# Europeiska unionens C 243/2007

| | ISSN 1725-2504 |
| --- | --- |
| Europeiska unionens
  officiella tidning | C 243 |
| | |
| Svensk utgåva | Meddelanden och upplysningar | 50 årgången17 oktober 2007 |

ISSN 1725-2504

Europeiska unionens

officiella tidning

C 243

Svensk utgåva

Meddelanden och upplysningar

50 årgången17 oktober 2007

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| Informationsnummer | Innehållsförteckning | Sida |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Meddelanden |
| | MEDDELANDEN FRÅN EUROPEISKA UNIONENS INSTITUTIONER OCH ORGAN |
| | Kommissionen |
| 2007/C 243/01 | Beslut om att inte göra invändningar mot en anmäld koncentration (Ärende COMP/M.4748 – T-Mobile/Orange) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Informationsnummer

Innehållsförteckning

Sida

II   Meddelanden

MEDDELANDEN FRÅN EUROPEISKA UNIONENS INSTITUTIONER OCH ORGAN

Kommissionen

2007/C 243/01

Beslut om att inte göra invändningar mot en anmäld koncentration (Ärende COMP/M.4748 – T-Mobile/Orange) (
  1
  )

1

1

| | IV   Upplysningar |
| --- | --- |
| | UPPLYSNINGAR FRÅN EUROPEISKA UNIONENS INSTITUTIONER OCH ORGAN |
| | Kommissionen |
| 2007/C 243/02 | Eurons växelkurs | 2 |

IV   Upplysningar

UPPLYSNINGAR FRÅN EUROPEISKA UNIONENS INSTITUTIONER OCH ORGAN

Kommissionen

2007/C 243/02

Eurons växelkurs

2

| | V   Yttranden |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVA FÖRFARANDEN |
| | Europeiska gemenskapernas byrå för uttagningsprov för rekrytering av personal (EPSO) |
| 2007/C 243/03 | Meddelande om allmänt uttagningsprov EPSO/AST/43-44/07 | 3 |
| | FÖRFARANDEN FÖR GENOMFÖRANDE AV KONKURRENSPOLITIKEN |
| | Kommissionen |
| 2007/C 243/04 | Statligt Stöd – Förenade kungariket – Statligt stöd C 23/07 (f.d. N 118/07) – Vauxhall Motors Ltd – Utbildningsstöd till anläggningen i Ellesmere Port – Uppmaning enligt artikel 88.2 i EG-fördraget att inkomma med synpunkter (
  1
  ) | 4 |
| | ANDRA AKTER |
| | Kommissionen |
| 2007/C 243/05 | Offentliggörande av en ansökan i enlighet med artikel 6.2 i rådets förordning (EG) nr 510/2006 om skydd av geografiska beteckningar och ursprungsbeteckningar för jordbruksprodukter och livsmedel | 11 |

V   Yttranden

ADMINISTRATIVA FÖRFARANDEN

Europeiska gemenskapernas byrå för uttagningsprov för rekrytering av personal (EPSO)

2007/C 243/03

Meddelande om allmänt uttagningsprov EPSO/AST/43-44/07

3

FÖRFARANDEN FÖR GENOMFÖRANDE AV KONKURRENSPOLITIKEN

Kommissionen

2007/C 243/04

Statligt Stöd – Förenade kungariket – Statligt stöd C 23/07 (f.d. N 118/07) – Vauxhall Motors Ltd – Utbildningsstöd till anläggningen i Ellesmere Port – Uppmaning enligt artikel 88.2 i EG-fördraget att inkomma med synpunkter (
  1
  )

1

4

ANDRA AKTER

Kommissionen

2007/C 243/05

Offentliggörande av en ansökan i enlighet med artikel 6.2 i rådets förordning (EG) nr 510/2006 om skydd av geografiska beteckningar och ursprungsbeteckningar för jordbruksprodukter och livsmedel

11

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text av betydelse för EES |

---

(1)   Text av betydelse för EES

1

| SV | |
| --- | --- |

SV

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II Meddelanden

MEDDELANDEN FRÅN EUROPEISKA UNIONENS INSTITUTIONER OCH ORGAN

Kommissionen

| 17.10.2007 | SV | Europeiska unionens officiella tidning | C 243/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

SV

Europeiska unionens officiella tidning

C 243/1

---

Beslut om att inte göra invändningar mot en anmäld koncentration

(Ärende COMP/M.4748 – T-Mobile/Orange)

(Text av betydelse för EES)

(2007/C 243/01)

Kommissionen beslutade den 20 augusti 2007 att inte göra invändningar mot den anmälda koncentrationen ovan och att förklara den förenlig med den gemensamma marknaden. Beslutet grundar sig på artikel 6.1 b i rådets förordning (EG) nr 139/2004. Beslutet i sin helhet finns endast på engelska och kommer att offentliggöras efter det att alla eventuella affärshemligheter har tagits bort. Det kommer att finnas tillgängligt:

| — | på kommissionens webbplats för konkurrens (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). Denna webbplats ger olika möjligheter att hitta enskilda beslut i koncentrationsärenden, även uppgifter om företag, ärendenummer, datum och sektorer, |
| --- | --- |

—

på kommissionens webbplats för konkurrens (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). Denna webbplats ger olika möjligheter att hitta enskilda beslut i koncentrationsärenden, även uppgifter om företag, ärendenummer, datum och sektorer,

| — | i elektronisk form på EUR-Lex webbplats, under dokument nummer 32007M4748. EUR-Lex ger tillgång till gemenskapsrätten via Internet. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu) |
| --- | --- |

—

i elektronisk form på EUR-Lex webbplats, under dokument nummer 32007M4748. EUR-Lex ger tillgång till gemenskapsrätten via Internet. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu)

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IV Upplysningar

UPPLYSNINGAR FRÅN EUROPEISKA UNIONENS INSTITUTIONER OCH ORGAN

Kommissionen

| 17.10.2007 | SV | Europeiska unionens officiella tidning | C 243/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

SV

Europeiska unionens officiella tidning

C 243/2

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Eurons växelkurs (1)

16 oktober 2007

(2007/C 243/02)

1 euro=

| | Valuta | Kurs |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US-dollar | 1,4150 |
| JPY | japansk yen | 165,17 |
| DKK | dansk krona | 7,4528 |
| GBP | pund sterling | 0,69650 |
| SEK | svensk krona | 9,1538 |
| CHF | schweizisk franc | 1,6753 |
| ISK | isländsk krona | 86,25 |
| NOK | norsk krona | 7,6660 |
| BGN | bulgarisk lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | cypriotiskt pund | 0,5842 |
| CZK | tjeckisk koruna | 27,526 |
| EEK | estnisk krona | 15,6466 |
| HUF | ungersk forint | 251,05 |
| LTL | litauisk litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | lettisk lats | 0,7030 |
| MTL | maltesisk lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | polsk zloty | 3,7196 |
| RON | rumänsk leu | 3,3513 |
| SKK | slovakisk koruna | 33,687 |
| TRY | turkisk lira | 1,7314 |
| AUD | australisk dollar | 1,5929 |
| CAD | kanadensisk dollar | 1,3878 |
| HKD | Hongkongdollar | 10,9724 |
| NZD | nyzeeländsk dollar | 1,8930 |
| SGD | singaporiansk dollar | 2,0767 |
| KRW | sydkoreansk won | 1 297,84 |
| ZAR | sydafrikansk rand | 9,7399 |
| CNY | kinesisk yuan renminbi | 10,6380 |
| HRK | kroatisk kuna | 7,3235 |
| IDR | indonesisk rupiah | 12 819,90 |
| MYR | malaysisk ringgit | 4,7862 |
| PHP | filippinsk peso | 62,755 |
| RUB | rysk rubel | 35,3050 |
| THB | thailändsk baht | 44,424 |

Valuta

Kurs

USD

US-dollar

1,4150

JPY

japansk yen

165,17

DKK

dansk krona

7,4528

GBP

pund sterling

0,69650

SEK

svensk krona

9,1538

CHF

schweizisk franc

1,6753

ISK

isländsk krona

86,25

NOK

norsk krona

7,6660

BGN

bulgarisk lev

1,9558

CYP

cypriotiskt pund

0,5842

CZK

tjeckisk koruna

27,526

EEK

estnisk krona

15,6466

HUF

ungersk forint

251,05

LTL

litauisk litas

3,4528

LVL

lettisk lats

0,7030

MTL

maltesisk lira

0,4293

PLN

polsk zloty

3,7196

RON

rumänsk leu

3,3513

SKK

slovakisk koruna

33,687

TRY

turkisk lira

1,7314

AUD

australisk dollar

1,5929

CAD

kanadensisk dollar

1,3878

HKD

Hongkongdollar

10,9724

NZD

nyzeeländsk dollar

1,8930

SGD

singaporiansk dollar

2,0767

KRW

sydkoreansk won

1 297,84

ZAR

sydafrikansk rand

9,7399

CNY

kinesisk yuan renminbi

10,6380

HRK

kroatisk kuna

7,3235

IDR

indonesisk rupiah

12 819,90

MYR

malaysisk ringgit

4,7862

PHP

filippinsk peso

62,755

RUB

rysk rubel

35,3050

THB

thailändsk baht

44,424

---

(1)

Källa: Referensväxelkurs offentliggjord av Europeiska centralbanken.

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V Yttranden

ADMINISTRATIVA FÖRFARANDEN

Europeiska gemenskapernas byrå för uttagningsprov för rekrytering av personal (EPSO)

| 17.10.2007 | SV | Europeiska unionens officiella tidning | C 243/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

SV

Europeiska unionens officiella tidning

C 243/3

---

MEDDELANDE OM ALLMÄNT UTTAGNINGSPROV EPSO/AST/43-44/07

(2007/C 243/03)

Europeiska rekryteringsbyrån (EPSO) anordnar följande uttagningsprov: EPSO/AST/43/07 och EPSO/AST/44/07 – Assistenter (AST3) med bulgariskt eller rumänskt medborgarskap inom följande områden:

| 1. | Europeisk offentlig förvaltning |
| --- | --- |

1.

Europeisk offentlig förvaltning

| 2. | Ekonomisk förvaltning |
| --- | --- |

2.

Ekonomisk förvaltning

Information om uttagningsprovet offentliggörs, endast på engelska, franska och tyska, i
  Europeiska unionens officiella tidning C 243 A av den 17 oktober 2007.

Ytterligare upplysningar finns på EPSO:s hemsida http://europa.eu/epso.

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FÖRFARANDEN FÖR GENOMFÖRANDE AV KONKURRENSPOLITIKEN

Kommissionen

| 17.10.2007 | SV | Europeiska unionens officiella tidning | C 243/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

SV

Europeiska unionens officiella tidning

C 243/4

---

STATLIGT STÖD – FÖRENADE KUNGARIKET

Statligt stöd C 23/07 (f.d. N 118/07) – Vauxhall Motors Ltd – Utbildningsstöd till anläggningen i Ellesmere Port

Uppmaning enligt artikel 88.2 i EG-fördraget att inkomma med synpunkter

(Text av betydelse för EES)

(2007/C 243/04)

Genom den skrivelse av den 10 juli 2007 som återges på det giltiga språket på de sidor som följer på denna sammanfattning underrättade kommissionen Förenade kungariket om sitt beslut att inleda det förfarande som anges i artikel 88.2 i EG-fördraget avseende en del av det ovan nämnda stödet.

Berörda parter kan inom en månad från dagen för offentliggörandet av denna sammanfattning och den därpå följande skrivelsen inkomma med synpunkter på det stöd avseende vilket kommissionen inleder förfarandet. Synpunkterna ska sändas till följande adress:

| Europeiska kommissionen |
| --- |
| Generaldirektoratet för konkurrens |
| Registreringsenheten för statligt stöd |
| SPA-3 6/5 |
| B-1049 Bryssel |
| Fax (32-2) 296 12 42 |

Europeiska kommissionen

Generaldirektoratet för konkurrens

Registreringsenheten för statligt stöd

SPA-3 6/5

B-1049 Bryssel

Fax (32-2) 296 12 42

Synpunkterna kommer att meddelas Förenade kungariket. Berörda parter som inkommer med synpunkter kan skriftligen begära konfidentiell behandling av sin identitet, med angivande av skälen för begäran.

SAMMANFATTNING

Den 5 mars 2007 anmälde Förenade kungariket till kommissionen att landet hade för avsikt att bevilja utbildningsstöd till Vauxhall Motors Ltd:s biltillverkningsanläggning i Ellesmere Port (nedan kallad ”Vauxhall”). Vauxhall Motors Ltd är en del av General Motors Ltd. Anmälan gjordes av kommissionen på grundval av artikel 5 i förordning (EG) nr 68/2001 om tillämpningen av artiklarna 87 och 88 i EG-fördraget på stöd till utbildning, i enlighet med vilken varje utbildningsstöd som överstiger 1 miljon euro måste anmälas enskilt.

Stödet är avsett för ett utbildningsprogram som har till syfte att förbättra Vauxhalls arbetsresultat. Utbildningen avses genomföras under en sexårsperiod (2007–2012). De totala stödberättigande kostnaderna för utbildningen uppgår till 16 583 461 GBP. Stödet beviljas av North-West Development Agency, i form av direkta bidrag som betalas ut årsvis under sex år och sammanlagt uppgår till 8 584 767 GBP.

Kommissionen anser att stödåtgärden utgör statligt stöd i den mening som avses i artikel 87 i EG-fördraget. Den kommer att göra en bedömning av om stödet kan anses som förenligt med den gemensamma marknaden på grundval av artikel 87.3 c i EG-fördraget och kommer därvid att beakta de vägledande principerna i förordningen om stöd till utbildning. Den kommer bl.a. att bedöma om stödet utgör ett nödvändigt incitament för genomförandet av utbildningen i fråga (dvs. om denna inte skulle genomföras även utan stöd). Kriteriet att stöd ska ha en sådan ”incitamentverkan” är ett allmänt villkor för att det ska anses som förenligt med den gemensamma marknaden.

Kommissionen tvivlar i det här skedet på att stödet kan anses som förenligt med den gemensamma marknaden, av de nedan angivna skälen. För det första ifrågasätter kommissionen stödets incitamentverkan i fråga om tre delar av utbildningsprogrammet (utbildningen om produktionssystemet, utbildningen om GM:s globala tillverkningssystem respektive arbets- och studieprogrammen för personer som inte tagit universitetsexamen), på grund av att den anser det troligt att dessa skulle genomföras även utan stöd.

För det andra ifrågasätter kommissionen Förenade kungarikets uppfattning att utbildningen i fyra delar av programmet (utbildningen om produktionssystemet, om det globala tillverkningssystemet, om kulturförändringar och om resurssnål tillverkning) utgör allmän utbildning i den mening som avses i förordningen om stöd till utbildning (dvs. utbildning som ger färdigheter som i stor utsträckning går att överföra till andra företag eller arbetsområden: för allmän utbildning i stora företag får stödnivån som regel inte överstiga 50 % av de stödberättigande kostnaderna). Enligt kommissionens uppfattning utgör dessa delar av utbildningsprogrammet särskild utbildning i den mening som avses i förordningen (högsta stödnivå 25 %).

SJÄLVA SKRIVELSEN

”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

[...]

[...]

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Model Changes

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Routine Training Budge

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| (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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ANDRA AKTER

Kommissionen

| 17.10.2007 | SV | Europeiska unionens officiella tidning | C 243/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.10.2007

SV

Europeiska unionens officiella tidning

C 243/11

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Offentliggörande av en ansökan i enlighet med artikel 6.2 i rådets förordning (EG) nr 510/2006 om skydd av geografiska beteckningar och ursprungsbeteckningar för jordbruksprodukter och livsmedel

(2007/C 243/05)

Genom detta offentliggörande tillgodoses den rätt att göra invändningar som fastställs genom artikel 7 i rådets förordning (EG) nr 510/2006 (1). Invändningar måste komma in till kommissionen senast sex månader efter dagen för detta offentliggörande.

SAMMANFATTNING

RÅDETS FÖRORDNING (EG) nr 510/2006

”CHAMOMILLA BOHEMICA”

EG nr: CZ/PDO/005/0411/28.10.2004

SUB ( X ) SGB ( )

Denna sammanfattning är en information om de viktigaste delarna av produktspecifikationen.

1.   Behörig myndighet i medlemsstaten

| Namn: | Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví |
| --- | --- |
| Adress: | Antonína Čermáka 2a |
| CZ-160 68 Praha 6 |

Namn:

Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví

Adress:

Antonína Čermáka 2a

CZ-160 68 Praha 6

Tfn

(420) 220 383 111

Fax

(420) 224 324 718

E-postadress:

posta@upv.cz

2.   Ansökande grupp

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

Namn:

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

Adress:

U Národní galerie 470

CZ-150 00 Praha 5-Zbraslav

Tfn

(420) 257 898 111

Fax

(420) 257 921 328

E-postadress:

leros@leros.cz

Sammansättning:

Producent/bearbetningsföretag ( X ) andra ( )

3.   Produkttyp

Kategori 1.8: Övriga produkter i bilaga I till fördraget

4.   Produktspecifikation

(sammanfattning av kraven i artikel 4.2 i förordning (EG) nr 510/2006)

4.1   Benämning: ”Chamomilla Bohemica”

Beteckningen Chamomilla Bohemica är ett traditionellt namn på blomman av arten kamomill (Matricaria recutita) från Böhmen.

4.2   Beskrivning: Här avses den torkade kamomillblomman (flos Chamomilla vulgaris) – Matricariae flos, Matricaria recutita (L.) Rauschert, Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert.

Utmärkande för Chamomilla Bohemica är halten av eterisk olja på 1 %, där det huvudsakliga verksamma ämnet är kamazulen, med en halt på i genomsnitt 0,06–0,07 %. Därigenom överträffar Chamomilla Bohemica naturläkemedel från andra geografiska områden och överskrider till och med kraven i den tjeckiska farmakopén för 1997 och 2002 på just denna kamomill (Český lékopis 1997, Český lékopis 2002). Enligt den tjeckiska farmaceutiska förteckningen för 2002, bilagan för 2004, innehåller den ”per kg torkat naturläkemedel minst 4 ml blåfärgad eterisk olja och minst 0,25 % apigenin-7-glukosid. Den eteriska oljans verksamma ämnen är seskviterpener (cirka 50 % olja, (-)-a-bisabolol, bisabololoxid A,B,(-)-bisabolonoxid A). Andra beståndsdelar är kamazulen (minst 0,035 %). Förutom eterisk olja innehåller naturmedlet minst 0,01 % kumariner (umbelliferon, herniarin), flavonoider (apigenin-7-glukosid och dess derivat, luteolin, quercetin, izorhamnetin) och vidare minst 0,02 % azulener. Flavonoider har kramplösande effekter och en halt på 0,015 %. Spiroetrar har bakteriehämmande och svampdödande effekter och en halt på 0,03 %.” Den eteriska oljan får inte vara brunfärgad i tunnskiktskromatografi och måste innehålla i genomsnitt 0,06-0,07 % kamazulen. På marknaden förekommer kamomillen som te, antingen i portionspåsar eller i lösvikt (50 gram). I grossistledet finns förpackningar på 14 kg.

4.3   Geografiskt område: Böhmen och konkret följande län: Prag, Centrala Böhmen, Södra Böhmen, Plzeň, Karlovy Vary, Ústí nad Labem, Liberec, Hradec Králové och Pardubice. I länet Vysočina följande distrikt: Havlíčkův Brod, Jihlava och Pelhřimov. Dessa regleras i lag 347/1997 om inrättande av större självstyrande territoriella enheter och ändring av tjeckiska nationalrådets lag 1/1993, Tjeckiens författning, i gällande lydelse.

De platser där Chamomilla Bohemica odlas i Böhmen utmärks av följande jord- och klimatförhållanden: lerhaltig sandjord (enligt indelningen av svartjord, brunjord och luvisoler) med pH 7,3–8,1. Klimatförhållanden: årsnederbörd i genomsnitt 500–700 mm/m2. Höjd över havet: 230–480 m.

4.4   Bevis på ursprung: Bearbetningsföretagen har leverantörsregister, som kontrolleras under utvinningen av kamomillblomor. Detta avser följande processled: Sådd, vegetationsperiod, skörd, torkning, lagring och bearbetning. När det gäller den färdiga produkten finns också kundregister.

Den lokala avdelningen vid den statliga jordbruks- och livsmedelsinspektionen kontrollerar att specifikationerna följs (Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce).

4.5   Framställningsmetod: Kamomill är en mycket tålig växt, men ingående ämnen reagerar lätt på specifika miljöfaktorer, bland annat följande:

Förberedelser för skörd: kamomill är inte krävande när det gäller växtföljd, men fordrar normal plöjning, harvning av fälten, ogräsfri mark.

Sådd: precisionssådd, vältning efter sådd, 20 g utsäde per ar.

Vegetationsperioden: gödsling med sammansatta gödselmedel (t.ex. NPK eller Cererit).

Skörd och efterarbete: blommorna skördas när de slagit ut, manuellt eller med självgående maskiner av märket Neset och Unag. För torkning rekommenderas en temperatur på högst 40 °C. I senare bearbetningsled sker rensning och sortering.

För att säkerställa produktens specifika egenskaper enligt punkt 4.2 är det då nödvändigt att hålla sig inom det fastställda odlingsområdet.

Lagring och paketering: produkterna lagras i torra och mörka lager med god luftväxling. Den paketeras i påsar med enhetlig vikt som förses med etikett. Detta och paketering för saluföring behöver inte ske i det avgränsade området men gällande normer och förordningar måste följas.

4.6   Samband: I Tjeckien har kamomill av hög kvalitet odlats länge men på 1950-talet ökade den utländska efterfrågan starkt. Det blev då nödvändigt att skilja denna gröda från övrig produktion och den etablerades under beteckningen Chamomilla Bohemica. Detta blev en symbol för produktionen av denna kamomill med dess typiska egenskaper (se 4.2), som säkerställs av de specifika naturförhållandena. Unikheten beror på en kombination av faktorer som är relaterade till odlingsområdet. Hit hör klimatet, jordförhållandena och skördemetoderna (genomsnittsnederbörd 500–700 mm/m2, pH 7,3–8,1 och lerhaltig sandjord). Avkastningen beror främst på den lämpliga marktypen och mängden nederbörd. Halten av eteriska oljor och kamazulen beror tydligt på faktorer som höjden över havet och antalet soltimmar. Genom sin kvalitet har kamomillen Chamomilla Bohemica varit framgångsrik på olika mässor och utställningar som t.ex. SALIMA och Země živitelka, där den under den aktuella perioden fått utmärkelsen ”kvalitetsprodukt”. För att ekonomisera kamomillskörden har särskilda skördemaskiner av märket Neset och Unag tagits fram.

I Tjeckien registrerades Chamomilla Bohemica den 21 januari 1975 med nummer 84. Den är också skyddad genom ett bilateralt avtal med Portugal.

4.7   Kontrollorgan:

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

Namn:

Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce — inspektorát v Praze

Adress:

Za opravnou 4

CZ-150 00 Praha 5

Tfn

(420) 257 199 511

Fax

(420) 257 199 529

E-postadress:

praha@szpi.gov.cz

samt andra behöriga kontrollorgan i motsvarande produktions- och bearbetningsområden.

4.8   Märkning: Namnet Chamomilla Bohemica ska anges tydligt på förpackningens framsida (med stora bokstäver).

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

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