# Official Journal C 219/2013

| | ISSN 1977-091X
  doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2013.219.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 219 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5631 July 2013 |

ISSN 1977-091X

doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2013.219.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 219

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5631 July 2013

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 219/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.6963 — Archer Daniels Midland Company/GrainCorp) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2013/C 219/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.6963 — Archer Daniels Midland Company/GrainCorp) (
  1
  )

1

1

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2013/C 219/02 | Notice for the attention of the persons to which restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/72/CFSP, as implemented by Council Decision 2013/409/CFSP, and Council Regulation (EU) No 101/2011, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 735/2013, concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Tunisia apply | 2 |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 219/03 | Euro exchange rates | 3 |
| 2013/C 219/04 | Commission Decision of 30 July 2013 setting up a Commission expert group on rare diseases and repealing Decision 2009/872/EC | 4 |
| 2013/C 219/05 | New national side of euro coins intended for circulation | 8 |
| 2013/C 219/06 | New national side of euro coins intended for circulation | 9 |
| 2013/C 219/07 | New national side of euro coins intended for circulation | 10 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2013/C 219/02

Notice for the attention of the persons to which restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/72/CFSP, as implemented by Council Decision 2013/409/CFSP, and Council Regulation (EU) No 101/2011, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 735/2013, concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Tunisia apply

2

European Commission

2013/C 219/03

Euro exchange rates

3

2013/C 219/04

Commission Decision of 30 July 2013 setting up a Commission expert group on rare diseases and repealing Decision 2009/872/EC

4

2013/C 219/05

New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

8

2013/C 219/06

New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

9

2013/C 219/07

New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

10

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 219/08 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6997 — TowerBrook Capital/Metallum) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 11 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 219/09 | Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 12 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2013/C 219/08

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6997 — TowerBrook Capital/Metallum) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

11

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2013/C 219/09

Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

12

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

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 31.7.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 219/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.7.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 219/1

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.6963 — Archer Daniels Midland Company/GrainCorp)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 219/01

On 25 July 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 32013M6963. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to the European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) under document number 32013M6963. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to the European law.

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 31.7.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 219/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.7.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 219/2

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Notice for the attention of the persons to which restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/72/CFSP, as implemented by Council Decision 2013/409/CFSP, and Council Regulation (EU) No 101/2011, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 735/2013, concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Tunisia apply

2013/C 219/02

The following information is brought to the attention of the persons that appear in the lists in the Annex to Council Decision 2011/72/CFSP, as implemented by Council Decision 2013/409/CFSP (1), and in Annex I to Council Regulation (EU) No 101/2011, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 735/2013 (2), concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Tunisia.

The Council of the European Union has decided that the persons appearing in those Annexes should be subject to the restrictive measures provided for under that Council Decision and Council Regulation. The grounds for listing of those persons appear in the relevant entries in those Annexes.

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 in the websites in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 101/2011, in order to obtain an authorisation to use frozen funds for basic needs or specific payments (cf. Article 4 of the Regulation).

The attention of persons concerned is drawn to the possibility of submitting a request to the Council, together with supporting documentation that the decision to include them on the abovementioned lists should be reconsidered. Any such request should be sent to the following address:

| Council of the European Union |
| --- |
| DG C — Unit 1C (Horizontal Issues) |
| General Secretariat |
| Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 |
| 1048 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

Council of the European Union

DG C — Unit 1C (Horizontal Issues)

General Secretariat

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

The attention of the persons concerned is also drawn to the possibility of challenging the Council's Decision before the General Court of the European Union, in accordance with the conditions laid down in Article 275, second paragraph, and Article 263, fourth and sixth paragraphs, of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

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(1)  OJ L 204, 31.7.2013, p. 52.

(2)  OJ L 204, 31.7.2013, p. 23.

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European Commission

| 31.7.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 219/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.7.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 219/3

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Euro exchange rates (1)

30 July 2013

2013/C 219/03

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3284 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 129,99 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4549 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,86735 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 8,6818 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,2335 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,8720 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,856 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 299,10 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,7027 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,2252 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,3888 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,5570 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,4618 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,3629 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,3023 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6606 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,6872 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 481,52 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 13,1126 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 8,1451 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5045 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 13 647,83 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,2848 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 57,586 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 43,7430 |
| THB | Thai baht | 41,539 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 3,0219 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 16,9524 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 80,3480 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3284

JPY

Japanese yen

129,99

DKK

Danish krone

7,4549

GBP

Pound sterling

0,86735

SEK

Swedish krona

8,6818

CHF

Swiss franc

1,2335

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,8720

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,856

HUF

Hungarian forint

299,10

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,7027

PLN

Polish zloty

4,2252

RON

Romanian leu

4,3888

TRY

Turkish lira

2,5570

AUD

Australian dollar

1,4618

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,3629

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,3023

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6606

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,6872

KRW

South Korean won

1 481,52

ZAR

South African rand

13,1126

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

8,1451

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5045

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

13 647,83

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,2848

PHP

Philippine peso

57,586

RUB

Russian rouble

43,7430

THB

Thai baht

41,539

BRL

Brazilian real

3,0219

MXN

Mexican peso

16,9524

INR

Indian rupee

80,3480

---

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

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| 31.7.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 219/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.7.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 219/4

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COMMISSION DECISION

of 30 July 2013

setting up a Commission expert group on rare diseases and repealing Decision 2009/872/EC

2013/C 219/04

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Whereas:

| (1) | Under Article 168(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Member States are required, in liaison with the Commission, to coordinate among themselves their policies and programmes in the areas referred to in paragraph 1. The Commission may, in close contact with the Member States, take any useful initiative to promote such coordination, in particular initiatives aiming at the establishment of guidelines and indicators, the organisation of exchange of best practice, and the preparation of the necessary elements for periodic monitoring and evaluation. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Under Article 168(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Member States are required, in liaison with the Commission, to coordinate among themselves their policies and programmes in the areas referred to in paragraph 1. The Commission may, in close contact with the Member States, take any useful initiative to promote such coordination, in particular initiatives aiming at the establishment of guidelines and indicators, the organisation of exchange of best practice, and the preparation of the necessary elements for periodic monitoring and evaluation.

| (2) | The Commission White Paper ‘Together for Health: A strategic approach for the EU 2008-2013’ (1) adopted by the Commission on 23 October 2007, developing the EU health strategy, identified rare diseases as a priority for action. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Commission White Paper ‘Together for Health: A strategic approach for the EU 2008-2013’ (1) adopted by the Commission on 23 October 2007, developing the EU health strategy, identified rare diseases as a priority for action.

| (3) | Decision No 1350/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 establishing a second programme of Community action in the field of health (2008-2013) (2) while reiterating that health services are primarily the responsibility of Member States, stresses that cooperation at Community level can benefit both patients and health systems. According to Article 7(2) and to the Annex to that Decision, the actions in the field of generation and dissemination of health information and knowledge shall be implemented in close cooperation with Member States developing consultation mechanisms and participatory processes. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Decision No 1350/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 establishing a second programme of Community action in the field of health (2008-2013) (2) while reiterating that health services are primarily the responsibility of Member States, stresses that cooperation at Community level can benefit both patients and health systems. According to Article 7(2) and to the Annex to that Decision, the actions in the field of generation and dissemination of health information and knowledge shall be implemented in close cooperation with Member States developing consultation mechanisms and participatory processes.

| (4) | The European Commission adopted on 11 November 2008 a ‘Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Rare Diseases: Europe's challenges’ (3) and the Council adopted on 8 June 2009 a Recommendation on an action in the field of rare diseases (4). Point 7 of the Commission Communication recommended that the Commission should be assisted by a European Union Advisory Committee on Rare Diseases. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The European Commission adopted on 11 November 2008 a ‘Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Rare Diseases: Europe's challenges’ (3) and the Council adopted on 8 June 2009 a Recommendation on an action in the field of rare diseases (4). Point 7 of the Commission Communication recommended that the Commission should be assisted by a European Union Advisory Committee on Rare Diseases.

| (5) | Accordingly, on 30 November 2009, by Decision 2009/872/EC, the Commission set up the European Union Committee of Experts on Rare Diseases (5). The term of office of the members of the Committee expires on 26 July 2013. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Accordingly, on 30 November 2009, by Decision 2009/872/EC, the Commission set up the European Union Committee of Experts on Rare Diseases (5). The term of office of the members of the Committee expires on 26 July 2013.

| (6) | The Communication from the President to the Commission of 10 November 2010 entitled ‘Framework for Commission Expert Groups: Horizontal rules and public register’ (6) (hereinafter, the ‘the framework for Commission expert groups’) sets out a revised set of rules for all Commission expert groups. The new framework aims at simplifying and clarifying provisions introduced by the previous framework on expert groups in 2005, increasing transparency, enhancing coordination, while reducing the administrative workload for services. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The Communication from the President to the Commission of 10 November 2010 entitled ‘Framework for Commission Expert Groups: Horizontal rules and public register’ (6) (hereinafter, the ‘the framework for Commission expert groups’) sets out a revised set of rules for all Commission expert groups. The new framework aims at simplifying and clarifying provisions introduced by the previous framework on expert groups in 2005, increasing transparency, enhancing coordination, while reducing the administrative workload for services.

| (7) | In the light of the valuable work which has been carried out by the Committee of Experts on Rare Diseases since 2009 and taking into account the framework for Commission expert groups, there is a continuing need for a group of experts in this area. The tasks and the structure of a group of experts on rare diseases should be defined in compliance with the horizontal rules set out in the framework for Commission expert groups. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

In the light of the valuable work which has been carried out by the Committee of Experts on Rare Diseases since 2009 and taking into account the framework for Commission expert groups, there is a continuing need for a group of experts in this area. The tasks and the structure of a group of experts on rare diseases should be defined in compliance with the horizontal rules set out in the framework for Commission expert groups.

| (8) | The expert group on rare diseases should, at the request of the Commission, provide advice and expertise to the Commission in formulating and implementing the Union’s activities in the field of rare diseases and foster exchanges of relevant experience, policies and practices between the Member States and the various parties involved. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The expert group on rare diseases should, at the request of the Commission, provide advice and expertise to the Commission in formulating and implementing the Union’s activities in the field of rare diseases and foster exchanges of relevant experience, policies and practices between the Member States and the various parties involved.

| (9) | This group should be composed of representatives of Member States, representatives of patients' organisations in the field of rare diseases, representatives of producers of products or services relevant for patients affected by rare diseases and representatives from associations of European health professionals and medical societies and individual experts in order to allow a wide representation of stakeholders and experts in the area of rare diseases. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

This group should be composed of representatives of Member States, representatives of patients' organisations in the field of rare diseases, representatives of producers of products or services relevant for patients affected by rare diseases and representatives from associations of European health professionals and medical societies and individual experts in order to allow a wide representation of stakeholders and experts in the area of rare diseases.

| (10) | The expert group on rare diseases should not act as a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (7). |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The expert group on rare diseases should not act as a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (7).

| (11) | Personal data should be processed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data (8). |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Personal data should be processed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data (8).

| (12) | Commission Decision 2009/872/EC of 30 November 2009 establishing a European Union Committee of Experts on Rare Diseases should thereby be repealed, |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Commission Decision 2009/872/EC of 30 November 2009 establishing a European Union Committee of Experts on Rare Diseases should thereby be repealed,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Establishment of the expert group

The group of experts on rare diseases, hereinafter referred to as ‘the expert group’, is hereby set up.

Article 2

Tasks of the expert group

1.   At the request of the Commission or the Commission services, the expert group shall carry out the following tasks in the field of rare diseases:

| (a) | assist the Commission in the drawing up of legal instruments and policy documents, including guidelines and recommendations; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

assist the Commission in the drawing up of legal instruments and policy documents, including guidelines and recommendations;

| (b) | advise the Commission in the implementation of Union actions and suggest improvements to the measures taken; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

advise the Commission in the implementation of Union actions and suggest improvements to the measures taken;

| (c) | advise the Commission in the monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of the results of measures taken at Union and national level; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

advise the Commission in the monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of the results of measures taken at Union and national level;

| (d) | advise the Commission on international cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

advise the Commission on international cooperation;

| (e) | provide an overview on Union and national policies; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

provide an overview on Union and national policies;

| (f) | foster exchanges of relevant experience, policies and practices between the Member States and the various parties involved. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

foster exchanges of relevant experience, policies and practices between the Member States and the various parties involved.

2.   In order to carry out the tasks referred to in paragraph 1, the expert group may in particular at the request of the Commission or the Commission services submit opinions, recommendations and reports.

3.   The tasks of the expert group shall not comprise issues covered by Regulation (EC) No 141/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 1999 on orphan medicinal products (9) and issues that fall under the tasks of the Committee of Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP), set up by Article 4 of that Regulation, nor issues that fall under the tasks of the Pharmaceutical Committee, set up by Council Decision 75/320/EEC (10).

Article 3

Consultation

The Commission may consult the expert group on any matters relating to rare diseases.

Article 4

Membership — Appointment

1.   The expert group shall be composed of the following members:

| (a) | Member States' competent authorities; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

Member States' competent authorities;

| (b) | patients’ organisations in the field of rare diseases; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

patients’ organisations in the field of rare diseases;

| (c) | European associations of producers of products or service providers relevant for patients affected by rare diseases; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

European associations of producers of products or service providers relevant for patients affected by rare diseases;

| (d) | European professional associations or scientific societies acting in the field of rare diseases; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

European professional associations or scientific societies acting in the field of rare diseases;

| (e) | individuals appointed in a personal capacity as experts having public health or scientific expertise at Union level in the field of rare diseases. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

individuals appointed in a personal capacity as experts having public health or scientific expertise at Union level in the field of rare diseases.

2.   Competent authorities of the EFTA States which are party to the European Economic Area Agreement may also be members of the group, at the request of the EFTA States concerned.

3.   Members shall be appointed by the Director-General for Health and Consumers.

4.   The members referred to in points (b), (c), (d) and (e) of paragraph 1 shall not be more than four for each point and be appointed from a list of suitable candidates established following publication of a call for expressions of interest. The call for expressions of interests shall specify the required qualifications and conditions to become member of the expert group.

5.   The members referred to in point (e) of paragraph 1 shall be appointed in their personal capacity. They shall act independently and in the public interest.

6.   The members referred to in paragraph 1(a) to (d) and paragraph 2 shall nominate representatives and alternates to replace the representative when absent or indisposed. Alternates shall be nominated in accordance with the same conditions as representatives. Alternates shall automatically replace any members who are absent or indisposed.

7.   The Director-General for Health and Consumers may refuse a representative or an alternate proposed by an organisation if he or she does not meet the profile required in the call for expressions of interest referred to in paragraph 4. In such cases, the organisation concerned shall be asked to nominate another representative or alternate.

8.   The term of office of members of the expert group shall be three years and may be renewed after having responded to a further call for expressions of interest.

9.   A member’s term of office shall come to an end before the expiry of the three-year period in case of resignation.

10.   Members referred to in paragraph 1(b) to (e), or their representatives, may be excluded or replaced for the remainder of their term of office in any of the following cases:

| (a) | permanent incapacity to attend the meetings; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

permanent incapacity to attend the meetings;

| (b) | incapacity to contribute effectively to the group's deliberations; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

incapacity to contribute effectively to the group's deliberations;

| (c) | non-compliance with the conditions set out in Article 339 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

non-compliance with the conditions set out in Article 339 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union;

| (d) | subsequent non-compliance with the qualifications and conditions specified in the call for expression of interests as referred to in paragraph 4. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

subsequent non-compliance with the qualifications and conditions specified in the call for expression of interests as referred to in paragraph 4.

11.   The Director-General for Health and Consumers may ask a member referred to in paragraph 1(b) to (d) to nominate another representative or another alternate in the cases referred to in paragraph 10.

12.   Members whose term of office comes to an end before the expiry of the three-year period pursuant to paragraphs 8 and 9 may be replaced for the remaining period of their mandate.

13.   The names of members and their representatives shall be published in the Register of Commission expert groups and other similar entities (‘the Register’) (11). The names of Member States' authorities may be published in the Register.

14.   Personal data shall be collected, processed and published in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001.

Article 5

Operation

1.   The expert group shall be chaired by the Director in charge of the policy on rare diseases of the Commission. The Director may delegate chairmanship to another Commission official.

2.   In agreement with the Commission, the expert group may set up subgroups to examine specific questions on the basis of terms of reference defined by the group. Such subgroups shall be disbanded as soon as their mandate is fulfilled.

3.   The Commission's representative may invite experts from outside the expert group with specific competence in a subject on the agenda to participate in the work of the group. In addition, the Commission's representative may give observer status to individuals or organisations, as defined in Rule 8(3) of the framework for Commission expert groups, and candidate countries.

4.   Members of expert groups and their representatives and alternates, as well as invited experts and observers, shall comply with the obligations of professional secrecy laid down by the Treaties and their implementing rules, as well as with the Commission's rules on security regarding the protection of EU classified information, laid down in the Annex to Commission Decision 2001/844/EC, ECSC, Euratom (12). Should they fail to respect these obligations, the Commission may take all appropriate measures.

5.   The meetings of the expert group and subgroups shall be held on Commission premises. The Commission shall provide secretarial services. The agenda and the minutes of the expert group’s meetings shall be drawn up by the Commission. Other Commission officials with an interest in the proceedings may attend meetings of the expert group and its subgroups.

6.   The expert group shall adopt its rules of procedure on the basis of the Commission standard rules of procedures for experts groups.

7.   The Commission shall make available all relevant documents (such as agendas, minutes and participants’ submissions) on the activities carried out by the expert group either by including it in the Register or via a link from the Register to a dedicated website, where information can be found. A document shall not be published where disclosure would undermine the protection of a public or private interest as defined in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 (13).

Article 6

Meeting expenses

1.   Participants in the activities of the expert group shall not be remunerated for the services they render.

2.   Travel and subsistence expenses incurred by participants in the activities of the expert group shall be reimbursed by the Commission in accordance with the provisions in force within the Commission.

3.   The expenses referred to in paragraph 2 shall be reimbursed within the limits of the available appropriations allocated under the annual procedure for the allocation of resources.

Article 7

Repeal

Decision 2009/872/EC is repealed.

Article 8

This Decision shall apply as from 27 July 2013.

Done at Brussels, 30 July 2013.

For the Commission

Tonio BORG

Member of the Commission

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(1)  COM(2007) 630 final, 23.10.2007.

1

(2)  OJ L 301, 20.11.2007, p. 3.

2

(3)  COM(2008) 679 final, 11.11.2008.

3

(4)  OJ C 151, 3.7.2009, p. 7.

4

(5)  OJ L 315, 2.12.2009, p. 18.

5

(6)  C(2010) 7649 final.

6

(7)  OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13.

7

(8)  OJ L 8, 12.1.2011, p. 1.

8

(9)  OJ L 18, 22.1.2000, p. 1.

9

(10)  OJ L 147, 9.6.1975, p. 23.

10

(11)  Members who do not wish to have their names disclosed may apply for derogation from this rule. The request not to disclose the name of a member of an expert group shall be considered justified whenever publication could endanger his or her security or integrity or unduly prejudice his or her privacy.

11

(12)  Commission Decision of 29 November 2001 amending its internal Rules of Procedure (OJ L 317, 3.12.2001, p. 1).

12

(13)  These exceptions are intended to protect public security, military affairs, international relations, financial, monetary or economic policy, privacy and integrity of the individual, commercial interests, court proceedings and legal advice, inspections/investigations/audits and the institution's decision-making process.

13

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| 31.7.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 219/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.7.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 219/8

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New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

2013/C 219/05

Image

National side of the new commemorative 2-euro coin intended for circulation and issued by Belgium

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 Community 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 side features a commemorative design that is highly symbolic in national or European terms.

Issuing country: Belgium

Subject of commemoration: 100th anniversary of the creation of the Royal Meteorological Institute (Koninklijk Meteorologisch Instituut/Institut Royal Météorologique)

Description of the design: The obverse of the coin displays in its centre the number 100 with the first zero encircling the abbreviations ‘KMI’ and ‘IRM’ and the second zero representing a sun.

Isobars, raindrops and snowflakes are depicted to the left of the sun. The year ‘2013’ is displayed in the upper rays of the sun and the nationality ‘BE’ is indicated in the lower rays. The mark of the mint master and the mark of the Brussels mint, a helmeted profile of the Archangel Michael, are displayed under the ‘1’ of the number ‘100’.

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

Number of coins to be issued: 2 million

Date of issue: September 2013

---

(1)  See OJ C 373, 28.12.2001, p. 1 for the national sides 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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| 31.7.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 219/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.7.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 219/9

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New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

2013/C 219/06

Image

National side of the new commemorative 2-euro coin intended for circulation and issued by Luxembourg

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 Community 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: Luxembourg

Subject of commemoration: The National Anthem of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Description of the design: The coin depicts on the right hand of its inner part the effigy of His Royal Highness, the Grand Duke Henri, looking to the left, and on the left hand of its inner part the musical notation as well as the text of the national anthem. The text ‘Ons Heemecht’ appears at the top of the inner part and the name of the issuing country ‘LËTZEBUERG’ as well as the year-date ‘2013’, flanked by the mint mark and the initials of the mint master, appear at the bottom of the inner part of the coin.

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

Number of coins to be issued: 1,4 million

Date of issue: September 2013

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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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| 31.7.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 219/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.7.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 219/10

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New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

2013/C 219/07

Image

National side of the new commemorative 2-euro coin intended for circulation and issued by Portugal

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 Community 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: Portugal

Subject of commemoration: the 250th anniversary of the construction of ‘Torre dos Clérigos’

Description of the design: The tower is depicted as it can be seen by the people on the street when standing close to it, side by side with the typical Oporto skyline as seen from Douro River south bank. At the top, in semi-circle, the inscription ‘250 ANOS TORRE DOS CLÉRIGOS — 2013’. At the bottom right, the Portuguese coat of arms and underneath the indication of the issuing country ‘PORTUGAL’. At the left, the mint mark and the name of the artist ‘INCM — HUGO MACIEL’.

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

Number of coins to be issued:

Date of issue: June 2013

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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

| 31.7.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 219/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.7.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 219/11

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.6997 — TowerBrook Capital/Metallum)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 219/08

| 1. | On 25 July 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking TowerBrook Investors III LP (Cayman Islands), controlled by TowerBrook Capital Partners LP (‘TowerBrook’, USA), acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking of Metallum Holding SA (‘Metallum’, Luxembourg) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 25 July 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking TowerBrook Investors III LP (Cayman Islands), controlled by TowerBrook Capital Partners LP (‘TowerBrook’, USA), acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking of Metallum Holding SA (‘Metallum’, Luxembourg) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | TowerBrook is a private equity investment firm pursuing investments in large and middle market companies in Europe and North America, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

TowerBrook is a private equity investment firm pursuing investments in large and middle market companies in Europe and North America,

| — | Metallum primarily recycles, processes and trades non-ferrous metals and refines copper scrap to produce copper cathodes and by-products of the copper refining process. |
| --- | --- |

—

Metallum primarily recycles, processes and trades non-ferrous metals and refines copper scrap to produce copper cathodes and by-products of the copper refining process.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the EC Merger Regulation (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the EC Merger Regulation (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6997 — TowerBook Capital/Metallum, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| 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 COMP/M.6997 — TowerBook Capital/Metallum, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

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

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32 (‘Notice on a simplified procedure’).

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 31.7.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 219/12 |
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31.7.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 219/12

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Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

2013/C 219/09

This publication confers the right to oppose the amendment application, pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1).

AMENDMENT APPLICATION

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

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

AMENDMENT APPLICATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 9

‘LIQUIRIZIA DI CALABRIA’

EC No: IT-PDO-0105-01090-07.02.2013

PGI ( ) PDO ( X )

1.   Heading in the product specification affected by the amendment

| — |  | Name of product |
| --- | --- | --- |
| — |  | Description of product |
| — | ☒ | Geographical area |
| — |  | Proof of origin |
| — |  | Method of production |
| — |  | Link |
| — |  | Labelling |
| — |  | National requirements |
| — |  | Other (to be specified) |

—



Name of product

—



Description of product

—

☒

Geographical area

—



Proof of origin

—



Method of production

—



Link

—



Labelling

—



National requirements

—



Other (to be specified)

2.   Type of change

| — | ☒ | Amendment to single document or summary sheet |
| --- | --- | --- |
| — |  | Amendment to specification of registered PDO or PGI for which neither the single document nor the summary has been published |
| — |  | Amendment to specification that requires no amendment to the published single document (Article 9(3) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006) |
| — |  | Temporary amendment to specification resulting from imposition of obligatory sanitary or phytosanitary measures by public authorities (Article 9(4) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006) |

—

☒

Amendment to single document or summary sheet

—



Amendment to specification of registered PDO or PGI for which neither the single document nor the summary has been published

—



Amendment to specification that requires no amendment to the published single document (Article 9(3) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

—



Temporary amendment to specification resulting from imposition of obligatory sanitary or phytosanitary measures by public authorities (Article 9(4) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

3.   Amendment(s)

Geographical area

The municipality of Castrovillari in the province of Cosenza, which was omitted by mistake when the specification was drawn up, has been added to the geographical area defined in the specification. Like the other municipalities included in the specification, the municipality of Castrovillari has the environmental conditions and local traditions required for the production of ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ PDO. Castrovillari is partly located in the Sibari Plain and borders the municipalities of Altomonte, San Lorenzo del Vallo, Spezzano Albanese, Cassano Ionio and Civita that are already listed in the specification. According to historical sources, moreover, establishments producing ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ have been present in the Castrovillari district since 1842.

Some errors have also been corrected in the name of certain municipalities included in the ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ production area.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs
   (3)

‘LIQUIRIZIA DI CALABRIA’

EC No: IT-PDO-0105-01090-07.02.2013

PGI ( ) PDO ( X )

1.   Name

‘Liquirizia di Calabria’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Italy

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Product type

| Class 1.8. | Other products of Annex I to the Treaty (spices, etc.) |
| --- | --- |

Class 1.8.

Other products of Annex I to the Treaty (spices, etc.)

| Class 2.4. | Bread, pastry, cakes, confectionery, biscuits and other baker's wares |
| --- | --- |

Class 2.4.

Bread, pastry, cakes, confectionery, biscuits and other baker's wares

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

‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ protected designation of origin is reserved exclusively for fresh or dried liquorice and its extract. Such liquorice must come from cultivated or wild Glycyrrhiza glabra plants (family: Leguminosae), specifically the ‘typica’ variety known in Calabria as ‘Cordara’.

On release for consumption ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ PDO must have the following characteristics:

| | Fresh root:






  — | colour: straw yellow, |
| --- | --- | --- |

Fresh root:

—

colour: straw yellow,

| — | flavour: sweet, aromatic, intense and lasting, |
| --- | --- |

—

flavour: sweet, aromatic, intense and lasting,

| — | moisture content: between 48 % and 52 %, |
| --- | --- |

—

moisture content: between 48 % and 52 %,

| — | glycyrrhizin content: between 0,60 % and 1,40 %. |
| --- | --- |

—

glycyrrhizin content: between 0,60 % and 1,40 %.

| | Dried root:






  — | colour: from straw yellow to ochre yellow, |
| --- | --- | --- |

Dried root:

—

colour: from straw yellow to ochre yellow,

| — | flavour: sweet, fruity and slightly astringent, |
| --- | --- |

—

flavour: sweet, fruity and slightly astringent,

| — | moisture content: between 6 % and 12 %, |
| --- | --- |

—

moisture content: between 6 % and 12 %,

| — | glycyrrhizin content: between 1,2 % and 2,4 %. |
| --- | --- |

—

glycyrrhizin content: between 1,2 % and 2,4 %.

| | Root extract:






  — | colour: from dark terracotta brown to black, |
| --- | --- | --- |

Root extract:

—

colour: from dark terracotta brown to black,

| — | flavour: bitter-sweet, aromatic, intense and lasting, |
| --- | --- |

—

flavour: bitter-sweet, aromatic, intense and lasting,

| — | moisture content: between 9 % and 15 %, |
| --- | --- |

—

moisture content: between 9 % and 15 %,

| — | glycyrrhizin content: between 3 % and 6 %. |
| --- | --- |

—

glycyrrhizin content: between 3 % and 6 %.

3.3.   Raw materials (for processed products only)

—

3.4.   Feed (for products of animal origin only)

—

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

All stages in production, from growing to harvesting, as well as drying and processing, must take place in the area defined in point 4.

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

‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ PDO may be marketed in packages made of cardboard, glass, metal, ceramic, polypropylene and high-density polyethylene and all materials permitted under the laws in force regarding the packaging of foodstuffs. Packages may weigh between 5 g and 25 kg. All packages must be sealed in such a way that opening the package breaks the seal.

3.7.   Specific rules concerning labelling

The label must feature the designation's logo, the serial number assigned by the inspection body and the date of packaging of the products contained in the individual packages. The logo of ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ PDO depicts a stylised lozenge with equal sides and 90° angles. The minimum printing size of the whole logo is 0,5 cm high and wide. The logo may be printed in any colour.

Image

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The production area of ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ includes all the municipal areas set out in detail in the production specification, where Glycyrrhiza glabra plants of the ‘typica’ variety, known in Calabria as ‘Cordara’, grow wild or are cultivated, up to an altitude of 650 m above sea level. This area is bounded to the north by the Pollino Massif, which slopes down gently to the north-east to Rocca Imperiale. It is thus separated from the Basilicata region. The area covers the lands in the Crati Valley that give onto the right and left banks of the river, which runs from south to north and flows into Ionian Sea to the north-east having crossed the Sibari Plain. On the Tyrrhenian side, the areas concerned are those which, running from north to south, are located between the municipalities of Falconara Albanese and Nicotera. On the Ionian side, the areas included are those running from the area in the north bounding the Sibari Plain, the broad plain in Crotone province, reaching as far as the extreme tip of Calabria.

5.   Link with the geographical area

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area

The historical liquorice production area was coastal Calabria, in particular the main area between the municipalities of Villapiana, Cerchiara di Calabria, Cassano Ionio-Sibari, Corigliano Calabro and Rossano (all situated in the Sibari Plain), thanks to the natural condition of the soils on the plain, which are stony, pH neutral and characterised by siliceous substances. The climate characteristics of the Sibari Plain, where liquorice production is still mainly concentrated, are suitable for the dissemination of this plant, owing to the proximity of the mountains and the absence of wind trajectories, with the nearby Pollino and Sila Massifs acting as a natural barrier. The liquorice plants grow wild and are cultivated along the coasts and spread from the plains on the coasts of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Lamezia Terme, Falerna, Nocera Tirenese, etc.) and the Ionian Sea (Crotone, Isola Capo Rizzuto, Chiaravalle, Badolato, Roccella Ionica, etc.) to the inland hilly areas. They are disseminated via the valleys of the main Calabrian rivers to the inland hills which, owing to their specific configuration, enjoy the beneficial effects of the sea, meaning that the liquorice is present with the same characteristics quite a number of kilometres from the shore. The climate, which is decidedly Mediterranean, with long, hot and dry summers and mild winters, means that Glycyrrhiza glabra, ‘typica’ variety (‘Cordara’) is evenly spread throughout the area under consideration.

5.2.   Specificity of the product

Compared to varieties that are chemically and physically similar to it, ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ PDO is decidedly different in terms of the presence of secondary metabolites, including the active principle that defines its commercial and pharmacognostic characteristics, glycyrrhizin. This is a saponin, the percentage of which in ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ is lower, on average, than in those similar species and varieties, which is why ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ is sought after on the market. The findings of recent studies have further highlighted the difference between ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ and liquorice from neighbouring regions in terms of its glycyrrhizic acid content which, as stated, is distinctly lower than that contained in roots from other regions, and also in terms of its lower sugar content.

Another study carried out into the volatile fraction showed the clear difference between the composition of ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ and that of liquorices from other parts of Italy and from abroad. Lastly, a comparison with liquorice extracts from other countries showed that ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ has a different qualitative and quantitative composition as far as phenolic compounds are concerned.

In particular, it showed that ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ has a minimal percentage of liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin and significant percentages of licochalcone A, which is absent in other samples or jointly present with licochalcone B.

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

Calabria is a region which, owing to its configuration and topography, has characteristics that are absolutely unique as compared to all the other regions in Italy.

The extreme extension of the Italian peninsula, Calabria is itself considered a long, narrow peninsula surrounded by the sea along approximately 800 km of coastline. While in some ways it can be compared with Puglia, in other ways it is completely different. Indeed, Calabria is divided lengthways into two parts by high Apennine mountain chains, a factor that is absolutely unique among the regions of Italy.

Its configuration and topography mean that Calabria has biological, soil and climate conditions that are absolutely unique and distinctive as compared to the rest of the peninsula in terms of average temperatures, temperature range, humidity, rainfall, precipitation, wind, sunshine hours and intensity and thus soil temperature. These factors have been widely demonstrated by numerous scientific studies. Over the course of the centuries, the distinctive habitat has subjected the species to strong pressure to adapt, thus affecting its development by conditioning its composition and nutritional and aromatic characteristics. This gave rise to a specific chemotype, ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’.

This specific type of liquorice is identified with the Calabria region; indeed, it was well known as far back as the 17th century, as demonstrated by many documents including the famous ‘Trattato di teurapeutica e farmacologia’ (‘Treatise on Therapeutics and Pharmacology’) Vol. I (1903), which states that ‘... the species from which they originate is Glycyrrhiza glabra (Leguminosae Papilionaceae), which belongs to the south-west of Europe. Sometimes the medicinal root is known as Calabria liquorice (”Liquirizia di Calabria”) to distinguish it from Russian liquorice, which is lighter in colour and produced from Glycyrrhiza glandulifera or Echinata, which is found in south-east Europe.’

In addition, the 14th edition of the famous Encyclopaedia Britannica (1928) stated that ‘... The preparation of the juice is a widely extended industry along the Mediterranean coast: but the quality best appreciated in Great Britain is made in Calabria ...’.

The Encyclopaedia Britannica’s assessment is supported by a report by the US Department of State entitled ‘The Licorice Plant’ (1985).

The designation ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ refers to a complex ‘product’ which is the result of interaction with human activities that have been handed down over the centuries and become a veritable tradition of the Calabria region, as can be seen in the depiction by Saint-Non in the late 18th century, and in ‘Stato delle persone in Calabria. I concari.’ (‘State of the People of Calabria. Liquorice Makers’) (1864) by Vincenzo Padulo, the SVIMEZ (Association for the Development of Industry in Southern Italy) document ‘Piante officinali in Calabria: presupposti e prospettive’ (‘Medicinal Plants in Calabria: Foundations and Prospects’) (1951), ‘Pece e liquirizia nei casali cosentini del Settecento: forma d’industrie e forze di lavoro’ (‘Pitch and Liquorice on Farmsteads in the Cosenza Area in the 18th century: Forms of Industry and Labour Forces’) (1980) by Augusto Placanica, ‘I «Conci» e la produzione del succo di liquerizia in Calabria’ (‘Liquorice Workshops and Liquorice Production in Calabria’) (1986) by Gennaro Matacena, ‘La dolce industria. Conci e liquirizia in provincia di Cosenza dal XVIII al XX secolo’ (‘The Sweet Industry. Liquorice Workshops and Liquorice in the Province of Cosenza from the 18th to the 20th Centuries’) (1991) by Vittorio Marzi et al., and in many other texts published from the 18th century to the present day.

In the second half of the 18th century, liquorice growing in Calabria extended all along the Ionian coast, in particular along the northern borders with Basilicata and on the vast Sibari Plain, where it grew abundantly, as far as Crotone and Reggio Calabria. However, it also abounded in the Crati Valley which runs from Cosenza into the Sibari Plain, and along wide stretches of the Tyrrhenian coast.

Reference to the publication of the specification

(Article 5(7) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (4))

The Ministry launched the national objection procedure with the publication of the amendment application regarding the ‘Liquirizia di Calabria’ PDO in Official Gazette of the Italian Republic No 294 of 18 December 2012.

The full text of the product specification is available on the following website:

http://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/3335

or alternatively:

by going directly to the home page of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy (http://www.politicheagricole.it) and clicking on ‘Qualità e sicurezza’ (on the top right of the screen) and then on ‘Disciplinari di Produzione all’esame dell’UE’.

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

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

(3)  See footnote 2.

(4)  See footnote 2.

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