# Official Journal L 334/2015

| | ISSN 1977-0677 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | L 334 |
| | |
| English edition | Legislation | Volume 5822 December 2015 |

ISSN 1977-0677

Official Journal

of the European Union

L 334

English edition

Legislation

Volume 5822 December 2015

---

| Contents | | II   Non-legislative acts | page |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | REGULATIONS |
| | * | Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2425 of 21 December 2015 implementing Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism, and repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1325 | 1 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2426 of 18 December 2015 amending Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 as regards third countries recognised as applying security standards equivalent to the common basic standards on civil aviation security (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| | | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2427 of 21 December 2015 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables | 10 |
| | | DECISIONS |
| | * | Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/2428 of 10 December 2015 amending Decision 2009/791/EC and Implementing Decision 2009/1013/EU authorising Germany and Austria respectively to continue to apply a measure derogating from Articles 168 and 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax | 12 |
| | * | Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/2429 of 10 December 2015 authorising Latvia to introduce a special measure derogating from point (a) of Article 26(1) and Articles 168 and 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax | 15 |
| | * | Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/2430 of 21 December 2015 updating the list of persons, groups and entities subject to Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism, and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2015/1334 | 18 |
| | * | Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/2431 of 21 December 2015 amending Council Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine | 22 |
| | * | Commission Decision (EU) 2015/2432 of 18 September 2015 concerning State aid SA.35484 (2013/C) (ex SA.35484 (2012/NN)) granted by Germany in respect of milk quality tests pursuant to the Milk and Fat Law
  (notified under document C(2015) 6295) | 23 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/2433 of 18 December 2015 amending Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU as regards the animal health control measures relating to African swine fever in certain Member States
  (notified under document C(2015) 9168)

   (
  1
  ) | 46 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/2434 of 18 December 2015 amending Implementing Decision 2014/237/EU on measures to prevent the introduction into and the spread within the Union of harmful organisms as regards certain fruits and vegetables originating in India
  (notified under document C(2015) 9178) | 61 |
| | | ACTS ADOPTED BY BODIES CREATED BY INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS |
| | * | Decision No 1/2015 of the EU-Egypt Association Council of 21 September 2015 replacing Protocol 4 to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part, concerning the definition of the concept of originating products and methods of administrative cooperation [2015/2435] | 62 |

Contents

II   Non-legislative acts

page

REGULATIONS

*

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2425 of 21 December 2015 implementing Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism, and repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1325

1

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2426 of 18 December 2015 amending Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 as regards third countries recognised as applying security standards equivalent to the common basic standards on civil aviation security (
  1
  )

1

5

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2427 of 21 December 2015 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

10

DECISIONS

*

Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/2428 of 10 December 2015 amending Decision 2009/791/EC and Implementing Decision 2009/1013/EU authorising Germany and Austria respectively to continue to apply a measure derogating from Articles 168 and 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax

12

*

Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/2429 of 10 December 2015 authorising Latvia to introduce a special measure derogating from point (a) of Article 26(1) and Articles 168 and 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax

15

*

Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/2430 of 21 December 2015 updating the list of persons, groups and entities subject to Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism, and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2015/1334

18

*

Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/2431 of 21 December 2015 amending Council Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine

22

*

Commission Decision (EU) 2015/2432 of 18 September 2015 concerning State aid SA.35484 (2013/C) (ex SA.35484 (2012/NN)) granted by Germany in respect of milk quality tests pursuant to the Milk and Fat Law
  (notified under document C(2015) 6295)

(notified under document C(2015) 6295)

23

*

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/2433 of 18 December 2015 amending Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU as regards the animal health control measures relating to African swine fever in certain Member States
  (notified under document C(2015) 9168)

   (
  1
  )

(notified under document C(2015) 9168)

1

46

*

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/2434 of 18 December 2015 amending Implementing Decision 2014/237/EU on measures to prevent the introduction into and the spread within the Union of harmful organisms as regards certain fruits and vegetables originating in India
  (notified under document C(2015) 9178)

(notified under document C(2015) 9178)

61

ACTS ADOPTED BY BODIES CREATED BY INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

*

Decision No 1/2015 of the EU-Egypt Association Council of 21 September 2015 replacing Protocol 4 to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part, concerning the definition of the concept of originating products and methods of administrative cooperation [2015/2435]

62

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

| EN | Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.
  The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk. |
| --- | --- |

EN

Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.

The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk.

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II Non-legislative acts

REGULATIONS

| 22.12.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 334/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.12.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 334/1

---

COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/2425

of 21 December 2015

implementing Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism, and repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1325

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 of 27 December 2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism (1), and in particular Article 2(3) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

| (1) | On 31 July 2015, the Council adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1325 (2) implementing Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001, establishing an updated list of persons, groups and entities to which Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 applies (‘the list’). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 31 July 2015, the Council adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1325 (2) implementing Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001, establishing an updated list of persons, groups and entities to which Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 applies (‘the list’).

| (2) | The Council has provided, where practically possible, all the persons, groups and entities with statements of reasons explaining why they were entered into the list. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Council has provided, where practically possible, all the persons, groups and entities with statements of reasons explaining why they were entered into the list.

| (3) | By way of a notice published in the Official Journal of the European Union, the Council informed the persons, groups and entities on the list that it had decided to keep them thereon. The Council also informed the persons, groups and entities concerned that it was possible to request a statement of the Council's reasons for entering them into the list where such a statement had not already been communicated to them. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

By way of a notice published in the Official Journal of the European Union, the Council informed the persons, groups and entities on the list that it had decided to keep them thereon. The Council also informed the persons, groups and entities concerned that it was possible to request a statement of the Council's reasons for entering them into the list where such a statement had not already been communicated to them.

| (4) | The Council has reviewed the list as required by Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001. When carrying out the review, the Council took into account the observations submitted to it by those concerned as well as the updated information received from the competent national authorities on the status of listed individuals and entities at national level. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Council has reviewed the list as required by Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001. When carrying out the review, the Council took into account the observations submitted to it by those concerned as well as the updated information received from the competent national authorities on the status of listed individuals and entities at national level.

| (5) | The Council has verified that competent authorities as referred to in Article 1(4) of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP (3) have taken decisions with regard to all persons, groups and entities on the list to the effect that they have been involved in terrorist acts within the meaning of Article 1(2) and (3) of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP. The Council has also concluded that the persons, groups and entities to which Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP apply should continue to be subject to the specific restrictive measures provided for in Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The Council has verified that competent authorities as referred to in Article 1(4) of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP (3) have taken decisions with regard to all persons, groups and entities on the list to the effect that they have been involved in terrorist acts within the meaning of Article 1(2) and (3) of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP. The Council has also concluded that the persons, groups and entities to which Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP apply should continue to be subject to the specific restrictive measures provided for in Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001.

| (6) | The list should be updated accordingly and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1325 should be repealed, |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The list should be updated accordingly and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1325 should be repealed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The list provided for in Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 is set out in the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1325 is hereby repealed.

Article 3

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 21 December 2015.

For the Council

The President

J. ASSELBORN

---

(1)  
  OJ L 344, 28.12.2001, p. 70.

1

(2)  Council Implementing Regulation 2015/1325 of 31 July 2015 implementing Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism and repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/513 (OJ L 206, 1.8.2015, p. 12).

2

(3)  Council Common Position 2001/931/CFSP of 27 December 2001 on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism (OJ L 344, 28.12.2001, p. 93).

3

---

ANNEX

LIST OF PERSONS, GROUPS AND ENTITIES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 1

I.   PERSONS

| 1. | ABDOLLAHI Hamed (a.k.a. Mustafa Abdullahi), born August 11, 1960 in Iran. Passport: D9004878. |
| --- | --- |

1.

ABDOLLAHI Hamed (a.k.a. Mustafa Abdullahi), born August 11, 1960 in Iran. Passport: D9004878.

| 2. | AL-NASSER, Abdelkarim Hussein Mohamed, born in Al Ihsa (Saudi Arabia), citizen of Saudi Arabia. |
| --- | --- |

2.

AL-NASSER, Abdelkarim Hussein Mohamed, born in Al Ihsa (Saudi Arabia), citizen of Saudi Arabia.

| 3. | AL YACOUB, Ibrahim Salih Mohammed, born 16.10.1966 in Tarut (Saudi Arabia), citizen of Saudi Arabia. |
| --- | --- |

3.

AL YACOUB, Ibrahim Salih Mohammed, born 16.10.1966 in Tarut (Saudi Arabia), citizen of Saudi Arabia.

| 4. | ARBABSIAR Manssor (a.k.a. Mansour Arbabsiar), born March 6 or 15, 1955 in Iran. Iranian and US national. Passport: C2002515 (Iran); Passport: 477845448 (USA). National ID no.: 07442833, expiry date 15 March 2016 (USA driving licence). |
| --- | --- |

4.

ARBABSIAR Manssor (a.k.a. Mansour Arbabsiar), born March 6 or 15, 1955 in Iran. Iranian and US national. Passport: C2002515 (Iran); Passport: 477845448 (USA). National ID no.: 07442833, expiry date 15 March 2016 (USA driving licence).

| 5. | BOUYERI, Mohammed (a.k.a. Abu ZUBAIR, a.k.a. SOBIAR, a.k.a. Abu ZOUBAIR), born 8.3.1978 in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) — member of the ‘Hofstadgroep’. |
| --- | --- |

5.

BOUYERI, Mohammed (a.k.a. Abu ZUBAIR, a.k.a. SOBIAR, a.k.a. Abu ZOUBAIR), born 8.3.1978 in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) — member of the ‘Hofstadgroep’.

| 6. | IZZ-AL-DIN, Hasan (a.k.a GARBAYA, Ahmed, a.k.a. SA-ID, a.k.a. SALWWAN, Samir), Lebanon, born 1963 in Lebanon, citizen of Lebanon. |
| --- | --- |

6.

IZZ-AL-DIN, Hasan (a.k.a GARBAYA, Ahmed, a.k.a. SA-ID, a.k.a. SALWWAN, Samir), Lebanon, born 1963 in Lebanon, citizen of Lebanon.

| 7. | MOHAMMED, Khalid Shaikh (a.k.a. ALI, Salem, a.k.a. BIN KHALID, Fahd Bin Adballah, a.k.a. HENIN, Ashraf Refaat Nabith, a.k.a. WADOOD, Khalid Adbul), born 14.4.1965 or 1.3.1964 in Pakistan, passport No 488555. |
| --- | --- |

7.

MOHAMMED, Khalid Shaikh (a.k.a. ALI, Salem, a.k.a. BIN KHALID, Fahd Bin Adballah, a.k.a. HENIN, Ashraf Refaat Nabith, a.k.a. WADOOD, Khalid Adbul), born 14.4.1965 or 1.3.1964 in Pakistan, passport No 488555.

| 8. | SHAHLAI Abdul Reza (a.k.a Abdol Reza Shala'i, a.k.a. Abd-al Reza Shalai, a.k.a. Abdorreza Shahlai, a.k.a. Abdolreza Shahla'i, a.k.a. Abdul-Reza Shahlaee, a.k.a. Hajj Yusef, a.k.a. Haji Yusif, a.k.a. Hajji Yasir, a.k.a. Hajji Yusif, a.k.a. Yusuf Abu-al-Karkh), born circa 1957 in Iran. Addresses: (1) Kermanshah, Iran, (2) Mehran Military Base, Ilam Province, Iran. |
| --- | --- |

8.

SHAHLAI Abdul Reza (a.k.a Abdol Reza Shala'i, a.k.a. Abd-al Reza Shalai, a.k.a. Abdorreza Shahlai, a.k.a. Abdolreza Shahla'i, a.k.a. Abdul-Reza Shahlaee, a.k.a. Hajj Yusef, a.k.a. Haji Yusif, a.k.a. Hajji Yasir, a.k.a. Hajji Yusif, a.k.a. Yusuf Abu-al-Karkh), born circa 1957 in Iran. Addresses: (1) Kermanshah, Iran, (2) Mehran Military Base, Ilam Province, Iran.

| 9. | SHAKURI Ali Gholam, born circa 1965 in Tehran, Iran. |
| --- | --- |

9.

SHAKURI Ali Gholam, born circa 1965 in Tehran, Iran.

| 10. | SOLEIMANI Qasem (a.k.a Ghasem Soleymani, a.k.a Qasmi Sulayman, a.k.a Qasem Soleymani, a.k.a Qasem Solaimani, a.k.a Qasem Salimani, a.k.a Qasem Solemani, a.k.a Qasem Sulaimani, a.k.a Qasem Sulemani), born March 11, 1957 in Iran. Iranian national. Passport: 008827 (Iran Diplomatic), issued 1999. Title: Major General. |
| --- | --- |

10.

SOLEIMANI Qasem (a.k.a Ghasem Soleymani, a.k.a Qasmi Sulayman, a.k.a Qasem Soleymani, a.k.a Qasem Solaimani, a.k.a Qasem Salimani, a.k.a Qasem Solemani, a.k.a Qasem Sulaimani, a.k.a Qasem Sulemani), born March 11, 1957 in Iran. Iranian national. Passport: 008827 (Iran Diplomatic), issued 1999. Title: Major General.

II.   GROUPS AND ENTITIES

| 1. | ‘Abu Nidal Organisation’ — ‘ANO’ (a.k.a. ‘Fatah Revolutionary Council’, a.k.a. ‘Arab Revolutionary Brigades’, a.k.a. ‘Black September’, a.k.a. ‘Revolutionary Organisation of Socialist Muslims’. |
| --- | --- |

1.

‘Abu Nidal Organisation’ — ‘ANO’ (a.k.a. ‘Fatah Revolutionary Council’, a.k.a. ‘Arab Revolutionary Brigades’, a.k.a. ‘Black September’, a.k.a. ‘Revolutionary Organisation of Socialist Muslims’.

| 2. | ‘Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade. |
| --- | --- |

2.

‘Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade.

| 3. | Al-Aqsa e.V. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Al-Aqsa e.V.

| 4. | ‘Babbar Khalsa’. |
| --- | --- |

4.

‘Babbar Khalsa’.

| 5. | ‘Communist Party of the Philippines’, including ‘New People's Army’ — ‘NPA’, Philippines. |
| --- | --- |

5.

‘Communist Party of the Philippines’, including ‘New People's Army’ — ‘NPA’, Philippines.

| 6. | ‘Gama'a al-Islamiyya’ (a.k.a. ‘Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya’) (‘Islamic Group’ — ‘IG’). |
| --- | --- |

6.

‘Gama'a al-Islamiyya’ (a.k.a. ‘Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya’) (‘Islamic Group’ — ‘IG’).

| 7. | ‘İslami Büyük Doğu Akıncılar Cephesi’ — ‘IBDA-C’ (‘Great Islamic Eastern Warriors Front’. |
| --- | --- |

7.

‘İslami Büyük Doğu Akıncılar Cephesi’ — ‘IBDA-C’ (‘Great Islamic Eastern Warriors Front’.

| 8. | ‘Hamas’, including 'Hamas-Izz al-Din al-Qassem. |
| --- | --- |

8.

‘Hamas’, including 'Hamas-Izz al-Din al-Qassem.

| 9. | ‘Hizballah Military Wing’ (a.k.a. ‘Hezbollah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hizbullah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hizbollah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hezballah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hisbollah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hizbu'llah Military Wing’ a.k.a. ‘Hizb Allah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Jihad Council’ (and all units reporting to it, including the External Security Organisation)). |
| --- | --- |

9.

‘Hizballah Military Wing’ (a.k.a. ‘Hezbollah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hizbullah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hizbollah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hezballah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hisbollah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hizbu'llah Military Wing’ a.k.a. ‘Hizb Allah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Jihad Council’ (and all units reporting to it, including the External Security Organisation)).

| 10. | ‘Hizbul Mujahideen’ — ‘HM’. |
| --- | --- |

10.

‘Hizbul Mujahideen’ — ‘HM’.

| 11. | Hofstadgroep. |
| --- | --- |

11.

Hofstadgroep.

| 12. | ‘International Sikh Youth Federation’ — ‘ISYF’. |
| --- | --- |

12.

‘International Sikh Youth Federation’ — ‘ISYF’.

| 13. | ‘Khalistan Zindabad Force’ — ‘KZF’. |
| --- | --- |

13.

‘Khalistan Zindabad Force’ — ‘KZF’.

| 14. | ‘Kurdistan Workers' Party’ — ‘PKK’, (a.k.a. ‘KADEK’, a.k.a. ‘KONGRA-GEL’). |
| --- | --- |

14.

‘Kurdistan Workers' Party’ — ‘PKK’, (a.k.a. ‘KADEK’, a.k.a. ‘KONGRA-GEL’).

| 15. | ‘Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’ — ‘LTTE’. |
| --- | --- |

15.

‘Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’ — ‘LTTE’.

| 16. | ‘Ejército de Liberación Nacional’ (‘National Liberation Army’). |
| --- | --- |

16.

‘Ejército de Liberación Nacional’ (‘National Liberation Army’).

| 17. | ‘Palestinian Islamic Jihad’ — ‘PIJ’. |
| --- | --- |

17.

‘Palestinian Islamic Jihad’ — ‘PIJ’.

| 18. | ‘Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine’ — ‘PFLP’. |
| --- | --- |

18.

‘Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine’ — ‘PFLP’.

| 19. | ‘Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine — General Command’ (a.k.a. ‘PFLP — General Command’). |
| --- | --- |

19.

‘Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine — General Command’ (a.k.a. ‘PFLP — General Command’).

| 20. | ‘Fuerzas armadas revolucionarias de Colombia’ — ‘FARC’ (‘Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia’). |
| --- | --- |

20.

‘Fuerzas armadas revolucionarias de Colombia’ — ‘FARC’ (‘Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia’).

| 21. | ‘Devrimci Halk Kurtuluș Partisi-Cephesi’ — ‘DHKP/C’ (a.k.a. ‘Devrimci Sol’ (‘Revolutionary Left’), a.k.a. ‘Dev Sol’) (‘Revolutionary People's Liberation Army/Front/Party’). |
| --- | --- |

21.

‘Devrimci Halk Kurtuluș Partisi-Cephesi’ — ‘DHKP/C’ (a.k.a. ‘Devrimci Sol’ (‘Revolutionary Left’), a.k.a. ‘Dev Sol’) (‘Revolutionary People's Liberation Army/Front/Party’).

| 22. | ‘Sendero Luminoso’ — ‘SL’ (‘Shining Path’). |
| --- | --- |

22.

‘Sendero Luminoso’ — ‘SL’ (‘Shining Path’).

| 23. | ‘Teyrbazen Azadiya Kurdistan’ — ‘TAK’ (a.k.a. ‘Kurdistan Freedom Falcons’, a.k.a. ‘Kurdistan Freedom Hawks’). |
| --- | --- |

23.

‘Teyrbazen Azadiya Kurdistan’ — ‘TAK’ (a.k.a. ‘Kurdistan Freedom Falcons’, a.k.a. ‘Kurdistan Freedom Hawks’).

---

| 22.12.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 334/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.12.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 334/5

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/2426

of 18 December 2015

amending Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 as regards third countries recognised as applying security standards equivalent to the common basic standards on civil aviation security

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 300/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2008 on common rules in the field of civil aviation security and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2320/2002 (1), and in particular Article 4(3) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Commission Regulation (EC) No 272/2009 (2) supplements the common basic standards on civil aviation security laid down in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 300/2008. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 272/2009 (2) supplements the common basic standards on civil aviation security laid down in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 300/2008.

| (2) | That same Regulation (EC) No 272/2009 charges the Commission with the recognition of the equivalence of security standards of third countries, in accordance with the criteria set out in Part E of the Annex to that Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

That same Regulation (EC) No 272/2009 charges the Commission with the recognition of the equivalence of security standards of third countries, in accordance with the criteria set out in Part E of the Annex to that Regulation.

| (3) | The Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 (3) lists the third countries recognised as applying security standards equivalent to the common basic standards. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 (3) lists the third countries recognised as applying security standards equivalent to the common basic standards.

| (4) | The Commission has verified that also Canada and Montenegro satisfy the criteria set out in Part E of the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 272/2009. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Commission has verified that also Canada and Montenegro satisfy the criteria set out in Part E of the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 272/2009.

| (5) | Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 should therefore be amended accordingly. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 should therefore be amended accordingly.

| (6) | An appropriate time period before this Regulation applies should be provided for, considering that changes to operations and/or infrastructure at airports may be required. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

An appropriate time period before this Regulation applies should be provided for, considering that changes to operations and/or infrastructure at airports may be required.

| (7) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee on Civil Aviation Security set up by Article 19(1) of Regulation (EC) No 300/2008, |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee on Civil Aviation Security set up by Article 19(1) of Regulation (EC) No 300/2008,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 29 February 2016.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 18 December 2015.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Violeta BULC

Member of the Commission

---

(1)  
  OJ L 97, 9.4.2008, p. 72.

1

(2)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 272/2009 of 2 April 2009 supplementing the common basic standards on civil aviation security laid down in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 300/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 91, 3.4.2009, p. 7).

2

(3)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 of 5 November 2015 laying down detailed measures for the implementation of the common basic standards on aviation security (OJ L 299, 14.11.2015, p. 1).

3

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ANNEX

The Annex is amended as follows:

| (1) | in Chapter 3, Attachment 3-B is replaced by the following:


  ‘ATTACHMENT 3-B

  AIRCRAFT SECURITY

  THIRD COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES TO WHICH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 355 OF THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, TITLE VI OF PART THREE OF THAT TREATY DOES NOT APPLY, THAT ARE RECOGNISED AS APPLYING SECURITY STANDARDS EQUIVALENT TO THE COMMON BASIC STANDARDS ON CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY

  As regards aircraft security, the following third countries, as well as other countries and territories to which, in accordance with Article 355 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Title VI of Part Three of that Treaty does not apply, have been recognised as applying security standards equivalent to the common basic standards on civil aviation security: | Canada |
| --- | --- | --- |

(1)

in Chapter 3, Attachment 3-B is replaced by the following:

‘ATTACHMENT 3-B

AIRCRAFT SECURITY

THIRD COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES TO WHICH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 355 OF THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, TITLE VI OF PART THREE OF THAT TREATY DOES NOT APPLY, THAT ARE RECOGNISED AS APPLYING SECURITY STANDARDS EQUIVALENT TO THE COMMON BASIC STANDARDS ON CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY

As regards aircraft security, the following third countries, as well as other countries and territories to which, in accordance with Article 355 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Title VI of Part Three of that Treaty does not apply, have been recognised as applying security standards equivalent to the common basic standards on civil aviation security:

Canada

| | Faroe Islands, in regard to Vagar airport |
| --- | --- |

Faroe Islands, in regard to Vagar airport

| | Greenland, in regard to Kangerlussuaq airport |
| --- | --- |

Greenland, in regard to Kangerlussuaq airport

| | Guernsey |
| --- | --- |

Guernsey

| | Isle of Man |
| --- | --- |

Isle of Man

| | Jersey |
| --- | --- |

Jersey

| | Montenegro |
| --- | --- |

Montenegro

| | United States of America |
| --- | --- |

United States of America

The Commission shall immediately notify the appropriate authorities of the Member States if it has information indicating that security standards applied by the third country or other country or territory concerned with a significant impact on overall levels of aviation security in the Union are no longer equivalent to the common basic standards of the Union.

The appropriate authorities of the Member States shall be notified without delay when the Commission has information about actions, including compensatory measures, confirming that the equivalency of relevant security standards applied by the third country or other country or territory concerned is re-established.’;

| (2) | in Chapter 4, Attachment 4-B is replaced by the following:


  ‘ATTACHMENT 4-B

  PASSENGERS AND CABIN BAGGAGE

  THIRD COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES TO WHICH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 355 OF THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, TITLE VI OF PART THREE OF THAT TREATY DOES NOT APPLY, THAT ARE RECOGNISED AS APPLYING SECURITY STANDARDS EQUIVALENT TO THE COMMON BASIC STANDARDS ON CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY

  As regards passengers and cabin baggage, the following third countries, as well as other countries and territories to which, in accordance with Article 355 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Title VI of Part Three of that Treaty does not apply, have been recognised as applying security standards equivalent to the common basic standards on civil aviation security: | Canada |
| --- | --- | --- |

(2)

in Chapter 4, Attachment 4-B is replaced by the following:

‘ATTACHMENT 4-B

PASSENGERS AND CABIN BAGGAGE

THIRD COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES TO WHICH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 355 OF THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, TITLE VI OF PART THREE OF THAT TREATY DOES NOT APPLY, THAT ARE RECOGNISED AS APPLYING SECURITY STANDARDS EQUIVALENT TO THE COMMON BASIC STANDARDS ON CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY

As regards passengers and cabin baggage, the following third countries, as well as other countries and territories to which, in accordance with Article 355 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Title VI of Part Three of that Treaty does not apply, have been recognised as applying security standards equivalent to the common basic standards on civil aviation security:

Canada

| | Faroe Islands, in regard to Vagar airport |
| --- | --- |

Faroe Islands, in regard to Vagar airport

| | Greenland, in regard to Kangerlussuaq airport |
| --- | --- |

Greenland, in regard to Kangerlussuaq airport

| | Guernsey |
| --- | --- |

Guernsey

| | Isle of Man |
| --- | --- |

Isle of Man

| | Jersey |
| --- | --- |

Jersey

| | Montenegro |
| --- | --- |

Montenegro

| | United States of America |
| --- | --- |

United States of America

The Commission shall notify without delay the appropriate authorities of the Member States if it has information indicating that security standards applied by the third country or other country or territory concerned with a significant impact on overall levels of aviation security in the Union are no longer equivalent to the common basic standards of the Union.

The appropriate authorities of the Member States shall be notified without delay when the Commission has information about actions, including compensatory measures, confirming that the equivalency of relevant security standards applied by the third country or other country or territory concerned is re-established.’;

| (3) | in Chapter 5, Attachment 5-A is replaced by the following:


  ‘ATTACHMENT 5-A

  HOLD BAGGAGE

  THIRD COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES TO WHICH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 355 OF THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, TITLE VI OF PART THREE OF THAT TREATY DOES NOT APPLY, THAT ARE RECOGNISED AS APPLYING SECURITY STANDARDS EQUIVALENT TO THE COMMON BASIC STANDARDS ON CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY

  As regards hold baggage, the following third countries, as well as other countries and territories to which, in accordance with Article 355 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Title VI of Part Three of that Treaty does not apply, have been recognised as applying security standards equivalent to the common basic standards on civil aviation security: | Canada |
| --- | --- | --- |

(3)

in Chapter 5, Attachment 5-A is replaced by the following:

‘ATTACHMENT 5-A

HOLD BAGGAGE

THIRD COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES TO WHICH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 355 OF THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, TITLE VI OF PART THREE OF THAT TREATY DOES NOT APPLY, THAT ARE RECOGNISED AS APPLYING SECURITY STANDARDS EQUIVALENT TO THE COMMON BASIC STANDARDS ON CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY

As regards hold baggage, the following third countries, as well as other countries and territories to which, in accordance with Article 355 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Title VI of Part Three of that Treaty does not apply, have been recognised as applying security standards equivalent to the common basic standards on civil aviation security:

Canada

| | Faroe Islands, in regard to Vagar airport |
| --- | --- |

Faroe Islands, in regard to Vagar airport

| | Greenland, in regard to Kangerlussuaq airport |
| --- | --- |

Greenland, in regard to Kangerlussuaq airport

| | Guernsey |
| --- | --- |

Guernsey

| | Isle of Man |
| --- | --- |

Isle of Man

| | Jersey |
| --- | --- |

Jersey

| | Montenegro |
| --- | --- |

Montenegro

| | United States of America |
| --- | --- |

United States of America

The Commission shall notify without delay the appropriate authorities of the Member States if it has information indicating that security standards applied by the third country or other country or territory concerned with a significant impact on overall levels of aviation security in the Union are no longer equivalent to the common basic standards of the Union.

The appropriate authorities of the Member States shall be notified without delay when the Commission has information about actions, including compensatory measures, confirming that the equivalency of relevant security standards applied by the third country or other country or territory concerned is re-established.’;

| (4) | in Chapter 6, Attachment 6-F is replaced by the following:


  ‘ATTACHMENT 6-F

  CARGO AND MAIL
  6-Fi

  THIRD COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES TO WHICH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 355 OF THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, TITLE VI OF PART THREE OF THAT TREATY DOES NOT APPLY, THAT ARE RECOGNISED AS APPLYING SECURITY STANDARDS EQUIVALENT TO THE COMMON BASIC STANDARDS ON CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY

  As regards cargo and mail, the following third countries have been recognised as applying security standards equivalent to the common basic standards on civil aviation security:

  Montenegro

  The Commission shall notify without delay the appropriate authorities of the Member States if it has information indicating that security standards applied by the third country or other country or territory concerned with a significant impact on overall levels of aviation security in the Union are no longer equivalent to the common basic standards of the Union.
  The appropriate authorities of the Member States shall be notified without delay when the Commission has information about actions, including compensatory measures, confirming that the equivalency of relevant security standards applied by the third country or other country or territory concerned is re-established.
  6-Fii

  THIRD COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES TO WHICH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 355 OF THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, TITLE VI OF PART THREE OF THAT TREATY DOES NOT APPLY, FOR WHICH ACC3 DESIGNATION IS NOT REQUIRED, ARE LISTED IN COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION C(2015) 8005

  6- Fiii

  VALIDATION ACTIVITIES OF THIRD COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS OF OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES TO WHICH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 355 OF THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, TITLE VI OF PART THREE OF THAT TREATY DOES NOT APPLY, THAT ARE RECOGNISED AS EQUIVALENT TO EU AVIATION SECURITY VALIDATION.

  No provisions adopted yet.’ |
| --- | --- |

(4)

in Chapter 6, Attachment 6-F is replaced by the following:

‘ATTACHMENT 6-F

CARGO AND MAIL

6-Fi

THIRD COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES TO WHICH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 355 OF THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, TITLE VI OF PART THREE OF THAT TREATY DOES NOT APPLY, THAT ARE RECOGNISED AS APPLYING SECURITY STANDARDS EQUIVALENT TO THE COMMON BASIC STANDARDS ON CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY

As regards cargo and mail, the following third countries have been recognised as applying security standards equivalent to the common basic standards on civil aviation security:

Montenegro

The Commission shall notify without delay the appropriate authorities of the Member States if it has information indicating that security standards applied by the third country or other country or territory concerned with a significant impact on overall levels of aviation security in the Union are no longer equivalent to the common basic standards of the Union.

The appropriate authorities of the Member States shall be notified without delay when the Commission has information about actions, including compensatory measures, confirming that the equivalency of relevant security standards applied by the third country or other country or territory concerned is re-established.

6-Fii

THIRD COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES TO WHICH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 355 OF THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, TITLE VI OF PART THREE OF THAT TREATY DOES NOT APPLY, FOR WHICH ACC3 DESIGNATION IS NOT REQUIRED, ARE LISTED IN COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION C(2015) 8005

6- Fiii

VALIDATION ACTIVITIES OF THIRD COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS OF OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES TO WHICH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 355 OF THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, TITLE VI OF PART THREE OF THAT TREATY DOES NOT APPLY, THAT ARE RECOGNISED AS EQUIVALENT TO EU AVIATION SECURITY VALIDATION.

No provisions adopted yet.’

---

| 22.12.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 334/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.12.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 334/10

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/2427

of 21 December 2015

establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007 (1),

Having regard to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (2), and in particular Article 136(1) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 lays down, pursuant to the outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade negotiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the standard values for imports from third countries, in respect of the products and periods stipulated in Annex XVI, Part A thereto. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 lays down, pursuant to the outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade negotiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the standard values for imports from third countries, in respect of the products and periods stipulated in Annex XVI, Part A thereto.

| (2) | The standard import value is calculated each working day, in accordance with Article 136(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011, taking into account variable daily data. Therefore this Regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The standard import value is calculated each working day, in accordance with Article 136(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011, taking into account variable daily data. Therefore this Regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The standard import values referred to in Article 136 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 are fixed in the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 21 December 2015.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Jerzy PLEWA

Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

---

(1)  
  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

1

(2)  
  OJ L 157, 15.6.2011, p. 1.

2

---

ANNEX

Standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

| (EUR/100 kg) |
| --- |
| CN code | Third country code (1) | Standard import value |
| 0702 00 00 | IL | 236,2 |
| MA | 99,6 |
| TR | 113,3 |
| ZZ | 149,7 |
| 0707 00 05 | EG | 174,9 |
| MA | 82,9 |
| TR | 145,3 |
| ZZ | 134,4 |
| 0709 93 10 | MA | 46,3 |
| TR | 146,0 |
| ZZ | 96,2 |
| 0805 10 20 | EG | 57,7 |
| MA | 66,1 |
| TR | 55,6 |
| ZA | 74,1 |
| ZZ | 63,4 |
| 0805 20 10 | MA | 80,8 |
| ZZ | 80,8 |
| 0805 20 30 , 0805 20 50 , 0805 20 70 , 0805 20 90 | IL | 110,0 |
| TR | 87,3 |
| ZZ | 98,7 |
| 0805 50 10 | TR | 92,6 |
| ZZ | 92,6 |
| 0808 10 80 | CA | 153,6 |
| CL | 85,4 |
| US | 172,3 |
| ZA | 141,1 |
| ZZ | 138,1 |
| 0808 30 90 | CN | 59,9 |
| TR | 122,3 |
| ZZ | 91,1 |

(EUR/100 kg)

CN code

Third country code (1)

Standard import value

0702 00 00

IL

236,2

MA

99,6

TR

113,3

ZZ

149,7

0707 00 05

EG

174,9

MA

82,9

TR

145,3

ZZ

134,4

0709 93 10

MA

46,3

TR

146,0

ZZ

96,2

0805 10 20

EG

57,7

MA

66,1

TR

55,6

ZA

74,1

ZZ

63,4

0805 20 10

MA

80,8

ZZ

80,8

0805 20 30 , 0805 20 50 , 0805 20 70 , 0805 20 90

IL

110,0

TR

87,3

ZZ

98,7

0805 50 10

TR

92,6

ZZ

92,6

0808 10 80

CA

153,6

CL

85,4

US

172,3

ZA

141,1

ZZ

138,1

0808 30 90

CN

59,9

TR

122,3

ZZ

91,1

---

(1)  Nomenclature of countries laid down by Commission Regulation (EU) No 1106/2012 of 27 November 2012 implementing Regulation (EC) No 471/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on Community statistics relating to external trade with non-member countries, as regards the update of the nomenclature of countries and territories (OJ L 328, 28.11.2012, p. 7). Code ‘ZZ’ stands for ‘of other origin’.

---

DECISIONS

| 22.12.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 334/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.12.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 334/12

---

COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2015/2428

of 10 December 2015

amending Decision 2009/791/EC and Implementing Decision 2009/1013/EU authorising Germany and Austria respectively to continue to apply a measure derogating from Articles 168 and 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 291(2) thereof,

Having regard to Council Directive 2006/112/EC of 28 November 2006 on the common system of value added tax (1), and in particular Article 395(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

| (1) | Germany and Austria were each granted a derogating measure by Council Decision 2009/791/EC (2) and Council Implementing Decision 2009/1013/EU (3) respectively. The application of the derogating measure was extended by Council Implementing Decision 2012/705/EU (4) until 31 December 2015. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Germany and Austria were each granted a derogating measure by Council Decision 2009/791/EC (2) and Council Implementing Decision 2009/1013/EU (3) respectively. The application of the derogating measure was extended by Council Implementing Decision 2012/705/EU (4) until 31 December 2015.

| (2) | The derogating measure derogates from Articles 168 and 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC which govern the right of taxable persons to deduct value added tax (VAT) charged on goods and services supplied to them for the purposes of their taxed transactions. The derogating measure is intended to exclude completely from the right of deduction the VAT borne on those goods and services which are used more than 90 % by the taxable person for his private use or for that of his employees, or, in general, for non-business purposes. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The derogating measure derogates from Articles 168 and 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC which govern the right of taxable persons to deduct value added tax (VAT) charged on goods and services supplied to them for the purposes of their taxed transactions. The derogating measure is intended to exclude completely from the right of deduction the VAT borne on those goods and services which are used more than 90 % by the taxable person for his private use or for that of his employees, or, in general, for non-business purposes.

| (3) | In order to take into account the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, according to which input VAT relating to expenditure incurred by a taxable person cannot be deducted if it relates to activities which, in view of their non-economic nature, do not fall within the scope of Directive 2006/112/EC, it is appropriate to clarify that the derogating measure also applies to goods and services used for activities of a non-economic nature. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In order to take into account the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, according to which input VAT relating to expenditure incurred by a taxable person cannot be deducted if it relates to activities which, in view of their non-economic nature, do not fall within the scope of Directive 2006/112/EC, it is appropriate to clarify that the derogating measure also applies to goods and services used for activities of a non-economic nature.

| (4) | The objective of the derogating measure is to simplify the procedure for charging and collecting VAT. The amount of tax due at the level of final consumption is only affected to a negligible extent. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The objective of the derogating measure is to simplify the procedure for charging and collecting VAT. The amount of tax due at the level of final consumption is only affected to a negligible extent.

| (5) | By letters registered with the Commission on 16 March 2015 and 19 March 2015, Germany and Austria respectively requested authorisation to continue to apply the derogating measure. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

By letters registered with the Commission on 16 March 2015 and 19 March 2015, Germany and Austria respectively requested authorisation to continue to apply the derogating measure.

| (6) | In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 395(2) of Directive 2006/112/EC, the Commission informed the other Member States, by letters dated 15 September 2015, of the requests made by Austria and Germany. By letters dated 17 September 2015, the Commission notified Austria and Germany that it had all the information necessary to consider the request. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 395(2) of Directive 2006/112/EC, the Commission informed the other Member States, by letters dated 15 September 2015, of the requests made by Austria and Germany. By letters dated 17 September 2015, the Commission notified Austria and Germany that it had all the information necessary to consider the request.

| (7) | According to the information provided by Austria and Germany, the legal and factual situation which has justified the current application of the derogating measure concerned has not changed and continues to exist. Austria and Germany should therefore be authorised to continue applying this derogating measure for a further period, but limited in time until 31 December 2018, in order to allow for a review of the necessity and effectiveness of the derogating measure and the apportionment rate between business and non-business use on which it is based. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

According to the information provided by Austria and Germany, the legal and factual situation which has justified the current application of the derogating measure concerned has not changed and continues to exist. Austria and Germany should therefore be authorised to continue applying this derogating measure for a further period, but limited in time until 31 December 2018, in order to allow for a review of the necessity and effectiveness of the derogating measure and the apportionment rate between business and non-business use on which it is based.

| (8) | Where Austria or Germany consider that a further extension beyond 2018 is necessary, the Member State concerned should submit to the Commission a report on the application of the derogating measure, which includes a review of the apportionment rate applied, together with the extension request, by no later than 31 March 2018 in order to allow sufficient time for the Commission to examine the request. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Where Austria or Germany consider that a further extension beyond 2018 is necessary, the Member State concerned should submit to the Commission a report on the application of the derogating measure, which includes a review of the apportionment rate applied, together with the extension request, by no later than 31 March 2018 in order to allow sufficient time for the Commission to examine the request.

| (9) | The derogating measures will only have a negligible effect on the overall amount of tax collected at the stage of final consumption and will not adversely affect the Union's own resources accruing from VAT. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The derogating measures will only have a negligible effect on the overall amount of tax collected at the stage of final consumption and will not adversely affect the Union's own resources accruing from VAT.

| (10) | Decision 2009/791/EC and Implementing Decision 2009/1013/EU should therefore be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(10)

Decision 2009/791/EC and Implementing Decision 2009/1013/EU should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Articles 1 and 2 of Decision 2009/791/EC are replaced by the following:

‘Article 1

By way of derogation from Article 168 and Article 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC, Germany is authorised to exclude completely value added tax (VAT) borne on goods and services from the right to deduct VAT when the goods and services in question are used more than 90 % for the private purposes of a taxable person or of his employees, or, more generally, for non-business purposes or non-economic activities.

Article 2

This Decision shall expire on 31 December 2018.

Any request for extension of the derogating measure provided for in this Decision shall be submitted to the Commission by 31 March 2018.

Such request shall be accompanied by a report on the application of this measure which includes a review of the apportionment rate applied on the right to deduct VAT on the basis of this Decision.’.

Article 2

Articles 1 and 2 of Implementing Decision 2009/1013/EU are replaced by the following:

‘Article 1

By way of derogation from Article 168 and Article 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC, Austria is authorised to exclude completely value added tax (VAT) borne on goods and services from the right to deduct VAT when the goods and services in question are used more than 90 % for the private purposes of a taxable person or of his employees, or, more generally, for non-business purposes or non-economic activities.

Article 2

This Decision shall expire on 31 December 2018.

Any request for extension of the derogating measure provided for in this Decision shall be submitted to the Commission by 31 March 2018.

Such request shall be accompanied by a report on the application of this measure which includes a review of the apportionment rate applied on the right to deduct VAT on the basis of this Decision.’.

Article 3

This Decision shall apply from 1 January 2016.

Article 4

This Decision is addressed to the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Austria.

Done at Brussels, 10 December 2015.

For the Council

The President

F. BAUSCH

---

(1)  
  OJ L 347, 11.12.2006, p. 1.

1

(2)  Council Decision 2009/791/EC of 20 October 2009 authorising the Federal Republic of Germany to continue to apply a measure derogating from Article 168 of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax (OJ L 283, 30.10.2009, p. 55).

2

(3)  Council Implementing Decision 2009/1013/EU of 22 December 2009 authorising the Republic of Austria to continue to apply a measure derogating from Article 168 of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax (OJ L 348, 29.12.2009, p. 21).

3

(4)  Council Implementing Decision 2012/705/EU of 13 November 2012 amending Decision 2009/791/EC and Implementing Decision 2009/1013/EU authorising Germany and Austria respectively to continue to apply a measure derogating from Articles 168 and 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax (OJ L 319, 16.11.2012, p. 8).

4

---

| 22.12.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 334/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.12.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 334/15

---

COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2015/2429

of 10 December 2015

authorising Latvia to introduce a special measure derogating from point (a) of Article 26(1) and Articles 168 and 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 291(2) thereof,

Having regard to Council Directive 2006/112/EC of 28 November 2006 on the common system of value added tax (1), and in particular Article 395(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

| (1) | By letters registered at the Commission on 8 April 2015 and 30 July 2015, Latvia requested authorisation to continue to apply, with certain modifications, a measure derogating from point (a) of Article 26(1) and Articles 168 and 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC in order to restrict the right to deduct value added tax (VAT) in relation to expenditure on certain passenger cars not wholly used for business purposes. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

By letters registered at the Commission on 8 April 2015 and 30 July 2015, Latvia requested authorisation to continue to apply, with certain modifications, a measure derogating from point (a) of Article 26(1) and Articles 168 and 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC in order to restrict the right to deduct value added tax (VAT) in relation to expenditure on certain passenger cars not wholly used for business purposes.

| (2) | In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 395(2) of Directive 2006/112/EC, the Commission informed the other Member States, by letters dated 21 and 24 August 2015, of the request made by Latvia. By letter dated 24 August 2015, the Commission notified Latvia that it had all the information necessary to consider the request. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 395(2) of Directive 2006/112/EC, the Commission informed the other Member States, by letters dated 21 and 24 August 2015, of the request made by Latvia. By letter dated 24 August 2015, the Commission notified Latvia that it had all the information necessary to consider the request.

| (3) | Articles 168 and 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC establish the right of a taxable person to deduct VAT charged on supplies of goods and services received by him for use in his taxed transactions. Point (a) of Article 26(1) of that Directive requires taxable persons to account for VAT when a business asset is put to non-business use. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Articles 168 and 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC establish the right of a taxable person to deduct VAT charged on supplies of goods and services received by him for use in his taxed transactions. Point (a) of Article 26(1) of that Directive requires taxable persons to account for VAT when a business asset is put to non-business use.

| (4) | Council Implementing Decision 2013/191/EU (2) authorised Latvia to introduce a derogating measure pursuant to Article 395(1) of Directive 2006/112/EC to limit the right of deduction of input VAT to 80 % as regards the purchase, leasing, intra-Community acquisition and importation of specified passenger cars and related expenditure, including the purchase of fuel, when those passenger cars are not wholly used for business purposes. That Implementing Decision is due to expire on 31 December 2015. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Council Implementing Decision 2013/191/EU (2) authorised Latvia to introduce a derogating measure pursuant to Article 395(1) of Directive 2006/112/EC to limit the right of deduction of input VAT to 80 % as regards the purchase, leasing, intra-Community acquisition and importation of specified passenger cars and related expenditure, including the purchase of fuel, when those passenger cars are not wholly used for business purposes. That Implementing Decision is due to expire on 31 December 2015.

| (5) | Pursuant to Article 6 of Implementing Decision 2013/191/EU, Latvia also submitted a report which includes a review of the percentage foreseen for the limitation of the right of deduction. That review indicates that, based on statistical figures derived from a special tax on light vehicles owned or held by commercial operators that are used for private and business activities, the 80 % rate of deduction should be reduced to 50 %. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Pursuant to Article 6 of Implementing Decision 2013/191/EU, Latvia also submitted a report which includes a review of the percentage foreseen for the limitation of the right of deduction. That review indicates that, based on statistical figures derived from a special tax on light vehicles owned or held by commercial operators that are used for private and business activities, the 80 % rate of deduction should be reduced to 50 %.

| (6) | The limitation of the right of deduction under the measure should apply to VAT paid on the purchase, leasing, intra-Community acquisition and importation of specified passenger cars and on expenditure related thereto, including the purchase of fuel. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The limitation of the right of deduction under the measure should apply to VAT paid on the purchase, leasing, intra-Community acquisition and importation of specified passenger cars and on expenditure related thereto, including the purchase of fuel.

| (7) | The measure should only apply to passenger cars with a maximum authorised weight not exceeding 3 500 kilograms and having not more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat. Any non-business use of passenger cars exceeding 3 500 kilograms or having more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat is negligible due to their nature or the type of business they are used for. A detailed list of specific passenger cars excluded from that authorisation should also be provided, based on their particular use. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The measure should only apply to passenger cars with a maximum authorised weight not exceeding 3 500 kilograms and having not more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat. Any non-business use of passenger cars exceeding 3 500 kilograms or having more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat is negligible due to their nature or the type of business they are used for. A detailed list of specific passenger cars excluded from that authorisation should also be provided, based on their particular use.

| (8) | Latvia should therefore be authorised to apply the derogating measure for a limited period, until 31 December 2018. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Latvia should therefore be authorised to apply the derogating measure for a limited period, until 31 December 2018.

| (9) | Where Latvia considers that a further extension of the derogating measure beyond 2018 is necessary, it should submit to the Commission a report which includes a review of the applicable percentage, together with the extension request, by 31 March 2018. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Where Latvia considers that a further extension of the derogating measure beyond 2018 is necessary, it should submit to the Commission a report which includes a review of the applicable percentage, together with the extension request, by 31 March 2018.

| (10) | The derogation will only have negligible effect on the overall amount of tax revenue collected at the stage of final consumption and will have no adverse impact on the Union's own resources accruing from VAT, |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The derogation will only have negligible effect on the overall amount of tax revenue collected at the stage of final consumption and will have no adverse impact on the Union's own resources accruing from VAT,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

By way of derogation from Articles 168 and 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC, Latvia is authorised to limit to 50 % the right to deduct the value added tax (VAT) on expenditure on passenger cars not wholly used for business purposes.

Article 2

By way of derogation from point (a) of Article 26(1) of Directive 2006/112/EC, Latvia shall not treat as supplies of services for consideration the use for private purposes of a passenger car included in the assets of a taxable person's business, where that car has been subject to a limitation authorised under Article 1 of this Decision.

Article 3

The expenditure referred to in Article 1 shall cover the purchase, leasing, intra-Community acquisition and importation of such cars as well as expenditure related to the maintenance, repair and fuel for such cars.

Article 4

This Decision shall only apply to passenger cars with a maximum authorised weight not exceeding 3 500 kilograms and having not more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat.

Article 5

Articles 1 and 2 shall not apply to the following categories of passenger cars:

| (a) | cars purchased for resale, hire or lease; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

cars purchased for resale, hire or lease;

| (b) | cars used for transportation of passengers for a fee, including taxi services; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

cars used for transportation of passengers for a fee, including taxi services;

| (c) | cars used for the provision of transportation of goods; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

cars used for the provision of transportation of goods;

| (d) | cars used for the provision of driving lessons; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

cars used for the provision of driving lessons;

| (e) | cars used for the provision of guard services; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

cars used for the provision of guard services;

| (f) | cars used as emergency vehicles; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

cars used as emergency vehicles;

| (g) | cars used as car sales demonstration vehicles. |
| --- | --- |

(g)

cars used as car sales demonstration vehicles.

Article 6

1.   This Decision shall apply from 1 January 2016. It shall expire on 31 December 2018.

2.   Any request for the extension of the authorisation provided for in this Decision shall be submitted to the Commission by 31 March 2018. Such request shall be accompanied by a report which includes a review of the percentage set out in Article 1.

Article 7

This Decision is addressed to the Republic of Latvia.

Done at Brussels, 10 December 2015.

For the Council

The President

F. BAUSCH

---

(1)  
  OJ L 347, 11.12.2006, p. 1.

1

(2)  Council Implementing Decision 2013/191/EU of 22 April 2013 authorising Latvia to introduce a special measure derogating from point (a) of Article 26(1) and Articles 168 and 168a of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax (OJ L 113, 25.4.2013, p. 11).

2

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| 22.12.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 334/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.12.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 334/18

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COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/2430

of 21 December 2015

updating the list of persons, groups and entities subject to Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism, and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2015/1334

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

| (1) | On 27 December 2001, the Council adopted Common Position 2001/931/CFSP (1). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 27 December 2001, the Council adopted Common Position 2001/931/CFSP (1).

| (2) | On 31 July 2015, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2015/1334 (2) updating the list of persons, groups and entities subject to Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP (‘the list’). |
| --- | --- |

(2)

On 31 July 2015, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2015/1334 (2) updating the list of persons, groups and entities subject to Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP (‘the list’).

| (3) | In accordance with Article 1(6) of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP, it is necessary to review at regular intervals the names of persons, groups and entities on the list to ensure that there are grounds for keeping them thereon. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In accordance with Article 1(6) of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP, it is necessary to review at regular intervals the names of persons, groups and entities on the list to ensure that there are grounds for keeping them thereon.

| (4) | This Decision sets out the result of the review that the Council has carried out in respect of persons, groups and entities to which Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP apply. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

This Decision sets out the result of the review that the Council has carried out in respect of persons, groups and entities to which Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP apply.

| (5) | The Council has verified that competent authorities as referred to in Article 1(4) of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP have taken decisions with regard to all persons, groups and entities on the list to the effect that they have been involved in terrorist acts within the meaning of Article 1(2) and (3) of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP. The Council has also concluded that the persons, groups and entities to which Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP apply should continue to be subject to the specific restrictive measures provided for therein. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The Council has verified that competent authorities as referred to in Article 1(4) of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP have taken decisions with regard to all persons, groups and entities on the list to the effect that they have been involved in terrorist acts within the meaning of Article 1(2) and (3) of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP. The Council has also concluded that the persons, groups and entities to which Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP apply should continue to be subject to the specific restrictive measures provided for therein.

| (6) | The list should be updated accordingly and Decision (CFSP) 2015/1334 should be repealed, |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The list should be updated accordingly and Decision (CFSP) 2015/1334 should be repealed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The list of persons, groups and entities to which Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP apply is set out in the Annex to this Decision.

Article 2

Decision (CFSP) 2015/1334 is hereby repealed.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, 21 December 2015.

For the Council

The President

J. ASSELBORN

---

(1)  Council Common Position 2001/931/CFSP of 27 December 2001 on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism (OJ L 344, 28.12.2001, p. 93).

1

(2)  Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1334 of 31 July 2015 updating the list of persons, groups and entities subject to Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism, and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2015/521 (OJ L 206, 1.8.2015, p. 61).

2

---

ANNEX

LIST OF PERSONS, GROUPS AND ENTITIES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 1

I.   PERSONS

| 1. | ABDOLLAHI Hamed (a.k.a Mustafa Abdullahi), born 11 August 1960 in Iran. Passport: D9004878. |
| --- | --- |

1.

ABDOLLAHI Hamed (a.k.a Mustafa Abdullahi), born 11 August 1960 in Iran. Passport: D9004878.

| 2. | AL-NASSER, Abdelkarim Hussein Mohamed, born in Al Ihsa (Saudi Arabia), citizen of Saudi Arabia. |
| --- | --- |

2.

AL-NASSER, Abdelkarim Hussein Mohamed, born in Al Ihsa (Saudi Arabia), citizen of Saudi Arabia.

| 3. | AL YACOUB, Ibrahim Salih Mohammed, born 16 October 1966 in Tarut (Saudi Arabia), citizen of Saudi Arabia. |
| --- | --- |

3.

AL YACOUB, Ibrahim Salih Mohammed, born 16 October 1966 in Tarut (Saudi Arabia), citizen of Saudi Arabia.

| 4. | ARBABSIAR Manssor (a.k.a. Mansour Arbabsiar), born 6 or 15 March 1955 in Iran. Iranian and US national. Passport: C2002515 (Iran); Passport: 477845448 (USA). National ID No: 07442833, expiry date 15 March 2016 (USA driving licence). |
| --- | --- |

4.

ARBABSIAR Manssor (a.k.a. Mansour Arbabsiar), born 6 or 15 March 1955 in Iran. Iranian and US national. Passport: C2002515 (Iran); Passport: 477845448 (USA). National ID No: 07442833, expiry date 15 March 2016 (USA driving licence).

| 5. | BOUYERI, Mohammed (a.k.a. Abu ZUBAIR, a.k.a. SOBIAR, a.k.a. Abu ZOUBAIR), born 8 March 1978 in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) — member of the ‘Hofstadgroep’. |
| --- | --- |

5.

BOUYERI, Mohammed (a.k.a. Abu ZUBAIR, a.k.a. SOBIAR, a.k.a. Abu ZOUBAIR), born 8 March 1978 in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) — member of the ‘Hofstadgroep’.

| 6. | IZZ-AL-DIN, Hasan (a.k.a GARBAYA, Ahmed, a.k.a. SA-ID, a.k.a. SALWWAN, Samir), Lebanon, born 1963 in Lebanon, citizen of Lebanon. |
| --- | --- |

6.

IZZ-AL-DIN, Hasan (a.k.a GARBAYA, Ahmed, a.k.a. SA-ID, a.k.a. SALWWAN, Samir), Lebanon, born 1963 in Lebanon, citizen of Lebanon.

| 7. | MOHAMMED, Khalid Shaikh (a.k.a. ALI, Salem, a.k.a. BIN KHALID, Fahd Bin Adballah, a.k.a. HENIN, Ashraf Refaat Nabith, a.k.a. WADOOD, Khalid Adbul), born 14 April 1965 or 1 March 1964 in Pakistan, passport No 488555. |
| --- | --- |

7.

MOHAMMED, Khalid Shaikh (a.k.a. ALI, Salem, a.k.a. BIN KHALID, Fahd Bin Adballah, a.k.a. HENIN, Ashraf Refaat Nabith, a.k.a. WADOOD, Khalid Adbul), born 14 April 1965 or 1 March 1964 in Pakistan, passport No 488555.

| 8. | SHAHLAI Abdul Reza (a.k.a Abdol Reza Shala'i, a.k.a. Abd-al Reza Shalai, a.k.a. Abdorreza Shahlai, a.k.a. Abdolreza Shahla'i, a.k.a. Abdul-Reza Shahlaee, a.k.a.Hajj Yusef, a.k.a. Haji Yusif, a.k.a.Hajji Yasir, a.k.a.Hajji Yusif, a.k.a.Yusuf Abu-al-Karkh), born circa 1957 in Iran. Addresses: (1) Kermanshah, Iran; (2) Mehran Military Base, Ilam Province, Iran. |
| --- | --- |

8.

SHAHLAI Abdul Reza (a.k.a Abdol Reza Shala'i, a.k.a. Abd-al Reza Shalai, a.k.a. Abdorreza Shahlai, a.k.a. Abdolreza Shahla'i, a.k.a. Abdul-Reza Shahlaee, a.k.a.Hajj Yusef, a.k.a. Haji Yusif, a.k.a.Hajji Yasir, a.k.a.Hajji Yusif, a.k.a.Yusuf Abu-al-Karkh), born circa 1957 in Iran. Addresses: (1) Kermanshah, Iran; (2) Mehran Military Base, Ilam Province, Iran.

| 9. | SHAKURI Ali Gholam, born circa 1965 in Tehran, Iran. |
| --- | --- |

9.

SHAKURI Ali Gholam, born circa 1965 in Tehran, Iran.

| 10. | SOLEIMANI Qasem (a.k.a Ghasem Soleymani, a.k.a Qasmi Sulayman, a.k.a Qasem Soleymani, a.k.a Qasem Solaimani, a.k.a Qasem Salimani, a.k.a Qasem Solemani, a.k.a Qasem Sulaimani, a.k.a Qasem Sulemani), born 11 March 1957 in Iran. Iranian national. Passport: 008827 (Iran Diplomatic), issued 1999. Title: Major General. |
| --- | --- |

10.

SOLEIMANI Qasem (a.k.a Ghasem Soleymani, a.k.a Qasmi Sulayman, a.k.a Qasem Soleymani, a.k.a Qasem Solaimani, a.k.a Qasem Salimani, a.k.a Qasem Solemani, a.k.a Qasem Sulaimani, a.k.a Qasem Sulemani), born 11 March 1957 in Iran. Iranian national. Passport: 008827 (Iran Diplomatic), issued 1999. Title: Major General.

II.   GROUPS AND ENTITIES

| 1. | ‘Abu Nidal Organisation’ — ‘ANO’ (a.k.a. ‘Fatah Revolutionary Council’, a.k.a. ‘Arab Revolutionary Brigades’, a.k.a. ‘Black September’, a.k.a. ‘Revolutionary Organisation of Socialist Muslims’. |
| --- | --- |

1.

‘Abu Nidal Organisation’ — ‘ANO’ (a.k.a. ‘Fatah Revolutionary Council’, a.k.a. ‘Arab Revolutionary Brigades’, a.k.a. ‘Black September’, a.k.a. ‘Revolutionary Organisation of Socialist Muslims’.

| 2. | ‘Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade. |
| --- | --- |

2.

‘Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade.

| 3. | Al-Aqsa e.V. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Al-Aqsa e.V.

| 4. | ‘Babbar Khalsa’. |
| --- | --- |

4.

‘Babbar Khalsa’.

| 5. | ‘Communist Party of the Philippines’, including ‘New People's Army’ — ‘NPA’, Philippines. |
| --- | --- |

5.

‘Communist Party of the Philippines’, including ‘New People's Army’ — ‘NPA’, Philippines.

| 6. | ‘Gama'a al-Islamiyya’ (a.k.a. ‘Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya’) (‘Islamic Group’ — ‘IG’). |
| --- | --- |

6.

‘Gama'a al-Islamiyya’ (a.k.a. ‘Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya’) (‘Islamic Group’ — ‘IG’).

| 7. | ‘İslami Büyük Doğu Akıncılar Cephesi’ — ‘IBDA-C’ (‘Great Islamic Eastern Warriors Front’. |
| --- | --- |

7.

‘İslami Büyük Doğu Akıncılar Cephesi’ — ‘IBDA-C’ (‘Great Islamic Eastern Warriors Front’.

| 8. | ‘Hamas’, including ‘Hamas-Izz al-Din al-Qassem’. |
| --- | --- |

8.

‘Hamas’, including ‘Hamas-Izz al-Din al-Qassem’.

| 9. | ‘Hizballah Military Wing’ (a.k.a. ‘Hezbollah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hizbullah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hizbollah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hezballah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hisbollah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hizbu'llah Military Wing’ a.k.a. ‘Hizb Allah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Jihad Council’ (and all units reporting to it, including the External Security Organisation)). |
| --- | --- |

9.

‘Hizballah Military Wing’ (a.k.a. ‘Hezbollah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hizbullah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hizbollah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hezballah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hisbollah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Hizbu'llah Military Wing’ a.k.a. ‘Hizb Allah Military Wing’, a.k.a. ‘Jihad Council’ (and all units reporting to it, including the External Security Organisation)).

| 10. | ‘Hizbul Mujahideen’ — ‘HM’. |
| --- | --- |

10.

‘Hizbul Mujahideen’ — ‘HM’.

| 11. | Hofstadgroep. |
| --- | --- |

11.

Hofstadgroep.

| 12. | ‘International Sikh Youth Federation’ — ‘ISYF’. |
| --- | --- |

12.

‘International Sikh Youth Federation’ — ‘ISYF’.

| 13. | ‘Khalistan Zindabad Force’ — ‘KZF’. |
| --- | --- |

13.

‘Khalistan Zindabad Force’ — ‘KZF’.

| 14. | ‘Kurdistan Workers' Party’ — ‘PKK’, (a.k.a. ‘KADEK’, a.k.a. ‘KONGRA-GEL’). |
| --- | --- |

14.

‘Kurdistan Workers' Party’ — ‘PKK’, (a.k.a. ‘KADEK’, a.k.a. ‘KONGRA-GEL’).

| 15. | ‘Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’ — ‘LTTE’. |
| --- | --- |

15.

‘Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’ — ‘LTTE’.

| 16. | ‘Ejército de Liberación Nacional’ (‘National Liberation Army’). |
| --- | --- |

16.

‘Ejército de Liberación Nacional’ (‘National Liberation Army’).

| 17. | ‘Palestinian Islamic Jihad’ — ‘PIJ’. |
| --- | --- |

17.

‘Palestinian Islamic Jihad’ — ‘PIJ’.

| 18. | ‘Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine’ — ‘PFLP’. |
| --- | --- |

18.

‘Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine’ — ‘PFLP’.

| 19. | ‘Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine — General Command’ (a.k.a. ‘PFLP — General Command’). |
| --- | --- |

19.

‘Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine — General Command’ (a.k.a. ‘PFLP — General Command’).

| 20. | ‘Fuerzas armadas revolucionarias de Colombia’ — ‘FARC’ (‘Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia’). |
| --- | --- |

20.

‘Fuerzas armadas revolucionarias de Colombia’ — ‘FARC’ (‘Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia’).

| 21. | ‘Devrimci Halk Kurtuluș Partisi-Cephesi’ — ‘DHKP/C’ (a.k.a. ‘Devrimci Sol’ (‘Revolutionary Left’), a.k.a. ‘Dev Sol’) (‘Revolutionary People's Liberation Army/Front/Party’). |
| --- | --- |

21.

‘Devrimci Halk Kurtuluș Partisi-Cephesi’ — ‘DHKP/C’ (a.k.a. ‘Devrimci Sol’ (‘Revolutionary Left’), a.k.a. ‘Dev Sol’) (‘Revolutionary People's Liberation Army/Front/Party’).

| 22. | ‘Sendero Luminoso’ — ‘SL’ (‘Shining Path’). |
| --- | --- |

22.

‘Sendero Luminoso’ — ‘SL’ (‘Shining Path’).

| 23. | ‘Teyrbazen Azadiya Kurdistan’ — ‘TAK’ (a.k.a. ‘Kurdistan Freedom Falcons’, a.k.a. ‘Kurdistan Freedom Hawks’). |
| --- | --- |

23.

‘Teyrbazen Azadiya Kurdistan’ — ‘TAK’ (a.k.a. ‘Kurdistan Freedom Falcons’, a.k.a. ‘Kurdistan Freedom Hawks’).

---

| 22.12.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 334/22 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.12.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 334/22

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COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/2431

of 21 December 2015

amending Council Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

| (1) | On 31 July 2014 the Council adopted Decision 2014/512/CFSP (1). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 31 July 2014 the Council adopted Decision 2014/512/CFSP (1).

| (2) | On 19 March 2015 the European Council agreed that the necessary measures would be taken to clearly link the duration of the restrictive measures set out in Decision 2014/512/CFSP to the complete implementation of the Minsk agreements. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

On 19 March 2015 the European Council agreed that the necessary measures would be taken to clearly link the duration of the restrictive measures set out in Decision 2014/512/CFSP to the complete implementation of the Minsk agreements.

| (3) | The Minsk agreements will not be completely implemented by 31 December 2015. Decision 2014/512/CFSP should therefore be renewed for a further six months in order to enable the Council to further assess the implementation of those agreements. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The Minsk agreements will not be completely implemented by 31 December 2015. Decision 2014/512/CFSP should therefore be renewed for a further six months in order to enable the Council to further assess the implementation of those agreements.

| (4) | Decision 2014/512/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Decision 2014/512/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The first subparagraph of Article 9(1) of Decision 2014/512/CFSP is replaced by the following:

‘This Decision shall apply until 31 July 2016.’.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, 21 December 2015.

For the Council

The President

J. ASSELBORN

---

(1)  Council Decision 2014/512/CFSP of 31 July 2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine (OJ L 229, 31.7.2014, p. 13).

1

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| 22.12.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 334/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.12.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 334/23

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COMMISSION DECISION (EU) 2015/2432

of 18 September 2015

concerning State aid SA.35484 (2013/C) (ex SA.35484 (2012/NN)) granted by Germany in respect of milk quality tests pursuant to the Milk and Fat Law

(notified under document C(2015) 6295)

(Only the German text is authentic)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular the first subparagraph of Article 108(2) thereof,

Having called on the interested parties to submit their observations pursuant to the said provision (1),

Whereas:

1.   PROCEDURE

PROCEDURE

| (1) | By letters dated 28 November 2011 and 27 February 2012, the European Commission (hereinafter: ‘the Commission’) asked Germany for additional information concerning the 2010 Annual Report on State aid in the agricultural sector which Germany had submitted according to Article 21(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 (2) (hereinafter ‘Regulation (EC) No 659/1999’). Germany answered the Commission's questions by letters dated 16 January 2012 and 27 April 2012. In the light of Germany's answers, it emerged that Germany had granted financial support to the German dairy sector pursuant to the 1952 Gesetz über den Verkehr mit Milch, Milcherzeugnissen und Fetten (hereinafter: ‘Milch- und Fettgesetz’ [Milk and Fat Law] or ‘the MFG’). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

By letters dated 28 November 2011 and 27 February 2012, the European Commission (hereinafter: ‘the Commission’) asked Germany for additional information concerning the 2010 Annual Report on State aid in the agricultural sector which Germany had submitted according to Article 21(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 (2) (hereinafter ‘Regulation (EC) No 659/1999’). Germany answered the Commission's questions by letters dated 16 January 2012 and 27 April 2012. In the light of Germany's answers, it emerged that Germany had granted financial support to the German dairy sector pursuant to the 1952 Gesetz über den Verkehr mit Milch, Milcherzeugnissen und Fetten (hereinafter: ‘Milch- und Fettgesetz’ [Milk and Fat Law] or ‘the MFG’).

2

Gesetz über den Verkehr mit Milch, Milcherzeugnissen und Fetten

Milch- und Fettgesetz

| (2) | By letter dated 2 October 2012, the Commission informed Germany that the measures in question had been registered as non-notified aid under the number SA.35484 (2012/NN). By letters dated 16 November 2012, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15 and 19 February, 21 March, 8 April, 28 May, 10 and 25 June and 2 July 2013, Germany submitted further information. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

By letter dated 2 October 2012, the Commission informed Germany that the measures in question had been registered as non-notified aid under the number SA.35484 (2012/NN). By letters dated 16 November 2012, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15 and 19 February, 21 March, 8 April, 28 May, 10 and 25 June and 2 July 2013, Germany submitted further information.

| (3) | By letter of 17 July 2013 (C(2013) 4457 final) the Commission informed Germany that it had decided to initiate with regard to certain sub-measures under the MFG the procedure laid down in Article 108(2) of the TFEU (3) (hereinafter: ‘initiation Decision’). In the same letter, the Commission assessed that other sub-measures were compatible with the internal market, either during the period from 28 November 2001 to 31 December 2006 or in the period starting 1 January 2007 or in both periods, or that further sub-measures did not constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU or that they fell outside the scope of State aid rules. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

By letter of 17 July 2013 (C(2013) 4457 final) the Commission informed Germany that it had decided to initiate with regard to certain sub-measures under the MFG the procedure laid down in Article 108(2) of the TFEU (3) (hereinafter: ‘initiation Decision’). In the same letter, the Commission assessed that other sub-measures were compatible with the internal market, either during the period from 28 November 2001 to 31 December 2006 or in the period starting 1 January 2007 or in both periods, or that further sub-measures did not constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU or that they fell outside the scope of State aid rules.

3

| (4) | For the support covered by the present Decision relating to milk quality tests in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, the Commission found that it was compatible with the internal market for the period from 28 November 2001 to 31 December 2006. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

For the support covered by the present Decision relating to milk quality tests in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, the Commission found that it was compatible with the internal market for the period from 28 November 2001 to 31 December 2006.

| (5) | However, the Commission expressed doubts as to the compatibility of the same milk quality tests with the internal market for the period from 1 January 2007. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

However, the Commission expressed doubts as to the compatibility of the same milk quality tests with the internal market for the period from 1 January 2007.

| (6) | This Decision relates exclusively to the milk quality tests carried out in the period from 1 January 2007. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

This Decision relates exclusively to the milk quality tests carried out in the period from 1 January 2007.

| (7) | By letter dated 20 September 2013, Germany submitted comments concerning the initiation Decision. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

By letter dated 20 September 2013, Germany submitted comments concerning the initiation Decision.

| (8) | The initiation Decision was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (4). The Commission invited interested parties to submit their comments within one month. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The initiation Decision was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (4). The Commission invited interested parties to submit their comments within one month.

Official Journal of the European Union

4

| (9) | The Commission received 19 comments from interested parties. One of these parties asked the Commission not to disclose its identity and gave sound reasons for this. A total of 7 of the 19 comments from interested parties, although not the latter, related to the measures concerning milk quality tests at issue here. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The Commission received 19 comments from interested parties. One of these parties asked the Commission not to disclose its identity and gave sound reasons for this. A total of 7 of the 19 comments from interested parties, although not the latter, related to the measures concerning milk quality tests at issue here.

| (10) | The comments received were transmitted to Germany by letters of 27 February, 3 March and 3 October 2014 without the identity of the above-mentioned interested party being disclosed. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The comments received were transmitted to Germany by letters of 27 February, 3 March and 3 October 2014 without the identity of the above-mentioned interested party being disclosed.

| (11) | Germany did not initially respond to the comments submitted by interested parties in February 2014. Germany responded to an additional opinion dated 8 July 2014 by letter dated 3 December 2014. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Germany did not initially respond to the comments submitted by interested parties in February 2014. Germany responded to an additional opinion dated 8 July 2014 by letter dated 3 December 2014.

2.   DESCRIPTION OF THE MEASURES

DESCRIPTION OF THE MEASURES

| (12) | Below is a description of the financial support relating to milk quality tests carried out in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, designated in the initiation Decision as sub-measures BW 1 and BY 1, about which the Commission expressed doubts as to their compatibility with the internal market for the period from 1 January 2007. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Below is a description of the financial support relating to milk quality tests carried out in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, designated in the initiation Decision as sub-measures BW 1 and BY 1, about which the Commission expressed doubts as to their compatibility with the internal market for the period from 1 January 2007.

Reasons that prompted the Commission to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 108(2) TFEU

Reasons that prompted the Commission to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 108(2) TFEU

| (13) | The MFG is a Federal law which entered into force in 1952 and has since been amended several times, most recently on 31 October 2006. It constitutes the legal frame of the underlying aid measures at issue, and its validity is unlimited in time. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

The MFG is a Federal law which entered into force in 1952 and has since been amended several times, most recently on 31 October 2006. It constitutes the legal frame of the underlying aid measures at issue, and its validity is unlimited in time.

| (14) | As Germany has indicated, the milk quality tests carried out in Bavaria are funded not solely from milk levy resources but also from the Land budget. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

As Germany has indicated, the milk quality tests carried out in Bavaria are funded not solely from milk levy resources but also from the Land budget.

Land

| (15) | Section 22(1) of the MFG authorises the German Länder to impose a milk levy on dairies based on the quantities of delivered milk. The levies imposed by the Länder amount to up to EUR 0,0015 per kg of milk. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

Section 22(1) of the MFG authorises the German Länder to impose a milk levy on dairies based on the quantities of delivered milk. The levies imposed by the Länder amount to up to EUR 0,0015 per kg of milk.

Länder

Länder

| (16) | Germany has outlined that the milk levy imposed in the respective Länder is not applicable to imports. By contrast, exports may be subject to the milk levy. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

Germany has outlined that the milk levy imposed in the respective Länder is not applicable to imports. By contrast, exports may be subject to the milk levy.

Länder

| (17) | Section 22(2) of the MFG provides that the revenues obtained from the milk levy may be used solely for:






  1. | improving and sustaining quality on the basis of certain implementing provisions; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(17)

Section 22(2) of the MFG provides that the revenues obtained from the milk levy may be used solely for:

1.

improving and sustaining quality on the basis of certain implementing provisions;

| 2. | improving hygiene during milking and the delivery, processing and distribution of milk and milk products; |
| --- | --- |

2.

improving hygiene during milking and the delivery, processing and distribution of milk and milk products;

| 3. | milk yield recording; |
| --- | --- |

3.

milk yield recording;

| 4. | advice to operators on matters relating to the dairy industry and ongoing training of young employees; |
| --- | --- |

4.

advice to operators on matters relating to the dairy industry and ongoing training of young employees;

| 5. | advertising aimed at increasing the consumption of milk and milk products; |
| --- | --- |

5.

advertising aimed at increasing the consumption of milk and milk products;

| 6. | performance of the tasks conferred by the MFG. |
| --- | --- |

6.

performance of the tasks conferred by the MFG.

| (18) | Section 22(2a) of the MFG provides that, by derogation from paragraph 2, the revenues generated pursuant to paragraph 1 may also be used to:






  1. | reduce increased structural collection costs in respect of the supply of milk and cream from the producer to the dairy. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(18)

Section 22(2a) of the MFG provides that, by derogation from paragraph 2, the revenues generated pursuant to paragraph 1 may also be used to:

1.

reduce increased structural collection costs in respect of the supply of milk and cream from the producer to the dairy.

| 2. | reduce increased transport costs in respect of the supply of milk between dairies where such supply is necessary to ensure the supply of drinking milk to the recipient dairy's sales area, and |
| --- | --- |

2.

reduce increased transport costs in respect of the supply of milk between dairies where such supply is necessary to ensure the supply of drinking milk to the recipient dairy's sales area, and

| 3. | improve quality regarding the central distribution of milk products. |
| --- | --- |

3.

improve quality regarding the central distribution of milk products.

| (19) | Section 22(4) of the MFG provides that contributions and fees paid by dairies or their associations to establishments in the dairy industry for the purposes set out in paragraph 2 may be offset in full or in part by the revenues generated by the milk levy. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

Section 22(4) of the MFG provides that contributions and fees paid by dairies or their associations to establishments in the dairy industry for the purposes set out in paragraph 2 may be offset in full or in part by the revenues generated by the milk levy.

| (20) | Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria grant financial support in respect of milk quality tests designated in the initiation Decision as sub-measures BW 1 and BY 1. The total funds earmarked (by both Länder combined, including general Land budget resources in the case of Bavaria) amounted to some EUR 9 million per annum. |
| --- | --- |

(20)

Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria grant financial support in respect of milk quality tests designated in the initiation Decision as sub-measures BW 1 and BY 1. The total funds earmarked (by both Länder combined, including general Land budget resources in the case of Bavaria) amounted to some EUR 9 million per annum.

Länder

Land

per annum

| (21) | Under Section 10 of the MFG, as read in conjunction with Section 1(1) of the Verordnung über die Güteprüfung und Bezahlung der Anlieferungsmilch (Milch-Güteverordnung [Milk Quality Regulation]; hereinafter ‘the MGV’) of 9 July 1980 (5), buyers of milk are required, for the purposes of quality assessment, to have all delivered milk tested or to test it themselves for:






  — | fat content, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(21)

Under Section 10 of the MFG, as read in conjunction with Section 1(1) of the Verordnung über die Güteprüfung und Bezahlung der Anlieferungsmilch (Milch-Güteverordnung [Milk Quality Regulation]; hereinafter ‘the MGV’) of 9 July 1980 (5), buyers of milk are required, for the purposes of quality assessment, to have all delivered milk tested or to test it themselves for:

Verordnung über die Güteprüfung und Bezahlung der Anlieferungsmilch

Milch-Güteverordnung

5

—

fat content,

| — | protein content, |
| --- | --- |

—

protein content,

| — | bacteriological content, |
| --- | --- |

—

bacteriological content,

| — | somatic cell content and |
| --- | --- |

—

somatic cell content and

| — | freezing point. |
| --- | --- |

—

freezing point.

| (22) | The tests referred to in Section 1(1) of the MGV are mandatory for the milk obtained by dairies in Germany (milk buyers). |
| --- | --- |

(22)

The tests referred to in Section 1(1) of the MGV are mandatory for the milk obtained by dairies in Germany (milk buyers).

| (23) | There are no Länder other than Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, including those Länder that do not charge a milk levy, that grant financial support for milk quality tests. |
| --- | --- |

(23)

There are no Länder other than Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, including those Länder that do not charge a milk levy, that grant financial support for milk quality tests.

Länder

Länder

| (24) | The legal bases listed below regulate the implementation of sub-measures BW 1 and BY 1:






  — | Section 22(2), point 1, of the MFG; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(24)

The legal bases listed below regulate the implementation of sub-measures BW 1 and BY 1:

—

Section 22(2), point 1, of the MFG;

| — | the MGV of 9 July 1980; |
| --- | --- |

—

the MGV of 9 July 1980;

| — | the MGV Implementing Regulation of 18 May 2004
   (6); |
| --- | --- |

—

the MGV Implementing Regulation of 18 May 2004
   (6);

6

| — | the Communication on the approval of Milchprüfring Baden-Württemberg e.V. [Baden-Württemberg Testing Agency], as amended on 21 July 2004
   (7); |
| --- | --- |

—

the Communication on the approval of Milchprüfring Baden-Württemberg e.V. [Baden-Württemberg Testing Agency], as amended on 21 July 2004
   (7);

7

| — | Sections 23 and 44 of the Baden-Württemberg Land Budget Order (LHO); |
| --- | --- |

—

Sections 23 and 44 of the Baden-Württemberg Land Budget Order (LHO);

Land

| — | Regulation on a levy for milk (BayMilchUmlV) of 17 October 2007
   (8); |
| --- | --- |

—

Regulation on a levy for milk (BayMilchUmlV) of 17 October 2007
   (8);

8

| — | Regulation on the charging of levies in respect of the dairy industry of 18 May 2004
   (9), repealed by the Regulation of the Ministry of Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection of 14 February 2013 repealing the Regulation on the charging of levies in respect of the dairy industry; |
| --- | --- |

—

Regulation on the charging of levies in respect of the dairy industry of 18 May 2004
   (9), repealed by the Regulation of the Ministry of Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection of 14 February 2013 repealing the Regulation on the charging of levies in respect of the dairy industry;

9

| — | Sections 23 and 44 of the Bavarian Land Budget (BayHO). |
| --- | --- |

—

Sections 23 and 44 of the Bavarian Land Budget (BayHO).

Land

| (25) | Germany claims that these measures do not constitute aid for the following reasons: The payments are made to compensate the testing agencies for the expenditure they incur in performing public tasks. |
| --- | --- |

(25)

Germany claims that these measures do not constitute aid for the following reasons: The payments are made to compensate the testing agencies for the expenditure they incur in performing public tasks.

| (26) | The payments compensate for necessary burdens that the Milchprüfringe have to shoulder for performing tasks incumbent to the State. The tests ensure the safety of products with a view to protecting consumers against health hazards and providing the public with high-quality products. |
| --- | --- |

(26)

The payments compensate for necessary burdens that the Milchprüfringe have to shoulder for performing tasks incumbent to the State. The tests ensure the safety of products with a view to protecting consumers against health hazards and providing the public with high-quality products.

Milchprüfringe

| (27) | Particularly important are additional tests on raw milk, which go well beyond what is required by the MGV. This allows the testing agencies to operate an inhibitor monitoring system to identify and, if necessary, penalise the addition of inhibitors to delivered milk in a targeted manner in suspected cases. The Commission notes that financial support paid in respect of these additional tests are covered by a separate Decision. |
| --- | --- |

(27)

Particularly important are additional tests on raw milk, which go well beyond what is required by the MGV. This allows the testing agencies to operate an inhibitor monitoring system to identify and, if necessary, penalise the addition of inhibitors to delivered milk in a targeted manner in suspected cases. The Commission notes that financial support paid in respect of these additional tests are covered by a separate Decision.

| (28) | After the Commission had registered all of the measures coming under the MFG as non-notified aid by letter of 2 October 2012, Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria agreed to suspend the reimbursement of costs relating to official milk quality tests that had previously been covered by revenues from the milk levy, Instead, the dairy industry will in future reimburse the costs directly to the testing agencies. Given that the bulk of the milk levy resources in Baden-Württemberg (around 80 %) were being spent on the said official tests of delivered milk, Baden-Württemberg had, for reasons of simplification and reduction of red tape, completely abolished the collection of the milk levy as of 1 January 2013. In Bavaria, however, the suspension of the reimbursement of costs has been offset by a reduction in the milk levy rate. |
| --- | --- |

(28)

After the Commission had registered all of the measures coming under the MFG as non-notified aid by letter of 2 October 2012, Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria agreed to suspend the reimbursement of costs relating to official milk quality tests that had previously been covered by revenues from the milk levy, Instead, the dairy industry will in future reimburse the costs directly to the testing agencies. Given that the bulk of the milk levy resources in Baden-Württemberg (around 80 %) were being spent on the said official tests of delivered milk, Baden-Württemberg had, for reasons of simplification and reduction of red tape, completely abolished the collection of the milk levy as of 1 January 2013. In Bavaria, however, the suspension of the reimbursement of costs has been offset by a reduction in the milk levy rate.

Germany's comments of 20 September 2013

Germany's comments of 20 September 2013

| (29) | On the subject of sub-measures BY 1 and BW 1 at issue here, Germany submitted the following comments that had been coordinated between the two Länder concerned. |
| --- | --- |

(29)

On the subject of sub-measures BY 1 and BW 1 at issue here, Germany submitted the following comments that had been coordinated between the two Länder concerned.

Länder

| (30) | It deemed that the cost compensation towards routine controls on milk quality to be also lawful beyond the period 2001-2006. By dint of the fact that Milchprüfring Bayern e.V. (‘MPBY’)/Milchprüfring Baden-Württemberg e.V. (‘MPBW’) had carried out the tests, no aid had been granted because there was no favouring of the dairy industry within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU. Even if aid had been granted (which Germany refutes), it should have been regarded as existing aid. In any case, Germany argued that the measures BY 1 and BW 1 were compatible with the internal market. It was only for reasons of legal certainty that Bavaria had temporarily suspended levy funding. Likewise, it was only for reasons of legal certainty linked to the specific situation in Baden-Württemberg that levy funding and collection had been completely suspended on 31 December 2012. |
| --- | --- |

(30)

It deemed that the cost compensation towards routine controls on milk quality to be also lawful beyond the period 2001-2006. By dint of the fact that Milchprüfring Bayern e.V. (‘MPBY’)/Milchprüfring Baden-Württemberg e.V. (‘MPBW’) had carried out the tests, no aid had been granted because there was no favouring of the dairy industry within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU. Even if aid had been granted (which Germany refutes), it should have been regarded as existing aid. In any case, Germany argued that the measures BY 1 and BW 1 were compatible with the internal market. It was only for reasons of legal certainty that Bavaria had temporarily suspended levy funding. Likewise, it was only for reasons of legal certainty linked to the specific situation in Baden-Württemberg that levy funding and collection had been completely suspended on 31 December 2012.

| (31) | The measures BY 1 and BW 1 did not involve any aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU because dairies were not favoured by the tests carried out by MPBY and MPBW. In particular, dairies were not spared any costs that they would normally have to bear. It was incorrect to regard costs incurred in maintaining national legal obligations as typical operating costs that the undertakings in question, i.e. dairies, would usually have to bear themselves. |
| --- | --- |

(31)

The measures BY 1 and BW 1 did not involve any aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU because dairies were not favoured by the tests carried out by MPBY and MPBW. In particular, dairies were not spared any costs that they would normally have to bear. It was incorrect to regard costs incurred in maintaining national legal obligations as typical operating costs that the undertakings in question, i.e. dairies, would usually have to bear themselves.

| (32) | The costs which an undertaking would ‘normally’ have to bear derived from the requirements laid down by national law (ancillary test). This gave rise to the question as to the burdens which an undertaking would ‘normally’ have to assume. With regard to tax schemes, the Court of Justice had acknowledged that no (selective) advantage that is relevant from a State aid point of view exists where different tax arrangements apply in different regions of a Member State. The reference framework for tax schemes did not necessarily need to be defined within the borders of the Member State concerned, so that a measure conferring an advantage in only one part of the national territory was not selective on that ground alone for the purposes of Article 107(1) TFEU (10). |
| --- | --- |

(32)

The costs which an undertaking would ‘normally’ have to bear derived from the requirements laid down by national law (ancillary test). This gave rise to the question as to the burdens which an undertaking would ‘normally’ have to assume. With regard to tax schemes, the Court of Justice had acknowledged that no (selective) advantage that is relevant from a State aid point of view exists where different tax arrangements apply in different regions of a Member State. The reference framework for tax schemes did not necessarily need to be defined within the borders of the Member State concerned, so that a measure conferring an advantage in only one part of the national territory was not selective on that ground alone for the purposes of Article 107(1) TFEU (10).

10

| (33) | The same must apply when this is applied to paying the costs of milk quality tests. Because powers are allocated on a Federal basis, ‘normal taxation’ in Germany derived solely from an interplay between Federal and Land law. Accordingly, the costs of milk testing did not constitute typical operating costs for dairies. |
| --- | --- |

(33)

The same must apply when this is applied to paying the costs of milk quality tests. Because powers are allocated on a Federal basis, ‘normal taxation’ in Germany derived solely from an interplay between Federal and Land law. Accordingly, the costs of milk testing did not constitute typical operating costs for dairies.

Land

| (34) | Federal law did not lay down that dairies have to bear the costs of quality tests. The matter of who bears the costs was determined by neither the MFG nor the MGV. Section 1(1) of the MGV reads as follows: Buyers of milk shall, for the purposes of quality assessment ‘[...] have all delivered milk tested or test it themselves in accordance with Section 2(1) to (8).’ |
| --- | --- |

(34)

Federal law did not lay down that dairies have to bear the costs of quality tests. The matter of who bears the costs was determined by neither the MFG nor the MGV. Section 1(1) of the MGV reads as follows: Buyers of milk shall, for the purposes of quality assessment ‘[...] have all delivered milk tested or test it themselves in accordance with Section 2(1) to (8).’

| (35) | Section 2(8) merely provides that it is not the dairies but authorised testing bodies that carry out the tests. ‘Analyses may only be carried out by an testing body authorised by a competent authority under Land law. The competent authority under Land law may allow the tests to be carried out by the buyer itself.’ |
| --- | --- |

(35)

Section 2(8) merely provides that it is not the dairies but authorised testing bodies that carry out the tests. ‘Analyses may only be carried out by an testing body authorised by a competent authority under Land law. The competent authority under Land law may allow the tests to be carried out by the buyer itself.’

not

Land

Land

| (36) | Consequently, Federal law (the MFG and the MGV) only stipulated that buyers of milk have a duty to ensure that analyses are carried out. Under Section 10(2) of the MFG, therefore, competence for determining how milk testing is implemented in practice (in particular as regards who bears the costs) lay with the Länder. |
| --- | --- |

(36)

Consequently, Federal law (the MFG and the MGV) only stipulated that buyers of milk have a duty to ensure that analyses are carried out. Under Section 10(2) of the MFG, therefore, competence for determining how milk testing is implemented in practice (in particular as regards who bears the costs) lay with the Länder.

Länder

| (37) | It was therefore determined under Land law whether the tests were carried out by a testing body or by the buyer itself. The matter of who was obliged to pay the costs (the buyer or testing body) could also be decided by the Land in question. As a result, different arrangements existed in Germany on the matter of who was required to meet the costs. In accordance with the above-mentioned case law, these formed the reference framework for resolving the question as to which costs an undertaking should ‘normally’ bear. |
| --- | --- |

(37)

It was therefore determined under Land law whether the tests were carried out by a testing body or by the buyer itself. The matter of who was obliged to pay the costs (the buyer or testing body) could also be decided by the Land in question. As a result, different arrangements existed in Germany on the matter of who was required to meet the costs. In accordance with the above-mentioned case law, these formed the reference framework for resolving the question as to which costs an undertaking should ‘normally’ bear.

Land

Land

| (38) | In Bavaria, therefore, it was MPBY that is entrusted with testing milk. It was the only authorised testing body in Bavaria. It performed public tasks as a neutral testing organisation and was therefore subject to permanent State control. The costs it incurred in this respect were covered in part from the levy charged pursuant to Section 22 of the MFG and in part, as Germany had communicated, from the general budget. Since the Länder have the power to regulate who is required to bear the costs for their particular area, certain undertakings were not favoured within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU if quality tests were funded within a given Land entirely or partly by the milk levy. Federal law was not the correct reference framework for determining the matter of who should bear the costs. It was therefore irrelevant that in Länder other than Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria such (partial) funding from the levy did not take place. |
| --- | --- |

(38)

In Bavaria, therefore, it was MPBY that is entrusted with testing milk. It was the only authorised testing body in Bavaria. It performed public tasks as a neutral testing organisation and was therefore subject to permanent State control. The costs it incurred in this respect were covered in part from the levy charged pursuant to Section 22 of the MFG and in part, as Germany had communicated, from the general budget. Since the Länder have the power to regulate who is required to bear the costs for their particular area, certain undertakings were not favoured within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU if quality tests were funded within a given Land entirely or partly by the milk levy. Federal law was not the correct reference framework for determining the matter of who should bear the costs. It was therefore irrelevant that in Länder other than Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria such (partial) funding from the levy did not take place.

Länder

Land

Länder

| (39) | Within Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg all undertakings had to bear the costs equally. There was therefore no (selective) favouring of some undertakings over others. |
| --- | --- |

(39)

Within Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg all undertakings had to bear the costs equally. There was therefore no (selective) favouring of some undertakings over others.

| (40) | A further aspect also demonstrated that there was no favouring of dairies that was relevant from a State aid point of view, i.e. the fact that dairies were not spared costs that they would normally have to bear because they were required in return to pay a higher contribution to the milk levy. The levy was only partially used to fund milk testing. When the level of funding for milk testing from the levy was ended in the light of the Commission's proceedings, the levy rate was also reduced. The remuneration received by dairies in respect of quality tests thus increased in order to offset the lower level of funding from the levy. The Court of Justice had held in this respect that no advantage existed where a contribution corresponds to the actual economic cost of the benefits provided in return (11). Such a link between the benefit and the consideration paid for it did exist in the case of (parafiscal) charges if the charges were collected in relation to a specific purpose. As the Commission had itself established (12), such ‘hypothecation’ did exist in this case. Since the benefit (contribution to the levy) exceeded the consideration (lower costs of milk tests) in this case, any advantage relevant from a State aid point of view could be ruled out. |
| --- | --- |

(40)

A further aspect also demonstrated that there was no favouring of dairies that was relevant from a State aid point of view, i.e. the fact that dairies were not spared costs that they would normally have to bear because they were required in return to pay a higher contribution to the milk levy. The levy was only partially used to fund milk testing. When the level of funding for milk testing from the levy was ended in the light of the Commission's proceedings, the levy rate was also reduced. The remuneration received by dairies in respect of quality tests thus increased in order to offset the lower level of funding from the levy. The Court of Justice had held in this respect that no advantage existed where a contribution corresponds to the actual economic cost of the benefits provided in return (11). Such a link between the benefit and the consideration paid for it did exist in the case of (parafiscal) charges if the charges were collected in relation to a specific purpose. As the Commission had itself established (12), such ‘hypothecation’ did exist in this case. Since the benefit (contribution to the levy) exceeded the consideration (lower costs of milk tests) in this case, any advantage relevant from a State aid point of view could be ruled out.

11

12

| (41) | In the alternative, Germany claimed that the sub-measures in question constituted existing aid. |
| --- | --- |

(41)

In the alternative, Germany claimed that the sub-measures in question constituted existing aid.

| (42) | The basis for funding the tests from the revenues generated by the levy was Section 22(2), point 1, of the MFG. The support granted pursuant to that provision was (at most) existing aid and was therefore subject to grandfathering. The support's status as existing aid was undermined neither by any changes nor by any appropriate measures. |
| --- | --- |

(42)

The basis for funding the tests from the revenues generated by the levy was Section 22(2), point 1, of the MFG. The support granted pursuant to that provision was (at most) existing aid and was therefore subject to grandfathering. The support's status as existing aid was undermined neither by any changes nor by any appropriate measures.

| (43) | Article 1(b)(i) of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 provided that ‘existing aid’ encompasses aid which ‘existed prior to the entry into force of the Treaty in the respective Member States, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid which were put into effect before, and are still applicable after, the entry into force of the Treaty’. The MFG was drafted in 1952 and had remained in force largely unamended ever since. The aid scheme had therefore been introduced well before the relevant qualifying date (1 January 1958). |
| --- | --- |

(43)

Article 1(b)(i) of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 provided that ‘existing aid’ encompasses aid which ‘existed prior to the entry into force of the Treaty in the respective Member States, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid which were put into effect before, and are still applicable after, the entry into force of the Treaty’. The MFG was drafted in 1952 and had remained in force largely unamended ever since. The aid scheme had therefore been introduced well before the relevant qualifying date (1 January 1958).

| (44) | Under the first sentence of Article 108(3) TFEU, existing aid lost its protection under grandfathering and was liable to be notified if the aid was altered. According to settled case law and decisional practice, aid could only be deemed to have been altered within the meaning of the first sentence of Article 108(3) TFEU if it had been significantly amended. |
| --- | --- |

(44)

Under the first sentence of Article 108(3) TFEU, existing aid lost its protection under grandfathering and was liable to be notified if the aid was altered. According to settled case law and decisional practice, aid could only be deemed to have been altered within the meaning of the first sentence of Article 108(3) TFEU if it had been significantly amended.

| (45) | An amendment was only relevant if it affected the essential nature of the aid, if the aid was granted on a different legal basis or if it amended the scope of the scheme. The (possibility of applying) the aid scheme had not undergone any significant amendment since 1958. In particular, Section 22(2) of the MFG, which serves as a basis for the measures at issue here, had undergone only minimal changes, and point 1 of that provision, which is relevant to this case, had remained completely intact. Only point 5 of Section 22(2), which is irrelevant to this case, had been amended. |
| --- | --- |

(45)

An amendment was only relevant if it affected the essential nature of the aid, if the aid was granted on a different legal basis or if it amended the scope of the scheme. The (possibility of applying) the aid scheme had not undergone any significant amendment since 1958. In particular, Section 22(2) of the MFG, which serves as a basis for the measures at issue here, had undergone only minimal changes, and point 1 of that provision, which is relevant to this case, had remained completely intact. Only point 5 of Section 22(2), which is irrelevant to this case, had been amended.

| (46) | Amendments to the provisions of the individual Länder did not affect the scope or nature of the measures in question. Indeed, the purposes for which revenues from the levy could be used were stipulated by Sections 22(1) of the MFG. To the extent that individual procedural rules had been amended, this would have altered the existing aid within the meaning of the first sentence of Article 108(3) TFEU only if its compatibility with the internal market had been affected. In the case of Bavaria, the relevant Regulation on a levy for milk (BayMilchUmlV) only regulated details, e.g. concerning the collection of the levy, and the same also applied to Baden-Württemberg. The aspects relevant to the aid's compatibility with the internal market, i.e. the provenance of the funds (the levy pursuant to Section 22(1)) and the purpose for which they were used (Section 22(2)) were, however, already sufficiently set out in the MFG. |
| --- | --- |

(46)

Amendments to the provisions of the individual Länder did not affect the scope or nature of the measures in question. Indeed, the purposes for which revenues from the levy could be used were stipulated by Sections 22(1) of the MFG. To the extent that individual procedural rules had been amended, this would have altered the existing aid within the meaning of the first sentence of Article 108(3) TFEU only if its compatibility with the internal market had been affected. In the case of Bavaria, the relevant Regulation on a levy for milk (BayMilchUmlV) only regulated details, e.g. concerning the collection of the levy, and the same also applied to Baden-Württemberg. The aspects relevant to the aid's compatibility with the internal market, i.e. the provenance of the funds (the levy pursuant to Section 22(1)) and the purpose for which they were used (Section 22(2)) were, however, already sufficiently set out in the MFG.

Länder

| (47) | The levy rates applied in both Länder had also steadily fallen since 1984. Falling levy rates could not undermine the aid scheme's compatibility. |
| --- | --- |

(47)

The levy rates applied in both Länder had also steadily fallen since 1984. Falling levy rates could not undermine the aid scheme's compatibility.

Länder

| (48) | The fact that some of the funds had possibly been granted on the basis of the MFG in individual cases and only temporarily (13) (see recital 147 of the Decision) was not an obstacle to their being regarded as existing aid. This support was granted on the basis of the MFG, which was an aid scheme and thus, by its nature, described individual aid purely in abstract terms. Moreover, it was not required that an aid scheme be used on a continuous basis. |
| --- | --- |

(48)

The fact that some of the funds had possibly been granted on the basis of the MFG in individual cases and only temporarily (13) (see recital 147 of the Decision) was not an obstacle to their being regarded as existing aid. This support was granted on the basis of the MFG, which was an aid scheme and thus, by its nature, described individual aid purely in abstract terms. Moreover, it was not required that an aid scheme be used on a continuous basis.

13

| (49) | The appropriate measures contained in the Community Guidelines for State Aid in the Agricultural Sector 2000-2006 (14) (hereinafter: ‘the 2000-2006 Guidelines’) and in the Community Guidelines for State Aid in the Agricultural and Forestry Sector 2007-2013 (15) (hereinafter: ‘the 2007-2013 Guidelines’) were not applicable to the measures relevant in this case, meaning that they continued to constitute existing aid. The appropriate measures would have to relate specifically to the aid in question and determine that it was not compatible with the internal market. |
| --- | --- |

(49)

The appropriate measures contained in the Community Guidelines for State Aid in the Agricultural Sector 2000-2006 (14) (hereinafter: ‘the 2000-2006 Guidelines’) and in the Community Guidelines for State Aid in the Agricultural and Forestry Sector 2007-2013 (15) (hereinafter: ‘the 2007-2013 Guidelines’) were not applicable to the measures relevant in this case, meaning that they continued to constitute existing aid. The appropriate measures would have to relate specifically to the aid in question and determine that it was not compatible with the internal market.

14

15

| (50) | The 2007-2013 Guidelines did not address the matter of the compatibility of support for milk quality checks, at least not with the necessary detail. In this context, Germany referred to paragraphs 108 and 109 of the 2007-2013 Guidelines. |
| --- | --- |

(50)

The 2007-2013 Guidelines did not address the matter of the compatibility of support for milk quality checks, at least not with the necessary detail. In this context, Germany referred to paragraphs 108 and 109 of the 2007-2013 Guidelines.

| (51) | The classification of aid in the 2007-2013 Guidelines and in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 (16) distinguished between ‘aid in the livestock sector’ and ‘aid for the production and marketing of agricultural products’. Paragraph 108 of the 2007-2013 Guidelines was clearly concerned solely with support for livestock holdings since it related to the ‘genetic quality of Community livestock’. Experience had ‘shown that this aid should be maintained only where it really contributes to the maintenance and improvement of the genetic quality of livestock’. The introduction of innovative animal breeding techniques would be compatible with this, while support for the maintenance of breeding animals would not. Paragraph 109 of the 2007-2013 Guidelines could only be understood as meaning that it should take account of this knowledge concerning the maintenance of the genetic quality of livestock (paragraph 108) as this was the only thing it dealt with. |
| --- | --- |

(51)

The classification of aid in the 2007-2013 Guidelines and in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 (16) distinguished between ‘aid in the livestock sector’ and ‘aid for the production and marketing of agricultural products’. Paragraph 108 of the 2007-2013 Guidelines was clearly concerned solely with support for livestock holdings since it related to the ‘genetic quality of Community livestock’. Experience had ‘shown that this aid should be maintained only where it really contributes to the maintenance and improvement of the genetic quality of livestock’. The introduction of innovative animal breeding techniques would be compatible with this, while support for the maintenance of breeding animals would not. Paragraph 109 of the 2007-2013 Guidelines could only be understood as meaning that it should take account of this knowledge concerning the maintenance of the genetic quality of livestock (paragraph 108) as this was the only thing it dealt with.

16

| (52) | Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006, to which paragraph 109 of the 2007-2013 Guidelines referred, was concerned with ‘support for the livestock sector’ and not with milk quality checks in the sense that was relevant in this case. Article 16(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 dealt with milk quality checks linked to the breeding of animals. This was apparent from the context of the provision, which stipulated that the exemption extended to aid (up to a rate of 70 %) to determine the genetic quality or yield of livestock. If routine milk quality checks were excluded from this, then this could also only relate to checks that are generally suited to determining the yield of animals. The exception related solely to routine milk quality checks carried out directly on the dairy cow because only such checks could determine the characteristics of the animal in question. In Bavaria, this quality testing on animals was carried out by the Landeskuratorium der Erzeugerringe für tierische Veredelung in Bayern e.V. (LKV), while in Baden-Württemberg it was carried out by the Landesverband Baden-Württemberg für Leistungsprüfungen in der Tierzucht e.V. |
| --- | --- |

(52)

Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006, to which paragraph 109 of the 2007-2013 Guidelines referred, was concerned with ‘support for the livestock sector’ and not with milk quality checks in the sense that was relevant in this case. Article 16(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 dealt with milk quality checks linked to the breeding of animals. This was apparent from the context of the provision, which stipulated that the exemption extended to aid (up to a rate of 70 %) to determine the genetic quality or yield of livestock. If routine milk quality checks were excluded from this, then this could also only relate to checks that are generally suited to determining the yield of animals. The exception related solely to routine milk quality checks carried out directly on the dairy cow because only such checks could determine the characteristics of the animal in question. In Bavaria, this quality testing on animals was carried out by the Landeskuratorium der Erzeugerringe für tierische Veredelung in Bayern e.V. (LKV), while in Baden-Württemberg it was carried out by the Landesverband Baden-Württemberg für Leistungsprüfungen in der Tierzucht e.V.

| (53) | By contrast, the milk quality testing carried out by the MPBY and the MPBW that is relevant to this case related to determining the characteristics of the milk itself (and not the genetic characteristics of the cow). The characteristics of the milk in question (e.g. fat and protein content) were relevant to the sale and placing on the market of milk. They did not allow inferences to be made concerning individual animals because they were carried out differently. Samples were not separated so as to be able to identify which cow they came from, but were instead taken from milk tankers. This meant that it was no longer possible to separate the milk according to the cow it had come from because milk from a variety of cows had already been mixed together when the sample was taken. |
| --- | --- |

(53)

By contrast, the milk quality testing carried out by the MPBY and the MPBW that is relevant to this case related to determining the characteristics of the milk itself (and not the genetic characteristics of the cow). The characteristics of the milk in question (e.g. fat and protein content) were relevant to the sale and placing on the market of milk. They did not allow inferences to be made concerning individual animals because they were carried out differently. Samples were not separated so as to be able to identify which cow they came from, but were instead taken from milk tankers. This meant that it was no longer possible to separate the milk according to the cow it had come from because milk from a variety of cows had already been mixed together when the sample was taken.

| (54) | Consequently, neither paragraph 109 nor any other provision of the 2007-2013 Guidelines excluded the possibility that aid for milk quality checks was compatible with the internal market. The onus was on the Commission to prove that individual measures were incompatible with the internal market. Any ambiguity in the formulation of appropriate measures could not be to the detriment of the Member States (17). |
| --- | --- |

(54)

Consequently, neither paragraph 109 nor any other provision of the 2007-2013 Guidelines excluded the possibility that aid for milk quality checks was compatible with the internal market. The onus was on the Commission to prove that individual measures were incompatible with the internal market. Any ambiguity in the formulation of appropriate measures could not be to the detriment of the Member States (17).

17

| (55) | The acceptance by the Member State required under Article 19(1) of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 could therefore only be effective if the Member State was aware which measures it was specifically accepting. The Länder in question could therefore assume that the disputed measures were compatible with the internal market. If the Commission had intended to find the Bavarian and Baden-Württemberg milk quality tests to be incompatible with the common market, it could have (expressly) addressed this in a form consistent with how it had done this in other decisions. (18) The Commission had not, however, broached the question of the compatibility with the internal market of funding the milk quality tests in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg by means of a levy. In view of the wording of the 2007-2013 Guidelines, which is at the very least unclear, it would have been necessary in accordance with the general principles of legal certainty and sincere cooperation (Article 4(3) TEU) to specifically deal with these measures, particularly given that the Länder in question had assumed that sub-measures BY 1 and BW 1 did not involve any aid. |
| --- | --- |

(55)

The acceptance by the Member State required under Article 19(1) of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 could therefore only be effective if the Member State was aware which measures it was specifically accepting. The Länder in question could therefore assume that the disputed measures were compatible with the internal market. If the Commission had intended to find the Bavarian and Baden-Württemberg milk quality tests to be incompatible with the common market, it could have (expressly) addressed this in a form consistent with how it had done this in other decisions. (18) The Commission had not, however, broached the question of the compatibility with the internal market of funding the milk quality tests in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg by means of a levy. In view of the wording of the 2007-2013 Guidelines, which is at the very least unclear, it would have been necessary in accordance with the general principles of legal certainty and sincere cooperation (Article 4(3) TEU) to specifically deal with these measures, particularly given that the Länder in question had assumed that sub-measures BY 1 and BW 1 did not involve any aid.

Länder

18

Länder

| (56) | The 2007-2013 Guidelines should therefore not be understood as meaning that measures implemented pursuant to Section 22(2)(1) of the MFG were incompatible with the internal market. Consequently, the funding of milk quality tests in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg by means of a levy (BY 1/BW 1) did not fall under the definition of appropriate measures. |
| --- | --- |

(56)

The 2007-2013 Guidelines should therefore not be understood as meaning that measures implemented pursuant to Section 22(2)(1) of the MFG were incompatible with the internal market. Consequently, the funding of milk quality tests in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg by means of a levy (BY 1/BW 1) did not fall under the definition of appropriate measures.

| (57) | In the alternative, Germany also argued that the measures were compatible with the internal market even if they did constitute aid. |
| --- | --- |

(57)

In the alternative, Germany also argued that the measures were compatible with the internal market even if they did constitute aid.

| (58) | It did not result from Article 16(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 that it was incompatible with the internal market to grant aid for controls of milk quality. Under that provision, these were not ‘automatically’ compatible with the internal market and thus exempt from the notification requirement. However, the Commission could decide in an individual case that the aid was compatible with the internal market. |
| --- | --- |

(58)

It did not result from Article 16(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 that it was incompatible with the internal market to grant aid for controls of milk quality. Under that provision, these were not ‘automatically’ compatible with the internal market and thus exempt from the notification requirement. However, the Commission could decide in an individual case that the aid was compatible with the internal market.

| (59) | The alleged aid for Bavarian/Baden-Württemberg dairies was in any case compatible with the internal market in accordance with Article 107(3)(c) TFEU. This view was also supported by the fact that this form of aid was compatible with the internal market under point 13.3 of the 2000-2006 Guidelines, as the Commission had itself acknowledged in its initiation Decision (paragraphs 164 et seq.). In particular, it relates to prescribed checks that are carried out by third parties. Compatibility with the internal market is further confirmed by the fact that the dairies themselves met the costs of the quality checks via the milk levy. This minimised any potential advantages that the dairies might enjoy (19). Competition between dairies was not undermined by the different system, irrespective of whether costs were borne directly or a levy was charged. The upshot was that dairies bore the costs in either case. It was not clear how the compatibility with the internal market of aid that had explicitly been included in the 2000-2006 Guidelines should have changed from 2007. |
| --- | --- |

(59)

The alleged aid for Bavarian/Baden-Württemberg dairies was in any case compatible with the internal market in accordance with Article 107(3)(c) TFEU. This view was also supported by the fact that this form of aid was compatible with the internal market under point 13.3 of the 2000-2006 Guidelines, as the Commission had itself acknowledged in its initiation Decision (paragraphs 164 et seq.). In particular, it relates to prescribed checks that are carried out by third parties. Compatibility with the internal market is further confirmed by the fact that the dairies themselves met the costs of the quality checks via the milk levy. This minimised any potential advantages that the dairies might enjoy (19). Competition between dairies was not undermined by the different system, irrespective of whether costs were borne directly or a levy was charged. The upshot was that dairies bore the costs in either case. It was not clear how the compatibility with the internal market of aid that had explicitly been included in the 2000-2006 Guidelines should have changed from 2007.

et seq

19

Comments from interested parties

Comments from interested parties

| (60) | Between 5 and 7 February 2014, the Commission received a total of seven letters from interested parties containing comments concerning the support granted in respect of the milk quality tests. |
| --- | --- |

(60)

Between 5 and 7 February 2014, the Commission received a total of seven letters from interested parties containing comments concerning the support granted in respect of the milk quality tests.

| (61) | In its letter of 5 February, the MPBY argued that dairies had not in recent years been afforded any advantage by dint of levy funding. It was therefore completely incomprehensible how this long-standing and generally accepted system could distort competition or negatively affect trade between the Member States. In the context of the further procedure, therefore, the measures referred to [in the initiation Decision] under the heading BY 1 should, after re-examination, be regarded as settled. |
| --- | --- |

(61)

In its letter of 5 February, the MPBY argued that dairies had not in recent years been afforded any advantage by dint of levy funding. It was therefore completely incomprehensible how this long-standing and generally accepted system could distort competition or negatively affect trade between the Member States. In the context of the further procedure, therefore, the measures referred to [in the initiation Decision] under the heading BY 1 should, after re-examination, be regarded as settled.

| (62) | The MPBW stated in its comments of 6 February that payments relating to sub-measure BW 1 did not meet the conditions for aid pursuant to Article 107(1) TFEU. In particular, the system of carrying out quality tests on delivered milk in Baden-Württemberg was not associated with any cost to the public exchequer. Advantages similar to subsidies that may be traced back to a state measure without there being any corresponding financial loss to the public purse did not, however, fall within the scope of Article 107(1) TFEU (20). |
| --- | --- |

(62)

The MPBW stated in its comments of 6 February that payments relating to sub-measure BW 1 did not meet the conditions for aid pursuant to Article 107(1) TFEU. In particular, the system of carrying out quality tests on delivered milk in Baden-Württemberg was not associated with any cost to the public exchequer. Advantages similar to subsidies that may be traced back to a state measure without there being any corresponding financial loss to the public purse did not, however, fall within the scope of Article 107(1) TFEU (20).

20

| (63) | Under Section 22(3) of the MFG, the funds raised had to be managed separately. They were not allowed to be used to cover the administrative costs of the highest Land authorities and their subordinate departments. They had to be shown in the Baden-Württemberg Land budget under a separate sub-heading, and the budget expressly referred to the fact that they were earmarked for a specific purpose. The revenues from the milk levy were therefore never used for purposes not falling within the scope of the MFG. |
| --- | --- |

(63)

Under Section 22(3) of the MFG, the funds raised had to be managed separately. They were not allowed to be used to cover the administrative costs of the highest Land authorities and their subordinate departments. They had to be shown in the Baden-Württemberg Land budget under a separate sub-heading, and the budget expressly referred to the fact that they were earmarked for a specific purpose. The revenues from the milk levy were therefore never used for purposes not falling within the scope of the MFG.

Land

Land

| (64) | Above all, however, in the context of the tasks assigned to it, the MPBW received payments from levy resources which did not exceed the resources funded from the levy. This meant that no State funds — from taxes or other state revenues, for example — were paid to the MPBW but only the revenues accruing from the levy paid by dairies. Instead, Baden-Württemberg had merely taken on the task of organising and distributing the milk levy. The system of quality tests on delivered milk in Baden-Württemberg did not therefore lead to any financial loss to the public purse. |
| --- | --- |

(64)

Above all, however, in the context of the tasks assigned to it, the MPBW received payments from levy resources which did not exceed the resources funded from the levy. This meant that no State funds — from taxes or other state revenues, for example — were paid to the MPBW but only the revenues accruing from the levy paid by dairies. Instead, Baden-Württemberg had merely taken on the task of organising and distributing the milk levy. The system of quality tests on delivered milk in Baden-Württemberg did not therefore lead to any financial loss to the public purse.

| (65) | Since Baden-Württemberg had not granted any subsidies in addition to the milk levy and there was not any corresponding financial net cost to the Land budget, it could not have granted any aid ‘in the form of subsidised services’. |
| --- | --- |

(65)

Since Baden-Württemberg had not granted any subsidies in addition to the milk levy and there was not any corresponding financial net cost to the Land budget, it could not have granted any aid ‘in the form of subsidised services’.

Land

| (66) | Even if the milk levy in Baden-Württemberg were attributable to the State contrary to the criteria set out by the Court of Justice in PreussenElektra, there was not any advantage to dairies. The aspect of ‘favouring’ as the central element of Article 107(1) TFEU has been widely interpreted by reference to established case law and the Commission's practice (21). |
| --- | --- |

(66)

Even if the milk levy in Baden-Württemberg were attributable to the State contrary to the criteria set out by the Court of Justice in PreussenElektra, there was not any advantage to dairies. The aspect of ‘favouring’ as the central element of Article 107(1) TFEU has been widely interpreted by reference to established case law and the Commission's practice (21).

PreussenElektra

21

| (67) | Parafiscal charges often formed the basis for systems involving the provision of services that are in the specific interest of those liable to pay them (aspect of group benefit). In such systems, those paying the levy were prima facie identical to those who benefited from the service funded by the parafiscal levy. In the case of parafiscal levies, case law therefore dictated that it must be examined whether the service received corresponds in value to the contribution (levy) paid, i.e. that there is equivalence in terms of the payment and the benefit received. |
| --- | --- |

(67)

Parafiscal charges often formed the basis for systems involving the provision of services that are in the specific interest of those liable to pay them (aspect of group benefit). In such systems, those paying the levy were prima facie identical to those who benefited from the service funded by the parafiscal levy. In the case of parafiscal levies, case law therefore dictated that it must be examined whether the service received corresponds in value to the contribution (levy) paid, i.e. that there is equivalence in terms of the payment and the benefit received.

prima facie

| (68) | Such equivalence should not be examined individually but in relation to the overall system. While it is true that parafiscal systems of funding services typically involve a certain element of redistribution, i.e. not all of those liable to pay draw the same benefit from each of the individual services on offer, the aspects of balance and equivalence in such systems were nevertheless not undermined if such redistribution occurred on the basis of solidarity (22). |
| --- | --- |

(68)

Such equivalence should not be examined individually but in relation to the overall system. While it is true that parafiscal systems of funding services typically involve a certain element of redistribution, i.e. not all of those liable to pay draw the same benefit from each of the individual services on offer, the aspects of balance and equivalence in such systems were nevertheless not undermined if such redistribution occurred on the basis of solidarity (22).

22

| (69) | The level of the levy in Baden-Württemberg was determined according to the specific quantity of delivered milk. Dairy A that delivered twice as much milk for quality testing by MPBW would have to pay exactly twice the levy. This meant that the notion of equivalence in terms of the payment and the benefit received was not undermined. |
| --- | --- |

(69)

The level of the levy in Baden-Württemberg was determined according to the specific quantity of delivered milk. Dairy A that delivered twice as much milk for quality testing by MPBW would have to pay exactly twice the levy. This meant that the notion of equivalence in terms of the payment and the benefit received was not undermined.

| (70) | The competent authorities in Baden-Württemberg had no discretion whatsoever in calculating the milk levy. This system also ensured that there could not be any structural net beneficiaries because all dairies were liable to the levy solely on the basis of the quantity of milk delivered and would receive services from MPBW solely on that basis. |
| --- | --- |

(70)

The competent authorities in Baden-Württemberg had no discretion whatsoever in calculating the milk levy. This system also ensured that there could not be any structural net beneficiaries because all dairies were liable to the levy solely on the basis of the quantity of milk delivered and would receive services from MPBW solely on that basis.

| (71) | The MPBW therefore assumed that no aid was being granted, or at least no advantage. |
| --- | --- |

(71)

The MPBW therefore assumed that no aid was being granted, or at least no advantage.

| (72) | In its comments of 5 February 2014, Landesvereinigung der Bayerischen Milchwirtschaft e.V. claimed that the system of charging a milk levy was highly appreciated among consumers, that it was not seen outside Bavaria as an advantage that distorted competition, and that it was not challenged by dairies either in Germany or abroad. It was therefore incomprehensible that it was no longer permissible to test milk quality from 2007 onwards. This had served in both the past and the present to guarantee consumers high quality milk that was free from inhibitor residues (23). |
| --- | --- |

(72)

In its comments of 5 February 2014, Landesvereinigung der Bayerischen Milchwirtschaft e.V. claimed that the system of charging a milk levy was highly appreciated among consumers, that it was not seen outside Bavaria as an advantage that distorted competition, and that it was not challenged by dairies either in Germany or abroad. It was therefore incomprehensible that it was no longer permissible to test milk quality from 2007 onwards. This had served in both the past and the present to guarantee consumers high quality milk that was free from inhibitor residues (23).

23

| (73) | In its comments of 7 February 2014, the DHB — Netzwerk Haushalt considered the services provided by muva Kempten in the area of the tests carried out to detect nutritionally relevant constituents to make a vital contribution to the protection of and information available to consumers. The fact that the results of analyses were neutral and not influenced by dairies or the trade, the rapid detection of any harmful contaminants in milk and dairy products and, consequently, the ability to react quickly in a crisis situation were all elements that the DHB — Netzwerk Haushalt appreciated. These measures helped ensure that high-quality food was available to the trade and thus to consumers. The importance of these tests to all consumers could not be overestimated. |
| --- | --- |

(73)

In its comments of 7 February 2014, the DHB — Netzwerk Haushalt considered the services provided by muva Kempten in the area of the tests carried out to detect nutritionally relevant constituents to make a vital contribution to the protection of and information available to consumers. The fact that the results of analyses were neutral and not influenced by dairies or the trade, the rapid detection of any harmful contaminants in milk and dairy products and, consequently, the ability to react quickly in a crisis situation were all elements that the DHB — Netzwerk Haushalt appreciated. These measures helped ensure that high-quality food was available to the trade and thus to consumers. The importance of these tests to all consumers could not be overestimated.

| (74) | In its comments of 6 February 2014, the Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten Region Allgäu trade union indicated that Landesvereinigung der Bayerischen Milchwirtschaft e.V. had always been seen as a consumer-protection association. By deciding on how the resources from the levy were to be used, in particular as regards milk quality tests, it could exert significant influence to be exerted on how these tests were carried out. |
| --- | --- |

(74)

In its comments of 6 February 2014, the Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten Region Allgäu trade union indicated that Landesvereinigung der Bayerischen Milchwirtschaft e.V. had always been seen as a consumer-protection association. By deciding on how the resources from the levy were to be used, in particular as regards milk quality tests, it could exert significant influence to be exerted on how these tests were carried out.

| (75) | According to the opinion of the Genossenschaftsverband Bayern e.V., as set out in its comments of 5 February 2014, neither individual farms nor individual milk-processing undertakings could derive any kind of competitive advantage from the charging of the levy. When routine milk quality checks had been partially funded from levy resources in the past, milk-processing undertakings had paid contributions towards the levy and therefore bore the full cost of this co-funding. In other German Länder in which no levy was charged, dairies did not pay any levies, but testing bodies neither received any levy resources. |
| --- | --- |

(75)

According to the opinion of the Genossenschaftsverband Bayern e.V., as set out in its comments of 5 February 2014, neither individual farms nor individual milk-processing undertakings could derive any kind of competitive advantage from the charging of the levy. When routine milk quality checks had been partially funded from levy resources in the past, milk-processing undertakings had paid contributions towards the levy and therefore bore the full cost of this co-funding. In other German Länder in which no levy was charged, dairies did not pay any levies, but testing bodies neither received any levy resources.

Länder

| (76) | In its letter of 7 February 2014, the Landesvereinigung der Milchwirtschaft Niedersachsen е. V. (LVN) did not comment directly on the payments granted for the milk quality tests, but it did fundamentally deny the existence of any aid for any of the sub-measures under the MFG. |
| --- | --- |

(76)

In its letter of 7 February 2014, the Landesvereinigung der Milchwirtschaft Niedersachsen е. V. (LVN) did not comment directly on the payments granted for the milk quality tests, but it did fundamentally deny the existence of any aid for any of the sub-measures under the MFG.

| (77) | On the individual issues, the LVN put forward its views that the measures funded by milk levy resources did not involve any loss to the Land budget, that the State did not have any power of disposal or control over the milk levy resources, and that the State did not exercise any control over either the amount of the levy or the content of the measures. Consequently, the payments in question could not be attributed to the State. Moreover, the State neither controlled the level of payments nor was it involved organisationally in the LVN. |
| --- | --- |

(77)

On the individual issues, the LVN put forward its views that the measures funded by milk levy resources did not involve any loss to the Land budget, that the State did not have any power of disposal or control over the milk levy resources, and that the State did not exercise any control over either the amount of the levy or the content of the measures. Consequently, the payments in question could not be attributed to the State. Moreover, the State neither controlled the level of payments nor was it involved organisationally in the LVN.

Land

| (78) | It also stated that the LVN was not overseen by state bodies but rather by the Hannover Chamber of Agriculture, a public self-regulating body which therefore did not come directly under the public administration. |
| --- | --- |

(78)

It also stated that the LVN was not overseen by state bodies but rather by the Hannover Chamber of Agriculture, a public self-regulating body which therefore did not come directly under the public administration.

| (79) | In supplementary comments submitted on 8 July 2014, the LVN referred, inter alia, to the Commission Decision2014/416/EU (24) in the case Val'Hor. In that Decision the Commission had acknowledged that neither the State's power to recognise an interbranch organisation nor its regulatory support in the collection of sector-related ‘contributions’ (through the possibility, in the case in question, of extending agreements) led to the conclusion that the measures implemented by the interbranch organisation were attributable to the State. Whether State involvement in parafiscal systems of funding led to advantages being attributable to the State as ‘State aid’ depended on the circumstances in the individual case and on an overall assessment to be made on that basis. The aspects that were relevant to an examination as to whether State aid existed, as developed by case law, were as follows:






  — | Who decided about the collection and use of the funds? |
| --- | --- | --- |

(79)

In supplementary comments submitted on 8 July 2014, the LVN referred, inter alia, to the Commission Decision2014/416/EU (24) in the case Val'Hor. In that Decision the Commission had acknowledged that neither the State's power to recognise an interbranch organisation nor its regulatory support in the collection of sector-related ‘contributions’ (through the possibility, in the case in question, of extending agreements) led to the conclusion that the measures implemented by the interbranch organisation were attributable to the State. Whether State involvement in parafiscal systems of funding led to advantages being attributable to the State as ‘State aid’ depended on the circumstances in the individual case and on an overall assessment to be made on that basis. The aspects that were relevant to an examination as to whether State aid existed, as developed by case law, were as follows:

24

—

Who decided about the collection and use of the funds?

| — | If this was a private organisation, how did the State influence this decision? |
| --- | --- |

—

If this was a private organisation, how did the State influence this decision?

| — | From what resources were the payments funded? |
| --- | --- |

—

From what resources were the payments funded?

| — | What type of measures were funded? |
| --- | --- |

—

What type of measures were funded?

| — | From whom were the resources collected? |
| --- | --- |

—

From whom were the resources collected?

| — | Who was responsible for initiating the measure? |
| --- | --- |

—

Who was responsible for initiating the measure?

| (80) | Via its legal representatives, the LVN had examined the legal situation in other German Länder and had come to the conclusion that the indicators for the existence of State aid developed by case law were not met, which meant that the MFG could not overall be regarded as comprising an aid element. |
| --- | --- |

(80)

Via its legal representatives, the LVN had examined the legal situation in other German Länder and had come to the conclusion that the indicators for the existence of State aid developed by case law were not met, which meant that the MFG could not overall be regarded as comprising an aid element.

Länder

| (81) | According to the LVN, it was the Land associations that decided to collect the levy from dairies. Under the first sentence of Section 22(1) of the MFG, the levy could only be collected in consultation with the Land associations. Under the second sentence of Section 22(1) of the MFG, any increase in the levy had to be requested by the Land association. |
| --- | --- |

(81)

According to the LVN, it was the Land associations that decided to collect the levy from dairies. Under the first sentence of Section 22(1) of the MFG, the levy could only be collected in consultation with the Land associations. Under the second sentence of Section 22(1) of the MFG, any increase in the levy had to be requested by the Land association.

Land

Land

Land

| (82) | The detailed arrangements and amount of the levy were regulated in Lower Saxony and Thuringia by a Levy Collection Regulation [Umlageerhebungsverordnung (UmlErhVO)] which had been issued ‘in consultation’ with the relevant Land association. |
| --- | --- |

(82)

The detailed arrangements and amount of the levy were regulated in Lower Saxony and Thuringia by a Levy Collection Regulation [Umlageerhebungsverordnung (UmlErhVO)] which had been issued ‘in consultation’ with the relevant Land association.

Umlageerhebungsverordnung

Land

| (83) | The Land association in question also determined how the revenues from the levy, which had to be administered separately (see the first sentence of Section 22(3) of the MFG), were to be used. For this reason, they were in some cases even paid into an account belonging to the Land association (see, for example, Section 3(1) of the Thuringia Levy Collection Regulation). The Land associations thus drew up proposals under their own responsibility in the area as to how the revenues should be used. In Thuringia, for example, this occurred on the basis of applications submitted to the local Land association, the Landesvereinigung Thüringer Milch (LVTM), by its members (see point 6.3 of the Thuringia Working Guidelines [Thüringer Arbeitsrichtlinie]). |
| --- | --- |

(83)

The Land association in question also determined how the revenues from the levy, which had to be administered separately (see the first sentence of Section 22(3) of the MFG), were to be used. For this reason, they were in some cases even paid into an account belonging to the Land association (see, for example, Section 3(1) of the Thuringia Levy Collection Regulation). The Land associations thus drew up proposals under their own responsibility in the area as to how the revenues should be used. In Thuringia, for example, this occurred on the basis of applications submitted to the local Land association, the Landesvereinigung Thüringer Milch (LVTM), by its members (see point 6.3 of the Thuringia Working Guidelines [Thüringer Arbeitsrichtlinie]).

Land

Land

Land

Land

Thüringer Arbeitsrichtlinie

| (84) | Although the proposals on the use of the resources drawn up by the Land associations were ‘enacted’ (for Lower Saxony, see point 6.2 of the Payment Guidelines [Zuwendungsrichtlinie], and for Thuringia, see Section 4 of the Thuringia Levy Collection Order) or ‘approved’ (as in North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria) by a State body, this did not mean that the State exercised any significant influence since the only basis for State ‘overseeing’ was what was laid down by Section 22(2) of the MFG. Consequently, the provisions in question conferred upon State bodies no more power to direct or influence the administration of the funds than in Doux Elevage (25). |
| --- | --- |

(84)

Although the proposals on the use of the resources drawn up by the Land associations were ‘enacted’ (for Lower Saxony, see point 6.2 of the Payment Guidelines [Zuwendungsrichtlinie], and for Thuringia, see Section 4 of the Thuringia Levy Collection Order) or ‘approved’ (as in North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria) by a State body, this did not mean that the State exercised any significant influence since the only basis for State ‘overseeing’ was what was laid down by Section 22(2) of the MFG. Consequently, the provisions in question conferred upon State bodies no more power to direct or influence the administration of the funds than in Doux Elevage (25).

Land

Zuwendungsrichtlinie

Doux Elevage

25

| (85) | Moreover, the revenues from the levy were indeed used in all Länder in accordance with the proposals put forward by the Land associations. That in itself was evidence enough — irrespective of the specific legal arrangements that were applicable — that the revenues in question were not imputable to the State (26). |
| --- | --- |

(85)

Moreover, the revenues from the levy were indeed used in all Länder in accordance with the proposals put forward by the Land associations. That in itself was evidence enough — irrespective of the specific legal arrangements that were applicable — that the revenues in question were not imputable to the State (26).

Länder

Land

26

| (86) | According to the LVN, each of the Land associations had the status of a public body. Their statutes made it clear that they considered themselves to represent the interests of their members, who were recruited solely from the dairy industry (including consumer representatives). |
| --- | --- |

(86)

According to the LVN, each of the Land associations had the status of a public body. Their statutes made it clear that they considered themselves to represent the interests of their members, who were recruited solely from the dairy industry (including consumer representatives).

Land

| (87) | In Section 14 of the MFG, Land associations were described as ‘voluntary’ organisations made up of businesses and consumers involved in the dairy industry whose purpose it was to ensure the joint representation of their member's economic interests. |
| --- | --- |

(87)

In Section 14 of the MFG, Land associations were described as ‘voluntary’ organisations made up of businesses and consumers involved in the dairy industry whose purpose it was to ensure the joint representation of their member's economic interests.

Land

| (88) | The Land associations differed from the Hoofdbedrijfschap Ambachte, the opticians' trade association entrusted with collecting and allocating a compulsory levy for advertising measures, which was at issue in the case Pearle. Although this trade association had the status of a public body, the Court of Justice found that State aid did not exist because the advertising measures were not funded by resources made available to State bodies but rather by levies collected from undertakings operating in the sector (27). |
| --- | --- |

(88)

The Land associations differed from the Hoofdbedrijfschap Ambachte, the opticians' trade association entrusted with collecting and allocating a compulsory levy for advertising measures, which was at issue in the case Pearle. Although this trade association had the status of a public body, the Court of Justice found that State aid did not exist because the advertising measures were not funded by resources made available to State bodies but rather by levies collected from undertakings operating in the sector (27).

Land

Hoofdbedrijfschap Ambachte

Pearle

27

| (89) | The Land associations, as the bodies competent for collecting and allocating the milk levy, also differed from the agricultural committees in the case Plans de Campagne, which were not involved in defining the measures in question and did not have any discretion in their application (28). |
| --- | --- |

(89)

The Land associations, as the bodies competent for collecting and allocating the milk levy, also differed from the agricultural committees in the case Plans de Campagne, which were not involved in defining the measures in question and did not have any discretion in their application (28).

Land

Plans de Campagne

28

| (90) | The Land associations were non-State and entirely private bodies that determined the amount and allocation of the milk levy as such on their own responsibility. |
| --- | --- |

(90)

The Land associations were non-State and entirely private bodies that determined the amount and allocation of the milk levy as such on their own responsibility.

Land

| (91) | Moreover, the benefit enjoyed by the dairy industry was not a drain on the public exchequer because the milk levy was collected from operators belonging to the dairy industry, i.e. the selective ‘advantage’ was offset by a selective burden. This in itself was enough to rule out any preferential treatment or distortion of competition because the ‘advantages’ enjoyed by dairies and milk producers were offset by having to pay the levy. |
| --- | --- |

(91)

Moreover, the benefit enjoyed by the dairy industry was not a drain on the public exchequer because the milk levy was collected from operators belonging to the dairy industry, i.e. the selective ‘advantage’ was offset by a selective burden. This in itself was enough to rule out any preferential treatment or distortion of competition because the ‘advantages’ enjoyed by dairies and milk producers were offset by having to pay the levy.

| (92) | In the case Vent de Colère, the Court of Justice had found a system of charges to constitute State aid because — following a change to the law — the burden was no longer offset solely by charges paid by members of the economic sector in question (energy) but by charges paid by all end consumers of electricity resident in the national territory (29). |
| --- | --- |

(92)

In the case Vent de Colère, the Court of Justice had found a system of charges to constitute State aid because — following a change to the law — the burden was no longer offset solely by charges paid by members of the economic sector in question (energy) but by charges paid by all end consumers of electricity resident in the national territory (29).

Vent de Colère

29

| (93) | The LVN also considered State aid not to exist in the event that it related to ‘collective operations’ implemented in the interests of a specific sector and funded on the basis of contributions collected from members of that sector. |
| --- | --- |

(93)

The LVN also considered State aid not to exist in the event that it related to ‘collective operations’ implemented in the interests of a specific sector and funded on the basis of contributions collected from members of that sector.

| (94) | The contested measures were intended solely to promote milk as a product and thus the collective interest of the dairy industry. The measures in question also partially protected consumer interests because the two purposes could not be separated from each other owing to the overlapping of interests that existed. |
| --- | --- |

(94)

The contested measures were intended solely to promote milk as a product and thus the collective interest of the dairy industry. The measures in question also partially protected consumer interests because the two purposes could not be separated from each other owing to the overlapping of interests that existed.

| (95) | The role of the State was limited to making a statutory compensation mechanism available to the dairy sector via the MFG that — by its nature — guaranteed that the members of the dairy industry that benefited from the measures implemented in favour of milk were the ones who contributed to the costs. As in the cases Pearle, Doux Elevages and VaľHor, the State thus functioned solely as a facilitator enabling the compensation mechanism that had been brought into being by the private sector to be made mandatory and thus ensuring a fair sharing of burdens (30). |
| --- | --- |

(95)

The role of the State was limited to making a statutory compensation mechanism available to the dairy sector via the MFG that — by its nature — guaranteed that the members of the dairy industry that benefited from the measures implemented in favour of milk were the ones who contributed to the costs. As in the cases Pearle, Doux Elevages and VaľHor, the State thus functioned solely as a facilitator enabling the compensation mechanism that had been brought into being by the private sector to be made mandatory and thus ensuring a fair sharing of burdens (30).

Pearle, Doux Elevages

VaľHor

30

| (96) | The levy had been initiated by the Land associations and thus by the private sector. The levy was thus collected pursuant to Section 22 of the MFG solely in ‘consultation’ with the Land associations. The Land associations were themselves not a product of State action either but rather ‘voluntary’ organisations made up of members of the dairy industry (Section 14 of the MFG). The situation in Thuringia, where the Land association was not recognised until 1999, was clearly documented in this respect. At the request of the Thuringian Farmers' Association, the competent Ministry ‘initiated the necessary formal administrative steps’ to collect the levy from dairies and milk collection centres. This made it blatantly clear that the milk levy was a purely private compensation mechanism, with the State acting solely as a facilitator in order to make payment of the levy mandatory (31). |
| --- | --- |

(96)

The levy had been initiated by the Land associations and thus by the private sector. The levy was thus collected pursuant to Section 22 of the MFG solely in ‘consultation’ with the Land associations. The Land associations were themselves not a product of State action either but rather ‘voluntary’ organisations made up of members of the dairy industry (Section 14 of the MFG). The situation in Thuringia, where the Land association was not recognised until 1999, was clearly documented in this respect. At the request of the Thuringian Farmers' Association, the competent Ministry ‘initiated the necessary formal administrative steps’ to collect the levy from dairies and milk collection centres. This made it blatantly clear that the milk levy was a purely private compensation mechanism, with the State acting solely as a facilitator in order to make payment of the levy mandatory (31).

Land

Land

Land

Land

31

| (97) | In summing up, the LVN stressed what it considered to be the similarities and differences between various legal cases on the one hand and the MFG on the other. |
| --- | --- |

(97)

In summing up, the LVN stressed what it considered to be the similarities and differences between various legal cases on the one hand and the MFG on the other.

| (98) | In the case VaľHor (Decision 2014/416/EU) (result: no aid), as in the case of the milk levy, the funds were collected and allocated essentially by a state-recognised private and voluntary interbranch organisation, the contributions paid by operators within the branch were used to fund collective operations for the benefit of the branch, the possibility provided for by law of state recognition of the private interbranch organisation did not in itself lead to the assumption of public control, the State could not in fact use the funds to support certain businesses, and the interbranch organisation decided itself on how the funds were to be used. |
| --- | --- |

(98)

In the case VaľHor (Decision 2014/416/EU) (result: no aid), as in the case of the milk levy, the funds were collected and allocated essentially by a state-recognised private and voluntary interbranch organisation, the contributions paid by operators within the branch were used to fund collective operations for the benefit of the branch, the possibility provided for by law of state recognition of the private interbranch organisation did not in itself lead to the assumption of public control, the State could not in fact use the funds to support certain businesses, and the interbranch organisation decided itself on how the funds were to be used.

VaľHor

| (99) | In the case Vent de Colère (C-262/12) (result: aid), unlike with the milk levy, the amount of the charge in question was fixed unilaterally by ministerial decree without the involvement of private parties, there was a state guarantee, the funds were managed by a public body and a state penalty mechanisms were put in place. |
| --- | --- |

(99)

In the case Vent de Colère (C-262/12) (result: aid), unlike with the milk levy, the amount of the charge in question was fixed unilaterally by ministerial decree without the involvement of private parties, there was a state guarantee, the funds were managed by a public body and a state penalty mechanisms were put in place.

Vent de Colère

| (100) | In the case Doux Elevage (C-677/11) (result: no aid), as in the case of the milk levy, the funds were collected and allocated essentially by a state-recognised private and voluntary interbranch organisation, the possibility provided for by law of state recognition of the private interbranch organisation did not in itself lead to the assumption of public control, the funds came entirely from contributions collected from economic operators, the State could not in fact use the funds to support certain businesses, and the interbranch organisation decided itself on how the funds were to be used. |
| --- | --- |

(100)

In the case Doux Elevage (C-677/11) (result: no aid), as in the case of the milk levy, the funds were collected and allocated essentially by a state-recognised private and voluntary interbranch organisation, the possibility provided for by law of state recognition of the private interbranch organisation did not in itself lead to the assumption of public control, the funds came entirely from contributions collected from economic operators, the State could not in fact use the funds to support certain businesses, and the interbranch organisation decided itself on how the funds were to be used.

Doux Elevage

| (101) | In the case Plans de Campagne (T-139/09) (result: aid), unlike with the milk levy, an authority decided on the level of contributions, the income from contributions was topped up by State resources, measures were defined by the State (stamp of the State financial controller, etc.) without involvement on the part of branch committees, the latter had no discretion in applying the measures, and a representative of the Minister took part in committee meetings. |
| --- | --- |

(101)

In the case Plans de Campagne (T-139/09) (result: aid), unlike with the milk levy, an authority decided on the level of contributions, the income from contributions was topped up by State resources, measures were defined by the State (stamp of the State financial controller, etc.) without involvement on the part of branch committees, the latter had no discretion in applying the measures, and a representative of the Minister took part in committee meetings.

Plans de Campagne

| (102) | In the case Pearle (C-345/02) (result: no aid), as in the case of the milk levy, funds were used solely for the purposes of the branch in question, an association of a specific branch had asked a public body to collect contributions in order to implement certain measures for the benefit of that branch, and, unlike with the milk levy, a public and not a private professional association played an important role in collecting and allocating the compulsory levy, with the result that Pearle seemed to be more problematic than the milk levy. |
| --- | --- |

(102)

In the case Pearle (C-345/02) (result: no aid), as in the case of the milk levy, funds were used solely for the purposes of the branch in question, an association of a specific branch had asked a public body to collect contributions in order to implement certain measures for the benefit of that branch, and, unlike with the milk levy, a public and not a private professional association played an important role in collecting and allocating the compulsory levy, with the result that Pearle seemed to be more problematic than the milk levy.

Pearle

Pearle

Germany's submission of 3 December 2014

Germany's submission of 3 December 2014

| (103) | Germany did not initially respond to the comments submitted by interested parties in February 2014. Germany responded to an additional opinion of the LVN dated 8 July 2014 by letter dated 3 December 2014, as follows: |
| --- | --- |

(103)

Germany did not initially respond to the comments submitted by interested parties in February 2014. Germany responded to an additional opinion of the LVN dated 8 July 2014 by letter dated 3 December 2014, as follows:

| (104) | In their comments in the formal investigation procedure concerning the milk levy provided for in the MFG, the German Länder in question had focused on two aspects: the consistency of the measures implemented with the material requirements of the State aid rules (in particular as regards their compatibility with the requirements of the Agriculture Exemption Regulation and the current agricultural guidelines), and the question whether there was any ‘favouring’ relevant to the State aid rules within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU. |
| --- | --- |

(104)

In their comments in the formal investigation procedure concerning the milk levy provided for in the MFG, the German Länder in question had focused on two aspects: the consistency of the measures implemented with the material requirements of the State aid rules (in particular as regards their compatibility with the requirements of the Agriculture Exemption Regulation and the current agricultural guidelines), and the question whether there was any ‘favouring’ relevant to the State aid rules within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU.

Länder

| (105) | The LVN's comments of 8 July 2014 and the current decisional practice of the European Courts and the European Commission gave rise to the need for additional comments of a fundamental nature concerning whether State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU indeed existed, and in particular whether the constituent element of aid being granted ‘through State resources’ applied. |
| --- | --- |

(105)

The LVN's comments of 8 July 2014 and the current decisional practice of the European Courts and the European Commission gave rise to the need for additional comments of a fundamental nature concerning whether State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU indeed existed, and in particular whether the constituent element of aid being granted ‘through State resources’ applied.

| (106) | The LVN's comments of 8 July 2014 and an examination of the above-mentioned Judgments at least gave rise to doubts as to whether the element of aid being granted ‘through State resources’ applied in this case and whether, therefore, the collection and allocation of the milk levy constituted State aid. The reasons for this were as follows: |
| --- | --- |

(106)

The LVN's comments of 8 July 2014 and an examination of the above-mentioned Judgments at least gave rise to doubts as to whether the element of aid being granted ‘through State resources’ applied in this case and whether, therefore, the collection and allocation of the milk levy constituted State aid. The reasons for this were as follows:

| (107) | As had emerged from the cases Val'Hor (Decision 2014/416/EU) and Doux Élevage (C-677/11), measures funded and implemented by private interbranch organisations did not constitute State aid. The Land associations for milk that existed in the individual Länder were organisations that could be regarded as comparable to the organisations referred to in Val'Hor and Doux Élevage. State bodies had never been members of these Land associations. They took part in meetings without any voting rights and thus essentially as external guests. The involvement of state bodies in implementing the milk levy or monitoring compliance with the legal conditions set out in the MFG did not alter the fact that the Land associations were the competent body for selecting projects. |
| --- | --- |

(107)

As had emerged from the cases Val'Hor (Decision 2014/416/EU) and Doux Élevage (C-677/11), measures funded and implemented by private interbranch organisations did not constitute State aid. The Land associations for milk that existed in the individual Länder were organisations that could be regarded as comparable to the organisations referred to in Val'Hor and Doux Élevage. State bodies had never been members of these Land associations. They took part in meetings without any voting rights and thus essentially as external guests. The involvement of state bodies in implementing the milk levy or monitoring compliance with the legal conditions set out in the MFG did not alter the fact that the Land associations were the competent body for selecting projects.

Val'Hor

Doux Élevage

Land

Länder

Doux Élevage

Land

Land

| (108) | In actual fact, it was the respective Land associations that managed revenues from the levy and determined how they should be allocated. No State influence as a result of the ‘monitoring’ or ‘adoption’ of the Land association's proposals by State bodies existed in reality since the latter merely operated as provided for in Section 22(2) of the MFG and sought to examine whether the statutory requirements of Section 22 of the MFG were being met. The levy resources were used in accordance with the proposals which the Land associations themselves made concerning their allocation, a fact which, in accordance with the Judgment of the Court of Justice of 16 May 2002 in the case Stardust Marine (C-482/99), clearly indicated that they were not State resources. |
| --- | --- |

(108)

In actual fact, it was the respective Land associations that managed revenues from the levy and determined how they should be allocated. No State influence as a result of the ‘monitoring’ or ‘adoption’ of the Land association's proposals by State bodies existed in reality since the latter merely operated as provided for in Section 22(2) of the MFG and sought to examine whether the statutory requirements of Section 22 of the MFG were being met. The levy resources were used in accordance with the proposals which the Land associations themselves made concerning their allocation, a fact which, in accordance with the Judgment of the Court of Justice of 16 May 2002 in the case Stardust Marine (C-482/99), clearly indicated that they were not State resources.

Land

Land

Land

Stardust Marine

| (109) | The Land associations were purely private organisations. This fact, together with the observation that the Land associations managed the milk levy and how it was used, was a clear indication that the milk levy should, in line with the above-mentioned case law, not be classified as State aid. |
| --- | --- |

(109)

The Land associations were purely private organisations. This fact, together with the observation that the Land associations managed the milk levy and how it was used, was a clear indication that the milk levy should, in line with the above-mentioned case law, not be classified as State aid.

Land

Land

| (110) | The existence of State aid was further disproved by the fact that the milk levy resources were purely private resources. They were resources derived from the assets of the private undertakings that were required to pay the levy. In the case of the milk levy, there was no State funding or guarantee, in contrast to the situation in Cases C-262/12 (Vent de Colère) and T-139/09 (Plans de Campagne), in which it was found that State aid existed for this very reason. |
| --- | --- |

(110)

The existence of State aid was further disproved by the fact that the milk levy resources were purely private resources. They were resources derived from the assets of the private undertakings that were required to pay the levy. In the case of the milk levy, there was no State funding or guarantee, in contrast to the situation in Cases C-262/12 (Vent de Colère) and T-139/09 (Plans de Campagne), in which it was found that State aid existed for this very reason.

Vent de Colère

Plans de Campagne

| (111) | Moreover, the milk levy was a collective, industry-wide measure which, in accordance with the current legal situation as established in cases Val'Hor (Decision 2014/416/EU) and Doux Élevage (C-677/11), militated against the existence of State aid. |
| --- | --- |

(111)

Moreover, the milk levy was a collective, industry-wide measure which, in accordance with the current legal situation as established in cases Val'Hor (Decision 2014/416/EU) and Doux Élevage (C-677/11), militated against the existence of State aid.

Doux Élevage

| (112) | It was also doubtful whether any advantage was conferred by the scheme, something that it would have to do if it were to be assumed to constitute aid. This was because the advantages enjoyed by dairies and milk producers were fully cancelled out or ‘neutralised’ by the levies paid by dairies and thus indirectly by milk producers. This was also confirmed by the Judgment of the Court of Justice of 19 December 2013 in the case Vent de Colère, in which it was also deemed that State aid existed because the costs were no longer met solely by operators in the branch but by all domestic electricity consumers. |
| --- | --- |

(112)

It was also doubtful whether any advantage was conferred by the scheme, something that it would have to do if it were to be assumed to constitute aid. This was because the advantages enjoyed by dairies and milk producers were fully cancelled out or ‘neutralised’ by the levies paid by dairies and thus indirectly by milk producers. This was also confirmed by the Judgment of the Court of Justice of 19 December 2013 in the case Vent de Colère, in which it was also deemed that State aid existed because the costs were no longer met solely by operators in the branch but by all domestic electricity consumers.

Vent de Colère

| (113) | It followed from these points, some of which had emerged from a re-examination of the milk levy scheme and from the fact that the German Länder in question were maintaining their current position, that doubts existed as to whether the milk levy system did constitute State aid. This question, and in particular whether the ‘State resources’ element existed, had to be answered by the European Commission. |
| --- | --- |

(113)

It followed from these points, some of which had emerged from a re-examination of the milk levy scheme and from the fact that the German Länder in question were maintaining their current position, that doubts existed as to whether the milk levy system did constitute State aid. This question, and in particular whether the ‘State resources’ element existed, had to be answered by the European Commission.

Länder

3.   ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT

Existence of aid

Existence of aid

| (114) | Article 107(1) TFEU lays down that any aid granted by a Member State or through State resources in any form which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods and affects trade between Member States is incompatible with the internal market. |
| --- | --- |

(114)

Article 107(1) TFEU lays down that any aid granted by a Member State or through State resources in any form which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods and affects trade between Member States is incompatible with the internal market.

Aid granted by the State or through State resources

Aid granted by the State or through State resources

| (115) | It must be examined on the basis of the available information and, in particular, the comments submitted by the interested parties and by the German authorities whether the milk levy resources constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU. |
| --- | --- |

(115)

It must be examined on the basis of the available information and, in particular, the comments submitted by the interested parties and by the German authorities whether the milk levy resources constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU.

| (116) | According to settled case-law, it is not appropriate to distinguish between cases in which aid is granted directly by the State and those in which it is granted by a public or private body designated or established by that State (32). However, for advantages to be capable of being categorised as State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU, they must, first, be granted directly or indirectly through State resources and, second, be imputable to the State (33). |
| --- | --- |

(116)

According to settled case-law, it is not appropriate to distinguish between cases in which aid is granted directly by the State and those in which it is granted by a public or private body designated or established by that State (32). However, for advantages to be capable of being categorised as State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU, they must, first, be granted directly or indirectly through State resources and, second, be imputable to the State (33).

32

33

| (117) | With regard to the measures described above in Section 2 of the present Decision, it is apparent that support is granted on the basis of legal provisions of the German Länder, for which in turn the MFG constitutes the legal framework. |
| --- | --- |

(117)

With regard to the measures described above in Section 2 of the present Decision, it is apparent that support is granted on the basis of legal provisions of the German Länder, for which in turn the MFG constitutes the legal framework.

Länder

| (118) | Specifically, the first sentence of Section 22(1) of the MFG provides that the Land Governments, acting in consultation with the Land association or professional organisations, may collect levies of up to 0,1 cent per kilogram of delivered milk jointly from dairies, milk collection centres and creameries. Under the second sentence of Section 22(1) of the MFG, Land Governments may, if requested to do so by the Land association or professional organisations, collect joint levies of up to 0,2 cents per kilogram of delivered milk if the levies provided for under the first sentence are not sufficient for the performance of tasks. |
| --- | --- |

(118)

Specifically, the first sentence of Section 22(1) of the MFG provides that the Land Governments, acting in consultation with the Land association or professional organisations, may collect levies of up to 0,1 cent per kilogram of delivered milk jointly from dairies, milk collection centres and creameries. Under the second sentence of Section 22(1) of the MFG, Land Governments may, if requested to do so by the Land association or professional organisations, collect joint levies of up to 0,2 cents per kilogram of delivered milk if the levies provided for under the first sentence are not sufficient for the performance of tasks.

Land

Land

Land

Land

| (119) | The Land Governments collect the milk levy in consultation with the Land association in question. However, ‘consultation’ represents a significantly weaker form of participation than ‘agreement’. While ‘agreement’ means that another body (e.g. a legislative body or authority) must necessarily give its consent before a legal act is (lawfully) adopted, a decision that is to be adopted in ‘consultation’ with another body does not, by contrast, necessarily depend on that other body's consent. This distinction between different forms of participation is made in some areas of German administrative law (34): Because the first sentence of Section 22(1) of the MFG provides for the form of participation of ‘consultation’, the power to collect the levy and the decision to do so lies with the Land Governments (35). By contrast, the Landesvereinigungen are only called upon for preparation and technical implementation of the measures to be taken pursuant to Section 22, and are in that respect subjected to the supervision of the oberste Landesbehörde (second and fourth paragraph of Section 14 MFG). |
| --- | --- |

(119)

The Land Governments collect the milk levy in consultation with the Land association in question. However, ‘consultation’ represents a significantly weaker form of participation than ‘agreement’. While ‘agreement’ means that another body (e.g. a legislative body or authority) must necessarily give its consent before a legal act is (lawfully) adopted, a decision that is to be adopted in ‘consultation’ with another body does not, by contrast, necessarily depend on that other body's consent. This distinction between different forms of participation is made in some areas of German administrative law (34): Because the first sentence of Section 22(1) of the MFG provides for the form of participation of ‘consultation’, the power to collect the levy and the decision to do so lies with the Land Governments (35). By contrast, the Landesvereinigungen are only called upon for preparation and technical implementation of the measures to be taken pursuant to Section 22, and are in that respect subjected to the supervision of the oberste Landesbehörde (second and fourth paragraph of Section 14 MFG).

Land

Land

34

Land

35

Landesvereinigungen

oberste Landesbehörde

| (120) | The legal basis for collecting a milk levy in the individual German Länder is provided by corresponding Land regulations on the detailed arrangements for collecting the levy, including the amount of the levy (36). It is therefore the State (represented by the respective Land Government) that regulates the levy's collection. As explained in the previous recital 119, this is not altered by the fact that the regulations in question are issued in consultation with the respective Land association representing the dairy industry. |
| --- | --- |

(120)

The legal basis for collecting a milk levy in the individual German Länder is provided by corresponding Land regulations on the detailed arrangements for collecting the levy, including the amount of the levy (36). It is therefore the State (represented by the respective Land Government) that regulates the levy's collection. As explained in the previous recital 119, this is not altered by the fact that the regulations in question are issued in consultation with the respective Land association representing the dairy industry.

collecting

Länder

Land

36

Land

Land

| (121) | In the case in hand, a levy is collected from private undertakings. Revenues from this levy accrue to the respective Land budget before they are used to fund the various support measures and, under the first sentence of Section 22(3) of the MFG, must be managed separately within it. Under Section 23 of the respective budgetary ordinances (see recital 25), expenditure and commitment appropriations for payments to bodies outside the Land administration to meet specific purposes (subsidies) may only be made available if the Land has a significant interest in the bodies in question fulfilling a given purposes that cannot be satisfied, or not to the necessary extent, without subsidies. This requirement implies the State interest in the measures being implemented. |
| --- | --- |

(121)

In the case in hand, a levy is collected from private undertakings. Revenues from this levy accrue to the respective Land budget before they are used to fund the various support measures and, under the first sentence of Section 22(3) of the MFG, must be managed separately within it. Under Section 23 of the respective budgetary ordinances (see recital 25), expenditure and commitment appropriations for payments to bodies outside the Land administration to meet specific purposes (subsidies) may only be made available if the Land has a significant interest in the bodies in question fulfilling a given purposes that cannot be satisfied, or not to the necessary extent, without subsidies. This requirement implies the State interest in the measures being implemented.

Land

Land

Land

| (122) | In response to the arguments presented by the interested parties and by Germany, the Commission finds as follows: |
| --- | --- |

(122)

In response to the arguments presented by the interested parties and by Germany, the Commission finds as follows:

| (123) | The assertion by MPBW that the milk levy scheme is not associated with any cost to the public exchequer in Baden-Württemberg (recitals 60 to 63) is first contradicted by the fact that revenues from the milk levy are entered under a specific sub-heading in the budget (recital 61). It is generally the case that even if resources used for a subsidy are derived from a (specific) charge (levy) paid by private parties, it must be assumed that there is a cost to the public exchequer and that State resources are thus being used if those resources first accrue to the budget. In this respect, there is a significant difference compared with the PreussenElektra Case cited by MPBW, which was concerned with a system of minimum prices, where financial means never entered the State budget or the State in other form exerted control over them (and even in form of a conferral to third parties). Consequently, the use of State resources was ruled out in that case (37). |
| --- | --- |

(123)

The assertion by MPBW that the milk levy scheme is not associated with any cost to the public exchequer in Baden-Württemberg (recitals 60 to 63) is first contradicted by the fact that revenues from the milk levy are entered under a specific sub-heading in the budget (recital 61). It is generally the case that even if resources used for a subsidy are derived from a (specific) charge (levy) paid by private parties, it must be assumed that there is a cost to the public exchequer and that State resources are thus being used if those resources first accrue to the budget. In this respect, there is a significant difference compared with the PreussenElektra Case cited by MPBW, which was concerned with a system of minimum prices, where financial means never entered the State budget or the State in other form exerted control over them (and even in form of a conferral to third parties). Consequently, the use of State resources was ruled out in that case (37).

PreussenElektra

37

| (124) | Moreover, it cannot be concluded from the mere circumstance that MPBW did not receive any payments from tax or other State revenues to carry out the milk quality tests that the payments in question did not constitute State resources. According to the Commission's decisional practice in this area, measures funded solely from parafiscal resources are considered to constitute aid within the meaning of the first sentence of Article 107(1) TFEU (38). |
| --- | --- |

(124)

Moreover, it cannot be concluded from the mere circumstance that MPBW did not receive any payments from tax or other State revenues to carry out the milk quality tests that the payments in question did not constitute State resources. According to the Commission's decisional practice in this area, measures funded solely from parafiscal resources are considered to constitute aid within the meaning of the first sentence of Article 107(1) TFEU (38).

38

| (125) | With regard to the LVN's assertion that it is the Land associations that actually decide to collect the levy from dairies (recitals 82 to 86 and 91), the Commission considers that it is the Federal Government that, on the basis of Section 22(1) of the MFG, has empowered the Land Governments to collect a milk levy. That provision stipulates, inter alia, that the milk levy may normally amount to 0,1 cents per kilogram and that the Land Government may increase the levy to 0,2 cents per kilogram if requested to do so by the Land association or jointly by the professional organisations. |
| --- | --- |

(125)

With regard to the LVN's assertion that it is the Land associations that actually decide to collect the levy from dairies (recitals 82 to 86 and 91), the Commission considers that it is the Federal Government that, on the basis of Section 22(1) of the MFG, has empowered the Land Governments to collect a milk levy. That provision stipulates, inter alia, that the milk levy may normally amount to 0,1 cents per kilogram and that the Land Government may increase the levy to 0,2 cents per kilogram if requested to do so by the Land association or jointly by the professional organisations.

Land

Land

Land

if requested

Land

| (126) | In addition, Section 22(2), points 1-6, of the MFG stipulates the purposes for which milk levy resources may be used. |
| --- | --- |

(126)

In addition, Section 22(2), points 1-6, of the MFG stipulates the purposes for which milk levy resources may be used.

| (127) | Under the third sentence of Section 22(3) of the MFG, the Land association or professional associations must merely be consulted before the resources are used. |
| --- | --- |

(127)

Under the third sentence of Section 22(3) of the MFG, the Land association or professional associations must merely be consulted before the resources are used.

Land

| (128) | This indicates that, although the State (at Federal level) grants the Land associations certain rights of participation, it has nevertheless established a clear legal framework in that the respective Land governments (or in case of delegation the oberste Landesbehörden) decide on the rates that must be applied in respect of the milk levy and how the resources are to be used. It would not, for example, be possible for the rate of the levy to be increased to more than 0,2 cents per kilogram if the Land associations were to request this or that the resources were used for purposes other than those set out in Section 22(2), points 1-6, of the MFG. Moreover, the duty of consultation in respect of usage of the resources (third sentence of Section 22, paragraph 3 of the MFG) does not in any way require the views of those consulted to be followed. The final decision as to how the resources are to be used lies with the respective Land authorities, i.e. with the State. |
| --- | --- |

(128)

This indicates that, although the State (at Federal level) grants the Land associations certain rights of participation, it has nevertheless established a clear legal framework in that the respective Land governments (or in case of delegation the oberste Landesbehörden) decide on the rates that must be applied in respect of the milk levy and how the resources are to be used. It would not, for example, be possible for the rate of the levy to be increased to more than 0,2 cents per kilogram if the Land associations were to request this or that the resources were used for purposes other than those set out in Section 22(2), points 1-6, of the MFG. Moreover, the duty of consultation in respect of usage of the resources (third sentence of Section 22, paragraph 3 of the MFG) does not in any way require the views of those consulted to be followed. The final decision as to how the resources are to be used lies with the respective Land authorities, i.e. with the State.

Land

oberste Landesbehörden

Land

Land

| (129) | This distinguishes this case significantly from the Doux Elevage Case cited by the LVN. Collection of the milk levy and the allocation of the corresponding resources is regulated by the State at two levels, i.e. Federal and Land. In Germany, the legislator has not only granted the Land Governments the power to collect the levy but has also restricted the margin available to dispose at Land level of the resources generated from levies by Federal law. The Land associations are not able to seek to amend the objectives that may be promoted as set out in Section 22(2), points 1-6, of the MFG, for example by submitting a request to that end. A State restriction of this nature did not form part of the facts on which the Val'Hor und Doux Elevage Cases were based. |
| --- | --- |

(129)

This distinguishes this case significantly from the Doux Elevage Case cited by the LVN. Collection of the milk levy and the allocation of the corresponding resources is regulated by the State at two levels, i.e. Federal and Land. In Germany, the legislator has not only granted the Land Governments the power to collect the levy but has also restricted the margin available to dispose at Land level of the resources generated from levies by Federal law. The Land associations are not able to seek to amend the objectives that may be promoted as set out in Section 22(2), points 1-6, of the MFG, for example by submitting a request to that end. A State restriction of this nature did not form part of the facts on which the Val'Hor und Doux Elevage Cases were based.

Doux Elevage

Land

Land

Land

Land

Val'Hor

Doux Elevage

| (130) | Moreover, the MFG cannot be understood merely as a means of enforcing purely economic interests of an interbranch organisation. Section 14 of the MFG stipulates, for example, that, if they wish to participate, professional organisations acting for agriculture, dairies and the dairy trade must be represented within it, while an appropriate representation of consumers must also be ensured in the bodies of the association. With these requirements concerning participation and representation, the legislator (and hence the State) ensures that when pursuing the objectives of public nature as referred to in the MFG all interests are represented in the widest possible manner, thus going well beyond the mere promotion of an economic sector. |
| --- | --- |

(130)

Moreover, the MFG cannot be understood merely as a means of enforcing purely economic interests of an interbranch organisation. Section 14 of the MFG stipulates, for example, that, if they wish to participate, professional organisations acting for agriculture, dairies and the dairy trade must be represented within it, while an appropriate representation of consumers must also be ensured in the bodies of the association. With these requirements concerning participation and representation, the legislator (and hence the State) ensures that when pursuing the objectives of public nature as referred to in the MFG all interests are represented in the widest possible manner, thus going well beyond the mere promotion of an economic sector.

| (131) | Contrary to the case Doux Elevage, the promotion objectives set out in the MFG are not objectives that the interbranch organisations have themselves laid down and introduced (39). Objectives 1 (‘improving and sustaining quality on the basis of provisions issued under Section 10 of this Act or Section 37 of the Milchgesetz [Milk Act] of 31 July 1930 (Reich Law Gazette I, p. 421’) and 2 (‘improving hygiene during milking and the delivery, processing and distribution of milk and milk products’) set out in Section 22(2) of the MFG in particular display characteristics that — contrary to the case Doux Elevage (40) — form part of a policy determined by State authorities and refer to tasks incumbent to the State, which according to the third paragraph of Section 14 MFG must a priori not be conferred to the Land associations. |
| --- | --- |

(131)

Contrary to the case Doux Elevage, the promotion objectives set out in the MFG are not objectives that the interbranch organisations have themselves laid down and introduced (39). Objectives 1 (‘improving and sustaining quality on the basis of provisions issued under Section 10 of this Act or Section 37 of the Milchgesetz [Milk Act] of 31 July 1930 (Reich Law Gazette I, p. 421’) and 2 (‘improving hygiene during milking and the delivery, processing and distribution of milk and milk products’) set out in Section 22(2) of the MFG in particular display characteristics that — contrary to the case Doux Elevage (40) — form part of a policy determined by State authorities and refer to tasks incumbent to the State, which according to the third paragraph of Section 14 MFG must a priori not be conferred to the Land associations.

Doux Elevage

39

Milchgesetz

Doux Elevage

40

a priori

| (132) | Also in contrast to the situation in Doux Elevage, the Land associations do not have to follow the normal civil or commercial judicial process in order to collect milk levies in the event of non-payment (41). This is because Section 23(2) of the MFG stipulates that levies are recoverable in accordance with the Abgabenordnung (General Tax Code) and its implementing provisions. In their respective milk levy collection regulations, the Länder in question likewise provided for recovery in accordance with the Abgabenordnung and its implementing provisions (42). Under the German legal system, the Abgabenordnung is considered to form part of public law. In Germany, public debts are enforced through administrative channels, while under civil law they are enforced through the courts. Administrative channels are as compared to Court procedures the more effective method of enforcement, because the public authorities can obtain an executory title for themselves by issuing an administrative act (43), which in case of civil law debts must be contended through the Court (44). This indicates that the State is interested in the effective and complete collecting (and, where appropriate, recovering) outstanding levy payments to the maximum possible extent, including in order to guarantee that the State objectives funded by levy resources are timely realised. |
| --- | --- |

(132)

Also in contrast to the situation in Doux Elevage, the Land associations do not have to follow the normal civil or commercial judicial process in order to collect milk levies in the event of non-payment (41). This is because Section 23(2) of the MFG stipulates that levies are recoverable in accordance with the Abgabenordnung (General Tax Code) and its implementing provisions. In their respective milk levy collection regulations, the Länder in question likewise provided for recovery in accordance with the Abgabenordnung and its implementing provisions (42). Under the German legal system, the Abgabenordnung is considered to form part of public law. In Germany, public debts are enforced through administrative channels, while under civil law they are enforced through the courts. Administrative channels are as compared to Court procedures the more effective method of enforcement, because the public authorities can obtain an executory title for themselves by issuing an administrative act (43), which in case of civil law debts must be contended through the Court (44). This indicates that the State is interested in the effective and complete collecting (and, where appropriate, recovering) outstanding levy payments to the maximum possible extent, including in order to guarantee that the State objectives funded by levy resources are timely realised.

Doux Elevage

Land

41

Abgabenordnung

Länder

Abgabenordnung

42

Abgabenordnung

43

44

| (133) | Thus, the above arguments disprove the LVN's assertion that the milk levy resources are not State resources within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU. |
| --- | --- |

(133)

Thus, the above arguments disprove the LVN's assertion that the milk levy resources are not State resources within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU.

| (134) | Consequently, the revenues from the levy in question should be regarded as being under State control (45) and the measures funded by them were granted through State resources and are attributable to the State. |
| --- | --- |

(134)

Consequently, the revenues from the levy in question should be regarded as being under State control (45) and the measures funded by them were granted through State resources and are attributable to the State.

45

| (135) | This is even truer with regard to the general budget resources used in Bavaria to finance the milk quality tests at issue. These resources constitute likewise State resources within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU. |
| --- | --- |

(135)

This is even truer with regard to the general budget resources used in Bavaria to finance the milk quality tests at issue. These resources constitute likewise State resources within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU.

Selective advantage/Undertakings

Selective advantage/Undertakings

| (136) | The recipients of payments of State resources are initially MPBW and MPBY. They conduct laboratory tests on the State's behalf. However, these tests are ultimately of benefit to dairies because it is they who are required by law to test the milk delivered to them. The laboratory tests are thus services which MPBW and MPBY provide for the dairies. The dairies may therefore be regarded as beneficiaries of aid granted in the form of benefits in kind. It is beyond doubt that the dairies are undertakings within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU. Any possible advantage is granted to ‘certain undertakings’, because there are many other economic sectors other than the dairy sector that do not benefit from the measures in question. The possible advantage being conferred is thus selective. |
| --- | --- |

(136)

The recipients of payments of State resources are initially MPBW and MPBY. They conduct laboratory tests on the State's behalf. However, these tests are ultimately of benefit to dairies because it is they who are required by law to test the milk delivered to them. The laboratory tests are thus services which MPBW and MPBY provide for the dairies. The dairies may therefore be regarded as beneficiaries of aid granted in the form of benefits in kind. It is beyond doubt that the dairies are undertakings within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU. Any possible advantage is granted to ‘certain undertakings’, because there are many other economic sectors other than the dairy sector that do not benefit from the measures in question. The possible advantage being conferred is thus selective.

| (137) | Under Section 1(1) of the MGV, the dairies, as commercial buyers of milk, are required to have all delivered milk tested or to test it themselves. As when they test it themselves, in which case the costs necessarily have to be borne by the dairies, the costs arising when milk is submitted to a testing body for testing is to be regarded as typical operating costs which are normally borne by the undertakings in question, i.e. the dairies, as the parties required to perform the analyses under the national scheme. The Commission therefore assumes that the dairies in Baden-Württemberg are granted an advantage from milk levy resources and in Bavaria from milk levy and general budgetary resources as a result of being refunded the costs of laboratory tests from levy resources, an advantage which, as explained in recital 136, has a selective impact. |
| --- | --- |

(137)

Under Section 1(1) of the MGV, the dairies, as commercial buyers of milk, are required to have all delivered milk tested or to test it themselves. As when they test it themselves, in which case the costs necessarily have to be borne by the dairies, the costs arising when milk is submitted to a testing body for testing is to be regarded as typical operating costs which are normally borne by the undertakings in question, i.e. the dairies, as the parties required to perform the analyses under the national scheme. The Commission therefore assumes that the dairies in Baden-Württemberg are granted an advantage from milk levy resources and in Bavaria from milk levy and general budgetary resources as a result of being refunded the costs of laboratory tests from levy resources, an advantage which, as explained in recital 136, has a selective impact.

| (138) | In this context, it should also be examined whether the laboratory tests carried out are related to economic activities. |
| --- | --- |

(138)

In this context, it should also be examined whether the laboratory tests carried out are related to economic activities.

| (139) | Germany claims that by carrying out milk quality tests the milk testing agencies are performing tasks that are incumbent on the State, (see above recital 26). The milk quality tests are in fact performed on the basis of rules of public law, i.e. the MGV. The requirement to carry out tests laid down in Section 1(1) of the MGV pursues a public purpose (ensuring milk quality) and can be publicly enforced by means of penalties under administrative law. However, it cannot be concluded from this that the funding of milk quality tests by means of the levy is not related to economic activities pursued by undertakings (46). Rather at issue is one of numerous regulatory requirements (e.g.: product safety, environment standards, etc.) that economic operators (here: the dairies) have to comply with when pursuing their economic activities. In addition, the milk quality tests do not constitute any activity which forms part of the essential tasks of the State within the meaning of paragraph 16 of the Communication from the Commission on the application of the European Union State aid rules to compensation granted for the provision of services of general economic interest (47). |
| --- | --- |

(139)

Germany claims that by carrying out milk quality tests the milk testing agencies are performing tasks that are incumbent on the State, (see above recital 26). The milk quality tests are in fact performed on the basis of rules of public law, i.e. the MGV. The requirement to carry out tests laid down in Section 1(1) of the MGV pursues a public purpose (ensuring milk quality) and can be publicly enforced by means of penalties under administrative law. However, it cannot be concluded from this that the funding of milk quality tests by means of the levy is not related to economic activities pursued by undertakings (46). Rather at issue is one of numerous regulatory requirements (e.g.: product safety, environment standards, etc.) that economic operators (here: the dairies) have to comply with when pursuing their economic activities. In addition, the milk quality tests do not constitute any activity which forms part of the essential tasks of the State within the meaning of paragraph 16 of the Communication from the Commission on the application of the European Union State aid rules to compensation granted for the provision of services of general economic interest (47).

46

47

| (140) | Section 1(1) of the MGV is the basis of a requirement for the dairies to carry out tests. This requirement is coupled with an obligation to assume the costs of carrying out tests, i.e. the costs of laboratory tests incurred by the milk testing agencies (see recital 137 above). This clearly results from the fact that the performance of tests is a pre-requisite for dairies being allowed to sell the milk that has been tested. Undertakings have to bear themselves the costs incurred to market their products as typical operating costs. Accordingly, in Länder other than Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, in which the MGV is equally applicable, the dairies in question are not refunded these costs from milk levy resources, i.e. they are not spared them and consequently have to meet them. The sale of milk by dairies is undoubtedly an economic activity. By having the costs of the analyses refunded from levy resources, the dairies in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are thus exempted from costs that they would normally have to meet themselves in exercising economic activities. |
| --- | --- |

(140)

Section 1(1) of the MGV is the basis of a requirement for the dairies to carry out tests. This requirement is coupled with an obligation to assume the costs of carrying out tests, i.e. the costs of laboratory tests incurred by the milk testing agencies (see recital 137 above). This clearly results from the fact that the performance of tests is a pre-requisite for dairies being allowed to sell the milk that has been tested. Undertakings have to bear themselves the costs incurred to market their products as typical operating costs. Accordingly, in Länder other than Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, in which the MGV is equally applicable, the dairies in question are not refunded these costs from milk levy resources, i.e. they are not spared them and consequently have to meet them. The sale of milk by dairies is undoubtedly an economic activity. By having the costs of the analyses refunded from levy resources, the dairies in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are thus exempted from costs that they would normally have to meet themselves in exercising economic activities.

Länder

| (141) | With regard to Germany's claim that Federal law is not the reference framework for determining the matter of who should bear the dairies' costs and therefore cannot be the basis for any selectivity (recitals 31 to 38), it is found that the requirement to carry out tests that gives rise to the obligation to meet the costs thereof is ultimately regulated by Federal law, i.e. in Section 1(1) of the MGV. |
| --- | --- |

(141)

With regard to Germany's claim that Federal law is not the reference framework for determining the matter of who should bear the dairies' costs and therefore cannot be the basis for any selectivity (recitals 31 to 38), it is found that the requirement to carry out tests that gives rise to the obligation to meet the costs thereof is ultimately regulated by Federal law, i.e. in Section 1(1) of the MGV.

| (142) | As stated above, Section 1(1) of the MGV requires dairies to carry out tests on the milk delivered to them (see also recitals 139 and 142). The same MGV, in Section 6, grants certain powers to the Länder, in particular as regards sampling under Section 2 of the MGV. These powers should not, however, stand in the way of the MGV (Section 6 of the MGV). |
| --- | --- |

(142)

As stated above, Section 1(1) of the MGV requires dairies to carry out tests on the milk delivered to them (see also recitals 139 and 142). The same MGV, in Section 6, grants certain powers to the Länder, in particular as regards sampling under Section 2 of the MGV. These powers should not, however, stand in the way of the MGV (Section 6 of the MGV).

Länder

| (143) | In the same context, on the matter of the demarcation of powers between the Federal and Land authorities, Germany referred to Section 10(2) of the MFG (recital 37). This provision states that the Land Governments may issue rules provided that the Federal Ministry has not itself issued rules. As indicated above, the competent Federal Ministry has in fact done so by means of the MGV. Although the Land Governments are authorised to collect levies under the first sentence of Section 22(1) of the MFG, at the same time the MFG limits the autonomy of the Länder by setting limits on the amount of the levy and the measures that may be supported under Sections 22(2), points 1-6, of the MFG. |
| --- | --- |

(143)

In the same context, on the matter of the demarcation of powers between the Federal and Land authorities, Germany referred to Section 10(2) of the MFG (recital 37). This provision states that the Land Governments may issue rules provided that the Federal Ministry has not itself issued rules. As indicated above, the competent Federal Ministry has in fact done so by means of the MGV. Although the Land Governments are authorised to collect levies under the first sentence of Section 22(1) of the MFG, at the same time the MFG limits the autonomy of the Länder by setting limits on the amount of the levy and the measures that may be supported under Sections 22(2), points 1-6, of the MFG.

Land

Land

Land

Länder

| (144) | As regards the case Portugal v Commission (48) cited by Germany in this context (recitals 31 to 38), the Commission notes that it concerned a system of differentiated taxation, from which the present case differs significantly. If the findings in Portugal v Commission were nevertheless applied to the facts of this case, as Germany is seeking to do, the reference framework referred to in paragraph 64 of that case would be the obligation to meet the costs of the tests laid down by Section 1(1) of the MGV. The reference framework is thus regulated at Federal level, i.e. by ‘central government’ in the terms used in the case Portugal v Commission. A refund of the costs in question from levy resources thus leads, by a process of a contrario reasoning with regard to paragraph 64, to the conclusion that a selective advantage does exist. |
| --- | --- |

(144)

As regards the case Portugal v Commission (48) cited by Germany in this context (recitals 31 to 38), the Commission notes that it concerned a system of differentiated taxation, from which the present case differs significantly. If the findings in Portugal v Commission were nevertheless applied to the facts of this case, as Germany is seeking to do, the reference framework referred to in paragraph 64 of that case would be the obligation to meet the costs of the tests laid down by Section 1(1) of the MGV. The reference framework is thus regulated at Federal level, i.e. by ‘central government’ in the terms used in the case Portugal v Commission. A refund of the costs in question from levy resources thus leads, by a process of a contrario reasoning with regard to paragraph 64, to the conclusion that a selective advantage does exist.

Portugal

Commission

48

Portugal

Commission

Portugal

Commission

a contrario

| (145) | The Commission further takes the view that the existence of a selective advantage cannot be refuted by claiming that the dairies have already paid the value of the tests carried out by means of the milk levy. Indeed, the Commission rejects the claim made by Germany and the MPBW that the levy corresponds to the actual economic cost of the services provided in return (recital 39). As is apparent from Chapter 2.6. of the Decision, a variety of different sub-measures are funded by the milk levy. It is in the nature of the sub-measures that the benefit which each individual undertaking derives from specific sub-measures is not necessarily equivalent to the levy amounts previously paid. Additionally in the case of Bavaria, the measures at issue are not only financed from milk levy resources but also from additional resources stemming from the general budget for which reason a ‘compensation’ is ruled out. |
| --- | --- |

(145)

The Commission further takes the view that the existence of a selective advantage cannot be refuted by claiming that the dairies have already paid the value of the tests carried out by means of the milk levy. Indeed, the Commission rejects the claim made by Germany and the MPBW that the levy corresponds to the actual economic cost of the services provided in return (recital 39). As is apparent from Chapter 2.6. of the Decision, a variety of different sub-measures are funded by the milk levy. It is in the nature of the sub-measures that the benefit which each individual undertaking derives from specific sub-measures is not necessarily equivalent to the levy amounts previously paid. Additionally in the case of Bavaria, the measures at issue are not only financed from milk levy resources but also from additional resources stemming from the general budget for which reason a ‘compensation’ is ruled out.

| (146) | The Commission thus finds that the dairies in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria obtain a selective advantage as a result of being refunded the costs of milk quality tests from levy resources. |
| --- | --- |

(146)

The Commission thus finds that the dairies in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria obtain a selective advantage as a result of being refunded the costs of milk quality tests from levy resources.

Distortion of competition and effect on trade

Distortion of competition and effect on trade

| (147) | According to the case law of the Court of Justice, strengthening the competitive position of an undertaking through the granting of State aid generally distorts competition with other competing undertakings not having benefited from this aid. (49) Aid for an undertaking that operates in a market where there is intra-Union trade is liable to affect trade between Member States (50), even if the undertaking receiving it does not itself participate at all in intra-Community trade (51). There was substantial intra-Union trade in agricultural products in the period 2001-2012. For example, intra-Community imports to and exports from Germany of products falling within heading 0401 of the Combined Nomenclature (milk and cream, not concentrated nor containing added sugar or other sweetening matter) (52) were worth EUR 1,2 billion and EUR 957 million respectively in 2011 (53). |
| --- | --- |

(147)

According to the case law of the Court of Justice, strengthening the competitive position of an undertaking through the granting of State aid generally distorts competition with other competing undertakings not having benefited from this aid. (49) Aid for an undertaking that operates in a market where there is intra-Union trade is liable to affect trade between Member States (50), even if the undertaking receiving it does not itself participate at all in intra-Community trade (51). There was substantial intra-Union trade in agricultural products in the period 2001-2012. For example, intra-Community imports to and exports from Germany of products falling within heading 0401 of the Combined Nomenclature (milk and cream, not concentrated nor containing added sugar or other sweetening matter) (52) were worth EUR 1,2 billion and EUR 957 million respectively in 2011 (53).

49

50

51

52

53

| (148) | The measures being assessed in this Decision are designed to support activities in the agricultural sector, in particular the activities of dairies. As described above, trade in the products of dairies does exist within the Union. The Commission therefore takes the view that the measures at issue affect trade between the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

(148)

The measures being assessed in this Decision are designed to support activities in the agricultural sector, in particular the activities of dairies. As described above, trade in the products of dairies does exist within the Union. The Commission therefore takes the view that the measures at issue affect trade between the Member States.

| (149) | In view of the substantial level of trade in agricultural products, it can therefore be assumed that the sub-measures in question distorted or threatened to distort competition and affected trade between Member States. |
| --- | --- |

(149)

In view of the substantial level of trade in agricultural products, it can therefore be assumed that the sub-measures in question distorted or threatened to distort competition and affected trade between Member States.

Existing aid/new aid

Existing aid/new aid

| (150) | According to Article 108(1) TFEU, the Commission must, in cooperation with Member States, keep under constant review all existing systems of aid. To that end, the Commission can obtain from Member States all information necessary for the review of existing aid schemes and, if necessary, issue a recommendation on appropriate measures. |
| --- | --- |

(150)

According to Article 108(1) TFEU, the Commission must, in cooperation with Member States, keep under constant review all existing systems of aid. To that end, the Commission can obtain from Member States all information necessary for the review of existing aid schemes and, if necessary, issue a recommendation on appropriate measures.

| (151) | Article 1(b)(i) Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 defines existing aid as all aid which existed prior to the entry into force of the Treaty in the respective Member State and is still applicable after the entry into force of the Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

(151)

Article 1(b)(i) Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 defines existing aid as all aid which existed prior to the entry into force of the Treaty in the respective Member State and is still applicable after the entry into force of the Treaty.

| (152) | However, according to Article 1(c) Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, any alteration to existing aid makes it ‘new aid’. Article 4 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 (54) defines an alteration to existing aid as ‘any change, other than modifications of a purely formal or administrative nature which cannot affect the evaluation of the compatibility of the aid measure with the common market’. |
| --- | --- |

(152)

However, according to Article 1(c) Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, any alteration to existing aid makes it ‘new aid’. Article 4 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 (54) defines an alteration to existing aid as ‘any change, other than modifications of a purely formal or administrative nature which cannot affect the evaluation of the compatibility of the aid measure with the common market’.

54

| (153) | According to case law (55), only where the alteration affects the actual substance of the original scheme is the latter transformed into a new aid scheme. There can be no question of such a substantive alteration where the new element is clearly severable from the initial scheme. |
| --- | --- |

(153)

According to case law (55), only where the alteration affects the actual substance of the original scheme is the latter transformed into a new aid scheme. There can be no question of such a substantive alteration where the new element is clearly severable from the initial scheme.

55

| (154) | According to Article 108(3) TFEU, all new aid has to be notified to the Commission and it cannot be put into effect before it has been approved by the European Commission (standstill obligation). |
| --- | --- |

(154)

According to Article 108(3) TFEU, all new aid has to be notified to the Commission and it cannot be put into effect before it has been approved by the European Commission (standstill obligation).

| (155) | According to Article 1(f) of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, new aid put into effect in contravention of Article 108(3) TFEU is unlawful. |
| --- | --- |

(155)

According to Article 1(f) of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, new aid put into effect in contravention of Article 108(3) TFEU is unlawful.

| (156) | On the basis of the MFG and in the context of the powers conferred on them, the competent Federal Ministry and the German Länder (see recital 24 above) have adopted implementing measures which constitute the legal bases for the measures being assessed in this Decision. With the exception of the MFG itself (which is only a framework law and an enabling act for Land schemes, but which provides for no right to financial support), the German authorities have not presented any information demonstrating that a legal basis issued before 1958 was still applicable in its original version during the period of investigation. The applicable regulations under which the levy is collected date from 2004 (Baden-Württemberg) and 2007 (Bavaria) respectively (see recital 24). The legal bases for the use of resources are the Budget Orders of the Länder, which, as far as the expenditure purpose is concerned, solely need to comply with the frame of Section 22(2) of the MFG. Bases on this, the Land authorities authorise in each respective budgetary year the expenditure of resources per expenditure act. The measures in question therefore constitute new aid that should have been notified pursuant to Article 108(3) TFEU. Because Germany has not at any time notified the aid scheme at issue, it is unlawful (Article 1(f) of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999). |
| --- | --- |

(156)

On the basis of the MFG and in the context of the powers conferred on them, the competent Federal Ministry and the German Länder (see recital 24 above) have adopted implementing measures which constitute the legal bases for the measures being assessed in this Decision. With the exception of the MFG itself (which is only a framework law and an enabling act for Land schemes, but which provides for no right to financial support), the German authorities have not presented any information demonstrating that a legal basis issued before 1958 was still applicable in its original version during the period of investigation. The applicable regulations under which the levy is collected date from 2004 (Baden-Württemberg) and 2007 (Bavaria) respectively (see recital 24). The legal bases for the use of resources are the Budget Orders of the Länder, which, as far as the expenditure purpose is concerned, solely need to comply with the frame of Section 22(2) of the MFG. Bases on this, the Land authorities authorise in each respective budgetary year the expenditure of resources per expenditure act. The measures in question therefore constitute new aid that should have been notified pursuant to Article 108(3) TFEU. Because Germany has not at any time notified the aid scheme at issue, it is unlawful (Article 1(f) of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999).

Länder

Land

Länder

Land

| (157) | There is consequently no need to discuss Germany's assertion that sub-measures BW 1 and BY 1 do not fall under the definition of appropriate measures (recitals 49 to 56) because that assertion is based on the assumption that the sub-measures constitute existing aid, which, as explained above, is not the case. |
| --- | --- |

(157)

There is consequently no need to discuss Germany's assertion that sub-measures BW 1 and BY 1 do not fall under the definition of appropriate measures (recitals 49 to 56) because that assertion is based on the assumption that the sub-measures constitute existing aid, which, as explained above, is not the case.

Compatibility assessment of the milk quality tests

Compatibility assessment of the milk quality tests

| (158) | Aid granted between 28 November 2001 and 31 December 2006 for the purpose of refunding the costs of milk quality tests was examined by the Commission on the basis of the Community guidelines for State aid in the agricultural sector (2000-2006) and approved as being compatible with the internal market in the context of the Decision of 17 July 2013 (C(2013) 4457 final) (recitals 162 to 165 of the positive Decision). |
| --- | --- |

(158)

Aid granted between 28 November 2001 and 31 December 2006 for the purpose of refunding the costs of milk quality tests was examined by the Commission on the basis of the Community guidelines for State aid in the agricultural sector (2000-2006) and approved as being compatible with the internal market in the context of the Decision of 17 July 2013 (C(2013) 4457 final) (recitals 162 to 165 of the positive Decision).

Applicable rules

Applicable rules

| (159) | Under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU, aid to facilitate the development of certain economic activities or of certain economic areas may be considered compatible with the internal market, where such aid does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the Union interest. |
| --- | --- |

(159)

Under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU, aid to facilitate the development of certain economic activities or of certain economic areas may be considered compatible with the internal market, where such aid does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the Union interest.

| (160) | According to the Commission notice on the determination of the rules applicable to the assessment of unlawful aid (56), any unlawful aid within the meaning of Article 1(f) of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 is to be appraised in accordance with the rules applicable at the time the aid was granted. |
| --- | --- |

(160)

According to the Commission notice on the determination of the rules applicable to the assessment of unlawful aid (56), any unlawful aid within the meaning of Article 1(f) of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 is to be appraised in accordance with the rules applicable at the time the aid was granted.

56

| (161) | Aid granted since 1 January 2007 will be assessed in the light of the 2007-2013 Guidelines. |
| --- | --- |

(161)

Aid granted since 1 January 2007 will be assessed in the light of the 2007-2013 Guidelines.

| (162) | In the initiation Decision, the Commission expressed doubts as to whether aid granted in connection with milk quality tests since 1 January 2007 can be regarded as compatible with the internal market (recitals 166 and 167 of the Decision). |
| --- | --- |

(162)

In the initiation Decision, the Commission expressed doubts as to whether aid granted in connection with milk quality tests since 1 January 2007 can be regarded as compatible with the internal market (recitals 166 and 167 of the Decision).

| (163) | As already indicated in the initiation Decision, the Commission considers that aid towards routine controls of milk does not meet the conditions of paragraph 109 of the 2007-2013 Guidelines, as read in conjunction with Article 16(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006. Indeed, the latter provision expressly stipulates that aid involving the refund of the costs of such routine controls cannot be compatible with the internal market. |
| --- | --- |

(163)

As already indicated in the initiation Decision, the Commission considers that aid towards routine controls of milk does not meet the conditions of paragraph 109 of the 2007-2013 Guidelines, as read in conjunction with Article 16(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006. Indeed, the latter provision expressly stipulates that aid involving the refund of the costs of such routine controls cannot be compatible with the internal market.

| (164) | Contrary to the view expressed by Germany in its comments (recital 53), the Commission takes the view that the costs of ‘routine controls of milk quality’ referred to in Article 16(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 also cover the costs of carrying out the milk quality tests at issue here. Although 16(1)(b) specifically states that aid for the ‘costs of tests performed by or on behalf of third parties, to determine the genetic quality or yield of livestock’ is compatible with the internal market, |
| --- | --- |

(164)

Contrary to the view expressed by Germany in its comments (recital 53), the Commission takes the view that the costs of ‘routine controls of milk quality’ referred to in Article 16(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 also cover the costs of carrying out the milk quality tests at issue here. Although 16(1)(b) specifically states that aid for the ‘costs of tests performed by or on behalf of third parties, to determine the genetic quality or yield of livestock’ is compatible with the internal market,

| (165) | The explicit negative exclusion in Article 16(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 in relation to support towards routine controls of milk quality has in the view of the Commission to be understood in a broader manner, because this provision stresses the legislator's intention to exclude such support from the compatibility with the internal market. |
| --- | --- |

(165)

The explicit negative exclusion in Article 16(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 in relation to support towards routine controls of milk quality has in the view of the Commission to be understood in a broader manner, because this provision stresses the legislator's intention to exclude such support from the compatibility with the internal market.

| (166) | Controls of milk quality relate to the quality of milk as such, i.e. to the microbiological characteristics of the milk. However, these characteristics are not directly related to the genetic quality or yield of livestock. The microbiological characteristics specifically include those that are established by means of the milk quality tests (e.g. fat or somatic cell content). |
| --- | --- |

(166)

Controls of milk quality relate to the quality of milk as such, i.e. to the microbiological characteristics of the milk. However, these characteristics are not directly related to the genetic quality or yield of livestock. The microbiological characteristics specifically include those that are established by means of the milk quality tests (e.g. fat or somatic cell content).

| (167) | The exclusion provided for in Article 16(1)(b) is essentially aimed at excluding all routine controls of milk quality from compatibility with the internal market because the costs incurred in their respect form part of the operating costs of an undertaking. Aid involving the refund of operating costs has a particularly distorting effect on the internal market (57). |
| --- | --- |

(167)

The exclusion provided for in Article 16(1)(b) is essentially aimed at excluding all routine controls of milk quality from compatibility with the internal market because the costs incurred in their respect form part of the operating costs of an undertaking. Aid involving the refund of operating costs has a particularly distorting effect on the internal market (57).

57

| (168) | In this respect, the Commission recalls the general prohibition of granting aid laid down in Article 107(1) TFEU. Exceptions from this general ban are provided for in Article 107(2) and (3) TFEU, applied in conjunction with compatibility rules in the form of regulations, guidelines, etc. For the period 2007-2013, no such compatibility provision existed for the routine controls of milk (independent from a certain quality and not for the purpose of improving the quality). These provisions typically stipulate express compatibility with the internal market for a given set of circumstances. However, here for the period 2007-2013. Instead, Article 16(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 stresses the legislator's intention to rule out expressly the compatibility with the internal market. Already Section 13.3 of the Guidelines 2000-2006 stipulated that the range of controls undertaken routinely during the production process had increased substantially, and the cost of such controls had become a normal part of production costs, and that because of the direct impact of the costs of quality control on production costs, such aids present a real risk of a distortion of competition. Albeit according to the same provision, aid could be granted in respect of controls undertaken by or on behalf of third parties, such as the competent regulatory authorities, or bodies acting on their behalf. Under the Guidelines 2007-2013, the legislator has, taking into account the risk of competition distortion, declared aid towards routine controls of milk quality as incompatible with the internal market. In the light of this clear legislative decision, there is no scope for any declaration of compatibility based on Article 107(3)(c) of the TFEU. |
| --- | --- |

(168)

In this respect, the Commission recalls the general prohibition of granting aid laid down in Article 107(1) TFEU. Exceptions from this general ban are provided for in Article 107(2) and (3) TFEU, applied in conjunction with compatibility rules in the form of regulations, guidelines, etc. For the period 2007-2013, no such compatibility provision existed for the routine controls of milk (independent from a certain quality and not for the purpose of improving the quality). These provisions typically stipulate express compatibility with the internal market for a given set of circumstances. However, here for the period 2007-2013. Instead, Article 16(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 stresses the legislator's intention to rule out expressly the compatibility with the internal market. Already Section 13.3 of the Guidelines 2000-2006 stipulated that the range of controls undertaken routinely during the production process had increased substantially, and the cost of such controls had become a normal part of production costs, and that because of the direct impact of the costs of quality control on production costs, such aids present a real risk of a distortion of competition. Albeit according to the same provision, aid could be granted in respect of controls undertaken by or on behalf of third parties, such as the competent regulatory authorities, or bodies acting on their behalf. Under the Guidelines 2007-2013, the legislator has, taking into account the risk of competition distortion, declared aid towards routine controls of milk quality as incompatible with the internal market. In the light of this clear legislative decision, there is no scope for any declaration of compatibility based on Article 107(3)(c) of the TFEU.

| (169) | The fact that the Commission has regarded the milk quality performed during the period 2001-2006 as compatible with the internal market cannot, as Germany claims (recital 60), automatically lead to the aid in question continuing to be compatible with the internal market in the subsequent period of 2007-2013. It is apparent from Article 108(1) TFEU that the internal market is progressively developing and that the Commission by further developing State aid guidelines and other State aid rules (e.g. block exemption Regulations) may take account of this development to guarantee the functioning of the internal market. It is in the nature of compatibility provisions that are limited in time, as is the case with the Guidelines issued in the area of agriculture, that a subsequent State aid guidelines respectively Block exemption regulations do not necessarily maintain the provisions of the previous rules. |
| --- | --- |

(169)

The fact that the Commission has regarded the milk quality performed during the period 2001-2006 as compatible with the internal market cannot, as Germany claims (recital 60), automatically lead to the aid in question continuing to be compatible with the internal market in the subsequent period of 2007-2013. It is apparent from Article 108(1) TFEU that the internal market is progressively developing and that the Commission by further developing State aid guidelines and other State aid rules (e.g. block exemption Regulations) may take account of this development to guarantee the functioning of the internal market. It is in the nature of compatibility provisions that are limited in time, as is the case with the Guidelines issued in the area of agriculture, that a subsequent State aid guidelines respectively Block exemption regulations do not necessarily maintain the provisions of the previous rules.

| (170) | In the light of the above, the Commission concludes that the aid granted in the period 2007-2013 in connection with milk quality tests, funded in the case of sub-measure BW 1 entirely from milk levy resources and in the case of sub-measure BY 1 from the milk levy and general budgetary resources, is incompatible with the internal market. |
| --- | --- |

(170)

In the light of the above, the Commission concludes that the aid granted in the period 2007-2013 in connection with milk quality tests, funded in the case of sub-measure BW 1 entirely from milk levy resources and in the case of sub-measure BY 1 from the milk levy and general budgetary resources, is incompatible with the internal market.

4.   CONCLUSION

CONCLUSION

| (171) | Article 15(1) Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 lays down that the powers of the Commission to recover aid are subject to a limitation period of 10 years. According to Article 15(2) of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, ‘any action taken by the Commission with regard to unlawful aid interrupts this limitation period.’ |
| --- | --- |

(171)

Article 15(1) Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 lays down that the powers of the Commission to recover aid are subject to a limitation period of 10 years. According to Article 15(2) of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, ‘any action taken by the Commission with regard to unlawful aid interrupts this limitation period.’

| (172) | Further to Germany's submission of the 2010 Annual Report on State aid in the agricultural sector, the Commission asked Germany by letter of 28 November 2011 to provide additional information on the scheme. This action by the Commission interrupted the limitation period. Since the Commission already through the positive Decision assessed that the milk quality controls at issue were compatible with the internal market during the period from 28 November 2001 to 31 December 2006 and since between 31 December and 28 November 2011 less than 10 years lapsed, the period to which the present Decision applies starts on 1 January 2007. |
| --- | --- |

(172)

Further to Germany's submission of the 2010 Annual Report on State aid in the agricultural sector, the Commission asked Germany by letter of 28 November 2011 to provide additional information on the scheme. This action by the Commission interrupted the limitation period. Since the Commission already through the positive Decision assessed that the milk quality controls at issue were compatible with the internal market during the period from 28 November 2001 to 31 December 2006 and since between 31 December and 28 November 2011 less than 10 years lapsed, the period to which the present Decision applies starts on 1 January 2007.

| (173) | The Commission finds that Germany granted aid unlawfully in breach of Articles 107 and 108 TFEU which, insofar as it was granted on or after 1 January 2007 (see recitals160 and 164), is not compatible with the internal market. This aid was granted in the case of Baden-Württemberg solely from milk levy resources pursuant to the MFG and in the case of Bavaria from milk levy and general budgetary resources. |
| --- | --- |

(173)

The Commission finds that Germany granted aid unlawfully in breach of Articles 107 and 108 TFEU which, insofar as it was granted on or after 1 January 2007 (see recitals160 and 164), is not compatible with the internal market. This aid was granted in the case of Baden-Württemberg solely from milk levy resources pursuant to the MFG and in the case of Bavaria from milk levy and general budgetary resources.

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The State aid which the Federal Republic of Germany has granted unlawfully in breach of Article 108(3) TFEU in respect of the milk quality tests carried out by the Länder Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria in favour of dairy sector undertakings in these Länder is during the period starting 1 January 2007 incompatible with the internal market.

Article 2

1.   The Federal Republic of Germany recovers from the beneficiaries the aid that was granted in relation to the aid scheme referred to in Article 1 and that is incompatible with the internal market.

2.   The sum to be recovered shall bear interest throughout the period running from the date on which it was put at the disposal of the beneficiaries until its actual recovery.

3.   The interest shall be calculated in conformity with the provisions laid down in Chapter V of Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 271/2008 (58) amending Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 on a compound basis.

4.   Germany shall cancel all outstanding payments of the aid referred to in Article 1 with effect from the date of adoption of this decision.

Article 3

1.   Recovery of the aid granted on the basis of the scheme referred to in Article 1 shall be immediate and effective.

2.   Germany shall ensure that this Decision is implemented within four months following the date of notification of this Decision.

Article 4

1.   Within two months following notification of this Decision, Germany shall submit the following information:

| (a) | a list of the beneficiaries that received aid in accordance with the scheme referred to in Article 1 and the total amount of aid that each of them received in accordance with that scheme; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

a list of the beneficiaries that received aid in accordance with the scheme referred to in Article 1 and the total amount of aid that each of them received in accordance with that scheme;

| (b) | the total amount (principal and recovery interests) to be recovered from each beneficiary; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the total amount (principal and recovery interests) to be recovered from each beneficiary;

| (c) | a detailed description of the measures already taken and planned to comply with this Decision; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

a detailed description of the measures already taken and planned to comply with this Decision;

| (d) | documents demonstrating that the beneficiaries have been ordered to repay the aid. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

documents demonstrating that the beneficiaries have been ordered to repay the aid.

2.   Germany shall keep the Commission informed of the progress of the national measures taken to implement this Decision until recovery of the aid granted in accordance with the scheme referred to in Article 1 has been completed. It shall immediately submit, on simple request by the Commission, information on the measures already taken and planned to comply with this Decision. It shall also provide detailed information concerning the amounts of aid and recovery interest already recovered from the beneficiaries.

Article 5

This Decision is addressed to the Federal Republic of Germany. Germany is requested to provide the beneficiaries with a copy of this Decision without any delay.

Done at Brussels, 18 September 2015.

For the Commission

Phil HOGAN

Member of the Commission

---

(1)  
  OJ C 7, 10.1.2014, p. 8.

1

(2)  Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 of 22 March 1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (OJ L 83, 27.3.1999, p. 1).

2

(3)  With effect from 1 December 2009, Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty have become Articles 107 and 108, respectively, of the TFEU. The two sets of provisions are, in substance, identical. For the purposes of this Decision, references to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty should be understood as references to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU, where appropriate.

3

(4)  See footnote 1. A corrigendum was previously submitted to Germany by letter dated 9 December 2013.

4

(5)  Federal Law Gazette (BGBl.) I p. 878, 1081, as last amended by Article 1 of the Regulation of 17 December 2010 (BGBl. I, p. 2132)

5

(6)  Law Gazette (GBl.) No 8, p. 350.

6

(7)  State Gazette [Staatsanzeiger] No 30 of 2 August 2004.

7

(8)  GVBl 2007, p. 727, as last amended by Regulation of 29 November 2012.

8

(9)  GBl. p. 350.

9

(10)  Judgment of the Court of 6 September 2006, Portugal v Commission, C-88/03, ECLI:EU:C:2006:511, paragraph 56.

10

Portugal

Commission

(11)  Judgment of the Court of 22 May 2003, Freskot, C-355/00, ECLI:EU:C:2003:298, paragraph 84.

11

Freskot

(12)  Opening Decision, paragraphs 265 et seq.

12

et seq

(13)  See initiation Decision, recital 147.

13

(14)  
  OJ C 28, 1.2.2000, p. 2.

14

(15)  
  OJ C 319, 27.12.2006, p. 1.

15

(16)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 of 15 December 2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 (OJ L 358, 16.12.2006, p. 3).

16

(17)  Judgment of the Court of 2 February 1988, Commission v The Netherlands, 213/85, ECLI:EU:C:1988:39, paragraph 29 et seq.

17

Commission

The Netherlands

et seq

(18)  See, for example, Commission Decision of 27 March 2012 in case E 10/2000 — Anstaltslast und Gewährträgerhaftung.

18

Anstaltslast und Gewährträgerhaftung

(19)  2000-2006 Community Framework, point 13.4.

19

(20)  Judgment of the Court of 13 March 2001, PreussenElektra, C-379/98, ECLI:EU:C:2001:160.

20

PreussenElektra

(21)  Judgment of the Court of 15 December 2005, Italy v Commission, C-66/02, ECLI:EU:C:2005:768, paragraph 77; established case law, see the Judgment of 23 February 1961, Limburg v High Authority, 30/59, ECLI:EU:C:1961:2. Judgment of 7 March 2002, Italy v Commission, C-310/99, ECLI:EU:C:2005:768; paragraph 51; Judgment of 10 January 2006, Cassa di Risparmio, C-222/04, EU:C:2006:8, paragraph 131.

21

Italy

Commission

Limburg

High Authority

Italy

Commission

Cassa di Risparmio

(22)  See to that effect the Judgment in Freskot, C-355/00, ECLI:EU:C:2003:298, paragraph 86, the Opinion of Advocate General Stix-Hackl in Freskot, C-355/00, ECLI:EU:C:2002:658, paragraphs 76-77, and the Opinion of Advocate General Stix-Hackl in Nazairdis, Joined Cases C-266/04 to C-270/04, C-276/04 and C-321/04 to C-325/04, ECLI:EU:C:2005:480, paragraph 51.

22

Freskot

Freskot

Nazairdis

(23)  Comment by the Commission: This comment also relates to the ‘contaminant monitoring’ sub-measures (sub-measures BW 9, BY 5, HE 8, NI 2, NW 1, RP 3, SL 4 and TH 8 in the opening Decision), which are not dealt with in this Decision.

23

(24)  Commission Decision 2014/416/EU of 9 April 2014 on State aid scheme SA.23257 (12/C) (ex NN 8/10, ex CP 157/07) implemented by France (interbranch agreement concluded under the auspices of the French Association for developing the horticultural and landscaping sectors and their products — ‘Val'Hor’) (OJ L 192, 1.7.2014, p. 59).

24

(25)  Judgment of the Court of 30 May 2013, Doux Elevage, C-667/2011, ECLI:EU:C:2013:348, paragraph 38.

25

Doux Elevage

(26)  Judgment of the Court of 18 May 2002, Stardust Marine, C-482/99, ECLI:EU:C:2002:294, paragraph 52.

26

Stardust Marine

(27)  Judgment of the Court of 15 July 2004, Pearle BV, C-345/02, ECLI:EU:C:2004:448, paragraph 36.

27

Pearle BV

(28)  Judgment of Court of 27 September 2012, Plans de Campagne, T-139/09, ECLI:EU:T:2012:496, paragraph 62.

28

Plans de Campagne

(29)  Judgment of the Court of 19 December 2013, Vent de Colère and Others, C-262/12, ECLI:EU:C:2013:851, paragraph 11; as clearly confirmed by the Opinion of Advocate-General Jääskinen of 11 July 2013, Vent de Colère and Others, C-262/12, ECLI:EU:C:2013:851, paragraph 49.

29

Vent de Colère and Others

Vent de Colère and Others

(30)  Judgment of the Court of 15 July 2004, Pearle BV, C-345/02, ECLI:EU:C:2004:448, paragraph 37. Judgment of the Court of 30 May 2013, Doux Elevage, C-667/2011, ECLI:EU:C:2013:348, paragraph 40. Decision 2014/416/EU.

30

Pearle BV

Doux Elevage

(31)  See Judgment of 15 July 2004, Pearle BV, C-345/02, EU:C:2004:448, paragraph 37; Judgment of 30 May 2013, Doux Elevage, C-667/2011, ECLI:EU:C:2013:348, paragraph 40.

31

Pearle BV

Doux Elevage

(32)  Judgment of the Court of 20 November 2003, Ministère de l'Économie, des Finances et de l'Industrie v GEMO, C-126/01, ECLI:EU:C:2003:622, paragraph 23.

32

Ministère de l'Économie, des Finances et de l'Industrie

GEMO

(33)  Judgment of the Court of 20 November 2003, Ministère de l'Économie, des Finances et de l'Industrie v GEMO, C-126/01, ECLI:EU:C:2003:622, paragraph 24.

33

Ministère de l'Économie, des Finances et de l'Industrie v GEMO

(34)  See, for example, the third sentence of Section 37(2) of the German Building Code (BauGB). Sections 17(1), (2), 18 (3), (4) and 22(5) BNatSchG, Sections 2(7), 11(2), (3), 12(7), 14(4), second point, 26(3), 35a(3) AEG. See in relation to the former Section 9 BNatSchG the judgment of the Federal Administrative Court of 29.4.1993, Az: 7 A 4/93, point 22 (‘..a decision in “consultation” requires by contrast to a decision in “agreement” no concurrence of will’. It means no more than the (advisory) hearing of the other authority, which then has the opportunity to make its view known to the proceeding. Regarding the former Section 18, second paragraph, first sentence, point 2 of the AEG, see the judgments of the Federal Administrative Court of 31 October 2000, Az: 11 VR 12/00, point 5 (‘The consultation with the applicant, as provided for in Section 18, second paragraph, first sentence, point 2 AEGDas in § 18 Abs. 2 Satz 1 Nr. 2 AEG, requires by contrast to agreement no concurrence of will ...’) and of 7 February 2005, Az: 9 VR 15/04, point 11 (‘The required consultation with the applicant has been complied with by the plan authorisation authority by providing the applicant with the opportunity to submit its view’).

34

(35)  See also the sixth sentence of Section 22, paragraph 1 MFG with reference to the ‘powers’ of the Land governments (and the possibility to delegate tasks to the obersten Landesbehörden) and the second paragraph of Section 23 MFG, according to which levies shall be recovered pursuant to the provisions of the Abgabenordnung, which in turn requires issuing a tax act or similar administrative act (cf. Sections 122 and 251 AO). According to the third paragraph of Section 14 MFG no tasks incumbent on the State must be conferred to the respective Landesvereinigung.

35

Land

obersten Landesbehörden

Landesvereinigung

(36)  For Baden-Württemberg: Regulation on the charging of levies in respect of the dairy industry of 18 May 2004 (GBl. p. 350), replaced by the Regulation of the Ministry of Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection of 14 February 2013 repealing the Regulation on the charging of levies in respect of the dairy industry.

36

For Bavaria: Regulation on a levy for milk (BayMilchUmlV) of 17 October 2007 (GVBl 2007, p. 727), as last amended by Regulation of 29 November 2012.

(37)  See Judgment of the Court of 13 March 2001, PreussenElektra, C-379/99, ECLI:EU:C:2001:160, paragraphs 7 and 8; Judgment of the Court of 16 July 2014, Greece v Commission, T-52/12, ECLI:EU:T:2014:67,7, paragraphs 119 and 120. for the purposes of distinguishing from PreussenElektra, see judgment of the Court of 11 December 2014, Austria v Commission, T-251/11, ECLI:EU:T:2014:1060, paragraphs 56-71 and 82.

37

PreussenElektra

Greece

Commission

PreussenElektra

Austria

Commission

(38)  See, inter alia, Decision SA.35932 (2013/N) Netherlands — Cultivation matters fund, recitals 31 to 35.

38

(39)  Judgment of the Court of 30 May 2013, Doux Élevage SNC et Coopérative agricole GBP-ARREE v Ministère de l'Agriculture, C-677/11, ECLI:EU:C:2013:348, paragraph 40.

39

Doux Élevage SNC et Coopérative agricole GBP-ARREE

Ministère de l'Agriculture

(40)  Judgment of the Court of 30 May 2013, Doux Élevage SNC et Coopérative agricole GBP-ARREE v Ministère de l'Agriculture, C-677/11, ECLI:EU:C:2013:348, paragraph 31.

40

(41)  Judgment of the Court of 30 May 2013, Doux Élevage SNC et Coopérative agricole GBP-ARREE v Ministère de l'Agriculture, C-677/11, ECLI:EU:C:2013:348, paragraph 32.

41

(42)  See, for example, Section 6(3) of the Regulation on a levy for milk (BayMilchUmlV) of 17 October 2007.

42

(43)  See, for example, Section 5 of the Regulation on a levy for milk (BayMilchUmlV) of 17 October 2007.

43

(44)  See Judgment of the Court of 11 September 2014, Commission/Germany,C-527/12, ECLI:EU:C:2014:2193, paragraphs 41 and 56.

44

Commission/Germany

(45)  Judgment of the Court of 30 May 2013, Doux Élevage SNC et Coopérative agricole GBP-ARREE v Ministère de l'Agriculture, C-677/11, ECLI:EU:C:2013:348, paragraphs, 32, 35 and 38.

45

Doux Élevage SNC et Coopérative agricole GBP-ARREE

Ministère de l'Agriculture

(46)  See Judgment of the Court of 25 March 2015, Belgium/Commission, T-538/11, point 96, ECLI:EU:T:2015:188, according to which the fact that undertakings are burdened with charges under national law that inevitably relates to the exercising of public power by the Member State, does not rule out any qualification of these charges as ‘charges that normally have to be borne by the undertaking’.

46

(47)  
  OJ C 8, 11.1.2012, p. 4.

47

(48)  See Judgment of the Court of 6 September 2006, Portugal/Commission, C-88/03, ECLI:EU:C:2006:511.

48

(49)  Judgment of the Court of 6 september 2006, Philip Morris Holland BV v Commission, 730/79, ECLI:EU:C:1980:209, paragraphs 11 – 12.

49

Philip Morris Holland BV

Commission

(50)  See, in particular, the Judgment of the Court of 13 July 1988
  French Republic v Commission, 102/87, ECLI:EU:C:1988:391.

50

French Republic

Commission

(51)  Judgment of the Court of 14 January 2015, Eventech Ltd v Parking Adjudicator, C-518/13, ECLI:EU:C:2015:9, paragraph 67.

51

Eventech Ltd

Parking Adjudicator

(52)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 927/2012 of 9 October 2012 amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff' (OJ L 304, 31.10.2012, p. 1).

52

(53)  Source: Eurostat.

53

(54)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 of 21 April 2004 implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 93 of the EC Treaty (OJ L 140, 30.4.2004, p. 1).

54

(55)  Judgment of the Court of 30 April 2002, Gibraltar v Commission, T-195/01 and T-207/01, ECLI:EU:T:2002:111, paragraph 111.

55

Gibraltar

Commission

(56)  
  OJ C 119, 22.5.2002, p. 22.

56

(57)  See in that respect also recital 17 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006, according to which aid ‘should not have the sole effect of continuously or periodically reducing the operating costs which the beneficiary would normally have to bear’.

57

(58)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 271/2008 of 30 January 2008 amending Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 93 of the EC Treaty (OJ L 82, 25.3.2008, p. 1).

58

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| 22.12.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 334/46 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.12.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 334/46

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2015/2433

of 18 December 2015

amending Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU as regards the animal health control measures relating to African swine fever in certain Member States

(notified under document C(2015) 9168)

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Directive 89/662/EEC of 11 December 1989 concerning veterinary checks in intra-Community trade with a view to the completion of the internal market (1), and in particular Article 9(4) thereof,

Having regard to Council Directive 90/425/EEC of 26 June 1990 concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to the completion of the internal market (2), and in particular Article 10(4) thereof,

Having regard to Council Directive 2002/99/EC of 16 December 2002 laying down animal health rules governing the production, processing, distribution and introduction of products of animal origin for human consumption (3), and in particular Article 4(3) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Commission Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU (4) lays down animal health control measures in relation to African swine fever in the Member States or areas thereof listed in the Annex thereto (‘the concerned Member States’). Those measures include prohibitions on the dispatch of live pigs, porcine semen, ova and embryo, pig meat, pig meat preparations, pig meat products and any other products containing pig meat, as well as consignments of animal by-products from porcine animals, from certain areas of the concerned Member States (‘the commodities’). That Annex demarcates and lists those areas to take account of the level of risk based on the epidemiological situation in the concerned Member States. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Commission Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU (4) lays down animal health control measures in relation to African swine fever in the Member States or areas thereof listed in the Annex thereto (‘the concerned Member States’). Those measures include prohibitions on the dispatch of live pigs, porcine semen, ova and embryo, pig meat, pig meat preparations, pig meat products and any other products containing pig meat, as well as consignments of animal by-products from porcine animals, from certain areas of the concerned Member States (‘the commodities’). That Annex demarcates and lists those areas to take account of the level of risk based on the epidemiological situation in the concerned Member States.

| (2) | In order to adapt the animal health control measures laid down in Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU to the evolution of the epidemiological situation in the different areas of the Member States concerned, and to take account of the different risk levels depending on the type of commodities, it is appropriate to provide for certain derogations for certain types of commodities originating from the areas listed in the different Parts of the Annex to that Implementing Decision. Those derogations should also be in line with the risk mitigation measures for importation as regards African swine fever indicated in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health (5). The additional safeguard measures and animal health requirements applicable, in case such derogations are granted, should also be described in that Implementing Decision. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

In order to adapt the animal health control measures laid down in Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU to the evolution of the epidemiological situation in the different areas of the Member States concerned, and to take account of the different risk levels depending on the type of commodities, it is appropriate to provide for certain derogations for certain types of commodities originating from the areas listed in the different Parts of the Annex to that Implementing Decision. Those derogations should also be in line with the risk mitigation measures for importation as regards African swine fever indicated in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health (5). The additional safeguard measures and animal health requirements applicable, in case such derogations are granted, should also be described in that Implementing Decision.

| (3) | The prohibition on the dispatch of live pigs from the areas listed in Part III of the Annex to Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU is particularly stringent and may therefore lead to logistic and animal welfare problems where the slaughtering of pigs in the respective areas is not possible, in particular due to the absence of an appropriate slaughterhouse or limitations in slaughtering capacity within the relevant areas listed in Part III of that Annex either within the same Member State or in the territory of another Member State listed in the Annex. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The prohibition on the dispatch of live pigs from the areas listed in Part III of the Annex to Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU is particularly stringent and may therefore lead to logistic and animal welfare problems where the slaughtering of pigs in the respective areas is not possible, in particular due to the absence of an appropriate slaughterhouse or limitations in slaughtering capacity within the relevant areas listed in Part III of that Annex either within the same Member State or in the territory of another Member State listed in the Annex.

| (4) | The movement of live pigs for immediate slaughter poses less risk than other types of movements of live pigs provided that risk mitigation measures are in place. It is therefore appropriate that when the circumstances described in recital 3 occur, the Member States concerned may exceptionally grant derogations for the dispatch of live pigs from the areas listed in Part III of the Annex for immediate slaughter to a slaughterhouse located outside that area in the same Member State or in the territory of another Member State listed in the Annex provided that risk mitigating measures are met in order not to jeopardise disease control. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The movement of live pigs for immediate slaughter poses less risk than other types of movements of live pigs provided that risk mitigation measures are in place. It is therefore appropriate that when the circumstances described in recital 3 occur, the Member States concerned may exceptionally grant derogations for the dispatch of live pigs from the areas listed in Part III of the Annex for immediate slaughter to a slaughterhouse located outside that area in the same Member State or in the territory of another Member State listed in the Annex provided that risk mitigating measures are met in order not to jeopardise disease control.

| (5) | In terms of the risk of the spread of African swine fever, movements of different porcine commodities pose different levels of risk. As a general rule, the movement of porcine semen from restricted areas poses significant risks in terms of exposure and consequences. However, the application of additional risk mitigating measures, such as testing and increased biosecurity, can allow for derogations for semen collected in the areas listed in Parts II and III of the Annex to Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU. Article 9 of that Implementing Decision should therefore be amended. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

In terms of the risk of the spread of African swine fever, movements of different porcine commodities pose different levels of risk. As a general rule, the movement of porcine semen from restricted areas poses significant risks in terms of exposure and consequences. However, the application of additional risk mitigating measures, such as testing and increased biosecurity, can allow for derogations for semen collected in the areas listed in Parts II and III of the Annex to Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU. Article 9 of that Implementing Decision should therefore be amended.

| (6) | The derogations for the dispatch of certain live pigs from the areas listed in Parts II and III of the Annex to Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU to other areas listed in Part II or III of that Annex of another Member State with a similar disease status are justified provided that specific risk mitigating measures are applied. The flexibility provided by these new measures is important in order to ensure proper implementation of the measures in a medium and long term perspective. This requires the establishment of a safe channelling procedure under the strict control of the competent authorities of the Member State of transit and destination. Articles 3 and 4 of that Implementing Decision should therefore be amended. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The derogations for the dispatch of certain live pigs from the areas listed in Parts II and III of the Annex to Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU to other areas listed in Part II or III of that Annex of another Member State with a similar disease status are justified provided that specific risk mitigating measures are applied. The flexibility provided by these new measures is important in order to ensure proper implementation of the measures in a medium and long term perspective. This requires the establishment of a safe channelling procedure under the strict control of the competent authorities of the Member State of transit and destination. Articles 3 and 4 of that Implementing Decision should therefore be amended.

| (7) | As an additional risk mitigating measure, a channelling procedure should be in place in order to isolate animals coming from areas with a higher risk for African swine fever. It is therefore necessary to clarify and specify the procedures for the dispatch, transit and delivery of live pigs. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

As an additional risk mitigating measure, a channelling procedure should be in place in order to isolate animals coming from areas with a higher risk for African swine fever. It is therefore necessary to clarify and specify the procedures for the dispatch, transit and delivery of live pigs.

| (8) | The derogations provided for in Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU for the dispatch of live pigs and semen between areas with a comparable risk for African swine fever should only be applied when approved by the competent authorities of the Member States of transit and destination, prior to such movement. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The derogations provided for in Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU for the dispatch of live pigs and semen between areas with a comparable risk for African swine fever should only be applied when approved by the competent authorities of the Member States of transit and destination, prior to such movement.

| (9) | Council Directive 64/432/EEC (6) provides that health certificates are to accompany the movements of live animals. Where derogations from the prohibition on the dispatch of live pigs from the areas listed in the Annex to Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU are applied to live pigs intended for intra-Union trade, those health certificates should include a reference to that Implementing Decision so as to ensure that adequate and accurate health information is provided in the relevant certificates. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Council Directive 64/432/EEC (6) provides that health certificates are to accompany the movements of live animals. Where derogations from the prohibition on the dispatch of live pigs from the areas listed in the Annex to Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU are applied to live pigs intended for intra-Union trade, those health certificates should include a reference to that Implementing Decision so as to ensure that adequate and accurate health information is provided in the relevant certificates.

| (10) | The period of application of the animal health control measures provided for in Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU should take account of the epidemiology of African swine fever and the conditions required to regain disease-free status for African swine fever in accordance with the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health. Therefore, the period of application of Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU should be extended until 31 December 2019. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The period of application of the animal health control measures provided for in Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU should take account of the epidemiology of African swine fever and the conditions required to regain disease-free status for African swine fever in accordance with the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health. Therefore, the period of application of Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU should be extended until 31 December 2019.

| (11) | Several cases of African swine fever in wild boar in Estonia and Latvia are located in the areas listed in Parts II and III of the Annex to Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU. These cases are located in close proximity to the areas listed in Part I of that Annex. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Several cases of African swine fever in wild boar in Estonia and Latvia are located in the areas listed in Parts II and III of the Annex to Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU. These cases are located in close proximity to the areas listed in Part I of that Annex.

| (12) | African swine fever has never been reported in the most Northern areas in Poland currently listed in Part II of the Annex to Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

African swine fever has never been reported in the most Northern areas in Poland currently listed in Part II of the Annex to Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU.

| (13) | The evolution of the current epidemiological situation in the Union as regards African swine fever should be considered in the assessment of the risk represented by the animal health situation as regards that disease in Estonia, Latvia and Poland. In order to focus animal health control measures and to prevent the further spread of African swine fever, as well as to prevent any unnecessary disturbance to trade within the Union and to avoid unjustified barriers to trade by third countries, the Union list of areas subject to the animal health control measures set out in Parts I and II of the Annex to Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU should be amended to take into account the current animal health situation as regards that disease in those three Member States. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

The evolution of the current epidemiological situation in the Union as regards African swine fever should be considered in the assessment of the risk represented by the animal health situation as regards that disease in Estonia, Latvia and Poland. In order to focus animal health control measures and to prevent the further spread of African swine fever, as well as to prevent any unnecessary disturbance to trade within the Union and to avoid unjustified barriers to trade by third countries, the Union list of areas subject to the animal health control measures set out in Parts I and II of the Annex to Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU should be amended to take into account the current animal health situation as regards that disease in those three Member States.

| (14) | The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, |
| --- | --- |

(14)

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU is amended as follows:

| (1) | Article 3 is amended as follows:






  (a) | the introductory phrase is replaced by the following:

  ‘By way of derogation from the prohibition provided for in point (a) of Article 2, the Member States concerned may authorise the dispatch of live pigs from a holding located in the areas listed in Part II of the Annex to other areas in the territory of the same Member State or to areas listed in Part II or III of the Annex of another Member State provided that:’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(1)

Article 3 is amended as follows:

(a)

the introductory phrase is replaced by the following:

‘By way of derogation from the prohibition provided for in point (a) of Article 2, the Member States concerned may authorise the dispatch of live pigs from a holding located in the areas listed in Part II of the Annex to other areas in the territory of the same Member State or to areas listed in Part II or III of the Annex of another Member State provided that:’;

| (b) | the following point 4 is added:






  ‘4. | For live pigs dispatched to areas listed in Part II or III of the Annex of another Member State, the following additional requirements shall apply:






  (a) | the pigs comply with any other appropriate animal health guarantees based on a positive outcome of a risk assessment of measures against the spread of African swine fever required by the competent authority of the Member State of the place of origin and approved by the competent authority of the Member State of the place of transit and the competent authority of the Member State of destination, prior to the movement of such animals; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

(b)

the following point 4 is added:

‘4.

(a)

the pigs comply with any other appropriate animal health guarantees based on a positive outcome of a risk assessment of measures against the spread of African swine fever required by the competent authority of the Member State of the place of origin and approved by the competent authority of the Member State of the place of transit and the competent authority of the Member State of destination, prior to the movement of such animals;

| (b) | the Member State of origin immediately informs the Commission and the other Member States of the animal health guarantees and the approval by the competent authorities referred to in point (a); |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the Member State of origin immediately informs the Commission and the other Member States of the animal health guarantees and the approval by the competent authorities referred to in point (a);

| (c) | a channelling procedure in accordance with Article 16a is set up, under the control of the competent authorities of the Member States of origin, transit and destination, in order to ensure that the animals, moved in accordance with the additional requirements provided for in point (a) are transported in a safe manner and are not subsequently moved to another Member State. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

a channelling procedure in accordance with Article 16a is set up, under the control of the competent authorities of the Member States of origin, transit and destination, in order to ensure that the animals, moved in accordance with the additional requirements provided for in point (a) are transported in a safe manner and are not subsequently moved to another Member State.

| (d) | For live pigs that comply with the additional requirements of point 4 of this Article, the following additional wording shall be added to the corresponding health certificate for swine referred to in Article 5(1) of Directive 64/432/EEC:

  “Pigs in compliance with Article 3 of Commission Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU.”
  ’; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

For live pigs that comply with the additional requirements of point 4 of this Article, the following additional wording shall be added to the corresponding health certificate for swine referred to in Article 5(1) of Directive 64/432/EEC:

“Pigs in compliance with Article 3 of Commission Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU.”
  ’;

| (2) | the following Article 3a is inserted:

  ‘Article 3a
  Derogation from the prohibition on the dispatch of live pigs from the areas listed in Part III of the Annex
  By way of derogation from the prohibition provided for in point (a) of Article 2, the Member States concerned may authorise the dispatch of live pigs from the areas listed in Part III of the Annex to other areas listed in Parts II in the territory of the same Member State or to areas listed in Part II or III of the Annex of another Member State, provided that:






  1. | the pigs are from a holding with an appropriate level of biosecurity approved by the competent authority, the holding is under the supervision of the competent authority, and the pigs comply with the requirements laid down in point 1 of Article 3 and in either point 2 or point 3 of Article 3; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(2)

the following Article 3a is inserted:

‘Article 3a

Derogation from the prohibition on the dispatch of live pigs from the areas listed in Part III of the Annex

By way of derogation from the prohibition provided for in point (a) of Article 2, the Member States concerned may authorise the dispatch of live pigs from the areas listed in Part III of the Annex to other areas listed in Parts II in the territory of the same Member State or to areas listed in Part II or III of the Annex of another Member State, provided that:

1.

the pigs are from a holding with an appropriate level of biosecurity approved by the competent authority, the holding is under the supervision of the competent authority, and the pigs comply with the requirements laid down in point 1 of Article 3 and in either point 2 or point 3 of Article 3;

| 2. | the pigs are located in the centre of an area of at least three km radius in which all animals in the holdings comply with the requirements laid down in point 1 of Article 3 and in either point 2 or point 3 of Article 3; |
| --- | --- |

2.

the pigs are located in the centre of an area of at least three km radius in which all animals in the holdings comply with the requirements laid down in point 1 of Article 3 and in either point 2 or point 3 of Article 3;

| 3. | the competent authority of the holding of dispatch must inform in due time the competent authority of the holding of destination of the intention to send the pigs and the competent authority of the holding of destination must notify the competent authority of the holding of dispatch of the arrival of the pigs; |
| --- | --- |

3.

the competent authority of the holding of dispatch must inform in due time the competent authority of the holding of destination of the intention to send the pigs and the competent authority of the holding of destination must notify the competent authority of the holding of dispatch of the arrival of the pigs;

| 4. | the transport of the pigs within and through areas outside of the areas listed in Part III of the Annex must be carried out along predefined transport routes and the vehicles used for transporting the pigs must be cleaned, if necessary disinsectised and disinfected as soon as possible after unloading; |
| --- | --- |

4.

the transport of the pigs within and through areas outside of the areas listed in Part III of the Annex must be carried out along predefined transport routes and the vehicles used for transporting the pigs must be cleaned, if necessary disinsectised and disinfected as soon as possible after unloading;

| 5. | for live pigs dispatched to areas listed in Part II or III of the Annex of another Member State, the following additional requirements shall apply:






  (a) | the pigs comply with any other appropriate animal health guarantees based on a positive outcome of a risk assessment of measures against the spread of African swine fever required by the competent authority of the Member State of origin and approved by the competent authority of the Member State of the place of transit and the competent authority of the Member State of destination, prior to the movement of such animals; |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.

for live pigs dispatched to areas listed in Part II or III of the Annex of another Member State, the following additional requirements shall apply:

(a)

the pigs comply with any other appropriate animal health guarantees based on a positive outcome of a risk assessment of measures against the spread of African swine fever required by the competent authority of the Member State of origin and approved by the competent authority of the Member State of the place of transit and the competent authority of the Member State of destination, prior to the movement of such animals;

| (b) | the Member State of the place of origin immediately informs the Commission and the other Member States of the animal health guarantees and the approval by the competent authorities referred to in the point (a) and authorises a list of holdings that comply with animal health guarantees; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the Member State of the place of origin immediately informs the Commission and the other Member States of the animal health guarantees and the approval by the competent authorities referred to in the point (a) and authorises a list of holdings that comply with animal health guarantees;

| (c) | a channelling procedure in accordance with Article 16a is set up, under the control of the competent authorities of the Member States of origin, transit and destination, in order to ensure that the animals, moved in accordance with the additional requirements provided for in point (a), are transported in a safe manner and are not subsequently moved to another Member State; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

a channelling procedure in accordance with Article 16a is set up, under the control of the competent authorities of the Member States of origin, transit and destination, in order to ensure that the animals, moved in accordance with the additional requirements provided for in point (a), are transported in a safe manner and are not subsequently moved to another Member State;

| (d) | for the live pigs that comply with all conditions of this Article, the following additional wording shall be added to the corresponding health certificate for swine referred to in Article 5(1) of Directive 64/432/EEC:

  “Pigs in compliance with Article 3a of Commission Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU.”
  ’; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

for the live pigs that comply with all conditions of this Article, the following additional wording shall be added to the corresponding health certificate for swine referred to in Article 5(1) of Directive 64/432/EEC:

“Pigs in compliance with Article 3a of Commission Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU.”
  ’;

| (3) | Article 4 is amended as follows:






  (a) | the introductory phrase is replaced by the following:

  ‘By way of derogation from the prohibitions provided for in points (a) and (c) of Article 2, the Member States concerned may authorise the dispatch for immediate slaughter of live pigs from the areas listed in Part III of the Annex to other areas in the territory of the same Member State or to areas listed in Part II or III of the Annex of another Member State in case there are logistic limitations in the slaughter capacity of the slaughterhouses approved by the competent authority in accordance with Article 12 located in the areas listed in Part III of the Annex, provided that:’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(3)

Article 4 is amended as follows:

(a)

the introductory phrase is replaced by the following:

‘By way of derogation from the prohibitions provided for in points (a) and (c) of Article 2, the Member States concerned may authorise the dispatch for immediate slaughter of live pigs from the areas listed in Part III of the Annex to other areas in the territory of the same Member State or to areas listed in Part II or III of the Annex of another Member State in case there are logistic limitations in the slaughter capacity of the slaughterhouses approved by the competent authority in accordance with Article 12 located in the areas listed in Part III of the Annex, provided that:’;

| (b) | the following point 10 is added:






  ‘10. | for live pigs dispatched to areas listed in Part II or III of the Annex of another Member State, the following additional requirements shall apply:






  (a) | the pigs comply with any other appropriate animal health guarantees based on a positive outcome of a risk assessment of measures against the spread of African swine fever required by the competent authority of the Member State of the place of origin and approved by the competent authority of the Member State of transit and the competent authority of the Member State of destination, prior to the movement of such animals; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

(b)

the following point 10 is added:

‘10.

for live pigs dispatched to areas listed in Part II or III of the Annex of another Member State, the following additional requirements shall apply:

(a)

the pigs comply with any other appropriate animal health guarantees based on a positive outcome of a risk assessment of measures against the spread of African swine fever required by the competent authority of the Member State of the place of origin and approved by the competent authority of the Member State of transit and the competent authority of the Member State of destination, prior to the movement of such animals;

| (b) | the Member State of the place of origin shall immediately inform the Commission and the other Member States of the animal health guarantees and the approval by the competent authorities referred to in point (a) and authorises a list of holdings complying with animal health guarantees; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the Member State of the place of origin shall immediately inform the Commission and the other Member States of the animal health guarantees and the approval by the competent authorities referred to in point (a) and authorises a list of holdings complying with animal health guarantees;

| (c) | a channelling procedure in accordance with Article 16a is set up, under the control of the competent authorities of the Member States of origin, transit and destination, in order to ensure that the animals, moved in accordance with the additional requirements provided for in point (a), are transported in a safe manner and are not subsequently moved to another Member State; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

a channelling procedure in accordance with Article 16a is set up, under the control of the competent authorities of the Member States of origin, transit and destination, in order to ensure that the animals, moved in accordance with the additional requirements provided for in point (a), are transported in a safe manner and are not subsequently moved to another Member State;

| (d) | for live pigs that comply with all conditions of this Article, the following additional wording shall be added to the corresponding health certificate for swine referred to in Article 5(1) of Directive 64/432/EEC:

  “Pigs in compliance with Article 4 of Commission Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU.”
  ’; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

for live pigs that comply with all conditions of this Article, the following additional wording shall be added to the corresponding health certificate for swine referred to in Article 5(1) of Directive 64/432/EEC:

“Pigs in compliance with Article 4 of Commission Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU.”
  ’;

| (4) | in Article 8, the introductory phrase of paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

  ‘1.   Without prejudice to Article 3, Article 3a and Article 4, the Member States concerned shall ensure that live pigs are not dispatched from their territory to other Member States and third countries, except where those live pigs come from:’; |
| --- | --- |

(4)

in Article 8, the introductory phrase of paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

‘1.   Without prejudice to Article 3, Article 3a and Article 4, the Member States concerned shall ensure that live pigs are not dispatched from their territory to other Member States and third countries, except where those live pigs come from:’;

| (5) | Article 9 is replaced by the following:

  ‘Article 9
  Prohibition on the dispatch to other Member States and third countries of consignments of porcine semen and ova and embryos collected from pigs from the areas listed in the Annex

  1.   The Member State concerned shall ensure that no consignments of the following commodities are dispatched from their territory to other Member States and third countries:






  (a) | porcine semen, unless the semen was collected from donor boars kept at semen collection centre approved in accordance with Article 3(a) of Council Directive 90/429/EEC (*1) and located outside the areas listed in Parts II, III and IV of the Annex to this Decision; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(5)

Article 9 is replaced by the following:

‘Article 9

Prohibition on the dispatch to other Member States and third countries of consignments of porcine semen and ova and embryos collected from pigs from the areas listed in the Annex

1.   The Member State concerned shall ensure that no consignments of the following commodities are dispatched from their territory to other Member States and third countries:

(a)

porcine semen, unless the semen was collected from donor boars kept at semen collection centre approved in accordance with Article 3(a) of Council Directive 90/429/EEC (*1) and located outside the areas listed in Parts II, III and IV of the Annex to this Decision;

| (b) | porcine ova and embryos, unless the ova and embryos originate from donor females of the porcine species kept in holdings which comply with Article 8(2) and are situated outside the areas listed in Parts II, III and IV of the Annex and the embryos are in vivo derived embryos conceived as a result of artificial insemination or in vitro produced embryos conceived as a result of fertilisation with semen complying with the conditions laid down in point (a) of this paragraph. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

porcine ova and embryos, unless the ova and embryos originate from donor females of the porcine species kept in holdings which comply with Article 8(2) and are situated outside the areas listed in Parts II, III and IV of the Annex and the embryos are in vivo derived embryos conceived as a result of artificial insemination or in vitro produced embryos conceived as a result of fertilisation with semen complying with the conditions laid down in point (a) of this paragraph.

2.   By way of derogation from the prohibitions provided for in paragraph 1(a) of this Article and point (b) of Article 2, the Member States concerned may authorise the dispatch of consignments of porcine semen, if the semen was collected from donor boars kept at a semen collection centre approved in accordance with Article 3(a) of Directive 90/429/EEC, applying all biosecurity rules relevant for African swine fever and located in the areas listed in Parts II and III of the Annex to this Decision to areas listed in Part II or III of the Annex of the same Member State or another Member State provided that:

| (a) | the consignments of porcine semen comply with any other appropriate animal health guarantees based on a positive outcome of a risk assessment of measures against the spread of African swine fever required by the competent authority of the Member State of origin and approved by the competent authority of the Member State of destination, prior to the dispatch of the consignment of semen; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the consignments of porcine semen comply with any other appropriate animal health guarantees based on a positive outcome of a risk assessment of measures against the spread of African swine fever required by the competent authority of the Member State of origin and approved by the competent authority of the Member State of destination, prior to the dispatch of the consignment of semen;

| (b) | the Member State of origin immediately informs the Commission and the other Member States of the animal health guarantees referred to in the point (a); |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the Member State of origin immediately informs the Commission and the other Member States of the animal health guarantees referred to in the point (a);

| (c) | the donor boars comply with the requirements laid down in point 1 of Article 3 and in either point 2 or point 3 of Article 3; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the donor boars comply with the requirements laid down in point 1 of Article 3 and in either point 2 or point 3 of Article 3;

| (d) | the donor boars were subjected to an individual agent identification test performed within 5 days prior to the date of collection of the semen to be dispatched, with negative results and a copy of test results is attached to the animal health certificate accompanying the consignment of the semen; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the donor boars were subjected to an individual agent identification test performed within 5 days prior to the date of collection of the semen to be dispatched, with negative results and a copy of test results is attached to the animal health certificate accompanying the consignment of the semen;

| (e) | the following additional attestation shall be added to the corresponding animal health certificates referred to in Article 6(1) of Directive 90/429/EEC:

  “Porcine semen in compliance with Article 9 of Commission Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU of 9 October 2014 concerning animal health control measures relating to African swine fever in certain Member States and repealing Implementing Decision 2014/178/EU.” |
| --- | --- |

(e)

the following additional attestation shall be added to the corresponding animal health certificates referred to in Article 6(1) of Directive 90/429/EEC:

“Porcine semen in compliance with Article 9 of Commission Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU of 9 October 2014 concerning animal health control measures relating to African swine fever in certain Member States and repealing Implementing Decision 2014/178/EU.”

(*1)  Council Directive 90/429/EEC of 26 June 1990 laying down the animal health requirements applicable to intra- Community trade in and imports of semen of domestic animals of the porcine species (OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 62).’;"

*1

| (6) | the following Article 16a is inserted:

  ‘Article 16a
  Channelling procedure
  The competent authority shall ensure that the channelling procedure complies with the following requirements:






  1. | each truck and other vehicles that are used for the transport of live pigs have been:






  (a) | individually registered by the competent authority of the Member State of dispatch for the purpose of the transport of live pigs using the channelling procedure; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

(6)

the following Article 16a is inserted:

‘Article 16a

Channelling procedure

The competent authority shall ensure that the channelling procedure complies with the following requirements:

1.

each truck and other vehicles that are used for the transport of live pigs have been:

(a)

individually registered by the competent authority of the Member State of dispatch for the purpose of the transport of live pigs using the channelling procedure;

| (b) | sealed by the official veterinarian after loading; only the official from the competent authority may break the seal and replace it with a new one; each loading or replacement of seals must be notified to the competent authority; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

sealed by the official veterinarian after loading; only the official from the competent authority may break the seal and replace it with a new one; each loading or replacement of seals must be notified to the competent authority;

| 2. | the transport takes place:






  (a) | directly, without stopping; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

the transport takes place:

(a)

directly, without stopping;

| (b) | taking the route that has been authorised by the competent authority; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

taking the route that has been authorised by the competent authority;

| 3. | the official veterinarian responsible for the holding of destination must confirm each arrival to the competent authority of origin; |
| --- | --- |

3.

the official veterinarian responsible for the holding of destination must confirm each arrival to the competent authority of origin;

| 4. | after unloading of the live pigs the truck or vehicle and any other equipment which have been used in the transport of these pigs, are cleaned and disinfected in their entirety within the closed area of the place of destination under the supervision of the official veterinarian. Article 12(a) of Directive 2002/60/EC shall apply; |
| --- | --- |

4.

after unloading of the live pigs the truck or vehicle and any other equipment which have been used in the transport of these pigs, are cleaned and disinfected in their entirety within the closed area of the place of destination under the supervision of the official veterinarian. Article 12(a) of Directive 2002/60/EC shall apply;

| 5. | before the first dispatch from areas listed in Part III of the Annex takes place, the competent authority of origin shall ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place with the relevant authorities within the meaning of point (c) of Annex VI to Directive 2002/60/EC in order to ensure that the emergency plan, the chain of command and full cooperation of services in case of accidents during the transport, a major breakdown of the truck or other vehicle or any fraudulent action of the operator. The operators of the trucks shall immediately notify the competent authority of any accident or major breakdown of the truck or the vehicle.’; |
| --- | --- |

5.

before the first dispatch from areas listed in Part III of the Annex takes place, the competent authority of origin shall ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place with the relevant authorities within the meaning of point (c) of Annex VI to Directive 2002/60/EC in order to ensure that the emergency plan, the chain of command and full cooperation of services in case of accidents during the transport, a major breakdown of the truck or other vehicle or any fraudulent action of the operator. The operators of the trucks shall immediately notify the competent authority of any accident or major breakdown of the truck or the vehicle.’;

| (7) | in Article 21, the date ‘31 December 2018’ is replaced by the date ‘31 December 2019’; |
| --- | --- |

(7)

in Article 21, the date ‘31 December 2018’ is replaced by the date ‘31 December 2019’;

| (8) | the Annex is replaced by the text in the Annex to this Decision. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

the Annex is replaced by the text in the Annex to this Decision.

Article 2

Addressees

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 18 December 2015.

For the Commission

Vytenis ANDRIUKAITIS

Member of the Commission

---

(1)  
  OJ L 395, 30.12.1989, p. 13.

1

(2)  
  OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 29.

2

(3)  
  OJ L 18, 23.1.2003, p. 11.

3

(4)  Commission Implementing Decision 2014/709/EU of 9 October 2014 concerning animal health control measures relating to African swine fever in certain Member States and repealing Implementing Decision 2014/178/EU (OJ L 295, 11.10.2014, p. 63).

4

(5)  Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health (http://www.oie.int/international-standard-setting/terrestrial-code/access-online/).

5

(6)  Council Directive 64/432/EEC of 26 June 1964 on animal health problems affecting intra-Community trade in bovine animals and swine (OJ 121, 29.7.1964, p. 1977/64).

6

---

ANNEX

‘ANNEX

PART I

1.   Estonia

The following areas in Estonia:

| — | the linn of Keila, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Keila,

| — | the linn of Kunda, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Kunda,

| — | the linn of Loksa, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Loksa,

| — | the linn of Maardu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Maardu,

| — | the linn of Mustvee, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Mustvee,

| — | the linn of Pärnu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Pärnu,

| — | the linn of Saue, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Saue,

| — | the linn of Tallinn, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Tallinn,

| — | the maakond of Läänemaa, |
| --- | --- |

—

the maakond of Läänemaa,

| — | the part of the vald of Kuusalu located to the North of road 1 (E20), |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Kuusalu located to the North of road 1 (E20),

| — | the vald of Are, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Are,

| — | the vald of Audru, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Audru,

| — | the vald of Halinga, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Halinga,

| — | the vald of Haljala, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Haljala,

| — | the vald of Harku, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Harku,

| — | the vald of Jõelähtme, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Jõelähtme,

| — | the vald of Keila, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Keila,

| — | the vald of Kernu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Kernu,

| — | the vald of Kiili, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Kiili,

| — | the vald of Koonga, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Koonga,

| — | the vald of Lavassaare, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Lavassaare,

| — | the vald of Nissi, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Nissi,

| — | the vald of Padise, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Padise,

| — | the vald of Paikuse, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Paikuse,

| — | the vald of Raasiku, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Raasiku,

| — | the vald of Rae, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Rae,

| — | the vald of Rägavere, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Rägavere,

| — | the vald of Saku, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Saku,

| — | the vald of Saue, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Saue,

| — | the vald of Sauga, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Sauga,

| — | the vald of Sindi, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Sindi,

| — | the vald of Sõmeru, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Sõmeru,

| — | the vald of Tootsi, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Tootsi,

| — | the vald of Tori, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Tori,

| — | the vald of Tõstamaa, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Tõstamaa,

| — | the vald of Varbla, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Varbla,

| — | the vald of Vasalemma, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Vasalemma,

| — | the vald of Vihula, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Vihula,

| — | the vald of Viimsi, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Viimsi,

| — | the vald of Viru-Nigula. |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Viru-Nigula.

2.   Latvia

The following areas in Latvia:

| — | in the novads of Ogres, the pagasti of Suntažu and Ogresgala, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the novads of Ogres, the pagasti of Suntažu and Ogresgala,

| — | the novads of Ādažu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Ādažu,

| — | the novads of Amatas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Amatas,

| — | the novads of Carnikavas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Carnikavas,

| — | the novads of Garkalnes, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Garkalnes,

| — | the novads of Ikšķiles, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Ikšķiles,

| — | the novads of Inčukalna, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Inčukalna,

| — | the novads of Jaunjelgavas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Jaunjelgavas,

| — | the novads of Ķeguma, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Ķeguma,

| — | the novads of Līgatnes, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Līgatnes,

| — | the novads of Mālpils, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Mālpils,

| — | the novads of Neretas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Neretas,

| — | the novads of Ropažu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Ropažu,

| — | the novads of Salas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Salas,

| — | the novads of Siguldas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Siguldas,

| — | the novads of Vecumnieku, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Vecumnieku,

| — | the novads of Viesītes. |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Viesītes.

3.   Lithuania

The following areas in Lithuania:

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Jurbarkas, the seniūnija of Raudonės, Veliuonos, Seredžiaus and Juodaičių, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Jurbarkas, the seniūnija of Raudonės, Veliuonos, Seredžiaus and Juodaičių,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Pakruojis, the seniūnija of Klovainių, Rozalimo and Pakruojo, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Pakruojis, the seniūnija of Klovainių, Rozalimo and Pakruojo,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Panevežys, the seniūnija of Krekenavos, Upytės, Naujamiesčio and Smilgių, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Panevežys, the seniūnija of Krekenavos, Upytės, Naujamiesčio and Smilgių,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Raseiniai, the seniūnija of Ariogalos, Ariogalos miestas, Betygalos, Pagojukų and Šiluvos, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Raseiniai, the seniūnija of Ariogalos, Ariogalos miestas, Betygalos, Pagojukų and Šiluvos,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Šakiai, the seniūnija of Plokščių, Kriūkų, Lekėčių, Lukšių, Griškabūdžio, Barzdų, Žvirgždaičių, Sintautų, Kudirkos Naumiesčio, Slavikų, Šakių, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Šakiai, the seniūnija of Plokščių, Kriūkų, Lekėčių, Lukšių, Griškabūdžio, Barzdų, Žvirgždaičių, Sintautų, Kudirkos Naumiesčio, Slavikų, Šakių,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Pasvalys, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Pasvalys,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Vilkaviškis, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Vilkaviškis,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Radviliškis, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Radviliškis,

| — | the savivaldybė of Kalvarija, |
| --- | --- |

—

the savivaldybė of Kalvarija,

| — | the savivaldybė of Kazlų Rūda, |
| --- | --- |

—

the savivaldybė of Kazlų Rūda,

| — | the savivaldybė of Marijampolė. |
| --- | --- |

—

the savivaldybė of Marijampolė.

4.   Poland

The following areas in Poland:

In the województwo podlaskie:

| — | the gminy of Augustów with the city of Augustów, Nowinka, Płaska, Sztabin and Bargłów Kościelny in the powiat augustowski, |
| --- | --- |

—

the gminy of Augustów with the city of Augustów, Nowinka, Płaska, Sztabin and Bargłów Kościelny in the powiat augustowski,

| — | the gminy of Choroszcz, Juchnowiec Kościelny, Suraż, Turośń Kościelna, Tykocin, Łapy, Poświętne, Zawady, Dobrzyniewo Duże and part of Zabłudów (the South-West part of the gmina delimitated by the line created by road number 19 and prolonged by road number 685) in the powiat białostocki, |
| --- | --- |

—

the gminy of Choroszcz, Juchnowiec Kościelny, Suraż, Turośń Kościelna, Tykocin, Łapy, Poświętne, Zawady, Dobrzyniewo Duże and part of Zabłudów (the South-West part of the gmina delimitated by the line created by road number 19 and prolonged by road number 685) in the powiat białostocki,

| — | the gminy of Czyże, Hajnówka with the city of Hajnówka, Dubicze Cerkiewne, Kleszczele and Czeremcha in the powiat hajnowski, |
| --- | --- |

—

the gminy of Czyże, Hajnówka with the city of Hajnówka, Dubicze Cerkiewne, Kleszczele and Czeremcha in the powiat hajnowski,

| — | the gminy of Grodzisk, Dziadkowice and Milejczyce in the powiat siemiatycki, |
| --- | --- |

—

the gminy of Grodzisk, Dziadkowice and Milejczyce in the powiat siemiatycki,

| — | the gminy of Kobylin-Borzymy, Kulesze Kościelne, Sokoły, Wysokie Mazowieckie with the city of Wysokie Mazowieckie, Nowe Piekuty, Szepietowo, Klukowo and Ciechanowiec in the powiat wysokomazowiecki, |
| --- | --- |

—

the gminy of Kobylin-Borzymy, Kulesze Kościelne, Sokoły, Wysokie Mazowieckie with the city of Wysokie Mazowieckie, Nowe Piekuty, Szepietowo, Klukowo and Ciechanowiec in the powiat wysokomazowiecki,

| — | the powiat sejneński, |
| --- | --- |

—

the powiat sejneński,

| — | the gminy of Rutka-Tartak, Szypliszki, Suwałki, Raczki in the powiat suwalski, |
| --- | --- |

—

the gminy of Rutka-Tartak, Szypliszki, Suwałki, Raczki in the powiat suwalski,

| — | the gminy of Rutki in the powiat zambrowski, |
| --- | --- |

—

the gminy of Rutki in the powiat zambrowski,

| — | the gminy of Suchowola and Korycin in the powiat sokólski, |
| --- | --- |

—

the gminy of Suchowola and Korycin in the powiat sokólski,

| — | the powiat bielski, |
| --- | --- |

—

the powiat bielski,

| — | the powiat M. Białystok, |
| --- | --- |

—

the powiat M. Białystok,

| — | the powiat M. Suwałki, |
| --- | --- |

—

the powiat M. Suwałki,

| — | the powiat moniecki. |
| --- | --- |

—

the powiat moniecki.

PART II

1.   Estonia

The following areas in Estonia:

| — | the linn of Kallaste, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Kallaste,

| — | the linn of Rakvere, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Rakvere,

| — | the linn of Tartu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Tartu,

| — | the linn of Vändra, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Vändra,

| — | the linn of Viljandi, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Viljandi,

| — | the maakond of IDA-Virumaa, |
| --- | --- |

—

the maakond of IDA-Virumaa,

| — | the maakond of Põlvamaa, |
| --- | --- |

—

the maakond of Põlvamaa,

| — | the maakond of Raplamaa, |
| --- | --- |

—

the maakond of Raplamaa,

| — | the part of the vald of Kuusalu located to the South of road 1 (E20), |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Kuusalu located to the South of road 1 (E20),

| — | the part of the vald of Palamuse located to the East of the Tallinn-Tartu railway, |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Palamuse located to the East of the Tallinn-Tartu railway,

| — | the part of the vald of Pärsti located to the West of road 24126, |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Pärsti located to the West of road 24126,

| — | the part of the vald of Suure-Jaani located to the West of road 49, |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Suure-Jaani located to the West of road 49,

| — | the part of the vald of Tabivere located to the East of the Tallinn-Tartu railway, |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Tabivere located to the East of the Tallinn-Tartu railway,

| — | the part of the vald of Tamsalu located to the North-East of the Tallinn-Tartu railway, |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Tamsalu located to the North-East of the Tallinn-Tartu railway,

| — | the part of the vald of Tartu located to the East of the Tallinn-Tartu railway, |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Tartu located to the East of the Tallinn-Tartu railway,

| — | the part of the vald of Viiratsi located to the West of the line defined by the Western part of road 92 until the junction to road 155, then road 155 until the junction to road 24156, then road 24156 until it crosses Verilaske river, then the Verilaske river until it reaches the southern border of the vald, |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Viiratsi located to the West of the line defined by the Western part of road 92 until the junction to road 155, then road 155 until the junction to road 24156, then road 24156 until it crosses Verilaske river, then the Verilaske river until it reaches the southern border of the vald,

| — | the vald of Abja, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Abja,

| — | the vald of Aegviidu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Aegviidu,

| — | the vald of Alatskivi, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Alatskivi,

| — | the vald of Anija, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Anija,

| — | the vald of Häädemeeste, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Häädemeeste,

| — | the vald of Haaslava, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Haaslava,

| — | the vald of Halliste, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Halliste,

| — | the vald of Kadrina, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Kadrina,

| — | the vald of Kambja, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Kambja,

| — | the vald of Karksi, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Karksi,

| — | the vald of Kasepää, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Kasepää,

| — | the vald of Kõpu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Kõpu,

| — | the vald of Kose, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Kose,

| — | the vald of Kõue, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Kõue,

| — | the vald of Laekvere, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Laekvere,

| — | the vald of Luunja, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Luunja,

| — | the vald of Mäksa, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Mäksa,

| — | the vald of Meeksi, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Meeksi,

| — | the vald of Pala, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Pala,

| — | the vald of Peipsiääre, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Peipsiääre,

| — | the vald of Piirissaare, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Piirissaare,

| — | the vald of Rakvere, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Rakvere,

| — | the vald of Saarde, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Saarde,

| — | the vald of Saare, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Saare,

| — | the vald of Surju, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Surju,

| — | the vald of Tahkuranna, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Tahkuranna,

| — | the vald of Tapa, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Tapa,

| — | the vald of Vändra, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Vändra,

| — | the vald of Vara, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Vara,

| — | the vald of Vinni, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Vinni,

| — | the vald of Võnnu. |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Võnnu.

2.   Latvia

The following areas in Latvia:

| — | the novads of Krimuldas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Krimuldas,

| — | in the novads of Limbažu, the pagasti of Skultes, Vidridžu, Limbažu and Umurgas, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the novads of Limbažu, the pagasti of Skultes, Vidridžu, Limbažu and Umurgas,

| — | in the novads of Ogres, the pagasti of Krapes, Ķeipenes, Lauberes, Madlienas, Mazozolu, Menģeles and Taurupes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the novads of Ogres, the pagasti of Krapes, Ķeipenes, Lauberes, Madlienas, Mazozolu, Menģeles and Taurupes,

| — | the novads of Priekuļu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Priekuļu,

| — | in the novads of Salacgrīvas, the pagasts of Liepupes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the novads of Salacgrīvas, the pagasts of Liepupes,

| — | the novads of Aizkraukles, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Aizkraukles,

| — | the novads of Aknīstes, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Aknīstes,

| — | the novads of Alūksnes, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Alūksnes,

| — | the novads of Apes, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Apes,

| — | the novads of Baltinavas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Baltinavas,

| — | the novads of Balvi, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Balvi,

| — | the novads of Cēsu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Cēsu,

| — | the novads of Cesvaines, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Cesvaines,

| — | the novads of Ērgļu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Ērgļu,

| — | the novads of Gulbenes, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Gulbenes,

| — | the novads of Ilūkstes, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Ilūkstes,

| — | the novads of Jaunpiebalgas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Jaunpiebalgas,

| — | the novads of Jēkabpils, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Jēkabpils,

| — | the novads of Kocēnu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Kocēnu,

| — | the novads of Kokneses, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Kokneses,

| — | the novads of Krustpils, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Krustpils,

| — | the novads of Lielvārdes, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Lielvārdes,

| — | the novads of Līvānu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Līvānu,

| — | the novads of Lubānas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Lubānas,

| — | the novads of Madonas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Madonas,

| — | the novads of Pārgaujas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Pārgaujas,

| — | the novads of Pļaviņu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Pļaviņu,

| — | the novads of Raunas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Raunas,

| — | the novads of Rugāju, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Rugāju,

| — | the novads of Saulkrastu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Saulkrastu,

| — | the novads of Sējas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Sējas,

| — | the novads of Skrīveru, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Skrīveru,

| — | the novads of Smiltenes, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Smiltenes,

| — | the novads of Varakļānu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Varakļānu,

| — | the novads of Vecpiebalgas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Vecpiebalgas,

| — | the novads of Viļakas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Viļakas,

| — | the republikas pilsēta of Jēkabpils, |
| --- | --- |

—

the republikas pilsēta of Jēkabpils,

| — | the republikas pilsēta of Valmiera. |
| --- | --- |

—

the republikas pilsēta of Valmiera.

3.   Lithuania

The following areas in Lithuania:

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Anykščiai, the seniūnija of Andrioniškis, Anykščiai, Debeikiai, Kavarskas, Kurkliai, Skiemonys, Traupis, Troškūnai, and the part of Svėdasai located south to road No 118, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Anykščiai, the seniūnija of Andrioniškis, Anykščiai, Debeikiai, Kavarskas, Kurkliai, Skiemonys, Traupis, Troškūnai, and the part of Svėdasai located south to road No 118,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Jonava the seniūnija of Šilų, Bukonių and, in the Žeimių seniūnija, the kaimas of Biliuškiai, Drobiškiai, Normainiai II, Normainėliai, Juškonys, Pauliukai, Mitėniškiai, Zofijauka, Naujokai, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Jonava the seniūnija of Šilų, Bukonių and, in the Žeimių seniūnija, the kaimas of Biliuškiai, Drobiškiai, Normainiai II, Normainėliai, Juškonys, Pauliukai, Mitėniškiai, Zofijauka, Naujokai,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Kaišiadorys, the seniūnija of,Kaišiadorių apylinkės, Kruonio, Nemaitonių, Paparčių, Žąslių, Žiežmarių, Žiežmarių apylinkės and the part of the seniūnija of Rumšiškių located south to the road N. A1, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Kaišiadorys, the seniūnija of,Kaišiadorių apylinkės, Kruonio, Nemaitonių, Paparčių, Žąslių, Žiežmarių, Žiežmarių apylinkės and the part of the seniūnija of Rumšiškių located south to the road N. A1,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Kaunas, the seniūnija of Akademijos, Alšėnų, Babtų, Batniavos, Čekiškės, Domeikavos, Ežerėlio, Garliavos, Garliavos apylinkių, Kačerginės, Kulautuvos, Linksmakalnio, Raudondvario, Ringaudų, Rokų, Samylų, Taurakiemio, Užliedžių, Vilkijos, Vilkijos apylinkių and Zapyškio, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Kaunas, the seniūnija of Akademijos, Alšėnų, Babtų, Batniavos, Čekiškės, Domeikavos, Ežerėlio, Garliavos, Garliavos apylinkių, Kačerginės, Kulautuvos, Linksmakalnio, Raudondvario, Ringaudų, Rokų, Samylų, Taurakiemio, Užliedžių, Vilkijos, Vilkijos apylinkių and Zapyškio,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Kėdainiai, the seniūnija of Josvainių, Pernaravos, Krakių, Dotnuvos, Gudžiūnų, Surviliškio, Vilainių, Truskavos, Šėtos, Kėdainių miesto, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Kėdainiai, the seniūnija of Josvainių, Pernaravos, Krakių, Dotnuvos, Gudžiūnų, Surviliškio, Vilainių, Truskavos, Šėtos, Kėdainių miesto,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Panevėžys the seniūnija of Karsakiškio, Miežiškių, Paįstrio, Panevėžio, Ramygalos, Raguvos, Vadoklių and Velžio, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Panevėžys the seniūnija of Karsakiškio, Miežiškių, Paįstrio, Panevėžio, Ramygalos, Raguvos, Vadoklių and Velžio,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Šalčininkai, the seniūnija of Jašiūnų, Turgelių, Akmenynės, Šalčininkų, Gerviškių, Butrimonių, Eišiškių, Poškonių, Dieveniškių, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Šalčininkai, the seniūnija of Jašiūnų, Turgelių, Akmenynės, Šalčininkų, Gerviškių, Butrimonių, Eišiškių, Poškonių, Dieveniškių,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Varėna, the seniūnija of Kaniavos, Marcinkonių, Merkinės, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Varėna, the seniūnija of Kaniavos, Marcinkonių, Merkinės,

| — | the miesto savivaldybė of Alytus, |
| --- | --- |

—

the miesto savivaldybė of Alytus,

| — | the miesto savivaldybė of Kaišiadorys, |
| --- | --- |

—

the miesto savivaldybė of Kaišiadorys,

| — | the miesto savivaldybė of Kaunas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the miesto savivaldybė of Kaunas,

| — | the miesto savivaldybė of Panevėžys, |
| --- | --- |

—

the miesto savivaldybė of Panevėžys,

| — | the miesto savivaldybė of Vilnius, |
| --- | --- |

—

the miesto savivaldybė of Vilnius,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Alytus, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Alytus,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Biržai, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Biržai,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Druskininkai, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Druskininkai,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Lazdijai, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Lazdijai,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Prienai, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Prienai,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Širvintos, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Širvintos,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Ukmergė, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Ukmergė,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Vilnius, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Vilnius,

| — | the savivaldybė of Birštonas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the savivaldybė of Birštonas,

| — | the savivaldybė of Elektrėnai. |
| --- | --- |

—

the savivaldybė of Elektrėnai.

4.   Poland

The following areas in Poland:

In podlaskie województwo:

| — | the gminy of Czarna Białostocka, Supraśl, Wasilków and part of Zabłudów (the North-East part of the gmina delimitated by the line created by road number 19 and prolonged by road number 685) in the powiat białostocki, |
| --- | --- |

—

the gminy of Czarna Białostocka, Supraśl, Wasilków and part of Zabłudów (the North-East part of the gmina delimitated by the line created by road number 19 and prolonged by road number 685) in the powiat białostocki,

| — | the gminy of Dąbrowa Białostocka, Janów, Nowy Dwór and Sidra in the powiat sokólski, |
| --- | --- |

—

the gminy of Dąbrowa Białostocka, Janów, Nowy Dwór and Sidra in the powiat sokólski,

| — | the gminy of Lipsk in the powiat augustowski, |
| --- | --- |

—

the gminy of Lipsk in the powiat augustowski,

| — | the gminy of Narew, Narewka and Białowieża in the powiat hajnowski. |
| --- | --- |

—

the gminy of Narew, Narewka and Białowieża in the powiat hajnowski.

PART III

1.   Estonia

The following areas in Estonia:

| — | the linn of Elva, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Elva,

| — | the linn of Jõgeva, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Jõgeva,

| — | the linn of Põltsamaa, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Põltsamaa,

| — | the linn of Võhma, |
| --- | --- |

—

the linn of Võhma,

| — | the maakond of Järvamaa, |
| --- | --- |

—

the maakond of Järvamaa,

| — | the maakond of Valgamaa, |
| --- | --- |

—

the maakond of Valgamaa,

| — | the maakond of Võrumaa, |
| --- | --- |

—

the maakond of Võrumaa,

| — | the part of the vald of Palamuse located to the West of the Tallinn-Tartu railway, |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Palamuse located to the West of the Tallinn-Tartu railway,

| — | the part of the vald of Pärsti located to the East of road 24126, |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Pärsti located to the East of road 24126,

| — | the part of the vald of Suure-Jaani located to the East of road 49, |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Suure-Jaani located to the East of road 49,

| — | the part of the vald of Tabivere located to the West of the Tallinn-Tartu railway, |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Tabivere located to the West of the Tallinn-Tartu railway,

| — | the part of the vald of Tamsalu located to the South-West of the Tallinn-Tartu railway, |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Tamsalu located to the South-West of the Tallinn-Tartu railway,

| — | the part of the vald of Tartu located to the West of the Tallinn-Tartu railway, |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Tartu located to the West of the Tallinn-Tartu railway,

| — | the part of the vald of Viiratsi located to the East of the line defined by the Western part of road 92 until the junction to road 155, then road 155 until the junction to road 24156, then road 24156 until it crosses Verilaske river, then the Verilaske river until it reaches the southern border of the vald, |
| --- | --- |

—

the part of the vald of Viiratsi located to the East of the line defined by the Western part of road 92 until the junction to road 155, then road 155 until the junction to road 24156, then road 24156 until it crosses Verilaske river, then the Verilaske river until it reaches the southern border of the vald,

| — | the vald of Jõgeva, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Jõgeva,

| — | the vald of Kolga-Jaani, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Kolga-Jaani,

| — | the vald of Konguta, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Konguta,

| — | the vald of Kõo, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Kõo,

| — | the vald of Laeva, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Laeva,

| — | the vald of Nõo, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Nõo,

| — | the vald of Paistu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Paistu,

| — | the vald of Pajusi, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Pajusi,

| — | the vald of Põltsamaa, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Põltsamaa,

| — | the vald of Puhja, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Puhja,

| — | the vald of Puurmani, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Puurmani,

| — | the vald of Rakke, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Rakke,

| — | the vald of Rannu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Rannu,

| — | the vald of Rõngu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Rõngu,

| — | the vald of Saarepeedi, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Saarepeedi,

| — | the vald of Tähtvere, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Tähtvere,

| — | the vald of Tarvastu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Tarvastu,

| — | the vald of Torma, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Torma,

| — | the vald of Ülenurme, |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Ülenurme,

| — | the vald of Väike-Maarja. |
| --- | --- |

—

the vald of Väike-Maarja.

2.   Latvia

The following areas in Latvia:

| — | in the novads of Limbažu, the pagasti of Viļķenes, Pāles and Katvaru, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the novads of Limbažu, the pagasti of Viļķenes, Pāles and Katvaru,

| — | in the novads of Salacgrīvas, the pagasti of Ainažu and Salacgrīvas, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the novads of Salacgrīvas, the pagasti of Ainažu and Salacgrīvas,

| — | the novads of Aglonas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Aglonas,

| — | the novads of Alojas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Alojas,

| — | the novads of Beverīinas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Beverīinas,

| — | the novads of Burtnieku, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Burtnieku,

| — | the novads of Ciblas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Ciblas,

| — | the novads of Dagdas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Dagdas,

| — | the novads of Daugavpils, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Daugavpils,

| — | the novads of Kārsavas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Kārsavas,

| — | the novads of Krāslavas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Krāslavas,

| — | the novads of Ludzas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Ludzas,

| — | the novads of Mazsalacas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Mazsalacas,

| — | the novads of Naukšēnu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Naukšēnu,

| — | the novads of Preiļu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Preiļu,

| — | the novads of Rēzeknes, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Rēzeknes,

| — | the novads of Riebiņu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Riebiņu,

| — | the novads of Rūjienas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Rūjienas,

| — | the novads of Strenču, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Strenču,

| — | the novads of Valkas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Valkas,

| — | the novads of Vārkavas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Vārkavas,

| — | the novads of Viļānu, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Viļānu,

| — | the novads of Zilupes, |
| --- | --- |

—

the novads of Zilupes,

| — | the republikas pilsēta of Daugavpils, |
| --- | --- |

—

the republikas pilsēta of Daugavpils,

| — | the republikas pilsēta of Rēzekne. |
| --- | --- |

—

the republikas pilsēta of Rēzekne.

3.   Lithuania

The following areas in Lithuania:

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Anykščiai, the seniūnija of Viešintos and the part of the seniūnija of Svėdasai located north to road No 118, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Anykščiai, the seniūnija of Viešintos and the part of the seniūnija of Svėdasai located north to road No 118,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Jonava the seniūnija of Upninkų, Ruklos, Dumsių, Užusalių, Kulvos and, in the seniūnija of Žeimiai, the kaimas Akliai, Akmeniai, Barsukinė, Blauzdžiai, Gireliai, Jagėlava, Juljanava, Kuigaliai, Liepkalniai, Martyniškiai, Milašiškiai, Mimaliai, Naujasodis, Normainiai I, Paduobiai, Palankesiai, Pamelnytėlė, Pėdžiai, Skrynės, Svalkeniai, Terespolis, Varpėnai, Žeimių gst., Žieveliškiai and Žeimių miestelis, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Jonava the seniūnija of Upninkų, Ruklos, Dumsių, Užusalių, Kulvos and, in the seniūnija of Žeimiai, the kaimas Akliai, Akmeniai, Barsukinė, Blauzdžiai, Gireliai, Jagėlava, Juljanava, Kuigaliai, Liepkalniai, Martyniškiai, Milašiškiai, Mimaliai, Naujasodis, Normainiai I, Paduobiai, Palankesiai, Pamelnytėlė, Pėdžiai, Skrynės, Svalkeniai, Terespolis, Varpėnai, Žeimių gst., Žieveliškiai and Žeimių miestelis,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Kaišiadorys, the seniūnija of Palomenės, Pravieniškių and the part of the seniūnija of Rumšiškių located north of the road N. A1, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Kaišiadorys, the seniūnija of Palomenės, Pravieniškių and the part of the seniūnija of Rumšiškių located north of the road N. A1,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Kaunas, the seniūnija of Vandžiogalos, Lapių, Karmėlavos and Neveronių, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Kaunas, the seniūnija of Vandžiogalos, Lapių, Karmėlavos and Neveronių,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Kėdainiai, the seniūnija of Pelėdnagių, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Kėdainiai, the seniūnija of Pelėdnagių,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Šalčininkai, the seniūnija of Baltosios Vokės, Pabarės, Dainavos, Kalesninkų, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Šalčininkai, the seniūnija of Baltosios Vokės, Pabarės, Dainavos, Kalesninkų,

| — | in the rajono savivaldybė of Varėna, the seniūnija of Valkininkų, Jakėnų, Matuizų, Varėnos, Vydenių, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the rajono savivaldybė of Varėna, the seniūnija of Valkininkų, Jakėnų, Matuizų, Varėnos, Vydenių,

| — | the miesto savivaldybė of Jonava, |
| --- | --- |

—

the miesto savivaldybė of Jonava,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Ignalina, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Ignalina,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Kupiškis, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Kupiškis,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Moletai, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Moletai,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Rokiškis, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Rokiškis,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Švencionys, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Švencionys,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Trakai, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Trakai,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Utena, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Utena,

| — | the rajono savivaldybė of Zarasai, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rajono savivaldybė of Zarasai,

| — | the savivaldybe of Visaginas. |
| --- | --- |

—

the savivaldybe of Visaginas.

4.   Poland

The following areas in Poland:

In podlaskie województwo:

| — | the gminy of Gródek and Michałowo in the powiat białostocki, |
| --- | --- |

—

the gminy of Gródek and Michałowo in the powiat białostocki,

| — | the gminy of Krynki, Kuźnica, Sokółka and Szudziałowo in the powiat sokólski. |
| --- | --- |

—

the gminy of Krynki, Kuźnica, Sokółka and Szudziałowo in the powiat sokólski.

PART IV

Italy

The following areas in Italy:

all areas of Sardinia.’

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| 22.12.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 334/61 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.12.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 334/61

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2015/2434

of 18 December 2015

amending Implementing Decision 2014/237/EU on measures to prevent the introduction into and the spread within the Union of harmful organisms as regards certain fruits and vegetables originating in India

(notified under document C(2015) 9178)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Directive 2000/29/EC of 8 May 2000 on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community (1), and in particular the fourth sentence of Article 16(3) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Commission Implementing Decision 2014/237/EU (2) prohibits the import from India of plants other than seeds and roots of Colocasia Schott, plants other than seeds of Momordica L., Solanum melongena L. and Trichosanthes L. Furthermore, for the import of plants of Mangifera L. other than seeds, Implementing Decision 2014/237/EU requires that appropriate measures are taken by Indian authorities to ensure that consignments are free from harmful organisms. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Commission Implementing Decision 2014/237/EU (2) prohibits the import from India of plants other than seeds and roots of Colocasia Schott, plants other than seeds of Momordica L., Solanum melongena L. and Trichosanthes L. Furthermore, for the import of plants of Mangifera L. other than seeds, Implementing Decision 2014/237/EU requires that appropriate measures are taken by Indian authorities to ensure that consignments are free from harmful organisms.

| (2) | Implementing Decision 2014/237/EU is limited in time. In light of the number of interceptions of harmful organisms on a wide range of plants and plant products of Indian origin, the Commission concludes that further improvements of the Indian phytosanitary certification system are needed. Consequently, it is appropriate to extend the validity of Implementing Decision 2014/237/EU until 31 December 2016. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Implementing Decision 2014/237/EU is limited in time. In light of the number of interceptions of harmful organisms on a wide range of plants and plant products of Indian origin, the Commission concludes that further improvements of the Indian phytosanitary certification system are needed. Consequently, it is appropriate to extend the validity of Implementing Decision 2014/237/EU until 31 December 2016.

| (3) | Implementing Decision 2014/237/EU should therefore be amended accordingly. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Implementing Decision 2014/237/EU should therefore be amended accordingly.

| (4) | The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Article 2 of Implementing Decision 2014/237/EU is replaced by the following:

‘Article 2

This Decision shall expire on 31 December 2016.’

Article 2

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 18 December 2015.

For the Commission

Vytenis ANDRIUKAITIS

Member of the Commission

---

(1)  
  OJ L 169, 10.7.2000, p. 1.

1

(2)  Commission Implementing Decision 2014/237/EU of 24 April 2014 on measures to prevent the introduction into and the spread within the Union of harmful organisms as regards certain fruits and vegetables originating in India (OJ L 125, 26.4.2014, p. 93).

2

---

ACTS ADOPTED BY BODIES CREATED BY INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

| 22.12.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 334/62 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.12.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 334/62

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DECISION No 1/2015 OF THE EU-EGYPT ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

of 21 September 2015

replacing Protocol 4 to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part, concerning the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative cooperation [2015/2435]

THE EU-EGYPT ASSOCIATION COUNCIL,

Having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part (1), and in particular Article 27 thereof,

Having regard to Protocol 4 to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part, concerning the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative cooperation,

Whereas:

| (1) | Article 27 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part (‘the Agreement’) refers to Protocol 4 to the Agreement (‘Protocol 4’) which lays down the rules of origin and provides for cumulation of origin between the European Union, Egypt and other Contracting Parties to the Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin (2) (‘the Convention’). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Article 27 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part (‘the Agreement’) refers to Protocol 4 to the Agreement (‘Protocol 4’) which lays down the rules of origin and provides for cumulation of origin between the European Union, Egypt and other Contracting Parties to the Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin (2) (‘the Convention’).

| (2) | Article 39 of Protocol 4 provides that the Association Council provided for in Article 74 of the Agreement may decide to amend the provisions of that protocol. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Article 39 of Protocol 4 provides that the Association Council provided for in Article 74 of the Agreement may decide to amend the provisions of that protocol.

| (3) | The Convention aims to replace the protocols on rules of origin currently in force among the countries of the pan-Euro-Mediterranean area with a single legal act. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The Convention aims to replace the protocols on rules of origin currently in force among the countries of the pan-Euro-Mediterranean area with a single legal act.

| (4) | The Union and Egypt signed the Convention on 15 June 2011 and 9 October 2013, respectively. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Union and Egypt signed the Convention on 15 June 2011 and 9 October 2013, respectively.

| (5) | The Union and Egypt deposited their instruments of acceptance with the depositary of the Convention on 26 March 2012 and 23 April 2014, respectively. Consequently, pursuant to Article 10(3) of the Convention, the Convention entered into force in relation to the Union and Egypt on 1 May 2012 and on 1 June 2014, respectively. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The Union and Egypt deposited their instruments of acceptance with the depositary of the Convention on 26 March 2012 and 23 April 2014, respectively. Consequently, pursuant to Article 10(3) of the Convention, the Convention entered into force in relation to the Union and Egypt on 1 May 2012 and on 1 June 2014, respectively.

| (6) | Protocol 4 should therefore be replaced by a new protocol making reference to the Convention, |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Protocol 4 should therefore be replaced by a new protocol making reference to the Convention,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Protocol 4 to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part, concerning the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative cooperation shall be replaced by the text set out in the Annex to this Decision.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

It shall apply from 1 February 2016.

Done at Brussels, 21 September 2015.

For the Association Council

The President

F. MOGHERINI

---

(1)  
  OJ L 304, 30.9.2004, p. 39.

1

(2)  
  OJ L 54, 26.2.2013, p. 4.

2

---

ANNEX

‘PROTOCOL 4

concerning the definition of the concept of “originating products” and methods of administrative cooperation

Article 1

Applicable rules of origin

1.   For the purpose of implementing this Agreement, Appendix I and the relevant provisions of Appendix II to the Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin (1) (“the Convention”) shall apply.

2.   All references to the “relevant agreement” in Appendix I and in the relevant provisions of Appendix II to the Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin shall be construed so as to mean this Agreement.

Article 2

Dispute settlement

1.   Where disputes arise in relation to the verification procedures set out in Article 32 of Appendix I to the Convention that cannot be settled between the customs authorities requesting the verification and the customs authorities responsible for carrying out that verification, such disputes shall be submitted to the Association Council.

2.   In all cases the settlement of disputes between the importer and the customs authorities of the importing country shall take place under the legislation of that country.

Article 3

Amendments to the Protocol

The Association Council may decide to amend the provisions of this Protocol.

Article 4

Withdrawal from the Convention

1.   Should either the European Union or Egypt give notice in writing to the depositary of the Convention of their intention to withdraw from the Convention in accordance with Article 9 thereof, the Union and Egypt shall immediately enter into negotiations on rules of origin for the purpose of implementing this Agreement.

2.   Until the entry into force of such newly negotiated rules of origin, the rules of origin contained in Appendix I to the Convention and, where appropriate, the relevant provisions of Appendix II thereto, applicable at the moment of withdrawal, shall continue to apply to this Agreement. However, as of the moment of withdrawal, the rules of origin contained in Appendix I and, where appropriate, the relevant provisions of Appendix II to the Convention shall be construed so as to allow bilateral cumulation between the European Union and Egypt only.’

---

(1)  
  OJ L 54, 26.2.2013, p. 4.

1

---