# Jornal Oficial C 243/2007

| | ISSN 1725-2482 |
| --- | --- |
| Jornal Oficial
  da União Europeia | C 243 |
| | |
| Edição em língua portuguesa | Comunicações e Informações | 50.o ano17 de Outubro de 2007 |

ISSN 1725-2482

Jornal Oficial

da União Europeia

C 243

Edição em língua portuguesa

Comunicações e Informações

50.o ano17 de Outubro de 2007

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| Número de informação | Índice | Página |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Comunicações |
| | COMUNICAÇÕES ORIUNDAS DAS INSTITUIÇÕES E DOS ÓRGÃOS DA UNIÃO EUROPEIA |
| | Comissão |
| 2007/C 243/01 | Não oposição a uma concentração notificada (Processo COMP/M.4748 — T-Mobile/Orange) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Número de informação

Índice

Página

II   Comunicações

COMUNICAÇÕES ORIUNDAS DAS INSTITUIÇÕES E DOS ÓRGÃOS DA UNIÃO EUROPEIA

Comissão

2007/C 243/01

Não oposição a uma concentração notificada (Processo COMP/M.4748 — T-Mobile/Orange) (
  1
  )

1

1

| | IV   Informações |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMAÇÕES ORIUNDAS DAS INSTITUIÇÕES E DOS ÓRGÃOS DA UNIÃO EUROPEIA |
| | Comissão |
| 2007/C 243/02 | Taxas de câmbio do euro | 2 |

IV   Informações

INFORMAÇÕES ORIUNDAS DAS INSTITUIÇÕES E DOS ÓRGÃOS DA UNIÃO EUROPEIA

Comissão

2007/C 243/02

Taxas de câmbio do euro

2

| | V   Avisos |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDIMENTOS ADMINISTRATIVOS |
| | Serviço Europeu de Selecção do Pessoal (EPSO) |
| 2007/C 243/03 | Anúncio de concurso geral EPSO/AST/43-44/07 | 3 |
| | PROCEDIMENTOS RELATIVOS À EXECUÇÃO DA POLÍTICA DE CONCORRÊNCIA |
| | Comissão |
| 2007/C 243/04 | Auxílio estatal — Reino Unido — Auxílio estatal C 23/07 (ex N 118/07) — Vauxhall Motors Ltd — Auxílio à formação a favor de Ellesmere Port — Convite para apresentação de observações, nos termos do n.o 2 do artigo 88.o do Tratado CE (
  1
  ) | 4 |
| | OUTROS ACTOS |
| | Comissão |
| 2007/C 243/05 | Publicação de um pedido de registo em conformidade com o n.o 2 do artigo 6.o do Regulamento (CE) n.o 510/2006 do Conselho relativo à protecção das indicações geográficas e denominações de origem dos produtos agrícolas e dos géneros alimentícios | 11 |

V   Avisos

PROCEDIMENTOS ADMINISTRATIVOS

Serviço Europeu de Selecção do Pessoal (EPSO)

2007/C 243/03

Anúncio de concurso geral EPSO/AST/43-44/07

3

PROCEDIMENTOS RELATIVOS À EXECUÇÃO DA POLÍTICA DE CONCORRÊNCIA

Comissão

2007/C 243/04

Auxílio estatal — Reino Unido — Auxílio estatal C 23/07 (ex N 118/07) — Vauxhall Motors Ltd — Auxílio à formação a favor de Ellesmere Port — Convite para apresentação de observações, nos termos do n.o 2 do artigo 88.o do Tratado CE (
  1
  )

o

o

1

4

OUTROS ACTOS

Comissão

2007/C 243/05

Publicação de um pedido de registo em conformidade com o n.o 2 do artigo 6.o do Regulamento (CE) n.o 510/2006 do Conselho relativo à protecção das indicações geográficas e denominações de origem dos produtos agrícolas e dos géneros alimentícios

o

o

o

11

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Texto relevante para efeitos do EEE |

---

(1)   Texto relevante para efeitos do EEE

1

| PT | |
| --- | --- |

PT

---

II Comunicações

COMUNICAÇÕES ORIUNDAS DAS INSTITUIÇÕES E DOS ÓRGÃOS DA UNIÃO EUROPEIA

Comissão

| 17.10.2007 | PT | Jornal Oficial da União Europeia | C 243/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

PT

Jornal Oficial da União Europeia

C 243/1

---

Não oposição a uma concentração notificada

(Processo COMP/M.4748 — T-Mobile/Orange)

(Texto relevante para efeitos do EEE)

(2007/C 243/01)

A Comissão decidiu, em 20 de Agosto de 2007, não se opor à concentração acima referida, declarando-a compatível com o mercado comum. Esta decisão tem por base o n.o 1, alínea b), do artigo 6.o do Regulamento (CE) n.o 139/2004 do Conselho. O texto integral da decisão é acessível apenas em inglês e a mesma será tornada pública logo que sejam retirados eventuais segredos comerciais. Pode ser consultada:

| — | no sítio Web da DG Concorrência no servidor Europa (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). Este sítio Web inclui diversos mecanismos de pesquisa das decisões de concentrações, nomeadamente por empresa, número do processo, data e índices sectoriais, |
| --- | --- |

—

no sítio Web da DG Concorrência no servidor Europa (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). Este sítio Web inclui diversos mecanismos de pesquisa das decisões de concentrações, nomeadamente por empresa, número do processo, data e índices sectoriais,

| — | em formato electrónico na base de dados EUR-Lex, procurando pelo número de documento 32007M4748. EUR-Lex é o sistema informatizado de documentação jurídica comunitária (http://eur-lex.europa.eu). |
| --- | --- |

—

em formato electrónico na base de dados EUR-Lex, procurando pelo número de documento 32007M4748. EUR-Lex é o sistema informatizado de documentação jurídica comunitária (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

IV Informações

INFORMAÇÕES ORIUNDAS DAS INSTITUIÇÕES E DOS ÓRGÃOS DA UNIÃO EUROPEIA

Comissão

| 17.10.2007 | PT | Jornal Oficial da União Europeia | C 243/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

PT

Jornal Oficial da União Europeia

C 243/2

---

Taxas de câmbio do euro (1)

16 de Outubro de 2007

(2007/C 243/02)

1 euro=

| | Moeda | Taxas de câmbio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | dólar americano | 1,4150 |
| JPY | iene | 165,17 |
| DKK | coroa dinamarquesa | 7,4528 |
| GBP | libra esterlina | 0,69650 |
| SEK | coroa sueca | 9,1538 |
| CHF | franco suíço | 1,6753 |
| ISK | coroa islandesa | 86,25 |
| NOK | coroa norueguesa | 7,6660 |
| BGN | lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | libra cipriota | 0,5842 |
| CZK | coroa checa | 27,526 |
| EEK | coroa estoniana | 15,6466 |
| HUF | forint | 251,05 |
| LTL | litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | lats | 0,7030 |
| MTL | lira maltesa | 0,4293 |
| PLN | zloti | 3,7196 |
| RON | leu | 3,3513 |
| SKK | coroa eslovaca | 33,687 |
| TRY | lira turca | 1,7314 |
| AUD | dólar australiano | 1,5929 |
| CAD | dólar canadiano | 1,3878 |
| HKD | dólar de Hong Kong | 10,9724 |
| NZD | dólar neozelandês | 1,8930 |
| SGD | dólar de Singapura | 2,0767 |
| KRW | won sul-coreano | 1 297,84 |
| ZAR | rand | 9,7399 |
| CNY | yuan-renminbi chinês | 10,6380 |
| HRK | kuna croata | 7,3235 |
| IDR | rupia indonésia | 12 819,90 |
| MYR | ringgit malaio | 4,7862 |
| PHP | peso filipino | 62,755 |
| RUB | rublo russo | 35,3050 |
| THB | baht tailandês | 44,424 |

Moeda

Taxas de câmbio

USD

dólar americano

1,4150

JPY

iene

165,17

DKK

coroa dinamarquesa

7,4528

GBP

libra esterlina

0,69650

SEK

coroa sueca

9,1538

CHF

franco suíço

1,6753

ISK

coroa islandesa

86,25

NOK

coroa norueguesa

7,6660

BGN

lev

1,9558

CYP

libra cipriota

0,5842

CZK

coroa checa

27,526

EEK

coroa estoniana

15,6466

HUF

forint

251,05

LTL

litas

3,4528

LVL

lats

0,7030

MTL

lira maltesa

0,4293

PLN

zloti

3,7196

RON

leu

3,3513

SKK

coroa eslovaca

33,687

TRY

lira turca

1,7314

AUD

dólar australiano

1,5929

CAD

dólar canadiano

1,3878

HKD

dólar de Hong Kong

10,9724

NZD

dólar neozelandês

1,8930

SGD

dólar de Singapura

2,0767

KRW

won sul-coreano

1 297,84

ZAR

rand

9,7399

CNY

yuan-renminbi chinês

10,6380

HRK

kuna croata

7,3235

IDR

rupia indonésia

12 819,90

MYR

ringgit malaio

4,7862

PHP

peso filipino

62,755

RUB

rublo russo

35,3050

THB

baht tailandês

44,424

---

(1)

Fonte: Taxas de câmbio de referência publicadas pelo Banco Central Europeu.

---

V Avisos

PROCEDIMENTOS ADMINISTRATIVOS

Serviço Europeu de Selecção do Pessoal (EPSO)

| 17.10.2007 | PT | Jornal Oficial da União Europeia | C 243/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

PT

Jornal Oficial da União Europeia

C 243/3

---

ANÚNCIO DE CONCURSO GERAL EPSO/AST/43-44/07

(2007/C 243/03)

O Serviço Europeu de Selecção de Pessoal (EPSO) organiza os seguintes concursos gerais: EPSO/AST/43/07 e EPSO/AST/44/07 — Assistentes (AST3) de nacionalidades búlgara e romena nos seguintes domínios:

| 1. | Administração pública europeia |
| --- | --- |

1.

Administração pública europeia

| 2. | Gestão financeira |
| --- | --- |

2.

Gestão financeira

O anúncio de concurso é publicado unicamente em alemão, inglês e francês no Jornal Oficial C 243 A de 17 de Outubro de 2007.

Podem ser consultadas todas as informações no sítio do EPSO http://europa.eu/epso.

---

PROCEDIMENTOS RELATIVOS À EXECUÇÃO DA POLÍTICA DE CONCORRÊNCIA

Comissão

| 17.10.2007 | PT | Jornal Oficial da União Europeia | C 243/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

PT

Jornal Oficial da União Europeia

C 243/4

---

AUXÍLIO ESTATAL — REINO UNIDO

Auxílio estatal C 23/07 (ex N 118/07) — Vauxhall Motors Ltd — Auxílio à formação a favor de Ellesmere Port

Convite para apresentação de observações, nos termos do n.o 2 do artigo 88.o do Tratado CE

(Texto relevante para efeitos do EEE)

(2007/C 243/04)

Por carta de 10 de Julho de 2007, publicada na língua que faz fé a seguir ao presente resumo, a Comissão notificou ao Reino Unido a decisão de dar início ao procedimento previsto no n.o 2 do artigo 88.o do Tratado CE, relativamente a uma parte do auxílio acima mencionado.

As partes interessadas podem apresentar as suas observações relativamente ao auxílio em relação ao qual a Comissão deu início ao procedimento, no prazo de um mês a contar da data de publicação do presente resumo e da carta que se lhe segue, enviando-as para o seguinte endereço:

| Comissão Europeia |
| --- |
| Direcção-Geral da Concorrência |
| Registo dos Auxílios Estatais |
| SPA-3 6/5 |
| B-1049 Bruxelas |
| Fax: (32-2) 296 12 42 |

Comissão Europeia

Direcção-Geral da Concorrência

Registo dos Auxílios Estatais

SPA-3 6/5

B-1049 Bruxelas

Fax: (32-2) 296 12 42

Estas observações serão comunicadas ao Reino Unido. Qualquer interessado que apresente observações pode solicitar por escrito o tratamento confidencial da sua identidade, devendo justificar o pedido.

RESUMO

Em 5 de Março de 2007, o Reino Unido notificou à Comissão a sua intenção de conceder um auxílio às instalações de Ellesmere Port da Vauxhall Motors Ltd («Vauxhall»), uma fábrica de automóveis da Vauxhall Motors Ltd, pertencente à General Motors Ltd. A notificação foi realizada nos termos do artigo 5.o do Regulamento (CE) n.o 68/2001 da Comissão (Regulamento relativo aos auxílios à formação), que exige que todos os auxílios à formação superiores a 1 milhão de EUR sejam notificados individualmente.

O auxílio destina-se a apoiar um programa de formação cujo objectivo consiste em melhorar o desempenho da Vauxhall. Prevê-se que a formação seja ministrada durante um período de seis anos (de 2007 a 2012, inclusive). Os custos totais elegíveis da formação elevam-se a 16 583 461 GBP, devendo o auxílio ser concedido pela North-West Development Agency sob a forma de uma subvenção directa de 8 584 767 GBP, pagável em seis parcelas.

A Comissão considera que a medida constitui um auxílio estatal, na acepção do artigo 87.o do Tratado CE. A Comissão irá apreciar a compatibilidade do auxílio com o mercado comum com base no n.o 3, alínea c), do artigo 87.o do Tratado CE. Para o efeito, a Comissão terá em conta os princípios orientadores do Regulamento relativo aos auxílios à formação. A Comissão irá apreciar igualmente se o auxílio constitui um incentivo necessário para as acções de formação, isto é, se a formação não seria ministrada mesmo na ausência do auxílio. Este critério do «efeito de incentivo» constitui uma condição geral para a compatibilidade dos auxílios estatais.

Nesta fase, a Comissão tem dúvidas quanto à compatibilidade do auxílio pelas razões a seguir apresentadas. Em primeiro lugar, a Comissão põe em dúvida o efeito de incentivo do auxílio em relação a três partes do programa de formação (formação relativa ao sistema de produção, formação relativa ao sistema de produção global da GM e os programas de trabalho/estudo destinados aos diplomados do ensino secundário) que, na sua opinião, seriam muito provavelmente prosseguidas mesmo na ausência de um auxílio.

Em segundo lugar, a Comissão põe em dúvida o ponto de vista do Reino Unido, segundo o qual, a formação ministrada no âmbito de quatro áreas do programa (formação relativa ao sistema de produção, formação relativa ao sistema de produção global, mudanças culturais e «lean manufacturing») constitui formação geral na acepção do Regulamento relativo à formação, isto é, formação que confere qualificações transferíveis para outras empresas ou para outros domínios de actividade profissional, para a qual podem ser concedidos auxílios até 50 % dos custos elegíveis. A Comissão considera que as referidas partes da formação constituem formação específica na acepção do regulamento aplicável (com uma intensidade máxima de auxílio de 25 %).

TEXTO DA CARTA

«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

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OUTROS ACTOS

Comissão

| 17.10.2007 | PT | Jornal Oficial da União Europeia | C 243/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

PT

Jornal Oficial da União Europeia

C 243/11

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Publicação de um pedido de registo em conformidade com o n.o 2 do artigo 6.o do Regulamento (CE) n.o 510/2006 do Conselho relativo à protecção das indicações geográficas e denominações de origem dos produtos agrícolas e dos géneros alimentícios

(2007/C 243/05)

A presente publicação confere um direito de oposição ao pedido nos termos do artigo 7.o do Regulamento (CE) n.o 510/2006 do Conselho (1). As declarações de oposição devem dar entrada na Comissão no prazo de seis meses a contar da data da presente publicação.

FICHA-RESUMO

REGULAMENTO (CE) N.o 510/2006 DO CONSELHO

«CHAMOMILLA BOHEMICA»

N.o CE: CZ/PDO/005/0411/28.10.2004

DOP ( X ) IGP ( )

A presente ficha-resumo expõe os principais elementos do caderno de especificações, para efeitos de informação.

1.   Serviço competente do Estado-Membro:

| Nome: | Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví |
| --- | --- |
| Endereço: | Antonína Čermáka 2a |
| CZ-160 68 Praha 6 |

Nome:

Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví

Endereço:

Antonína Čermáka 2a

CZ-160 68 Praha 6

Telefone:

(420) 220 383 111

Fax:

(420) 224 324 718

E-mail:

posta@upv.cz

2.   Agrupamento:

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

Nome:

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

Endereço:

U Národní galerie 470

CZ-150 00 Praha 5-Zbraslav

Telefone:

(420) 257 898 111

Fax:

(420) 257 921 328

E-mail:

leros@leros.cz

Composição:

Produtores/transformadores ( X ) Outra ( )

3.   Tipo de produto:

Classe 1.8: Outros produtos do anexo I do Tratado

4.   Caderno de especificações:

[Resumo dos requisitos previstos no n.o 2 do artigo 4.o do Regulamento (CE) n.o 510/2006]

4.1.   Nome: «Chamomilla Bohemica»

A denominação «Chamomilla Bohemica» é o nome tradicional da flor da camomila genuína da região da Boémia.

4.2.   Descrição: Flores secas de camomila genuína (flos Chamomilla vulgaris) — Matricariae flos, Matricaria recutita (L.) Rauschert, Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert.

A «Chamomilla Bohemica» caracteriza-se pelo seu teor de óleo essencial (até 1 %), cujo constituinte activo principal é o camazuleno, presente em percentagens de 0,06 a 0,07 %. Estas características tornam-na superior às provenientes de outras zonas geográficas, excedendo igualmente os critérios qualitativos fixados para as flores de camomila genuína nas farmacopeias checas de 1997 e de 2002. Segundo o suplemento de 2004 da edição de 2002 da farmacopeia checa, contém «pelo menos 4 ml de óleo essencial de cor azul por quilograma de matéria seca, com um teor mínimo de 0,25 % de apigenina-7-glucósido total, referido à matéria seca. Os constituintes principais do óleo essencial são sesquiterpenos (cerca de 50 % de óleo essencial, (-)-a-bisabolol, óxidos de bisabolol A e B e óxido de (-)-bisabolona A). Está também presente no óleo essencial o camazuleno (teor mínimo 0,035 %). Além do óleo essencial, o extracto contém também cumarinas (umbeliferona, herniarina), flavonóides (apigenina-7-glucósido e seus derivados, luteonina, quercetina, isorhamnetina) com teores mínimos de 0,01 %, e ainda azulenos (teor mínimo 0,02 %). Os flavonóides (0,015 %) têm uma acção espasmolítica. Os espiroéteres (0,03 %) têm uma acção bacteriostática e fungicida». Na «Chamomilla Bohemica» não pode ser detectável, por cromatografia em camada fina, a presença de óleo essencial de cor castanha, devendo o teor médio de camazuleno ser de 0,06-0,07 %. No comércio apresenta-se sob a forma de saquinhos para infusão e em folhas soltas, em embalagens de 50 gramas ou, para venda por grosso, de 14 kg.

4.3.   Área geográfica: A Boémia, isto é, a totalidade dos distritos de Praga, Boémia central, Boémia meridional, Plzeň, Karlovy Vary, Ustí nad Labem, Liberec, Hradec Kralové e Pardubice, bem como as circunscrições de Havlíčkův Brod, Jihlava e Pelhřimov, no distrito de Vysočina, de acordo com a Lei orgânica n.o 347/1997, relativa à organização das grandes entidades territoriais e que altera a Lei orgânica do Conselho Nacional Checo n.o 1/1993, Constituição da República Checa, na sua versão actualizada.

A zona de cultura da «Chamomilla Bohemica» no território da Boémia está limitada às seguintes condições de solo e de clima: solos argilo-arenosos (de acordo com a classificação de solos, tchernozioms, solos pardos e solos lixiviados), pH 7,3 a 8,1; condições climáticas — pluviosidade anual média de 500-700 mm/m2, altitude 230-480 m.

4.4.   Prova de origem: Os transformadores mantêm um registo dos fornecedores, que são controlados em cada uma das etapas do processo de obtenção das flores de camomila: sementeira, período de crescimento, colheita, secagem, armazenagem, transformação. São igualmente mantidos registos dos compradores do produto acabado.

O controlo do respeito do caderno de especificações é efectuado pelos serviços locais da inspecção nacional agrícola e dos géneros alimentícios, a Státní zemědělské a potravinářské inspekce.

4.5.   Método de obtenção: A camomila adapta-se facilmente, mas as substâncias nela contidas reagem fortemente às condições do meio, influenciadas por factores específicos como:

Preparação da sementeira — a camomila não é exigente quanto à cultura anterior; lavoura normal, gradagem de nivelamento; exige um terreno livre de infestantes.

Sementeira: utilização de semeadores de precisão, após a sementeira passagem do rolo, 20 g de semente por are.

Crescimento: durante a fase de crescimento, fertilização de cobertura com adubos industriais complexos (p. ex., NPK ou Cererit).

Colheita e tratamento pós-colheita: as flores são colhidas imediatamente após a eclosão, à mão ou com equipamento motorizado especializado Neset ou Unag; a temperatura recomendada para a secagem é de 40°C; o tratamento prossegue em seguida em cadeias de tratamento pós-colheita constituídas por um sistema de classificação e separação.

Para garantir as propriedades específicas da matéria-prima enunciadas no ponto 4.2, é necessário respeitar, durante as operações descritas, a área de cultura estabelecida.

Armazenagem, acondicionamento em armazéns secos, escuros e bem ventilados, a camomila produzida é acondicionada em sacos de papel de peso uniforme, nos quais é fixada uma etiqueta. Estas operações, incluindo o acondicionamento final em embalagens de consumo, não devem necessariamente ser efectuadas na área delimitada, mas devem obedecer às normas e à regulamentação em vigor.

4.6.   Relação: Embora já anteriormente se cultivasse nos países checos camomila de excelente qualidade, foi sobretudo nos anos cinquenta do século passado, com o grande aumento da sua procura no estrangeiro e a consequente necessidade de a distinguir de outras produções de camomila, que a designação «Chamomilla Bohemica» se tornou mais frequente. Passou então a simbolizar uma camomila com propriedades específicas (ver ponto 4.2), garantidas por condições naturais bem definidas. Esta uniformidade resulta de uma combinação de factores característicos das zonas de cultura, tais como o clima, o solo e o método de colheita (pluviosidade média 500-700 mm/m2, pH do solo 7,3-8,1, solos argilo-arenosos). A qualidade do produto obtido depende sobretudo da escolha criteriosa do tipo de solos e da pluviosidade. Também a altitude e a insolação são factores que influenciam significativamente o teor de óleo essencial e de camazuleno. A qualidade da «Chamomilla Bohemica» valeu-lhe o sucesso granjeado em diversas feiras e exposições, como SALIMA e Země živitelka, onde recebeu o título de «Produto de qualidade». A fim de garantir uma colheita mais cuidadosa da camomila, foram desenvolvidos instrumentos de colheita especiais pelas marcas Neset e Unag.

Na República Checa, a denominação de origem «Chamomilla Bohemica» está registada com o n.o 84 desde 21 de Janeiro de 1975, encontrando-se igualmente protegida no âmbito do tratado bilateral com Portugal.

4.7.   Estrutura de controlo:

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

Nome:

Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce — inspektorát v Praze

Endereço:

Za opravnou 4

CZ-150 00 Praha 5

Telefone:

(420) 257 199 511

Fax:

(420) 257 199 529

E-mail:

praha@szpi.gov.cz

e outros serviços locais de inspecção competentes, segundo a zona de produção e de transformação.

4.8.   Rotulagem: A denominação deve figurar em caracteres bem visíveis na parte frontal da embalagem (em maiúsculas).

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(1)  JO L 93 de 31.3.2006, p. 12.

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