# Official Journal C 431/2017

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 431 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6015 December 2017 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 431

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6015 December 2017

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| | RECOMMENDATIONS |
| | European Systemic Risk Board |
| 2017/C 431/01 ESRB/2017/4 | Recommendation of the European Systemic Risk Board of 20 October 2017 amending Recommendation ESRB/2015/2 on the assessment of cross-border effects of and voluntary reciprocity for macroprudential policy measures (ESRB/2017/4) | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RECOMMENDATIONS

European Systemic Risk Board

2017/C 431/01 ESRB/2017/4

Recommendation of the European Systemic Risk Board of 20 October 2017 amending Recommendation ESRB/2015/2 on the assessment of cross-border effects of and voluntary reciprocity for macroprudential policy measures (ESRB/2017/4)

1

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| | II   Information |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2017/C 431/02 | Communication from the Commission — Updating of data used to calculate lump sum and penalty payments to be proposed by the Commission to the Court of Justice in infringement proceedings | 3 |
| 2017/C 431/03 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8454 — KKR/Pelican Rouge) (
  1
  ) | 6 |

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2017/C 431/02

Communication from the Commission — Updating of data used to calculate lump sum and penalty payments to be proposed by the Commission to the Court of Justice in infringement proceedings

3

2017/C 431/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8454 — KKR/Pelican Rouge) (
  1
  )

1

6

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| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2017/C 431/04 | Euro exchange rates | 7 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2017/C 431/05 | Update of the list of national services responsible for border controls as referred to in Article 16(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (codification) | 8 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2017/C 431/04

Euro exchange rates

7

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2017/C 431/05

Update of the list of national services responsible for border controls as referred to in Article 16(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (codification)

8

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2017/C 431/06 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.8665 — Discovery/Scripps) (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2017/C 431/07 | Publication of an application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 10 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2017/C 431/06

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.8665 — Discovery/Scripps) (
  1
  )

1

9

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2017/C 431/07

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

10

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| | Corrigenda |
| --- | --- |
| 2017/C 431/08 | Corrigendum to call for proposals 2018 — EAC/A05/2017 — Erasmus+ Programme ( OJ C 361, 25.10.2017 ) | 13 |

Corrigenda

2017/C 431/08

Corrigendum to call for proposals 2018 — EAC/A05/2017 — Erasmus+ Programme ( OJ C 361, 25.10.2017 )

13

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| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (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

RECOMMENDATIONS

European Systemic Risk Board

| 15.12.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 431/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.12.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 431/1

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RECOMMENDATION OF THE EUROPEAN SYSTEMIC RISK BOARD

of 20 October 2017

amending Recommendation ESRB/2015/2 on the assessment of cross-border effects of and voluntary reciprocity for macroprudential policy measures

(ESRB/2017/4)

(2017/C 431/01)

THE GENERAL BOARD OF THE EUROPEAN SYSTEMIC RISK BOARD,

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

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1092/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on European Union macro-prudential oversight of the financial system and establishing a European Systemic Risk Board (1), and in particular Article 3 and Articles 16 to 18 thereof,

Having regard to Decision ESRB/2011/1 of the European Systemic Risk Board of 20 January 2011 adopting the Rules of Procedure of the European Systemic Risk Board (2), and in particular Article 15(3)(e) and Articles 18 to 20 thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | The framework on voluntary reciprocity for macroprudential policy measures set out in Recommendation ESRB/2015/2 (3) of the European Systemic Risk Board should ensure that all exposure-based macroprudential policy measures activated in one Member State are reciprocated in the other Member States to the greatest possible extent. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The framework on voluntary reciprocity for macroprudential policy measures set out in Recommendation ESRB/2015/2 (3) of the European Systemic Risk Board should ensure that all exposure-based macroprudential policy measures activated in one Member State are reciprocated in the other Member States to the greatest possible extent.

| (2) | Relevant authorities in Member States may exempt an individual financial service provider with non-material exposure from the application of the reciprocating measure (de minimis principle). |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Relevant authorities in Member States may exempt an individual financial service provider with non-material exposure from the application of the reciprocating measure (de minimis principle).

| (3) | The current framework on voluntary reciprocity of the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) does not provide guidance on the threshold to be used by the relevant authorities to determine the materiality of exposure. Where a relevant authority exempts an individual financial service provider with non-material exposure, the authority currently may adopt the threshold it deems appropriate, creating potential divergences in the application of the de minimis principle. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The current framework on voluntary reciprocity of the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) does not provide guidance on the threshold to be used by the relevant authorities to determine the materiality of exposure. Where a relevant authority exempts an individual financial service provider with non-material exposure, the authority currently may adopt the threshold it deems appropriate, creating potential divergences in the application of the de minimis principle.

| (4) | To avoid such potential divergences, the relevant activating authority should propose a maximum materiality threshold at the financial service provider level when requesting reciprocation. The permanent Assessment Team of the ESRB, as referred to in Decision ESRB/2015/4 of the European Systemic Risk Board (4), may recommend a different threshold if deemed necessary. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

To avoid such potential divergences, the relevant activating authority should propose a maximum materiality threshold at the financial service provider level when requesting reciprocation. The permanent Assessment Team of the ESRB, as referred to in Decision ESRB/2015/4 of the European Systemic Risk Board (4), may recommend a different threshold if deemed necessary.

| (5) | Therefore, Recommendation ESRB/2015/2 should be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Therefore, Recommendation ESRB/2015/2 should be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS RECOMMENDATION:

Amendments

Recommendation ESRB/2015/2 is amended as follows:

| 1. | in Section 1, sub-recommendation B(2) is replaced by the following:






  ‘2. | If reciprocation by other Member States is deemed necessary to ensure the effective functioning of the relevant measures, the relevant activating authorities are recommended to submit a request for reciprocation to the ESRB, together with the notification of the measure. The request should include a proposed materiality threshold.’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

in Section 1, sub-recommendation B(2) is replaced by the following:

‘2.

If reciprocation by other Member States is deemed necessary to ensure the effective functioning of the relevant measures, the relevant activating authorities are recommended to submit a request for reciprocation to the ESRB, together with the notification of the measure. The request should include a proposed materiality threshold.’;

| 2. | in paragraph 1 of Section 2, the following point is added:






  ‘(i) | “materiality threshold” means a quantitative threshold below which an individual financial service provider’s exposure to the identified macroprudential risk in the jurisdiction where the macroprudential policy measure is applied by the activating authority can be considered non-material.’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

in paragraph 1 of Section 2, the following point is added:

‘(i)

“materiality threshold” means a quantitative threshold below which an individual financial service provider’s exposure to the identified macroprudential risk in the jurisdiction where the macroprudential policy measure is applied by the activating authority can be considered non-material.’;

| 3. | in Section 2, paragraph 2(1) is replaced by the following:






  ‘1. | The relevant authorities may exempt an individual financial service provider under their jurisdiction from applying a particular reciprocating macroprudential policy measure, if this financial service provider has non-material exposure to the identified macroprudential risk in the jurisdiction, where the relevant activating authority is applying the macroprudential policy measure in question (de minimis principle). The relevant authorities are requested to report to the ESRB on such exemptions, using the template for notifying reciprocating measures as published on the ESRB’s website.
  For the purpose of applying the de minimis principle, the ESRB recommends a materiality threshold based on that proposed by the relevant activating authority pursuant to Section 1, sub-recommendation B(2). The threshold calibration should follow the best practices as established by the ESRB. The materiality threshold is a recommended maximum threshold level. Reciprocating relevant authorities may apply the recommended threshold, set a lower threshold for their jurisdiction where appropriate, or reciprocate the measure without any materiality threshold. When applying the de minimis principle, authorities should monitor whether leakages and regulatory arbitrage materialise and close the regulatory loophole where necessary.’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

in Section 2, paragraph 2(1) is replaced by the following:

‘1.

The relevant authorities may exempt an individual financial service provider under their jurisdiction from applying a particular reciprocating macroprudential policy measure, if this financial service provider has non-material exposure to the identified macroprudential risk in the jurisdiction, where the relevant activating authority is applying the macroprudential policy measure in question (de minimis principle). The relevant authorities are requested to report to the ESRB on such exemptions, using the template for notifying reciprocating measures as published on the ESRB’s website.

For the purpose of applying the de minimis principle, the ESRB recommends a materiality threshold based on that proposed by the relevant activating authority pursuant to Section 1, sub-recommendation B(2). The threshold calibration should follow the best practices as established by the ESRB. The materiality threshold is a recommended maximum threshold level. Reciprocating relevant authorities may apply the recommended threshold, set a lower threshold for their jurisdiction where appropriate, or reciprocate the measure without any materiality threshold. When applying the de minimis principle, authorities should monitor whether leakages and regulatory arbitrage materialise and close the regulatory loophole where necessary.’;

| 4. | Section 2, paragraph 4 is replaced by the following:






  ‘4. | Amendments to the Recommendation

  The General Board will decide when this Recommendation needs to be amended. Such amendments include in particular any additional or modified macroprudential policy measures to be reciprocated as set out in Recommendation C and the related annexes containing measure-specific information, including the materiality threshold provided by the ESRB. The General Board may also extend the deadlines set forth in the previous paragraphs where legislative initiatives are necessary to comply with one or more recommendations. In particular, the General Board may decide to amend this Recommendation following the European Commission’s review of the mandatory recognition framework under Union law or on the basis of experience gained with the operation of the voluntary reciprocity arrangement established by this Recommendation.’. |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.

Section 2, paragraph 4 is replaced by the following:

‘4.

Amendments to the Recommendation

The General Board will decide when this Recommendation needs to be amended. Such amendments include in particular any additional or modified macroprudential policy measures to be reciprocated as set out in Recommendation C and the related annexes containing measure-specific information, including the materiality threshold provided by the ESRB. The General Board may also extend the deadlines set forth in the previous paragraphs where legislative initiatives are necessary to comply with one or more recommendations. In particular, the General Board may decide to amend this Recommendation following the European Commission’s review of the mandatory recognition framework under Union law or on the basis of experience gained with the operation of the voluntary reciprocity arrangement established by this Recommendation.’.

Done at Frankfurt am Main, 20 October 2017.

Francesco MAZZAFERRO,

Head of the ESRB Secretariat,

on behalf of the General Board of the ESRB

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(1)  OJ L 331, 15.12.2010, p. 1.

1

(2)  OJ C 58, 24.2.2011, p. 4.

2

(3)  Recommendation ESRB/2015/2 of the European Systemic Risk Board of 15 December 2015 on the assessment of cross-border effects of and voluntary reciprocity for macroprudential policy measures (OJ C 97, 12.3.2016, p. 9).

3

(4)  Decision ESRB/2015/4 of the European Systemic Risk Board of 16 December 2015 on a coordination framework for the notification of national macroprudential policy measures by relevant authorities, the issuing of opinions and recommendations by the ESRB, and repealing Decision ESRB/2014/2 (OJ C 97, 12.3.2016, p. 28).

4

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 15.12.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 431/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.12.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 431/3

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COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION

Updating of data used to calculate lump sum and penalty payments to be proposed by the Commission to the Court of Justice in infringement proceedings

(2017/C 431/02)

I.   INTRODUCTION

The 2005 Commission Communication on the application of Article 228 of the EC Treaty (1) (now Article 260(1) and (2) of the TFEU) established the basis on which the Commission calculates the amount of the financial sanctions (either lump sum or penalty payments) that it requests the Court of Justice to apply when the Commission brings a case before the Court under Article 260(2) TFEU, in the context of infringement proceedings against a Member State.

In a subsequent Communication of 2010 (2) on the updating of the data used for this calculation, the Commission established that these macroeconomic data be subject to revision every year, in order to take into account inflation and GDP movements.

The 2011 Commission Communication on the implementation of Article 260(3) TFEU (3) and the 2017 Commission Communication ‘EU law: Better results through better application’ (4) emphasise that the same method as established by the 2005 Communication applies for the calculation of the financial sanctions which the Commission requests the Court of Justice to apply under Article 260(3) TFEU.

The yearly update provided in this Communication is based on developments in the inflation and GDP of each Member State (5). The relevant rate of inflation and GDP statistics to be used are those established two years prior to the update (‘t-2 rule’), as two years is the minimum period of time necessary for gathering relatively stable macroeconomic data. This Communication is therefore based on economic data for nominal GDP and the GDP deflator for 2015 (6) and the current weighting of Member State voting rights in the Council.

II.   COMPONENTS OF THE UPDATE

The list of economic criteria to be revised is as follows:

| — | the standard flat-rate amount for the penalty payment (7), currently fixed at EUR 680 per day, to be revised in line with inflation; |
| --- | --- |

—

the standard flat-rate amount for the penalty payment (7), currently fixed at EUR 680 per day, to be revised in line with inflation;

| — | the standard flat-rate amount for the lump sum payment (8), currently fixed at EUR 230 per day, to be revised in line with inflation; |
| --- | --- |

—

the standard flat-rate amount for the lump sum payment (8), currently fixed at EUR 230 per day, to be revised in line with inflation;

| — | the special ‘n’ factor (9), to be revised in line with the GDP of the Member State in question taking into account the number of voting rights it has in the Council; the ‘n’ factor is identical for the calculation of lump sum and daily penalty payments; |
| --- | --- |

—

the special ‘n’ factor (9), to be revised in line with the GDP of the Member State in question taking into account the number of voting rights it has in the Council; the ‘n’ factor is identical for the calculation of lump sum and daily penalty payments;

| — | minimum lump sum payments (10) to be revised in line with inflation. |
| --- | --- |

—

minimum lump sum payments (10) to be revised in line with inflation.

III.   UPDATES

The Commission will apply the following updated figures to calculate the amount of the financial sanctions (lump sum or penalty payments) when it brings a case to the Court of Justice under Article 260(2) and (3) TFEU:

| (1) | the standard flat-rate amount for calculating the penalty payment is fixed at EUR 700 per day, |
| --- | --- |

(1)

the standard flat-rate amount for calculating the penalty payment is fixed at EUR 700 per day,

| (2) | the standard flat rate for the lump sum payment is fixed at EUR 230 per day. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

the standard flat rate for the lump sum payment is fixed at EUR 230 per day.

| (3) | The special ‘n’ factor and the minimum lump sum for the 28 EU Member States are set as follows:







  Member State | special factor ‘n’ | Minimum lump sums
  (EUR 1 000 ) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Belgium | 4,85 | 2 799 |
| Bulgaria | 1,47 | 848 |
| Czech Republic | 3,09 | 1 783 |
| Denmark | 3,01 | 1 737 |
| Germany | 20,50 | 11 832 |
| Estonia | 0,62 | 358 |
| Ireland | 2,92 | 1 685 |
| Greece | 3,17 | 1 830 |
| Spain | 11,78 | 6 799 |
| France | 17,43 | 10 060 |
| Croatia | 1,21 | 698 |
| Italy | 15,10 | 8 715 |
| Cyprus | 0,58 | 335 |
| Latvia | 0,68 | 392 |
| Lithuania | 1,12 | 646 |
| Luxembourg | 1,00 | 577 |
| Hungary | 2,51 | 1 449 |
| Malta | 0,36 | 208 |
| Netherlands | 6,48 | 3 740 |
| Austria | 4,03 | 2 326 |
| Poland | 7,45 | 4 300 |
| Portugal | 3,21 | 1 853 |
| Romania | 3,27 | 1 887 |
| Slovenia | 0,86 | 496 |
| Slovakia | 1,62 | 935 |
| Finland | 2,65 | 1 529 |
| Sweden | 4,62 | 2 666 |
| United Kingdom | 18,90 | 10 908 |

(3)

The special ‘n’ factor and the minimum lump sum for the 28 EU Member States are set as follows:

Member State

special factor ‘n’

Minimum lump sums

(EUR 1 000 )

Belgium

4,85

2 799

Bulgaria

1,47

848

Czech Republic

3,09

1 783

Denmark

3,01

1 737

Germany

20,50

11 832

Estonia

0,62

358

Ireland

2,92

1 685

Greece

3,17

1 830

Spain

11,78

6 799

France

17,43

10 060

Croatia

1,21

698

Italy

15,10

8 715

Cyprus

0,58

335

Latvia

0,68

392

Lithuania

1,12

646

Luxembourg

1,00

577

Hungary

2,51

1 449

Malta

0,36

208

Netherlands

6,48

3 740

Austria

4,03

2 326

Poland

7,45

4 300

Portugal

3,21

1 853

Romania

3,27

1 887

Slovenia

0,86

496

Slovakia

1,62

935

Finland

2,65

1 529

Sweden

4,62

2 666

United Kingdom

18,90

10 908

| (4) | The Commission will apply the updated figures to decisions it takes to bring a case before the Court of Justice under Article 260 TFEU as from the adoption of this Communication. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Commission will apply the updated figures to decisions it takes to bring a case before the Court of Justice under Article 260 TFEU as from the adoption of this Communication.

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(1)  SEC(2005) 1658 (OJ C 126, 7.6.2007, p. 15).

(2)  SEC(2010) 923/3. This Communication has been updated in 2011 (SEC(2011) 1024 final), in 2012 (C(2012) 6106 final), in 2013 (C(2013) 8101 final) and in 2014 (C(2014) 6767 final), in 2015 (C(2015)5511 final) and in 2016 (C(2016)5091 final) for the yearly adaptation of economic data.

(3)  OJ C 12, 15.1.2011, p. 1.

(4)  OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, p. 10.

(5)  According to the general rules set out in the communications of 2005 and 2010.

(6)  The GDP price deflator is used as a measure of inflation. The uniform amounts for lump sum and penalty payments are rounded to the nearest multiple of ten. The minimum lump sums are rounded to the nearest thousand. The ‘n’ factor is rounded to two decimal places.

(7)  The standard or uniform flat-rate amount for daily penalty payments is defined as the fixed basic amount to which certain multiplier weightings are applied. The weightings are the coefficients for the seriousness and the duration of the infringement and the special factor ‘n’ corresponding to the Member State concerned that are to be applied for the calculation of a daily penalty payment.

(8)  The flat-rate amount is to be applied when calculating the lump sum. As regards Article 260(2) TFEU, the lump sum will result from multiplying a daily amount (resulting from multiplying the standard flat-rate amount for lump sum payments by the coefficient for seriousness and the result of this calculation being multiplied by the special factor ‘n’) by the number of days the infringement persists between the date of the first judgment and the date that the infringement comes to an end or the date of delivery of the judgment under Article 260(2) TFEU. As regards Article 260(3) TFEU, according to point 28 of the Commission Communication on ‘Implementation of Article 260(3) of the Treaty’ (SEC (2010)1371 final; OJ C 12, 15.1.2011, p. 1), the lump sum will result from multiplying a daily amount (resulting from multiplying the standard flat-rate amount for lump sum payments by the coefficient for seriousness and the result of this calculation being multiplied by the special factor ‘n’) by the number of days from the day after the time limit for transposition set out in the directive expired until the date that the infringement comes to an end or the date of delivery of the judgment under Articles 258 and 260 (3) TFEU. The lump sum calculated on the basis of the daily amount should apply when the result of the above-mentioned calculation exceeds the minimum lump sum.

(9)  The special factor ‘n’ takes into account the capacity of the Member States to pay (gross domestic product (GDP)) and the number of votes it has in the Council.

(10)  The minimum fixed lump sum payment is determined for each Member State according to the special ‘n’ factor. The minimum fixed lump sum will be proposed to the Court when the summed up daily lump sum payments do not exceed the minimum fixed lump sum.

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| 15.12.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 431/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.12.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 431/6

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.8454 — KKR/Pelican Rouge)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2017/C 431/03)

On 25 August 2017, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) in conjunction with Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32017M8454. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32017M8454. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

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

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 15.12.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 431/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.12.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 431/7

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Euro exchange rates (1)

14 December 2017

(2017/C 431/04)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,1845 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 133,39 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4433 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,88163 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,9488 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,1686 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 9,7783 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,695 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 314,07 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,2220 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,6330 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 4,5855 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5452 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,5196 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,2499 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6934 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,5950 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 288,74 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 15,9540 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,8278 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5478 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 16 077,22 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,8377 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 59,902 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 69,6190 |
| THB | Thai baht | 38,505 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 3,9529 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 22,6237 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 76,2465 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1845

JPY

Japanese yen

133,39

DKK

Danish krone

7,4433

GBP

Pound sterling

0,88163

SEK

Swedish krona

9,9488

CHF

Swiss franc

1,1686

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

9,7783

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,695

HUF

Hungarian forint

314,07

PLN

Polish zloty

4,2220

RON

Romanian leu

4,6330

TRY

Turkish lira

4,5855

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5452

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,5196

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,2499

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6934

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5950

KRW

South Korean won

1 288,74

ZAR

South African rand

15,9540

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,8278

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5478

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

16 077,22

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,8377

PHP

Philippine peso

59,902

RUB

Russian rouble

69,6190

THB

Thai baht

38,505

BRL

Brazilian real

3,9529

MXN

Mexican peso

22,6237

INR

Indian rupee

76,2465

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

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NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 15.12.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 431/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.12.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 431/8

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Update of the list of national services responsible for border controls as referred to in Article 16(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (codification) (1)

(2017/C 431/05)

The publication of the list of national services responsible for border controls as referred to in Article 16(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) is based on the information communicated by the Member States to the Commission in conformity with Article 39 of the Schengen Borders Code.

In addition to the publication in the Official Journal, a regular update is available on the website of the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Replacement of the information published in OJ C 247, 13.10.2006

The national service responsible for border controls: Ředitelství služby cizinecké policie, celní správa (Directorate of Alien Police Service, Customs).

List of previous publications

| | OJ C 247, 13.10.2006, p. 17. |
| --- | --- |

OJ C 247, 13.10.2006, p. 17.

| | OJ C 77, 5.4.2007, p. 11. |
| --- | --- |

OJ C 77, 5.4.2007, p. 11.

| | OJ C 153, 6.7.2007, p. 1. |
| --- | --- |

OJ C 153, 6.7.2007, p. 1.

| | OJ C 164, 18.7.2007, p. 45. |
| --- | --- |

OJ C 164, 18.7.2007, p. 45.

| | OJ C 153, 6.7.2007, p. 21. |
| --- | --- |

OJ C 153, 6.7.2007, p. 21.

| | OJ C 331, 31.12.2008, p. 15. |
| --- | --- |

OJ C 331, 31.12.2008, p. 15.

| | OJ C 87, 1.4.2010, p. 15. |
| --- | --- |

OJ C 87, 1.4.2010, p. 15.

| | OJ C 180, 21.6.2012, p. 2. |
| --- | --- |

OJ C 180, 21.6.2012, p. 2.

| | OJ C 98, 5.4.2013, p. 2. |
| --- | --- |

OJ C 98, 5.4.2013, p. 2.

| | OJ C 256, 5.9.2013, p. 14. |
| --- | --- |

OJ C 256, 5.9.2013, p. 14.

| | OJ C 360, 10.12.2013, p. 17. |
| --- | --- |

OJ C 360, 10.12.2013, p. 17.

| | OJ C 218, 7.7.2017, p. 19. |
| --- | --- |

OJ C 218, 7.7.2017, p. 19.

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(1)  See the list of previous publications at the end of this update.

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V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 15.12.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 431/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.12.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 431/9

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.8665 — Discovery/Scripps)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2017/C 431/06)

| 1. | On 8 December 2017, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1).
  This notification concerns the following undertakings:






  — | Discovery Communications, Inc. (‘Discovery’, United States), |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

On 8 December 2017, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1).

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

—

Discovery Communications, Inc. (‘Discovery’, United States),

| — | Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (‘Scripps’, United States). |
| --- | --- |

—

Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (‘Scripps’, United States).

Discovery acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of Scripps.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:
  —   for Discovery: a global media company that provides content across multiple distribution platorms, including linear platforms such as pay-television, free-to-air, and various digital distribution platforms around the world,
  —   for Scripps: a global media company providing primarily home, food, travel and other related programming. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for Discovery: a global media company that provides content across multiple distribution platorms, including linear platforms such as pay-television, free-to-air, and various digital distribution platforms around the world,

—   for Scripps: a global media company providing primarily home, food, travel and other related programming.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. 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 the Merger Regulation. 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. The following reference should always be specified:
  M.8665 — Discovery/Scripps
  Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:





  E-mail: |
| --- | --- |
| COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu |
| Fax |
| +32 22964301 |
| Postal address: |
| European Commission |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 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. The following reference should always be specified:

M.8665 — Discovery/Scripps

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

E-mail:

COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax

+32 22964301

Postal address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

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

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 15.12.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 431/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.12.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 431/10

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Publication of an application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2017/C 431/07)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1).

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Lough Neagh Pollan’

EU No: PDO-GB-2159 — 28.07.2016

PDO ( X ) PGI ( )

1.   Name(s)

‘Lough Neagh Pollan’

2.   Member State or Third Country

United Kingdom

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.7 Fresh fish, molluscs, and crustaceans and products derived therefrom.

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

A member of the Salmonid family, Lough Neagh Pollan is the name given to the lacustrine fish of the species Coregonus pollan which are harvested as a wild fish. Lough Neagh Pollan have been genetically ascribed as unique to Lough Neagh. As a consequence they can only be harvested from the defined geographical area of Lough Neagh.

In appearance, the Lough Neagh Pollan are bright silver in colour, with dark dorsal colouration and pale fins. They are physically distinguished from other Coregonids in the British Isles by having:

| — | a lower jaw that does not project, |
| --- | --- |

—

a lower jaw that does not project,

| — | 41-48 gill rakers, |
| --- | --- |

—

41-48 gill rakers,

| — | 74-92 lateral line scales. |
| --- | --- |

—

74-92 lateral line scales.

The minimum marketable size limit for Lough Neagh Pollan is 205 mm in length. Fish of this size typically range in age from 3-4 years and 76-210 g in weight. Lough Neagh Pollan are sold whole gutted or filleted, which are either fresh or frozen.

Uncooked, Lough Neagh Pollan has a mild, delicate fish aroma. The flesh is a glossy, pale white colour with a slight pink tint and the descaled skin is a shiny silver.

After cooking, the flesh is white and shiny. The aroma and taste are delicate with a pleasant earthiness and mild fish flavour. The texture is smooth with medium softness, and often considered as quite meaty, for a fish of this size.

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

—

3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area

Lough Neagh Pollan must be caught and processed in the defined geographical area using the traditional draft netting and gill netting (known locally as trammel netting) method. Processing occurs in two ways depending on customer requirements; whole gutted or filleted.

Whole gutted Lough Neagh Pollan

| — | Processing of whole gutted Lough Neagh Pollan involves descaling, evisceration and cleaning. |
| --- | --- |

—

Processing of whole gutted Lough Neagh Pollan involves descaling, evisceration and cleaning.

Filleted Lough Neagh Pollan

| — | There is no set procedure, filleting can be completed by hand or in larger operations, using industrial equipment. |
| --- | --- |

—

There is no set procedure, filleting can be completed by hand or in larger operations, using industrial equipment.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

—

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

—

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area consists of Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland (54,6302, 6,4380 lat. long.) and includes the on-shore area incorporated within a 2-mile (3 km) perimeter of the lough’s shoreline, within which all processing of Lough Neagh Pollan occurs.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Pollan are the only European vertebrate found uniquely in Ireland, where their entire distribution is limited to the following five loughs:

| — | Lough Allen, |
| --- | --- |

—

Lough Allen,

| — | Lough Ree, |
| --- | --- |

—

Lough Ree,

| — | Lough Derg, |
| --- | --- |

—

Lough Derg,

| — | Lough Erne (Lower), |
| --- | --- |

—

Lough Erne (Lower),

| — | Lough Neagh. |
| --- | --- |

—

Lough Neagh.

Lough Neagh, with an area of 151 square miles (392 km2), and an average depth of 8,9 m, is the largest lake in the British Isles and one of the largest lakes in north-western Europe. It is fed from eight afferent rivers and drains to the sea via the Lower River Bann at its northern end. Lough Neagh Pollan are a lake-only species and are not found in the surrounding tributaries.

The characteristics of the Lough Neagh Pollan are linked to the environment where it grows, which in turn have contributed to the development of the traditional draft netting and gill netting (known locally as trammel netting) methods used in its capture.

The characteristics of the Lough Neagh Pollan are a product of genetic divergence from its closest living relative, the Arctic Omul (circa 200 000 years ago), and its survival and subsequent confinement in a restricted geographical area. As the sea temperature and salinity increased, Pollan lost its migratory behaviour and became restricted to freshwater habitats such as that of Lough Neagh. Unlike all other members of the Cisco whitefish family, which are found in Arctic climes, Pollan evolved to exist in temperate waters. DNA analysis indicates that Pollan colonised Lough Neagh after the Saalian ice age, circa 200 000 years ago, whilst the other Irish populations became resident during the Devensian glacial period circa 40 000 years ago (pers comm. Ensing). Pollan are the only European vertebrate found uniquely in Ireland, whilst those in Lough Neagh are the only viable population of commercially exploitable Pollan in the world.

A genetic study into Irish Pollan (Coregonus pollan) stocks from Loughs Ree, Allen, Neagh and Erne using a suite of 10 microsatellite markers indicates relatively large genetic differentiation at these markers among the three main genetic clusters; Lough Neagh, Lough Erne and Lough Allen/Ree. Such results demonstrate that the Lough Neagh Pollan is genetically distinct from all other Pollan populations.

The large number of rivers flowing into Lough Neagh result in high sediment deposits. These sediments are very dark and are composed of silts and clays, organic matter and diatom frustules. The silts and clays are primarily derived from river-borne suspended material whilst the organic matter originates partly from catchment sources and partly from material produced within Lough Neagh. As a result Lough Neagh is rich in nutrients (hypereutrophic) and is continually aerated by circulating winds, which ensures that the enriched nature of the lough does not precipitate a dramatic loss of oxygen in the warmer months.

The combination of feedstuffs and retained oxygen levels means that Lough Neagh sustains an enhanced invertebrate population, which in turn supports the production of the only commercially exploitable Pollan population in the world. The nature of the sediment makes it a suitable habitat for the multitude of invertebrate life resident in the Lough. Lough Neagh Pollan feed on plankton, insect larva (mainly chironomids) and the glacial relict crustacean Mysis salemaai which constitutes the major proportion of the diet of Lough Neagh Pollan. The ready availability of this invertebrate-based diet, together with the hypereutrophic status and well-mixed nature of the lough, contributes to the Lough Neagh Pollan’s characteristically fast growth rate. Lough Neagh Pollan exhibit a wide distribution throughout the lough, but have preferred habitats, linked to life history stage, topography, substrate, water depth and season.

No similar fish species to Pollan exist in Lough Neagh; however, the other Lough Neagh resident Salmonid, brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) reaches a length of 99 mm end of year 1, and 162 mm end of year 2. Brown trout mature at age 3 (living up to 8 years) and leave Lough Neagh to spawn during autumn in the surrounding afferent rivers. Compared to such fish, Lough Neagh Pollan are fast-growing and short-lived, averaging 140 mm at the end of their first year, and 170 mm at the end of their second year. Maturing at 2 years of age and with an average life span ranging 3-4 years, Lough Neagh Pollan spawn in December in shallow areas of Lough Neagh, depositing eggs on gravel or rock sub-strata.

Only Lough Neagh contains sufficient stock to support a commercial fishery, as the other Irish loughs contain only small residual populations.

Before 1900, the harvesting of Lough Neagh Pollan dominated fishing activities on the lough. It is still considered an economically important species and depending on the time of year Lough Neagh Pollan makes up a significant proportion of catches.

While various historical records indicate that Lough Neagh Pollan have been a key component of the food heritage of the region for hundreds of years, it is still revered for its unique appeal among the most discerning of consumers today, in the 21st century.

Reference to publication of the specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of this Regulation)

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/495437/20160126-lough-neagh-pollan-pdo.pdf

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(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

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Corrigenda

| 15.12.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 431/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.12.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 431/13

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Corrigendum to call for proposals 2018 — EAC/A05/2017 — Erasmus+ Programme

(
  Official Journal of the European Union C 361 of 25 October 2017
  )

(2017/C 431/08)

On page 34, point 5 ‘Deadline for the submission of applications’ has been amended as follows, as regards Youth actions:

| Key Action 1 |
| --- |
| ‘Mobility of individuals in the field of youth | 15 February 2018’ |

Key Action 1

‘Mobility of individuals in the field of youth

15 February 2018’

| Key Action 2 |
| --- |
| ‘Strategic partnerships in the field of youth | 15 February 2018’ |

Key Action 2

‘Strategic partnerships in the field of youth

15 February 2018’

| Key Action 3 |
| --- |
| ‘Meeting between young people and decision-makers in the field of youth | 15 February 2018’ |

Key Action 3

‘Meeting between young people and decision-makers in the field of youth

15 February 2018’

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