# Official Journal C 131/2009

| | ISSN 1725-2423
  doi:10.3000/17252423.C_2009.131.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 131 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5210 June 2009 |

ISSN 1725-2423

doi:10.3000/17252423.C_2009.131.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 131

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5210 June 2009

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| | OPINIONS |
| | Commission |
| 2009/C 131/01 | Commission Opinion of 9 June 2009 relating to the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from the 2nd decommissioning phase of the Bohunice A-1 Nuclear Power Station, located in the Slovak Republic, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

OPINIONS

Commission

2009/C 131/01

Commission Opinion of 9 June 2009 relating to the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from the 2nd decommissioning phase of the Bohunice A-1 Nuclear Power Station, located in the Slovak Republic, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty

1

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2009/C 131/02 | Euro exchange rates | 2 |
| 2009/C 131/03 | Information provided by the Commission in accordance with Article 11 of Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations and rules on information society services Statistics on the technical rules notified in 2008 within the framework of notification procedure 98/34 | 3 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2009/C 131/04 | Form of summary information to be provided whenever an aid scheme exempted by this Regulation is implemented and whenever an ad-hoc aid exempted by this Regulation is granted outside any aid scheme | 8 |
| 2009/C 131/05 | Commission communication pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services (
  1
  ) | 11 |
| 2009/C 131/06 | Commission communication pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services (
  1
  ) | 12 |
| 2009/C 131/07 | Commission communication pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services (
  1
  ) | 13 |
| 2009/C 131/08 | Commission communication pursuant to Article 17(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Invitation to tender in respect of the operation of scheduled air services in accordance with public service obligations (
  1
  ) | 14 |
| 2009/C 131/09 | Commission communication pursuant to Article 16(4), of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services (
  1
  ) | 15 |
| 2009/C 131/10 | Commission communication pursuant to Article 17(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Invitation to tender in respect of the operation of scheduled air services in accordance with public service obligations (
  1
  ) | 16 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2009/C 131/02

Euro exchange rates

2

2009/C 131/03

Information provided by the Commission in accordance with Article 11 of Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations and rules on information society services Statistics on the technical rules notified in 2008 within the framework of notification procedure 98/34

3

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2009/C 131/04

Form of summary information to be provided whenever an aid scheme exempted by this Regulation is implemented and whenever an ad-hoc aid exempted by this Regulation is granted outside any aid scheme

8

2009/C 131/05

Commission communication pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services (
  1
  )

1

11

2009/C 131/06

Commission communication pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services (
  1
  )

1

12

2009/C 131/07

Commission communication pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services (
  1
  )

1

13

2009/C 131/08

Commission communication pursuant to Article 17(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Invitation to tender in respect of the operation of scheduled air services in accordance with public service obligations (
  1
  )

1

14

2009/C 131/09

Commission communication pursuant to Article 16(4), of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services (
  1
  )

1

15

2009/C 131/10

Commission communication pursuant to Article 17(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Invitation to tender in respect of the operation of scheduled air services in accordance with public service obligations (
  1
  )

1

16

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) |
| 2009/C 131/11 | Notice of open competition EPSO/AST/93/09 | 17 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2009/C 131/12 | Notice of initiation of a partial interim review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of certain castings originating in the People's Republic of China | 18 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2009/C 131/13 | Notice published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case 39.416 — Ship classification (
  1
  ) | 20 |
| 2009/C 131/14 | Prior notification of a concentration — (Case COMP/M.5550 — BP/DUPONT/JV) | 23 |
| 2009/C 131/15 | Prior notification of a concentration — (Case COMP/M.5545 — ArcelorMittal/Noble European Holding) | 24 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | Commission |
| 2009/C 131/16 | Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 25 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

2009/C 131/11

Notice of open competition EPSO/AST/93/09

17

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

Commission

2009/C 131/12

Notice of initiation of a partial interim review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of certain castings originating in the People's Republic of China

18

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

2009/C 131/13

Notice published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case 39.416 — Ship classification (
  1
  )

1

20

2009/C 131/14

Prior notification of a concentration — (Case COMP/M.5550 — BP/DUPONT/JV)

23

2009/C 131/15

Prior notification of a concentration — (Case COMP/M.5545 — ArcelorMittal/Noble European Holding)

24

OTHER ACTS

Commission

2009/C 131/16

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

25

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

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

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I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

OPINIONS

Commission

| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/1

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COMMISSION OPINION

of 9 June 2009

relating to the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from the 2nd decommissioning phase of the Bohunice A-1 Nuclear Power Station, located in the Slovak Republic, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty

(Only the Slovak text is authentic)

2009/C 131/01

On 17 September 2008, the European Commission received from the Slovak Government, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty, General Data relating to the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from the 2nd decommissioning phase of the Bohunice A-1 Nuclear Power Station.

On the basis of these data and additional information requested by the Commission on 16 October 2008 and on 28 November 2008, information that was provided by the Slovak Government on 4 December 2008 and on 25 February 2009, and following consultation with the Group of Experts, the Commission has drawn up the following opinion:

| 1. | The distance between the plant and the nearest point on the territory of another Member State, in this case the Czech Republic, is approximately 38 km. The Austrian and Hungarian borders are at distances of 55 km and 62 km respectively. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The distance between the plant and the nearest point on the territory of another Member State, in this case the Czech Republic, is approximately 38 km. The Austrian and Hungarian borders are at distances of 55 km and 62 km respectively.

| 2. | Under normal operating conditions, the discharges of liquid and gaseous effluents will not cause an exposure liable to affect the health of the population in another Member State. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Under normal operating conditions, the discharges of liquid and gaseous effluents will not cause an exposure liable to affect the health of the population in another Member State.

| 3. | Low and intermediate level solid radioactive waste will be temporarily stored on-site before being transferred to a disposal facility authorised by the Slovak Government. High-level solid radioactive waste will be stored on-site until a national repository becomes available. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Low and intermediate level solid radioactive waste will be temporarily stored on-site before being transferred to a disposal facility authorised by the Slovak Government. High-level solid radioactive waste will be stored on-site until a national repository becomes available.

| 4. | Non-radioactive solid waste or residual materials in compliance with clearance levels will be released from regulatory control for disposal as conventional waste or for reuse or recycling.
  The Commission recommends the Slovak authorities to review the activity levels for release of such materials to the environment in the light of Community guidance, so as to ensure that the criteria for exemption laid down in Directive 96/29/Euratom are complied with. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Non-radioactive solid waste or residual materials in compliance with clearance levels will be released from regulatory control for disposal as conventional waste or for reuse or recycling.

The Commission recommends the Slovak authorities to review the activity levels for release of such materials to the environment in the light of Community guidance, so as to ensure that the criteria for exemption laid down in Directive 96/29/Euratom are complied with.

| 5. | In the case of unplanned releases of radioactive effluents that may follow an accident of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data, the doses received in another Member State will not be liable to affect the health of the population. |
| --- | --- |

5.

In the case of unplanned releases of radioactive effluents that may follow an accident of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data, the doses received in another Member State will not be liable to affect the health of the population.

In conclusion, the Commission is of the opinion that, both in normal operation and in the event of an accident of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data, the implementation of the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from the 2nd decommissioning phase of the Bohunice A-1 nuclear power plant in the Slovak Republic, is not liable to result in radioactive contamination of the water, soil or airspace of another Member State.

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/2

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Euro exchange rates (1)

9 June 2009

2009/C 131/02

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3959 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 136,80 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4456 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,86320 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 10,7995 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,5158 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,9135 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 26,796 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 280,13 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6995 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,4770 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,2015 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,1656 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,7571 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,5402 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,8202 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 2,2385 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 2,0357 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 765,04 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 11,3584 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 9,5415 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,3040 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 14 066,46 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,9226 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 66,302 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 43,5033 |
| THB | Thai baht | 47,733 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,7084 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 18,6965 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 66,2910 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3959

JPY

Japanese yen

136,80

DKK

Danish krone

7,4456

GBP

Pound sterling

0,86320

SEK

Swedish krona

10,7995

CHF

Swiss franc

1,5158

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,9135

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

26,796

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

280,13

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6995

PLN

Polish zloty

4,4770

RON

Romanian leu

4,2015

TRY

Turkish lira

2,1656

AUD

Australian dollar

1,7571

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,5402

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,8202

NZD

New Zealand dollar

2,2385

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,0357

KRW

South Korean won

1 765,04

ZAR

South African rand

11,3584

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

9,5415

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,3040

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

14 066,46

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,9226

PHP

Philippine peso

66,302

RUB

Russian rouble

43,5033

THB

Thai baht

47,733

BRL

Brazilian real

2,7084

MXN

Mexican peso

18,6965

INR

Indian rupee

66,2910

---

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

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| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/3

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Information provided by the Commission in accordance with Article 11 of Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations and rules on information society services (1)

Statistics on the technical rules notified in 2008 within the framework of notification procedure 98/34

2009/C 131/03

I.   Table indicating the different types of response given to the Member States of the european union to the drafts notified by each

| Member States | Number of Notifications | Comments (2) | Detailed Opinions (3) | Community Act Proposals |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| MS | COM | EFTA (4) TR (5) | MS | COM | 9.3 (6) | 9.4 (7) |
| Belgium | 32 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Bulgaria | 6 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Czech Rep. | 35 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Denmark | 22 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Germany | 52 | 13 | 12 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Estonia | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Ireland | 16 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Greece | 7 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Spain | 41 | 12 | 10 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| France | 45 | 8 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Italy | 18 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Cyprus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latvia | 10 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Lithuania | 8 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Luxembourg | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hungary | 12 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Malta | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Member States | Number of Notifications | Comments | Detailed Opinions | Community Act Proposals |
| MS | COM | EFTA TR | MS | COM | 9.3 | 9.4 |
| Netherlands | 71 | 6 | 15 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Austria | 36 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Poland | 21 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Portugal | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Romania | 18 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Slovenia | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Slovakia | 15 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Finland | 31 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Sweden | 54 | 9 | 12 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| United Kingdom | 39 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total EU | 601 | 133 | 128 | 0 | 51 | 52 | 5 | 3 |

Member States

Number of Notifications

Comments (2)

Detailed Opinions (3)

Community Act Proposals

MS

COM

EFTA (4) TR (5)

MS

COM

9.3 (6)

9.4 (7)

Belgium

32

4

6

0

0

5

0

0

Bulgaria

6

1

3

0

2

2

0

0

Czech Rep.

35

10

7

0

1

5

0

1

Denmark

22

8

4

0

1

0

0

0

Germany

52

13

12

0

12

3

0

2

Estonia

5

1

2

0

1

1

0

0

Ireland

16

0

3

0

0

0

0

0

Greece

7

1

2

0

1

4

0

0

Spain

41

12

10

0

4

1

2

0

France

45

8

12

0

2

3

1

0

Italy

18

5

7

0

1

4

1

0

Cyprus

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Latvia

10

3

1

0

5

4

0

0

Lithuania

8

8

2

0

0

2

0

0

Luxembourg

2

2

1

0

0

0

0

0

Hungary

12

4

2

0

1

4

0

0

Malta

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Member States

Number of Notifications

Comments

Detailed Opinions

Community Act Proposals

MS

COM

EFTA TR

MS

COM

9.3

9.4

Netherlands

71

6

15

0

4

2

0

0

Austria

36

5

2

0

3

1

0

0

Poland

21

11

6

0

5

3

0

0

Portugal

2

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

Romania

18

1

5

0

3

2

0

0

Slovenia

3

2

1

0

0

0

0

0

Slovakia

15

3

3

0

0

1

0

0

Finland

31

6

4

0

0

1

0

0

Sweden

54

9

12

0

3

3

1

0

United Kingdom

39

10

6

0

2

1

0

0

Total EU

601

133

128

0

51

52

5

3

II.   Table showing the breakdown by sector of drafts notified by the Member States of the European Union

| Sectors | BE | BG | CZ | CY | DK | DE | EE | IE | GR | ES | FR | IT | LV | LT | LU | HU | MT | NL | AT | PL | PT | RO | SI | SK | FI | SE | UK | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Building and construction | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 21 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 20 | 12 | 2 | 116 |
| Food and agricultural produce | 3 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 91 |
| Chemicals | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 12 |
| Pharmaceuticals | 1 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 36 |
| Domestic and leisure equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 31 |
| Mechanics | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 42 |
| Energy, minerals, wood | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 29 |
| Environment, packaging | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 54 |
| Health, medical equipment | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Transport | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 14 | 8 | 69 |
| Telecommunications | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 18 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 54 |
| Other products | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 27 |
| Information society services | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 35 |
| Total by Member State | 32 | 6 | 35 | 0 | 22 | 52 | 5 | 16 | 7 | 41 | 45 | 18 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 71 | 36 | 21 | 2 | 18 | 3 | 15 | 31 | 54 | 39 | 601 |

Sectors

BE

BG

CZ

CY

DK

DE

EE

IE

GR

ES

FR

IT

LV

LT

LU

HU

MT

NL

AT

PL

PT

RO

SI

SK

FI

SE

UK

Total

Building and construction

5

4

1

0

1

21

1

4

0

1

5

2

0

4

0

1

0

5

15

2

0

7

1

2

20

12

2

116

Food and agricultural produce

3

0

9

0

2

11

0

2

1

7

6

3

6

2

0

3

0

12

3

5

0

0

1

4

1

3

7

91

Chemicals

0

0

3

0

0

2

1

0

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

12

Pharmaceuticals

1

0

14

0

0

1

0

4

2

0

6

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

3

2

36

Domestic and leisure equipment

1

1

0

0

0

1

0

1

1

3

5

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

1

0

1

0

1

1

8

4

31

Mechanics

4

1

0

0

2

1

0

0

0

4

5

3

0

1

0

0

0

7

2

0

2

2

0

0

0

6

2

42

Energy, minerals, wood

0

0

3

0

1

5

0

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

9

0

3

0

2

1

0

0

0

2

29

Environment, packaging

9

0

1

0

7

4

0

0

0

3

1

4

1

0

0

4

0

8

4

2

0

1

0

0

0

2

3

54

Health, medical equipment

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

3

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

5

Transport

1

0

0

0

4

3

1

1

0

3

4

1

0

0

0

1

0

15

2

4

0

1

0

2

4

14

8

69

Telecommunications

5

0

0

0

5

1

1

1

1

18

4

0

0

0

1

0

0

2

5

0

0

0

0

0

1

2

7

54

Other products

3

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

3

2

3

0

0

2

0

3

1

1

0

0

0

0

3

1

2

27

Information society services

0

0

3

0

0

2

1

0

0

0

3

1

0

0

0

1

0

8

2

2

0

3

0

6

1

2

0

35

Total by Member State

32

6

35

0

22

52

5

16

7

41

45

18

10

8

2

12

0

71

36

21

2

18

3

15

31

54

39

601

III.   Table indicating the comments on the drafts notified by Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway (8) and Switzerland (9)

| Country | Notifications | EC Comments (10) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Iceland | 9 | 0 |
| Liechtenstein | 0 | 0 |
| Switzerland | 3 | 0 |
| Norway | 16 | 8 |
| Total | 28 | 8 |

Country

Notifications

EC Comments (10)

Iceland

9

0

Liechtenstein

0

0

Switzerland

3

0

Norway

16

8

Total

28

8

IV.   Table showing the breakdown by sector of the drafts notified by Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland

| Sectors | Iceland | Liechtenstein | Norway | Switzerland | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Food products | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| Pharmaceuticals | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Domestic and leisure equipment | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Mechanics | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Transport | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Telecommunications | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Other products | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Total by country | 9 | 0 | 16 | 3 | 28 |

Sectors

Iceland

Liechtenstein

Norway

Switzerland

Total

Food products

0

0

9

0

9

Pharmaceuticals

3

0

0

0

3

Domestic and leisure equipment

0

0

2

0

2

Mechanics

5

0

1

0

6

Transport

0

0

3

0

3

Telecommunications

0

0

0

3

3

Other products

1

0

1

0

2

Total by country

9

0

16

3

28

V.   Table indicating the drafts notified by Turkey and the comments on these drafts

| Turkey | Notifications | EC Comments |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total | 5 | 2 |

Turkey

Notifications

EC Comments

Total

5

2

VI.   Table showing the breakdown by sector of the drafts notified by Turkey

| Sectors | Turkey |
| --- | --- |
| Construction | 1 |
| Energy, minerals, wood | 1 |
| Mechanics | 1 |
| Transport | 1 |
| Telecommunications | 1 |
| Total | 5 |

Sectors

Turkey

Construction

1

Energy, minerals, wood

1

Mechanics

1

Transport

1

Telecommunications

1

Total

5

VII.   Statistics on the infringement proceedings in process in 2008 and brought on the basis of Article 226 of the ec Treaty counter to national technical regulations adopted in breach of the provisions of Directive 98/34/EC

| Country | Number |
| --- | --- |
| Portugal | 1 |
| Italy | 1 |
| France | 1 |
| Germany | 1 |
| Total EU | 5 |

Country

Number

Portugal

1

Italy

1

France

1

Germany

1

Total EU

5

---

(1)  Directive 98/34/EC of 22 June 1998 (OJ L 204 of 21 July 1998) codifies Directive 83/189/EEC as modified mainly by Directives 88/182/EEC and 94/10/EC. Directive 98/34/EC has been modified by Directive 98/48/EC of 20 July 1998 (OJ L 217 of 5 August 1998) extending the scope thereof to information society services. This extension entered into force on 5 August 1999.

(2)  Article 8.2 of the Directive.

(3)  Article 9.2 of the Directive (‘detailed opinion... to the effect that the measure envisaged may create obstacles to the free movement of goods or services or the free establishment of service operators within the context of the internal market’.)

(4)  By virtue of the EEA Agreement, EFTA countries party to this Agreement apply Directive 98/34/EC with the necessary modifications provided for in Annex II, Chapter XIX, point 1, and may, to this end, issue comments against drafts notified by the Community Member States. Switzerland may also deliver such comments based on an informal information exchange agreement in the field of technical standards.

(5)  Procedure 98/34 has been extended to Turkey within the context of the association agreements signed with this country (Association Agreement between the European Economic Community and Turkey (OJ 1964, p. 3687) and Decisions 1/95 and 2/97 of the EC-Turkey Association Council).

(6)  Article 9.3 of the Directive according to which the Member States shall postpone the adoption of the notified draft (with the exception of service-related draft regulations) for 12 months from the date of receipt by the Commission if it is the Commission’s intention to propose or adopt a directive, regulation or decision.

(7)  Article 9.4 of the Directive according to which the Member States postpone the adoption of the notified draft for 12 months from the date of receipt by the Commission if it is reported that the draft concerns a matter covered by a proposal for a directive, regulation or decision presented to the Council.

(8)  The EEA Agreement (see note 4) lays down the obligation for EFTA countries party to this Agreement to notify draft technical regulations to the Commission.

(9)  Based on the informal information exchange agreement in the field of technical regulations (see note 4), Switzerland submits its draft technical regulations to the Commission.

(10)  The only type of reaction laid down by the EEA Agreement (see notes 4 and 7) is the possibility for the Community to deliver comments (Article 8.2 of Directive 98/34/EC as covered in Annex II. Chapter XIX, point 1 of this Agreement). The same type of reaction may be issued with regard to notifications from Switzerland based on the informal agreement between the Community and this country (see notes 4 and 8).

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/8

---

Form of summary information to be provided whenever an aid scheme exempted by this Regulation is implemented and whenever an ad-hoc aid exempted by this Regulation is granted outside any aid scheme

2009/C 131/04

1.   Member State: Estonia

2.   Region/Authority granting the aid: Estonia/Maaelu Edendamise Sihtasutus.

3.   Title of aid scheme: XF 2/2009 — Maaelu Edendamise Sihtasutuse tagatiste abikava raames tagatise saamiseks esitatavad nõuded ja tagatise taotlemise kord.

4.   Legal basis: Maaelu Edendamise Sihtasutuse tagatiste abikava raames tagatiste saamiseks esitatavad nõuded ja tagatise taotlemise kord. Kinnitatud Maaelu Edendamise Sihtasutuse nõukogu 20. novembri 2008 otsusega (protokoll nr 10 p 2).

Kalandusturu korraldamise seadus https://www.riigiteataja.ee/ert/act.jsp?id=12803787

5.   Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EEK 156 466 million.

6.   Maximum aid intensity: When granting aid to enterprises active in the production, processing and marketing of fisheries products or to non-profit-making bodies representing such enterprises, the aid shall not exceed the ceilings for public contributions determined in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1198/2006 on the European Fisheries Fund (1).

7.   Date of entry into force: 20 November 2008.

8.   Duration of the scheme or individual aid award (not later than 30 June 2014); indicate: under the scheme: the date until which aid may be granted: 31.12.2013.

9.   Objective of aid: The objective of the aid is to facilitate access by small and medium-sized enterprises (2) to financial resources, having regard to the principles laid down in the Commission Notice on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid in the form of guarantees (3), which applies to all economic sectors, including the fisheries sector.

10.   Indicate which of Articles 8 to 24 is used: 8, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20.

11.   Activity concerned: Production, processing and marketing of fisheries products.

12.   Name and address of the granting authority:

| Maaelu Edendamise Sihtasutus |
| --- |
| R. Tobiase 4 |
| 10147 Tallinn |
| EESTI/ESTONIA |

Maaelu Edendamise Sihtasutus

R. Tobiase 4

10147 Tallinn

EESTI/ESTONIA

13.   Web address where the full text of the scheme or the criteria and conditions under which ad-hoc aid is granted outside of an aid scheme can be found: http://www.mes.ee/failid/Tagatiste%20abikava%2020.11.2008.pdf

14.   Motivation: The objective of the aid is to facilitate access by small and medium-sized enterprises to financial resources and to ensure that financial resources are also available to those SMEs to whom such resources are not awarded under the European Fisheries Fund.

1.   Member State: Spain

2.   Region/authority granting the aid: La Rioja

3.   Title of aid scheme/name of company receiving ad hoc aid: XF 7/2009 — Régimen de ayudas para el fomento de la acuicultura y de ía transformación y comercialización de los productos de la pesca y la acuicultura.

4.   Legal basis: Orden no 6/2008, de 20 de mayo de 2008, de la Consejería de Industria, Innovación y Empleo, por la que se aprueban las bases reguladoras de concesión de subvenciones para el fomento de la acuicultura y de la transformación y comercialización de los productos de la pesca y la acuicultura (Boletín Oficial de La Rioja número 72, de 31 de mayo de 2008), modificada por Orden no 20/2009, de 17 de febrero (Boletín Oficial de La Rioja número 24, de 20 de febrero de 2009)

5.   Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or amount of ad hoc aid granted: EUR 0,4 million.

6.   Maximum aid intensity: 40 %

7.   Date of entry into force: 21 February 2009.

8.   Duration of the scheme or individual aid award (not later than 30 June 2014); indicate:

—   under the scheme: the date until which aid may be granted: 30 June 2014.

—   in the case of ad hoc aid: the expected date of the last instalment to be paid.

9.   Objective of aid: Promotion of aquaculture and the processing and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products.

10.   Indicate which of Articles 8 to 24 is used: Articles 11 and 16.

11.   Activity concerned: Aquaculture and processing and wholesale marketing of fishery and aquaculture products.

12.   Name and address of the granting authority:

| Agencia de Desarrollo Económico de la Rioja (ADER) |
| --- |
| Muro de la Mata 13-14 |
| 26071 Logroño (La Rioja) |
| ESPAÑA |

Agencia de Desarrollo Económico de la Rioja (ADER)

Muro de la Mata 13-14

26071 Logroño (La Rioja)

ESPAÑA

13.   Web-address where the full text of the scheme or the criteria and conditions under which ad hoc aid is granted outside of an aid scheme can be found: http://www2.larioja.org/pls/dad_user/G04.texto_integro?p_cdi_accn=59-210130

http://www2.larioja.org/pls/dad_user/G04.texto_integro?p_cdi_accn=50-230148

14.   Motivation: The grants referred to in Order 6/2008 of 20 May 2008, as amended by Order 20/2009 of 17 February 2009, are part of the operational programme for the Spanish fisheries sector for the 2007-2013 period, which is part-financed by the European Fisheries Fund.

However, as the financial contributions from the Economic Development Agency of La Rioja (Agencia de Desarrollo Económico de La Rioja) are expected to exceed those included in the operational programme, we consider that Article 7(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1198/2006 of 27 July 2006 on the European Fisheries Fund, and hence also Articles 87, 88 and 89 of the Treaty, apply.

1.   Member State: United Kingdom

2.   Region/Authority granting the aid: Wales — Welsh Assembly Government.

3.   Title of aid scheme: XF 8/2009 — Collective Investments in Fishing, Processing and Marketing Scheme.

4.   Legal Basis: The European Fisheries Fund (Grants) (Wales) Regulations 2009.

The Government of Wales Act 2006 Sections 59(1) and 162 of and paragraphs 28 and 30 of Schedule 11.

5.   Annual Expenditure planned under the Scheme: GBP 250 000 in one year only.

6.   Maximum Aid Intensity: 100 % (Regulation (EC) No 1198/2006 Article 37 (h))

7.   Date of entry into force: 24 March 2009.

8.   Duration of the scheme: Until 30 April 2009.

9.   Objective of aid: Support to inshore catching sector to improve profitability through Collective Actions.

10.   Indicate which of Articles 8 to 24 is used: Article 17 — Collective Actions.

11.   Activity concerned: To provide capital investment in the inshore fishing fleet for ice plants, quayside infrastructure and vivier storage facilities for operators of under 12 metre vessels.

12.   Name and address of granting authority:

| Fisheries Unit |
| --- |
| Welsh Assembly Government |
| Government Buildings |
| Northgate Street |
| Aberystwyth |
| Ceredigion |
| SY23 2JS |
| UNITED KINGDOM |

Fisheries Unit

Welsh Assembly Government

Government Buildings

Northgate Street

Aberystwyth

Ceredigion

SY23 2JS

UNITED KINGDOM

13.   Web address of scheme criteria and conditions: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/foodandfisheries/fisheries/commercialfishing/collectinvestinprocessandmarkt/?lang=en

14.   Motivation: Until EFF is available, the existing facilities for fishermen in Wales are very limited and there is a real danger that if the income of this sector is not improved (through increased value-adding capacity) then small boat fishing activities in Wales might, in the long term, cease.

---

(1)  OJ L 223, 15.8.2006, p. 1.

(2)  Any entity engaged in an economic activity, irrespective of its legal form, employing fewer than 250 persons, having an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million and meeting the other criteria laid down in Annex I to the block exemption Regulation.

(3)  OJ C 155, 20.6.2008, p. 10,

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2008:155:0010:0022:EN:PDF

---

| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/11

---

Commission communication pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community

Public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services

(Text with EEA relevance)

2009/C 131/05

| Member State | Italy |
| --- | --- |
| Concerned route | Crotone–Roma Fiumicino and vice versa Milano–Linate and vice versa |
| Date of entry into force of the public service obligations | 180 days after the date of publication of this notice |
| Address where the text and any relevant information and/or documentation related to the public service obligation can be obtained | Ente nazionale per l'aviazione civile (ENAC)
  Direzione centrale regolazione economica
  Direzione trasporto aereo





  Viale del Castro Pretorio, 118 |
| 00185 Roma |
| ITALIA |
| www.enac-italia.it |
| e-mail: trasporto.aereo@enac.rupa.it |

Member State

Italy

Concerned route

Crotone–Roma Fiumicino and vice versa Milano–Linate and vice versa

Date of entry into force of the public service obligations

180 days after the date of publication of this notice

Address where the text and any relevant information and/or documentation related to the public service obligation can be obtained

Ente nazionale per l'aviazione civile (ENAC)

Direzione centrale regolazione economica

Direzione trasporto aereo

Viale del Castro Pretorio, 118

00185 Roma

ITALIA

www.enac-italia.it

e-mail: trasporto.aereo@enac.rupa.it

---

| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/12

---

Commission communication pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community

Public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services

(Text with EEA relevance)

2009/C 131/06

| Member State | France |
| --- | --- |
| Concerned route | Brive–Paris (Orly) and return |
| Date of entry into force of the public service obligations | 5 January 2010 |
| Address where the text and any relevant information and/or documentation related to the public service obligation can be obtained | Arrêté of 5 May 2009 modifying PSO between Brive and Paris (Orly)
  NOR: DEVA0909086A
  http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/initRechTexte.do





  Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile |
| DTA/SDT/T2 |
| 50 rue Henry Farman |
| 75720 Paris cedex 15 |
| FRANCE |
| Tel. +33 0158094321 |
| osp-compagnies@dta.aviation-civile.gouv.fr |

Member State

France

Concerned route

Brive–Paris (Orly) and return

Date of entry into force of the public service obligations

5 January 2010

Address where the text and any relevant information and/or documentation related to the public service obligation can be obtained

Arrêté of 5 May 2009 modifying PSO between Brive and Paris (Orly)

NOR: DEVA0909086A

http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/initRechTexte.do

Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile

DTA/SDT/T2

50 rue Henry Farman

75720 Paris cedex 15

FRANCE

Tel. +33 0158094321

osp-compagnies@dta.aviation-civile.gouv.fr

---

| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/13

---

Commission communication pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community

Public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services

(Text with EEA relevance)

2009/C 131/07

| Member State | France |
| --- | --- |
| Concerned route | Lannion–Paris (Orly) and return |
| Date of entry into force of the public service obligations | 25 October 2009 |
| Address where the text and any relevant information and/or documentation related to the public service obligation can be obtained | Arrêté of 4 May 2009 modifying PSO between Lannion and Paris (Orly)
  NOR: DEVA0910068A
  http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/initRechTexte.do





  Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile |
| DTA/SDT/T2 |
| 50rue Henry Farman |
| 75720 Paris cedex 15 |
| FRANCE |
| Tel. +33 158094321 |
| osp-compagnies@dta.aviation-civile.gouv.fr |

Member State

France

Concerned route

Lannion–Paris (Orly) and return

Date of entry into force of the public service obligations

25 October 2009

Address where the text and any relevant information and/or documentation related to the public service obligation can be obtained

Arrêté of 4 May 2009 modifying PSO between Lannion and Paris (Orly)

NOR: DEVA0910068A

http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/initRechTexte.do

Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile

DTA/SDT/T2

50rue Henry Farman

75720 Paris cedex 15

FRANCE

Tel. +33 158094321

osp-compagnies@dta.aviation-civile.gouv.fr

---

| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/14

---

Commission communication pursuant to Article 17(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community

Invitation to tender in respect of the operation of scheduled air services in accordance with public service obligations

(Text with EEA relevance)

2009/C 131/08

| Member State | France |
| --- | --- |
| Concerned route | Lannion–Paris (Orly) |
| Period of validity of the contract | 26 October 2009 to 26 October 2013 |
| Deadline for submission of applications and tenders | — | for applications (1st step): 22.7.2009 (4 p.m. local time) |

Member State

France

Concerned route

Lannion–Paris (Orly)

Period of validity of the contract

26 October 2009 to 26 October 2013

Deadline for submission of applications and tenders

—

for applications (1st step): 22.7.2009 (4 p.m. local time)

| — | for tenders (2nd step): 25.8.2009 (4 p.m. local time) |
| --- | --- |

—

for tenders (2nd step): 25.8.2009 (4 p.m. local time)

Address where the text of the invitation to tender and any relevant information and/or documentation related to the pubic tender and the public service obligation can be obtained

| Syndicat Mixte de l’aéroport de Lannion Côte de Granit |
| --- |
| Avenue Pierre Marzin |
| 22300 Lannion |
| FRANCE |
| Tel. +33 296058290 |
| Fax +33 296058299 |
| syndicat.aeroport.lannion@wanadoo.fr |

Syndicat Mixte de l’aéroport de Lannion Côte de Granit

Avenue Pierre Marzin

22300 Lannion

FRANCE

Tel. +33 296058290

Fax +33 296058299

syndicat.aeroport.lannion@wanadoo.fr

---

| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/15

---

Commission communication pursuant to Article 16(4), of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community

Public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services

(Text with EEA relevance)

2009/C 131/09

| Member State | Greece |
| --- | --- |
| Concerned route | Athens–Astypalea
  Athens–Ikaria
  Athens–Leros
  Athens–Milos
  Thessaloniki–Chios
  Thessaloniki–Samos
  Limnos–Mitilini–Chios
  Samos–Rhodes
  Rhodes–Karpathos–Kasos–Sitia
  Alexandroupolis–Sitia
  Aktio–Sitia
  Athens–Kithira
  Athens–Naxos
  Athens–Paros
  Athens–Karpathos
  Athens–Sitia
  Athens–Skiathos
  Thessaloniki–Corfu
  Rhodes–Kos–Leros–Astypalea
  Corfu–Aktion–Kefalinia–Zakinthos
  Athens–Kalymnos
  Thessaloniki–Kalamata
  Athens–Skyros
  Thessaloniki–Skyros
  Rhodes–Kastelorizo |
| Date of entry into force of the public service obligations | Date of publication of this notice |
| Address where the text and any relevant information and/or documentation related to the public service obligation can be obtained | Administration of the Hellenic Civil Aviation |
| Directorate General for Air transport |
| Division of Air transports Section II |
| Vas. Georgiou 1 |
| 16604 Athens |
| GREECE |
| Tel. +30 2108916149/+30 2108916121 |
| Fax +30 2108947132 |

Member State

Greece

Concerned route

Athens–Astypalea

Athens–Ikaria

Athens–Leros

Athens–Milos

Thessaloniki–Chios

Thessaloniki–Samos

Limnos–Mitilini–Chios

Samos–Rhodes

Rhodes–Karpathos–Kasos–Sitia

Alexandroupolis–Sitia

Aktio–Sitia

Athens–Kithira

Athens–Naxos

Athens–Paros

Athens–Karpathos

Athens–Sitia

Athens–Skiathos

Thessaloniki–Corfu

Rhodes–Kos–Leros–Astypalea

Corfu–Aktion–Kefalinia–Zakinthos

Athens–Kalymnos

Thessaloniki–Kalamata

Athens–Skyros

Thessaloniki–Skyros

Rhodes–Kastelorizo

Date of entry into force of the public service obligations

Date of publication of this notice

Address where the text and any relevant information and/or documentation related to the public service obligation can be obtained

Administration of the Hellenic Civil Aviation

Directorate General for Air transport

Division of Air transports Section II

Vas. Georgiou 1

16604 Athens

GREECE

Tel. +30 2108916149/+30 2108916121

Fax +30 2108947132

---

| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/16

---

Commission communication pursuant to Article 17(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community

Invitation to tender in respect of the operation of scheduled air services in accordance with public service obligations

(Text with EEA relevance)

2009/C 131/10

| Member State | Greece |
| --- | --- |
| Concerned route | Athens–Astypalea
  Athens–Ikaria
  Athens–Leros
  Athens–Milos
  Thessaloniki–Chios
  Thessaloniki–Samos
  Limnos–Mitilini–Chios
  Samos–Rhodes
  Rhodes–Karpathos–Kasos–Sitia
  Alexandroupolis–Sitia
  Aktio–Sitia
  Athens–Kithira
  Athens–Naxos
  Athens–Paros
  Athens–Karpathos
  Athens–Sitia
  Athens–Skiathos
  Thessaloniki–Corfu
  Rhodes–Kos–Leros–Astypalea
  Corfu–Aktion–Kefalinia–Zakinthos
  Athens–Kalymnos
  Thessaloniki–Kalamata
  Athens–Skyros
  Thessaloniki–Skyros
  Rhodes–Kastelorizo |
| Period of validity of the contract | 1 October 2009-29 September 2013 |
| Deadline for submission of tenders | 2 months after the date of publication of this notice |
| Address where the text of the invitation to tender and any relevant information and/or documentation related to the public tender and the public service obligation can be obtained | Administration of the Hellenic Civil Aviation |
| Directorate-General of Air Transport |
| Division of Air Transports Section II |
| Vas. Georgiou 1 |
| 16604 Athens |
| GREECE |
| Tel. +30 2108916149/+30 2108916121 |
| Fax +30 2108947132 |

Member State

Greece

Concerned route

Athens–Astypalea

Athens–Ikaria

Athens–Leros

Athens–Milos

Thessaloniki–Chios

Thessaloniki–Samos

Limnos–Mitilini–Chios

Samos–Rhodes

Rhodes–Karpathos–Kasos–Sitia

Alexandroupolis–Sitia

Aktio–Sitia

Athens–Kithira

Athens–Naxos

Athens–Paros

Athens–Karpathos

Athens–Sitia

Athens–Skiathos

Thessaloniki–Corfu

Rhodes–Kos–Leros–Astypalea

Corfu–Aktion–Kefalinia–Zakinthos

Athens–Kalymnos

Thessaloniki–Kalamata

Athens–Skyros

Thessaloniki–Skyros

Rhodes–Kastelorizo

Period of validity of the contract

1 October 2009-29 September 2013

Deadline for submission of tenders

2 months after the date of publication of this notice

Address where the text of the invitation to tender and any relevant information and/or documentation related to the public tender and the public service obligation can be obtained

Administration of the Hellenic Civil Aviation

Directorate-General of Air Transport

Division of Air Transports Section II

Vas. Georgiou 1

16604 Athens

GREECE

Tel. +30 2108916149/+30 2108916121

Fax +30 2108947132

---

V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/17

---

NOTICE OF OPEN COMPETITION EPSO/AST/93/09

2009/C 131/11

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is organising open competition EPSO/AST/93/09 to recruit language editors (AST 3) with Swedish as their main language.

The competition notice is published in Official Journal No C 131 A of 10 June 2009 in Swedish only.

Further details can be found on the EPSO website: http://eu-careers.eu

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PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

Commission

| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/18

---

Notice of initiation of a partial interim review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of certain castings originating in the People's Republic of China

2009/C 131/12

The Commission has decided on its own initiative to initiate a partial interim review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of certain castings originating in the People's Republic of China pursuant to Article 11(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 of 22 December 1995 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community (1) (the basic Regulation). The review is limited in scope to the examination of the form of the measure and in particular to the examination of the acceptability and workability of undertakings offered by certain exporting producers in the People's Republic of China.

1.   Product

The product under review is castings of non-malleable cast iron of a kind used to cover and/or to give access to ground or sub-surface systems, and parts thereof, whether or not machined, coated or painted or fitted with other materials, excluding fire hydrants, originating in the People's Republic of China (the product concerned), currently classifiable within CN codes 7325 10 50, 7325 10 92 and ex 7325 10 99. These CN codes are given only for information.

2.   Existing measures

The measures currently in force are a definitive anti-dumping duty imposed by Council Regulation (EC) No 1212/2005 (2) on imports of certain castings originating in the People's Republic of China, as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 282/2009 (3).

3.   Grounds for the review

The Commission has received a request by two exporting producers of the product concerned, XianXian Guozhuang Precision Casting Co., Ltd. and Weifang Stable Casting Co., Ltd., to become a part of the joint undertaking accepted by Commission Decision 2006/109/EC (4) in connection with the above mentioned proceeding.

The Commission will also examine any requests to become part of the joint undertaking submitted by other exporting producers on the condition that these producers have been granted the ‘New Exporting Producer Treatment’ (NEPT) in accordance with Article 1(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1212/2005. Interested exporting producers fulfilling the above mentioned condition are invited to submit their undertaking offers within the time limit set in point 5(a).

4.   Procedure

Having determined, after consulting the Advisory Committee, that sufficient evidence exists to justify the initiation of a partial interim review, the Commission hereby initiates a review in accordance with Article 11(3) of the basic Regulation, limited in scope to the examination of the form of the measure.

All interested parties are hereby invited to make their views known, submit information and provide supporting evidence. This information and supporting evidence must reach the Commission within the time limit set in point 5(a).

Furthermore, the Commission may hear interested parties, provided that they make a request showing that there are particular reasons why they should be heard. This request must be made within the time limit set in point 5(b).

5.   Time limits

(a)   For parties to make themselves known, to submit undertaking offers and any other information

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

(b)   Hearings

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

6.   Written submissions, undertaking offers and correspondence

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

Commission address for correspondence:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Trade |
| Directorate H |
| Office: N-105 4/92 |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |
| Fax +32 22956505 |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Trade

Directorate H

Office: N-105 4/92

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Fax +32 22956505

7.   Non-cooperation

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

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

8.   Schedule of the investigation

The investigation will be concluded, according to Article 11(5) of the basic Regulation, within 15 months of the date of the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

9.   Processing of personal data

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

10.   Hearing Officer

It is also noted that if interested parties consider that they are encountering difficulties in the exercise of their rights of de·fence, they may request the intervention of the Hearing Officer of the Directorate-General for Trade. He acts as an interface between the interested parties and the Commission services, offering, where necessary, mediation on procedural matters affecting the protection of their interests in this proceeding, in particular with regard to issues concerning access to the file, confidentiality, extension of time limits and the treatment of written and/or oral submission of views. For further information and contact details, interested parties may consult the Hearing Officer's web pages of the website of the Directorate-General for Trade (http://ec.europa.eu/trade).

---

(1)  OJ L 56, 6.3.1996, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 199, 29.7.2005, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 94, 8.4.2009, p. 1.

(4)  OJ L 47, 17.2.2006, p. 59.

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

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

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PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/20 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/20

---

Notice published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case 39.416 — Ship classification

(Text with EEA relevance)

2009/C 131/13

1.   INTRODUCTION

| (1) | According to Article 9 of the Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 (1), the Commission may decide — in cases where it intends to adopt a decision requiring that an infringement is brought to an end and the parties concerned offer commitments to meet the concerns expressed to them by the Commission in its preliminary assessment — to make those commitments binding on the undertakings. Such a decision may be adopted for a specified period and shall conclude that there are no longer grounds for action by the Commission. According to Article 27(4) of the same Regulation, the Commission shall publish a concise summary of the case and the main content of the commitments. Interested parties may submit their observations within the time limit fixed by the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

According to Article 9 of the Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 (1), the Commission may decide — in cases where it intends to adopt a decision requiring that an infringement is brought to an end and the parties concerned offer commitments to meet the concerns expressed to them by the Commission in its preliminary assessment — to make those commitments binding on the undertakings. Such a decision may be adopted for a specified period and shall conclude that there are no longer grounds for action by the Commission. According to Article 27(4) of the same Regulation, the Commission shall publish a concise summary of the case and the main content of the commitments. Interested parties may submit their observations within the time limit fixed by the Commission.

2.   SUMMARY OF THE CASE

| (2) | In May 2009, the Commission opened proceedings, and addressed a preliminary assessment to the International Association of Classification Societies and to International Association of Classification Societies Limited (hereinafter jointly referred to as ‘IACS’). This concerned IACS′ decisions: (i) on the criteria and procedures ruling membership of IACS and the suspension or withdrawal of membership, and on the way that these criteria and procedures were applied, and (ii) on the elaboration and accessibility of IACS′ resolutions and technical background documents relating to these resolutions. It expressed the preliminary view that these decisions by IACS may have resulted in a restriction of competition in ship classification services. Given the Commission's preliminary view that the 10 members of IACS have a strong position on the market and that classification societies which are not a member of IACS may face significant competitive disadvantages, the Commission's preliminary assessment was that these decisions therefore raised concerns as to their compatibility with Article 81(1) EC Treaty and Article 53(1) EEA Agreement. Moreover, the Commission's preliminary view was that these decisions did not appear to fulfil the cumulative requirements for exemption under Article 81(3) EC Treaty and Article 53(3) EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

In May 2009, the Commission opened proceedings, and addressed a preliminary assessment to the International Association of Classification Societies and to International Association of Classification Societies Limited (hereinafter jointly referred to as ‘IACS’). This concerned IACS′ decisions: (i) on the criteria and procedures ruling membership of IACS and the suspension or withdrawal of membership, and on the way that these criteria and procedures were applied, and (ii) on the elaboration and accessibility of IACS′ resolutions and technical background documents relating to these resolutions. It expressed the preliminary view that these decisions by IACS may have resulted in a restriction of competition in ship classification services. Given the Commission's preliminary view that the 10 members of IACS have a strong position on the market and that classification societies which are not a member of IACS may face significant competitive disadvantages, the Commission's preliminary assessment was that these decisions therefore raised concerns as to their compatibility with Article 81(1) EC Treaty and Article 53(1) EEA Agreement. Moreover, the Commission's preliminary view was that these decisions did not appear to fulfil the cumulative requirements for exemption under Article 81(3) EC Treaty and Article 53(3) EEA Agreement.

| (3) | In particular, the preliminary assessment expressed the concern that IACS may have failed to:






  (a) | enact requirements that are objective and sufficiently determinate so as to enable them to be applied uniformly and in a non-discriminatory manner concerning admission to, as well as suspension and withdrawal of, membership of IACS; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(3)

In particular, the preliminary assessment expressed the concern that IACS may have failed to:

(a)

enact requirements that are objective and sufficiently determinate so as to enable them to be applied uniformly and in a non-discriminatory manner concerning admission to, as well as suspension and withdrawal of, membership of IACS;

| (b) | apply these requirements in an appropriate, reasonable and non-discriminatory way (including the establishment of sufficient safeguards to ensure such kind of application through an independent appeal/review mechanism); |
| --- | --- |

(b)

apply these requirements in an appropriate, reasonable and non-discriminatory way (including the establishment of sufficient safeguards to ensure such kind of application through an independent appeal/review mechanism);

| (c) | provide an adequate system for including non-IACS members in the process of elaboration of IACS′ technical standards (i.e. IACS′ resolutions), (including the establishment of independent complaint/grievance and appeal/review mechanisms ensuring access to IACS′ technical working groups); |
| --- | --- |

(c)

provide an adequate system for including non-IACS members in the process of elaboration of IACS′ technical standards (i.e. IACS′ resolutions), (including the establishment of independent complaint/grievance and appeal/review mechanisms ensuring access to IACS′ technical working groups);

| (d) | provide for proper dissemination to non-IACS members of technical background documents relating to IACS′ resolutions (2) (including the establishment of an independent appeal/review mechanism ensuring the access to these technical background documents). |
| --- | --- |

(d)

provide for proper dissemination to non-IACS members of technical background documents relating to IACS′ resolutions (2) (including the establishment of an independent appeal/review mechanism ensuring the access to these technical background documents).

3.   THE MAIN CONTENT OF THE OFFERED COMMITMENTS

| (4) | The parties subject to the proceedings do not agree with the Commission’s preliminary assessment. They have nevertheless offered commitments under Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 to meet the Commission’s competition concerns. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The parties subject to the proceedings do not agree with the Commission’s preliminary assessment. They have nevertheless offered commitments under Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 to meet the Commission’s competition concerns.

| (5) | The commitments are briefly summarised below and published in full in English on the website of the Commission's Directorate-General for Competition at:
  http://ec.europa.eu/competition/antitrust/cases/index/by_nr_78.html#i39_416 |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The commitments are briefly summarised below and published in full in English on the website of the Commission's Directorate-General for Competition at:

http://ec.europa.eu/competition/antitrust/cases/index/by_nr_78.html#i39_416

| (6) | IACS proposes that these commitments shall remain in force for a period of five years as of their effective date, i.e. the date of notification of the decision under Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 by which the Commission makes the commitments binding on IACS. The key elements of the commitments are as follows: |
| --- | --- |

(6)

IACS proposes that these commitments shall remain in force for a period of five years as of their effective date, i.e. the date of notification of the decision under Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 by which the Commission makes the commitments binding on IACS. The key elements of the commitments are as follows:

3.1.   Membership criteria

| (7) | IACS will establish a single class of membership of IACS. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

IACS will establish a single class of membership of IACS.

| (8) | IACS will adopt, in accordance with published guidelines and procedures, the following objective, transparent, and non-discriminatory qualitative membership criteria applicable and designed to be applied uniformly to applications for membership and to continued membership of IACS:






  (a) | Demonstrated ability to develop, apply, maintain, regularly up-date and publish its own set of classification rules in the English language covering all aspects of the ship classification process (design appraisal, construction survey, and ships-in-service periodical survey); |
| --- | --- | --- |

(8)

IACS will adopt, in accordance with published guidelines and procedures, the following objective, transparent, and non-discriminatory qualitative membership criteria applicable and designed to be applied uniformly to applications for membership and to continued membership of IACS:

(a)

Demonstrated ability to develop, apply, maintain, regularly up-date and publish its own set of classification rules in the English language covering all aspects of the ship classification process (design appraisal, construction survey, and ships-in-service periodical survey);

| (b) | Demonstrated ability to provide surveys of ships under construction in accordance with the Classification Societies′ (hereinafter referred to as ‘CS’) rules and periodic surveys of ships in service, including statutory surveys in accordance with IMO and Flag State requirements; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Demonstrated ability to provide surveys of ships under construction in accordance with the Classification Societies′ (hereinafter referred to as ‘CS’) rules and periodic surveys of ships in service, including statutory surveys in accordance with IMO and Flag State requirements;

| (c) | Sufficient international coverage by exclusive surveyors relative to the size of the CS's construction programme and classed fleet in service; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Sufficient international coverage by exclusive surveyors relative to the size of the CS's construction programme and classed fleet in service;

| (d) | Extensive documented experience in assessing the design and construction of ships; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Extensive documented experience in assessing the design and construction of ships;

| (e) | Significant in-house managerial, technical, support and research staff commensurate with the size of the CS's classed fleet and its involvement in the classification of ships under construction; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

Significant in-house managerial, technical, support and research staff commensurate with the size of the CS's classed fleet and its involvement in the classification of ships under construction;

| (f) | Technical ability to contribute with its own staff to the work of IACS in developing minimum rules and requirements for the enhancement of maritime safety; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

Technical ability to contribute with its own staff to the work of IACS in developing minimum rules and requirements for the enhancement of maritime safety;

| (g) | Contribution on an ongoing basis with its own staff to the work of IACS as described in (f) above; |
| --- | --- |

(g)

Contribution on an ongoing basis with its own staff to the work of IACS as described in (f) above;

| (h) | Maintaining in electronic form and updating at least annually a register of classed ships in the English language; |
| --- | --- |

(h)

Maintaining in electronic form and updating at least annually a register of classed ships in the English language;

| (i) | Independence from ship-owning, ship-building and other commercial interests which could undermine the CS's impartiality; |
| --- | --- |

(i)

Independence from ship-owning, ship-building and other commercial interests which could undermine the CS's impartiality;

| (j) | Compliance with IACS′ Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS). |
| --- | --- |

(j)

Compliance with IACS′ Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS).

| (9) | An Applicant that satisfies all Criteria save for (g) shall be admitted as an IACS member but shall have no voting rights in the IACS Council or in any other IACS body. Criterion (g) shall be assessed over the first 3 years of membership and upon satisfactory compliance with this requirement at the end of that period, the IACS member shall automatically enjoy full voting rights. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

An Applicant that satisfies all Criteria save for (g) shall be admitted as an IACS member but shall have no voting rights in the IACS Council or in any other IACS body. Criterion (g) shall be assessed over the first 3 years of membership and upon satisfactory compliance with this requirement at the end of that period, the IACS member shall automatically enjoy full voting rights.

| (10) | IACS will conduct periodical assessments of IACS members to verify their compliance with the membership criteria. IACS will suspend or withdraw membership of IACS, as appropriate, of CSs which fail to satisfy the requisite membership criteria. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

IACS will conduct periodical assessments of IACS members to verify their compliance with the membership criteria. IACS will suspend or withdraw membership of IACS, as appropriate, of CSs which fail to satisfy the requisite membership criteria.

| (11) | All decisions regarding accession to, suspension or withdrawal of membership of IACS will be subject to the right of appeal to the Independent Appeal Board. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

All decisions regarding accession to, suspension or withdrawal of membership of IACS will be subject to the right of appeal to the Independent Appeal Board.

3.2.   QSCS independence and availability to non-IACS CS

| (12) | IACS will introduce a system whereby audits and assessment of compliance with its QSCS shall be carried out by independent external Accredited Certification Bodies (ACBs). Moreover, IACS will modify QSCS so that the requirements contained therein can be applied equally to IACS members and to non-members (including non-applicants) by independent ACBs, without any involvement of IACS′ Council. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

IACS will introduce a system whereby audits and assessment of compliance with its QSCS shall be carried out by independent external Accredited Certification Bodies (ACBs). Moreover, IACS will modify QSCS so that the requirements contained therein can be applied equally to IACS members and to non-members (including non-applicants) by independent ACBs, without any involvement of IACS′ Council.

3.3.   Participation by non-members of IACS in IACS′ technical work

| (13) | IACS will set up and maintain a subscription-based, online Technical Contributions Forum (‘IACS′ TC Forum’) on IACS′ website providing any interested CSs with a platform to publish comments and discussions with other CSs (including both IACS members and non-IACS CSs) relating to IACS′ technical work programmes. IACS will introduce an appeal mechanism to the Independent Appeal Board for interested parties that are denied access to IACS′ TC Forum on the basis that they are not CSs. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

IACS will set up and maintain a subscription-based, online Technical Contributions Forum (‘IACS′ TC Forum’) on IACS′ website providing any interested CSs with a platform to publish comments and discussions with other CSs (including both IACS members and non-IACS CSs) relating to IACS′ technical work programmes. IACS will introduce an appeal mechanism to the Independent Appeal Board for interested parties that are denied access to IACS′ TC Forum on the basis that they are not CSs.

| (14) | Any CS not member of IACS which is registered on the IACS TC Forum can participate with its own employees in IACS′ working groups (WG). A non-member of IACS which participates in a WG shall have full access to the same information, the same opportunities to state its views and to contribute to the discussions within the WG as any IACS member in that WG on a non-discriminatory basis but will have no voting rights. IACS will introduce a grievance mechanism and an appeal mechanism to the Independent Appeal Board for any CS which considers that it has been denied the exercise of its rights of information and participation in an IACS WG. The Chairman of a WG shall summarise all the views expressed by the WG’s participants in the technical recommendation which the IACS members within the WG may decide to put to IACS′ General Policy Group (GPG)/IACS′ Council for adoption by IACS. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

Any CS not member of IACS which is registered on the IACS TC Forum can participate with its own employees in IACS′ working groups (WG). A non-member of IACS which participates in a WG shall have full access to the same information, the same opportunities to state its views and to contribute to the discussions within the WG as any IACS member in that WG on a non-discriminatory basis but will have no voting rights. IACS will introduce a grievance mechanism and an appeal mechanism to the Independent Appeal Board for any CS which considers that it has been denied the exercise of its rights of information and participation in an IACS WG. The Chairman of a WG shall summarise all the views expressed by the WG’s participants in the technical recommendation which the IACS members within the WG may decide to put to IACS′ General Policy Group (GPG)/IACS′ Council for adoption by IACS.

3.4.   Access by non-members of IACS to IACS′ resolutions and technical background documents

| (15) | IACS will place in the public domain, at the same time and in the same way as they are made available to IACS members, all current and future versions of IACS resolutions, as well as a history file containing the main points of discussion and any technical background document. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

IACS will place in the public domain, at the same time and in the same way as they are made available to IACS members, all current and future versions of IACS resolutions, as well as a history file containing the main points of discussion and any technical background document.

| (16) | IACS will include a statement on its website that non-IACS CSs are free to use such material, royalty free and without licence, by embedding it in their own classification rules, notwithstanding any intellectual property rights that may be held by IACS members. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

IACS will include a statement on its website that non-IACS CSs are free to use such material, royalty free and without licence, by embedding it in their own classification rules, notwithstanding any intellectual property rights that may be held by IACS members.

| (17) | IACS shall place no restriction on the individual freedom of its members to enter into any agreement with any CS in relation to the provision of further information or assistance with regard to the application of IACS′ resolutions. |
| --- | --- |

(17)

IACS shall place no restriction on the individual freedom of its members to enter into any agreement with any CS in relation to the provision of further information or assistance with regard to the application of IACS′ resolutions.

| (18) | A decision (whether explicit or implicit) not to publish an IACS resolution or a technical background document which is available to IACS members shall be appealable to the Independent Appeal Board. |
| --- | --- |

(18)

A decision (whether explicit or implicit) not to publish an IACS resolution or a technical background document which is available to IACS members shall be appealable to the Independent Appeal Board.

| (19) | IACS will release to the public, free of charge, a Common Structural Rules (CSR) Tracking Database to provide users with a searchable database on CSR revision history with supporting materials. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

IACS will release to the public, free of charge, a Common Structural Rules (CSR) Tracking Database to provide users with a searchable database on CSR revision history with supporting materials.

4.   INVITATION TO MAKE COMMENTS

| (20) | The Commission intends, subject to the results of this market test, to adopt a decision under Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 declaring binding the commitments summarised above and which are published on the Internet (on the website of the Commission's Directorate-General for Competition, see above). |
| --- | --- |

(20)

The Commission intends, subject to the results of this market test, to adopt a decision under Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 declaring binding the commitments summarised above and which are published on the Internet (on the website of the Commission's Directorate-General for Competition, see above).

| (21) | In accordance with Article 27(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, the Commission invites interested third parties to submit their observations on the proposed commitments. These observations must reach the Commission not later than one month following the date of this publication. Interested third parties are also asked to submit a non-confidential version of their comments, in which commercial secrets and other confidential passages are deleted and are replaced as required by a non-confidential summary or by the words ‘commercial secrets’ or ‘confidential’. Legitimated requests will be respected. |
| --- | --- |

(21)

In accordance with Article 27(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, the Commission invites interested third parties to submit their observations on the proposed commitments. These observations must reach the Commission not later than one month following the date of this publication. Interested third parties are also asked to submit a non-confidential version of their comments, in which commercial secrets and other confidential passages are deleted and are replaced as required by a non-confidential summary or by the words ‘commercial secrets’ or ‘confidential’. Legitimated requests will be respected.

| (22) | Observations can be sent to the Commission under reference number Case 39.416 — Ship classification, either by e-mail (COMP-GREFFE-ANTITRUST@ec.europa.eu), by fax (+32 2 2950128) or by post, to the following address:





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

(22)

Observations can be sent to the Commission under reference number Case 39.416 — Ship classification, either by e-mail (COMP-GREFFE-ANTITRUST@ec.europa.eu), by fax (+32 2 2950128) or by post, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Antitrust Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 of 16 December 2002 on the implementation of the rules on competition laid down in Articles 81 and 82 of the Treaty (OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, p. 1).

(2)  During the Commission's competition investigation IACS improved the accessibility of its technical information, which is now published on their website. The Commission however considers it appropriate to ensure that this issue is also addressed in formal commitments.

---

| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/23

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.5550 — BP/DUPONT/JV)

2009/C 131/14

| 1. | On 3 June 2009, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings BP plc (‘BP’, United Kingdom) and E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (‘Dupont’, USA) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertaking Biobutanol LLC (‘Biobutanol’, USA) by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 3 June 2009, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings BP plc (‘BP’, United Kingdom) and E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (‘Dupont’, USA) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertaking Biobutanol LLC (‘Biobutanol’, USA) by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture.

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






  — | for undertaking BP: exploration, development and production of oil and gas; refining, manufacturing and marketing of oil products, gas and petrochemicals, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for undertaking BP: exploration, development and production of oil and gas; refining, manufacturing and marketing of oil products, gas and petrochemicals,

| — | for undertaking Dupont: research, development, production, distribution, and sale of a variety of chemical products, polymers, agro-chemicals and coatings, |
| --- | --- |

—

for undertaking Dupont: research, development, production, distribution, and sale of a variety of chemical products, polymers, agro-chemicals and coatings,

| — | for undertaking Biobutanol: develop and license technology related to the commercial production of biobutanol. |
| --- | --- |

—

for undertaking Biobutanol: develop and license technology related to the commercial production of biobutanol.

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

3.

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

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 2 2964301 or 2967244) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5550 — BP/DUPONT/JV, to the following address:





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

4.

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

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 2 2964301 or 2967244) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5550 — BP/DUPONT/JV, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

---

| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/24 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/24

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.5545 — ArcelorMittal/Noble European Holding)

2009/C 131/15

| 1. | On 2 June 2009, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which ArcelorMittal (Luxembourg) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation sole control of Noble European Holdings B.V. (‘ Noble Europe’, Netherlands) belonging to the group Noble International Ltd. (‘Noble’, United States) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 2 June 2009, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which ArcelorMittal (Luxembourg) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation sole control of Noble European Holdings B.V. (‘ Noble Europe’, Netherlands) belonging to the group Noble International Ltd. (‘Noble’, United States) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for ArcelorMittal: the manufacture of steel products, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for ArcelorMittal: the manufacture of steel products,

| — | for Noble Europe: the manufacture of tailor welded blanks. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Noble Europe: the manufacture of tailor welded blanks.

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

3.

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

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 2 2964301 or 2967244) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5545 — ArcelorMittal/Noble European Holding, to the following address:





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

4.

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

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 2 2964301 or 2967244) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5545 — ArcelorMittal/Noble European Holding, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

---

OTHER ACTS

Commission

| 10.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 131/25 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 131/25

---

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

2009/C 131/16

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

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘ARZÚA-ULLOA’

EC No: ES-PDO-0005-0497-27.09.2005

PDO ( X ) PGI ( )

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

1.   Responsible department in the Member State:

| Name | : | Subdirección General de Calidad Agroalimentaria y Agricultura Ecológica. Dirección General de Industrias y Mercados Agroalimentarios. Secretaría General de Medio Rural del Ministerio de Medio Ambiente, y Medio Rural y Marino de España |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Address | : | Paseo Infanta Isabel, 1 |
| 28071 Madrid |
| ESPAÑA |

Name

:

Subdirección General de Calidad Agroalimentaria y Agricultura Ecológica. Dirección General de Industrias y Mercados Agroalimentarios. Secretaría General de Medio Rural del Ministerio de Medio Ambiente, y Medio Rural y Marino de España

Address

:

Paseo Infanta Isabel, 1

28071 Madrid

ESPAÑA

Tel.

:

+34 913475394

Fax

:

+34 913475410

e-mail

:

sgcaae@mapya.es

2.   Group:

| Name | : | D. Xosé Luís Carrera Valín (Quesería «Arqueixal») y otros |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Address | : | Alba s/n. Palas de Rei (Lugo) |
| Tel. | : | +34 981507653 |
| Fax | : | +34 981507653 |
| e-mail | : | queixo@arzua-ulloa.org |
| Composition | : | Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( ) |

Name

:

D. Xosé Luís Carrera Valín (Quesería «Arqueixal») y otros

Address

:

Alba s/n. Palas de Rei (Lugo)

Tel.

:

+34 981507653

Fax

:

+34 981507653

e-mail

:

queixo@arzua-ulloa.org

Composition

:

Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

3.   Type of product:

| Class 1.3. | Cheese |
| --- | --- |

Class 1.3.

Cheese

4.   Specification:

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

4.1.   Name:

‘Arzúa-Ulloa’

4.2.   Description:

Cheese made from raw or pasteurised cow’s milk which, following a production process encompassing the stages of coagulation, cutting and washing of the curd, moulding, pressing, salting and maturation, acquires the following characteristics:

| | Arzúa-Ulloa: Maturation period of at least six days. Its shape may be either convex or cylindrical, its edges rounded, its diameter between 100 and 260 mm and its height between 50 and 120 mm. The cheese can never be taller than the length of its own radius. It may weigh between 0,5 and 3,5 kg. The rind, which is thin and elastic, is of medium to dark yellow in colour and shiny, clean and smooth. The cheese may be put up for sale with a transparent colourless slimicide. The paste is uniform in colour, ranging from ivory white to pale yellow; it is shiny, with no cracks, although it may have a small number of small angular or rounded eyes irregularly distributed through it.
  Its aroma is milky, reminiscent of the smell of butter and yoghurt, with light hints of vanilla, cream and hazelnut. Its taste is essentially of milk, slightly salty and medium to low acidity. The texture is fine, slightly to averagely moist, not too firm and of medium elasticity. In the mouth it is averagely firm, soft and soluble and of medium springiness.
  The analytical characteristics of the finished product are: Fat content: minimum 45 % of dry matter; protein: minimum 35 % of dry matter; pH: between 5,0 and 5,5; dry matter: minimum 45 %; and water content expressed as a percentage of the fat-free matter: minimum 68 % and maximum 73 %.
  Farm-manufactured Arzúa-Ulloa: Made from cow's milk entirely sourced from cows from the farm in which the cheese is made. Its physical and analytical characteristics are the same as those set out in the section above. |
| --- | --- |

Arzúa-Ulloa: Maturation period of at least six days. Its shape may be either convex or cylindrical, its edges rounded, its diameter between 100 and 260 mm and its height between 50 and 120 mm. The cheese can never be taller than the length of its own radius. It may weigh between 0,5 and 3,5 kg. The rind, which is thin and elastic, is of medium to dark yellow in colour and shiny, clean and smooth. The cheese may be put up for sale with a transparent colourless slimicide. The paste is uniform in colour, ranging from ivory white to pale yellow; it is shiny, with no cracks, although it may have a small number of small angular or rounded eyes irregularly distributed through it.

Its aroma is milky, reminiscent of the smell of butter and yoghurt, with light hints of vanilla, cream and hazelnut. Its taste is essentially of milk, slightly salty and medium to low acidity. The texture is fine, slightly to averagely moist, not too firm and of medium elasticity. In the mouth it is averagely firm, soft and soluble and of medium springiness.

The analytical characteristics of the finished product are: Fat content: minimum 45 % of dry matter; protein: minimum 35 % of dry matter; pH: between 5,0 and 5,5; dry matter: minimum 45 %; and water content expressed as a percentage of the fat-free matter: minimum 68 % and maximum 73 %.

Farm-manufactured Arzúa-Ulloa: Made from cow's milk entirely sourced from cows from the farm in which the cheese is made. Its physical and analytical characteristics are the same as those set out in the section above.

| | Cured Arzúa-Ulloa: Maturation period of at least six months. Its shape is convex or cylindrical, its upper surface may be concave, its diameter is between 120 and 200 mm and its height between 20 and 100 mm. It may weigh between 0,5 and 2 kg. The rind is not differentiated, is deep yellow in colour and shiny and greasy in appearance; it may be covered with a transparent colourless slimicide. The paste is deep yellow in colour, paler towards the centre, very compact and may have a few eyes.
  Its aroma is very intense and milky, smelling strongly of slightly rancid butter. The smell is pungent and sharp. The flavour is salty, not very acid and of medium to low bitterness. It is mostly reminiscent of butter, with light vanilla and nut notes which may vary between the centre and the outer edge. The overwhelming sensation is one of sharpness. The aftertaste is bitter and of butter and vanilla.
  Its texture is hard and difficult to cut, and may have some fissures, mostly towards the edges, which will be drier. It feels homogenous and very compact to the touch. It is high in fat content and low in moisture.
  The analytical characteristics of the finished product are: Fat content: minimum 50 % in the dry matter; pH: between 5,1 and 5,4; dry matter: minimum 65 %. |
| --- | --- |

Cured Arzúa-Ulloa: Maturation period of at least six months. Its shape is convex or cylindrical, its upper surface may be concave, its diameter is between 120 and 200 mm and its height between 20 and 100 mm. It may weigh between 0,5 and 2 kg. The rind is not differentiated, is deep yellow in colour and shiny and greasy in appearance; it may be covered with a transparent colourless slimicide. The paste is deep yellow in colour, paler towards the centre, very compact and may have a few eyes.

Its aroma is very intense and milky, smelling strongly of slightly rancid butter. The smell is pungent and sharp. The flavour is salty, not very acid and of medium to low bitterness. It is mostly reminiscent of butter, with light vanilla and nut notes which may vary between the centre and the outer edge. The overwhelming sensation is one of sharpness. The aftertaste is bitter and of butter and vanilla.

Its texture is hard and difficult to cut, and may have some fissures, mostly towards the edges, which will be drier. It feels homogenous and very compact to the touch. It is high in fat content and low in moisture.

The analytical characteristics of the finished product are: Fat content: minimum 50 % in the dry matter; pH: between 5,1 and 5,4; dry matter: minimum 65 %.

4.3.   Geographical area:

The area for producing the milk and making the cheeses covered by the Protected Designation of Origin ‘Arzúa-Ulloa’ comprises the following municipalities:

| — | province of A Coruña: Arzúa, Boimorto, Pino (O), Touro, Curtis, Vilasantar, Melide, Santiso, Sobrado, Toques, Frades, Mesía, Ordes, Oroso, Boqueixón and Vedra, |
| --- | --- |

—

province of A Coruña: Arzúa, Boimorto, Pino (O), Touro, Curtis, Vilasantar, Melide, Santiso, Sobrado, Toques, Frades, Mesía, Ordes, Oroso, Boqueixón and Vedra,

| — | province of Lugo: Antas de Ulla, Monterroso, Palas de Rei, Carballedo, Chantada, Taboada, Friol, Guntín and Portomarín, |
| --- | --- |

—

province of Lugo: Antas de Ulla, Monterroso, Palas de Rei, Carballedo, Chantada, Taboada, Friol, Guntín and Portomarín,

| — | province of Pontevedra: Agolada, Dozón, Lalín, Rodeiro, Silleda, Vila de Cruces and Estrada (A). |
| --- | --- |

—

province of Pontevedra: Agolada, Dozón, Lalín, Rodeiro, Silleda, Vila de Cruces and Estrada (A).

The soil and weather conditions of the defined area are ideal for the development of natural meadows and growing foraging crops which have traditionally sustained a significant herd which, at present, is essentially intended for milk production.

4.4.   Proof of origin:

In order to check whether the requirements of the specifications and the quality manual have been complied with, the control body will be able to rely on the records maintained by the livestock farm, the first buyers (intermediaries in the chain between the livestock farms and the cheese dairies), cheese dairies and cheese maturing centres. Only milk obtained from holdings entered in the relevant register may be used for making cheese under the ‘Arzúa-Ulloa’ Protected Designation of Origin. Similarly, only cheeses made and matured in the cheese dairies and ageing facilities listed in the relevant registers may obtain the protection of the Protected Designation of Origin ‘Arzúa-Ulloa’.

All natural or legal persons holding assets listed in these registers, as well as the facilities and their products will undergo this check in order to verify that products bearing the Protected Designation of Origin ‘Arzúa-Ulloa’ meet the requirements of the specification.

The checks will be based on inspections of farms and facilities, a scrutiny of documentation and an analysis of the raw material and the cheeses.

Where it is found that the raw material or the cheeses have not been obtained in accordance with the requirements of the specification or where they show significant defects or discrepancies with it, they may not be marketed under the ‘Arzúa-Ulloa’ Protected Designation of Origin.

Cheeses covered by the Protected Designation of Origin will bear a numbered secondary label checked by the inspection body in accordance with the rules laid down in the quality manual.

4.5.   Method of production:

The cheese is made only from whole raw milk from Rubia Gallega, Pardo Alpina and Friesian cows or cross-breeds of the three on guaranteed holdings entered in the register of the Protected Designation of Origin. The livestock is fed mostly on fodder produced on the holding itself; feeding is by grazing, weather permitting. Concentrated feed of vegetable origin acquired from outwith the holding must be used only as a supplement to cover the energy needs of the livestock and must be sourced, so far as possible, from within the defined area.

The milk contains neither colostrum nor preservatives and must generally meet the requirements laid down by the relevant legislation.

The milk may not undergo any form of standardisation and must be stored at a temperature of not more than 4 °C in order to prevent the development of micro-organisms.

Production of the cheese involves the following procedures:

| | Coagulation: Coagulation is induced using animal rennet or other coagulation enzymes authorised in the quality manual, at temperatures of between 30 and 35 °C, for a period ranging from 30 to 75 minutes depending on the condition of the milk and the curdling process. |
| --- | --- |

Coagulation: Coagulation is induced using animal rennet or other coagulation enzymes authorised in the quality manual, at temperatures of between 30 and 35 °C, for a period ranging from 30 to 75 minutes depending on the condition of the milk and the curdling process.

| | Cutting and washing of the curd: The curd must be cut to the size of a grain of maize (5 to 10 mm diameter). Washing then takes place in potable water to reduce the acidity of the curd so that the pH of the manufactured product is not less than the values set down in point 4.2. |
| --- | --- |

Cutting and washing of the curd: The curd must be cut to the size of a grain of maize (5 to 10 mm diameter). Washing then takes place in potable water to reduce the acidity of the curd so that the pH of the manufactured product is not less than the values set down in point 4.2.

| | Moulding: The cheese must be moulded in the shape of a cylinder the size of which must be such as to conform to the weights and measurements set down in point 4.2. |
| --- | --- |

Moulding: The cheese must be moulded in the shape of a cylinder the size of which must be such as to conform to the weights and measurements set down in point 4.2.

| | Pressing: The length of the pressing process varies according to the pressure applied and the size of the pieces. |
| --- | --- |

Pressing: The length of the pressing process varies according to the pressure applied and the size of the pieces.

| | Salting: Salting must be in the vat over the curds and/or by dipping the cheeses in brine. The latter must be kept refrigerated to avoid undesirable microbiological changes. Cheeses must remain in it no more than 24 hours. |
| --- | --- |

Salting: Salting must be in the vat over the curds and/or by dipping the cheeses in brine. The latter must be kept refrigerated to avoid undesirable microbiological changes. Cheeses must remain in it no more than 24 hours.

| | Ageing: This process must take place on premises with a relative humidity level of between 75 and 90 % and a temperature of less than 15 °C. |
| --- | --- |

Ageing: This process must take place on premises with a relative humidity level of between 75 and 90 % and a temperature of less than 15 °C.

The maturation period must be of six days from the end of the pressing process, or from the salting if the latter is by soaking in brine. In the case of cured cheeses, the minimum maturation period must be six months. During the period of maturation, the cheeses must be turned over and cleaned as necessary in order to acquire their special characteristics.

In order to safeguard the quality and traceability of the product, the protected cheeses should generally be marketed as whole cheeses, in the authorised packaging.

However, it may be possible to authorise marketing in portions, including cutting at the point of sale, provided that an appropriate monitoring system has been established for this purpose that guarantees the product's origin, quality and perfect conservation, avoiding all likelihood of confusion.

4.6.   Link:

Historical:

Arzúa-Ulloa cheese is one of the Galician cheeses par excellence, to be found throughout central Galicia, although it was originally made in the south-eastern municipalities of A Coruña, western Lugo and north-eastern Pontevedra wit, depending on the area or historical period, different names being applied to the cheese, in particular: Arzúa, Ulla, A Ulloa, Curtis, Chantada, Friol or Lugo.

In the ‘Inventario Español de Productos Tradicionales’ (Spanish Inventory of Traditional Products), published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in 1996, the chapter on cheeses provides detailed information on Arzúa cheese, including its method of production and uses.

Other Ministry publications, such as the 1973 ‘catálogo de quesos españoles’ (catalogue of Spanish cheese) or the 1993 ‘Alimentos de España- Denominaciones de Origen y de Calidad’, mention the cheeses.

Natural:

The soil and weather conditions of the geographical and production area of the Arzúa-Ulloa cheese are ideal for the development of natural meadows and growing fodder crops which have traditionally sustained a significant herd which, at present, is essentially intended for milk production and, to a lesser extent, beef production.

As a result of the high level productivity in this agricultural sector, a significant agroindustrial sector has emerged which specialises in the manufacture of feed and of beef and dairy products, chief of which is cheese.

The causal link between the geographical environment and the specific characteristics of the cheese:

The geographical area in which ‘Arzúa-Ulloa’ cheese is produced is characterised by numerous open valleys surrounded by mountains, in which meadows and grazing land form an important part of the landscape. This area consists of the central districts of Galicia which are considerably high since most of it lies above 300 metres above sea level.

In these central Galician districts, the average temperature is slightly below 12 °C. Annual rainfall is around 1 200 to 1 700 mm so that, altogether, the production area of these cheeses is ideal for permanent meadows, pastures and various crops essential to a livestock diet that requires abundant rainfall.

This unique environment contributes to the distinctive characteristics of ‘Arzúa-Ulloa’ cheese in various ways:

| (a) | Firstly, the geographical environment is favourable to the growth of abundant high quality fodder, composed of indigenous grasses (Timothy grass, creeping soft grass, fescue grass and ray grass) and pulses (lotus, clover and medick) suited to the area's moist, temperate conditions. |
| --- | --- |

(a)

Firstly, the geographical environment is favourable to the growth of abundant high quality fodder, composed of indigenous grasses (Timothy grass, creeping soft grass, fescue grass and ray grass) and pulses (lotus, clover and medick) suited to the area's moist, temperate conditions.

| (b) | Additionally, milk is produced on small family farms, using traditional herd-management methods. Indigenous breeds still make up a significant proportion of herds and feed comes mainly from fodder produced on the farm, supplemented, when weather permits, by grazing.
  Concentrated feedingstuffs are bought in — only when the usual types of feed are in short supply — as a supplement to cover the cattle's energy requirements; as far as possible, the feed is sourced in the defined area. This traditional model, in which the use of inputs bought in from outside the farm is kept to a strict minimum, contributes to the economic viability of these small family farms.
  The characteristics of these farms make the milk produced on them ideal for cheese-making. It has been scientifically proven that these more natural systems of production and methods of feeding the cattle improve the nutritional qualities of the milk by increasing the CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) content and the omega-3 fatty acid content of its lipid profile, since the more herbage the cows eat, the more the content of these dietetically beneficial fats increases, influencing the qualities of the cheese. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Additionally, milk is produced on small family farms, using traditional herd-management methods. Indigenous breeds still make up a significant proportion of herds and feed comes mainly from fodder produced on the farm, supplemented, when weather permits, by grazing.

Concentrated feedingstuffs are bought in — only when the usual types of feed are in short supply — as a supplement to cover the cattle's energy requirements; as far as possible, the feed is sourced in the defined area. This traditional model, in which the use of inputs bought in from outside the farm is kept to a strict minimum, contributes to the economic viability of these small family farms.

The characteristics of these farms make the milk produced on them ideal for cheese-making. It has been scientifically proven that these more natural systems of production and methods of feeding the cattle improve the nutritional qualities of the milk by increasing the CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) content and the omega-3 fatty acid content of its lipid profile, since the more herbage the cows eat, the more the content of these dietetically beneficial fats increases, influencing the qualities of the cheese.

| (c) | Finally, the region's farmers are successors to a long tradition of producing this cheese, whose unique characteristics, which immediately identify it beyond the local market and have helped it gain a well-deserved prestige among consumers. The product was born out of the rural communities’ need to preserve a foodstuff — milk — which is abundant in the area but which has a short lifespan. The purpose was twofold: self sufficiency and to make a longer lasting and more easily transported valuable product the sale of which would produce income for families. Unlike in other cheese-making areas, the countryside in these central Galician districts, where the countryside is ideal for the growing of fodder, milk production thus being guaranteed throughout the year, with and periods of short supply never very long. That is why cheese making techniques have tended to be based on short ageing periods of about a week, which is ample time for the product to develop a rind that would give it the requisite consistency to bear being carried to market, but which meant it had to be consumed within three or four weeks of production if its best qualities were to be enjoyed, such as its creaminess, its high moisture content and its milky aroma and flavour. These characteristics are related to the production process, in which the curd is cut very small (5 to 10 mm) so that the draining process is not very intense. This technique could have resulted in exceedingly acid cheeses as a result of the high milk content of the paste; however, the local savoir faire solved the problem by washing the curd, a technique unheard of in neighbouring cheese-making areas, which moreover serves to avoid undesirable secondary fermentation which could spoil the cheese.
  The locals also devised a means of overcoming the seasonal nature of milk production; they solved the problem of shortages or a drop in the cheese-making quality of the milk during the summer by making cured Arzúa-Ulloa cheese from the surplus milk at the end of autumn and winter and subjecting it to a long ageing process of at least six months. This made it possible for those living in rural communities to have a high-energy nutritional food in the summer, when it was much appreciated since this was the time of year when the work in the fields required greater physical effort.
  The area thus specialised in the production of a type of cheese which was very well suited to the circumstances of the place and the time: farmers were making cheese from daily milk surpluses which they then sold at the local weekly, fortnightly or monthly fairs. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Finally, the region's farmers are successors to a long tradition of producing this cheese, whose unique characteristics, which immediately identify it beyond the local market and have helped it gain a well-deserved prestige among consumers. The product was born out of the rural communities’ need to preserve a foodstuff — milk — which is abundant in the area but which has a short lifespan. The purpose was twofold: self sufficiency and to make a longer lasting and more easily transported valuable product the sale of which would produce income for families. Unlike in other cheese-making areas, the countryside in these central Galician districts, where the countryside is ideal for the growing of fodder, milk production thus being guaranteed throughout the year, with and periods of short supply never very long. That is why cheese making techniques have tended to be based on short ageing periods of about a week, which is ample time for the product to develop a rind that would give it the requisite consistency to bear being carried to market, but which meant it had to be consumed within three or four weeks of production if its best qualities were to be enjoyed, such as its creaminess, its high moisture content and its milky aroma and flavour. These characteristics are related to the production process, in which the curd is cut very small (5 to 10 mm) so that the draining process is not very intense. This technique could have resulted in exceedingly acid cheeses as a result of the high milk content of the paste; however, the local savoir faire solved the problem by washing the curd, a technique unheard of in neighbouring cheese-making areas, which moreover serves to avoid undesirable secondary fermentation which could spoil the cheese.

The locals also devised a means of overcoming the seasonal nature of milk production; they solved the problem of shortages or a drop in the cheese-making quality of the milk during the summer by making cured Arzúa-Ulloa cheese from the surplus milk at the end of autumn and winter and subjecting it to a long ageing process of at least six months. This made it possible for those living in rural communities to have a high-energy nutritional food in the summer, when it was much appreciated since this was the time of year when the work in the fields required greater physical effort.

The area thus specialised in the production of a type of cheese which was very well suited to the circumstances of the place and the time: farmers were making cheese from daily milk surpluses which they then sold at the local weekly, fortnightly or monthly fairs.

4.7.   Inspection body:

| Name | : | Instituto Galego da Calidade Alimentaria (INGACAL) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Address | : | Rúa Fonte dos Concheiros, 11 bajo |
| 15703 Santiago de Compostela |
| ESPAÑA |

Name

:

Instituto Galego da Calidade Alimentaria (INGACAL)

Address

:

Rúa Fonte dos Concheiros, 11 bajo

15703 Santiago de Compostela

ESPAÑA

Tel.

:

+34 881997276

Fax

:

+34 981546676

e-mail

:

ingacal@xunta.es

INGACAL is a public body for which the Consellería del Medio Rural de la Xunta de Galicia is responsible.

4.8.   Labelling:

Cheese marketed under the Protected Designation of Origin ‘Arzúa-Ulloa’, after being certified as conforming to this specification and the relevant rules, must carry the appropriate designation label, approved and issued by the inspection body, bearing a sequential alphanumeric code and the official logo of the Designation of Origin.

Both the commercial label and the designation label itself must bear the words ‘Denominación de Origen Protegida “Arzúa-Ulloa”’. Furthermore, the label must indicate whether raw or pasteurised milk was used in the making of the cheese. Where ‘Arzúa-Ulloa’ cheese is of the ‘de Granja’ and ‘curado’ types, this may be indicated on the label.

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