# Official Journal C 283/2021

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 283 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6415 July 2021 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 283

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6415 July 2021

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| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| | RECOMMENDATIONS |
| | Council |
| 2021/C 283/01 | Council Recommendation of 13 July 2021 on the economic policy of the euro area | 1 |

Contents

page

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RECOMMENDATIONS

Council

2021/C 283/01

Council Recommendation of 13 July 2021 on the economic policy of the euro area

1

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| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 283/02 | Euro exchange rates — 14 July 2021 | 8 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2021/C 283/02

Euro exchange rates — 14 July 2021

8

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 283/03 | Calls for proposals and related activities under the European Research Council Work Programme 2022 under Horizon Europe - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) | 9 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 283/04 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10283 — MEF 4/CDC/3i EOPF Topco/NGM) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 10 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 283/05 | Publication of an application for registration of a name pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 12 |
| 2021/C 283/06 | Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 | 15 |
| 2021/C 283/07 | Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 | 20 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Commission

2021/C 283/03

Calls for proposals and related activities under the European Research Council Work Programme 2022 under Horizon Europe - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027)

9

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2021/C 283/04

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10283 — MEF 4/CDC/3i EOPF Topco/NGM) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

10

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2021/C 283/05

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

12

2021/C 283/06

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

15

2021/C 283/07

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

20

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| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance. |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

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EN

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I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RECOMMENDATIONS

Council

| 15.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 283/1 |
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15.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 283/1

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COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION

of 13 July 2021

on the economic policy of the euro area

(2021/C 283/01)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 136 in conjunction with Article 121(2) thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies (1), and in particular Article 5(2) thereof,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances (2), and in particular Article 6(1) thereof,

Having regard to the recommendation from the European Commission,

Having regard to the conclusions of the European Council,

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Financial Committee,

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic Policy Committee,

Whereas:

| (1) | As a result of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy of the euro area experienced a sudden and deep recession in the first half of 2020. Notwithstanding the strong economic rebound in the third quarter of 2020 that accompanied the lifting of containment measures, the pick-up in the spread of COVID-19 and new containment measures in the fourth quarter of 2020 have further increased uncertainty and shown that the euro area remains vulnerable to the persisting health crisis. The COVID-19 crisis has produced a series of large demand- and supply-side shocks translating into an expected decline of gross domestic product (GDP) by 7,8 % in 2020, according to the Commission services’ autumn 2020 economic forecast. The recovery in 2021 is accordingly projected to be slower than previously expected, and a large output gap of approximately - 7,0 % of potential euro area GDP in 2020 is not projected to close by the end of 2021. Considerable uncertainty prevails regarding the economic outlook, related to the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and behavioural changes by economic agents. Prompt action at national and Union level, including the agreement reached by the European Council on the Next Generation EU recovery instrument, has significantly helped to offset some of the negative consequences of the demand- and supply-side shocks and stabilise markets. Both private consumption and investment took a severe hit, negatively affecting in turn prices and wages. The labour market outlook has also taken a turn for the worse, interrupting seven years of improvement. The increase in unemployment has so far been mitigated by the successful implementation of ambitious policy measures in all Member States, such as short-time work schemes and other support policies that aim to avoid mass lay-offs and large income losses, and the related drop in total hours worked, as well as by a decline in activity rates. |
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(1)

As a result of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy of the euro area experienced a sudden and deep recession in the first half of 2020. Notwithstanding the strong economic rebound in the third quarter of 2020 that accompanied the lifting of containment measures, the pick-up in the spread of COVID-19 and new containment measures in the fourth quarter of 2020 have further increased uncertainty and shown that the euro area remains vulnerable to the persisting health crisis. The COVID-19 crisis has produced a series of large demand- and supply-side shocks translating into an expected decline of gross domestic product (GDP) by 7,8 % in 2020, according to the Commission services’ autumn 2020 economic forecast. The recovery in 2021 is accordingly projected to be slower than previously expected, and a large output gap of approximately - 7,0 % of potential euro area GDP in 2020 is not projected to close by the end of 2021. Considerable uncertainty prevails regarding the economic outlook, related to the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and behavioural changes by economic agents. Prompt action at national and Union level, including the agreement reached by the European Council on the Next Generation EU recovery instrument, has significantly helped to offset some of the negative consequences of the demand- and supply-side shocks and stabilise markets. Both private consumption and investment took a severe hit, negatively affecting in turn prices and wages. The labour market outlook has also taken a turn for the worse, interrupting seven years of improvement. The increase in unemployment has so far been mitigated by the successful implementation of ambitious policy measures in all Member States, such as short-time work schemes and other support policies that aim to avoid mass lay-offs and large income losses, and the related drop in total hours worked, as well as by a decline in activity rates.

| (2) | The COVID-19 crisis is increasing the economic divergence across euro area Member States. Several factors are driving this divergence, including: the intensity and duration of the COVID-19 shock; the relative size and economic importance of contact-intensive sectors such as tourism, business travel and hospitality; and the differences in fiscal space available. Those differences impact confidence, investment and growth prospects as well as regional disparities that pre-existed the COVID-19 crisis but which may now be exacerbated. Over the longer-term, the current crisis might have a permanent negative effect on potential growth and income gaps due to decreased human and physical capital, both tangible and intangible. Those potential negative effects could translate into even lower growth in labour productivity and incomes and higher inequality. |
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(2)

The COVID-19 crisis is increasing the economic divergence across euro area Member States. Several factors are driving this divergence, including: the intensity and duration of the COVID-19 shock; the relative size and economic importance of contact-intensive sectors such as tourism, business travel and hospitality; and the differences in fiscal space available. Those differences impact confidence, investment and growth prospects as well as regional disparities that pre-existed the COVID-19 crisis but which may now be exacerbated. Over the longer-term, the current crisis might have a permanent negative effect on potential growth and income gaps due to decreased human and physical capital, both tangible and intangible. Those potential negative effects could translate into even lower growth in labour productivity and incomes and higher inequality.

| (3) | The swift and forceful reaction by the Union, including Next Generation EU which comprises the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) established by Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament of the Council (3), has boosted market confidence and shown the solidarity and unity of purpose of Member States in coordinating their efforts to restart economic growth and strengthen economic and social resilience. A number of new instruments for the Union and the euro area were agreed within a very short time. Those instruments already provide a safety net for workers, through the European Instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (SURE) established by Council Regulation (EU) 2020/672 (4), for businesses, through the European Investment Bank’s Pan-European Guarantee scheme, and for Member States to support domestic financing of direct and indirect healthcare-, cure- and prevention-related costs due to the COVID-19 crisis, through the European Stability Mechanism’s Pandemic Crisis Support Instrument, adopted by the European Stability Mechanism Board of Governors on 15 May 2020. The Union policy response also included the activation of the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact and a temporary framework to use the flexibility under Union State aid rules. The cohesion policy funds were redirected where most needed through the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative, under Regulation (EU) 2020/460 of the European Parliament of the Council (5) and through the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative Plus, under Regulation (EU) 2020/558 of the European Parliament and of the Council (6). |
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(3)

The swift and forceful reaction by the Union, including Next Generation EU which comprises the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) established by Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament of the Council (3), has boosted market confidence and shown the solidarity and unity of purpose of Member States in coordinating their efforts to restart economic growth and strengthen economic and social resilience. A number of new instruments for the Union and the euro area were agreed within a very short time. Those instruments already provide a safety net for workers, through the European Instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (SURE) established by Council Regulation (EU) 2020/672 (4), for businesses, through the European Investment Bank’s Pan-European Guarantee scheme, and for Member States to support domestic financing of direct and indirect healthcare-, cure- and prevention-related costs due to the COVID-19 crisis, through the European Stability Mechanism’s Pandemic Crisis Support Instrument, adopted by the European Stability Mechanism Board of Governors on 15 May 2020. The Union policy response also included the activation of the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact and a temporary framework to use the flexibility under Union State aid rules. The cohesion policy funds were redirected where most needed through the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative, under Regulation (EU) 2020/460 of the European Parliament of the Council (5) and through the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative Plus, under Regulation (EU) 2020/558 of the European Parliament and of the Council (6).

| (4) | The implementation of well-designed policies in the context of Next Generation EU and its main instrument, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, will provide a new momentum to Member States for embarking on growth-enhancing reforms and increase the level and quality of investment, consistent with serving the objectives of resilience and the green and digital transitions. That implementation should help build human capital, support workers’ successful job transitions which, alongside the cohesion policy funds, will be essential to ensure cohesion, foster employment and productivity, and enhance economic and social resilience. Union growth objectives, and national structural challenges, including those identified in the 2019 and 2020 country-specific recommendations, are key in this regard. The Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021 provided for by the Commission’s communication of 17 September 2020, which promotes those growth objectives, puts forward seven flagship initiatives: (1) power up; (2) renovate; (3) recharge and refuel; (4) connect; (5) modernise; (6) scale-up; and (7) reskill and upskill. Those flagships areas represent common challenges that call for coordinated investment and reform. Member States are encouraged to channel investment, implement reform and integrate further their value chains in these flagship areas. Regulation (EU) 2021/241 provides that euro area Member States’ recovery and resilience plans are to be consistent with the challenges and priorities identified in the Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area. Such consistency should be taken into account in the assessment of the recovery and resilience plans. |
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(4)

The implementation of well-designed policies in the context of Next Generation EU and its main instrument, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, will provide a new momentum to Member States for embarking on growth-enhancing reforms and increase the level and quality of investment, consistent with serving the objectives of resilience and the green and digital transitions. That implementation should help build human capital, support workers’ successful job transitions which, alongside the cohesion policy funds, will be essential to ensure cohesion, foster employment and productivity, and enhance economic and social resilience. Union growth objectives, and national structural challenges, including those identified in the 2019 and 2020 country-specific recommendations, are key in this regard. The Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021 provided for by the Commission’s communication of 17 September 2020, which promotes those growth objectives, puts forward seven flagship initiatives: (1) power up; (2) renovate; (3) recharge and refuel; (4) connect; (5) modernise; (6) scale-up; and (7) reskill and upskill. Those flagships areas represent common challenges that call for coordinated investment and reform. Member States are encouraged to channel investment, implement reform and integrate further their value chains in these flagship areas. Regulation (EU) 2021/241 provides that euro area Member States’ recovery and resilience plans are to be consistent with the challenges and priorities identified in the Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area. Such consistency should be taken into account in the assessment of the recovery and resilience plans.

| (5) | The euro area requires a mix of economic policies that are supportive, coordinated, comprehensive and consistent in order to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, in full compliance with the Treaty safeguards concerning the respective institutions. The aim is to limit any negative long-term impact on the labour market, to reduce significant economic and social divergences, to address imbalances and other macro-significant risks and, more broadly, to avoid negative consequences for potential growth and price stability and to ensure sustainable public finances over the medium term. The mutual consistency of the three core dimensions of the euro area policy mix – monetary, fiscal and structural – along with financial stability, is essential to ensure a supportive aggregate policy stance for the euro area. |
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(5)

The euro area requires a mix of economic policies that are supportive, coordinated, comprehensive and consistent in order to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, in full compliance with the Treaty safeguards concerning the respective institutions. The aim is to limit any negative long-term impact on the labour market, to reduce significant economic and social divergences, to address imbalances and other macro-significant risks and, more broadly, to avoid negative consequences for potential growth and price stability and to ensure sustainable public finances over the medium term. The mutual consistency of the three core dimensions of the euro area policy mix – monetary, fiscal and structural – along with financial stability, is essential to ensure a supportive aggregate policy stance for the euro area.

| (6) | Timely European Central Bank (ECB) monetary policy interventions aim to keep the monetary transmission channels intact and safeguard medium-term price stability. The ECB announced substantial purchases of public and private sector assets under its pandemic emergency purchase programme, established by Decision (EU) 2020/440 of the European Central Bank (7), amounting to EUR 1 850 billion until at least end of March 2022, as well as under the corporate sector purchase programme, established by Decision (EU) 2016/948 of the European Central Bank (8), with net purchases of EUR 20 billion per month, together with an additional envelope of EUR 120 billion until the end of 2020. Moreover, the ECB offers targeted longer-term refinancing operations at very favourable conditions, supporting bank lending to firms and households. |
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(6)

Timely European Central Bank (ECB) monetary policy interventions aim to keep the monetary transmission channels intact and safeguard medium-term price stability. The ECB announced substantial purchases of public and private sector assets under its pandemic emergency purchase programme, established by Decision (EU) 2020/440 of the European Central Bank (7), amounting to EUR 1 850 billion until at least end of March 2022, as well as under the corporate sector purchase programme, established by Decision (EU) 2016/948 of the European Central Bank (8), with net purchases of EUR 20 billion per month, together with an additional envelope of EUR 120 billion until the end of 2020. Moreover, the ECB offers targeted longer-term refinancing operations at very favourable conditions, supporting bank lending to firms and households.

| (7) | The fiscal stance was highly expansionary in 2020 and is forecast to remain supportive in 2021 at both euro area and national level, excluding emergency measures and also thanks to some recovery measures already announced. Coordination of national fiscal policies, in full respect of the Stability and Growth Pact, is crucial for the effective response to the COVID-19 crisis, a sustainable recovery, and the proper functioning of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). On 20 March 2020, the Commission concluded that the Union’s economy was experiencing a severe economic downturn and the conditions to activate the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact were met. This conclusion was endorsed by the finance ministers of the Member States on 23 March 2020. Member States introduced sizeable budgetary measures to contain the COVID-19 crisis and provide support to individuals and businesses particularly affected, as well as exceptional liquidity support, mainly via guarantees provided to companies and to banks to ensure the flow of credit. Further coordinated fiscal support will be provided at Union level, in particular through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, and the general escape clause will remain active in 2021. In spring 2021, taking into account updated macroeconomic projections, the Commission will reassess the situation and take stock of the application of the general escape clause. |
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(7)

The fiscal stance was highly expansionary in 2020 and is forecast to remain supportive in 2021 at both euro area and national level, excluding emergency measures and also thanks to some recovery measures already announced. Coordination of national fiscal policies, in full respect of the Stability and Growth Pact, is crucial for the effective response to the COVID-19 crisis, a sustainable recovery, and the proper functioning of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). On 20 March 2020, the Commission concluded that the Union’s economy was experiencing a severe economic downturn and the conditions to activate the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact were met. This conclusion was endorsed by the finance ministers of the Member States on 23 March 2020. Member States introduced sizeable budgetary measures to contain the COVID-19 crisis and provide support to individuals and businesses particularly affected, as well as exceptional liquidity support, mainly via guarantees provided to companies and to banks to ensure the flow of credit. Further coordinated fiscal support will be provided at Union level, in particular through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, and the general escape clause will remain active in 2021. In spring 2021, taking into account updated macroeconomic projections, the Commission will reassess the situation and take stock of the application of the general escape clause.

| (8) | The economic fallout from the COVID-19 crisis is having a large negative impact on public finances. When health and economic conditions allow, a refocusing of fiscal policies towards achieving prudent medium-term fiscal positions, including by phasing out emergency measures, will contribute to ensuring fiscal sustainability in the medium term. Such refocusing should be done in a way that mitigates the social impact and the impact on the labour market of the crisis and contributes to social sustainability. Reforms that aim to improve the composition of national budgets and to ensure fiscal sustainability over the longer term, including in view of climate change and health challenges, appear particularly relevant. Improving the composition of national budgets, especially through spending reviews and effective public procurement frameworks, can create much-needed fiscal space. Green budgeting practices can also help address the challenges of climate mitigation and adaptation, and environmental protection. Adequate, efficient and inclusive health and social protection systems offer much-needed protection to those in need, play a key role as automatic stabilisers and should preserve fiscal sustainability. Similarly, reforms that strengthen the functioning of labour, capital, products and services markets – through appropriate implementation and sequencing – increase potential output, while avoiding a negative short-term impact on aggregate demand. |
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(8)

The economic fallout from the COVID-19 crisis is having a large negative impact on public finances. When health and economic conditions allow, a refocusing of fiscal policies towards achieving prudent medium-term fiscal positions, including by phasing out emergency measures, will contribute to ensuring fiscal sustainability in the medium term. Such refocusing should be done in a way that mitigates the social impact and the impact on the labour market of the crisis and contributes to social sustainability. Reforms that aim to improve the composition of national budgets and to ensure fiscal sustainability over the longer term, including in view of climate change and health challenges, appear particularly relevant. Improving the composition of national budgets, especially through spending reviews and effective public procurement frameworks, can create much-needed fiscal space. Green budgeting practices can also help address the challenges of climate mitigation and adaptation, and environmental protection. Adequate, efficient and inclusive health and social protection systems offer much-needed protection to those in need, play a key role as automatic stabilisers and should preserve fiscal sustainability. Similarly, reforms that strengthen the functioning of labour, capital, products and services markets – through appropriate implementation and sequencing – increase potential output, while avoiding a negative short-term impact on aggregate demand.

| (9) | The COVID-19 crisis is reinforcing the importance of reforms for more efficient and fairer public revenue systems. As the tax wedge on labour in the majority of euro area Member States remains high, those reforms include shifting the tax burden towards tax bases that are less detrimental to labour supply and demand, productivity, investment and growth, while taking into account the related distributional impact. An increased use of environmental taxation and/or other forms of pricing of externalities can contribute to sustainable growth by incentivising ‘greener’ behaviours. Measures addressing aggressive tax planning and tax avoidance, both internationally and in the Union, can make tax systems more efficient and fairer. Moreover, globalisation has made it necessary to adjust the taxation framework to fit a modern and increasingly digitalised economy, at both Union and global level. Work is ongoing within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) framework to reach a global consensus-based solution to address tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy. |
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(9)

The COVID-19 crisis is reinforcing the importance of reforms for more efficient and fairer public revenue systems. As the tax wedge on labour in the majority of euro area Member States remains high, those reforms include shifting the tax burden towards tax bases that are less detrimental to labour supply and demand, productivity, investment and growth, while taking into account the related distributional impact. An increased use of environmental taxation and/or other forms of pricing of externalities can contribute to sustainable growth by incentivising ‘greener’ behaviours. Measures addressing aggressive tax planning and tax avoidance, both internationally and in the Union, can make tax systems more efficient and fairer. Moreover, globalisation has made it necessary to adjust the taxation framework to fit a modern and increasingly digitalised economy, at both Union and global level. Work is ongoing within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) framework to reach a global consensus-based solution to address tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy.

| (10) | Frontloading reforms that tackle investment bottlenecks and supply-side constraints is of particular relevance considering the high level of uncertainty brought by the COVID-19 crisis and its detrimental effect on investment. Measures that accelerate the absorption of Union funds and an effective and efficient utilisation of resources are essential, in particular in Member States lagging behind in those areas and where Union funds finance a significant share of investments. Reforms that reduce the administrative burden for firms, such as digitalisation of public administrations, including electronic identification, or judicial reforms, and prevent the misuse of funds, for example through corruption, fraud or money laundering, can improve the business environment and help boost private investment and the creation of jobs and firms. |
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(10)

Frontloading reforms that tackle investment bottlenecks and supply-side constraints is of particular relevance considering the high level of uncertainty brought by the COVID-19 crisis and its detrimental effect on investment. Measures that accelerate the absorption of Union funds and an effective and efficient utilisation of resources are essential, in particular in Member States lagging behind in those areas and where Union funds finance a significant share of investments. Reforms that reduce the administrative burden for firms, such as digitalisation of public administrations, including electronic identification, or judicial reforms, and prevent the misuse of funds, for example through corruption, fraud or money laundering, can improve the business environment and help boost private investment and the creation of jobs and firms.

| (11) | The COVID-19 crisis has led to substantial revenue losses for many firms and poses risks to corporate solvency across the euro area. Effective insolvency frameworks play a crucial role in supporting viable firms undergoing temporary problems and providing for the orderly exit of non-viable firms. Improving insolvency frameworks can also help to address the likely increase in non-performing loans and maintain credit to the economy by facilitating the cleaning-up of bank balance sheets, and to spur cross-border investment over the longer term. In this context, Directive (EU) 2019/1023 of the European Parliament and of the Council (9) was adopted to introduce minimum standards across Member States in their national solvency legislation in order to ensure that preventive restructuring frameworks are available to debtors in financial difficulty, to provide procedures leading to a discharge of debts incurred by over-indebted entrepreneurs, and to increase the efficiency of all types of insolvency procedures. It is important to proceed with the transposition and the implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/1023. The Commission also announced in the Capital Markets Union action plan, set out in its communication of 24 September 2020 entitled ‘A Capital Markets Union for people and businesses - new action plan’, work towards minimum harmonisation or increased convergence in targeted areas of core non-bank insolvency. Beyond this, there is scope for Member States to further assess the efficiency and effectiveness of their insolvency frameworks in line with international best practices and address the remaining deficiencies. |
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(11)

The COVID-19 crisis has led to substantial revenue losses for many firms and poses risks to corporate solvency across the euro area. Effective insolvency frameworks play a crucial role in supporting viable firms undergoing temporary problems and providing for the orderly exit of non-viable firms. Improving insolvency frameworks can also help to address the likely increase in non-performing loans and maintain credit to the economy by facilitating the cleaning-up of bank balance sheets, and to spur cross-border investment over the longer term. In this context, Directive (EU) 2019/1023 of the European Parliament and of the Council (9) was adopted to introduce minimum standards across Member States in their national solvency legislation in order to ensure that preventive restructuring frameworks are available to debtors in financial difficulty, to provide procedures leading to a discharge of debts incurred by over-indebted entrepreneurs, and to increase the efficiency of all types of insolvency procedures. It is important to proceed with the transposition and the implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/1023. The Commission also announced in the Capital Markets Union action plan, set out in its communication of 24 September 2020 entitled ‘A Capital Markets Union for people and businesses - new action plan’, work towards minimum harmonisation or increased convergence in targeted areas of core non-bank insolvency. Beyond this, there is scope for Member States to further assess the efficiency and effectiveness of their insolvency frameworks in line with international best practices and address the remaining deficiencies.

| (12) | Further deepening the single market in goods and services, and adapting the euro area to the digital era, can be a major engine of growth, convergence and resilience. The common currency and the single market have been working in tandem to create better conditions for economic stabilisation and long-term growth. The COVID-19 crisis has boosted the use of digital tools, highlighted the importance of the digital single market and accelerated the use of digital and cashless payment methods. However, the single market remains incomplete, especially in the area of services and more specifically in retail trade and professional services. The single market has the potential to limit price rigidities, thereby benefitting monetary policy transmission and economic resilience. The single market also helps with the mobility of production factors, which allows sectors, regions and Member States to minimise economic costs, such as unemployment, in response to shocks. To achieve further integration of the single market for goods and services, it is necessary to remove all remaining unnecessary restrictions, enhance market surveillance mechanisms and take measures to guarantee the necessary administrative capacity in order to achieve such objectives. |
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(12)

Further deepening the single market in goods and services, and adapting the euro area to the digital era, can be a major engine of growth, convergence and resilience. The common currency and the single market have been working in tandem to create better conditions for economic stabilisation and long-term growth. The COVID-19 crisis has boosted the use of digital tools, highlighted the importance of the digital single market and accelerated the use of digital and cashless payment methods. However, the single market remains incomplete, especially in the area of services and more specifically in retail trade and professional services. The single market has the potential to limit price rigidities, thereby benefitting monetary policy transmission and economic resilience. The single market also helps with the mobility of production factors, which allows sectors, regions and Member States to minimise economic costs, such as unemployment, in response to shocks. To achieve further integration of the single market for goods and services, it is necessary to remove all remaining unnecessary restrictions, enhance market surveillance mechanisms and take measures to guarantee the necessary administrative capacity in order to achieve such objectives.

| (13) | Reforms and investment that improve labour market integration and transitions, with a particular attention to digital and green jobs, are essential to increase economic and social resilience and support the recovery. The immediately-taken national and Union crisis measures limited the negative economic and social impact on workers. At the same time, a number of long-standing reforms have now become even more urgent: effective active labour market policies, including individualised support; improving the quality and inclusiveness of education and training systems to strengthen educational outcomes from an early age; strong re- and up-skilling measures, and investment in adult education and training and in online learning platforms; addressing skills shortages; and increasing the employment prospects of the most vulnerable segments of the working population, including the young and long-term unemployed, as well as closing gender gaps. Fostering quality job creation, and improving working conditions, in particular by ensuring adequate minimum wages and addressing labour market segmentation and barriers to labour mobility, are key to supporting a sustainable and inclusive recovery. Social dialogue and collective bargaining play an important role in the successful design and implementation of policies. |
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(13)

Reforms and investment that improve labour market integration and transitions, with a particular attention to digital and green jobs, are essential to increase economic and social resilience and support the recovery. The immediately-taken national and Union crisis measures limited the negative economic and social impact on workers. At the same time, a number of long-standing reforms have now become even more urgent: effective active labour market policies, including individualised support; improving the quality and inclusiveness of education and training systems to strengthen educational outcomes from an early age; strong re- and up-skilling measures, and investment in adult education and training and in online learning platforms; addressing skills shortages; and increasing the employment prospects of the most vulnerable segments of the working population, including the young and long-term unemployed, as well as closing gender gaps. Fostering quality job creation, and improving working conditions, in particular by ensuring adequate minimum wages and addressing labour market segmentation and barriers to labour mobility, are key to supporting a sustainable and inclusive recovery. Social dialogue and collective bargaining play an important role in the successful design and implementation of policies.

| (14) | Access to adequate, inclusive and sustainable health and social protection systems, which function as automatic stabilisers during the COVID-19 crisis, is important for economic and social resilience. Access to those systems helps to maintain social cohesion, decent living standards and good population health, which is fundamental to a productive labour economy, through the entire economic cycle and address poverty and social exclusion. Investments to support health reforms and resilient health systems need to remain a priority for Member States. The implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, proclaimed by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission in 2017, is key to guiding policies. Faced with the COVID-19 crisis, the need to ensure adequate social protection coverage for all, both in terms of quality healthcare and long-term care, and in terms of income replacement for all workers including those under atypical contracts and the self-employed, has become even more important. Many Member States have adopted temporary income support and social assistance measures in favour of vulnerable groups with very low incomes and workers not entitled to unemployment benefits. Measures have been taken with regard to benefits, eligibility conditions and additional in-kind services. Strengthening of the adequacy and coverage of social protection systems needs to be done in a way that ensures the long-term sustainability of public finances and intergenerational fairness. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

Access to adequate, inclusive and sustainable health and social protection systems, which function as automatic stabilisers during the COVID-19 crisis, is important for economic and social resilience. Access to those systems helps to maintain social cohesion, decent living standards and good population health, which is fundamental to a productive labour economy, through the entire economic cycle and address poverty and social exclusion. Investments to support health reforms and resilient health systems need to remain a priority for Member States. The implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, proclaimed by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission in 2017, is key to guiding policies. Faced with the COVID-19 crisis, the need to ensure adequate social protection coverage for all, both in terms of quality healthcare and long-term care, and in terms of income replacement for all workers including those under atypical contracts and the self-employed, has become even more important. Many Member States have adopted temporary income support and social assistance measures in favour of vulnerable groups with very low incomes and workers not entitled to unemployment benefits. Measures have been taken with regard to benefits, eligibility conditions and additional in-kind services. Strengthening of the adequacy and coverage of social protection systems needs to be done in a way that ensures the long-term sustainability of public finances and intergenerational fairness.

| (15) | Significant progress has been achieved in recent years, but the economic fallout from the COVID-19 crisis has put renewed pressure on the financial sector. Euro area banks entered the current crisis with stronger loss-absorption capacities than before the onset of the global financial crisis. Combined with monetary and fiscal policy measures, this has avoided a tightening of market financing conditions, beyond the initial phase of the crisis, and ensured the continued credit provision to the private sector. The crisis is likely to put further pressure on banks’ already low profitability levels and non-performing loan ratios. These developments could hamper the provision of credit to the economy, which is essential for the recovery. The development of secondary markets for non-performing loans, an efficient deployment of national asset management companies, where appropriate, and reforming insolvency frameworks are particularly important to make progress in this area, along with addressing structural issues of low profitability. The swift and sizeable policy interventions have supported confidence and helped to preserve macro-financial stability. Government loan guarantee schemes help sustain credit to the economy, protect companies and mitigate feedback loops with the banking sector, but also constitute contingent liabilities for Member States’ budgets. Prolongation of insolvency moratoria and forbearance of non-performing loans entails striking a difficult balance between ensuring continued support to viable firms and risking misallocation of funds, increased losses under a potential bankruptcy and reduced clarity as to underlying credit quality. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

Significant progress has been achieved in recent years, but the economic fallout from the COVID-19 crisis has put renewed pressure on the financial sector. Euro area banks entered the current crisis with stronger loss-absorption capacities than before the onset of the global financial crisis. Combined with monetary and fiscal policy measures, this has avoided a tightening of market financing conditions, beyond the initial phase of the crisis, and ensured the continued credit provision to the private sector. The crisis is likely to put further pressure on banks’ already low profitability levels and non-performing loan ratios. These developments could hamper the provision of credit to the economy, which is essential for the recovery. The development of secondary markets for non-performing loans, an efficient deployment of national asset management companies, where appropriate, and reforming insolvency frameworks are particularly important to make progress in this area, along with addressing structural issues of low profitability. The swift and sizeable policy interventions have supported confidence and helped to preserve macro-financial stability. Government loan guarantee schemes help sustain credit to the economy, protect companies and mitigate feedback loops with the banking sector, but also constitute contingent liabilities for Member States’ budgets. Prolongation of insolvency moratoria and forbearance of non-performing loans entails striking a difficult balance between ensuring continued support to viable firms and risking misallocation of funds, increased losses under a potential bankruptcy and reduced clarity as to underlying credit quality.

| (16) | The completion of the EMU architecture remains essential. Filling the remaining gaps could further increase the euro area’s stability and resilience and would consequently strengthen the international role of the euro, which has remained broadly stable in recent years. Further steps should take into account the lessons learnt from Europe’s comprehensive economic policy response to the COVID-19 crisis. Beyond its short-term stabilising effect and its role in supporting the recovery, Next Generation EU has the potential to impact the EMU in the longer term through stimulating growth-enhancing investments and structural reforms and increasing the euro area’s resilience to future shocks. The sizeable issuance of euro-denominated debt, including green and social bonds, will add depth and liquidity to the market for high-quality euro-denominated debt securities, and can contribute to strengthening the international role of the euro. Nonetheless, important elements are still missing in the EMU, such as a complete Banking Union and a deepened Capital Markets Union. Strengthening the Banking Union remains crucial. This calls for continuing to work, without delay and with the same level of ambition, on all elements, including those discussed in the High Level Working Group on a European Deposit Insurance Scheme, on a consensual basis. Proceeding with the European Supervisory Mechanism package of reforms and, given the progress made in risk reduction and the further measures outlined in the Eurogroup statement of 30 November 2020, advancing the entry into force of the common backstop for the Single Resolution Fund, established by Regulation (EU) No 806/2014 of the European Parliament of the the Council (10), by the beginning of 2022, marks another important step towards completing the Banking Union and strengthening the EMU. There should be further work on solutions for overcoming limitations in the current set-up for liquidity provision in resolution. Deepening the Capital Markets Union is a key priority, as demonstrated by the new action plan of September 2020. A strong and resilient EMU will also be important to strengthen the international role of the euro and ensure the Union’s economic and financial autonomy, as set out in the Commission’s communication of 19 January 2021 entitled ‘The European economic and financial system: fostering openness, strength and resilience’, while fully respecting the Union’s internal market and pursued in an open and transparent manner towards non-euro area Member States, |
| --- | --- |

(16)

The completion of the EMU architecture remains essential. Filling the remaining gaps could further increase the euro area’s stability and resilience and would consequently strengthen the international role of the euro, which has remained broadly stable in recent years. Further steps should take into account the lessons learnt from Europe’s comprehensive economic policy response to the COVID-19 crisis. Beyond its short-term stabilising effect and its role in supporting the recovery, Next Generation EU has the potential to impact the EMU in the longer term through stimulating growth-enhancing investments and structural reforms and increasing the euro area’s resilience to future shocks. The sizeable issuance of euro-denominated debt, including green and social bonds, will add depth and liquidity to the market for high-quality euro-denominated debt securities, and can contribute to strengthening the international role of the euro. Nonetheless, important elements are still missing in the EMU, such as a complete Banking Union and a deepened Capital Markets Union. Strengthening the Banking Union remains crucial. This calls for continuing to work, without delay and with the same level of ambition, on all elements, including those discussed in the High Level Working Group on a European Deposit Insurance Scheme, on a consensual basis. Proceeding with the European Supervisory Mechanism package of reforms and, given the progress made in risk reduction and the further measures outlined in the Eurogroup statement of 30 November 2020, advancing the entry into force of the common backstop for the Single Resolution Fund, established by Regulation (EU) No 806/2014 of the European Parliament of the the Council (10), by the beginning of 2022, marks another important step towards completing the Banking Union and strengthening the EMU. There should be further work on solutions for overcoming limitations in the current set-up for liquidity provision in resolution. Deepening the Capital Markets Union is a key priority, as demonstrated by the new action plan of September 2020. A strong and resilient EMU will also be important to strengthen the international role of the euro and ensure the Union’s economic and financial autonomy, as set out in the Commission’s communication of 19 January 2021 entitled ‘The European economic and financial system: fostering openness, strength and resilience’, while fully respecting the Union’s internal market and pursued in an open and transparent manner towards non-euro area Member States,

HEREBY RECOMMENDS euro area Member States to take action, individually including through their recovery and resilience plans, and collectively within the Eurogroup, in the period 2021–2022 to:

| (1) | ensure a policy stance that supports the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. As the health emergency persists, adopt fiscal policies that remain supportive in all euro area Member States throughout 2021. Adopt policy measures that are tailored to country-specific circumstances and timely, temporary and targeted. Continue coordinating actions to effectively address the COVID-19 pandemic, sustain the economy and support a sustainable recovery. When the epidemiological and economic conditions allow, phase out emergency measures while combatting the social and labour-market impact of the crisis. Pursue fiscal policies that aim to achieve prudent medium-term fiscal positions and to ensure debt sustainability, while enhancing investment. Pursue reforms that strengthen the coverage, adequacy and sustainability of health and social protection systems for all. Pay particular attention to the quality of budgetary measures. Improve public procurement frameworks and public financial management, including in particular investment frameworks and the use of green budgeting tools. Make use of spending reviews to better focus public expenditure on recovery and resilience needs. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

ensure a policy stance that supports the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. As the health emergency persists, adopt fiscal policies that remain supportive in all euro area Member States throughout 2021. Adopt policy measures that are tailored to country-specific circumstances and timely, temporary and targeted. Continue coordinating actions to effectively address the COVID-19 pandemic, sustain the economy and support a sustainable recovery. When the epidemiological and economic conditions allow, phase out emergency measures while combatting the social and labour-market impact of the crisis. Pursue fiscal policies that aim to achieve prudent medium-term fiscal positions and to ensure debt sustainability, while enhancing investment. Pursue reforms that strengthen the coverage, adequacy and sustainability of health and social protection systems for all. Pay particular attention to the quality of budgetary measures. Improve public procurement frameworks and public financial management, including in particular investment frameworks and the use of green budgeting tools. Make use of spending reviews to better focus public expenditure on recovery and resilience needs.

| (2) | further improve convergence, resilience and sustainable and inclusive growth. Mitigate the risk of further divergence, and enhance economic and social resilience in the euro area by continuing to tackle structural challenges, by implementing reforms that strengthen productivity and employment, ensure a smooth re-allocation of resources and improve the functioning of markets and public administration, by increasing the level of public investment, and by fostering private investment to support a fair and inclusive recovery consistent with green and digital transitions. Further integrate the single market for goods and services, including the digital single market, by removing unnecessary restrictions, enhancing market surveillance and guaranteeing sufficient administrative capacity. Ensure effective active labour market policies and support for job transitions, in particular towards the green and digital economy. Foster fair working conditions, address labour market segmentation and strengthen inclusion. Ensure the effective involvement of social partners in policy making, and strengthen social dialogue and collective bargaining. Strengthen inclusive education and training systems and investment in skills, addressing skills shortages. Continue working within the framework of the Council on a global consensus-based solution to address the tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy within the OECD Inclusive framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, with the expectation that agreement will be reached by mid-2021 in that forum. Engage in the relevant preparatory work on the way forward in order to address those tax challenges arising from the digital economy, including in the absence of an international consensus by mid-2021. Make further progress to combat aggressive tax planning, lower the tax wedge and support a shift towards carbon pricing and environmental taxation. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

further improve convergence, resilience and sustainable and inclusive growth. Mitigate the risk of further divergence, and enhance economic and social resilience in the euro area by continuing to tackle structural challenges, by implementing reforms that strengthen productivity and employment, ensure a smooth re-allocation of resources and improve the functioning of markets and public administration, by increasing the level of public investment, and by fostering private investment to support a fair and inclusive recovery consistent with green and digital transitions. Further integrate the single market for goods and services, including the digital single market, by removing unnecessary restrictions, enhancing market surveillance and guaranteeing sufficient administrative capacity. Ensure effective active labour market policies and support for job transitions, in particular towards the green and digital economy. Foster fair working conditions, address labour market segmentation and strengthen inclusion. Ensure the effective involvement of social partners in policy making, and strengthen social dialogue and collective bargaining. Strengthen inclusive education and training systems and investment in skills, addressing skills shortages. Continue working within the framework of the Council on a global consensus-based solution to address the tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy within the OECD Inclusive framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, with the expectation that agreement will be reached by mid-2021 in that forum. Engage in the relevant preparatory work on the way forward in order to address those tax challenges arising from the digital economy, including in the absence of an international consensus by mid-2021. Make further progress to combat aggressive tax planning, lower the tax wedge and support a shift towards carbon pricing and environmental taxation.

| (3) | strengthen national institutional frameworks. Pursue and frontload reforms to address bottlenecks to investment and to ensure the efficient and timely use of Union funds, including through the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Strengthen the effectiveness and digitalisation of public administration, including justice and health systems, as well as public employment services. Reduce the administrative burden for firms and improve the business environment. Continue to improve the frameworks for countering fraud and corruption and for preventing money laundering and terrorism financing. Promote concrete actions to increase the efficiency, effectiveness and proportionality of insolvency frameworks, to work out non-performing exposures and ensure an efficient allocation of capital. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

strengthen national institutional frameworks. Pursue and frontload reforms to address bottlenecks to investment and to ensure the efficient and timely use of Union funds, including through the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Strengthen the effectiveness and digitalisation of public administration, including justice and health systems, as well as public employment services. Reduce the administrative burden for firms and improve the business environment. Continue to improve the frameworks for countering fraud and corruption and for preventing money laundering and terrorism financing. Promote concrete actions to increase the efficiency, effectiveness and proportionality of insolvency frameworks, to work out non-performing exposures and ensure an efficient allocation of capital.

| (4) | ensure macro-financial stability. Maintain the credit channels to the economy and measures to support viable companies as long as necessary during the emergency of the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. Keep sound bank sector balance sheets, including by continuing to address non-performing loans through, amongst others, the development of secondary markets for non-performing loans. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

ensure macro-financial stability. Maintain the credit channels to the economy and measures to support viable companies as long as necessary during the emergency of the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. Keep sound bank sector balance sheets, including by continuing to address non-performing loans through, amongst others, the development of secondary markets for non-performing loans.

| (5) | complete the EMU and strengthen the international role of the euro. Make progress on deepening the EMU to increase the resilience of the euro area by completing the Banking Union, by continuing to work, without delay, and with the same level of ambition, on all elements, including those discussed in the High Level Working Group on a European Deposit Insurance Scheme, and by deepening the Capital Markets Union, as well as through support for initiatives implementing digital finance, retail finance and sustainable finance policies. Work further on solutions for overcoming limitations in the current set-up for liquidity provision in resolution and on strengthening the Union’s regulatory and supervisory framework, including by ensuring consistent and effective supervision and enforcement of anti-money laundering rules. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

complete the EMU and strengthen the international role of the euro. Make progress on deepening the EMU to increase the resilience of the euro area by completing the Banking Union, by continuing to work, without delay, and with the same level of ambition, on all elements, including those discussed in the High Level Working Group on a European Deposit Insurance Scheme, and by deepening the Capital Markets Union, as well as through support for initiatives implementing digital finance, retail finance and sustainable finance policies. Work further on solutions for overcoming limitations in the current set-up for liquidity provision in resolution and on strengthening the Union’s regulatory and supervisory framework, including by ensuring consistent and effective supervision and enforcement of anti-money laundering rules.

Further steps in deepening the EMU should take into account the lessons learnt from the Union’s comprehensive economic policy response to the COVID-19 crisis. Progress in deepening the EMU, in full respect of the Union’s internal market and pursued in an open and transparent manner towards non-euro area Member States, will contribute to enhancing the international role of the euro and promote the Union’s economic interests globally.

Done at Brussels, 13 July 2021.

For the Council

Andrej ŠIRCELJ

Minister of Finance

---

(1)  OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 1.

1

(2)  OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 25.

2

(3)  Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).

3

(4)  Council Regulation (EU) 2020/672 of 19 May 2020 on the establishment of a European instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (SURE) following the COVID-19 outbreak (OJ L 159, 20.5.2020, p. 1).

4

(5)  Regulation (EU) 2020/460 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 March 2020 amending Regulations (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 508/2014 as regards specific measures to mobilise investments in the healthcare systems of Member States and in other sectors of their economies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak (Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative) (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 5).

5

(6)  Regulation (EU) 2020/558 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2020 amending Regulations (EU) No 1301/2013 and (EU) No 1303/2013 as regards specific measures to provide exceptional flexibility for the use of the European Structural and Investments Funds in response to the COVID-19 outbreak (OJ L 130, 24.4.2020, p. 1).

6

(7)  Decision (EU) 2020/440 of the European Central Bank of 24 March 2020 on a temporary pandemic emergency purchase programme (ECB/2020/17) (OJ L 91, 25.3.2020, p. 1).

7

(8)  Decision (EU) 2016/948 of the European Central Bank of 1 June 2016 on the implementation of the corporate sector purchase programme (ECB/2016/16) (OJ L 157, 15.6.2016, p. 28).

8

(9)  Directive (EU) 2019/1023 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on preventive restructuring frameworks, on discharge of debt and disqualifications, and on measures to increase the efficiency of procedures concerning restructuring, insolvency and discharge of debt, and amending Directive (EU) 2017/1132 (Directive on restructuring and insolvency) (OJ L 172, 26.6.2019, p.18).

9

(10)  Regulation (EU) No 806/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2014 establishing uniform rules and a uniform procedure for the resolution of credit institutions and certain investment firms in the framework of a Single Resolution Mechanism and a Single Resolution Fund and amending Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 (OJ L 225 30.7.2014, p. 1).

10

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 15.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 283/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 283/8

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Euro exchange rates (1)

14 July 2021

(2021/C 283/02)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,1812 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 130,30 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4376 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,85158 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 10,2050 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,0840 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 146,30 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 10,3320 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,646 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 358,08 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,5736 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,9287 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 10,1485 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5817 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4732 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,1742 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6819 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,5990 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 355,24 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 17,2975 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,6268 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,4928 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 17 107,91 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,9616 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 59,365 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 87,4789 |
| THB | Thai baht | 38,525 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 6,0591 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 23,5734 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 87,9885 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1812

JPY

Japanese yen

130,30

DKK

Danish krone

7,4376

GBP

Pound sterling

0,85158

SEK

Swedish krona

10,2050

CHF

Swiss franc

1,0840

ISK

Iceland króna

146,30

NOK

Norwegian krone

10,3320

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,646

HUF

Hungarian forint

358,08

PLN

Polish zloty

4,5736

RON

Romanian leu

4,9287

TRY

Turkish lira

10,1485

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5817

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4732

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,1742

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6819

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5990

KRW

South Korean won

1 355,24

ZAR

South African rand

17,2975

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,6268

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,4928

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

17 107,91

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,9616

PHP

Philippine peso

59,365

RUB

Russian rouble

87,4789

THB

Thai baht

38,525

BRL

Brazilian real

6,0591

MXN

Mexican peso

23,5734

INR

Indian rupee

87,9885

---

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

---

V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Commission

| 15.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 283/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 283/9

---

Calls for proposals and related activities under the European Research Council Work Programme 2022 under Horizon Europe - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027)

(2021/C 283/03)

Notice is hereby given of the launch of calls for proposals and related activities under the European Research Council Work Programme 2022 under Horizon Europe (Council Decision (EU) 2021/764 establishing the specific programme implementing Horizon Europe - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2021-2027, adopted on 12 May 2021) and under the Commission Decision 2021/C 234 I/03 adopted on 12 May 2021 establishing the European Research Council for Horizon Europe and repealing Decision C(2013)8915.

The Commission has adopted the ERC Work Programme 2022 by Decision C(2021)4860 of 14 July 2021.

Proposals are invited for these calls.

The ERC Work Programme 2022, including deadlines and budgets, is available through the Funding & Tender opportunities website along with information on the modalities of the calls and related activities and the information for applicants on how to submit proposals: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home

---

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 15.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 283/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 283/10

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10283 — MEF 4/CDC/3i EOPF Topco/NGM)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 283/04)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | Mirova-Eurofideme 4 (‘MEF 4’, France), managed by Mirova (France) and ultimately controlled by BPCE (France) |
| --- | --- |

—

Mirova-Eurofideme 4 (‘MEF 4’, France), managed by Mirova (France) and ultimately controlled by BPCE (France)

| — | Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (‘CDC’, France) |
| --- | --- |

—

Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (‘CDC’, France)

| — | 3i EOPF France Topc S.à.r.l (‘3i EOPF Topco’, Luxembourg), controlled by 3i Group plc (‘3i’, United Kingdom) |
| --- | --- |

—

3i EOPF France Topc S.à.r.l (‘3i EOPF Topco’, Luxembourg), controlled by 3i Group plc (‘3i’, United Kingdom)

| — | NeoT Green Mobility (‘NGM’, France), controlled by Mitsubishi Corporation, EDF Pulse Croissance and CDC |
| --- | --- |

—

NeoT Green Mobility (‘NGM’, France), controlled by Mitsubishi Corporation, EDF Pulse Croissance and CDC

3i EOPF Topco, MEF 4 and CDC acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) and 3(4) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the whole of NGM.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

| — | for MEF 4: French company managed by Mirova, a French management company ultimately controlled by BPCE, whose financing and investment target sustainable development solutions in the sectors of mobility, energy, buildings and cities, consumption, resources, health, information and communication technologies and finance. BPCE is active in the banking and insurance sectors, |
| --- | --- |

—

for MEF 4: French company managed by Mirova, a French management company ultimately controlled by BPCE, whose financing and investment target sustainable development solutions in the sectors of mobility, energy, buildings and cities, consumption, resources, health, information and communication technologies and finance. BPCE is active in the banking and insurance sectors,

| — | for CDC: French public institution with special legal status, governed by Articles L. 518-2 ff. of the Monetary and Financial Code, which performs tasks of general interest in support of public policies conducted by the State and local authorities, engaged through its subsidiaries in activities open to competition, in the following areas: (i) environment and energy, (ii) housing and real estate, (iii) investment and capital investment, and (iv) services (passenger transport, infrastructure engineering, operation of ski resorts and leisure sites, postal services, banking and insurance services), |
| --- | --- |

—

for CDC: French public institution with special legal status, governed by Articles L. 518-2 ff. of the Monetary and Financial Code, which performs tasks of general interest in support of public policies conducted by the State and local authorities, engaged through its subsidiaries in activities open to competition, in the following areas: (i) environment and energy, (ii) housing and real estate, (iii) investment and capital investment, and (iv) services (passenger transport, infrastructure engineering, operation of ski resorts and leisure sites, postal services, banking and insurance services),

| — | for 3i EOPF Topco: Luxembourg company ultimately controlled by 3i, an investment management company listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 100) specialising in infrastructure and private equity asset management in Europe, Asia and North America, |
| --- | --- |

—

for 3i EOPF Topco: Luxembourg company ultimately controlled by 3i, an investment management company listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 100) specialising in infrastructure and private equity asset management in Europe, Asia and North America,

| — | for NGM: French company active in the development, financing and management of electric mobility projects, mainly in France. |
| --- | --- |

—

for NGM: French company active in the development, financing and management of electric mobility projects, mainly in France.

3.

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.

Observations must reach the Commission no later than ten days following the date on which this notification is published. The following reference should always be specified:

M.10283 — MEF 4/CDC/3i EOPF Topco/NGM

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

1

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

2

---

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 15.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 283/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 283/12

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

(2021/C 283/05)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within three months from the date of this publication.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

’FERTŐD VIDÉKI SÁRGARÉPA’

EU No: PGI-HU-02493 – 8 March 2019

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

’Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’

2.   Member state or third country

Hungary

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.6. Fruit, vegetables and cereals fresh or processed

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

The protected geographical indication ‘Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’ is a carrot produced by growing the species Daucus carota L. The varieties used are Fertődi vörös, as well as the Nantes-type Napa and Napoli carrot.

When placed on the market, ‘Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’ is cylindrical/conical in shape, with a length of 150-250 mm, a diameter of between 15 and 40 mm and a weight of between 50 and 150 g, without any secondary roots or roots at the tip. The body of the root is bright red, long and smooth, without any branches or cracks. ‘Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’ is distinguished by its slightly sweet taste. ‘Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’ differs from other carrots in that it is redder and sweeter, with an intense flavour, as well as being long, smooth and unbranched.

‘Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’ has the following chemical parameters:

| — | sugar content: at least 5 mg/100 g of fresh product. |
| --- | --- |

—

sugar content: at least 5 mg/100 g of fresh product.

| — | calcium content: at least 40 mg/100 g of fresh product. |
| --- | --- |

—

calcium content: at least 40 mg/100 g of fresh product.

| — | phosphorus content: at least 30 mg/100 g of fresh product. |
| --- | --- |

—

phosphorus content: at least 30 mg/100 g of fresh product.

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

| | — |
| --- | --- |

—

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

‘Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’ is grown and harvested in the geographical area defined in point 4.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

| | — |
| --- | --- |

—

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

| | — |
| --- | --- |

—

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area is located in Győr-Moson-Sopron County in Hungary’s Western Transdanubia region, within the administrative boundaries of the villages of Hegykő and Fertőhomok, in an area to the north of the main road that runs through the villages and to the south of Lake Fertő.

5.   Link with the geographical area

The link between the product and the geographical area is based on the quality of the product.

The type of carrot grown along Lake Fertő has been well-known and popular for some 200 years now. ‘Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’ differs from carrots grown elsewhere in Hungary in that it is redder and sweeter, with an intense flavour, as well as being long, smooth and unbranched. This is thanks to the effect of the soil and to the climate of Lake Fertő and the foothills of the Alps. Since flood-control measures were taken, the loose, deep-layered, fresh soil of the dry lakebed allow the root vegetable to grow deep, smooth roots without any branching.

The edge of the villages of Hegykő and Fertőhomok form part of Lake Fertő, and common characteristics of their soil are their heterogeneous, mosaic-like position, alluvially layered soil profile, highly varied mechanical composition, high CaCO3 content, and alkalinity or in some cases strong alkalinity.

The soils of the Lake Fertő basin have always been formed by natural water movements. Lower-lying areas are frequently flooded by the waters of Lake Fertő when water levels are high or there are persistent northerly winds, which bring dissolved salts and suspended sand, silt and clay particles to the areas inundated. The main factors affecting soil formation in the area are therefore sediment deposition and flattening, meadow-soil formation, and salt accumulation and salinisation. These soils are typically greyish in tone, containing sediment and coarse sands originating from the bottom of the lake. They are easy to work, yet have good water balance, which make them well-suited to growing root vegetables such as ‘Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’.

The higher calcium and phosphorus values of the carrot root are the result of the main factors affecting soil formation in the Lake Fertő area, i.e. sediment deposition and flattening, meadow-soil formation, and salt accumulation and salinisation.

Local climate conditions are also favourable for growing ‘Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’, as this area is Hungary’s coolest and wettest plain. Precipitation is distributed evenly throughout the growing period, which is ideal for the development of ‘Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’. The high level of uniform moisture required during germination and formation of the body of the carrot is provided by the region’s annual precipitation of 650-700 mm. Yield levels are well-balanced, thanks to the soil’s water content and the water table of the enormous Lake Fertő, which is some 1 200-1 500 m away and provides the humidity required under the influence of the prevailing north-north-westerly winds.

The mean temperature is -2 °C in January and +22 °C in July, with an annual mean temperature of around +10 °C. The lower summer temperatures are well-suited to growing ‘Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’, as the carrot grows best in temperatures of around 16 °C. Hot weather promotes foliage growth, but is harmful to root formation. Moderate heat also favours carotene formation, which gives ‘Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’ a colour that is redder in organoleptically discernible terms than carrots grown elsewhere (Hanna Némethy Zoltánné Uzoni, 2001).

The area is blessed with abundant sunshine from spring till autumn, with up to 2 000 hours of sunshine per year. During maturity, the high number of sunshine hours promotes sugar formation, which gives the carrot its sweet taste.

During ridge-planting, which is performed using local expertise, the land is piled 30 cm high at a distance of 75 cm mid-crown. On the top of the ridge, 25-30 grain seeds are scattered per metre and row, using a twin-row system, at a depth of 1-2 cm. The sowing depth has a significant effect on the even emergence of the plant from the soil.

Ridge-planting techniques help smooth, unbranched roots to form, as demonstrated by Hanna Némethy Zoltánné Uzoni in her doctoral dissertation (2001).

Both the region’s medium-dense sandy loam soil and its climate are ideal for producing root vegetables such as ‘Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’. The ridge-planting technique has been passed down the generations for some 150 years now and is the key to its success.

‘Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’ is a well-known, renowned and sought-after product among consumers. Its significance is highlighted in a doctoral dissertation produced by Dénes Sándor at the University of Pécs’ doctoral school in 2012, entitled ‘A gasztronómia szerepe Magyarország idegenforgalmi földrajzában’ [The role of gastronomy on Hungary’s tourist map], in which he refers to ‘Fertőd vidéki sárgarépa’ as one of the typical local ingredients of the Western Transdanubia region.

Reference to publication of the specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of this Regulation)

https://gi.kormany.hu/foldrajzi-arujelzok

---

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

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| 15.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 283/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 283/15

---

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2021/C 283/06)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1)

COMMUNICATION OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT MODIFYING THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Graves’

PDO-FR-A1012-AM02

Date of communication: 7 May 2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Official Geographic Code

The list of municipalities has been updated on the basis of the 2020 Official Geographic Code (code officiel géographique).

This merely changes the wording and has no impact on the geographical area.

Points 6 and 9 of the single document have been amended in line with these changes.

2.   Demarcated parcel area

In the Annex, 11 February 2021 has been added to the list of meetings of the relevant national committee at which a demarcation of parcels was approved.

The purpose of this amendment is to add the date on which the relevant national authority approved changes to the demarcated parcel area within the geographical area of production. Parcels are demarcated by identifying the parcels within the geographical area of production that are suitable for producing the product covered by the protected designation of origin.

The single document is not affected by these amendments.

3.   Reference to the inspection body

The reference to the inspection body has been reworded to align it with the wording of other product specifications. This is a purely formal amendment which

has not led to any change in the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Graves

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected designation of origin

3.   Categories of grapevine products

| 1. | Wine |
| --- | --- |

1.

Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Still red wine

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The red wines are produced from a balanced mix of vine varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon N bringing aromas and structure, Merlot N bringing fragrance and suppleness and Cabernet Franc N, Petit-Verdot N, Malbec N and Carmenère N complementing them. When young, they frequently develop red fruit aromas coupled with spicy, roasted notes. Elegant and structured, fine and aromatic, the wines age harmoniously, with their bouquet taking on a fine smokiness. Depending on their vintage and origin, they take between 5 and 10 years to reach their peak.

Minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume: 11 %.

Total alcoholic strength by volume after enrichment: 13,5 %.

Malolactic fermentation is mandatory for the red wines.

Malic acid content: no more than 0,30 g per litre.

Fermentable sugar content: no more than 3 g per litre.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum total acidity | |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum total acidity

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

2.   Still dry white wine

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The white wines are elegant and fleshy. Produced from the Semillon B vine variety, they generally take on floral notes and a natural fattiness which is still fresh. When combined with the vine varieties Sauvignon B, which brings a lively, expressive quality, and Muscadelle B, which imparts a slight muskiness, the wines often have aromas of flowers and citrus fruit, sometimes with exotic or menthol notes. The practice sometimes used of maturing the wines in barrels increases their richness and complexity after they have been aged for a number of years.

Minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume: 10,5 %.

Total alcoholic strength by volume after enrichment: 13 %.

Fermentable sugar content: no more than 4 g per litre.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum total acidity | |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | 13,27 |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum total acidity

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

13,27

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   
  Specific oenological practices

1.   Density and spacing

Cultivation method

The minimum vine planting density is 5 000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the vine rows must not exceed 2 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0,8 metres.

2.   Pruning rules

Cultivation method

Pruning is carried out at the unfolded leaves stage (Lorenz stage 9) at the latest. Vines are pruned with a maximum of 12 buds per plant, using the following techniques:

| — | short (spur) or long (shoot) pruning |
| --- | --- |

—

short (spur) or long (shoot) pruning

| — | short pruning to two cordons or fan pruning to four arms. |
| --- | --- |

—

short pruning to two cordons or fan pruning to four arms.

3.   Irrigation

Cultivation method

Irrigation during the vine growing season is permitted only if persistent drought disrupts the sound physiological development of the vines and the ripening of the grapes.

4.   Enrichment

Specific oenological practice

Subtractive enrichment techniques are permitted for the red wines up to a concentration rate of 15 %.

After enrichment, the red wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume must not exceed 13,5 %.

After enrichment, the white wines’ total alcoholic strength by volume must not exceed 13 %.

5.2.   
  Maximum yields

Red wine

65 hectolitres per hectare

White wine

68 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and aged in the following municipalities of the department of Gironde, based on the Official Geographic Code in force on 26 February 2020: Arbanats, Ayguemorte-les-Graves, Beautiran, Bègles, La Brède, Budos, Cabanac-et-Villagrains, Cadaujac, Canéjan, Castres-Gironde, Cérons, Cestas, Eysines, Gradignan, Guillos, Le Haillan, Illats, Isle-Saint-Georges, Landiras, Langon, Léogeats, Léognan, Martillac, Mazères, Mérignac, Pessac, Podensac, Portets, Pujols-sur-Ciron, Roaillan, Saint-Médard-d’Eyrans, Saint-Michel-de-Rieufret, Saint-Morillon, Saint-Pardon-de-Conques, Saint-Pierre-de-Mons, Saint-Selve, Saucats, Talence, Toulenne, Villenave-d’Ornon and Virelade, and in the part of the municipality of Coimères corresponding to Section A, ‘des Herrères’, of the first page of the land register (1934 revised plan) certified to be in accordance with the updated land register on 5 November 2010.

7.   Main wine grape variety(-ies)

Cabernet Franc N

Cabernet Sauvignon N

Carmenère N

Cot N – Malbec

Merlot N

Muscadelle B

Petit Verdot N

Sauvignon B – Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Gris G – Fié Gris

Semillon B

8.   Description of the link(s)

The geographical area of the ‘Graves’ protected designation of origin is a strip some 10 km wide situated on the left bank of the Garonne, beginning north of Bordeaux and ending south-east of Langon.

As the name suggests, the ‘Graves’ region consists of soils made up of shingles, pebbles, largely coarse gravel and sand mixed with silt and clay, based in places on calcareous rock but generally on pure sand, iron-rich sandstone (alios) or clay. The area spans 43 municipalities of the Gironde department.

These soils are the result of a long and complex geological history, closely linked to the origins of the Garonne, changes in its course and successive glacial periods during the quaternary era. During those periods Pyrenees glaciers eroded valleys, creating gravel and boulders which rivers would then carry downstream to the Bordeaux region. Gravel hillocks of all types and sizes are all that remain of these successive deposits.

The soils which have since formed there are all highly permeable owing to their high gravel and shingle content. ‘Graves’ wines owe their structure and image of excellence to these soils, although they are not the only soils that give the wines their qualities. By encouraging the flow of water, the slopes ensure perfect surface drainage, also supported by a large hydrographic network of small streams, tributaries of the Garonne. In these types of soil, the vines’ water supply is very well regulated.

The vineyards benefit from a particular and favourable climate, protected from harsh weather to the west by pine forests playing an important temperature-regulating role and from high temperatures and excessive humidity thanks to the proximity of the Garonne, ensuring natural aeration and ventilation. They also benefit from maritime influences which help to moderate spring frost. The area’s vineyard landscapes, consisting of gentle slopes where bright, polished pebbles reflect light onto the grapes, are set between the river and pine forests.

Home to the great white and red wines of Bordeaux, the ‘Graves’ area is the birthplace of techniques still used to this day. In this maritime climate, vine growing has required the use of échalas (support poles) since the 17th and 18th centuries, followed by widespread trellising and rigorous pruning to ensure a well-distributed grape harvest and sufficient leaf area for photosynthesis and optimum ripeness.

In line with the Decree of 4 March 1937 defining the ‘Graves’ protected designation of origin, the parcel area defined for the grape harvest is divided into parcels characterised by natural sanitation, owing either to their drainage quality or to their position on a hilltop or slope. It excludes locations that are subject to spring frost for reasons of geography or topography, either because they are too far from the Garonne or because they are encircled by forest blocking the flow of cold air masses.

The precisely defined parcels ensure optimum development of the local vine varieties, which have been selected over time for their keeping and ageing qualities, allowing the wines to be transported over long distances.

The stony, warm and infertile soil of this area naturally limits red wine production, but nevertheless enables the Cabernet Sauvignon N and Merlot varieties to achieve optimum ripeness, helped also by the temperature regulation resulting from the proximity of the Garonne. The wines thereby obtained have good structure and are subsequently aged as necessary in order to achieve maturity and optimum expression before being placed on the market for consumers.

The sandier soils and soils with a clayey matrix are better suited to producing the white wines covered by the designation, made mainly from the Sauvignon B and Semillon B vine varieties. These varieties provide a freshness which combines with their finesse and fruity, floral notes.

The minimum planting density is high so as to ensure a sufficient harvest without overloading the vines, thereby guaranteeing the grapes’ ripeness and optimum fruit concentration.

The ‘Graves’ protected designation of origin acquired international renown thanks to the nearby port of Bordeaux, where a busy trade developed to market the wines across the globe, combined with the wine-making area’s unique location and soil conditions.

9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for vinification, development and ageing, comprises the territory of the following municipalities of the department of Gironde, based on the Official Geographic Code in force on 26 February 2020: Barsac, Béguey, Bieujac, Bommes, Cadillac, Fargues, Langoiran, Loupiac, Le Pian-sur-Garonne, Preignac, Rions, Saint-Loubert, Saint-Maixant, Saint-Pierre-d’Aurillac, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Sauternes and Castets et Castillon (only the part corresponding to the territory of the former municipality of Castets-en-Dorthe before it was merged with Castillon-de-Castets on 1 January 2017).

Broader geographical unit

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

Wines with this protected designation of origin may specify the broader geographical unit ‘Vin de Graves’ on their labels. The size of the letters used for this broader geographical unit must not be larger, in either height or width, than two thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the protected designation of origin.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-f819edf9-40af-4f73-9357-def82d1a30d2

---

(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.

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| 15.7.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 283/20 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.7.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 283/20

---

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2021/C 283/07)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1)

COMMUNICATION OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT TO THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Béarn’

PDO-FR-A0597-AM02

Date of communication: 7 May 2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Demarcated parcel area

Description and reasons: In point IV(1) of the specification, the municipality of Cannet has been replaced by Riscle (in the territory of the former municipality of Cannet) following the merger of the two municipalities. The request to amend the specification provides an opportunity to correct the spelling of a municipality in the geographical area: Corbères-Abères.

Point 1.6 of the single document on the geographical area has been amended accordingly.

2.   Vine varieties

In point V(2) of the specification, the request to modify the proportions of the vine variety to be planted requires amending the specification for red wines as follows: ‘The proportion of the Tannat N variety may be equal to 50 %.’ For rosé wines, the following provision has been added: ‘The proportion of the Tannat N variety must be greater than or equal to 20 %.’ The following rule for red wines has been extended to rosé wines: ‘These requirements do not apply to winemakers who do not make wine from their own production, whose holding within the area for the controlled designation of origin is less than 1,5 ha and who maintain a proportion of main grape varieties greater than or equal to 50 % of the mix of vine varieties.’ A minimum proportion of Tannat has been added to the proportions for rosé wines, to remain consistent with the blending rules which require at least 25 % Tannat.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

3.   Blending

Point IX.1(b) of Chapter I is amended as follows: ‘For rosé wines, the main varieties account for at least 70 % of the blend, and Tannat N accounts for at least 25 % of the blend’. The reason for this change is the increase in the other main varieties – Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon – which, according to the protection and management body, also account for an increasing proportion of the vineyard area of the Béarn controlled designation of origin. They are considered to be important varieties in terms of growth, environmental behaviour and organoleptic characteristics, yielding fruity and relatively structured wines. The reduction of Tannat to 25 % in the blend of rosé wines does not change the typical characteristics of Béarn rosé.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

4.   Vineyard management

A special provision for vines planted on terraces that was added to the point on planting density of the product specification approved at the end of 2011, but omitted from the point on foliage height, has been added to point VI(1)(c): ‘The height of the foliage when trellised is at least 1,55 metres for vines planted on terraces.’ Terrace cultivation often leads to distances between rows of vines which vary according to the topography and within the same parcel, and are greater than those of traditional vines.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

5.   Circulation of wines

The specification has been amended by shortening the ageing period for rosé wines by one month, until 1 December. Consequently, the wines are placed on the consumer market on 15 December. Placing rosé wines on the market on 15 December of the harvest year would allow the protection and management body to maintain its trade dynamics. The ‘additional’ month of ageing would be deleted. Early bottling (in December) is beneficial to the organoleptic qualities of the rosé wines, especially their freshness on the palate and floral notes.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

6.   Analytical standards

In point IX(1)(d), the following provision has been added: ‘Every batch of wine sold in bulk or packaged has a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) less than or equal to 4 grams per litre for rosé wines. This content may be increased to 5 grams per litre if the total acidity expressed as H2SO4 is greater than or equal to 81,6 milliequivalents (or 4 g H2SO4) per litre. The vivacity of the rosé wines would be more balanced due to a better balance of acidity/fruitiness on the palate, making the wines more supple and aromatic.

Point 1.4 of the single document, on amending the sugar content of rosé wines, has been amended accordingly.

7.   Transitional measures

The transitional measures have been removed, as they have expired.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

8.   Link to the origin

The link has been revised as follows: “The red, rosé and white wines are mainly made from blends”, in order to show that the wines are not exclusively made from blending, which was already the case before the amendment.

The link has also been revised in the section on the description of rosé wines. The colour of the rosé wines has been specified to take account of less colourful wines, and aromas have been added. This is expressed as follows: “The rosé wines usually have a colour that ranges from pale pink to a more intense pink. Fresh and supple, these wines have a pleasant structure and aromatic notes of small red fruits and citrus fruits.”

Point 1.8 of the single document, on adding flavour, amending the colour and on wines made from a single variety, has been amended accordingly.

9.   Inspection body

The reference to the inspection body has been reworded to align it with the wording used in other product specifications. It is a purely formal amendment.

This amendment does not lead to any changes to the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Béarn

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine products

| 1. | Wine |
| --- | --- |

1.

Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Red wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 11 %.

Each batch which is ready to market, in bulk or packaged, has:

| — | an alcoholic strength by volume not exceeding 13,5 % after enrichment; |
| --- | --- |

—

an alcoholic strength by volume not exceeding 13,5 % after enrichment;

| — | a malic acid content less than or equal to 0,4 g per litre; |
| --- | --- |

—

a malic acid content less than or equal to 0,4 g per litre;

| — | a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) less than or equal to: |
| --- | --- |

—

a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) less than or equal to:

3 g/l for red wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume less than or equal to 14 %;

4 g/l for red wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume greater than 14 %.

The total acidity, volatile acidity and total sulphur dioxide content are those laid down by legislation. The red wines may be blended. It should be noted that the main varieties used are of local origin and are well adapted to the soil and climate characteristics of the region. This accounts for some of the originality of wines of this designation.

The red wines have good tannic potential. Fruity aromas often dominate and become more complex with ageing.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum total acidity | |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum total acidity

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

2.   White wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 11 %.

Each batch which is ready to market, in bulk or packaged, has:

| — | an alcoholic strength by volume not exceeding 13,5 % after enrichment; |
| --- | --- |

—

an alcoholic strength by volume not exceeding 13,5 % after enrichment;

| — | a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) not exceeding 4 g/l. |
| --- | --- |

—

a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) not exceeding 4 g/l.

The total acidity, volatile acidity and total sulphur dioxide content are those laid down by legislation. The wines may be blended. It should be noted that the main varieties used are of local origin and are well adapted to the soil and climate characteristics of the region. This accounts for some of the originality of wines of this designation.

The white wines have a balance between freshness and unctuousness, and a certain complexity on the nose, with a predominance of fruity and floral aromatic notes.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum total acidity | |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum total acidity

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

3.   Rosé wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 11 %.

Each batch which is ready to market, in bulk or packaged, has:

| — | an alcoholic strength by volume not exceeding 13,5 % after enrichment; |
| --- | --- |

—

an alcoholic strength by volume not exceeding 13,5 % after enrichment;

| — | a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) less than or equal to 4 grams per litre for rosé wines. This content may be increased to 5 grams per litre if the total acidity expressed as H2SO4 is greater than or equal to 81,6 milliequivalents (or 4 g H2SO4) per litre. |
| --- | --- |

—

a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) less than or equal to 4 grams per litre for rosé wines. This content may be increased to 5 grams per litre if the total acidity expressed as H2SO4 is greater than or equal to 81,6 milliequivalents (or 4 g H2SO4) per litre.

The total acidity, volatile acidity and total sulphur dioxide content are those laid down by legislation. The wines may be blended. It should be noted that the main varieties used are of local origin and are well adapted to the soil and climate characteristics of the region. This accounts for some of the originality of wines of this designation.

The rosé wines usually have a colour that ranges from pale pink to a more intense pink. Fresh and supple, these wines have a pleasant structure and aromatic notes of small red fruits and citrus fruits.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum total acidity | |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum total acidity

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   
  Specific oenological practices

1.   Specific oenological practice

| — | White and rosé wines are obtained by direct pressing. |
| --- | --- |

—

White and rosé wines are obtained by direct pressing.

| — | The use of oenological charcoal in making the rosé wines is prohibited, whether alone or mixed in preparations. |
| --- | --- |

—

The use of oenological charcoal in making the rosé wines is prohibited, whether alone or mixed in preparations.

| — | The wines have a total alcoholic strength not exceeding 13,5 % after enrichment. |
| --- | --- |

—

The wines have a total alcoholic strength not exceeding 13,5 % after enrichment.

In addition to the above provision, the oenological practices followed must meet the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

2.   Cultivation method

Planting density

The minimum planting density of the vines is 4000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows is greater than 2,5 metres.

The spacing between the rows of vines intended for the production of red and rosé wines must not exceed 2,80 metres in the following municipalities of the department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques: Abos, Arbus, Artiguelouve, Aubertin, Bosdarros, Cardesse, Cuqueron, Estialesq, Gan, Gelos, Haut-de-Bosdarros, Jurançon, Lacommande, Lahourcade, Laroin, Lasseube, Lasseubétat, Lucq-de-Béarn, Mazères-Lezons, Monein, Narcastet, Parbayse, Rontignon, Saint-Faust and Uzos.

These provisions do not apply to vines planted on terraces.

Pruning rules

The vines may be pruned in single or double Guyot with the following maximum bud load per plant:

16 buds for the Tannat N, Manseng N, Gros Manseng B and Raffiat de Moncade B varieties, and

20 buds for other varieties.

The number of fruit-bearing branches for the year per plant after flowering (Lorenz phenological growth stage 23) is less than or equal to:

12 buds for the Tannat N, Manseng N, Gros Manseng B and Raffiat de Moncade B varieties;

16 buds for other varieties.

| — | Irrigation may be authorised. |
| --- | --- |

—

Irrigation may be authorised.

5.2.   
  Maximum yields

| | Béarn – Red, rosé and white wines |
| --- | --- |

Béarn – Red, rosé and white wines

| | 60 hectolitres per hectare |
| --- | --- |

60 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and aged in the following municipalities:

| — | Department of Gers: Riscle (in the territory of the former municipality of Cannet), Maumusson-Laguian and Viella; |
| --- | --- |

—

Department of Gers: Riscle (in the territory of the former municipality of Cannet), Maumusson-Laguian and Viella;

| — | Department of Hautes-Pyrénées: Castelnau-Rivière-Basse, Hagedet, Lascazères, Madiran, Saint-Lanne and Soublecause; |
| --- | --- |

—

Department of Hautes-Pyrénées: Castelnau-Rivière-Basse, Hagedet, Lascazères, Madiran, Saint-Lanne and Soublecause;

| — | Department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques: Abos, Arbus, Arricau-Bordes, Arrosès, Artiguelouve, Aubertin, Aubous, Aurions-Idernes, Aydie, Baigts-de-Béarn, Bellocq, Bérenx, Bétracq, Bosdarros, Burosse-Mendousse, Cadillon, Cardesse, Carresse, Castagnède, Castetpugon, Castillon (canton of Lembeye), Conchez-de-Béarn, Corbère-Abères, Crouseilles, Cuqueron, Diusse, Escurès, Estialescq, Gan, Gayon, Gelos, Haut-de-Bosdarros, L’Hôpital-d’Orion, Jurançon, Lacommande, Lagor, Lahontan, Lahourcade, Laroin, Lasserre, Lasseube, Lasseubetat, Lembeye, Lespielle-Germenaud-Lannegrasse, Lucq-de-Béarn, Mascaraàs-Haron, Mazères-Lezons, Moncaup, Moncla, Monein, Monpezat, Mont-Disse, Mourenx, Narcastet, Ogenne-Camptort, Oraàs, Orthez, Parbayse, Portet, Puyoo, Ramous, Rontignon, Saint-Faust, Saint-Jean-Poudge, Salies-de-Béarn, Salles-Mongiscard, Sauvelade, Séméacq-Blachon, Tadon-Sadirac-Viellenave, Tadousse-Ussau, Uzos, Vialer and Vielleségure. |
| --- | --- |

—

Department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques: Abos, Arbus, Arricau-Bordes, Arrosès, Artiguelouve, Aubertin, Aubous, Aurions-Idernes, Aydie, Baigts-de-Béarn, Bellocq, Bérenx, Bétracq, Bosdarros, Burosse-Mendousse, Cadillon, Cardesse, Carresse, Castagnède, Castetpugon, Castillon (canton of Lembeye), Conchez-de-Béarn, Corbère-Abères, Crouseilles, Cuqueron, Diusse, Escurès, Estialescq, Gan, Gayon, Gelos, Haut-de-Bosdarros, L’Hôpital-d’Orion, Jurançon, Lacommande, Lagor, Lahontan, Lahourcade, Laroin, Lasserre, Lasseube, Lasseubetat, Lembeye, Lespielle-Germenaud-Lannegrasse, Lucq-de-Béarn, Mascaraàs-Haron, Mazères-Lezons, Moncaup, Moncla, Monein, Monpezat, Mont-Disse, Mourenx, Narcastet, Ogenne-Camptort, Oraàs, Orthez, Parbayse, Portet, Puyoo, Ramous, Rontignon, Saint-Faust, Saint-Jean-Poudge, Salies-de-Béarn, Salles-Mongiscard, Sauvelade, Séméacq-Blachon, Tadon-Sadirac-Viellenave, Tadousse-Ussau, Uzos, Vialer and Vielleségure.

7.   Main wine grape variety(-ies)

| | Cabernet Franc N |
| --- | --- |

Cabernet Franc N

| | Cabernet-Sauvignon N |
| --- | --- |

Cabernet-Sauvignon N

| | Gros Manseng B |
| --- | --- |

Gros Manseng B

| | Petit Manseng B |
| --- | --- |

Petit Manseng B

| | Raffiat de Moncade B |
| --- | --- |

Raffiat de Moncade B

| | Tannat N |
| --- | --- |

Tannat N

8.   Description of the link(s)

Béarn – Red, rosé and white wines

The geographical area consists of the three wine-growing hubs in the province of Béarn. Largely located on the slopes of the foothills of the Pyrenees, the area shows significant variation in soil and topoclimatic conditions.

The vineyard fits discreetly into the landscape. They form part of a diversified system of mixed-cropping. The rock forming this landscape consists mainly of sediments of continental origin (molasse, marl, limestone, clay, fawn-coloured sands [sables fauves], layers of pebble) and sometimes of marine origin (flysch). Wind-blown silt covered the terrain in the Quaternary era, and is still present in some places.

The associated soils are also highly varied, although most of them are leached and acidic. Soils on limestone are also visible. The stone content of these soils varies: the top layers of pebbles enrich the slopes, and flysch is visible in the form of sharp-edged pebbles. Sand and gravel improve drainage. Overall, the soils drain water and warm up well, thanks in particular to their stoniness. The slopes are often asymmetrical. The terrain, which is very rugged, creates/produces a variety of warm orientations facing south, east or west, with a gradient sufficient to remove rainwater.

The predominantly humid and mild oceanic climate brings 1 000 mm of rain per year to the north and 1 300 mm per year to the west of the area. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly over the year, with a drier period in summer and early autumn. Also in this period, the prevailing wind (on one out of three days) is a warm, dry, Föhn-type southerly wind.

Cartularies and local archives tell us that the vineyard was already well-established in part of the area as early as in the 13th century.

In the middle of the 14th century, white and red Béarn wines began to be exported under that name to Holland. These exports continued to grow until the 19th century.

From the 15th century on, another outlet was set up with the Bigorre region and the Pyrenees provided another outlet for exports. Since the 16th century, the white vines have mainly included the Petit Manseng B, Gros Manseng B, Arrufiac B, Courbu B and Raffiat de Moncade B varieties.

In the 18th century, only a few red varieties were used. These included Fer N and Bouchy (Cabernet Franc N), as well as Tannat N, a very colourful and tannic local variety.

At the beginning of the 20th century, rosé wines with this designation enjoyed considerable popularity, which was linked to markets in the Paris region that stocked the wine.

The Béarn designation of origin “vin délimité de qualité supérieure” [wine with appellation of origin of high quality] was recognised in 1951 for the rosé and white wines.

Béarn was recognised as a registered designation of origin in 1975 for the red, rosé and white wines.

In the 20th century, the vineyard area shrunk considerably. Since the 1980s, it has been expanding again. The vineyard area claimed still covers some 300 hectares.

Today, the Béarn wines are once again acquiring a promising regional image, thanks to the efforts of winegrowers to pass on and improve their know-how.

In the landscape of the geographical area, with its hilly, partly wooded terrain and wide range of orientations and soils, the vines are invariably scattered, forming a patchwork landscape. The hillside slopes create favourable topoclimatic conditions by letting excess rainwater run off and, when the slopes are well-oriented, the vineyards receive more sunshine and warmth, which benefit the ripening of the harvest. The warm, dry southerly wind that blows during the grapes’ ripening period has favoured winegrowing in this generally humid region.

The parcels best suited for the healthy ripening of the grapes are clearly delimited in the parcel area and consist of well-oriented parcels with relatively well-draining soil.

A renowned vineyard area based on local grape varieties developed in line with the markets available to it. Adapting the local grape varieties to a fairly humid climate and to late ripening has been one of the keys to the reputation of this vineyard area over the centuries. These varieties require the specific know-how that has evolved in this geographical area, which includes controlling the tannic potential of the red grape varieties and managing the high alcoholic potential of the white varieties by choosing the harvesting date and by blending.

The red, rosé and white wines are mainly made from blends. It should be noted that the main varieties used are of local origin and are well adapted to the soil and climate characteristics of the region. This accounts for some of the originality of wines of this designation.

9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

| | Broader geographical unit |
| --- | --- |

Broader geographical unit

| | Legal framework: |
| --- | --- |

Legal framework:

| | National legislation |
| --- | --- |

National legislation

| | Type of further condition: |
| --- | --- |

Type of further condition:

| | Additional provisions relating to labelling |
| --- | --- |

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The ‘Béarn’ designation may be followed by the supplementary geographical designation specifying the broader geographical unit ‘Sud-Ouest’ [South-west].

Link to the product specification

http://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-b053abef-87b5-43bf-a8a5-f3afe4be0e75

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(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.

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