# Official Journal C 106/2009

| | ISSN 1725-2423
  doi:10.3000/17252423.C_2009.106.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 106 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 528 May 2009 |

ISSN 1725-2423

doi:10.3000/17252423.C_2009.106.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 106

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 528 May 2009

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| | OPINIONS |
| | European Central Bank |
| 2009/C 106/01 | Opinion of the European Central Bank — of 20 April 2009 — on a proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 332/2002 establishing a facility providing medium-term financial assistance for Member States' balances of payments — (CON/2009/37) | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

OPINIONS

European Central Bank

2009/C 106/01

Opinion of the European Central Bank — of 20 April 2009 — on a proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 332/2002 establishing a facility providing medium-term financial assistance for Member States' balances of payments — (CON/2009/37)

1

| | II   Information |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2009/C 106/02 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2009/C 106/03 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 11 |
| 2009/C 106/04 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 14 |
| 2009/C 106/05 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 17 |
| 2009/C 106/06 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 21 |

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2009/C 106/02

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  )

1

6

2009/C 106/03

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  )

1

11

2009/C 106/04

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  )

1

14

2009/C 106/05

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  )

1

17

2009/C 106/06

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  )

1

21

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2009/C 106/07 | Euro exchange rates | 24 |
| 2009/C 106/08 | Ex post publicity of Eurostat grants in 2008 | 25 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2009/C 106/07

Euro exchange rates

24

2009/C 106/08

Ex post publicity of Eurostat grants in 2008

Ex post

25

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2009/C 106/09 | Prior notification of a concentration — (Case COMP/M.5467 — RWE/Essent) (
  1
  ) | 26 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | Commission |
| 2009/C 106/10 | Publication of an application pursuant to Article 8(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 509/2006 on agricultural products and foodstuffs as traditional specialities guaranteed | 27 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

2009/C 106/09

Prior notification of a concentration — (Case COMP/M.5467 — RWE/Essent) (
  1
  )

1

26

OTHER ACTS

Commission

2009/C 106/10

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 8(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 509/2006 on agricultural products and foodstuffs as traditional specialities guaranteed

27

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance |

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

---

I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

OPINIONS

European Central Bank

| 8.5.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 106/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.5.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 106/1

---

OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

of 20 April 2009

on a proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 332/2002 establishing a facility providing medium-term financial assistance for Member States' balances of payments

(CON/2009/37)

2009/C 106/01

Introduction and legal basis

On 17 April 2009 the European Central Bank (ECB) received a request from the Council of the European Union for an opinion on a proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 332/2002 establishing a facility providing medium-term financial assistance for Member States' balances of payments (1) (the proposed regulation (2)).

The ECB’s competence to deliver an opinion is based on Article 105(4) of the Treaty establishing the European Community because the ECB administers assistance granted under this facility. In accordance with the first sentence of Article 17.5 of the Rules of Procedure of the European Central Bank, the Governing Council has adopted this opinion.

1.   General observations

The ECB considers that, in the present financial circumstances, non-euro area Member States are more likely to make requests under the medium-term financial assistance facility than was previously envisaged, and their requests for assistance are likely to involve higher amounts than had been anticipated in 2002 when Regulation (EC) No 332/2002 entered into force and in December 2008 when it was amended. Therefore, the ECB is of the opinion that, in view of international economic and financial developments, the potential demand for assistance might exceed the current ceiling of EUR 25 billion, and welcomes the proposed increase in the ceiling to EUR 50 billion so as to enable the Community to accede to potential requests for financial assistance.

In this context, the ECB notes that the procedure foreseen in the proposed regulation must fully comply with the prohibition on monetary financing laid down in Article 101(1) of the Treaty, read in conjunction with Council Regulation (EC) No 3603/93 of 13 December 1993 specifying definitions for the application of the prohibitions referred to in Articles 104 and 104b(1) of the Treaty (3). In particular, the ECB understands that the increase in the amount of assistance available to EUR 50 billion as envisaged in the proposed regulation will be exclusively financed from the Member States’ budgets and that this will not include any bridge financing or refinancing by the European System of Central Banks. In this respect, it is expected that the Community’s account at the ECB and the Member States’ accounts at national central banks (NCBs) will be fully funded at all relevant times.

2.   Specific observations

2.1.   Proposed new Article 9a

The ECB fully understands the need to ensure the sound management of Community medium-term financial assistance. Nevertheless, the ECB notes that the proposed new Article 9a could be read to mean that the European Court of Auditors would have the competence to carry out financial audits on the ECB’s and NCBs’ accounts. The ECB accordingly suggests that, in recognition of the existing legal framework of Article 27 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank that applies to the ECB and NCBs, the proposed new Article 9a should expressly limit its scope to the Member States receiving Community medium-term financial assistance.

2.2.   Requirement to consult the Commission

Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 332/2002 requires a Member State that has not adopted the euro to consult the Commission if that Member State ‘proposes to call upon sources of financing outside the Community which are subject to economic policy conditions’. It is suggested that the phrase ‘economic policy conditions’ should be amended to make clear that ‘economic policy conditions’ includes ‘ex ante eligibility criteria’ which would therefore unambiguously include the type of conditionality that will be used in new-style International Monetary Fund arrangements (4).

2.3.   Availability of Community medium-term financial assistance on a precautionary basis

It is noted that the proposed amended Articles 3(2) and 5(1) of Regulation (EC) No 332/2002 do not contain the references to ‘back-up programme’ that are contained in the current versions of those Articles. These omissions suggest a change in the scope of applicability of Community medium-term financial assistance in that such assistance would only be available for actual, as opposed to potential, balance of payments problems. In this regard, Article 119(1) of the Treaty expressly refers to assistance being available if a Member State is ‘seriously threatened’ with difficulties as regards its balance of payments. Article 3(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 332/2002 also refers to assistance being available if a Member State is ‘seriously threatened’ with (as opposed to actually experiencing) difficulties as regards its balance of payments. The references to a ‘back-up programme’ that are currently contained in Articles 3(2) and 5(1) of Regulation No 332/2002 essentially made provision for a framework within which precautionary assistance could be made available. The references to a ‘back-up programme’ could be helpfully reinserted into Articles 3(2) and 5(1).

2.4.   Nature of the proposed new ‘memorandum of understanding’

It would be desirable to enhance consistency in describing the ‘memorandum of understanding’ that would be required by the proposed new Article 3a. Specifically, recital 2 refers to this memorandum as being ‘negotiated’, whereas the proposed new Article 3a suggests that the memorandum will be more in the nature of a unilateral document that details ‘the conditions laid down by the Council’. Since the wording of Article 3a essentially tracks that of Article 119(2) of the Treaty, it is suggested that recital 2 should be brought into line with the wording of the proposed new Article 3a.

3.   Drafting proposals

Where the above advice would lead to changes in the proposed regulation, drafting proposals are set out in the Annex.

Done at Frankfurt am Main, 20 April 2009.

The President of the ECB

Jean-Claude TRICHET

---

(1)  Regulation (EC) No 332/2002 of 18 February 2002 establishing a facility providing medium-term financial assistance for Member States’ balances of payments (OJ L 53, 23.2.2002, p. 1).

1

(2)  COM(2009) 169 final.

2

(3)  OJ L 332, 31.12.1993, p. 1.

3

(4)  See ‘IMF Overhauls Lending Framework’, Press Release No 09/85, 24 March 2009, on the International Monetary Fund’s website at (http://www.imf.org).

4

---

ANNEX

Drafting proposals

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendments proposed by the ECB |
| --- | --- |
| Amendment 1


  Recital 2 of the proposed regulation |
| ‘In the light of recent experience gained in the functioning of medium-term financial assistance, the respective tasks and responsibilities of the Commission and the Member States concerned with the implementation of the Regulation should be clarified. In addition, the conditions for granting the financial assistance should be spelled out in a memorandum of understanding to be negotiated between the Commission and the Member State concerned.’ | ‘In the light of recent experience gained in the functioning of medium-term financial assistance, the respective tasks and responsibilities of the Commission and the Member States concerned with the implementation of the Regulation should be clarified. In addition, the conditions for granting the financial assistance should be spelled out
  presented in a memorandum of understanding to be negotiated between the Commission and the Member State concerned.’ |
| Justification — See paragraph 2.4 of the opinion |
| Amendment 2


  Recital 4 of the proposed regulation |
| ‘Sound management of the Community financial assistance received is of paramount importance. Therefore, the possibility for the European Court of Auditors and the European Anti-Fraud Office to carry out controls when they deem necessary is provided for by the existing loan agreements and should be laid down in this Regulation.’ | ‘Sound management of the Community financial assistance received is of paramount importance. Therefore, the possibility without prejudice to Article 27 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank for the European Court of Auditors and the European Anti-Fraud Office to carry out controls in the Member State receiving Community medium-term financial assistance when they deem necessary is provided for by the existing loan agreements and should be laid down in this Regulation.’ |
| Justification — See paragraph 2.1 of the opinion |
| Amendment 3


  Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 332/2002 |
| ‘Where a Member State which has not adopted the euro proposes to call upon sources of financing outside the Community which are subject to economic policy considerations, it shall first consult the Commission.’ | ‘Where a Member State which has not adopted the euro proposes to call upon sources of financing outside the Community which are subject to economic policy considerations, including pre-set qualification criteria, it shall first consult the Commission.’ |
| Justification — See paragraph 2.2 of the opinion |
| Amendment 4


  Article 1(2) of the proposed regulation |
| ‘The Member State concerned shall discuss with the Commission an assessment of its financial needs and submit a draft adjustment programme.’ | ‘The Member State concerned shall discuss with the Commission an assessment of its financial needs and submit a draft adjustment or back-up programme.’ |
| Justification — See paragraph 2.3 of the opinion |
| Amendment 5


  Article 1(4) of the proposed regulation |
| ‘1. | The Commission shall take the necessary measures to verify at regular intervals, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Committee that the economic policy of the Member State in receipt of a Community loan accords with the adjustment programme and with any other conditions laid down by the Council pursuant to Article 3. To this end, the Member State shall place all the necessary information at the disposal of the Commission and cooperate in full with the latter.’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendments proposed by the ECB

Amendment 1

Recital 2 of the proposed regulation

‘In the light of recent experience gained in the functioning of medium-term financial assistance, the respective tasks and responsibilities of the Commission and the Member States concerned with the implementation of the Regulation should be clarified. In addition, the conditions for granting the financial assistance should be spelled out in a memorandum of understanding to be negotiated between the Commission and the Member State concerned.’

‘In the light of recent experience gained in the functioning of medium-term financial assistance, the respective tasks and responsibilities of the Commission and the Member States concerned with the implementation of the Regulation should be clarified. In addition, the conditions for granting the financial assistance should be spelled out
  presented in a memorandum of understanding to be negotiated between the Commission and the Member State concerned.’

Justification — See paragraph 2.4 of the opinion

Amendment 2

Recital 4 of the proposed regulation

‘Sound management of the Community financial assistance received is of paramount importance. Therefore, the possibility for the European Court of Auditors and the European Anti-Fraud Office to carry out controls when they deem necessary is provided for by the existing loan agreements and should be laid down in this Regulation.’

‘Sound management of the Community financial assistance received is of paramount importance. Therefore, the possibility without prejudice to Article 27 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank for the European Court of Auditors and the European Anti-Fraud Office to carry out controls in the Member State receiving Community medium-term financial assistance when they deem necessary is provided for by the existing loan agreements and should be laid down in this Regulation.’

Justification — See paragraph 2.1 of the opinion

Amendment 3

Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 332/2002

‘Where a Member State which has not adopted the euro proposes to call upon sources of financing outside the Community which are subject to economic policy considerations, it shall first consult the Commission.’

‘Where a Member State which has not adopted the euro proposes to call upon sources of financing outside the Community which are subject to economic policy considerations, including pre-set qualification criteria, it shall first consult the Commission.’

Justification — See paragraph 2.2 of the opinion

Amendment 4

Article 1(2) of the proposed regulation

‘The Member State concerned shall discuss with the Commission an assessment of its financial needs and submit a draft adjustment programme.’

‘The Member State concerned shall discuss with the Commission an assessment of its financial needs and submit a draft adjustment or back-up programme.’

Justification — See paragraph 2.3 of the opinion

Amendment 5

Article 1(4) of the proposed regulation

‘1.

The Commission shall take the necessary measures to verify at regular intervals, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Committee that the economic policy of the Member State in receipt of a Community loan accords with the adjustment programme and with any other conditions laid down by the Council pursuant to Article 3. To this end, the Member State shall place all the necessary information at the disposal of the Commission and cooperate in full with the latter.’

| ‘1. | The Commission shall take the necessary measures to verify at regular intervals, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Committee that the economic policy of the Member State in receipt of a Community loan accords with the adjustment or back-upprogramme and with any other conditions laid down by the Council pursuant to Article 3 and Article 3a. To this end, the Member State shall place all the necessary information at the disposal of the Commission and cooperate in full with the latter.’ |
| --- | --- |

‘1.

The Commission shall take the necessary measures to verify at regular intervals, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Committee that the economic policy of the Member State in receipt of a Community loan accords with the adjustment or back-upprogramme and with any other conditions laid down by the Council pursuant to Article 3 and Article 3a. To this end, the Member State shall place all the necessary information at the disposal of the Commission and cooperate in full with the latter.’

Justification — See paragraph 2.3 of the opinion

Amendment 6

Article 1(6) of the proposed regulation

‘The European Court of Auditors shall have the right to carry out any financial controls or audits that it considers necessary in relation to the management of this assistance. The Commission, including the European Anti-Fraud Office, shall have the right to send its own officials or duly authorised representatives to carry out technical or financial controls or audits that it considers necessary in relation to the management of the Community medium-term financial assistance.’

‘Without prejudice to Article 27 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank, the European Court of Auditors shall have the right to carry out any financial controls or audits in the Member State receiving Community medium-term financial assistance that it considers necessary in relation to the management of this assistance. The Commission, including the European Anti-Fraud Office, shall thus have the right to send its own officials or duly authorised representatives to carry out technical or financial controls or audits that it considers necessary in Member States receiving Community medium-term financial assistance in relation to the management of the
  that assistance.’

Justification — See paragraph 2.1 of the opinion

---

II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 8.5.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 106/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.5.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 106/6

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

2009/C 106/02

| Date of adoption of the decision | 18.12.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 369/08 |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Scottish R&D&I Programme |
| Legal basis | Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act 1990 as amended by Scottish Statutory Instrument 2001 N. 126; Science and Technology Act 1965 Section 5t |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Research and development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Annual budget: GBP 31 million
  Overall budget: GBP 155 million |
| Intensity | 100 % |
| Duration (period) | 30.9.2008-31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Scottish Government |
| 5 Cadogan Street |
| Glasgow |
| G2 6AT |
| UNITED KINGDOM |

Date of adoption of the decision

18.12.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 369/08

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Scottish R&D&I Programme

Legal basis

Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act 1990 as amended by Scottish Statutory Instrument 2001 N. 126; Science and Technology Act 1965 Section 5t

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Research and development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: GBP 31 million

Overall budget: GBP 155 million

Intensity

100 %

Duration (period)

30.9.2008-31.12.2013

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Scottish Government

5 Cadogan Street

Glasgow

G2 6AT

UNITED KINGDOM

| Scottish Enterprise |
| --- |
| 150 Broomielaw |
| 5 Atlantic Quay |
| Glasgow |
| G2 8LU |
| UNITED KINGDOM |

Scottish Enterprise

150 Broomielaw

5 Atlantic Quay

Glasgow

G2 8LU

UNITED KINGDOM

| Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Cowan House, Inverness Retail & Business Park |
| --- |
| Inverness |
| IV2 7GF |
| UNITED KINGDOM |

Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Cowan House, Inverness Retail & Business Park

Inverness

IV2 7GF

UNITED KINGDOM

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 11.2.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 453/08 |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Sachsen |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Sunfilm AG |
| Legal basis | Investitionszulagengesetz 2007; Investitionszulagengesetz 2010; 35. Rahmenplan der Gemeinschaftsaufgabe — Verbesserung der regionalen Wirtschaftsstruktur; 36. Rahmenplan der Gemeinschaftsaufgabe — Verbesserung der regionalen Wirtschaftsstruktur |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Objective | Regional development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant, Tax allowance |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 56,05 million |
| Intensity | 14,01 % |
| Duration (period) | 2007-2011 |
| Economic sectors | Manufacturing industry |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Sächsische Aufbaubank |
| Pirnaische Straße 9 |
| 01069 Dresden |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

Date of adoption of the decision

11.2.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 453/08

Member State

Germany

Region

Sachsen

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Sunfilm AG

Legal basis

Investitionszulagengesetz 2007; Investitionszulagengesetz 2010; 35. Rahmenplan der Gemeinschaftsaufgabe — Verbesserung der regionalen Wirtschaftsstruktur; 36. Rahmenplan der Gemeinschaftsaufgabe — Verbesserung der regionalen Wirtschaftsstruktur

Type of measure

Individual aid

Objective

Regional development

Form of aid

Direct grant, Tax allowance

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 56,05 million

Intensity

14,01 %

Duration (period)

2007-2011

Economic sectors

Manufacturing industry

Name and address of the granting authority

Sächsische Aufbaubank

Pirnaische Straße 9

01069 Dresden

DEUTSCHLAND

| Finanzamt Hoyerswerda |
| --- |
| Pforzheimer Platz 1 |
| 02977 Hoyerswerda |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

Finanzamt Hoyerswerda

Pforzheimer Platz 1

02977 Hoyerswerda

DEUTSCHLAND

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 20.3.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 47a/09 |
| Member State | Austria |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | ‘Regelung zur vorübergehenden Gewährung geringfügiger Beihilfen im Geltungsbereich der Republik Österreich während der Finanz-und Wirtschaftskrise’ (Österreichregelung Kleinbeihilfen) |
| Legal basis | ‘Regelung zur vorübergehenden Gewährung geringfügiger Beihilfen im Geltungsbereich der Republik Österreich während der Finanz-und Wirtschaftskrise’ (Österreichregelung Kleinbeihilfen) |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy |
| Form of aid | Direct grant, Guarantee, Interest subsidy |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 150 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | until 31.12.2010 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | — |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

20.3.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 47a/09

Member State

Austria

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

‘Regelung zur vorübergehenden Gewährung geringfügiger Beihilfen im Geltungsbereich der Republik Österreich während der Finanz-und Wirtschaftskrise’ (Österreichregelung Kleinbeihilfen)

Legal basis

‘Regelung zur vorübergehenden Gewährung geringfügiger Beihilfen im Geltungsbereich der Republik Österreich während der Finanz-und Wirtschaftskrise’ (Österreichregelung Kleinbeihilfen)

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy

Form of aid

Direct grant, Guarantee, Interest subsidy

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 150 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

until 31.12.2010

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

—

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 20.3.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 117/09 |
| Member State | Belgium |
| Region | Flanders |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Guarantee scheme under the Temporary Framework (Verhoogde Crisis Waarborg) |
| Legal basis | Amendment 11 februari 2009 van ‘Decreet betreffende een waarborgregeling voor kleine, middelgrote en grote ondernemingen’, 6 februari 2004 (Art. 22/1 – 22/3) |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy |
| Form of aid | Guarantee |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 1 500 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | until 31.12.2010 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Guarantee Fund ‘Waarborgfonds’, Flemish Region |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

20.3.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 117/09

Member State

Belgium

Region

Flanders

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Guarantee scheme under the Temporary Framework (Verhoogde Crisis Waarborg)

Legal basis

Amendment 11 februari 2009 van ‘Decreet betreffende een waarborgregeling voor kleine, middelgrote en grote ondernemingen’, 6 februari 2004 (Art. 22/1 – 22/3)

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy

Form of aid

Guarantee

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 1 500 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

until 31.12.2010

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Guarantee Fund ‘Waarborgfonds’, Flemish Region

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 11.3.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 128/09 |
| Member State | Luxembourg |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Régime temporaire relatif aux aides sous forme de garanties |
| Legal basis | L’aide sera octroyée sur la base d'une loi instituant un régime temporaire de garanties en vue du redressement économique |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy |
| Form of aid | Guarantee |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 500 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | until 31.12.2010 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ministère de l'économie et du commerce extérieur |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

11.3.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 128/09

Member State

Luxembourg

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Régime temporaire relatif aux aides sous forme de garanties

Legal basis

L’aide sera octroyée sur la base d'une loi instituant un régime temporaire de garanties en vue du redressement économique

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy

Form of aid

Guarantee

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 500 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

until 31.12.2010

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministère de l'économie et du commerce extérieur

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

---

| 8.5.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 106/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.5.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 106/11

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

2009/C 106/03

| Date of adoption of the decision | 28.11.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 297/08 |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | 3. | Verkehrsforschungs-programm der Bundesregierung, (hier Projektförderung des BMWi) |

Date of adoption of the decision

28.11.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 297/08

Member State

Germany

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

3.

Verkehrsforschungs-programm der Bundesregierung, (hier Projektförderung des BMWi)

Legal basis

Bundeshaushaltsplan Kapitel 0902 Titel 68311

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Research and development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 60 million

Overall budget: EUR 360 million

Intensity

100 %

Duration (period)

1.1.2009 - 31.12.2014

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

| Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie |
| --- |
| 11019 Berlin |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie

11019 Berlin

DEUTSCHLAND

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 27.2.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 351/08 |
| Member State | Latvia |
| Region | 87(3)(a) |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Enerģijas ražošana no lauksaimnieciskas un mežsaimnieciskas izcelsmes biomasas |
| Legal basis | Ministru kabineta noteikumu “Valsts un Eiropas Savienības atbalsta Lauku attīstības programmas 2007-2013. gadam pasākuma”“Atbalsts uzņēmumu un radīšanai (ietverot ar lauksaimnicību nesaistītu darbību dažādošanu)” apakšpasākumam “Enerģijas ražošana no lauksaimnieciskas un mežsaimnieciskas izcelsmes biomasas piešķiršanas kārtība projekts;” Ministru kabineta 2008. gada 21. aprīļa noteikumi Nr. 298 “Kārtība, kādā piešķir valsts un Eiropas Savienības atbalstu atklātu projektu konkursu veidā lauku un zivsaimniecības attīstībai” |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Regional development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Overall budget: LVL 43,38 million |
| Intensity | 40 % |
| Duration (period) | until 31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | Energy |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Lauku atbalsta dienests |
| Republikas laukums 2 |
| Rīga, LV-1981 |
| LATVIJA |

Date of adoption of the decision

27.2.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 351/08

Member State

Latvia

Region

87(3)(a)

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Enerģijas ražošana no lauksaimnieciskas un mežsaimnieciskas izcelsmes biomasas

Legal basis

Ministru kabineta noteikumu “Valsts un Eiropas Savienības atbalsta Lauku attīstības programmas 2007-2013. gadam pasākuma”“Atbalsts uzņēmumu un radīšanai (ietverot ar lauksaimnicību nesaistītu darbību dažādošanu)” apakšpasākumam “Enerģijas ražošana no lauksaimnieciskas un mežsaimnieciskas izcelsmes biomasas piešķiršanas kārtība projekts;” Ministru kabineta 2008. gada 21. aprīļa noteikumi Nr. 298 “Kārtība, kādā piešķir valsts un Eiropas Savienības atbalstu atklātu projektu konkursu veidā lauku un zivsaimniecības attīstībai”

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Regional development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Overall budget: LVL 43,38 million

Intensity

40 %

Duration (period)

until 31.12.2013

Economic sectors

Energy

Name and address of the granting authority

Lauku atbalsta dienests

Republikas laukums 2

Rīga, LV-1981

LATVIJA

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 19.3.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 124/09 |
| Member State | Latvia |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | ‘Limited amounts of compatible aid in the form of guarantees during the financial and economic crisis’ |
| Legal basis | Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia ‘Regulations on Guarantees for Development of Enterprise Competitiveness’ approved on 17 February 2009 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy |
| Form of aid | Guarantee |
| Budget | Overall budget: LVL 20 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | Until 31.12.2010 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Latvian Guarantee Agency |
| 11/13;15, Tirgonu Str. |
| Riga, LV-1050 |
| LATVIA |

Date of adoption of the decision

19.3.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 124/09

Member State

Latvia

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

‘Limited amounts of compatible aid in the form of guarantees during the financial and economic crisis’

Legal basis

Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia ‘Regulations on Guarantees for Development of Enterprise Competitiveness’ approved on 17 February 2009

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy

Form of aid

Guarantee

Budget

Overall budget: LVL 20 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

Until 31.12.2010

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Latvian Guarantee Agency

11/13;15, Tirgonu Str.

Riga, LV-1050

LATVIA

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

---

| 8.5.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 106/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.5.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 106/14

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

2009/C 106/04

| Date of adoption of the decision | 3.3.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 372/07 |
| Member State | Lithuania |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Pagalba biokuro gamybos plėtojimui |
| Legal basis | Lietuvos Respublikos biokuro įstatymo. Biokuro gamybos ir naudojimo skatinimo metais 2004–2010 programa. |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Environmental protection |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Overall budget: LTL 310,41 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | until 31.12.2012 |
| Economic sectors | Agriculture |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Lietuvos Respublikos Žemės Ūkio Ministerija |
| Gedimino pr. 19 (Lelevelio g. 6) |
| LT-01103 Vilnius |
| LIETUVA/LITHUANIA |

Date of adoption of the decision

3.3.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 372/07

Member State

Lithuania

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Pagalba biokuro gamybos plėtojimui

Legal basis

Lietuvos Respublikos biokuro įstatymo. Biokuro gamybos ir naudojimo skatinimo metais 2004–2010 programa.

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Environmental protection

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Overall budget: LTL 310,41 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

until 31.12.2012

Economic sectors

Agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Lietuvos Respublikos Žemės Ūkio Ministerija

Gedimino pr. 19 (Lelevelio g. 6)

LT-01103 Vilnius

LIETUVA/LITHUANIA

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 11.2.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 414/08 |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | England, Wales |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Renewable Obligation |
| Legal basis | 32 Electricity Act 1989, as amended by Energy Act 2004.
  Currently subject to amendment by the Energy Bill 2008.
  Implemented by Renewables Obligation Order 2006 (No 1004), amended by Renewables Obligation Order 2006 (Amendment) Order 2007 (No 1078) |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Environmental protection, energy saving |
| Form of aid | Transactions not on market terms |
| Budget | Overall budget: GBP 23 200 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | 1.4.2009-31.3.2027 |
| Economic sectors | Energy |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform |
| 1 Victoria Street |
| London SW1H 0ET |
| UNITED KINGDOM |

Date of adoption of the decision

11.2.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 414/08

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

England, Wales

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Renewable Obligation

Legal basis

32 Electricity Act 1989, as amended by Energy Act 2004.

Currently subject to amendment by the Energy Bill 2008.

Implemented by Renewables Obligation Order 2006 (No 1004), amended by Renewables Obligation Order 2006 (Amendment) Order 2007 (No 1078)

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Environmental protection, energy saving

Form of aid

Transactions not on market terms

Budget

Overall budget: GBP 23 200 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

1.4.2009-31.3.2027

Economic sectors

Energy

Name and address of the granting authority

Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform

1 Victoria Street

London SW1H 0ET

UNITED KINGDOM

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 25.2.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 513/08 |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | Clackmannanshire and Fife, Scotland |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Regional Investment Aid to Babcock Marine Rosyth Ltd |
| Legal basis | Industrial Development Act 1982, section 7 |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Objective | Regional development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Overall budget: GBP 0,175 million |
| Intensity | 12,5 % |
| Duration (period) | Until 31.3.2011 |
| Economic sectors | Shipbuilding |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Scottish Government |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

25.2.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 513/08

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

Clackmannanshire and Fife, Scotland

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Regional Investment Aid to Babcock Marine Rosyth Ltd

Legal basis

Industrial Development Act 1982, section 7

Type of measure

Individual aid

Objective

Regional development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Overall budget: GBP 0,175 million

Intensity

12,5 %

Duration (period)

Until 31.3.2011

Economic sectors

Shipbuilding

Name and address of the granting authority

Scottish Government

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 8.12.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 613/08 |
| Member State | France |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Dispositif de renforcement des fonds propres des banques |
| Legal basis | Article 6, III de la loi no 2008-1061 du 16 octobre 2008 de finances rectificative pour le financement de l'économie |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy |
| Form of aid | Other forms of equity intervention |
| Budget | EUR 21 000 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | 4.12.2008-4.6.2009 |
| Economic sectors | Financial intermediation |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Société de prise de participation de l'Etat France |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

8.12.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 613/08

Member State

France

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Dispositif de renforcement des fonds propres des banques

Legal basis

Article 6, III de la loi no 2008-1061 du 16 octobre 2008 de finances rectificative pour le financement de l'économie

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy

Form of aid

Other forms of equity intervention

Budget

EUR 21 000 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

4.12.2008-4.6.2009

Economic sectors

Financial intermediation

Name and address of the granting authority

Société de prise de participation de l'Etat France

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

---

| 8.5.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 106/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.5.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 106/17

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

2009/C 106/05

| Date of adoption of the decision | 10.3.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 304/08 |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Richtlinie zur Förderung von Umschlaganlagen des Kombinierten Verkehrs |
| Legal basis | Richtlinie zur Förderung von Umschlaganlagen des Kombinierten Verkehrs Allgemeine Verwaltungsvorschriften zu §§ 23, 44 BHO |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | To develop combined transport in order to achieve a traffic shift of freight away from road transport to other modes of transport |
| Form of aid | Non-reimbursable subsidies |
| Budget | EUR 115 million annually |
| Intensity | Up to 85 % for construction and extension of transhipment terminals and the purchase of loading equipment |
| Duration (period) | 2009-2011 |
| Economic sectors | Transport sector |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Bau und Stadtentwicklung |
| Invalidenstr. 44 |
| 10115 Berlin |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

Date of adoption of the decision

10.3.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 304/08

Member State

Germany

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Richtlinie zur Förderung von Umschlaganlagen des Kombinierten Verkehrs

Legal basis

Richtlinie zur Förderung von Umschlaganlagen des Kombinierten Verkehrs Allgemeine Verwaltungsvorschriften zu §§ 23, 44 BHO

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

To develop combined transport in order to achieve a traffic shift of freight away from road transport to other modes of transport

Form of aid

Non-reimbursable subsidies

Budget

EUR 115 million annually

Intensity

Up to 85 % for construction and extension of transhipment terminals and the purchase of loading equipment

Duration (period)

2009-2011

Economic sectors

Transport sector

Name and address of the granting authority

Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Bau und Stadtentwicklung

Invalidenstr. 44

10115 Berlin

DEUTSCHLAND

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 10.3.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 409/08, N 410/08, N 411/08 |
| Member State | Czech Republic |
| Region | Regiony úrovně NUTS II Jihovýchod, Jihozápad, Moravskoslezsko,Severozápad, Severovýchod, Střední Čechy, Střední Morava |
| Title | N 409/08 – Pořízení a obnova železničních kolejových vozidel,
  N 410/08 – Pořízení a obnova vozidel pro městskou dopravu,
  N 411/08 – Pořízení a obnova vozidel pro regionální dopravu |
| Legal basis | Zákon č. 248/2000 Sb., o podpoře regionálního rozvoje, ve znění pozdějších předpisů; zákon č. 250/2000 Sb., o rozpočtových pravidlech územních rozpočtů, ve znění pozdějších předpisů; zákon č. 266/1994 Sb., o dráhách, ve znění pozdějších předpisů; vyhláška č. 241/2005 Sb., o prokazatelné ztrátě ve veřejné drážní osobní dopravě a o vymezení souběžné veřejné osobní dopravy; zákon č. 586/1992 Sb., o daních z příjmů, ve znění pozdějších předpisů; vyhláška č. 500/2002 Sb., kterou se provádějí některá ustanovení zákona č. 563/1991 Sb., o účetnictví, ve znění pozdějších předpisů, pro účetní jednotky, které jsou podnikateli účtujícími v soustavě podvojného účetnictví, ve znění pozdějších předpisů; vyhláška č. 504/2002 Sb., kterou se provádějí některá ustanovení zákona č. 563/1991 Sb., o účetnictví, ve znění pozdějších předpisů, pro účetní jednotky, u kterých hlavním předmětem činnosti není podnikání, pokud účtují v soustavě podvojného účetnictví, ve znění pozdějších předpisů; vyhláška č. 175/2000 Sb., o přepravním řádu pro veřejnou drážní a silniční osobní dopravu; usnesení vlády České republiky ze dne 20. prosince 2006 č. 1461 o operačních programech České republiky pro čerpání prostředků ze strukturálních fondů a Fondu soudržnosti Evropské unie pro období let 2007 až 2013; usnesení vlády České republiky ze dne 17. května 2006 č. 560 o Strategii regionálního rozvoje České republiky; usnesení vlády České republiky ze dne 15. listopadu 2006 č. 1302 k postupu přípravy operačních programů pro čerpání prostředků ze strukturálních fondů a Fondu soudržnosti v letech 2000–2013 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | The main objective of support for the acquisition and modernisation of vehicles and rail rolling stock is to enhance integrated passenger transport systems in the Czech Republic |
| Form of aid | Investment grants |
| Budget | N 409/08 — Max. CZK 4 323,24 million (EUR 156,73 million) over 5 years
  N 410/08 — Max. CZK 1 157,03 million (EUR 41,95 million) over 5 years
  N 411/08 — Max. CZK 1 179,54 million (EUR 42,76 million) over 5 years |
| Intensity | 40 % of the eligible costs except for the region of Jihozápad, where it will be 38 % |
| Duration (period) | 1.1.2009-31.12.2014 |
| Economic sectors | Transport sector |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Orgánem udělujícím podporu je regionální rada příslušného regionu úrovně NUTS II:





  Regionální rada regionu soudržnosti Jihovýchod |
| CZ06 Jihovýchod |
| Kounicova 13 |
| 602 00 Brno |
| ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA |

Date of adoption of the decision

10.3.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 409/08, N 410/08, N 411/08

Member State

Czech Republic

Region

Regiony úrovně NUTS II Jihovýchod, Jihozápad, Moravskoslezsko,Severozápad, Severovýchod, Střední Čechy, Střední Morava

Title

N 409/08 – Pořízení a obnova železničních kolejových vozidel,

N 410/08 – Pořízení a obnova vozidel pro městskou dopravu,

N 411/08 – Pořízení a obnova vozidel pro regionální dopravu

Legal basis

Zákon č. 248/2000 Sb., o podpoře regionálního rozvoje, ve znění pozdějších předpisů; zákon č. 250/2000 Sb., o rozpočtových pravidlech územních rozpočtů, ve znění pozdějších předpisů; zákon č. 266/1994 Sb., o dráhách, ve znění pozdějších předpisů; vyhláška č. 241/2005 Sb., o prokazatelné ztrátě ve veřejné drážní osobní dopravě a o vymezení souběžné veřejné osobní dopravy; zákon č. 586/1992 Sb., o daních z příjmů, ve znění pozdějších předpisů; vyhláška č. 500/2002 Sb., kterou se provádějí některá ustanovení zákona č. 563/1991 Sb., o účetnictví, ve znění pozdějších předpisů, pro účetní jednotky, které jsou podnikateli účtujícími v soustavě podvojného účetnictví, ve znění pozdějších předpisů; vyhláška č. 504/2002 Sb., kterou se provádějí některá ustanovení zákona č. 563/1991 Sb., o účetnictví, ve znění pozdějších předpisů, pro účetní jednotky, u kterých hlavním předmětem činnosti není podnikání, pokud účtují v soustavě podvojného účetnictví, ve znění pozdějších předpisů; vyhláška č. 175/2000 Sb., o přepravním řádu pro veřejnou drážní a silniční osobní dopravu; usnesení vlády České republiky ze dne 20. prosince 2006 č. 1461 o operačních programech České republiky pro čerpání prostředků ze strukturálních fondů a Fondu soudržnosti Evropské unie pro období let 2007 až 2013; usnesení vlády České republiky ze dne 17. května 2006 č. 560 o Strategii regionálního rozvoje České republiky; usnesení vlády České republiky ze dne 15. listopadu 2006 č. 1302 k postupu přípravy operačních programů pro čerpání prostředků ze strukturálních fondů a Fondu soudržnosti v letech 2000–2013

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

The main objective of support for the acquisition and modernisation of vehicles and rail rolling stock is to enhance integrated passenger transport systems in the Czech Republic

Form of aid

Investment grants

Budget

N 409/08 — Max. CZK 4 323,24 million (EUR 156,73 million) over 5 years

N 410/08 — Max. CZK 1 157,03 million (EUR 41,95 million) over 5 years

N 411/08 — Max. CZK 1 179,54 million (EUR 42,76 million) over 5 years

Intensity

40 % of the eligible costs except for the region of Jihozápad, where it will be 38 %

Duration (period)

1.1.2009-31.12.2014

Economic sectors

Transport sector

Name and address of the granting authority

Orgánem udělujícím podporu je regionální rada příslušného regionu úrovně NUTS II:

Regionální rada regionu soudržnosti Jihovýchod

CZ06 Jihovýchod

Kounicova 13

602 00 Brno

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

| Regionální rada regionu soudržnosti Jihozápad |
| --- |
| CZ03 Jihozápad |
| Jeronýmova 1750/21 |
| 370 01 České Budějovice |
| ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA |

Regionální rada regionu soudržnosti Jihozápad

CZ03 Jihozápad

Jeronýmova 1750/21

370 01 České Budějovice

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

| Regionální rada regionu soudržnosti Moravskoslezsko |
| --- |
| CZ08 Moravskoslezsko |
| Hrabákova 1/1861 |
| 702 00 Ostrava – Moravská Ostrava |
| ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA |

Regionální rada regionu soudržnosti Moravskoslezsko

CZ08 Moravskoslezsko

Hrabákova 1/1861

702 00 Ostrava – Moravská Ostrava

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

| Regionální rada regionu soudržnosti Severovýchod |
| --- |
| CZ05 Severovýchod |
| Pražská 320/8 |
| PSČ 500 04 Hradec Králové |
| ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA |

Regionální rada regionu soudržnosti Severovýchod

CZ05 Severovýchod

Pražská 320/8

PSČ 500 04 Hradec Králové

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

| Regionální rada regionu soudržnosti Severozápad |
| --- |
| CZ04 Severozápad |
| Mírové náměstí 37 |
| 400 01 Ústí nad Labem |
| ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA |

Regionální rada regionu soudržnosti Severozápad

CZ04 Severozápad

Mírové náměstí 37

400 01 Ústí nad Labem

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

| Regionální rada regionu soudržnosti Střední Čechy |
| --- |
| CZ02 Střední Čechy |
| Zborovská 11 |
| 150 21 Praha 5 |
| ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA |

Regionální rada regionu soudržnosti Střední Čechy

CZ02 Střední Čechy

Zborovská 11

150 21 Praha 5

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

| Regionální rada regionu soudržnosti Střední Morava |
| --- |
| CZ07 Střední Morava |
| Jeremenkova 40b |
| 779 00 Olomouc |
| ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA |

Regionální rada regionu soudržnosti Střední Morava

CZ07 Střední Morava

Jeremenkova 40b

779 00 Olomouc

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 10.3.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 457/08 |
| Member State | The Netherlands |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Nederland — Vermindering van de tonnagebelasting voor grote schepen en scheepsbeheer |
| Legal basis | Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001 |
| Type of measure | Fiscal measure |
| Objective | Sectoral development |
| Form of aid | Replacement of the corporation tax by a lump sum basis |
| Budget | EUR 0,5 million per year |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | 10 years |
| Economic sectors | Maritime transport |
| Name and address of the granting authority | — |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

10.3.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 457/08

Member State

The Netherlands

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Nederland — Vermindering van de tonnagebelasting voor grote schepen en scheepsbeheer

Legal basis

Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001

Type of measure

Fiscal measure

Objective

Sectoral development

Form of aid

Replacement of the corporation tax by a lump sum basis

Budget

EUR 0,5 million per year

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

10 years

Economic sectors

Maritime transport

Name and address of the granting authority

—

Other information

—

The authentic text of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

---

| 8.5.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 106/21 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.5.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 106/21

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

2009/C 106/06

| Date of adoption of the decision | 23.2.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 141/08 |
| Member State | Luxembourg |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Régime d'aide à la protection de l'environnement, à l'utilisation rationnelle de l'énergie et à la production d'énergie de sources renouvelables |
| Legal basis | Loi du 22 février 2004 instaurant un régime d'aide à la protection de l'environnement, à l'utilisation rationnelle de l'énergie et à la production d'énergie de source renouvelables Loi du 15 juillet 2008 relative au développement économique régional |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Environmental protection |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 2 million
  Overall budget: EUR 2 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | until 31.12.2009 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ministère de l'Économie et du Commerce extérieur |
| 19-21, boulevard Royal |
| 2914 Luxembourg |
| LUXEMBOURG |

Date of adoption of the decision

23.2.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 141/08

Member State

Luxembourg

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Régime d'aide à la protection de l'environnement, à l'utilisation rationnelle de l'énergie et à la production d'énergie de sources renouvelables

Legal basis

Loi du 22 février 2004 instaurant un régime d'aide à la protection de l'environnement, à l'utilisation rationnelle de l'énergie et à la production d'énergie de source renouvelables Loi du 15 juillet 2008 relative au développement économique régional

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Environmental protection

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 2 million

Overall budget: EUR 2 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

until 31.12.2009

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministère de l'Économie et du Commerce extérieur

19-21, boulevard Royal

2914 Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 19.1.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 363/08 |
| Member State | Spain |
| Region | Andalusia |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Ayudas estatales para el medio ambiente y el desarrollo energético sostenible |
| Legal basis | Proyecto de Decreto, por el que se establece el marco regolador de las ayudas a favor del medio ambiente y del desarrollo energetico sostenible de Andalucia que se concedan por la Junta de Andalucia |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Energy saving, Environmental protection |
| Form of aid | Direct grant, Interest subsidy |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 770,375 million |
| Intensity | 50-80 % |
| Duration (period) | 1.1.2009 – 31.12.2015 |
| Economic sectors | Energy |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Junta de Andalucia |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

19.1.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 363/08

Member State

Spain

Region

Andalusia

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Ayudas estatales para el medio ambiente y el desarrollo energético sostenible

Legal basis

Proyecto de Decreto, por el que se establece el marco regolador de las ayudas a favor del medio ambiente y del desarrollo energetico sostenible de Andalucia que se concedan por la Junta de Andalucia

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Energy saving, Environmental protection

Form of aid

Direct grant, Interest subsidy

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 770,375 million

Intensity

50-80 %

Duration (period)

1.1.2009 – 31.12.2015

Economic sectors

Energy

Name and address of the granting authority

Junta de Andalucia

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 28.1.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 467/08 |
| Member State | Portugal |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | AWARE-P (Advanced Water Asset Rehabilitation in Portugal) — Reabilitação de infraestruturas de abastecimento de água e de drenagem de águas residuais em Portugal |
| Legal basis | Protocolo no. 38A ao Acordo EEE (JO L 130 de 29.4.2004, p. 3) |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Objective | Research and development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 747 841 |
| Intensity | 57 % |
| Duration (period) | until 30.4.2011 |
| Economic sectors | Electricity, gas and water supply |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Mecanismo financeiro do EEE |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

28.1.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 467/08

Member State

Portugal

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

AWARE-P (Advanced Water Asset Rehabilitation in Portugal) — Reabilitação de infraestruturas de abastecimento de água e de drenagem de águas residuais em Portugal

Legal basis

Protocolo no. 38A ao Acordo EEE (JO L 130 de 29.4.2004, p. 3)

Type of measure

Individual aid

Objective

Research and development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 747 841

Intensity

57 %

Duration (period)

until 30.4.2011

Economic sectors

Electricity, gas and water supply

Name and address of the granting authority

Mecanismo financeiro do EEE

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 3.2.2009 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 11/09 |
| Member State | France |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Régime temporaire de prêts bonifiés pour les entreprises fabriquant des produits verts. |
| Legal basis | Article 20 de la constitution du 4 octobre 1958; articles L. 2251-1, L. 3231-1 et L. 4211-1 du Code général des collectivités territoriales; articles L. 1511-1 à L. 1511-5 du Code général des collectivités territoriales tels que modifiés par l’article 1er de la loi no 2004-809 du 13 août 2004 relative aux libertés et responsabilités locales pour les collectivités territoriales et leurs groupements; circulaire du ministre de l’intérieur du 3 juillet 2006 sur la mise en œuvre de la loi du 13 août 2004 relative aux libertés et responsabilités locales en ce qui concerne les interventions économiques des collectivités territoriales et de leurs groupements et ses annexes; circulaire du Premier ministre du 26 janvier 2006 rappelant la réglementation communautaire de la concurrence applicable aux aides publiques aux entreprises; circulaires DIACT du 30 novembre 2007 et du 24 décembre 2008 relatives à l’application de la règlementation des aides publiques aux entreprises |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy |
| Form of aid | Soft loan |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 500 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | until 31.12.2010 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | — |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

3.2.2009

Reference number of the aid

N 11/09

Member State

France

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Régime temporaire de prêts bonifiés pour les entreprises fabriquant des produits verts.

Legal basis

Article 20 de la constitution du 4 octobre 1958; articles L. 2251-1, L. 3231-1 et L. 4211-1 du Code général des collectivités territoriales; articles L. 1511-1 à L. 1511-5 du Code général des collectivités territoriales tels que modifiés par l’article 1er de la loi no 2004-809 du 13 août 2004 relative aux libertés et responsabilités locales pour les collectivités territoriales et leurs groupements; circulaire du ministre de l’intérieur du 3 juillet 2006 sur la mise en œuvre de la loi du 13 août 2004 relative aux libertés et responsabilités locales en ce qui concerne les interventions économiques des collectivités territoriales et de leurs groupements et ses annexes; circulaire du Premier ministre du 26 janvier 2006 rappelant la réglementation communautaire de la concurrence applicable aux aides publiques aux entreprises; circulaires DIACT du 30 novembre 2007 et du 24 décembre 2008 relatives à l’application de la règlementation des aides publiques aux entreprises

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy

Form of aid

Soft loan

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 500 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

until 31.12.2010

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

—

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/index.htm

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 8.5.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 106/24 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.5.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 106/24

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

7 May 2009

2009/C 106/07

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3363 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 132,72 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4487 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,88470 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 10,4770 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,5166 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,6200 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 26,463 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 276,60 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,7091 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,3038 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,1180 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,0601 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,7591 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,5569 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,3566 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 2,2385 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,9591 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 681,34 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 11,1581 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 9,1160 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,3629 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 13 891,45 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,7098 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 63,152 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 43,6295 |
| THB | Thai baht | 46,630 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,8060 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 17,3576 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 65,6120 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3363

JPY

Japanese yen

132,72

DKK

Danish krone

7,4487

GBP

Pound sterling

0,88470

SEK

Swedish krona

10,4770

CHF

Swiss franc

1,5166

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,6200

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

26,463

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

276,60

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,7091

PLN

Polish zloty

4,3038

RON

Romanian leu

4,1180

TRY

Turkish lira

2,0601

AUD

Australian dollar

1,7591

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,5569

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,3566

NZD

New Zealand dollar

2,2385

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,9591

KRW

South Korean won

1 681,34

ZAR

South African rand

11,1581

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

9,1160

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,3629

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

13 891,45

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,7098

PHP

Philippine peso

63,152

RUB

Russian rouble

43,6295

THB

Thai baht

46,630

BRL

Brazilian real

2,8060

MXN

Mexican peso

17,3576

INR

Indian rupee

65,6120

---

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

---

| 8.5.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 106/25 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.5.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 106/25

---

Ex post publicity of Eurostat grants in 2008

2009/C 106/08

In accordance with Article 110(2) of the Financial Regulation and Article 169 of its implementing rules, the public is hereby informed of the actions subsidised by Eurostat in the year 2008.

The electronic file showing the actions concerned can be found in list form on the EUROPA server (http://europa.eu.int). You can access this list via ‘Services’, ‘Grants’, ‘Statistics’, ‘Eurostat Grants’ and the file ‘List of grants awarded in 2008’.

The list gives the file number, the unit concerned, the name and country of the beneficiaries, the title of the action, the amount of the grant and the rate of Community co-financing for the action.

---

V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

| 8.5.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 106/26 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.5.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 106/26

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.5467 — RWE/Essent)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2009/C 106/09

| 1. | On 29 April 2009, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking RWE Aktiengesellschaft (‘RWE’, Germany) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Essent N.V. (‘Essent’, the Netherlands) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 29 April 2009, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking RWE Aktiengesellschaft (‘RWE’, Germany) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Essent N.V. (‘Essent’, the Netherlands) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | RWE: electricity and natural gas, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

RWE: electricity and natural gas,

| — | Essent: electricity, natural gas and heating. |
| --- | --- |

—

Essent: electricity, natural gas and heating.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 2 2964301 or 2967244) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5467 — RWE/Essent, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 2 2964301 or 2967244) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5467 — RWE/Essent, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

---

OTHER ACTS

Commission

| 8.5.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 106/27 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.5.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 106/27

---

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 8(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 509/2006 on agricultural products and foodstuffs as traditional specialities guaranteed

2009/C 106/10

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 9 of Council Regulation (EC) No 509/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months from the date of this publication.

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF A TSG

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 509/2006

‘SKILANDIS’

EC No: LT-TSG-007-0032-15.6.2005

1.   Name and address of the applicant group:

| Name of group/or organisation (if relevant) | : | Lietuvos mėsos perdirbėjų asociacija. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Address | : | A. Vienuolio g. 8 |
| LT-01104 Vilnius |
| LIETUVA/LITHUANIA |

Name of group/or organisation (if relevant)

:

Lietuvos mėsos perdirbėjų asociacija.

Address

:

A. Vienuolio g. 8

LT-01104 Vilnius

LIETUVA/LITHUANIA

Tel.

:

+370 52126814

Fax

:

+370 52126814

E-mail

:

lmpa@takas.lt

2.   Member State or third country:

Lithuania

3.   Product specification:

3.1.   Name(s) to be registered (Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 1216/2007):

‘Skilandis’

3.2.   Name:

| | is specific in itself |
| --- | --- |
|  | expresses the specific character of the agricultural product or foodstuff |

Image

is specific in itself



expresses the specific character of the agricultural product or foodstuff

Reference material at the Lithuanian Folk Life Museum at Rumšiškės indicates that the word ‘skilandis’ is mentioned in written records from various places in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. The name appears in Theodor Lepner’s Prūsų-lietuvių kalbų žodynas [Prussian-Lithuanian Dictionary] of 1680 and in Lithuanian-German dictionaries published by Philipp Ruhig in 1747, Christian Moeleke in 1800 and Friedrich Kurschat in 1883. It is used to denote the product throughout Lithuania. The product name is unique, has stood the test of time and is still used.

3.3.   Whether reservation of the name is sought under Article 13(2) of Regulation (EC) No 509/2006:

|  | registration with reservation of the name |
| --- | --- |
| | registration, without reservation of the name |



registration with reservation of the name

Image

registration, without reservation of the name

3.4.   Type of product [as in Annex II]:

| Class 1.2: | Meat-based products (cooked, salted, smoked, etc.) |
| --- | --- |

Class 1.2:

Meat-based products (cooked, salted, smoked, etc.)

3.5.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff to which the name under point 3.1. applies (Article 3(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1216/2007):

‘Skilandis’ is a smoked meat product in a natural casing, bound with string, with an uneven, rough surface, in the shape of a compressed tear or smallish courgette. It has a diameter of at least 80 mm, and its weight may vary. In bygone days, ‘skilandis’ was produced using a pig’s stomach for the casing but, since the early 20th century, pigs’ bladders or cows’ caecums have been used as casings. Home-made skilandis is usually made from pork only, whereas meat-processing firms use both pork and beef in its production.

An acidic, spicy, savoury, salty taste and the specific flavour and aroma that develop during maturing and drying are characteristic of ‘skilandis’, as is its colour in cross-section, which ranges from pinkish red to dark red and may be more intense closer to the edges. It has a discernible spicy and slightly smoky aroma. It has a rigid consistency. Pieces of fat no bigger than 20 mm are distributed unevenly in lean meat.

The physico-chemical characteristics of ‘skilandis’ are as follows:

| — | maximum moisture content: 40 %, |
| --- | --- |

—

maximum moisture content: 40 %,

| — | minimum meat protein content, excluding collagen: 16 %, |
| --- | --- |

—

minimum meat protein content, excluding collagen: 16 %,

| — | maximum common salt content: 5 %, |
| --- | --- |

—

maximum common salt content: 5 %,

| — | maximum fat content: 35 %, |
| --- | --- |

—

maximum fat content: 35 %,

| — | pH: at least 5,0; |
| --- | --- |

—

pH: at least 5,0;

| — | product weight: 0,4-2,0 kg. |
| --- | --- |

—

product weight: 0,4-2,0 kg.

‘Skilandis’ may also be presented for sale in halves or sliced, vacuum-packed or in modified-atmosphere packaging.

3.6.   Description of the production method of the agricultural product or foodstuff to which the name under point 3.1. applies (Article 3(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1216/2007):

Ingredients:

| — | lean pork, the visible intramuscular fat content of which does not exceed 5 %. The following parts of the carcass may be used: leg, shoulder without shank and loin. Lean pork makes up about half of ‘skilandis’; |
| --- | --- |

—

lean pork, the visible intramuscular fat content of which does not exceed 5 %. The following parts of the carcass may be used: leg, shoulder without shank and loin. Lean pork makes up about half of ‘skilandis’;

| — | up to 60 % of the lean pork may be replaced by the same quantity of lean beef, the visible fat and fine vein content of which does not exceed 5 %. The following parts of the carcass may be used: inside cap off, outside meat, knuckle, striploin, eye of rump, cube roll, blade bolar, blade oyster and blade undercut; |
| --- | --- |

—

up to 60 % of the lean pork may be replaced by the same quantity of lean beef, the visible fat and fine vein content of which does not exceed 5 %. The following parts of the carcass may be used: inside cap off, outside meat, knuckle, striploin, eye of rump, cube roll, blade bolar, blade oyster and blade undercut;

| — | semi-fatty pork, the intermuscular and subcutaneous fat content of which does not exceed 30 %. The following parts of the carcass may be used: shoulder inside, shoulder lower half and neck; |
| --- | --- |

—

semi-fatty pork, the intermuscular and subcutaneous fat content of which does not exceed 30 %. The following parts of the carcass may be used: shoulder inside, shoulder lower half and neck;

| — | fatty pork without rind, the fat content of which does not exceed 55 %. Semi-fatty and fatty pork together make up about one quarter of ‘skilandis’; |
| --- | --- |

—

fatty pork without rind, the fat content of which does not exceed 55 %. Semi-fatty and fatty pork together make up about one quarter of ‘skilandis’;

| — | back fat without rind. Back fat makes up about one quarter of ‘skilandis’; |
| --- | --- |

—

back fat without rind. Back fat makes up about one quarter of ‘skilandis’;

| — | common salt: 26–30 g to 1 kg of meat; |
| --- | --- |

—

common salt: 26–30 g to 1 kg of meat;

| — | spices, i.e. black pepper, white pepper and allspice: 2–3 g to 1 kg of meat. These are added ground or whole, as peppercorns; |
| --- | --- |

—

spices, i.e. black pepper, white pepper and allspice: 2–3 g to 1 kg of meat. These are added ground or whole, as peppercorns;

| — | garlic: 2–3 g to 1 kg of meat; |
| --- | --- |

—

garlic: 2–3 g to 1 kg of meat;

| — | sugar: 2–5 g to 1 kg of meat; |
| --- | --- |

—

sugar: 2–5 g to 1 kg of meat;

| — | preservative E250 (sodium nitrite): 50–180 mg to 1 kg of meat; |
| --- | --- |

—

preservative E250 (sodium nitrite): 50–180 mg to 1 kg of meat;

| — | antioxidants E300 (ascorbic acid) and E301 (sodium ascorbate): 0,5–1 g to 1 kg of meat; |
| --- | --- |

—

antioxidants E300 (ascorbic acid) and E301 (sodium ascorbate): 0,5–1 g to 1 kg of meat;

| — | caraway, ground bay leaf and ground nutmeg may also be added in a quantity of up to 2–3 g to 1 kg of meat. |
| --- | --- |

—

caraway, ground bay leaf and ground nutmeg may also be added in a quantity of up to 2–3 g to 1 kg of meat.

Production method:

‘Skilandis’ is produced using a traditional method. It is recommended that the meat of adult animals be used.

Chilled pork is cut up into 10–30 mm pieces, manually or with the aid of special machines, and the fat is cut up into 5–20 mm pieces. Chilled beef is passed through a mincer fitted with a 2–5 mm hole disc.

The chopped and minced meat is mixed with common salt and sodium nitrite, sugar, spices and food additives in a blender or food mill. Mixing takes at least 10 minutes. The stuffing thus produced is allowed to stand for at least six hours at a temperature no higher than + 4 °C. Using stuffing machines, the meat is stuffed into natural pigs’ bladders or cows’ caecums, the diameter of which is greater than that of casings normally used for cold-smoked sausages. When stuffing the meat into a bladder or caecum, it is very important to prevent the inclusion of air. During the subsequent stage in the production process, the inner parts of the ‘skilandis’ undergo slow drying and intensive fermentation, and this is what determines the characteristic organoleptic properties of ‘skilandis’. The stuffing is fed slowly into the casing, and pressed into the bladder or caecum. Any air which has entered with the stuffing is removed by squeezing the casing. The casing has to be stuffed so tightly that no gap forms between the surface of the product and the casing owing to shrinkage of the stuffing during smoking and drying.

The stuffed bladder or caecum is bound with natural thick thread or string. The stuffed product is manually bound with string along its length, dividing the product into four parts. If stuffed into a caecum, the product is additionally bound crosswise every 4–5 cm.

The bound ‘skilandis’ is hung on frames in such a way that they do not touch each other and are matured at a temperature no higher than + 4 °C for at least three days. During this operation, the stuffing in the casing becomes more compact, the colour of the product stabilises and selective development of micro-organisms occurs, which helps to create the conditions that impart the product's specific taste and aroma.

After maturing, ‘skilandis’ is smoked at 18–30 °C in smoke obtained from burning sawdust from the wood of deciduous trees (alder, aspen, birch, beech, poplar, oak). Initial maturing and smoking may be carried out in climatic chambers and in dryers of various designs. ‘Skilandis’ is smoked discontinuously, with intervals, during which it is dried at a temperature of 18–28 °C. The length of the smoking process (including intervals) depends on the smoking equipment used and the size of the ‘skilandis’, and may be 2–15 days. The length of time for which ‘skilandis’ is smoked determines the intensity of its colour, and the product acquires a characteristic smoky smell by the end of the process.

Smoked ‘skilandis’ is dried at a temperature of 8–18 °C and a relative humidity of 90–75 %. The biochemical processes brought on by the development of micro-organisms and the action of tissue ferments continue during the drying process, as a result of which ‘skilandis’ acquires its characteristic taste and aroma. ‘Skilandis’ is dried for at least 30 days, until it attains the required moisture content and acquires its typical organoleptic characteristics.

‘Skilandis’ is left to hang indoors at a temperature of 0-15 °C.

3.7.   Specific character of the agricultural product or foodstuff (Article 3(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1216/2007)

The most important specific properties characteristic of ‘skilandis’ are:

Appearance — ‘skilandis’ is a smoked meat product in a natural pig’s bladder or cow’s caecum casing, bound with string, with an uneven, rough surface, in the shape of a compressed tear or a smallish courgette. It has a diameter of at least 80 mm and weighs 0,4-2 kg.

Appearance in cross-section — the colour of slices varies from pinkish red to dark red and may be more intense around the edges. Pieces of fat no bigger than 20 mm are distributed unevenly in lean meat. Inclusions of various spices may be visible.

Production method — pork and beef is coarsely chopped by hand or coarsely minced in a mincer, seasoned with traditional spices and stuffed into a natural pig’s bladder or cow’s caecum casing. After drying, ‘skilandis’ is smoked several times in smoke from the wood of deciduous trees, and after smoking, it is dried for at least 30 days.

Taste and smell — an acidic, spicy, savoury, salty taste and the specific flavour and aroma resulting from specific and exceptional fermentation processes that take place during maturing and drying are characteristic features of ‘skilandis’. It has a discernible spicy and slightly smoky aroma. The above mentioned fermentation processes essentially depend on the ingredients included in the recipe, which are very commonly found in the Lithuanian climate.

Consumption traditions — mainly served up during festivals, on special occasions, at gatherings and during busy periods in the farming calendar. It is sliced thinly and eaten with brown bread.

3.8.   Traditional character of the agricultural product or foodstuff (Article 3(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1216/2007):

‘Skilandis’ is considered to be a national dish in Lithuania. In Lietuvos kulinarijos paveldas by B. Imbrasienė (publ. Baltos lankos, 2008), ‘skilandis’ is the first of several traditional meat products to be mentioned. Since days of old, it has been put aside in Lithuanian villages for busy period on farms in summer (haymaking, the rye harvest) and to offer to guests. In Būdas senovės lietuvių, kalnėnų ir žemaičių, published in 1845, the Lithuanian author Simonas Daukantas wrote that in bygone Lithuania ‘skilandis’ was a food that was offered to guests. ‘Skilandis’ is also mentioned in many other classics of 19th and 20th-century Lithuanian literature. A map in Lietuvių kalbos atlasas (Atlas of the Lithuanian Language) (Vilnius, 1977) showing the distribution of the word ‘skilandis’ reveals that the name of this foodstuff was known in all parts of Lithuania apart from the north-west.

In bygone days, ‘skilandis’ was produced using a pig’s stomach for the casing but, since the early 20th century, pigs’ bladders or cows’ caecums have been used as casings. Home-made ‘skilandis’ is usually made from pork only, whereas meat-processing firms use both pork and beef in its production.

The Lietuviška tarybinė enciklopedija (Soviet Lithuanian Encyclopaedia) (Vilnius, 1983) describes ‘skilandis’ as follows: ‘a raw or smoked sausage of coarsely chopped meat. It is made from semi-fatty pork (≈ 85 %) and beef (≈ 15 %). The meat is cut up into pieces measuring 2-3 cm by 1,5 cm. Salt is added (≈ 3,5 % of the meat mixture), saltpetre (sodium nitrate), sugar, black pepper, allspice and garlic. The stuffing is forced into a pig’s stomach or bladder or a cow’s rectum or caecum casing. It is normally smoked. It is produced in meat-processing plants or made in people’s homes.’

3.9.   Minimum requirements and procedures to check the specific character (Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1216/2007):

The checks carried out cover:

| — | conformity of the raw materials to the requirements laid down; |
| --- | --- |

—

conformity of the raw materials to the requirements laid down;

| — | adherence to the correct order of the steps in the production process; |
| --- | --- |

—

adherence to the correct order of the steps in the production process;

| — | compliance with production process parameters; |
| --- | --- |

—

compliance with production process parameters;

| — | product drying time; |
| --- | --- |

—

product drying time;

| — | the organoleptic properties of the finished product (appearance, taste, aroma, colour, consistency); |
| --- | --- |

—

the organoleptic properties of the finished product (appearance, taste, aroma, colour, consistency);

| — | the physico-chemical indicators of the finished product (moisture content, protein content excluding collagen, common salt content, pH, fat content); |
| --- | --- |

—

the physico-chemical indicators of the finished product (moisture content, protein content excluding collagen, common salt content, pH, fat content);

| — | storage of the final product. The ambient temperature and humidity are checked during storage. |
| --- | --- |

—

storage of the final product. The ambient temperature and humidity are checked during storage.

The inspection authority will carry out the necessary checks, which are to be performed at least once a year. The inspection authority will review producers’ monitoring systems and critical control point checks and check producers’ documentation.

4.   Authorities or bodies verifying compliance with the product specification:

4.1.   Name and address:

| Name | : | Lietuvos Respublikos valstybinė maisto ir veterinarijos tarnyba |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Address | : | Siesikų g. 19 |
| LT-07170 Vilnius |
| LIETUVA/LITHUANIA |

Name

:

Lietuvos Respublikos valstybinė maisto ir veterinarijos tarnyba

Address

:

Siesikų g. 19

LT-07170 Vilnius

LIETUVA/LITHUANIA

Tel.

:

+370 52404361

E-mail

:

vvt@vet.lt

ImagePublic Private

4.2.   Specific tasks of the authority or body:

The inspection authority referred to under point 4.1 1is responsible for monitoring all the criteria set out in the specification.

---

(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

---