# Euroopan unionin C 243/2007

| | ISSN 1725-2490 |
| --- | --- |
| Euroopan unionin
  virallinen lehti | C 243 |
| | |
| Suomenkielinen laitos | Tiedonantoja ja ilmoituksia | 50. vuosikerta17. lokakuuta 2007 |

ISSN 1725-2490

Euroopan unionin

virallinen lehti

C 243

Suomenkielinen laitos

Tiedonantoja ja ilmoituksia

50. vuosikerta17. lokakuuta 2007

---

| Ilmoitusnumero | Sisältö | Sivu |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Tiedonannot |
| | EUROOPAN UNIONIN TOIMIELINTEN JA ELINTEN ANTAMAT TIEDONANNOT |
| | Komissio |
| 2007/C 243/01 | Ilmoitetun keskittymän vastustamatta jättäminen (Asia COMP/M.4748 — T-Mobile/Orange) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Ilmoitusnumero

Sisältö

Sivu

II   Tiedonannot

EUROOPAN UNIONIN TOIMIELINTEN JA ELINTEN ANTAMAT TIEDONANNOT

Komissio

2007/C 243/01

Ilmoitetun keskittymän vastustamatta jättäminen (Asia COMP/M.4748 — T-Mobile/Orange) (
  1
  )

1

1

| | IV   Tiedotteet |
| --- | --- |
| | EUROOPAN UNIONIN TOIMIELINTEN JA ELINTEN ANTAMAT TIEDOTTEET |
| | Komissio |
| 2007/C 243/02 | Euron kurssi | 2 |

IV   Tiedotteet

EUROOPAN UNIONIN TOIMIELINTEN JA ELINTEN ANTAMAT TIEDOTTEET

Komissio

2007/C 243/02

Euron kurssi

2

| | V   Ilmoitukset |
| --- | --- |
| | HALLINNOLLISET MENETTELYT |
| | Euroopan henkilöstövalintatoimisto (EPSO) |
| 2007/C 243/03 | Ilmoitus avoimesta kilpailusta EPSO/AST/43-44/07 | 3 |
| | KILPAILUPOLITIIKAN TOIMEENPANOON LIITTYVÄT MENETTELYT |
| | Komissio |
| 2007/C 243/04 | Valtiontuki — Yhdistynyt Kuningaskunta — Valtiontuki C 23/07 (ex N 118/07) — Vauxhall Motors Ltd — Koulutustuki Ellesmere Portin tuotantoyksikölle — Kehotus huomautusten esittämiseen EY:n perustamissopimuksen 88 artiklan 2 kohdan mukaisesti (
  1
  ) | 4 |
| | MUUT ILMOITUKSET |
| | Komissio |
| 2007/C 243/05 | Maataloustuotteiden ja elintarvikkeiden maantieteellisten merkintöjen ja alkuperänimitysten suojasta annetun neuvoston asetuksen (EY) N:o 510/2006 6 artiklan 2 kohdassa tarkoitettu rekisteröintihakemuksen julkaiseminen | 11 |

V   Ilmoitukset

HALLINNOLLISET MENETTELYT

Euroopan henkilöstövalintatoimisto (EPSO)

2007/C 243/03

Ilmoitus avoimesta kilpailusta EPSO/AST/43-44/07

3

KILPAILUPOLITIIKAN TOIMEENPANOON LIITTYVÄT MENETTELYT

Komissio

2007/C 243/04

Valtiontuki — Yhdistynyt Kuningaskunta — Valtiontuki C 23/07 (ex N 118/07) — Vauxhall Motors Ltd — Koulutustuki Ellesmere Portin tuotantoyksikölle — Kehotus huomautusten esittämiseen EY:n perustamissopimuksen 88 artiklan 2 kohdan mukaisesti (
  1
  )

1

4

MUUT ILMOITUKSET

Komissio

2007/C 243/05

Maataloustuotteiden ja elintarvikkeiden maantieteellisten merkintöjen ja alkuperänimitysten suojasta annetun neuvoston asetuksen (EY) N:o 510/2006 6 artiklan 2 kohdassa tarkoitettu rekisteröintihakemuksen julkaiseminen

11

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   ETA:n kannalta merkityksellinen teksti |

---

(1)   ETA:n kannalta merkityksellinen teksti

1

| FI | |
| --- | --- |

FI

---

II Tiedonannot

EUROOPAN UNIONIN TOIMIELINTEN JA ELINTEN ANTAMAT TIEDONANNOT

Komissio

| 17.10.2007 | FI | Euroopan unionin virallinen lehti | C 243/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

FI

Euroopan unionin virallinen lehti

C 243/1

---

Ilmoitetun keskittymän vastustamatta jättäminen

(Asia COMP/M.4748 — T-Mobile/Orange)

(ETA:n kannalta merkityksellinen teksti)

(2007/C 243/01)

Komissio päätti 20. elokuuta 2007 olla vastustamatta edellä mainittua keskittymää ja julistaa, että se soveltuu yhteismarkkinoille. Päätös perustuu neuvoston asetuksen (EY) N:o 139/2004 6 artiklan 1 kohdan b alakohtaan. Päätöksen koko teksti on saatavissa vain englannin kielellä, ja se julkistetaan sen jälkeen, kun siitä on poistettu kaikki sen mahdollisesti sisältämät liikesalaisuudet. Se on saatavissa:

| — | kilpailun pääosaston verkkosivuilla (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). Näillä sivuilla on monenlaisia hakukeinoja sulautumapäätösten löytämiseksi, muun muassa yritys-, asianumero-, päivämäärä- ja alakohtaiset hakemistot, |
| --- | --- |

—

kilpailun pääosaston verkkosivuilla (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). Näillä sivuilla on monenlaisia hakukeinoja sulautumapäätösten löytämiseksi, muun muassa yritys-, asianumero-, päivämäärä- ja alakohtaiset hakemistot,

| — | sähköisessä muodossa EUR-Lex-sivustossa asiakirjanumerolla 32007M4748. EUR-Lex on Euroopan yhteisön oikeuden online-tietokanta (http://eur-lex.europa.eu). |
| --- | --- |

—

sähköisessä muodossa EUR-Lex-sivustossa asiakirjanumerolla 32007M4748. EUR-Lex on Euroopan yhteisön oikeuden online-tietokanta (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

IV Tiedotteet

EUROOPAN UNIONIN TOIMIELINTEN JA ELINTEN ANTAMAT TIEDOTTEET

Komissio

| 17.10.2007 | FI | Euroopan unionin virallinen lehti | C 243/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

FI

Euroopan unionin virallinen lehti

C 243/2

---

Euron kurssi (1)

16. lokakuuta 2007

(2007/C 243/02)

1 euro=

| | Rahayksikkö | Kurssi |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | Yhdysvaltain dollaria | 1,4150 |
| JPY | Japanin jeniä | 165,17 |
| DKK | Tanskan kruunua | 7,4528 |
| GBP | Englannin puntaa | 0,69650 |
| SEK | Ruotsin kruunua | 9,1538 |
| CHF | Sveitsin frangia | 1,6753 |
| ISK | Islannin kruunua | 86,25 |
| NOK | Norjan kruunua | 7,6660 |
| BGN | Bulgarian leviä | 1,9558 |
| CYP | Kyproksen puntaa | 0,5842 |
| CZK | Tšekin korunaa | 27,526 |
| EEK | Viron kruunua | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Unkarin forinttia | 251,05 |
| LTL | Liettuan litiä | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian latia | 0,7030 |
| MTL | Maltan liiraa | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Puolan zlotya | 3,7196 |
| RON | Romanian leuta | 3,3513 |
| SKK | Slovakian korunaa | 33,687 |
| TRY | Turkin liiraa | 1,7314 |
| AUD | Australian dollaria | 1,5929 |
| CAD | Kanadan dollaria | 1,3878 |
| HKD | Hongkongin dollaria | 10,9724 |
| NZD | Uuden-Seelannin dollaria | 1,8930 |
| SGD | Singaporin dollaria | 2,0767 |
| KRW | Etelä-Korean wonia | 1 297,84 |
| ZAR | Etelä-Afrikan randia | 9,7399 |
| CNY | Kiinan juan renminbiä | 10,6380 |
| HRK | Kroatian kunaa | 7,3235 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiaa | 12 819,90 |
| MYR | Malesian ringgitiä | 4,7862 |
| PHP | Filippiinien pesoa | 62,755 |
| RUB | Venäjän ruplaa | 35,3050 |
| THB | Thaimaan bahtia | 44,424 |

Rahayksikkö

Kurssi

USD

Yhdysvaltain dollaria

1,4150

JPY

Japanin jeniä

165,17

DKK

Tanskan kruunua

7,4528

GBP

Englannin puntaa

0,69650

SEK

Ruotsin kruunua

9,1538

CHF

Sveitsin frangia

1,6753

ISK

Islannin kruunua

86,25

NOK

Norjan kruunua

7,6660

BGN

Bulgarian leviä

1,9558

CYP

Kyproksen puntaa

0,5842

CZK

Tšekin korunaa

27,526

EEK

Viron kruunua

15,6466

HUF

Unkarin forinttia

251,05

LTL

Liettuan litiä

3,4528

LVL

Latvian latia

0,7030

MTL

Maltan liiraa

0,4293

PLN

Puolan zlotya

3,7196

RON

Romanian leuta

3,3513

SKK

Slovakian korunaa

33,687

TRY

Turkin liiraa

1,7314

AUD

Australian dollaria

1,5929

CAD

Kanadan dollaria

1,3878

HKD

Hongkongin dollaria

10,9724

NZD

Uuden-Seelannin dollaria

1,8930

SGD

Singaporin dollaria

2,0767

KRW

Etelä-Korean wonia

1 297,84

ZAR

Etelä-Afrikan randia

9,7399

CNY

Kiinan juan renminbiä

10,6380

HRK

Kroatian kunaa

7,3235

IDR

Indonesian rupiaa

12 819,90

MYR

Malesian ringgitiä

4,7862

PHP

Filippiinien pesoa

62,755

RUB

Venäjän ruplaa

35,3050

THB

Thaimaan bahtia

44,424

---

(1)

Lähde: Euroopan keskuspankin ilmoittama viitekurssi.

---

V Ilmoitukset

HALLINNOLLISET MENETTELYT

Euroopan henkilöstövalintatoimisto (EPSO)

| 17.10.2007 | FI | Euroopan unionin virallinen lehti | C 243/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

FI

Euroopan unionin virallinen lehti

C 243/3

---

ILMOITUS AVOIMESTA KILPAILUSTA EPSO/AST/43-44/07

(2007/C 243/03)

Euroopan yhteisöjen henkilöstövalintatoimisto (EPSO) järjestää seuraavat avoimet kilpailut: EPSO/AST/43/07 ja EPSO/AST/44/07 — Bulgarialaiset ja romanialaiset hallintoavustajat (AST3) seuraavilla aloilla:

| 1) | Eurooppalainen julkishallinto |
| --- | --- |

1)

Eurooppalainen julkishallinto

| 2) | Varainhoito |
| --- | --- |

2)

Varainhoito

Kilpailuilmoitus on julkaistu yksinomaan englannin, ranskan ja saksan kielillä
  Euroopan unionin virallisessa lehdessä C 243 A, 17. lokakuuta 2007.

Lisätietoja on saatavilla EPSO:n verkkosivuilla osoitteessa: http://europa.eu/epso

---

KILPAILUPOLITIIKAN TOIMEENPANOON LIITTYVÄT MENETTELYT

Komissio

| 17.10.2007 | FI | Euroopan unionin virallinen lehti | C 243/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

FI

Euroopan unionin virallinen lehti

C 243/4

---

VALTIONTUKI — YHDISTYNYT KUNINGASKUNTA

Valtiontuki C 23/07 (ex N 118/07) — Vauxhall Motors Ltd — Koulutustuki Ellesmere Portin tuotantoyksikölle

Kehotus huomautusten esittämiseen EY:n perustamissopimuksen 88 artiklan 2 kohdan mukaisesti

(ETA:n kannalta merkityksellinen teksti)

(2007/C 243/04)

Komissio on ilmoittanut 10. heinäkuuta 2007 päivätyllä, tätä tiivistelmää seuraavilla sivuilla todistusvoimaisella kielellä toistetulla kirjeellä Yhdistyneelle kuningaskunnalle päätöksestään aloittaa EY:n perustamissopimuksen 88 artiklan 2 kohdassa tarkoitettu menettely, joka koskee mainitun tuen osaa.

Asianomaiset voivat esittää huomautuksensa tuesta, jota koskevan menettelyn komissio aloittaa, kuukauden kuluessa tämän tiivistelmän ja oheisen kirjeen julkaisemisesta. Huomautukset on lähetettävä osoitteeseen:

| Euroopan komissio |
| --- |
| Kilpailun pääosasto |
| Valtiontukien kirjaamo |
| SPA-3 6/5 |
| B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| Faksi: (32-2) 296 12 42 |

Euroopan komissio

Kilpailun pääosasto

Valtiontukien kirjaamo

SPA-3 6/5

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

Faksi: (32-2) 296 12 42

Huomautukset toimitetaan Yhdistyneelle kuningaskunnalle. Huomautuksia esittävän asianomaisen on pyydettävä kirjallisesti henkilöllisyytensä luottamuksellista käsittelyä, ja tämä pyyntö on perusteltava.

TIIVISTELMÄ

Yhdistynyt kuningaskunta ilmoitti 5. maaliskuuta 2007 komissiolle aikomuksestaan myöntää tukea yritykselle Vauxhall Motors Ltd, Ellesmere Port, jäljempänä ”Vauxhall”. Se on autoja valmistava tehdas, joka on yrityksen Vauxhall Motors Ltd yksikkö ja osa yritystä General Motors Ltd. Ilmoitus tehtiin koulutustukea koskevan komission asetuksen (EY) N:o 68/2001 5 artiklan mukaisesti. Asetuksen mukaan kaikki yli 1 miljoonan EUR koulutustuet on ilmoitettava erikseen.

Tarkoituksena on tukea koulutusohjelmaa, jolla aiotaan parantaa Vauxhallin tulosta. Koulutus on suunniteltu toteutettavaksi kuuden vuoden aikana (2007–2012). Koulutuksen tukikelpoiset kokonaiskustannukset ovat 16 583 461 GBP. Tuen myöntäisi luoteisosan kehitysvirasto (North-West Development Agency), ja tuki koostuisi 8 584 767 GBP suorasta avustuksesta, joka maksettaisiin kuutena vuosittaisena osana.

Komissio katsoo, että toimenpide on EY:n perustamissopimuksen 87 artiklassa tarkoitettua valtiontukea. Komissio arvioi tuen soveltuvuutta yhteismarkkinoille EY:n perustamissopimuksen 3 artiklan c kohdan perusteella. Samalla komissio ottaa huomioon koulutustukea koskevan asetuksen pääperiaatteet. Komissio arvioi myös onko tuella kannustava vaikutus koulutukseen, eli olisiko koulutus toteutettu ilman tukea. Tämä kannustavan vaikutuksen kriteeri on yleinen edellytys valtiontuen soveltuvuudelle.

Tässä vaiheessa komissio epäilee tuen soveltuvuutta yhteismarkkinoille seuraavista syistä. Ensinnäkin se kyseenalaistaa tuen kannustavan vaikutuksen kolmen koulutusohjelman osan suhteen (tuotantojärjestelmäkoulutus, GM:n globaalia tuotantojärjestelmää käsittelevä koulutus ja opiskelijoille suunnatut työharjoitteluohjelmat). Komissio katsoo, että nämä ohjelman osat olisi todennäköisesti toteutettu myös ilman tukea.

Toiseksi komissio kyseenalaistaa Yhdistyneen kuningaskunnan mielipiteen, että neljässä ohjelman osassa annettava koulutus (tuotantojärjestelmäkoulutus, globaali tuotantojärjestelmä, kulttuurinen muutos ja lean-tuotanto) on koulutustukiasetuksessa tarkoitettua yleiskoulutusta eli koulutusta, joka tarjoaa muihin yrityksiin tai toimialoihin siirrettävissä olevaa pätevyyttä, ja johon voidaan myöntää tukea enintään 50 prosenttia tukikelpoisista kustannuksista. Komissio uskoo, että nämä koulutuksen osat ovat asetuksessa tarkoitettua erityiskoulutusta (tuen enimmäisintensiteetti 25 prosenttia).

KIRJEEN TEKSTI

”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

---

MUUT ILMOITUKSET

Komissio

| 17.10.2007 | FI | Euroopan unionin virallinen lehti | C 243/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

FI

Euroopan unionin virallinen lehti

C 243/11

---

Maataloustuotteiden ja elintarvikkeiden maantieteellisten merkintöjen ja alkuperänimitysten suojasta annetun neuvoston asetuksen (EY) N:o 510/2006 6 artiklan 2 kohdassa tarkoitettu rekisteröintihakemuksen julkaiseminen

(2007/C 243/05)

Tämä julkaiseminen antaa oikeuden vastustaa hakemusta neuvoston asetuksen (EY) N:o 510/2006 (1) 7 artiklassa tarkoitetulla tavalla. Vastaväitteet on toimitettava komissiolle kuuden kuukauden kuluessa tästä julkaisemisesta.

YHTEENVETO

NEUVOSTON ASETUS (EY) N:o 510/2006

”CHAMOMILLA BOHEMICA”

EY-nro: CZ/PDO/005/0411/28.10.2004

SAN ( X ) SMM ( )

Tässä yhteenvedossa esitetään tuote-eritelmän pääkohdat tiedotustarkoituksessa.

1.   Jäsenvaltion toimivaltainen viranomainen:

| Nimi: | Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví |
| --- | --- |
| Osoite: | Antonína Čermáka 2a |
| CZ-160 68 Praha 6 |

Nimi:

Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví

Osoite:

Antonína Čermáka 2a

CZ-160 68 Praha 6

Puhelin:

(420) 220 383 111

Faksi:

(420) 224 324 718

Sähköposti:

posta@upv.cz

2.   Ryhmittymä:

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

Nimi:

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

Osoite:

U Národní galerie 470

CZ-150 00 Praha 5-Zbraslav

Puhelin:

(420) 257 898 111

Faksi:

(420) 257 921 328

Sähköposti:

leros@leros.cz

Kokoonpano:

tuottaja/jalostaja ( X ) muu ( )

3.   Tuotelaji:

Luokka 1.8: Muut liitteeseen I kuuluvat tuotteet

4.   Tuote-eritelmä

(yhteenveto asetuksen (EY) N:o 510/2006 4 artiklan 2 kohdan mukaisista vaatimuksista)

4.1   Nimi: ”Chamomilla Bohemica”

”Chamomilla Bohemica” on perinteinen nimitys Böömin alueilla kasvatettavalle kamomillankukalle.

4.2   Kuvaus: Kuivattu kamomillankukka (flos Chamomilla vulgaris) — Matricariae flos, Matricaria recutita (L.) Rauschert, Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert.

”Chamomilla Bohemican” erityispiirteenä on sen haihtuvan öljyn pitoisuus, joka on enimmillään 1 %. Haihtuvan öljyn tärkein vaikuttava aine on kamatsuleeni, jonka sisältö yrtissä on keskimäärin 0,06–0,07 %. Tämän vuoksi ”Chamomilla Bohemica” ylittää laadultaan muilta maantieteellisiltä alueilta tulevat yrtit. Se ylittää kamomillankukalle Tšekin farmakopeassa 1997 ja 2002 asetetut laatuvaatimukset. Tšekin farmakopean vuoden 2002 laitoksen täydennysosassa todetaan, että ”1 kg kuivattua yrttiä sisältää vähintään 4 ml väriltään sinistä haihtuvaa öljyä ja vähintään 0,25 % apigeniini-7-glukosidia. Haihtuvan öljyn pääainesosat ovat seskviterpeenit, joita on noin 50 % öljystä ((-)-alfa-bisabololi, bisabololoksidi A ja B ja (-)-bisabolonoksidi A). Haihtuvan öljyn muihin ainesosiin kuuluu kamatsuleeni (vähimmäispitoisuus 0,035 %). Haihtuvan öljyn lisäksi yrtti sisältää kumariineja (umbelliferoni ja herniariini), flavonoideja (apigeniini-7-glukosidi ja sen johdannaiset, luteoliini, kversetiini ja isoramnetiini) vähintään 0,01 % sekä atsuleeneja vähintään 0,02 %. Flavonoideilla, joita on yrtissä 0,015 %, on spasmolyyttisiä vaikutuksia. Spiroeettereillä, joiden sisältö on 0,03 %, on bakteriostaattisia ja fungisidisia ominaisuuksia.””Chamomilla Bohemican” haihtuva öljy ei saa osoittaa merkkejä ruskeasta väristä ohutkerroskromatografiassa, ja sen kamatsuleenipitoisuuden on oltava keskimäärin välillä 0,06–0,07 %. Se saatetaan markkinoille yrttijuomana joko pussi- tai irtoteenä (50 g:n pakkauksissa) tai 14 kg:n tukkupakkauksissa.

4.3   Maantieteellinen alue: Böömi eli läänit Praha, Keski–Böömi, Etelä–Böömi, Plzeň, Karlovy Vary, Ústí nad Labem, Liberec, Hradec Králové ja Pardubice kokonaisuudessaan sekä Vysočinan läänistä Havlíčkův Brodin, Jihlavan ja Pelhřimovin alueet. Raja perustuu Tšekin perustuslailliseen lakiin 347/1997, jolla luotiin ylemmät alueelliset itsehallintoyksiköt ja muutettiin Tšekin kansallisneuvoston perustuslaillista lakia 1/1993 (tasavallan perustuslakia).

”Chamomilla Bohemican” viljelyalueet Böömissä määräytyvät seuraavien maaperä- ja ilmasto-olosuhteiden perusteella: hietamaat (luokituksessa mustamulta, ruskomaa ja valkosavimaannokset), joiden pH on välillä 7,3–8,1. Ilmasto-olosuhteet: vuosisademäärä keskimäärin 500–700 mm/m2, korkeus merenpinnasta 230–480 m.

4.4   Alkuperätodisteet: Jalostajat pitävät kirjaa toimittajista, joihin kohdistuu valvonta eri tuotantovaiheissa (kylvö, kasvu, sadonkorjuu, kuivaus, varastointi ja käsittely). Kirjaa pidetään myös valmiiden tuotteiden vastaanottajista.

Tuote-eritelmään liittyvästä valvonnasta huolehtii valtion maatalous- ja elintarvikeviraston (Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce) paikallinen aluevirasto.

4.5   Tuotantomenetelmä: Kamomilla on hyvin mukautumiskykyinen kasvi, mutta sen sisältämät aineet reagoivat voimakkaasti ympäristöolosuhteisiin muun muassa seuraavien tekijöiden vaikutuksesta:

Kylvön valmistelu: Kamomilla ei ole vaativa esikasvinsa suhteen. Kamomilla vaatii keskisyvän kynnön, pintaäestyksen ja rikkakasvittoman maaperän.

Kylvö: Kylvö koneilla, joilla saavutetaan suuri kylvötarkkuus, kylvämisen jälkeen maan tasoitus, siemenmäärä 20 g/aari.

Kasvukausi: Maanparannus kemiallisilla lannoitteilla (esim. NPK tai Cererit).

Sadonkorjuu ja jälkikäsittely: Kukinnot poimitaan heti kukkimisen jälkeen käsin tai automaattisilla sadonkorjuukoneilla (tuotemerkit Neset ja Unag). Suositeltu kuivatuslämpötila on enintään 40 °C. Kuivauksen jälkeen sato lajitellaan ja puhdistetaan.

Edellä mainitut vaiheet on toteutettava rajatulla maantieteellisellä alueella, jotta kohdassa 4.2 mainitut raaka-aineen erityisominaisuudet säilyisivät.

Varastointi ja pakkaaminen: Varastointi tapahtuu kuivissa ja hyvin ilmastoiduissa tiloissa valolta suojassa. Tuote pakataan etiketillä varustettuihin paperipusseihin, joilla on tietty yksikköpaino. Näitä toimia (ml. lopullinen pakkaaminen kuluttajapakkauksiin) ei tarvitse suorittaa rajatulla alueella, mutta niiden yhteydessä on noudatettava voimassa olevia normeja ja määräyksiä.

4.6   Yhteys maantieteelliseen alkuperään: Vaikka hyvälaatuista kamomillaa on Tšekinmaalla viljelty jo aikaisemmin, ”Chamomilla Bohemica” vakiinnutti nimensä varsinaisesti vasta 1950-luvulla, kun ulkomailta tuleva kysyntä kasvoi merkittävästi ja ”Chamomilla Bohemica” haluttiin erottaa muista kamomillatuotteista. Nimestä tuli symboli kamomillalle, jolla on tietyt ominaisuudet (ks. kohta 4.2) ja niiden takeena erityiset luonnonolosuhteet. Tämä ainutlaatuisuus johtuu viljelyalueeseen liittyvistä eri tekijöistä, kuten ilmastosta, maaperästä ja sadonkorjuutavoista (keskisademäärä 500–700 mm/m2, hietamaaperä jonka pH 7,3–8,1). Sademäärä ja oikein valittu maaperä ovat pääasialliset sadon laatuun vaikuttavat tekijät. Lisäksi korkeus merenpinnasta ja auringonvalon määrä vaikuttavat merkittävästi haihtuvan öljyn ja kamatsuleenin pitoisuuteen. Laatunsa vuoksi ”Chamomilla Bohemica” on saavuttanut menestystä messuilla ja näyttelyissä (esim. SALIMA ja Země živitelka), joissa sille on myönnetty tunnustus ”Kvalitní výrobek” (laatutuote). Tuotemerkit Neset ja Unag ovat kamomillan säästävämpää sadonkorjuuta varten kehittäneet erityisiä sadonkorjuukoneita.

”Chamomilla Bohemica” alkuperänimitys on rekisteröity Tšekin alkuperänimitysten rekisteriin 21. tammikuuta 1975 numerolla 84, ja sen on suojattu myös Portugalin kanssa tehdyn kahdenvälisen sopimuksen puitteissa.

4.7   Valvontaelin:

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

Nimi:

Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce — inspektorát v Praze

Osoite:

Za opravnou 4

CZ-150 00 Praha 5

Puhelin:

(420) 257 199 511

Faksi:

(420) 257 199 529

Sähköposti:

praha@szpi.gov.cz

Valvonnasta huolehtivat myös kyseisen keskusvalvontaelimen paikalliset aluevirastot alueilla, joilla tuotantoa ja jalostusta harjoitetaan.

4.8   Merkinnät: ”Chamomilla Bohemica” -nimi on mainittava näkyvästi pakkauksen etupuolella (isolla kirjasinkoolla).

---

(1)  EUVL L 93, 31.3.2006, s. 12.

---