# Official Journal C 122/23 M

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 122 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 4923 May 2006 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 122

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 4923 May 2006

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Information |
| | Commission |
| 2006/C 122/1 | Euro exchange rates | 1 |
| 2006/C 122/2 | Notice published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case COMP/C.2/38.681 — Universal International Music BV/MCPS and others (The Cannes Extension Agreement) (
  1
  ) | 2 |
| 2006/C 122/3 | Summary information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 of 23 December 2003 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production, processing and marketing of agricultural products | 4 |
| 2006/C 122/4 | 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 | 9 |
| 2006/C 122/5 | Communication from the French Government concerning Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons (Notice regarding an application for an exclusive licence to prospect for oil and gas, designated the Béarn des Gaves Licence)
   (
  1
  ) | 11 |
| 2006/C 122/6 | Communication from the French Government concerning Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons (Notice regarding an application for an exclusive licence to prospect for oil and gas, designated the Tarbes-Val d'Adour Licence)
   (
  1
  ) | 13 |
| 2006/C 122/7 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4237 — Bouygues/Alstom) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 16 |
| 2006/C 122/8 | COM documents other than legislative proposals adopted by the Commission | 17 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Information

Commission

2006/C 122/1

Euro exchange rates

1

2006/C 122/2

Notice published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case COMP/C.2/38.681 — Universal International Music BV/MCPS and others (The Cannes Extension Agreement) (
  1
  )

1

2

2006/C 122/3

Summary information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 of 23 December 2003 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production, processing and marketing of agricultural products

4

2006/C 122/4

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

9

2006/C 122/5

Communication from the French Government concerning Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons (Notice regarding an application for an exclusive licence to prospect for oil and gas, designated the Béarn des Gaves Licence)
   (
  1
  )

(Notice regarding an application for an exclusive licence to prospect for oil and gas, designated the Béarn des Gaves Licence)

1

11

2006/C 122/6

Communication from the French Government concerning Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons (Notice regarding an application for an exclusive licence to prospect for oil and gas, designated the Tarbes-Val d'Adour Licence)
   (
  1
  )

(Notice regarding an application for an exclusive licence to prospect for oil and gas, designated the Tarbes-Val d'Adour Licence)

1

13

2006/C 122/7

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4237 — Bouygues/Alstom) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

16

2006/C 122/8

COM documents other than legislative proposals adopted by the Commission

17

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

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

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I Information

Commission

| 23.5.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 122/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 122/1

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Euro exchange rates (1)

22 May 2006

(2006/C 122/01)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,2753 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 143,55 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4558 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,68030 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,3513 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,5509 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 91,74 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,8060 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | Cyprus pound | 0,5750 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 28,290 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 264,30 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6960 |
| MTL | Maltese lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,9625 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,5560 |
| SIT | Slovenian tolar | 239,62 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 37,750 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,9385 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6991 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4352 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,8889 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 2,0648 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 2,0284 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 214,60 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 8,4396 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 10,2312 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,2710 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 11 892,17 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,629 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 67,113 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 34,5230 |
| THB | Thai baht | 48,966 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,2753

JPY

Japanese yen

143,55

DKK

Danish krone

7,4558

GBP

Pound sterling

0,68030

SEK

Swedish krona

9,3513

CHF

Swiss franc

1,5509

ISK

Iceland króna

91,74

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,8060

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5750

CZK

Czech koruna

28,290

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

264,30

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6960

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4293

PLN

Polish zloty

3,9625

RON

Romanian leu

3,5560

SIT

Slovenian tolar

239,62

SKK

Slovak koruna

37,750

TRY

Turkish lira

1,9385

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6991

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4352

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,8889

NZD

New Zealand dollar

2,0648

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,0284

KRW

South Korean won

1 214,60

ZAR

South African rand

8,4396

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,2312

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,2710

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

11 892,17

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,629

PHP

Philippine peso

67,113

RUB

Russian rouble

34,5230

THB

Thai baht

48,966

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

| 23.5.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 122/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 122/2

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Notice published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case COMP/C.2/38.681 — Universal International Music BV/MCPS and others (The Cannes Extension Agreement)

(2006/C 122/02)

(Text with EEA relevance)

1.   Introduction

| 1. | According to Article 9 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 (1), the Commission may decide — in cases where it intends to adopt a decision requiring that an infringement is brought to an end and the parties concerned offer commitments to meet the concerns expressed to them by the Commission in its preliminary assessment — to make those commitments binding on the undertakings. Such a decision may be adopted for a specified period and shall conclude that there are no longer grounds for action by the Commission. According to Article 27(4) of the same Regulation, the Commission shall publish a concise summary of the case and the main content of the commitments. Interested parties may submit their observations within the time limit fixed by the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

1.

According to Article 9 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 (1), the Commission may decide — in cases where it intends to adopt a decision requiring that an infringement is brought to an end and the parties concerned offer commitments to meet the concerns expressed to them by the Commission in its preliminary assessment — to make those commitments binding on the undertakings. Such a decision may be adopted for a specified period and shall conclude that there are no longer grounds for action by the Commission. According to Article 27(4) of the same Regulation, the Commission shall publish a concise summary of the case and the main content of the commitments. Interested parties may submit their observations within the time limit fixed by the Commission.

2.   The parties and the agreement

| 2. | On 27 February 2003 the record company Universal International Music BV filed a complaint with the Commission concerning a clause of the Cannes Extension Agreement (the Agreement), which is an agreement concluded among thirteen European mechanical copyright collecting societies (2) and the five major music publishers (3). The aim of the Agreement is to regulate certain issues in the relations between the thirteen collecting societies and the five major publishers in the administration of mechanical copyright for the reproduction of sound recordings on physical carriers. The Agreement was subsequently notified to the Commission under the procedure of Regulation No 17. The notification procedure was discontinued after the entry into force of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003. |
| --- | --- |

2.

On 27 February 2003 the record company Universal International Music BV filed a complaint with the Commission concerning a clause of the Cannes Extension Agreement (the Agreement), which is an agreement concluded among thirteen European mechanical copyright collecting societies (2) and the five major music publishers (3). The aim of the Agreement is to regulate certain issues in the relations between the thirteen collecting societies and the five major publishers in the administration of mechanical copyright for the reproduction of sound recordings on physical carriers. The Agreement was subsequently notified to the Commission under the procedure of Regulation No 17. The notification procedure was discontinued after the entry into force of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003.

3.   The preliminary assessment

| 3. | The Commission informed the thirteen collecting societies and the five major publishers by letter dated 24 January 2006 of its preliminary assessment within the meaning of Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Commission informed the thirteen collecting societies and the five major publishers by letter dated 24 January 2006 of its preliminary assessment within the meaning of Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003.

| 4. | According to the Commission's preliminary assessment two clauses of the Agreement raise serious concerns as to their compatibility with Article 81 of the EC Treaty and 53 of the EEA Agreement. The first is clause 9(a) of the Agreement which relates to the granting of rebates by collecting societies to record companies in the context of Central Licensing Agreements, which are multi-repertoire one-stop-shop licenses for the whole EEA territory. The second is clause 7(a)(i), which relates to the ability of collecting societies to undertake commercial publishing or record producing activities. |
| --- | --- |

4.

According to the Commission's preliminary assessment two clauses of the Agreement raise serious concerns as to their compatibility with Article 81 of the EC Treaty and 53 of the EEA Agreement. The first is clause 9(a) of the Agreement which relates to the granting of rebates by collecting societies to record companies in the context of Central Licensing Agreements, which are multi-repertoire one-stop-shop licenses for the whole EEA territory. The second is clause 7(a)(i), which relates to the ability of collecting societies to undertake commercial publishing or record producing activities.

| 5. | According to clause 9(a) of the Agreement a collecting society would have to obtain the written consent of the ‘relevant member’ before granting a rebate to a record company in the context of a Central Licensing Agreement. The rebate is calculated as a percentage of the administration fees paid to collecting societies by their members for the administration of the members' copyright. Given that a Central Licensing Agreement normally concerns the entire repertoire of a collecting society (that of its members and that of the other collecting societies, made available to it by means of reciprocal representation agreements) this clause would mean that a collecting society would have to obtain the written consent of all of its members, which can be thousands. It is also possible to interpret the clause as requiring the consent of the other collecting societies' members or other collecting societies as well. The provision therefore can have the effect of preventing the granting of rebates by a collecting society that negotiates a Central Licensing Agreement with a record company. |
| --- | --- |

5.

According to clause 9(a) of the Agreement a collecting society would have to obtain the written consent of the ‘relevant member’ before granting a rebate to a record company in the context of a Central Licensing Agreement. The rebate is calculated as a percentage of the administration fees paid to collecting societies by their members for the administration of the members' copyright. Given that a Central Licensing Agreement normally concerns the entire repertoire of a collecting society (that of its members and that of the other collecting societies, made available to it by means of reciprocal representation agreements) this clause would mean that a collecting society would have to obtain the written consent of all of its members, which can be thousands. It is also possible to interpret the clause as requiring the consent of the other collecting societies' members or other collecting societies as well. The provision therefore can have the effect of preventing the granting of rebates by a collecting society that negotiates a Central Licensing Agreement with a record company.

| 6. | Clause 7(a)(i) provides that collecting societies shall never engage into any activities that might be the activities of a publisher or a record company. According to the assessment of the Commission, this clause has the object and may have the effect of crystallising current market structures and preventing any future potential competition from collecting societies towards music publishers and/or record companies. |
| --- | --- |

6.

Clause 7(a)(i) provides that collecting societies shall never engage into any activities that might be the activities of a publisher or a record company. According to the assessment of the Commission, this clause has the object and may have the effect of crystallising current market structures and preventing any future potential competition from collecting societies towards music publishers and/or record companies.

4.   The main content of the offered commitments

| 7. | The parties to the Cannes Extension Agreement do not agree with the Commission's preliminary assessment. They have, nevertheless, offered commitments according to Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, in order to meet the Commission's competition concerns. The commitments relate to both clause 9(a) and clause 7(a)(i) of the Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

7.

The parties to the Cannes Extension Agreement do not agree with the Commission's preliminary assessment. They have, nevertheless, offered commitments according to Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, in order to meet the Commission's competition concerns. The commitments relate to both clause 9(a) and clause 7(a)(i) of the Agreement.

| 8. | With regard to clause 9(a) the parties to the Cannes Extension Agreement have offered a commitment to reformulate the wording of the clause. The new wording of clause 9(a) will provide that a collecting society may grant a rebate to a record company, if so decided by the competent body of that society. It also provides that, with the exception of four cases specifically mentioned in the clause, all rebates or other discounts to record companies shall be included in the Rate, as defined in the Agreement, and shall not reduce the income of the Members of the collecting societies. |
| --- | --- |

8.

With regard to clause 9(a) the parties to the Cannes Extension Agreement have offered a commitment to reformulate the wording of the clause. The new wording of clause 9(a) will provide that a collecting society may grant a rebate to a record company, if so decided by the competent body of that society. It also provides that, with the exception of four cases specifically mentioned in the clause, all rebates or other discounts to record companies shall be included in the Rate, as defined in the Agreement, and shall not reduce the income of the Members of the collecting societies.

| 9. | With regard to clause 7(a)(i) the parties to the Cannes Extension Agreement have agreed to delete the clause and not to enter in a clause with similar effect for the future. |
| --- | --- |

9.

With regard to clause 7(a)(i) the parties to the Cannes Extension Agreement have agreed to delete the clause and not to enter in a clause with similar effect for the future.

5.   Invitation to make comments

| 10. | The Commission intends, subject to market testing, to adopt a decision under Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 declaring the commitments summarised above and published on the Internet, on the website of the Directorate General for Competition, to be binding. |
| --- | --- |

10.

The Commission intends, subject to market testing, to adopt a decision under Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 declaring the commitments summarised above and published on the Internet, on the website of the Directorate General for Competition, to be binding.

| 11. | In accordance with Article 27(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, the Commission invites interested third parties to submit their observations on the proposed commitments. These observations must reach the Commission not later than one month following the date of this publication. Interested third parties are also asked to submit a non-confidential version of their comments, in which commercial secrets and other confidential passages are deleted and are replaced as required by a non-confidential summary or by the words ‘[commercial secrets]’ or ‘[confidential]’. Legitimate requests will be respected. |
| --- | --- |

11.

In accordance with Article 27(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, the Commission invites interested third parties to submit their observations on the proposed commitments. These observations must reach the Commission not later than one month following the date of this publication. Interested third parties are also asked to submit a non-confidential version of their comments, in which commercial secrets and other confidential passages are deleted and are replaced as required by a non-confidential summary or by the words ‘[commercial secrets]’ or ‘[confidential]’. Legitimate requests will be respected.

| 12. | Observations can be sent to the Commission by e-mail (GREFFE-ANTITRUST@cec.eu.int), by fax (No (32-2) 295 01 28) or by post, under reference number COMP/C.2/38.681 — Universal International Music BV/MCPS and others, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Antitrust Registry |
| B-1049 Brussels |
| Fax (32-2) 295 01 28 |

12.

Observations can be sent to the Commission by e-mail (GREFFE-ANTITRUST@cec.eu.int), by fax (No (32-2) 295 01 28) or by post, under reference number COMP/C.2/38.681 — Universal International Music BV/MCPS and others, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Antitrust Registry

B-1049 Brussels

Fax (32-2) 295 01 28

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(1)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 of 16 December 2002 on the implementation of the rules on competition laid down in Articles 81 and 82 of the Treaty (OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, p. 1-25).

(2)  The thirteen societies are: AEPI, AustroMechana, GEMA, MCPS, MCPSI, NCB, SABAM, SDRM, SGAE, SIAE, SPA, STEMRA and SUISA.

(3)  The five major music publishers are BMG, EMI, Sony, Universal and Warner.

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| 23.5.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 122/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 122/4

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Summary information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 of 23 December 2003 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production, processing and marketing of agricultural products

(2006/C 122/03)

Aid No: XA 13/2006

Member State: Slovenia

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: Co-financing insurance premiums to insure crops and yield in 2006

Legal basis: Uredba o sofinanciranje zavarovalnih premij za zavarovanje posevkov in plodov v letu 2006

Annual expenditure planned/overall amount of individual aid granted to company: The expenditure planned for 2006 totals SIT 500 000 000 (EUR 2 085 940)

Maximum aid intensity: 30 % of the expenditure on insurance premiums to insure agricultural crops against damage from hail, fire and lightening

Date of implementation: March 2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: The aid may be granted up to 31 December 2006

Objective of aid: Aid in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 — Aid towards the payment of insurance premiums

The purpose of paying a proportion of the expenditure on insurance premiums is to encourage agricultural producers to insure themselves against potential losses due to natural hazards or adverse weather conditions, whilst taking responsibility for managing this area of risk

Sectors: Agriculture — plant production.

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food: |
| --- |
| Dunajska 58 |
| SLO-1000 Ljubljana |

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food:

Dunajska 58

SLO-1000 Ljubljana

| National Agency for Agricultural Markets and Regional Development: |
| --- |
| Dunajska 160 |
| SLO-1000 Ljubljana. |

National Agency for Agricultural Markets and Regional Development:

Dunajska 160

SLO-1000 Ljubljana.

Website address: http://www.mkgp.gov.si/index.php?id=1037

Aid No: XA 14/06

Member State: United Kingdom

Region: Somerset (The aid will be available in the administrative county of Somerset, the area covered by the Exmoor National Park, and the area covered by the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Food Sector Support Service — Somerset FS4

Legal basis: Sections 4 and 5 of The Regional Development Agencies Act 1998

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

| | 1 April 2006 — 31 March 2007: GBP 350 000 |
| --- | --- |

1 April 2006 — 31 March 2007: GBP 350 000

| | 1 April 2007 — 30 June 2007: GBP 350 000 |
| --- | --- |

1 April 2007 — 30 June 2007: GBP 350 000

Maximum aid intensity: 100 %

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: The scheme will end on 30 June 2007. It is currently planned to extend the scheme after this date, but only if further State aid clearance can be obtained

Objective of aid: Sectoral development

The objective of the aid is to provide support for SMEs who are involved in the production and processing of food with the principal aims of increasing opportunities in the market place.

The aid is being implemented under Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2004. The eligible costs will be:

the costs of organising training programmes;

consultancy services; and

the organisation of and participation in exhibitions and trade fairs (participation fees, costs of publications and the rent of exhibitions premises).

Sector(s) concerned: The scheme will apply to businesses involved in agricultural production, processing and marketing. The scheme will apply to all subsectors

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Somerset County Council |
| --- |
| The Fire Station |
| George Street |
| Glastonbury |
| Somerset TA10 9PR |
| United Kingdom |

Somerset County Council

The Fire Station

George Street

Glastonbury

Somerset TA10 9PR

United Kingdom

The organisation operating the scheme is

| Somerset Food Links |
| --- |
| The Old Town Hall |
| Bow Street |
| Langport |
| Somerset TA10 9PR |
| United Kingdom |

Somerset Food Links

The Old Town Hall

Bow Street

Langport

Somerset TA10 9PR

United Kingdom

Web address: http://www.somerset.foodlinks.org.uk

Click on ‘Project Areas’ and then click on ‘Food Sector Support Service — Somerset (FS4)’.

Alternatively, you can visit the UK's central page for exempted agricultural State aids at

http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/state-aid/setup/exist-exempt.htm.

Click on the ‘Food Sector Support Service — Somerset (FS4)’.

Other information: The scheme will be made available to some non-agricultural businesses. Aid to non-agricultural businesses will be paid with regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 69/2001.

Beneficiaries will not be able to choose their own service provider. The service provider will be Somerset Food Links who will provide consultants who were selected by a tendering exercise on the basis of market principles in line with Article 14(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2004

Aid No: XA 15/06

Member State: United Kingdom

Region: England

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: England Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative 2006-2007 (ECSFDI)

Legal basis: This is a non-statutory service, participation in which is voluntary. The Agriculture Act 1986 (section 1) provides the legal base for the provision by Government of advice in connection with any agricultural activity.

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

| | 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007 GBP 10 million |
| --- | --- |

1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007 GBP 10 million

| | 1 April 2007 to 30 June 2007 GBP 3,75 million |
| --- | --- |

1 April 2007 to 30 June 2007 GBP 3,75 million

The Initiative will close on 30 June 2007. However, subject to State aid clearance, Defra intends to extend the Initiative until 31 March 2008. This extension period has already been allocated GBP 11,25 million

Maximum aid intensity: 100 %

Date of implementation: The new programme will start from 1 April 2006.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: To 30 June 2007

Objective of aid: Environmental protection. The aim of the ECSFDI is to raise awareness of diffuse water pollution from agriculture (dwpa) and to encourage early voluntary action by farmers to tackle dwpa in forty priority catchments. It will contribute to the achievement of domestic and international environmental targets, in particular the Water Framework Directive.

The eligible costs will be consultancy for the mitigation of diffuse water pollution. Such aid will be granted in line with Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 and the eligible expenses will be consultancy services

Sectors concerned: The beneficiaries of the ECSFDI will be involved in the production of agricultural products only. All subsectors will be eligible

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: |
| --- |
| Defra |
| Water Quality Division |
| 3/8 Whitehall Place |
| London SW1A 2HH |
| United Kingdom |

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

Defra

Water Quality Division

3/8 Whitehall Place

London SW1A 2HH

United Kingdom

Managed on Defra's behalf by

| Rural Development Service (Natural England partnership) and Environment Agency: |
| --- |
| RDS — Farm Advice Unit |
| Eastbrook |
| Shaftesbury Road |
| Cambridge CB2 2DR |
| United Kingdom |

Rural Development Service (Natural England partnership) and Environment Agency:

RDS — Farm Advice Unit

Eastbrook

Shaftesbury Road

Cambridge CB2 2DR

United Kingdom

Web-address: More information on ECSFDI and the wider CSF programme, and the full text for this document can be found at:

www.defra.gov.uk/farm/environment/water

click on State aid on the left hand side of this page.

Other information: Beneficiaries will not be able to choose the service provider. The service provider will be Natural England, an executive agency of the UK Government.

Signed and dated on behalf of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK competent authority

Stephen Anderson

Agricultural State Aid Team Leader

Defra

8E9 Millbank

17 Smith Square

London SW1P 3JR

United Kingdom

Aid No: XA 16/2006

Member State: France

Department: Hérault

Title of aid scheme: Aid for material investments allowing products to be traced.

Legal basis:

| — | Article 4 du règlement (CE) no 1/2004 de la Commission européenne |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 4 du règlement (CE) no 1/2004 de la Commission européenne

| — | Articles L 1511-1 et suivants du code général des collectivités territoriales |
| --- | --- |

—

Articles L 1511-1 et suivants du code général des collectivités territoriales

| — | Délibération du Conseil général de l'Hérault votée le 15 décembre 2005 |
| --- | --- |

—

Délibération du Conseil général de l'Hérault votée le 15 décembre 2005

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 70 000

Maximum aid intensity: The aid will take the form of a grant at a rate of 40 % of the eligible investments, exclusive of tax. The ceiling for eligible investment is EUR 15 000 in general cases. It is EUR 30 000 if an agricultural cooperative has two production sites

Date of implementation and duration of the aid scheme: Until 31 December 2006

Objective of the aid: This measure is a continuation, extended to all sectors engaged in the production, processing and marketing of farm products, of that approved under N 234/2002. It falls within the scope of Article 4(3)(a) and (c) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 of 23 December 2003 and is aimed at improving food quality and safety. It will make it possible to finance investments serving as a basis for traceability, such as:

software (e.g. GIS), apart from that required for office systems,

computers, with the exception of software for day-to-day management.

Sectors concerned: All farm cooperatives in Hérault involved in all sectors of agricultural production, processing and marketing

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Monsieur le Président du Conseil général de l'Hérault |
| --- |
| 1000, rue d'Alco |
| F-34000 Montpellier |

Monsieur le Président du Conseil général de l'Hérault

1000, rue d'Alco

F-34000 Montpellier

Address of website: This aid scheme is published on the website of the Department of Hérault: http://www.cg34.fr. To go to the relevant page, use the following path:

economie/agriculture/production/viticulture/en savoir plus: aides aux coopératives agricoles.

Aid No: XA 18/2006

Member State: Spain

Region: Catalonia

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Pilot plan on global farm contracts

Legal basis: Orden ARP/307/2005, de 7 de julio, por la que se aprueban las bases reguladoras del plan piloto de los contratos globales de explotación, y se convocan los correspondientes al año 2005.

Orden ARP/405/2005, de 13 de octubre, por la cual se modifican las bases reguladoras del plan piloto de los contratos globales de explotación aprobados por la Orden ARP/307/2005, de 7 de julio (DOGC núm. 4494, de 21.10.2005, pág. 33529)

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company (amounts are to be given in euro or, if applicable, national currency. In the case of an aid scheme, indicate the annual overall amount of the budget appropriation(s) or the estimated tax loss per year for all aid instruments contained in the scheme. In the case of an individual aid award, indicate the overall aid amount/tax loss. If appropriate, indicate also for how many years the aid will be paid in instalments or over how many years tax losses will be incurred. For guarantees in both cases, indicate the (maximum) amount of loans guaranteed): The annual expenditure planned is EUR 2 200 000

Maximum aid intensity:

| — | Investment in agricultural holdings: the intensity will be up to 50 % of the investment, and will not exceed EUR 180 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

Investment in agricultural holdings: the intensity will be up to 50 % of the investment, and will not exceed EUR 180 000

| — | Relocation of buildings in the public interest: the maximum aid intensity will be as follows:






  — | up to 100 % if there is no improvement to facilities |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Relocation of buildings in the public interest: the maximum aid intensity will be as follows:

—

up to 100 % if there is no improvement to facilities

| — | if improvement to facilities is involved, up to 40 % or 50 % for farmers, depending on their location, and up to 45 % or 55 % for young farmers, depending on whether they are located in a less-favoured area |
| --- | --- |

—

if improvement to facilities is involved, up to 40 % or 50 % for farmers, depending on their location, and up to 45 % or 55 % for young farmers, depending on whether they are located in a less-favoured area

| — | if an increase in production capacity is involved, up to 40 % or 50 % for farmers, depending on their location, and up to 45 % or 55 % for young farmers, depending on whether they are located in a less-favoured area |
| --- | --- |

—

if an increase in production capacity is involved, up to 40 % or 50 % for farmers, depending on their location, and up to 45 % or 55 % for young farmers, depending on whether they are located in a less-favoured area

| — | Setting up of young farmers: the maximum aid intensity will be EUR 50 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

Setting up of young farmers: the maximum aid intensity will be EUR 50 000

| — | Insurance for agricultural production: the cost of the insurance policy will be reduced by up to 70 % |
| --- | --- |

—

Insurance for agricultural production: the cost of the insurance policy will be reduced by up to 70 %

| — | Specific technical consultancy: the maximum aid intensity will be EUR 1 500 |
| --- | --- |

—

Specific technical consultancy: the maximum aid intensity will be EUR 1 500

| — | Improvement in food quality: the intensity will be up to 100 % in the first year, and up to 80 % in the second |
| --- | --- |

—

Improvement in food quality: the intensity will be up to 100 % in the first year, and up to 80 % in the second

| — | Investment in the protection and improvement of the environment, hygiene and animal welfare: the intensity will be up to 65 % of the investment, and will not exceed EUR 20 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

Investment in the protection and improvement of the environment, hygiene and animal welfare: the intensity will be up to 65 % of the investment, and will not exceed EUR 20 000

| — | Investment in the conservation of the landscape: the intensity will be up to 90 % of the investment, and will not exceed EUR 20 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

Investment in the conservation of the landscape: the intensity will be up to 90 % of the investment, and will not exceed EUR 20 000

| — | Processing and marketing of agricultural products: the intensity will be up to 30 % of the investment, and will not exceed EUR 100 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

Processing and marketing of agricultural products: the intensity will be up to 30 % of the investment, and will not exceed EUR 100 000

| — | Diversification of farm activities: the aid intensity will be up to 35 % of the investment, and will not exceed EUR 60 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

Diversification of farm activities: the aid intensity will be up to 35 % of the investment, and will not exceed EUR 60 000

| — | Labour replacement services for a fixed period: the aid intensity will be up to 70 % of the total cost of the service, and will not exceed EUR 46 per day |
| --- | --- |

—

Labour replacement services for a fixed period: the aid intensity will be up to 70 % of the total cost of the service, and will not exceed EUR 46 per day

| — | Investment in improving housing: the aid intensity will be up to 20 % of the investment, and will not exceed EUR 9 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

Investment in improving housing: the aid intensity will be up to 20 % of the investment, and will not exceed EUR 9 000

Date of implementation:

Duration of aid scheme or individual aid award:

Objective of aid: Investment in agricultural holdings (Article 4). Investment pursuing the following objectives will be subsidised:

Improvement in the living and working conditions of farmers and farm workers. Investment taken into consideration will aim to improve agricultural practices and farming-related tasks.

Quality improvement and management of production based on market needs and, where appropriate, to meet Community quality standards and diversify farm activities by investing in the classification, conditioning, manufacture, processing and marketing of the holding's agricultural products.

Adaptation of holdings to reduce production costs, save energy/water, or incorporate new technologies, including computerisation and electronic data transmission.

Compliance with recently established minimum standards for the environment, hygiene and animal welfare (standards entering into force one year before the application is made).

Improvement in hygiene conditions of livestock enterprises and in animal welfare, the protection and improvement of soil, plant cover and the environment

The following activities are excluded from investment eligible for support:

The purchase of land, except in cases provided for under Article 16 of Royal Decree 613/2001 of 8 June 2001.

The purchase of machinery and of any type of tools, except where first purchase is involved, or such items are acquired and are necessary for the holding's viability when it increases in physical size or changes its production type.

The diversification of productive activities through rural tourism, hunting and handicraft activities.

Acquisition of vehicles.

Acquisition of production rights.

Activities aimed simply at substituting, replacing or renewing items on the holding.

Investment and productive sectors subject to the restrictions in paragraph 4 of Annex I to Royal Decree 613/2001 of 8 June 2001

Relocation of buildings in the public interest (Article 6): eligible costs are those incurred as part of relocation (dismantling, removal and rebuilding).

Setting up of young farmers (Article 8): eligible costs are those in pursuit of the following objectives: assistance with all costs linked to the setting up of young farmers in order to help them become first-time owners of agricultural holdings which will become priority holdings.

Insurance for agricultural production (Article 11): encouragement is given to the use in Catalonia of agricultural insurance. This will be applied in accordance with the combined annual agricultural insurance plans approved by the central administration.

Specific technical consultancy (Article 14): encouragement is given to specific consultancy services geared towards the type of farming on each holding.

Improvement in food quality (Article 13): encouragement is given to the development of quality agricultural products differentiated by their origin or manufacture. Eligible costs relate to registration or annual quotas during the first five years and, on a degressive basis, to the relevant Regulatory Council, or ‘Q mark’ certification costs.

Investment in the protection and improvement of the environment, hygiene and animal welfare (Article 4(3)(d)): encouragement is given to investment entailing increased costs linked to the protection and improvement of the environment, to the improvement of hygiene conditions of livestock enterprises, or to the promotion of animal welfare. Eligible costs relate to investment in pursuit of the following objectives:

Compliance with recently established minimum standards for the environment, hygiene and animal welfare (standards entering into force one year before the application is made)

Improvement in hygiene conditions of livestock enterprises and in animal welfare, the protection and improvement of soil, plant cover and the environment.

Investment in the conservation of the landscape (Article 5): investment is encouraged which involves heritage conservation, e.g. conservation of archaeological or historical items. Eligible costs are those relating to the following:

The application of landscape criteria when improving or constructing agricultural buildings and installations.

Conservation and maintenance of traditional agricultural buildings.

Integral restoration of drystone walls in a poor state of conservation.

Preservation of holding surroundings by maintaining vegetation growing on verges, and by maintaining fences and small, isolated areas of forest.

Planting of trees to integrate and/or hide buildings creating an impact.

The change or harmonisation of locking systems.

Clearing-up after fly-tipping.

Relocation or improvement of containers or other conspicuous items.

Repair, replacement or progressive demolition of structures which are in a precarious state or in disuse.

Other types of investment not listed above may be assisted, provided that the board responsible for assessing applications considers that such investment meets the aims of this measure.

Processing and marketing of agricultural products (Article 7): encouragement is given to increasing competitiveness and value added by means of investment in the processing and marketing of agricultural products. Eligible costs are: construction, acquisition of immovable property except for the purchase of land, the purchase of machinery and new equipment.

Diversification of farm activities (Article 4(3)(e)): encouragement is given to enhancing economic alternatives in farming, and to promoting rural tourism and non-food rural handicrafts, so that income from these activities might supplement agricultural income. Eligible costs will be:

The construction, acquisition or improvement of immovable property;

The purchase or lease-purchase of new machinery and equipment, including computer software;

General costs reaching up to 12 % of those above

Labour replacement services for a fixed period (Article 14(2)(b)): encouragement is given to improving the quality of work and quality of life of farmers who are primarily active in the sphere of agriculture, by supporting the provision of services to replace the farm owner or farm workers in the event of sickness, maternity, holidays or weekly rest periods.

Investment in improving housing (Article 4): investment in farmers' usual place of residence is encouraged, provided that the residence is linked to premises for meeting the needs of agricultural or complementary activities and is located in a rural settlement of fewer than 3 000 inhabitants, or is housing located on land which cannot be developed.

Sector(s) concerned: The aid scheme concerns all agricultural subsectors, as well as production, processing and marketing.

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Departament d'Agricultura, Ramaderia i Pesca |
| --- |
| Generalitat de Catalunya |
| Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 612-614 |
| E-08007 Barcelona |

Departament d'Agricultura, Ramaderia i Pesca

Generalitat de Catalunya

Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 612-614

E-08007 Barcelona

Web address: https://www.gencat.net/diari_c/4424/05186151.htm

Other information: Beneficiaries will be those companies which are SMEs based on the definition in Annex I to Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises, as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 364/2004 of 25 February 2004

---

| 23.5.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 122/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 122/9

---

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

(2006/C 122/04)

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

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

Application for registration according to Article 5 and Article 17(2)

‘CONNEMARA HILL LAMB’ or ‘UAIN SLÉIBHE CHONAMARA’

EC No: IE/00366/03.09.2004

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

This summary has been drawn up for information only. For full details, interested parties are invited to consult the full version of the product specification obtainable from the national authorities indicated in section 1 or from the European Commission (1).

1.   Responsible department in the Member State:

| Name: | Department of Agriculture and Food
  Food Division
  Agriculture House |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Kildare Street |
| Dublin 2 |
| Ireland |

Name:

Department of Agriculture and Food

Food Division

Agriculture House

Address:

Kildare Street

Dublin 2

Ireland

Tel.:

(353-1) 607 23 90

Fax:

(353-1) 607 20 38

2.   Group:

| Name: | Connemara Hill Lamb Ltd |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Corr na Mona |
| Co. Galway |
| Ireland |

Name:

Connemara Hill Lamb Ltd

Address:

Corr na Mona

Co. Galway

Ireland

Composition:

Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

3.   Type of product:

Class: meat and edible offal as referred to in Annex 1 of the Treaties of the European Communities.

4.   Specification (summary of requirements under Article 4(2))

4.1   Name: ‘Connemara Hill Lamb’ or ‘Uain Sléibhe Chonamara’

4.2   Description: The product to be protected is Connemara hill lamb, which are bred, born and reared in the designated geographical region. The lambs are light in body- weight and bone and the carcass is lean with a light cover, rose red in colour and has a solid deep texture.

4.3   Geographical area: The geographical area is that west of the Corrib Basin including the islands of Inishmaan, Inisheer and Inishmore and represents an area in the West of Ireland known internationally as Connemara. The landscape of this area is characterised by its mountains, bog and lakes. The lambs are reared in the mountainous terrain where they graze on mountain grass, heathers and herbs.

4.4   Proof of origin: References to consumption of Connemara hill lamb can be traced to the early nineteenth century, when the Black face stock were introduced from Scotland. During the immediate post-famine years 1850/1870 significant quantities of blackface sheep were imported from Scotland for grazing on hill land. The Congested Districts Board established in 1891 made further importations in order to improve the breed. The breed has since evolved into a distinctive strain and has adapted to survive the rugged conditions of Connemara. The black face breed is particularly suited to the terrain of the area given its ability to forage better than other breeds.

In order to ensure full traceability from farm to slaughter all lambs are affixed with a special ear tag and carcass swing tag. On site inspections are carried out on all farms to inspect and tag all lambs prior to slaughter.

4.5   Method of production: The meat is from lambs of the Black faced breed, born and raised in the designated geographical area. Lambs are born in the Spring generally from April onwards (later than other Irish lamb) and are suckled by the ewe throughout their lives. The Lambs are left free to graze on the hilly habitat and are generally slaughtered at 14 weeks. Some lambs are slaughtered at 10 weeks. The lamb is available in Irish shops from August to November. In the absence of an approved slaughterhouse in the designated geographical area, the lambs are transported to an approved slaughterhouse located in an adjoining county.

4.6   Link: The taste, flavour and colour of Connemara Hill lamb are directly linked to the local flora on which the lambs are grazed. The diet is mountain grass heather and herbs, common to the areas of production. The main constituents are the grasses Agrostis Spp. Festuca Spp. and Molina, the sedges Carex Spp. Scirpus cespitosus, Eriophorum angustifolium and Trichophurum cespitosum. Other important plants in the diet are the heathers Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix and Erica cinerea and the plants Narhtecium ossifragum and Potentilla erecta. The rugged terrain means that the lambs are more agile than their lowland counterparts hence carcass composition is smaller, weighing about 10 kg compared to 25 kg for lowland lambs.

4.7   Inspection body:

| Name: | Department of Agriculture and Food |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Agriculture House |
| Kildare Street |
| Dublin 2 |
| Ireland |

Name:

Department of Agriculture and Food

Address:

Agriculture House

Kildare Street

Dublin 2

Ireland

Tel.:

(353-1) 607 23 90

Fax:

(353-1) 607 20 38

4.8   Labelling: PGI

4.9   National requirements: —

---

(1)  European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, Agricultural Product Quality Policy, B-1049 Brussels.

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| 23.5.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 122/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 122/11

---

Communication from the French Government concerning Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons (1)

(Notice regarding an application for an exclusive licence to prospect for oil and gas, designated the ‘Béarn des Gaves Licence’)

(2006/C 122/05)

(Text with EEA relevance)

By request of 29 September 2005, Europa Oil & Gas plc, with registered offices at 25 Moorgate, London EC2R 6AY (United Kingdom), applied for an exclusive five-year licence, designated the ‘Béarn des Gaves licence’, to prospect for oil and gas in an area of approximately 928 km2 forming part of the departments of Landes and Pyrénées Atlantiques.

The perimeter of the area covered by this licence is made up of the meridian and parallel arcs successively joining the points defined below by their geographical coordinates, the original meridian being that of Paris.

| POINTS | LONGITUDE | LATITUDE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A | 3.90o W | 48.50o N |
| B | 3.70o W | 48.50o N |
| C | 3.70o W | 48.40o N |
| D | 3.40o W | 48.40o N |
| E | 3.40o W | 48.50o N |
| F | 3.30o W | 48.50o N |
| G | 3.30o W | 48.34o N |
| H | 3.34o W | 48.34o N |
| I | 3.34o W | 48.32o N |
| J | 3.40o W | 48.32o N |
| K | 3.40o W | 48.30o N |
| L | 3.50o W | 48.30o N |
| M | 3.50o W | 48.20o N |
| N | 3.90o W | 48.20o N |

POINTS

LONGITUDE

LATITUDE

A

3.90o W

48.50o N

B

3.70o W

48.50o N

C

3.70o W

48.40o N

D

3.40o W

48.40o N

E

3.40o W

48.50o N

F

3.30o W

48.50o N

G

3.30o W

48.34o N

H

3.34o W

48.34o N

I

3.34o W

48.32o N

J

3.40o W

48.32o N

K

3.40o W

48.30o N

L

3.50o W

48.30o N

M

3.50o W

48.20o N

N

3.90o W

48.20o N

Submission of applications

The initial applicant and competing applicants must prove that they comply with the requirements for obtaining the licence, as specified in Articles 3, 4 and 5 of Decree No 95-427 of 19 April 1995, as amended, concerning mining rights.

Interested companies may, within ninety days of the publication of this notice, submit a competing application in accordance with the procedure summarised in the ‘Notice regarding the granting of mining rights for hydrocarbons in France’ published in
  Official Journal of the European Communities C 374 of 30 December 1994, page 11, and established by Decree No 95-427 of 19 April 1995, as amended, concerning mining rights (Journal officiel de la République française, 22 April 1995).

Competing applications must be sent to the Minister responsible for mines at the address below. Decisions on the initial application and competing applications must be taken within two years of the date on which the French authorities received the initial application, plus extensions for regularisation of the application by the applicant, i.e. by 10 December 2007 at the latest.

Conditions and requirements regarding performance of the activity and cessation thereof

Applicants are referred to Articles 79 and 79(1) of the Mining Code and to Decree No 95-696 of 9 May 1995, as amended, on the start of mining operations and the mining regulations (Journal officiel de la République française, 11 May 1995).

Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Finance and Industry (Directorate-General for Energy and Raw Materials, Directorate for Energy and Mineral Resources, Bureau of Mining Legislation), 61, boulevard Vincent Auriol, Télédoc 133, F-75703 Paris Cedex 13, France, (tel. 144 97 23 02, fax: (33) 144 97 05 70].

The abovementioned laws and regulations can be consulted at http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr

---

(1)  OJ L 164, 30.6.1974, p. 3.

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| 23.5.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 122/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 122/13

---

Communication from the French Government concerning Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons (1)

(Notice regarding an application for an exclusive licence to prospect for oil and gas, designated the ‘Tarbes-Val d'Adour Licence’)

(2006/C 122/06)

(Text with EEA relevance)

By request of 3 October 2005, Europa Oil & Gas plc, with registered offices at 25 Moorgate, London EC2R 6AY (United Kingdom), applied for an exclusive five-year licence, designated the ‘Tarbes-Val d'Adour licence’, to prospect for oil and gas in an area of approximately 1 405 km2 forming part of the departments of Pyrénées Atlantiques, Landes, Gers and Hautes Pyrénées.

The perimeter of the area covered by this licence is made up of the meridian and parallel arcs successively joining the points defined below by their geographical coordinates, the original meridian being that of Paris.

| POINTS | LONGITUDE | LATITUDE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A | 3.10o W | 48.60o N |
| B | 2.80o W | 48.60o N |
| C | 2.80o W | 48.50o N |
| D | 2.70o W | 48.50°N |
| E | 2.70o W | 48.30o N |
| F | 2.40o W | 48.30o N |
| G | 2.40o W | 48.20o N |
| H | 2.30o W | 48.20o N |
| I | 2.30o W | 48.00o N |
| J | 2.85o W | 48.00o N |
| K | 2.85o W | 48.10o N |
| L | 2.77o W | 48.10o N |
| M | 2.77o W | 48.16o N |
| N | 2.80o W | 48.16o N |
| O | 2.80o W | 48.33o N |
| P | 2.75o W | 48.33o N |
| Q | 2.75o W | 48.37o N |
| R | 2.77o W | 48.37o N |
| S | 2.77o W | 48.38o N |
| T | 2.80o W | 48.38o N |
| U | 2.80o W | 48.39o N |
| V | 2.90o W | 48.39o N |
| W | 2.90o W | 48.50o N |
| X | 2.93o W | 48.50o N |
| Y | 2.93o W | 48.51o N |
| Z | 3.05o W | 48.51o N |
| AA | 3.05o W | 48.50o N |
| AB | 3.10o W | 48.50o N |

POINTS

LONGITUDE

LATITUDE

A

3.10o W

48.60o N

B

2.80o W

48.60o N

C

2.80o W

48.50o N

D

2.70o W

48.50°N

E

2.70o W

48.30o N

F

2.40o W

48.30o N

G

2.40o W

48.20o N

H

2.30o W

48.20o N

I

2.30o W

48.00o N

J

2.85o W

48.00o N

K

2.85o W

48.10o N

L

2.77o W

48.10o N

M

2.77o W

48.16o N

N

2.80o W

48.16o N

O

2.80o W

48.33o N

P

2.75o W

48.33o N

Q

2.75o W

48.37o N

R

2.77o W

48.37o N

S

2.77o W

48.38o N

T

2.80o W

48.38o N

U

2.80o W

48.39o N

V

2.90o W

48.39o N

W

2.90o W

48.50o N

X

2.93o W

48.50o N

Y

2.93o W

48.51o N

Z

3.05o W

48.51o N

AA

3.05o W

48.50o N

AB

3.10o W

48.50o N

The following are excluded from this perimeter:

The area of the Lagrave concession (30,65 km2)

| POINTS | LONGITUDE | LATITUDE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AC | 2.73o W | 48.22o N |
| AD | 2.70o W | 48.22o N |
| AE | 2.70o W | 48.20o N |
| AF | 2.67o W | 48.20o N |
| AG | 2.67o W | 48.14o N |
| AH | 2.73o W | 48.14o N |

POINTS

LONGITUDE

LATITUDE

AC

2.73o W

48.22o N

AD

2.70o W

48.22o N

AE

2.70o W

48.20o N

AF

2.67o W

48.20o N

AG

2.67o W

48.14o N

AH

2.73o W

48.14o N

The area of the Castera-Lou concession (26,3 km2)

| POINTS | LONGITUDE | LATITUDE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI | 2.46o W | 48.19o N |
| AJ | 2.42o W | 48.19o N |
| AK | 2.42o W | 48.18o N |
| AL | 2.38o W | 48.18o N |
| AM | 2.38o W | 48.13o N |
| AN | 2.43o W | 48.13o N |
| AO | 2.43o W | 48.14o N |
| AP | 2.44o W | 48.14o N |
| AQ | 2.44o W | 48.16o N |
| AR | 2.45o W | 48.16o N |
| AS | 2.45o W | 48.17o N |
| AT | 2.46o W | 48.17o N |

POINTS

LONGITUDE

LATITUDE

AI

2.46o W

48.19o N

AJ

2.42o W

48.19o N

AK

2.42o W

48.18o N

AL

2.38o W

48.18o N

AM

2.38o W

48.13o N

AN

2.43o W

48.13o N

AO

2.43o W

48.14o N

AP

2.44o W

48.14o N

AQ

2.44o W

48.16o N

AR

2.45o W

48.16o N

AS

2.45o W

48.17o N

AT

2.46o W

48.17o N

The area of the Laméac concession (4,4 km2)

| POINTS | LONGITUDE | LATITUDE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AU | 2.35o W | 48.16o N |
| AV | 2.32o W | 48.16o N |
| AW | 2.32o W | 48.14o N |
| AX | 2.35o W | 48.14o N |

POINTS

LONGITUDE

LATITUDE

AU

2.35o W

48.16o N

AV

2.32o W

48.16o N

AW

2.32o W

48.14o N

AX

2.35o W

48.14o N

Submission of applications

The initial applicant and competing applicants must prove that they comply with the requirements for obtaining the licence, defined in Articles 3, 4 and 5 of Decree No 95-427 of 19 April 1995, as amended, concerning mining rights.

Interested companies may, within ninety days of the publication of this notice, submit a competing application in accordance with the procedure summarised in the ‘Notice regarding the granting of mining rights for hydrocarbons in France’ published in the
  Official Journal of the European Communities C 374 of 30 December 1994, page 11, and established by Decree No 95-427 of 19 April 1995, as amended, concerning mining rights (Journal officiel de la République française, 22 April 1995).

Competing applications must be sent to the Minister responsible for mines at the address below. Decisions on the initial application and competing applications must be taken within two years of the date on which the French authorities received the initial application, i.e. by 10 December 2007 at the latest.

Conditions and requirements regarding performance of the activity and cessation thereof

Applicants are referred to Articles 79 and 79.1 of the mining code and to Decree No 95-696 of 9 May 1995, as amended, on the start of mining operations and the mining regulations (Journal officiel de la République française, 11 May 1995).

Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Finance and Industry (Directorate-General for Energy and Raw Materials, Directorate for Energy and Mineral Resources, Bureau of Mining Legislation), 61, boulevard Vincent Auriol, Télédoc 133, F-75703 Paris Cedex 13, France, (tel. (33) 144 97 23 02, fax: (33) 144 97 05 70).

The abovementioned laws and regulations can be consulted at http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr

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(1)  OJ L 164, 30.6.1994, p. 3.

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| 23.5.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 122/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 122/16

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4237 — Bouygues/Alstom)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2006/C 122/07)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | On 11 May 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Bouygues S.A. (‘Bouygues’, France) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Alstom (France) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 11 May 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Bouygues S.A. (‘Bouygues’, France) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Alstom (France) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for undertaking Bouygues: construction, telecommunications, media; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for undertaking Bouygues: construction, telecommunications, media;

| — | for undertaking Alstom: production of power generation equipment and related services, production of rail transport equipment and related services. |
| --- | --- |

—

for undertaking Alstom: production of power generation equipment and related services, production of rail transport equipment and related services.

| 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 (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4237 — Bouygues/Alstom, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Competition DG |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Brussels |

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 (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4237 — Bouygues/Alstom, to the following address:

European Commission

Competition DG

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Brussels

---

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

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

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| 23.5.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 122/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 122/17

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COM documents other than legislative proposals adopted by the Commission

(2006/C 122/08)

| Document | Part | Date | Title |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| COM(2005) 90 | | 16.3.2005 | Communication from the Commission: Report on progress at 31 January 2005 of the modernisation of the accounting system of the European Commission |
| COM(2005) 100 | | 16.3.2005 | Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee: The rules of origin in preferential trade arrangements — Orientations for the future |
| COM(2005) 239 | | 6.6.2005 | Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Consolidation and expansion of the External Service |
| COM(2005) 257 | | 15.6.2005 | Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Annual Report to the Discharge Authority on Internal Audits Carried out in 2004 |
| COM(2005) 390 | | 1.9.2005 | Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Migration and Development: Some concrete orientations |
| COM(2005) 569 | | 15.11.2005 | Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Public-Private Partnerships and Community Law on Public Procurement and Concessions |
| COM(2005) 573 | | 15.11.2005 | Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: The impact of the accession of Bulgaria and Romania on the human resources of the commission |
| COM(2005) 582 | | 16.11.2005 | Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Opening of a delegation in Belarus |
| COM(2005) 620 | | 29.11.2005 | Commission communication to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee: The Prevention of and Fight against Terrorist Financing through enhanced national level coordination and greater transparency of the non-profit sector. |
| COM(2005) 621 | | 30.11.2005 | Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Priority actions for responding to the challenges of migration: First follow-up to Hampton Court |
| COM(2005) 657 | | 15.12.2005 | Report from the Commission: Evaluation report on the Settlement Finality Directive 98/26/EC (EU 25) |
| COM(2005) 709 | | 23.12.2005 | Report from the Commission: European Union Solidarity Fund — Annual report 2004 |

Document

Part

Date

Title

COM(2005) 90

16.3.2005

Communication from the Commission: Report on progress at 31 January 2005 of the modernisation of the accounting system of the European Commission

COM(2005) 100

16.3.2005

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee: The rules of origin in preferential trade arrangements — Orientations for the future

COM(2005) 239

6.6.2005

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Consolidation and expansion of the External Service

COM(2005) 257

15.6.2005

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Annual Report to the Discharge Authority on Internal Audits Carried out in 2004

COM(2005) 390

1.9.2005

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Migration and Development: Some concrete orientations

COM(2005) 569

15.11.2005

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Public-Private Partnerships and Community Law on Public Procurement and Concessions

COM(2005) 573

15.11.2005

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: The impact of the accession of Bulgaria and Romania on the human resources of the commission

COM(2005) 582

16.11.2005

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Opening of a delegation in Belarus

COM(2005) 620

29.11.2005

Commission communication to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee: The Prevention of and Fight against Terrorist Financing through enhanced national level coordination and greater transparency of the non-profit sector.

COM(2005) 621

30.11.2005

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Priority actions for responding to the challenges of migration: First follow-up to Hampton Court

COM(2005) 657

15.12.2005

Report from the Commission: Evaluation report on the Settlement Finality Directive 98/26/EC (EU 25)

COM(2005) 709

23.12.2005

Report from the Commission: European Union Solidarity Fund — Annual report 2004

These texts are available on EUR-Lex: http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/

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