# Official Journal C 14/2014

| | ISSN 1977-091X
  doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2014.014.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 14 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5718 January 2014 |

ISSN 1977-091X

doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2014.014.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 14

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5718 January 2014

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2014/C 014/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.7028 — CVC/Certain European subsidiaries of Campbell Soup) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2014/C 014/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.6817 — Allianz/Axa/Covéa/Generali/CSCA/Netproassur) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2014/C 014/03 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.7080 — Dimension Data/Nextiraone Assets) (
  1
  ) | 2 |
| 2014/C 014/04 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 3 |
| 2014/C 014/05 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  2
  ) | 4 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2014/C 014/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.7028 — CVC/Certain European subsidiaries of Campbell Soup) (
  1
  )

1

1

2014/C 014/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.6817 — Allianz/Axa/Covéa/Generali/CSCA/Netproassur) (
  1
  )

1

1

2014/C 014/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.7080 — Dimension Data/Nextiraone Assets) (
  1
  )

1

2

2014/C 014/04

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  )

1

3

2014/C 014/05

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  2
  )

2

4

| | III   Preparatory acts |
| --- | --- |
| | European Central Bank |
| 2014/C 014/06 | Opinion of the European Central Bank of 10 October 2013 on a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision and quality of statistics for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure (CON/2013/72) | 5 |

III   Preparatory acts

European Central Bank

2014/C 014/06

Opinion of the European Central Bank of 10 October 2013 on a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision and quality of statistics for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure (CON/2013/72)

5

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2014/C 014/07 | Euro exchange rates | 8 |
| 2014/C 014/08 | Commission communication concerning the implementation of Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 552/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 on the interoperability of the European Air Traffic Management network (Publication of titles and references of Community specifications under the Regulation)
   (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| | Court of Auditors |
| 2014/C 014/09 | Special Report No 15/2013 Has the Environment component of the LIFE programme been effective? | 10 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2014/C 014/10 | Commission notice pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Imposition of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services (
  1
  ) | 11 |
| 2014/C 014/11 | Commission notice pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Imposition of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services (
  1
  ) | 12 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2014/C 014/07

Euro exchange rates

8

2014/C 014/08

Commission communication concerning the implementation of Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 552/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 on the interoperability of the European Air Traffic Management network (Publication of titles and references of Community specifications under the Regulation)
   (
  1
  )

(Publication of titles and references of Community specifications under the Regulation)

1

9

Court of Auditors

2014/C 014/09

Special Report No 15/2013 Has the Environment component of the LIFE programme been effective?

10

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2014/C 014/10

Commission notice pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Imposition of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services (
  1
  )

1

11

2014/C 014/11

Commission notice pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Imposition of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services (
  1
  )

1

12

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2014/C 014/12 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.7075 — Cintra/Abertis/Itínere/BIP&Drive JV) (
  1
  ) | 13 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2014/C 014/12

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.7075 — Cintra/Abertis/Itínere/BIP&Drive JV) (
  1
  )

1

13

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance |
| | (2)   Text with EEA relevance, except for products falling under Annex I to the Treaty |

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

(2)   Text with EEA relevance, except for products falling under Annex I to the Treaty

2

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

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 18.1.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 14/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.1.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 14/1

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.7028 — CVC/Certain European subsidiaries of Campbell Soup)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2014/C 14/01

On 25 October 2013, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

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

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) under document number 32013M7028. EUR-Lex is the online access to the European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) under document number 32013M7028. EUR-Lex is the online access to the European law.

---

| 18.1.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 14/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.1.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 14/1

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.6817 — Allianz/Axa/Covéa/Generali/CSCA/Netproassur)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2014/C 14/02

On 8 January 2014, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in French 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 32014M6817. EUR-Lex is the online access to the European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) under document number 32014M6817. EUR-Lex is the online access to the European law.

---

| 18.1.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 14/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.1.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 14/2

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.7080 — Dimension Data/Nextiraone Assets)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2014/C 14/03

On 9 January 2014, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

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

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) under document number 32014M7080. EUR-Lex is the online access to the European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) under document number 32014M7080. EUR-Lex is the online access to the European law.

---

| 18.1.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 14/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.1.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 14/3

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Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

2014/C 14/04

| Date of adoption of the decision | 29.11.2013 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.37436 (13/N) |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Brandenburg | Article 107(3)(a) |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Förderrichtlinie des Ministeriums für Wirtschaft zur Gewährung von Zuwendungen zur Konsolidierung und Standortsicherung für kleine und mittlere Unternehmen im Land Brandenburg (Konsolidierungs- und Standortsicherungsprogramm) |
| Legal basis | Haushaltsordnung des Landes Brandenburg (Landeshaushaltsordnung — LHO) mit den dazugehörigen Verwaltungsvorschriften (VV-LHO) |
| Type of measure | Scheme | — |
| Objective | Rescuing firms in difficulty, Restructuring firms in difficulty |
| Form of aid | Soft loan |
| Budget | | Overall budget: EUR 7,2226 million |

Date of adoption of the decision

29.11.2013

Reference number of State Aid

SA.37436 (13/N)

Member State

Germany

Region

Brandenburg

Article 107(3)(a)

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Förderrichtlinie des Ministeriums für Wirtschaft zur Gewährung von Zuwendungen zur Konsolidierung und Standortsicherung für kleine und mittlere Unternehmen im Land Brandenburg (Konsolidierungs- und Standortsicherungsprogramm)

Legal basis

Haushaltsordnung des Landes Brandenburg (Landeshaushaltsordnung — LHO) mit den dazugehörigen Verwaltungsvorschriften (VV-LHO)

Type of measure

Scheme

—

Objective

Rescuing firms in difficulty, Restructuring firms in difficulty

Form of aid

Soft loan

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 7,2226 million

| | Annual budget: EUR 1 million |
| --- | --- |

Annual budget: EUR 1 million

Intensity

100 %

Duration (period)

1.1.2014-31.12.2014

Economic sectors

All economic sectors eligible to receive aid

Name and address of the granting authority

| Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg |
| --- |
| Steinstraße 104-106 |
| 14480 Potsdam |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg

Steinstraße 104-106

14480 Potsdam

DEUTSCHLAND

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm

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| 18.1.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 14/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.1.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 14/4

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Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance, except for products falling under Annex I to the Treaty)

2014/C 14/05

| Date of adoption of the decision | 4.12.2013 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.37606 (13/N) |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Hessen | Mixed |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Hessen — HIAP |
| Legal basis | Beihilferichtlinien für die nachhaltige Bewirtschaftung landwirtschaftlicher und naturschutzfachlich wertvoller Flächen in Hessen, Teil II: Hessisches Integriertes Agrarumweltprogramm (HIAP) |
| Type of measure | Scheme | — |
| Objective | Agri-environmental commitments |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | | Overall budget: EUR 1 million |

Date of adoption of the decision

4.12.2013

Reference number of State Aid

SA.37606 (13/N)

Member State

Germany

Region

Hessen

Mixed

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Hessen — HIAP

Legal basis

Beihilferichtlinien für die nachhaltige Bewirtschaftung landwirtschaftlicher und naturschutzfachlich wertvoller Flächen in Hessen, Teil II: Hessisches Integriertes Agrarumweltprogramm (HIAP)

Type of measure

Scheme

—

Objective

Agri-environmental commitments

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 1 million

| | Annual budget: EUR 1 million |
| --- | --- |

Annual budget: EUR 1 million

Intensity

100 %

Duration (period)

1.1.2014-31.12.2014

Economic sectors

Crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities

Name and address of the granting authority

Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt

Kreisausschüsse von 16 hessischen Landkreisen

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm

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III Preparatory acts

European Central Bank

| 18.1.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 14/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.1.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 14/5

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OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

of 10 October 2013

on a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision and quality of statistics for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure

(CON/2013/72)

2014/C 14/06

Introduction and legal basis

On 2 July 2013 and on 12 July 2013, the European Central Bank (ECB) received requests from the European Parliament and from the Council, respectively, for an opinion on a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision and quality of statistics for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure (1) (hereinafter the ‘proposed regulation’).

The ECB’s competence to deliver an opinion is based on Articles 127(4) and 282(5) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and Article 2 and Article 3.1 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank (hereinafter the ‘Statute of the ESCB’), since the proposed regulation contains provisions with implications for certain ESCB tasks and objectives. Article 5.1 of the Statute of the ESCB allows the ECB to collect the necessary statistical information to undertake ESCB tasks. Pursuant to Article 5.3 of the Statute of the ESCB, the ECB is required to contribute to the harmonisation, where necessary, of the rules and practices governing the collection, compilation and distribution of statistics in the areas within its fields of competence. Statistics for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure are required to define monetary policy, which is a task of the ESCB pursuant to Article 127(2) of the Treaty and Article 3.1 of the Statute of the ESCB, and in order to maintain price stability, which is the ESCB’s primary objective in accordance with Article 127(1) of the Treaty and Article 2 of the Statute of the ESCB.

In accordance with the first sentence of Article 17.5 of the Rules of Procedure of the European Central Bank, the Governing Council has adopted this opinion.

1.   
  General observations

| 1.1. | The ECB underlines the importance of ensuring reliable statistical data for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure (MIP) established under Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances (2). In one of its previous opinions (3), the ECB has supported the introduction of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

The ECB underlines the importance of ensuring reliable statistical data for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure (MIP) established under Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances (2). In one of its previous opinions (3), the ECB has supported the introduction of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011.

| 1.2. | According to Article 4(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011, the MIP scoreboard should comprise a small number of relevant, practical, simple, measurable and available macroeconomic and macro-financial indicators for Member States. Moreover, in accordance with Article 4(7), the Commission should assess on a regular basis the appropriateness of the indicators, including their composition, the thresholds set and the methodology used, adjusting or modifying them where necessary. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

According to Article 4(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011, the MIP scoreboard should comprise a small number of relevant, practical, simple, measurable and available macroeconomic and macro-financial indicators for Member States. Moreover, in accordance with Article 4(7), the Commission should assess on a regular basis the appropriateness of the indicators, including their composition, the thresholds set and the methodology used, adjusting or modifying them where necessary.

| 1.3. | Within this context, the Commission has started a legislative initiative to assure the statistical quality of the MIP. The initiative aims to secure that the compilation, monitoring and release of the macroeconomic and financial statistics relevant for the elaboration of MIP scoreboard indicators set by the Commission on the basis of Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 (hereinafter the ‘MIP relevant data’) is conducted in a manner that delivers sound and independent figures. The proposed regulation provides that the Commission may carry out missions to investigate any problems and propose that the Council imposes fines on Member States that misrepresent MIP relevant data intentionally or by serious negligence. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

Within this context, the Commission has started a legislative initiative to assure the statistical quality of the MIP. The initiative aims to secure that the compilation, monitoring and release of the macroeconomic and financial statistics relevant for the elaboration of MIP scoreboard indicators set by the Commission on the basis of Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 (hereinafter the ‘MIP relevant data’) is conducted in a manner that delivers sound and independent figures. The proposed regulation provides that the Commission may carry out missions to investigate any problems and propose that the Council imposes fines on Member States that misrepresent MIP relevant data intentionally or by serious negligence.

2.   
  Compilation of macroeconomic and financial statistics supporting economic and monetary union and other Union policies

| 2.1. | The indicators for the MIP are as a rule derived from available macroeconomic and financial statistics, such as balance of payments statistics, financial and national accounts. The European Statistical System (ESS) and the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) (4) have been producing these macroeconomic and financial statistics for many years within their respective spheres of competence and continuously apply statistical quality assurance mechanisms to ensure that these statistics are in line with international statistical standards and reliable and comparable across Member States. |
| --- | --- |

2.1.

The indicators for the MIP are as a rule derived from available macroeconomic and financial statistics, such as balance of payments statistics, financial and national accounts. The European Statistical System (ESS) and the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) (4) have been producing these macroeconomic and financial statistics for many years within their respective spheres of competence and continuously apply statistical quality assurance mechanisms to ensure that these statistics are in line with international statistical standards and reliable and comparable across Member States.

| 2.2. | By striking a balance between timeliness, reliability and the degree of detail, the ESS and the ESCB produce fit for purpose macroeconomic and financial statistics in a cost-effective manner. High-frequency statistics are compiled with less detail to ensure the appropriate timeliness, while more detailed statistics typically become available with a longer time lag. These statistics rely on surveys, administrative data and necessary estimations, in addition to using statistical techniques and expert judgements. The whole process also takes into account the need to limit the reporting burden for respondents such as small and medium-sized enterprises.
  The macroeconomic and financial statistics have been the basis for economic and monetary policy decisions on the national and European level for many years. The same statistics are also used by international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in their surveillance reports. |
| --- | --- |

2.2.

By striking a balance between timeliness, reliability and the degree of detail, the ESS and the ESCB produce fit for purpose macroeconomic and financial statistics in a cost-effective manner. High-frequency statistics are compiled with less detail to ensure the appropriate timeliness, while more detailed statistics typically become available with a longer time lag. These statistics rely on surveys, administrative data and necessary estimations, in addition to using statistical techniques and expert judgements. The whole process also takes into account the need to limit the reporting burden for respondents such as small and medium-sized enterprises.

The macroeconomic and financial statistics have been the basis for economic and monetary policy decisions on the national and European level for many years. The same statistics are also used by international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in their surveillance reports.

3.   
  ESS and ESCB quality assurance of the statistics underlying the MIP

| 3.1. | The quality assurance of macroeconomic and financial statistics is secured by the ESS and the ESCB as producers of European statistics. The ECB considers that overall these quality assurance arrangements have produced high-quality statistics supporting the economic and monetary policies serving the economic and monetary union and the Union as a whole. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.

The quality assurance of macroeconomic and financial statistics is secured by the ESS and the ESCB as producers of European statistics. The ECB considers that overall these quality assurance arrangements have produced high-quality statistics supporting the economic and monetary policies serving the economic and monetary union and the Union as a whole.

| 3.2. | For balance of payments statistics, financial accounts, national accounts, government finance statistics and price statistics, the Union statistical legislation in force already provides for regular quality reports on the statistical data, which often accompany inventories containing a description of the sources and methods applied in collecting the statistics. |
| --- | --- |

3.2.

For balance of payments statistics, financial accounts, national accounts, government finance statistics and price statistics, the Union statistical legislation in force already provides for regular quality reports on the statistical data, which often accompany inventories containing a description of the sources and methods applied in collecting the statistics.

| 3.3. | The quality reports produced by the ESS and the ESCB assess, inter alia, whether the statistics produced correspond to the requirements laid down in Union law, whether they are reliable and comparable across Member States, and whether they are fit for the purposes for which they are used. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.

The quality reports produced by the ESS and the ESCB assess, inter alia, whether the statistics produced correspond to the requirements laid down in Union law, whether they are reliable and comparable across Member States, and whether they are fit for the purposes for which they are used.

| 3.4. | The quality framework suggested by the proposed regulation targets statistical data for the MIP, while neglecting other economic and monetary policy purposes. It thereby seems to establish parallel quality assessments instead of integrating the statistical data for the MIP into the existing quality frameworks. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.

The quality framework suggested by the proposed regulation targets statistical data for the MIP, while neglecting other economic and monetary policy purposes. It thereby seems to establish parallel quality assessments instead of integrating the statistical data for the MIP into the existing quality frameworks.

| 3.5. | Consequently, the ECB recommends that rather than introducing a new quality assurance framework by means of the proposed regulation, the already existing quality assurance arrangements of the ESS and the ESCB should also be applied to statistical data for the MIP. This approach is supported by the principles of data relevance, cost effectiveness and minimisation of the reporting burden as laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 and Regulation (EC) No 2533/98. |
| --- | --- |

3.5.

Consequently, the ECB recommends that rather than introducing a new quality assurance framework by means of the proposed regulation, the already existing quality assurance arrangements of the ESS and the ESCB should also be applied to statistical data for the MIP. This approach is supported by the principles of data relevance, cost effectiveness and minimisation of the reporting burden as laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 and Regulation (EC) No 2533/98.

4.   
  Enhancing quality assurance of statistics through a closer cooperation of the ESS and ESCB

| 4.1. | Since the responsibilities for the production of the macroeconomic and financial statistics underlying the indicators for the MIP are shared between the ESS and the ESCB, close cooperation between the two systems is necessary to assure their quality, as required by Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 and Article 2a of Council Regulation (EC) No 2533/98, and as emphasised by the Council in its conclusions on EU statistics of 30 November 2011 and 13 November 2012 (5). |
| --- | --- |

4.1.

Since the responsibilities for the production of the macroeconomic and financial statistics underlying the indicators for the MIP are shared between the ESS and the ESCB, close cooperation between the two systems is necessary to assure their quality, as required by Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 and Article 2a of Council Regulation (EC) No 2533/98, and as emphasised by the Council in its conclusions on EU statistics of 30 November 2011 and 13 November 2012 (5).

| 4.2. | Considering the above, the ECB points to the work initiated by the Committee on Monetary, Financial and Balance of Payments Statistics (CMFB), with a view to assessing the quality and comparability of the MIP relevant data under the current statistical legal framework. The CMFB may also advise on possible ways to develop public awareness of such issues. Once the work of the CMFB has progressed, practical arrangements for the cooperation between the ESS and the ESCB on quality assurance frameworks for statistical data for the MIP could be laid down in a memorandum of understanding, if considered appropriate. |
| --- | --- |

4.2.

Considering the above, the ECB points to the work initiated by the Committee on Monetary, Financial and Balance of Payments Statistics (CMFB), with a view to assessing the quality and comparability of the MIP relevant data under the current statistical legal framework. The CMFB may also advise on possible ways to develop public awareness of such issues. Once the work of the CMFB has progressed, practical arrangements for the cooperation between the ESS and the ESCB on quality assurance frameworks for statistical data for the MIP could be laid down in a memorandum of understanding, if considered appropriate.

Done at Frankfurt am Main, 10 October 2013.

The President of the ECB

Mario DRAGHI

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(1)  COM(2013) 342 final.

1

(2)  OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 25.

2

(3)  ECB Opinion CON/2011/13 of 16 February 2011 on economic governance reform in the European Union (OJ C 150, 20.5.2011, p. 1). All ECB opinions are published on the ECB’s website at: http://www.ecb.europa.eu

3

(4)  See Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics (OJ L 87, 31.3.2009, p. 164) and Council Regulation (EC) No 2533/98 of 23 November 1998 concerning the collection of statistical information by the European Central Bank (OJ L 318, 27.11.1998, p. 8).

4

(5)  Council conclusions on EU statistics, 3129th Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting, Brussels, 30 November 2011 and Council conclusions on EU statistics, 3198th Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting, Brussels, 13 November 2012, available on the Council’s website at: http://www.consilium.europa.eu

5

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 18.1.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 14/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.1.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 14/8

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

17 January 2014

2014/C 14/07

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3584 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 141,80 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4622 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,82620 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 8,7937 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,2332 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,3795 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 27,458 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 300,72 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,1645 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,5330 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 3,0142 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5455 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4900 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,5353 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6443 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,7301 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 441,62 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 14,7760 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 8,2180 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,6295 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 16 426,99 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,4772 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 61,266 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 45,5854 |
| THB | Thai baht | 44,617 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 3,2127 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 18,0908 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 83,6100 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3584

JPY

Japanese yen

141,80

DKK

Danish krone

7,4622

GBP

Pound sterling

0,82620

SEK

Swedish krona

8,7937

CHF

Swiss franc

1,2332

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,3795

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

27,458

HUF

Hungarian forint

300,72

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

PLN

Polish zloty

4,1645

RON

Romanian leu

4,5330

TRY

Turkish lira

3,0142

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5455

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4900

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,5353

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6443

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,7301

KRW

South Korean won

1 441,62

ZAR

South African rand

14,7760

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

8,2180

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,6295

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

16 426,99

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,4772

PHP

Philippine peso

61,266

RUB

Russian rouble

45,5854

THB

Thai baht

44,617

BRL

Brazilian real

3,2127

MXN

Mexican peso

18,0908

INR

Indian rupee

83,6100

---

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

---

| 18.1.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 14/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.1.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 14/9

---

Commission communication concerning the implementation of Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 552/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 on the interoperability of the European Air Traffic Management network (1)

(Publication of titles and references of Community specifications under the Regulation)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2014/C 14/08

| Organisation | Reference and title of the Community specification | Reference of superseded Community specification | Date of cessation of presumption of conformity of superseded Community specification |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Eurocontrol (2) | Spec-0101 Edition 1.1
  Eurocontrol Specification for the Initial Flight Plan (IFPL) (3) | Spec-0101 Edition 1.0 | 1 March 2014 |

Organisation

Reference and title of the Community specification

Reference of superseded Community specification

Date of cessation of presumption of conformity of superseded Community specification

Eurocontrol (2)

Spec-0101 Edition 1.1

Eurocontrol Specification for the Initial Flight Plan (IFPL) (3)

Spec-0101 Edition 1.0

1 March 2014

---

(1)  OJ L 96, 31.3.2004, p. 26.

(2)  European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation: Rue de la Fusée 96, 1130 Brussels, Belgium, tel. +32 27299011, fax +32 27295190.

(3)  https://www.eurocontrol.int/sites/default/files/publication/files/20130614-ifpl-spec-v1.1.pdf

---

Court of Auditors

| 18.1.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 14/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.1.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 14/10

---

Special Report No 15/2013 ‘Has the “Environment” component of the LIFE programme been effective?’

2014/C 14/09

The European Court of Auditors hereby informs you that Special Report No 15/2013 ‘Has the “Environment” component of the LIFE programme been effective?’ has just been published.

The report can be accessed for consultation or downloading on the European Court of Auditors' website: http://eca.europa.eu

A hard copy version of the report may be obtained free of charge on request to the Court of Auditors:

| European Court of Auditors |
| --- |
| Unit ‘Audit: Production of Reports’ |
| 12, rue Alcide de Gasperi |
| 1615 Luxembourg |
| LUXEMBOURG |
| Tel. +352 4398-1 |
| E-mail: eca-info@eca.europa.eu |

European Court of Auditors

Unit ‘Audit: Production of Reports’

12, rue Alcide de Gasperi

1615 Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG

Tel. +352 4398-1

E-mail: eca-info@eca.europa.eu

or by filling in an electronic order form on EU-Bookshop.

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 18.1.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 14/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.1.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 14/11

---

Commission notice pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community

Imposition of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services

(Text with EEA relevance)

2014/C 14/10

| Member State | France |
| --- | --- |
| Route concerned | Dijon–Toulouse (Blagnac) |
| Date of entry into force of the public service obligations | 1 June 2014 |
| Address from which the text and any relevant information and/or documentation relating to the public service obligation can be obtained | Decree of 3 December 2013 imposing public service obligations on scheduled air services between Dijon and Toulouse
  NOR: DEVA1329598A
  http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/initRechTexte.do
  For further information please contact:





  Direction générale de l’aviation civile |
| DTA/SDT/T2 |
| 50 rue Henry Farman |
| 75720 Paris Cedex 15 |
| FRANCE |
| Tel. +33 158094321 |
| E-mail: osp-compagnies.dta@aviation-civile.gouv.fr |

Member State

France

Route concerned

Dijon–Toulouse (Blagnac)

Date of entry into force of the public service obligations

1 June 2014

Address from which the text and any relevant information and/or documentation relating to the public service obligation can be obtained

Decree of 3 December 2013 imposing public service obligations on scheduled air services between Dijon and Toulouse

NOR: DEVA1329598A

http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/initRechTexte.do

For further information please contact:

Direction générale de l’aviation civile

DTA/SDT/T2

50 rue Henry Farman

75720 Paris Cedex 15

FRANCE

Tel. +33 158094321

E-mail: osp-compagnies.dta@aviation-civile.gouv.fr

---

| 18.1.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 14/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.1.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 14/12

---

Commission notice pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community

Imposition of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services

(Text with EEA relevance)

2014/C 14/11

| Member State | France |
| --- | --- |
| Route concerned | Dijon–Bordeaux (Mérignac) |
| Date of entry into force of the public service obligations | 1 June 2014 |
| Address from which the text and any relevant information and/or documentation relating to the public service obligation can be obtained | Decree of 3 December 2013 imposing public service obligations on scheduled air services between Dijon and Bordeaux
  NOR: DEVA1329594A
  http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/initRechTexte.do
  For further information please contact:





  Direction générale de l’aviation civile |
| DTA/SDT/T2 |
| 50 rue Henry Farman |
| 75720 Paris Cedex 15 |
| FRANCE |
| Tel. +33 158094321 |
| E-mail: osp-compagnies.dta@aviation-civile.gouv.fr |

Member State

France

Route concerned

Dijon–Bordeaux (Mérignac)

Date of entry into force of the public service obligations

1 June 2014

Address from which the text and any relevant information and/or documentation relating to the public service obligation can be obtained

Decree of 3 December 2013 imposing public service obligations on scheduled air services between Dijon and Bordeaux

NOR: DEVA1329594A

http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/initRechTexte.do

For further information please contact:

Direction générale de l’aviation civile

DTA/SDT/T2

50 rue Henry Farman

75720 Paris Cedex 15

FRANCE

Tel. +33 158094321

E-mail: osp-compagnies.dta@aviation-civile.gouv.fr

---

V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 18.1.2014 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 14/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.1.2014

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 14/13

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.7075 — Cintra/Abertis/Itínere/BIP&Drive JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2014/C 14/12

| 1. | On 14 January 2014, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Cintra Infraestructuras, SA, controlled by Ferrovial Group (‘Cintra’, Sapin), Abertis Autopistas España, SA (‘Abertis’, Spain), controlled by Abertis Group (‘Abertis Autopistas’) and Itínere Infraestructuras, SA, ultimately controlled by Citigroup (‘Itínere’, Spain) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control over BIP&Drive SA (‘BIP&Drive’, Spain) by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 14 January 2014, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Cintra Infraestructuras, SA, controlled by Ferrovial Group (‘Cintra’, Sapin), Abertis Autopistas España, SA (‘Abertis’, Spain), controlled by Abertis Group (‘Abertis Autopistas’) and Itínere Infraestructuras, SA, ultimately controlled by Citigroup (‘Itínere’, Spain) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control over BIP&Drive SA (‘BIP&Drive’, Spain) by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture.

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






  — | for Cintra: construction of roads and motorways and handling of the toll road concessions in the EEA and in North America, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Cintra: construction of roads and motorways and handling of the toll road concessions in the EEA and in North America,

| — | for Abertis: management of mobility and telecommunications infrastructures, namely tollroads, telecommunications and airports worldwide, |
| --- | --- |

—

for Abertis: management of mobility and telecommunications infrastructures, namely tollroads, telecommunications and airports worldwide,

| — | for Itínere: management of motorway concessions in Spain, |
| --- | --- |

—

for Itínere: management of motorway concessions in Spain,

| — | for BIP&Drive: distribution of electronic toll payment devices known as ‘OBE’ (on-board equipment) allowing for electronic payment of toll on motorways in Spain. |
| --- | --- |

—

for BIP&Drive: distribution of electronic toll payment devices known as ‘OBE’ (on-board equipment) allowing for electronic payment of toll on motorways in Spain.

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

3.

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

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.7075 — Cintra/Abertis/Itínere/BIP&Drive 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 e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.7075 — Cintra/Abertis/Itínere/BIP&Drive JV, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

---