# Official Journal C 29/2007

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 29 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 509 February 2007 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 29

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 509 February 2007

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 029/01 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2007/C 029/02 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 4 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2007/C 029/01

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

1

1

2007/C 029/02

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

1

4

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | European Parliament |
| 2007/C 029/03 | Conference of Community and European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) — Contribution adopted by the XXXVI COSAC — Helsinki, 20-21 November 2006 | 7 |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 029/04 | Euro exchange rates | 9 |
| 2007/C 029/05 | Commission notice concerning the date of application of the protocols on rules of origin providing for diagonal cumulation between the Community, Algeria, Egypt, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Norway, Switzerland (including Liechtenstein), Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and West Bank and Gaza Strip | 10 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

European Parliament

2007/C 029/03

Conference of Community and European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) — Contribution adopted by the XXXVI COSAC — Helsinki, 20-21 November 2006

7

Commission

2007/C 029/04

Euro exchange rates

9

2007/C 029/05

Commission notice concerning the date of application of the protocols on rules of origin providing for diagonal cumulation between the Community, Algeria, Egypt, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Norway, Switzerland (including Liechtenstein), Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and West Bank and Gaza Strip

10

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 029/06 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.3333 — Sony/BMG) (
  1
  ) | 12 |
| 2007/C 029/07 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4578 — LBO France/Santé partenaires) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 13 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

2007/C 029/06

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.3333 — Sony/BMG) (
  1
  )

1

12

2007/C 029/07

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4578 — LBO France/Santé partenaires) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

13

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (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 AND BODIES

Commission

| 9.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/1

---

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 29/01)

| Date of adoption of the decision | 20.12.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 479/06 |
| Member State | Netherlands |
| Region | Kop van Noord-Holland |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Ontwikkelingsfonds Duurzame Energie Provincie Noord-Holland |
| Legal basis | Besluit van Provinciale Staten van Noord-Holland van 27 februari 2006 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Risk capital |
| Form of aid | Provision of risk capital |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 10 million |
| Intensity | 0 % |
| Duration | Until 1.10.2012 |
| Economic sectors | Manufacturing industry |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Provincie Noord-Holland, Houtplein 33, Postbus 3007, 2001 DA Haarlem, Nederland |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

20.12.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 479/06

Member State

Netherlands

Region

Kop van Noord-Holland

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Ontwikkelingsfonds Duurzame Energie Provincie Noord-Holland

Legal basis

Besluit van Provinciale Staten van Noord-Holland van 27 februari 2006

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Risk capital

Form of aid

Provision of risk capital

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 10 million

Intensity

0 %

Duration

Until 1.10.2012

Economic sectors

Manufacturing industry

Name and address of the granting authority

Provincie Noord-Holland, Houtplein 33, Postbus 3007, 2001 DA Haarlem, Nederland

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/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 20.12.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 579/06 |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Steuerbegünstigung für Biokraftstoffe |
| Legal basis | Energiesteuergesetz §50, Biokraftstoffquotengesetz |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Environmental protection |
| Form of aid | Tax rate reduction |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 2 293 million |
| Intensity | 100 % |
| Duration | 1.1.2007-31.12.2007 |
| Economic sectors | Manufacturing industry, Chemical and pharmaceutical industry |
| Name and address of the granting authority | — |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

20.12.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 579/06

Member State

Germany

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Steuerbegünstigung für Biokraftstoffe

Legal basis

Energiesteuergesetz §50, Biokraftstoffquotengesetz

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Environmental protection

Form of aid

Tax rate reduction

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 2 293 million

Intensity

100 %

Duration

1.1.2007-31.12.2007

Economic sectors

Manufacturing industry, Chemical and pharmaceutical industry

Name and address of the granting authority

—

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/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 28.12.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 706/06 |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Carbon Trust Applied Research Open Call (Previously Called the Low Carbon Innovation Programme) |
| Legal basis | 1965 Science and Technology Act |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Research and development, Environmental protection |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Annual budget: GBP 10 million; Overall budget: GBP 50 million |
| Intensity | 100 % |
| Duration | 1.1.2007-31.12.2012 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | The Carbon Trust, 3 Clement's Inn, London WC2A 2AZ, United Kingdom |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

28.12.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 706/06

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Carbon Trust Applied Research Open Call (Previously Called the Low Carbon Innovation Programme)

Legal basis

1965 Science and Technology Act

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Research and development, Environmental protection

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: GBP 10 million; Overall budget: GBP 50 million

Intensity

100 %

Duration

1.1.2007-31.12.2012

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

The Carbon Trust, 3 Clement's Inn, London WC2A 2AZ, United Kingdom

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/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 21.12.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 713/06 |
| Member State | France |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Prolongation du régime d'aides de l'ADEME à la recherche et au développement N 120/06 |
| Legal basis | Délibération du Conseil d'administration de l'ADEME |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Research and development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 50-60 million; |
| Intensity | 75 % |
| Duration (period) | 1.1.2007-31.12.2007 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Agence de l'environnement et de la maîtrise de l'énergie (ADEME) 2 square La Fayette, BP 406, F-49004 ANGERS Cedex 01 |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

21.12.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 713/06

Member State

France

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Prolongation du régime d'aides de l'ADEME à la recherche et au développement N 120/06

Legal basis

Délibération du Conseil d'administration de l'ADEME

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Research and development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 50-60 million;

Intensity

75 %

Duration (period)

1.1.2007-31.12.2007

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Agence de l'environnement et de la maîtrise de l'énergie (ADEME) 2 square La Fayette, BP 406, F-49004 ANGERS Cedex 01

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/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 21.12.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 730/06 |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Bavaria |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Bayerisches Forschungsprogramm ‘Neue Werkstoffe’ |
| Legal basis | Haushaltsordnung des Freistaates Bayern, BayHO, Richtlinien Forschungsprogramm Neue Werkstoffe |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Research and development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 5 million; Overall budget: EUR 45 million |
| Intensity | 100 % |
| Duration | 1.1.2007-31.12.2012 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft, Infrastruktur, Verkehr und Technologie, Prinzregentenstraße 28, D-80538 München |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

21.12.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 730/06

Member State

Germany

Region

Bavaria

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Bayerisches Forschungsprogramm ‘Neue Werkstoffe’

Legal basis

Haushaltsordnung des Freistaates Bayern, BayHO, Richtlinien Forschungsprogramm Neue Werkstoffe

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Research and development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 5 million; Overall budget: EUR 45 million

Intensity

100 %

Duration

1.1.2007-31.12.2012

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft, Infrastruktur, Verkehr und Technologie, Prinzregentenstraße 28, D-80538 München

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/

---

| 9.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/4

---

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 29/02)

| Date of adoption of the decision | 6.12.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 314/06 |
| Member State | Denmark |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Eftergivelse af gæld for socialt udsatte personer til offentlige virksomheder |
| Legal basis | Lovforslag Nr. L174 |
| Type of measure | Measure does not constitute aid |
| Objective | Employment |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Annual budget: DKK 25 million; Overall budget: DKK 25 million |
| Intensity | Measure does not constitute aid |
| Duration | 1.8.2006-1.8.2010 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Skatteministeriet |
| Nicolai Eigtvedsgade 28 |
| DK-1402 København K |

Date of adoption of the decision

6.12.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 314/06

Member State

Denmark

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Eftergivelse af gæld for socialt udsatte personer til offentlige virksomheder

Legal basis

Lovforslag Nr. L174

Type of measure

Measure does not constitute aid

Objective

Employment

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: DKK 25 million; Overall budget: DKK 25 million

Intensity

Measure does not constitute aid

Duration

1.8.2006-1.8.2010

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Skatteministeriet

Nicolai Eigtvedsgade 28

DK-1402 København K

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/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 20.12.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 440/06 |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Misure a favore delle attività produttive nelle aree depresse del Paese — modifiche al regime di aiuto N 715/1999 |
| Legal basis | Legge 14 maggio 2005, articolo 8
  Delibera CIPE del 15.7.2005«Modalità di funzionamento del fondo rotativo per il sostegno alle imprese»
  Decreto del Ministro delle attività produttive di concerto con Ministro delle Finanze recante nuovi criteri e modalità per la concessione e derogazione delle agevolazioni alle attività produttive nelle aree sottoutilizzate.
  Circolare esplicativa n. 980902 del 23.3.2006
  Decreto del Ministero dello sviluppo economico del 23.6.2006 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Regional development, Small and medium-sized enterprises |
| Form of aid | Soft loan, Direct grant |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 1,579 million |
| Intensity | 50 % |
| Duration | Until 31.12.2006 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ministero dello sviluppo economico |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

20.12.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 440/06

Member State

Italy

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Misure a favore delle attività produttive nelle aree depresse del Paese — modifiche al regime di aiuto N 715/1999

Legal basis

Legge 14 maggio 2005, articolo 8

Delibera CIPE del 15.7.2005«Modalità di funzionamento del fondo rotativo per il sostegno alle imprese»

Decreto del Ministro delle attività produttive di concerto con Ministro delle Finanze recante nuovi criteri e modalità per la concessione e derogazione delle agevolazioni alle attività produttive nelle aree sottoutilizzate.

Circolare esplicativa n. 980902 del 23.3.2006

Decreto del Ministero dello sviluppo economico del 23.6.2006

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Regional development, Small and medium-sized enterprises

Form of aid

Soft loan, Direct grant

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 1,579 million

Intensity

50 %

Duration

Until 31.12.2006

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministero dello sviluppo economico

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/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 11.5.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 526/05 |
| Member State | Poland |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Pomoc regionalna udzielana przez gminy na wspieranie nowych inwestycji i tworzenie nowych miejsc pracy związanych z nową inwestycją |
| Legal basis | Art. 7 ust. 3 ustawy z dnia 12 stycznia 1991 r. o podatkach i opłatach lokalnych (tekst jednolity Dz.U. z 2002 r. nr 9, poz. 84 z późn. zm.) oraz uchwały rad gmin podejmowane na podstawie art. 7 ust. 3 ustawy o podatkach i opłatach lokalnych. Projekt Rozporządzenia Rady Ministrów w sprawie udzielania przez gminy pomocy regionalnej na wspieranie nowych inwestycji i tworzenie nowych miejsc pracy związanych z nową inwestycją |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Regional development |
| Form of aid | Tax allowance |
| Budget | Annual budget: PLN 100 million |
| Intensity | 30 %, 40 % or 50 % depending on the region (and 15 % bonus for SMEs). 30 % of the applicable aid ceiling for the motor vehicle sector. Aid intensity to large investment projects will be defined in accordance with the formula laid down in point 21 of the Multisectoral Framework for large investment projects |
| Duration | Until 31.12.2006 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | — |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

11.5.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 526/05

Member State

Poland

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Pomoc regionalna udzielana przez gminy na wspieranie nowych inwestycji i tworzenie nowych miejsc pracy związanych z nową inwestycją

Legal basis

Art. 7 ust. 3 ustawy z dnia 12 stycznia 1991 r. o podatkach i opłatach lokalnych (tekst jednolity Dz.U. z 2002 r. nr 9, poz. 84 z późn. zm.) oraz uchwały rad gmin podejmowane na podstawie art. 7 ust. 3 ustawy o podatkach i opłatach lokalnych. Projekt Rozporządzenia Rady Ministrów w sprawie udzielania przez gminy pomocy regionalnej na wspieranie nowych inwestycji i tworzenie nowych miejsc pracy związanych z nową inwestycją

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Regional development

Form of aid

Tax allowance

Budget

Annual budget: PLN 100 million

Intensity

30 %, 40 % or 50 % depending on the region (and 15 % bonus for SMEs). 30 % of the applicable aid ceiling for the motor vehicle sector. Aid intensity to large investment projects will be defined in accordance with the formula laid down in point 21 of the Multisectoral Framework for large investment projects

Duration

Until 31.12.2006

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

—

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/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 22.12.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 789/06 |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Forschungsprogramm ‘Bauforschung und -technik für eine nachhaltige Stadt- und Raumentwicklung’ |
| Legal basis | Haushaltsgesetz, Einzelplan 30, Kapitel 3006, Titel 68302 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Research and development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR approx. 0,5 million; Overall budget: EUR 1 million |
| Intensity | 100 % |
| Duration | 1.1.2007-31.12.2008 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung |
| Hannoversche Str. 28-30 |
| D-10115 Berlin |

Date of adoption of the decision

22.12.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 789/06

Member State

Germany

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Forschungsprogramm ‘Bauforschung und -technik für eine nachhaltige Stadt- und Raumentwicklung’

Legal basis

Haushaltsgesetz, Einzelplan 30, Kapitel 3006, Titel 68302

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Research and development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: EUR approx. 0,5 million; Overall budget: EUR 1 million

Intensity

100 %

Duration

1.1.2007-31.12.2008

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Hannoversche Str. 28-30

D-10115 Berlin

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/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 21.12.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 790/06 |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Innovative Arbeitsgestaltung und Dienstleistungen |
| Legal basis | Haushaltsgesetz des Bundes, Einzelplan 30; Kapitel 3002; Titel 68513 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Research and development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 22,6 million; Overall budget: EUR 90,5 million |
| Intensity | 100 % |
| Duration | 1.1.2007-31.12.2010 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung |
| Hannoversche Str. 28-30 |
| D-10115 Berlin |

Date of adoption of the decision

21.12.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 790/06

Member State

Germany

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Innovative Arbeitsgestaltung und Dienstleistungen

Legal basis

Haushaltsgesetz des Bundes, Einzelplan 30; Kapitel 3002; Titel 68513

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Research and development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 22,6 million; Overall budget: EUR 90,5 million

Intensity

100 %

Duration

1.1.2007-31.12.2010

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Hannoversche Str. 28-30

D-10115 Berlin

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/

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

European Parliament

| 9.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/7

---

Conference of Community and European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC)

Contribution adopted by the XXXVI COSAC

Helsinki, 20-21 November 2006

(2007/C 29/03)

1.   Cooperation with the European Commission and the Council

| 1.1. | COSAC appreciates the early implementation of the commitment by the European Commission to transmit directly all new legislative proposals and consultation papers to national parliaments. This information is important, since it enables national parliaments to strengthen parliamentary scrutiny and to improve the process of policy formulation. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

COSAC appreciates the early implementation of the commitment by the European Commission to transmit directly all new legislative proposals and consultation papers to national parliaments. This information is important, since it enables national parliaments to strengthen parliamentary scrutiny and to improve the process of policy formulation.

| 1.2. | COSAC also appreciates the European Commission's call for comments on legislative proposals and consultation papers from national parliaments and its commitment to take into account the views expressed, in particular with reference to the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. The future influence of national parliaments in EU decision-making will depend on their willingness and their ability to assume their responsibilities in scrutinising the European Commission's proposals. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

COSAC also appreciates the European Commission's call for comments on legislative proposals and consultation papers from national parliaments and its commitment to take into account the views expressed, in particular with reference to the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. The future influence of national parliaments in EU decision-making will depend on their willingness and their ability to assume their responsibilities in scrutinising the European Commission's proposals.

| 1.3. | To ensure that national parliaments can react in a timely manner, the European Commission is asked to provide more detailed information on its proposals, in order to allow national parliaments better to programme their analyses. This information, together with supporting impact assessments, will allow national parliaments to discuss the substantive policy direction of the European Commission, as envisaged in President Barroso's initiative and endorsed by the European Council. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

To ensure that national parliaments can react in a timely manner, the European Commission is asked to provide more detailed information on its proposals, in order to allow national parliaments better to programme their analyses. This information, together with supporting impact assessments, will allow national parliaments to discuss the substantive policy direction of the European Commission, as envisaged in President Barroso's initiative and endorsed by the European Council.

| 1.4. | COSAC also welcomes the publication of the communication on the European Commission's Legislative and Work Programme for 2007 in all official languages. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

COSAC also welcomes the publication of the communication on the European Commission's Legislative and Work Programme for 2007 in all official languages.

| 1.5. | COSAC calls on the Council to respect the six-week period between a new legislative proposal being available in all official languages and its introduction on the Council's agenda. |
| --- | --- |

1.5.

COSAC calls on the Council to respect the six-week period between a new legislative proposal being available in all official languages and its introduction on the Council's agenda.

| 1.6. | COSAC encourages the Council to continue the process of opening its meetings to the public whenever it considers and votes on draft legislation, in order to reduce the gap between citizens and the Union and to make possible more effective scrutiny of Council decisions by national parliaments. COSAC calls on the forthcoming Presidencies and the European Commission also to work actively towards improving public access to documents, since the right of access to documents should be a main principle of the work of the EU's institutions. In this regard, COSAC also emphasises the importance of the Commission's European Transparency Initiative. |
| --- | --- |

1.6.

COSAC encourages the Council to continue the process of opening its meetings to the public whenever it considers and votes on draft legislation, in order to reduce the gap between citizens and the Union and to make possible more effective scrutiny of Council decisions by national parliaments. COSAC calls on the forthcoming Presidencies and the European Commission also to work actively towards improving public access to documents, since the right of access to documents should be a main principle of the work of the EU's institutions. In this regard, COSAC also emphasises the importance of the Commission's European Transparency Initiative.

2.   Future of the European Union

| 2.1. | COSAC calls on the Finnish and German Presidencies to ensure a passage from reflection to action in order to achieve a constitutional settlement. The Joint Parliamentary Meeting on 4-5 December 2006 will once again provide an excellent arena for parliamentarians from national parliaments and the European Parliament to continue discussion on the future of the European Union and to share ideas with the Council and the European Commission. COSAC calls on the German Presidency to ask for the views of national parliaments and the European Parliament and take them into account when preparing the Berlin Declaration for the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. |
| --- | --- |

2.1.

COSAC calls on the Finnish and German Presidencies to ensure a passage from reflection to action in order to achieve a constitutional settlement. The Joint Parliamentary Meeting on 4-5 December 2006 will once again provide an excellent arena for parliamentarians from national parliaments and the European Parliament to continue discussion on the future of the European Union and to share ideas with the Council and the European Commission. COSAC calls on the German Presidency to ask for the views of national parliaments and the European Parliament and take them into account when preparing the Berlin Declaration for the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome.

| 2.2. | COSAC welcomes the initiative to be promoted by the Italian Parliament on 22 and 23 March 2007 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Rome Treaties. The initiative will enable representatives of national parliaments and the European Parliament both to underline the significance of such an important date for the lives of the peoples that they represent, and to contribute to joint reflection on the best possible ways to push European integration forward. |
| --- | --- |

2.2.

COSAC welcomes the initiative to be promoted by the Italian Parliament on 22 and 23 March 2007 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Rome Treaties. The initiative will enable representatives of national parliaments and the European Parliament both to underline the significance of such an important date for the lives of the peoples that they represent, and to contribute to joint reflection on the best possible ways to push European integration forward.

| 2.3. | In addition to these institutional questions, COSAC considers it essential to revive the Lisbon Process for Growth and Employment. The Annual Policy Strategy should contain concrete measures related to this goal. |
| --- | --- |

2.3.

In addition to these institutional questions, COSAC considers it essential to revive the Lisbon Process for Growth and Employment. The Annual Policy Strategy should contain concrete measures related to this goal.

| 2.4. | COSAC supports the accession by the EU to the European Convention for Human Rights. All EU Member States have ratified the European Convention for Human Rights and support the Charter of Fundamental Rights, as proclaimed at Nice in 2000. |
| --- | --- |

2.4.

COSAC supports the accession by the EU to the European Convention for Human Rights. All EU Member States have ratified the European Convention for Human Rights and support the Charter of Fundamental Rights, as proclaimed at Nice in 2000.

3.   The Area of Freedom, Security and Justice

| 3.1. | COSAC calls on the Council to reinforce its efforts to solve the problem of illegal immigration and at the same time to work towards a coherent strategy on legal immigration. Immigration policy is a vital question for the future of the European Union and it should be based on a more comprehensive policy that is coordinated with development and trade policies. Finding a common solution is essential to all Member States and to the EU as a whole. Such a solution is particularly important, especially in respect of immigration from the African continent, and it will provide a concrete follow-up to the conference held in Rabat in July 2006 which brought together representatives from countries of origin, transit countries and destination countries. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.

COSAC calls on the Council to reinforce its efforts to solve the problem of illegal immigration and at the same time to work towards a coherent strategy on legal immigration. Immigration policy is a vital question for the future of the European Union and it should be based on a more comprehensive policy that is coordinated with development and trade policies. Finding a common solution is essential to all Member States and to the EU as a whole. Such a solution is particularly important, especially in respect of immigration from the African continent, and it will provide a concrete follow-up to the conference held in Rabat in July 2006 which brought together representatives from countries of origin, transit countries and destination countries.

| 3.2. | COSAC emphasises the importance of the enhancement of the area of freedom, security and justice. Citizens expect the Union to be efficient in guaranteeing their security. However, there must be a balance between security and fundamental rights, particularly in the field of data protection. Guaranteeing the free movement of citizens, their security and their access to justice requires more efficient implementation from the Member States. Stronger political commitment, and trust in each other's judicial systems is needed to fulfil the expectations of our citizens. |
| --- | --- |

3.2.

COSAC emphasises the importance of the enhancement of the area of freedom, security and justice. Citizens expect the Union to be efficient in guaranteeing their security. However, there must be a balance between security and fundamental rights, particularly in the field of data protection. Guaranteeing the free movement of citizens, their security and their access to justice requires more efficient implementation from the Member States. Stronger political commitment, and trust in each other's judicial systems is needed to fulfil the expectations of our citizens.

| 3.3. | COSAC recalls that the Schengen acquis is a part of the European acquis which is open to all Member States that are willing to join and fulfil the criteria. While acknowledging with regret the now inevitable delay in its completion, COSAC stresses the importance of developing SIS II according to a new and strict schedule. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.

COSAC recalls that the Schengen acquis is a part of the European acquis which is open to all Member States that are willing to join and fulfil the criteria. While acknowledging with regret the now inevitable delay in its completion, COSAC stresses the importance of developing SIS II according to a new and strict schedule.

| 3.4. | As the timely abolition of the EU's internal border controls is of utmost importance to its citizens, COSAC calls for every effort to be made to enable the expansion of the Schengen area according to the original schedule confirmed by the European Council in June 2006. COSAC therefore welcomes the thorough consideration by the European Commission and the Council of the European Union of the initiative enabling the timely expansion of the Schengen area on the basis of the current SIS I+. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.

As the timely abolition of the EU's internal border controls is of utmost importance to its citizens, COSAC calls for every effort to be made to enable the expansion of the Schengen area according to the original schedule confirmed by the European Council in June 2006. COSAC therefore welcomes the thorough consideration by the European Commission and the Council of the European Union of the initiative enabling the timely expansion of the Schengen area on the basis of the current SIS I+.

| 3.5. | COSAC notes the efforts made by the Presidency and the European Commission to improve decision making in justice and home affairs, especially in third pillar matters. This question is important to the effectiveness of the EU in safeguarding the security of citizens. |
| --- | --- |

3.5.

COSAC notes the efforts made by the Presidency and the European Commission to improve decision making in justice and home affairs, especially in third pillar matters. This question is important to the effectiveness of the EU in safeguarding the security of citizens.

4.   Enlargement

| 4.1. | COSAC welcomes the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Union from 1st January 2007 and encourages fellow parliamentarians in both countries to work efficiently to complete their final preparations for accession. COSAC calls on the European Council to debate openly all aspects of further enlargement, including the Union's integration capacity and the positive experiences accumulated thus far. The benefits of the enlargement process should be adequately explained to the public. |
| --- | --- |

4.1.

COSAC welcomes the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Union from 1st January 2007 and encourages fellow parliamentarians in both countries to work efficiently to complete their final preparations for accession. COSAC calls on the European Council to debate openly all aspects of further enlargement, including the Union's integration capacity and the positive experiences accumulated thus far. The benefits of the enlargement process should be adequately explained to the public.

5.   EU and Russia

| 5.1. | COSAC supports a comprehensive dialogue with Russia for a new PC A (Partnership and Cooperation Agreement). The EU and Russia have shared interests, and close cooperation should continue. This cooperation should not only concentrate on economic issues but also environmental, energy, health and welfare issues. COSAC stresses that future negotiations on the PCA should also include questions of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, also making full use of existing instruments of the Council of Europe. The importance of these values has been emphasized by recent unacceptable events, notably the murder of Anna Politkovskaya. |
| --- | --- |

5.1.

COSAC supports a comprehensive dialogue with Russia for a new PC A (Partnership and Cooperation Agreement). The EU and Russia have shared interests, and close cooperation should continue. This cooperation should not only concentrate on economic issues but also environmental, energy, health and welfare issues. COSAC stresses that future negotiations on the PCA should also include questions of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, also making full use of existing instruments of the Council of Europe. The importance of these values has been emphasized by recent unacceptable events, notably the murder of Anna Politkovskaya.

| 5.2. | COSAC considers that the PCA should be based on an equal partnership between the EU and its Member States on the one hand and Russia on the other which is founded on common values and mutual interests. Solidarity between European Union and its Member States is a fundamental principle which should also be applied in the EU's common trade policy, particularly in trade disputes with other countries, such as the current Polish dispute with Russia. |
| --- | --- |

5.2.

COSAC considers that the PCA should be based on an equal partnership between the EU and its Member States on the one hand and Russia on the other which is founded on common values and mutual interests. Solidarity between European Union and its Member States is a fundamental principle which should also be applied in the EU's common trade policy, particularly in trade disputes with other countries, such as the current Polish dispute with Russia.

---

Commission

| 9.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/9

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

8 February 2007

(2007/C 29/04)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,2991 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 157,68 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4529 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,66320 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,0947 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,6232 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 88,36 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,0955 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | Cyprus pound | 0,5791 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 28,212 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 253,12 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6965 |
| MTL | Maltese lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,8764 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,3742 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 34,583 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,8263 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6669 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,5413 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,1533 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,8954 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,9926 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 214,72 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 9,3034 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 10,0659 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,3811 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 11 760,10 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,5397 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 62,883 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 34,2690 |
| THB | Thai baht | 44,401 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,2991

JPY

Japanese yen

157,68

DKK

Danish krone

7,4529

GBP

Pound sterling

0,66320

SEK

Swedish krona

9,0947

CHF

Swiss franc

1,6232

ISK

Iceland króna

88,36

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,0955

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5791

CZK

Czech koruna

28,212

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

253,12

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6965

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4293

PLN

Polish zloty

3,8764

RON

Romanian leu

3,3742

SKK

Slovak koruna

34,583

TRY

Turkish lira

1,8263

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6669

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,5413

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,1533

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,8954

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,9926

KRW

South Korean won

1 214,72

ZAR

South African rand

9,3034

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,0659

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,3811

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

11 760,10

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,5397

PHP

Philippine peso

62,883

RUB

Russian rouble

34,2690

THB

Thai baht

44,401

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

| 9.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/10

---

Commission notice concerning the date of application of the protocols on rules of origin providing for diagonal cumulation between the Community, Algeria, Egypt, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Norway, Switzerland (including Liechtenstein), Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and West Bank and Gaza Strip

(2007/C 29/05)

For the purpose of the creation of diagonal cumulation of origin among the Community, Algeria, Egypt, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Norway, Switzerland (including Liechtenstein), Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and West Bank and Gaza Strip, the Community and the countries concerned notify each other, through the European Commission, of the origin rules in force with the other countries.

Based on the notifications received from the countries concerned, the table here enclosed gives an overview of the protocols on rules of origin providing for diagonal cumulation specifying the date from which such cumulation becomes applicable. This table replaces the previous one (OJ C 220, 13.9.2006).

It is recalled that cumulation can be only applied if the countries of final manufacture and of final destination have concluded free trade agreements, containing identical rules of origin, with all the countries participating in the acquisition of originating status, i.e. with all the countries from which all the materials used originate. Materials originating in the country which has not concluded an agreement with the countries of final manufacture and of final destination shall be treated as non-originating. Specific examples are given in the Explanatory Notes concerning the pan-Euro-Mediterranean protocols on rules of origin (1).

It is also recalled that:

| — | Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein form a customs union; |
| --- | --- |

—

Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein form a customs union;

| — | within the European Economic Area, which is composed of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, the date of application is 1 November 2005. |
| --- | --- |

—

within the European Economic Area, which is composed of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, the date of application is 1 November 2005.

The ISO-Alpha-2 codes for the country listed in the table are given here below.

| — | Algeria | DZ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| — | Egypt | EG |
| — | Faroe Islands | FO |
| — | Iceland | IS |
| — | Israel | IL |
| — | Jordan | JO |
| — | Lebanon | LB |
| — | Morocco | MA |
| — | Norway | NO |
| — | Switzerland | CH |
| — | Syria | SY |
| — | Tunisia | TN |
| — | Turkey | TR |
| — | West Bank and Gaza Strip | PS |

—

Algeria

DZ

—

Egypt

EG

—

Faroe Islands

FO

—

Iceland

IS

—

Israel

IL

—

Jordan

JO

—

Lebanon

LB

—

Morocco

MA

—

Norway

NO

—

Switzerland

CH

—

Syria

SY

—

Tunisia

TN

—

Turkey

TR

—

West Bank and Gaza Strip

PS

Date of application of the protocols on rules of origin providing for diagonal cumulation in the pan-euro-med zone

| | EU | DZ | CH (EFTA) | EG | FO | IL | IS (EFTA) | JO | LB | LI (EFTA) | MA | NO(EFTA) | PS | SY | TN | TR |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| EU | | | 1.1.2006 | 1.3.2006 | 1.12.2005 | 1.1.2006 | 1.1.2006 | 1.7.2006 | | 1.1.2006 | 1.12.2005 | 1.1.2006 | | | 1.8.2006 | (2) |
| DZ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| CH (EFTA) | 1.1.2006 | | | | 1.1.2006 | 1.7.2005 | 1.8.2005 | | | | 1.3.2005 | 1.8.2005 | | | 1.6.2005 | |
| EG | 1.3.2006 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| FO | 1.12.2005 | | 1.1.2006 | | | | 1.11.2005 | | | 1.1.2006 | | 1.12.2005 | | | | |
| IL | 1.1.2006 | | 1.7.2005 | | | | 1.7.2005 | 9.2.2006 | | 1.7.2005 | | 1.7.2005 | | | | 1.3.2006 |
| IS (EFTA) | 1.1.2006 | | 1.8.2005 | | 1.11.2005 | 1.7.2005 | | | | 1.8.2005 | 1.3.2005 | 1.8.2005 | | | 1.3.2006 | |
| JO | 1.7.2006 | | | | | 9.2.2006 | | | | | | | | | | |
| LB | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| LI (EFTA) | 1.1.2006 | | | | 1.1.2006 | 1.7.2005 | 1.8.2005 | | | | 1.3.2005 | 1.8.2005 | | | 1.6.2005 | |
| MA | 1.12.2005 | | 1.3.2005 | | | | 1.3.2005 | | | 1.3.2005 | | 1.3.2005 | | | | 1.1.2006 |
| NO (EFTA) | 1.1.2006 | | 1.8.2005 | | 1.12.2005 | 1.7.2005 | 1.8.2005 | | | 1.8.2005 | 1.3.2005 | | | | 1.8.2005 | |
| PS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| SY | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| TN | 1.8.2006 | | 1.6.2005 | | | | 1.3.2006 | | | 1.6.2005 | | 1.8.2005 | | | | 1.7.2005 |
| TR | (2) | | | | | 1.3.2006 | | | | | 1.1.2006 | | | | 1.7.2005 | |

EU

DZ

CH (EFTA)

EG

FO

IL

IS (EFTA)

JO

LB

LI (EFTA)

MA

NO(EFTA)

PS

SY

TN

TR

EU

1.1.2006

1.3.2006

1.12.2005

1.1.2006

1.1.2006

1.7.2006

1.1.2006

1.12.2005

1.1.2006

1.8.2006

(2)

DZ

CH (EFTA)

1.1.2006

1.1.2006

1.7.2005

1.8.2005

1.3.2005

1.8.2005

1.6.2005

EG

1.3.2006

FO

1.12.2005

1.1.2006

1.11.2005

1.1.2006

1.12.2005

IL

1.1.2006

1.7.2005

1.7.2005

9.2.2006

1.7.2005

1.7.2005

1.3.2006

IS (EFTA)

1.1.2006

1.8.2005

1.11.2005

1.7.2005

1.8.2005

1.3.2005

1.8.2005

1.3.2006

JO

1.7.2006

9.2.2006

LB

LI (EFTA)

1.1.2006

1.1.2006

1.7.2005

1.8.2005

1.3.2005

1.8.2005

1.6.2005

MA

1.12.2005

1.3.2005

1.3.2005

1.3.2005

1.3.2005

1.1.2006

NO (EFTA)

1.1.2006

1.8.2005

1.12.2005

1.7.2005

1.8.2005

1.8.2005

1.3.2005

1.8.2005

PS

SY

TN

1.8.2006

1.6.2005

1.3.2006

1.6.2005

1.8.2005

1.7.2005

TR

(2)

1.3.2006

1.1.2006

1.7.2005

---

(1)  OJ C 16, 21.1.2006, p. 2.

(2)  For goods covered by the EC-Turkey customs union, the date of application is 27 July 2006.

For agricultural products, the date of application is 1 January 2007.

For coal and steel products, diagonal cumulation is not yet applicable.

---

V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

| 9.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/12

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.3333 — Sony/BMG)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 29/06)

| 1. | On 9 Janvier 2004, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1310/97 (2), by which the undertakings Bertelsmann AG (‘Bertelsmann’, Germany) and Sony Corporation of America belonging to the Sony group (‘Sony’, Japan) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertaking ‘Sony BMG’ by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 9 Janvier 2004, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1310/97 (2), by which the undertakings Bertelsmann AG (‘Bertelsmann’, Germany) and Sony Corporation of America belonging to the Sony group (‘Sony’, Japan) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertaking ‘Sony BMG’ by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture.

| 2. | On 19 July 2004, the Commission declared the concentration compatible with the common market. On 13 July 2006, the Court of First Instance of the European Communities annulled the Commission's decision. The notification was up-dated on 31 Janvier 2007. |
| --- | --- |

2.

On 19 July 2004, the Commission declared the concentration compatible with the common market. On 13 July 2006, the Court of First Instance of the European Communities annulled the Commission's decision. The notification was up-dated on 31 Janvier 2007.

| 3. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | Bertelsmann: Music recording and publishing, television, radio, publishing of books and magazines, book and music clubs; |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

Bertelsmann: Music recording and publishing, television, radio, publishing of books and magazines, book and music clubs;

| — | Sony: Music recording and publishing, industrial and consumer electronics, entertainment services; |
| --- | --- |

—

Sony: Music recording and publishing, industrial and consumer electronics, entertainment services;

| — | Sony BMG: Combination of the worldwide recorded music businesses of Sony and Bertelsmann (excluding Sony's activities in Japan). |
| --- | --- |

—

Sony BMG: Combination of the worldwide recorded music businesses of Sony and Bertelsmann (excluding Sony's activities in Japan).

| 4. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified concentration could fall within the scope of Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. |
| --- | --- |

4.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified concentration could fall within the scope of Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

| 5. | 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 (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.3333 — Sony/BMG, to the following address:





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

5.

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 (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.3333 — Sony/BMG, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  OJ L 395, 30.12.1989, p. 1.

Corrigendum: OJ L 257, 21.9.1990, p. 13.

(2)  OJ L 180, 9.7.1997, p. 1.

Corrigendum OJ L 40, 13.2.1998, p. 17.

---

| 9.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/13

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4578 — LBO France/Santé partenaires)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 29/07)

| 1. | On 1 February 2007 the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1), by which the undertaking LBO France Gestion SAS (‘LBO’, France) is to acquire, within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation, sole control of the undertaking Santé Partenaires SAS and its subsidiaries (‘Santé’, France), by way of transfer of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 1 February 2007 the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1), by which the undertaking LBO France Gestion SAS (‘LBO’, France) is to acquire, within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation, sole control of the undertaking Santé Partenaires SAS and its subsidiaries (‘Santé’, France), by way of transfer of shares.

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






  — | for LBO: capital investment company; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for LBO: capital investment company;

| — | for Santé: company specialised in the acquisition and management of private hospital clinics. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Santé: company specialised in the acquisition and management of private hospital clinics.

| 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 to it any observations they have on the proposed operation. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit to it any observations they have on the proposed operation.

| 5. | Observations must reach the Commission no later than ten days following the date of this publication. Observations may be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4578 — LBO France/Santé partenaires, to the following address:





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

5.

Observations must reach the Commission no later than ten days following the date of this publication. Observations may be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4578 — LBO France/Santé partenaires, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

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

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

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