# Official Journal C 182/2007

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 182 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 504 August 2007 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 182

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 504 August 2007

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Resolutions, recommendations, guidelines and opinions |
| | OPINIONS |
| | Council |
| 2007/C 182/01 | Council opinion of 10 July 2007 on the updated stability programme of Austria, 2006-2010 | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Resolutions, recommendations, guidelines and opinions

OPINIONS

Council

2007/C 182/01

Council opinion of 10 July 2007 on the updated stability programme of Austria, 2006-2010

1

| | II   Information |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 182/02 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2007/C 182/03 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4628 — Salzgitter/Vallourec) (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2007/C 182/04 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4739 — Halder/NPM Capital/ANP) (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2007/C 182/05 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4783 — Bain Capital/Bavaria Yachtbau) (
  1
  ) | 7 |

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2007/C 182/02

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  )

1

5

2007/C 182/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4628 — Salzgitter/Vallourec) (
  1
  )

1

6

2007/C 182/04

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4739 — Halder/NPM Capital/ANP) (
  1
  )

1

6

2007/C 182/05

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4783 — Bain Capital/Bavaria Yachtbau) (
  1
  )

1

7

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 182/06 | Euro exchange rates | 8 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2007/C 182/07 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 2204/2002 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid for employment (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| 2007/C 182/08 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid (
  1
  ) | 12 |
| 2007/C 182/09 | Update of reference amounts for the crossing of the external borders, as referred to in Article 5(3) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) | 18 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2007/C 182/06

Euro exchange rates

8

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2007/C 182/07

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 2204/2002 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid for employment (
  1
  )

1

9

2007/C 182/08

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid (
  1
  )

1

12

2007/C 182/09

Update of reference amounts for the crossing of the external borders, as referred to in Article 5(3) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code)

18

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 182/10 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4798 — BP/Associated British Foods/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 19 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 182/11 | Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 20 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

2007/C 182/10

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4798 — BP/Associated British Foods/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

19

OTHER ACTS

Commission

2007/C 182/11

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

20

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

---

I Resolutions, recommendations, guidelines and opinions

OPINIONS

Council

| 4.8.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 182/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.8.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 182/1

---

COUNCIL OPINION

of 10 July 2007

on the updated stability programme of Austria, 2006-2010

(2007/C 182/01)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies (1), and in particular Article 5(3) thereof,

Having regard to the recommendation of the Commission,

After consulting the Economic and Financial Committee,

HAS DELIVERED THIS OPINION:

| (1) | On 10 July 2007 the Council examined the updated stability programme of Austria, which covers the period 2006 to 2010. Following the general elections in October 2006, a new government was formed in January 2007, which presented the twin budget for 2007/2008 to Parliament on 29 March 2007. On the same day, the updated stability programme was submitted, two and a half months after the 15 December deadline for Austria in the code of conduct. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 10 July 2007 the Council examined the updated stability programme of Austria, which covers the period 2006 to 2010. Following the general elections in October 2006, a new government was formed in January 2007, which presented the twin budget for 2007/2008 to Parliament on 29 March 2007. On the same day, the updated stability programme was submitted, two and a half months after the 15 December deadline for Austria in the code of conduct.

| (2) | The macroeconomic scenario underlying the programme envisages that real GDP growth will decelerate from a cyclical peak of 3,1 % in 2006 to 2

  % on average over the rest of the programme period. Assessed against currently available information, this scenario appears to be based on somewhat cautious growth assumptions until 2008, as recent data point to more robust growth. For the outer years of the programme period, the projection seems plausible, even if the growth rates are slightly higher than the average potential growth rate calculated by the Commission services. The programme's projections for inflation appear realistic. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Formula

| (3) | For 2006, the general government deficit amounted to 1,1 % of GDP, against a target of 1,7 % of GDP set in the previous update of the stability programme. This improvement over the target results from the better-than-expected cyclical developments. Although the revenue-to-GDP ratio fell slightly compared with the previous year, it turned out higher by more than one percentage point over the target. Higher-than-expected GDP growth contributed to the decline in the expenditure ratio compared with the previous year. However, the expenditure ratio increased by more than

  percentage point over the target, indicating that budgetary execution was not as tight as planned. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Formula

| (4) | The main goal of the budgetary strategy is to reach a balanced budget over the cycle, reaping the benefits of administrative reform while reinforcing expenditure in several categories. In comparison with the previous update, the latter is reflected in the postponement of the budgetary consolidation to the outer years of the programme period. The update projects the general government position to improve from a deficit of 1,1 % of GDP in 2006 to a surplus of 0,4 % in 2010. The consolidation, which is back-loaded to the last two years of the programme period, is planned to be expenditure-based, with restraint in social spending and the gradual phasing-out of some specific expenditure being the main factors. Compared with the previous programme, the new update backloads further the planned adjustment against a broadly more favourable macroeconomic scenario. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The main goal of the budgetary strategy is to reach a balanced budget over the cycle, reaping the benefits of administrative reform while reinforcing expenditure in several categories. In comparison with the previous update, the latter is reflected in the postponement of the budgetary consolidation to the outer years of the programme period. The update projects the general government position to improve from a deficit of 1,1 % of GDP in 2006 to a surplus of 0,4 % in 2010. The consolidation, which is back-loaded to the last two years of the programme period, is planned to be expenditure-based, with restraint in social spending and the gradual phasing-out of some specific expenditure being the main factors. Compared with the previous programme, the new update backloads further the planned adjustment against a broadly more favourable macroeconomic scenario.

| (5) | The postponement of the budgetary adjustment is reflected also in the structural balance (i.e. the cyclically-adjusted balance net of one-off and other temporary measures) calculated according to the commonly agreed methodology, which improves only very gradually from a deficit of around 1 % of GDP in 2006 and swings to a slight surplus only by the end of the programme period. According to the programme, the profile of the adjustment is affected by the purchase of military equipment between 2007 and 2009, which, unlike the Commission services' spring forecast, it considers being a deficit-increasing one-off measure. As in the previous update of the stability programme, the medium-term objective (MTO) for the budgetary position presented in the programme is a balanced position in structural terms. However, the programme aims to nearly reach the MTO by 2009 and to surpass it slightly in 2010, rather than to achieve it already in 2008 as in the previous update. As the MTO is more demanding than the minimum benchmark (estimated at a deficit of around 1

  % of GDP), achieving it should fulfil the aim of providing a safety margin against the occurrence of an excessive deficit. The MTO lies within the range indicated for euro-area and ERM II Member States in the Stability and Growth Pact and the code of conduct and adequately reflects the debt ratio and average potential output growth in the long term. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Formula

| (6) | The risks to the budgetary projections in the programme appear broadly balanced for 2007 and 2008, but for 2009 and 2010, the budgetary outcomes could be worse than projected, despite plausible macroeconomic assumptions. Indeed, the expenditure-to-GDP ratio is foreseen to fall significantly in the two final years. The phasing out of specific expenditures, in particular on military equipment, and the expenditure savings on unemployment benefits and on pensions, as a result of the 2004 pension reform, should contribute to the decline in the expenditure ratio in the outer years. On the other hand, additional spending would be made on education, R&D and infrastructure over the programme period, while the expected efficiency gains in public administration remain uncertain. Finally, the programme hints at the possibility of further tax cuts financed by the planned expenditure savings. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The risks to the budgetary projections in the programme appear broadly balanced for 2007 and 2008, but for 2009 and 2010, the budgetary outcomes could be worse than projected, despite plausible macroeconomic assumptions. Indeed, the expenditure-to-GDP ratio is foreseen to fall significantly in the two final years. The phasing out of specific expenditures, in particular on military equipment, and the expenditure savings on unemployment benefits and on pensions, as a result of the 2004 pension reform, should contribute to the decline in the expenditure ratio in the outer years. On the other hand, additional spending would be made on education, R&D and infrastructure over the programme period, while the expected efficiency gains in public administration remain uncertain. Finally, the programme hints at the possibility of further tax cuts financed by the planned expenditure savings.

| (7) | In view of this risk assessment, the budgetary stance in the programme may not be sufficient to ensure that the MTO is achieved by 2010, as envisaged in the programme. The Commission services' spring forecast estimates the structural deficit to widen in 2007 and 2008. However, a sufficient safety margin against breaching the 3 % of GDP deficit threshold with normal macroeconomic fluctuations is maintained throughout the programme period. The pace of the adjustment towards the MTO implied by the programme is insufficient and should be strengthened, especially in 2007 and 2008, to be in line with the Stability and Growth Pact, which specifies that, for euro-area and ERM II Member States, the annual improvement in the structural balance should be 0,5 % of GDP as a benchmark and that the adjustment should be higher in good economic times and could be lower in bad economic times. In particular, only a limited improvement in the structural balance is planned between 2007 and 2009, when Austria is expected to experience good times. This conclusion is confirmed even if one considers the purchase of military equipment to constitute a deficit-increasing one-off measure, as the programme does. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

In view of this risk assessment, the budgetary stance in the programme may not be sufficient to ensure that the MTO is achieved by 2010, as envisaged in the programme. The Commission services' spring forecast estimates the structural deficit to widen in 2007 and 2008. However, a sufficient safety margin against breaching the 3 % of GDP deficit threshold with normal macroeconomic fluctuations is maintained throughout the programme period. The pace of the adjustment towards the MTO implied by the programme is insufficient and should be strengthened, especially in 2007 and 2008, to be in line with the Stability and Growth Pact, which specifies that, for euro-area and ERM II Member States, the annual improvement in the structural balance should be 0,5 % of GDP as a benchmark and that the adjustment should be higher in good economic times and could be lower in bad economic times. In particular, only a limited improvement in the structural balance is planned between 2007 and 2009, when Austria is expected to experience good times. This conclusion is confirmed even if one considers the purchase of military equipment to constitute a deficit-increasing one-off measure, as the programme does.

| (8) | Government gross debt is estimated to have declined to 62,2 % of GDP in 2006, still being above the 60 % of GDP Treaty reference value. The programme projects the debt ratio to fall below the reference value by 2008 and to decline further to 56,8 % of GDP by the final year of the programme period. In view of the risk assessment, the debt ratio seems to be sufficiently diminishing towards the reference value in the early part of the programme period and is planned to approach it by 2007. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Government gross debt is estimated to have declined to 62,2 % of GDP in 2006, still being above the 60 % of GDP Treaty reference value. The programme projects the debt ratio to fall below the reference value by 2008 and to decline further to 56,8 % of GDP by the final year of the programme period. In view of the risk assessment, the debt ratio seems to be sufficiently diminishing towards the reference value in the early part of the programme period and is planned to approach it by 2007.

| (9) | The long-term budgetary impact of ageing in Austria is well below the EU average, with pension expenditure projected to decrease as a share of GDP over the long term, as a consequence of the significant expenditure containment expected from the 2004 pension reform. The initial budgetary position, with a structural primary surplus, contributes to easing the long-term budgetary impact of ageing. Increasing primary surpluses over the medium term, as announced in the programme, as well as an increase in the employment rate of older workers would contribute towards containing risks to the sustainability of public finances. Overall, Austria appears to be at low risk with regard to the sustainability of public finances. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The long-term budgetary impact of ageing in Austria is well below the EU average, with pension expenditure projected to decrease as a share of GDP over the long term, as a consequence of the significant expenditure containment expected from the 2004 pension reform. The initial budgetary position, with a structural primary surplus, contributes to easing the long-term budgetary impact of ageing. Increasing primary surpluses over the medium term, as announced in the programme, as well as an increase in the employment rate of older workers would contribute towards containing risks to the sustainability of public finances. Overall, Austria appears to be at low risk with regard to the sustainability of public finances.

| (10) | The stability programme contains a qualitative assessment of the overall impact of the September 2006 implementation report of the National Reform Programme within the medium-term fiscal strategy. In addition, it provides some information on the direct budgetary costs or savings of the main reforms envisaged in the National Reform Programme and the public finance implications of the actions outlined in the National Reform Programme are broadly consistent with its budgetary projections. The measures in the area of public finances envisaged in the stability programme seem consistent with those foreseen in the National Reform Programme. In particular, expected savings from administrative reform and the reinforcement of spending on R&D are put forward in both programmes. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The stability programme contains a qualitative assessment of the overall impact of the September 2006 implementation report of the National Reform Programme within the medium-term fiscal strategy. In addition, it provides some information on the direct budgetary costs or savings of the main reforms envisaged in the National Reform Programme and the public finance implications of the actions outlined in the National Reform Programme are broadly consistent with its budgetary projections. The measures in the area of public finances envisaged in the stability programme seem consistent with those foreseen in the National Reform Programme. In particular, expected savings from administrative reform and the reinforcement of spending on R&D are put forward in both programmes.

| (11) | The budgetary strategy in the programme is partly consistent with the broad economic policy guidelines included in the integrated guidelines for the period 2005-2008. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

The budgetary strategy in the programme is partly consistent with the broad economic policy guidelines included in the integrated guidelines for the period 2005-2008.

| (12) | As regards the data requirements specified in the code of conduct for stability and convergence programmes, the programme provides all required and most of the optional data (2). |
| --- | --- |

(12)

As regards the data requirements specified in the code of conduct for stability and convergence programmes, the programme provides all required and most of the optional data (2).

Overall, the Council considers that, in a context of robust growth prospects, the programme envisages slow progress towards the MTO through a relatively back-loaded adjustment that is based mainly on not-fully-specified expenditure restraint. Despite Austria being in good times and not having reached its MTO, the structural deficit is not projected to improve before 2009. There are risks to the achievement of the budgetary targets after 2008 and the MTO might not be reached by the end of the programme period. Government debt would approach the 60 % of GDP reference value in 2007 and continue to decline in subsequent years.

In view of the above assessment, the Council invites Austria to exploit the good economic conditions and the lower-than-targeted deficit in 2006 to frontload and strengthen the adjustment in 2008 and to continue the fiscal consolidation towards the MTO thereafter, in particular by rigorously implementing expenditure restraint and by using any unexpected tax revenues for consolidation.

Comparison of key macroeconomic and budgetary projections

| | | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Real GDP
  (% change) | SP Mar. 2007 | 2,0 | 3,1 | 2,7 | 2,3 | 2,5 | 2,6 |
| COM May 2007 | 2,0 | 3,1 | 2,9 | 2,5 | n.a. | n.a. |
| SP Nov. 2005 | 1,7 | 1,8 | 2,4 | 2,5 | n.a. | n.a. |
| HICP inflation
  (%) | SP Mar. 2007 | 2,1 | 1,5 | 1,6 | 1,7 | 1,7 | 1,8 |
| COM May 2007 | 2,1 | 1,7 | 1,8 | 1,7 | n.a. | n.a. |
| SP Nov. 2005 | 2,3 | 2,1 | 1,7 | 1,5 | n.a. | n.a. |
| Output gap
  (% of potential GDP) | SP Mar. 2007
   (3) | – 1,1 | – 0,3 | 0,1 | – 0,1 | 0,1 | 0,3 |
| COM May 2007 (7) | – 1,1 | – 0,2 | 0,5 | 0,8 | n.a. | n.a. |
| SP Nov. 2005
   (3) | – 0,7 | – 1,1 | – 0,9 | – 0,5 | n.a. | n.a. |
| General government balance
  (% of GDP) | SP Mar. 2007 | – 1,6 | – 1,1 | – 0,9 | – 0,7 | – 0,2 | 0,4 |
| COM May 2007 | – 1,6 | – 1,1 | – 0,9 | – 0,8 | n.a. | n.a. |
| SP Nov. 2005 | – 1,9 | – 1,7 | – 0,8 | 0,0 | n.a. | n.a. |
| Primary balance (8)

  (% of GDP) | SP Mar. 2007 | 1,3 | 1,9 | 2,0 | 2,1 | 2,6 | 3,1 |
| COM May 2007 | 1,3 | 1,6 | 1,8 | 1,7 | n.a. | n.a. |
| SP Nov. 2005 | 1,1 | 1,2 | 2,0 | 2,7 | n.a. | n.a. |
| Cyclically-adjusted balance
  (% of GDP) | SP Mar. 2007
   (3) | – 1,1 | – 1,0 | – 0,9 | – 0,7 | – 0,2 | 0,2 |
| COM May 2007 | – 1,1 | – 1,0 | – 1,1 | – 1,2 | n.a. | n.a. |
| SP Nov. 2005 | – 1,6 | – 1,2 | – 0,4 | 0,2 | n.a. | n.a. |
| Structural balance (4)

  (% of GDP) | SP Mar. 2007
   (5) | – 1,1 | – 1,0 | – 0,8 | – 0,4 | – 0,2 | 0,2 |
| COM May 2007 (6) | – 1,1 | – 1,0 | – 1,1 | – 1,2 | n.a. | n.a. |
| SP Nov. 2005 | – 1,6 | – 1,2 | – 0,4 | 0,2 | n.a. | n.a. |
| Government gross debt
  (% of GDP) | SP Mar. 2007 | 63,5 | 62,2 | 61,2 | 59,9 | 58,5 | 56,8 |
| COM May 2007 | 63,5 | 62,2 | 60,6 | 59,2 | n.a. | n.a. |
| SP Nov. 2005 | 63,4 | 63,1 | 61,6 | 59,5 | n.a. | n.a. |
| Source:

  Stability programme (SP); Commission services' spring 2007 economic forecasts (COM); Commission services' calculations. |

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Real GDP

(% change)

SP Mar. 2007

2,0

3,1

2,7

2,3

2,5

2,6

COM May 2007

2,0

3,1

2,9

2,5

n.a.

n.a.

SP Nov. 2005

1,7

1,8

2,4

2,5

n.a.

n.a.

HICP inflation

(%)

SP Mar. 2007

2,1

1,5

1,6

1,7

1,7

1,8

COM May 2007

2,1

1,7

1,8

1,7

n.a.

n.a.

SP Nov. 2005

2,3

2,1

1,7

1,5

n.a.

n.a.

Output gap

(% of potential GDP)

SP Mar. 2007
   (3)

– 1,1

– 0,3

0,1

– 0,1

0,1

0,3

COM May 2007 (7)

– 1,1

– 0,2

0,5

0,8

n.a.

n.a.

SP Nov. 2005
   (3)

– 0,7

– 1,1

– 0,9

– 0,5

n.a.

n.a.

General government balance

(% of GDP)

SP Mar. 2007

– 1,6

– 1,1

– 0,9

– 0,7

– 0,2

0,4

COM May 2007

– 1,6

– 1,1

– 0,9

– 0,8

n.a.

n.a.

SP Nov. 2005

– 1,9

– 1,7

– 0,8

0,0

n.a.

n.a.

Primary balance (8)

(% of GDP)

SP Mar. 2007

1,3

1,9

2,0

2,1

2,6

3,1

COM May 2007

1,3

1,6

1,8

1,7

n.a.

n.a.

SP Nov. 2005

1,1

1,2

2,0

2,7

n.a.

n.a.

Cyclically-adjusted balance

(% of GDP)

SP Mar. 2007
   (3)

– 1,1

– 1,0

– 0,9

– 0,7

– 0,2

0,2

COM May 2007

– 1,1

– 1,0

– 1,1

– 1,2

n.a.

n.a.

SP Nov. 2005

– 1,6

– 1,2

– 0,4

0,2

n.a.

n.a.

Structural balance (4)

(% of GDP)

SP Mar. 2007
   (5)

– 1,1

– 1,0

– 0,8

– 0,4

– 0,2

0,2

COM May 2007 (6)

– 1,1

– 1,0

– 1,1

– 1,2

n.a.

n.a.

SP Nov. 2005

– 1,6

– 1,2

– 0,4

0,2

n.a.

n.a.

Government gross debt

(% of GDP)

SP Mar. 2007

63,5

62,2

61,2

59,9

58,5

56,8

COM May 2007

63,5

62,2

60,6

59,2

n.a.

n.a.

SP Nov. 2005

63,4

63,1

61,6

59,5

n.a.

n.a.

Source:

Stability programme (SP); Commission services' spring 2007 economic forecasts (COM); Commission services' calculations.

---

(1)  OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1055/2005 (OJ L 174, 7.7.2005, p. 1). The documents referred to in this text can be found at the following website:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/about/activities/sgp/main_en.htm

(2)  However, optional data on employment and hours worked as well as public sector wages are not provided.

(3)  Commission services calculations on the basis of the information in the programme with potential growth estimated at 2,3 %, 2,3 %, 2,4 %, 2,4 % and 2,3 % respectively in the period 2006-2010.

(4)  Cyclically-adjusted balance (as in the previous rows) excluding one-off and other temporary measures.

(5)  Deficit-increasing one-off and other temporary measures as interpreted in the programme (purchase of military aircraft of 0,2 % of GDP in 2007, 0,4 % in 2008 and 0,1 % in 2009).

(6)  The Commission services' spring 2007 forecast does not consider the purchase of military aircraft as one-offs.

(7)  Based on estimated potential growth of 2,3 %, 2,0 %, 2,2 % and 2,2 % respectively in the period 2005-2008.

(8)  Data on the primary balance in the programme and in the Commission services' forecasts are not directly comparable because of a different treatment of FISIM. Data in the programme follow the definitions required by the code of conduct. To be comparable with data in the programme, Commission data on the primary balance need to be adjusted by around 0,1-0,2 % of GDP.

Source:

Stability programme (SP); Commission services' spring 2007 economic forecasts (COM); Commission services' calculations.

---

II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 4.8.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 182/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.8.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 182/5

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 182/02)

| Date of adoption of the decision | 10.5.2007 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 854/06 |
| Member State | France |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Soutien de l'Agence de l'innovation industrielle au programme de R&D TVMSL |
| Legal basis | Régime N121/06 de soutien de l'Agence de l'innovation industrielle |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Objective | Research and development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant, Reimbursable grant |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 37,571 million |
| Intensity | 50 % |
| Duration | 1.5.2006-1.5.2010 |
| Economic sectors | Post and telecommunications, Electrical and optical equipment |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Agence de l'innovation industrielle |
| 195, boulevard Saint-Germain |
| F-75007 Paris |

Date of adoption of the decision

10.5.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 854/06

Member State

France

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Soutien de l'Agence de l'innovation industrielle au programme de R&D TVMSL

Legal basis

Régime N121/06 de soutien de l'Agence de l'innovation industrielle

Type of measure

Individual aid

Objective

Research and development

Form of aid

Direct grant, Reimbursable grant

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 37,571 million

Intensity

50 %

Duration

1.5.2006-1.5.2010

Economic sectors

Post and telecommunications, Electrical and optical equipment

Name and address of the granting authority

Agence de l'innovation industrielle

195, boulevard Saint-Germain

F-75007 Paris

Other information

—

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

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

---

| 4.8.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 182/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.8.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 182/6

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4628 — Salzgitter/Vallourec)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 182/03)

On 26 June 2007, 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 German and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/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 under document number 32007M4628. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32007M4628. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu)

---

| 4.8.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 182/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.8.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 182/6

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4739 — Halder/NPM Capital/ANP)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 182/04)

On 19 July 2007, 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:

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

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/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 under document number 32007M4739. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32007M4739. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu)

---

| 4.8.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 182/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.8.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 182/7

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4783 — Bain Capital/Bavaria Yachtbau)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 182/05)

On 31 July 2007, 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:

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

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/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 under document number 32007M4783. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32007M4783. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu)

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 4.8.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 182/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.8.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 182/8

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

3 August 2007

(2007/C 182/06)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3694 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 163,24 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4421 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,6733 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,2137 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,6501 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 85,65 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,9305 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | Cyprus pound | 0,5842 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 28,043 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 250,55 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6969 |
| MTL | Maltese lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,7868 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,1653 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 33,37 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,745 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5985 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4473 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,7212 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,7858 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 2,0783 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 263,68 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 9,6814 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 10,3636 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,3102 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 12 698,45 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,7409 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 62,102 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 35,013 |
| THB | Thai baht | 40,826 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3694

JPY

Japanese yen

163,24

DKK

Danish krone

7,4421

GBP

Pound sterling

0,6733

SEK

Swedish krona

9,2137

CHF

Swiss franc

1,6501

ISK

Iceland króna

85,65

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,9305

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5842

CZK

Czech koruna

28,043

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

250,55

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6969

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4293

PLN

Polish zloty

3,7868

RON

Romanian leu

3,1653

SKK

Slovak koruna

33,37

TRY

Turkish lira

1,745

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5985

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4473

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,7212

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7858

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,0783

KRW

South Korean won

1 263,68

ZAR

South African rand

9,6814

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,3636

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,3102

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

12 698,45

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,7409

PHP

Philippine peso

62,102

RUB

Russian rouble

35,013

THB

Thai baht

40,826

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 4.8.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 182/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.8.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 182/9

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 2204/2002 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid for employment

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 182/07)

| Aid No | XE 14/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Hungary |
| Region | Magyarország egész területe |
| Title of aid scheme | HEFOP 1.1. A munkanélküliség megelőzése és kezelése (Programme HEFOP 1.1 Prévention et traitement du chômage) — Aide à la participation au marché du travail (aide à l'emploi) |
| Legal basis | A 2002–2006. évi Humánerőforrás Operatív Program 1.1. intézkedése: a munkanélküliség megelőzése és kezelése keretében nyújtható támogatások felhasználásának részletes szabályairól szóló 5/2006. (VIII. 11.) MeHVM-SZMM együttes rendelet |
| Annual expenditure planned | Annual overall amount | EUR 25,79 million |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(5), 5 and 6 of the Regulation | Yes |
| Date of implementation | 28.3.2007 |
| Duration of scheme | Until 31.12.2007 |
| Objective of aid | Art. 4: Creation of employment | |
| Art. 5: Recruitment of disadvantaged and disabled workers | Yes |
| Art. 6: Employment of disabled workers | |
| Economic sectors concerned | Any sector eligible for employment assistance (1) | Yes |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Nemzeti Fejlesztési Ügynökség
  Humán Erőforrás Programok Irányító Hatósága |
| Mozsár utca 16. |
| H-1066 Budapest |

Aid No

XE 14/07

Member State

Hungary

Region

Magyarország egész területe

Title of aid scheme

HEFOP 1.1. A munkanélküliség megelőzése és kezelése (Programme HEFOP 1.1 Prévention et traitement du chômage) — Aide à la participation au marché du travail (aide à l'emploi)

Legal basis

A 2002–2006. évi Humánerőforrás Operatív Program 1.1. intézkedése: a munkanélküliség megelőzése és kezelése keretében nyújtható támogatások felhasználásának részletes szabályairól szóló 5/2006. (VIII. 11.) MeHVM-SZMM együttes rendelet

Annual expenditure planned

Annual overall amount

EUR 25,79 million

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(5), 5 and 6 of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

28.3.2007

Duration of scheme

Until 31.12.2007

Objective of aid

Art. 4: Creation of employment

Art. 5: Recruitment of disadvantaged and disabled workers

Yes

Art. 6: Employment of disabled workers

Economic sectors concerned

Any sector eligible for employment assistance (1)

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Nemzeti Fejlesztési Ügynökség

Humán Erőforrás Programok Irányító Hatósága

Mozsár utca 16.

H-1066 Budapest

Postal address:

| Pozsonyi út 56. |
| --- |
| H-1133 Budapest |

Pozsonyi út 56.

H-1133 Budapest

Other information

The aid scheme is co-financed under:

| — | Act IV of 1991 on promoting employment and on providing for the unemployed |
| --- | --- |

—

Act IV of 1991 on promoting employment and on providing for the unemployed

| — | Joint Decree No 6/2005 (III. 23.) TNM-FMM-FVM-GKM-KvVM-PM-TNM on the detailed rules on the use of the budget appropriations relating to aid granted from the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund of the European Union |
| --- | --- |

—

Joint Decree No 6/2005 (III. 23.) TNM-FMM-FVM-GKM-KvVM-PM-TNM on the detailed rules on the use of the budget appropriations relating to aid granted from the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund of the European Union

| — | Decree No 6/1996 (VII. 16.) MüM on aid for promoting employment and on the aid that can be provided from the Labour Market Fund for the management of employment crises |
| --- | --- |

—

Decree No 6/1996 (VII. 16.) MüM on aid for promoting employment and on the aid that can be provided from the Labour Market Fund for the management of employment crises

Aid subject to prior notification to the Commission

In conformity with Article 9 of the Regulation

Yes

| Aid No | XE 16/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Slovenia |
| Region | Slovenia |
| Title of aid scheme | Programi Zaposlovanja |
| Legal basis | 8. člen Pravilnika o izvajanju ukrepov aktivne politike zaposlovanja (Uradni list RS, št. 5/07) ter Kataloga ukrepov aktivne politike zaposlovanja |
| Annual expenditure planned under the scheme | Annual overall amount | EUR 25 million |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(5), 5 and 6 of the Regulation | Yes |
| Date of implementation | 20.4.2007 |
| Duration | Until 31.12.2008 |
| Objective | Art. 4: Creation of employment | Yes |
| Art. 5: Recruitment of disadvantaged and disabled workers | Yes |
| Art. 6: Employment of disabled workers | Yes |
| Economic sectors | — | All Community sectors eligible for employment aid (2)

  (excluding shipbuilding, transport, coal-mining and companies in difficulty) |

Aid No

XE 16/07

Member State

Slovenia

Region

Slovenia

Title of aid scheme

Programi Zaposlovanja

Legal basis

8. člen Pravilnika o izvajanju ukrepov aktivne politike zaposlovanja (Uradni list RS, št. 5/07) ter Kataloga ukrepov aktivne politike zaposlovanja

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 25 million

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(5), 5 and 6 of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

20.4.2007

Duration

Until 31.12.2008

Objective

Art. 4: Creation of employment

Yes

Art. 5: Recruitment of disadvantaged and disabled workers

Yes

Art. 6: Employment of disabled workers

Yes

Economic sectors

—

All Community sectors eligible for employment aid (2)

(excluding shipbuilding, transport, coal-mining and companies in difficulty)

Yes

| — | All manufacturing |
| --- | --- |

—

All manufacturing

Yes

| — | All services (2) |
| --- | --- |

—

All services (2)

Yes

| — | Other |
| --- | --- |

—

Other

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministrstvo za delo, družino in socialne zadeve

Direktorat za trg dela in zaposlovanje

| Kotnikova 5 |
| --- |
| SLO-1000 Ljubljana |
| (386-1) 369 76 56 |
| zoran.kotolenko@gov.si |

Kotnikova 5

SLO-1000 Ljubljana

(386-1) 369 76 56

zoran.kotolenko@gov.si

Other information

If the aid scheme is co-financed by Community funds, please insert the following sentence:

| | The aid scheme is co-financed under (reference) |
| --- | --- |

The aid scheme is co-financed under (reference)

| | This aid scheme is co-financed by the European Social Fund |
| --- | --- |

This aid scheme is co-financed by the European Social Fund

Aid subject to prior notification to the Commission

In accordance with Article 9 of the Regulation

Yes

---

(1)  With the exception of the shipbuilding sector and any other sectors subject to special rules in regulations and directives governing total State aid within the sector.

(2)  With the exception of the shipbuilding sector and other sectors subject to special rules in regulations and directives governing all State aid within the sector.

---

| 4.8.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 182/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.8.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 182/12

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 182/08)

| Reference number of the aid | XT 49/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | Regione Emilia Romagna |
| Title | Contribuzioni ad iniziative per la formazione nelle aziende agricole della provincia di Reggio Emilia. |
| Legal basis | Delibera della giunta camerale n. 22 del 13.4.2007 |
| Annual expenditure planned under the scheme | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | EUR 100 000 |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation | Yes, 50 % |
| Date of implementation | 1.7.2007 |
| Duration | 31.12.2007 |
| Objective | The aid is intended to support general training plans for farms in the province of Reggio Emilia in order to:






  — | improve the occupational skills of farmers and farm workers in preparation for the qualitative reorientation of production, the application of production practices compatible with the protection of the environment, enhancement of the landscape, hygiene standards and animal welfare, |

Reference number of the aid

XT 49/07

Member State

Italy

Region

Regione Emilia Romagna

Title

Contribuzioni ad iniziative per la formazione nelle aziende agricole della provincia di Reggio Emilia.

Legal basis

Delibera della giunta camerale n. 22 del 13.4.2007

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 100 000

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes, 50 %

Date of implementation

1.7.2007

Duration

31.12.2007

Objective

The aid is intended to support general training plans for farms in the province of Reggio Emilia in order to:

—

improve the occupational skills of farmers and farm workers in preparation for the qualitative reorientation of production, the application of production practices compatible with the protection of the environment, enhancement of the landscape, hygiene standards and animal welfare,

| — | provide farmers and farm workers with the necessary knowledge to run an economically profitable business |
| --- | --- |

—

provide farmers and farm workers with the necessary knowledge to run an economically profitable business

Economic sectors

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

Agriculture

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Camera di commercio, industria, artigianato e agricoltura di Reggio Emilia

| Piazza della Vittoria |
| --- |
| I-42100 Reggio Emilia |

Piazza della Vittoria

I-42100 Reggio Emilia

| Reference number of the aid | XT 60/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Slovenia |
| Region | — |
| Title of aid scheme and/or name of the beneficiary | Program ukrepov za spodbujanje podjetništva in konkurenčnosti za obdobje 2007-2013, usposabljanje |
| Legal basis | Program ukrepov za spodbujanje podjetništva in konkurenčnosti za obdobje 2007-2013
  Ukrep 1.3.2 – Vavčersko usposabljanje
  Ukrep 3.2.3b – Menedžerski pristopi k odličnosti poslovanja podjetij |
| Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | EUR 0,89 million |
| TOTAL | EUR 6,26 million |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Annual overall amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation | Yes |
| | Specific training | General training |
| Large enterprises | 25 % | — |
| SMEs | 45 % | 80 % |
| Date of implementation | 26.4.2007 |
| Duration | Until 31.12.2013 |
| Objective | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | Yes |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for training aid | No |
| Limited to specific sectors.
  Excluded:






  — | production and/or processing and marketing of agricultural and fishery products listed in Annex I to the EC Treaty, |

Reference number of the aid

XT 60/07

Member State

Slovenia

Region

—

Title of aid scheme and/or name of the beneficiary

Program ukrepov za spodbujanje podjetništva in konkurenčnosti za obdobje 2007-2013, usposabljanje

Legal basis

Program ukrepov za spodbujanje podjetništva in konkurenčnosti za obdobje 2007-2013

Ukrep 1.3.2 – Vavčersko usposabljanje

Ukrep 3.2.3b – Menedžerski pristopi k odličnosti poslovanja podjetij

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 0,89 million

TOTAL

EUR 6,26 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Annual overall amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Specific training

General training

Large enterprises

25 %

—

SMEs

45 %

80 %

Date of implementation

26.4.2007

Duration

Until 31.12.2013

Objective

General training

Yes

Specific training

Yes

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for training aid

No

Limited to specific sectors.

Excluded:

—

production and/or processing and marketing of agricultural and fishery products listed in Annex I to the EC Treaty,

| — | maritime transport, |
| --- | --- |

—

maritime transport,

| — | companies in difficulty |
| --- | --- |

—

companies in difficulty

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministrstvo za gospodarstvo

Direktorat za podjetništvo in konkurenčnost

| Kotnikova 5 |
| --- |
| SLO-1000 Ljubljana |
| (386-1) 478 33 11 |
| gp.mg@gov.si |

Kotnikova 5

SLO-1000 Ljubljana

(386-1) 478 33 11

gp.mg@gov.si

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Yes

| Aid No | XT 61/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | France |
| Region | — |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Aides à la formation des actifs hors secteurs de la production agricole et de la sylviculture |
| Legal basis | Loi no 2004-391 du 4 mai 2004 sur la formation tout au long de la vie
  Code général des collectivités territoriales et notamment son article L1511-2
  Programmes de développement rural 2007-2013 |
| Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | EUR 9 million annual expenditure |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | Variable, depending on the type of training and the location of firms:






  — | specific training: 35 % for SMEs; + 5 % for SMEs in areas eligible for regional aid; 45 % for SMEs in the overseas departments and territories, |

Aid No

XT 61/07

Member State

France

Region

—

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Aides à la formation des actifs hors secteurs de la production agricole et de la sylviculture

Legal basis

Loi no 2004-391 du 4 mai 2004 sur la formation tout au long de la vie

Code général des collectivités territoriales et notamment son article L1511-2

Programmes de développement rural 2007-2013

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 9 million annual expenditure

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

Variable, depending on the type of training and the location of firms:

—

specific training: 35 % for SMEs; + 5 % for SMEs in areas eligible for regional aid; 45 % for SMEs in the overseas departments and territories,

| — | general training: 70 % for SMEs; 75 % for SMEs in areas eligible for regional aid; 80 % for SMEs in the overseas departments and territories, |
| --- | --- |

—

general training: 70 % for SMEs; 75 % for SMEs in areas eligible for regional aid; 80 % for SMEs in the overseas departments and territories,

These intensities may be increased by 10 % if the training is offered to disadvantaged workers as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 68/2001

Date of implementation

2007

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 30.6.2008

Objective of aid

The purpose of the aid is to increase the level of training of workers in all sectors of activity in rural areas, except for the agricultural and forestry sectors, in order to promote the economic development of rural areas and to help workers to do their jobs.

The aid will cover the costs of general and specific training, up to the above ceilings, including the following:

| (a) | trainers' personnel costs; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

trainers' personnel costs;

| (b) | trainers' and trainees' travel expenses; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

trainers' and trainees' travel expenses;

| (c) | other current expenses such as materials and supplies; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

other current expenses such as materials and supplies;

| (d) | depreciation of tools and equipment, to the extent that they are used exclusively for the training project; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

depreciation of tools and equipment, to the extent that they are used exclusively for the training project;

| (e) | cost of guidance and counselling services for the training project; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

cost of guidance and counselling services for the training project;

| (f) | trainees' personnel costs up to the total of the other eligible costs referred to in (a) to (e). Only the hours during which the trainees actually participate in the training, after deduction of any productive hours or of their equivalent, may be taken into account |
| --- | --- |

(f)

trainees' personnel costs up to the total of the other eligible costs referred to in (a) to (e). Only the hours during which the trainees actually participate in the training, after deduction of any productive hours or of their equivalent, may be taken into account

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

Yes,

except for primary production and forestry

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministère de l'agriculture et de la pêche

Direction générale de la forêt et des affaires rurales

Mission Europe et régions

| 78, rue de Varenne |
| --- |
| F-75349 Paris 07 SP |
| Website: www.agriculture.gouv.fr — ‘ressources’, ‘Bulletin officiel’ |

78, rue de Varenne

F-75349 Paris 07 SP

Website: www.agriculture.gouv.fr — ‘ressources’, ‘Bulletin officiel’

Other information

This scheme comes under Measures 111 and 331 of the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programmes, where they do not concern agricultural production and forestry.

Aid granted under this scheme may therefore be co-financed by the EARDF. It may be financed in part or in full by the State, local authorities or groupings thereof or public bodies or similar.

Cumulation will be checked via OSIRIS, the EARDF computerised aid tracking system

| Reference number of the aid | XT 63/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Belgium |
| Region | Vlaanderen |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | PSA Hesse-Noord Natie |
| Legal basis | Decreet van 31.1.2003 |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Budget | Annual budget: —; Overall budget: EUR 0,892 million |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 8.6.2007 |
| Duration | 1.9.2008 |
| Objective | General training |
| Economic sectors | Other services |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Agentschap Economie |
| Koning Albert II-laan 35, bus 12 |
| B-1030 Brussel |

Reference number of the aid

XT 63/07

Member State

Belgium

Region

Vlaanderen

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

PSA Hesse-Noord Natie

Legal basis

Decreet van 31.1.2003

Type of measure

Individual aid

Budget

Annual budget: —; Overall budget: EUR 0,892 million

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Date of implementation

8.6.2007

Duration

1.9.2008

Objective

General training

Economic sectors

Other services

Name and address of the granting authority

Agentschap Economie

Koning Albert II-laan 35, bus 12

B-1030 Brussel

| Reference number of the aid | XT 65/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Cyprus |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Πολυεπιχειρησιακά Προγράμματα Συνεχιζόμενης Κατάρτισης — Διοργάνωσης ΑνΑΔ (Polyepiheirisiaka Programmata Synehizomenis Katartisis — Diorganosis AnAD) |
| Legal basis | Οι περί Ανάπτυξης Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού Νόμοι του 1999 έως 2007. Νόμος 125(Ι) του 1999, άρθρο 21, όπως αντικαταστάθηκε και ισχύει με το Ν. 21(Ι)/2007 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Budget | Annual budget: CYP 0,12 million; Overall budget: — |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 1.7.2007 |
| Duration | 30.6.2008 |
| Objective | General training |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for training aid |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Αρχή Ανάπτυξης Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού Κύπρου/Arhi Anaptyksis Anthropinoy Dynamikoy Kyproy |
| Αναβύσσου 2/Anabyssoy 2 |
| 2025 Στρόβολος,/2025 Strobolos |
| Τ.Θ. 25431/T.Th. 25431 |
| CY-1392 Λευκωσία/CY-1392 Leykosia |

Reference number of the aid

XT 65/07

Member State

Cyprus

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Πολυεπιχειρησιακά Προγράμματα Συνεχιζόμενης Κατάρτισης — Διοργάνωσης ΑνΑΔ (Polyepiheirisiaka Programmata Synehizomenis Katartisis — Diorganosis AnAD)

Legal basis

Οι περί Ανάπτυξης Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού Νόμοι του 1999 έως 2007. Νόμος 125(Ι) του 1999, άρθρο 21, όπως αντικαταστάθηκε και ισχύει με το Ν. 21(Ι)/2007

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: CYP 0,12 million; Overall budget: —

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Date of implementation

1.7.2007

Duration

30.6.2008

Objective

General training

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for training aid

Name and address of the granting authority

Αρχή Ανάπτυξης Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού Κύπρου/Arhi Anaptyksis Anthropinoy Dynamikoy Kyproy

Αναβύσσου 2/Anabyssoy 2

2025 Στρόβολος,/2025 Strobolos

Τ.Θ. 25431/T.Th. 25431

CY-1392 Λευκωσία/CY-1392 Leykosia

| Reference number of the aid | XT 66/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Spain |
| Region | Navarra |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Ayudas para la organización de actividades formativas en materia de Comercio Exterior para el año 2007 |
| Legal basis | Resolución 2916/2007, de 6 de junio, del Director General de Industria y Comercio (Boletín Oficial de Navarra número 76 de 20.6.2007).
  Ley Foral 11/2005, de 9 de noviembre, de Subvenciones
  Resol 2916:http://www.cfnavarra.es/bon/076/F0709526.htm |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 0,09 million; Overall budget: — |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 1.12.2006 |
| Duration | 30.11.2007 |
| Objective | General training |
| Economic sectors | Other services |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Gobierno de Navarra |
| Departamento de Industria y Tecnología, Comercio y Trabajo |
| Parque Tomás Caballero, 1 |
| Edificio «Fuerte del Príncipe II» |
| E-31005 Pamplona |

Reference number of the aid

XT 66/07

Member State

Spain

Region

Navarra

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Ayudas para la organización de actividades formativas en materia de Comercio Exterior para el año 2007

Legal basis

Resolución 2916/2007, de 6 de junio, del Director General de Industria y Comercio (Boletín Oficial de Navarra número 76 de 20.6.2007).

Ley Foral 11/2005, de 9 de noviembre, de Subvenciones

Resol 2916:http://www.cfnavarra.es/bon/076/F0709526.htm

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 0,09 million; Overall budget: —

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Date of implementation

1.12.2006

Duration

30.11.2007

Objective

General training

Economic sectors

Other services

Name and address of the granting authority

Gobierno de Navarra

Departamento de Industria y Tecnología, Comercio y Trabajo

Parque Tomás Caballero, 1

Edificio «Fuerte del Príncipe II»

E-31005 Pamplona

| Reference number of the aid | XT 67/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | Lombardia |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Contributi alle micro, piccole e medie imprese (MPMI) per il sostegno dell'innovazione e dell'imprenditorialità nel settore dei servizi alle imprese |
| Legal basis | Legge regionale 2 febbraio 2007, n. 1 «Strumenti di competitività per le imprese e per il territorio della Lombardia» |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 2 million; Overall budge: — |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 16.7.2007 |
| Duration | 30.6.2008 |
| Objective | Specific training |
| Economic sectors | Other services |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Giunta regionale della Lombardia |
| Via Fabio Filzi, 22 |
| I-20124 Milano |

Reference number of the aid

XT 67/07

Member State

Italy

Region

Lombardia

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Contributi alle micro, piccole e medie imprese (MPMI) per il sostegno dell'innovazione e dell'imprenditorialità nel settore dei servizi alle imprese

Legal basis

Legge regionale 2 febbraio 2007, n. 1 «Strumenti di competitività per le imprese e per il territorio della Lombardia»

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 2 million; Overall budge: —

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Date of implementation

16.7.2007

Duration

30.6.2008

Objective

Specific training

Economic sectors

Other services

Name and address of the granting authority

Giunta regionale della Lombardia

Via Fabio Filzi, 22

I-20124 Milano

| Reference number of the aid | XT 68/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Belgium |
| Region | Vlaams Gewest |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Ad hoc opleidingssteun aan de NV HJ Heinz Belgium (dossier 2007G00023) |
| Legal basis | Decreet betreffende het economisch ondersteuningsbeleid van 31 januari 2003 (Décret relatif à la politique d'aide économique du 31 janvier 2003) |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 0,94211 million; Overall budget: — |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 8.3.2007 |
| Duration | 7.3.2010 |
| Objective | General training; Specific training |
| Economic sectors | Other manufacturing |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Agentschap Economie |
| Afdeling Economisch Ondersteuningsbeleid |
| Koning Albert II-laan 35, bus 12 |
| B-1030 Brussel |

Reference number of the aid

XT 68/07

Member State

Belgium

Region

Vlaams Gewest

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Ad hoc opleidingssteun aan de NV HJ Heinz Belgium (dossier 2007G00023)

Legal basis

Decreet betreffende het economisch ondersteuningsbeleid van 31 januari 2003 (Décret relatif à la politique d'aide économique du 31 janvier 2003)

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 0,94211 million; Overall budget: —

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Date of implementation

8.3.2007

Duration

7.3.2010

Objective

General training; Specific training

Economic sectors

Other manufacturing

Name and address of the granting authority

Agentschap Economie

Afdeling Economisch Ondersteuningsbeleid

Koning Albert II-laan 35, bus 12

B-1030 Brussel

---

| 4.8.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 182/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.8.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 182/18

---

Update of reference amounts for the crossing of the external borders, as referred to in Article 5(3) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code)

(2007/C 182/09)

The publication of reference amounts for the crossing of the external borders, as referred to in Article 5(3) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (1) is based on the information communicated by the Member States to the commission in conformity with Article 34 of the Schengen Borders Code.

In addition to the publication in the OJ, a monthly update is available on the website of Directorate General Justice, Freedom and Security.

SPAIN

Replacement of the information published in OJ C 247, 13.10.2006, p. 19.

The Order of the Ministry of the Presidency PRE/1282/2007 of 10 May on the financial means aliens are required to have in order to enter Spain specifies the amount that aliens have to prove is available to them in order to be able to enter Spain.

| a) | for the costs of their stay in Spain, the amount they have available to them must represent, in euros, 10 % of the gross national minimum wage (EUR 57,06 for 2007) or its legal equivalent in foreign currency multiplied by the number of days they intend to stay in Spain and by the number of dependent persons travelling with them. The minimum amount at their disposal must represent 90 % of the gross national minimum wage (EUR 513,54 for 2007) or its legal equivalent in foreign currency per person, regardless of the intended duration of the stay; |
| --- | --- |

a)

for the costs of their stay in Spain, the amount they have available to them must represent, in euros, 10 % of the gross national minimum wage (EUR 57,06 for 2007) or its legal equivalent in foreign currency multiplied by the number of days they intend to stay in Spain and by the number of dependent persons travelling with them. The minimum amount at their disposal must represent 90 % of the gross national minimum wage (EUR 513,54 for 2007) or its legal equivalent in foreign currency per person, regardless of the intended duration of the stay;

| b) | for their return to the state of provenance or for transit via third states, aliens must be able to produce a personal, untransferable and fixed-date ticket or tickets for the planned means of transport. |
| --- | --- |

b)

for their return to the state of provenance or for transit via third states, aliens must be able to produce a personal, untransferable and fixed-date ticket or tickets for the planned means of transport.

Aliens must prove that they have the above means of subsistence either by producing them if they are in cash, or by producing certified cheques, traveller's cheques, receipts or credit cards, which must be accompanied by a recent bank statement (bank letters or Internet bank statements are not acceptable) or by other evidence clearly showing the amount of credit available on the card or bank account.

---

(1)  OJ L 105, 13.4.2006, p. 1.

---

V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

| 4.8.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 182/19 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.8.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 182/19

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4798 — BP/Associated British Foods/JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 182/10)

| 1. | On 25 July 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which BP plc (‘BP’, United Kingdom) and Associated British Foods Plc (‘ABF’, United Kingdom) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the newly created Vivergo Fuels Limited (‘Vivergo’, United Kingdom) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 25 July 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which BP plc (‘BP’, United Kingdom) and Associated British Foods Plc (‘ABF’, United Kingdom) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the newly created Vivergo Fuels Limited (‘Vivergo’, United Kingdom) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for BP: energy company, active on a world wide level in the exploration, development and production of oil and gas, in the refining, manufacturing and marketing of oil products and petrochemicals and in the development of renewable energies, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for BP: energy company, active on a world wide level in the exploration, development and production of oil and gas, in the refining, manufacturing and marketing of oil products and petrochemicals and in the development of renewable energies,

| — | for ABF: diversified food, ingredients and retail company, active on a world wide level. |
| --- | --- |

—

for ABF: diversified food, ingredients and retail company, active on a world wide level.

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

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in 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 ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4798 — BP/Associated British Foods/JV, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |

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 ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4798 — BP/Associated British Foods/JV, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

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

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.

---

OTHER ACTS

Commission

| 4.8.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 182/20 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.8.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 182/20

---

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2007/C 182/11)

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months from the date of this publication.

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘OLOMOUCKÉ TVARŮŽKY’

EC No: CZ/PGI/005/0399/19.10.2004

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

This summary sets out the main elements of the product specification for information purposes.

1.   Responsible department in the Member State:

| Name: | Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Antonína Čermáka 2a |
| CZ-160 68 Praha 6 – Bubeneč |

Name:

Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví

Address:

Antonína Čermáka 2a

CZ-160 68 Praha 6 – Bubeneč

Tel.

(420) 220 383 111

Fax

(420) 224 324 718

E-mail:

posta@upv.cz

2.   Group:

| Name: | A. W. spol. s r. o. |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Palackého 4 |
| CZ-789 83 Loštice |

Name:

A. W. spol. s r. o.

Address:

Palackého 4

CZ-789 83 Loštice

Tel.

(420) 583 401 211

Fax

(420) 583 445 127

E-mail:

awlostice@tvaruzky.cz

Composition:

Producers/processors ( X ) Others ( )

This application is for a derogation from Article 5(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the ground that there is only one producer in the area. The requirements laid down in Article 2 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1898/2006 are fulfilled.

3.   Type of product:

Group 1.3: Cheese

4.   Specification:

(summary of requirements under Article 4(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

4.1   Name: ‘Olomoucké tvarůžky’

4.2   Description: Olomoucké tvarůžky is a skimmed cheese which ripens under a smear layer and has a typical smell. Its unique savoury, piquant flavour is the result of deep proteolysis during ripening, under the influence of the surface microflora. The taste and flavour depend on the degree of ripening, with the smell varying from slight to rather penetrating. The surface of the cheese is covered with a golden to orange smear and the body is of cohesive consistency, semi-soft to soft, with a noticeably lighter heart. The fat content does not exceed 1 % and the dry matter content is within the range of 34 % to 38 %. The cheese usually takes the form of short rolls, rings or sticks, as a rule weighing about 20-30 g per piece, or of irregular pieces. Olomoucké tvarůžky is a table cheese.

4.3   Geographical area: The Haná region with Olomouc as its historical, geographical and economic centre.

4.4   Proof of origin: The whole manufacturing process of Olomoucké tvarůžky, from receipt of the purchased raw material (skimmed sour curd) to packaging of the cheese, is always concentrated at a single place in the Haná region. This is an indispensable requirement for the biotechnological method of production. The fact that all subsequent stages of the manufacturing process are substantially biological practically rules out any transport and/or handling of the unpacked cheese outside the manufacturing facility.

The production documentation contains records of the suppliers of every single batch of raw material, of the manufacturing operations and of the purchasers of individual deliveries. Every package of the product is labelled with the producer's name and address. This makes it possible to trace the whole manufacturing process. The whole production process is under the permanent supervision of authorised inspection bodies.

4.5   Method of production: Olomoucké tvarůžky is produced from fat-free sour curd with a characteristic crumbly structure, large tough grain and high level of acidity and biological activity. Production of Olomoucké tvarůžky starts by purchasing curd. Then the curd is crushed and mixed and table salt is added. Curd treated in this way is stored in silos, where it is kept in compact condition without air to achieve the desired homogenisation. The curd mass is subsequently mixed with the ripening agents (harmless lactic cultures) and acidity regulators and the soft curd mixture is ground to prepare it for moulding.

The mixture is moulded to the required shape. The resultant semi-products are placed on grids that are transferred to the ripening rooms. Under the combined effect of the ripening agents and the controlled temperature and humidity of the environment, the surface of the semi-products ripens. This completes the first ripening stage. Subsequent rinsing of the cheese creates the conditions for the second ripening stage, during which the surface becomes covered by proliferating aerobic proteolytic microflora whose enzymatic activity produces the golden yellow smear and gives Olomoucké tvarůžky its unique typical taste, flavour and colour. Once the ripening stage is completed, Olomoucké tvarůžky is packed into consumer packs and then into package sets.

4.6   Link: Production of Olomoucké tvarůžky in the Haná region has been documented since the late 15th to early 16th centuries.

The high repute of Olomoucké tvarůžky is demonstrated, for instance, by a prize awarded at the first Austrian Dairy Exhibition in Vienna in 1872 and by articles in many trade publications, for example by J. Kux, Dr Klenze, Mair-Waldburg, Kněz, etc.

Olomoucké tvarůžky, commonly called ‘syrečky’, ‘tvarůžky’, ‘tvargle’, ‘olomoucké’ etc., is ranked among the best known original Czech cheeses. Its popularity and recognition are indisputable, as illustrated by almost 18 000 web links and TV and radio broadcasts. According to research results published in Readers' Digest in February 2005, Olomoucké tvarůžky ranks number 4 among ripening cheeses in terms of consumption. Olomoucké tvarůžky can be bought in nearly every grocery and is on the menu in many restaurants. An inexhaustible number of recipes for preparing it exist and even a special cook book. The cheese is mentioned in every tourist guide and all other information about the area and is listed among the gastronomic specialities on the official Czech websites. Information on Olomoucké tvarůžky can be found in numerous encyclopaedias, e.g. Otto, Universum, Wikipedia or Vševěd. Olomoucké tvarůžky even has its own museum in Loštice, the place where it has long been produced.

4.7   Inspection body:

| Name: | Krajská veterinární správa pro Olomoucký kraj |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Tř. Míru 101 |
| CZ-779 00 Olomouc |

Name:

Krajská veterinární správa pro Olomoucký kraj

Address:

Tř. Míru 101

CZ-779 00 Olomouc

Tel.

(420) 585 700 730

Fax

(420) 585 700 746

E-mail:

kvsm@svscr.cz

4.8   Labelling: —

---

(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

---