# Official Journal C 349/2011

| | ISSN 1977-091X
  doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2011.349.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 349 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5430 November 2011 |

ISSN 1977-091X

doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2011.349.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 349

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5430 November 2011

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2011/C 349/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.6388 — Ecolab/Nalco Holding Company) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2011/C 349/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.6388 — Ecolab/Nalco Holding Company) (
  1
  )

1

1

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2011/C 349/02 | Council Decision of 14 November 2011 appointing and replacing members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training | 2 |
| | European Commission |
| 2011/C 349/03 | Euro exchange rates | 3 |
| 2011/C 349/04 | Commission Decision of 28 November 2011 setting up the European multi-stakeholder platform on ICT standardisation | 4 |
| 2011/C 349/05 | Commission Decision of 29 November 2011 appointing the members of the group of experts for technical advice on the School Fruit Scheme | 7 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2011/C 349/06 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 | 9 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2011/C 349/02

Council Decision of 14 November 2011 appointing and replacing members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

2

European Commission

2011/C 349/03

Euro exchange rates

3

2011/C 349/04

Commission Decision of 28 November 2011 setting up the European multi-stakeholder platform on ICT standardisation

4

2011/C 349/05

Commission Decision of 29 November 2011 appointing the members of the group of experts for technical advice on the School Fruit Scheme

7

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2011/C 349/06

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001

9

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | European Commission |
| 2011/C 349/07 | Call for proposals — EACEA/38/11 — ICI education cooperation programme — Cooperation in higher education and training between the European Union and Australia and the European Union and the Republic of Korea — Call for proposals 2011 for joint mobility projects (JMP) and joint degree projects (JDP) | 11 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2011/C 349/08 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6442 — Virgin Money/Northern Rock) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 15 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Commission

2011/C 349/07

Call for proposals — EACEA/38/11 — ICI education cooperation programme — Cooperation in higher education and training between the European Union and Australia and the European Union and the Republic of Korea — Call for proposals 2011 for joint mobility projects (JMP) and joint degree projects (JDP)

11

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2011/C 349/08

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6442 — Virgin Money/Northern Rock) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

15

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (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

| 30.11.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 349/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.11.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 349/1

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.6388 — Ecolab/Nalco Holding Company)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2011/C 349/01

On 8 November 2011, 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 32011M6388. 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 32011M6388. 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

| 30.11.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 349/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.11.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 349/2

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COUNCIL DECISION

of 14 November 2011

appointing and replacing members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

2011/C 349/02

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 337/75 of 10 February 1975 establishing the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, and in particular Article 4 thereof (1),

Having regard to the nomination submitted to the Council by the Commission in the category of Employees' representatives,

Whereas:

| (1) | By its Decision of 14 September 2009 (2), the Council appointed the members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the period from 18 September 2009 to 17 September 2012. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

By its Decision of 14 September 2009 (2), the Council appointed the members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the period from 18 September 2009 to 17 September 2012.

| (2) | A member's seat on the Governing Board of the Centre in the category of Employees' representatives has become vacant as a result of the resignation of Ms Leslie MANASSEH, |
| --- | --- |

(2)

A member's seat on the Governing Board of the Centre in the category of Employees' representatives has become vacant as a result of the resignation of Ms Leslie MANASSEH,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The following person is hereby appointed as a member of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the remainder of the term of office, which runs until 17 September 2012:

REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYEES' ORGANISATIONS:

| UNITED KINGDOM | Mr Iain MURRAY
  TUC (UK) |
| --- | --- |

UNITED KINGDOM

Mr Iain MURRAY

TUC (UK)

Done at Brussels, 14 November 2011.

For the Council

The President

M. SAWICKI

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(1)  OJ L 39, 13.2.1975, p. 1.

1

(2)  OJ C 226, 19.9.2009, p. 2.

2

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European Commission

| 30.11.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 349/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.11.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 349/3

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Euro exchange rates (1)

29 November 2011

2011/C 349/03

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3336 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 103,82 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4377 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,85365 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,2195 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,2282 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,8495 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,548 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 309,08 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6980 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,5270 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,3518 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,4692 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,3332 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,3717 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,3929 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,7519 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,7306 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 523,71 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 11,1472 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 8,4778 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5010 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 12 211,39 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,2255 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 58,174 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 41,8100 |
| THB | Thai baht | 41,715 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,4621 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 18,6147 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 69,4210 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3336

JPY

Japanese yen

103,82

DKK

Danish krone

7,4377

GBP

Pound sterling

0,85365

SEK

Swedish krona

9,2195

CHF

Swiss franc

1,2282

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,8495

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,548

HUF

Hungarian forint

309,08

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6980

PLN

Polish zloty

4,5270

RON

Romanian leu

4,3518

TRY

Turkish lira

2,4692

AUD

Australian dollar

1,3332

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,3717

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,3929

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7519

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,7306

KRW

South Korean won

1 523,71

ZAR

South African rand

11,1472

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

8,4778

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5010

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

12 211,39

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,2255

PHP

Philippine peso

58,174

RUB

Russian rouble

41,8100

THB

Thai baht

41,715

BRL

Brazilian real

2,4621

MXN

Mexican peso

18,6147

INR

Indian rupee

69,4210

---

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

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| 30.11.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 349/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.11.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 349/4

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COMMISSION DECISION

of 28 November 2011

setting up the European multi-stakeholder platform on ICT standardisation

2011/C 349/04

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Whereas:

| (1) | The Europe 2020 strategy, as set out in the Communication from the Commission entitled ‘Europe 2020: A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’ (1), sets out a vision of Europe’s social market economy for the 21st century enjoying the full economic and social benefits of a digital society. It emphasises the importance of reinforcing the growth of the European economy while delivering high levels of employment productivity, a low carbon economy and social cohesion. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The Europe 2020 strategy, as set out in the Communication from the Commission entitled ‘Europe 2020: A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’ (1), sets out a vision of Europe’s social market economy for the 21st century enjoying the full economic and social benefits of a digital society. It emphasises the importance of reinforcing the growth of the European economy while delivering high levels of employment productivity, a low carbon economy and social cohesion.

| (2) | One of the flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy, set out in the Communication from the Commission entitled ‘A Digital Agenda for Europe’ (2), gives a prominent role to improved standard setting in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) to ensure interoperability between ICT applications, services and products with a view to reducing fragmentation of the digital single market while at the same time promoting innovation and competition. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

One of the flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy, set out in the Communication from the Commission entitled ‘A Digital Agenda for Europe’ (2), gives a prominent role to improved standard setting in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) to ensure interoperability between ICT applications, services and products with a view to reducing fragmentation of the digital single market while at the same time promoting innovation and competition.

| (3) | Another flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 strategy, set out in the Communication from the Commission entitled ‘An integrated industrial policy for the globalisation era — Putting competitiveness and sustainability at centre stage’ (3), calls on Europe to develop a standards system that meets the expectations of both market players and European public authorities while also promoting European influence beyond the single market in the globalised economy. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Another flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 strategy, set out in the Communication from the Commission entitled ‘An integrated industrial policy for the globalisation era — Putting competitiveness and sustainability at centre stage’ (3), calls on Europe to develop a standards system that meets the expectations of both market players and European public authorities while also promoting European influence beyond the single market in the globalised economy.

| (4) | The Communication from the Commission entitled ‘A strategic vision for European standards: Moving forward to enhance and accelerate the sustainable growth of the European economy by 2020’ (4), states that in 2011 the Commission will create and chair a dedicated multi-stakeholder platform to advise it on matters relating to the implementation of ICT standardisation policy, including the work programme for ICT standardisation, priority-setting in support of legislation and policies and identification of specifications developed by global ICT standards development organisations. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Communication from the Commission entitled ‘A strategic vision for European standards: Moving forward to enhance and accelerate the sustainable growth of the European economy by 2020’ (4), states that in 2011 the Commission will create and chair a dedicated multi-stakeholder platform to advise it on matters relating to the implementation of ICT standardisation policy, including the work programme for ICT standardisation, priority-setting in support of legislation and policies and identification of specifications developed by global ICT standards development organisations.

| (5) | It is therefore necessary to set up a multi-stakeholder platform in the field of ICT standardisation and to define its tasks and its structure. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

It is therefore necessary to set up a multi-stakeholder platform in the field of ICT standardisation and to define its tasks and its structure.

| (6) | The multi-stakeholder platform should be composed of representatives of national authorities of Member States and EFTA countries, stakeholder organisations representing industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, consumers and other societal stakeholders as well as European and international standardisation bodies and other non-profit making organisations, which are professional societies, industry or trade associations or other membership organisations active in Europe that within their area of expertise develop standards in the field of ICT. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The multi-stakeholder platform should be composed of representatives of national authorities of Member States and EFTA countries, stakeholder organisations representing industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, consumers and other societal stakeholders as well as European and international standardisation bodies and other non-profit making organisations, which are professional societies, industry or trade associations or other membership organisations active in Europe that within their area of expertise develop standards in the field of ICT.

| (7) | Rules on disclosure of information by members of the platform should be provided for, without prejudice to the Commission’s rules on security as set out in the Annex to Commission Decision 2001/844/EC, ECSC, Euratom. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Rules on disclosure of information by members of the platform should be provided for, without prejudice to the Commission’s rules on security as set out in the Annex to Commission Decision 2001/844/EC, ECSC, Euratom.

| (8) | 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)

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,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Subject matter

The European multi-stakeholder platform on ICT standardisation, hereinafter referred to as ‘the platform’, is hereby set up.

Article 2

Tasks

The platform’s tasks shall be to:

| (a) | advise the Commission on all matters related to European ICT standardisation policy and its effective implementation; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

advise the Commission on all matters related to European ICT standardisation policy and its effective implementation;

| (b) | advise the Commission on its ICT standardisation work programme and its priorities; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

advise the Commission on its ICT standardisation work programme and its priorities;

| (c) | identify potential future ICT standardisation needs in support of European legislation, policies and public procurement; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

identify potential future ICT standardisation needs in support of European legislation, policies and public procurement;

| (d) | advise the Commission on possible standardisation mandates concerning ICT for European standardisation bodies and activities which may be carried out by other bodies in cooperation with European standardisation bodies; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

advise the Commission on possible standardisation mandates concerning ICT for European standardisation bodies and activities which may be carried out by other bodies in cooperation with European standardisation bodies;

| (e) | advise the Commission on the progress of ICT standardisation and related activities in support of legislation and policies; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

advise the Commission on the progress of ICT standardisation and related activities in support of legislation and policies;

| (f) | advise the Commission on technical specifications in the field of ICT which are not national, European or international standards with regard to the requirements set out in Annex II to the proposed regulation on European standardisation (5); |
| --- | --- |

(f)

advise the Commission on technical specifications in the field of ICT which are not national, European or international standards with regard to the requirements set out in Annex II to the proposed regulation on European standardisation (5);

| (g) | advise the Commission on cooperation between standards development organisations and European standardisation bodies to improve the integration of their work in European ICT standardisation and ensure availability of ICT standards supporting interoperability; |
| --- | --- |

(g)

advise the Commission on cooperation between standards development organisations and European standardisation bodies to improve the integration of their work in European ICT standardisation and ensure availability of ICT standards supporting interoperability;

| (h) | gather information on the work programmes of ICT standards development organisations to help ensure coordination and avoid unnecessary duplication or fragmentation of efforts. |
| --- | --- |

(h)

gather information on the work programmes of ICT standards development organisations to help ensure coordination and avoid unnecessary duplication or fragmentation of efforts.

Article 3

Consultation

The Commission may consult the platform on any matter relating to:

| (a) | other initiatives that may be taken at Union level to address barriers to ICT interoperability; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

other initiatives that may be taken at Union level to address barriers to ICT interoperability;

| (b) | national, European and international initiatives concerning standardisation in support of ICT interoperability. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

national, European and international initiatives concerning standardisation in support of ICT interoperability.

Article 4

Membership — appointment

1.   The platform shall be composed of up to 67 members.

2.   The members shall be the national authorities of Member States and EFTA countries and organisations representing ICT standardisation stakeholders appointed by the Commission as follows:

| (a) | up to 18 organisations representing industry, small and medium-sized enterprises and societal stakeholders; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

up to 18 organisations representing industry, small and medium-sized enterprises and societal stakeholders;

| (b) | up to 14 European and international standardisation bodies and other non-profit making organisations which are professional societies, industry or trade associations or other membership organisations active in Europe that within their area of expertise develop standards in the field of ICT. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

up to 14 European and international standardisation bodies and other non-profit making organisations which are professional societies, industry or trade associations or other membership organisations active in Europe that within their area of expertise develop standards in the field of ICT.

3.   The members referred to in 2(a) and (b) shall be appointed by the Directors-General of DG Enterprise and Industry and DG Information Society and Media on behalf of the Commission from relevant stakeholder organisations with the aim of achieving a balanced representation taking account of the tasks and expertise required.

4.   The national authorities and the organisations appointed by the Commission shall nominate their representative as well as an alternate representative, to participate in the activities of the platform.

5.   Members of the platform are appointed for a period of three years. They shall remain in office until such time as they are replaced or their term of office ends. Their term of office may be renewed.

6.   Members who are no longer capable of contributing effectively to the platform’s deliberations, who resign or who do not comply with the conditions set out in Article 339 of the Treaty, may be replaced for the remainder of their term of office.

7.   The names of the members referred to in Articles 2(a) and (b) shall be published in the Register of Commission expert groups and other similar entities (‘the Register’).

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

Article 5

Operations

1.   The platform shall be chaired by the services of DG Enterprise and Industry and DG Information Society and Media.

2.   In agreement with the Commission’s representative, the platform may set up sub-groups to examine specific questions on the basis of terms of reference defined by the platform. Such sub-groups shall be disbanded as soon as their mandate is fulfilled.

3.   The Commission’s representative may invite experts with specific competence in a subject on the agenda to participate in the work of the platform on an ad hoc basis. In addition, the Commission’s representative may give observer status to individuals or organisations as defined in Rule 8(3) of the horizontal rules on expert groups and candidate countries.

4.   Members of the platform and their representatives, 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 Decision 2001/844/EC, ECSC, Euratom. Should they fail to respect these obligations, the Commission may take all appropriate measures.

5.   The meetings of the platform and any sub-groups shall be held on Commission premises. The Commission shall provide secretarial services. Other Commission officials with an interest in the proceedings may attend the meetings of the platform and its sub-groups.

6.   The platform shall adopt any necessary rules of procedures, including rules on conflicts of interest, on the basis of the standard rules of procedure for expert groups adopted by the Commission.

7.   The Commission shall publish relevant information on the activities carried out by the platform, either by including it in the Register or via a link from the Register to a dedicated website.

8.   The Joint Research Centre may provide scientific advice and services within its area of expertise.

Article 6

Meeting expenses

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

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

3.   Those expenses shall be reimbursed within the limits of the available appropriations allocated under the annual procedure for the allocation of resources.

Article 7

Applicability

This Decision shall apply from 1 January 2012.

Done at Brussels, 28 November 2011.

For the Commission

Antonio TAJANI

Vice-President

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(1)  COM(2010) 2020 final, 3.3.2010.

1

(2)  COM(2010) 245 final, 19.5.2010.

2

(3)  COM(2010) 614 final, 28.10.2010.

3

(4)  COM(2011) 311 final, 1.6.2011.

4

(5)  COM(2011) 315 final, 1.6.2011.

5

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| 30.11.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 349/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.11.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 349/7

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COMMISSION DECISION

of 29 November 2011

appointing the members of the group of experts for technical advice on the School Fruit Scheme

2011/C 349/05

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Having regard to Commission Decision 2009/986/EU of 18 December 2009 establishing the group of experts for technical advice on the School Fruit Scheme (1), and in particular Article 4 thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | The Commission set up a group of independent experts and defined its tasks and structure by Decision 2009/986/EU. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The Commission set up a group of independent experts and defined its tasks and structure by Decision 2009/986/EU.

| (2) | In accordance with Article 4(2)(c) of Decision 2009/986/EU, a call for applications was published on the Internet site of the Commission's DG Agriculture and Rural Development and in the Official Journal of the European Union
   (2). On the basis of those applications, and respecting the requirement to collect, process and publish the relevant personal data in accordance with the provisions of 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 (3), the Commission should appoint members of the expert group from specialists with a suitable background, |
| --- | --- |

(2)

In accordance with Article 4(2)(c) of Decision 2009/986/EU, a call for applications was published on the Internet site of the Commission's DG Agriculture and Rural Development and in the Official Journal of the European Union
   (2). On the basis of those applications, and respecting the requirement to collect, process and publish the relevant personal data in accordance with the provisions of 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 (3), the Commission should appoint members of the expert group from specialists with a suitable background,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

1.   The following candidates are herewith appointed as a permanent member of the expert group for a three-year renewable term of office starting on the date of adoption:

| — | Saida Barnat, |
| --- | --- |

—

Saida Barnat,

| — | Margherita Caroli, |
| --- | --- |

—

Margherita Caroli,

| — | Bela Franchini, |
| --- | --- |

—

Bela Franchini,

| — | Victoria Anna Kovacs, |
| --- | --- |

—

Victoria Anna Kovacs,

| — | Athena Linos, |
| --- | --- |

—

Athena Linos,

| — | Charles Fergus Lowe, |
| --- | --- |

—

Charles Fergus Lowe,

| — | Mario Mazzocchi, |
| --- | --- |

—

Mario Mazzocchi,

| — | Bent Egberg Mikkelsen, |
| --- | --- |

—

Bent Egberg Mikkelsen,

| — | Loes Neven, |
| --- | --- |

—

Loes Neven,

| — | Martine Padilla. |
| --- | --- |

—

Martine Padilla.

2.   The following candidates are herewith appointed as alternate member of the expert group for a three-year renewable term of office starting on the date of adoption:

| — | Alessandra Bordoni, |
| --- | --- |

—

Alessandra Bordoni,

| — | Michele Cecchini, |
| --- | --- |

—

Michele Cecchini,

| — | Inken Birte Christoph, |
| --- | --- |

—

Inken Birte Christoph,

| — | Piero Ferrari, |
| --- | --- |

—

Piero Ferrari,

| — | Susana González Manzano, |
| --- | --- |

—

Susana González Manzano,

| — | Michael Kenneth Heasman, |
| --- | --- |

—

Michael Kenneth Heasman,

| — | Vaios Karathanos, |
| --- | --- |

—

Vaios Karathanos,

| — | Chrystalleni Lazarou, |
| --- | --- |

—

Chrystalleni Lazarou,

| — | Yannis Manios, |
| --- | --- |

—

Yannis Manios,

| — | Timothy (Tim) Marsch, |
| --- | --- |

—

Timothy (Tim) Marsch,

| — | Morten Kromann Nielsen, |
| --- | --- |

—

Morten Kromann Nielsen,

| — | Andrea Pezzana, |
| --- | --- |

—

Andrea Pezzana,

| — | Ana Isabel Rito, |
| --- | --- |

—

Ana Isabel Rito,

| — | Aileen Robertson, |
| --- | --- |

—

Aileen Robertson,

| — | Inge Tetens, |
| --- | --- |

—

Inge Tetens,

| — | Antonia Trichopoulou. |
| --- | --- |

—

Antonia Trichopoulou.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption and shall apply until 31 December 2014.

Done at Brussels, 29 November 2011.

For the Commission

Dacian CIOLOȘ

Member of the Commission

---

(1)  OJ L 338, 19.12.2009, p. 99.

1

(2)  OJ C 296, 30.10.2010, p. 25.

2

(3)  OJ L 8, 12.1.2001, p. 1.

3

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 30.11.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 349/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.11.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 349/9

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001

2011/C 349/06

Aid No: SA.33768 (11/XA)

Member State: Hungary

Region: Hungary

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: MFB Fagykár 2011. Forgóeszköz Hitelprogram

Legal basis:

| — | A 2011 májusában bekövetkezett fagykárok enyhítését szolgáló intézkedésekről szóló 1252/2011. (VII.21.) Korm. határozat 2. és 3. pontjai. |
| --- | --- |

—

A 2011 májusában bekövetkezett fagykárok enyhítését szolgáló intézkedésekről szóló 1252/2011. (VII.21.) Korm. határozat 2. és 3. pontjai.

| — | A 2011 májusában fagykárt szenvedett mezőgazdasági termelők hitelhez jutási lehetőségéről szóló .../2011. (... ...) VM rendelettervezet. |
| --- | --- |

—

A 2011 májusában fagykárt szenvedett mezőgazdasági termelők hitelhez jutási lehetőségéről szóló .../2011. (... ...) VM rendelettervezet.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: Annual overall amount of the budget planned under the scheme: HUF 1 000 million

Maximum aid intensity: 90 %

Date of implementation: —

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: 22 November 2011-31 August 2012

Objective of aid: Adverse climatic events (Article 11 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006)

Sector(s) concerned: Crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Ministry of Rural Development |
| --- |
| Budapest |
| Kossuth Lajos tér 11. |
| 1055 |
| MAGYARORSZÁG/HUNGARY |

Ministry of Rural Development

Budapest

Kossuth Lajos tér 11.

1055

MAGYARORSZÁG/HUNGARY

Website:

| | http://www.kormany.hu/hu/dok?page=2&source=5&type=302#!DocumentBrowse |
| --- | --- |

http://www.kormany.hu/hu/dok?page=2&source=5&type=302#!DocumentBrowse

| | http://www.kormany.hu/download/8/e3/60000/fagykar%20jogszab%20tervezet.zip#!DocumentBrowse |
| --- | --- |

http://www.kormany.hu/download/8/e3/60000/fagykar%20jogszab%20tervezet.zip#!DocumentBrowse

Other information: —

Aid No: SA.33818 (11/XA)

Member State: Belgium

Region: Vlaams Gewest

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Investeringen in landbouwbedrijven

Legal basis: Besluit van de Vlaamse Regering van 24 november 2000 betreffende steun aan de investeringen en aan de installatie in de landbouw, gewijzigd bij de besluiten van de Vlaamse Regering van 19 maart 2004, 14 juli 2004, 3 december 2004, 16 juni 2006, 27 juni 2008 en 23 december 2010.

Maatregel 121 van het plattelandsontwikkelingsprogramma.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: Annual overall amount of the budget planned under the scheme: EUR 50 million

Maximum aid intensity: 38 %

Date of implementation: —

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: 19 November 2011-31 December 2013

Objective of aid: Investment in agricultural holdings (Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006)

Sector(s) concerned: Crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Vlaamse Overheid |
| --- |
| Vlaams Landbouwinvesteringsfonds (VLIF) |
| Ellips 4e verdieping |
| Koning Albert II-laan 35, bus 41 |
| 1030 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

Vlaamse Overheid

Vlaams Landbouwinvesteringsfonds (VLIF)

Ellips 4e verdieping

Koning Albert II-laan 35, bus 41

1030 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Website: http://lv.vlaanderen.be/nlapps/docs/default.asp?id=1838

Other information: —

Aid No: SA.33819 (11/XA)

Member State: Belgium

Region: Vlaams Gewest

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Vestiging van jonge landbouwers

Legal basis: Besluit van de Vlaamse Regering van 24 november 2000 betreffende steun aan de investeringen en aan de installatie in de landbouw, gewijzigd bij de besluiten van de Vlaamse Regering van 19 maart 2004, 14 juli 2004, 3 december 2004, 16 juni 2006, 27 juni 2008 en 23 december 2010.

Maatregel 112 van het plattelandsontwikkelingsprogramma.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: Annual overall amount of the budget planned under the scheme: EUR 7 million

Maximum aid intensity: 50 %

Date of implementation: —

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: 19 November 2011-31 December 2013

Objective of aid: Setting up of young farmers (Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006)

Sector(s) concerned: Crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Vlaamse Overheid |
| --- |
| Vlaams Landbouwinvesteringsfonds (VLIF) |
| Ellips 4e verdieping |
| Koning Albert II-laan 35, bus 41 |
| 1030 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

Vlaamse Overheid

Vlaams Landbouwinvesteringsfonds (VLIF)

Ellips 4e verdieping

Koning Albert II-laan 35, bus 41

1030 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Website: http://lv.vlaanderen.be/nlapps/docs/default.asp?id=1839

Other information: —

---

V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Commission

| 30.11.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 349/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.11.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 349/11

---

CALL FOR PROPOSALS — EACEA/38/11

ICI education cooperation programme

Cooperation in higher education and training between the European Union and Australia and the European Union and the Republic of Korea

Call for proposals 2011 for joint mobility projects (JMP) and joint degree projects (JDP)

2011/C 349/07

1.   Objectives and description

The general objective is to enhance mutual understanding between people of the EU and the partner countries including broader knowledge of their languages, cultures and institutions and to enhance the quality of higher education and training by stimulating balanced partnerships between higher education and training institutions in the EU and in partner countries.

2.   Eligible applicants

The following call is open to a consortium of higher education institutions and/or post-secondary training institutions.

Eligible applicants must be from one of the partner countries and from one of the 27 Member States of the European Union.

3.   Eligible actions

There are two types of actions under this call, namely joint mobility projects and joint degree projects.

For joint mobility projects (JMP) support is provided to enable EU-partner country consortia of post-secondary vocational and training institutions, to carry out joint study and training programmes and to implement student and faculty mobility. Support includes lump sum funding for administration and grants for students and members of the academic and administrative staff. A consortium applying for an ICI-ECP joint mobility project must include at least three post-secondary vocational training institutions from three different EU Member States and at least two such institutions from the partner country. The maximum duration of JMP projects is 36 months. Special attention will be given to projects which include internships and work placements.

For joint degree projects (JDP) support is provided to develop and implement dual/double or joint degree programmes. Support includes lump sum funding for the development work and administration and grants for students and members of the academic and administrative staff. A consortium applying for an ICI-ECP joint degree project must include at least two higher education institutions from two different EU Member States and at least two institutions from the partner country. The maximum duration of JDP projects is 48 months. Special attention will be given to applications for joint degree projects.

Activities are planned to start in October 2012.

4.   Award criteria

A.   Significance of the project for the relationship between the EU and the partner countries and contribution to quality and excellence (20 %)

will be determined by:

(a)   Relevance of the proposal to the objectives of the call and to the relations between the EU and the partner country

The relevance of the proposal to the objectives of the call and, in particular, the distinctive added value of the programme of study in the proposed discipline and profession, from the perspective of the relations between the EU and the partner country.

(b)   Contribution of the project to educational quality, excellence and innovation in its field

The project’s likely contribution to educational quality, excellence and innovation, including the improvement of teaching methods and students’ further study and professional opportunities and the definition of an efficient academic quality control system.

B.   The quality of project implementation (80 %)

will be determined by:

(a)   Partnership management and cooperation among partners

The extent to which cooperation mechanisms and administrative structure reflect a well functioning partnership.

The conclusion by the partners by the start of the mobility, of a comprehensive partnership agreement and/or a memorandum of understanding.

The level of commitment from the partner institutions in the project.

(b)   Student mobility scheme

The integration of the student mobility scheme among the partner institutions (i.e. the distribution of the student mobility activities among the partners and the balance of the partner institutions’ participation in the action).

The fulfilment of requirements in terms of numbers and types of mobility activities and the balance of the mobility flows proposed.

The development of sound student selection mechanisms based on transparency, equality and merit principles applicable to all partner institutions in the framework of the proposed project.

The description of common standards agreed by the partnership for joint application, selection, admission and examination procedures.

(c)   Arrangements for transfer and recognition of academic credits

The soundness and clarity of the arrangements for academic credits and credit transfer, including, if applicable, the extent to which ECTS mechanisms such as grading scales and other mechanisms for study periods compatible with ECTS will be used.

The use of a Diploma Supplement (document jointly issued on behalf of the partnership to any successful student providing data on the nature, level, context, content and status of the studies that he/she has completed successfully).

(d)   Hosting students and faculty, student services, language and cultural preparation

The quality of the resources available for hosting foreign students and faculty members (particularly of housing facilities, assistance for visa, residence permit and insurance, linguistic assistance etc.).

The quality of the language and cultural plan offered to mobile students.

(e)   Faculty mobility scheme

The faculty mobility plan and the balance of the faculty mobility flow among the partner institutions. The activities planned to be executed by faculty and staff gone on mobility. The relation of the activity to the project and how this activity is going to be registered.

(f)   Evaluation plan

The development of an ongoing monitoring system, the quality of the evaluation plan and the involvement of students in the self-evaluation of the project.

(g)   Dissemination plan

The quality of the dissemination activities and their impact in terms of visibility and in raising awareness of cooperation between the EU and the partner country.

(h)   Sustainability plan

The quality of the sustainability plan (within and beyond the envisaged contractual period) and the project’s likelihood to be sustainable in terms of impact at an institutional level (including recognition of studies among partners, development of international cooperation etc.).

5.   Budget

The budget available is approximately EUR 2,3 million. Comparable funding will be provided by the partner countries in accordance with the rules applicable for each of them.

The maximum amount of funding on the EU side will be EUR 350 000 for a four-year JDP project with two or more EU institutions and EUR 262 500 for a three-year JMP project with three or more EU institutions.

6.   Deadline

Applications have to be submitted both to the EU and the implementing institutions in Australia (Australian Department of Education — DEEWR) and in the Republic of Korea (National Research Foundation of Korea — NRF).

Applications on behalf of the EU lead institution must be sent to the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency no later than 30 March 2012. Applications bearing a postmark after this date will not be considered. Applications must be sent to the following address:

| The Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency |
| --- |
| EU-ICI ECP Call for Proposals 2011 |
| Avenue du Bourget/Bourgetlaan 1 |
| BOUR 02/17 |
| 1140 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

The Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency

EU-ICI ECP Call for Proposals 2011

Avenue du Bourget/Bourgetlaan 1

BOUR 02/17

1140 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Applications on behalf of the EU lead institution must be submitted on the correct form, duly completed, signed by the person authorised to enter into legally binding commitments on behalf of the applicant organisation and dated.

Australian applications and supporting documents should be sent by registered mail to:

| The Director International Engagement Section (C50MA10) |
| --- |
| International Group |
| Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations |
| GPO Box 9880 |
| Canberra ACT 2601 |
| AUSTRALIA |

The Director International Engagement Section (C50MA10)

International Group

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

GPO Box 9880

Canberra ACT 2601

AUSTRALIA

Korean applications and supporting documents should be delivered in person, or by private courier service at:

| ICI Education Co-operation Programme |
| --- |
| Team of European & American Cooperation Programme |
| Division of International Affairs |
| National Research Foundation of Korea |
| 25, Heolleungno, Seocho-gu, Seoul |
| REPUBLIC OF KOREA 137-748 |

ICI Education Co-operation Programme

Team of European & American Cooperation Programme

Division of International Affairs

National Research Foundation of Korea

25, Heolleungno, Seocho-gu, Seoul

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 137-748

7.   Further information

The Guidelines and the application forms are available on the following website:

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/bilateral_cooperation/eu_ici_ecp/index_en.php

Applications must be submitted using the form provided and they have to include all the annexes and information requested.

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PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 30.11.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 349/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.11.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 349/15

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.6442 — Virgin Money/Northern Rock)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

2011/C 349/08

| 1. | On 17 November 2011, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) under which the undertaking Virgin Money Holdings (UK) Limited (jointly controlled by Virgin Financial Services UK Holding Limited, a subsidiary of Virgin Group Holdings Limited, and WLR IV VM LLC, a special purpose vehicle whose underlying investors are ultimately controlled by WL Ross Group L.P.) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Northern Rock plc (UK) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 17 November 2011, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) under which the undertaking Virgin Money Holdings (UK) Limited (jointly controlled by Virgin Financial Services UK Holding Limited, a subsidiary of Virgin Group Holdings Limited, and WLR IV VM LLC, a special purpose vehicle whose underlying investors are ultimately controlled by WL Ross Group L.P.) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Northern Rock plc (UK) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for Virgin Money Holdings Limited: retail banking activities and distribution of insurance products, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Virgin Money Holdings Limited: retail banking activities and distribution of insurance products,

| — | for Northern Rock plc: retail banking activities and distribution of insurance products. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Northern Rock plc: retail banking activities and distribution of insurance products.

| 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.6442 — Virgin Money/Northern Rock, 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.6442 — Virgin Money/Northern Rock, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(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’).

---