves the right to declare the concession tender procedure unsuccessful. No claims arising from the tender procedure being declared unsuccessful may be lodged against the Minister, the Hungarian State represented by the Minister, or the Ministry of Development as the Minister’s place of work.

| 16. | The successful bidder will acquire the exclusive right for the prospection, extraction and exploitation of geothermal energy in the area designated for concession for the duration of the concession through the Concession Company mandatorily set up for that purpose. Once the decision establishing the geothermal protection boundary becomes final and enforceable, the concession right for the prospection area will be restricted to the area of the geothermal protection boundary. |
| --- | --- |

16.

The successful bidder will acquire the exclusive right for the prospection, extraction and exploitation of geothermal energy in the area designated for concession for the duration of the concession through the Concession Company mandatorily set up for that purpose. Once the decision establishing the geothermal protection boundary becomes final and enforceable, the concession right for the prospection area will be restricted to the area of the geothermal protection boundary.

| 17. | Each bidder may submit only a single bid. |
| --- | --- |

17.

Each bidder may submit only a single bid.

| 18. | Time limit for the adjudication of concession bids: within ninety days following the deadline for bids to be submitted. |
| --- | --- |

18.

Time limit for the adjudication of concession bids: within ninety days following the deadline for bids to be submitted.

| 19. | The Contracting Authority will ensure a level playing field and will not apply any preferential criteria. |
| --- | --- |

19.

The Contracting Authority will ensure a level playing field and will not apply any preferential criteria.

| 20. | Tender adjudication criteria:






  I) | Assessment criteria relating to the content of the Programme of Research Work subject to concession:






  — | programme design aiming for maximum prospection of geothermal energy and seeking to conduct prospection as comprehensively as possible and across as broad an area as possible on the concession site; the sum allotted for research; the planned duration of the research; the projected quantity of extractable geothermal energy (in PJ), |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.

Tender adjudication criteria:

I)

Assessment criteria relating to the content of the Programme of Research Work subject to concession:

—

programme design aiming for maximum prospection of geothermal energy and seeking to conduct prospection as comprehensively as possible and across as broad an area as possible on the concession site; the sum allotted for research; the planned duration of the research; the projected quantity of extractable geothermal energy (in PJ),

| — | how up-to-date the envisaged technical solutions are, |
| --- | --- |

—

how up-to-date the envisaged technical solutions are,

| — | the measures envisaged for protecting the environment and preventing and reducing damage in the course of the work subject to concession. |
| --- | --- |

—

the measures envisaged for protecting the environment and preventing and reducing damage in the course of the work subject to concession.

| II) | Assessment criteria relating to the bidder’s ability to perform the concession contract:






  — | the bidder’s financial standing, the availability of the resources needed to finance the work to be performed under the concession, and the proportion of this accounted for by own resources, |
| --- | --- | --- |

II)

Assessment criteria relating to the bidder’s ability to perform the concession contract:

—

the bidder’s financial standing, the availability of the resources needed to finance the work to be performed under the concession, and the proportion of this accounted for by own resources,

| — | the total value of work performed in connection with prospection, extraction and exploitation of geothermal energy. |
| --- | --- |

—

the total value of work performed in connection with prospection, extraction and exploitation of geothermal energy.

| III) | Assessment criteria relating to payment obligations undertaken in the concession contract:






  — | the net concession fee offered above the minimum concession fee set by the Minister, |
| --- | --- | --- |

III)

Assessment criteria relating to payment obligations undertaken in the concession contract:

—

the net concession fee offered above the minimum concession fee set by the Minister,

| — | the size of the mining royalty offered above the minimum mining royalty set by the Minister. |
| --- | --- |

—

the size of the mining royalty offered above the minimum mining royalty set by the Minister.

The detailed adjudication criteria and the legislation governing the procedure for authorising the concession work and how it is to be performed and completed are specified in the Tender Document.

| 21. | The concession contract
  The concession contract is to be concluded within 60 days following the announcement of the result. This time limit may be extended by the Minister once only by a maximum of 60 days.
  The successful bidder is entitled to carry out the exclusive State-controlled economic activity (prospection, extraction and exploitation of geothermal energy in a delimited area) permitted under the concession for the duration of the concession in accordance with the relevant legislation and the concession contract.
  The draft concession contract is annexed to the Tender Document. |
| --- | --- |

21.

The concession contract

The concession contract is to be concluded within 60 days following the announcement of the result. This time limit may be extended by the Minister once only by a maximum of 60 days.

The successful bidder is entitled to carry out the exclusive State-controlled economic activity (prospection, extraction and exploitation of geothermal energy in a delimited area) permitted under the concession for the duration of the concession in accordance with the relevant legislation and the concession contract.

The draft concession contract is annexed to the Tender Document.

| 22. | Information regarding the tendering procedure may be requested exclusively in Hungarian, in writing after the Tender Document has been purchased, in the manner stipulated in the Tender Document; replies will be made available to all parties by the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology using the e-mail address indicated on the Bidder Identification Sheet submitted when the Tender Document was purchased. |
| --- | --- |

22.

Information regarding the tendering procedure may be requested exclusively in Hungarian, in writing after the Tender Document has been purchased, in the manner stipulated in the Tender Document; replies will be made available to all parties by the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology using the e-mail address indicated on the Bidder Identification Sheet submitted when the Tender Document was purchased.

Budapest, June 2014.

Lászlóné NÉMETH

Minister

---

(1)  At the date on which this invitation to tender is being published, the member of the Government responsible for overseeing State-owned assets and for mining is the Minister for National Development in accordance with Section 84(d) and (g) of Government Decree No 212/2010 of 1 July 2010 governing the duties and powers of certain ministers and of the State secretary for the Prime Minister’s Office.

1

(d)

(g)

---

| 12.6.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 178/25 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.6.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 178/25

---

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

2014/C 178/06

PUBLIC INVITATION TO TENDER FOR A CONCESSION

FOR THE PROSPECTION, EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF HYDROCARBON UNDER CONCESSION IN THE NÁDUDVAR AREA

On behalf of the Hungarian State, the Minister for National Development (‘the Contracting Authority’ or ‘the Minister’) as the minister responsible for mining and for overseeing state-owned assets hereby issues a public invitation to tender for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbon under a concession contract on the basis of Act CXCVI of 2011 on national assets (‘the National Assets Act’), Act XVI of 1991 on Concessions (‘the Concessions Act’) and Act XLVIII of 1993 on mining (‘the Mining Act’), subject to the following conditions.

| 1. | The Minister will publish the invitation to tender, adjudge the bids and conclude the concession contract in cooperation with the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (Magyar Bányászati és Földtani Hivatal) in accordance with the the Concessions Act and the Mining Act. Bids that meet the tender specifications will be evaluated by an Evaluation Committee set up by the Minister.
  On the recommendation of the Evaluation Committee the Minister will issue the decision awarding the concession, on the basis of which the Minister may then conclude the concession contract with the successful bidder in accordance with Section 5(1) of the Concessions Act (1).
  The language of the tendering procedure is Hungarian. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Minister will publish the invitation to tender, adjudge the bids and conclude the concession contract in cooperation with the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (Magyar Bányászati és Földtani Hivatal) in accordance with the the Concessions Act and the Mining Act. Bids that meet the tender specifications will be evaluated by an Evaluation Committee set up by the Minister.

On the recommendation of the Evaluation Committee the Minister will issue the decision awarding the concession, on the basis of which the Minister may then conclude the concession contract with the successful bidder in accordance with Section 5(1) of the Concessions Act (1).

The language of the tendering procedure is Hungarian.

| 2. | Participation in the tendering procedure is open to any domestic or foreign natural person and to any transparent organisation within the meaning of the National Assets Act provided they meet the tender specifications; joint bids are also permitted. In the case of joint bids for this concession activity, the bidders must designate one of their number as representative, but assume joint and several liability for performance of the concession contract. Under the tendering procedure domestic and foreign bidders will be treated on an equal footing.
  For the purpose of carrying out the activity subject to concession, using its own resources the bidder signing the concession contract (‘the Concession-Holder’) must, within 90 days of signing, set up a company with its registered office in Hungary (‘the Concession Company’); the Concession-Holder must hold the majority of the shares, business interests and voting rights in the company at the time it is set up and for as long as it continues to exist, and must, as owner, undertake to enforce the requirements specified in the concession contract within the Concession Company. The Concession Company will enjoy the rights and be subject to the obligations under the concession contract as a mining operator. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Participation in the tendering procedure is open to any domestic or foreign natural person and to any transparent organisation within the meaning of the National Assets Act provided they meet the tender specifications; joint bids are also permitted. In the case of joint bids for this concession activity, the bidders must designate one of their number as representative, but assume joint and several liability for performance of the concession contract. Under the tendering procedure domestic and foreign bidders will be treated on an equal footing.

For the purpose of carrying out the activity subject to concession, using its own resources the bidder signing the concession contract (‘the Concession-Holder’) must, within 90 days of signing, set up a company with its registered office in Hungary (‘the Concession Company’); the Concession-Holder must hold the majority of the shares, business interests and voting rights in the company at the time it is set up and for as long as it continues to exist, and must, as owner, undertake to enforce the requirements specified in the concession contract within the Concession Company. The Concession Company will enjoy the rights and be subject to the obligations under the concession contract as a mining operator.

| 3. | Duration of the concession: 20 years from the entry into force of the concession contract; the original duration may be extended once without a further call for tenders for a maximum of half of its original duration if the Concession-Holder and Concession Company have complied with all their obligations in accordance with the contract and on time. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Duration of the concession: 20 years from the entry into force of the concession contract; the original duration may be extended once without a further call for tenders for a maximum of half of its original duration if the Concession-Holder and Concession Company have complied with all their obligations in accordance with the contract and on time.

| 4. | Data on area designated for concession:

  Area designated for concession: The area is situated between the municipalities given in the table below in the county of Hajdú-Bihar.

  Size of area: 804,74 km2.

  Overburden of area designated for concession: surface and bedrock: 6 000 metres below Baltic Sea level.
  The border point coordinates delimiting the area designated for concession can be viewed in the Uniform National Projection System by clicking on the ‘Koncesszió’ tab on the website of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (www.mbfh.hu) and on the website of the Ministry of National Development (www.kormany.hu/hu/nemzeti-fejlesztesi-miniszterium). |
| --- | --- |

4.

Data on area designated for concession:

Area designated for concession: The area is situated between the municipalities given in the table below in the county of Hajdú-Bihar.

Size of area: 804,74 km2.

Overburden of area designated for concession: surface and bedrock: 6 000 metres below Baltic Sea level.

The border point coordinates delimiting the area designated for concession can be viewed in the Uniform National Projection System by clicking on the ‘Koncesszió’ tab on the website of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (www.mbfh.hu) and on the website of the Ministry of National Development (www.kormany.hu/hu/nemzeti-fejlesztesi-miniszterium).

| 5. | Minimum net concession fee: HUF 204 000 000 (204 million forint) plus VAT, but a bid for a larger fixed amount may be entered in the tendering procedure. Once the result is published, the successful bidder must pay the concession fee for the amount, in the manner and by the date specified in the concession contract. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Minimum net concession fee: HUF 204 000 000 (204 million forint) plus VAT, but a bid for a larger fixed amount may be entered in the tendering procedure. Once the result is published, the successful bidder must pay the concession fee for the amount, in the manner and by the date specified in the concession contract.

| 6. | Participation in the concession tendering procedure is subject to payment of a participation fee of HUF 10 000 000 (10 million forint) plus VAT; this amount is to be paid in the manner specified in the Tender Document. |
| --- | --- |

6.

Participation in the concession tendering procedure is subject to payment of a participation fee of HUF 10 000 000 (10 million forint) plus VAT; this amount is to be paid in the manner specified in the Tender Document.

| 7. | In addition to paying the participation fee, for their bid to be valid bidders must lodge a tendering security of HUF 50 000 000 (50 million forint) by the day preceding the deadline for submitting bids as a guarantee that the bid is binding. The tendering security paid will be forfeited to the Contracting Authority if the bidder withdraws or if the bidder is successful but then fails to conclude the contract or fails to pay the concession fee offered, for the amount, in the manner and by the deadline stipulated in the contract. The tendering security is to be paid in the manner specified in the Tender Document. |
| --- | --- |

7.

In addition to paying the participation fee, for their bid to be valid bidders must lodge a tendering security of HUF 50 000 000 (50 million forint) by the day preceding the deadline for submitting bids as a guarantee that the bid is binding. The tendering security paid will be forfeited to the Contracting Authority if the bidder withdraws or if the bidder is successful but then fails to conclude the contract or fails to pay the concession fee offered, for the amount, in the manner and by the deadline stipulated in the contract. The tendering security is to be paid in the manner specified in the Tender Document.

| 8. | The rate of the mining royalty payable on the basis of the concession contract will be 19 % in accordance with the decision of the Minister; a bid for a higher mining royalty may be entered in the tendering procedure, which if agreed is recorded in the concession contract and must be paid for the duration of the concession. |
| --- | --- |

8.

The rate of the mining royalty payable on the basis of the concession contract will be 19 % in accordance with the decision of the Minister; a bid for a higher mining royalty may be entered in the tendering procedure, which if agreed is recorded in the concession contract and must be paid for the duration of the concession.

| 9. | The legal, financial, technical and other conditions and information relating to the tendering procedure can be found in the Tender Document. |
| --- | --- |

9.

The legal, financial, technical and other conditions and information relating to the tendering procedure can be found in the Tender Document.

| 10. | The Tender Document may be collected at the Customer Service Office of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (Columbus utca 17-23, 1145 Budapest; telephone: +36 13012900) on working days between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. up until the day before the submission deadline on presentation of adequate documentary proof that the purchase price for the Tender Document has been paid. The Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology will issue the purchaser with a certificate in their name confirming that they have received the Tender Document.
  When purchasing the Tender Document, for the purposes of being contacted and receiving communications the purchaser must also submit a Concession Bidder Identification Sheet, which can be downloaded from the website of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (www.mbfh.hu — under the ‘Koncessziós pályázatok közzététele’ (‘Concession bid disclosure’) option of the ‘Koncesszió’ (‘Concessions’) drop-down menu). |
| --- | --- |

10.

The Tender Document may be collected at the Customer Service Office of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (Columbus utca 17-23, 1145 Budapest; telephone: +36 13012900) on working days between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. up until the day before the submission deadline on presentation of adequate documentary proof that the purchase price for the Tender Document has been paid. The Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology will issue the purchaser with a certificate in their name confirming that they have received the Tender Document.

When purchasing the Tender Document, for the purposes of being contacted and receiving communications the purchaser must also submit a Concession Bidder Identification Sheet, which can be downloaded from the website of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (www.mbfh.hu — under the ‘Koncessziós pályázatok közzététele’ (‘Concession bid disclosure’) option of the ‘Koncesszió’ (‘Concessions’) drop-down menu).

| 11. | The purchase price for the Tender Document is HUF 100 000 (100 thousand forint) plus VAT, which must be paid by transfer into Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology account No 10032000-01417179-00000000. The message accompanying the transfer must state the code NDUCHDV and the name of the person purchasing the Tender Document The purchase price for the Tender Document may not be paid in cash and is non-refundable in part or in full. |
| --- | --- |

11.

The purchase price for the Tender Document is HUF 100 000 (100 thousand forint) plus VAT, which must be paid by transfer into Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology account No 10032000-01417179-00000000. The message accompanying the transfer must state the code NDUCHDV and the name of the person purchasing the Tender Document The purchase price for the Tender Document may not be paid in cash and is non-refundable in part or in full.

| 12. | Bids may be submitted only by persons having purchased the Tender Document and having paid both the participation fee and the tendering security. |
| --- | --- |

12.

Bids may be submitted only by persons having purchased the Tender Document and having paid both the participation fee and the tendering security.

| 13. | Bids must be submitted in person on 30 September 2014 between 10 and 12 o’clock at the Customer Service Office of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (address: Columbus utca 17-23, 1145 Budapest) in Hungarian, as specified in the Tender Document. |
| --- | --- |

13.

Bids must be submitted in person on 30 September 2014 between 10 and 12 o’clock at the Customer Service Office of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (address: Columbus utca 17-23, 1145 Budapest) in Hungarian, as specified in the Tender Document.

| 14. | From the time it is submitted the bid becomes binding on the bidder and remains binding until the tendering procedure is ended. Bidders may not exclude liability for failure to abide by their bid. |
| --- | --- |

14.

From the time it is submitted the bid becomes binding on the bidder and remains binding until the tendering procedure is ended. Bidders may not exclude liability for failure to abide by their bid.

| 15. | The Minister reserves the right to declare the concession tender procedure unsuccessful. No claims arising from the tender procedure being declared unsuccessful may be lodged against the Minister, the Hungarian State represented by the Minister, or the Ministry of Development as the Minister’s place of work. |
| --- | --- |

15.

The Minister reserves the right to declare the concession tender procedure unsuccessful. No claims arising from the tender procedure being declared unsuccessful may be lodged against the Minister, the Hungarian State represented by the Minister, or the Ministry of Development as the Minister’s place of work.

| 16. | The successful bidder will acquire the exclusive right for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbon in the area designated for concession for the duration of the concession through the Concession Company mandatorily set up for that purpose. Once the decision establishing the mining site becomes final and enforceable, the concession right for the prospection area will be restricted to the area of the mining site. |
| --- | --- |

16.

The successful bidder will acquire the exclusive right for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbon in the area designated for concession for the duration of the concession through the Concession Company mandatorily set up for that purpose. Once the decision establishing the mining site becomes final and enforceable, the concession right for the prospection area will be restricted to the area of the mining site.

| 17. | Each bidder may submit only a single bid. |
| --- | --- |

17.

Each bidder may submit only a single bid.

| 18. | Time limit for the adjudication of concession bids: within 90 days following the deadline for bids to be submitted. |
| --- | --- |

18.

Time limit for the adjudication of concession bids: within 90 days following the deadline for bids to be submitted.

| 19. | The Contracting Authority will ensure a level playing field and will not apply any preferential criteria. |
| --- | --- |

19.

The Contracting Authority will ensure a level playing field and will not apply any preferential criteria.

| 20. | Tender adjudication criteria:






  I) | Assessment criteria relating to the content of the Programme of Research Work subject to concession:






  — | programme design aiming for maximum prospection of hydrocarbon and seeking to conduct prospection as comprehensively as possible and across as broad an area as possible on the concession site; the sum allotted for research; the planned duration of the research; the projected quantity of hydrocarbon that can be produced, |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.

Tender adjudication criteria:

I)

Assessment criteria relating to the content of the Programme of Research Work subject to concession:

—

programme design aiming for maximum prospection of hydrocarbon and seeking to conduct prospection as comprehensively as possible and across as broad an area as possible on the concession site; the sum allotted for research; the planned duration of the research; the projected quantity of hydrocarbon that can be produced,

| — | how up-to-date the envisaged technical solutions are, |
| --- | --- |

—

how up-to-date the envisaged technical solutions are,

| — | the measures envisaged for protecting the environment and preventing and reducing damage in the course of the work subject to concession. |
| --- | --- |

—

the measures envisaged for protecting the environment and preventing and reducing damage in the course of the work subject to concession.

| II) | Assessment criteria relating to the bidder’s ability to perform the concession contract:






  — | the bidder’s financial standing, the availability of the resources needed to finance the work to be performed under the concession, and the proportion of this accounted for by own resources, |
| --- | --- | --- |

II)

Assessment criteria relating to the bidder’s ability to perform the concession contract:

—

the bidder’s financial standing, the availability of the resources needed to finance the work to be performed under the concession, and the proportion of this accounted for by own resources,

| — | the total value of work performed in connection with hydrocarbon mining in the three years preceding the invitation to tender. |
| --- | --- |

—

the total value of work performed in connection with hydrocarbon mining in the three years preceding the invitation to tender.

| III) | Assessment criteria relating to payment obligations undertaken in the concession contract:






  — | the net concession fee offered above the minimum concession fee set by the Minister, |
| --- | --- | --- |

III)

Assessment criteria relating to payment obligations undertaken in the concession contract:

—

the net concession fee offered above the minimum concession fee set by the Minister,

| — | the size of the mining royalty offered above the minimum mining royalty set by the Minister. |
| --- | --- |

—

the size of the mining royalty offered above the minimum mining royalty set by the Minister.

The detailed adjudication criteria and the legislation governing the procedure for authorising the concession work and how it is to be performed and completed are specified in the Tender Document.

| 21. | The concession contract
  The concession contract is to be concluded within 60 days following the announcement of the result. This time limit may be extended by the Minister once only by a maximum of 60 days.
  The successful bidder is entitled to carry out the exclusive state-controlled economic activity (prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbon in a delimited area) permitted under the concession for the duration of the concession in accordance with the relevant legislation and the concession contract.
  When submitting the bid, bidders must take account of Section 22/A(13) of the Mining Act, which states that in the case of hydrocarbons a mining operator’s prospection right or prospection permit may cover a total of no more than 15 000 km2 of prospection territory. When establishing the prospection territory, account must also be taken of the prospection territory of the mining operator that controls — within the meaning of the Civil Code — the mining operator wishing to obtain the prospection right or prospection permit. In the case of joint bids, each of the bidders must meet this criterion individually.
  The draft concession contract is annexed to the Tender Document. |
| --- | --- |

21.

The concession contract

The concession contract is to be concluded within 60 days following the announcement of the result. This time limit may be extended by the Minister once only by a maximum of 60 days.

The successful bidder is entitled to carry out the exclusive state-controlled economic activity (prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbon in a delimited area) permitted under the concession for the duration of the concession in accordance with the relevant legislation and the concession contract.

When submitting the bid, bidders must take account of Section 22/A(13) of the Mining Act, which states that in the case of hydrocarbons a mining operator’s prospection right or prospection permit may cover a total of no more than 15 000 km2 of prospection territory. When establishing the prospection territory, account must also be taken of the prospection territory of the mining operator that controls — within the meaning of the Civil Code — the mining operator wishing to obtain the prospection right or prospection permit. In the case of joint bids, each of the bidders must meet this criterion individually.

The draft concession contract is annexed to the Tender Document.

| 22. | Information regarding the tendering procedure may be requested exclusively in Hungarian, in writing after the Tender Document has been purchased, in the manner stipulated in the Tender Document; replies will be made available to all parties by the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology using the e-mail address indicated on the Bidder Identification Sheet submitted when the Tender Document was purchased. |
| --- | --- |

22.

Information regarding the tendering procedure may be requested exclusively in Hungarian, in writing after the Tender Document has been purchased, in the manner stipulated in the Tender Document; replies will be made available to all parties by the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology using the e-mail address indicated on the Bidder Identification Sheet submitted when the Tender Document was purchased.

Budapest, June 2014.

Lászlóné NÉMETH

Minister

---

(1)  At the date on which this invitation to tender is being published, the member of the Government responsible for overseeing state-owned assets and for mining is the minister for national development in accordance with Section 84(d) and (g) of Government Decree No 212/2010 of 1 July 2010 governing the duties and powers of certain ministers and of the state secretary for the Prime Minister’s Office.

1

(d)

(g)

---

| 12.6.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 178/29 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.6.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 178/29

---

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

2014/C 178/07

PUBLIC INVITATION TO TENDER FOR A CONCESSION

FOR THE PROSPECTION, EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF HYDROCARBON UNDER CONCESSION IN THE WESTERN NAGYLENGYEL AREA

On behalf of the Hungarian State, the Minister for National Development (‘the Contracting Authority’ or ‘the Minister’) as the minister responsible for mining and for overseeing state-owned assets hereby issues a public invitation to tender for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbon under a concession contract on the basis of Act CXCVI of 2011 on national assets (‘the National Assets Act’), Act XVI of 1991 on Concessions (‘the Concessions Act’) and Act XLVIII of 1993 on mining (‘the Mining Act’), subject to the following conditions.

| 1. | The Minister will publish the invitation to tender, adjudge the bids and conclude the concession contract in cooperation with the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (Magyar Bányászati és Földtani Hivatal) in accordance with the the Concessions Act and the Mining Act. Bids that meet the tender specifications will be evaluated by an Evaluation Committee set up by the Minister.
  On the recommendation of the Evaluation Committee the Minister will issue the decision awarding the concession, on the basis of which the Minister may then conclude the concession contract with the successful bidder in accordance with Section 5(1) of the Concessions Act (1).
  The language of the tendering procedure is Hungarian. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Minister will publish the invitation to tender, adjudge the bids and conclude the concession contract in cooperation with the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (Magyar Bányászati és Földtani Hivatal) in accordance with the the Concessions Act and the Mining Act. Bids that meet the tender specifications will be evaluated by an Evaluation Committee set up by the Minister.

On the recommendation of the Evaluation Committee the Minister will issue the decision awarding the concession, on the basis of which the Minister may then conclude the concession contract with the successful bidder in accordance with Section 5(1) of the Concessions Act (1).

The language of the tendering procedure is Hungarian.

| 2. | Participation in the tendering procedure is open to any domestic or foreign natural person and to any transparent organisation within the meaning of the National Assets Act provided they meet the tender specifications; joint bids are also permitted. In the case of joint bids for this concession activity, the bidders must designate one of their number as representative, but assume joint and several liability for performance of the concession contract. Under the tendering procedure domestic and foreign bidders will be treated on an equal footing.
  For the purpose of carrying out the activity subject to concession, using its own resources the bidder signing the concession contract (‘the Concession-Holder’) must, within 90 days of signing, set up a company with its registered office in Hungary (‘the Concession Company’); the Concession-Holder must hold the majority of the shares, business interests and voting rights in the company at the time it is set up and for as long as it continues to exist, and must, as owner, undertake to enforce the requirements specified in the concession contract within the Concession Company. The Concession Company will enjoy the rights and be subject to the obligations under the concession contract as a mining operator. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Participation in the tendering procedure is open to any domestic or foreign natural person and to any transparent organisation within the meaning of the National Assets Act provided they meet the tender specifications; joint bids are also permitted. In the case of joint bids for this concession activity, the bidders must designate one of their number as representative, but assume joint and several liability for performance of the concession contract. Under the tendering procedure domestic and foreign bidders will be treated on an equal footing.

For the purpose of carrying out the activity subject to concession, using its own resources the bidder signing the concession contract (‘the Concession-Holder’) must, within 90 days of signing, set up a company with its registered office in Hungary (‘the Concession Company’); the Concession-Holder must hold the majority of the shares, business interests and voting rights in the company at the time it is set up and for as long as it continues to exist, and must, as owner, undertake to enforce the requirements specified in the concession contract within the Concession Company. The Concession Company will enjoy the rights and be subject to the obligations under the concession contract as a mining operator.

| 3. | Duration of the concession: 20 years from the entry into force of the concession contract; the original duration may be extended once without a further call for tenders for a maximum of half of its original duration if the Concession-Holder and Concession Company have complied with all their obligations in accordance with the contract and on time. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Duration of the concession: 20 years from the entry into force of the concession contract; the original duration may be extended once without a further call for tenders for a maximum of half of its original duration if the Concession-Holder and Concession Company have complied with all their obligations in accordance with the contract and on time.

| 4. | Data on area designated for concession:

  Area designated for concession: The area is situated between the municipalities given in the table below in the counties of Zala and Vas.

  Size of area: 907,6 km2.

  Overburden of area designated for concession: surface and bedrock: 6 000 metres below Baltic Sea level.
  The border point coordinates delimiting the area designated for concession can be viewed in the Uniform National Projection System by clicking on the ‘Koncesszió’ tab on the website of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (www.mbfh.hu) and on the website of the Ministry of National Development (www.kormany.hu/hu/nemzeti-fejlesztesi-miniszterium). |
| --- | --- |

4.

Data on area designated for concession:

Area designated for concession: The area is situated between the municipalities given in the table below in the counties of Zala and Vas.

Size of area: 907,6 km2.

Overburden of area designated for concession: surface and bedrock: 6 000 metres below Baltic Sea level.

The border point coordinates delimiting the area designated for concession can be viewed in the Uniform National Projection System by clicking on the ‘Koncesszió’ tab on the website of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (www.mbfh.hu) and on the website of the Ministry of National Development (www.kormany.hu/hu/nemzeti-fejlesztesi-miniszterium).

| 5. | Minimum net concession fee: HUF 192 000 000 (one hundred and ninety-two million forint) plus VAT, but a bid for a larger fixed amount may be entered in the tendering procedure. Once the result is published, the successful bidder must pay the concession fee for the amount, in the manner and by the date specified in the concession contract. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Minimum net concession fee: HUF 192 000 000 (one hundred and ninety-two million forint) plus VAT, but a bid for a larger fixed amount may be entered in the tendering procedure. Once the result is published, the successful bidder must pay the concession fee for the amount, in the manner and by the date specified in the concession contract.

| 6. | Participation in the concession tendering procedure is subject to payment of a participation fee of HUF 10 000 000 (ten million forint) plus VAT; this amount is to be paid in the manner specified in the Tender Document. |
| --- | --- |

6.

Participation in the concession tendering procedure is subject to payment of a participation fee of HUF 10 000 000 (ten million forint) plus VAT; this amount is to be paid in the manner specified in the Tender Document.

| 7. | In addition to paying the participation fee, for their bid to be valid bidders must lodge a tendering security of HUF 50 000 000 (fifty million forint) by the day preceding the deadline for submitting bids as a guarantee that the bid is binding. The tendering security paid will be forfeited to the Contracting Authority if the bidder withdraws or if the bidder is successful but then fails to conclude the contract or fails to pay the concession fee offered, for the amount, in the manner and by the deadline stipulated in the contract. The tendering security is to be paid in the manner specified in the Tender Document. |
| --- | --- |

7.

In addition to paying the participation fee, for their bid to be valid bidders must lodge a tendering security of HUF 50 000 000 (fifty million forint) by the day preceding the deadline for submitting bids as a guarantee that the bid is binding. The tendering security paid will be forfeited to the Contracting Authority if the bidder withdraws or if the bidder is successful but then fails to conclude the contract or fails to pay the concession fee offered, for the amount, in the manner and by the deadline stipulated in the contract. The tendering security is to be paid in the manner specified in the Tender Document.

| 8. | The rate of the mining royalty payable on the basis of the concession contract will be 19 % in accordance with the decision of the Minister; a bid for a higher mining royalty may be entered in the tendering procedure, which if agreed is recorded in the concession contract and must be paid for the duration of the concession. |
| --- | --- |

8.

The rate of the mining royalty payable on the basis of the concession contract will be 19 % in accordance with the decision of the Minister; a bid for a higher mining royalty may be entered in the tendering procedure, which if agreed is recorded in the concession contract and must be paid for the duration of the concession.

| 9. | The legal, financial, technical and other conditions and information relating to the tendering procedure can be found in the Tender Document. |
| --- | --- |

9.

The legal, financial, technical and other conditions and information relating to the tendering procedure can be found in the Tender Document.

| 10. | The Tender Document may be collected at the Customer Service Office of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (Columbus utca 17-23, 1145 Budapest; telephone: +36 13012900) on working days between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. up until the day before the submission deadline on presentation of adequate documentary proof that the purchase price for the Tender Document has been paid. The Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology will issue the purchaser with a certificate in their name confirming that they have received the Tender Document.
  When purchasing the Tender Document, for the purposes of being contacted and receiving communications the purchaser must also submit a Concession Bidder Identification Sheet, which can be downloaded from the website of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (www.mbfh.hu – under the ‘Koncessziós pályázatok közzététele’ (‘Concession bid disclosure’] option of the ‘Koncesszió’ tab). |
| --- | --- |

10.

The Tender Document may be collected at the Customer Service Office of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (Columbus utca 17-23, 1145 Budapest; telephone: +36 13012900) on working days between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. up until the day before the submission deadline on presentation of adequate documentary proof that the purchase price for the Tender Document has been paid. The Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology will issue the purchaser with a certificate in their name confirming that they have received the Tender Document.

When purchasing the Tender Document, for the purposes of being contacted and receiving communications the purchaser must also submit a Concession Bidder Identification Sheet, which can be downloaded from the website of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (www.mbfh.hu – under the ‘Koncessziós pályázatok közzététele’ (‘Concession bid disclosure’] option of the ‘Koncesszió’ tab).

| 11. | The purchase price for the Tender Document is HUF 100 000 (one hundred thousand forint) plus VAT, which must be paid by transfer into Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology account No 10032000-01417179-00000000. The message accompanying the transfer must state the code NNYCHDV and the name of the person purchasing the Tender Document. The purchase price for the Tender Document may not be paid in cash and is non-refundable in part or in full. |
| --- | --- |

11.

The purchase price for the Tender Document is HUF 100 000 (one hundred thousand forint) plus VAT, which must be paid by transfer into Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology account No 10032000-01417179-00000000. The message accompanying the transfer must state the code NNYCHDV and the name of the person purchasing the Tender Document. The purchase price for the Tender Document may not be paid in cash and is non-refundable in part or in full.

| 12. | Bids may be submitted only by persons having purchased the Tender Document and having paid both the participation fee and the tendering security. |
| --- | --- |

12.

Bids may be submitted only by persons having purchased the Tender Document and having paid both the participation fee and the tendering security.

| 13. | Bids must be submitted in person on 30 September 2014 between 10 and 12 o’clock at the Customer Service Office of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (address: Columbus utca 17-23, 1145 Budapest) in Hungarian, as specified in the Tender Document. |
| --- | --- |

13.

Bids must be submitted in person on 30 September 2014 between 10 and 12 o’clock at the Customer Service Office of the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology (address: Columbus utca 17-23, 1145 Budapest) in Hungarian, as specified in the Tender Document.

| 14. | From the time it is submitted the bid becomes binding on the bidder and remains binding until the tendering procedure is ended. Bidders may not exclude liability for failure to abide by their bid. |
| --- | --- |

14.

From the time it is submitted the bid becomes binding on the bidder and remains binding until the tendering procedure is ended. Bidders may not exclude liability for failure to abide by their bid.

| 15. | The Minister reserves the right to declare the concession tender procedure unsuccessful. No claims arising from the tender procedure being declared unsuccessful may be lodged against the Minister, the Hungarian State represented by the Minister, or the Ministry of Development as the Minister’s place of work. |
| --- | --- |

15.

The Minister reserves the right to declare the concession tender procedure unsuccessful. No claims arising from the tender procedure being declared unsuccessful may be lodged against the Minister, the Hungarian State represented by the Minister, or the Ministry of Development as the Minister’s place of work.

| 16. | The successful bidder will acquire the exclusive right for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbon in the area designated for concession for the duration of the concession through the Concession Company mandatorily set up for that purpose. Once the decision establishing the mining site becomes final and enforceable, the concession right for the prospection area will be restricted to the area of the mining site. |
| --- | --- |

16.

The successful bidder will acquire the exclusive right for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbon in the area designated for concession for the duration of the concession through the Concession Company mandatorily set up for that purpose. Once the decision establishing the mining site becomes final and enforceable, the concession right for the prospection area will be restricted to the area of the mining site.

| 17. | Each bidder may submit only a single bid. |
| --- | --- |

17.

Each bidder may submit only a single bid.

| 18. | Time limit for the adjudication of concession bids: within 90 days following the deadline for bids to be submitted. |
| --- | --- |

18.

Time limit for the adjudication of concession bids: within 90 days following the deadline for bids to be submitted.

| 19. | The Contracting Authority will ensure a level playing field and will not apply any preferential criteria. |
| --- | --- |

19.

The Contracting Authority will ensure a level playing field and will not apply any preferential criteria.

| 20. | Tender adjudication criteria:






  (I) | Assessment criteria relating to the content of the Programme of Research Work subject to concession:






  — | programme design aiming for maximum prospection of hydrocarbon and seeking to conduct prospection as comprehensively as possible and across as broad an area as possible on the concession site; the sum allotted for research; the planned duration of the research; the projected quantity of hydrocarbon that can be produced; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.

Tender adjudication criteria:

(I)

Assessment criteria relating to the content of the Programme of Research Work subject to concession:

—

programme design aiming for maximum prospection of hydrocarbon and seeking to conduct prospection as comprehensively as possible and across as broad an area as possible on the concession site; the sum allotted for research; the planned duration of the research; the projected quantity of hydrocarbon that can be produced;

| — | how up-to-date the envisaged technical solutions are; |
| --- | --- |

—

how up-to-date the envisaged technical solutions are;

| — | the measures envisaged for protecting the environment and preventing and reducing damage in the course of the work subject to concession. |
| --- | --- |

—

the measures envisaged for protecting the environment and preventing and reducing damage in the course of the work subject to concession.

| (II) | Assessment criteria relating to the bidder’s ability to perform the concession contract:






  — | the bidder’s financial standing, the availability of the resources needed to finance the work to be performed under the concession, and the proportion of this accounted for by own resources; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(II)

Assessment criteria relating to the bidder’s ability to perform the concession contract:

—

the bidder’s financial standing, the availability of the resources needed to finance the work to be performed under the concession, and the proportion of this accounted for by own resources;

| — | the total value of work performed in connection with hydrocarbon mining in the three years preceding the invitation to tender. |
| --- | --- |

—

the total value of work performed in connection with hydrocarbon mining in the three years preceding the invitation to tender.

| (III) | Assessment criteria relating to payment obligations undertaken in the concession contract:






  — | the net concession fee offered above the minimum concession fee set by the Minister; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(III)

Assessment criteria relating to payment obligations undertaken in the concession contract:

—

the net concession fee offered above the minimum concession fee set by the Minister;

| — | the size of the mining royalty offered above the minimum mining royalty set by the Minister. |
| --- | --- |

—

the size of the mining royalty offered above the minimum mining royalty set by the Minister.

The detailed adjudication criteria and the legislation governing the procedure for authorising the concession work and how it is to be performed and completed are specified in the Tender Document.

| 21. | The concession contract
  The concession contract is to be concluded within 60 days following the announcement of the result. This time limit may be extended by the Minister once only by a maximum of 60 days.
  The successful bidder is entitled to carry out the exclusive state-controlled economic activity (prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbon in a delimited area) permitted under the concession for the duration of the concession in accordance with the relevant legislation and the concession contract.
  When submitting the bid, bidders must take account of Section 22/A(13) of the Mining Act, which states that in the case of hydrocarbons a mining operator’s prospection right or prospection permit may cover a total of no more than 15 000 km2 of prospection territory. When establishing the prospection territory, account must also be taken of the prospection territory of the mining operator that controls – within the meaning of the Civil Code – the mining operator wishing to obtain the prospection right or prospection permit. In the case of joint bids, each of the bidders must meet this criterion individually.
  The draft concession contract is annexed to the Tender Document. |
| --- | --- |

21.

The concession contract

The concession contract is to be concluded within 60 days following the announcement of the result. This time limit may be extended by the Minister once only by a maximum of 60 days.

The successful bidder is entitled to carry out the exclusive state-controlled economic activity (prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbon in a delimited area) permitted under the concession for the duration of the concession in accordance with the relevant legislation and the concession contract.

When submitting the bid, bidders must take account of Section 22/A(13) of the Mining Act, which states that in the case of hydrocarbons a mining operator’s prospection right or prospection permit may cover a total of no more than 15 000 km2 of prospection territory. When establishing the prospection territory, account must also be taken of the prospection territory of the mining operator that controls – within the meaning of the Civil Code – the mining operator wishing to obtain the prospection right or prospection permit. In the case of joint bids, each of the bidders must meet this criterion individually.

The draft concession contract is annexed to the Tender Document.

| 22. | Information regarding the tendering procedure may be requested exclusively in Hungarian, in writing after the Tender Document has been purchased, in the manner stipulated in the Tender Document; replies will be made available to all parties by the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology using the e-mail address indicated on the Bidder Identification Sheet submitted when the Tender Document was purchased. |
| --- | --- |

22.

Information regarding the tendering procedure may be requested exclusively in Hungarian, in writing after the Tender Document has been purchased, in the manner stipulated in the Tender Document; replies will be made available to all parties by the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology using the e-mail address indicated on the Bidder Identification Sheet submitted when the Tender Document was purchased.

Budapest, June 2014.

Lászlóné NÉMETH

Minister

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(1)  At the date on which this invitation to tender is being published, the member of the Government responsible for overseeing state-owned assets and for mining is the minister for national development in accordance with Section 84(d) and (g) of Government Decree No 212/2010 of 1 July 2010 governing the duties and powers of certain ministers and of the state secretary for the Prime Minister’s Office.

1

(d)

(g)

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V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

| 12.6.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 178/34 |
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12.6.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 178/34

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NOTICE OF OPEN COMPETITION

2014/C 178/08

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is organising the following open competition:

EPSO/AST/133/14 — INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT) (AST 3)

The notice is published in 24 languages in Official Journal C 178 A of 12 June 2014.

Further details can be found on the EPSO website http://blogs.ec.europa.eu/eu-careers.info/

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PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 12.6.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 178/35 |
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12.6.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 178/35

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.7188 — Remondis Nederland/SITA Recycling Services/JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

2014/C 178/09

| 1. | On 4 June 2014, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Remondis Nederland B.V. (the Netherlands), owned by Remondis AG & Co (‘Remondis Group’, Germany) and ultimately controlled by Rethmann AG & Co. KG (Germany), and SITA Recycling Services B.V., (‘SITA’, the Netherlands), ultimately controlled by Suez Environnement Company SA (France), acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control over a newly created joint venture (‘NewCo’, the Netherlands). |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 4 June 2014, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Remondis Nederland B.V. (the Netherlands), owned by Remondis AG & Co (‘Remondis Group’, Germany) and ultimately controlled by Rethmann AG & Co. KG (Germany), and SITA Recycling Services B.V., (‘SITA’, the Netherlands), ultimately controlled by Suez Environnement Company SA (France), acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control over a newly created joint venture (‘NewCo’, the Netherlands).

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:
  —   for Remondis Group: an international water and environmental service company active, among others, in collection, sorting and recycling of plastic waste,
  —   for SITA: active in the Netherlands within the fields of collection, transport and processing of industrial waste, special waste, household waste as well as sewer maintenance and soil sanitation,
  —   for NewCo: will be active in the sorting of Dutch household plastic waste. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for Remondis Group: an international water and environmental service company active, among others, in collection, sorting and recycling of plastic waste,

—   for SITA: active in the Netherlands within the fields of collection, transport and processing of industrial waste, special waste, household waste as well as sewer maintenance and soil sanitation,

—   for NewCo: will be active in the sorting of Dutch household plastic waste.

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

3.

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

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7188 — Remondis Nederland/SITA Recycling Services/JV to the following address:





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

4.

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

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7188 — Remondis Nederland/SITA Recycling Services/JV to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

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

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

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| 12.6.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 178/36 |
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12.6.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 178/36

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.7216 — Reggeborgh/Argos Energy Group)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2014/C 178/10

| 1. | On 4 June 2014, the European Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Reggeborgh Invest B.V. (‘Reggeborgh’, the Netherlands) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control over the Argos Group Holding (‘Argos Holding’, the Netherlands), by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 4 June 2014, the European Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Reggeborgh Invest B.V. (‘Reggeborgh’, the Netherlands) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control over the Argos Group Holding (‘Argos Holding’, the Netherlands), by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:
  —   for Reggeborgh: active in trade and supply of petroleum products for land and waterbound use, property development, construction services sector and vessels rental;
  —   for Argos Holding: active in north-western Europe in trade and supply of petroleum products for land and waterbound use. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for Reggeborgh: active in trade and supply of petroleum products for land and waterbound use, property development, construction services sector and vessels rental;

—   for Argos Holding: active in north-western Europe in trade and supply of petroleum products for land and waterbound use.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the European Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the European Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

| 4. | The European Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the European Commission.
  Observations must reach the European Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the European Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7216 — Reggeborgh/Argos Energy Group, to the following address:





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

4.

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

Observations must reach the European Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the European Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7216 — Reggeborgh/Argos Energy Group, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

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

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| 12.6.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 178/37 |
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12.6.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 178/37

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.7301 — PAI partners/Euro Media Group)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

2014/C 178/11

| 1. | On 5 June 2014, the European Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking PAI partners (France), acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of the whole of the undertaking Euro Media Group (France) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 5 June 2014, the European Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking PAI partners (France), acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of the whole of the undertaking Euro Media Group (France) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:
  —   for PAI partners: portofolio management activities on behalf of third parties,
  —   for Euro Media Group: provision of technical equipment and services for the production and delivery of media content. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for PAI partners: portofolio management activities on behalf of third parties,

—   for Euro Media Group: provision of technical equipment and services for the production and delivery of media content.

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

3.

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

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7301 — PAI partners/Euro Media Group, to the following address:





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

4.

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

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7301 — PAI partners/Euro Media Group, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

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

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

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 12.6.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 178/38 |
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12.6.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 178/38

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Publication of an 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 178/12

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).

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

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

‘SALAMA DA SUGO’

EC No: IT-PGI-0005-01114 – 21.05.2013

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1.   Name

‘Salama da sugo’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Italy

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.2. Meat products (cooked, salted, smoked, etc.)

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

‘Salama da sugo’ is a product made from a blend of seasoned pork meats, encased in a natural pig’s bladder. It is sold as an uncooked edible product after being dried and matured or as a cooked edible product following subsequent heat treatment. A ‘Salama da sugo’ typically weighs between 700 and 1 400 g following the maturing process. It is round (‘melon shaped’) and tied with string to form six or eight segments, with a constricting horizontal band around the middle. The outer surface is uneven and may feature traces of mould, formed naturally during the maturing process. Inside, the product is rosy pink owing to the maturing of lean and fatty minced meats combined with a high percentage of wine, and has a firm and compact consistency. It has a lingering fragrant and spiced aroma. The maximum water content is 30 %, the maximum fat content is 50 % (± 5 %), and the maximum protein content is 20 % (± 5 %). The collagen/protein ratio is 10 g/100 g (± 3 g). The cooked product is dark brown in colour, intensely fragrant and highly aromatic. It has a full-bodied, savoury taste that lingers on the palate even after eating, and is soft and crumbly in texture.

3.3.   Raw materials (for processed products only)

‘Salama da sugo’ is made only from cuts of pork in the following proportions: neck 25 % (± 15), nape 25 % (± 15 %), belly 25 % (± 15), shoulder 20 % (± 15), tongue 3 % (± 2), liver 2 % (± 1). The following percentage of minced meat from below the shoulder (trito di sottospalla) is permitted: 25 % (± 15 %). Furthermore, for each kilogram of meat used, 15 cl of red wine (± 5 cl) is added. The following wine varieties may be used: Fortana, Merlot del Bosco Eliceo, Sangiovese di Romagna, Lambrusco, Refosco. The product is also seasoned with cracked or ground black pepper: 2,5 g (± 0,5 g), and coarse sea salt: 26 g (± 4 g).

The optional ingredients are cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves, either added together or separately in a ratio of 0,75 g per kg of meat (± 0,5 g), and either brandy, grappa or rum used as a partial substitute for the red wine in quantities up to 1 cl per kg of meat.

3.4.   Feed (for products of animal origin only)

Feed for pigs intended to be used to produce ‘Salama da sugo’ should be provided in the form of a swill or mash and must have a dry matter content of not less than 45 %, up to a maximum of 80 kg live weight, and not less than 55 % during the fattening period. The consumption of whey (a by-product of curds) and buttermilk (a by-product of butter processing) should not exceed 15 litres per animal, per day).

3.5.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area

The steps in the production of ‘Salama da sugo’ which must be carried out in the area defined in point 4 are: trimming, mincing, mixing, filling, tying, drying and maturing. In the case of cooked ‘Salama da sugo’ the post-maturation heat treatment must also be carried out in the defined area.

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

The product is sold whole. If it has undergone a heat treatment process in a sealed wrapper, then it may also be sold in segments, provided that it is cut up prior to the heat treatment process to avoid any health risks or organoleptic changes associated with possible fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

3.7.   Specific rules concerning labelling

The packaging labels bear the name ‘Salama da sugo’ followed by the abbreviation ‘IGP’ (‘PGI’) or the words ‘Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ (‘protected geographical indication’), the ‘Salama da sugo’ logo and the EU symbol. The size of the PGI logo may be adapted in proportion to different packaging sizes, and may be reduced to a minimum of 2 cm at the base.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The area in which ‘Salama da sugo’ is processed, prepared and packaged comprises the territory of the province of Ferrara, with the exception of the municipalities of Goro, Codigoro, Lagosanto and Comacchio.

5.   Link with the geographical area

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area

An abundance of water has had an impact on and continues to influence relative humidity in the local area. Both minimum and maximum relative humidity levels are very high, in absolute terms as well as in comparison to values in neighbouring provinces, as historical data for Emilia-Romagna demonstrate. These environmental conditions led to the setting-up and widespread distribution of pork processing plants, which, for hygiene reasons, require access to large volumes of water, whilst the damp climate has always favoured the optimum maturation of the processed product. Over the years this led to the consolidation of specific expertise which has been incorporated into the traditional method of producing ‘Salama da sugo’.

The skill of the producers, assimilating years of cumulative tradition, is particularly evident at certain key stages of the production process – trimming the meat, choosing the most appropriate cuts, carefully mincing the meat, filling by hand, and then hand-tying the product in the distinctive way.

5.2.   Specificity of the product

‘Salama da sugo’ is a unique product and cannot be compared with other processed meat products as it differs from them in terms of:

| — | composition — it requires the use of various cuts of pork, wine or liqueurs, and spices; |
| --- | --- |

—

composition — it requires the use of various cuts of pork, wine or liqueurs, and spices;

| — | appearance — colour of the mixture and in particular the ‘melon’ shape, divided into six or eight segments, which is also depicted on the ‘Salama da sugo’ identifying logo; |
| --- | --- |

—

appearance — colour of the mixture and in particular the ‘melon’ shape, divided into six or eight segments, which is also depicted on the ‘Salama da sugo’ identifying logo;

| — | organoleptic qualities (soft and crumbly, with a vast array of aromatic elements and juice which oozes from the bladder casing). |
| --- | --- |

—

organoleptic qualities (soft and crumbly, with a vast array of aromatic elements and juice which oozes from the bladder casing).

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)

The product dates back to the Renaissance era, when the Dukes of Este, who governed the territory of Ferrara at that time, placed great emphasis on the pleasures of the table. The distinctive melon shape, divided into six or eight segments with a central constricting band, also dates back to that time and is depicted on Ferrarese court pottery from the same period.

The expertise specific to the area is reflected in particular in the steps in the production process, some of which are extremely characteristic because they are still performed to a large extent by hand (trimming of the meat, filling, tying) or with an expert eye (assessing when the product has matured sufficiently).

The ingredients used lend the product some of its distinctive qualities, such as the colour (derived from the use of liver mixed with wine or liqueurs), the formation of the juice (resulting from the use of cuts of pork, such as neck, nape, belly and shoulder, that are rich in fats which dissolve easily, and the addition of wine or liqueurs).

With regard to the organoleptic characteristics, the gelatinous nature of the cuts of meat used makes ‘Salamo da sugo’ soft and crumbly on the palate. Its scent and flavour, characterised by a vast range of aromatic elements, are derived from the distinctive use of wine and spices combined with the transformation of, in particular, the fat in the product, as well as the fact that the maturation process is carried out under specific environmental conditions. The juice which oozes from the bladder casing during cooking is a result of the fact that a certain amount of the wine and liqueurs used does not evaporate and becomes infused with the spices.

The climate in the area, with the exception of the coastal areas where the air is salty, has a positive impact on the maturing process of ‘Salama da sugo’ and consequently on the organoleptic qualities of the product since it ensures, throughout the entire long maturing process, that the product dries gently and gradually, both at surface level and at the core of the product, leaving it uniformly soft and compact. The climatic conditions are, moreover, responsible for the specific bacterial flora which develop on the product’s surface and which contribute to the development of its aroma.

The first edition of Touring Club Italiano’s Guida Gastronomica d’Italia (1931) contains references to the product’s reputation: ‘Salama da sugo’ is an extremely well-known speciality unique to Ferrara which is made both in the city itself as well as in many parts of the province’. It is also mentioned in the 1967 edition of the Annuario dell’Accademia italiana della cucina in which Ferrara is described as the ‘famous city of “Salama da sugo”’. Today, all Italian gastronomic guides contain references to ‘Salama da sugo’, sealing a reputation that is now very well established.

Furthermore, in the area of production there are many fairs and traditional events dedicated to ‘Salama da sugo’, confirming its link to the area. These include the fairs held in Guarda Ferrarese and Buonacompra (at the end of July). The latter has taken place since 1974 and celebrates the connection between the consumption of ‘Salama da sugo’ and the harvesting of hemp, which for centuries was a very typical local product.

Reference to publication of the specification

The Ministry has launched the national objection procedure in respect of the recognition of the protected geographical indication ‘Salama da sugo’ published in Official Journal of the Italian Republic No 272 of 21 November 2012.

The full text of the product specification is available on the following website: http://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/3335 (Article 5(7) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (3))

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

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

(3)  See footnote 2.

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