# Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali C 11/2015

| | ISSN 1977-0987 |
| --- | --- |
| Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali
  tal-Unjoni Ewropea | C 11 |
| | |
| Edizzjoni bil-Malti | Informazzjoni u Avviżi | Volum 5815ta' Jannar 2015 |

ISSN 1977-0987

Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali

tal-Unjoni Ewropea

C 11

Edizzjoni bil-Malti

Informazzjoni u Avviżi

Volum 5815ta' Jannar 2015

---

| Avviż Nru | Werrej | Paġna |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Komunikazzjonijiet |
| | KOMUNIKAZZJONIJIET MINN ISTITUZZJONIJIET, KORPI, UFFIĊĊJI U AĠENZIJI TAL-UNJONI EWROPEA |
| | Il-Kummissjoni Ewropea |
| 2015/C 011/01 | Ebda oppożizzjoni għal konċentrazzjoni notifikata (Il-Każ M.7369 — Santander/PSA/JVs) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Avviż Nru

Werrej

Paġna

II   Komunikazzjonijiet

KOMUNIKAZZJONIJIET MINN ISTITUZZJONIJIET, KORPI, UFFIĊĊJI U AĠENZIJI TAL-UNJONI EWROPEA

Il-Kummissjoni Ewropea

2015/C 011/01

Ebda oppożizzjoni għal konċentrazzjoni notifikata (Il-Każ M.7369 — Santander/PSA/JVs) (
  1
  )

1

1

| | IV   Informazzjoni |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMAZZJONI MINN ISTITUZZJONIJIET, KORPI, UFFIĊĊJI U AĠENZIJI TAL-UNJONI EWROPEA |
| | Il-Kummissjoni Ewropea |
| 2015/C 011/02 | Rata tal-kambju tal-euro | 2 |
| | Il-Qorti tal-Awdituri |
| 2015/C 011/03 | Rapport Speċjali Nru 19/2014 — L-Assistenza ta’ Qabel l-Adeżjoni tal-UE lis-Serbja | 3 |
| | INFORMAZZJONI MILL-ISTATI MEMBRI |
| 2015/C 011/04 | Komunikazzjoni mill-Ministeru għall-Iżvilupp Ekonomiku tar-Repubblika Taljana skont l-Artikolu 3, il-Paragrafu 2 tad-Direttiva 94/22/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill dwar il-kondizzjonijiet għall-għoti u l-użu ta’ awtorizzazzjonijiet għall-ipprospettar, esplorazzjoni u produzzjoni ta’ idrokarburi | 4 |
| | INFORMAZZJONI DWAR IŻ-ŻONA EKONOMIKA EWROPEA |
| | Awtorità ta' Sorveljanza EFTA |
| 2015/C 011/05 | Stedina biex jitressqu kummenti skont l-Artikolu 1(2) fil-Parti I tal-Protokoll 3 tal-Ftehim bejn l-Istati tal-EFTA dwar it-Twaqqif ta’ Awtorità ta’ Sorveljanza u Qorti tal-Ġustizzja dwar l-għajnuna mill-Istat favur Sandefjord Fotball AS | 6 |

IV   Informazzjoni

INFORMAZZJONI MINN ISTITUZZJONIJIET, KORPI, UFFIĊĊJI U AĠENZIJI TAL-UNJONI EWROPEA

Il-Kummissjoni Ewropea

2015/C 011/02

Rata tal-kambju tal-euro

2

Il-Qorti tal-Awdituri

2015/C 011/03

Rapport Speċjali Nru 19/2014 — L-Assistenza ta’ Qabel l-Adeżjoni tal-UE lis-Serbja

3

INFORMAZZJONI MILL-ISTATI MEMBRI

2015/C 011/04

Komunikazzjoni mill-Ministeru għall-Iżvilupp Ekonomiku tar-Repubblika Taljana skont l-Artikolu 3, il-Paragrafu 2 tad-Direttiva 94/22/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill dwar il-kondizzjonijiet għall-għoti u l-użu ta’ awtorizzazzjonijiet għall-ipprospettar, esplorazzjoni u produzzjoni ta’ idrokarburi

4

INFORMAZZJONI DWAR IŻ-ŻONA EKONOMIKA EWROPEA

Awtorità ta' Sorveljanza EFTA

2015/C 011/05

Stedina biex jitressqu kummenti skont l-Artikolu 1(2) fil-Parti I tal-Protokoll 3 tal-Ftehim bejn l-Istati tal-EFTA dwar it-Twaqqif ta’ Awtorità ta’ Sorveljanza u Qorti tal-Ġustizzja dwar l-għajnuna mill-Istat favur Sandefjord Fotball AS

6

| | V   Avviżi |
| --- | --- |
| | PROĊEDURI TAL-QORTI |
| | Qorti tal-EFTA |
| 2015/C 011/06 | Talba għal Opinjoni Konsultattiva mill-Qorti tal-EFTA minn Héraðsdómur Reykjavíkur, iddatata l-4 ta’ Settembru 2014 fil-każ ta’ Wow air ehf. vs Samkeppniseftirlitið (l-Awtorità tal-Kompetizzjoni Islandiża), Isavia ohf. u Icelandair ehf. (Każ E-18/14) | 16 |
| 2015/C 011/07 | Azzjoni mressqa fl-10 ta’ Novembru 2014 minn DB Schenker kontra l-Awtorità ta’ Sorveljanza tal-EFTA (Kawża E-22/14) | 17 |
| | ATTI OĦRAJN |
| | Il-Kummissjoni Ewropea |
| 2015/C 011/08 | Pubblikazzjoni ta’ talba għal emenda skont l-Artikolu 50 (2)(a) tar-Regolament (UE) Nru 1151/2012 tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill dwar skemi tal-kwalità għal prodotti agrikoli u oġġetti tal-ikel | 18 |

V   Avviżi

PROĊEDURI TAL-QORTI

Qorti tal-EFTA

2015/C 011/06

Talba għal Opinjoni Konsultattiva mill-Qorti tal-EFTA minn Héraðsdómur Reykjavíkur, iddatata l-4 ta’ Settembru 2014 fil-każ ta’ Wow air ehf. vs Samkeppniseftirlitið (l-Awtorità tal-Kompetizzjoni Islandiża), Isavia ohf. u Icelandair ehf. (Każ E-18/14)

16

2015/C 011/07

Azzjoni mressqa fl-10 ta’ Novembru 2014 minn DB Schenker kontra l-Awtorità ta’ Sorveljanza tal-EFTA (Kawża E-22/14)

17

ATTI OĦRAJN

Il-Kummissjoni Ewropea

2015/C 011/08

Pubblikazzjoni ta’ talba għal emenda skont l-Artikolu 50 (2)(a) tar-Regolament (UE) Nru 1151/2012 tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill dwar skemi tal-kwalità għal prodotti agrikoli u oġġetti tal-ikel

18

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Test b'rilevanza għaż-ŻEE |

---

(1)   Test b'rilevanza għaż-ŻEE

1

| MT | |
| --- | --- |

MT

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II Komunikazzjonijiet

KOMUNIKAZZJONIJIET MINN ISTITUZZJONIJIET, KORPI, UFFIĊĊJI U AĠENZIJI TAL-UNJONI EWROPEA

Il-Kummissjoni Ewropea

| 15.1.2015 | MT | Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea | C 11/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.1.2015

MT

Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea

C 11/1

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Ebda oppożizzjoni għal konċentrazzjoni notifikata

(Il-Każ M.7369 — Santander/PSA/JVs)

(Test b'rilevanza għaż-ŻEE)

(2015/C 11/01)

Fit-3 ta’ Diċembru 2014, il-Kummissjoni ddeċidiet li ma topponix il-konċentrazzjoni notifikata msemmija hawn fuq u li tiddikjaraha kompatibbli mas-suq intern. Din id-deċiżjoni hi bbażata fuq l-Artikolu 6(1)(b) tar-Regolament tal-Kunsill (KE) Nru 139/2004 (1). It-test sħiħ tad-deċiżjoni hu disponibbli biss bl-Ingliż u ser isir pubbliku wara li jitneħħa kwalunkwe sigriet tan-negozju li jista’ jkun fih. Dan it-test jinstab:

| — | Fit-taqsima tal-amalgamazzjoni tal-websajt tal-Kummissjoni dwar il-Kompetizzjoni (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). Din il-websajt tipprovdi diversi faċilitajiet li jgħinu sabiex jinstabu d-deċiżjonijiet individwali ta’ amalgamazzjoni, inklużi l-kumpanija, in-numru tal-każ, id-data u l-indiċi settorjali, |
| --- | --- |

—

Fit-taqsima tal-amalgamazzjoni tal-websajt tal-Kummissjoni dwar il-Kompetizzjoni (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). Din il-websajt tipprovdi diversi faċilitajiet li jgħinu sabiex jinstabu d-deċiżjonijiet individwali ta’ amalgamazzjoni, inklużi l-kumpanija, in-numru tal-każ, id-data u l-indiċi settorjali,

| — | f’forma elettronika fil-websajt EUR-Lex (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=mt) fid-dokument li jġib in-numru 32014M7369. Il-EUR-Lex hu l-aċċess fuq l-Internet għal-liġi Ewropea. |
| --- | --- |

—

f’forma elettronika fil-websajt EUR-Lex (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=mt) fid-dokument li jġib in-numru 32014M7369. Il-EUR-Lex hu l-aċċess fuq l-Internet għal-liġi Ewropea.

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(1)  ĠU L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

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IV Informazzjoni

INFORMAZZJONI MINN ISTITUZZJONIJIET, KORPI, UFFIĊĊJI U AĠENZIJI TAL-UNJONI EWROPEA

Il-Kummissjoni Ewropea

| 15.1.2015 | MT | Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea | C 11/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.1.2015

MT

Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea

C 11/2

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Rata tal-kambju tal-euro (1)

L-14 ta’ Jannar 2015

(2015/C 11/02)

1 euro =

| | Munita | Rata tal-kambju |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | Dollaru Amerikan | 1,1775 |
| JPY | Yen Ġappuniż | 137,48 |
| DKK | Krona Daniża | 7,4386 |
| GBP | Lira Sterlina | 0,77530 |
| SEK | Krona Żvediża | 9,5011 |
| CHF | Frank Żvizzeru | 1,2010 |
| ISK | Krona Iżlandiża | |
| NOK | Krona Norveġiża | 9,0560 |
| BGN | Lev Bulgaru | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Krona Ċeka | 28,229 |
| HUF | Forint Ungeriż | 319,97 |
| PLN | Zloty Pollakk | 4,2863 |
| RON | Leu Rumen | 4,4928 |
| TRY | Lira Turka | 2,6957 |
| AUD | Dollaru Awstraljan | 1,4473 |
| CAD | Dollaru Kanadiż | 1,4089 |
| HKD | Dollaru ta' Hong Kong | 9,1301 |
| NZD | Dollaru tan-New Zealand | 1,5250 |
| SGD | Dollaru tas-Singapor | 1,5724 |
| KRW | Won tal-Korea t'Isfel | 1 277,86 |
| ZAR | Rand ta' l-Afrika t'Isfel | 13,5437 |
| CNY | Yuan ren-min-bi Ċiniż | 7,2968 |
| HRK | Kuna Kroata | 7,6845 |
| IDR | Rupiah Indoneżjan | 14 863,25 |
| MYR | Ringgit Malażjan | 4,2317 |
| PHP | Peso Filippin | 52,547 |
| RUB | Rouble Russu | 77,9030 |
| THB | Baht Tajlandiż | 38,603 |
| BRL | Real Brażiljan | 3,0909 |
| MXN | Peso Messikan | 17,2151 |
| INR | Rupi Indjan | 73,2273 |

Munita

Rata tal-kambju

USD

Dollaru Amerikan

1,1775

JPY

Yen Ġappuniż

137,48

DKK

Krona Daniża

7,4386

GBP

Lira Sterlina

0,77530

SEK

Krona Żvediża

9,5011

CHF

Frank Żvizzeru

1,2010

ISK

Krona Iżlandiża

NOK

Krona Norveġiża

9,0560

BGN

Lev Bulgaru

1,9558

CZK

Krona Ċeka

28,229

HUF

Forint Ungeriż

319,97

PLN

Zloty Pollakk

4,2863

RON

Leu Rumen

4,4928

TRY

Lira Turka

2,6957

AUD

Dollaru Awstraljan

1,4473

CAD

Dollaru Kanadiż

1,4089

HKD

Dollaru ta' Hong Kong

9,1301

NZD

Dollaru tan-New Zealand

1,5250

SGD

Dollaru tas-Singapor

1,5724

KRW

Won tal-Korea t'Isfel

1 277,86

ZAR

Rand ta' l-Afrika t'Isfel

13,5437

CNY

Yuan ren-min-bi Ċiniż

7,2968

HRK

Kuna Kroata

7,6845

IDR

Rupiah Indoneżjan

14 863,25

MYR

Ringgit Malażjan

4,2317

PHP

Peso Filippin

52,547

RUB

Rouble Russu

77,9030

THB

Baht Tajlandiż

38,603

BRL

Real Brażiljan

3,0909

MXN

Peso Messikan

17,2151

INR

Rupi Indjan

73,2273

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(1)  Sors: rata tal-kambju ta' referenza ppubblikata mill-Bank Ċentrali Ewropew.

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Il-Qorti tal-Awdituri

| 15.1.2015 | MT | Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea | C 11/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.1.2015

MT

Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea

C 11/3

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Rapport Speċjali Nru 19/2014

“L-Assistenza ta’ Qabel l-Adeżjoni tal-UE lis-Serbja”

(2015/C 11/03)

Il-Qorti Ewropea tal-Awdituri b’dan tinfurmak li r-Rapport Speċjali Nru 19/2014 “L-Assistenza ta’ Qabel l-Adeżjoni tal-UE lis-Serbja” għadu kif ġie ppubblikat.

Ir-rapport jista’ jiġi kkonsultat jew imniżżel mill-websajt tal-Qorti Ewropea tal-Awdituri: http://eca.europa.eu

Verżjoni stampata tar-rapport tista’ tinkiseb mingħajr ħlas fuq talba lill-Qorti tal-Awdituri:

| Il-Qorti Ewropea tal-Awdituri |
| --- |
| Unità “Awditjar: Il-Produzzjoni tar-Rapporti” |
| 12, rue Alcide de Gasperi |
| 1615 Lussemburgu |
| LUXEMBOURG |
| Tel. +352 4398-1 |
| Email: eca-info@eca.europa.eu |

Il-Qorti Ewropea tal-Awdituri

Unità “Awditjar: Il-Produzzjoni tar-Rapporti”

12, rue Alcide de Gasperi

1615 Lussemburgu

LUXEMBOURG

Tel. +352 4398-1

Email: eca-info@eca.europa.eu

jew billi timla formola ta’ ordni elettronika fuq l-EU-Bookshop.

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INFORMAZZJONI MILL-ISTATI MEMBRI

| 15.1.2015 | MT | Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea | C 11/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.1.2015

MT

Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea

C 11/4

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Komunikazzjoni mill-Ministeru għall-Iżvilupp Ekonomiku tar-Repubblika Taljana skont l-Artikolu 3, il-Paragrafu 2 tad-Direttiva 94/22/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill dwar il-kondizzjonijiet għall-għoti u l-użu ta’ awtorizzazzjonijiet għall-ipprospettar, esplorazzjoni u produzzjoni ta’ idrokarburi

(2015/C 11/04)

Il-Ministeru għall-Iżvilupp Ekonomiku jgħarraf li waslitlu applikazzjoni mingħand AleAnna Resources LLC għal awtorizzazzjoni għall-prospettar tal-idrokarburi, bir-referenza “LA STEFANINA”, għal żona li tinsab fir-reġjun tal-Emilja Romanja, b’mod partikolari fil-provinċji ta’ Ferrara u Ravenna, demarkata mill-arki meridjani u paralleli, li l-ponot tagħhom huma ddefiniti mill-koordinati ġeografiċi li ġejjin:

| Il-ponot | Koordinati ġeografiċi |
| --- | --- |
| Lonġitudini Punent Monte Mario | Latitudni Tramuntana |
| a | – 0°28′ | 44°40′ |
| b | – 0°24′ | 44°40′ |
| c | – 0°24′ | 44°38′ |
| d | – 0°20′ | 44°38′ |
| e | – 0°20′ | 44°36′ |
| f | – 0°21′ | 44°36′ |
| g | – 0°21′ | 44°33′ |
| h | – 0°17′ | 44°33′ |
| i | – 0°17′ | 44°32′ |
| l | – 0°23′ | 44°32′ |
| m | – 0°23′ | 44°31′ |
| n | – 0°25′ | 44°31′ |
| o | – 0°25′ | 44°32′ |
| p | – 0°27′ | 44°32′ |
| q | – 0°27′ | 44°33′ |
| r | – 0°28′ | 44°33′ |

Il-ponot

Koordinati ġeografiċi

Lonġitudini Punent Monte Mario

Latitudni Tramuntana

a

– 0°28′

44°40′

b

– 0°24′

44°40′

c

– 0°24′

44°38′

d

– 0°20′

44°38′

e

– 0°20′

44°36′

f

– 0°21′

44°36′

g

– 0°21′

44°33′

h

– 0°17′

44°33′

i

– 0°17′

44°32′

l

– 0°23′

44°32′

m

– 0°23′

44°31′

n

– 0°25′

44°31′

o

– 0°25′

44°32′

p

– 0°27′

44°32′

q

– 0°27′

44°33′

r

– 0°28′

44°33′

Il-koordinazzjonijiet indikati hawn fuq huma ddeterminati skont il-kartografija nazzjonali tal-Istituto Geografico Militare (IGM) — Folji tal-mappa tal-Italja fuq l-iskala ta’ 1:100 000 — il-Folju n. 89.

Abbażi ta’ din il-linja tal-konfini, l-erja tal-wiċċ hija ta’ 139,72 km2.

F’konformità mad-Direttiva msemmija hawn fuq; għall-Artikolu 4 tad-Digriet Leġiżlattiv Nru 625 tal-25 ta’ Novembru 1996; id-Digriet Ministerjali tal-4 ta’ Marzu 2011 u d-Digriet Direttorjali tat-22 ta’ Marzu 2011, il-Ministeru għall-Iżvilupp Ekonomiku ppubblika avviż li jippermetti lill-awtoritajiet interessati li jressqu applikazzjonijiet għall-permessi għall-prospettar tal-idrokarburi f’kompetizzjoni kummerċjali fl-istess żona demarkata mill-punti u l-koordinati msemmija hawn fuq.

L-awtorità responsabbli mill-ħruġ tal-liċenzja għal tali prospettar hija l-Ministeru għall-Iżvilupp Ekonomiku — id-Direttorat Ġerenali għar-Riżorsi Minerali u tal-Enerġija — id-Diviżjoni VI.

Ir-regoli għall-ħruġ ta’ awtorizzazzjoni minerarja huma specifikati aħjar f’dawn il-liġijiet: il-Liġi tal-21, ta’ Lulju 1967, nru 613; il-Liġi tad-9 ta’ Jannar 1991, nru 9; id-Digriet Leġiżlattiv tal-25 ta’ Novembru 1996, Nru 625; id-Digriet Ministerjali tal-4 ta’ Marzu 2011 u d-Digriet Direttorjali tat-22 ta’ Marzu 2011.

L-applikazzjonijiet għandhom jitressqu sa mhux aktar tard minn 3 xhur minn meta jiġi ppubblikat dan l-avviż f’Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea.

L-applikazzjonijiet li jaslu meta jiskadi dan il-perjodu ma jitqisux.

L-applikazzjonijiet għandhom jintbagħtu f’dan l-indirizz:

| Ministero dello sviluppo economico |
| --- |
| Direzione generale delle risorse minerarie ed energetiche |
| Divisione VI |
| Via Molise 2 |
| 00187 Roma |
| ITALIA |

Ministero dello sviluppo economico

Direzione generale delle risorse minerarie ed energetiche

Divisione VI

Via Molise 2

00187 Roma

ITALIA

L-applikazzjonijiet jistgħu jintbagħtu wkoll b’email iċċertifikata (PEC) f’dan l-indirizz: “ene.rme.div6@pec.sviluppoeconomico.gov.it” u fih jinhemżu d-dokumenti meħtieġa f’format elettroniku u l-firma diġitali biss tar-rappreżentant legali tal-applikant.

Għall-finijiet tal-Punt 2 tal-Anness A tad-Digriet Nru 22 tal-President tal-Kunsill tal-Ministri tat-22 ta’ Diċembru 2010, il-proċedura unika għall-ħruġ ta’ awtorizzazzjoni ta’ prospettar ma għandhiex ittul aktar minn 180 jum.

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INFORMAZZJONI DWAR IŻ-ŻONA EKONOMIKA EWROPEA

Awtorità ta' Sorveljanza EFTA

| 15.1.2015 | MT EN | Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea | C 11/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.1.2015

MT EN

Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea

C 11/6

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Stedina biex jitressqu kummenti skont l-Artikolu 1(2) fil-Parti I tal-Protokoll 3 tal-Ftehim bejn l-Istati tal-EFTA dwar it-Twaqqif ta’ Awtorità ta’ Sorveljanza u Qorti tal-Ġustizzja dwar l-għajnuna mill-Istat favur Sandefjord Fotball AS

(2015/C 11/05)

Permezz tad-Deċiżjoni Nru 444/14/COL tat-22 ta’ Ottubru 2014, riprodotta fil-lingwa awtentika fil-paġni ta’ wara dan is-sommarju, l-Awtorità ta’ Sorveljanza tal-EFTA bdiet proċedimenti skont l-Artikolu 1(2) fil-Parti I tal-Protokoll 3 tal-Ftehim bejn l-Istati tal-EFTA dwar it-Twaqqif ta’ Awtorità ta’ Sorveljanza u ta’ Qorti tal-Ġustizzja. L-awtoritajiet Norveġiżi ġew mgħarrfa b’dan permezz ta’ kopja tad-Deċiżjoni.

Permezz ta’ din in-notifika l-Awtorità ta’ Sorveljanza tal-EFTA tistieden lill-Istati tal-EFTA, lill-Istati Membri tal-UE u lill-partijiet interessati biex iressqu l-kummenti tagħhom dwar il-miżura kkonċernata fi żmien xahar mid-data tal-pubblikazzjoni lil:

| L-Awtorità ta’ Sorveljanza tal-EFTA |
| --- |
| Reġistru |
| Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 35 |
| 1040 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

L-Awtorità ta’ Sorveljanza tal-EFTA

Reġistru

Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 35

1040 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Il-kummenti se jkunu kkomunikati lill-awtoritajiet Norveġiżi. L-identità tal-parti interessata li tissottometti l-kummenti tista’ tinżamm mistura wara li ssir talba bil-miktub li tiddikjara r-raġunijiet għat-talba.

SOMMARJU

Proċedura

Wara diversi ilmenti u informazzjoni tas-suq, l-Awtorità ta’ Sorveljanza tal-EFTA (l-Awtorità) investigat għajnuna mill-istat li allegatament saret favur Sandefjord Fotball AS, klabb tal-futbol professjonali. Sussegwentement, l-Awtorità bagħtet żewġ talbiet għall-informazzjoni li l-awtoritajiet Norveġiżi wieġbu.

Deskrizzjoni tal-miżura

Permezz ta’ ftehim datat it-28 ta’ Novembru 2006, il-muniċipalità ta’ Sandefjord ittrasferixxiet żewġ biċċiet art fiż-żona Pindsle mingħajr ħlas lil sussidjarji ta’ Sandefjord Fotball AS. L-art inkwistjoni (allokata għal użu agrikolu) qabel kienet inxtrat mill-muniċipalità għal NOK 3,7 miljun u mbagħad ġiet riallokata għal stadju u użu għan-negozju.

Skont il-ftehim, Sandefjord Fotball AS kien obbligat li jibni stadju tal-futbol (bl-ispiża stmata li tkun NOK 110 miljun) fuq parti mill-art, u seta’ jbigħ il-parti li jifdal sabiex tgħin biex tiffinanzja l-kostruzzjoni. Ftit taż-żmien wara, Sandefjord Fotball AS biegħ is-sussidjarja tiegħu li kellha pussess ta’ din it-tieni biċċa art lil Pindsle Property AS għal NOK 40 miljun. Ma saret l-ebda valwazzjoni tal-kumpanija qabel ma sar il-bejgħ.

Il-ftehim kien jikkontjeni wkoll għadd ta’ obbligi oħrajn. B’mod partikolari, Sandefjord Fotball AS qabel li jagħmel xogħlijiet tat-triq fuq is-sit tal-istadju (bi spiża ta’ madwar NOK 6,5 miljun) u biex ikopri l-ispejjeż relatati mal-waqfien mill-użu tal-istadju l-qadim, inkluż tiswijiet (madwar NOK 2,6 miljun b’kollox).

L-istadju l-ġdid tlesta f’Lulju tal-2007 bi spiża totali tal-kostruzzjoni tammonta għal NOK 100 miljun. Barra mill-grawnd tal-futbol u l-istands, għandu fih għadd ta’ faċilitiajiet oħra, inkluż pista tal-atletika, ċentru tal-fitness u kmamar għal-laqgħat. Dawn jinkrew b’xejn lil organizzazzjonijiet (l-iktar tal-isport amatorjali) oħrajn.

Fid-9 ta’ Ġunju 2009, Sandefjord Fotball AS biegħ il-kumpanija li tagħha kien l-istadju u l-proprjetajiet tan-negozju ta’ maġenbu lil Pindsle Property AS għal NOK 15-il miljun. Il-prezz kien ibbażat fuq rapport espert, li kien rekwiżit peress li bosta individwi kellhom pożizzjonijiet fuq il-bord u ishma f’kemm fil-klabb kif ukoll f’Pindsle Property AS. Wara l-bejgħ, Sandefjord Fotball AS qiegħed iħallas kirja annwali ta’ NOK 3 miljun flimkien ma’ 30 % tal-valur tal-bejgħ tal-biljetti għall-użu tal-istadju. Skont l-awtoritajiet Norveġiżi, il-livell tal-kirja jikkorrespondi għal dak li klabbs tal-futbol oħrajn fin-Norveġja jħallsu għall-użu tal-istadji.

Kummenti min-naħa tal-awtoritajiet Norveġiżi

Skont l-awtoritajiet Norveġiżi, il-ftehim tat-28 ta’ Novembru 2006 li permezz tiegħu ġiet trasferita l-art obbliga lil Sandefjord Fotball AS jibni l-istadju għal spiża stmata li ser tisboq bil-bosta l-valur tal-art. B’hekk, it-trasferiment tal-art ma setax jirriżulta fl-għotja ta’ vantaġġ ekonomiku lil Sandefjord Fotball AS.

Rigward il-valur taż-żewġ biċċiet art inkwistjoni, l-awtoritajiet Norveġiżi jargumentaw li l-art li fuqu jinsab l-istadju m’għandu l-ebda valur fis-suq għax l-allokazzjoni għall-użu tiegħu tinkludi l-użu bħala stadju tal-futbol. Dan ifisser li kwalunkwe żvilupp ta’ din l-art għandu jinkludi l-kostruzzjoni ta’ stadju tal-futbol, li jimplika spejjeż tal-kostruzzjoni importanti. Għalhekk, l-ebda xerrej ħlief għall-klabb tal-futbol ma jkun interessat fl-art.

Rigward il-valur tal-plot l-ieħor, l-awtoritajiet Norveġiżi jargumentaw li l-prezz ta’ NOK 40 miljun imħallsa minn Pindsle Property AS ma jirriflettix il-prezz tas-suq, iżda kien minflok ibbażat fuq il-bżonnijiet finanzjarji ta’ Sandefjord Fotball AS. Is-sidien ta’ Pindsle Property AS huma sapporters tal-klabb tal-futbol u xtaqu li jikkontribwixxu għall-bini tal-istadju. L-awtoritajiet Norveġiżi pprovdew valwazzjoni esperta minn terza persuna li tindika prezz tas-suq ta’ madwar NOK 15-il miljun.

Finalment, l-awtoritajiet Norveġiżi jargumentaw li obbligi oħra inklużi fil-ftehim tat-28 ta’ Novembru 2006 relatati max-xogħol fuq it-toroq u l-waqfien mill-użu tal-istadju l-qadim, inkluż it-tiswijiet, għandu jitnaqqas mill-valur tal-art.

Il-preżenza ta’ għajnuna mill-Istat

Peress li l-muniċipalità ta’ Sandefjord akkwistat art li kienet sussegwentement mogħtija b’xejn lil Sandefjord Fotball AS, skont it-tifsira tal-Artikoli 61 tal-Ftehim ŻEE kienu involuti riżorsi tal-istat.

Sandefjord Fotball AS huwa klabb tal-futbol professjonali li jieħu sehem f’attivitajiet ekonomiċi fuq bosta swieq, inkluż is-suq ta’ trasferimenti għall-plejers, kif ukoll is-swieq tal-bejgħ ta’ biljetti, id-drittijiet televiżivi, memorabilja tal-klabb u sponsorjar. B’hekk, jikkwalifika bħala impriża. Peress li hu kien il-benefiċjarju waħdieni, il-miżura hija selettiva.

Il-muniċipalità ta’ Sandefjord ma segwietx il-proċeduri stipulati fil-linji gwida tal-Awtorità dwar elementi ta’ għajnuna mill-istat fil-bejgħ ta’ art u bini mill-awtoritajiet pubbliċi. B’riżultat ta’ dan, l-Awtorità ma tistax teskludi l-preżenza ta’ għajnuna mill-istat ibbażat fuq il-proċedura li segwiet il-muniċipalità.

Rigward it-trasferiment tal-art li fuqha nbena l-istadju, l-Awtorità mhijiex konvinta li l-obbligu li jinbena stadju tal-futbol jista’ jiġi kkunsidrat li jniżżel il-prezz tas-suq għal żero. Barra minn hekk, l-awtoritajiet Norveġiżi ma ġġustifikawx il-bejgħ għal prezz li kien inqas mill-ispiża tal-akkwiżizzjoni għall-muniċipalità.

Rigward it-trasferiment tal-art allokata għall-użu ta’ negozju, l-Awtorità tikkunsidra li operatur f’ekonomija tas-suq li jbiegħ biċċa art ma kienx ser ikun inkluda kundizzjoni relatata mal-bini jew finanzjament ta’ stadju fil-kuntratt. L-Awtorità tikkunsidra wkoll f’dan l-istadju li l-prezz ta’ NOK 40 miljun li tħallas minn Pindsle Property AS għall-kumpanija li kienet sid l-art jipprovdi indikazzjoni iktar affidabbli tal-valur tas-suq milli l-valwazzjoni ex post li tressqet mill-awtoritajiet Norveġiżi.

Rigward l-ispejjeż addizzjonali li ġarrab Sandefjord Fotball AS skont il-ftehim li l-awtoritajiet Norveġiżi jgħidu li titnaqqas mill-prezz tas-suq, l-Awtorità għadha mhijiex konvinta li dawn jirreflettu l-ispejjeż li kieku l-muniċipalità kien ikollha ġġarrab hi nfisha.

Finalment, l-Awtorità tikkunsidra li l-miżura inkwistjoni għandha mnejn toħloq distorsjoni fil-kompetizzjoni u taffettwa l-kummerċ bejn il-Partijiet Kontraenti għall-Ftehim ŻEE peress li Sandefjord Fotball AS huwa involut f’attivitajiet ekonomiċi fi swieq li jkopru bosta pajjiżi fiż-ŻEE. B’mod partikolari, il-klabb huwa attiv fuq is-suq tat-trasferiment internazzjonali, u regolarment jirrekluta plejers, b’mod notevoli minn pajjiżi oħra fiż-ŻEE.

L-awtorità għalhekk tasal għall-konklużjoni preliminarja li t-trasferiment tal-art inkwistjoni rriżulta fl-għoti ta’ għajnuna mill-istat favur Sandefjord Fotball AS.

Kompatibbiltà tal-għajnuna

Skont l-Artikolu 61(3)(c) tal-Ftehim ŻEE, l-għajnuna tal-istat biex jiġi promoss l-isport, inkluż l-għajnuna għall-infrastruttura sportiva, jista’ jitqies kompatibbli mal-funzjonament tal-Ftehim ŻEE, fejn tali għajnuna ma tolqotx il-kundizzjonijiet tal-kummerċ u tal-kompetizzjoni fiż-ŻEE sal-punt li jkun kuntrarju għall-interess komuni.

Madankollu, l-awtoritajiet Norveġiżi sa issa għadhom ma ressqux argumenti rigward il-kompatibilità. Konsegwentement, l-Awtorità bħalissa għanda dubji jekk it-trasferiment ta’ art lil Sandefjord Fotball AS jistax jitqies kompatibbli skont l-Artikolu 61(3)(c) tal-Ftehim ŻEE.

Konklużjoni

Fid-dawl tal-kunsiderazzjonijiet li saru, l-Awtorità ddeċidiet li tiftaħ proċedura ta’ investigazzjoni formali f’konformità mal-Artikolu 1(2) tal-Parti I tal-Protokoll 3 għall-Ftehim bejn l-Istati tal-EFTA dwar it-Twaqqif ta’ Awtorità tas-Sorveljanza u ta’ Qorti tal-Ġustizzja fir-rigward tal-għajnuna tal-istat favur Sandefjord Fotball AS. Il-partijiet interessati huma mistiedna jressqu l-kummenti tagħhom fi żmien xahar mill-pubblikazzjoni ta’ dan l-avviż f’Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea.

Skont l-Artikolu 14 tal-Protokoll 3, kull għajnuna mhux skont il-liġi tista’ tkun soġġetta għal irkupru mingħand il-benefiċjarju.

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EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY DECISION

No 444/14/COL

of 22 October 2014

opening the formal investigation procedure into aid in favour of Sandefjord Fotball AS

(Norway)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (‘the Authority’),

HAVING REGARD to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (‘the EEA Agreement’), in particular to Article 61,

HAVING REGARD to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice (‘the Surveillance and Court Agreement’), in particular to Article 24,

HAVING REGARD to Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement (‘Protocol 3’), in particular to Article 1(2) of Part I and Articles 4(4) and 6(1) of Part II,

Whereas:

I.   FACTS

1.   Procedure

| (1) | Following complaints and market information submitted by concerned citizens, the Authority notified the Norwegian authorities of the State aid allegations on 31 October 2013 (Event No 686574). In the same correspondence, the Authority requested information on the alleged aid measure, which the Norwegian authorities provided on 29 November 2013 (Events No 691773 and 691774). |
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(1)

Following complaints and market information submitted by concerned citizens, the Authority notified the Norwegian authorities of the State aid allegations on 31 October 2013 (Event No 686574). In the same correspondence, the Authority requested information on the alleged aid measure, which the Norwegian authorities provided on 29 November 2013 (Events No 691773 and 691774).

| (2) | The Authority requested further information from the Norwegian authorities on 16 January 2014 (Event No 694963), which was provided on 14 February 2014 (Event No 699518). |
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(2)

The Authority requested further information from the Norwegian authorities on 16 January 2014 (Event No 694963), which was provided on 14 February 2014 (Event No 699518).

2.   The alleged beneficiary

| (3) | Sandefjord Fotball AS is a football club organised as a limited-liability company. It was founded in 1998 based on an agreement between two football clubs in Sandefjord with the aim of establishing a professional team. |
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(3)

Sandefjord Fotball AS is a football club organised as a limited-liability company. It was founded in 1998 based on an agreement between two football clubs in Sandefjord with the aim of establishing a professional team.

| (4) | The club’s first team earned promotion to the highest Norwegian league in 2005. In the 2006 season it finished ninth and reached the national cup final, before being relegated the next year. Sandefjord Fotball played again in the highest division in 2009 — finishing eighth — and also in 2010. Since then, it has been playing in the 1st Division, the second-highest Norwegian league. |
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(4)

The club’s first team earned promotion to the highest Norwegian league in 2005. In the 2006 season it finished ninth and reached the national cup final, before being relegated the next year. Sandefjord Fotball played again in the highest division in 2009 — finishing eighth — and also in 2010. Since then, it has been playing in the 1st Division, the second-highest Norwegian league.

| (5) | Besides the professional (Elite) team, the club has an amateur and a junior football team. It also runs football summer schools and organises regional football competitions for young amateur players. |
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(5)

Besides the professional (Elite) team, the club has an amateur and a junior football team. It also runs football summer schools and organises regional football competitions for young amateur players.

| (6) | Sandefjord Fotball AS is owned by a number of individuals, either directly or through holding companies. |
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(6)

Sandefjord Fotball AS is owned by a number of individuals, either directly or through holding companies.

3.   The complaints and market information

| (7) | The complaints and market information received by the Authority are from individuals who requested anonymity. Their concerns are summarised in the following. |
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(7)

The complaints and market information received by the Authority are from individuals who requested anonymity. Their concerns are summarised in the following.

| (8) | In 2006, the municipality of Sandefjord transferred two plots of land free of charge to Sandefjord Fotball AS for the purpose of facilitating the construction of a new football stadium at Pindsle. The municipality had previously purchased these plots of land for a price of NOK 3,7 million. The land was at the time regulated as farmland. In preparation of the transfer to the football club, the municipality adopted a new zoning plan that allowed for the construction of a stadium and commercial use for one plot, and commercial use for the other plot. |
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(8)

In 2006, the municipality of Sandefjord transferred two plots of land free of charge to Sandefjord Fotball AS for the purpose of facilitating the construction of a new football stadium at Pindsle. The municipality had previously purchased these plots of land for a price of NOK 3,7 million. The land was at the time regulated as farmland. In preparation of the transfer to the football club, the municipality adopted a new zoning plan that allowed for the construction of a stadium and commercial use for one plot, and commercial use for the other plot.

| (9) | Sandefjord Fotball AS constructed the football stadium on the first plot. According to the complainants, it sold the second plot for approximately NOK 40 million to a commercial company (Pindsle Property AS) (1) in order to finance the stadium construction. Sandefjord Fotball later also sold the other plot of land, including the stadium and further business properties, to Pindsle Property AS for NOK 15 million. The complainants indicate that at the time of these transactions, Sandefjord Fotball AS and Pindsle Property AS were controlled by the same individuals, who sat on the boards of both companies. |
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(9)

Sandefjord Fotball AS constructed the football stadium on the first plot. According to the complainants, it sold the second plot for approximately NOK 40 million to a commercial company (Pindsle Property AS) (1) in order to finance the stadium construction. Sandefjord Fotball later also sold the other plot of land, including the stadium and further business properties, to Pindsle Property AS for NOK 15 million. The complainants indicate that at the time of these transactions, Sandefjord Fotball AS and Pindsle Property AS were controlled by the same individuals, who sat on the boards of both companies.

| (10) | The complainants argue that the transfer of land to Sandefjord Fotball AS did not take place at market terms and resulted in the granting of unlawful State aid. |
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(10)

The complainants argue that the transfer of land to Sandefjord Fotball AS did not take place at market terms and resulted in the granting of unlawful State aid.

4.   Description of the measure

4.1.   Background

| (11) | Until 2007, Sandefjord Fotball used the municipal-owned stadium in Bugårdsparken for training purposes and matches. However, this stadium did not comply with the requirements of the Norwegian football federation for clubs playing in the highest division. An upgrade of the existing stadium was estimated to cost about NOK 30-40 million, which the municipality of Sandefjord was unwilling to invest. |
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(11)

Until 2007, Sandefjord Fotball used the municipal-owned stadium in Bugårdsparken for training purposes and matches. However, this stadium did not comply with the requirements of the Norwegian football federation for clubs playing in the highest division. An upgrade of the existing stadium was estimated to cost about NOK 30-40 million, which the municipality of Sandefjord was unwilling to invest.

4.2.   The construction of the new stadium

| (12) | In 2005, the municipality of Sandefjord and Sandefjord Fotball AS discussed the possibility of constructing a new stadium. The municipality agreed to provide the necessary land, and Sandefjord Fotball AS to finance and run the stadium. |
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(12)

In 2005, the municipality of Sandefjord and Sandefjord Fotball AS discussed the possibility of constructing a new stadium. The municipality agreed to provide the necessary land, and Sandefjord Fotball AS to finance and run the stadium.

| (13) | The municipality acquired several plots of land in the Pindsle area for a total of around NOK 3,7 million. The land was regulated as farmland at the time. The municipality’s decision of 6 September 2005 authorising the acquisition foresaw the land to be rezoned for business use and to require the construction of a stadium. In the new zoning plan, this land was split into two parts: plot 152/96 was zoned for mixed stadium and business use, and plot 152/97 for business use. By way of an agreement dated 28 November 2006, both plots of land were then transferred to two wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sandefjord Fotball AS: plot 152/96 to Sandefjord Fotball Stadion AS and plot 152/97 to Sandefjord Fotball Næring AS. |
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(13)

The municipality acquired several plots of land in the Pindsle area for a total of around NOK 3,7 million. The land was regulated as farmland at the time. The municipality’s decision of 6 September 2005 authorising the acquisition foresaw the land to be rezoned for business use and to require the construction of a stadium. In the new zoning plan, this land was split into two parts: plot 152/96 was zoned for mixed stadium and business use, and plot 152/97 for business use. By way of an agreement dated 28 November 2006, both plots of land were then transferred to two wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sandefjord Fotball AS: plot 152/96 to Sandefjord Fotball Stadion AS and plot 152/97 to Sandefjord Fotball Næring AS.

| (14) | According to the agreement, Sandefjord Fotball AS was responsible for organising the necessary financing to build the stadium. The construction costs were estimated at NOK 110 million for the project. Sandefjord Fotball AS would contribute NOK 70 million from its own funds and from outside investors, the sale of naming rights, etc. and take out a loan for the remaining NOK 40 million. The contribution of Sandefjord Fotball AS would partly be raised by the sale of the land zoned for business use (plot 152/97) to Pindsle Property AS. |
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(14)

According to the agreement, Sandefjord Fotball AS was responsible for organising the necessary financing to build the stadium. The construction costs were estimated at NOK 110 million for the project. Sandefjord Fotball AS would contribute NOK 70 million from its own funds and from outside investors, the sale of naming rights, etc. and take out a loan for the remaining NOK 40 million. The contribution of Sandefjord Fotball AS would partly be raised by the sale of the land zoned for business use (plot 152/97) to Pindsle Property AS.

| (15) | Besides the construction of the stadium, the agreement contained a number of further obligations. In particular, Sandefjord Fotball AS agreed to carry out road works at the stadium site (at a cost of approx. NOK 6,5 million) and to cover costs in relation to the discontinued use of the old stadium, including repairs (together approx. NOK 2,6 million). |
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(15)

Besides the construction of the stadium, the agreement contained a number of further obligations. In particular, Sandefjord Fotball AS agreed to carry out road works at the stadium site (at a cost of approx. NOK 6,5 million) and to cover costs in relation to the discontinued use of the old stadium, including repairs (together approx. NOK 2,6 million).

| (16) | Shortly after the signing of the agreement, the shares in Sandefjord Fotball Næring AS, which owned plot 152/97, were acquired by Pindsle Property AS for NOK 40 million. No valuation of the company was undertaken prior to the sale. |
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(16)

Shortly after the signing of the agreement, the shares in Sandefjord Fotball Næring AS, which owned plot 152/97, were acquired by Pindsle Property AS for NOK 40 million. No valuation of the company was undertaken prior to the sale.

| (17) | The new stadium was completed in July 2007 at a total construction cost of NOK 100 million. In addition to the football pitch and stands, it contains a number of other facilities, including an athletics track, a fitness centre and meeting rooms. These are rented out free of charge to other (mainly amateur sport) organisations. |
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(17)

The new stadium was completed in July 2007 at a total construction cost of NOK 100 million. In addition to the football pitch and stands, it contains a number of other facilities, including an athletics track, a fitness centre and meeting rooms. These are rented out free of charge to other (mainly amateur sport) organisations.

4.3.   Subsequent sale of the stadium

| (18) | In 2009, Sandefjord Fotball AS encountered financial difficulties. The club decided to raise funds by selling Sandefjord Fotball Stadion AS (the company owning the stadium and adjacent properties on plot 152/96) to Pindsle Property AS. This time, a third-party company valuation was required under Norwegian law as several individuals held board positions and shareholdings in both the club and Pindsle Property AS. |
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(18)

In 2009, Sandefjord Fotball AS encountered financial difficulties. The club decided to raise funds by selling Sandefjord Fotball Stadion AS (the company owning the stadium and adjacent properties on plot 152/96) to Pindsle Property AS. This time, a third-party company valuation was required under Norwegian law as several individuals held board positions and shareholdings in both the club and Pindsle Property AS.

| (19) | The expert report of 6 April 2009 valued Sandefjord Fotball Stadion AS at between NOK 14 million and NOK 16 million. The company was sold at a price of NOK 15 million on 9 June 2009. |
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(19)

The expert report of 6 April 2009 valued Sandefjord Fotball Stadion AS at between NOK 14 million and NOK 16 million. The company was sold at a price of NOK 15 million on 9 June 2009.

| (20) | Following the sale, Sandefjord Fotball AS has been paying annual rent of NOK 3 million plus 30 % of the value of ticket sales for the use of the stadium. According to the Norwegian authorities, the rent level corresponds to what other football clubs in Norway pay for stadium use. |
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(20)

Following the sale, Sandefjord Fotball AS has been paying annual rent of NOK 3 million plus 30 % of the value of ticket sales for the use of the stadium. According to the Norwegian authorities, the rent level corresponds to what other football clubs in Norway pay for stadium use.

5.   Comments by the Norwegian authorities

| (21) | The Norwegian authorities argue that the transactions described above do not result in the granting of State aid. |
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(21)

The Norwegian authorities argue that the transactions described above do not result in the granting of State aid.

| (22) | According to the Norwegian authorities, the transfer of land by the municipality to Sandefjord Fotball AS has to be seen in the context of the wider agreement to build the stadium. The contract of 28 November 2006 by which the plots of land were transferred to Sandefjord Fotball Stadion AS and Sandefjord Fotball Næring AS obliged Sandefjord Fotball AS to build the stadium, at an estimated cost (at the time) of NOK 110 million. In any event, the value of this obligation vastly exceeded the value of the two plots of land. Therefore the transfer of land could not result in the granting of an economic advantage to Sandefjord Fotball AS. |
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(22)

According to the Norwegian authorities, the transfer of land by the municipality to Sandefjord Fotball AS has to be seen in the context of the wider agreement to build the stadium. The contract of 28 November 2006 by which the plots of land were transferred to Sandefjord Fotball Stadion AS and Sandefjord Fotball Næring AS obliged Sandefjord Fotball AS to build the stadium, at an estimated cost (at the time) of NOK 110 million. In any event, the value of this obligation vastly exceeded the value of the two plots of land. Therefore the transfer of land could not result in the granting of an economic advantage to Sandefjord Fotball AS.

| (23) | Regarding the value of the two plots of land in question, the Norwegian authorities argue that plot 152/96 does not have any market value as its zoning includes the use as a football stadium. This means that any development of the land must include the construction of a football stadium, implicating very important construction costs. Accordingly, no buyer except for the football club would have been interested in the land. |
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(23)

Regarding the value of the two plots of land in question, the Norwegian authorities argue that plot 152/96 does not have any market value as its zoning includes the use as a football stadium. This means that any development of the land must include the construction of a football stadium, implicating very important construction costs. Accordingly, no buyer except for the football club would have been interested in the land.

| (24) | Regarding plot 152/97, the Norwegian authorities argue that the price of NOK 40 million paid by Pindsle Property AS for the shares in Sandefjord Fotball Næring AS cannot be taken as an indication of market value. The agreed purchase price was not primarily based on the value of the land, but rather on the financial requirements of Sandefjord Fotball AS. The owners of Pindsle Property AS were supporters of the football club and wanted to contribute to the stadium construction. In order to determine the true market value of the land, the Norwegian authorities have commissioned a third-party expert valuation. The Authority understands that the valuation report of 5 February 2014 estimates the value of plot 152/97 at around NOK 15 million (based on 2006 data and excluding the cost of access infrastructure) (2). |
| --- | --- |

(24)

Regarding plot 152/97, the Norwegian authorities argue that the price of NOK 40 million paid by Pindsle Property AS for the shares in Sandefjord Fotball Næring AS cannot be taken as an indication of market value. The agreed purchase price was not primarily based on the value of the land, but rather on the financial requirements of Sandefjord Fotball AS. The owners of Pindsle Property AS were supporters of the football club and wanted to contribute to the stadium construction. In order to determine the true market value of the land, the Norwegian authorities have commissioned a third-party expert valuation. The Authority understands that the valuation report of 5 February 2014 estimates the value of plot 152/97 at around NOK 15 million (based on 2006 data and excluding the cost of access infrastructure) (2).

| (25) | Finally, the Norwegian authorities also argue that in any event, the further obligations contained in the agreement of 28 November 2006 in relation to road works at the stadium site (at a cost of approx. NOK 6,5 million) and the discontinued use of the old stadium, including repairs (together approx. NOK 2,6 million) should be deducted from the value of the land. |
| --- | --- |

(25)

Finally, the Norwegian authorities also argue that in any event, the further obligations contained in the agreement of 28 November 2006 in relation to road works at the stadium site (at a cost of approx. NOK 6,5 million) and the discontinued use of the old stadium, including repairs (together approx. NOK 2,6 million) should be deducted from the value of the land.

II.   ASSESSMENT

6.   The presence of State aid

| (26) | Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement reads as follows
  ‘Save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any aid granted by EC Member States, EFTA States 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 shall, in so far as it affects trade between Contracting Parties, be incompatible with the functioning of this Agreement’. |
| --- | --- |

(26)

Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement reads as follows

‘Save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any aid granted by EC Member States, EFTA States 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 shall, in so far as it affects trade between Contracting Parties, be incompatible with the functioning of this Agreement’.

| (27) | This implies that a measure constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement if the following conditions are cumulatively fulfilled: the measure is granted by the State or through state resources, confers a selective economic advantage on an undertaking and is liable to affect trade between Contracting Parties and to distort competition. |
| --- | --- |

(27)

This implies that a measure constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement if the following conditions are cumulatively fulfilled: the measure is granted by the State or through state resources, confers a selective economic advantage on an undertaking and is liable to affect trade between Contracting Parties and to distort competition.

6.1.   State resources

| (28) | In order to qualify as State aid, the measure must be granted by the State or through state resources. The concept of the State does not only refer to the central government, but embraces all levels of the state administration (including municipalities) as well as public undertakings (3). |
| --- | --- |

(28)

In order to qualify as State aid, the measure must be granted by the State or through state resources. The concept of the State does not only refer to the central government, but embraces all levels of the state administration (including municipalities) as well as public undertakings (3).

| (29) | The land at issue was acquired by Sandefjord municipality and then transferred to two subsidiaries of Sandefjord Fotball AS. The Authority therefore concludes that the transfer of land involves state resources. |
| --- | --- |

(29)

The land at issue was acquired by Sandefjord municipality and then transferred to two subsidiaries of Sandefjord Fotball AS. The Authority therefore concludes that the transfer of land involves state resources.

| (30) | Before the transaction, the municipality of Sandefjord changed the planning obligations for the land at issue: plot 152/96 was rezoned from farmland to mixed stadium and business use, and plot 152/97 from farmland to business use. Planning decisions are regulatory acts taken by public authorities. According to the case-law, such regulatory acts usually do not result in a transfer of state resources to undertakings (4). |
| --- | --- |

(30)

Before the transaction, the municipality of Sandefjord changed the planning obligations for the land at issue: plot 152/96 was rezoned from farmland to mixed stadium and business use, and plot 152/97 from farmland to business use. Planning decisions are regulatory acts taken by public authorities. According to the case-law, such regulatory acts usually do not result in a transfer of state resources to undertakings (4).

6.2.   Undertaking

| (31) | It is well-established case-law that undertakings are entities engaged in economic activities, regardless of their legal status and the way in which they are financed (5). Economic activities are activities consisting of offering goods or services on a market (6). |
| --- | --- |

(31)

It is well-established case-law that undertakings are entities engaged in economic activities, regardless of their legal status and the way in which they are financed (5). Economic activities are activities consisting of offering goods or services on a market (6).

| (32) | Sandefjord Fotball AS is a professional football club organised as a private company. It is active on several markets, including the transfer market for football players as well as the markets for ticket sales, television rights, club memorabilia and sponsorship. |
| --- | --- |

(32)

Sandefjord Fotball AS is a professional football club organised as a private company. It is active on several markets, including the transfer market for football players as well as the markets for ticket sales, television rights, club memorabilia and sponsorship.

| (33) | The Authority therefore concludes that Sandefjord Fotball AS constitutes an undertaking within the meaning of Article 61 of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(33)

The Authority therefore concludes that Sandefjord Fotball AS constitutes an undertaking within the meaning of Article 61 of the EEA Agreement.

6.3.   Economic advantage

| (34) | A transfer of land to an undertaking may confer an economic advantage, in particular if it takes place at a price that is below the market price. |
| --- | --- |

(34)

A transfer of land to an undertaking may confer an economic advantage, in particular if it takes place at a price that is below the market price.

| (35) | The Authority guidelines on State aid elements in sales of land and buildings by public authorities (‘the Sale of Land Guidelines’) (7) set out two procedures that can be used to ensure that a sale of land does not involve State aid: public authorities can either carry out an open and unconditional bidding procedure, or obtain an independent ex ante expert valuation of the land. |
| --- | --- |

(35)

The Authority guidelines on State aid elements in sales of land and buildings by public authorities (‘the Sale of Land Guidelines’) (7) set out two procedures that can be used to ensure that a sale of land does not involve State aid: public authorities can either carry out an open and unconditional bidding procedure, or obtain an independent ex ante expert valuation of the land.

| (36) | In the case at hand, the municipality of Sandefjord neither organised a bidding procedure nor obtained an ex ante expert valuation. As a result, the Authority cannot exclude the presence of State aid based on the procedure followed by the municipality. |
| --- | --- |

(36)

In the case at hand, the municipality of Sandefjord neither organised a bidding procedure nor obtained an ex ante expert valuation. As a result, the Authority cannot exclude the presence of State aid based on the procedure followed by the municipality.

| (37) | A transaction transferring state resources does not constitute State aid when it is carried out in line with normal market conditions so that it does not confer an advantage on an undertaking (8). This is known as the market economy operator test. |
| --- | --- |

(37)

A transaction transferring state resources does not constitute State aid when it is carried out in line with normal market conditions so that it does not confer an advantage on an undertaking (8). This is known as the market economy operator test.

6.3.1.   Transfer of plot 152/96

| (38) | At the time of the transfer to Sandefjord Fotball AS, plot 152/96 was zoned for the construction of a football stadium and business use. According to the Norwegian authorities, this implies that any construction on the plot of land needs to include a stadium in order to receive planning permission. |
| --- | --- |

(38)

At the time of the transfer to Sandefjord Fotball AS, plot 152/96 was zoned for the construction of a football stadium and business use. According to the Norwegian authorities, this implies that any construction on the plot of land needs to include a stadium in order to receive planning permission.

| (39) | The Authority notes that zoning obligations can influence the market price of land. However, the Authority is not convinced that the obligation to build a football stadium can be considered to reduce the market price to zero, in particular in case of a transaction aimed at assisting a football club in building a new stadium. In this context, the Authority also refers to section 2.2(c) of its Sale of Land Guidelines, which states that when carrying out a valuation, ‘...[o]bligations whose fulfilment would at least partly be in the buyer’s own interest should be evaluated with that fact in mind.’ |
| --- | --- |

(39)

The Authority notes that zoning obligations can influence the market price of land. However, the Authority is not convinced that the obligation to build a football stadium can be considered to reduce the market price to zero, in particular in case of a transaction aimed at assisting a football club in building a new stadium. In this context, the Authority also refers to section 2.2(c) of its Sale of Land Guidelines, which states that when carrying out a valuation, ‘...[o]bligations whose fulfilment would at least partly be in the buyer’s own interest should be evaluated with that fact in mind.’

| (40) | In addition, the Authority refers to section 2.2(d) of its Sale of Land Guidelines, which states that in principle, ‘the market value should not be set below primary (9) costs during a period of at least three years after acquisition unless the independent valuer specifically identifies a general decline in market prices for land and buildings in the relevant market.’ In the case at hand, the municipality of Sandefjord acquired the land that was later divided into plots 152/96 and 152/97 for NOK 3,7 million. The Authority has not yet received any specific information justifying a sale at a price below the acquisition cost for the municipality. |
| --- | --- |

(40)

In addition, the Authority refers to section 2.2(d) of its Sale of Land Guidelines, which states that in principle, ‘the market value should not be set below primary (9) costs during a period of at least three years after acquisition unless the independent valuer specifically identifies a general decline in market prices for land and buildings in the relevant market.’ In the case at hand, the municipality of Sandefjord acquired the land that was later divided into plots 152/96 and 152/97 for NOK 3,7 million. The Authority has not yet received any specific information justifying a sale at a price below the acquisition cost for the municipality.

| (41) | Based on the above, the Authority considers at this stage that the transfer of plot 152/96 free of charge conferred an economic advantage on Sandefjord Fotball AS. |
| --- | --- |

(41)

Based on the above, the Authority considers at this stage that the transfer of plot 152/96 free of charge conferred an economic advantage on Sandefjord Fotball AS.

6.3.2.   Transfer of plot 152/97

| (42) | Plot 152/97 was zoned for business use at the time of the transfer to Sandefjord Fotball AS. The Norwegian authorities argue that the transfer of plot 152/97 should be assessed in the context of the contract of 28 November 2006, which obliges the football club in particular to build the stadium in exchange for the land. Given that the estimated construction costs of the stadium exceed the value of the land, the transfer could not result in the granting of an economic advantage. |
| --- | --- |

(42)

Plot 152/97 was zoned for business use at the time of the transfer to Sandefjord Fotball AS. The Norwegian authorities argue that the transfer of plot 152/97 should be assessed in the context of the contract of 28 November 2006, which obliges the football club in particular to build the stadium in exchange for the land. Given that the estimated construction costs of the stadium exceed the value of the land, the transfer could not result in the granting of an economic advantage.

| (43) | The Authority notes that plot 152/97 is zoned for business use. According to the planning rules, there is thus no obligation to build a stadium in relation to this plot of land. The contract of 28 November 2006, by which the land was transferred to Sandefjord Fotball AS, obliges Sandefjord Fotball AS to organise and finance the construction of the stadium. It foresees that plot 152/97 would be sold to finance part of the construction. The Authority considers that a market economy operator selling land would not have imposed such conditions in relation to the construction or financing of a stadium. The Authority therefore cannot exclude at this stage that the transfer of plot 152/97 to Sandefjord Fotball AS conferred an economic advantage on the undertaking. |
| --- | --- |

(43)

The Authority notes that plot 152/97 is zoned for business use. According to the planning rules, there is thus no obligation to build a stadium in relation to this plot of land. The contract of 28 November 2006, by which the land was transferred to Sandefjord Fotball AS, obliges Sandefjord Fotball AS to organise and finance the construction of the stadium. It foresees that plot 152/97 would be sold to finance part of the construction. The Authority considers that a market economy operator selling land would not have imposed such conditions in relation to the construction or financing of a stadium. The Authority therefore cannot exclude at this stage that the transfer of plot 152/97 to Sandefjord Fotball AS conferred an economic advantage on the undertaking.

| (44) | The Authority further notes that shortly after the transfer, Sandefjord Fotball AS sold the shares in Sandefjord Fotball Næring AS, the company owning plot 152/97, to Pindsle Property AS for NOK 40 million. Pindsle Property AS is a private company, and was not part of the same group as Sandefjord Fotball AS at the time of the transaction. The sale thus took place between two independent companies (10). |
| --- | --- |

(44)

The Authority further notes that shortly after the transfer, Sandefjord Fotball AS sold the shares in Sandefjord Fotball Næring AS, the company owning plot 152/97, to Pindsle Property AS for NOK 40 million. Pindsle Property AS is a private company, and was not part of the same group as Sandefjord Fotball AS at the time of the transaction. The sale thus took place between two independent companies (10).

| (45) | The Norwegian authorities argue that this transaction did not reflect market price due to the motives of the owners of Pindsle Property AS, who wanted to provide Sandefjord Fotball AS with sufficient funds to enable the construction of the stadium. The Authority, however, has not received any evidence showing that the acquisition of Sandefjord Fotball Næring AS had been authorised by the board and/or the owners of Pindsle Property AS at an allegedly inflated price in order to favour the football club. The Authority further understands that according to Norwegian company law, the board of a private company has to act in the best interest of the company. The Norwegian authorities have not explained how the allegedly inflated purchase price served the best interest of Pindsle Property AS. |
| --- | --- |

(45)

The Norwegian authorities argue that this transaction did not reflect market price due to the motives of the owners of Pindsle Property AS, who wanted to provide Sandefjord Fotball AS with sufficient funds to enable the construction of the stadium. The Authority, however, has not received any evidence showing that the acquisition of Sandefjord Fotball Næring AS had been authorised by the board and/or the owners of Pindsle Property AS at an allegedly inflated price in order to favour the football club. The Authority further understands that according to Norwegian company law, the board of a private company has to act in the best interest of the company. The Norwegian authorities have not explained how the allegedly inflated purchase price served the best interest of Pindsle Property AS.

| (46) | Based on the above, the Authority considers at this stage that the sale of Sandefjord Fotball Næring AS, whose principal asset was plot 152/97, to Pindsle Property AS for NOK 40 million shows the market value of the land. Given that there was an actual market transaction that took place shortly after the transfer of the land to Sandefjord Fotball AS, it is a more reliable indication of market value than the valuation report of 5 February 2014 put forward by the Norwegian authorities. |
| --- | --- |

(46)

Based on the above, the Authority considers at this stage that the sale of Sandefjord Fotball Næring AS, whose principal asset was plot 152/97, to Pindsle Property AS for NOK 40 million shows the market value of the land. Given that there was an actual market transaction that took place shortly after the transfer of the land to Sandefjord Fotball AS, it is a more reliable indication of market value than the valuation report of 5 February 2014 put forward by the Norwegian authorities.

| (47) | The Norwegian authorities further argue that the cost of carrying out road works at the stadium site (approx. NOK 6,5 million) and the costs in relation to the discontinued use of the old stadium, including repairs (together approx. NOK 2,6 million) that form part of the obligations of Sandefjord Fotball AS according to the contract of 28 November 2006 should be deducted from the value of the land. |
| --- | --- |

(47)

The Norwegian authorities further argue that the cost of carrying out road works at the stadium site (approx. NOK 6,5 million) and the costs in relation to the discontinued use of the old stadium, including repairs (together approx. NOK 2,6 million) that form part of the obligations of Sandefjord Fotball AS according to the contract of 28 November 2006 should be deducted from the value of the land.

| (48) | The Authority considers that for such costs to be taken into account, they have to reflect costs that the municipality would otherwise have to bear itself, and not the developer of the land. For instance, road works that a developer is required to undertake under planning regulations cannot be taken into account. Similarly, repairs that a user of a municipal stadium would normally be obliged to carry out at the end of its rental contract should not be taken into account either. Based on the information received so far, the Authority questions whether any of these obligations contained in the contract of 28 November 2006 should be deducted from the value of the land. |
| --- | --- |

(48)

The Authority considers that for such costs to be taken into account, they have to reflect costs that the municipality would otherwise have to bear itself, and not the developer of the land. For instance, road works that a developer is required to undertake under planning regulations cannot be taken into account. Similarly, repairs that a user of a municipal stadium would normally be obliged to carry out at the end of its rental contract should not be taken into account either. Based on the information received so far, the Authority questions whether any of these obligations contained in the contract of 28 November 2006 should be deducted from the value of the land.

| (49) | Based on the foregoing, the Authority currently considers that the measure at stake confers an economic advantage on Sandefjord Fotball AS. |
| --- | --- |

(49)

Based on the foregoing, the Authority currently considers that the measure at stake confers an economic advantage on Sandefjord Fotball AS.

6.4.   Selectivity

| (50) | The alleged State aid results from a transaction between the municipality of Sandefjord and Sandefjord Fotball AS. It represents a selective measure within the meaning of Article 61 of the EEA Agreement, in the sense that it only concerns one particular undertaking. |
| --- | --- |

(50)

The alleged State aid results from a transaction between the municipality of Sandefjord and Sandefjord Fotball AS. It represents a selective measure within the meaning of Article 61 of the EEA Agreement, in the sense that it only concerns one particular undertaking.

6.5.   Distortion of competition and effect on trade between Contracting Parties

| (51) | According to the case-law regarding effect on trade and distortion of competition, the Authority ‘[i]s required, not to establish that such aid has a real effect on trade [...] and that competition is actually being distorted, but only to examine whether that aid is liable to affect such trade and distort competition’ (11). |
| --- | --- |

(51)

According to the case-law regarding effect on trade and distortion of competition, the Authority ‘[i]s required, not to establish that such aid has a real effect on trade [...] and that competition is actually being distorted, but only to examine whether that aid is liable to affect such trade and distort competition’ (11).

| (52) | The mere fact that aid strengthens an undertaking’s position compared to that of other undertakings competing in intra-EEA trade is enough to conclude that the measure is liable to distort competition and to affect trade between the Contracting Parties to the EEA Agreement (12). |
| --- | --- |

(52)

The mere fact that aid strengthens an undertaking’s position compared to that of other undertakings competing in intra-EEA trade is enough to conclude that the measure is liable to distort competition and to affect trade between the Contracting Parties to the EEA Agreement (12).

| (53) | In 2006, Sandefjord Fotball’s professional team was playing in the highest Norwegian division, with the possibility of qualifying for European championships. Moreover, professional football clubs deploy economic activities in several markets other than participating in football competitions, such as the transfer market for professional players, publicity, sponsorship, merchandising or media coverage. Aid to a professional football club strengthens its position on each of those markets, most of which cover several countries in the EEA. As regards the market for the transfer of players, Sandefjord Fotball AS was at the time — and still is today — active on the international transfer market, regularly recruiting players notably from other countries in the EEA. |
| --- | --- |

(53)

In 2006, Sandefjord Fotball’s professional team was playing in the highest Norwegian division, with the possibility of qualifying for European championships. Moreover, professional football clubs deploy economic activities in several markets other than participating in football competitions, such as the transfer market for professional players, publicity, sponsorship, merchandising or media coverage. Aid to a professional football club strengthens its position on each of those markets, most of which cover several countries in the EEA. As regards the market for the transfer of players, Sandefjord Fotball AS was at the time — and still is today — active on the international transfer market, regularly recruiting players notably from other countries in the EEA.

| (54) | The Authority therefore considers that the measure is liable to distort competition and to affect trade between the Contracting Parties to the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(54)

The Authority therefore considers that the measure is liable to distort competition and to affect trade between the Contracting Parties to the EEA Agreement.

6.6.   Conclusion

| (55) | Based on the above, the Authority comes to the preliminary conclusion that the measure at stake fulfils all the conditions to constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(55)

Based on the above, the Authority comes to the preliminary conclusion that the measure at stake fulfils all the conditions to constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement.

7.   Compatibility

| (56) | Should the measure assessed above involve State aid within the meaning of Article 61 of the EEA Agreement, the Authority must assess whether the aid can be declared compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement. According to the case-law, it is up to the Contracting Party concerned to invoke possible grounds of compatibility and to demonstrate that the conditions for such compatibility are met (13). |
| --- | --- |

(56)

Should the measure assessed above involve State aid within the meaning of Article 61 of the EEA Agreement, the Authority must assess whether the aid can be declared compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement. According to the case-law, it is up to the Contracting Party concerned to invoke possible grounds of compatibility and to demonstrate that the conditions for such compatibility are met (13).

| (57) | The Authority notes that aid to promote sport, including aid to sport infrastructure, can be declared compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement under certain conditions, as is illustrated notably by the General Block Exemption Regulation (14) and the decisional practice (15) of the European Commission. |
| --- | --- |

(57)

The Authority notes that aid to promote sport, including aid to sport infrastructure, can be declared compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement under certain conditions, as is illustrated notably by the General Block Exemption Regulation (14) and the decisional practice (15) of the European Commission.

| (58) | However, the Norwegian authorities have not yet put forward any arguments regarding compatibility. The Authority therefore has doubts at this stage whether the measure could be declared compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(58)

However, the Norwegian authorities have not yet put forward any arguments regarding compatibility. The Authority therefore has doubts at this stage whether the measure could be declared compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.

8.   Conclusion

| (59) | Based on the information submitted by the Norwegian authorities at this stage of the procedure, the Authority is of the preliminary view that the measure at hand constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement and has doubts on whether it is compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(59)

Based on the information submitted by the Norwegian authorities at this stage of the procedure, the Authority is of the preliminary view that the measure at hand constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement and has doubts on whether it is compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.

| (60) | Consequently, and in accordance with Article 4(4) of Part II of Protocol 3, the Authority opens the formal investigation procedure. The decision to open proceedings is without prejudice to the final decision of the Authority, which may conclude that the measure in question does not constitute State aid or is compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(60)

Consequently, and in accordance with Article 4(4) of Part II of Protocol 3, the Authority opens the formal investigation procedure. The decision to open proceedings is without prejudice to the final decision of the Authority, which may conclude that the measure in question does not constitute State aid or is compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.

| (61) | In light of the foregoing considerations, the Authority, acting under the procedure laid down in Article 1(2) of Part I of Protocol 3, invites the Norwegian authorities to submit their comments within one month of the date of receipt of this decision. |
| --- | --- |

(61)

In light of the foregoing considerations, the Authority, acting under the procedure laid down in Article 1(2) of Part I of Protocol 3, invites the Norwegian authorities to submit their comments within one month of the date of receipt of this decision.

| (62) | The Authority also requests the Norwegian authorities to provide, within one month of receipt of this decision, all documents, information and data needed for the assessment of the nature and compatibility of the measure covered by this decision. |
| --- | --- |

(62)

The Authority also requests the Norwegian authorities to provide, within one month of receipt of this decision, all documents, information and data needed for the assessment of the nature and compatibility of the measure covered by this decision.

| (63) | The Authority requests the Norwegian authorities to forward a copy of this decision to the potential recipient of the aid immediately. |
| --- | --- |

(63)

The Authority requests the Norwegian authorities to forward a copy of this decision to the potential recipient of the aid immediately.

| (64) | The Authority reminds the Norwegian authorities that, according to Article 14 of Part II of Protocol 3, any incompatible aid unlawfully granted will have to be recovered, unless (exceptionally) this recovery would be contrary to a general principal of EEA law, |
| --- | --- |

(64)

The Authority reminds the Norwegian authorities that, according to Article 14 of Part II of Protocol 3, any incompatible aid unlawfully granted will have to be recovered, unless (exceptionally) this recovery would be contrary to a general principal of EEA law,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The formal investigation procedure provided for in Article 1(2) of Part I and Article 4(4) of Part II of Protocol 3 is opened into the potential aid measure implemented by the Norwegian authorities, which is the transfer of land from the municipality of Sandefjord to Sandefjord Fotball AS.

Article 2

The Norwegian authorities are invited, pursuant to Article 6(1) of Part II of Protocol 3, to submit their comments on the opening of the formal investigation procedure by 24 November 2014.

Article 3

The Norwegian authorities are requested to provide by 24 November, all documents, information and data needed for the assessment of

| — | the market price of the two plots of land at issue in line with the reasoning in section 6.3 above, and |
| --- | --- |

—

the market price of the two plots of land at issue in line with the reasoning in section 6.3 above, and

| — | the compatibility of the aid measure. |
| --- | --- |

—

the compatibility of the aid measure.

Article 4

This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Norway.

Article 5

Only the English language version of this Decision is authentic.

Decision made in Brussels, on 22 October 2014.

For the EFTA Surveillance Authority

Oda Helen SLETNES

President

Helga JÓNSDÓTTIR

College Member

---

(1)  Pindsle Eindomsutvikling AS, including its subsidiaries Pindsle Stadion AS and Arena Næring AS. It will be called Pindsle Property AS in the following.

1

(2)  The valuation report estimates the combined value of plots 152/96 and 152/97 at NOK 31 million. The NOK 15 million results from apportioning this estimate according to the respective size of the two plots.

2

(3)  Article 2 of Commission Directive 2006/111/EC on the transparency of financial relations between Member States and public undertakings (OJ L 318, 17.11.2006, p. 17), incorporated at point 1a of Annex XV to the EEA Agreement.

3

(4)  Case C-379/98 Preussen Elektra v Schleswag EU:C:2001:160, paragraphs 59-60. See also the Commission’s answer to the parliamentary question P-2491/02 (OJ C 137 E, 12.6.2003, p. 87).

4

Preussen Elektra

Schleswag

(5)  Case C-41/90 Höfner and Elser v Macroton EU:C:1991:161, paragraphs 21-2; Joined Cases C-180/98 to C-180/98 Pavlov and Others EU:C:2000:428; and Case E-5/07 Private Barnehagers Landsforbund v EFTA Surveillance Authority [2008] EFTA Ct. Rep. p. 61, paragraph 78.

5

Höfner and Elser

Macroton

Pavlov and Others

Private Barnehagers Landsforbund

EFTA Surveillance Authority

(6)  Case C-222/04 Ministero dell’Economica e delle Finanze v Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze SpA EU:C:2006:8, paragraph 108.

6

Ministero dell’Economica e delle Finanze

Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze SpA

(7)  Authority guidelines on State aid elements in sales of land and buildings by public authorities, adopted on 17 November 1999. Available at: http://www.eftasurv.int/state-aid/legal-framework/state-aid-guidelines/

7

(8)  Case C-39/94 SFEI and Others EU:C:1996:285, paragraphs 60-61.

8

SFEI and Others

(9)  I.e. the acquisition costs incurred by the public authority in question.

9

(10)  This is further shown by the absence of an independent expert valuation, which is required under Norwegian company law for transactions between companies in the same group.

10

(11)  Case C-372/97 Italy v Commission EU:C:2004:234, paragraph 44.

11

Italy

Commission

(12)  Case 730/79 Philip Morris Holland BV v Commission EU:C:1980:209, paragraphs 11-12 and Joined Cases E-5/04, E-6/04, E-7/04 Fesil ASA and Finnfjord Smelteverk AS v EFTA Surveillance Authority [2005] EFTA Ct. Rep. 117, paragraph 94.

12

Philip Morris Holland BV

Commission

Fesil ASA and Finnfjord Smelteverk AS

EFTA Surveillance Authority

(13)  Case C-364/90 Italy v Commission EU:C:1993:157, paragraph 20.

13

Italy

Commission

(14)  Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 of 17 June 2014 declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty (OJ L 187, 26.6.2014, p. 1), incorporated at point 1j of Annex XV to the EEA Agreement.

14

(15)  See e.g. Commission Decision in case SA.37109 (2013/N), Football stadiums in Flanders (OJ C 69, 7.3.2014, p. 1-28).

15

Football stadiums in Flanders

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V Avviżi

PROĊEDURI TAL-QORTI

Qorti tal-EFTA

| 15.1.2015 | MT | Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea | C 11/16 |
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15.1.2015

MT

Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea

C 11/16

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Talba għal Opinjoni Konsultattiva mill-Qorti tal-EFTA minn Héraðsdómur Reykjavíkur, iddatata l-4 ta’ Settembru 2014 fil-każ ta’ Wow air ehf. vs Samkeppniseftirlitið (l-Awtorità tal-Kompetizzjoni Islandiża), Isavia ohf. u Icelandair ehf.

(Każ E-18/14)

(2015/C 11/06)

Permezz ta’ ittra tal-4 ta’ Settembru 2014, li waslet fir-Reġistru tal-Qorti fl-4 ta’ Settembru 2014, saret talba lill-Qorti tal-EFTA minn Héraðsdómur Reykjavíkur (il-Qorti Distrettwali ta’ Reykjavík, l-Islanda) għal Opinjoni Konsultattiva fil-kawża ta’ Wow air ehf. vs Samkeppniseftirlitið (l-Awtorità tal-Kompetizzjoni Islandiża), Isavia ohf. u Icelandair ehf., dwar il-mistoqsijiet li ġejjin:

| 1. | Ir-Regolament tal-Kunsill (KEE) Nru 95/93, tat-18 ta’ Jannar 1993, dwar ir-regoli komuni għall-allokazzjoni ta’ slotts f’ajruporti tal-Komunità, jobbliga lill-Istati Membri sabiex jiżguraw li koordinatur maħtur skont id-dispożizzjonijiet tar-Regolament jiġi mogħti, fir-rigward tal-eżekuzzjoni tal-kompiti tiegħu, setgħa amministrattiva indipendenti skont il-leġislazzjoni domestika bħala parti mill-eżekuttiv tal-Istat Membru, jew l-Istat Membru għandu d-diskrezzjoni li jiddeċiedi l-istatus tal-koordinatur skont il-leġiżlazzjoni domestika? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Ir-Regolament tal-Kunsill (KEE) Nru 95/93, tat-18 ta’ Jannar 1993, dwar ir-regoli komuni għall-allokazzjoni ta’ slotts f’ajruporti tal-Komunità, jobbliga lill-Istati Membri sabiex jiżguraw li koordinatur maħtur skont id-dispożizzjonijiet tar-Regolament jiġi mogħti, fir-rigward tal-eżekuzzjoni tal-kompiti tiegħu, setgħa amministrattiva indipendenti skont il-leġislazzjoni domestika bħala parti mill-eżekuttiv tal-Istat Membru, jew l-Istat Membru għandu d-diskrezzjoni li jiddeċiedi l-istatus tal-koordinatur skont il-leġiżlazzjoni domestika?

| 2. | Għandu jiġi preżunt, fl-istruzzjonijiet dwar it-trattament tal-ilmenti dwar l-allokazzjoni ta’ slotts fl-Artikoli 8(7) u 8(8) tar-Regolament (KEE) Nru 95/93, li l-ilmenti kollha, inklużi l-ilmenti bbażati fuq il-kunsiderazzjonijiet tal-kompetizzjoni, ser jiġu soġġetti għall-proċedura preskritta fihom, jew il-premessa 15 tal-preambolu għar-Regolament għandha tinftiehem fis-sens li r-Regolament għandu jiġi applikat mingħajr preġudizzju għar-regoli tal-kompetizzjoni tat-Trattat, b’mod partikolari l-Artikoli 85 u 86, b’tali mod li l-ilmenti bbażati fuq il-kunsiderazzjonijiet tal-kompetizzjoni jkunu esklussivament soġġetti għall-ġurisdizzjoni tal-awtoritajiet tal-kompetizzjoni fl-Istat Membru rilevanti u għandhom għalhekk jiġu sottomessi direttament lilhom? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Għandu jiġi preżunt, fl-istruzzjonijiet dwar it-trattament tal-ilmenti dwar l-allokazzjoni ta’ slotts fl-Artikoli 8(7) u 8(8) tar-Regolament (KEE) Nru 95/93, li l-ilmenti kollha, inklużi l-ilmenti bbażati fuq il-kunsiderazzjonijiet tal-kompetizzjoni, ser jiġu soġġetti għall-proċedura preskritta fihom, jew il-premessa 15 tal-preambolu għar-Regolament għandha tinftiehem fis-sens li r-Regolament għandu jiġi applikat mingħajr preġudizzju għar-regoli tal-kompetizzjoni tat-Trattat, b’mod partikolari l-Artikoli 85 u 86, b’tali mod li l-ilmenti bbażati fuq il-kunsiderazzjonijiet tal-kompetizzjoni jkunu esklussivament soġġetti għall-ġurisdizzjoni tal-awtoritajiet tal-kompetizzjoni fl-Istat Membru rilevanti u għandhom għalhekk jiġu sottomessi direttament lilhom?

| 3. | Jekk l-awtorità tal-kompetizzjoni ta’ Stat Membru toħroġ struzzjonijiet fuq il-bażi ta’ leġiżlazzjoni domestika dwar il-kompetizzjoni, u b’referenza għar-Regolament (KEE) Nru 95/93, bl-intenzjoni li titħeġġeġ il-kompetizzjoni, għandu jiġi preżunt fir-Regolament li dawn l-istruzzjonijiet se jinħarġu għall-korp ta’ amministrazzjoni ta’ ajruport/awtorità kompetenti jew dawn l-istruzzjonijiet għandhom jinħarġu għall-koordinatur? |
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3.

Jekk l-awtorità tal-kompetizzjoni ta’ Stat Membru toħroġ struzzjonijiet fuq il-bażi ta’ leġiżlazzjoni domestika dwar il-kompetizzjoni, u b’referenza għar-Regolament (KEE) Nru 95/93, bl-intenzjoni li titħeġġeġ il-kompetizzjoni, għandu jiġi preżunt fir-Regolament li dawn l-istruzzjonijiet se jinħarġu għall-korp ta’ amministrazzjoni ta’ ajruport/awtorità kompetenti jew dawn l-istruzzjonijiet għandhom jinħarġu għall-koordinatur?

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| 15.1.2015 | MT | Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea | C 11/17 |
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15.1.2015

MT

Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea

C 11/17

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Azzjoni mressqa fl-10 ta’ Novembru 2014 minn DB Schenker kontra l-Awtorità ta’ Sorveljanza tal-EFTA

(Kawża E-22/14)

(2015/C 11/07)

Fl-10 ta’ Novembru 2014 Schenker North AB, Schenker Privpak AB u Schenker Privpak AS (kollettivament DB Schenker), irrappreżentati minn Jon Midthjell, advokat, Advokatfirmaet Midthjell AS, Grev Wedels plass 5, N-0151 Oslo, in-Norveġja, ressqu azzjoni quddiem il-Qorti tal-EFTA kontra l-Awtorità ta’ Sorveljanza tal-EFTA.

Ir-rikorrenti jitolbu lill-Qorti tal-EFTA sabiex:

| 1. | Tannulla d-deċiżjoni tal-ASE tad-9 ta’ Settembru 2014 fil-Kawża Nru 75697 (DB Schenker); |
| --- | --- |

1.

Tannulla d-deċiżjoni tal-ASE tad-9 ta’ Settembru 2014 fil-Kawża Nru 75697 (DB Schenker);

| 2. | Tordna lill-ASE u lil kull intervenjent biex iħallsu l-ispejjeż. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Tordna lill-ASE u lil kull intervenjent biex iħallsu l-ispejjeż.

L-isfond ġuridiku u fattwali u l-eċċezzjonijiet miġjuba bħala sostenn:

| — | Ir-rikorrenti, Schenker North AB u Schenker Privpak AB, it-tnejn stabbiliti fl-Isvezja, u Schenker Privpak AS, stabbiliti fin-Norveġja, huma parti mill-grupp DB Schenker. Il-grupp huwa impriża globali tad-dispaċċ tal-merkanzija u l-loġistika ta’ Deutsche Bahn AG. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ir-rikorrenti, Schenker North AB u Schenker Privpak AB, it-tnejn stabbiliti fl-Isvezja, u Schenker Privpak AS, stabbiliti fin-Norveġja, huma parti mill-grupp DB Schenker. Il-grupp huwa impriża globali tad-dispaċċ tal-merkanzija u l-loġistika ta’ Deutsche Bahn AG.

| — | Permezz tas-sentenza tagħha fil-Kawża E-5/13 DB Schenker vs ASE fis-7 ta’ Lulju 2014, il-Qorti tal-EFTA annullat id-deċiżjoni tal-ASE tal-25 ta’ Jannar 2013 fil-Kawża tal-ASE Nru 73075 (DB Schenker) sa fejn irrifjutat aċċess sħiħ jew parzjali skont l-Artikolu 4(4) u (6) RAD 2012 għal dokumenti li jappartjenu lill-fajls tal-kawża li wasslu għad-Deċiżjoni tal-ASE Nru 321/10/COL (Norway Post - sistema ta’ lealtà/skont) u rrifjutat li tagħti aċċess għall-verżjoni kompluta tad-Deċiżjoni ASE Nru 321/10/COL. |
| --- | --- |

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Permezz tas-sentenza tagħha fil-Kawża E-5/13 DB Schenker vs ASE fis-7 ta’ Lulju 2014, il-Qorti tal-EFTA annullat id-deċiżjoni tal-ASE tal-25 ta’ Jannar 2013 fil-Kawża tal-ASE Nru 73075 (DB Schenker) sa fejn irrifjutat aċċess sħiħ jew parzjali skont l-Artikolu 4(4) u (6) RAD 2012 għal dokumenti li jappartjenu lill-fajls tal-kawża li wasslu għad-Deċiżjoni tal-ASE Nru 321/10/COL (Norway Post - sistema ta’ lealtà/skont) u rrifjutat li tagħti aċċess għall-verżjoni kompluta tad-Deċiżjoni ASE Nru 321/10/COL.

| — | Fis-17 ta’ Lulju 2014, DB Schenker irċevew ittra permezz tal-posta elettronika mill-ASE li kienet tinfurmahom li l-ASE kienet reġgħet iddeċidiet li tirrifjuta l-aċċess ta’ DB Schenker għad-dokumenti kontestati. DB Schenker kien mistieden jissottometti applikazzjoni konfermatorja jekk ried li l-ASE tikkunsidra mill-ġdid il-pożizzjoni tagħha. |
| --- | --- |

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Fis-17 ta’ Lulju 2014, DB Schenker irċevew ittra permezz tal-posta elettronika mill-ASE li kienet tinfurmahom li l-ASE kienet reġgħet iddeċidiet li tirrifjuta l-aċċess ta’ DB Schenker għad-dokumenti kontestati. DB Schenker kien mistieden jissottometti applikazzjoni konfermatorja jekk ried li l-ASE tikkunsidra mill-ġdid il-pożizzjoni tagħha.

| — | Fis-27 ta’ Awwissu 2014, DB Schenker bagħat applikazzjoni konfermatorja lill-ASE. Fid-9 ta’ Settembru 2014 l-ASE bagħtet ittra elettronika lil DB Schenker li kienet tinkludi kopja tad-deċiżjoni, li għal darba oħra ċaħħdet lil DB Schenker aċċess sħiħ jew parzjali skont l-Artikolu 4(4) u (6) RAD 2012 għall-istess dokumenti, jiġifieri d-dokumenti li għandhom x’jaqsmu mal-fajls tal-kawża li wasslu għad-Deċiżjoni tal-ASE Nru 321/10/COL (Norway Post - sistema ta’ lealtà/skont), u l-verżjoni kompluta tad-Deċiżjoni tal-ASE Nru 321/10/COL. DB Schenker ifittex li jannulla din id-deċiżjoni skont l-Artikolu 36 KSA. |
| --- | --- |

—

Fis-27 ta’ Awwissu 2014, DB Schenker bagħat applikazzjoni konfermatorja lill-ASE. Fid-9 ta’ Settembru 2014 l-ASE bagħtet ittra elettronika lil DB Schenker li kienet tinkludi kopja tad-deċiżjoni, li għal darba oħra ċaħħdet lil DB Schenker aċċess sħiħ jew parzjali skont l-Artikolu 4(4) u (6) RAD 2012 għall-istess dokumenti, jiġifieri d-dokumenti li għandhom x’jaqsmu mal-fajls tal-kawża li wasslu għad-Deċiżjoni tal-ASE Nru 321/10/COL (Norway Post - sistema ta’ lealtà/skont), u l-verżjoni kompluta tad-Deċiżjoni tal-ASE Nru 321/10/COL. DB Schenker ifittex li jannulla din id-deċiżjoni skont l-Artikolu 36 KSA.

Ir-rikorrenti jsostnu li l-Awtorità ta’ Sorveljanza tal-EFTA:

| — | kisret l-eċċezzjoni tal-interessi kummerċjali fl-Artikolu 4(4) RAD [2012] u l-obbligu tas-segretezza professjonali fl-Artikolu 122 ŻEE, l-Artikolu 14(4) KSA u l-Artikolu 28(2) tal-Kapitolu II tal-Protokoll 4 KSA, u b’hekk żammet b’mod ħażin id-dokumenti kkontestati f’kontravvenzjoni tad-dritt ta’ aċċess tal-pubbliku fl-Artikolu 2(1) RAD 2012; |
| --- | --- |

—

kisret l-eċċezzjoni tal-interessi kummerċjali fl-Artikolu 4(4) RAD [2012] u l-obbligu tas-segretezza professjonali fl-Artikolu 122 ŻEE, l-Artikolu 14(4) KSA u l-Artikolu 28(2) tal-Kapitolu II tal-Protokoll 4 KSA, u b’hekk żammet b’mod ħażin id-dokumenti kkontestati f’kontravvenzjoni tad-dritt ta’ aċċess tal-pubbliku fl-Artikolu 2(1) RAD 2012;

| — | kisret l-eċċezzjoni tal-interess pubbliku prevalenti fl-Artikoli 4(4) u 4(6) RAD 2012, u b’hekk żammet b’mod ħażin id-dokumenti kkontestati f’kontravvenzjoni tad-dritt ta’ aċċess tal-pubbliku fl-Artikolu 2(1) RAD 2012. |
| --- | --- |

—

kisret l-eċċezzjoni tal-interess pubbliku prevalenti fl-Artikoli 4(4) u 4(6) RAD 2012, u b’hekk żammet b’mod ħażin id-dokumenti kkontestati f’kontravvenzjoni tad-dritt ta’ aċċess tal-pubbliku fl-Artikolu 2(1) RAD 2012.

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ATTI OĦRAJN

Il-Kummissjoni Ewropea

| 15.1.2015 | MT | Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea | C 11/18 |
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15.1.2015

MT

Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea

C 11/18

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Pubblikazzjoni ta’ talba għal emenda skont l-Artikolu 50 (2)(a) tar-Regolament (UE) Nru 1151/2012 tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill dwar skemi tal-kwalità għal prodotti agrikoli u oġġetti tal-ikel

(2015/C 11/08)

Din il-pubblikazzjoni tagħti d-dritt li wieħed joġġezzjona għat-talba għal emenda skont l-Artikolu 51 tar-Regolament (UE) Nru 1151/2012 tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill (1).

TALBA GĦAL EMENDA

IR-REGOLAMENT (KE) Nru 510/2006 TAL-KUNSILL

dwar il-protezzjoni tal-indikazzjonijiet ġeografiċi u d-denominazzjonijiet tal-oriġini tal-prodotti agrikolu u l-oġġetti tal-ikel
   (2)

TALBA GĦAL EMENDA SKONT L-ARTIKOLU 9

“Canard à Foie Gras du Sud-Ouest (Chalosse, Gascogne, Gers, Landes, Périgord, Quercy)”

Nru tal-KE: FR-IĠP-0105-1000-25.5.2012

IĠP ( X ) DPO ( )

1.   Intestatura tal-ispeċifikazzjoni tal-prodott affettwata mill-emenda

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2.   Tip ta’ emenda/i

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3.   Emenda (emendi)

Il-grupp xtaq minn naħa jadatta l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet sabiex jiċċara u jispeċifika ċerti punti fih (b’mod partikolari sabiex jikkunsidra l-ispeċifiċitajiet tal-operaturi ż-żgħar, tal-bidliet tal-modi ta’ preżentazzjoni tal-prodotti lill-konsumaturi, tal-modi ta’ kummerċjalizzazzjoni fuq is-swieq tradizzjonali tat-tjur imsemmna li jibqgħu jirriflettu l-kultura rurali u gastronimika tal-Lbiċ ta’ Franza) bħala parti minn proċess ta’ titjib u, min-naħa l-oħra, sabiex jikkunsidra l-bidliet tekniċi tas-settur li seħħew mir-reġistrazzjoni tal-IĠP fis-sena 2000.

3.1   Deskrizzjoni tal-prodotti

Saru dawn l-emendi li ġejjin:

| 1. | Żdiedet il-papra sħiħa (bil-fwied jew mingħajru) u tal-karkassa mnaddfa mill-ġewwieni.
  Tradizzjonalment mibjugħa fuq is-swieq tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ (swieq li jispeċjalizzaw fil-bejgħ ta’ papri jew wiżż imsemmna u ta’ biċċiet imqattgħin minn dawn it-tjur), ġew miżjuda d-diversi preżentazzjonijiet tal-papra sħiħa.
  Dawn il-preżentazzjonijiet huma marbuta mal-annimal sħiħ maqtul, ma’ diversi gradi ta’ tneħħija tal-ġewwieni, li minnhom jinkisbu l-biċċiet imqattgħin jew il-ġewwieni li jidhru fl-ispeċifikazzjonijiet irreġistrati fl-2000 (prodotti nejjin jew prodotti pproċessati).
  Il-papru sħiħ (bil-fwied jew mingħajru) u l-karkassa mnaddfa mill-ġewwieni huma ppreżentati friski jew iffriżati istantanjament jew iffriżati bil-mod.
  Fost il-vixxri jew il-ġewwieni, il-fwied, il-qalb u l-qanżħa biss jistgħu jinbiegħu b’mod separat taħt l-IĠP.
  Il-grupp għażel li jżomm il-lista tal-biċċiet tal-laħam u tal-ġewwieni li tidher fl-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tal-IĠP rreġistrat f’konformità mal-istorja u l-fama tal-prodotti tradizzjonalment mibjugħa li ġejjin mill-papra msemmna fil-Lbiċ. Ma xtaqx jestendi l-IĠP għal biċċiet imqattgħin li mhumiex tradizzjonali. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Żdiedet il-papra sħiħa (bil-fwied jew mingħajru) u tal-karkassa mnaddfa mill-ġewwieni.

Tradizzjonalment mibjugħa fuq is-swieq tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ (swieq li jispeċjalizzaw fil-bejgħ ta’ papri jew wiżż imsemmna u ta’ biċċiet imqattgħin minn dawn it-tjur), ġew miżjuda d-diversi preżentazzjonijiet tal-papra sħiħa.

Dawn il-preżentazzjonijiet huma marbuta mal-annimal sħiħ maqtul, ma’ diversi gradi ta’ tneħħija tal-ġewwieni, li minnhom jinkisbu l-biċċiet imqattgħin jew il-ġewwieni li jidhru fl-ispeċifikazzjonijiet irreġistrati fl-2000 (prodotti nejjin jew prodotti pproċessati).

Il-papru sħiħ (bil-fwied jew mingħajru) u l-karkassa mnaddfa mill-ġewwieni huma ppreżentati friski jew iffriżati istantanjament jew iffriżati bil-mod.

Fost il-vixxri jew il-ġewwieni, il-fwied, il-qalb u l-qanżħa biss jistgħu jinbiegħu b’mod separat taħt l-IĠP.

Il-grupp għażel li jżomm il-lista tal-biċċiet tal-laħam u tal-ġewwieni li tidher fl-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tal-IĠP rreġistrat f’konformità mal-istorja u l-fama tal-prodotti tradizzjonalment mibjugħa li ġejjin mill-papra msemmna fil-Lbiċ. Ma xtaqx jestendi l-IĠP għal biċċiet imqattgħin li mhumiex tradizzjonali.

| 2. | Żieda tal-preżentazzjoni fil-forma ta’ qtugħ addizzjonali tal-prodotti kollha minbarra tal-papru sħiħ (bil-fwied jew mingħajru) u tal-karkassi mnaddfa.
  Din saret biex ikunu jistgħu jinbiegħu porzjonijiet lill-konsumatur aħħari.
  Barra minn hekk, fid-DU ntqal li l-preżentazzjoni tal-prodott tista’ tkun fil-laned, semi-ppreżervat, iffriżati bil-mod jew iffriżati istantanjament. Dan huwa punt tal-ispeċifikazzjonijiet fis-seħħ. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Żieda tal-preżentazzjoni fil-forma ta’ qtugħ addizzjonali tal-prodotti kollha minbarra tal-papru sħiħ (bil-fwied jew mingħajru) u tal-karkassi mnaddfa.

Din saret biex ikunu jistgħu jinbiegħu porzjonijiet lill-konsumatur aħħari.

Barra minn hekk, fid-DU ntqal li l-preżentazzjoni tal-prodott tista’ tkun fil-laned, semi-ppreżervat, iffriżati bil-mod jew iffriżati istantanjament. Dan huwa punt tal-ispeċifikazzjonijiet fis-seħħ.

| 3. | Żieda tal-preżentazzjoni tal-foie gras nej imħawwar.
  Din tipproponi prodott “lest biex jissajjar”. Il-foie gras nej mibjugħ imħawwar ifisser il-prodott kif jiġi mħejji qabel ikompli jiġi pproċessat taħt l-IĠP. Il-ħwawar deskritti huma l-istess kemm għall-prodott nej imħawwar kif ukoll għall-prodott ipproċessat: “Melħ, melħ bin-nitrit, zokkor, ħwawar u pjanti aromatiċi, spirti, inbejjed tal-likuri, inbejjed, tartufi (Tuber melanosporum), aċidu askorbiku jew askorbat tas-sodju. Il-ħwawar huma limitati għal 4 % tal-piż tal-prodott imħejji, li massimu ta’ 2 g minnhom ikunu sukrożju għal kull kg ta’ prodott imħejji”. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Żieda tal-preżentazzjoni tal-foie gras nej imħawwar.

Din tipproponi prodott “lest biex jissajjar”. Il-foie gras nej mibjugħ imħawwar ifisser il-prodott kif jiġi mħejji qabel ikompli jiġi pproċessat taħt l-IĠP. Il-ħwawar deskritti huma l-istess kemm għall-prodott nej imħawwar kif ukoll għall-prodott ipproċessat: “Melħ, melħ bin-nitrit, zokkor, ħwawar u pjanti aromatiċi, spirti, inbejjed tal-likuri, inbejjed, tartufi (Tuber melanosporum), aċidu askorbiku jew askorbat tas-sodju. Il-ħwawar huma limitati għal 4 % tal-piż tal-prodott imħejji, li massimu ta’ 2 g minnhom ikunu sukrożju għal kull kg ta’ prodott imħejji”.

| 4. | Żieda tal-possibbiltà l-foie gras nej jiġi ppreżentat mingħajr vini. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Żieda tal-possibbiltà l-foie gras nej jiġi ppreżentat mingħajr vini.

| 5. | Definizzjoni tat-tirqim tas-sider tal-papru. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Definizzjoni tat-tirqim tas-sider tal-papru.

| 6. | It-test tal-ispeċifikazzjonijiet u tad-dokument uniku ġie ċċarat f’dak li jirrigwarda l-isdra mnixxfa u affumikati: fir-realtà kull sider jiġi mnixxef, u jista’ jkun affumikat ukoll. |
| --- | --- |

6.

It-test tal-ispeċifikazzjonijiet u tad-dokument uniku ġie ċċarat f’dak li jirrigwarda l-isdra mnixxfa u affumikati: fir-realtà kull sider jiġi mnixxef, u jista’ jkun affumikat ukoll.

3.2   Prova tal-oriġini

It-tabelli ġew aġġornati skont l-emendi magħmula fil-kapitolu “Metodu ta’ produzzjoni” u r-regolamenti fis-seħħ. Il-kontenut ta’ ċerti dokumenti ġie spjegat.

Żdied l-obbligu li wieħed ikollu kontabilità tal-materja prima għal kull sit (ara l-Artikolu 6(2) tar-Regolament (KE) Nru 1898/2006 tal-Kummissjoni Ewropea (3)).

Il-kunċetti tal-lott huma spjegati.

3.3   Metodi ta’ produzzjoni

Skont l-iżviluppi nazzjonali u Komunitarji dwar l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tal-IĠP, din il-parti sarulha diversi emendi fil-forma u fis-sustanza.

Dawn huma l-bidliet li saru:

1.   Tfaqqis

Ir-rekwiżiti relatati mat-tfaqqis ġew ripetuti biex jiġi ċċarat f’din il-parti li l-papri jkunu mnissla minn papri rġiel, tal-ispeċijiet Cairina moschata imsejħa “papru ta’ Barbarie” jew mit-taħlita tal-ispeċijiet Cairina moschata × Anas Platyrhinchos (il-papru ta’ Barbarie × u papra komuni) imsejħa canard mulard (papru bagħal). Mhijiex proprjament emenda iżda spostament ta’ dispożizzjoni li kienet diġà teżisti fl-ispeċifikazzjonijiet.

Kien speċifikat ukoll li l-ġenituri użati għat-taħlit tar-razez għandhom jintgħażlu skont il-punti ta’ referenza stabbiliti mis-Syndicat des Sélectionneurs Avicoles et Aquacoles Français [SYSAAF – Syndicat des Sélectionneurs Avicoles et Aquacoles Français (il-union ta’ min irabbi t-tjur u tal-akkwakultura fi Franza)].

2.   It-trobbija

| — | L-ispeċifikazzjonijiet ġew emendati sabiex jippermettu t-trasferiment tal-flieles tal-papri minn razzett għal ieħor (qabel jew wara 42 jum) fiż-żona ġeografika. Dan sar biex jitqiesu l-organizzazzjoni tas-settur u l-prattiki attwali tal-operaturi. Din il-prattika ta’ trobbija titlob li minflok wieħed jibda minn flieles ta’ jum, jibda minn annimali li għadhom żgħar. |
| --- | --- |

—

L-ispeċifikazzjonijiet ġew emendati sabiex jippermettu t-trasferiment tal-flieles tal-papri minn razzett għal ieħor (qabel jew wara 42 jum) fiż-żona ġeografika. Dan sar biex jitqiesu l-organizzazzjoni tas-settur u l-prattiki attwali tal-operaturi. Din il-prattika ta’ trobbija titlob li minflok wieħed jibda minn flieles ta’ jum, jibda minn annimali li għadhom żgħar.

| — | Id-differenza bejn id-densitajiet fil-bini u barra bejn annimali li jitħallew fl-istess bini tul it-trobbija tagħhom u l-annimali li jiġu spostati tneħħiet u minflokha ddaħħlet densità fil-bini skont l-età tal-annimali. |
| --- | --- |

—

Id-differenza bejn id-densitajiet fil-bini u barra bejn annimali li jitħallew fl-istess bini tul it-trobbija tagħhom u l-annimali li jiġu spostati tneħħiet u minflokha ddaħħlet densità fil-bini skont l-età tal-annimali.

| — | Iddaħħal il-kunċett tal-użu mqassam ta’ spazji miftuħa sabiex ikun hemm ġestjoni aqwa tal-kwalità ta’ dawn l-ispazji miftuħa b’mod li jifforma inqas tajn u jonqsu l-effetti tiegħu fuq l-iżvilupp tal-annimal (annimali jzappu pereżempju). Dan it-tqassim huwa limitat mid-definizzjoni ta’ erja istantanja disponibbli għal kull papru maqsuma minn-nofs. Dan it-tqassim jista’ jkun assoċjat man-newba tal-ispazji miftuħa li għandha l-għan li tippermetti l-użu, għall-istess raġunijiet, ta’ spazju miftuħ ieħor. Dawn l-emendi huma assoċjati mal-emenda fiż-żmien ta’ mistrieħ tal-ispazji miftuħa bejn żewġ medded (12-il ġimgħa) u s-sostituzzjoni tiegħu b’perjodu totali ta’ 168 jum mistrieħ fis-sena. |
| --- | --- |

—

Iddaħħal il-kunċett tal-użu mqassam ta’ spazji miftuħa sabiex ikun hemm ġestjoni aqwa tal-kwalità ta’ dawn l-ispazji miftuħa b’mod li jifforma inqas tajn u jonqsu l-effetti tiegħu fuq l-iżvilupp tal-annimal (annimali jzappu pereżempju). Dan it-tqassim huwa limitat mid-definizzjoni ta’ erja istantanja disponibbli għal kull papru maqsuma minn-nofs. Dan it-tqassim jista’ jkun assoċjat man-newba tal-ispazji miftuħa li għandha l-għan li tippermetti l-użu, għall-istess raġunijiet, ta’ spazju miftuħ ieħor. Dawn l-emendi huma assoċjati mal-emenda fiż-żmien ta’ mistrieħ tal-ispazji miftuħa bejn żewġ medded (12-il ġimgħa) u s-sostituzzjoni tiegħu b’perjodu totali ta’ 168 jum mistrieħ fis-sena.

3.   Il-formulazzjoni tal-porzjon

Il-porzjon tal-ikel imqassam lill-annimali qabel 42 jum ġie stabbilit u l-perċentwal tal-prodotti derivati mill-qmugħ taċ-ċereali mit-43 jum ġie limitat.

Il-klassijiet tal-ikel ġew definiti skont it-terminoloġija tal-leġiżlazzjoni Komunitarji fis-seħħ (ir-Regolament (UE) Nru 68/2013 tal-Kummissjoni tas-16 ta’ Jannar 2013 dwar il-katalgu tal-materjali tal-għalf).

4.   It-tmigħ sfurzat

Ġew introdotti diversi elementi:

| — | Piż minimu għall-annimali mitmugħa bilfors minbarra l-piż medju. |
| --- | --- |

—

Piż minimu għall-annimali mitmugħa bilfors minbarra l-piż medju.

| — | It-tmigħ sfurzat kontinwu għall-produtturi bdiewa: jiġifieri t-tmigħ sfurzat tal-papri ta’ etajiet differenti fl-istess waqt. |
| --- | --- |

—

It-tmigħ sfurzat kontinwu għall-produtturi bdiewa: jiġifieri t-tmigħ sfurzat tal-papri ta’ etajiet differenti fl-istess waqt.

| — | Rekwiżiti tas-saħħa fil-livell tat-tmigħ sfurzat (tindif, diżinfettar, spazju ventilat taħt l-art). |
| --- | --- |

—

Rekwiżiti tas-saħħa fil-livell tat-tmigħ sfurzat (tindif, diżinfettar, spazju ventilat taħt l-art).

| — | Il-perjodu ta’ tmigħ sfurzat tnaqqas minn minimu ta’ 12 għal 10 ijiem u minn minimu ta’ 24 għal 20 ikla. Dan kien possibbli minħabba t-titjib xjentifiku u tekniku fit-tgħammir, fit-trobbija u fit-tmigħ sfurzat, mingħajr ma l-piż tal-fwied ikun kompromess. L-objettiv ta’ kwalità b’mod partikolari f’termini ta’ rata ta’ tidwib huwa li wieħed ikollu fwied ta’ madwar 550 g. Illum dan il-piż jintlaħaq u saħansitra jinqabeż fi żmien għaxart ijiem sa 12-il jum. Għaldaqstant ikun aħjar jekk jitqassar il-perjodu ta’ tmigħ sfurzat biex l-operaturi jkollhom il-possibbiltà li jikkontrollaw id-daqs tal-fwied. Il-perjodu ta’ tmigħ sfurzat biss ġie emendat, il-perjodu tat-trobbija ma nbidilx u l-piż minimu tal-fwied baqa’ ta’ 350 g. |
| --- | --- |

—

Il-perjodu ta’ tmigħ sfurzat tnaqqas minn minimu ta’ 12 għal 10 ijiem u minn minimu ta’ 24 għal 20 ikla. Dan kien possibbli minħabba t-titjib xjentifiku u tekniku fit-tgħammir, fit-trobbija u fit-tmigħ sfurzat, mingħajr ma l-piż tal-fwied ikun kompromess. L-objettiv ta’ kwalità b’mod partikolari f’termini ta’ rata ta’ tidwib huwa li wieħed ikollu fwied ta’ madwar 550 g. Illum dan il-piż jintlaħaq u saħansitra jinqabeż fi żmien għaxart ijiem sa 12-il jum. Għaldaqstant ikun aħjar jekk jitqassar il-perjodu ta’ tmigħ sfurzat biex l-operaturi jkollhom il-possibbiltà li jikkontrollaw id-daqs tal-fwied. Il-perjodu ta’ tmigħ sfurzat biss ġie emendat, il-perjodu tat-trobbija ma nbidilx u l-piż minimu tal-fwied baqa’ ta’ 350 g.

| — | It-tip ta’ qamħirrun użat għat-tmigħ sfurzat ġie speċifikat, tista’ tintuża żerriegħa tal-qamħirrun u/jew qamħirrun mitħun (maxx). |
| --- | --- |

—

It-tip ta’ qamħirrun użat għat-tmigħ sfurzat ġie speċifikat, tista’ tintuża żerriegħa tal-qamħirrun u/jew qamħirrun mitħun (maxx).

5.   Qatla

Iddaħħlet età minima ta’ 91 jum sal-qatla għall-papru bagħal u 92 jum għall-papru ta’ Barbarie. Din hija kjarifika li tikkorrispondi għat-total taż-żmien minimu ta’ trobbija (81 jew 82 jum) u l-perjodu minimu ta’ tmigħ sfurzat (10 ijiem).

6.   Dispożizzjonijiet dwar il-karkassi

| — | Il-fażi tat-tneħħija tal-ġewwieni ġiet kompluta biex ikun iċċarat li l-marrara titneħħa waqt it-tindif tal-ġewwieni, li dan iseħħ fis-sħana jew fil-kesħa u biex tkun definita t-tneħħija tal-vini. |
| --- | --- |

—

Il-fażi tat-tneħħija tal-ġewwieni ġiet kompluta biex ikun iċċarat li l-marrara titneħħa waqt it-tindif tal-ġewwieni, li dan iseħħ fis-sħana jew fil-kesħa u biex tkun definita t-tneħħija tal-vini.

| — | It-tkessiħ tal-fwied u tal-karkassi ġie spjegat ukoll. |
| --- | --- |

—

It-tkessiħ tal-fwied u tal-karkassi ġie spjegat ukoll.

| — | It-tul ta’ ħin bejn it-tindif tal-ġewwieni u t-tqattigħ (24h) u bejn il-qatla u l-iffriżar bil-mod jew l-iffriżar istantanju (48h) tneħħa u minfloku ġew stabbiliti regoli tal-iġjene speċifiċi għal kull operatur. |
| --- | --- |

—

It-tul ta’ ħin bejn it-tindif tal-ġewwieni u t-tqattigħ (24h) u bejn il-qatla u l-iffriżar bil-mod jew l-iffriżar istantanju (48h) tneħħa u minfloku ġew stabbiliti regoli tal-iġjene speċifiċi għal kull operatur.

7.   It-tħawwir tal-foie gras

It-tħawwir tal-foie gras nej huwa speċifikat u limitat għal 4 % tal-piż tal-prodott ippreparat.

8.   L-ipproċessar tal-foie gras

| — | Ġiet speċifikata l-preżentazzjoni tal-foie gras nej maħsub għall-ipproċessar. Dan jista’ jkun sħiħ, mingħajr vini, imqatta’ jew imħawwar. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ġiet speċifikata l-preżentazzjoni tal-foie gras nej maħsub għall-ipproċessar. Dan jista’ jkun sħiħ, mingħajr vini, imqatta’ jew imħawwar.

| — | Ġew speċifikati tliet stati ta’ konservazzjoni: imkessaħ, iffriżat bil-mod jew iffriżat istantanjament. Il-kundizzjonijiet ta’ kif il-fwied jiġi ffriżat bil-mod jew iffriżat istantanjament ġew speċifikati. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ġew speċifikati tliet stati ta’ konservazzjoni: imkessaħ, iffriżat bil-mod jew iffriżat istantanjament. Il-kundizzjonijiet ta’ kif il-fwied jiġi ffriżat bil-mod jew iffriżat istantanjament ġew speċifikati.

| — | Bħal fil-każ tal-foie gras nej li jinbiegħ imħawwar, it-tħawwir tal-foie gras maħsub għall-ipproċessar huwa definit u limitat għal 4 % tal-piż tal-prodott ippreparat. |
| --- | --- |

—

Bħal fil-każ tal-foie gras nej li jinbiegħ imħawwar, it-tħawwir tal-foie gras maħsub għall-ipproċessar huwa definit u limitat għal 4 % tal-piż tal-prodott ippreparat.

| — | It-tisjir tal-foie gras imgeżwer fil-musulina, li qabel kien jixxebbah mat-togħlija bil-mod, ġie spjegat aħjar biż-żieda tad-dispożizzjonijiet relatati mal-brodu użat, peress li dan huwa metodu tradizzjonali ta’ sajran. |
| --- | --- |

—

It-tisjir tal-foie gras imgeżwer fil-musulina, li qabel kien jixxebbah mat-togħlija bil-mod, ġie spjegat aħjar biż-żieda tad-dispożizzjonijiet relatati mal-brodu użat, peress li dan huwa metodu tradizzjonali ta’ sajran.

| — | Saru xi kjarifiki dwar il-prodotti “foie gras sħiħ” jew “foie gras”: il-possibbiltà li jkun hemm biss lobu wieħed f’pakkett ta’ piż nett ta’ 250 g jew inqas, l-ingredjenti tal-ġelatina użata għall-kisi, ir-rata minima ta’ tartufi biex wieħed ikun jista’ jsemmi dan l-ingredjent fid-deskrizzjoni għall-bejgħ. |
| --- | --- |

—

Saru xi kjarifiki dwar il-prodotti “foie gras sħiħ” jew “foie gras”: il-possibbiltà li jkun hemm biss lobu wieħed f’pakkett ta’ piż nett ta’ 250 g jew inqas, l-ingredjenti tal-ġelatina użata għall-kisi, ir-rata minima ta’ tartufi biex wieħed ikun jista’ jsemmi dan l-ingredjent fid-deskrizzjoni għall-bejgħ.

| — | Ġiet ipprovduta espressament il-possibbiltà li sa 10 % tat-taħlita tal-blokka ta’ foie gras tista’ tkun foie gras tal-IĠP diġà pproċessat u msajjar. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ġiet ipprovduta espressament il-possibbiltà li sa 10 % tat-taħlita tal-blokka ta’ foie gras tista’ tkun foie gras tal-IĠP diġà pproċessat u msajjar.

| — | Saru xi kjarifiki dwar il-kundizzjonijiet meħtieġa biex wieħed ikun jista’ jindika fuq it-tikketta l-preżenza ta’ biċċiet, l-ingredjenti tal-ġelatina użata għall-kisi, u r-rata minima ta’ tartufi. |
| --- | --- |

—

Saru xi kjarifiki dwar il-kundizzjonijiet meħtieġa biex wieħed ikun jista’ jindika fuq it-tikketta l-preżenza ta’ biċċiet, l-ingredjenti tal-ġelatina użata għall-kisi, u r-rata minima ta’ tartufi.

9.   L-ipproċessar tal-laħam

Ġie pprojbit l-użu tat-tmelliħ fis-salmura tal-laħam ipproċessat:

| — | Għas-sider imnixxef u affumikat:






  — | ġew introdotti dettalji dwar it-tnixxif; |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Għas-sider imnixxef u affumikat:

—

ġew introdotti dettalji dwar it-tnixxif;

| — | mhuwiex permess l-użu ta’ ħwawar; |
| --- | --- |

—

mhuwiex permess l-użu ta’ ħwawar;

| — | għall-affumikar, ġew ipprojbiti proċessi bħat-tlaħliħ, il-ħasil jew it-traxxix ta’ duħħan likwidu; |
| --- | --- |

—

għall-affumikar, ġew ipprojbiti proċessi bħat-tlaħliħ, il-ħasil jew it-traxxix ta’ duħħan likwidu;

| — | ġiet introdotta lista pożittiva ta’ ingredjenti. |
| --- | --- |

—

ġiet introdotta lista pożittiva ta’ ingredjenti.

| — | Għal-laħam ippreżervat:






  — | huwa speċifikat li l-pakketti li ma jgħaddux minn stabbilizzazzjoni bis-sħana jissajru kompletament. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Għal-laħam ippreżervat:

—

huwa speċifikat li l-pakketti li ma jgħaddux minn stabbilizzazzjoni bis-sħana jissajru kompletament.

| — | l-istabbilizzazzjoni bis-sħana (sajran doppju) tapplika biss għall-pakketti li għalihom din hija teknikament possibbli; |
| --- | --- |

—

l-istabbilizzazzjoni bis-sħana (sajran doppju) tapplika biss għall-pakketti li għalihom din hija teknikament possibbli;

| — | ġew iċċarati r-regoli dwar l-użu tad-denominazzjonijiet tal-bejgħ tal-laħam ippreżervat skont il-biċċiet li jkunu fil-pakkett. |
| --- | --- |

—

ġew iċċarati r-regoli dwar l-użu tad-denominazzjonijiet tal-bejgħ tal-laħam ippreżervat skont il-biċċiet li jkunu fil-pakkett.

3.4   Tikkettar

Fid-dawl tal-iżviluppi fil-leġiżlazzjoni nazzjonali, l-isem tal-awtoritajiet ta’ ċertifikazzjoni ma għadux obbligatorju fuq it-tikketta tal-prodotti tal-IĠP, u għalhekk, il-grupp għażel li jneħħi dan l-obbligu mill-ispeċifikazzjonijiet.

Id-dispożizzjonijiet dwar it-tikkettar ġew riveduti sabiex ikunu konformi mad-denominazzjoni rreġistrata.

Ġie introdott l-użu ta’ elementi kollettivi ta’ tikkettar kif ukoll regoli dwar id-daqs tal-ittri għall-isem ġeografiku fid-denominazzjoni tal-bejgħ tal-prodott.

L-elementi kollettivi tat-tikkettar ġew iddefiniti fi skeda li l-grupp ipprovda għall-operaturi kollha.

3.5   Rekwiżiti nazzjonali

Fid-dawl tal-iżviluppi leġiżlattivi u regolatorji nazzjonali, l-intestatura “Rekwiżiti nazzjonali” hija ppreżentata fil-forma ta’ tabella bil-punti ewlenin li jridu jkunu kkontrollati u l-metodu ta’ valutazzjoni tagħhom.

3.6   Oħrajn

Id-dettalji tal-grupp u tal-awtoritajiet ta’ ċertifikazzjoni

Id-dettalji ta’ kuntatt tal-grupp ġew aġġornati u ġew miżjuda dawk tal-awtoritajiet ta’ ċertifikazzjoni.

Tip ta’ prodott

It-titolu tal-klassijiet tal-prodotti ġie aġġornat skont it-terminoloġija tar-regolamenti Komunitarji fis-seħħ. Din il-kitba ġiet ittrasferita fil-kapitolu “Deskrizzjoni tal-prodotti”.

Żona ġeografika

Id-definizzjoni taż-żona ġeografika tal-IĠP ma nbidlitx. Iżda l-preżentazzjoni tagħha nbidlet: il-lista tal-cantons ġiet sostitwita mil-lista tal-muniċipalitajiet relatati.

Regoli speċifiċi għall-ippakkjar

Ġie speċifikat li kull operazzjoni mit-trobbija sal-ippakkjar għandha sseħħ fiż-żona ġeografika definita. Għaldaqstant l-obbligu tal-ippakkjar fiż-żona jidher b’mod espliċitu fil-parti “Iż-żona ġeografika” tal-ispeċifikazzjonijiet.

Dan kien diġà impliċitu fl-ispeċifikazzjonijiet attwali permezz tad-dispożizzjonijiet li ġejjin:

| — | paġna 34, “il-laħam ippreżervat jiġi ppakkjat fil-kontenut finali”; |
| --- | --- |

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paġna 34, “il-laħam ippreżervat jiġi ppakkjat fil-kontenut finali”;

| — | paġna 32 u 34, huwa previst li l-isdra u l-foies gras jitqiegħdu fil-vakwu; |
| --- | --- |

—

paġna 32 u 34, huwa previst li l-isdra u l-foies gras jitqiegħdu fil-vakwu;

| — | paġna 32, it-trattament bis-sħana finali tal-preparazzjonijiet tal-foie gras isir wara l-ippakkjar. |
| --- | --- |

—

paġna 32, it-trattament bis-sħana finali tal-preparazzjonijiet tal-foie gras isir wara l-ippakkjar.

L-ippakkjar fiż-żona ġeografika jgħin sabiex jinżammu l-karatteristiċi tal-prodotti.

Il-ġewwieni u l-laħam tal-papra huma prodotti fraġli li għandhom tendenza li jossidaw f’kuntatt mal-arja. L-ippakkjar fiż-żona ġeografika jnaqqas il-ħin bejn il-preparazzjoni u l-ippakkjar u għaldaqstant huwa mezz biex jiġi evitat kwalunkwe tibdil f’dawn il-prodotti.

Fil-każ tal-foies gras ipproċessati u l-prodotti ppreżervati, l-ippakkjar huwa parti integrali mill-proċess ta’ manifattura, minħabba li dawn il-prodotti jingħataw trattamenti fis-sħana finali ta’ stabilizzazzjoni wara l-ippakkjar.

Fl-aħħar nett l-ippakkjar fiż-żona jiffaċilita t-traċċabbiltà u l-kontroll tal-prodotti.

Emendi fil-kitba b’mod partikolari fil-parti tar-Rabta

Dan il-kapitolu nkiteb mill-ġdid biex tintwera r-rabta tal-prodotti l-ġodda maż-żona ġeografika u sabiex tkun konformi mar-rekwiżiti tal-kitba attwali.

Dan il-kapitolu ġie organizzat skont it-tliet kapitoli li ġejjin u li ġew emendati:

| 1. | Il-kapitolu “Speċifiċità taż-żona ġeografika” reġa’ nkiteb u tqassam aħjar biex ikun aktar faċli:






  — | l-identifikazzjoni taż-żona ġeografika li l-limiti tagħha huma ppreżentati fir-rigward tal-unitajiet ġeografiċi jew amministrattivi ta’ madwarha; |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

Il-kapitolu “Speċifiċità taż-żona ġeografika” reġa’ nkiteb u tqassam aħjar biex ikun aktar faċli:

—

l-identifikazzjoni taż-żona ġeografika li l-limiti tagħha huma ppreżentati fir-rigward tal-unitajiet ġeografiċi jew amministrattivi ta’ madwarha;

| — | id-deskizzjoni tal-fatturi naturali karatteristiċi taż-żona ġeografika, jiġifieri t-temp, il-pajsaġġ u l-predominanza tal-kultivazzjoni tal-qamħirrun. Mhemmx deskrizzjoni tat-tip ta’ ħamrija, minħabba li l-iżvilupp tal-kultivazzjoni tal-qamħirrun huwa prinċipalment ir-riżultat tal-kundizzjonijiet tat-temp fiż-żona ġeografika. Ma’ dan il-punt ingħatat ukoll dejta b’ċifri eżatti; |
| --- | --- |

—

id-deskizzjoni tal-fatturi naturali karatteristiċi taż-żona ġeografika, jiġifieri t-temp, il-pajsaġġ u l-predominanza tal-kultivazzjoni tal-qamħirrun. Mhemmx deskrizzjoni tat-tip ta’ ħamrija, minħabba li l-iżvilupp tal-kultivazzjoni tal-qamħirrun huwa prinċipalment ir-riżultat tal-kundizzjonijiet tat-temp fiż-żona ġeografika. Ma’ dan il-punt ingħatat ukoll dejta b’ċifri eżatti;

| — | id-deskrizzjoni tal-fatturi umani li jixhdu l-karatteristiċi tradizzjonali tat-trobbija fil-Lbiċ sa mill-Medju Evu u l-iżvilupp tal-bejgħ tal-papru tal-foie gras fil-Lbiċ. |
| --- | --- |

—

id-deskrizzjoni tal-fatturi umani li jixhdu l-karatteristiċi tradizzjonali tat-trobbija fil-Lbiċ sa mill-Medju Evu u l-iżvilupp tal-bejgħ tal-papru tal-foie gras fil-Lbiċ.

| 2. | L-ispeċifiċitajiet tal-prodotti kollha koperti mill-IĠP ġew spjegati fil-kapitolu “Speċifiċità tal-prodott”, u b’mod partikolari dawk tal-klassi ta’ prodotti introdotta taħt it-talba għal emenda (il-papru sħiħ (bil-fwied jew mingħajru) u l-karkassa mnaddfa mill-ġewwieni). |
| --- | --- |

2.

L-ispeċifiċitajiet tal-prodotti kollha koperti mill-IĠP ġew spjegati fil-kapitolu “Speċifiċità tal-prodott”, u b’mod partikolari dawk tal-klassi ta’ prodotti introdotta taħt it-talba għal emenda (il-papru sħiħ (bil-fwied jew mingħajru) u l-karkassa mnaddfa mill-ġewwieni).

| 3. | Il-kapitolu “Rabta kawżali” inkiteb mill-ġdid biex ikun iċċarat li din hija bbażata essenzjalment fuq ir-reputazzjoni li tintwera permezz ta’ elementi aktar preċiżi. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Il-kapitolu “Rabta kawżali” inkiteb mill-ġdid biex ikun iċċarat li din hija bbażata essenzjalment fuq ir-reputazzjoni li tintwera permezz ta’ elementi aktar preċiżi.

L-elementi tradizzjonali li huma l-istabbiliment u l-kultivazzjoni tal-qamħirrun fir-reġjun, l-ekonomija kampanjola bbażata fuq it-trobbija tal-papri msemmna u t-tekniki ta’ konservazzjoni partikolari, inżammu iżda ġew imqassma aħjar u ċċarati aktar.

Għaldaqstant ir-rabta kawżali hija bbażata fuq dawn l-elementi:

| — | iż-żona ġeografika għandha kundizzjonijiet tat-temp ideali għall-kultivazzjoni tal-qamħirrun; |
| --- | --- |

—

iż-żona ġeografika għandha kundizzjonijiet tat-temp ideali għall-kultivazzjoni tal-qamħirrun;

| — | il-qamħirrun stabbilixxa ruħu fir-reġjun sa mis-seklu sittax, u malajr sar wieħed mill-prodotti tal-ikel ewlenin tat-tjur inġenerali u tal-papri b’mod aktar partikolari; |
| --- | --- |

—

il-qamħirrun stabbilixxa ruħu fir-reġjun sa mis-seklu sittax, u malajr sar wieħed mill-prodotti tal-ikel ewlenin tat-tjur inġenerali u tal-papri b’mod aktar partikolari;

| — | id-distribuzzjoni ta’ dan iċ-ċereali għenet lill-bdiewa jispeċjalizzaw fit-trobbija tal-papri msemmna u jiżviluppaw għarfien speċifiku dwar it-trobbija bbażat fuq tismin sfurzat iżda gradwali tal-papri (it-tmigħ sfurzat); |
| --- | --- |

—

id-distribuzzjoni ta’ dan iċ-ċereali għenet lill-bdiewa jispeċjalizzaw fit-trobbija tal-papri msemmna u jiżviluppaw għarfien speċifiku dwar it-trobbija bbażat fuq tismin sfurzat iżda gradwali tal-papri (it-tmigħ sfurzat);

| — | dan il-metodu ta’ trobbija tal-papri msemmna huwa l-għerq tal-karatteristika speċifika tagħhom, li tikkonsisti f’rata ta’ tismin sostanzjali kif ukoll żvilupp muskolari tajjeb; |
| --- | --- |

—

dan il-metodu ta’ trobbija tal-papri msemmna huwa l-għerq tal-karatteristika speċifika tagħhom, li tikkonsisti f’rata ta’ tismin sostanzjali kif ukoll żvilupp muskolari tajjeb;

| — | l-iżvilupp ta’ dan it-tip ta’ trobbija kien akkumpanjat mill-aġġustament tat-tekniki oriġinali ta’ konservazzjoni (ippreżervar u bbottiljar); |
| --- | --- |

—

l-iżvilupp ta’ dan it-tip ta’ trobbija kien akkumpanjat mill-aġġustament tat-tekniki oriġinali ta’ konservazzjoni (ippreżervar u bbottiljar);

| — | dawn it-tekniki ta’ konservazzjoni wasslu għal kummerċjalizzazzjoni ta’ dawn il-prodotti fuq skala akbar minn impriżi tan-negozju speċjalizzati; |
| --- | --- |

—

dawn it-tekniki ta’ konservazzjoni wasslu għal kummerċjalizzazzjoni ta’ dawn il-prodotti fuq skala akbar minn impriżi tan-negozju speċjalizzati;

| — | l-istabbiliment ta’ dawn l-impriżi kkontribwixxa għall-iżvilupp tar-reputazzjoni tal-papru tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ fir-reġjun tal-oriġini tiegħu iżda wkoll fuq skala nazzjonali mbagħad internazzjonali. |
| --- | --- |

—

l-istabbiliment ta’ dawn l-impriżi kkontribwixxa għall-iżvilupp tar-reputazzjoni tal-papru tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ fir-reġjun tal-oriġini tiegħu iżda wkoll fuq skala nazzjonali mbagħad internazzjonali.

Saru diversi emendi fil-kitba (sentenzi fformulati mill-ġdid, kjarifiki, ċaqliq ta’ paragrafi, eliminazzjoni ta’ paragrafi żejda).

DOKUMENT UNIKU

IR-REGOLAMENT (KE) Nru 510/2006 TAL-KUNSILL

dwar il-protezzjoni tal-indikazzjonijiet ġeografiċi u d-denominazzjonijiet tal-oriġini tal-prodotti agrikolu u l-oġġetti tal-ikel
   (4)

“Canard à Foie Gras du Sud-Ouest (Chalosse, Gascogne, Gers, Landes, Périgord, Quercy)”

Nru tal-KE: FR-IĠP-0105-1000-25.5.2012

IĠP ( X ) DPO ( )

1.   Isem

“Canard à Foie Gras du Sud-Ouest (Chalosse, Gascogne, Gers, Landes, Périgord, Quercy)”

2.   Stat membru jew pajjiż terz

Stat membru jew pajjiż terz

Franza

3.   Deskrizzjoni tal-prodott agrikolu jew tal-oġġett tal-ikel

Deskrizzjoni tal-prodott agrikolu jew tal-oġġett tal-ikel

3.1.   Tip ta’ prodott

Tip ta’ prodott

Klassi 1.1. Laħam (u ġewwieni) frisk

Il-kategorija 1.2 Prodotti abbażi tal-laħam (imsajrin, immellħin, affumikati, eċċ.)

3.2.   Deskrizzjoni tal-prodott li għalih japplika l-isem mogħti fil-punt 1

Deskrizzjoni tal-prodott li għalih japplika l-isem mogħti fil-punt 1

Il-canard à foie gras du Sud-Ouest (papru tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ) ġej minn papru ta’ barbarie jew papru mulard (bagħal).

Il-papru tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ jitrabba fil-miftuħ imbagħad jiġi mitmugħ bilfors mill-81 jum fil-każ tal-papri bgħula u mit-82 jum fil-każ tal-papri ta’ barbarie.

Il-papru tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ jiġi mitmugħ bilfors għal minimu ta’ 10 ijiem u b’minimu ta’ 20 ikla.

Imbagħad jinqatel u skont ma jkun meħtieġ jitqatta’ u jiġi pproċessat.

Il-papru tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ għandu ġilda u xaħam ta’ lewn abjad safrani sa isfar.

Id-diversi prodotti li ġejjin mill-papru tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ huma dawn li ġejjin:

| — | Il-laħam frisk u l-ġewwieni: Il-papru sħiħ (bil-fwied jew mingħajru) u l-karkassa mnaddfa mill-ġewwieni, il-foie gras, is-sider, il-koxxa, il-flett, il-qalb, id-drumsticks, il-qanżħa.
  Il-papru sħiħ bil-fwied jikkorispondi għall-papru sħiħ maqtul, imnittef u mhux imnaddaf.
  Il-papru sħiħ mingħajr fwied jikkorrispondi għall-papru sħiħ maqtul, imnittef, mhux imnaddaf, bil-fwied asportat.
  Il-karkassa mnaddfa tikkorrispondi għall-papru sħiħ, maqtul, imnittef u mnaddaf għal kollox.
  Il-foie gras nej huwa artab, b’lewn uniformi u mingħajr difetti. Il-piż minimu tiegħu huwa ta’ 350 gramma u jista’ jiġi wkoll imħawwar.
  Il-magrets huma s-sider (ma jinkludux il-muskolu tal-flett). Kull sider jiżen mill-inqas 300 gramma u jkun miksi bil-ġilda u bix-xaħam ta’ taħt il-ġilda. Ir-rata ta’ xaħam (xaħam + ġilda/piż totali) tkun bejn 25 % u 45 %. L-isdra jiġu mnittfa għal kollox u mirquma b’attenzjoni kbira. It-tirqim irid ikun regolari, għat-tond, bi proporzjon żgħir ta’ xaħam viżibbli, fuq in-naħa tal-laħam.
  Il-koxox huma l-biċċiet tal-laħam, il-ġilda u x-xaħam kollu li jiksu l-wirk, il-qasba u l-fibula. Iż-żewġ qatgħat għandhom isiru mill-ġogi. Ma għandux ikollhom daqqiet jew grif. Dawn ikunu mnittfa għal kollox, mirquma bir-reqqa u l-ponot tar-rix imneħħija kif suppost.
  Il-fletti huma l-parti ta’ ġewwa tal-muskolu tas-sider li tkun imqabbda mal-karkassa. Dawn ma jkollhomx daqqiet u jiġu ppreżentati sħaħ.
  Il-qalb tiġi ppreżentata sħiħa, mingħajr qtugħ u mingħajr l-aorta.
  Id-drumstick hija l-ewwel ġonta tal-ġewnaħ. Din tkun ippreżentata mirquma kif suppost, mingħajr kisriet, skaldi ta’ għadam jew daqqiet.
  Il-qanżħa hija t-tieni borża diġestiva tal-papru magħmula minn muskolu oħxon u li tista’ tittiekel. Din għandha tkun imqaxxra sewwa minn ġewwa, imnaddfa mix-xaħam fuq barra u mgħandhiex tinkludi biċċiet mill-esofagu.
  Dawn il-prodotti jistgħu jinbiegħu lill-konsumatur friski, iffriżati bil-mod jew iffriżati istantanjament.
  Jistgħu jkunu ppreżentati mqattgħin ħlief għall-papru sħiħ u għall-karkassa. |
| --- | --- |

—

Il-laħam frisk u l-ġewwieni: Il-papru sħiħ (bil-fwied jew mingħajru) u l-karkassa mnaddfa mill-ġewwieni, il-foie gras, is-sider, il-koxxa, il-flett, il-qalb, id-drumsticks, il-qanżħa.

Il-papru sħiħ bil-fwied jikkorispondi għall-papru sħiħ maqtul, imnittef u mhux imnaddaf.

Il-papru sħiħ mingħajr fwied jikkorrispondi għall-papru sħiħ maqtul, imnittef, mhux imnaddaf, bil-fwied asportat.

Il-karkassa mnaddfa tikkorrispondi għall-papru sħiħ, maqtul, imnittef u mnaddaf għal kollox.

Il-foie gras nej huwa artab, b’lewn uniformi u mingħajr difetti. Il-piż minimu tiegħu huwa ta’ 350 gramma u jista’ jiġi wkoll imħawwar.

Il-magrets huma s-sider (ma jinkludux il-muskolu tal-flett). Kull sider jiżen mill-inqas 300 gramma u jkun miksi bil-ġilda u bix-xaħam ta’ taħt il-ġilda. Ir-rata ta’ xaħam (xaħam + ġilda/piż totali) tkun bejn 25 % u 45 %. L-isdra jiġu mnittfa għal kollox u mirquma b’attenzjoni kbira. It-tirqim irid ikun regolari, għat-tond, bi proporzjon żgħir ta’ xaħam viżibbli, fuq in-naħa tal-laħam.

Il-koxox huma l-biċċiet tal-laħam, il-ġilda u x-xaħam kollu li jiksu l-wirk, il-qasba u l-fibula. Iż-żewġ qatgħat għandhom isiru mill-ġogi. Ma għandux ikollhom daqqiet jew grif. Dawn ikunu mnittfa għal kollox, mirquma bir-reqqa u l-ponot tar-rix imneħħija kif suppost.

Il-fletti huma l-parti ta’ ġewwa tal-muskolu tas-sider li tkun imqabbda mal-karkassa. Dawn ma jkollhomx daqqiet u jiġu ppreżentati sħaħ.

Il-qalb tiġi ppreżentata sħiħa, mingħajr qtugħ u mingħajr l-aorta.

Id-drumstick hija l-ewwel ġonta tal-ġewnaħ. Din tkun ippreżentata mirquma kif suppost, mingħajr kisriet, skaldi ta’ għadam jew daqqiet.

Il-qanżħa hija t-tieni borża diġestiva tal-papru magħmula minn muskolu oħxon u li tista’ tittiekel. Din għandha tkun imqaxxra sewwa minn ġewwa, imnaddfa mix-xaħam fuq barra u mgħandhiex tinkludi biċċiet mill-esofagu.

Dawn il-prodotti jistgħu jinbiegħu lill-konsumatur friski, iffriżati bil-mod jew iffriżati istantanjament.

Jistgħu jkunu ppreżentati mqattgħin ħlief għall-papru sħiħ u għall-karkassa.

| — | Prodotti tal-laħam: foie gras sħiħ, foie gras, blokka ta’ foie gras (bil-biċċiet jew mingħajrhom), sider imnixxef (jew imnixxef u affumikat), laħam ippreżervat (ġwienaħ, koxox, isdra, drumsticks, qnieżaħ).
  Il-foie gras sħiħ huwa preparazzjoni magħmula minn fwied xaħmi sħiħ jew minn lobu jew diversi lobi tal-fwied xaħmi u mħawwar.
  Il-foie gras huwa preparazzjoni magħmula minn biċċiet ta’ lobi ta’ fwied xaħmi (kull biċċa ta’ lobu ta’ fwied xaħmi li l-piż tagħha, fil-prodott lest, tkun mill-inqas 20 g) magħquda flimkien u mħawra.
  Il-blokka ta’ foie gras (bil-biċċiet jew mingħajrhom) hija preparazzjoni magħmula minn fwied xaħmi rikostitwit u mħawwar u wara miżjud b’xi biċċiet ta’ fwied xaħmi.
  L-isdra mnixxfa (jew imnixxfa u affumikati) isiru mill-isdra, immelħa bil-melħ xott u mnixxfa (jew imnixxfa u affumikati), u wara miżjuda b’xi ingredjenti.
  Il-laħam ippreżervat huwa preparazzjonijiet ta’ biċċiet ta’ laħam tal-papru tal-foie gras, immellħin bil-melħ xott, imsajrin fix-xaħam tal-papru biss. L-uniċi partijiet tal-annimal li jistgħu jintużaw huma l-koxxa, il-ġwejnaħ (l-isdra u d-drumstick imwaħħlin), is-sider, id-drumstick u l-qanżħa.
  Dawn il-prodotti jistgħu jinbiegħu lill-konsumatur ippreżervati, semi-ppreżervati (jew nofshom imsajrin), iffriżati bil-mod jew iffriżati istantanjament. Jistgħu jinxtraw ukoll imqattgħin aktar. |
| --- | --- |

—

Prodotti tal-laħam: foie gras sħiħ, foie gras, blokka ta’ foie gras (bil-biċċiet jew mingħajrhom), sider imnixxef (jew imnixxef u affumikat), laħam ippreżervat (ġwienaħ, koxox, isdra, drumsticks, qnieżaħ).

Il-foie gras sħiħ huwa preparazzjoni magħmula minn fwied xaħmi sħiħ jew minn lobu jew diversi lobi tal-fwied xaħmi u mħawwar.

Il-foie gras huwa preparazzjoni magħmula minn biċċiet ta’ lobi ta’ fwied xaħmi (kull biċċa ta’ lobu ta’ fwied xaħmi li l-piż tagħha, fil-prodott lest, tkun mill-inqas 20 g) magħquda flimkien u mħawra.

Il-blokka ta’ foie gras (bil-biċċiet jew mingħajrhom) hija preparazzjoni magħmula minn fwied xaħmi rikostitwit u mħawwar u wara miżjud b’xi biċċiet ta’ fwied xaħmi.

L-isdra mnixxfa (jew imnixxfa u affumikati) isiru mill-isdra, immelħa bil-melħ xott u mnixxfa (jew imnixxfa u affumikati), u wara miżjuda b’xi ingredjenti.

Il-laħam ippreżervat huwa preparazzjonijiet ta’ biċċiet ta’ laħam tal-papru tal-foie gras, immellħin bil-melħ xott, imsajrin fix-xaħam tal-papru biss. L-uniċi partijiet tal-annimal li jistgħu jintużaw huma l-koxxa, il-ġwejnaħ (l-isdra u d-drumstick imwaħħlin), is-sider, id-drumstick u l-qanżħa.

Dawn il-prodotti jistgħu jinbiegħu lill-konsumatur ippreżervati, semi-ppreżervati (jew nofshom imsajrin), iffriżati bil-mod jew iffriżati istantanjament. Jistgħu jinxtraw ukoll imqattgħin aktar.

3.3.   Il-materja prima (għall-prodotti pproċessati biss)

Il-materja prima (għall-prodotti pproċessati biss)

Il-preparazzjonijiet li ġejjin mill-foie gras (fois gras sħiħ, foie gras, blokka ta’ foie gras bil-biċċiet jew mingħajrhom) għandhom isiru minn foies gras tal-IĠP.

L-isdra mnixxfa (jew imnixxfa u affumikati) għandhom isiru minn isdra tal-IĠP.

Il-laħam ippreżervat huwa mħejji minn biċċiet tal-laħam tal-IĠP immellħa minn qabel bil-melħ xott u msajrin fix-xaħam tal-papra.

3.4.   L-għalf (għall-prodotti li ġejjin mill-annimali biss)

L-għalf (għall-prodotti li ġejjin mill-annimali biss)

L-ikel tal-papri waqt it-trobbija huwa magħmul minn mill-inqas 50 % qmuħ taċ-ċereali jew mill-prodotti derivati tagħhom u minn żrieragħ tal-legumi sa 42 jum. Wara, sakemm jasal iż-żmien tat-tmigħ sfurzat, ikun magħmul minn mill-inqas 70 % ta’ qmuħ taċ-ċereali jew mill-prodotti derivati tagħhom u minn żrieragħ tal-legumi b’minimu ta’ 15 % qamħirrun u massimu ta’ 40 % qamħ.

Ir-razzjon tat-tmigħ sfurzat huwa magħmul minn minimu ta’ 95 % qamħirrun maħsud fiż-żona ġeografika tal-Lbiċ. Il-papri jiġu mitmugħa bilfors għal 10 ijiem u b’minimu ta’ 20 ikla b’qamħirrun sħiħ jew mitħun.

Din il-prattika hija bbażata fuq l-użanzi. L-introduzzjoni u mbagħad il-kultivazzjoni tal-qamħirrun fil-Lbiċ huma l-bażi tal-istabbiliment tal-ekonomija tat-tjur imsemmna, minħabba li dan iċ-ċereali għandu karatteristiċi rikonoxxuti għat-tismin tat-tjur.

3.5.   L-istadji speċifiċi tal-produzzjoni li għandhom jitwettqu fiż-żona ġeografika indikata

L-istadji speċifiċi tal-produzzjoni li għandhom jitwettqu fiż-żona ġeografika indikata

Il-papri tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ huma mrobbija, mitmugħa, maqtula u mqattgħin u pproċessati skont il-ħtieġa fiż-żona ġeografika.

3.6.   Ir-regoli speċifiċi għat-tqattigħ, għall-ħakk, għall-ippakkjar, eċċ.

Ir-regoli speċifiċi għat-tqattigħ, għall-ħakk, għall-ippakkjar, eċċ.

Il-fatt li l-ippakkjar isir fiż-żona ġeografika jgħin biex jinżammu l-karatteristiċi tal-prodotti.

Il-ġewwieni u l-laħam tal-papru huma prodotti fraġli li jossidaw faċilment f’kuntatt mal-arja. L-ippakkjar fiż-żona ġeografika jnaqqas il-ħin bejn il-preparazzjoni u l-ippakkjar u għaldaqstant huwa mezz biex jiġi evitat kwalunkwe tibdil f’dawn il-prodotti.

Fil-każ tal-foies gras ipproċessati u l-prodotti ppreżervati, l-ippakkjar huwa parti integrali mill-proċess ta’ manifattura, minħabba li dawn il-prodotti jingħataw trattament fis-sħana finali ta’ stabilizzazzjoni wara l-ippakkjar.

Fl-aħħar nett l-ippakkjar fiż-żona jiffaċilita t-traċċabbiltà u l-kontroll tal-prodotti.

3.7.   Ir-regoli speċifiċi għat-tikkettar

Ir-regoli speċifiċi għat-tikkettar

It-tikketta tal-prodott ikkummerċjalizzat tinkludi:

| — | id-denominazzjoni “Canard à foie gras du Sud-Ouest (Chalosse, Gascogne, Gers, Landes, Périgord, Quercy)”; |
| --- | --- |

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id-denominazzjoni “Canard à foie gras du Sud-Ouest (Chalosse, Gascogne, Gers, Landes, Périgord, Quercy)”;

| — | id-deskrizzjoni tal-prodotti akkumpanjata minn wieħed mit-termini ġeografiċi li ġejjin: Sud-Ouest, Chalosse, Gascogne, Gers, Landes, Périgord jew Quercy. F’dan il-każ, il-prodott finali jkun ġej minn papru mrobbi, mitmugħ, maqtul, imqatta’, ippreparat u ppakkjat fiż-żoni ta’ produzzjoni msemmija; |
| --- | --- |

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id-deskrizzjoni tal-prodotti akkumpanjata minn wieħed mit-termini ġeografiċi li ġejjin: Sud-Ouest, Chalosse, Gascogne, Gers, Landes, Périgord jew Quercy. F’dan il-każ, il-prodott finali jkun ġej minn papru mrobbi, mitmugħ, maqtul, imqatta’, ippreparat u ppakkjat fiż-żoni ta’ produzzjoni msemmija;

| — | l-elementi kollha ta’ fuq it-tikketta skont l-iskeda kollettiva fis-seħħ stabbilita mill-grupp u pprovduta lill-operaturi kollha. Kull emenda tiġi kkomunikata lill-operaturi kollha, kif ukoll lill-awtorità ta’ kontroll u lill-awtoritajiet ta’ kontroll kompetenti. |
| --- | --- |

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l-elementi kollha ta’ fuq it-tikketta skont l-iskeda kollettiva fis-seħħ stabbilita mill-grupp u pprovduta lill-operaturi kollha. Kull emenda tiġi kkomunikata lill-operaturi kollha, kif ukoll lill-awtorità ta’ kontroll u lill-awtoritajiet ta’ kontroll kompetenti.

4.   Deskrizzjoni fil-qosor taż-żona ġeografika

Deskrizzjoni fil-qosor taż-żona ġeografika

Iż-żona ġeografika hija magħmula mir-reġjuni, mid-dipartimenti u/jew il-cantons li ġejjin:

AQUITAINE (Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques),

Midi-Pyrénées (Lot, Tarn-et-Garonne, Gers, Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Garonne, Ariège, Tarn, Aveyron),

LIMOUSIN: Corrèze u l-cantons ġirien ta’ Haute-Vienne: Saint-Mathieu, Chalus, Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, Aude: il-cantons ta’ Castelnaudary Sud u Nord, Salles, Belpech u Fanjeaux

Ix-CHALOSSE hija magħmula mill-cantons tal-Landes li ġejjin: Pouillon, Montfort, Amou, Hagetmau u Saint-Sever.

Il-GASCOGNE hija magħmula mid-dipartimenti ta’ Gers, ta’ Landes, tal-Hautes-Pyrénées u l-muniċipju ta’ Saint-Gaudens (Haute-Garonne).

Il-GERS jikkorrispondi għad-dipartiment amministrattiv ta’ Gers.

Il-LANDES jikkorrispondi għad-dipartiment amministrattiv ta’ Landes.

Il-PERIGORD huwa magħmul mid-dipartiment ta’ Dordogne, u mill-cantons ġirien ta’ Haute-Vienne (Saint-Mathieu, Chalus u Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche), ta’ Corrèze (Lubersac, Juillac, Ayen, Larche u Brive-la-Gaillarde), ta’ Lot (Souillac, Payrac, Gourdon, Salviac, Cazals u Puy-l’Évêque) u ta’ Lot-et-Garonne (Fumel, Monflanquin, Villereal, Castillonnes u Lauzun, Duras).

Il-QUERCY huwa magħmul mid-dipartiment ta’ Lot u mill-cantons ta’ Tarn-et-Garonne li ġejjin: Montaigu-de-Quercy, Bourg-de-Visa, Moissac, Lauzerte, Molières, Lafrançaise, Montauban, Montpezat-de-Quercy, Caussade, Négrepelisse, Monclar-de-Quercy, Villebrumier, Caylus u Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val.

5.   Rabta maż-żona ġeografika

Rabta maż-żona ġeografika

5.1.   Speċifiċità taż-żona ġeografika

Speċifiċità taż-żona ġeografika

(a)   Fatturi naturali

Fatturi naturali

Iż-żona ġeografika tikkorrispondi ġeneralment għall-entità ġeologika tal-baċin ta’ Aquitaine, baċin kbir sedimentarju ffurmat fl-erja sekondarja, li jokkupa parti kbira mil-Lbiċ ta’ Franza. Fil-Punent tmiss mal-Oċean Atlantiku, fin-Nofsinhar tmiss mal-katina ta’ muntanji tal-Pirinej, fil-Lvant il-konfini tagħha huma l-linja bejn il-Massif Central u l-belt ta’ Castelnaudary u fit-Tramuntana tmiss mal-konfini amministrattivi tar-reġjun ta’ Poitou-Charentres.

Hija kkaratterizzata minn sensiela ta’ pjanuri u minn għoljiet kultivabbli kif ukoll mill-klima moderata tat-tip semi-oċeanika.

It-temperaturi jkunu għoljin u tinżel kwantità sinifikanti ta’ xita matul is-sajf. Fi kwalunkwe każ, il-medja ta’ xita li tinżel fiż-żona ġeografika taqbeż id-900 mm (Sors: Météo France għall-perjodu 1981-2010).

Minħabba dawn il-kundizzjonijiet tat-temp, iż-żona ġeografika minn dejjem kienet art ideali għall-kultivazzjoni tal-qamħirrun: “Huwa l-qamħirrun li jinżera’ l-aktar bħala t-tieni ċereali, għaliex huwa biss ftit aktar tard li jkun jeħtieġ l-ilma. Il-Lbiċ huwa l-aħjar reġjun għal dan il-qamħ[...]. Fil-fatt huwa biss hawnhekk li l-qamħirrun isib [...] il-kundizzjonijiet ta’ sħana u ta’ umdità li għandu bżonn” (DE LAVERGNE, M.L. (1860) Economie rurale de la France depuis 1789. (Ekonomija rurali ta’ Franza mill-1789) Pariġi: Guillaumin et Cie u Librairie agricole de la maison rustique).

Huwa l-qamħirrun li jinżera’ l-aktar bħala t-tieni ċereali, għaliex huwa biss ftit aktar tard li jkun jeħtieġ l-ilma. Il-Lbiċ huwa l-aħjar reġjun għal dan il-qamħ[...]. Fil-fatt huwa biss hawnhekk li l-qamħirrun isib [...] il-kundizzjonijiet ta’ sħana u ta’ umdità li għandu bżonn

Economie rurale de la France depuis 1789. (Ekonomija rurali ta’ Franza mill-1789)

ie

(b)   Il-fatturi umani

Il-fatturi umani

It-trobbija tradizzjonali tal-papru tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ fiż-żona ġeografika

Il-ħajja tal-kampanja fil-Lbiċ sa mill-Medju Evu hija kkaratterizzata mill-predominanza ta’ rziezet żgħar u mill-kiri tal-uċuħ tar-raba’. Madankollu, il-preżenza tat-tjur għat-tismin fl-irziezet saret, minn din l-epoka, karatteristika speċifika tal-irziezet tal-Lbiċ.

It-trobbija tat-tjur għaldaqstant kienet mezz konsiderevoli kif il-bidwi jipprovdi l-ikel għalih u għall-familja tiegħu. Sa mis-seklu sittax, żdiedet il-karatteristika li tkun ibbażata fuq id-distribuzzjoni tal-qamħirrun li, minn kmieni, minn meta ddaħħal fil-Lbiċ fis-seklu sittax, ħa post il-millieġ u l-milju fl-għalf tal-annimali mbagħad bħala ikel għan-nies tar-reġjun.

Sa tmiem is-seklu sbatax il-papri kienu jismnu waħedhom billi jieklu qamħirrun kemm iridu f’kamra mudlama. L-iżvilupp tat-teknika tat-tmigħ sfurzat lejn tmiem is-seklu tmintax, bidel il-mod ta’ tismin tal-annimali bid-distribuzzjoni aktar intensiva tal-qamħirrun nej jew imsajjar fil-forma ta’ dqiq jew f’gerbub.

Kummerċjalizzazzjoni antika tal-papru tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ u tal-prodotti dderivati minnu.

Dan il-metodu ta’ trobbija karatteristiku beda jkun akkumpanjat, mis-seklu sbatax, mill-iżvilupp fl-irziezet tal-Lbiċ ta’ metodu ta’ preżervazzjoni speċifiku tal-biċċiet tal-laħam u tal-ġewwieni tal-papri msajra fix-xaħam: il-laħam ippreżervat (confit). Il-kummerċ tal-prodotti derivati mill-papru tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ kompla jiżviluppa aktar fi tmiem is-seklu tmintax, bis-saħħa tal-invenzjoni tal-ibbottiljar minn Nicolas Appert li ssemplifikat il-kummerċjalizzazzjoni tal-prodotti pproċessati derivati mill-papra (foies gras u laħam ippreżervat b’mod partikolari), fil-forma ta’ ikel fil-bottijiet, u li għenet biex jinkiseb aċċess għal swieq ġodda lil hinn mill-fruntieri tal-Lbiċ.

Minn tmiem is-seklu tmintax il-bejgħ tal-papri msemmna sħaħ jew imnaddfa u tal-foie gras nej żviluppa fil-kuntest tas-swieq tat-tjur imsemmna, speċjalizzati esklussivament fil-kummerċjalizzazzjoni diretta ta’ dawn il-prodotti u organizzati bejn tmiem il-ħarifa u l-bidu tar-rebbiegħa.

Illum, dawn is-swieq tat-tjur imsemmna għadhom isiru f’għadd ta’ bliet tal-Lbiċ bħal Samatan (Gers), Seissan (Gers), Périgueux (Périgord), Mont de Marsan (Landes), Cahors (Quercy) u Monfort-en-Chalosse (Chalosse). Dawn is-swieq tradizzjonali jipproponu lill-produtturi li jbiegħu direttament papri sħaħ (bil-fwied jew mingħajru), karkassi mnaddfa mill-ġewwieni kif ukoll il-qatgħat kollha tal-papru u tal-ġewwieni bħall-foie gras nej, il-qnieżaħ u l-qlub.

5.2.   L-ispeċifiċità tal-prodott

L-ispeċifiċità tal-prodott

L-ispeċifiċità tal-papru tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ tinsab fir-rata għolja tiegħu ta’ tismin li ġejja minn metodu ta’ trobbija u ta’ għalf speċifiku bbażat fuq proċess gradwali tat-tismin tal-annimali.

Wara trobbija fit-tul f’żoni miftuħa għal minimu ta’ 81 jum, il-papru tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ jissemmen gradwalment għal mill-inqas 10 ijiem fejn mill-inqas 95 % tar-razzjon ikun magħmul minn qamħirrun.

Il-karkassi li jirriżultaw minn dan il-metodu tradizzjonali jkollhom ġilda u xaħam ta’ lewn abjad safrani sa isfar kif ukoll rata ta’ simna għolja li tidher fil-biċċiet kollha tal-papru u tirriżulta f’rata ta’ simna tal-isdra ta’ bejn 25 u 45 %; kif ukoll minn konformazzjoni tajba tal-annimali li jippreżentaw qatgħat ta’ piż konsiderevoli, pereżempju l-piż minimu tal-isdra jkun ta’ 300 g u dak tal-foie gras huwa ta’ 350 g.

Min-naħa l-oħra, sa mis-seklu tmintax il-koki skoprew il-karatteristiċi uniċis tal-foie gras, u kkontribwew biex dan ħa l-fama kbira li għandu.

Il-papru tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ igawdi wkoll minn reputazzjoni kbira akkwistata minn żmien twil ilu li tiżboq ferm il-konfini tal-Lbiċ u saħansitra anki ta’ Franza.

5.3.   Ir-rabta kawżali bejn iż-żona ġeografika u l-kwalità jew il-karatteristiċi tal-prodott (għad-DPO) jew il-kwalità speċifika, ir-reputazzjoni jew il-karatteristiċi l-oħra tal-prodott (għall-IĠP)

Ir-rabta kawżali bejn iż-żona ġeografika u l-kwalità jew il-karatteristiċi tal-prodott (għad-DPO) jew il-kwalità speċifika, ir-reputazzjoni jew il-karatteristiċi l-oħra tal-prodott (għall-IĠP)

Ir-rabta mal-oriġini tal-papru tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ hija essenzjalment ibbażata fuq ir-reputazzjoni tal-papru tal-foie gras tal-Lbiċ u tal-prodotti tiegħu.

Din ir-reputazzjoni hija l-ewwel nett marbuta mal-użu lokali u tradizzjonali tal-qamħirrun għat-tismin tat-tjur.

Minħabba l-kundizzjonijiet ideali tat-temp, il-qamħirrun ġie kkultivat fiż-żona ġeografika sa mis-seklu sittax u malajr stabbilixxa ruħu bħala ċ-ċereali ewlieni b’mod partikolari għat-tismin tal-papri. Diversi xogħlijiet letterarji jagħmlu l-konnessjoni bejn din il-prattika ta’ għalf u r-reputazzjoni tal-prodott: “ir-reputazzjoni tal-fwied tal-papri tant magħruf fl-Ewropa kollha hija dovuta biss għal dan iċ-ċereali” (PARMENTIER, M. (1785) Rapport ippremjat fil-25 ta’ Awwissu 1784 mill-Akkademja Rjali tax-Xjenzi, il-Lingwi u l-arti ta’ Bordeaux. Bordeaux: Arnaud-Antoine PALLANDRE). L-Abbé ROZIER ukoll isemmi din ir-rabta fit-trattat tiegħu dwar l-Agrikultura fl-1787: “it-tjur ta’ kull speċi [...] irabbu ħafna xaħam u l-laħam tagħhom jikseb togħma fina u delikata, u għalhekk dawk l-aqwa fosthom huma ġejjin mill-postijiet fejn dan iċ-ċereali huwa kkultivat f’ammonti kbar”.

ir-reputazzjoni tal-fwied tal-papri tant magħruf fl-Ewropa kollha hija dovuta biss għal dan iċ-ċereali

Rapport ippremjat fil-25 ta’ Awwissu 1784 mill-Akkademja Rjali tax-Xjenzi, il-Lingwi u l-arti ta’ Bordeaux

“it-tjur ta’ kull speċi [...] irabbu ħafna xaħam u l-laħam tagħhom jikseb togħma fina u delikata, u għalhekk dawk l-aqwa fosthom huma ġejjin mill-postijiet fejn dan iċ-ċereali huwa kkultivat f’ammonti kbar”

Il-kultivazzjoni tal-qamħirrun għenet lill-produtturi jispeċjalizzaw fit-trobbija tat-tjur imsemmna u jiżviluppaw għarfien ibbażat fuq id-distribuzzjoni intensiva ta’ dan iċ-ċereali u l-ġestjoni gradwali tat-tismin. Dan l-għarfien, flimkien ma’ trobbija fit-tul fil-miftuħ, li hija possibbli minħabba l-klima moderata preżenti matul is-sena kollha, jgħin biex jinkisbu annimali żviluppati sew u li jkollhom rata ta’ simna għolja. Id-distribuzzjoni tal-qamħirrun matul il-fażi tat-tismin tiddetermina l-kulur tal-ġilda u tax-xaħam skont it-tip ta’ qamħirrun distribwit (qamħirrun abjad jew qamħirrun isfar).

Ir-reputazzjoni tal-Canard à foie gras du Sud-Ouest u tal-prodotti derivati minnu mbagħad żviluppat bis-saħħa tal-użu ta’ tekniki oriġinali ta’ preżervazzjoni tal-prodotti (il-preżervazzjoni u l-ibbottiljar) li għenu l-kummerċjalizzazzjoni tal-prodotti lil hinn mil-Lbiċ ta’ Franza u l-iżvilupp ta’ rotot ta’ kummerċjalizzazzjoni reġjonali u nazzjonali.

Bħala tali, ir-reputazzjoni tal-foie gras ilha kkonfermata għal żmien twil minn diversi xogħlijiet letterarji bħal L’histoire de la vie privée des français ta’ Aussy, ippubblikat fl-1787, li jgħid li r-reputazzjoni ta’ Toulouse hija bbażata fuq il-foie gras tal-papru jew il-Larousse Ménager tal-1926 li jgħid li “il-foie gras iservi fuq kollox biex isiru patés u terrines, li ċerti reġjuni huma speċjalizzati fihom. [...] Il-patés ta’ Toulouse huma magħmula bil-fwied tal-papri u jikkompetu sew mal-patés ta’ Strasbourg”.

L’histoire de la vie privée des français

Larousse Ménager

il-foie gras iservi fuq kollox biex isiru patés u terrines, li ċerti reġjuni huma speċjalizzati fihom. [...] Il-patés ta’ Toulouse huma magħmula bil-fwied tal-papri u jikkompetu sew mal-patés ta’ Strasbourg

Barra minn hekk, is-swieq tat-tjur imsemmna, stabbiliti sa minn tmiem is-seklu tmintax fiż-żona ġeografika u li għadhom isiru sal-lum, huma prova reali ta’ kemm hija stabbilita sew fil-kultura l-produzzjoni u l-kummerċjalizzazzjoni tal-prodotti kollha, mill-papru sħiħ lest għat-tisjir sal-biċċiet tal-qatgħat u tal-ġewwieni ppreparati minn qabel.

Referenza għall-pubblikazzjoni tal-ispeċifikazzjoni

Referenza għall-pubblikazzjoni tal-ispeċifikazzjoni

[L-Artikolu 5(7) tar-Regolament (KE) Nru 510/2006 (5)]

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https://www.inao.gouv.fr/fichier/CDCIGPCanardafoiegrasduSudOuestV3.pdf

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(1)  ĠU L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

1

(2)  ĠU L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12. Mibdul bir-Regolament (UE) Nru 1151/2012.

2

(3)  ĠU L 369, 23.12.2006, p. 1. Sostitwit bir-Regolament ta’ Implimentazzjoni (UE) Nru 668/2014 tal-Kummissjoni tat-13 ta’ Ġunju 2014 li jistabbilixxi regoli dettaljati għall-implimentazzjoni tar-Regolament (UE) Nru 1151/2012.

3

(4)  Mibdul bir-Regolament (UE) Nru 1151/2012.

4

(5)  Ara n-nota f’qiegħ il-paġna 4.

5

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