# Den Europæiske Unions C 243/2007

| | ISSN 1725-2393 |
| --- | --- |
| Den Europæiske Unions
  Tidende | C 243 |
| | |
| Dansk udgave | Meddelelser og oplysninger | 50. årgang17. oktober 2007 |

ISSN 1725-2393

Den Europæiske Unions

Tidende

C 243

Dansk udgave

Meddelelser og oplysninger

50. årgang17. oktober 2007

---

| Informationsnummer | Indhold | Side |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Meddelelser |
| | MEDDELELSER FRA DEN EUROPÆISKE UNIONS INSTITUTIONER OG ORGANER |
| | Kommissionen |
| 2007/C 243/01 | Ingen indsigelse mod en anmeldt fusion (Sag COMP/M.4748 — T-Mobile/Orange) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Informationsnummer

Indhold

Side

II   Meddelelser

MEDDELELSER FRA DEN EUROPÆISKE UNIONS INSTITUTIONER OG ORGANER

Kommissionen

2007/C 243/01

Ingen indsigelse mod en anmeldt fusion (Sag COMP/M.4748 — T-Mobile/Orange) (
  1
  )

1

1

| | IV   Oplysninger |
| --- | --- |
| | OPLYSNINGER FRA DEN EUROPÆISKE UNIONS INSTITUTIONER OG ORGANER |
| | Kommissionen |
| 2007/C 243/02 | Euroens vekselkurs | 2 |

IV   Oplysninger

OPLYSNINGER FRA DEN EUROPÆISKE UNIONS INSTITUTIONER OG ORGANER

Kommissionen

2007/C 243/02

Euroens vekselkurs

2

| | V   Udtalelser |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURER |
| | De Europæiske Fællesskabers Personaleudvælgelseskontor (EPSO) |
| 2007/C 243/03 | Meddelelse om almindelige udvælgelsesprøver EPSO/AST/43-44/07 | 3 |
| | PROCEDURER I TILKNYTNING TIL GENNEMFØRELSEN AF KONKURRENCEPOLITIKKEN |
| | Kommissionen |
| 2007/C 243/04 | Statsstøtte — Det Forenede Kongerige — Statsstøtte C 23/07 (ex N 118/07) — Vauxhall Motors Ltd — Udannelsesstøtte til Ellesmere Port — Opfordring til at fremsætte bemærkninger efter EF-traktatens artikel 88, stk. 2 (
  1
  ) | 4 |
| | ØVRIGE RETSAKTER |
| | Kommissionen |
| 2007/C 243/05 | Offentliggørelse af en ansøgning i henhold til artikel 6, stk. 2, i Rådets forordning (EF) nr. 510/2006 om beskyttelse af geografiske betegnelser og oprindelsesbetegnelser for landbrugsprodukter og levnedsmidler | 11 |

V   Udtalelser

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURER

De Europæiske Fællesskabers Personaleudvælgelseskontor (EPSO)

2007/C 243/03

Meddelelse om almindelige udvælgelsesprøver EPSO/AST/43-44/07

3

PROCEDURER I TILKNYTNING TIL GENNEMFØRELSEN AF KONKURRENCEPOLITIKKEN

Kommissionen

2007/C 243/04

Statsstøtte — Det Forenede Kongerige — Statsstøtte C 23/07 (ex N 118/07) — Vauxhall Motors Ltd — Udannelsesstøtte til Ellesmere Port — Opfordring til at fremsætte bemærkninger efter EF-traktatens artikel 88, stk. 2 (
  1
  )

1

4

ØVRIGE RETSAKTER

Kommissionen

2007/C 243/05

Offentliggørelse af en ansøgning i henhold til artikel 6, stk. 2, i Rådets forordning (EF) nr. 510/2006 om beskyttelse af geografiske betegnelser og oprindelsesbetegnelser for landbrugsprodukter og levnedsmidler

11

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   EØS-relevant tekst |

---

(1)   EØS-relevant tekst

1

| DA | |
| --- | --- |

DA

---

II Meddelelser

MEDDELELSER FRA DEN EUROPÆISKE UNIONS INSTITUTIONER OG ORGANER

Kommissionen

| 17.10.2007 | DA | Den Europæiske Unions Tidende | C 243/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

DA

Den Europæiske Unions Tidende

C 243/1

---

Ingen indsigelse mod en anmeldt fusion

(Sag COMP/M.4748 — T-Mobile/Orange)

(EØS-relevant tekst)

(2007/C 243/01)

Den 20. august 2007 besluttede Kommissionen ikke at rejse indsigelse mod ovennævnte anmeldte fusion og at erklære den forenelig med fællesmarkedet. Denne beslutning er truffet efter artikel 6, stk. 1, litra b), i Rådets forordning (EF) nr. 139/2004. Beslutningens fulde ordlyd foreligger kun på engelsk og vil blive offentliggjort, efter at eventuelle forretningshemmeligheder er udeladt. Den kan fås:

| — | på Kommissionens websted for konkurrence (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). Dette websted giver forskellige muligheder for at finde de konkrete fusionsbeslutninger, idet de er opstillet efter bl.a. virksomhedens navn, sagsnummer, dato og sektor |
| --- | --- |

—

på Kommissionens websted for konkurrence (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). Dette websted giver forskellige muligheder for at finde de konkrete fusionsbeslutninger, idet de er opstillet efter bl.a. virksomhedens navn, sagsnummer, dato og sektor

| — | i elektronisk form på webstedet EUR-Lex under dokumentnummer 32007M4748. EUR-Lex giver online adgang til EU-retten. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu). |
| --- | --- |

—

i elektronisk form på webstedet EUR-Lex under dokumentnummer 32007M4748. EUR-Lex giver online adgang til EU-retten. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

IV Oplysninger

OPLYSNINGER FRA DEN EUROPÆISKE UNIONS INSTITUTIONER OG ORGANER

Kommissionen

| 17.10.2007 | DA | Den Europæiske Unions Tidende | C 243/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

DA

Den Europæiske Unions Tidende

C 243/2

---

Euroens vekselkurs (1)

16. oktober 2007

(2007/C 243/02)

1 euro=

| | Valuta | Kurs |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | amerikanske dollar | 1,4150 |
| JPY | japanske yen | 165,17 |
| DKK | danske kroner | 7,4528 |
| GBP | pund sterling | 0,69650 |
| SEK | svenske kroner | 9,1538 |
| CHF | schweiziske franc | 1,6753 |
| ISK | islandske kroner | 86,25 |
| NOK | norske kroner | 7,6660 |
| BGN | bulgarske lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | cypriotiske pund | 0,5842 |
| CZK | tjekkiske koruna | 27,526 |
| EEK | estiske kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | ungarske forint | 251,05 |
| LTL | litauiske litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | lettiske lats | 0,7030 |
| MTL | maltesiske lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | polske zloty | 3,7196 |
| RON | rumænske lei | 3,3513 |
| SKK | slovakiske koruna | 33,687 |
| TRY | tyrkiske lira | 1,7314 |
| AUD | australske dollar | 1,5929 |
| CAD | canadiske dollar | 1,3878 |
| HKD | hongkongske dollar | 10,9724 |
| NZD | newzealandske dollar | 1,8930 |
| SGD | singaporeanske dollar | 2,0767 |
| KRW | sydkoreanske won | 1 297,84 |
| ZAR | sydafrikanske rand | 9,7399 |
| CNY | kinesiske renminbi yuan | 10,6380 |
| HRK | kroatiske kuna | 7,3235 |
| IDR | indonesiske rupiah | 12 819,90 |
| MYR | malaysiske ringgit | 4,7862 |
| PHP | filippinske pesos | 62,755 |
| RUB | russiske rubler | 35,3050 |
| THB | thailandske bath | 44,424 |

Valuta

Kurs

USD

amerikanske dollar

1,4150

JPY

japanske yen

165,17

DKK

danske kroner

7,4528

GBP

pund sterling

0,69650

SEK

svenske kroner

9,1538

CHF

schweiziske franc

1,6753

ISK

islandske kroner

86,25

NOK

norske kroner

7,6660

BGN

bulgarske lev

1,9558

CYP

cypriotiske pund

0,5842

CZK

tjekkiske koruna

27,526

EEK

estiske kroon

15,6466

HUF

ungarske forint

251,05

LTL

litauiske litas

3,4528

LVL

lettiske lats

0,7030

MTL

maltesiske lira

0,4293

PLN

polske zloty

3,7196

RON

rumænske lei

3,3513

SKK

slovakiske koruna

33,687

TRY

tyrkiske lira

1,7314

AUD

australske dollar

1,5929

CAD

canadiske dollar

1,3878

HKD

hongkongske dollar

10,9724

NZD

newzealandske dollar

1,8930

SGD

singaporeanske dollar

2,0767

KRW

sydkoreanske won

1 297,84

ZAR

sydafrikanske rand

9,7399

CNY

kinesiske renminbi yuan

10,6380

HRK

kroatiske kuna

7,3235

IDR

indonesiske rupiah

12 819,90

MYR

malaysiske ringgit

4,7862

PHP

filippinske pesos

62,755

RUB

russiske rubler

35,3050

THB

thailandske bath

44,424

---

(1)

Kilde: Referencekurs offentliggjort af Den Europæiske Centralbank.

---

V Udtalelser

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURER

De Europæiske Fællesskabers Personaleudvælgelseskontor (EPSO)

| 17.10.2007 | DA | Den Europæiske Unions Tidende | C 243/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

DA

Den Europæiske Unions Tidende

C 243/3

---

MEDDELELSE OM ALMINDELIGE UDVÆLGELSESPRØVER EPSO/AST/43-44/07

(2007/C 243/03)

De Europæiske Fællesskabers Personaleudvælgelseskontor (EPSO) afholder følgende almindelige udvælgelsesprøver: EPSO/AST/43/07 og EPSO/AST/44/07 — Assistenter (AST3) af bulgarsk og rumænsk nationalitet inden for følgende områder:

| 1. | Europæisk offentlig administration |
| --- | --- |

1.

Europæisk offentlig administration

| 2. | Finansiel forvaltning |
| --- | --- |

2.

Finansiel forvaltning

Meddelelsen om udvælgelsesprøven er udelukkende offentliggjort på engelsk, fransk og tysk i
  Den Europæiske Unions Tidende C 243 A af 17. oktober 2007.

Yderligere oplysninger findes på EPSO's netsted http://europa.eu/epso

---

PROCEDURER I TILKNYTNING TIL GENNEMFØRELSEN AF KONKURRENCEPOLITIKKEN

Kommissionen

| 17.10.2007 | DA | Den Europæiske Unions Tidende | C 243/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

DA

Den Europæiske Unions Tidende

C 243/4

---

STATSSTØTTE — DET FORENEDE KONGERIGE

Statsstøtte C 23/07 (ex N 118/07) — Vauxhall Motors Ltd — Udannelsesstøtte til Ellesmere Port

Opfordring til at fremsætte bemærkninger efter EF-traktatens artikel 88, stk. 2

(EØS-relevant tekst)

(2007/C 243/04)

Ved brev af 10. juli 2007, der er gengivet på det autentiske sprog efter dette resumé, meddelte Kommissionen Det Forenede Kongerige, at den havde besluttet at indlede proceduren efter EF-traktatens artikel 88, stk. 2, over for en del af ovennævnte støtte.

Interesserede parter kan senest en måned efter offentliggørelsen af nærværende resumé og det efterfølgende brev sende deres bemærkninger til den støtte, over for hvilken Kommissionen indleder proceduren, til:

| Europa-Kommissionen |
| --- |
| Generaldirektoratet for Konkurrence |
| Registreringskontoret for statsstøtte |
| SPA -3 6/5 |
| B-1049 Bruxelles |
| Fax (32-2) 296 12 42 |

Europa-Kommissionen

Generaldirektoratet for Konkurrence

Registreringskontoret for statsstøtte

SPA -3 6/5

B-1049 Bruxelles

Fax (32-2) 296 12 42

Disse bemærkninger vil blive videresendt til Det Forenede Kongerige. Interesserede parter, der fremsætter bemærkninger til sagen, kan skriftligt anmode om at få deres navne hemmeligholdt. Anmodningen skal være begrundet.

RESUMÉ

Den 5. marts 2007 meddelte Det Forenede Kongerige Kommissionen, at det agtede at bevilge støtte til bilfabrikken Vauxhall Motors Ltd, Ellesmere Port (»Vauxhall«), som er en afdeling af Vauxhall Motors Ltd og indgår i General Motors Ltd. Anmeldelsen blev foretaget efter artikel 5 af Kommissionen i forordning om uddannelsesstøtte (EF) nr. 68/2001, hvorefter al uddannelsesstøtte, der overstiger 1 mio. EUR, skal indberettes særskilt.

Formålet er at støtte et træningsprogram, der skal forbedre Vauxhalls præstation. Det er planen, at træningsprogrammet skal gennemføres over seks år (fra 2007 t.o.m. 2012). De samlede støtteberettigede udgifter til træningsprogrammet udgør 16 583 461 GBP. Støtten tildeles af North-West Development Agency som et direkte tilskud på 8 584 767 GBP, der betales i seks årlige rater.

Efter Kommissionens vurdering udgør foranstaltningen statsstøtte som omhandlet i EF-traktatens artikel 87. Kommissionen vil vurdere støttens forenelighed med fællesmarkedet på grundlag af EF-traktatens artikel 87, stk. 3, litra c). I denne forbindelse vil Kommissionen tage hensyn til grundprincipperne i forordningen om uddannelsesstøtte. Kommissionen vil også vurdere, om støtten giver et nødvendigt incitament til træningen, dvs. om træningsprogrammet ikke vil være blevet påbegyndt uden støtte. Kriteriet for »incitamentsvirkningen« er en generel betingelse for statsstøttes forenelighed med fællesmarkedet.

For indeværende tvivler Kommissionen på støttens forenelighed ud fra følgende grunde: For det første tvivler den på, at støtten giver incitament, hvad angår tre dele af træningsprogrammet (produktionssystemtræning, træning i GM's globale fremstillingssystem samt arbejds- og studieprogrammer for studerende), som Kommissionen formoder også ville blive gennemført uden støtte.

For det andet deler Kommissionen ikke Det Forenede Kongeriges mening om, at den træning, der skal gives på fire programområder (produktionssystemtræning, det globale fremstillingssystem, kulturelle forandringer og leanproduktion) udgør generel uddannelse efter definitionen i forordningen om uddannelsesstøtte, dvs. træning, der giver kvalifikationer, som kan overføres til andre virksomheder eller sektorer, og for hvilken der kan gives støtte svarende til op til 50 % af de støtteberettigede udgifter. Kommissionen mener, at disse dele af programmet udgør specifik uddannelse i henhold til forordningen (maksimal støtteintensitet 25 %).

BREVETS ORDLYD

»The Commission wishes to inform the United Kingdom that, having examined the information supplied by the UK authorities on the measure referred to above, it has decided to initiate the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty.

1.   THE PROCEDURE

| (1) | By letter dated 28 February 2007, registered with the Commission on 6 March 2007, the UK authorities notified the Commission of the above-mentioned measure for General Motor's Vauxhall assembly plant at Ellesmere Port. The Commission requested complementary information by letter of 4 April 2007 (ref. D/51586), to which the UK authorities replied on 22 May 2007. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

By letter dated 28 February 2007, registered with the Commission on 6 March 2007, the UK authorities notified the Commission of the above-mentioned measure for General Motor's Vauxhall assembly plant at Ellesmere Port. The Commission requested complementary information by letter of 4 April 2007 (ref. D/51586), to which the UK authorities replied on 22 May 2007.

2.   DESCRIPTION OF THE AID

2.1.   The beneficiary

| (2) | The aid recipient is Vauxhall Motors Ltd, Ellesmere Port, UK (“Vauxhall”), a car manufacturing plant which is an operating unit of Vauxhall Motors Ltd and part of General Motors Inc. (“GM”). It manufactures cars from the Opel model range (which are sold in the UK under the Vauxhall badge), currently the Astra which will terminate in 2009. Vauxhall is located in Ellesmere Port in Cheshire in the North-West region of England (1) and employs close to 2 200 workers. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The aid recipient is Vauxhall Motors Ltd, Ellesmere Port, UK (“Vauxhall”), a car manufacturing plant which is an operating unit of Vauxhall Motors Ltd and part of General Motors Inc. (“GM”). It manufactures cars from the Opel model range (which are sold in the UK under the Vauxhall badge), currently the Astra which will terminate in 2009. Vauxhall is located in Ellesmere Port in Cheshire in the North-West region of England (1) and employs close to 2 200 workers.

| (3) | Vauxhall has suffered from a long record of underperformance. Initiatives taken since 2002 have considerably improved the plant's performance. However, according to the UK, the improvements represent only the changes needed to meet the basic standards for a GM plant. In order to survive in the long term, Vauxhall needs to implement a more comprehensive change and staff development programme in order to improve productivity and build quality and make Vauxhall a class leading plant. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Vauxhall has suffered from a long record of underperformance. Initiatives taken since 2002 have considerably improved the plant's performance. However, according to the UK, the improvements represent only the changes needed to meet the basic standards for a GM plant. In order to survive in the long term, Vauxhall needs to implement a more comprehensive change and staff development programme in order to improve productivity and build quality and make Vauxhall a class leading plant.

| (4) | On 17 April 2007, GM announced that Vauxhall was amongst the European GM sites that had been selected to produce the Global Compact Vehicle, the model that will replace the Astra. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

On 17 April 2007, GM announced that Vauxhall was amongst the European GM sites that had been selected to produce the Global Compact Vehicle, the model that will replace the Astra.

2.2.   The training programme

| (5) | Vauxhall intends to implement a wide-ranging training plan which breaks down into 8 individual training areas, 6 of which are considered by the UK to be eligible for training aid:






  (a) | Production System Training: This concerns training in all elements of Vauxhall's production and quality control systems. The objective is to give staff a better understanding of the build process and thus generate better standard, reduce defects and improve problem solving. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(5)

Vauxhall intends to implement a wide-ranging training plan which breaks down into 8 individual training areas, 6 of which are considered by the UK to be eligible for training aid:

(a)

Production System Training: This concerns training in all elements of Vauxhall's production and quality control systems. The objective is to give staff a better understanding of the build process and thus generate better standard, reduce defects and improve problem solving.

| (b) | Integrated Training Plan: This part of the training concerns the implementation of the “Global Manufacturing System” (GMS) which incorporates best practices and technologies into a common manufacturing system for GM operations. Through a series of objectives (“People Involvement”, “Standardisation”, “Built-in Quality”, “Short Lead Time”, “Continuous Improvement”) the training will allow the staff of Vauxhall to build future generations of cars in a better way. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Integrated Training Plan: This part of the training concerns the implementation of the “Global Manufacturing System” (GMS) which incorporates best practices and technologies into a common manufacturing system for GM operations. Through a series of objectives (“People Involvement”, “Standardisation”, “Built-in Quality”, “Short Lead Time”, “Continuous Improvement”) the training will allow the staff of Vauxhall to build future generations of cars in a better way.

| (c) | Cultural Change: The objective of this training is to instil a sense of common purpose and collective responsibility in the workforce and to create a team culture based on excellence in production. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Cultural Change: The objective of this training is to instil a sense of common purpose and collective responsibility in the workforce and to create a team culture based on excellence in production.

| (d) | Dual Skilling: The purpose of this training is to develop a flexible workforce by allowing staff with a primary skill in mechanical engineering to develop electrical skills and, conversely, those with primary skills in electrical engineering to acquire mechanical skills. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Dual Skilling: The purpose of this training is to develop a flexible workforce by allowing staff with a primary skill in mechanical engineering to develop electrical skills and, conversely, those with primary skills in electrical engineering to acquire mechanical skills.

| (e) | Lean Manufacturing: This is a project to ensure that the principles and techniques of lean manufacturing are embedded in the workforce and that employees are fully aware of the benefits of applying these to the manufacturing process at Vauxhall. A central part of training under this heading will be the secondment of staff to another GM plant outside the UK. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

Lean Manufacturing: This is a project to ensure that the principles and techniques of lean manufacturing are embedded in the workforce and that employees are fully aware of the benefits of applying these to the manufacturing process at Vauxhall. A central part of training under this heading will be the secondment of staff to another GM plant outside the UK.

| (f) | Undergraduates: This is a programme whereby Vauxhall organises 12-month courses for young University students. The various programmes (e.g. “Body Planning Engineer”, “Finance Analyst”, “General Assembly Planning Engineer”) combine learning and work experience under the supervision of a mentor. There is no contractual obligation on either party to maintain the working relationship at the end of the training. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

Undergraduates: This is a programme whereby Vauxhall organises 12-month courses for young University students. The various programmes (e.g. “Body Planning Engineer”, “Finance Analyst”, “General Assembly Planning Engineer”) combine learning and work experience under the supervision of a mentor. There is no contractual obligation on either party to maintain the working relationship at the end of the training.

| (6) | Outside the training intended to benefit from the notified State aid are the training areas “Apprentices” (an apprenticeship scheme for young people), “Model Change” (the training needed to adapt to the production of the Global Model Vehicle) and activities related to “Training & Performance Appraisal”. In addition, the UK authorities have informed the Commission that Vauxhall undertakes “routine training” in the skills necessary to the plant's normal operations. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Outside the training intended to benefit from the notified State aid are the training areas “Apprentices” (an apprenticeship scheme for young people), “Model Change” (the training needed to adapt to the production of the Global Model Vehicle) and activities related to “Training & Performance Appraisal”. In addition, the UK authorities have informed the Commission that Vauxhall undertakes “routine training” in the skills necessary to the plant's normal operations.

| (7) | According to the information provided by the UK, the training would consist mainly in general training, with some elements of specific training (2). The training plan will be implemented over six years (2007 to 2012 included) and will concern all employees at Vauxhall. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

According to the information provided by the UK, the training would consist mainly in general training, with some elements of specific training (2). The training plan will be implemented over six years (2007 to 2012 included) and will concern all employees at Vauxhall.

2.3.   The aid

| (8) | The aid would be given in the form of a direct grant of GBP 8 584 767 payable in six yearly instalments over the running time of the training programme. The aid would be implemented as an individual aid from the North West Development Agency. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The aid would be given in the form of a direct grant of GBP 8 584 767 payable in six yearly instalments over the running time of the training programme. The aid would be implemented as an individual aid from the North West Development Agency.

| (9) | According to the information provided by the UK, the eligible costs for the training and the aid break down as follows (the costs for the projects “Apprenticeships”, “Model Change” and “Routine Training Budget” are not considered eligible by the UK) (3)
   (4):











  Projects | General training Eligible costs in GBP | Specific training Eligible costs in GBP | Wage compensation in GBP | Total eligible costs in GBP | Aid in GBP | Intensity in % |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Product System Training | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] |
| Integrated Training Progr. | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] |
| Cultural Change | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] |
| Dual Skilling | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] |
| Lean Manufacturing | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] |
| Undergraduates | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] |
| TOTAL | 9 870 316 | 464 808 | 6 248 338 | 16 583 461 | 8 584 767 | 51,78 |
| Apprenticeships | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] |
| Model Changes | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] |
| Routine Training Budge | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] |

(9)

According to the information provided by the UK, the eligible costs for the training and the aid break down as follows (the costs for the projects “Apprenticeships”, “Model Change” and “Routine Training Budget” are not considered eligible by the UK) (3)
   (4):

Projects

General training Eligible costs in GBP

Specific training Eligible costs in GBP

Wage compensation in GBP

Total eligible costs in GBP

Aid in GBP

Intensity in %

Product System Training

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

Integrated Training Progr.

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

Cultural Change

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

Dual Skilling

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

Lean Manufacturing

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

Undergraduates

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

TOTAL

9 870 316

464 808

6 248 338

16 583 461

8 584 767

51,78

Apprenticeships

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

Model Changes

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

Routine Training Budge

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

[...]

| (10) | According to the UK, the planned aid amounts respect the aid intensities of the Training Aid Regulation, i.e. 50 % for general training and 25 % for specific training, with an increase of 3,7 percentage points for training to disadvantaged workers within the meaning of Article 2(g) of the Training Aid Regulation (5). |
| --- | --- |

(10)

According to the UK, the planned aid amounts respect the aid intensities of the Training Aid Regulation, i.e. 50 % for general training and 25 % for specific training, with an increase of 3,7 percentage points for training to disadvantaged workers within the meaning of Article 2(g) of the Training Aid Regulation (5).

3.   ASSESSMENT

3.1.   Qualification as State aid

| (11) | According to Article 87 of the EC Treaty, any aid granted by a Member State or through State resources in any form whatsoever which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods, in so far as it affects trade between Member States, constitutes incompatible State aid unless it can be justified under Article 87(2) or (3) of the EC Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

According to Article 87 of the EC Treaty, any aid granted by a Member State or through State resources in any form whatsoever which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods, in so far as it affects trade between Member States, constitutes incompatible State aid unless it can be justified under Article 87(2) or (3) of the EC Treaty.

| (12) | The Commission considers that the measure constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 87(1) of the EC Treaty. The funding takes the form of a grant from the general budget of the North West region, and is thus funded from State resources. The measures are selective as they are limited to Vauxhall. They are likely to distort competition within the Community since, by relieving it of a significant part of the costs of the training, the measure will provide Vauxhall with an advantage over other competitors not receiving the aid. Finally, the market for motor vehicles is characterised by extensive trade between Member States. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

The Commission considers that the measure constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 87(1) of the EC Treaty. The funding takes the form of a grant from the general budget of the North West region, and is thus funded from State resources. The measures are selective as they are limited to Vauxhall. They are likely to distort competition within the Community since, by relieving it of a significant part of the costs of the training, the measure will provide Vauxhall with an advantage over other competitors not receiving the aid. Finally, the market for motor vehicles is characterised by extensive trade between Member States.

3.2.   Legal basis for the assessment

| (13) | The UK authorities have notified the aid as individual aid under Article 5 of the Training Aid Regulation which provides that when the amount of aid granted to one enterprise for a single training project exceeds EUR 1 million, the aid is not exempted from the notification requirement of Article 88(3) EC Treaty. The Commission notes that the proposed aid in this case amounts to GBP 8 584 767, i.e. about EUR 13 million, to be paid to one enterprise, and that the training project is a single project. The Commission therefore considers that the notification requirement applies to the proposed aid, and that it has been respected by the UK. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

The UK authorities have notified the aid as individual aid under Article 5 of the Training Aid Regulation which provides that when the amount of aid granted to one enterprise for a single training project exceeds EUR 1 million, the aid is not exempted from the notification requirement of Article 88(3) EC Treaty. The Commission notes that the proposed aid in this case amounts to GBP 8 584 767, i.e. about EUR 13 million, to be paid to one enterprise, and that the training project is a single project. The Commission therefore considers that the notification requirement applies to the proposed aid, and that it has been respected by the UK.

| (14) | When assessing an individual training aid which does not qualify for the exemption laid down in the Training Aid Regulation, the Commission will, in line with previous decisions (6) make an individual assessment of the aid on the basis of Article 87(3)(c) of the EC Treaty. However, for the purposes of this individual assessment the Commission will by analogy rely on the guiding principles of the Training Aid Regulation and in particular the exemption criteria laid down in its Article 4. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

When assessing an individual training aid which does not qualify for the exemption laid down in the Training Aid Regulation, the Commission will, in line with previous decisions (6) make an individual assessment of the aid on the basis of Article 87(3)(c) of the EC Treaty. However, for the purposes of this individual assessment the Commission will by analogy rely on the guiding principles of the Training Aid Regulation and in particular the exemption criteria laid down in its Article 4.

| (15) | Moreover, the Commission will, in line with its established practice, assess whether the training aid measure is necessary to undertake the training in question. The necessity of the aid is a general condition for finding the aid compatible with the common market (7). If the aid does not lead to additional training, it cannot be considered to “promote” the economic development within the meaning of Article 87(3)(c) EC of the EC Treaty nor to correct the market imperfections that lead companies to underinvest in the training, as mentioned in recital 10 of the Training Aid Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

Moreover, the Commission will, in line with its established practice, assess whether the training aid measure is necessary to undertake the training in question. The necessity of the aid is a general condition for finding the aid compatible with the common market (7). If the aid does not lead to additional training, it cannot be considered to “promote” the economic development within the meaning of Article 87(3)(c) EC of the EC Treaty nor to correct the market imperfections that lead companies to underinvest in the training, as mentioned in recital 10 of the Training Aid Regulation.

3.3.   Compatibility with the common market

| (16) | In view of the information submitted by the UK, the Commission has doubts on the compatibility of the aid with the common market for the reasons indicated below. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

In view of the information submitted by the UK, the Commission has doubts on the compatibility of the aid with the common market for the reasons indicated below.

3.3.1.   Incentive effect of the aid

| (17) | As indicated above, the Commission takes the view that training aid can be compatible with the common market only if it creates a necessary incentive for the funded training, in the absence of which the training would not take place. Training which is part of the normal operations of an undertaking and for which market forces alone should provide sufficient incentive will not qualify for training aid. |
| --- | --- |

(17)

As indicated above, the Commission takes the view that training aid can be compatible with the common market only if it creates a necessary incentive for the funded training, in the absence of which the training would not take place. Training which is part of the normal operations of an undertaking and for which market forces alone should provide sufficient incentive will not qualify for training aid.

| (18) | The UK has indicated that all training which is necessary for Vauxhall's normal operations is provided as part of “routine training”, the cost of which is not included in the eligible costs of the notified aid (the same is claimed for the training necessary to adapt to the production of the Global Concept Vehicle, covered by the heading “Model Change”). |
| --- | --- |

(18)

The UK has indicated that all training which is necessary for Vauxhall's normal operations is provided as part of “routine training”, the cost of which is not included in the eligible costs of the notified aid (the same is claimed for the training necessary to adapt to the production of the Global Concept Vehicle, covered by the heading “Model Change”).

| (19) | According to the UK, the training covered by the notification is significantly in excess of the work required to maintain its current business and would, because of it prohibitive cost, not be undertaken by Vauxhall without the aid. The aid would thus be a necessary condition for the training. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

According to the UK, the training covered by the notification is significantly in excess of the work required to maintain its current business and would, because of it prohibitive cost, not be undertaken by Vauxhall without the aid. The aid would thus be a necessary condition for the training.

| (20) | The Commission nevertheless doubts the incentive effect of the aid on parts of the training programme: |
| --- | --- |

(20)

The Commission nevertheless doubts the incentive effect of the aid on parts of the training programme:

Production System Training

| (21) | In the Commission's view, this training appears to be necessary to ensure Vauxhall's normal operations. This should provide Vauxhall with sufficient incentive to undertake the training without aid. |
| --- | --- |

(21)

In the Commission's view, this training appears to be necessary to ensure Vauxhall's normal operations. This should provide Vauxhall with sufficient incentive to undertake the training without aid.

| (22) | The UK has indicated that the training in production systems which is indispensable to Vauxhall's operations is provided through “routine training” which is distinct from the Production System Training. However, the UK has not provided sufficient information to allow the Commission to verify the contents of the “routine training” and to compare it to the Production System Training to satisfy itself that the latter provides additional qualifications. |
| --- | --- |

(22)

The UK has indicated that the training in production systems which is indispensable to Vauxhall's operations is provided through “routine training” which is distinct from the Production System Training. However, the UK has not provided sufficient information to allow the Commission to verify the contents of the “routine training” and to compare it to the Production System Training to satisfy itself that the latter provides additional qualifications.

| (23) | The Commission consequently doubts that the aid is necessary for Vauxhall to undertake the Production System Training. |
| --- | --- |

(23)

The Commission consequently doubts that the aid is necessary for Vauxhall to undertake the Production System Training.

| (24) | Concerning a particular item of the Production System Training, namely lines A25.1.1 to A25.1.6 “Statutory Inspection Training”, the Commission observes that any training which is required by statute will necessarily be undertaken even in the absence of State aid. The Commission would require specific explanations regarding this point. |
| --- | --- |

(24)

Concerning a particular item of the Production System Training, namely lines A25.1.1 to A25.1.6 “Statutory Inspection Training”, the Commission observes that any training which is required by statute will necessarily be undertaken even in the absence of State aid. The Commission would require specific explanations regarding this point.

Integrated Training Plan

| (25) | The Commission understands that GMS is an integrated manufacturing system which has been developed by GM and which is common to all GM car manufacturing facilities. Training the workforce in GMS would therefore appear indispensable to Vauxhall's normal operations and should be undertaken even in the absence of the notified State aid. |
| --- | --- |

(25)

The Commission understands that GMS is an integrated manufacturing system which has been developed by GM and which is common to all GM car manufacturing facilities. Training the workforce in GMS would therefore appear indispensable to Vauxhall's normal operations and should be undertaken even in the absence of the notified State aid.

| (26) | The UK has indicated that GMS training has been undertaken at Vauxhall before, but that the Integrated Training Plan aims at the refreshment and extension of the skills initially learnt and that this expenditure is discretionary and would not be brought about by the simple operation of market forces. |
| --- | --- |

(26)

The UK has indicated that GMS training has been undertaken at Vauxhall before, but that the Integrated Training Plan aims at the refreshment and extension of the skills initially learnt and that this expenditure is discretionary and would not be brought about by the simple operation of market forces.

| (27) | However, the Commission considers that training in the manufacturing systems applied at Vauxhall, including appropriate refreshment courses, are essential to operations. The Commission considers that the UK authorities have failed to provide concrete information to substantiate the claim that the Integrated Training Plan goes beyond what it is necessary for Vauxhall's normal operations and would not be undertaken in the absence of the aid. The Commission consequently doubts that the notified aid, in this respect, is compatible with the common market. |
| --- | --- |

(27)

However, the Commission considers that training in the manufacturing systems applied at Vauxhall, including appropriate refreshment courses, are essential to operations. The Commission considers that the UK authorities have failed to provide concrete information to substantiate the claim that the Integrated Training Plan goes beyond what it is necessary for Vauxhall's normal operations and would not be undertaken in the absence of the aid. The Commission consequently doubts that the notified aid, in this respect, is compatible with the common market.

Undergraduates

| (28) | The UK has indicated that the programme is nonessential to Vauxhall's operations and could be curtailed without business unduly suffering. The costs of the training cannot be considered part of operating costs. Expenditure on the Undergraduate programme is discretionary and up for review every year. It is liable to budget cuts. The State aid would guarantee its continuation. |
| --- | --- |

(28)

The UK has indicated that the programme is nonessential to Vauxhall's operations and could be curtailed without business unduly suffering. The costs of the training cannot be considered part of operating costs. Expenditure on the Undergraduate programme is discretionary and up for review every year. It is liable to budget cuts. The State aid would guarantee its continuation.

| (29) | At this stage, the Commission observes that the Undergraduate programme has been in place for a number of years without State aid, which would indicate that the aid is not necessary for this training. The UK, which has stated that the Undergraduate training brings new talent into the company and is a key element of the training to be undertaken by Vauxhall, has not provided any concrete evidence that the programme will be discontinued in the absence of aid. The Commission is consequently not satisfied that the aid is compatible with the common market in this respect. |
| --- | --- |

(29)

At this stage, the Commission observes that the Undergraduate programme has been in place for a number of years without State aid, which would indicate that the aid is not necessary for this training. The UK, which has stated that the Undergraduate training brings new talent into the company and is a key element of the training to be undertaken by Vauxhall, has not provided any concrete evidence that the programme will be discontinued in the absence of aid. The Commission is consequently not satisfied that the aid is compatible with the common market in this respect.

3.3.2.   The distinction between general and specific training

| (30) | The notions of general and specific training are defined in Article 2(e) of the Training Aid Regulation. Specific training is directly and principally applicable to the employee's present or future position in the assisted undertaking and provides qualifications which are not or only to a limited extent transferable to other firms or fields of work. General training, on the other hand, provides qualifications which are transferable to other firms or fields of work and therefore substantially improve the employability of the employee. The essential distinction between the two forms of training is thus the transferability of the acquired skills. |
| --- | --- |

(30)

The notions of general and specific training are defined in Article 2(e) of the Training Aid Regulation. Specific training is directly and principally applicable to the employee's present or future position in the assisted undertaking and provides qualifications which are not or only to a limited extent transferable to other firms or fields of work. General training, on the other hand, provides qualifications which are transferable to other firms or fields of work and therefore substantially improve the employability of the employee. The essential distinction between the two forms of training is thus the transferability of the acquired skills.

| (31) | For the different parts of the Vauxhall training programme the UK authorities have indicated whether they consider the training to be general or specific (and, consequently, which maximum aid intensity should apply in accordance with Article 4 of the Training Aid Regulation). The Commission nevertheless questions the UK's qualifications as regards the following training projects: |
| --- | --- |

(31)

For the different parts of the Vauxhall training programme the UK authorities have indicated whether they consider the training to be general or specific (and, consequently, which maximum aid intensity should apply in accordance with Article 4 of the Training Aid Regulation). The Commission nevertheless questions the UK's qualifications as regards the following training projects:

Production System Training

| (32) | As indicated above, this training concerns all manufacturing and quality control systems at Vauxhall. The UK has indicated that all training will be given by external trainers and concerns third party equipment which is used in other undertakings and sectors, thus providing trainees with transferable qualifications. |
| --- | --- |

(32)

As indicated above, this training concerns all manufacturing and quality control systems at Vauxhall. The UK has indicated that all training will be given by external trainers and concerns third party equipment which is used in other undertakings and sectors, thus providing trainees with transferable qualifications.

| (33) | The Commission nevertheless considers that the UK has not provided it with sufficient information to allow it to ensure that all training provided under this heading is indeed transferable. The UK would need to provide the Commission with details on the basic “routine” training at Vauxhall so that the Commission can compare the nature of this training and assess to which extent it concerns skills which are specific to Vauxhall or GM. |
| --- | --- |

(33)

The Commission nevertheless considers that the UK has not provided it with sufficient information to allow it to ensure that all training provided under this heading is indeed transferable. The UK would need to provide the Commission with details on the basic “routine” training at Vauxhall so that the Commission can compare the nature of this training and assess to which extent it concerns skills which are specific to Vauxhall or GM.

Integrated Production System

| (34) | As indicated above, this is, to the Commission's understanding, training in the Global Manufacturing System which was developed by GM and is applied at GM facilities. |
| --- | --- |

(34)

As indicated above, this is, to the Commission's understanding, training in the Global Manufacturing System which was developed by GM and is applied at GM facilities.

| (35) | The UK argues that GMS is based on a set of principles applicable to any business situation which involves a regular process. The underlying principles are applied both within and outside the automotive sector. The employees would thus acquire a set of skills which will make them capable of performing more efficiently with any employer. In addition, some specific elements of training have been identified and notified as specific training. |
| --- | --- |

(35)

The UK argues that GMS is based on a set of principles applicable to any business situation which involves a regular process. The underlying principles are applied both within and outside the automotive sector. The employees would thus acquire a set of skills which will make them capable of performing more efficiently with any employer. In addition, some specific elements of training have been identified and notified as specific training.

| (36) | The Commission nevertheless questions whether training into a proprietary manufacturing system can be considered to provide transferable qualifications. Although certain underlying notions may be widely shared, the Commission considers that the training, insofar as it concerns the application of these notions to a concrete production process, is likely to be specific. The Commission would therefore require more detailed information on this training and how closely linked it is to practical applications in the GM manufacturing process. |
| --- | --- |

(36)

The Commission nevertheless questions whether training into a proprietary manufacturing system can be considered to provide transferable qualifications. Although certain underlying notions may be widely shared, the Commission considers that the training, insofar as it concerns the application of these notions to a concrete production process, is likely to be specific. The Commission would therefore require more detailed information on this training and how closely linked it is to practical applications in the GM manufacturing process.

Cultural Change

| (37) | The Commission notes that the UK authorities have not submitted any details on the content and expected output of the training under this heading as, on their own account, this information is not yet available. In spite of this, the UK authorities claim that all training provided under this heading is general training within the meaning of the Training Aid Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(37)

The Commission notes that the UK authorities have not submitted any details on the content and expected output of the training under this heading as, on their own account, this information is not yet available. In spite of this, the UK authorities claim that all training provided under this heading is general training within the meaning of the Training Aid Regulation.

| (38) | However, the Commission has doubts about the transferability of skills acquired as part of a “cultural change” which — in the words of the UK authorities — is specifically focused on “jointly improving the key production metrics of the plant relating to cost and quality”. In view of this objective and the notification's statements that “individual cultures widely vary between different organisations” and that “there is no optimal culture which can be easily and quickly adopted” the Commission doubts that this part of the training programme provides skills which are transferable by individual employees to other firms or fields of work. The Commission consequently doubts that training fitting the description given by the UK authorities constitutes general training. |
| --- | --- |

(38)

However, the Commission has doubts about the transferability of skills acquired as part of a “cultural change” which — in the words of the UK authorities — is specifically focused on “jointly improving the key production metrics of the plant relating to cost and quality”. In view of this objective and the notification's statements that “individual cultures widely vary between different organisations” and that “there is no optimal culture which can be easily and quickly adopted” the Commission doubts that this part of the training programme provides skills which are transferable by individual employees to other firms or fields of work. The Commission consequently doubts that training fitting the description given by the UK authorities constitutes general training.

Lean Manufacturing

| (39) | The UK has argued that the principles of lean manufacturing are generally applied across the manufacturing industry and that, once acquired by the trainee, provide qualifications which are widely transferable. |
| --- | --- |

(39)

The UK has argued that the principles of lean manufacturing are generally applied across the manufacturing industry and that, once acquired by the trainee, provide qualifications which are widely transferable.

| (40) | Although the notion of lean manufacturing may rest on a body of generally applicable principles and techniques, the Commission nevertheless doubts whether this training can be dissociated from its practical application at Vauxhall or within the GM group at large, and thus whether the qualifications it provides are largely transferable by individual employees to other firms or fields of work. The Commission consequently doubts that this constitutes general training (8). |
| --- | --- |

(40)

Although the notion of lean manufacturing may rest on a body of generally applicable principles and techniques, the Commission nevertheless doubts whether this training can be dissociated from its practical application at Vauxhall or within the GM group at large, and thus whether the qualifications it provides are largely transferable by individual employees to other firms or fields of work. The Commission consequently doubts that this constitutes general training (8).

4.   CONCLUSION

In the light of the foregoing considerations, the Commission, acting under the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty, requests the United Kingdom to submit its comments and to provide all such information as may help to assess the aid, within one month of the date of receipt of this letter.

It requests your authorities to forward a copy of this letter to the potential recipient of the aid immediately.

The Commission wishes to remind the United Kingdom that Article 88(3) of the EC Treaty has suspensory effect, and would draw your attention to Article 14 of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, which provides that all unlawful aid may be recovered from the recipient.

The Commission warns the United Kingdom that it will inform interested parties by publishing this letter and a meaningful summary of it in the Official Journal of the European Union. It will also inform the EFTA Surveillance Authority by sending a copy of this letter. All such interested parties will be invited to submit their comments within one month of the date of such publication.«

---

(1)  Vauxhall is located in an area which until 31 December 2006 qualified for regional aid under Article 87(3)(c) of the EC Treaty. Since 1 January 2007, the region is an unassisted area.

1

(2)  The notions of general and specific training are used as defined in Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid (OJ L 10, 13.1.2001, p. 20), referred to in this decision as “the Training Aid Regulation”.

2

(3)  These amounts in the table are those indicated in the UK's letter of 22 May 2007. However, the Commission notes a discrepancy as regards the figures provided in the notification, at least as concerns the eligible costs for the Integrated Training Programme. The Commission expects the UK authorities to clarify this issue and provide definitive amounts for the eligible costs and the aid.

3

(4)  [...]: Confidential information.

4

(5)  At present, 37 % of workers of the company are considered to be disadvantaged. They fall mainly into the category of persons older than 45 who have not attained an upper secondary education. However, as the training will run over 6 years and as the exact number of disadvantaged workers benefiting from the training will be known only at the time the training is delivered, the UK authorities intend to apply a general increase of aid intensity of 3,7 % across the board. The UK authorities have committed to verifying the actual number of disadvantaged workers in each training project ex post and to correct the applied aid intensities accordingly.

5

(6)  See Commission Decision 2006/938/EC of 4 July 2006 on State aid C 40/2005 ... Ford Genk (OJ C 366, 21.12.2006, p. 32) and Commission Decision of 4 April 2007 on State aid C 14/06 ... General Motors Belgium, not yet published. This follows also from paragraph 16 of the preamble of the Training Aid Regulation.

6

(7)  This is reiterated in point 11 of the Regulation which clarifies that it must be “ensure[d] that State aid is limited to the minimum necessary to obtain the Community objective which market forces alone would not make possible [...]”.

7

ensure[d] that State aid is limited to the minimum necessary to obtain the Community objective which market forces alone would not make possible [...]”

(8)  The Commission points out that in the above-mentioned decision in Ford Genk, training on “Lean organisation” was considered to be specific training.

8

Ford Genk

---

ØVRIGE RETSAKTER

Kommissionen

| 17.10.2007 | DA | Den Europæiske Unions Tidende | C 243/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

DA

Den Europæiske Unions Tidende

C 243/11

---

Offentliggørelse af en ansøgning i henhold til artikel 6, stk. 2, i Rådets forordning (EF) nr. 510/2006 om beskyttelse af geografiske betegnelser og oprindelsesbetegnelser for landbrugsprodukter og levnedsmidler

(2007/C 243/05)

Denne offentliggørelse giver ret til at gøre indsigelse mod ansøgningen, jf. artikel 7 i Rådets forordning (EF) nr. 510/2006 (1). Eventuelle indsigelser skal være Kommissionen i hænde senest seks måneder efter datoen for offentliggørelsen.

RÉSUMÉ

RÅDETS FORORDNING (EF) Nr. 510/2006

»CHAMOMILLA BOHEMICA«

EF-nr.: CZ/PDO/005/0411/28.10.2004

BOB ( X ) BGB ( )

Dette resumé indeholder hovedelementerne af varespecifikationen til information.

1.   Medlemsstatens ansvarlige myndighed:

| Navn: | Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví |
| --- | --- |
| Adresse: | Antonína Čermáka 2a |
| CZ-160 68 Praha 6 |

Navn:

Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví

Adresse:

Antonína Čermáka 2a

CZ-160 68 Praha 6

Tlf.

(420) 220 383 111

Fax

(420) 224 324 718

E-mail:

posta@upv.cz

2.   Sammenslutning:

| Navn: | LEROS, s.r.o., zastupující skupinu producentů |
| --- | --- |
| Adresse: | U Národní galerie 470 |
| CZ-150 00 Praha 5-Zbraslav |

Navn:

LEROS, s.r.o., zastupující skupinu producentů

Adresse:

U Národní galerie 470

CZ-150 00 Praha 5-Zbraslav

Tlf.

(420) 257 898 111

Fax

(420) 257 921 328

E-mail:

leros@leros.cz

Sammensætning:

Producent/Forarbejdningsvirksomhed ( X ) Andre ( )

3.   Produktets art:

Kategori 1.8 Andre produkter i bilag I

4.   Varespecifikation

(resumé af kravene i henhold til artikel 4, stk. 2, i forordning (EF) nr. 510/2006)

4.1.   Navn: »Chamomilla Bohemica«

»Chamomilla Bohemica« er den traditionelle betegnelse på den vellugtende kamille, der vokser i Bøhmen (Čechy).

4.2.   Beskrivelse: Tørrede blomster af vellugtende kamille (flos Chamomilla vulgaris) — Matricariae flos, Matricaria recutita (L.) Rauschert, Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert.

»Chamomilla Bohemica« er karakteristisk ved sit indhold af æterisk olie (op til 1 %), hvis vigtigste aktive stof, chamazulen, er til stede i 0,06-0,07 %. »Chamomilla Bohemica« har i kraft af sine egenskaber en højere kvalitet end de planter, der kommer fra andre geografiske områder, og opfylder let de kriterier for vellugtende kamille, der blev opstillet i den tjekkiske farmakopé i 1997 og 2002. Ifølge 2004-tillægget til 2002-udgaven af den tjekkiske farmakopé indeholder planten »mindst 4 ml blå æterisk olie pr. kg tørstof og mindst 0,25 % apigenin-7-glucosid beregnet på tørstofbasis. Hovedbestanddelen af den æteriske olie er sesquiterpener (ca. 50 % æterisk olie, (-)-alpha-bisabolol, bisabololoxid A og B samt (-)-bisabolonoxid A). Den æteriske olie indeholder desuden chamazulen (mindst 0,035 %). Ud over den æteriske olie indeholder »Chamomilla Bohemica« kumariner (umbelliferon og herniarin), flavonoider (apigenin-7-glucosid og derivater deraf samt luteolin, quercetol og isorhamnetin) i en mængde på mindst 0,01 % og azulener (mindste indhold: 0,02 %). Flavonoiderne (0,015 %) har spasmolytiske egenskaber. Spiroetherene (0,03 %) har bakteriostatisk og fungistatisk virkning.«»Chamomilla Bohemica« må ikke frembringe en brun æterisk olie ved tyndtlagskromatografi, og indholdet af chamazulen skal være på 0,06-0,07 %. Den bringes i handelen i form af urtete i breve og i løs vægt, i pakker a 50 g eller til engrossalg i sække a 14 kg.

4.3.   Geografisk område: Bøhmen, dvs. regionerne Prag, Středočeský, Jihočeský, Plzeňský, Karlovarský, Ústecký, Liberecký, Královéhradecký og Pardubický samt for Vysočina-regionens vedkommende distrikterne Havlíčkův Brod, Jihlava og Pelhřimov, jf. lov nr. 347/1997 om landets opdeling i regioner mv. og om ændring af det tjekkiske nationalråds lov nr. 1/1993, Den Tjekkiske Republiks forfatning, i den gældende affattelse.

De steder i Bøhmen, hvor der dyrkes »Chamomilla Bohemica«, har følgende karakteristiske klima- og jordbundsforhold: ler- og sandholdig jord (efter jordbundsklassifikationen: sort jord (chernozem), brunjord og udvasket jord) med en pH-værdi på 7,3-8,1; årlig nedbør 500-700 mm; højde over havet 230-480 m.

4.4.   Bevis for oprindelse: Forarbejdningsvirksomhederne fører et register over deres leverandører, som bliver kontrolleret i alle faser af kamilleblomstproduktionen, dvs. såning, vækst, plukning, tørring, opbevaring og forarbejdning. De fører ligeledes et register over købere af færdigvarer.

Kontrollen med opfyldelsen af specifikationen foretages af det stedlige inspektorat for statens landbrugs- og fødevareinspektion.

4.5.   Produktionsmetode: Kamille er meget tilpasningsdygtig, men dens indholdsstoffer afhænger stærkt af omgivelserne; det er derfor nødvendigt at overholde følgende:

Behandling af jorden: dyrkning af kamille er ikke særlig krævende; pløjning i halv pløjedybde, harvning og fjernelse af ukrudt er tilstrækkeligt.

Såning: brug af enkorn-radsåmaskiner, planering af jorden efter såning, 2 000 g frø pr. hektar.

Vækst: i denne fase tilføres der kompleks handelsgødning (f.eks. NPK eller Cererit).

Plukning og behandling efter plukningen: blomsterne plukkes manuelt eller med selvkørende maskiner, Neset og Unag, straks efter, at de er sprunget ud; de tørres, helst ved en temperatur på højst 40 °C, og føres derefter til en behandlingskæde med sorteringssystemer og separatorer.

Det er for opnåelse af de i punkt 4.2 opregnede egenskaber hos udgangsmaterialerne afgørende, at det fastlagte dyrkningsområde overholdes.

Lagring og pakning: produktet opbevares tørt og mørkt i rum med god udluftning, inden det pakkes i lige store papirsposer, som etiketteres; det behøver ikke nødvendigvis at finde sted i det fastlagte område, men skal foregå efter gældende regler.

4.6.   Tilknytning: I bøhmiske landsbyer har man altid produceret kamille af høj kvalitet, men først i 1950'erne, da efterspørgselen fra udlandet tog til og det blev nødvendigt at skelne mellem denne produktion og produktionen af anden kamille, vandt brugen af betegnelsen »Chamomilla Bohemica« større udbredelse. Den betegnelse dækker i dag over en kamille med de veldefinerede egenskaber (se punkt 4.2), der skyldes de naturlige forhold i omgivelserne. Dette særkende er resultatet af en kombination af dyrkningsfaktorer såsom klima, jordbund og plukkemetode (gennemsnitlig nedbør 500-700 mm og ler- og sandholdig jordbund med pH 7,3-8,1). Udbyttet afhænger især af valget af jordbundstype og nedbørsmængden. Endelig er højden over havets overflade og solindfaldet to faktorer, der har stor betydning for indholdet af æteriske olier og chamazulen. Kvalitetsproduktet »Chamomilla Bohemica« har været præsenteret på flere messer og udstillinger såsom »SALIMA« og »Země živitelka« og fået prædikatet »kvalitetsprodukt«. Virksomhederne Neset og Umag har udviklet specialmaskiner, der kan plukke blomsterstandene uden at beskadige resten af planten.

I Tjekkiet har oprindelsesbetegnelsen »Chamomilla Bohemica« været registreret siden den 21. januar 1975 under nr. 84, og den er ligeledes beskyttet i henhold til en bilateral aftale med Portugal.

4.7.   Kontrolinstans:

| Navn: | Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce — inspektorát v Praze |
| --- | --- |
| Adresse: | Za opravnou 4 |
| CZ-150 00 Praha 5 |

Navn:

Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce — inspektorát v Praze

Adresse:

Za opravnou 4

CZ-150 00 Praha 5

Tlf.

(420) 257 199 511

Fax

(420) 257 199 529

E-mail:

praha@szpi.gov.cz

og de stedlige nationale inspektorater i produktions- og forarbejdningsområderne.

4.8.   Mærkning: Betegnelsen »Chamomilla Bohemica« skal være anbragt på emballagens forside med læselig skrift (versaler).

---

(1)  EUT L 93 af 31.3.2006, s. 12.

---