# Official Journal C 84/2023

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 84 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 667 March 2023 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 84

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 667 March 2023

---

| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | IV   Notices |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 84/01 | Euro exchange rates – 6 March 2023 | 1 |
| | European Data Protection Supervisor |
| 2023/C 84/02 | Summary of the Opinion of the European Data Protection Supervisor on the proposals for Regulations on the collection and transfer of advance passenger information (API)
  (The full text of this Opinion can be found in English, French and German on the EDPS website https://edps.europa.eu) | 2 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2023/C 84/03 | Information to be provided pursuant to Article 5(2) – Establishment of a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC)
  (Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 ( OJ L 210 of 31.7.2006, p. 19 )) | 5 |

Contents

page

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2023/C 84/01

Euro exchange rates – 6 March 2023

1

European Data Protection Supervisor

2023/C 84/02

Summary of the Opinion of the European Data Protection Supervisor on the proposals for Regulations on the collection and transfer of advance passenger information (API)
  (The full text of this Opinion can be found in English, French and German on the EDPS website https://edps.europa.eu)

(The full text of this Opinion can be found in English, French and German on the EDPS website https://edps.europa.eu)

2

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2023/C 84/03

Information to be provided pursuant to Article 5(2) – Establishment of a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC)
  (Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 ( OJ L 210 of 31.7.2006, p. 19 ))

(Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 ( OJ L 210 of 31.7.2006, p. 19 ))

5

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 84/04 | Publication of a vacancy for a Chief Competition Economist at grade AD 14 – Directorate-General for Competition (DG COMP) – Engagement of a Temporary Agent under Article 2(a) of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants – COM/2023/10427 | 8 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 84/05 | Publication of an application for registration of a name pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 9 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Commission

2023/C 84/04

Publication of a vacancy for a Chief Competition Economist at grade AD 14 – Directorate-General for Competition (DG COMP) – Engagement of a Temporary Agent under Article 2(a) of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants – COM/2023/10427

8

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2023/C 84/05

Publication of an application for registration of a name pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

9

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| EN | |
| --- | --- |

EN

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 7.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 84/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

7.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84/1

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Euro exchange rates (1)

6 March 2023

(2023/C 84/01)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,0646 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 144,64 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4423 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,88630 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 11,1590 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 0,9947 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 149,70 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 11,1109 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 23,545 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 377,00 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,7090 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,9205 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 20,1236 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5807 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4493 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 8,3570 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,7188 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,4324 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 381,49 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 19,3688 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,3802 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 16 326,06 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,7673 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 58,510 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | |
| THB | Thai baht | 36,761 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 5,5356 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 19,1419 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 87,1445 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,0646

JPY

Japanese yen

144,64

DKK

Danish krone

7,4423

GBP

Pound sterling

0,88630

SEK

Swedish krona

11,1590

CHF

Swiss franc

0,9947

ISK

Iceland króna

149,70

NOK

Norwegian krone

11,1109

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

23,545

HUF

Hungarian forint

377,00

PLN

Polish zloty

4,7090

RON

Romanian leu

4,9205

TRY

Turkish lira

20,1236

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5807

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4493

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,3570

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7188

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,4324

KRW

South Korean won

1 381,49

ZAR

South African rand

19,3688

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,3802

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

16 326,06

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,7673

PHP

Philippine peso

58,510

RUB

Russian rouble

THB

Thai baht

36,761

BRL

Brazilian real

5,5356

MXN

Mexican peso

19,1419

INR

Indian rupee

87,1445

---

(1)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

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European Data Protection Supervisor

| 7.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 84/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

7.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84/2

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Summary of the Opinion of the European Data Protection Supervisor on the proposals for Regulations on the collection and transfer of advance passenger information (API)

(2023/C 84/02)

(The full text of this Opinion can be found in English, French and German on the EDPS website https://edps.europa.eu)

On 13 December 2022 the European Commission issued two legislative proposals on the collection and transfer of advance passenger information (‘API’): a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the collection and transfer of advance passenger information for enhancing and facilitating external border controls (‘API Border management proposal’), and a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the collection and transfer of advance passenger information for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime (‘API Law enforcement proposal’) (together ‘the proposals’).

The objective of the API Border management proposal is enhancing and facilitating the effectiveness and efficiency of border checks at external borders and combating illegal immigration, and replacing the existing Council Directive 2004/82/EC (1) (‘API Directive’). The objective of the API Law enforcement proposal is to lay down better rules for the collection and transfer of API data by air carriers for the purpose of preventing, detecting, investigating, and prosecuting terrorist offences and serious crime, complementing the existing Directive (EU) 2016/681 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) (‘PNR Directive’).

Taking into account that the data processing operations that would result from the proposals correspond to or complement already existing data processing operations provided for in Union law, the Opinion focuses primarily on the necessity and proportionality of the envisaged processing of API data from intra-EU flights and its compatibility with the PNR Directive as interpreted by the CJEU judgment in Case C-817/19 (3).

While the EDPS considers the proposed solution for intra-EU flights broadly sufficient to ensure compliance with the CJEU judgment on Article 2 of the PNR Directive, he nevertheless invites the co-legislators to consider the development of harmonised criteria for the selection of intra-EU flights, from which API data should be collected, in line with the conditions spelled out by the Court. Furthermore, the EDPS recommends further strengthening of the security of processing of API data in the router with additional safeguards, such as pseudonymisation and/or encryption of the API data, if technically and operationally feasible.

The Opinion also provides other specific recommendations, such as the need to explicitly clarify in the proposals that in case of technical impossibility of the router to transmit the API data transferred by the air carriers to the competent national authorities, the data should be automatically deleted.

1.   INTRODUCTION

| 1. | On 13 December 2022 the European Commission issued two legislative proposals on the collection and transfer of advance passenger information (‘the proposals’):






  — | a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the collection and transfer of advance passenger information (API) for enhancing and facilitating external border controls, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/817 and Regulation (EU) 2018/1726, and repealing Council Directive 2004/82/EC (4), |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

On 13 December 2022 the European Commission issued two legislative proposals on the collection and transfer of advance passenger information (‘the proposals’):

—

a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the collection and transfer of advance passenger information (API) for enhancing and facilitating external border controls, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/817 and Regulation (EU) 2018/1726, and repealing Council Directive 2004/82/EC (4),

| — | a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the collection and transfer of advance passenger information for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/818 (5). |
| --- | --- |

—

a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the collection and transfer of advance passenger information for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/818 (5).

| 2. | The objective of the API Border management proposal is enhancing and facilitating the effectiveness and efficiency of border checks at external borders and combating illegal immigration (6), thus replacing the existing Directive 2004/82/EC. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The objective of the API Border management proposal is enhancing and facilitating the effectiveness and efficiency of border checks at external borders and combating illegal immigration (6), thus replacing the existing Directive 2004/82/EC.

| 3. | The objective of the API Law enforcement proposal is to lay down better rules for the collection and transfer of API data by air carriers for the purpose of preventing, detecting, investigating, and prosecuting terrorist offences and serious crime (7), complementing the existing Directive (EU) 2016/681. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The objective of the API Law enforcement proposal is to lay down better rules for the collection and transfer of API data by air carriers for the purpose of preventing, detecting, investigating, and prosecuting terrorist offences and serious crime (7), complementing the existing Directive (EU) 2016/681.

| 4. | The proposals are consistent with the Schengen Strategy of June 2021, presented in the Commission Communication ‘A strategy towards a fully functioning and resilient Schengen area’ which specifically underlined the need for an increased use of API data in combination with PNR data to significantly enhance internal security, in compliance with the fundamental right to the protection of personal data and the fundamental right to freedom of movement (8). Moreover, at international level, the United Nations’ Security Council and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) also repeatedly called for the establishment and global rollout of API and PNR systems for law enforcement purposes (9). |
| --- | --- |

4.

The proposals are consistent with the Schengen Strategy of June 2021, presented in the Commission Communication ‘A strategy towards a fully functioning and resilient Schengen area’ which specifically underlined the need for an increased use of API data in combination with PNR data to significantly enhance internal security, in compliance with the fundamental right to the protection of personal data and the fundamental right to freedom of movement (8). Moreover, at international level, the United Nations’ Security Council and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) also repeatedly called for the establishment and global rollout of API and PNR systems for law enforcement purposes (9).

| 5. | The present Opinion of the EDPS is issued in response to a consultation by the European Commission of 14 December 2022 pursuant to Article 42(1) of EUDPR (10). The EDPS welcomes the reference to this consultation in recital 44 of the API Border management proposal and recital 29 of the API Law enforcement proposal. In this regard, the EDPS also positively notes that he has already been informally consulted on the proposals pursuant to recital 60 of EUDPR. |
| --- | --- |

5.

The present Opinion of the EDPS is issued in response to a consultation by the European Commission of 14 December 2022 pursuant to Article 42(1) of EUDPR (10). The EDPS welcomes the reference to this consultation in recital 44 of the API Border management proposal and recital 29 of the API Law enforcement proposal. In this regard, the EDPS also positively notes that he has already been informally consulted on the proposals pursuant to recital 60 of EUDPR.

| 6. | In view of the close alignment between the proposals (11), including the numerous cross-referencing between them, it seems most appropriate for the EDPS to assess them in a single Opinion. |
| --- | --- |

6.

In view of the close alignment between the proposals (11), including the numerous cross-referencing between them, it seems most appropriate for the EDPS to assess them in a single Opinion.

9.   CONCLUSIONS

| 45. | In light of the above, the EDPS recommends to the co-legislators to:






  (1) | consider the development of harmonised criteria and methodology for the selection of intra-EU flights, from which API data should be collected; |
| --- | --- | --- |

45.

In light of the above, the EDPS recommends to the co-legislators to:

(1)

consider the development of harmonised criteria and methodology for the selection of intra-EU flights, from which API data should be collected;

| (2) | provide for specific measures in API Law enforcement proposal ensuring the security of API data processed for the purpose of preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting terrorist offences and serious crime, or, alternatively, refer to the relevant rules on security in the API Border management proposal; |
| --- | --- |

(2)

provide for specific measures in API Law enforcement proposal ensuring the security of API data processed for the purpose of preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting terrorist offences and serious crime, or, alternatively, refer to the relevant rules on security in the API Border management proposal;

| (3) | clarify in Article 12 of the API Border management proposal that in cases of technical impossibility of the router to subsequently transmit the API data to the competent national authorities, the data should be automatically deleted; |
| --- | --- |

(3)

clarify in Article 12 of the API Border management proposal that in cases of technical impossibility of the router to subsequently transmit the API data to the competent national authorities, the data should be automatically deleted;

| (4) | to clarify in the API Border management proposal the allocation of the obligation to transfer API data in cases where the flight is code-shared between several air carriers. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

to clarify in the API Border management proposal the allocation of the obligation to transfer API data in cases where the flight is code-shared between several air carriers.

Brussels, 8 February 2023.

Wojciech Rafał WIEWIÓROWSKI

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(1)  Council Directive 2004/82/EC of 29 April 2004 on the obligation of carriers to communicate passenger data (OJ L 261, 6.8.2004, p. 24).

1

(2)  Directive (EU) 2016/681 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the use of passenger name record (PNR) data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 132).

2

(3)  ECLI:EU:C:2022:491

3

(4)  COM(2022) 729 final.

4

(5)  COM(2022) 731 final.

5

(6)  See Article 1 of API Border management proposal.

6

(7)  COM(2022) 731 final, Explanatory memorandum to the API Law enforcement proposal, page 3.

7

(8)  COM(2021) 277 final.

8

(9)  UN Security Council resolutions 2178 (2014), 2309 (2016), 2396 (2017), 2482 (2019), and OSCE Ministerial Council Decision 6/16 of 9 December 2016 on Enhancing the use of Advance Passenger Information.

9

(10)  Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39).

10

(11)  See recital 11 of API Law enforcement proposal.

11

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NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 7.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 84/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

7.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84/5

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Information to be provided pursuant to Article 5(2)

Establishment of a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC)

(Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 (OJ L 210 of 31.7.2006, p. 19))

(2023/C 84/03)

I.1)

Registered name: Agrupamento Europeu de Cooperação Territorial Eurocidade Porta da Europa (EN: Gateway to Europe European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation)

Registered office:Edifício da Alfândega, 6355-217 Vilar Formoso, Portugal

Contact point: Miguel Pinto, camara@cm-almeida.pt

I.2)

Duration of the grouping: unlimited

Date of registration:17.2.2023

II.   OBJECTIVES

The cooperation objectives of the Gateway to Europe Eurocity EGTC are to:

| a) | work on joint proposals that identify the main problems and constraints impacting economic development, and respond with new measures to promote economic activity, job creation and the fight against depopulation in the territorial area of the Eurocity, ensuring economic and social cohesion, and communicating these proposals to the governments of both countries with a view to them working together to devise and implement public policies and attract support from the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

a)

work on joint proposals that identify the main problems and constraints impacting economic development, and respond with new measures to promote economic activity, job creation and the fight against depopulation in the territorial area of the Eurocity, ensuring economic and social cohesion, and communicating these proposals to the governments of both countries with a view to them working together to devise and implement public policies and attract support from the European Union;

| b) | foster institutional, economic, social, cultural and environmental convergence in the territory covered by the EGTC, using the border effect as an opportunity for territorial and socio-economic development, while respecting the sustainable development objectives of the 2030 Agenda; |
| --- | --- |

b)

foster institutional, economic, social, cultural and environmental convergence in the territory covered by the EGTC, using the border effect as an opportunity for territorial and socio-economic development, while respecting the sustainable development objectives of the 2030 Agenda;

| c) | establish mechanisms for managing and upgrading the territory, with the capacity to retain and attract people, to create and consolidate employment dynamics, and to secure investments in the productive sectors of the economy; |
| --- | --- |

c)

establish mechanisms for managing and upgrading the territory, with the capacity to retain and attract people, to create and consolidate employment dynamics, and to secure investments in the productive sectors of the economy;

| d) | boost local entrepreneurship and territorial innovation as the basis for integrated territorial development, thereby promoting economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability and welfare linked to social cohesion, which promote business creation and job creation and help attract investment; |
| --- | --- |

d)

boost local entrepreneurship and territorial innovation as the basis for integrated territorial development, thereby promoting economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability and welfare linked to social cohesion, which promote business creation and job creation and help attract investment;

| e) | implement measures that eliminate or minimise costs associated with red tape, unfair competition and inefficient infrastructure that penalise businesses and individuals in the territory; |
| --- | --- |

e)

implement measures that eliminate or minimise costs associated with red tape, unfair competition and inefficient infrastructure that penalise businesses and individuals in the territory;

| f) | develop mechanisms to promote the circular economy, the ongoing incorporation of new knowledge into the economic system, competitive integration within the global economy and the use of digitalisation; |
| --- | --- |

f)

develop mechanisms to promote the circular economy, the ongoing incorporation of new knowledge into the economic system, competitive integration within the global economy and the use of digitalisation;

| g) | promote relations between its members, based on complementarities, local resources and a history of secular coexistence, by promoting a model of European citizenship focused on collective benefit and social justice; |
| --- | --- |

g)

promote relations between its members, based on complementarities, local resources and a history of secular coexistence, by promoting a model of European citizenship focused on collective benefit and social justice;

| h) | combine efforts and resources through the planning and joint management of existing or future equipment, services and infrastructure in the territory covered by the EGTC, promoting their use as a tool to foster the coexistence of the population; |
| --- | --- |

h)

combine efforts and resources through the planning and joint management of existing or future equipment, services and infrastructure in the territory covered by the EGTC, promoting their use as a tool to foster the coexistence of the population;

| i) | implement and manage territorial cooperation programmes and projects co-financed by the European Union; implement and manage other contracts and agreements for the development of all measures that may benefit from the financial tools adopted and provided for by both countries; |
| --- | --- |

i)

implement and manage territorial cooperation programmes and projects co-financed by the European Union; implement and manage other contracts and agreements for the development of all measures that may benefit from the financial tools adopted and provided for by both countries;

| j) | foster, promote and stimulate the potential of industrial land and efforts to attract businesses; |
| --- | --- |

j)

foster, promote and stimulate the potential of industrial land and efforts to attract businesses;

| k) | revitalise traditional commercial areas in the EGTC territory through support services for local trade and the development of open-air shopping centres; |
| --- | --- |

k)

revitalise traditional commercial areas in the EGTC territory through support services for local trade and the development of open-air shopping centres;

| l) | seek to improve the local public transport service between the main centres of the Eurocity, thus favouring mobility as a sustainable measure of existing resources; |
| --- | --- |

l)

seek to improve the local public transport service between the main centres of the Eurocity, thus favouring mobility as a sustainable measure of existing resources;

| m) | analyse the possibility of recognising and implementing the status of ‘cross-border worker’; |
| --- | --- |

m)

analyse the possibility of recognising and implementing the status of ‘cross-border worker’;

| n) | implement joint mechanisms and programmes for modernising administrations and infrastructure in cross-border areas; |
| --- | --- |

n)

implement joint mechanisms and programmes for modernising administrations and infrastructure in cross-border areas;

| o) | promote the creation of bilingual content in the Eurocity area, particularly when it comes to the provision of services; |
| --- | --- |

o)

promote the creation of bilingual content in the Eurocity area, particularly when it comes to the provision of services;

| p) | through agreements and protocols with Scientific and Technological System organisations, training bodies and other bodies with a remit in this area, implement joint training programmes aimed at the existing business fabric, with the aim of supporting the implementation of innovative projects, the acquisition of new skills and the skilling of workers, targeting both the unemployed and workers, whether employed or self-employed; |
| --- | --- |

p)

through agreements and protocols with Scientific and Technological System organisations, training bodies and other bodies with a remit in this area, implement joint training programmes aimed at the existing business fabric, with the aim of supporting the implementation of innovative projects, the acquisition of new skills and the skilling of workers, targeting both the unemployed and workers, whether employed or self-employed;

| q) | stimulate partnerships between the different training and education centres in the Eurocity area, in close cooperation with the other local authorities, in order to pursue joint projects; |
| --- | --- |

q)

stimulate partnerships between the different training and education centres in the Eurocity area, in close cooperation with the other local authorities, in order to pursue joint projects;

| r) | strengthen the coordination of border resources linked to civil protection and security by promoting and facilitating contact between the responsible bodies on both the Spanish and the Portuguese sides, with a view to the planning and joint management of human and material resources for risk prevention and joint action in the event of an emergency or disaster; |
| --- | --- |

r)

strengthen the coordination of border resources linked to civil protection and security by promoting and facilitating contact between the responsible bodies on both the Spanish and the Portuguese sides, with a view to the planning and joint management of human and material resources for risk prevention and joint action in the event of an emergency or disaster;

| s) | work with the administrations of both countries to improve healthcare; |
| --- | --- |

s)

work with the administrations of both countries to improve healthcare;

| t) | set up joint programmes to stimulate economic activity, supported by Portuguese-Spanish relations and the involvement of business organisations within the Eurocity; |
| --- | --- |

t)

set up joint programmes to stimulate economic activity, supported by Portuguese-Spanish relations and the involvement of business organisations within the Eurocity;

| u) | organise a range of available public services by creating a ‘Eurocitizen card’ as the main tool for disseminating the benefits of co-existence; |
| --- | --- |

u)

organise a range of available public services by creating a ‘Eurocitizen card’ as the main tool for disseminating the benefits of co-existence;

| v) | promote the development of a plan to boost tourism, with collaborative governance criteria, designed to transform the Eurocity into a tourist destination of excellence, leveraging its common distinct features and shared history; |
| --- | --- |

v)

promote the development of a plan to boost tourism, with collaborative governance criteria, designed to transform the Eurocity into a tourist destination of excellence, leveraging its common distinct features and shared history;

| w) | develop an integrated plan for themed and specialised fairs in order to promote existing local productive resources, jointly and with gains achieved through scaling up; |
| --- | --- |

w)

develop an integrated plan for themed and specialised fairs in order to promote existing local productive resources, jointly and with gains achieved through scaling up;

| x) | organise extracurricular activities as well as sporting and cultural events annually and on a joint basis, thus fostering youth training geared towards promoting ‘Euro citizenship’; |
| --- | --- |

x)

organise extracurricular activities as well as sporting and cultural events annually and on a joint basis, thus fostering youth training geared towards promoting ‘Euro citizenship’;

| y) | promote Iberian events in the geographical area of the Eurocity, with the capacity to attract tourists and visitors as well as investment and also foster business, commercial and cultural dialogue and exchanges; |
| --- | --- |

y)

promote Iberian events in the geographical area of the Eurocity, with the capacity to attract tourists and visitors as well as investment and also foster business, commercial and cultural dialogue and exchanges;

| z) | all those relevant for cross-border and interregional cooperation, respecting the internal remits of each member of the Gateway to Europe Eurocity EGTC, in accordance with Article 7(2) of the EGTC Regulation (1). |
| --- | --- |

z)

all those relevant for cross-border and interregional cooperation, respecting the internal remits of each member of the Gateway to Europe Eurocity EGTC, in accordance with Article 7(2) of the EGTC Regulation (1).

1

III.   ADDITIONAL DETAILS CONCERNING THE NAME OF THE GROUPING

IV.   MEMBERS

| IV.1) | Total number of members in the grouping: 4 |
| --- | --- |

IV.1)

Total number of members in the grouping:

| IV.2) | Nationalities of the members of the grouping: ES/PT |
| --- | --- |

IV.2)

Nationalities of the members of the grouping:

| IV.3) | Member information (2)


  Official name: Município de Almeida

  Postal address:Praça da Liberdade, n.o 8, Almeida, 6355-130 Portugal

  Internet address: https://www.cm-almeida.pt/

  Type of member: local authority

  Official name: Ayuntamiento de Fuentes de Oñoro

  Postal address:Plaza España, 1, Fuentes de Oñoro, 37480 Spain

  Internet address: https://ayuntamientofuentesdeonoro.com/

  Type of member: local authority

  Official name: Ayuntamiento de Ciudad Rodrigo

  Postal address:Plaza Mayor, 27, Ciudad Rodrigo, 37500 Spain

  Internet address: https://www.ciudadrodrigo.es/

  Type of member: local authority

  Official name: Freguesia de Vilar Formoso

  Postal address:Rua do Externato, n.o 11, Vilar Formoso, 6355-265 Portugal

  Internet address: http://www.jf-vilarformoso.pt/

  Type of member: local authority |
| --- | --- |

IV.3)

Member information

2

Official name: Município de Almeida

Official name:

Postal address:Praça da Liberdade, n.o 8, Almeida, 6355-130 Portugal

Postal address:

o

Internet address: https://www.cm-almeida.pt/

Internet address:

Type of member: local authority

Type of member:

Official name: Ayuntamiento de Fuentes de Oñoro

Official name:

Postal address:Plaza España, 1, Fuentes de Oñoro, 37480 Spain

Postal address:

Internet address: https://ayuntamientofuentesdeonoro.com/

Internet address:

Type of member: local authority

Type of member:

Official name: Ayuntamiento de Ciudad Rodrigo

Official name:

Postal address:Plaza Mayor, 27, Ciudad Rodrigo, 37500 Spain

Postal address:

Internet address: https://www.ciudadrodrigo.es/

Internet address:

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Type of member:

Official name: Freguesia de Vilar Formoso

Official name:

Postal address:Rua do Externato, n.o 11, Vilar Formoso, 6355-265 Portugal

Postal address:

o

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Internet address:

Type of member: local authority

Type of member:

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(1)  Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on a European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC) (OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 19).

1

(2)  Please add for each member.

2

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V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

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| 7.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 84/8 |
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7.3.2023

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Official Journal of the European Union

C 84/8

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Publication of a vacancy for a Chief Competition Economist at grade AD 14

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| 7.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 84/9 |
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Official Journal of the European Union

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Publication of an application for registration of a name pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2023/C 84/05)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within three months from the date of this publication.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

’Varaždinsko bučino ulje'

EU No: PGI-HR-02632 — 11.9.2020

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

’Varaždinsko bučino ulje'

2.   Member State or Third Country

Republic of Croatia

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.5. Oils and fats (butter, margarine, oils, etc.)

3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies

’Varaždinsko bučino ulje' is a virgin, edible oil obtained by roasting and mechanically pressing the seeds of the field pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.).

’Varaždinsko bučino ulje' is dark-green to black in colour with a reddish tint. The aroma is dominated by the smell of roasting, combined with a specific flavour reminiscent of nuts, and is devoid of any strange or rancid odour or flavour. 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' is aromatic, with a smooth, subtle taste and a clearly identifiable scent of roasted pumpkin seeds. It has fragrant, spicy notes and a well-balanced bouquet. 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' contains at least 70 % unsaturated fatty acids and has a proportion of free fatty acids (expressed as oleic acid) of ≤ 1 % and a peroxide value of ≤ 4 mmol O2/kg. 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' has a harmonious, refined, visually attractive texture, with good viscosity and a shiny tint. 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' is bottled in glass containers with a capacity not exceeding 1 l.

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

’Varaždinsko bučino ulje' is produced from the dried seeds of the field pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.).

3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area

All stages of production of 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje', from the cultivation of the pumpkins to the harvesting of the seeds and their processing into oil, must take place in the defined geographical area referred to in point 4.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

-

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

-

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area for the production of 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje', from the planting of the pumpkins to the production of the oil, is the whole of Varaždin County. Varaždin County is bordered by Slovenia to the northwest, Međimurje County to the north, Koprivnica-Križevci County to the east, Zagreb County to the south, and Krapina-Zagorje County to the southwest.

5.   Link with the geographical area

The causal link between ‘Varaždinsko bučino ulje’ and the area in which it is produced is based on its reputation, which comes from the long tradition of producing the oil in Varaždin County.

Specificity of the geographical area

Most of the land in Varaždin County is arable land, which is why the people have been farmers since time immemorial. This geographical area has favourable climatic and soil conditions for cultivating the field pumpkin. According to the Köppen climate classification, Varaždin County has a moderately warm and a moderately cold climate. The climatic conditions during the flowering and harvesting of the pumpkins, measured over several years, show an average temperature of between 14,9 °C and 20,1 °C, relative humidity of between 78,3 % and 85 %, and average monthly rainfall ranging from 73 mm to 100 mm. The three summer months (June-August) are the wettest, with average precipitation of over 90 mm, accounting for about a third of annual precipitation. Some 60 % of the precipitation occurs during the vegetation period. That pattern of rainfall provides favourable conditions for the cultivation of the pumpkins and pumpkin seeds from which 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' is produced. The soil and microclimate play a significant role in the cultivation of the pumpkins, which accounts for the particular quality of 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' in these climatic and soil conditions.

The tradition of producing 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' in Varaždin County goes back hundreds of years. According to historical records, the local people of the village of Biškupec near Varaždin were already cultivating pumpkins and producing pumpkin oil 150 years ago. Pumpkin oil began to be manufactured in the mid-19th century, with producers presenting their pumpkin oil at various trade fairs. The only pumpkin oils to be exhibited at the first Dalmatian-Croatian-Slavonian Trade Fair that was held in August, September and October 1864 in Zagreb were produced in Varaždin County. They were produced by Baron Metel Barlabaševečki Ožegović from the village of Bela and Baron Juraj Rauch from the village of Martijanec, both in Varaždin County (Šuhaj & Devide, 1864, Prva izložba dalmatinsko-hrvatsko-slavonska mjeseca kolovoza, rujna i listopada 1864 obdržavana u Zagrebu [First Dalmatian-Croatian-Slavonian trade fair in August, September and October 1864 in Zagreb], Brzotisak A. Jakić).

Industrial production of 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' dates back to 1917, when the First Varaždin Hydraulic Oil Production plant began operating in Varaždin. Production of 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' increased thanks to the use of hulling machines, which eliminated the long process of hulling pumpkin seeds before processing, and a factory used to purchase the entire production of pumpkin seeds in Varaždin County.

’Varaždinsko bučino ulje' is mentioned in the work 'Monografija Općine Vidovec' ['Monograph of the Municipality of Vidovec'] as one of the symbols of that area. Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin oil have been produced in the municipality of Vidovec near Varaždin for over a century, and the first oil mill processing pumpkin seeds into pumpkin oil was opened there in 1936. The people of Varaždin County have been producing top-quality 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' for decades thanks to the long tradition of production, their hard work and skill in tilling the land and producing and processing the seeds, and regular investment in know-how and technology.

The properties of 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' are the result of the local practices used in its production. Thanks to the experience and know-how of producers, the seeds are processed at lower temperatures to produce 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje', which releases sweeter fragrant notes than would otherwise be the case if the seeds were processed at normal roasting temperatures. Furthermore, a small amount of cooking salt is added when ground pumpkin seeds are turned into a paste, which contributes to the specific quality of 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' (Nenad Martinec, Sandra Balbino, Jasminka Dobša, Vesna Šimunić-Mežnarić, Saša Legen: Macro and microelements in pumpkin seed oils: Effect of processing, crop season, and country of origin, 2019, Food Science & Nutrition, pp. 1-11).

Specificity of the product

The process of transforming pumpkin seeds into 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' is specific and differs from the production of other plant oils in that it is obtained by mechanical means and with the use of heat, without any additives, which results in a high-quality oil and one with specific organoleptic characteristics.

’Varaždinsko bučino ulje' is aromatic with a refined, subtle taste and aroma. The oil has fragrant, spicy notes with a clearly recognisable scent of roasted pumpkin seeds. 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' has a well-balanced bouquet of roasted pumpkin seeds, which contributes to the product’s pleasant, harmonious taste.

The scientific community is also showing a growing interest in 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje', which is increasingly the subject of works analysing the properties of this oil and comparing it with other pumpkin oils. Research has shown that 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' stands out according to the basic standard quality parameters. Accordingly, in comparison with the pumpkin oils produced in other areas of Croatia, the 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' oils produced in Varaždin County have the lowest multi-annual average values for the proportion of free fatty acids (expressed as oleic acid, with a value of ≤ 1 %) and the peroxide number (≤ 4 mmol O2/kg), in other words they are of better quality (Sandra Balbino: Vrhunska kvaliteta bučinog ulja – izazovi i mogućnosti, I. Znanstveni skup – Varaždinsko bučino ulje [Top-quality pumpkin oil – challenges and opportunities, first scientific conference –Varaždinsko bučino ulje], 2020, abstract). ‘Varaždinsko bučino ulje’ contains a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, like essential linoleic and oleic acid (at least 70 % unsaturated fatty acids).

Thanks to its fatty acid composition, 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' is one of the most important sources of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, whose health benefits have been scientifically proven. (Ivančica Delaš, 2010: Zaboravljene vrijednosti – bučino ulje [Forgotten benefits of pumpkin oil], pp. 38-42, Hrvatski časopis za prehrambenu tehnologiju, biotehnologiju i nutricionizam 5 (1-2)).

Varaždin County is proud of 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje'. Part of the information brochure entitled ‘Katalog poljoprivrednih proizvoda i proizvođača Varaždinske županije’ [Catalogue of agricultural produce and producers of Varaždin County] is devoted to it, and it is also covered in the promotional materials published by the county in cooperation with producers and chefs to promote the reputation of traditional products. Other publications include a leaflet entitled 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' and children’s picture books entitled 'Šetnja varaždinskim krajem' [A walk through the Varaždin region] and 'Dobrodošli u Bučograd' [Welcome to Pumpkin Town], which are devoted to 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje'. This all clearly shows the renown of 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' in Varaždin County, and indeed throughout Croatia.

There is a rich tradition of production of the renowned 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' in the defined geographical area, and the name 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' is still used today in everyday parlance (invoice and shipping note, 2018, issued by Uslužna uljara Patrčević [Patrčević oil mill]).

Causal link between the geographical area and the product

The causal link between 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' and Varaždin County is based on the centuries-old tradition of production, through which the product has become renowned over time.

’Varaždinsko bučino ulje' is an integral part of the culinary heritage of the Varaždin region. Thanks to its gastronomic properties – its characteristic nutty taste (Petra Regović, thesis, 2013, pp. 1 and 53) and its smell of roasted pumpkin seeds – 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' has been an indispensable product in the traditional preparation of dishes of the Varaždin region for more than a century.

Various publications about the preparation of delicacies, recipes and tourist guides describe 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' as a typical product of the Varaždin region which many consumers consider to be a speciality of Varaždin (Čuvari tradicije, okusa i mirisa varaždinskog kraja [Guardians of the traditions, flavours and aromas of the Varaždin region], 2016; 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje', leaflet).

The famous chef Damir Crleni has invented simple recipes for various dishes in which the main ingredient is 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje'. These recipes have been brought together in a cookery book published by Varaždin County (Damir Crleni 2018, 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje', Knjiga recepata ['Varaždinsko bučino ulje' recipe book), whilst his traditional cookery book of the Varaždin region is entirely devoted to pumpkins and 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' (Damir Crleni 2019, Tradicijska kuharica, knjiga recepata [Traditional cookery and recipe book]).

The fact that 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' is regularly showcased at festivals, exhibitions and events in Varaždin County also demonstrates the renown of this product. The 'Izložba bučinog ulja' [pumpkin oil exhibition] has been held since 2011 in order to raise producers’ and consumers’ awareness of the importance of consuming this product. The exhibition is held every year, and since 2018 it has taken on an international character thanks to the participation of pumpkin oil producers from Austria, Slovenia and Hungary. Pumpkin oil tastings are organised and the properties of the various oils are assessed, with certificates and prizes being awarded to the best producers. Over several decades the quality of 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' has been recognised in exhibitions outside Croatia, as demonstrated by the many awards and prizes it has received in recent years in Paris, Belgium and Austria (Monde Selection, GOLD QUALITY AWARD on the 59th World Selection 2020 of Food Products; Agence pour la Valorisation des Produits Agricoles, 18ème Concours International 'Les Huiles du Monde' AVPA-Paris 2020; third Alpe-Adria Ölprämierung, Austria, 2020).

’Varaždinsko bučino ulje' also occupies pride of place alongside other traditional products in the tourism promotion activities of Varaždin County, whilst the promotional material 'Varaždinska županija: Put kroz vrijeme' [Varaždin County: A journey through time] emphasises that, since time immemorial, 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' has been an essential condiment for dishes whenever a spread is put on for guests in the local area in order to give them a taste of traditional products (tourist board of Varaždin County, 2014, Skromni i svečani objed, Na seljačkim kolima [Everyday meals and feasts, On a farm cart], p. 14).

All the available documentary records testifying to the link between 'Varaždinsko bučino ulje' and the geographical area have been included in the monograph, which provides an overview of traditional production, the state of the art and the latest scientific knowledge on the nutritional and health benefits of this oil (Roman Ozimec, Dragutin Vincek, Sandra Balbino, Mara Bogović, Davor Hostić, Damir Crleni, Ivan Goričanec: Varaždinsko bučino ulje – monografija [Varaždinsko bučino ulje: a monograph] 2020, pp. 1-208).

’Varaždinsko bučino ulje' has succeeded in preserving its reputation thanks to the small-scale local producers who, through the generations, have tended to use this name in their everyday parlance and when putting the product on sale at local markets (Varaždinske vijesti, 1982, Potvrda dobrog ugleda [Confirmation of good reputation], p.12; Varaždinske vijesti, 1984, Bogata i raznovrsna zimnica [The rich diversity of provisions for winter], p. 10).

Reference to publication of the specification

https://poljoprivreda.gov.hr/UserDocsImages/dokumenti/hrana/proizvodi_u_postupku_zastite-zoi-zozp-zts/Varazdinsko_bucino_ulje_specifikacija_14092022.pdf

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(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

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