# Official Journal C 105/2016

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 105 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5919 March 2016 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 105

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5919 March 2016

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| | RESOLUTIONS |
| | Council |
| 2016/C 105/01 | Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, of 24 February 2016 on promoting socioeconomic development and inclusiveness in the EU through education: the contribution of education and training to the European Semester 2016 | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

Council

2016/C 105/01

Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, of 24 February 2016 on promoting socioeconomic development and inclusiveness in the EU through education: the contribution of education and training to the European Semester 2016

1

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| | II   Information |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2016/C 105/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.7964 — Recruit Holdings/USG People) (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2016/C 105/03 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.7953 — AXA/Group CM-11/Target) (
  1
  ) | 5 |

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2016/C 105/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.7964 — Recruit Holdings/USG People) (
  1
  )

1

5

2016/C 105/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.7953 — AXA/Group CM-11/Target) (
  1
  )

1

5

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| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2016/C 105/04 | Council Decision of 16 March 2016 adopting the Council’s position on draft amending budget No 1 of the European Union for the financial year 2016 | 6 |
| 2016/C 105/05 | Notice for the attention of the persons subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/172/CFSP and in Council Regulation (EU) No 270/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Egypt | 7 |
| 2016/C 105/06 | The following information is brought to the attention of MOHAMMED, Khalid Shaikh (a.k.a. ALI, Salem; a.k.a. BIN KHALID, Fahd Bin Adballah; a.k.a. HENIN, Ashraf Refaat Nabith; a.k.a. WADOOD, Khalid Adbul), POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE (PFLP), POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE-GENERAL COMMAND, (a.k.a. PFLP-General Command) included on the list provided for in Article 2(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism (see Annex to Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2425 of 21 December 2015) | 8 |
| | European Commission |
| 2016/C 105/07 | Euro exchange rates | 9 |
| 2016/C 105/08 | New national side of euro coins intended for circulation | 10 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2016/C 105/04

Council Decision of 16 March 2016 adopting the Council’s position on draft amending budget No 1 of the European Union for the financial year 2016

6

2016/C 105/05

Notice for the attention of the persons subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/172/CFSP and in Council Regulation (EU) No 270/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Egypt

7

2016/C 105/06

The following information is brought to the attention of MOHAMMED, Khalid Shaikh (a.k.a. ALI, Salem; a.k.a. BIN KHALID, Fahd Bin Adballah; a.k.a. HENIN, Ashraf Refaat Nabith; a.k.a. WADOOD, Khalid Adbul), POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE (PFLP), POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE-GENERAL COMMAND, (a.k.a. PFLP-General Command) included on the list provided for in Article 2(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism (see Annex to Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2425 of 21 December 2015)

8

European Commission

2016/C 105/07

Euro exchange rates

9

2016/C 105/08

New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

10

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2016/C 105/09 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7853 — CMA CGM/Bolloré/Kribi JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 11 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2016/C 105/10 | 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 | 12 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2016/C 105/09

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7853 — CMA CGM/Bolloré/Kribi JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

11

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2016/C 105/10

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

12

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

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

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I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

Council

| 19.3.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 105/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.3.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 105/1

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Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, of 24 February 2016 on promoting socioeconomic development and inclusiveness in the EU through education: the contribution of education and training to the European Semester 2016

(2016/C 105/01)

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

TAKING INTO ACCOUNT:

| — | The European Commission’s Annual Growth Survey 2016: Strengthening the recovery and fostering convergence (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

The European Commission’s Annual Growth Survey 2016: Strengthening the recovery and fostering convergence (1),

| — | The European Commission’s Education and Training Monitor 2015 (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

The European Commission’s Education and Training Monitor 2015 (2),

| — | The 2015 Joint Report of the Council and the Commission on the implementation of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET 2020) — New priorities for European cooperation in education and training (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

The 2015 Joint Report of the Council and the Commission on the implementation of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET 2020) — New priorities for European cooperation in education and training (3),

CONSIDER THAT:

Europe finds itself confronted with multiple and simultaneous societal challenges.

Although on the whole the European Union’s economy is experiencing moderate recovery, the impact of the financial and economic crisis on our societies persists. Disparities between and within Member States continue to increase, resulting in long-term imbalances. In many countries youth unemployment remains alarmingly high and levels of educational attainment insufficient.

The current refugee crisis poses considerable challenges to our societies and our education systems. It is our common duty to create an environment in which everyone’s talents thrive, regardless of background or origin.

At the same time our societies face threats from increasing radicalisation, leading in some cases to violence and terrorism. This places additional emphasis on the important roles education and training play when it comes to promoting inclusiveness, active citizenship and common fundamental values, as set out in the Paris Declaration of March 2015 (4).

These key challenges are common ones with important implications for education policy. In order to achieve sustainable economic recovery and to reduce disparities and imbalances, a response is needed in which the Member States act together with the EU institutions and in conjunction with other international organisations, such as OECD, the Council of Europe and Unesco (5).

ACKNOWLEDGE THAT:

Providing people with relevant skills, competences and knowledge drives innovation and growth and promotes personal fulfilment and well-being. It is the best means of preventing individuals from becoming unemployed, thus reducing the risk of poverty and social exclusion (6).

Unfortunately, in the transition from education to the labour market, considerable skills gaps and skills mismatches remain, with the result that European economies may be hindered by a lack of suitably skilled workers which in turn reduces their growth potential (7). Equally unfortunate, however, is the fact that many highly skilled workers may find themselves in jobs that underuse their talents and that might reduce their individual potential to grow (8).

Education and training have a strong contribution to make towards ensuring a cohesive society as well as a well-functioning labour market. Education and training should level the playing field for all and serve as a strong vector for the social and economic inclusion of disadvantaged groups by embracing diversity in all its forms. Similarly, education and training have a key role to play in developing the potential in every person and in fostering the ability to think critically and exercise fair and independent judgement, particularly — but not exclusively — in the context of social media.

While education systems perform well in many respects and contribute substantially to Europe’s growth potential and to ensuring open and democratic societies, some significant weaknesses remain. Particularly worrying is the considerable number of learners who fail to reach minimum standards in education, as reflected in recent figures on early school-leaving rates (9) and levels of basic skills (10). Socioeconomic status, migrant background and gender are still important determinants of educational performance (11), thus constraining the emancipatory effect (12) that education and training should have.

ACCORDINGLY SUBMIT the following contribution in the field of education and training to the March 2016 European Council:

| 1. | Education and training should be a key element in a comprehensive approach aimed at fostering socioeconomic development and inclusiveness. This calls for targeted reforms of education systems, with a view to improving their performance in terms of learning outcomes as part of the overall efforts needed to restore jobs and sustainable growth. Since it is growth-friendly and supports both short-term recovery and long-term economic growth, investment in education and training should be prioritised both at regional, national and EU level. This need not in all cases be a matter of increasing budgets, but may instead be one of better targeting expenditure and providing the right quality-enhancing incentives. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Education and training should be a key element in a comprehensive approach aimed at fostering socioeconomic development and inclusiveness. This calls for targeted reforms of education systems, with a view to improving their performance in terms of learning outcomes as part of the overall efforts needed to restore jobs and sustainable growth. Since it is growth-friendly and supports both short-term recovery and long-term economic growth, investment in education and training should be prioritised both at regional, national and EU level. This need not in all cases be a matter of increasing budgets, but may instead be one of better targeting expenditure and providing the right quality-enhancing incentives.

| 2. | The development of skills, competences and knowledge in a lifelong learning perspective is key to a well-functioning labour market in which individual talents can flourish. Ways must be found to prepare young people for the changing requirements of the labour market, while at the same time continually updating and upgrading the skills of those already in the labour market. Skills mismatches and skills gaps should be addressed as a matter of priority by both the education and the employment sectors. Amongst other things, this means that greater emphasis is needed on the development of transversal skills (13) and that work-based learning, the anticipation of future skills requirements and education-business partnerships should be promoted.
  The importance of the development of skills and competences extends well beyond the labour market. Equally, it is about creating responsible citizens capable of playing an active part in society and democratic life. The two aims are complementary, since the skills and competences required in society are in many ways equally relevant to the workplace. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The development of skills, competences and knowledge in a lifelong learning perspective is key to a well-functioning labour market in which individual talents can flourish. Ways must be found to prepare young people for the changing requirements of the labour market, while at the same time continually updating and upgrading the skills of those already in the labour market. Skills mismatches and skills gaps should be addressed as a matter of priority by both the education and the employment sectors. Amongst other things, this means that greater emphasis is needed on the development of transversal skills (13) and that work-based learning, the anticipation of future skills requirements and education-business partnerships should be promoted.

The importance of the development of skills and competences extends well beyond the labour market. Equally, it is about creating responsible citizens capable of playing an active part in society and democratic life. The two aims are complementary, since the skills and competences required in society are in many ways equally relevant to the workplace.

| 3. | Structural reforms to modernise our economies should be carried forward with a view to fostering the development of people’s skills, competences and knowledge, so as to stimulate innovation and productivity as well as to promote inclusiveness. Correspondingly, education systems should seek to increase their emancipatory effect, ensuring a level playing field for all regardless of socioeconomic status, migrant background or gender. This means opening up education systems to respond to the increasing diversity of learners and forging links with all relevant stakeholders. |
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3.

Structural reforms to modernise our economies should be carried forward with a view to fostering the development of people’s skills, competences and knowledge, so as to stimulate innovation and productivity as well as to promote inclusiveness. Correspondingly, education systems should seek to increase their emancipatory effect, ensuring a level playing field for all regardless of socioeconomic status, migrant background or gender. This means opening up education systems to respond to the increasing diversity of learners and forging links with all relevant stakeholders.

AND EXPRESS THEIR COMMITMENT TO:

| 1. | Cooperate with a view to promoting socioeconomic development and inclusiveness in the EU through education by means of reforms, relevant policies and targeted investments. Policies that have proven successful should be identified and disseminated, and relevant support should be provided for their implementation in other countries that wish to draw inspiration from them to develop similar policies or reforms. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Cooperate with a view to promoting socioeconomic development and inclusiveness in the EU through education by means of reforms, relevant policies and targeted investments. Policies that have proven successful should be identified and disseminated, and relevant support should be provided for their implementation in other countries that wish to draw inspiration from them to develop similar policies or reforms.

| 2. | Monitor progress towards our common goals in education and training, and to pursue the exchange of knowledge and experience, notably in the framework of the recently revised ‘ET2020’ priority areas and structures (14). In doing so, consistency should be ensured with the Europe 2020 headline targets and governance arrangements in the framework of the European Semester, whilst fully respecting subsidiarity, education institutions’ autonomy and pedagogical freedom. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Monitor progress towards our common goals in education and training, and to pursue the exchange of knowledge and experience, notably in the framework of the recently revised ‘ET2020’ priority areas and structures (14). In doing so, consistency should be ensured with the Europe 2020 headline targets and governance arrangements in the framework of the European Semester, whilst fully respecting subsidiarity, education institutions’ autonomy and pedagogical freedom.

| 3. | Invest adequately in education at all levels, while incentivising it to increase educational attainment levels, to identify and address skills gaps and mismatches and to enhance the emancipatory effect of education and training. For this purpose, make full use of the opportunities provided by European instruments such as the European Structural and Investment Funds, the Youth Guarantee, the European Fund for Strategic Investment and the Erasmus+ programme. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Invest adequately in education at all levels, while incentivising it to increase educational attainment levels, to identify and address skills gaps and mismatches and to enhance the emancipatory effect of education and training. For this purpose, make full use of the opportunities provided by European instruments such as the European Structural and Investment Funds, the Youth Guarantee, the European Fund for Strategic Investment and the Erasmus+ programme.

| 4. | Provide teachers through initial training and continuous professional development with appropriate, up-to-date pedagogical tools and methods designed to enhance skills and competences development and knowledge acquisition. Opening up education institutions to the outside world should be part and parcel of this approach at all levels of education and training. To achieve this, national, regional and local partnerships should be encouraged, involving relevant stakeholders such as social partners and representatives from the youth sector, and aimed at addressing specific challenges. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Provide teachers through initial training and continuous professional development with appropriate, up-to-date pedagogical tools and methods designed to enhance skills and competences development and knowledge acquisition. Opening up education institutions to the outside world should be part and parcel of this approach at all levels of education and training. To achieve this, national, regional and local partnerships should be encouraged, involving relevant stakeholders such as social partners and representatives from the youth sector, and aimed at addressing specific challenges.

| 5. | Actively reach out to young people with low educational and employment prospects based on their socioeconomic status, migrant background or gender, with a view to ensuring that no-one is left behind. Young people’s digital and media literacy as well as their ability to think critically, should be enhanced, along with their social skills and citizenship competences. Teachers and school leaders should be empowered to detect and signal early signs of disengagement with a view to improving educational attainment and preventing early school leaving, social exclusion and violent radicalisation. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Actively reach out to young people with low educational and employment prospects based on their socioeconomic status, migrant background or gender, with a view to ensuring that no-one is left behind. Young people’s digital and media literacy as well as their ability to think critically, should be enhanced, along with their social skills and citizenship competences. Teachers and school leaders should be empowered to detect and signal early signs of disengagement with a view to improving educational attainment and preventing early school leaving, social exclusion and violent radicalisation.

INVITE THE COMMISSION TO:

| 1. | Continue to promote — within the context of the Erasmus+ work programme for 2017 — any initiatives that respond to the challenges described in this Resolution, making full use of the opportunities provided under the existing programme. In addition, the mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework provides an opportunity to consider how these challenges can be supported through different existing EU instruments — including the Erasmus+ programme — in the most effective way. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Continue to promote — within the context of the Erasmus+ work programme for 2017 — any initiatives that respond to the challenges described in this Resolution, making full use of the opportunities provided under the existing programme. In addition, the mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework provides an opportunity to consider how these challenges can be supported through different existing EU instruments — including the Erasmus+ programme — in the most effective way.

| 2. | Reaffirm the importance of education and training in any post-2020 European initiatives on growth, jobs and sustainability, also taking account of broader initiatives such as the United Nations’ 2030 Development Goals. This is especially important in the case of education, a domain characterised by its long-term perspective. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Reaffirm the importance of education and training in any post-2020 European initiatives on growth, jobs and sustainability, also taking account of broader initiatives such as the United Nations’ 2030 Development Goals. This is especially important in the case of education, a domain characterised by its long-term perspective.

| 3. | Present, by the time of the May 2016 EYCS Council, its forthcoming proposal for a new skills agenda for Europe supporting Member States, which could consider, inter alia, ways of boosting skills development and knowledge acquisition in a lifelong learning perspective, with particular reference to the following areas:






  (a) | Increasing educational attainment levels, acknowledging that completing upper secondary level or equivalent tends to be considered as the minimum requirement for ensuring a successful transition from education to the labour market and for gaining access to further learning; |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

Present, by the time of the May 2016 EYCS Council, its forthcoming proposal for a new skills agenda for Europe supporting Member States, which could consider, inter alia, ways of boosting skills development and knowledge acquisition in a lifelong learning perspective, with particular reference to the following areas:

(a)

Increasing educational attainment levels, acknowledging that completing upper secondary level or equivalent tends to be considered as the minimum requirement for ensuring a successful transition from education to the labour market and for gaining access to further learning;

| (b) | Improving the provision of key competences which are crucial for lifelong learning, employability and active participation in society and democratic life; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Improving the provision of key competences which are crucial for lifelong learning, employability and active participation in society and democratic life;

| (c) | Enhancing Europe’s capacity to anticipate future skills requirements and tackling skills gaps as well as skills mismatches, underlining the shared responsibility of the worlds of education and work, and building on initiatives from both sectors; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Enhancing Europe’s capacity to anticipate future skills requirements and tackling skills gaps as well as skills mismatches, underlining the shared responsibility of the worlds of education and work, and building on initiatives from both sectors;

| (d) | Promoting better transparency and use of available skills and qualifications of mobile EU workers and learners; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Promoting better transparency and use of available skills and qualifications of mobile EU workers and learners;

| (e) | Renewing the process of modernising higher education in Europe, including by;






  — | enhancing quality and relevance in curriculum development and delivery, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(e)

Renewing the process of modernising higher education in Europe, including by;

—

enhancing quality and relevance in curriculum development and delivery,

| — | encouraging the role of higher education institutions as regional innovators, |
| --- | --- |

—

encouraging the role of higher education institutions as regional innovators,

| — | improving links between the education and research functions of higher education institutions, |
| --- | --- |

—

improving links between the education and research functions of higher education institutions,

| — | formulating a response to the impact of open and online higher education, |
| --- | --- |

—

formulating a response to the impact of open and online higher education,

| — | addressing the civic role of higher education institutions in engaging with the community, |
| --- | --- |

—

addressing the civic role of higher education institutions in engaging with the community,

| — | ensuring that everyone with the potential to succeed in higher education should have the opportunity to do so, whatever their circumstances. |
| --- | --- |

—

ensuring that everyone with the potential to succeed in higher education should have the opportunity to do so, whatever their circumstances.

| 4. | Support Member States in enhancing the role which education and training play in promoting active citizenship and fundamental values, as a follow-up to the Paris Declaration (15). In this context, ensure synergy and cooperation with the Council of Europe on democratic citizenship. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Support Member States in enhancing the role which education and training play in promoting active citizenship and fundamental values, as a follow-up to the Paris Declaration (15). In this context, ensure synergy and cooperation with the Council of Europe on democratic citizenship.

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(1)  14270/15.

(2)  ISBN 978-92-79-50621-5.

(3)  OJ C 417, 15.12.2015, p. 25.

(4)  Declaration on promoting citizenship and the common values of freedom, tolerance and non-discrimination through education, Paris, 17 March 2015.

(5)  In particular, UN Sustainable Development Goal No 4, which is devoted to education and life-long learning (UN Resolution 70/1 Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development).

(6)  Annual Growth Survey 2016 (14270/15, page 8).

(7)  39 % of companies reportedly have difficulty finding staff with required skills — (Third European Company Survey (2013), Eurofound).

(8)  Cedefop European Skills and Jobs Survey 2014.

(9)  Education and Training Monitor 2015, Part 2. In 2014, early school-leavers in the EU represented 11,1 % of the population aged 18-24, i.e. above the Europe 2020 target of 10 %.

(10)  Education and Training Monitor 2015, paragraph 1.1. According to the OECD’s latest PISA survey (2012), in the EU the share of underachievement in reading stands at 17,8 %, in maths at 22,1 % and in science at 16,6 %, i.e. above the ET 2020 benchmark of 15 %.

(11)  Education and Training Monitor 2015, paragraph 1.1.

(12)  i.e. empowering someone to overcome restrictions or limitations he or she might experience as a result of his or her personal or socioeconomic background.

(13)  Such as learning to learn, problem solving, entrepreneurial and digital skills, creativity and critical thinking.

(14)  Including through the agreed concrete issues and newly established working groups. See 2015 Joint Report adopted on 23 November 2015 (OJ C 417, 15.12.2015, p. 25).

(15)  See footnote 4.

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 19.3.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 105/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.3.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 105/5

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.7964 — Recruit Holdings/USG People)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 105/02)

On 15 March 2016, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

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

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32016M7964. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32016M7964. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

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

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| 19.3.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 105/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.3.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 105/5

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.7953 — AXA/Group CM-11/Target)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 105/03)

On 15 March 2016, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in French 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/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32016M7953. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to the European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32016M7953. EUR-Lex is the on-line 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

| 19.3.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 105/6 |
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19.3.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 105/6

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COUNCIL DECISION

of 16 March 2016

adopting the Council’s position on draft amending budget No 1 of the European Union for the financial year 2016

(2016/C 105/04)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

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

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

Whereas:

| (1) | the Union’s budget for the financial year 2016 was definitively adopted on 25 November 2015 (2), |
| --- | --- |

(1)

the Union’s budget for the financial year 2016 was definitively adopted on 25 November 2015 (2),

| (2) | on 10 March 2016, the Commission submitted a proposal containing draft amending budget No 1 to the general budget for the financial year 2016, |
| --- | --- |

(2)

on 10 March 2016, the Commission submitted a proposal containing draft amending budget No 1 to the general budget for the financial year 2016,

| (3) | given the fact that draft amending budget No 1 to the general budget for 2016 needs to be adopted without delay so as to be able to cover immediate and urgent funding needs resulting from the massive influx of refugees and migrants into the Union, it is justified to shorten, in accordance with Article 3(3) of the Council’s Rules of Procedure, the eight-week period for the information of national Parliaments laid down in Article 4 of Protocol No 1 on the role of national Parliaments in the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

given the fact that draft amending budget No 1 to the general budget for 2016 needs to be adopted without delay so as to be able to cover immediate and urgent funding needs resulting from the massive influx of refugees and migrants into the Union, it is justified to shorten, in accordance with Article 3(3) of the Council’s Rules of Procedure, the eight-week period for the information of national Parliaments laid down in Article 4 of Protocol No 1 on the role of national Parliaments in the European Union.

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The Council’s position on draft amending budget No 1 of the European Union for the financial year 2016 was adopted on 16 March 2016.

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

Done at Brussels, 16 March 2016.

For the Council

The President

A.G. KOENDERS

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

1

(2)  OJ L 48, 24.2.2016, p. 1.

2

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| 19.3.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 105/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.3.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 105/7

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Notice for the attention of the persons subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/172/CFSP and in Council Regulation (EU) No 270/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Egypt

(2016/C 105/05)

The following information is brought to the attention of the persons who are designated in the Annex to Council Decision 2011/172/CFSP (1), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/411 (2), and in Annex I to Council Regulation (EU) No 270/2011 (3) concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Egypt.

The Council of the European Union, after having reviewed the list of persons designated in the abovementioned Annexes, has determined that the restrictive measures provided for in Decision 2011/172/CFSP and in Regulation (EU) No 270/2011 should continue to apply to those persons.

The attention of the persons concerned is drawn to the possibility of making an application to the competent authorities of the relevant Member State(s) as indicated on the websites in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 270/2011, in order to obtain an authorisation to use frozen funds for basic needs or specific payments (cf. Article 4 of the Regulation).

The persons concerned may submit a request to the Council before 15 December 2016, together with supporting documentation, that the decision to include them on the abovementioned list should be reconsidered to the following address:

| Council of the European Union |
| --- |
| General Secretariat |
| DG C 1C |
| Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 |
| 1048 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |
| E-mail: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu |

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

DG C 1C

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

E-mail: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

Any observations received will be taken into account for the purpose of the Council’s next review, in accordance with Article 12 of Regulation (EU) No 270/2011, of the list of designated persons.

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(1)  OJ L 76, 22.3.2011, p. 63.

(2)  OJ L 74, 19.3.2016, p. 40.

(3)  OJ L 76, 22.3.2011, p. 4.

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| 19.3.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 105/8 |
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19.3.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 105/8

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The following information is brought to the attention of MOHAMMED, Khalid Shaikh (a.k.a. ALI, Salem; a.k.a. BIN KHALID, Fahd Bin Adballah; a.k.a. HENIN, Ashraf Refaat Nabith; a.k.a. WADOOD, Khalid Adbul), POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE (PFLP), POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE-GENERAL COMMAND, (a.k.a. PFLP-General Command) included on the list provided for in Article 2(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism

(see Annex to Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2425 of 21 December 2015 (1))

(2016/C 105/06)

Council Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 of 27 December 2001 (2) provides for a freezing of all funds, other financial assets and economic resources belonging to the person and groups concerned and that no funds, other financial assets and economic resources may be made available to them, whether directly or indirectly.

The Council has been provided with new information relevant to the listing of the abovementioned person and groups. Having considered this new information, the Council has amended the statements of reasons accordingly.

The person and groups concerned may submit a request to obtain the Council’s statements of reasons for maintaining them on the abovementioned list, to the following address by 23 March 2016:

| Council of the European Union (Attn: CP 931 designations) |
| --- |
| Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 |
| 1048 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |
| Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu |

Council of the European Union (Attn: CP 931 designations)

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

The person and groups concerned may submit at any time a request to the Council, together with any supporting documentation, that the decision to include and maintain them on the list should be reconsidered, to the address provided above. Such requests will be considered when they are received. In this respect, the attention of the person and groups concerned is drawn to the regular review by the Council of the list according to Article 1(6) of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP (3). In order for requests to be considered at the next review, they should be submitted by 1 April 2016.

The attention of the person and groups concerned is also drawn to the possibility of challenging the Council’s Regulation before the General Court of the European Union, in accordance with the conditions laid down in Article 263, fourth and sixth paragraphs of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

The attention of the person and groups concerned is drawn to the possibility of making an application to the competent authorities of the relevant Member State(s) as listed in the Annex to the Regulation in order to obtain an authorisation to use frozen funds for essential needs or specific payments in accordance with Article 5(2) of that Regulation.

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(1)  OJ L 334, 22.12.2015, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 344, 28.12.2001, p. 70.

(3)  OJ L 344, 28.12.2001, p. 93.

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European Commission

| 19.3.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 105/9 |
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19.3.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 105/9

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Euro exchange rates (1)

18 March 2016

(2016/C 105/07)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,1279 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 125,79 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4542 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,77855 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,2773 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,0919 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 9,4111 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 27,035 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 310,32 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,2625 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,4718 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 3,2218 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,4804 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4627 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 8,7464 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6550 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,5277 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 306,11 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 17,2024 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,3037 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5305 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 14 754,09 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,5716 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 52,351 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 76,0498 |
| THB | Thai baht | 39,296 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 4,0794 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 19,4683 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 74,7625 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1279

JPY

Japanese yen

125,79

DKK

Danish krone

7,4542

GBP

Pound sterling

0,77855

SEK

Swedish krona

9,2773

CHF

Swiss franc

1,0919

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

9,4111

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

27,035

HUF

Hungarian forint

310,32

PLN

Polish zloty

4,2625

RON

Romanian leu

4,4718

TRY

Turkish lira

3,2218

AUD

Australian dollar

1,4804

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4627

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,7464

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6550

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5277

KRW

South Korean won

1 306,11

ZAR

South African rand

17,2024

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,3037

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5305

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

14 754,09

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,5716

PHP

Philippine peso

52,351

RUB

Russian rouble

76,0498

THB

Thai baht

39,296

BRL

Brazilian real

4,0794

MXN

Mexican peso

19,4683

INR

Indian rupee

74,7625

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

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| 19.3.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 105/10 |
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19.3.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 105/10

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New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

(2016/C 105/08)

Euro coins intended for circulation have legal tender status throughout the euro area. For the purpose of informing the public and all parties who handle the coins, the Commission publishes a description of the designs of all new coins (1). In accordance with the Council conclusions of 10 February 2009 (2), euro-area Member States and countries that have concluded a monetary agreement with the European Union providing for the issuing of euro coins are allowed to issue commemorative euro coins intended for circulation, provided that certain conditions are met, particularly that only the 2-euro denomination is used. These coins have the same technical characteristics as other 2-euro coins, but their national face features a commemorative design that is highly symbolic in national or European terms.

Issuing country
  : Andorra

Subject of commemoration
  : 20 years in the Council of Europe

Description of the design
  : The design shows at the centre left the coat of arms of Andorra followed by the inscription ‘20’ where the zero is stylised to represent the Council of Europe’s flag. At the top are the inscriptions ‘ANDORRA’ and underneath ‘AL CONSELL D’EUROPA’. The year ‘2014’ appears at the bottom left followed by an oblique line.

The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Number of coins to be issued
  :

Date of mintage
  : February 2016

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(1)  See OJ C 373, 28.12.2001, p. 1 for the national faces of all the coins issued in 2002.

(2)  See the conclusions of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 10 February 2009 and the Commission Recommendation of 19 December 2008 on common guidelines for the national sides and the issuance of euro coins intended for circulation (OJ L 9, 14.1.2009, p. 52).

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V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 19.3.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 105/11 |
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19.3.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 105/11

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.7853 — CMA CGM/Bolloré/Kribi JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 105/09)

| 1. | On 14 March 2016, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration following a referral pursuant to Article 4(5) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which CMA CGM S.A. (France) and Bolloré S.A. (France) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) and 3(4) of the Merger Regulation joint control of a new container terminal in the Port of Kribi, Cameroon, by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture (‘Kribi JV’). |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 14 March 2016, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration following a referral pursuant to Article 4(5) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which CMA CGM S.A. (France) and Bolloré S.A. (France) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) and 3(4) of the Merger Regulation joint control of a new container terminal in the Port of Kribi, Cameroon, by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture (‘Kribi JV’).

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:
  —   for CMA CGM: CMA CGM is active in containerised liner shipping and port terminal management. CMA CGM is the world’s third largest container shipping company and offers a complete range of activities including shipping, reefer transport (i.e. transport of refrigerated goods), handling facilities in ports, as well as freight transport and logistics on land,
  —   for Bolloré: Bolloré is an investment and holding group active in the transportation and logistics services, manufacture of plastic films, ticket machine terminals, batteries and electric vehicles, fuel distribution, communication and media including advertising and plantations,
  —   for Kribi JV: Kribi JV will be active in the development and operation of a new container terminal at the deep-sea port of Kribi (Cameroon). |
| --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for CMA CGM: CMA CGM is active in containerised liner shipping and port terminal management. CMA CGM is the world’s third largest container shipping company and offers a complete range of activities including shipping, reefer transport (i.e. transport of refrigerated goods), handling facilities in ports, as well as freight transport and logistics on land,

—   for Bolloré: Bolloré is an investment and holding group active in the transportation and logistics services, manufacture of plastic films, ticket machine terminals, batteries and electric vehicles, fuel distribution, communication and media including advertising and plantations,

—   for Kribi JV: Kribi JV will be active in the development and operation of a new container terminal at the deep-sea port of Kribi (Cameroon).

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

3.

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

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7853 — CMA CGM/Bolloré/Kribi 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.7853 — CMA CGM/Bolloré/Kribi 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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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 19.3.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 105/12 |
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19.3.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 105/12

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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

(2016/C 105/10)

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

‘ΚΟΛΟΚΑΣΙ ΣΩΤΗΡΑΣ’/‘ΚΟΛΟΚΑΣΙ-ΠΟΥΛΛΕΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΑΣ’ (KOLOKASI SOTIRAS/KOLOKASI-POULLES SOTIRAS)

EU No: CY-PDO-0005-01309 — 3.2.2015

PDO ( X ) PGI ( )

1.   Name(s)

‘Κολοκάσι Σωτήρας’/‘Κολοκάσι-Πούλλες Σωτήρας’ (Kolokasi Sotiras/Kolokasi-Poulles Sotiras)

2.   Member State or Third Country

Cyprus

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.6: Fruit, vegetables and cereals, fresh or processed

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

Taxonomy: the plant belongs to the Araceae family and the genus Colocasia. The genus includes the species Colocasia esculenta, which is grown in many parts of the world, including Cyprus. It is essentially a tropical plant which has adapted to local conditions and requires a great deal of water.

Taro is grown for its edible corms, known locally as the ‘mappes’ and the ‘poulles’. The mappa is the central corm, which lies beneath the surface of the soil and is called ‘kolokasi’ [taro]. The poulles are the daughter corms which develop at the sides and are known as ‘kolokasi-poulles’ [baby taro].

Much of the crop is grown in fields of red earth in the wider Sotira area and owing to its specific characteristics it has become widely known as ‘Kolokasi Sotiras’ (the mappa) and ‘Kolokasi-Poulles Sotiras’ (the poulles).

Distinctive characteristics

Physical characteristics

Shape — ‘Kolokasi Sotiras’: cylindrical, widest near the middle of the corm, and slightly rounded or pointed at the end.

Shape — ‘Kolokasi-Poulles Sotiras’: its specific characteristics are (a) it has a curved shape, (b) it is smaller and thinner than the kolokasi and (c) it is pointed at the top end.

Size: ‘Kolokasi Sotiras’: maximum length 30 cm, minimum length 10 cm, maximum diameter 15 cm and minimum diameter 5 cm. There is no minimum or maximum size for ‘Kolokasi-Poulles Sotiras’.

Organoleptic characteristics

The following hold true for both ‘Kolokasi Sotiras’ and ‘Kolokasi-Poulles Sotiras’.

Texture: smooth surface with very small irregular-shaped ribs

Colour on the outside: the mappa/poulla is light brown, with darker areas around the eyes, and irregular whitish patches after it has been scraped. The ‘foot’ at the base of the mappa/poulla is called the ‘mousoulos’ by the local growers and it is an off-white colour, almost the same as the inside of the corm.

Colour of the flesh: from off-white to pale yellow with small brown spots scattered all over the surface, which is relatively moist owing to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. Because of the calcium oxalate ‘Kolokasi Sotiras’ must be cooked in order to be safe to eat. The flesh is smooth and includes very small starch grains.

Smell: neutral to odourless.

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

—

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

All stages of production, including the preparation of the propagation material, up to the scraping of the corms take place within the defined geographical area.

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

—

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

—

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The defined geographical area comprises agricultural parcels where the soil is red (red earth) located within the administrative boundaries of the Municipality of Sotira and the Communities of Avgorou, Frenaros and Liopetri in the Famagusta District.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Specificity of the product

The specific characteristics of ‘Kolokasi Sotiras’ and ‘Kolokasi-Poulles Sotiras’ are:

| (a) | the long, narrow cylindrical shape of the mappa and the curved shape of the poulles; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the long, narrow cylindrical shape of the mappa and the curved shape of the poulles;

| (b) | the uniform surface of the corms (as a result of scraping) with very small ribs or none at all; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the uniform surface of the corms (as a result of scraping) with very small ribs or none at all;

| (c) | the whitened colour of the epidermis, due to removal of the soil and much of the periderm (skin) by scraping the corms with a knife. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the whitened colour of the epidermis, due to removal of the soil and much of the periderm (skin) by scraping the corms with a knife.

These specific characteristics make it easy for consumers to distinguish ‘Kolokasi Sotiras’ and ‘Kolokasi-Poulles Sotiras’ from taro and baby taro grown elsewhere, while the use of vegetative propagation material from the previous crop grown within the defined area ensures that they are perpetuated.

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)

In summary, taro growing in Cyprus has come to be identified with the defined area primarily as a result of the growers’ expertise, together with the favourable soil and climatic conditions.

Specificity of the geographical area

Altitude: the defined geographical area is at the eastern end of Cyprus. It lies at an altitude of not more than 80 m and is less than 14 km from the coast. The land is flat and slopes quite gently down towards the sea and the soil is relatively deep.

The characteristic red earth: the wider Sotira-Kokkinochoria [‘red villages’] area has the greatest concentration of ‘red earth’ areas in Cyprus. This is land that is flat or gently sloping, where the soil is heavy and has a high clay content, water retention capacity of 30-35 % and exchange capacity of 28-33 %. Under normal conditions of humidity these soils are generally friable with better porosity, water permeability and drainage than heavy alluvial soils. The pH of the soil is around 7,5-8,0 and its exchange capacity around 28-33 meq/100 g soil. The organic matter content of the topsoil is generally 0,5-2 % and of the subsoil less than 1 %. All of the above are crucial to the development and vigour of the plants and the quality and quantity of the corms produced, as taro likes heavy, deep, well drained, friable soil with high water retention capacity. These factors, and in particular the fertility of the soil, are also of vital importance in taro growing as they contribute to the development of a healthy root system, which means greater and better nutrient uptake and consequently better yields.

Climatic conditions: the following conditions prevail:

| — | relatively mild winters (Νονember-February) with average temperatures ranging from 16 °C to 18 °C and average minimum temperatures not falling below 8 °C, |
| --- | --- |

—

relatively mild winters (Νονember-February) with average temperatures ranging from 16 °C to 18 °C and average minimum temperatures not falling below 8 °C,

| — | summers (May-September) with temperatures that are relatively not too high (average 21-29 °C), |
| --- | --- |

—

summers (May-September) with temperatures that are relatively not too high (average 21-29 °C),

| — | high relative humidity (RH) with an average of 58-79 % throughout the year. |
| --- | --- |

—

high relative humidity (RH) with an average of 58-79 % throughout the year.

These climatic conditions constitute the defined area’s climate profile, which is compatible with the needs of the crop as generally this is a heat-loving plant that requires an average temperature above 21 °C during the day and is very frost sensitive. Because of this sensitivity to temperature taro thrives in flat areas like the defined geographical area where, as it is close to the sea, temperature changes and differences between day and night-time temperatures are less sharp.

Human factors: these are the factors which over time have led to the development of specific cultivation practices that help determine the characteristics of the product. These practices include:

| (a) | choosing suitable propagation material: the growers have adopted a number of practices with respect to the selection and handling of vegetative propagation material from the preceding crop. They call this material ‘plant’. They select small, whole and misshapen mappes or poulles, making sure however that they have enough eyes, and/or cut sections of mappa with enough eyes.
  The growers keep the propagation material in a shady place, covering it with earth and scrapings until the day of planting or they leave some taro plants standing in the field until the day the next crop is to be planted, when they are uprooted and immediately replanted as the new propagation material. In addition, some parcels are planted only in order to provide the propagation material for the following year’s crop. These are usually parcels that are lying fallow or were previously planted with legumes. |
| --- | --- |

(a)

choosing suitable propagation material: the growers have adopted a number of practices with respect to the selection and handling of vegetative propagation material from the preceding crop. They call this material ‘plant’. They select small, whole and misshapen mappes or poulles, making sure however that they have enough eyes, and/or cut sections of mappa with enough eyes.

The growers keep the propagation material in a shady place, covering it with earth and scrapings until the day of planting or they leave some taro plants standing in the field until the day the next crop is to be planted, when they are uprooted and immediately replanted as the new propagation material. In addition, some parcels are planted only in order to provide the propagation material for the following year’s crop. These are usually parcels that are lying fallow or were previously planted with legumes.

| (b) | earthing up: when the plants reach a height of 70-80 cm, they are earthed up using a special plough that collects soil from the tops of the furrows and deposits it at the base, thus covering the plant stems to a height of approximately 30-40 cm. Earthing up can also be done by hand, using a hoe. Earthing up is done at least once during the growing season and the crop is then immediately given a good watering. Earthing up is a cultivation practice that is facilitated by the texture, composition and in particular the structure of the red earth found in the defined area. More specifically, owing to the stable structure of the soil, which is not easily broken down by the action of irrigation water or rain, earth can be moved more easily to the base of the plant and piled on evenly. This and the soil’s porosity, which means it is well aired, create plant development conditions that produce corms of the size and shape characteristic of ‘Kolokasi Sotiras’ — i.e. the mappa is big, long and narrow. Grown under different conditions it would remain small and round. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

earthing up: when the plants reach a height of 70-80 cm, they are earthed up using a special plough that collects soil from the tops of the furrows and deposits it at the base, thus covering the plant stems to a height of approximately 30-40 cm. Earthing up can also be done by hand, using a hoe. Earthing up is done at least once during the growing season and the crop is then immediately given a good watering. Earthing up is a cultivation practice that is facilitated by the texture, composition and in particular the structure of the red earth found in the defined area. More specifically, owing to the stable structure of the soil, which is not easily broken down by the action of irrigation water or rain, earth can be moved more easily to the base of the plant and piled on evenly. This and the soil’s porosity, which means it is well aired, create plant development conditions that produce corms of the size and shape characteristic of ‘Kolokasi Sotiras’ — i.e. the mappa is big, long and narrow. Grown under different conditions it would remain small and round.

| (c) | scraping: after harvesting, the mappes and the poulles are transported to a farm storage facility, temporary storage area or the packaging facility, where they are scraped. This is carried out within the defined geographical area, as the specific know-how lies with the local growers and/or their families so it is done close to their fields, for reasons of proximity and space. Scraping is the process whereby the mappa/poulla is thoroughly cleaned of earth and dirt with a knife until it starts to look white. In practice this involves removal of much of the periderm, in order to get rid of the dirt that is stuck to it. It is done within the defined geographical area, as it is an aspect of the local know-how transmitted from one generation to the next. It should be noted that it is only done within this area — taro grown elsewhere in Cyprus is not scraped. |
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(c)

scraping: after harvesting, the mappes and the poulles are transported to a farm storage facility, temporary storage area or the packaging facility, where they are scraped. This is carried out within the defined geographical area, as the specific know-how lies with the local growers and/or their families so it is done close to their fields, for reasons of proximity and space. Scraping is the process whereby the mappa/poulla is thoroughly cleaned of earth and dirt with a knife until it starts to look white. In practice this involves removal of much of the periderm, in order to get rid of the dirt that is stuck to it. It is done within the defined geographical area, as it is an aspect of the local know-how transmitted from one generation to the next. It should be noted that it is only done within this area — taro grown elsewhere in Cyprus is not scraped.

| (d) | keeping the ripe corms in the ground and harvesting them gradually:
  As taro can be left in the ground for quite a long time when it is fully ripe, the growers harvest it according to market needs. They know that the plant is such that the corms will only perish if there is an extended period of frost, which occurs almost never in the area. They also know from experience how much taro they can sell on a daily basis and they harvest the appropriate quantities accordingly. This is why taro is known as a ‘piggy-bank’, as the growers have a product ‘in store’ that can provide them with a stable income — and they know how much in advance. Keeping the ripe taro corms in the ground is one aspect of the local growers’ expertise — it is not done anywhere else in Cyprus. |
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(d)

keeping the ripe corms in the ground and harvesting them gradually:

As taro can be left in the ground for quite a long time when it is fully ripe, the growers harvest it according to market needs. They know that the plant is such that the corms will only perish if there is an extended period of frost, which occurs almost never in the area. They also know from experience how much taro they can sell on a daily basis and they harvest the appropriate quantities accordingly. This is why taro is known as a ‘piggy-bank’, as the growers have a product ‘in store’ that can provide them with a stable income — and they know how much in advance. Keeping the ripe taro corms in the ground is one aspect of the local growers’ expertise — it is not done anywhere else in Cyprus.

History:

References show that taro was brought from Karpasia to the Sotira area at the beginning of the 20th century. Initially, it was only grown on land near the sea where the earth is not red. Gradually however, the crop was moved inland (near the Community) to the fields of red earth and it became apparent that the texture of the soil and its greater water retention capacity substantially improved the quality of the taro produced: larger size, uniform shape, yield and texture.

Slowly and gradually taro growing took root in the wider Sotira area, intensifying after 1974, to fill the gap left by the loss of the farms in the northern part of the island. Although ‘Kolokasi Sotiras’ was never the area’s main crop, during the 1990s the Famagusta District Agricultural Office kept a separate ‘taro file’ with a view to improving the irrigation systems and establishing a register of growers. The above is also confirmed by a recent (2013) document from the Office which notes that 139 of the 179 taro growers in the District (77 %) are in the Sotira area. According to a survey the Office carried out in 1990, kept in the ‘taro file’, 1 000 decares (77 %) of the total 1 300 decares under taro in Famagusta District were in the Sotira area, so it continued to be an important crop. The other growers are located in other Communities within the defined geographical area. Statistical Service data shows that the defined geographical area produces more than 90 % of the country’s taro.

Culture:

‘Kolokasi Sotiras’ is a key ingredient in the well-known kolokasi-kapamas, a local dish that visitors to the area are always keen to try. It also features prominently in the local cultural life, as evidenced by the traditional Taro Festival. This took place periodically during the 1970s but has recently started to be held again once a year, organised by a local association with the support of the Municipal authority. ‘Kolokasi Sotiras’ and ‘Kolokasi-Poulles Sotiras’ are also shown at events held by municipal associations, etc., as a distinct product that is unique to the area.

The fact that the leaves are not susceptible to attack by pests and diseases is reflected in the local expression, ‘eisai opos to kolokasófyllo’ [‘you are like taro’], used to describe a person who is not bothered or upset by anything.

Publication reference of the specification

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

http://www.moa.gov.cy/moa/da/da.nsf/All/F3FF567F4E8FF1C5C2257B970039D8EF/$file/Προδιαγραφές%20Κολοκάσι%20Σωτήρας%20_%20Κολοκάσι%20Πούλλες%20Σωτήρας.pdf

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

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