# Official Journal C 206/2007

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 206 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 505 September 2007 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 206

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 505 September 2007

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 206/01 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2007/C 206/01

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

1

1

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | European Parliament |
| 2007/C 206/02 | Conference of Community and European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) — Contribution adopted by the XXXVII COSAC — Berlin, 13-15 May 2007 | 7 |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 206/03 | Euro exchange rates | 10 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2007/C 206/04 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 | 11 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

European Parliament

2007/C 206/02

Conference of Community and European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) — Contribution adopted by the XXXVII COSAC — Berlin, 13-15 May 2007

7

Commission

2007/C 206/03

Euro exchange rates

10

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2007/C 206/04

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001

11

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 206/05 | FI-Mikkeli: operation of scheduled air services — Invitation to tender | 13 |
| 2007/C 206/06 | FI-Helsinki: operation of scheduled air services — Invitation to tender | 15 |
| 2007/C 206/07 | F-Cherbourg: operation of scheduled air services — Operation of scheduled air services between Cherbourg (Maupertus) and Paris (Orly) — Notice of a competitive public tender issued by France pursuant to Article 4(1)(d) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 for the delegation of a public service | 17 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 206/08 | Notice of initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of monosodium glutamate originating in the People's Republic of China | 20 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 206/09 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4855 — BC Funds/BvDEP) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 25 |
| 2007/C 206/10 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4859 — Talanx/PB Versicherungen/BHW) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 26 |
| 2007/C 206/11 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4862 — Transdev/Connexxion Holding) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 27 |
| 2007/C 206/12 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4905 — WL Ross/C&A Automotive Interior Businesses II) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 28 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 206/13 | Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 29 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Commission

2007/C 206/05

FI-Mikkeli: operation of scheduled air services — Invitation to tender

13

2007/C 206/06

FI-Helsinki: operation of scheduled air services — Invitation to tender

15

2007/C 206/07

F-Cherbourg: operation of scheduled air services — Operation of scheduled air services between Cherbourg (Maupertus) and Paris (Orly) — Notice of a competitive public tender issued by France pursuant to Article 4(1)(d) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 for the delegation of a public service

17

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

Commission

2007/C 206/08

Notice of initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of monosodium glutamate originating in the People's Republic of China

20

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

2007/C 206/09

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4855 — BC Funds/BvDEP) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

25

2007/C 206/10

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4859 — Talanx/PB Versicherungen/BHW) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

26

2007/C 206/11

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4862 — Transdev/Connexxion Holding) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

27

2007/C 206/12

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4905 — WL Ross/C&A Automotive Interior Businesses II) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

28

OTHER ACTS

Commission

2007/C 206/13

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

29

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

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 5.9.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 206/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.9.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 206/1

---

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)

(2007/C 206/01)

| Date of adoption of the decision | 24.4.2007 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 651/05 |
| Member State | Slovakia |
| Region | Stredné Slovensko |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | INA Kysuce a.s. |
| Legal basis | Zákon Slovenskej republiky o štátnej pomoci č. 231/1999 Z. z. v znení noviel 434/2001 Z. z.; 461/2002 Z. z. a 203/2004 Z. z.; Zákon Slovenskej republiky č. 366/1999 Z. z. z 24. novembra 1999 o daniach z príjmov § 35 a, odstavec 1, a, c, 9; Zákon Slovenskej republiky č. 595/2003 Z. z. § 52 o dani z príjmov doplnený zákonmi č. 43/2004 Z. z., č. 177/2004 Z. z. a č. 191/2004 Z. z. |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Objective | Regional development, Employment |
| Form of aid | Tax allowance |
| Budget | Annual budget: —; Overall budget: SKK 1 388,5 million |
| Intensity | 20 % |
| Duration | 2006-2010 |
| Economic sectors | Manufacturing industry |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Daňový úrad |
| Kysucké Nové Mesto |
| ulica Litovelská 1218 |
| SK-024 01 Kysucké Nové Mesto |

Date of adoption of the decision

24.4.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 651/05

Member State

Slovakia

Region

Stredné Slovensko

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

INA Kysuce a.s.

Legal basis

Zákon Slovenskej republiky o štátnej pomoci č. 231/1999 Z. z. v znení noviel 434/2001 Z. z.; 461/2002 Z. z. a 203/2004 Z. z.; Zákon Slovenskej republiky č. 366/1999 Z. z. z 24. novembra 1999 o daniach z príjmov § 35 a, odstavec 1, a, c, 9; Zákon Slovenskej republiky č. 595/2003 Z. z. § 52 o dani z príjmov doplnený zákonmi č. 43/2004 Z. z., č. 177/2004 Z. z. a č. 191/2004 Z. z.

Type of measure

Individual aid

Objective

Regional development, Employment

Form of aid

Tax allowance

Budget

Annual budget: —; Overall budget: SKK 1 388,5 million

Intensity

20 %

Duration

2006-2010

Economic sectors

Manufacturing industry

Name and address of the granting authority

Daňový úrad

Kysucké Nové Mesto

ulica Litovelská 1218

SK-024 01 Kysucké Nové Mesto

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/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 16.7.2007 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 793/06 |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Berlin |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Richtlinien des Landes Berlin für das Programm zur Förderung von Forschung, Innovationen und Technologien |
| Legal basis | §§ 23, 44 Landeshaushaltsordnung
  Richtlinien des Landes Berlin für das Programm zur Förderung von Forschung, Innovationen und Technologien |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Research and development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant, Soft loan |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 20 million; Overall budget: EUR 140 million |
| Intensity | 100 % |
| Duration | Until 31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | — |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Land Berlin |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

16.7.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 793/06

Member State

Germany

Region

Berlin

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Richtlinien des Landes Berlin für das Programm zur Förderung von Forschung, Innovationen und Technologien

Legal basis

§§ 23, 44 Landeshaushaltsordnung

Richtlinien des Landes Berlin für das Programm zur Förderung von Forschung, Innovationen und Technologien

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Research and development

Form of aid

Direct grant, Soft loan

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 20 million; Overall budget: EUR 140 million

Intensity

100 %

Duration

Until 31.12.2013

Economic sectors

—

Name and address of the granting authority

Land Berlin

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/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 16.5.2007 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 133/07 |
| Member State | Greece |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | TANEO — Τέταρτη τροποποίηση |
| Legal basis | Άρ. 28 ν. 2843/2000 «Εκσυγχρονισμός των χρηματιστηριακών συναλλαγών, εισαγωγή εταιριών επενδύσεων στην ποντοπόρο ναυτιλία στο Χρηματιστήριο Αξιών Αθηνών και άλλες διατάξεις» |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Risk capital |
| Form of aid | Provision of risk capital |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 45 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration | Until 31.12.2008 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | — |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

16.5.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 133/07

Member State

Greece

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

TANEO — Τέταρτη τροποποίηση

Legal basis

Άρ. 28 ν. 2843/2000 «Εκσυγχρονισμός των χρηματιστηριακών συναλλαγών, εισαγωγή εταιριών επενδύσεων στην ποντοπόρο ναυτιλία στο Χρηματιστήριο Αξιών Αθηνών και άλλες διατάξεις»

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Risk capital

Form of aid

Provision of risk capital

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 45 million

Intensity

—

Duration

Until 31.12.2008

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/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 8.6.2007 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 183/07 |
| Member State | Spain |
| Region | Castilla la Mancha |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Modificación de NN 112/02 — Infraestructura de gas y electricidad en Castilla la Mancha |
| Legal basis | — |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Regional development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Annual budget: —; Overall budget: EUR 39,48 million |
| Intensity | 30 % |
| Duration | Until 31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | Electricity, gas and water supply |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Comunidad Autónoma de Castilla la Mancha, Consejería de Industria y Tecnología, Avenida Río Estenilla s/n |
| E-45071 Toledo |

Date of adoption of the decision

8.6.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 183/07

Member State

Spain

Region

Castilla la Mancha

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Modificación de NN 112/02 — Infraestructura de gas y electricidad en Castilla la Mancha

Legal basis

—

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Regional development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: —; Overall budget: EUR 39,48 million

Intensity

30 %

Duration

Until 31.12.2013

Economic sectors

Electricity, gas and water supply

Name and address of the granting authority

Comunidad Autónoma de Castilla la Mancha, Consejería de Industria y Tecnología, Avenida Río Estenilla s/n

E-45071 Toledo

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/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 18.7.2007 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 276/07 |
| Member State | Hungary |
| Region | Közép-Magyarország, Közép-Dunántúl, Nyugat-Dunántúl, Dél-Dunántúl, Észak-Magyarország, Észak-Alföld, Dél-Alföld |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | A Regionális Fejlesztés Operatív Programok kulturális célú támogatásai |
| Legal basis | .../2007. (...) MeHVM rendelet a Regionális Fejlesztés Operatív Programokra meghatározott előirányzatok felhasználásának állami támogatási szempontú szabályairól |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Culture, Heritage conservation |
| Form of aid | Direct grant, Soft loan, Interest subsidy |
| Budget | Annual budget: HUF 33 571 million; Overall budget: HUF 235 000 million |
| Intensity | Maximum 100 % |
| Duration | 1.9.2007-31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | Cultural activities |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Nemzeti Fejlesztési Ügynökség, Regionális Operatív Programok Irányító Hatóság, Pozsonyi út 56., H-1133 Budapest |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

18.7.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 276/07

Member State

Hungary

Region

Közép-Magyarország, Közép-Dunántúl, Nyugat-Dunántúl, Dél-Dunántúl, Észak-Magyarország, Észak-Alföld, Dél-Alföld

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

A Regionális Fejlesztés Operatív Programok kulturális célú támogatásai

Legal basis

.../2007. (...) MeHVM rendelet a Regionális Fejlesztés Operatív Programokra meghatározott előirányzatok felhasználásának állami támogatási szempontú szabályairól

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Culture, Heritage conservation

Form of aid

Direct grant, Soft loan, Interest subsidy

Budget

Annual budget: HUF 33 571 million; Overall budget: HUF 235 000 million

Intensity

Maximum 100 %

Duration

1.9.2007-31.12.2013

Economic sectors

Cultural activities

Name and address of the granting authority

Nemzeti Fejlesztési Ügynökség, Regionális Operatív Programok Irányító Hatóság, Pozsonyi út 56., H-1133 Budapest

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/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 27.7.2007 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 282/07 |
| Member State | Spain |
| Region | Madrid |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Desarrollo e innovación (I+D+i), en áreas para la economía, mediante la creación de consorcios estratégicos madrileños de investigación técnica (CEMIT) |
| Legal basis | Orden de la Consejería de Economía e Innovación Tecnológica por la que se aprueban las bases reguladoras para la concesión de subvenciones destinadas a fomentar la cooperación estable público-privada en investigación, desarrollo e innovación (I+D+i), en áreas de importancia estratégica para la economía, mediante la creación de consorcios estratégicos madrileños de investigación técnica (CEMIT) |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Research and development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 3 million; Overall budget: EUR 27 million |
| Intensity | 80 % |
| Duration | Until 31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Subdirección General de Gestión |
| Dirección General de Innovación Tecnológica, |
| C/ Cardenal Marcelo Spínola 14, 2a planta, Edificio F-4 |
| E-28016 Madrid |

Date of adoption of the decision

27.7.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 282/07

Member State

Spain

Region

Madrid

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Desarrollo e innovación (I+D+i), en áreas para la economía, mediante la creación de consorcios estratégicos madrileños de investigación técnica (CEMIT)

Legal basis

Orden de la Consejería de Economía e Innovación Tecnológica por la que se aprueban las bases reguladoras para la concesión de subvenciones destinadas a fomentar la cooperación estable público-privada en investigación, desarrollo e innovación (I+D+i), en áreas de importancia estratégica para la economía, mediante la creación de consorcios estratégicos madrileños de investigación técnica (CEMIT)

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Research and development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 3 million; Overall budget: EUR 27 million

Intensity

80 %

Duration

Until 31.12.2013

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Subdirección General de Gestión

Dirección General de Innovación Tecnológica,

C/ Cardenal Marcelo Spínola 14, 2a planta, Edificio F-4

E-28016 Madrid

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/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 18.7.2007 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 340/07 |
| Member State | Spain |
| Region | País Vasco |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Programa de ayudas para la organización de festivales, ciclos, concursos y certámenes de las áreas culturales de Audiovisuales, Teatro, Danza y Música en el año 2007 |
| Legal basis | Orden, de 4 de abril de 2007, de la Consejera de Cultura, por la que se regula la concesión de subvenciones para la organización de festivales ciclos, concursos y certámenes de las áreas culturales de Audiovisuales, Teatro, Danza y Música, y se efectúa la convocatoria para el año de 2007 (publicada en el Boletín Oficial del País Vasco no 83, del 2 de mayo de 2007) |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Culture |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 1,1 million; Overall budget: EUR 1,1 million |
| Intensity | 50 % |
| Duration | Until 31.12.2007 |
| Economic sectors | Recreational, cultural sporting activities |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Dirección de Promoción de la Cultura; Departamento de Cultura; Gobierno Vasco |
| C/ Donostia 1 |
| E-01010 Victoria-Gasteiz, Álava |

Date of adoption of the decision

18.7.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 340/07

Member State

Spain

Region

País Vasco

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Programa de ayudas para la organización de festivales, ciclos, concursos y certámenes de las áreas culturales de Audiovisuales, Teatro, Danza y Música en el año 2007

Legal basis

Orden, de 4 de abril de 2007, de la Consejera de Cultura, por la que se regula la concesión de subvenciones para la organización de festivales ciclos, concursos y certámenes de las áreas culturales de Audiovisuales, Teatro, Danza y Música, y se efectúa la convocatoria para el año de 2007 (publicada en el Boletín Oficial del País Vasco no 83, del 2 de mayo de 2007)

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Culture

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 1,1 million; Overall budget: EUR 1,1 million

Intensity

50 %

Duration

Until 31.12.2007

Economic sectors

Recreational, cultural sporting activities

Name and address of the granting authority

Dirección de Promoción de la Cultura; Departamento de Cultura; Gobierno Vasco

C/ Donostia 1

E-01010 Victoria-Gasteiz, Álava

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/

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

European Parliament

| 5.9.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 206/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.9.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 206/7

---

Conference of Community and European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC)

Contribution adopted by the XXXVII COSAC

Berlin, 13-15 May 2007

(2007/C 206/02)

1.   The Future of Europe

| 1.1 | COSAC recognizes the effort made by the Presidency to gather the governments of all Member States of the European Union and representatives of the European Institutions in Berlin on the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Rome Treaties. COSAC notes the significance of the Berlin Declaration and hopes that it will create a lasting positive impetus for European integration. COSAC calls on national parliaments to contribute towards awareness of this document. |
| --- | --- |

1.1

COSAC recognizes the effort made by the Presidency to gather the governments of all Member States of the European Union and representatives of the European Institutions in Berlin on the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Rome Treaties. COSAC notes the significance of the Berlin Declaration and hopes that it will create a lasting positive impetus for European integration. COSAC calls on national parliaments to contribute towards awareness of this document.

| 1.2 | COSAC welcomes the endeavours of the German Presidency to put the issue of the Constitutional Treaty on the European agenda again. The debate on this issue will enter a decisive phase with the report by the German Presidency to the June European Council. COSAC appreciates the firm stance taken by the Presidency in favour of reaching an institutional settlement before the European elections in 2009. |
| --- | --- |

1.2

COSAC welcomes the endeavours of the German Presidency to put the issue of the Constitutional Treaty on the European agenda again. The debate on this issue will enter a decisive phase with the report by the German Presidency to the June European Council. COSAC appreciates the firm stance taken by the Presidency in favour of reaching an institutional settlement before the European elections in 2009.

| 1.3 | COSAC supports the idea of convening a conference of representatives of the governments of the Member States in the second half of the year with a clear mandate and timetable in order to reach a solution which, possibly with a different presentation, strongly respects the substance and objectives of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe. Such a solution should take account of, and give an answer to, the concerns which have been expressed in some Member States and enhance democracy, transparency and the efficiency of decision making and the protection of rights of citizens. It should furthermore address the challenges connected with climate change and energy security. COSAC expects that national parliaments and the European Parliament will be kept fully involved and that their views will be duly taken into account. COSAC insists that any institutional settlement must take into account the important role that national parliaments play in European integration and the process of European policy formulation. Their future role must be at least equal in strength to that foreseen in the Constitutional Treaty. The Protocol on the role of national parliaments in the European Union and the Protocol on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as annexed to the Constitutional Treaty must be maintained, and better and more effectively implemented, as must the new system by which the Commission transmits all proposals directly to national parliaments, invites them to react so as to improve the process of policy formulation, and responds in writing to those reactions. |
| --- | --- |

1.3

COSAC supports the idea of convening a conference of representatives of the governments of the Member States in the second half of the year with a clear mandate and timetable in order to reach a solution which, possibly with a different presentation, strongly respects the substance and objectives of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe. Such a solution should take account of, and give an answer to, the concerns which have been expressed in some Member States and enhance democracy, transparency and the efficiency of decision making and the protection of rights of citizens. It should furthermore address the challenges connected with climate change and energy security. COSAC expects that national parliaments and the European Parliament will be kept fully involved and that their views will be duly taken into account. COSAC insists that any institutional settlement must take into account the important role that national parliaments play in European integration and the process of European policy formulation. Their future role must be at least equal in strength to that foreseen in the Constitutional Treaty. The Protocol on the role of national parliaments in the European Union and the Protocol on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as annexed to the Constitutional Treaty must be maintained, and better and more effectively implemented, as must the new system by which the Commission transmits all proposals directly to national parliaments, invites them to react so as to improve the process of policy formulation, and responds in writing to those reactions.

| 1.4 | COSAC notes that the European Parliament is planning and organizing a meeting with representatives of civil society (Agora) and proposes joint parliamentary meetings between national parliaments and the European Parliament to exchange views and to evaluate the outcome of the European Council and the perspectives for treaty reform during the expected Intergovernmental Conference. |
| --- | --- |

1.4

COSAC notes that the European Parliament is planning and organizing a meeting with representatives of civil society (Agora) and proposes joint parliamentary meetings between national parliaments and the European Parliament to exchange views and to evaluate the outcome of the European Council and the perspectives for treaty reform during the expected Intergovernmental Conference.

2.   Cooperation with the European Commission and the Council

| 2.1 | The new mechanism through which the Commission transmits directly all new proposals and consultation papers to national parliaments is welcomed by national parliaments as an added value. With a view to improving this arrangement, COSAC calls for a standardised procedure for the presentation of the Commission's consultation documents. COSAC welcomes the efforts of the Commission to provide national parliaments with reasoned replies to their remarks and to further explain its proposals. COSAC calls on the Commission to respond to statements of national parliaments within two months and to react visibly if a significant number of national parliaments raise concern over a specific proposal on comparable grounds. COSAC would appreciate further clarification of the system under which the Commission intends to handle the statements of national parliaments. Moreover, COSAC stresses the importance of Commission consultation documents being translated into all official languages. |
| --- | --- |

2.1

The new mechanism through which the Commission transmits directly all new proposals and consultation papers to national parliaments is welcomed by national parliaments as an added value. With a view to improving this arrangement, COSAC calls for a standardised procedure for the presentation of the Commission's consultation documents. COSAC welcomes the efforts of the Commission to provide national parliaments with reasoned replies to their remarks and to further explain its proposals. COSAC calls on the Commission to respond to statements of national parliaments within two months and to react visibly if a significant number of national parliaments raise concern over a specific proposal on comparable grounds. COSAC would appreciate further clarification of the system under which the Commission intends to handle the statements of national parliaments. Moreover, COSAC stresses the importance of Commission consultation documents being translated into all official languages.

| 2.2 | COSAC calls on the Commission to maintain its efforts to better explain its proposals with regard to the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality in accordance with the guidelines of the Protocol on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality of the Amsterdam Treaty. Explanations regarding the choice of legal base would equally be welcomed by national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

2.2

COSAC calls on the Commission to maintain its efforts to better explain its proposals with regard to the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality in accordance with the guidelines of the Protocol on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality of the Amsterdam Treaty. Explanations regarding the choice of legal base would equally be welcomed by national parliaments.

| 2.3 | COSAC encourages national parliaments to upload their findings on specific proposals of EU measures on the IPEX website in order to foster an exchange of views between national parliaments. The Commission's replies to statements of national parliaments should also be accessible to other national parliaments. COSAC calls upon the Commission to assess the possibility of uploading its correspondence with national parliaments on the IPEX website. |
| --- | --- |

2.3

COSAC encourages national parliaments to upload their findings on specific proposals of EU measures on the IPEX website in order to foster an exchange of views between national parliaments. The Commission's replies to statements of national parliaments should also be accessible to other national parliaments. COSAC calls upon the Commission to assess the possibility of uploading its correspondence with national parliaments on the IPEX website.

| 2.4 | COSAC calls on the Council to assess the possibility of uploading to the IPEX website proposals made by Member States within the framework of the second and third pillar, especially any legislative proposal or initiative in relation to the establishment of an area of freedom, security and justice which might have a direct impact on the rights and freedoms of individuals. |
| --- | --- |

2.4

COSAC calls on the Council to assess the possibility of uploading to the IPEX website proposals made by Member States within the framework of the second and third pillar, especially any legislative proposal or initiative in relation to the establishment of an area of freedom, security and justice which might have a direct impact on the rights and freedoms of individuals.

3.   The European Commission Annual Policy Strategy for 2008

COSAC stresses the importance for national parliaments of being informed at an early stage about the Commission's policy projects. COSAC expects that the Commission's announcement to enter into a critical dialogue with national parliaments on its political priorities will be followed by concrete action, also within the framework of COSAC. COSAC wishes for the positions of national parliaments to be taken into account by the Commission in the formulation of its Legislative and Work Programme for 2008.

4.   Climate Change and Climate Protection — The Role of the EU

| 4.1 | Climate Change has become a major public concern in Europe. COSAC supports the need for devising an integrated climate and energy policy of the European Union which should ensure environmental sustainability, encourage EU economic growth and support its competitiveness in the world. |
| --- | --- |

4.1

Climate Change has become a major public concern in Europe. COSAC supports the need for devising an integrated climate and energy policy of the European Union which should ensure environmental sustainability, encourage EU economic growth and support its competitiveness in the world.

| 4.2 | COSAC underlines the EU's determination to take a leading role in the fight against climate change. It welcomes the agreement reached at the Spring European Council 2007 on the Union's comprehensive policy in the field of climate protection and energy. COSAC endorses the EU's commitment to a 20 % cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and welcomes its willingness to raise this goal to 30 % provided other developed countries commit themselves to comparable emission reductions and economically more advanced developing countries contribute adequately according to their responsibilities and respective capabilities. COSAC welcomes EU institutions to take a proactive stance in the negotiations of an international climate regime that will succeed the Kyoto Protocol. |
| --- | --- |

4.2

COSAC underlines the EU's determination to take a leading role in the fight against climate change. It welcomes the agreement reached at the Spring European Council 2007 on the Union's comprehensive policy in the field of climate protection and energy. COSAC endorses the EU's commitment to a 20 % cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and welcomes its willingness to raise this goal to 30 % provided other developed countries commit themselves to comparable emission reductions and economically more advanced developing countries contribute adequately according to their responsibilities and respective capabilities. COSAC welcomes EU institutions to take a proactive stance in the negotiations of an international climate regime that will succeed the Kyoto Protocol.

5.   The Eastern Dimension — Russia, Eastern Europe, Central Asia

| 5.1 | COSAC stresses the importance of expanding the European area of security, stability and prosperity. COSAC therefore welcomes efforts to devote particular attention to the EU's relations with its neighbours to the East and with Central Asia in order to achieve prosperity and democracy in these regions. |
| --- | --- |

5.1

COSAC stresses the importance of expanding the European area of security, stability and prosperity. COSAC therefore welcomes efforts to devote particular attention to the EU's relations with its neighbours to the East and with Central Asia in order to achieve prosperity and democracy in these regions.

| 5.2 | COSAC encourages the Member States of the European Union to manage the European Neighbourhood Policy in a more coherent and united way, making full use of the instruments and experience of the Council of Europe. COSAC underlines the need to strengthen the European Neighbourhood Policy in order to gradually bring the EU's eastern neighbours to a level which is politically and economically comparable with that of the EU. |
| --- | --- |

5.2

COSAC encourages the Member States of the European Union to manage the European Neighbourhood Policy in a more coherent and united way, making full use of the instruments and experience of the Council of Europe. COSAC underlines the need to strengthen the European Neighbourhood Policy in order to gradually bring the EU's eastern neighbours to a level which is politically and economically comparable with that of the EU.

| 5.3 | COSAC emphasises the importance for the entire region of stability and security in Ukraine and underlines the necessity for a strong and long-term engagement of the EU in co-operation with Ukraine. COSAC calls on all politicians involved in the recent political crisis to undertake all possible endeavours to reach a joint solution. |
| --- | --- |

5.3

COSAC emphasises the importance for the entire region of stability and security in Ukraine and underlines the necessity for a strong and long-term engagement of the EU in co-operation with Ukraine. COSAC calls on all politicians involved in the recent political crisis to undertake all possible endeavours to reach a joint solution.

| 5.4 | COSAC recognizes the need to improve regional cooperation in particular in the Black Sea region with which the EU has common borders since the accession of Romania and Bulgaria. The region offers great potential for economic cooperation and growth. |
| --- | --- |

5.4

COSAC recognizes the need to improve regional cooperation in particular in the Black Sea region with which the EU has common borders since the accession of Romania and Bulgaria. The region offers great potential for economic cooperation and growth.

| 5.5 | COSAC stresses the strategic importance of Central Asia and calls for an EU strategy for Central Asia aimed at bringing stability, peace and prosperity in the whole region around the Caspian Sea. |
| --- | --- |

5.5

COSAC stresses the strategic importance of Central Asia and calls for an EU strategy for Central Asia aimed at bringing stability, peace and prosperity in the whole region around the Caspian Sea.

| 5.6 | Desirous of giving a real impetus to the dialogue between the European Union and Russia, COSAC expresses the hope that all obstacles to negotiations about a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between European Union and Russia will be removed at the Summit of Samara on 18 May 2007. COSAC has followed events in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod during the last few weeks with deep concern. COSAC however welcomes the fifth Round of Human Rights Consultations between the European Union and the Russian Federation on 3 May 2007. COSAC calls for a united European policy towards Russia based on solidarity among EU member States in their relations with Russia, whereby a robust defence of human rights and democratic values provides the core basis for the EU — Russia dialogue. |
| --- | --- |

5.6

Desirous of giving a real impetus to the dialogue between the European Union and Russia, COSAC expresses the hope that all obstacles to negotiations about a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between European Union and Russia will be removed at the Summit of Samara on 18 May 2007. COSAC has followed events in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod during the last few weeks with deep concern. COSAC however welcomes the fifth Round of Human Rights Consultations between the European Union and the Russian Federation on 3 May 2007. COSAC calls for a united European policy towards Russia based on solidarity among EU member States in their relations with Russia, whereby a robust defence of human rights and democratic values provides the core basis for the EU — Russia dialogue.

---

Commission

| 5.9.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 206/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.9.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 206/10

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

4 September 2007

(2007/C 206/03)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,358 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 156,84 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4487 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,6752 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,389 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,6466 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 88,4 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,929 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | Cyprus pound | 0,5842 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 27,645 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 255,67 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6971 |
| MTL | Maltese lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,8243 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,3042 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 33,764 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,776 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6466 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4305 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,5866 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,9415 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 2,0762 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 275,64 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 9,8713 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 10,2525 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,321 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 12 771,99 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,7652 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 63,351 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 34,898 |
| THB | Thai baht | 44,101 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,358

JPY

Japanese yen

156,84

DKK

Danish krone

7,4487

GBP

Pound sterling

0,6752

SEK

Swedish krona

9,389

CHF

Swiss franc

1,6466

ISK

Iceland króna

88,4

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,929

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5842

CZK

Czech koruna

27,645

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

255,67

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6971

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4293

PLN

Polish zloty

3,8243

RON

Romanian leu

3,3042

SKK

Slovak koruna

33,764

TRY

Turkish lira

1,776

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6466

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4305

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,5866

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,9415

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,0762

KRW

South Korean won

1 275,64

ZAR

South African rand

9,8713

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,2525

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,321

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

12 771,99

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,7652

PHP

Philippine peso

63,351

RUB

Russian rouble

34,898

THB

Thai baht

44,101

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 5.9.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 206/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.9.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 206/11

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001

(2007/C 206/04)

| Aid No | XA 7025/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | Regione Calabria |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Agevolazioni per gli investimenti in innovazione tecnologica, organizzativa, commerciale, sicurezza sui luoghi di lavori e tutela ambientale |
| Legal basis | Legge 598/94, art.11
  Delibera della giunta della Regione Calabria n. 224 del 23.4.2007 |
| Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | EUR 20 million |
| Loans guaranteed | — |
| Individual aid | Total amount of aid | — |
| Loans guaranteed | — |
| Maximum aid intensity | The scheme is subject to the intensity levels laid down in Article 4(7) of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 and therefore may not exceed:






  — | 50 % gross grant equivalent of eligible expenditure for the eligible investments in areas qualifying for aid under Article 87(3)(a) of the EC Treaty, |

Aid No

XA 7025/07

Member State

Italy

Region

Regione Calabria

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Agevolazioni per gli investimenti in innovazione tecnologica, organizzativa, commerciale, sicurezza sui luoghi di lavori e tutela ambientale

Legal basis

Legge 598/94, art.11

Delibera della giunta della Regione Calabria n. 224 del 23.4.2007

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 20 million

Loans guaranteed

—

Individual aid

Total amount of aid

—

Loans guaranteed

—

Maximum aid intensity

The scheme is subject to the intensity levels laid down in Article 4(7) of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 and therefore may not exceed:

—

50 % gross grant equivalent of eligible expenditure for the eligible investments in areas qualifying for aid under Article 87(3)(a) of the EC Treaty,

| — | 40 % gge of eligible expenditure for the eligible investments in other areas. |
| --- | --- |

—

40 % gge of eligible expenditure for the eligible investments in other areas.

Date of implementation

1.5.2007

Duration of the scheme or the individual aid

Until 31.12.2008

Objective of the aid

The objective of the aid scheme is to help, via interest subsidies equivalent to 100 % of the reference rate, investments in technological, organisational and commercial innovation, environmental protection and safety at work.

The amount of funding may reach up to 100 % of the investment plan for a period of up to 7 years, including a grace period of no more than 2 years.

Under no circumstances may the subsidy for individual applications exceed the maximum aid intensities allowed under the relevant EU rules

Economic sectors concerned

The aid is aimed at SMEs processing and marketing agricultural products as defined in Article 2(2)(m) and (n) of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001

Name and address of the granting authority

| Regione Calabria |
| --- |
| Dipartimento Attività produttive |
| Viale Cassiodoro |
| Palazzo Europa |
| I-88100 Santa Maria di Catanzaro (CZ) |

Regione Calabria

Dipartimento Attività produttive

Viale Cassiodoro

Palazzo Europa

I-88100 Santa Maria di Catanzaro (CZ)

Website

http://www.incentivi.mcc.it/calabria

---

V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Commission

| 5.9.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 206/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.9.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 206/13

---

FI-Mikkeli: operation of scheduled air services

Invitation to tender

(2007/C 206/05)

1.   Introduction: Pursuant to Article 4(l)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23.7.1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes, the Finnish Government (Ministry of Transport and Communications) has decided to impose a public service obligation on scheduled air services on the Mikkeli-Helsinki route.

The public service obligation has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union (C 205 of 4.9.2007).

If, by 1.9.2007, no air carrier has begun to operate nor announced its intention to begin to operate scheduled services on the Mikkeli-Helsinki route in accordance with the public service obligation without requiring financial compensation, the Ministry of Transport and Communications will restrict access to this route to a single carrier for no more than 3 years. The right to operate on the route will, in that case, be granted on the basis of an invitation to tender under Article 4(1)(d) of the abovementioned Regulation. The City of Mikkeli (the client) decided on 11.6.2007 to launch the invitation to tender.

2.   Object of invitation to tender: Operation of scheduled air services on the Mikkeli-Helsinki route from 1.12.2007 to 30.9.2010, except for the periods 20.6.2008 to 15.8.2008, 19.8.2009 to 15.9.2009 and 18.6.2010 to 15.9.2010.

3.   Participation in the tendering procedure: Bids may be submitted by any air carrier holding a valid operating licence within the meaning of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92 of 23.7.1992 on licensing of air carriers.

4.   Tendering procedure: The tendering procedure will be conducted in accordance with Article 4(1)(d) to (i) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92.

The client may reject all offers if the price is too high or if circumstances or the requirements for organising the service change significantly, in such a way as to make it unfeasible or impossible to implement the planned service in the way described in the invitation to tender.

Until a contract is signed, the client will retain the right to defer the start date of the planned service. If the start date is deferred, the end date will also be deferred correspondingly.

5.   Tender documents: A full set of tender documents, comprising an invitation to tender, the tender conditions, the contract, a description of the public service obligation and the tender forms, may be obtained from:

Mikkelin kaupunki, Kirjaamo, PL 33, -50101 Mikkeli.

They can also be obtained by sending a request by e-mail to the following address: kirjaamo@mikkeli.fi or by fax to number +358 15 194 2040.

6.   Financial compensation: Bids must clearly specify, in euro, the amount of compensation required for the service in question. The compensation required should be based on an estimate of actual costs and revenue, taking account of the minimum requirements imposed by the public service obligation. The compensation may cover only actual services and costs incurred at Helsinki-Vantaa and Mikkeli airports in connection with the operation of these routes alone. The compensation will not include costs incurred on other routes or at other airports.

All compensation and costs must be specified in euro.

7.   Ticket prices: The tender will specify ticket prices and the conditions for their validity as well as the various types of ticket in the price system. Prices must be in keeping with the public service obligation imposed on this route.

8.   Selection criteria: Selection will be made from the bids that meet the requirements set out in the invitation to tender and the tender documents. Selection will take into consideration the elements mentioned in Article 4(l)(f) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92.

9.   Period of validity of the contract: The contract will apply from the date on which it is concluded to 30.9.2010. Services are to start on 1.12.2007 and end on 30.9.2010.

If the client has to defer the start date for the services, the end date of the services and of the contract will also be deferred correspondingly.

10.   Amendment or termination of the contract: The contract may be amended only if the amendments will not lead to a situation in which the requirements under the public service obligation will no longer be met on this route. Amendments to the contract must be made in writing. The parties will have the right to terminate the contract if there is reason to do so under the terms of the contract.

11.   Penalties in the event of failure to comply with the contract: The air carrier will be responsible for meeting the obligations set out in the contract. If the carrier fails to meet the obligations or meets them inadequately, the client may reduce the compensation payable.

12.   Deadline for submission of bids: Bids must be submitted not later than 31 days after the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

13.   Submission of bids: Bids must reach Mikkeli City Hall by 15:00 on the date specified in point 12, at the latest. The applicant must mark on the envelope: ‘Tarjous: Mikkelin lentoliikenne, dnro 1989/2007’ (= Offers: Mikkeli air service, reference number 1989/2007). Bids may be sent by post to the address mentioned in point 5 above, or be submitted to the Mikkeli City registry at the following address: Raatihuoneenkatu 8-10, 50100 Mikkeli. The registry is open from Monday to Friday.

The price of the bid must be specified in a separate sealed envelope, bearing the name of the tenderer.

Bids will be valid until 31.12.2007.

14.   Validity of invitation to tender: In accordance with Article 4(1)(d) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92, the Finnish State (Ministry of Transport and Communications) has the right to suspend the tendering procedure if a Community air carrier notifies Finland's Civil Aviation Administration before 1.9.2007 of its wish to begin the operation of scheduled services on the route in question as from 1.12.2007 in accordance with the public service obligation without sole rights and without receiving financial compensation.

---

| 5.9.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 206/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.9.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 206/15

---

FI-Helsinki: operation of scheduled air services

Invitation to tender

(2007/C 206/06)

1.   Introduction: Pursuant to Article 4(l)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23.7.1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes, the Finnish Government (Ministry of Transport and Communications) has decided to impose public service obligations for scheduled air services on the Helsinki-Varkaus and/or Helsinki-Savonlinna routes.

The public service obligation has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union (C 205 of 4.9.2007).

If, by 1.9.2007, no air carrier has begun to operate nor announced its intention to begin to operate scheduled services on the Helsinki-Varkaus and/or Helsinki-Savonlinna routes in accordance with the public service obligations without requiring financial compensation, the Ministry of Transport and Communications will restrict access to these routes to a single carrier for no more than 3 years. The right to operate on those routes will, in that case, be granted on the basis of an invitation to tender under Article 4(1)(d) of the abovementioned Regulation. The Ministry of Transport and Communications (the client) decided to launch the invitation to tender on 14.6.2007.

2.   Subject of invitation to tender: The operation of scheduled air services on the Helsinki-Varkaus and Helsinki-Savonlinna routes from 1.12.2007 to 30.9.2010, except for the periods 4.7-2.8.2008, 3.7-1.8.2009 and 2.7-31.7.2010.

3.   Participation in the tendering procedure: Bids may be submitted by any air carrier holding a valid operating licence within the meaning of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92 of 23.7.1992 on licensing of air carriers.

4.   Tendering procedure: The tendering procedure will be conducted in accordance with Article 4(1)(d) to (i) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92.

The client may reject all offers if the price is too high or if circumstances or the requirements for organising the service change significantly, in such a way as to make it unfeasible or impossible to implement the planned service in the way described in the invitation to tender.

Until a contract is signed, the client will retain the right to defer the start date of the planned service. If the start date is deferred, the end date will also be deferred correspondingly.

5.   Tender documents: A full set of tender documents, comprising an invitation to tender, the tender conditions, the contract, a description of the public service obligation and the tender forms, may be obtained from:

Liikenne- ja viestintäministeriö, Kirjaamo, PL (PO Box) 31, -00023 Valtioneuvosto, Helsinki.

They can also be obtained by sending a request by e-mail to the following address: kirjaamo@mintc.fi or by fax to number +358 9 160 28619.

6.   Financial compensation: Bids must clearly specify, in euro, the amount of compensation required for the service in question. The compensation required should be based on an estimate of actual costs and revenue, taking account of the minimum requirements imposed by the public service obligation. The compensation may cover only actual services and costs incurred at Helsinki-Vantaa, Varkaus and Savonlinna airports in connection with the operation of these routes alone. The compensation will not include costs incurred on other routes or at other airports.

All compensation and costs must be specified in euro.

7.   Ticket prices: The tender will specify ticket prices and the conditions for their validity as well as the various types of ticket in the price system. Prices must be in keeping with the public service obligation imposed on this route.

8.   Selection criteria: Selection will be made from the bids that meet the requirements set out in the invitation to tender and the tender documents. Selection will take into consideration the elements mentioned in Article 4(l)(f) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92.

9.   Period of validity of the contract: The contract will apply from the date on which it is concluded to 30.9.2010. Services are to start on 1.12.2007 and end on 30.9.2010.

If the client has to defer the start date for the services, the end date of the services and of the contract will also be deferred correspondingly.

10.   Amendment or termination of the contract: The contract may be amended only if the amendments will not lead to a situation in which the requirements under the public service obligation will no longer be met on this route. Amendments to the contract must be made in writing. The parties will have the right to terminate the contract if there is reason to do so under the terms of the contract.

11.   Penalties in the event of failure to comply with the contract: The air carrier will be responsible for meeting the obligations set out in the contract. If the carrier fails to meet the obligations or meets them inadequately, the client may reduce the compensation payable.

12.   Deadline for submission of bids: Bids must be submitted not later than 31 days after the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

13.   Submission of bids: Bids must reach the Ministry of Transport and Communications by 16:15 on the date specified in point 12, at the latest. The applicant must mark on the envelope: ‘Tarjous: Varkauden ja/tai Savonlinnan lentoliikenne, 734/79/2007’ (= Offer: Varkaus and/or Savonlinna air services, reference 734/79/2007). Bids may be sent by post to the address given in point 5 or in person to the Registrar's Office at the Ministry of Transport and Communications (Liikenne- ja Viestintäministeriö, Kirjaamo, Eteläesplanadi 16, Helsinki). The Registrar's Office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:15.

The price of the bid must be specified in a separate sealed envelope, bearing the name of the tenderer.

Bids will be valid until 31.12.2007.

14.   Validity of invitation to tender: In accordance with Article 4(1)(d) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92, the Ministry of Transport and Communications has the right to suspend the tendering procedure and/or reject all bids if an air carrier from an EU Member State notifies Finland's Civil Aviation Administration before 1.9.2007 of its wish to begin the operation of scheduled services on the routes in question as from 1.12.2007 in accordance with the public service obligation without sole rights and without receiving financial compensation.

A tender may be selected only if the state budget has allocated sufficient funds to the project in question and if the federation of municipalities of the Savonlinna district and the city of Varkaus have undertaken to finance it.

---

| 5.9.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 206/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.9.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 206/17

---

F-Cherbourg: operation of scheduled air services

Operation of scheduled air services between Cherbourg (Maupertus) and Paris (Orly)

Notice of a competitive public tender issued by France pursuant to Article 4(1)(d) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 for the delegation of a public service

(2007/C 206/07)

1.   Introduction: Pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes, from 1 April 2008 France has imposed a public service obligation in respect of scheduled air services between Cherbourg (Maupertus) and Paris (Orly). This was published in the Official Journal of the European Union C 205 of 4.9.2007.

If on 1 March 2008 no air carrier has commenced or is about to commence operating these scheduled air services in accordance with the public service obligation imposed and without requesting financial compensation, France has decided, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 4(1)(d) of the aforementioned Regulation, to limit access to the route to a single carrier and to offer the right to operate such services from 1 April 2008 by invitation to tender.

2.   Contracting authority:

3.   Subject of the consultation: To provide, from 1 April 2008, scheduled air services in accordance with the public service obligation specified in section 1.

4.   Main features of the contract: This is a public service delegation contract concluded between the carrier, the Chamber of Trade and Industry of Cherbourg-Cotentin and the State, in accordance with Article 8 of Decree No 2005-473 of 16 May 2005 relating, inter alia, to the rules governing the allocation of financial compensation by the State.

The delegatee will receive the revenue. The Chamber of Trade and Industry of Cherbourg-Cotentin and the State will pay it a contribution corresponding to the difference between the actual expenditure, excluding taxes (VAT, and aviation taxes), on operating the service and the commercial revenue excluding taxes (VAT, and aviation taxes) received by it, within the limit of the maximum compensation to which it has committed itself, after deduction, where appropriate, of the penalties specified in section 9-4 of this notice.

5.   Duration of the contract: The duration of the contract (public service delegation agreement) is three years from 1 April 2008.

6.   Participation in the consultation: Participation is open to all air carriers holding a valid operating licence issued in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92 of 23 July 1992 on licensing of air carriers.

7.   Award procedure and criteria for selecting applications: This invitation to tender is subject to Article 4(1)(d), (e), (f), (g), (h) and (i) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92, Chapter IV, Section 1 of Law No 93-122 of 29 January 1993 on the prevention of corruption and on transparency in public life and government procedures, and to the texts implementing them (in particular Decree No 97-638 of 31 May 1997 implementing Law No 97-210 of 11 March 1997 on strengthening the fight against illegal employment), and Decree No 2005-473 of 16 May 2005 relating, inter alia, to the rules governing the allocation of financial compensation by the State and the three Orders of 16 May 2005 implementing it.

7-1.   Application file: The application file must be drawn up in French. Where necessary, tenderers must have documents issued by public authorities in an official language of the European Union translated into French. Along with the French version, tenderers may enclose a version drafted in another official language of the European Union; this version will not be authentic.

The application file must contain the following:

an application letter, signed by the manager or his or her representative, together with documents giving the power to sign;

a memorandum presenting the undertaking and vouching for the applicant's professional capability and financial standing in the field of air transport, together with any relevant references. This memorandum must make it possible to assess the applicant's ability to ensure the continuity of the public service and guarantee equality of treatment for users; if they so wish, applicants may base their application on the model form DC5 used in connection with the award of public contracts;

the overall turnover and the turnover relating to the supply of relevant services over the last three years or, if the applicant so wishes, the balance sheets and outturn accounts for the last three years; if it cannot provide this information, the applicant must explain the reasons;

a methodology note explaining how the applicant proposes to respond to the consultation file if it is allowed by the Chamber of Trade and Industry of Cherbourg-Cotentin to submit a tender, setting out, in particular:

| — | the technical and human resources which the applicant will assign to the operation of the route, |
| --- | --- |

—

the technical and human resources which the applicant will assign to the operation of the route,

| — | the number, qualifications and assignment of personnel and any recruitments that the applicant proposes to make, |
| --- | --- |

—

the number, qualifications and assignment of personnel and any recruitments that the applicant proposes to make,

| — | the types of aircraft used and, where appropriate, their registration, |
| --- | --- |

—

the types of aircraft used and, where appropriate, their registration,

| — | a copy of the tenderer's air carrier operating licence, |
| --- | --- |

—

a copy of the tenderer's air carrier operating licence,

| — | if the operating licence was issued by a European Union Member State other than France, the tenderer must also provide the following information:






  — | the country in which the pilots' licences were issued, |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

if the operating licence was issued by a European Union Member State other than France, the tenderer must also provide the following information:

—

the country in which the pilots' licences were issued,

| — | the law applicable to the employment contracts, |
| --- | --- |

—

the law applicable to the employment contracts,

| — | details of membership of social insurance bodies, |
| --- | --- |

—

details of membership of social insurance bodies,

| — | the steps taken to comply with Articles L. 341-5 and Articles D. 341-5 et seq. of the Labour Code relating to the temporary secondment of wage-earners for the purpose of supplying services on the national territory; |
| --- | --- |

—

the steps taken to comply with Articles L. 341-5 and Articles D. 341-5 et seq. of the Labour Code relating to the temporary secondment of wage-earners for the purpose of supplying services on the national territory;

| — | certificates or statements issued on honour, as provided for in Article 8 of Decree No 97-638 of 31 May 1997 and the Order of 31 January 2003 implementing Article 8 of the aforementioned Decree, vouching that the applicant has discharged its obligations with regard to taxation and social insurance, in particular covering:






  — | corporation tax, |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

certificates or statements issued on honour, as provided for in Article 8 of Decree No 97-638 of 31 May 1997 and the Order of 31 January 2003 implementing Article 8 of the aforementioned Decree, vouching that the applicant has discharged its obligations with regard to taxation and social insurance, in particular covering:

—

corporation tax,

| — | value added tax, |
| --- | --- |

—

value added tax,

| — | contributions in respect of social insurance, work accidents, occupational illnesses and family allowances, |
| --- | --- |

—

contributions in respect of social insurance, work accidents, occupational illnesses and family allowances,

| — | civil aviation tax, |
| --- | --- |

—

civil aviation tax,

| — | airport tax, |
| --- | --- |

—

airport tax,

| — | tax on noise pollution from aircraft, |
| --- | --- |

—

tax on noise pollution from aircraft,

| — | solidarity levy; |
| --- | --- |

—

solidarity levy;

in the case of applications from a European Union Member State other than France, equivalent certificates or statements must be drawn up by the administrations and bodies of the country of origin;

a statement issued on honour relating to the absence of conviction recorded in bulletin No 2 for offences referred to in Articles L. 324-9, L. 324-10, L. 341-6, L. 125-1 and L. 125-3 of the Labour Code;

a statement issued on honour and/or proof of compliance with the obligation to employ handicapped workers provided for in Article L. 323-1 of the Labour Code;

extract ‘K bis’ of the entry in the Companies Register, or an equivalent document;

pursuant to Article 7 of Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92 of 23 July 1992, an insurance certificate less than three months old covering civil liability in the event of accidents, in particular in respect of passengers, luggage, cargo, mail and third parties and conforming to Regulation (EC) No 785/2004 of 21 April 2004, and in particular Article 4 thereof;

in the event of a safeguard or collective procedure measure, a copy of any judgment to this effect (if the judgment is not drawn up in French, it must be accompanied by a certified translation).

7-2.   Procedures for the examination of applications: applications will be selected with reference to the following criteria:

the professional and financial guarantees offered by the applicants;

their ability to ensure the continuity of the public service and guarantee equality of treatment for users with regard to that service;

their compliance with the obligation to employ handicapped workers provided for in Article L. 323-1 of the Labour Code.

8.   Criteria for the award of the contract: The carriers whose applications are allowed and accepted will subsequently be invited to submit their tenders in accordance with the procedures laid down in the specific rules for the invitation to tender, which will then be supplied to them.

Tenders submitted in this way will be negotiated freely by the authority responsible in the Chamber of Trade and Industry of Cherbourg-Cotentin.

In accordance with Article 4(1)(f) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92, the selection among the submissions will be made taking into consideration the adequacy of the service, including the prices and conditions which can be quoted to users, and the cost of the compensation required.

9.   Essential additional information:

9-1.   Financial compensation: The tenders submitted by the carriers whose applications are accepted must specify the maximum amount required by way of compensation for operating the route for three years from 1 April 2008, with an annual breakdown. The precise amount of compensation finally granted will be determined annually ex post on the basis of the costs and revenue actually generated by the service, within the limit of the amount stated in the tender. This maximum limit may be revised only in the event of unforeseen changes in the operating conditions.

The annual payments will be made in the form of advance payments and an adjustment balance. The balance will be paid only after approval of the carrier's accounts for the route in question and verification that the service has been operated in accordance with the conditions laid down in section 9-2 below.

In the event of termination of the contract before its normal expiry date, section 9-2 will be applied as soon as possible to allow payment to the carrier of the balance due, the maximum amount referred to in the first subparagraph being reduced, where appropriate, in proportion to the actual duration of the service.

9-2.   Verification of the performance of the service and of the carrier's accounts: The performance of the service and the carrier's cost accounting for the route in question will be examined at least once a year in cooperation with the carrier.

9-3.   Amendment and termination of the contract: Where the carrier believes that unforeseen changes in the operating conditions justify revision of the maximum amount of financial compensation, it must present a reasoned request to the other signatory parties, which must reach a decision within two months. The contract may then be amended by means of an additional agreement.

The contract may be terminated by either of the signatory parties before the normal end of the validity of the contract provided that a six-month period of notice is observed. In the event of serious breaches of its contractual obligations, the carrier will be deemed to have terminated the contract without notice if it does not resume the service in accordance with the public service obligation within one month of the serving of formal notice.

9-4.   Penalties or other deductions provided for in the contract: Failure by the carrier to observe the period of notice referred to in section 9-3 will be subject either to an administrative fine pursuant to Article R.330-20 of the Civil Aviation Code, or to a penalty calculated on the basis of the number of months of default and the actual operating loss of the service during the year in question, but not exceeding the maximum financial compensation provided for in section 9-1.

In the event of minor breaches of the public service obligation, the maximum financial compensation provided for in section 9-1 will be reduced, without prejudice to the application of Article R.330-20 of the Civil Aviation Code.

Such reductions will take account, as appropriate, of the number of flights not operated for reasons directly attributable to the carrier, the number of flights made with less than the required capacity, and the number of flights not complying with the public service obligation in terms of stopovers or time allowed at the destination.

10.   Submission of applications: Application files must be enclosed in a sealed envelope marked: ‘Délégation de service public pour l'exploitation d'une ligne aérienne — CANDIDATURE — À n'ouvrir qu'en commission’ (Public service delegation for the operation of scheduled air services — APPLICATION — not to be opened until the selection committee meeting). They must be sent by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt (the date on the latter serving as proof of the date of receipt) or delivered by hand (in which case a receipt must be obtained) to reach the following address by no later than 17.00 local time on 8 November 2007:

Chambre de commerce & d'industrie de Cherbourg-Cotentin, Hôtel Atlantique, 50100 Cherbourg

11.   Subsequent procedure: Shortly after the closing date specified in the previous section, the Chamber of Trade and Industry of Cherbourg-Cotentin will send the selected applicants a copy of the tendering rules and a draft contract.

The selected applicants must submit their tender by no later than 17.00 local time on 20 December 2007.

The tender will be binding on the tenderer for a period of 280 days from its submission.

12.   Validity of the invitation to tender: The validity of this invitation to tender is subject to the condition that no Community carrier presents by 1 March 2008 a programme for operating the route in question from 1 April 2008 in accordance with the public service obligation imposed and without receiving any financial compensation.

13.   Requests for additional information: To obtain any information they may need, applicants may contact the President of the Chamber of Trade and Industry of Cherbourg-Cotentin at the address/fax number indicated in section 2 above, exclusively by letter or fax.

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PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

Commission

| 5.9.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 206/20 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.9.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 206/20

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Notice of initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of monosodium glutamate originating in the People's Republic of China

(2007/C 206/08)

The Commission has received a complaint pursuant to Article 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 of 22 December 1995 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community (‘the basic Regulation’) (1), alleging that imports of monosodium glutamate, originating in the People's Republic of China (‘the country concerned’), are being dumped and are thereby causing material injury to the Community industry.

1.   Complaint

The complaint was lodged on 23 July 2007 by Ajinomoto Foods Europe S.A.S. (‘the complainant’), the sole producer in the European Community, representing 100 % of the Community production of monosodium glutamate.

2.   Product

The product allegedly being dumped is monosodium glutamate originating in the People's Republic of China (‘the product concerned’), normally declared within CN code ex 2922 42 00. This CN code is only given for information.

3.   Allegation of dumping

In view of the provisions of Article 2(7) of the basic Regulation, the complainant established normal value for the People's Republic of China on the basis of the price in a market economy country, which is mentioned in point 5.1(d). The allegation of dumping is based on a comparison of normal value, thus calculated, with the export prices of the product concerned when sold for export to the Community.

On this basis, the dumping margin calculated is significant.

4.   Allegation of injury

The complainant has provided evidence that imports of the product concerned from the People's Republic of China have increased overall in absolute terms and in terms of market share.

It is alleged that the volumes and the prices of the imported product concerned have, among other consequences, had a negative impact on the quantities sold, the market share held and the level of prices charged by the Community industry, resulting in substantial adverse effects on its financial situation and employment situation of the Community industry.

5.   Procedure

Having determined, after consulting the Advisory Committee, that the complaint has been lodged by or on behalf of the Community industry and that there is sufficient evidence to justify the initiation of a proceeding, the Commission hereby initiates an investigation pursuant to Article 5 of the basic Regulation.

5.1.   Procedure for the determination of dumping and injury

The investigation will determine whether the product concerned originating in the People's Republic of China is being dumped and whether this dumping has caused injury.

(a)   Sampling

In view of the apparent large number of parties involved in this proceeding, the Commission may decide to apply sampling in accordance with Article 17 of the basic Regulation.

(i)   Sampling for exporters/producers in the People's Republic of China

In order to enable the Commission to decide whether sampling is necessary and, if so, to select a sample, all exporters/producers, or representatives acting on their behalf, are hereby requested to make themselves known by contacting the Commission and providing the following information on their company or companies within the time limit set in point 6(b)(i) and in the formats indicated in point 7:

| — | name, address, e-mail address, telephone, and fax numbers and contact person, |
| --- | --- |

—

name, address, e-mail address, telephone, and fax numbers and contact person,

| — | the turnover in local currency and the volume in tonnes of the product concerned sold for export to the Community during the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

the turnover in local currency and the volume in tonnes of the product concerned sold for export to the Community during the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007,

| — | the turnover in local currency and the sales volume in tonnes of the product concerned sold on the domestic market during the period 1 January 2006 to 30 June 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

the turnover in local currency and the sales volume in tonnes of the product concerned sold on the domestic market during the period 1 January 2006 to 30 June 2007,

| — | whether the company intends to claim an individual margin (2) (individual margins can only be claimed by producers), |
| --- | --- |

—

whether the company intends to claim an individual margin (2) (individual margins can only be claimed by producers),

| — | the precise activities of the company with regard to the production of the product concerned, |
| --- | --- |

—

the precise activities of the company with regard to the production of the product concerned,

| — | the names and the precise activities of all related companies (3) involved in the production and/or selling (export and/or domestic) of the product concerned, |
| --- | --- |

—

the names and the precise activities of all related companies (3) involved in the production and/or selling (export and/or domestic) of the product concerned,

| — | any other relevant information that would assist the Commission in the selection of the sample. |
| --- | --- |

—

any other relevant information that would assist the Commission in the selection of the sample.

By providing the above information, the company agrees to its possible inclusion in the sample. If the company is chosen to be part of the sample, this will imply replying to a questionnaire and accepting an on-the-spot investigation of its response. If the company indicates that it does not agree to its possible inclusion in the sample, it will be deemed to not have co-operated in the investigation. The consequences of non-cooperation are set out in point 8 below.

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for the selection of the sample of exporters/producers, the Commission will, in addition, contact the authorities of the exporting country, and any known associations of exporters/producers.

(ii)   Sampling for importers

In order to enable the Commission to decide whether sampling is necessary and, if so, to select a sample, all importers, or representatives acting on their behalf, are hereby requested to make themselves known to the Commission and to provide the following information on their company or companies within the time limit set in point 6(b)(i) and in the formats indicated in point 7:

| — | name, address, e-mail address, telephone, and fax numbers and contact person, |
| --- | --- |

—

name, address, e-mail address, telephone, and fax numbers and contact person,

| — | the total turnover in euro of the company during the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

the total turnover in euro of the company during the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007,

| — | the total number of employees, |
| --- | --- |

—

the total number of employees,

| — | the precise activities of the company with regard to the product concerned, |
| --- | --- |

—

the precise activities of the company with regard to the product concerned,

| — | the volume in tonnes and value in euro of imports into and resales made in the Community market during the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007 of the imported product concerned originating in the People's Republic of China, |
| --- | --- |

—

the volume in tonnes and value in euro of imports into and resales made in the Community market during the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007 of the imported product concerned originating in the People's Republic of China,

| — | the names and the precise activities of all related companies (4) involved in the production and/or selling of the product concerned, |
| --- | --- |

—

the names and the precise activities of all related companies (4) involved in the production and/or selling of the product concerned,

| — | any other relevant information that would assist the Commission in the selection of the sample. |
| --- | --- |

—

any other relevant information that would assist the Commission in the selection of the sample.

By providing the above information, the company agrees to its possible inclusion in the sample. If the company is chosen to be part of the sample, this will imply replying to a questionnaire and accepting an on-the-spot investigation of its response. If the company indicates that it does not agree to its possible inclusion in the sample, it will be deemed to not have co-operated in the investigation. The consequences of non-cooperation are set out in point 8 below.

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for the selection of the sample of importers, the Commission will, in addition, contact any known associations of importers.

(iii)   Final selection of the sample

All interested parties wishing to submit any relevant information regarding the selection of the sample must do so within the time limit set in point 6(b)(ii).

The Commission intends to make the final selection of the sample after having consulted the parties concerned that have expressed their willingness to be included in the sample.

Companies included in the sample must reply to a questionnaire within the time limit set in point 6(b)(iii) and must cooperate within the framework of the investigation.

If sufficient co-operation is not forthcoming, the Commission may base its findings, in accordance with Articles 17(4) and 18 of the basic Regulation, on the facts available. A finding based on facts available may be less advantageous to the party concerned, as explained in point 8.

(b)   Questionnaires

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for its investigation, the Commission will send questionnaires to the Community industry and to any association of producers in the Community, to the sampled exporters/producers in the People's Republic of China to any association of exporters/producers, to the sampled importers, to any association of importers named in the complaint, and to the authorities of the exporting country concerned.

Exporters/producers in the People's Republic of China claiming an individual margin, with a view to the application of Articles 17(3) and 9(6) of the basic Regulation, must submit a completed questionnaire within the time limit set in point 6(a)(ii) of this notice. They therefore have to request a questionnaire within the time limit set in point 6(a)(i). However, such parties should be aware that if sampling is applied to exporters/producers, the Commission may nonetheless decide not to calculate an individual margin for them, if the number of exporters/producers is so large that individual examination would be unduly burdensome and would prevent the timely completion of the investigation.

(c)   Collection of information and holding of hearings

All interested parties are hereby invited to make their views known, submit information other than questionnaire replies and to provide supporting evidence. This information and supporting evidence has to reach the Commission within the time limit set in point 6(a)(ii).

Furthermore, the Commission may hear interested parties, provided that they make a request showing that there are particular reasons why they should be heard. This request must be made within the time limit set in point 6(a)(iii).

(d)   Selection of the market economy country

In accordance with Article 2(7)(a) of the basic Regulation, it is envisaged to choose Thailand as an appropriate market economy country for the purpose of establishing normal value in respect of the People's Republic of China. Interested parties are hereby invited to comment on the appropriateness of this choice within the specific time limit set in point 6(c).

(e)   Market economy status

For those exporters/producers in the People's Republic of China who claim and provide sufficient evidence that they operate under market economy conditions, i.e. that they meet the criteria laid down in Article 2(7)(c) of the basic Regulation, normal value will be determined in accordance with Article 2(7)(b) of the basic Regulation. Exporters/producers intending to submit duly substantiated claims must do so within the specific time limit set in point 6(d). The Commission will send claim forms to all exporters/producers in the People's Republic of China named in the complaint and to any association of exporters/producers named in the complaint, as well as to the authorities of the People's Republic of China.

5.2.   Procedure for assessment of Community interest

In accordance with Article 21 of the basic Regulation and in the event that the allegations of dumping and injury caused thereby are substantiated, a decision will be reached as to whether the adoption of anti-dumping measures would not be against the Community interest. For this reason the Community industry, importers, their representative associations, representative users and representative consumer organisations, provided that they prove that there is an objective link between their activity and the product concerned, may, within the general time limits set in point 6(a)(ii), make themselves known and provide the Commission with information. The parties which have acted in conformity with the precedent sentence may request a hearing setting the particular reasons why they should be heard within the time limit set in point 6(a)(iii). It should be noted that any information submitted pursuant to Article 21 will only be taken into account if supported by factual evidence at the time of submission.

6.   Time limits

(a)   General time limits

(i)   For parties to request a questionnaire or other claim forms

All interested parties should request a questionnaire or other claim forms as soon as possible, but not later than 10 days after the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

(ii)   For parties to make themselves known, to submit questionnaire replies and any other information

All interested parties, if their representations are to be taken into account during the investigation, must make themselves known by contacting the Commission, present their views and submit questionnaire replies or any other information within 40 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, unless otherwise specified. Attention is drawn to the fact that the exercise of most procedural rights set out in the basic Regulation depends on the party's making itself known within the aforementioned period.

Companies selected in a sample must submit questionnaire replies within the time limits specified in point 6(b)(iii).

(iii)   Hearings

All interested parties may also apply to be heard by the Commission within the same 40-day time limit.

(b)   Specific time limit in respect of sampling

| (i) | The information specified in points 5.1(a)(i) and 5.1(a)(ii) should reach the Commission within 15 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, given that the Commission intends to consult parties concerned that have expressed their willingness to be included in the sample on its final selection within a period of 21 days of the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

(i)

The information specified in points 5.1(a)(i) and 5.1(a)(ii) should reach the Commission within 15 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, given that the Commission intends to consult parties concerned that have expressed their willingness to be included in the sample on its final selection within a period of 21 days of the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

| (ii) | All other information relevant for the selection of the sample as referred to in point 5.1(a)(iii) must reach the Commission within a period of 21 days of the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

All other information relevant for the selection of the sample as referred to in point 5.1(a)(iii) must reach the Commission within a period of 21 days of the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

| (iii) | The questionnaire replies from sampled parties must reach the Commission within 37 days from the date of the notification of their inclusion in the sample. |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

The questionnaire replies from sampled parties must reach the Commission within 37 days from the date of the notification of their inclusion in the sample.

(c)   Specific time limit for the selection of the market economy country

Parties to the investigation may wish to comment on the appropriateness of Thailand which, as mentioned in point 5.1(d), is envisaged as a market-economy country for the purpose of establishing normal value in respect of the People's Republic of China. These comments must reach the Commission within 10 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

(d)   Specific time limit for submission of claims for market economy status and/or for individual treatment.

Duly substantiated claims for market economy status (as mentioned in point 5.1(e)) and/or for individual treatment pursuant to Article 9(5) of the basic Regulation, must reach the Commission within 15 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

7.   Written submissions, questionnaire replies and correspondence

All submissions and requests made by interested parties must be made in writing (not in electronic format, unless otherwise specified and must indicate the name, address, e-mail address, telephone and fax numbers of the interested party). All written submissions, including the information requested in this notice, questionnaire replies and correspondence provided by interested parties on a confidential basis shall be labelled as ‘Limited’ (5) and, in accordance with Article 19(2) of the basic Regulation, shall be accompanied by a non-confidential version, which will be labelled ‘For inspection by interested parties’.

Commission address for correspondence:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate General for Trade |
| Directorate H |
| Office: J-79 4/22 |
| B-1049 Brussels |
| Fax (32-2) 295 65 05 |

European Commission

Directorate General for Trade

Directorate H

Office: J-79 4/22

B-1049 Brussels

Fax (32-2) 295 65 05

8.   Non-cooperation

In cases in which any interested party refuses access to or does not provide the necessary information within the time limits, or significantly impedes the investigation, provisional or final findings, affirmative or negative, may be made in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation, on the basis of the facts available.

Where it is found that any interested party has supplied false or misleading information, the information shall be disregarded and use may be made of the facts available. If an interested party does not cooperate or cooperates only partially and findings are therefore based on facts available in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation, the result may be less favourable to that party than if it had cooperated.

9.   Schedule of the investigation

The investigation will be concluded, according to Article 6(9) of the basic Regulation within 15 months of the date of the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union. According to Article 7(1) of the basic Regulation, provisional measures may be imposed no later than 9 months from the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

10.   Processing of personal data

Please note that any personal data collected in this investigation will be treated in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data (6).

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(1)  OJ L 56, 6.3.1996, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2117/2005 (OJ L 340, 23.12.2005, p. 17).

(2)  Individual margins may be claimed pursuant to Article 17(3) of the basic Regulation for companies not included in the sample, Article 9(5) of the basic Regulation concerning individual treatment in cases involving non market economy countries/economies in transition, and Article 2(7)(b) of the basic Regulation for companies claiming market economy status. Note that claims for individual treatment necessitate an application pursuant to Article 9(5) of the basic Regulation and that claims regarding market economy status necessitate an application pursuant to Article 2(7)(b) of the basic Regulation.

(3)  For guidance on the meaning of related companies, please refer to Article 143 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 of 2 July 1993 laying down provisions for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 establishing the Community Customs Code (OJ L 253, 11.10.1993, p. 1).

(4)  For guidance on the meaning of related companies, please refer to Article 143 of Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93.

(5)  This means that the document is for internal use only. It is protected pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents (OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43). It is a confidential document pursuant to Article 19 of the basic Regulation and Article 6 of the WTO Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti-dumping Agreement).

(6)  OJ L 8, 12.1.2001, p. 1.

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PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

| 5.9.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 206/25 |
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5.9.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 206/25

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4855 — BC Funds/BvDEP)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 206/09)

| 1. | On 28 August 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 and following a referral pursuant to Article 4(5) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the BC Funds, acting through CIE Management II Ltd (Guernsey), acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing BV (‘BvDEP’, The Netherlands) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 28 August 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 and following a referral pursuant to Article 4(5) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the BC Funds, acting through CIE Management II Ltd (Guernsey), acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing BV (‘BvDEP’, The Netherlands) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for BC Funds: financial investors, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for BC Funds: financial investors,

| — | for BvDEP: electronic publisher of company information. |
| --- | --- |

—

for BvDEP: electronic publisher of company information.

| 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. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

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. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 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) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4855 — BC Funds/BvDEP, to the following address:





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

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) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4855 — BC Funds/BvDEP, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

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

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.

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| 5.9.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 206/26 |
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5.9.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 206/26

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4859 — Talanx/PB Versicherungen/BHW)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 206/10)

| 1. | On 28 August 2007, 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 Talanx Aktiengesellschaft (‘Talanx’, Germany) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertakings Postbank Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft (‘PB-V’, Germany), Postbank Lebensversicherung Aktiengesellschaft (‘PB-L’, Germany), BHW Lebensversicherung Aktiengesellschaft (‘BHW-L’, Germany) and BHW Pensionkasse Aktiengesellschaft (‘BHW-P’, Germany) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 28 August 2007, 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 Talanx Aktiengesellschaft (‘Talanx’, Germany) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertakings Postbank Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft (‘PB-V’, Germany), Postbank Lebensversicherung Aktiengesellschaft (‘PB-L’, Germany), BHW Lebensversicherung Aktiengesellschaft (‘BHW-L’, Germany) and BHW Pensionkasse Aktiengesellschaft (‘BHW-P’, Germany) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | Talanx: life insurance, non-life insurance, reinsurance and financial services, |
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2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

Talanx: life insurance, non-life insurance, reinsurance and financial services,

| — | PB-V: non-life insurance, |
| --- | --- |

—

PB-V: non-life insurance,

| — | PB-L: life insurance, |
| --- | --- |

—

PB-L: life insurance,

| — | BHW-L: life insurance, |
| --- | --- |

—

BHW-L: life insurance,

| — | BHW-P: life insurance. |
| --- | --- |

—

BHW-P: life insurance.

| 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. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

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. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 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) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4859 — Talanx/PB Versicherungen/BHW, to the following address:





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

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) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4859 — Talanx/PB Versicherungen/BHW, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

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

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.

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| 5.9.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 206/27 |
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5.9.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 206/27

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4862 — Transdev/Connexxion Holding)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 206/11)

| 1. | On 28 August 2007, 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 Transdev S.A. (‘Transdev’, France) controlled by Caisse des Dépôts (France) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Connexxion Holding N.V. (‘Connexxion’, The Netherlands) by way of purchase of shares. |
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1.

On 28 August 2007, 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 Transdev S.A. (‘Transdev’, France) controlled by Caisse des Dépôts (France) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Connexxion Holding N.V. (‘Connexxion’, The Netherlands) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for Caisse des Dépôts: banking services, savings funds, development financing, insurance, real estate, private equity, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Caisse des Dépôts: banking services, savings funds, development financing, insurance, real estate, private equity,

| — | for Transdev: transport services and related services in France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, the UK, Canada and Australia, |
| --- | --- |

—

for Transdev: transport services and related services in France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, the UK, Canada and Australia,

| — | for Connexxion: transport services and transport related services in the Netherlands. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Connexxion: transport services and transport related services in the Netherlands.

| 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. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

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. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 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) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4862 — Transdev/Connexxion Holding, to the following address:





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

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) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4862 — Transdev/Connexxion Holding, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

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

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.

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| 5.9.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 206/28 |
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5.9.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 206/28

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4905 — WL Ross/C&A Automotive Interior Businesses II)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 206/12)

| 1. | On 29 August 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which WL Ross (USA) via International Automotive Components North America Mexico, S de R.L. de C.V., International Automotive Components North America, International Automotive Components Group Brazil and via International Automotive Components Group LLC (together ‘IAC’) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of certain assets of C&A Corporation (‘C&A Automotive Interior Businesses’). |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 29 August 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which WL Ross (USA) via International Automotive Components North America Mexico, S de R.L. de C.V., International Automotive Components North America, International Automotive Components Group Brazil and via International Automotive Components Group LLC (together ‘IAC’) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of certain assets of C&A Corporation (‘C&A Automotive Interior Businesses’).

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






  — | for WL Ross: private equity found which through IAC produces and supplies certain automotive interior parts, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for WL Ross: private equity found which through IAC produces and supplies certain automotive interior parts,

| — | for C&A Automotive Interior Businesses: manufacture and supply of cockpit modules, instrument panels, interior trim and flooring and acoustic systems. |
| --- | --- |

—

for C&A Automotive Interior Businesses: manufacture and supply of cockpit modules, instrument panels, interior trim and flooring and acoustic systems.

| 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. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

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. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 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) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4905 — WL Ross/C&A Automotive Interior Businesses II, to the following address:





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

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) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4905 — WL Ross/C&A Automotive Interior Businesses II, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

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

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.

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OTHER ACTS

Commission

| 5.9.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 206/29 |
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5.9.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 206/29

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Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2007/C 206/13)

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months from the date of this publication.

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘KARLOVARSKÉ TROJHRÁNKY’

EC No: CZ/PGI/005/0397/19.10.2004

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

This summary sets out the main elements of the product specification for information purposes.

1.   Responsible department in the Member State:

| Name: | Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Antonína Čermáka 2a, CZ-160 68 Praha 6 |
| Tel. | (420) 220 383 111 |
| Fax | (420) 224 324 718 |
| E-mail: | posta@upv.cz |

Name:

Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví

Address:

Antonína Čermáka 2a, CZ-160 68 Praha 6

Tel.

(420) 220 383 111

Fax

(420) 224 324 718

E-mail:

posta@upv.cz

2.   Group:

| Name: | Sdružení výrobců Karlovarských trojhránků |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Slepá 517/1, CZ-360 05 Karlovy Vary |
| Tel. | (420) 353 563 006 |
| Fax | (420) 353 563 006 |
| E-mail: | obchod@karlovarskapekarna.cz |
| Composition: | Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( ) |

Name:

Sdružení výrobců Karlovarských trojhránků

Address:

Slepá 517/1, CZ-360 05 Karlovy Vary

Tel.

(420) 353 563 006

Fax

(420) 353 563 006

E-mail:

obchod@karlovarskapekarna.cz

Composition:

Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

3.   Type of product:

Class 2.4: Biscuits — wafers

4.   Specification:

(Summary of requirements under Article 4(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

4.1   Name: ‘Karlovarské trojhránky’

4.2   Description: Karlovarské trojhránky are produced according to a traditional recipe as triangular divisions from flat round Karlové oplatky (sprinkled with various mixtures — see next paragraph). Eight pieces of the Karlovarské oplatky are layered together with cocoa or chocolate fillings and finally divided with a cutter into their final shape (8 pieces). The prepared trojhránky are packaged either individually or in groups of several pieces.

Karlovarské oplatky, which are the basis for Karlovarské trojhránky, are produced in the form of flat rounds of about 19 cm in diameter. They are composed of two thin wafer sheets bearing a characteristic relief depicting, in a 30 mm-wide strip around the outer edge, a branch which is in leaf, below which is the circular inscription ‘Karlovarské oplatky’, which is at least 20 mm wide. In the middle of the wafer is a symbol of the spa town of Karlovy Vary — either a mineral water fountain or a chamois. Karlovy Vary water plays a significant role in determining their taste and in moistening the wafer sheets. The wafer sheets are assembled into a single wafer by baking after being sprinkled with a sugar-and-hazelnut mixture or, depending on the variety, a mixture of a different flavour, namely almond, cocoa, vanilla or cinnamon. The wafers are crisp, light, thin and have a distinctive flavour and odour.

The basic raw materials for Karlovarské oplatky/trojhránky are wheat flour, Karlovy Vary spring water, vegetable fat, sugar, milk, egg mix, starch, baking powder, butter and, depending on the type of sprinkling mixture used, hazelnuts, almonds, cocoa powder, vanilla or cinnamon.

Karlovy Vary thermal spring water, which is used in the production of Karlovarské oplatky/trojhránky, has specific properties that are characteristic of the defined area. It is the properties of Karlovy Vary thermal spring water that give the wafer its distinctive characteristics, in particular its crispness and specific odour and taste. Karlovy Vary spring water is a natural bicarbonate-sulphate-chloride-soda type water which seeps to the surface through a tectonic fracture from a depth of more than 800 m at a temperature of 73 °C and contains lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, copper, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, zinc, cadmium, aluminium, tin, lead, arsenic, antimony, selenium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, fluorides, chlorides, bromides, sulphates, bicarbonates, carbonates and silicic acid. It has been used for centuries in Karlovy Vary, the biggest Czech spa, to treat chronic stomach ulcers, dyskinesis of bile excretory ducts, including postcholecystectomic syndrome, chronic disorders of the pancreas and liver, and bladder calculus and gout.

4.3   Geographical area: The area covered by the spa town of Karlovy Vary.

4.4   Proof of origin: Production conforms to the food production rules in force, and the HACCP system is used during the production process. Producers keep registers of suppliers of raw materials, including Karlovy Vary thermal spring water, and purchasers of finished products. Each product is accompanied by the name and address of the producer. Compliance with the specification is monitored by the local office of the competent State authority, namely the Plzeň Area Inspectorate of the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce).

4.5   Method of production: Karlovarské oplatky, from which Karlovarské trojhránky are produced, are composed of two thin round sheets of wafer having a diameter of about 19 cm and bearing a distinctive relief. (see 4.2). The batter is prepared by mixing the ingredients listed above (see 4.2) with fresh Karlovy Vary thermal spring water. After baking, the wafers are moistened with Karlovy Vary thermal spring water and baked, always in twos, after being sprinkled with sugar-and-hazelnut mixture, or another flavour of mixture, depending on the variety (see 4.2). At the end of the production process, the wafers are joined into eight layers with cocoa or chocolate fillings. The filling is made with the following ingredients: chocolate chips, hardened vegetable fat, dried milk, cocoa, sugar, soy powder and broken Karlovarské oplatky. The broken Karlovarské oplatky (baked and crushed Karlovarské oplatky) are added to the filling to make up 7 % of the total filling content. The filling is prepared so that the individual ingredients gradually become creamy in consistency. It is then spread, always on the upper side of the wafers, eight of which are stacked one on top of the other, pressed, trimmed around the edge and lastly sliced into eight pieces of Karlovarské trojhránky. These are then packaged either individually or in 150 g or 200 g boxes.

In order to maintain the product's quality and specific properties, it is essential that at least the production, resting and the assembly of the wafers take place in the defined area.

4.6   Link: The specific characteristics of Karlovarské trojhránky are imparted by the use of Karlovy Vary thermal spring water and its specific properties, obtained from springs in the defined geographical area, and by the traditional recipe (see 4.2).

The first historical references to the production of Karlovarské oplatky, from which Karlovarské trojhránky are made, date from the mid-18th century in the defined geographical area. The production of Karlovarské trojhránky belongs within this tradition of more than two centuries. In the present day they are used in the promotion of Karlovy Vary by the town's local authorities and by the nation-wide organisation Czech Tourism in international presentations and campaigns. Their quality and popularity is attested to inter alia by the fact that they were presented in 2005 in Edinburgh (Scotland) in the context of the EU-Japan Food Festival and that they are mentioned by the world-famous hockey player Jaromír Jágr as a favourite treat.

On 11 February 2000, the Karlovarské trojhránky designation of origin was entered in the Czech Republic in the register of designations of origin with the registration number 171 and on 29 May 2001 internationally under the Lisbon Agreement with the number 838.

4.7   Inspection body:

| Name: | Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce, inspektorát Plzeň |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Jiráskovo náměstí 8, CZ-308 58 Plzeň 8 |
| Tel. | (420) 377 433 411 |
| Fax | (420) 377 455 229 |
| E-mail: | plzen@szpi.gov.cz |

Name:

Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce, inspektorát Plzeň

Address:

Jiráskovo náměstí 8, CZ-308 58 Plzeň 8

Tel.

(420) 377 433 411

Fax

(420) 377 455 229

E-mail:

plzen@szpi.gov.cz

4.8   Labelling: ‘KARLOVARSKÉ TROJHRÁNKY’

The product designation must appear as the chief feature on the front of the product and/or its packaging.

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

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