# Official Journal C 128/2012

| | ISSN 1977-091X
  doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2012.128.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 128 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 553 May 2012 |

ISSN 1977-091X

doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2012.128.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 128

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 553 May 2012

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 128/01 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2012/C 128/02 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  2
  ) | 5 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2012/C 128/01

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  )

1

1

2012/C 128/02

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  2
  )

2

5

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 128/03 | Interest rate applied by the European Central Bank to its main refinancing operations: 1,00 % on 1 May 2012 — Euro exchange rates | 7 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2012/C 128/03

Interest rate applied by the European Central Bank to its main refinancing operations: 1,00 % on 1 May 2012 — Euro exchange rates

7

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | COURT PROCEEDINGS |
| | EFTA Court |
| 2012/C 128/04 | Request for an Advisory Opinion from the EFTA Court by Oslo tingrett, dated 11 November 2011, in the case of Arcade Drilling AS v Staten v/Skatt Vest (Case E-15/11) | 8 |
| 2012/C 128/05 | Request for an Advisory Opinion from the EFTA Court by Hæstiréttur Íslands, dated 15 December 2011, in the case of Aresbank SA v Landsbankinn hf., Fjármálaeftirlitið (the Financial Supervisory Authority) and Iceland (Case E-17/11) | 9 |
| 2012/C 128/06 | Request for an Advisory Opinion from the EFTA Court by Héraðsdómur Reykjavíkur, dated 22 December 2011, in the case of Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Ltd v Kaupthing hf. (Case E-18/11) | 10 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 128/07 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6548 — RGM/ALPINE Bau/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 11 |
| 2012/C 128/08 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6446 — Pratt & Whitney/International Aero Engines) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 13 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 128/09 | 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 | 14 |

V   Announcements

COURT PROCEEDINGS

EFTA Court

2012/C 128/04

Request for an Advisory Opinion from the EFTA Court by Oslo tingrett, dated 11 November 2011, in the case of Arcade Drilling AS v Staten v/Skatt Vest (Case E-15/11)

8

2012/C 128/05

Request for an Advisory Opinion from the EFTA Court by Hæstiréttur Íslands, dated 15 December 2011, in the case of Aresbank SA v Landsbankinn hf., Fjármálaeftirlitið (the Financial Supervisory Authority) and Iceland (Case E-17/11)

9

2012/C 128/06

Request for an Advisory Opinion from the EFTA Court by Héraðsdómur Reykjavíkur, dated 22 December 2011, in the case of Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Ltd v Kaupthing hf. (Case E-18/11)

10

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2012/C 128/07

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6548 — RGM/ALPINE Bau/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

11

2012/C 128/08

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6446 — Pratt & Whitney/International Aero Engines) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

13

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2012/C 128/09

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

14

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance |
| | (2)   Text with EEA relevance, except for products falling under Annex I to the Treaty |

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

(2)   Text with EEA relevance, except for products falling under Annex I to the Treaty

2

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

EN

---

II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 3.5.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 128/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.5.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 128/1

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 128/01

| Date of adoption of the decision | 7.3.2012 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.30015 (N 688/09) |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | ERP Unternehmenskapital Kapital für Gründung |
| Legal basis | KfW-Gesetz, BGB. I S. 2427 Programmmerkblatt ERP-Kapital für Gründung |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Small and medium-sized enterprises |
| Form of aid | Interest subsidy |
| Budget | | Annual budget: EUR 200 million |

Date of adoption of the decision

7.3.2012

Reference number of State Aid

SA.30015 (N 688/09)

Member State

Germany

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

ERP Unternehmenskapital Kapital für Gründung

Legal basis

KfW-Gesetz, BGB. I S. 2427 Programmmerkblatt ERP-Kapital für Gründung

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Small and medium-sized enterprises

Form of aid

Interest subsidy

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 200 million

| | Overall budget: EUR 800 million |
| --- | --- |

Overall budget: EUR 800 million

Intensity

50 %

Duration (period)

Until 31.12.2013

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

| KfW-Bankengruppe |
| --- |
| Palmengartenstraße 5-9 |
| 60325 Frankfurt |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

KfW-Bankengruppe

Palmengartenstraße 5-9

60325 Frankfurt

DEUTSCHLAND

Other information

—

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

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

| Date of adoption of the decision | 11.1.2012 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.33608 (11/N) |
| Member State | Poland |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Program pomocy publicznej dla przedsiębiorców zatrudniających osoby pozbawione wolności (zmiany do programu pomocy N 519/07) |
| Legal basis | Projekt rozporządzenia Ministra Sprawiedliwości w sprawie Funduszu Aktywizacji Zawodowej Skazanych oraz Rozwoju Przywięziennych Zakładów Pracy
  Ustawa z dnia 28 sierpnia 1997 r. o zatrudnieniu osób pozbawionych wolności (Dz.U. nr 127, poz. 777 ze zm.) |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Employment |
| Form of aid | Direct grant, Soft loan, Reduction of social security contributions |
| Budget | Annual budget: PLN 46 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | — |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Dyrektor Generalny Służby Więziennej |
| Centralny Zarząd Służby Więziennej |
| ul. Rakowiecka 37A |
| 02-521 Warszawa |
| POLSKA/POLAND |

Date of adoption of the decision

11.1.2012

Reference number of State Aid

SA.33608 (11/N)

Member State

Poland

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Program pomocy publicznej dla przedsiębiorców zatrudniających osoby pozbawione wolności (zmiany do programu pomocy N 519/07)

Legal basis

Projekt rozporządzenia Ministra Sprawiedliwości w sprawie Funduszu Aktywizacji Zawodowej Skazanych oraz Rozwoju Przywięziennych Zakładów Pracy

Ustawa z dnia 28 sierpnia 1997 r. o zatrudnieniu osób pozbawionych wolności (Dz.U. nr 127, poz. 777 ze zm.)

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Employment

Form of aid

Direct grant, Soft loan, Reduction of social security contributions

Budget

Annual budget: PLN 46 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

—

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Dyrektor Generalny Służby Więziennej

Centralny Zarząd Służby Więziennej

ul. Rakowiecka 37A

02-521 Warszawa

POLSKA/POLAND

Other information

—

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

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

| Date of adoption of the decision | 20.4.2012 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.33966 (11/N) |
| Member State | France |
| Region | Guadeloupe |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Aide à caractère social au bénéfice des résidents des îles de la Guadeloupe |
| Legal basis | Code général des collectivités territoriales, Délibération du Conseil régional de la Guadeloupe no CR/11-530 du 3 mai 2011 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Social support to individual consumers |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 3 million |
| Intensity | 100 % |
| Duration (period) | From 1.7.2011 |
| Economic sectors | Sea and coastal water transport |
| Name and address of the granting authority | SGAE |
| 68 rue de Bellechasse |
| 75700 Paris |
| FRANCE |

Date of adoption of the decision

20.4.2012

Reference number of State Aid

SA.33966 (11/N)

Member State

France

Region

Guadeloupe

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Aide à caractère social au bénéfice des résidents des îles de la Guadeloupe

Legal basis

Code général des collectivités territoriales, Délibération du Conseil régional de la Guadeloupe no CR/11-530 du 3 mai 2011

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Social support to individual consumers

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 3 million

Intensity

100 %

Duration (period)

From 1.7.2011

Economic sectors

Sea and coastal water transport

Name and address of the granting authority

SGAE

68 rue de Bellechasse

75700 Paris

FRANCE

Other information

—

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

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

| Date of adoption of the decision | 17.2.2012 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.34227 (12/N) |
| Member State | Denmark |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Guarantee for merging banks |
| Legal basis | Danish Financial Stability Act of 10 October 2008 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy, Restructuring of firms in difficulty |
| Form of aid | Guarantee |
| Budget | Overall budget: DKK 50 000 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | 17.2.2012-30.6.2012 |
| Economic sectors | Financial intermediation |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Finansiel Stabilitet |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

17.2.2012

Reference number of State Aid

SA.34227 (12/N)

Member State

Denmark

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Guarantee for merging banks

Legal basis

Danish Financial Stability Act of 10 October 2008

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy, Restructuring of firms in difficulty

Form of aid

Guarantee

Budget

Overall budget: DKK 50 000 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

17.2.2012-30.6.2012

Economic sectors

Financial intermediation

Name and address of the granting authority

Finansiel Stabilitet

Other information

—

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

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

---

| 3.5.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 128/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.5.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 128/5

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance, except for products falling under Annex I to the Treaty)

2012/C 128/02

| Date of adoption of the decision | 30.3.2012 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.33748 (11/N) |
| Member State | France |
| Region | — | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Aide de la région Île-de-France en faveur de l’agriculture biologique pour la préservation des ressources naturelles d’Île-de-France |
| Legal basis | — | Articles L 1511-1 et suivants du code général des collectivités territoriales (CGCT) |

Date of adoption of the decision

30.3.2012

Reference number of State Aid

SA.33748 (11/N)

Member State

France

Region

—

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Aide de la région Île-de-France en faveur de l’agriculture biologique pour la préservation des ressources naturelles d’Île-de-France

Legal basis

—

Articles L 1511-1 et suivants du code général des collectivités territoriales (CGCT)

| — | Projet de délibération du Conseil régional d'Île-de-France |
| --- | --- |

—

Projet de délibération du Conseil régional d'Île-de-France

Type of measure

Scheme

—

Objective

Agri-environmental commitments

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

| | Overall budget: EUR 4 million |
| --- | --- |

Overall budget: EUR 4 million

| | Annual budget: EUR 1 million |
| --- | --- |

Annual budget: EUR 1 million

Intensity

100 %

Duration (period)

Until 31.12.2016

Economic sectors

Crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities

Name and address of the granting authority

| Mme Correze LENEE |
| --- |
| 35 boulevard des Invalides |
| 75007 Paris |
| FRANCE |

Mme Correze LENEE

35 boulevard des Invalides

75007 Paris

FRANCE

Other information

—

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

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

| Date of adoption of the decision | 30.3.2012 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.34401 (12/N) |
| Member State | France |
| Region | — | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Aide à la mise aux normes des bâtiments porcins en vue de l'application des normes sur le bien-être des truies gestantes |
| Legal basis | — | Décret no 2009-340 du 27 mars 2009 relatif à l’Agence de services et de paiement, à l’Établissement national des produits de l’agriculture et de la mer (FranceAgriMer) et à l’Office de développement de l’économie agricole d’outre-mer |

Date of adoption of the decision

30.3.2012

Reference number of State Aid

SA.34401 (12/N)

Member State

France

Region

—

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Aide à la mise aux normes des bâtiments porcins en vue de l'application des normes sur le bien-être des truies gestantes

Legal basis

—

Décret no 2009-340 du 27 mars 2009 relatif à l’Agence de services et de paiement, à l’Établissement national des produits de l’agriculture et de la mer (FranceAgriMer) et à l’Office de développement de l’économie agricole d’outre-mer

| — | Arrêté AGRG030007A du 16 janvier 2003 établissant les normes minimales relatives à la protection des porcs et son rectificatif GRG030007Z du 16 janvier 2003 |
| --- | --- |

—

Arrêté AGRG030007A du 16 janvier 2003 établissant les normes minimales relatives à la protection des porcs et son rectificatif GRG030007Z du 16 janvier 2003

| — | Projet de décision du directeur de FranceAgriMer |
| --- | --- |

—

Projet de décision du directeur de FranceAgriMer

Type of measure

Scheme

—

Objective

Investments in agricultural holdings

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

—

Intensity

40 %

Duration (period)

Until 31.12.2012

Economic sectors

Raising of swine/pigs

Name and address of the granting authority

| Ministère de l'agriculture, de l'alimentation, de la pêche, de la ruralité et de l'aménagement du territoire |
| --- |
| DGPAAT |
| 78 rue de Varenne |
| 75349 Paris 07 SP |
| FRANCE |

Ministère de l'agriculture, de l'alimentation, de la pêche, de la ruralité et de l'aménagement du territoire

DGPAAT

78 rue de Varenne

75349 Paris 07 SP

FRANCE

Other information

—

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

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

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 3.5.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 128/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.5.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 128/7

---

Interest rate applied by the European Central Bank to its main refinancing operations (1):

1,00 % on 1 May 2012

Euro exchange rates (2)

2 May 2012

2012/C 128/03

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3131 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 105,31 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4385 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,81205 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 8,8884 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,2018 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,5525 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 24,903 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 283,50 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6994 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,1693 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,4268 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,3134 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,2718 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,2977 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,1873 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6165 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,6292 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 484,06 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 10,1650 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 8,2397 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,4975 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 12 085,32 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 3,9767 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 55,495 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 38,7000 |
| THB | Thai baht | 40,535 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,5105 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 16,9849 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 69,4040 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3131

JPY

Japanese yen

105,31

DKK

Danish krone

7,4385

GBP

Pound sterling

0,81205

SEK

Swedish krona

8,8884

CHF

Swiss franc

1,2018

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,5525

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

24,903

HUF

Hungarian forint

283,50

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6994

PLN

Polish zloty

4,1693

RON

Romanian leu

4,4268

TRY

Turkish lira

2,3134

AUD

Australian dollar

1,2718

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,2977

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,1873

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6165

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,6292

KRW

South Korean won

1 484,06

ZAR

South African rand

10,1650

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

8,2397

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,4975

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

12 085,32

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

3,9767

PHP

Philippine peso

55,495

RUB

Russian rouble

38,7000

THB

Thai baht

40,535

BRL

Brazilian real

2,5105

MXN

Mexican peso

16,9849

INR

Indian rupee

69,4040

---

(1)  Rate applied to the most recent operation carried out before the indicated day. In the case of a variable rate tender, the interest rate is the marginal rate.

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

---

V Announcements

COURT PROCEEDINGS

EFTA Court

| 3.5.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 128/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.5.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 128/8

---

Request for an Advisory Opinion from the EFTA Court by Oslo tingrett, dated 11 November 2011, in the case of Arcade Drilling AS v Staten v/Skatt Vest

(Case E-15/11)

2012/C 128/04

A request has been made to the EFTA Court by a letter of 11 November 2011 from Oslo tingrett (Oslo District Court), which was received at the Court Registry on 28 November 2011, for an Advisory Opinion in the case of Arcade Drilling v Staten v/Skatt Vest, on the following questions:

| 1. | Is it a restriction pursuant to Article 31 of the EEA, cf. Article 34 of the EEA to impose liquidation tax on a company if national company law entails an obligation to liquidate the company because the company has transferred its de facto head office from Norway to another EEA State?
  Is it of any significance that deferral of tax payment is not given until a realisation, if any, is effected? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is it a restriction pursuant to Article 31 of the EEA, cf. Article 34 of the EEA to impose liquidation tax on a company if national company law entails an obligation to liquidate the company because the company has transferred its de facto head office from Norway to another EEA State?

Is it of any significance that deferral of tax payment is not given until a realisation, if any, is effected?

| 2. | In the event that the district court holds that a restriction exists: what criteria will be decisive in determining whether the national regulation pursues grounds of overriding public interest and whether it is suitable and necessary for the attainment of such grounds? |
| --- | --- |

2.

In the event that the district court holds that a restriction exists: what criteria will be decisive in determining whether the national regulation pursues grounds of overriding public interest and whether it is suitable and necessary for the attainment of such grounds?

---

| 3.5.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 128/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.5.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 128/9

---

Request for an Advisory Opinion from the EFTA Court by Hæstiréttur Íslands, dated 15 December 2011, in the case of Aresbank SA v Landsbankinn hf., Fjármálaeftirlitið (the Financial Supervisory Authority) and Iceland

(Case E-17/11)

2012/C 128/05

A request has been made to the EFTA Court by a letter from Hæstiréttur Íslands (Supreme Court of Iceland), which was received at the Court Registry on 16 December 2011, for an Advisory Opinion in the case of Aresbank SA v Landsbankinn hf., Fjármálaeftirlitið (the Financial Supervisory Authority) and Iceland, on the following questions:

| 1. | Can funds which bank A delivers to bank B, and which B must repay A on a predetermined date, together with interest which has been specially negotiated, be regarded as a deposit in the sense of Article 1(1) of Directive 94/19/EC on deposit-guarantee schemes, even though the funds, when they reach B, are not placed in a special account in A’s name, B has not issued any special documents to A recording the receipt of the funds and has not paid premiums in respect of the funds to the Depositors’ and Investors’ Guarantee Fund and the funds have not been entered as a deposit in B’s books? It is assumed in this question that banks A and B each hold operating licences as commercial banks in different States in the European Economic Area. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Can funds which bank A delivers to bank B, and which B must repay A on a predetermined date, together with interest which has been specially negotiated, be regarded as a deposit in the sense of Article 1(1) of Directive 94/19/EC on deposit-guarantee schemes, even though the funds, when they reach B, are not placed in a special account in A’s name, B has not issued any special documents to A recording the receipt of the funds and has not paid premiums in respect of the funds to the Depositors’ and Investors’ Guarantee Fund and the funds have not been entered as a deposit in B’s books? It is assumed in this question that banks A and B each hold operating licences as commercial banks in different States in the European Economic Area.

| 2. | When the first question is answered, is it of any significance whether bank B’s State of domicile has availed itself of the authorisation of Article 7(2) of Directive 94/19/EC on deposit-guarantee schemes (cf. item 1 of Annex I) to exclude deposits by financial institutions from deposit guarantee? |
| --- | --- |

2.

When the first question is answered, is it of any significance whether bank B’s State of domicile has availed itself of the authorisation of Article 7(2) of Directive 94/19/EC on deposit-guarantee schemes (cf. item 1 of Annex I) to exclude deposits by financial institutions from deposit guarantee?

| 3. | When the first question is answered, is it of any significance whether bank A, which holds a licence to operate as a commercial bank according to the laws of the contracting party in whose territory it operates, does not exercise the authorisation it has, under its operating licence, to accept deposits from the general public, but finances its operations by means of contributions from its owner and through the issue of financial instruments, subsequently re-loaning that money on the so-called interbank market? |
| --- | --- |

3.

When the first question is answered, is it of any significance whether bank A, which holds a licence to operate as a commercial bank according to the laws of the contracting party in whose territory it operates, does not exercise the authorisation it has, under its operating licence, to accept deposits from the general public, but finances its operations by means of contributions from its owner and through the issue of financial instruments, subsequently re-loaning that money on the so-called interbank market?

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| 3.5.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 128/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.5.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 128/10

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Request for an Advisory Opinion from the EFTA Court by Héraðsdómur Reykjavíkur, dated 22 December 2011, in the case of Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Ltd v Kaupthing hf.

(Case E-18/11)

2012/C 128/06

A request has been made to the EFTA Court by a letter of 22 December 2011 from Héraðsdómur Reykjavíkur (Reykjavik District Court), which was received at the Court Registry on 22 December 2011, for an Advisory Opinion in the case of Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Ltd v Kaupthing hf., on the following questions:

| 1. | In the case of a discrepancy between the text of the EEA Agreement or rules based upon it, in different languages, so that the substance of individual provisions or rules is unclear, how should their substance be construed in order to apply them in resolving disputes? |
| --- | --- |

1.

In the case of a discrepancy between the text of the EEA Agreement or rules based upon it, in different languages, so that the substance of individual provisions or rules is unclear, how should their substance be construed in order to apply them in resolving disputes?

| 2. | Having regard to the answer to question 1, does it comply with paragraph 1 of Article 14 of Directive 2001/24/EC on the reorganisation and winding-up of credit institutions, that the national legislation of a State, which is a member of the European Economic Area, vests the winding-up board or other competent authority or agency with competence to decide whether information should be disclosed on the aspects described in the provision, with an advertisement published abroad instead of individually notifying all known creditors? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Having regard to the answer to question 1, does it comply with paragraph 1 of Article 14 of Directive 2001/24/EC on the reorganisation and winding-up of credit institutions, that the national legislation of a State, which is a member of the European Economic Area, vests the winding-up board or other competent authority or agency with competence to decide whether information should be disclosed on the aspects described in the provision, with an advertisement published abroad instead of individually notifying all known creditors?

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PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 3.5.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 128/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.5.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 128/11

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.6548 — RGM/ALPINE Bau/JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 128/07

| 1. | On 23 April 2012, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which RGM Facility Management GmbH (Germany), which belongs to the RGM Group, ultimately controlled by Jürgen Großmann, the sole shareholder in Georgsmarienhütte Holding GmbH (Germany), and ALPINE Bau GmbH (Austria), which belongs to the FCC Construcción Group (Spain), acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of Blumauerplatz Immobilien Projektentwicklungs GmbH (Austria) by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 23 April 2012, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which RGM Facility Management GmbH (Germany), which belongs to the RGM Group, ultimately controlled by Jürgen Großmann, the sole shareholder in Georgsmarienhütte Holding GmbH (Germany), and ALPINE Bau GmbH (Austria), which belongs to the FCC Construcción Group (Spain), acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of Blumauerplatz Immobilien Projektentwicklungs GmbH (Austria) by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company.

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






  — | RGM Facility Management GmbH: technical, commercial and infrastructure management of commercial real estate (facility management), |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

RGM Facility Management GmbH: technical, commercial and infrastructure management of commercial real estate (facility management),

| — | Jürgen Großmann: sole shareholder in Georgsmarienhütte Holding GmbH — raw material recycling, steel and forged iron production, casting, crane engineering/construction and related services, |
| --- | --- |

—

Jürgen Großmann: sole shareholder in Georgsmarienhütte Holding GmbH — raw material recycling, steel and forged iron production, casting, crane engineering/construction and related services,

| — | ALPINE Bau GmbH: building, road and railway construction, bridge construction, mining, civil engineering, sports facilities, power plants and energy and environmental technology, |
| --- | --- |

—

ALPINE Bau GmbH: building, road and railway construction, bridge construction, mining, civil engineering, sports facilities, power plants and energy and environmental technology,

| — | FCC Construcción: construction, waste disposal, street cleaning, water supply, wastewater treatment, cement manufacturing, property development and management, |
| --- | --- |

—

FCC Construcción: construction, waste disposal, street cleaning, water supply, wastewater treatment, cement manufacturing, property development and management,

| — | Blumauerplatz Immobilien Projektentwicklungs GmbH: technical and commercial management of commercial real estate (facility management). |
| --- | --- |

—

Blumauerplatz Immobilien Projektentwicklungs GmbH: technical and commercial management of commercial real estate (facility management).

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the EC Merger Regulation (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the EC Merger Regulation (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6548 — RGM/ALPINE Bau/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 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6548 — RGM/ALPINE Bau/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 (the ‘EC Merger Regulation’).

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32 (‘Notice on a simplified procedure’).

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| 3.5.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 128/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.5.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 128/13

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.6446 — Pratt & Whitney/International Aero Engines)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 128/08

| 1. | On 25 April 2012, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Pratt & Whitney (‘P&W’, United States), belonging to United Technologies Corporation (UTC), acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of the International Aero Engines AG (‘IAE’, Switzerland) joint venture by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 25 April 2012, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Pratt & Whitney (‘P&W’, United States), belonging to United Technologies Corporation (UTC), acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of the International Aero Engines AG (‘IAE’, Switzerland) joint venture by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for P&W. design, manufacture, and servicing of aircraft engines, industrial gas turbines, and space propulsion systems, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for P&W. design, manufacture, and servicing of aircraft engines, industrial gas turbines, and space propulsion systems,

| — | for IAE: design, production, and sale of the V2500 aircraft engine and related parts. |
| --- | --- |

—

for IAE: design, production, and sale of the V2500 aircraft engine and related parts.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the EC Merger Regulation (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the EC Merger Regulation (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6446 — Pratt & Whitney/International Aero Engines, 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 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6446 — Pratt & Whitney/International Aero Engines, 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 (the ‘EC Merger Regulation’).

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32 (‘Notice on a simplified procedure’).

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 3.5.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 128/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.5.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 128/14

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

2012/C 128/09

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

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘PA DE PAGÈS CATALÀ’

EC No: ES-PGI-0005-0880-15.06.2011

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1.   Name:

‘Pa de Pagès Català’

2.   Member State or Third Country:

Spain

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff:

3.1.   Type of product:

| Class 2.4: | Bread, pastry, cakes, confectionery and other baker's wares |
| --- | --- |

Class 2.4:

Bread, pastry, cakes, confectionery and other baker's wares

3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies:

PGI ‘Pa de Pagès Català’ is a traditional bread, round, with a crisp crust, tender crumb and large alveoles, which must always be shaped by hand. It is produced using traditional methods, with slow fermentation, and is always baked in ovens with a refractory floor.

Bread covered by this PGI has the following characteristics:

| | Appearance: | It is a round, rustic-looking bread. |
| --- | --- | --- |

Appearance:

It is a round, rustic-looking bread.

| | The crumb has large, irregular alveoles. It is the same shade of white as the flour used and remains soft for some time. The spongy crumb is a key feature of the product and is a result of the bakers' expertise and long experience. |
| --- | --- |

The crumb has large, irregular alveoles. It is the same shade of white as the flour used and remains soft for some time. The spongy crumb is a key feature of the product and is a result of the bakers' expertise and long experience.

| | The crust is thick and crisp, a toasted brown colour, and cracked where it has split open during baking. |
| --- | --- |

The crust is thick and crisp, a toasted brown colour, and cracked where it has split open during baking.

| | Organoleptic characteristics:
  It is a very fragrant and tasty bread, with a certain acidity which maintains the sensation of freshness and a pleasant texture for 8-9 hours after baking. |
| --- | --- |

Organoleptic characteristics:

It is a very fragrant and tasty bread, with a certain acidity which maintains the sensation of freshness and a pleasant texture for 8-9 hours after baking.

| | Presentation
  It is presented in the form of loaves weighing approximately 500 g and 1 kg. They are round and with a natural crack on the top.






  Weight of the loaf baked and cold (grams) | Circumference of the loaf baked and cold (cm) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 400-500 | 25 +/– 5 |
| 800-1 000 | 35 +/– 5 |

Presentation

It is presented in the form of loaves weighing approximately 500 g and 1 kg. They are round and with a natural crack on the top.

Weight of the loaf baked and cold (grams)

Circumference of the loaf baked and cold (cm)

400-500

25 +/– 5

800-1 000

35 +/– 5

3.3.   Raw materials (for processed products only):

Wheat flour: W between 150 and 240 and P/L between 0,4 and 0,6.

Water: worked into the dough at 60-70 % (litres water/kg flour)

Starter dough from a previous fermentation: between 15 and 20 % of the amount of flour in the dough.

Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae L.): maximum 2 %

Cooking salt: maximum 1,8 % (per 100 kg flour)

3.4.   Feed (for products of animal origin only):

—

3.5.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the defined geographical area:

The entire production process must take place within the defined geographical area.

| (a) | Kneading the dough |
| --- | --- |

(a)

Kneading the dough

| (b) | Resting the dough
  At this stage the baker's expertise is crucial to the development of the bread's aroma. In addition, resting strengthens the protein network that develops when the dough is mixed and kneaded and makes the dough more pliable. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Resting the dough

At this stage the baker's expertise is crucial to the development of the bread's aroma. In addition, resting strengthens the protein network that develops when the dough is mixed and kneaded and makes the dough more pliable.

| (c) | Dividing the dough into pieces |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Dividing the dough into pieces

| (d) | Rolling the dough pieces into balls |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Rolling the dough pieces into balls

| (e) | Resting the balls of dough |
| --- | --- |

(e)

Resting the balls of dough

| (f) | Shaping
  The shaping must be done by hand, no mechanised shaping is allowed. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

Shaping

The shaping must be done by hand, no mechanised shaping is allowed.

| (g) | Fermentation |
| --- | --- |

(g)

Fermentation

| (h) | Scoring |
| --- | --- |

(h)

Scoring

| (i) | Baking
  PGI ‘Pa de Pagès Català’ may be baked only in ovens which have a refractory floor that diffuses the heat, at a temperature between 180 and 230 °C. Each baker will employ his/her individual skill when adding steam, which determines the final appearance of the crust. |
| --- | --- |

(i)

Baking

PGI ‘Pa de Pagès Català’ may be baked only in ovens which have a refractory floor that diffuses the heat, at a temperature between 180 and 230 °C. Each baker will employ his/her individual skill when adding steam, which determines the final appearance of the crust.

| (j) | Cooling |
| --- | --- |

(j)

Cooling

3.6.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc.:

PGI ‘Pa de Pagès Català’ is sold to the public as whole loaves, uncut.

The product is sold packaged. Each loaf must be individually wrapped and the bags must be made of paper or any other material that is sustainable, biodegradable and eco-friendly.

The product must be packaged in the establishment where it is sold, just before sale to the final consumer, as packaging can accelerate the spread of moisture from the crumb to the crust, so that it becomes soft and chewy, making the bread less crusty on the outside and less spongy inside.

The bread may only be cut into slices (llesques) at the customer's request on purchase.

3.7.   Specific rules concerning labelling:

The outside of the packaging must clearly bear the PGI name ‘Pa de Pagès Català’, the PGI logo and the EU logo, as well as the information generally required by current legislation. All operators who meet the requirements of the PGI specification will be entitled to use the ‘Pa de Pagès Català’ PGI logo.

Reproduction in black and white of the PGI logo:

Image

Pantone colours of the PGI logo: peel (baker's shovel): 457, shadow 265, crust 124

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area:

The geographical area of the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Pa de Pagès Català’ covers the entire region of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia.

5.   Link with the geographical area:

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area:

‘Pa de Pagès Català’, more commonly known throughout the Autonomous Community as pa de pagès, is the bread with the greatest historical reputation in Catalonia. The etymology of the name pa de pagès already gives a clear indication of where the product originated: in rural areas. Pagés means farmer or peasant in Catalan. PGI Pa de pagès was the bread made in rural areas throughout Catalonia for local consumption. It was therefore an artisan bread, as it was made in the masías (farmhouses) and in the villages. Bakers in rural areas also made pa de pagès because it kept perfectly for several days, which was ideal for country folk. Pa de Pagès is round and always shaped by hand; the dough is fermented slowly and baked in an oven with a refractory floor, a tradition that has been maintained for over 600 years.

For centuries, the tradition of pa de pagès was passed down from one generation to the next, in people's homes and in rural bakeries. It was these rural bakers who, with the successive migrations from rural to urban areas that took place in Catalonia from the 16th to 18th centuries, gradually introduced pa de pagès to consumers in the large towns and cities and the surrounding areas.

At the end of the 19th century certain historical events occurred that led to ‘Pa de Pagès Català’ becoming more widely known as the most typical Catalan bakery product. The World Fairs held in Barcelona in 1888 and 1929, which coincided with the industrialisation of Catalonia, triggered a huge migration of people from rural areas to the Catalan capital. Thousands of people left their villages in the interior and southern part of the region to make a better living in factories in Barcelona and other industrial centres such as Manresa, Reus, etc. Among them were people who had been bakers in their villages of origin or entrusted with making pa de pagès at home. Many of these people found work not in the factories, but in the town and city bakeries, which had to produce bread for an ever-growing population.

At the same time as these people became bakery workers, the bakery sector itself was changing, with the introduction of machinery and flours that were more refined than those that had been used up until then. This was when baguette-type bread began to appear, which was easier and quicker to make than the traditional pa de pagès. However, the new urban populations remained loyal to their traditional bread and asked the bakeries for pa de pagès, so the bakeries started making pa de pagès as well as modern baguette-type bread.

At that time pa de pagès was known throughout Catalonia as a traditional, artisan bread, the good old bread, which was quite different from the new types of bread. It has exactly the same reputation today. To the extent that one cannot imagine pa amb tamàquet (bread with tomato), one of the most famous Catalan specialities, being made with any other type of bread.

In the 19th and 20th centuries the method used to make pa de pagès in Barcelona and other industrial towns was gradually adopted all over Catalonia. This method has not changed and has remained essentially the same for the past 100 years, according to descendants of bread-making families throughout the region. The bread is made using slow methods and special attention is paid to how it is baked, especially when adding the steam — this is where each baker employs his/her individual skill, which determines the final appearance of the crust.

5.2.   Specificity of the product:

‘Pa de Pagès Català’ is the most representative Catalan bakery speciality. It is a slow-fermentation bread, shaped exclusively by hand and baked slowly in ovens with a refractory floor. It has a crisp, toasted-brown crust, a tender, spongy crumb with large alveoles, which keeps its fresh appearance and pleasant texture for 8-9 hours after it is baked. These features result from the expertise and long experience of the Catalan bakers, and give the bread its special character, which has always been the same and has maintained its reputation over time.

5.3.   Causal link between the geographical area and a specific quality, the reputation or other characteristic of the product:

The features that link the product with the geographical area are mainly its historical reputation and the fact that knowledge of the production method has been transmitted unchanged from one generation of Catalan bakers to the next. Its reputation is such that ‘Pa de Pagès Català’ is an essential feature of Catalan gastronomy.

In Catalonia, ‘Pa de Pagès Català’ has been recognised as a high-quality, artisan bread for centuries, and its high quality has often been the cause of dispute. Thus, Professor Antoni Riera of the University of Barcelona, in a study on the production, sale and consumption of bread in modern Catalan towns and cities in the 14th to 18th centuries, records that in Barcelona in the 18th century the bread that was brought to the city from rural areas was a cause of tension, specifically, says Riera, ‘the pa de pagès that came from the surrounding villages’. It is easy to understand the reason for the tension between the city bakers and those who came from outside the Catalan capital: pa de pagès was a better quality bread than the bread made by the bakers in Barcelona, and so people preferred it. This is also stated by the historian Jesús Ávila regarding the bread that arrived in Barcelona from other towns and villages: ‘people preferred the bread made by the monks of Sant Jeroni in the Vall d'Hebron. As well as pa de pagès, local district breads, such as those of Valls and Reus, and long French-style baguettes also became popular, as did llonguets (a typical Catalan bread roll)’. As this shows, historians already regard ‘Pa de Pagès Català’ as a quality product specific to Catalonia, at least from the 18th century onwards.

Other bread making specialists, gourmets and historians (F. Tejero, X. Barriga, J. C. Capel, E. Rosset, P. Roca) repeatedly refer to ‘Pa de Pagès Català’ as a specific Catalan product.

It is also interesting to see how early on this bread became a distinct feature in Spanish painting. One of the oldest depictions of ‘Pa de Pagès Català’ is in the mural paintings of Pia Almoina de Lleida (14th-15th centuries), which show large round loaves on the tables of the poor, different from the types of bread eaten by the more affluent classes at that time. Other examples that must be mentioned are specific works featuring the shapes of traditional Catalan bread, by Picasso and Dalí (early and mid-20th century) and still lifes done by less internationally well-known painters in the second half of the 20th century.

It must be pointed out how the fame of ‘Pa de Pagès Català’ has led to similar breads also being called pa de pagès, as in the Balearic Islands, or provinces neighbouring on Catalonia such as Huesca and Castellón. This is mentioned by José Carlos Capel (El pan. Elaboración, formas, mitos, ritos y gastronomía. Barcelona, Montserrat Mateu, 1991), a scholar and writer on Spanish eating habits and a food critic, who states that ‘the name pan de payès is used to denote bread which, in appearance and taste, is trying to imitate, usually without success, this excellent Catalan bread’.

The official bread price lists that used to be published by the Spanish provinces under the supervision of the State authorities show how firmly rooted pa de pagès is in Catalonia. Until bread prices were liberalised in 1986 pa de payès was on the lists for the four Catalan provinces, whereas in the Balearic Islands there was only pan de flama (the common baguette-type bread) and the bread locally known as payès was not on the list.

In recent years many newspaper articles have drawn attention to the excellence of bakers throughout Catalonia who, in centuries-old traditional family bakeries, have maintained ‘Pa de Pagès Català’ as one of their specialities.

Publication reference of the specification:

The full text of the product specification can be found at:

http://www.gencat.cat/daam/pliego-pa-pages-catala

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

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