# Official Journal C 89/2023

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 89 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6610 March 2023 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 89

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6610 March 2023

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| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | III   Preparatory acts |
| | EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK |
| 2023/C 89/01 | Opinion of the European Central Bank of 16 January 2023 on a proposal for a Directive on the energy performance of buildings (recast) (CON/2023/2) | 1 |

Contents

page

III   Preparatory acts

EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

2023/C 89/01

Opinion of the European Central Bank of 16 January 2023 on a proposal for a Directive on the energy performance of buildings (recast) (CON/2023/2)

1

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| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2023/C 89/02 | Notice for the attention of one entity subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2010/413/CFSP and Council Regulation (EU) No 267/2012 concerning restrictive measures against Iran | 7 |
| 2023/C 89/03 | Notice for the attention of one entity subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 and in Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998, concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses | 8 |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 89/04 | Euro exchange rates – 9 March 2023 | 9 |
| | European Data Protection Supervisor |
| 2023/C 89/05 | Summary of the Opinion of the European Data Protection Supervisor on the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council harmonising certain aspects of insolvency law
  (The full text of this Opinion can be found in English, French and German on the EDPS website https://edps.europa.eu) | 10 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2023/C 89/06 | Notification under the Schengen Borders Code – Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia | 14 |
| | NOTICES FROM THIRD COUNTRIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 89/07 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11044 – DERICHEBOURG / ELIOR) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 16 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2023/C 89/02

Notice for the attention of one entity subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2010/413/CFSP and Council Regulation (EU) No 267/2012 concerning restrictive measures against Iran

7

2023/C 89/03

Notice for the attention of one entity subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 and in Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998, concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses

8

European Commission

2023/C 89/04

Euro exchange rates – 9 March 2023

9

European Data Protection Supervisor

2023/C 89/05

Summary of the Opinion of the European Data Protection Supervisor on the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council harmonising certain aspects of insolvency law
  (The full text of this Opinion can be found in English, French and German on the EDPS website https://edps.europa.eu)

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

10

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2023/C 89/06

Notification under the Schengen Borders Code – Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia

14

NOTICES FROM THIRD COUNTRIES

European Commission

2023/C 89/07

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11044 – DERICHEBOURG / ELIOR) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

16

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 89/08 | Notice pursuant to Article 29(2) of the Staff Regulations – Publication of a vacancy for the function of Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General Defence Industry and Space (DEFIS) (grade AD 15) – COM/2023/10428 | 18 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 89/09 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11020 – KKR / APRIL) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 19 |
| 2023/C 89/10 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11063 – CVC CAPITAL / SCAN GLOBAL LOGISTICS) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 21 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 89/11 | Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 | 23 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Commission

2023/C 89/08

Notice pursuant to Article 29(2) of the Staff Regulations – Publication of a vacancy for the function of Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General Defence Industry and Space (DEFIS) (grade AD 15) – COM/2023/10428

18

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2023/C 89/09

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11020 – KKR / APRIL) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

19

2023/C 89/10

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11063 – CVC CAPITAL / SCAN GLOBAL LOGISTICS) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

21

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2023/C 89/11

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

23

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| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance. |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

| EN | |
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EN

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III Preparatory acts

EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

| 10.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 89/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/1

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OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

of 16 January 2023

on a proposal for a Directive on the energy performance of buildings (recast)

(CON/2023/2)

(2023/C 89/01)

Introduction and legal basis

On 15 December 2021 the European Commission published a proposal for a Directive on the energy performance of buildings (1) (hereinafter the ‘proposed Directive’).

The European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to deliver an own initiative opinion on the proposed Directive. The ECB’s competence to deliver an opinion is based on Articles 127(4) and 282(5) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and Article 25.1 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank (hereinafter the ‘Statute of the ESCB’), in particular since the proposed Directive relates to (a) the basic task to be carried out through the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) to define and implement monetary policy pursuant to Article 127(2) TFEU; (b) the ECB’s tasks concerning the prudential supervision of credit institutions pursuant to Article 127(6) TFEU; and (c) the ECB’s contribution to the harmonisation, where necessary, of the rules and practices governing the collection, compilation and distribution of statistics in the areas within its fields of competence pursuant to Article 5.3 of the Statute of the ESCB. In accordance with the first sentence of Article 17.5 of the Rules of Procedure of the European Central Bank, the Governing Council has adopted this opinion.

1.   General observations

| 1.1. | The ECB broadly supports the proposed Directive, which aims to increase the rate and depth of building renovations in the Union, to improve information on the energy performance of buildings and to ensure that all buildings are in line with the Union’s climate goals. The proposed Directive will not only contribute to the Union’s climate goals, but will also support the Union’s efforts to ensure energy security. By addressing barriers to renovation and setting targets towards improving the energy efficiency of buildings, the proposed Directive will contribute to reducing the Union’s reliance on fossil fuels and lowering demand for natural gas, Furthermore, it will make households and companies more resilient to energy price surges by lowering energy consumption of buildings and will, in the medium to long-term, help reduce price sensitivity to volatility in fossil fuel prices. In addition, the proposed Directive brings more certainty to the pace and timeline of the Union’s sustainable transition, in a manner that can be taken into account by credit institutions and financial institutions in their decisions on portfolio allocations and medium-term financing. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

| 1.2. | The ECB welcomes the proposed Directive’s aim to improve access to energy performance certificates (EPCs) across the Union. The proposed measures would ensure full access to EPCs for financial institutions, addressing the significant challenges regarding access to this information that credit institutions, in particular, and financial institutions, more generally, are currently facing. These measures would allow credit institutions and financial institutions to improve the climate-related transition risk assessments of their real estate assets. Such improvement is relevant to the ECB, the Eurosystem and the ESCB for several reasons. First, as real estate lending represents a significant share of supervised credit institutions’ banking book, this information is highly relevant for the ECB and its banking supervisory functions. Second, as a significant share of the collateral used by counterparties in monetary policy operations consists of financial assets backed by real estate mortgages, ensuring full access to EPC information for credit institutions and financial institutions would enhance the Eurosystem’s capability – in pursuing its price stability mandate – to identify, monitor and mitigate the risks that are associated with its counterparties, the collateral it accepts in its refinancing operations and its holdings of assets arising from outright transactions. Third, greater access to EPC granular information is required to support ESCB statistical tasks, including the development of statistical indicators for climate change risk analysis. This, in turn, would help the ECB in its contribution to the harmonisation of rules and practices governing the collection, compilation, and distribution of statistics in the areas within its fields of competence. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

| 1.3. | However, the ECB has concerns regarding the proposed methodology for the definition of the new EPC classes, and calls for an increased degree of harmonisation across the Union. The proposed Directive only defines common criteria for the best and worst EPCs for each Member State, without fully harmonising the underlying definitions and methodologies which are determined at national level. From a risk perspective, this will reduce the comparability across Member States and reduce the usefulness of EPCs as proxies for the riskiness of a specific real estate asset. A more harmonised methodology would help the ECB, in its prudential supervisory functions, to assess the impact of energy efficiency on credit institutions’ real estate exposures, on the basis of reliable and comparable data as well as common and standardised definitions at Union level. It would also enhance the Eurosystem’s capability to properly monitor and assess the impact of the climate-related financial risks on the assets it holds on its balance sheet, and to ensure adequate risk protection of the Eurosystem’s balance sheet. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

| 1.4. | The proposed Directive rightfully recognises the interest of the financial industry in having access to information concerning the energy performance of buildings. The proposed Directive should make clear that credit institutions, which are the main source of mortgage lending, are included in its scope. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

| 1.5. | As further detailed below, the ECB favours, in particular, (a) a more harmonised methodology for EPC labelling across the Union; (b) full and timely access to EPC databases for credit institutions and financial institutions to manage their climate-related transition risks; and (c) transposition of the proposed Directive before 2025. |
| --- | --- |

1.5.

Specific observations

2.   Methodology for the definition of new EPC classes

| 2.1. | As some Member States apply EPC standards at the regional level, the ECB would favour that the EPC labelling process and the underlying thresholds are harmonised within Member States. Moreover, the proposed Directive should limit exemptions falling within national discretion (i.e., in some Member States, stand-alone buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50 m2 are not subject to EPC requirements) to ensure the highest level of EPC availability in the market and a common approach at Union level. |
| --- | --- |

2.1.

| 2.2. | Regarding the EPC definition, while the ECB appreciates that the proposed Directive aims to increase the comparability of EPC classes across the Union compared to the status quo, it is concerned that the proposed methodology falls short of the necessary degree of harmonisation.

  First, as shown by the climate stress test exercise conducted by the ECB in 2022, the heterogeneous national EPC regulations currently in place, in particular the different methodologies applied by Member States to calculate the energy efficiency of buildings, do not allow for the accurate aggregation of data at Union level (2).

  Second, the proposed Directive only sets common criteria for the definition of the best and worst buildings. In particular, G buildings will be defined as the bottom 15 % of buildings in each Member State in terms of energy performance by the time the new EPCs are introduced. This implies that the bottom 15 % of the buildings would have very different real energy performances across Member States, which significantly reduces true comparability across the Union.

  Third, the proposed Directive does not implement homogeneous thresholds across the Union to harmonise the labelling scheme, but rather leaves the definition of EPCs to the discretion of the Member States. While this approach might enhance the transparency on the relative energy performance of buildings within a Member State and lead to an comparable renovation effort across the Union, it could potentially lead to an inefficient allocation of capital within the Union (3). Furthermore, Member State-specific EPCs and the associated renovation targets could impact the valuation of real estate assets, where such valuation is not directly linked to the energy performance and the associated impact of energy-related costs. This is undesirable from a supervisory and risk management perspective as it would make it more difficult to link the valuation of real estate assets to credit risk parameters and lending standards.

  Fourth, given the current limited coverage of EPCs and the lack of data on the energy performance of the building stock, country-specific thresholds based on the existing EPC information could also lead to ill-calibrated thresholds, especially in Member States where EPC coverage is scarce. If thresholds are ill-calibrated, EPC data may not reflect the overall distribution of energy performance across buildings and introduce unwarranted heterogeneity across Member States. |
| --- | --- |

2.2.

First, as shown by the climate stress test exercise conducted by the ECB in 2022, the heterogeneous national EPC regulations currently in place, in particular the different methodologies applied by Member States to calculate the energy efficiency of buildings, do not allow for the accurate aggregation of data at Union level (2).

Second, the proposed Directive only sets common criteria for the definition of the best and worst buildings. In particular, G buildings will be defined as the bottom 15 % of buildings in each Member State in terms of energy performance by the time the new EPCs are introduced. This implies that the bottom 15 % of the buildings would have very different real energy performances across Member States, which significantly reduces true comparability across the Union.

Third, the proposed Directive does not implement homogeneous thresholds across the Union to harmonise the labelling scheme, but rather leaves the definition of EPCs to the discretion of the Member States. While this approach might enhance the transparency on the relative energy performance of buildings within a Member State and lead to an comparable renovation effort across the Union, it could potentially lead to an inefficient allocation of capital within the Union (3). Furthermore, Member State-specific EPCs and the associated renovation targets could impact the valuation of real estate assets, where such valuation is not directly linked to the energy performance and the associated impact of energy-related costs. This is undesirable from a supervisory and risk management perspective as it would make it more difficult to link the valuation of real estate assets to credit risk parameters and lending standards.

Fourth, given the current limited coverage of EPCs and the lack of data on the energy performance of the building stock, country-specific thresholds based on the existing EPC information could also lead to ill-calibrated thresholds, especially in Member States where EPC coverage is scarce. If thresholds are ill-calibrated, EPC data may not reflect the overall distribution of energy performance across buildings and introduce unwarranted heterogeneity across Member States.

| 2.3. | For the reasons set out above, the ECB is of the view that a more homogeneous Union-wide methodology is preferable, especially in the long run. The ECB acknowledges that the choice between Member State-level and Union-level thresholds is ultimately a political decision that also needs to account for a range of other considerations, such as a comparable renovation effort in each Member State, regardless of the state of the initial building stock, or usability for tenants and buyers. Nevertheless, the proposed Directive should aim for convergence of EPC scaling across Member States over time. Such an approach would ensure a more homogenous definition across the Union, strengthening the information content of EPCs as a basis for risk differentiation of real estate assets based on the energy performance of buildings (4). |
| --- | --- |

2.3.

| 2.4. | If modifying the methodology for EPC harmonisation is ultimately not possible, statistical sampling based on other building attributes and data from all Member States could enhance the calibration of the energy performance thresholds. The calibration should ideally be done at Union level in order to avoid a fragmentation of estimation methodologies. More details on the size of the random samples to be used (5) in terms of share of national real estate assets would, in particular, enhance the consistency of methodologies across Member States. |
| --- | --- |

2.4.

| 2.5. | If such changes are not achievable, at the very least it is essential that the data used to calculate EPCs are publicly available, as highlighted below. |
| --- | --- |

2.5.

3.   Access to energy performance data for interested parties

| 3.1. | The ECB strongly supports the proposed Directive’s aim to ensure access to EPCs by credit institutions and financial institutions. Having access to data on the energy performance of buildings is an essential prerequisite for assessing climate-related transition risks as well as the carbon footprint of real estate assets as they affect credit institutions and financial institutions, in particular their mortgage portfolios. Access would therefore help to prevent potential spillovers to the Union financial system. Authorities responsible for the supervision of credit and financial institutions, including the ECB, should have full access to EPCs to assess the underlying climate risks. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.

| 3.2. | Aside from credit institutions, financial institutions and central banks, other financial market participants that invest in real estate-backed products such as mortgage portfolios, asset-backed securities or covered bonds need access to energy performance data of the underlying real estate for their own climate risk assessments and disclosures, in particular under Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 of the European Parliament and of the Council (6) (hereinafter the ‘Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation’, SFDR) as well as for the assessment of the alignment of real estate economic activities with the climate mitigation criteria of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council (7) (hereinafter, the ‘Taxonomy Regulation’). The proposed Directive should therefore ensure that third party investors directly investing in assets that are ultimately backed by real estate or accepting such assets as collateral have access to the EPC information for that real estate. |
| --- | --- |

3.2.

| 3.3. | EPC data, including primary energy demand information, should not only be available to credit institutions and financial institutions in the context of direct investments or mortgage lending for building or purchasing a house, but also for deep renovation loans. This would allow credit institutions and financial institutions to assess the impact of such renovations on the value of the collateral and to perform an appropriate risk analysis. Absent such provisions, the proposed Directive risks falling short of addressing one of the main data gaps identified for credit institutions and financial institutions for the collection of the information required by the Taxonomy Regulation (8). |
| --- | --- |

3.3.

| 3.4. | In light of the limitations of the current methodology for calculating EPC standards (see paragraph 2.2 above), especially in the absence of a more harmonised methodology for the new EPC classes, the proposed Directive should, as a minimum, ensure that all key attributes and fields of EPCs (e.g., primary energy use in kWh/(m2.y)) are available to all interested parties, including credit institutions and financial institutions. Access to sufficiently granular information (e.g., primary energy use in kWh/(m2.y)), and not only to aggregate information, is key to overcoming the limitations resulting from differences in EPC classes across Member States and to ensuring their comparability. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.

| 3.5. | Unique identification is crucial for linking information across data sources, allowing for interoperability and avoiding duplications between reporting requirements. Therefore, the proposed Directive should also ensure that EPC data can be linked to a building’s exact location, its physical attributes or relevant financial information using a unique building identification and following guidelines developed within the Infrastructure for spatial information in Europe (9) (INSPIRE), so as to provide investors, central banks and regulators with the possibility to best assess transition and physical risks linked to buildings. |
| --- | --- |

3.5.

| 3.6. | The proposed Directive should clarify that the transfer of information from national databases to the Union’s Building Stock Observatory or another dedicated platform should be understood to include granular information, without prejudice to the Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council (10) (hereinafter the ‘General Data Protection Regulation’, GDPR) and other legal safeguards. Moreover, to ensure all stakeholders have up-to-date information, publicly available information from national databases, as well as information transmitted to the Building Stock Observatory or another dedicated platform, should be updated more frequently than once or twice a year, as currently envisaged in the proposed Directive (11). |
| --- | --- |

3.6.

4.   Timeline for new EPC methodology

| 4.1. | The ECB suggests an earlier transposition of the proposed Directive, by the end of 2024, rather than the end of 2025, for the following reasons.

  First, the supervisory exercises conducted by the ECB in 2022 demonstrated that the amount of EPC data provided by credit institutions is a key issue. While credit institutions referred to limited access to EPC registers in some Member States (12) as one of the root causes, they also failed to report meaningful proxies. In this respect, granting credit institutions and financial institutions access to granular EPC data as soon as possible would improve their existing risk management practices and strategies with respect to climate-related transition risks, particularly for the stock of their real estate loan book.

  Second, the timely availability of energy performance data at Union level is essential to properly commit to the proposed Directive’s upgrading requirements. The proposed Directive provides that buildings and building units owned by public bodies and non-residential buildings and building units should be improved to at least energy performance class F by 2027, based on the new EPC standards. These targets are challenging to achieve without an earlier adoption of the new EPC standards (13). Member States are required to transpose the proposed Directive by 2025, leaving only two years to complete the necessary renovations. |
| --- | --- |

4.1.

First, the supervisory exercises conducted by the ECB in 2022 demonstrated that the amount of EPC data provided by credit institutions is a key issue. While credit institutions referred to limited access to EPC registers in some Member States (12) as one of the root causes, they also failed to report meaningful proxies. In this respect, granting credit institutions and financial institutions access to granular EPC data as soon as possible would improve their existing risk management practices and strategies with respect to climate-related transition risks, particularly for the stock of their real estate loan book.

Second, the timely availability of energy performance data at Union level is essential to properly commit to the proposed Directive’s upgrading requirements. The proposed Directive provides that buildings and building units owned by public bodies and non-residential buildings and building units should be improved to at least energy performance class F by 2027, based on the new EPC standards. These targets are challenging to achieve without an earlier adoption of the new EPC standards (13). Member States are required to transpose the proposed Directive by 2025, leaving only two years to complete the necessary renovations.

| 4.2. | If it is not possible to bring the transposition forward, the ECB suggests that the implementation of certain provisions of the proposed Directive be expedited to the end of 2024 rather than the end of 2025. |
| --- | --- |

4.2.

5.   Modalities for EPC harmonisation

| 5.1. | As newly issued EPCs will be valid for up to 10 years, adoption of the proposed Directive will imply the coexistence, after 2025, of two generations of EPCs for a considerable period of time. The transposition of the proposed Directive should therefore clarify how those old and new generations of EPCs correspond to each other, whether they should be treated identically for regulatory purposes and how owners will receive the updated EPCs based on Union standards, as it would impact the value of buildings. For instance, ‘zero-emission buildings’ (ZEBs) are linked to energy performance class A under the proposed Directive, but it is not clear whether buildings that have obtained an energy performance class A under the existing Directive will count as ZEBs. It is particularly relevant to consider this point in conjunction with other Union law, such as the Taxonomy Regulation and the SFDR, that cross-references EPCs and the definitions of ZEB and ‘nearly zero-energy buildings’ (14). |
| --- | --- |

5.1.

| 5.2. | In addition, Member States should identify the most appropriate solutions to incentivise building owners to update their EPCs in a timely manner, as a means of raising awareness of recommended cost-efficient renovations to improve energy performance. |
| --- | --- |

5.2.

6.   Mortgage portfolio standards

| 6.1. | The proposed Directive mandates Member States to promote enabling funding and financing tools, inter alia via mortgage portfolio standards, which comprise mechanisms that incentivise mortgage lenders to increase the energy performance of their portfolio (15). However, the proposed definition of ‘mortgage portfolio standards’ is relatively broad with few guidelines on how these standards should be defined at the national level (16). Following transposition, this definition could result in a heterogeneous landscape of non-harmonised mortgage portfolio standards across Member States. The proposed Directive, or a new Commission delegated act, could specify in more detail minimum requirements which would harmonise the mortgage portfolio standards across the Union. Likewise, it is of the utmost importance that the design of mortgage portfolio standards is readily usable in issuances of financial and debt instruments. Such design could facilitate cross-border investments into energy performance-enhancing mortgages – also in the context of the Capital Markets Union – and maximise the contribution of financial markets, thus reducing reliance on bank lending and government support schemes. |
| --- | --- |

6.1.

| 6.2. | Mortgage portfolio standards should ideally become increasingly stringent over time as the average EPC levels of real estate assets improve. The mortgage portfolio standards should therefore be reviewed regularly to take into account the improvement in energy efficiency of the real estate stock in order to maintain the financial incentive to further enhance the energy performance of mortgage pools. |
| --- | --- |

6.2.

7.   Database standardisation

| 7.1. | The proposed Directive ensures that links with other buildings’ related datasets are introduced in the national databases. It requires interoperability and integration of national databases for the energy performance of buildings with other administrative databases containing information on buildings, such as the national building cadastre and digital building logbooks. To broaden the usability of collected information for decision-making purposes, the ECB suggests that the proposed Directive also envisages a revision of the technical implementation standards needed for such interoperability and integration beyond the national level.
  Where the ECB recommends that the proposed Directive is amended, specific drafting proposals are set out in a separate technical working document accompanied by an explanatory text to this effect. The technical working document is available in English on EUR-Lex. |
| --- | --- |

7.1.

Where the ECB recommends that the proposed Directive is amended, specific drafting proposals are set out in a separate technical working document accompanied by an explanatory text to this effect. The technical working document is available in English on EUR-Lex.

Done at Frankfurt am Main, 16 January 2023.

The President of the ECB

Christine LAGARDE

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(1)  COM(2021) 802 final.

1

(2)  See the 2022 climate risk stress test, July 2022, available on the ECB’s Banking Supervision website at www.bankingsupervision.europa.eu

2

(3)  Owners in Member States with a relatively high level of energy efficiency (taking into account the local climate) would be required to renovate their building even though the building is relatively energy efficient from a Union-wide perspective. It is acknowledged that the availability of a (mostly local) labour force could be a limiting factor in some Member States.

3

(4)  A more accurate, but simple methodology to harmonise EPCs could be to find a common indicator at Union level as main driver, such as primary energy use in kWh/(m2.y) or CO2 emissions or preferably the combination of both, then calculate it for al buildings and divide the results into seven classes. To complement the information from EPCs on the energy efficiency, based on primary energy use in kWh/(m2.y), an upper limit on acceptable greenhouse gas emissions (kgCO2eq/(m2.y) for each EPC class could be considered to ensure a speedier decarbonisation of real estate.

4

2

2

2

2

2

(5)  See paragraph 2 of Annex VI to the proposed Directive.

5

(6)  Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2019 on sustainability-related disclosures in the financial services sector (OJ L 317, 9.12.2019, p. 1).

6

(7)  Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13).

7

(8)  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139 of 4 June 2021 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing the technical screening criteria for determining the conditions under which an economic activity qualifies as contributing substantially to climate change mitigation or climate change adaptation and for determining whether that economic activity causes no significant harm to any of the other environmental objectives (OJ L 442, 9.12.2021, p. 1) provides the following substantial contribution criterion for the activity ‘Renovation of existing buildings’: the building renovation complies with the applicable requirements for major renovations. Alternatively, it leads to a reduction of primary energy demand (PED) of at least 30 %.

8

major renovations.

(9)  See the Infrastructure for spatial information in Europe knowledge base, available at https://inspire.ec.europa.eu

9

(10)  Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1).

10

(11)  See Article 19(3) and 19(4) of the proposed Directive.

11

(12)  See the 2022 climate risk stress test, July 2022, available on the ECB’s Banking Supervision website at www.bankingsupervision.europa.eu

12

(13)  See Article 9 of the proposed Directive.

13

(14)  See Annex I, Section 7.1, to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139; Annex I to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1288 of 6 April 2022 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying the details of the content and presentation of the information in relation to the principle of ‘do no significant harm’, specifying the content, methodologies and presentation of information in relation to sustainability indicators and adverse sustainability impacts, and the content and presentation of the information in relation to the promotion of environmental or social characteristics and sustainable investment objectives in pre-contractual documents, on websites and in periodic reports (OJ L 196, 25.7.2022, p. 1).

14

(15)  See Article 15(4) of the proposed Directive.

15

(16)  See Article 2, point 36 of the proposed Directive.

16

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 10.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 89/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/7

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Notice for the attention of one entity subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2010/413/CFSP and Council Regulation (EU) No 267/2012 concerning restrictive measures against Iran

(2023/C 89/02)

The following information is brought to the attention of Fajr Aviation Composite Industries (no. 12), an entity appearing in Annex II, Part I, to Council Decision 2010/413/CFSP (1) and in Annex IX, Part I, to Council Regulation (EU) No 267/2012 (2) concerning restrictive measures against Iran.

The Council intends to maintain the restrictive measures against the above-mentioned entity with new statement of reasons. The entity concerned is hereby informed that it may submit a request to the Council to obtain the intended statement of reasons for its designation, by 17 March 2023, to the following address:

| Council of the European Union |
| --- |
| General Secretariat |
| RELEX.1 |
| Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 |
| 1048 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

RELEX.1

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

---

(1)  OJ L 195, 27.7.2010, p. 39.

(2)  OJ L 88, 24.3.2012, p. 1.

---

| 10.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 89/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/8

---

Notice for the attention of one entity subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 and in Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998, concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses

(2023/C 89/03)

The following information is brought to the attention of the Wagner Group, entity subject to restrictive measures in the Annex to Council Decision 2020/1999/CFSP (1) and in Annex I to Council Regulation (EU) No 2020/1998 (2) concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses.

The Council intends to include the abovementioned entity in the Annex to Council Decision 2014/145/CFSP (3) and in Annex I to Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 (4) concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

The entity concerned is hereby informed that it may submit a request to the Council to obtain the intended statement of reasons for its designation, by 17 March 2023, to the following address:

| Council of the European Union |
| --- |
| General Secretariat |
| RELEX.1 |
| Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 |
| 1048 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

RELEX.1

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

---

(1)  OJ L 410 I, 7.12.2020, p. 13.

(2)  OJ L 410 I, 7.12.2020, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 78, 17.3.2014, p. 16.

(4)  OJ L 78, 17.3.2014, p. 6.

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European Commission

| 10.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 89/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/9

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

9 March 2023

(2023/C 89/04)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,0554 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 143,82 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4421 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,88814 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 11,3365 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 0,9911 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 149,90 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 11,2715 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 23,626 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 379,10 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,6785 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,9150 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 20,0026 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5965 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4574 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 8,2848 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,7232 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,4279 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 395,00 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 19,6578 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,3515 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 16 294,30 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,7715 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 58,237 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | |
| THB | Thai baht | 37,066 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 5,4202 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 18,9237 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 86,6215 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,0554

JPY

Japanese yen

143,82

DKK

Danish krone

7,4421

GBP

Pound sterling

0,88814

SEK

Swedish krona

11,3365

CHF

Swiss franc

0,9911

ISK

Iceland króna

149,90

NOK

Norwegian krone

11,2715

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

23,626

HUF

Hungarian forint

379,10

PLN

Polish zloty

4,6785

RON

Romanian leu

4,9150

TRY

Turkish lira

20,0026

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5965

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4574

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,2848

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7232

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,4279

KRW

South Korean won

1 395,00

ZAR

South African rand

19,6578

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,3515

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

16 294,30

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,7715

PHP

Philippine peso

58,237

RUB

Russian rouble

THB

Thai baht

37,066

BRL

Brazilian real

5,4202

MXN

Mexican peso

18,9237

INR

Indian rupee

86,6215

---

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

---

European Data Protection Supervisor

| 10.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 89/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/10

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Summary of the Opinion of the European Data Protection Supervisor on the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council harmonising certain aspects of insolvency law

(2023/C 89/05)

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

On 7 December 2022 the European Commission issued a proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council harmonising certain aspects of insolvency law. The objective of the proposal is to lay down rules enhancing the convergence in selected aspects of the laws of the Member States concerning business non-bank insolvency procedures.

The present opinion of the EDPS is issued in response to a consultation by the European Commission of 13 December 2022, pursuant to Article 42(1) of EUDPR (1). It focuses on the provisions which may have an impact on the fundamental right to data protection.

The EDPS welcomes the safeguards provided for the access by designated courts of the Member States to information contained in national centralised bank account registries.

However, he makes the following recommendations:

First, concerning the access by insolvency practitioners to national asset registers, the EDPS recommends specifying the purpose of such access not only in the preamble but also in the enacting terms of the future directive.

Second, the EDPS recommends introducing at EU level the necessary safeguards for the new access by insolvency practitioners, established by the proposal, to personal data contained in beneficial ownership registers and national asset registers.

In addition, concerning the interconnection of the auction platforms, the EDPS recommends clarifying that the legal basis for such interconnection would be the future Directive and not Commission implementing acts.

The EDPS further recommends ensuring that the Commission implementing acts, to be adopted for setting up this interconnection, are in place when the future Directive and the Member States laws transposing it are applicable.

Finally, concerning the electronic communications, the EDPS recommends clarifying, as the case may be, whether the future Regulation on the digitalisation of judicial cooperation and access to justice in cross-border civil, commercial and criminal matters would be relied upon for the electronic communications provided for in the proposal.

1.   INTRODUCTION

| 1. | On 7 December 2022 the European Commission issued a proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council harmonising certain aspects of insolvency law (‘the proposal’) (2). |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | The objective of the proposal is to lay down rules enhancing the convergence in selected aspects of the laws of the Member States concerning business non-bank insolvency procedures (3). According to the impact assessment report, consultations with stakeholders revealed difficulties related to asset tracing (4), especially where the asset is situated in another Member State than the one where the proceedings have been opened. The effectiveness of asset tracing is of key importance in the maximisation of the value of the insolvency estate as debtors have an incentive to remove assets from the insolvency estate. The means available for insolvency practitioners to trace and freeze assets belonging to the estate in another Member State are insufficient or inadequate which often results in the dissipation of those assets by the time action is taken. Essential information for the purpose of asset tracing are included in national registers, but these registers are either not accessible and/or not comprehensible by the insolvency practitioners (due to language barriers). In addition, each Member State has its own rules and entrusts the insolvency practitioners with different powers in respect of asset tracing. Missing or cumbersome possibilities of asset tracing impair the capacity of courts, insolvency practitioners or other parties with a legitimate interests to determine and locate the assets, examine the revenue generated by often fraudulent activity, and follow its trail (5). |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Title III of the proposal on tracing assets belonging to the insolvency estate provides for:






  — | the access by specifically designated competent national courts (6) to the national centralised bank account registry (7) established pursuant to Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council (8) on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing (‘Anti-Money Laundering Directive’), and in particular to the bank account information listed in Article 32a(3) thereof (9). The access would be granted upon request of the insolvency practitioner (10) appointed in on-going insolvency proceedings, where necessary for the purposes of identifying and tracing assets belonging to the insolvency estate of the debtor in that proceedings, including those subject to avoidance actions. The future Directive would impose on the Member States an obligation to ensure that such designated courts have the power to access information available in another Member State, through the bank account registers single access point that would be put in place by the new Anti-Money Laundering Directive when adopted (11) (Articles 13 to 16); |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

—

the access by specifically designated competent national courts (6) to the national centralised bank account registry (7) established pursuant to Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council (8) on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing (‘Anti-Money Laundering Directive’), and in particular to the bank account information listed in Article 32a(3) thereof (9). The access would be granted upon request of the insolvency practitioner (10) appointed in on-going insolvency proceedings, where necessary for the purposes of identifying and tracing assets belonging to the insolvency estate of the debtor in that proceedings, including those subject to avoidance actions. The future Directive would impose on the Member States an obligation to ensure that such designated courts have the power to access information available in another Member State, through the bank account registers single access point that would be put in place by the new Anti-Money Laundering Directive when adopted (11) (Articles 13 to 16);

| — | indirect access by insolvency practitioners to this information by requesting the designated courts in the Member State to access and run searches (recital 16); |
| --- | --- |

—

indirect access by insolvency practitioners to this information by requesting the designated courts in the Member State to access and run searches (recital 16);

| — | direct access by insolvency practitioners to beneficial ownership information (Article 17); |
| --- | --- |

—

direct access by insolvency practitioners to beneficial ownership information (Article 17);

| — | direct access by insolvency practitioners to national asset registers, where available (Article 18). |
| --- | --- |

—

direct access by insolvency practitioners to national asset registers, where available (Article 18).

| 4. | In addition, the proposal (Article 40) would require Member States to ensure that in simplified winding-up proceedings for insolvent micro-enterprises, all communications between the competent authority, and, where relevant, the insolvency practitioner, on the one hand, and the parties to such proceedings, on the other hand, can be performed by electronic means, in accordance with Article 28 of Directive (EU) 2019/1023 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on preventive restructuring frameworks, on discharge of debt and disqualifications, and on measures to increase the efficiency of procedures concerning restructuring, insolvency and discharge of debt and amending Directive (EU) 2017/1132 of the European Parliament and of the Council (12) (Directive on restructuring and insolvency) (13). |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Finally, the proposal would provide for the establishment and maintenance by Member States of one or several electronic auction platforms for the sale of assets of the insolvency estate in simplified winding-up proceedings (Article 50) and for their interconnection to be set up by the Commission by means of implementing acts (Article 51). |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | This initiative, announced in September 2020, is part of the Commission’s priority to advance the Capital Markets Union (14), a key project to further financial and economic integration in the European Union (15). |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | The present opinion of the EDPS is issued in response to a consultation by the European Commission of 13 December 2022, pursuant to Article 42(1) EUDPR. The EDPS welcomes the reference to this consultation in recital 63 of the proposal. In this regard, the EDPS also positively notes that he was previously informally consulted pursuant to recital 60 EUDPR. |
| --- | --- |

7.

5.   CONCLUSIONS

| 22. | In light of the above, the EDPS makes the following recommendations:






  (1) | to clarify in the enacting terms of the future Directive that access by insolvency practitioners to national asset registers is allowed only where necessary for the purposes of identifying and tracing assets belonging to the insolvency estate of the debtor in an on-going insolvency proceeding; |
| --- | --- | --- |

22.

(1)

to clarify in the enacting terms of the future Directive that access by insolvency practitioners to national asset registers is allowed only where necessary for the purposes of identifying and tracing assets belonging to the insolvency estate of the debtor in an on-going insolvency proceeding;

| (2) | to introduce at EU level the necessary safeguards for the new access by insolvency practitioners, established by the proposal, to personal data contained in beneficial ownership registers and national asset registers; |
| --- | --- |

(2)

to introduce at EU level the necessary safeguards for the new access by insolvency practitioners, established by the proposal, to personal data contained in beneficial ownership registers and national asset registers;

| (3) | to clarify that the future Directive would establish the interconnection of the national electronic auction systems; |
| --- | --- |

(3)

to clarify that the future Directive would establish the interconnection of the national electronic auction systems;

| (4) | to ensure that the implementing acts to be adopted by the Commission for the setting up of the interconnection of the electronic auction systems would be in place at the time national laws transposing the directive apply so that the data protection safeguards to be specified through these implementing acts are also in place; |
| --- | --- |

(4)

to ensure that the implementing acts to be adopted by the Commission for the setting up of the interconnection of the electronic auction systems would be in place at the time national laws transposing the directive apply so that the data protection safeguards to be specified through these implementing acts are also in place;

| (5) | to clarify, as the case may be, whether the future Regulation on the digitalisation of judicial cooperation and access to justice in cross-border civil, commercial and criminal matters would be relied upon for the electronic communications provided for in the proposal. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

to clarify, as the case may be, whether the future Regulation on the digitalisation of judicial cooperation and access to justice in cross-border civil, commercial and criminal matters would be relied upon for the electronic communications provided for in the proposal.

Brussels, 6 February 2023.

Wojciech Rafał WIEWIÓROWSKI

---

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

1

(2)  COM(2022) 702 final.

2

(3)  See impact assessment report (SWD(2022) 395 final), page 7.

3

(4)  See page 172: ‘asset tracing is a “follow the money” tool, that enables courts, insolvency practitioners or parties that demonstrated a legitimate interest to determine and locate the assets, examine the revenue generated by often fraudulent activity, and follow its trail. “Asset tracing” is a legal process of identifying and locating misappropriated assets or their proceeds (values) belonging to the debtor’s estate. It includes both the preservation (freezing) of the assets identified and the repatriation (if the asset is to be found in another State)’. [‘UNCITRAL, Civil asset tracing and recovery in insolvency proceedings. Note by the Secretariat, 4 October 2021 (A/CN.9/WG.V/WP.175), § 29. See previously the Report of the Colloquium on Civil Asset Tracing and Recovery (Vienna, 6 December 2019) (A/CN/9/1008). The documents are available at www.uncitral.org’].

4

(5)  See impact assessment report, pages 26 -28 and 172.

5

(6)  Under Article 2(b), a Court means the judicial body of a Member State.

6

(7)  According to Article 2(d) of the Proposal, ‘centralised bank account registries’ means the centralised automated mechanisms, such as central registries or central electronic data retrieval systems, put in place in accordance with Article 32a(1) of Directive (EU) 2015/849.

7

(8)  Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing, amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Directive 2006/70/EC (OJ L 141, 5.6.2015, p. 73).

8

(9)  According to Article 32a (3) of the Anti-Money Laundering Directive, the ‘following information shall be accessible and searchable through the centralised mechanisms referred to in paragraph 1:

9

| — | for the customer-account holder and any person purporting to act on behalf of the customer: the name, complemented by either the other identification data required under the national provisions transposing point (a) of Article 13(1) or a unique identification number; |
| --- | --- |

—

for the customer-account holder and any person purporting to act on behalf of the customer: the name, complemented by either the other identification data required under the national provisions transposing point (a) of Article 13(1) or a unique identification number;

| — | for the beneficial owner of the customer-account holder: the name, complemented by either the other identification data required under the national provisions transposing point (b) of Article 13(1) or a unique identification number; |
| --- | --- |

—

for the beneficial owner of the customer-account holder: the name, complemented by either the other identification data required under the national provisions transposing point (b) of Article 13(1) or a unique identification number;

| — | for the bank or payment account: the IBAN number and the date of account opening and closing; |
| --- | --- |

—

for the bank or payment account: the IBAN number and the date of account opening and closing;

| — | for the safe-deposit box: name of the lessee complemented by either the other identification data required under the national provisions transposing Article 13(1) or a unique identification number and the duration of the lease period’. |
| --- | --- |

—

for the safe-deposit box: name of the lessee complemented by either the other identification data required under the national provisions transposing Article 13(1) or a unique identification number and the duration of the lease period’.

(10)  Article 2(a) of the Proposal defines insolvency practitioners as ‘a practitioner appointed by a judicial or administrative authority in procedures concerning restructuring, insolvency and discharge of debt, as referred to in Article 26 Directive (EU)2019/1023’.

10

(11)  Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mechanisms to be put in place by the Member States for the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing and repealing Directive (EU) 2015/849 (COM(2021)423 final).

11

(12)  Directive (EU) 2017/1132 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 relating to certain aspects of company law (codification) (OJ L 169, 30.6.2017, p. 46).

12

(13)  Directive (EU) 2019/1023 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on preventive restructuring frameworks, on discharge of debt and disqualifications, and on measures to increase the efficiency of procedures concerning restructuring, insolvency and discharge of debt, and amending Directive (EU) 2017/1132 (OJ L 172, 26.6.2019, p. 18).

13

Article 28 Use of electronic means of communication: ‛Member States shall ensure that, in procedures concerning restructuring, insolvency and discharge of debt, the parties to the procedure, the practitioner and the judicial or administrative authority are able to perform by use of electronic means of communication, including in cross-border situations, at least the following actions:

| (a) | filing of claims; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

filing of claims;

| (b) | submission of restructuring or repayment plans; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

submission of restructuring or repayment plans;

| (c) | notifications to creditors; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

notifications to creditors;

| (d) | lodging of challenges and appeals’. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

lodging of challenges and appeals’.

(14)  COM/2020/590 final.

14

(15)  Explanatory Memorandum to the proposal, page 1.

15

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NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 10.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 89/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/14

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Notification under the Schengen Borders Code

Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia

(2023/C 89/06)

Notification under Article 42 of the Schengen Borders Code (SBC): Updated national provisions on the obligation provided by law to hold or carry papers and documents

| — | Article 167 of the Aliens Act (Narodne Novine (NN; Official Gazette of the Republic of Croatia) Nos 133/20, 114/22, 151/22) requires third-country nationals to carry and, when requested by an official, to present a valid foreign travel document or identity card, residence permit or other public document bearing a photograph. When requested by an official, third-country nationals must present a travel document or other document used for crossing the border. |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 167 of the Aliens Act (Narodne Novine (NN; Official Gazette of the Republic of Croatia) Nos 133/20, 114/22, 151/22) requires third-country nationals to carry and, when requested by an official, to present a valid foreign travel document or identity card, residence permit or other public document bearing a photograph. When requested by an official, third-country nationals must present a travel document or other document used for crossing the border.

| — | Article 35(1) of the Act on Nationals of the Member States of the European Economic Area and their family members (NN Nos 66/19, 53/20, 144/20, 114/22) requires adult nationals of EEA Member States and their adult family members who are not EEA nationals to carry a valid foreign identity card or foreign travel document, other public document bearing a photograph, or a residence card, if they are required to hold them under the provisions of that Act, and to present them for inspection by persons authorised under special legislation to inspect travel documents or identity cards. |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 35(1) of the Act on Nationals of the Member States of the European Economic Area and their family members (NN Nos 66/19, 53/20, 144/20, 114/22) requires adult nationals of EEA Member States and their adult family members who are not EEA nationals to carry a valid foreign identity card or foreign travel document, other public document bearing a photograph, or a residence card, if they are required to hold them under the provisions of that Act, and to present them for inspection by persons authorised under special legislation to inspect travel documents or identity cards.

| — | Article 16(1) of the Identity Card Act (NN Nos 62/15, 42/20, 144/20, 114/22) requires adults and persons who have reached the age of 16 and who have been permitted by a court in non-contentious proceedings to marry and have married, if their place of residence is in the Republic of Croatia, to carry an identity card and to present it for inspection by persons authorised under special legislation to inspect identity cards in order to establish or verify the identity of the card holder. |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 16(1) of the Identity Card Act (NN Nos 62/15, 42/20, 144/20, 114/22) requires adults and persons who have reached the age of 16 and who have been permitted by a court in non-contentious proceedings to marry and have married, if their place of residence is in the Republic of Croatia, to carry an identity card and to present it for inspection by persons authorised under special legislation to inspect identity cards in order to establish or verify the identity of the card holder.

Notification under Article 42 of the SBC: Updated national provisions on the obligation on third-country nationals to report their presence on the territory of the Republic of Croatia

| — | Article 177 of the Aliens Act (NN Nos 133/20, 114/22, 151/22) requires legal and natural persons who have provided accommodation to a third-country national on a short-term stay to report the accommodation of the third-country national within 1 day of the arrival of the third-country national for accommodation purposes. The same obligation applies to health care institutions, offices of the tourist board, and berth service providers in ports when third-country nationals are staying on a vessel. If the accommodation cannot be reported in the manner described above, the third-country national on a short-term stay shall report their accommodation themselves within 2 days of entering the Republic of Croatia or of their change of accommodation. |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 177 of the Aliens Act (NN Nos 133/20, 114/22, 151/22) requires legal and natural persons who have provided accommodation to a third-country national on a short-term stay to report the accommodation of the third-country national within 1 day of the arrival of the third-country national for accommodation purposes. The same obligation applies to health care institutions, offices of the tourist board, and berth service providers in ports when third-country nationals are staying on a vessel. If the accommodation cannot be reported in the manner described above, the third-country national on a short-term stay shall report their accommodation themselves within 2 days of entering the Republic of Croatia or of their change of accommodation.

Notification under Article 42 of the SBC: Updated national provisions on penalties for the unauthorised crossing of external borders at places other than border crossing points or at times other than the fixed opening hours

| — | Article 42 of the Border Control Act (NN Nos 83/13, 27/16, 114/22, 151/22) imposes a term of imprisonment of 30 days or a fine of between EUR 260 and EUR 1 320 on natural persons who:






  1. | cross or attempt to cross the external border at places other than a border crossing point, or at a border crossing point at times other than its opening hours; |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Article 42 of the Border Control Act (NN Nos 83/13, 27/16, 114/22, 151/22) imposes a term of imprisonment of 30 days or a fine of between EUR 260 and EUR 1 320 on natural persons who:

1.

cross or attempt to cross the external border at places other than a border crossing point, or at a border crossing point at times other than its opening hours;

| 2. | circumvent border checks, or leave the area of the border crossing point before border checks have been carried out. |
| --- | --- |

2.

circumvent border checks, or leave the area of the border crossing point before border checks have been carried out.

| — | Paragraph 8 of Article 249 of the Aliens Act (NN Nos 133/20, 114/22, 151/22) provides that ‘A term of imprisonment of up to 60 days or a fine of EUR 3 050 for each assisted third-country national shall be imposed on natural persons who assist or attempt to assist third-country nationals in illegally entering, transiting or staying in the Republic of Croatia’. Paragraph 9 provides that ‘For the offences referred to in paragraph 8 of this Article, the instrumentalities shall be seized if the person who assisted or attempted to assist the third-country national is the owner of the means of transport’. |
| --- | --- |

—

Paragraph 8 of Article 249 of the Aliens Act (NN Nos 133/20, 114/22, 151/22) provides that ‘A term of imprisonment of up to 60 days or a fine of EUR 3 050 for each assisted third-country national shall be imposed on natural persons who assist or attempt to assist third-country nationals in illegally entering, transiting or staying in the Republic of Croatia’. Paragraph 9 provides that ‘For the offences referred to in paragraph 8 of this Article, the instrumentalities shall be seized if the person who assisted or attempted to assist the third-country national is the owner of the means of transport’.

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NOTICES FROM THIRD COUNTRIES

European Commission

| 10.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 89/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/16

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.11044 – DERICHEBOURG / ELIOR)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 89/07)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | Groupe Derichebourg (‘Derichebourg’, France), |
| --- | --- |

—

Groupe Derichebourg (‘Derichebourg’, France),

| — | Elior Group SA (‘Elior’, France). |
| --- | --- |

—

Elior Group SA (‘Elior’, France).

Derichebourg will acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of Elior.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

| — | Dericheburg is active, mainly in France, in the areas of environmental services (waste collection and recovery, household waste collection and other services for local authorities), and services for businesses and local authorities (such as cleaning, temporary work, outsourced aviation services, managing and operating technical installations in buildings), |
| --- | --- |

—

Dericheburg is active, mainly in France, in the areas of environmental services (waste collection and recovery, household waste collection and other services for local authorities), and services for businesses and local authorities (such as cleaning, temporary work, outsourced aviation services, managing and operating technical installations in buildings),

| — | Elior is active, mainly in France, in the areas of mass catering and services for businesses, public bodies and local authorities such as cleaning, technical and administrative management of buildings or facilities (reception and concierge services, routine maintenance, etc.) and the maintenance of green areas. |
| --- | --- |

—

Elior is active, mainly in France, in the areas of mass catering and services for businesses, public bodies and local authorities such as cleaning, technical and administrative management of buildings or facilities (reception and concierge services, routine maintenance, etc.) and the maintenance of green areas.

3.

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.

Observations must reach the Commission no later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.11044 – DERICHEBOURG / ELIOR

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

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

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

1

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

2

---

V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Commission

| 10.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 89/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/18

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NOTICE PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 29(2) OF THE STAFF REGULATIONS

Publication of a vacancy for the function of Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General ‘Defence Industry and Space’ (DEFIS) (grade AD 15)

COM/2023/10428

(2023/C 89/08)

The European Commission has published a vacancy notice (reference COM/2023/10428) for the function of Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General ‘Defence Industry and Space’ (DEFIS) (grade AD 15).

To consult the text of the vacancy notice in 24 languages and to submit your application, please visit this dedicated webpage on the European Commission’s website: https://europa.eu/!TkmWYM

---

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 10.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 89/19 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/19

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.11020 – KKR / APRIL)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 89/09)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | KKR & Co. Inc. (‘KKR’, USA), |
| --- | --- |

—

KKR & Co. Inc. (‘KKR’, USA),

| — | April S.A.S. (‘April’, France). |
| --- | --- |

—

April S.A.S. (‘April’, France).

KKR will acquire sole control of the whole of April within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

| — | KKR is a global investment firm, offering asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR owns +Simple, a French insurance wholesale broker founded in 2015, which is a digital insurance brokerage platform for businesses in France, Germany, Italy and more recently, Austria, |
| --- | --- |

—

KKR is a global investment firm, offering asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR owns +Simple, a French insurance wholesale broker founded in 2015, which is a digital insurance brokerage platform for businesses in France, Germany, Italy and more recently, Austria,

| — | April is an insurance broker headquartered in Lyon, France, which focuses on personal insurance lines in health, protection, property and casualty, home loan and international health insurance. |
| --- | --- |

—

April is an insurance broker headquartered in Lyon, France, which focuses on personal insurance lines in health, protection, property and casualty, home loan and international health insurance.

3.

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.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.11020 – KKR / APRIL

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Postal address:

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

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

1

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

2

---

| 10.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 89/21 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/21

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.11063 – CVC CAPITAL / SCAN GLOBAL LOGISTICS)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 89/10)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | CVC Capital Partners SICAV-FIS S.A. (‘CVC’, Luxembourg), |
| --- | --- |

—

CVC Capital Partners SICAV-FIS S.A. (‘CVC’, Luxembourg),

| — | SGL TransGroup US Corp (United States) and Scan (Jersey) TopCo Ltd (Jersey), together referred to as Scan Global Logistics, controlled by AEA Investors SBF LP (‘AEA’, United States). |
| --- | --- |

—

SGL TransGroup US Corp (United States) and Scan (Jersey) TopCo Ltd (Jersey), together referred to as Scan Global Logistics, controlled by AEA Investors SBF LP (‘AEA’, United States).

CVC will acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of the whole of Scan Global Logistics.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

| — | CVC provides advice to and manages investment funds with interests in a number of companies active in a variety of industries around the world, primarily in Europe, the US and the Asia-Pacific region, |
| --- | --- |

—

CVC provides advice to and manages investment funds with interests in a number of companies active in a variety of industries around the world, primarily in Europe, the US and the Asia-Pacific region,

| — | Scan Global Logistics provides asset-light international freight forwarding services globally. Scan Global Logistics is currently controlled by AEA, which is active in private equity investment. |
| --- | --- |

—

Scan Global Logistics provides asset-light international freight forwarding services globally. Scan Global Logistics is currently controlled by AEA, which is active in private equity investment.

3.

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.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.11063 – CVC CAPITAL / SCAN GLOBAL LOGISTICS

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Postal address:

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

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

1

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

2

---

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 10.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 89/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/23

---

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2023/C 89/11)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).

COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda / Manzanilla’

PDO-ES-A1482-AM04

Date of communication: 12.12.2022

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Inclusion of a protected name

Description:

Protection for the term ‘Manzanilla’ on its own is being added.

This amendment concerns Section A of the product specification but it does not affect the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not meet any of the criteria set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO). In particular, it does not entail a change to the names to be protected, because the term ‘Manzanilla’ was already protected under EU law. Although this standalone term was not used as such in the product specification, it had already been included in the single document as a name to be protected.

Reason:

Besides the fact that the term ‘Manzanilla’ is often used on its own on labels and other materials ‘Manzanilla’ has been equivalent to the name ‘Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ since the publication of Council Regulation (EC) No 1426/96 of 26 June 1996.

2.   Amendments to the description of the product

Description:

| 1. | Section B.1 (Analytical characteristics of the product) has been amended as follows:






  a) | The name and number of this section have been amended. It is now headed: B.2 Analytical characteristics. |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

Section B.1 (Analytical characteristics of the product) has been amended as follows:

a)

The name and number of this section have been amended. It is now headed: B.2 Analytical characteristics.

| b) | The minimum sugar content has been reduced from 5 to 4 grams per litre. |
| --- | --- |

b)

The minimum sugar content has been reduced from 5 to 4 grams per litre.

Reason:

The content of the product specification has been adapted and restructured.

The reference to the sugar content in terms of ‘reducing sugars’ (which include a number of other compounds) has been amended to refer only to the glucose and fructose content, as this is more accurate in technical terms.

| 2. | Section B.2 (Organoleptic characteristics) has been amended.






  a) | The number of this section has been amended to B.3 (Organoleptic characteristics). |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Section B.2 (Organoleptic characteristics) has been amended.

a)

The number of this section has been amended to B.3 (Organoleptic characteristics).

| b) | The organoleptic description of the wine has been improved and streamlined. |
| --- | --- |

b)

The organoleptic description of the wine has been improved and streamlined.

| c) | The paragraph on ‘Manzanilla Pasada’ has been moved to Section C.3 (Ageing or maturing). |
| --- | --- |

c)

The paragraph on ‘Manzanilla Pasada’ has been moved to Section C.3 (Ageing or maturing).

Reason:

The content of the product specification has been adapted and restructured.

References to visual, olfactory and taste characteristics that can be certified by the tasting committee have been included.

It makes more sense for the paragraph on ‘Manzanilla Pasada’ to be included in Section C.3.

This amendment concerns Section B of the product specification and Section 4 of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not meet any of the criteria set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

3.   Amendments to specific oenological practices and restrictions imposed

Description:

| 1. | The name of this section has been amended to: C) SPECIFIC OENOLOGICAL PRACTICES AND RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED.
  Reason:
  Alignment with legal terminology. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The name of this section has been amended to: C) SPECIFIC OENOLOGICAL PRACTICES AND RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED.

Reason:

Alignment with legal terminology.

| 2. | Section C.1 (Definitions) has been deleted.
  Reason:
  Where necessary, the definitions of the various concepts are provided in the relevant sections and paragraphs. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Section C.1 (Definitions) has been deleted.

Reason:

Where necessary, the definitions of the various concepts are provided in the relevant sections and paragraphs.

| 3. | Section C.2 (Winemaking method) has been amended.






  a) | The name and number of this section C.2 (Winemaking method) have been amended. It is now headed: C.1 Winemaking.
  Reason:
  The paragraphs in the product specification have been adapted and restructured. The definition of winemaking has been included. |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

Section C.2 (Winemaking method) has been amended.

a)

The name and number of this section C.2 (Winemaking method) have been amended. It is now headed: C.1 Winemaking.

Reason:

The paragraphs in the product specification have been adapted and restructured. The definition of winemaking has been included.

| b) | The reference to production limits for supplementary products has been deleted.
  Reason:
  The legal limits apply. |
| --- | --- |

b)

The reference to production limits for supplementary products has been deleted.

Reason:

The legal limits apply.

| c) | The possibility of acidification with calcium sulphate has been included, subject to the limits laid down in the applicable legislation.
  Reason:
  This amendment consists of incorporating a traditional practice that is permitted for ‘Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ PDO. |
| --- | --- |

c)

The possibility of acidification with calcium sulphate has been included, subject to the limits laid down in the applicable legislation.

Reason:

This amendment consists of incorporating a traditional practice that is permitted for ‘Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ PDO.

| 4. | Section C.2 (Fortification) has been included.






  a) | Section C.2 (Fortification), defining the practice of fortification and explaining why it is used, has been added. This information was previously provided in Section C.4 (Fortification - using the Spanish term ‘Encabezado’).
  Reason:
  The text has been improved to reflect permitted practices. The Spanish term used to refer to fortification is now ‘fortificación’, replacing the synonym ‘encabezado’ used previously. |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.

Section C.2 (Fortification) has been included.

a)

Section C.2 (Fortification), defining the practice of fortification and explaining why it is used, has been added. This information was previously provided in Section C.4 (Fortification - using the Spanish term ‘Encabezado’).

Reason:

The text has been improved to reflect permitted practices. The Spanish term used to refer to fortification is now ‘fortificación’, replacing the synonym ‘encabezado’ used previously.

| b) | The reference to ‘wine alcohol’ has been replaced by ‘alcohol of vitivinicultural origin’.
  Reason:
  This amendment is justified on the basis of the products permitted by the applicable EU legislation. |
| --- | --- |

b)

The reference to ‘wine alcohol’ has been replaced by ‘alcohol of vitivinicultural origin’.

Reason:

This amendment is justified on the basis of the products permitted by the applicable EU legislation.

| c) | The reference previously included in Section D.1 to the possibility of the alcohol originating from grapes sourced outside the area has been moved to this section.
  Reason:
  This is a better way to structure the information. |
| --- | --- |

c)

The reference previously included in Section D.1 to the possibility of the alcohol originating from grapes sourced outside the area has been moved to this section.

Reason:

This is a better way to structure the information.

| 5. | Section C.3 (Ageing or maturing) has been amended as follows:






  a) | Definitions have been included for the following terms: maturing, ‘bota’, biological maturing, ‘flor’ yeast film, oxidative maturing, ‘criaderas y solera’ system, ‘sacas’, ‘rocios’, ‘solera’, ‘criadera’, ‘añadas’ system, as well as for the labelling terms ‘Manzanilla Pasada’ and ‘Añada’.
  Reason:
  The intention is to ensure that the ageing techniques used for wines covered by the ‘Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ PDO are clearly defined. |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.

Section C.3 (Ageing or maturing) has been amended as follows:

a)

Definitions have been included for the following terms: maturing, ‘bota’, biological maturing, ‘flor’ yeast film, oxidative maturing, ‘criaderas y solera’ system, ‘sacas’, ‘rocios’, ‘solera’, ‘criadera’, ‘añadas’ system, as well as for the labelling terms ‘Manzanilla Pasada’ and ‘Añada’.

Reason:

The intention is to ensure that the ageing techniques used for wines covered by the ‘Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ PDO are clearly defined.

| b) | The reference to ‘wooden casks’ has been amended to ‘oak barrels’.
  Reason:
  Alignment with the terminology used in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/934 of 12 March 2019. |
| --- | --- |

b)

The reference to ‘wooden casks’ has been amended to ‘oak barrels’.

Reason:

Alignment with the terminology used in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/934 of 12 March 2019.

| c) | The sentence stating that the process of ageing by means of biological maturing may result in a reduction in the alcohol content of the wines to below 15 % by volume has been deleted.
  Reason:
  It does not apply because the product has to meet the conditions when being certified by the producer. |
| --- | --- |

c)

The sentence stating that the process of ageing by means of biological maturing may result in a reduction in the alcohol content of the wines to below 15 % by volume has been deleted.

Reason:

It does not apply because the product has to meet the conditions when being certified by the producer.

| d) | The sentence stating that the wines must have an average age of two years has been deleted.
  Reason:
  This is a general rule for ‘generoso’ (fortified) wines and it is included among the requirements in the description of the wine provided in Section B. |
| --- | --- |

d)

The sentence stating that the wines must have an average age of two years has been deleted.

Reason:

This is a general rule for ‘generoso’ (fortified) wines and it is included among the requirements in the description of the wine provided in Section B.

| e) | The limit of 40 % of the stocks in each maturing category that can be released at the start of the year and the other rules concerning the quota (stocks increasing by more than 10 %) have been deleted. A formula for calculating the average age has been included.
  Reason:
  This amendment is justified by the inclusion of a more specific formula, which allows to ensure a minimum average age. |
| --- | --- |

e)

The limit of 40 % of the stocks in each maturing category that can be released at the start of the year and the other rules concerning the quota (stocks increasing by more than 10 %) have been deleted. A formula for calculating the average age has been included.

Reason:

This amendment is justified by the inclusion of a more specific formula, which allows to ensure a minimum average age.

| f) | A specific ageing requirement (7 years) has been included for ‘Manzanilla Pasada’.
  Reason:
  The previous reference to ‘prolonged maturing’ has therefore been replaced with a more precise requirement. |
| --- | --- |

f)

A specific ageing requirement (7 years) has been included for ‘Manzanilla Pasada’.

Reason:

The previous reference to ‘prolonged maturing’ has therefore been replaced with a more precise requirement.

| g) | The references to extended maturing periods of 12 and 15 years have been deleted.
  Reason:
  Biological maturing does not go on for that many years and therefore these special age categories do not apply to this product specification. |
| --- | --- |

g)

The references to extended maturing periods of 12 and 15 years have been deleted.

Reason:

Biological maturing does not go on for that many years and therefore these special age categories do not apply to this product specification.

| 6. | Section C.4. Fortification (‘Encabezado’) has been deleted.
  Reason:
  The text has been adapted and restructured.
  This amendment concerns Section C of the product specification and Section 5.1 of the single document.
  It is a standard amendment because it does not meet any of the criteria set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO). |
| --- | --- |

6.

Section C.4. Fortification (‘Encabezado’) has been deleted.

Reason:

The text has been adapted and restructured.

This amendment concerns Section C of the product specification and Section 5.1 of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not meet any of the criteria set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

4.   Changes to the geographical area

Description:

| 1. | Section D.1 (Production area) has been amended.






  a) | The Spanish heading used for Section D.1 has changed from ‘Área de producción’ to ‘Zona de producción’.
  Reason:
  The title of the section has been adapted to bring it into alignment with the applicable legislation. |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

Section D.1 (Production area) has been amended.

a)

The Spanish heading used for Section D.1 has changed from ‘Área de producción’ to ‘Zona de producción’.

Reason:

The title of the section has been adapted to bring it into alignment with the applicable legislation.

| b) | The sentence explaining the possibility of the supplementary product referred to in section C.4 being made from grapes originating from outside the production area has been moved to Section C.2 (Fortification).
  Reason:
  The content of the product specification has been restructured. |
| --- | --- |

b)

The sentence explaining the possibility of the supplementary product referred to in section C.4 being made from grapes originating from outside the production area has been moved to Section C.2 (Fortification).

Reason:

The content of the product specification has been restructured.

| c) | The vineyards of San José del Valle located to the west of the 5° 49' meridian west of Greenwich have been included.
  Reason:
  The municipality of San José del Valle, as it is known today, used to be part of the municipality of Jerez de la Frontera. The pre-existing vineyards need to be included in the demarcated area. |
| --- | --- |

c)

The vineyards of San José del Valle located to the west of the 5° 49' meridian west of Greenwich have been included.

Reason:

The municipality of San José del Valle, as it is known today, used to be part of the municipality of Jerez de la Frontera. The pre-existing vineyards need to be included in the demarcated area.

| 2. | Section D.2 (Maturing area) has been amended.






  a) | This section has been renamed as follows: D.2. Smaller geographical units in the demarcated area.
  Reason:
  The reason for this amendment is that the product specification has been restructured and improved. |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Section D.2 (Maturing area) has been amended.

a)

This section has been renamed as follows: D.2. Smaller geographical units in the demarcated area.

Reason:

The reason for this amendment is that the product specification has been restructured and improved.

| b) | Reference is made to the smaller geographical units traditionally known as ‘pagos’ and an Annex has been added listing all of the ‘pagos’ included in the demarcated area.
  Reason:
  The ‘pagos’ are one of the hallmarks of ‘Manzanilla’ wines. However, they were not fully geographically demarcated until 2015, with the result that from then onwards it has been possible to certify the origin of the grapes. |
| --- | --- |

b)

Reference is made to the smaller geographical units traditionally known as ‘pagos’ and an Annex has been added listing all of the ‘pagos’ included in the demarcated area.

Reason:

The ‘pagos’ are one of the hallmarks of ‘Manzanilla’ wines. However, they were not fully geographically demarcated until 2015, with the result that from then onwards it has been possible to certify the origin of the grapes.

| 3. | Section D.3 (‘Jerez Superior’ vines) has been added.
  The ‘Jerez Superior’ vine classification, previously included in Section C.1., is no longer limited to certain municipalities (as previously stated in the ‘Definitions’ section of the existing product specification). This classification now applies to the entire demarcated area and is decided on the basis of studies assessed by a committee of experts.
  Definitions.
  Reason:
  This change was made based on the need to restructure the text of the product specification and because restricting the classification to certain municipalities is discriminatory and cannot be justified on technical grounds. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Section D.3 (‘Jerez Superior’ vines) has been added.

The ‘Jerez Superior’ vine classification, previously included in Section C.1., is no longer limited to certain municipalities (as previously stated in the ‘Definitions’ section of the existing product specification). This classification now applies to the entire demarcated area and is decided on the basis of studies assessed by a committee of experts.

Definitions.

Reason:

This change was made based on the need to restructure the text of the product specification and because restricting the classification to certain municipalities is discriminatory and cannot be justified on technical grounds.

| 4. | Section D.4 (Maturing area) has been included. This was previously Section D.2.
  Reason:
  The reason for this amendment is that the product specification has been restructured and improved. This amendment concerns Section D of the product specification and Section 6 of the single document.
  It is a standard amendment because it does not meet any of the criteria set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO). |
| --- | --- |

4.

Section D.4 (Maturing area) has been included. This was previously Section D.2.

Reason:

The reason for this amendment is that the product specification has been restructured and improved. This amendment concerns Section D of the product specification and Section 6 of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not meet any of the criteria set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

5.   Amendments to the maximum yield per hectare

Description:

| 1. | The reference to the maximum qualifying yield being 80 hectolitres has been deleted. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The reference to the maximum qualifying yield being 80 hectolitres has been deleted.

| 2. | The possibility of irrigating vines intended for use in making supplementary products has been removed. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The possibility of irrigating vines intended for use in making supplementary products has been removed.

| 3. | The specific yield limits for vines in recently planted vineyards have not changed, but this information has been moved to Section H (Further conditions). This amendment concerns Section E of the product specification and Section 5.2 of the single document. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The specific yield limits for vines in recently planted vineyards have not changed, but this information has been moved to Section H (Further conditions). This amendment concerns Section E of the product specification and Section 5.2 of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not meet any of the criteria set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

References to yields should be expressed exclusively as kilos per hectare. The reference to irrigation is unnecessary. This is a better way to structure the information.

6.   Changes in the grape varieties from which the wine originates

Description:

| 1. | The grape varieties are now restricted exclusively to Listán Blanco (or Palomino Fino) and Palomino. This means that Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel have been deleted and that Palomino has been split in two, i.e. Palomino and Palomino Fino. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The grape varieties are now restricted exclusively to Listán Blanco (or Palomino Fino) and Palomino. This means that Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel have been deleted and that Palomino has been split in two, i.e. Palomino and Palomino Fino.

| 2. | The requirement that at least 60 % of the grapes used must come from vineyards in the ‘Jerez Superior’ area has been deleted. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The requirement that at least 60 % of the grapes used must come from vineyards in the ‘Jerez Superior’ area has been deleted.

This amendment concerns Section F of the product specification and Section 7 of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not meet any of the criteria set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

This amendment is based on the fact that only the Listán Blanco (or Palomino Fino) and Palomino grape varieties are used in practice. The intention is also to preserve the identity of Manzanilla wines.

As regards the requirement that at least 60 % of the grapes must come from the ‘Jerez Superior’ area, in practice this restriction would mean that it would not be possible to include the names of the ‘pagos’ on the labels of ‘Manzanilla’ wines made from grapes sourced 100 % from ‘pagos’ not located in the ‘Jerez Superior’ area.

7.   Amendments to the wording of the section on the causal link between the geographical area and the quality of the wines

Description:

The wording has been improved and the information restructured in order to properly substantiate the link between the characteristics of the product and the demarcated area.

| 1. | Sections G.1 (Human factors) and G.2 (Natural factors) have been amended.






  a) | The name of the section has been changed to G.1 (Characteristic factors of the geographical area), grouping together the information previously set out in Sections G.1 (Human factors) and G.2 (Natural factors).
  Reason:
  This is a better way to structure the information, indicating the specific characteristics of the wines covered by the ‘Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ PDO. |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

Sections G.1 (Human factors) and G.2 (Natural factors) have been amended.

a)

The name of the section has been changed to G.1 (Characteristic factors of the geographical area), grouping together the information previously set out in Sections G.1 (Human factors) and G.2 (Natural factors).

Reason:

This is a better way to structure the information, indicating the specific characteristics of the wines covered by the ‘Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ PDO.

| b) | Section G.2 (Characteristics of the protected wines that are fundamentally or exclusively due to the geographical environment) has been added.
  Reason:
  This is a better way to structure the information. |
| --- | --- |

b)

Section G.2 (Characteristics of the protected wines that are fundamentally or exclusively due to the geographical environment) has been added.

Reason:

This is a better way to structure the information.

| c) | Section G.3 (Causal link between the geographical environment and the characteristics of the wines) has been added. |
| --- | --- |

c)

Section G.3 (Causal link between the geographical environment and the characteristics of the wines) has been added.

Reason:

This is a better way to structure the information. This is a new section on the link between the characteristics of the wines and the environment.

This amendment concerns Section G of the product specification but it does not affect the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not meet any of the criteria set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO). It does not void the link as it only entails an improvement to the text.

8.   Changes to the section ‘applicable requirements by the regulatory council’

Description:

| 1. | The title of the section has been changed to H (FURTHER CONDITIONS). The references to procedural requirements or general legislation have been deleted throughout this section.
  Reason:
  The current heading, ‘Applicable requirements by the Regulatory Council’, does not conform to the European Commission templates. The references have been deleted because it does not make sense to include them in the product specification. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The title of the section has been changed to H (FURTHER CONDITIONS). The references to procedural requirements or general legislation have been deleted throughout this section.

Reason:

The current heading, ‘Applicable requirements by the Regulatory Council’, does not conform to the European Commission templates. The references have been deleted because it does not make sense to include them in the product specification.

| 2. | Section H.1 (Registers) has been amended.
  The detailed list of registers has been deleted and replaced by a reference to those mentioned in the rules of procedure of the Regulatory Council. The activities performed by operators that are required to be registered with the Regulatory Council have been defined.
  Reason:
  The wording has been amended to bring it into line with the registers established in the Regulatory Council’s rules of procedure. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Section H.1 (Registers) has been amended.

The detailed list of registers has been deleted and replaced by a reference to those mentioned in the rules of procedure of the Regulatory Council. The activities performed by operators that are required to be registered with the Regulatory Council have been defined.

Reason:

The wording has been amended to bring it into line with the registers established in the Regulatory Council’s rules of procedure.

| 3. | Section H.2 (Applicable requirements for grape production) has been amended.






  a) | The reference to Article 9 of Law 24/2003 of 10 July 2003 on vines and wine has been deleted as this legislation has been repealed. The possibility of irrigation in the case of vines intended for use in making supplementary products has also been deleted. The possibility of irrigation is restricted to vines intended for the production of alcohol for fortification, because they are not intended for use in making base wines.
  Reason:
  The reference to Article 9 of Law 24/2003 of 10 July 2003 on vines and wine has been deleted as this legislation has been repealed.
  Irrigation is possible in the case of vines intended for making alcohol as the requirements established for the production of the protected wine do not apply. |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

Section H.2 (Applicable requirements for grape production) has been amended.

a)

The reference to Article 9 of Law 24/2003 of 10 July 2003 on vines and wine has been deleted as this legislation has been repealed. The possibility of irrigation in the case of vines intended for use in making supplementary products has also been deleted. The possibility of irrigation is restricted to vines intended for the production of alcohol for fortification, because they are not intended for use in making base wines.

Reason:

The reference to Article 9 of Law 24/2003 of 10 July 2003 on vines and wine has been deleted as this legislation has been repealed.

Irrigation is possible in the case of vines intended for making alcohol as the requirements established for the production of the protected wine do not apply.

| b) | A new subsection has been added, subsection c) (Yields). This information was previously included in Section E (Maximum yield per hectare).
  Reason:
  The product specification has been restructured and improved. |
| --- | --- |

b)

A new subsection has been added, subsection c) (Yields). This information was previously included in Section E (Maximum yield per hectare).

Reason:

The product specification has been restructured and improved.

| 4. | As regards Section H.3 (Requirements applicable to registered wineries):






  a) | The minimum stock requirement for wineries has been deleted.
  Reason:
  This requirement has no impact on quality and leads to unfair discrimination. |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.

As regards Section H.3 (Requirements applicable to registered wineries):

a)

The minimum stock requirement for wineries has been deleted.

Reason:

This requirement has no impact on quality and leads to unfair discrimination.

| b) | The requirement to keep wine stocks undergoing biological maturing that belong to the ‘Jerez-Xérès-Sherry’ and ‘Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ designations of origin in physically separate spaces has been deleted.
  Reason:
  This is a procedural control issue and not a product condition that can be certified.
  The stocks undergoing biological maturing in Sanlúcar de Barrameda are assigned only to the ‘Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ designation of origin. However, the common practice of using part of these stocks for the production of ‘Jerez-Xérès-Sherry’ wines if they do not end up being certified as ‘Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ is permitted. |
| --- | --- |

b)

The requirement to keep wine stocks undergoing biological maturing that belong to the ‘Jerez-Xérès-Sherry’ and ‘Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ designations of origin in physically separate spaces has been deleted.

Reason:

This is a procedural control issue and not a product condition that can be certified.

The stocks undergoing biological maturing in Sanlúcar de Barrameda are assigned only to the ‘Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ designation of origin. However, the common practice of using part of these stocks for the production of ‘Jerez-Xérès-Sherry’ wines if they do not end up being certified as ‘Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ is permitted.

| 5. | Section H.4 (Bottling and labelling):






  a) | In general terms, the information has been restructured and the wording improved, but there have been no substantial changes to the content. A reference has been included to a new Annex 3, which sets out all the labelling legislation.
  Reason:
  The information has been restructured to ensure better monitoring of the product. |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.

Section H.4 (Bottling and labelling):

a)

In general terms, the information has been restructured and the wording improved, but there have been no substantial changes to the content. A reference has been included to a new Annex 3, which sets out all the labelling legislation.

Reason:

The information has been restructured to ensure better monitoring of the product.

| b) | The section on the bottling-at-source requirement has been expanded, explaining that this requirement is justified by the need to protect the reputation of the protected wines by reinforcing the monitoring of their specific characteristics and quality. Specific containers authorised by the Regulatory Council are now to be used to exercise the possibility of supplying wine to the food industry for use as an ingredient, rather than in bulk as the text previously stated.
  Reason:
  The grounds for the bottling-at-source requirement have been explained in more detail and the rules on supplying wine to the food industry for use as an ingredient for foodstuffs and beverages have been changed. |
| --- | --- |

b)

The section on the bottling-at-source requirement has been expanded, explaining that this requirement is justified by the need to protect the reputation of the protected wines by reinforcing the monitoring of their specific characteristics and quality. Specific containers authorised by the Regulatory Council are now to be used to exercise the possibility of supplying wine to the food industry for use as an ingredient, rather than in bulk as the text previously stated.

Reason:

The grounds for the bottling-at-source requirement have been explained in more detail and the rules on supplying wine to the food industry for use as an ingredient for foodstuffs and beverages have been changed.

| c) | Subsections have been added on the supply of wine to authorised food industry plants and catering establishments, as well as on sales to the general public at the premises of registered wineries.
  Reason:
  The aim of this amendment is to allow the Regulatory Council to adapt traditional sales procedures to the needs of the sector.
  This amendment concerns Section H of the product specification and Section 9 of the single document.
  It is a standard amendment because it does not meet any of the criteria set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO). More specifically, it does not entail any change to the bottling-at-source requirement, which was already in place. |
| --- | --- |

c)

Subsections have been added on the supply of wine to authorised food industry plants and catering establishments, as well as on sales to the general public at the premises of registered wineries.

Reason:

The aim of this amendment is to allow the Regulatory Council to adapt traditional sales procedures to the needs of the sector.

This amendment concerns Section H of the product specification and Section 9 of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not meet any of the criteria set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO). More specifically, it does not entail any change to the bottling-at-source requirement, which was already in place.

9.   Control structure

Description:

The following amendments have been made to this section: the applicable legislation, the competent authority and the link providing information on the control body charged with verifying compliance with the product specification.

This amendment concerns Section I of the product specification but it does not affect the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not meet any of the criteria set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

Updating of information.

10.   Amendments to Annex 2 (List of names of ‘pagos’ defined in the designation of origin)

Description:

| 1. | This annex has been renamed as ANNEX 2. List of ‘pagos’(smaller geographical units) in the demarcated area. |
| --- | --- |

1.

This annex has been renamed as ANNEX 2. List of ‘pagos’(smaller geographical units) in the demarcated area.

| 2. | The list has been expanded to include all of the ‘pagos’ defined by the Regulatory Council. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The list has been expanded to include all of the ‘pagos’ defined by the Regulatory Council.

This amendment concerns Annex 2 to the product specification and Section 6 of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not meet any of the criteria set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

The terminology has been brought into line with that used in the applicable legislation. The information identifying the geographical demarcation of all of the smaller geographical units has been added. This demarcation was performed in 2015 and from then onwards it has been possible to certify the origin of the grapes.

11.   ANNEX 3 has been added.

Description:

A new ANNEX 3 (Labelling of wines protected by the ‘Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ designation) has been included.

ANNEX 3 has been added as new text to the product specification and Section 9 of the single document has been amended accordingly.

It is a standard amendment because it does not meet any of the criteria set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

Addition of new labelling particulars and regrouping of those included in the previous version of the product specification.

This amendment sets out the mandatory particulars such as the protected name, the identity of the issuing winery and the type of wine, and the optional particulars such as the brand, references to wine ageing categories, colour, ‘pago’ and other descriptive terms that may be used subject to compliance with the applicable legislation.

12.   Additional transitional provisions included

Description:

Additional transitional provisions have been established for certain requirements in the product specification.

They are new additions to the product specification and they do not affect the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not meet any of the criteria set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

It will take some time for certain amendments to the product specification to be implemented.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda

Manzanilla

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine product

| 1. | Liqueur wine |
| --- | --- |

1.

Liqueur wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

Liqueur wines

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

Wines protected by the ‘Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda’ designation of origin, traditionally known by the name ‘Manzanilla’ wines, are ‘generoso’ (fortified) wines whose characteristics are the result of the particular biological maturing process carried out over a period of at least two years by wineries located in the municipality of Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

‘Manzanilla’ wine ranges from straw yellow to amber in colour, with the distinctive aroma and taste imparted by the biological maturing process.

Their signature characteristics stem from the fact that the entire maturing process takes place beneath a layer or film of ‘flor’ yeast.

These wines must have a sugar content of less than 4 grams per litre and an alcoholic strength of at least 15 % but not more than 17 % by volume.

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) 15

Minimum total acidity in milliequivalents per litre

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5.   Wine-making practices

a.   Specific oenological practices

Specific oenological practice

Entitlement to produce wines covered by this designation is capped at 70 litres of wine per 100 kg of grapes.

All stocks of wine being aged must be stored in oak barrels with a capacity no greater than 1 000 litres. All wines must have a minimum average age of two years in order to be eligible for release.

Wines may be fortified with wine alcohol at any point in the production and ageing process.

Calcium sulphate may be added for acidification purposes within the limits laid down in the applicable legislation.

b.   Maximum yields

11 428 kilograms of grapes per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The demarcated geographical area comprises the land located within the municipalities of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María, Trebujena, Chipiona, Rota, Puerto Real, Chiclana de la Frontera and Lebrija, as well as the area of the municipality of San José del Valle delimited to the east by the 5° 49’ meridian west of Greenwich and to the north by the 36° 58’ parallel north.

The protected wines must be aged in wineries situated within the municipality of Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

7.   Main wine grapes variety(ies)

| | PALOMINO |
| --- | --- |

PALOMINO

| | PALOMINO FINO - LISTÁN BLANCO |
| --- | --- |

PALOMINO FINO - LISTÁN BLANCO

8.   Description of the link(s)

Liqueur wine

There are historical reasons for the emergence of the ‘flor’ yeast technique and the ‘solera’ system, which are linked to the ancient tradition of wine-making in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and its unique geographical location. The growing practices developed in the vineyards and efforts to identify the most suitable environmental conditions for the biological maturing process in the winery have resulted in wines with excellent terroir expression and heavily influenced by the particularities of the unique ‘flor’ yeast typical in Sanlúcar. The proximity to the sea and the high humidity are conducive to intense yeast activity over a long period of time, giving ‘Manzanilla’ wines their unique characteristics.

9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition: Packaging within the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

To ensure the preservation of the particular characteristics and quality of the wines and so as to prevent potential organoleptic deterioration resulting from transportation to other areas, bottling must take place within the demarcated production area.

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The labels used for the protected wines must comply with the provisions of the applicable legislation, as well as with Annex 3 to this product specification. This applies to both mandatory and optional labelling particulars.

The bottles must bear quality seals issued by the Regulatory Council or secondary labels featuring a distinctive mark and an alphanumeric identification code, in accordance with rules laid down by the Regulatory Council. The larger geographical unit ‘Andalucía’ may be indicated on an optional basis.

Link to the product specification

https://lajunta.es/3vpjr

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(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.

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