# Journal officiel C 243/2007

| | ISSN 1725-2431 |
| --- | --- |
| Journal officiel
  de l'Union européenne | C 243 |
| | |
| Édition de langue française | Communications et informations | 50e année17 octobre 2007 |

ISSN 1725-2431

Journal officiel

de l'Union européenne

C 243

Édition de langue française

Communications et informations

50e année17 octobre 2007

---

| Numéro d'information | Sommaire | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Communications |
| | COMMUNICATIONS PROVENANT DES INSTITUTIONS ET ORGANES DE L'UNION EUROPÉENNE |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 243/01 | Non-opposition à une concentration notifiée (Affaire COMP/M.4748 — T-Mobile/Orange) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Numéro d'information

Sommaire

page

II   Communications

COMMUNICATIONS PROVENANT DES INSTITUTIONS ET ORGANES DE L'UNION EUROPÉENNE

Commission

2007/C 243/01

Non-opposition à une concentration notifiée (Affaire COMP/M.4748 — T-Mobile/Orange) (
  1
  )

1

1

| | IV   Informations |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMATIONS PROVENANT DES INSTITUTIONS ET ORGANES DE L’UNION EUROPÉENNE |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 243/02 | Taux de change de l'euro | 2 |

IV   Informations

INFORMATIONS PROVENANT DES INSTITUTIONS ET ORGANES DE L’UNION EUROPÉENNE

Commission

2007/C 243/02

Taux de change de l'euro

2

| | V   Avis |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCÉDURES ADMINISTRATIVES |
| | Office européen de sélection du personnel (EPSO) |
| 2007/C 243/03 | Avis de concours généraux EPSO/AST/43-44/07 | 3 |
| | PROCÉDURES RELATIVES À LA MISE EN ŒUVRE DE LA POLITIQUE DE CONCURRENCE |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 243/04 | Aide d'État — Royaume-Uni — Aide d'État C 23/07 (ex N 118/07) — Vauxhall Motors Ltd — Aide à la formation en faveur de Ellesmere Port — Invitation à présenter des observations en application de l'article 88, paragraphe 2, du traité CE (
  1
  ) | 4 |
| | AUTRES ACTES |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 243/05 | Publication d'une demande d'enregistrement au sens de l'article 6, paragraphe 2, du règlement (CE) no 510/2006 du Conseil relatif à la protection des indications géographiques et des appellations d'origine des produits agricoles et des denrées alimentaires | 11 |

V   Avis

PROCÉDURES ADMINISTRATIVES

Office européen de sélection du personnel (EPSO)

2007/C 243/03

Avis de concours généraux EPSO/AST/43-44/07

3

PROCÉDURES RELATIVES À LA MISE EN ŒUVRE DE LA POLITIQUE DE CONCURRENCE

Commission

2007/C 243/04

Aide d'État — Royaume-Uni — Aide d'État C 23/07 (ex N 118/07) — Vauxhall Motors Ltd — Aide à la formation en faveur de Ellesmere Port — Invitation à présenter des observations en application de l'article 88, paragraphe 2, du traité CE (
  1
  )

1

4

AUTRES ACTES

Commission

2007/C 243/05

Publication d'une demande d'enregistrement au sens de l'article 6, paragraphe 2, du règlement (CE) no 510/2006 du Conseil relatif à la protection des indications géographiques et des appellations d'origine des produits agricoles et des denrées alimentaires

o

11

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Texte présentant de l'intérêt pour l'EEE |

---

(1)   Texte présentant de l'intérêt pour l'EEE

1

| FR | |
| --- | --- |

FR

---

II Communications

COMMUNICATIONS PROVENANT DES INSTITUTIONS ET ORGANES DE L'UNION EUROPÉENNE

Commission

| 17.10.2007 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 243/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 243/1

---

Non-opposition à une concentration notifiée

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

(Texte présentant de l'intérêt pour l'EEE)

(2007/C 243/01)

Le 20 août 2007, la Commission a décidé de ne pas s'opposer à la concentration notifiée susmentionnée et de la déclarer compatible avec le marché commun. Cette décision est basée sur l'article 6, paragraphe 1, point b), du règlement (CE) no 139/2004 du Conseil. Le texte intégral de la décision est disponible seulement en anglais et sera rendu public après suppression des secrets d'affaires qu'il puisse contenir. Il sera disponible:

| — | dans la section «concurrence» du site Internet Europa (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). Ce site Internet propose plusieurs outils pour aider à localiser des décisions de concentrations individuelles, tel qu'un index par société, par numéro de cas, par date et par secteur d'activité, |
| --- | --- |

—

dans la section «concurrence» du site Internet Europa (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). Ce site Internet propose plusieurs outils pour aider à localiser des décisions de concentrations individuelles, tel qu'un index par société, par numéro de cas, par date et par secteur d'activité,

| — | en support électronique sur le site Internet EUR-Lex sous le numéro de document 32007M4748. EUR-Lex est l'accès en ligne au droit communautaire (http://eur-lex.europa.eu). |
| --- | --- |

—

en support électronique sur le site Internet EUR-Lex sous le numéro de document 32007M4748. EUR-Lex est l'accès en ligne au droit communautaire (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

IV Informations

INFORMATIONS PROVENANT DES INSTITUTIONS ET ORGANES DE L’UNION EUROPÉENNE

Commission

| 17.10.2007 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 243/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 243/2

---

Taux de change de l'euro (1)

16 octobre 2007

(2007/C 243/02)

1 euro=

| | Monnaie | Taux de change |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | dollar des États-Unis | 1,4150 |
| JPY | yen japonais | 165,17 |
| DKK | couronne danoise | 7,4528 |
| GBP | livre sterling | 0,69650 |
| SEK | couronne suédoise | 9,1538 |
| CHF | franc suisse | 1,6753 |
| ISK | couronne islandaise | 86,25 |
| NOK | couronne norvégienne | 7,6660 |
| BGN | lev bulgare | 1,9558 |
| CYP | livre chypriote | 0,5842 |
| CZK | couronne tchèque | 27,526 |
| EEK | couronne estonienne | 15,6466 |
| HUF | forint hongrois | 251,05 |
| LTL | litas lituanien | 3,4528 |
| LVL | lats letton | 0,7030 |
| MTL | lire maltaise | 0,4293 |
| PLN | zloty polonais | 3,7196 |
| RON | leu roumain | 3,3513 |
| SKK | couronne slovaque | 33,687 |
| TRY | lire turque | 1,7314 |
| AUD | dollar australien | 1,5929 |
| CAD | dollar canadien | 1,3878 |
| HKD | dollar de Hong Kong | 10,9724 |
| NZD | dollar néo-zélandais | 1,8930 |
| SGD | dollar de Singapour | 2,0767 |
| KRW | won sud-coréen | 1 297,84 |
| ZAR | rand sud-africain | 9,7399 |
| CNY | yuan ren-min-bi chinois | 10,6380 |
| HRK | kuna croate | 7,3235 |
| IDR | rupiah indonésien | 12 819,90 |
| MYR | ringgit malais | 4,7862 |
| PHP | peso philippin | 62,755 |
| RUB | rouble russe | 35,3050 |
| THB | baht thaïlandais | 44,424 |

Monnaie

Taux de change

USD

dollar des États-Unis

1,4150

JPY

yen japonais

165,17

DKK

couronne danoise

7,4528

GBP

livre sterling

0,69650

SEK

couronne suédoise

9,1538

CHF

franc suisse

1,6753

ISK

couronne islandaise

86,25

NOK

couronne norvégienne

7,6660

BGN

lev bulgare

1,9558

CYP

livre chypriote

0,5842

CZK

couronne tchèque

27,526

EEK

couronne estonienne

15,6466

HUF

forint hongrois

251,05

LTL

litas lituanien

3,4528

LVL

lats letton

0,7030

MTL

lire maltaise

0,4293

PLN

zloty polonais

3,7196

RON

leu roumain

3,3513

SKK

couronne slovaque

33,687

TRY

lire turque

1,7314

AUD

dollar australien

1,5929

CAD

dollar canadien

1,3878

HKD

dollar de Hong Kong

10,9724

NZD

dollar néo-zélandais

1,8930

SGD

dollar de Singapour

2,0767

KRW

won sud-coréen

1 297,84

ZAR

rand sud-africain

9,7399

CNY

yuan ren-min-bi chinois

10,6380

HRK

kuna croate

7,3235

IDR

rupiah indonésien

12 819,90

MYR

ringgit malais

4,7862

PHP

peso philippin

62,755

RUB

rouble russe

35,3050

THB

baht thaïlandais

44,424

---

(1)

Source: taux de change de référence publié par la Banque centrale européenne.

---

V Avis

PROCÉDURES ADMINISTRATIVES

Office européen de sélection du personnel (EPSO)

| 17.10.2007 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 243/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 243/3

---

AVIS DE CONCOURS GÉNÉRAUX EPSO/AST/43-44/07

(2007/C 243/03)

L'Office européen de sélection du personnel (EPSO) organise les concours généraux suivants: EPSO/AST/43/07 et EPSO/AST/44/07 — Assistants (AST3) de citoyennetés bulgare et roumaine dans les domaines suivants:

| 1) | Administration publique européenne |
| --- | --- |

1)

Administration publique européenne

| 2) | Gestion financière |
| --- | --- |

2)

Gestion financière

L'avis de concours est publié exclusivement en allemand, en anglais et en français au Journal Officiel C 243 A du 17 octobre 2007.

Des informations complètes se trouvent sur le site d'EPSO http://europa.eu/epso

---

PROCÉDURES RELATIVES À LA MISE EN ŒUVRE DE LA POLITIQUE DE CONCURRENCE

Commission

| 17.10.2007 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 243/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 243/4

---

AIDE D'ÉTAT — ROYAUME-UNI

Aide d'État C 23/07 (ex N 118/07) — Vauxhall Motors Ltd — Aide à la formation en faveur de Ellesmere Port

Invitation à présenter des observations en application de l'article 88, paragraphe 2, du traité CE

(Texte présentant de l'intérêt pour l'EEE)

(2007/C 243/04)

Par la lettre du 10 juillet 2007, reproduite dans la langue faisant foi dans les pages qui suivent le présent résumé, la Commission a notifié au Royaume-Uni sa décision d'ouvrir la procédure prévue à l'article 88, paragraphe 2, du traité CE concernant une partie de l'aide susmentionnée.

Les parties intéressées peuvent présenter leurs observations sur l'aide à l'égard de laquelle la Commission ouvre la procédure dans un délai d'un mois à compter de la date de publication du présent résumé et de la lettre qui suit, à l'adresse suivante:

| Commission européenne |
| --- |
| Direction générale de la concurrence |
| Greffe des aides d'État |
| SPA-3 6/5 |
| B-1049 Bruxelles |
| Fax (32-2) 296 12 42 |

Commission européenne

Direction générale de la concurrence

Greffe des aides d'État

SPA-3 6/5

B-1049 Bruxelles

Fax (32-2) 296 12 42

Ces observations seront communiquées au Royaume-Uni. Le traitement confidentiel de l'identité de la partie intéressée qui présente les observations peut être demandé par écrit, en spécifiant les motifs de la demande.

RÉSUMÉ

Le 5 mars 2007, le Royaume-Uni a informé la Commission de son intention d'accorder une aide en faveur de Vauxhall Motors Ltd, Ellesmere Port («Vauxhall»), une usine de production automobile qui est une division de Vauxhall Motors Ltd et fait partie de General Motors Ltd. La notification a été effectuée en application de l'article 5 du règlement (CE) no 68/2001 de la Commission relatif aux aides à la formation qui exige la notification individuelle de toute aide à la formation dont le montant est supérieur à 1 million d'euros.

L'aide a pour objectif de soutenir un programme de formation destiné à accroître les performances de Vauxhall. La mise en œuvre de l'aide est prévue sur une période de six ans (de 2007 à 2012 inclus). Les coûts totaux admissibles de la formation s'élèvent à 16 583 461 GBP. L'aide serait octroyée par la North-West Development Agency sous la forme d'une subvention directe de 8 584 767 GBP payables en six tranches annuelles.

La Commission estime que la mesure constitue une aide d'État au sens de l'article 87 du traité CE. La Commission va évaluer la compatibilité de l'aide avec le marché commun sur la base de l'article 87, paragraphe 3, point c), du traité CE. Pour ce faire, la Commission prendra en compte les principes directeurs du règlement relatif aux aides à la formation. Elle examinera également si l'aide a l'effet incitatif requis sur les activités de formation qui, sans cela, n'auraient pas été entreprises. Le caractère incitatif de l'aide est une condition générale de la compatibilité des aides d'État.

Au stade actuel, la Commission doute de la compatibilité de l'aide pour les raisons exposées ci-après. Tout d'abord, elle met en doute le caractère incitatif de l'aide en ce qui concerne trois parties du programme de formation (la formation relative au système de production, la formation relative au système de production globale de GM et les programmes de travail/études pour les diplômés au niveau du baccalauréat) qui selon la Commission auraient vraisemblablement été mises en œuvre même en l'absence d'une aide.

Ensuite, la Commission conteste l'opinion du Royaume-Uni selon laquelle la formation à dispenser dans le cadre de quatre volets du programme (système de production, système de production globale, différences culturelles et production au plus juste) constitue une formation générale au sens du règlement relatif aux aides à la formation, à savoir une formation qui fournit des qualifications transférables à d'autres entreprises ou d'autres secteurs et pour laquelle une aide peut être accordée jusqu'à concurrence de 50 % des coûts admissibles. La Commission estime que ces volets de la formation constituent une formation spécifique au sens du règlement (intensité maximale de l'aide de 25 %).

TEXTE DE LA LETTRE

«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.»

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(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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AUTRES ACTES

Commission

| 17.10.2007 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 243/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 243/11

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Publication d'une demande d'enregistrement au sens de l'article 6, paragraphe 2, du règlement (CE) no 510/2006 du Conseil relatif à la protection des indications géographiques et des appellations d'origine des produits agricoles et des denrées alimentaires

(2007/C 243/05)

La présente publication confère un droit d'opposition au sens de l'article 7 du règlement (CE) no 510/2006 du Conseil (1). Les déclarations d'opposition doivent parvenir à la Commission dans un délai de six mois à partir de la présente publication.

RÉSUMÉ

RÈGLEMENT (CE) No 510/2006 DU CONSEIL

«CHAMOMILLA BOHEMICA»

No CE: CZ/PDO/005/0411/28.10.2004

AOP (X) IGP ( )

Ce résumé présente les principaux éléments du cahier des charges du produit à des fins d'information.

1.   Service compétent de l'État membre:

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

Nom:

Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví

Adresse:

Antonína Čermáka 2a

CZ-160 68 Praha 6

Tél.:

(420) 220 383 111

Fax:

(420) 224 324 718

E-mail:

posta@upv.cz

2.   Groupement:

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

Nom:

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

Adresse:

U Národní galerie 470

CZ-150 00 Praha 5-Zbraslav

Tél.:

(420) 257 898 111

Fax:

(420) 257 921 328

E-mail:

leros@leros.cz

Composition:

producteurs/transformateurs (X) autres ( )

3.   Type de produit:

Classe 1.8: Autres produits de l'annexe I

4.   Cahier des charges:

[résumé des conditions visées à l'article 4, paragraphe 2, du règlement (CE) no 510/2006]

4.1.   Nom: «Chamomilla Bohemica»

«Chamomilla Bohemica» est l'appellation traditionnelle de la fleur de camomille vraie que l'on trouve en Bohême (République tchèque).

4.2.   Description: Fleur séchée de camomille vraie (flos Chamomillae vulgaris) — Matricariae flos, Matricaria recutita (L.) Rauschert, Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert.

«Chamomilla Bohemica» se caractérise par sa teneur en huile essentielle (jusqu'à 1 %), dont la substance active principale est le chamazulène, présent à raison de 0,06 à 0,07 %. Grâce à ses caractéristiques, «Chamomilla Bohemica» est d'une qualité supérieure à celle des plantes originaires d'autres zones géographiques et répond largement aux critères établis pour la fleur de camomille vraie par la pharmacopée tchèque en 1997 et en 2002. D'après le supplément 2004 de l'édition de 2002 de la pharmacopée tchèque, elle contient «au moins 4 ml d'huile essentielle de couleur bleue par kilogramme de matière sèche et au moins 0,25 % au total d'apigenine-7-glucoside, calculé sur la base d'une matière sèche. Les principaux composants de l'huile essentielle sont les sesquiterpènes [environ 50 % d'huile essentielle, (-)-alpha-bisabolone, oxyde de bisabolol A, oxyde de bisabolol B, oxyde de (-)-bisabolone A]. L'huile essentielle contient également du chamazulène (teneur minimale: 0,035 %). Outre l'huile essentielle, “Chamomilla Bohemica” contient des coumarines (ombelliférone, herniarine), des flavonoïdes (apigenine-7-glucoside et ses dérivés, lutéoline, quercétol, isorhamnétine), dont le taux minimal est de 0,01 %, ainsi que des azulènes (teneur minimale: 0,02 %). Les flavonoïdes (0,015 %) ont des propriétés spasmolytiques. Les spiroéthers (0,03 %) ont des vertus bactériostatiques et fongistatiques». «Chamomilla Bohemica» ne doit pas produire d'huile essentielle de couleur brune lors de la réalisation d'une chromatographie sur couche mince, et sa teneur moyenne en chamazulène doit est comprise entre 0,06 et 0,07 %. Elle est commercialisée sous forme de plante pour tisane en sachets individuels et en vrac, par paquets de 50 grammes ou, pour le commerce de gros, par sacs de 14 kg.

4.3.   Aire géographique: La Bohême, c'est-à-dire les régions de Prague, de Bohème centrale, de Bohême du Sud, de Plzeň, de Karlovy Vary, d'Ústí nad Labem, de Liberec, de Hradec Králové et de Pardubice, ainsi que, pour la région de Vysočina, les cantons (okres) de Havlíčkův Brod, Jihlava et Pelhřimov, conformément à la loi organique no 347/1997 relative à l'organisation des grandes collectivités territoriales et modifiant la loi organique du Conseil national tchèque no 1/1993, la constitution de la République tchèque, dans sa version actualisée.

Les lieux de culture de «Chamomilla Bohemica» sur le territoire de la Bohême sont définis par les conditions climatiques et pédologiques suivantes: sols argileux et sablonneux (selon la classification des sols: terre noire, sols bruns et sols lessivés), dont le pH se situe entre 7,3 et 8,1; conditions climatiques: les précipitations annuelles atteignent 500 à 700 mm/m2; altitude comprise entre 230 et 480 m.

4.4.   Preuve de l'origine: Les transformateurs tiennent un registre des fournisseurs, lesquels sont soumis à un contrôle lors de chaque phase du processus d'obtention de la fleur de camomille, à savoir la plantation, la croissance, la cueillette, le séchage, l'entreposage et la transformation. Ils tiennent également un registre des acheteurs des produits finis.

Le service compétent au niveau local de l'inspection nationale de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation veille au respect du cahier des charges.

4.5.   Méthode d'obtention: La camomille présente une grande capacité d'adaptation, mais les substances qu'elle contient sont très sensibles aux conditions environnementales; aussi les phases suivantes doivent-elles être respectées:

Préparation du sol: la culture de la camomille est peu exigeante et nécessite simplement un labour moyen, un hersage de surface et un sol désherbé.

Plantation: utilisation de semoirs de précision, aplanissement du sol après l'ensemencement, 20 g de graines par are.

Croissance: durant cette phase, amender au moyen d'engrais industriels complexes (par exemple, NPK ou Cererit).

Cueillette et traitement post-cueillette: les fleurs sont cueillies à la main ou à l'aide d'engins automoteurs Neset et Unag immédiatement après leur éclosion; elles sont séchées de préférence à une température maximale de 40 °C puis acheminées vers des chaînes de traitement dotées de systèmes de trieurs et de séparateurs.

Il est indispensable, pour assurer le maintien des caractères inhérents aux matières premières visés au point 4.2, de respecter la zone de culture définie.

Entreposage et conditionnement: le produit est conservé au sec, à l'abri de la lumière et dans des lieux bien ventilés, avant d'être conditionné dans des sacs en papier de contenance unique sur lesquels est apposée une étiquette; ces opérations, y compris le conditionnement final, ne doivent pas nécessairement s'effectuer dans la zone définie, mais doivent être exécutées conformément aux normes et règles en vigueur.

4.6.   Lien: Les pays tchèques produisaient déjà de la camomille d'excellente qualité, mais c'est surtout à partir des années cinquante, lorsque la demande étrangère augmenta et qu'il devint nécessaire d'établir une distinction entre cette culture et les autres productions de camomille, que l'emploi de l'appellation «Chamomilla Bohemica» devint plus fréquent. Cette dernière désigne désormais une camomille dotée de propriétés bien définies (voir le point 4.2), qu'elle doit aux conditions naturelles que lui offre son environnement. Cette singularité procède de la combinaison de plusieurs facteurs culturaux, tels que le climat, le sol et les modes de récolte (niveau moyen des précipitations: de 500 à 700 mm/m2, pH des sols: entre 7,3 et 8,1, type de sol: argileux et sableux). Le rendement dépend essentiellement du choix du type de sol et de la pluviosité. Enfin, l'altitude et l'ensoleillement sont deux facteurs qui influencent fortement la teneur en huile essentielle et en chamazulène. Produit de qualité, «Chamomilla Bohemica» a été présentée dans différentes foires et expositions, telles que «SALIMA» et «Země živitelka», où elle a obtenu la mention «Produit de qualité». Les marques Neset et Unag ont mis au point des outils spéciaux pour cueillir les capitules de camomille sans endommager le reste de la plante.

En République tchèque, l'appellation d'origine «Chamomilla Bohemica» est enregistrée depuis le 21 janvier 1975 sous le numéro 84 et est également protégée dans le cadre d'un accord bilatéral conclu avec le Portugal.

4.7.   Structure de contrôle:

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

Nom:

Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce — inspektorát v Praze

Adresse:

Za opravnou 4

CZ-150 00 Praha 5

Tél.:

(420) 257 199 511

Fax:

(420) 257 199 529

E-mail:

praha@szpi.gov.cz

et les bureaux locaux de l'inspection nationale situés dans les zones de production et de transformation.

4.8.   Étiquetage: L'appellation «Chamomilla Bohemica» doit figurer en caractères lisibles (lettres majuscules) sur la face principale de l'emballage.

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

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