# Official Journal C 29/2012

| | ISSN 1977-091X
  doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2012.029.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 29 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 552 February 2012 |

ISSN 1977-091X

doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2012.029.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 29

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 552 February 2012

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 029/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.6449 — DCC Energy/Swea Energi) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2012/C 029/02 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  2
  ) | 2 |
| 2012/C 029/03 | Decisions in the context of the monitoring of the implementation of decisions regarding restructuring and liquidation aid for financial institutions (
  1
  ) | 3 |
| 2012/C 029/04 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 4 |
| 2012/C 029/05 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.6444 — Terrena/Lyonnaise Des Eaux/JV) (
  1
  ) | 8 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2012/C 029/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.6449 — DCC Energy/Swea Energi) (
  1
  )

1

1

2012/C 029/02

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

2

2

2012/C 029/03

Decisions in the context of the monitoring of the implementation of decisions regarding restructuring and liquidation aid for financial institutions (
  1
  )

1

3

2012/C 029/04

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

1

4

2012/C 029/05

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.6444 — Terrena/Lyonnaise Des Eaux/JV) (
  1
  )

1

8

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 029/06 | Interest rate applied by the European Central Bank to its main refinancing operations: 1,00 % on 1 February 2012 — Euro exchange rates | 9 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2012/C 029/06

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

9

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 029/07 | Call for proposals under the work programme of the joint European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP) | 10 |
| 2012/C 029/08 | Call for proposals under the 2012 Ideas work programme of the Seventh EC Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities | 11 |
| | COURT PROCEEDINGS |
| | EFTA Court |
| 2012/C 029/09 | Request for an Advisory Opinion from the EFTA Court by Fürstliches Landgericht, dated 14 September 2011, in the case between Granville Establishment and Volker Anhalt, Melanie Anhalt and Jasmin Barbaro, née Anhalt (Case E-13/11) | 12 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 029/10 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6413 — OJSC Power Machines/Toshiba/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 13 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 029/11 | 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 |
| 2012/C 029/12 | 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 | 19 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Commission

2012/C 029/07

Call for proposals under the work programme of the joint European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP)

10

2012/C 029/08

Call for proposals under the 2012 Ideas work programme of the Seventh EC Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities

11

COURT PROCEEDINGS

EFTA Court

2012/C 029/09

Request for an Advisory Opinion from the EFTA Court by Fürstliches Landgericht, dated 14 September 2011, in the case between Granville Establishment and Volker Anhalt, Melanie Anhalt and Jasmin Barbaro, née Anhalt (Case E-13/11)

12

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2012/C 029/10

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6413 — OJSC Power Machines/Toshiba/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

13

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2012/C 029/11

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

2012/C 029/12

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

19

| | Corrigenda |
| --- | --- |
| 2012/C 029/13 | Corrigendum to the Commission Communication pursuant to Article 17(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Invitation to tender in respect of the operation of scheduled air services in accordance with public service obligations as detailed in the information notice published in OJ C 53 of 19 February 2011 (OJ C 18, 21.1.2012) | 23 |

Corrigenda

2012/C 029/13

Corrigendum to the Commission Communication pursuant to Article 17(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Invitation to tender in respect of the operation of scheduled air services in accordance with public service obligations as detailed in the information notice published in OJ C 53 of 19 February 2011 (OJ C 18, 21.1.2012)

23

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

| 2.2.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.2.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/1

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.6449 — DCC Energy/Swea Energi)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 29/01

On 27 January 2012, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. 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/en/index.htm) under document number 32012M6449. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to the European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) under document number 32012M6449. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to the European law.

---

| 2.2.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.2.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/2

---

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 29/02

| Date of adoption of the decision | 20.12.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.33516 (11/N) |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Bayern | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Ausgleichszahlungen für durch Biber verursachte Schäden |
| Legal basis | Richtlinien zum Bibermanagement |
| Type of measure | Scheme | — |
| Objective | Environmental protection |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | | Overall budget: EUR 0,70 million |

Date of adoption of the decision

20.12.2011

Reference number of State Aid

SA.33516 (11/N)

Member State

Germany

Region

Bayern

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Ausgleichszahlungen für durch Biber verursachte Schäden

Legal basis

Richtlinien zum Bibermanagement

Type of measure

Scheme

—

Objective

Environmental protection

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 0,70 million

| | Annual budget: EUR 0,35 million |
| --- | --- |

Annual budget: EUR 0,35 million

Intensity

80 %

Duration (period)

1.1.2011-31.12.2012

Economic sectors

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Name and address of the granting authority

| Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt und Gesundheit |
| --- |
| Rosenkavalierplatz 2 |
| 81925 München |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt und Gesundheit

Rosenkavalierplatz 2

81925 München

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

---

| 2.2.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.2.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/3

---

Decisions in the context of the monitoring of the implementation of decisions regarding restructuring and liquidation aid for financial institutions

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 29/03

| Date of adoption of the decision | 19.12.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | SA.31189 (MC 7/10) |
| Member State | Austria |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Monitoring of BAWAG P.S.K. |
| Type of Decision | — |
| Content | On 9 December 2011, Austria submitted to the Commission new commitments regarding investment limits. The Commission agrees that, with effect from the notification of this amendment decision, the new commitments regarding investment limits have to be applied. |
| Other information | On 30 June 2010, the Commission approved the second restructuring aid for BAWAG P.S.K. |

Date of adoption of the decision

19.12.2011

Reference number of the aid

SA.31189 (MC 7/10)

Member State

Austria

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Monitoring of BAWAG P.S.K.

Type of Decision

—

Content

On 9 December 2011, Austria submitted to the Commission new commitments regarding investment limits. The Commission agrees that, with effect from the notification of this amendment decision, the new commitments regarding investment limits have to be applied.

Other information

On 30 June 2010, the Commission approved the second restructuring aid for BAWAG P.S.K.

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

---

| 2.2.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.2.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/4

---

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 29/04

| Date of adoption of the decision | 1.12.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.32642 (11/N) |
| Member State | Austria |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Neue Barwertberechnungsmethode für Haftungen in der Tourismus- und Freizeitwirtschaft für den Zeitraum 2012-2013 |
| Legal basis | Richtlinie des Bundesministers für Wirtschaft, Familie und Jugend für die Übernahme von Haftungen für die Tourismus- und Freizeitwirtschaft 2011-2013 |
| Type of measure | Guarantee method |
| Objective | Small and medium-sized enterprises |
| Form of aid | Guarantee |
| Budget | — |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | Until 31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | Hotels and restaurants (tourism) |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft, Familie und Jugend |
| Abteilung V/4 (Tourismus-Förderungen) |
| Stubenring 1 |
| 1011 Wien |
| ÖSTERREICH |

Date of adoption of the decision

1.12.2011

Reference number of State Aid

SA.32642 (11/N)

Member State

Austria

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Neue Barwertberechnungsmethode für Haftungen in der Tourismus- und Freizeitwirtschaft für den Zeitraum 2012-2013

Legal basis

Richtlinie des Bundesministers für Wirtschaft, Familie und Jugend für die Übernahme von Haftungen für die Tourismus- und Freizeitwirtschaft 2011-2013

Type of measure

Guarantee method

Objective

Small and medium-sized enterprises

Form of aid

Guarantee

Budget

—

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

Until 31.12.2013

Economic sectors

Hotels and restaurants (tourism)

Name and address of the granting authority

Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft, Familie und Jugend

Abteilung V/4 (Tourismus-Förderungen)

Stubenring 1

1011 Wien

ÖSTERREICH

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 | 7.12.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.32820 (11/NN) |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Forensic Science Services Limited |
| Legal basis | Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 s128 |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Objective | Closure aid |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Overall budget: GBP 109 million |
| Intensity | Measure does not constitute aid |
| Duration (period) | 3.2.2011-31.3.2012 |
| Economic sectors | Service activities |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Home Office |
| 2 Marsham Street |
| London |
| UNITED KINGDOM |

Date of adoption of the decision

7.12.2011

Reference number of State Aid

SA.32820 (11/NN)

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Forensic Science Services Limited

Legal basis

Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 s128

Type of measure

Individual aid

Objective

Closure aid

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Overall budget: GBP 109 million

Intensity

Measure does not constitute aid

Duration (period)

3.2.2011-31.3.2012

Economic sectors

Service activities

Name and address of the granting authority

Home Office

2 Marsham Street

London

UNITED KINGDOM

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 | 8.12.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.33364 (11/N) |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Thüringen |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Breitbandinfrastrukturausbau Thüringen |
| Legal basis | 1. | Thüringer Landeshaushaltsordnung einschl. der hierzu erlassenen Verwaltungsvorschriften; |

Date of adoption of the decision

8.12.2011

Reference number of State Aid

SA.33364 (11/N)

Member State

Germany

Region

Thüringen

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Breitbandinfrastrukturausbau Thüringen

Legal basis

1.

Thüringer Landeshaushaltsordnung einschl. der hierzu erlassenen Verwaltungsvorschriften;

| 2. | Thüringer Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetz; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Thüringer Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetz;

| 3. | die für Subventionen allgemein geltenden Rechtsvorschriften (z.B. Strafgesetzbuch, Thüringer Subventionsgesetz) |
| --- | --- |

3.

die für Subventionen allgemein geltenden Rechtsvorschriften (z.B. Strafgesetzbuch, Thüringer Subventionsgesetz)

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Sectoral development, Regional development, Employment

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

| | Annual budget: EUR 3,44 million |
| --- | --- |

Annual budget: EUR 3,44 million

| | Overall budget: EUR 17,2 million |
| --- | --- |

Overall budget: EUR 17,2 million

Intensity

90 %

Duration (period)

Until 31.12.2015

Economic sectors

Post and telecommunications

Name and address of the granting authority

| Thüringer Aufbaubank |
| --- |
| Gorkistraße 9 |
| 99084 Erfurt |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

Thüringer Aufbaubank

Gorkistraße 9

99084 Erfurt

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 | 16.12.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.33896 (11/N) |
| Member State | Sweden |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Investeringsstöd till äldrebostäder |
| Legal basis | Förslag till Förordning om ändring i förordningen (2007:159) om investeringsstöd till äldrebostäder m.m. |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Sectoral development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Overall budget: SEK 2 500 million |
| Intensity | 10 % |
| Duration (period) | Until 30.6.2017 |
| Economic sectors | Construction |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Socialdepartementet |
| SE-103 33 Stockholm |
| SVERIGE |

Date of adoption of the decision

16.12.2011

Reference number of State Aid

SA.33896 (11/N)

Member State

Sweden

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Investeringsstöd till äldrebostäder

Legal basis

Förslag till Förordning om ändring i förordningen (2007:159) om investeringsstöd till äldrebostäder m.m.

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Sectoral development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Overall budget: SEK 2 500 million

Intensity

10 %

Duration (period)

Until 30.6.2017

Economic sectors

Construction

Name and address of the granting authority

Socialdepartementet

SE-103 33 Stockholm

SVERIGE

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 | 20.12.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.34044 (11/N) |
| Member State | Greece |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Prolongation of the Greek temporary Scheme for loan guarantees (SA.33204 (11/N) and N 308/09) |
| Legal basis | Draft Ministerial Decision — TEMPORARY FRAMEWORK to support access to finance during the current financial and economic crisis in accordance with the Commission Communication of 22 January 2011, in order to release bank lending in Greece and facilitate access of companies to finance in response to the financial and economic crisis that led to insufficient provision of finance by the financial institutions and resulted in a serious disturbance of the entire economy in Greece. The attached final draft of the Ministerial Decision will be adopted by the Minister of Finance once approved by the European Commission. The legal basis for the Minister to adopt such Ministerial Decisions is Greek Law 2322/1995. |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy |
| Form of aid | Guarantee |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 1 000 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | Until 31.3.2012 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Greek Ministry of Finance |
| Panepistimiou 37 |
| 101 65 Athens |
| GREECE |

Date of adoption of the decision

20.12.2011

Reference number of State Aid

SA.34044 (11/N)

Member State

Greece

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Prolongation of the Greek temporary Scheme for loan guarantees (SA.33204 (11/N) and N 308/09)

Legal basis

Draft Ministerial Decision — TEMPORARY FRAMEWORK to support access to finance during the current financial and economic crisis in accordance with the Commission Communication of 22 January 2011, in order to release bank lending in Greece and facilitate access of companies to finance in response to the financial and economic crisis that led to insufficient provision of finance by the financial institutions and resulted in a serious disturbance of the entire economy in Greece. The attached final draft of the Ministerial Decision will be adopted by the Minister of Finance once approved by the European Commission. The legal basis for the Minister to adopt such Ministerial Decisions is Greek Law 2322/1995.

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy

Form of aid

Guarantee

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 1 000 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

Until 31.3.2012

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Greek Ministry of Finance

Panepistimiou 37

101 65 Athens

GREECE

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

---

| 2.2.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.2.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/8

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.6444 — Terrena/Lyonnaise Des Eaux/JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 29/05

On 27 January 2012, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in French 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/en/index.htm) under document number 32012M6444. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to the European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) under document number 32012M6444. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to the European law.

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 2.2.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.2.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/9

---

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

1,00 % on 1 February 2012

Euro exchange rates (2)

1 February 2012

2012/C 29/06

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3175 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 100,29 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4337 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,83120 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 8,8896 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,2048 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,6540 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,157 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 292,49 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6996 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,2005 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,3467 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,3232 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,2312 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,3161 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,2176 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,5839 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,6496 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 480,80 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 10,1889 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 8,3088 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5780 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 11 828,48 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,0078 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 56,457 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 39,7920 |
| THB | Thai baht | 40,763 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,2907 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 17,0668 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 64,7750 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3175

JPY

Japanese yen

100,29

DKK

Danish krone

7,4337

GBP

Pound sterling

0,83120

SEK

Swedish krona

8,8896

CHF

Swiss franc

1,2048

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,6540

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,157

HUF

Hungarian forint

292,49

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6996

PLN

Polish zloty

4,2005

RON

Romanian leu

4,3467

TRY

Turkish lira

2,3232

AUD

Australian dollar

1,2312

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,3161

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,2176

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,5839

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,6496

KRW

South Korean won

1 480,80

ZAR

South African rand

10,1889

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

8,3088

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5780

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

11 828,48

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,0078

PHP

Philippine peso

56,457

RUB

Russian rouble

39,7920

THB

Thai baht

40,763

BRL

Brazilian real

2,2907

MXN

Mexican peso

17,0668

INR

Indian rupee

64,7750

---

(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

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Commission

| 2.2.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.2.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/10

---

Call for proposals under the work programme of the joint European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP)

2012/C 29/07

Notice is hereby given of the launch of a call for proposals for topic areas and subsequently for related projects and associated researcher grants under the work programme of the European Metrology Research Programme.

Proposals are invited for EMRP Call 2012 with the following topic areas:

| — | Metrology for Industry |
| --- | --- |

—

Metrology for Industry

| — | SI Broader Scope |
| --- | --- |

—

SI Broader Scope

| — | Open Excellence |
| --- | --- |

—

Open Excellence

This Call encompasses a two-stage process for joint research projects and includes opportunities for researcher grants.

| | Date of publication | Closing date |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stage 1 — | Call for Potential Research Topics |

Date of publication

Closing date

Stage 1 —

Call for Potential Research Topics

2 February 2012

18 March 2012

| Stage 2 — | Call for Joint Research Project proposals and associated Researcher Excellence Grant applications |
| --- | --- |

Stage 2 —

Call for Joint Research Project proposals and associated Researcher Excellence Grant applications

18 June 2012

1 October 2012

Call documentation including budget, description of topic areas and modalities is available through the following website:

http://www.emrponline.eu/call2012

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| 2.2.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.2.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/11

---

Call for proposals under the 2012 Ideas work programme of the Seventh EC Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities

2012/C 29/08

Notice is hereby given of the launch of a call for proposals under the 2012 Ideas work programme of the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (2007 to 2013).

Proposals are invited for the following call. Call deadlines and budget are given in the call text, which is published on the Participant Portal website.

Ideas Work Programme

| Call Title | The ERC Proof of Concept Grant |
| --- | --- |
| Call Identifier | ERC-2012-PoC |

Call Title

The ERC Proof of Concept Grant

Call Identifier

ERC-2012-PoC

This call for proposals relates to the work programme adopted by Commission Decision C(2011) 4961 of 19 July 2011.

Information on the modalities of the call, the work programme, and the guidance for applicants on how to submit proposals is available through the relevant European Commission website:

http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/appmanager/participants/portal

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COURT PROCEEDINGS

EFTA Court

| 2.2.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.2.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/12

---

Request for an Advisory Opinion from the EFTA Court by Fürstliches Landgericht, dated 14 September 2011, in the case between Granville Establishment and Volker Anhalt, Melanie Anhalt and Jasmin Barbaro, née Anhalt

(Case E-13/11)

2012/C 29/09

A request has been made to the EFTA Court by a letter of 15 September 2011 from Fürstliches Landgericht, Liechtenstein (Princely Court of Justice, Liechtenstein), which was received at the Court Registry on 22 September 2011, for an Advisory Opinion in the case between Granville Establishment and Volker Anhalt, Melanie Anhalt and Jasmin Barbaro, née Anhalt, on the following questions:

| 1. | Can a national of an EEA State rely on a provision such as Section 53a of the Liechtenstein Jurisdiction Law, which accords Liechtenstein nationals the right not to be sued abroad on the basis of a jurisdiction agreement unless that jurisdiction agreement has been publicly recorded, and derive directly there from also the right not to be sued in Liechtenstein (and, thus, from the perspective of that national, also abroad) on the basis of a jurisdiction agreement unless it has been publicly recorded? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Can a national of an EEA State rely on a provision such as Section 53a of the Liechtenstein Jurisdiction Law, which accords Liechtenstein nationals the right not to be sued abroad on the basis of a jurisdiction agreement unless that jurisdiction agreement has been publicly recorded, and derive directly there from also the right not to be sued in Liechtenstein (and, thus, from the perspective of that national, also abroad) on the basis of a jurisdiction agreement unless it has been publicly recorded?

| 2. | If Question 1 is answered in the affirmative. Can that right be invoked in a case such as the one at hand, that is, in civil law proceedings, and thus directly in a dispute between private parties? |
| --- | --- |

2.

If Question 1 is answered in the affirmative. Can that right be invoked in a case such as the one at hand, that is, in civil law proceedings, and thus directly in a dispute between private parties?

---

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 2.2.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.2.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/13

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.6413 — OJSC Power Machines/Toshiba/JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 29/10

| 1. | On 25 January 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 undertakings OJSC Power Machines (‘Power Machines’, Russia) and Toshiba Corporation (‘Toshiba’, Japan) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture (‘JV’). |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 25 January 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 undertakings OJSC Power Machines (‘Power Machines’, Russia) and Toshiba Corporation (‘Toshiba’, Japan) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture (‘JV’).

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






  — | for Power Machines: manufacture of power generation equipment and other devices for power plants, in particular turbines and generators, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Power Machines: manufacture of power generation equipment and other devices for power plants, in particular turbines and generators,

| — | for Toshiba: manufacture of digitals products, electronic devices and components, and infrastructure systems; and, |
| --- | --- |

—

for Toshiba: manufacture of digitals products, electronic devices and components, and infrastructure systems; and,

| — | for JV: engineering, production and sale of, and provision of maintenance service for, certain oil immersed power transformers and oil immersed shunt reactors. |
| --- | --- |

—

for JV: engineering, production and sale of, and provision of maintenance service for, certain oil immersed power transformers and oil immersed shunt reactors.

| 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.6413 — OJSC Power Machines/Toshiba/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 email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6413 — OJSC Power Machines/Toshiba/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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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 2.2.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.2.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/14

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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 29/11

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 from the date of this publication.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘DANBO’

EC No: DK-PGI-0005-0830-05.10.2010

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1.   Name:

‘Danbo’

2.   Member State or third country:

Denmark

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff:

3.1.   Type of product:

| Class 1.3 — | Cheeses |
| --- | --- |

Class 1.3 —

Cheeses

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

Matured, firm cheese made from milk of bovine origin. Milk and milk products from other animals are not permitted.

Water content: Depends on the content of fat in dry matter, see table below:

| fat in dry matter: | maximum water content, |
| --- | --- |
| — | from 30 % to < 45 %: |

fat in dry matter:

maximum water content,

—

from 30 % to < 45 %:

56 %,

| — | from 45 % to < 50 %: |
| --- | --- |

—

from 45 % to < 50 %:

50 %.

The fat in dry matter is expressed as 30 + or 45 +. In Danbo cheeses containing 30 % to < 45 % fat in dry matter, the fat content must be indicated as part of the name. A content of 45 % fat in dry matter is taken as the reference for comparative nutrition claims about fat content.

The other characteristic properties are as follows:

| | Exterior:
  Firm rind with a smear. The surface may be coated. |
| --- | --- |

Exterior:

Firm rind with a smear. The surface may be coated.

| | Interior:
  Colour: Whitish (or ivory-coloured) to light yellow.
  Texture: Although soft and supple in consistency, it is still easy to cut.
  Structure: A few to a large number of equally distributed, evenly round, pea-sized eyes, mostly up to 10 mm in diameter, possibly with a few slit-shaped apertures. If flavourings are used, there will generally be far fewer, irregularly shaped eyes.
  Smell and taste: Mild, slightly acidic, aromatic and characteristic taste due to the smear-ripening. As the age increases, the smell and taste become more pronounced. |
| --- | --- |

Interior:

Colour: Whitish (or ivory-coloured) to light yellow.

Texture: Although soft and supple in consistency, it is still easy to cut.

Structure: A few to a large number of equally distributed, evenly round, pea-sized eyes, mostly up to 10 mm in diameter, possibly with a few slit-shaped apertures. If flavourings are used, there will generally be far fewer, irregularly shaped eyes.

Smell and taste: Mild, slightly acidic, aromatic and characteristic taste due to the smear-ripening. As the age increases, the smell and taste become more pronounced.

| | Shape:
  Flat and square or rectangular. |
| --- | --- |

Shape:

Flat and square or rectangular.

| | Maturing:
  Danbo’s characteristic taste and texture are achieved after ripening for 3-4 weeks at 12-20 °C. Danbo may be sent by the producer for further treatment, including ripening, or for storage to another company before that age, but it may not be released by the second company before the cheese has attained the minimum age. |
| --- | --- |

Maturing:

Danbo’s characteristic taste and texture are achieved after ripening for 3-4 weeks at 12-20 °C. Danbo may be sent by the producer for further treatment, including ripening, or for storage to another company before that age, but it may not be released by the second company before the cheese has attained the minimum age.

| | Flavourings:
  Cumin may be added provided that the smell and taste of the cheese are characterised by the additives and that the essential flavouring is included in the name or indicated in relation to it. |
| --- | --- |

Flavourings:

Cumin may be added provided that the smell and taste of the cheese are characterised by the additives and that the essential flavouring is included in the name or indicated in relation to it.

3.3.   Raw materials (for processed products only):

—

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

—

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

Danbo must be produced and ripened by cheese maturers in Denmark. In particular, the production method includes two stages that differ from conventional dairy technology. The first stage is the treatment of the curds from cutting until stirring is completed. The second is the growth of Brevibacterium linens (smear-ripening) on the surface of the cheese after salting. The stages are described below:

| | Treatment of the curds after cutting:
  After cutting, large quantities of water are added and scalding is completed at a relatively low temperature. By carefully controlling these two parameters, it is possible to produce cheese with both a relatively high minimum pH and an appropriately high water content, providing the characteristic consistency. |
| --- | --- |

Treatment of the curds after cutting:

After cutting, large quantities of water are added and scalding is completed at a relatively low temperature. By carefully controlling these two parameters, it is possible to produce cheese with both a relatively high minimum pH and an appropriately high water content, providing the characteristic consistency.

| | Cultivation of Brevibacterium linens:
  The relatively high minimum pH promotes the growth of Brevibacterium linens, which is also greatly assisted by the fact that the cheese is stored for the first 7-10 days at 18-20 °C and a relative humidity close to the dew point. The cheese is then transferred to a colder, drier store. Typically, the smear-ripening process is concluded by softening and washing of the smear layer, slowing down surface ripening. |
| --- | --- |

Cultivation of Brevibacterium linens:

The relatively high minimum pH promotes the growth of Brevibacterium linens, which is also greatly assisted by the fact that the cheese is stored for the first 7-10 days at 18-20 °C and a relative humidity close to the dew point. The cheese is then transferred to a colder, drier store. Typically, the smear-ripening process is concluded by softening and washing of the smear layer, slowing down surface ripening.

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

—

3.7.   Specific rules concerning labelling:

—

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area:

Denmark

5.   Link with the geographical area:

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area:

Denmark has a very long and proud tradition of producing dairy products. The production of Danbo has been an integral part of the curriculum at Danish dairy schools for over 100 years. Danish dairy experts have accordingly been trained to acquire the essential know-how for the production of this Danish cheese speciality.

History:

In 1889, Rasmus Nielsen became managing director of Kirkeby dairy on Funen. He was an industrious dairyman, which is clear inter alia from the fact that the dairy was approved as a training establishment for dairymen in receipt of a State grant. In 1896, he was awarded a grant by the Danish Government to study cheese production abroad. The following winter he took lessons in German and in spring 1897 he travelled to eastern Prussia along the border with Russia. The land there was a steppe with extensive grasslands. The dairies there were well known as good makers of cheese.

To facilitate the introduction to his period of study in dairies, he was given a letter of recommendation by Professor Bøggild of the Royal Danish Veterinary and Agricultural University. He was therefore well received on the many small dairies which were to be found in eastern Prussia. His task was to track down documents and find out about the techniques used in making the fine cheese specialities which were produced in eastern Prussia at that time. After eastern Prussia, Rasmus Nielsen went to Holland where he worked in cheese production in a number of different dairies.

He returned home to Kirkeby dairy in autumn 1897 having gained a wealth of new knowledge and experience. Back at home, he started trying out everything he had learnt straightaway.

From the start, he was quite sure that he did not want to imitate a single one of the cheeses he had seen, but rather to amass all of his experience in order to make a very special cheese. A completely new cheese. The special feature of the new cheese which Rasmus Nielsen produced was that it was a square, ‘opstukken’ cheese with a very special smear surface-ripening. At that time, it was a complete novelty for an ‘opstukken’ cheese to be square. Smear-ripening was also special in that a solution containing bacterial and yeast cultures was rubbed into the cheese rind.

Sales of the new cheese were brisk and gradually many different dairies started making this type of cheese. Before the Second World War, cheese in Denmark was produced mainly for the domestic market. After the war and especially in the 1950s, cheese production started to increase and the rise in exports meant that Denmark had to position itself on export markets with typical Danish cheese names so as to be able to showcase Danish cheeses when marketing them alongside other well-known Danish agricultural products. This cheese was given the honorific name Danbo. This is one of the reasons why Danbo was included in the Stresa Convention and later in the Codex Alimentarius.

5.2.   Specificity of the product:

Danbo is one of the most typical Danish cheeses and for dairy producers it is the typical ‘opstukken’ type of cheese. Danbo has its own highly distinctive taste. It is mild, slightly acidic, aromatic and characterised by smear-ripening. Danbo’s high water content, compared to other, similar cheeses, also lends it a softness and suppleness not found in other cheeses, while remaining easy to cut.

5.3.   Causal link between the geographical area and the quality or characteristics of the product (for PDO) or a specific quality, the reputation or other characteristic of the product (for PGI):

The protection of Danbo as a geographical indication is based on its characteristic production method and reputation.

Method of production:

For the production of Danbo, a very special smear-ripening process is used known as ‘the Danish method’ whereby a smear is applied to the cheese so that its surface ripens from both the outside and the inside. This smear-ripening process is crucial for the cheese's highly distinctive taste, a taste that Danes have embraced but does not appeal to other European palates. A particular feature of the production of Danbo is the addition of large quantities of water. The characteristic consistency of the cheese is due in part to this. Training in how to make Danbo has been and still is a completely normal part of dairy training in Denmark and references on how to make Danbo can therefore still be found in a large number of training manuals. For more than 100 years Danish dairymen, dairy technicians, dairy technologists and dairy engineers have been trained in how to make Danbo. Given the long-established traditions which are passed on by training and the special method of production and ripening used in Denmark, Danbo must be produced and ripened by cheese maturers in Denmark.

Reputation:

In 1952, 10 typical Danish cheeses, including Danbo, were given Danish names under the Stresa Convention and Ministry of Agriculture Order No 80 of 13 March 1952. The cheese names and the corresponding descriptions still apply today in accordance with Order No 335 of 10 May 2004 on dairy products, etc.

The term ‘Danbo’ is a combination of the two names ‘Dan’ and ‘Bo’. Dan is the Nordic derivative of the popular name ‘Danerne’ (‘the Danes’) while Bo means ‘the resident’. The name ‘Danbo’ is therefore the historical term for one who is resident in Denmark, and was given to this cheese because all Danes consider it to be the most characteristic Danish cheese of all.

Danbo is recognised as a speciality of Danish origin. According to a recent consumer survey, the majority of Danish consumers know and associate Danbo with Denmark. Since the production and consumption of Danbo are concentrated in Denmark, Danbo is best known among Danish consumers. The survey revealed that there are on the whole very few non-Danes who are familiar with Danbo.

The special nature of the cheese, notably its highly characteristic taste and particular consistency, makes Danbo a cheese like no other. Danbo is the cheese most commonly eaten in Denmark. Because of its particular character, it is eaten almost exclusively by Danes.

With production exceeding 40 000 tonnes, Danbo today accounts for about 13 % of all cheese production in Denmark. The production and consumption of Danbo are concentrated in Denmark and Danbo is today considered to be Denmark’s national cheese.

Danbo cheese has taken part in exhibitions and competitions both nationally and internationally and won a large number of awards. Danbo has been a permanent feature at national exhibitions for over 100 years, the most recent being the National Dairy Exhibition and regional exhibitions in 2009. There have been and still are countless advertising campaigns specifically aimed at Danbo, which is a unique cheese that meets most consumers’ requirements for a good cheese that is particularly suitable for being sliced. Many international reference works on cheese refer to the cheese’s Danish origin. Danbo also appears in a large number of Danish recipes.

Reference to publication of the specification:

(Article 5(7) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

http://www.foedevarestyrelsen.dk/Foedevarer/Foedevarekvalitet/Beskyttede%20bet.%20og%20traditionelle%20specialiteter/Danske%20beskyttede%20produkter/Sider/Danske%20beskyttede%20produkter.aspx

---

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

---

| 2.2.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/19 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.2.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/19

---

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 29/12

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

‘SPALT SPALTER’

EC No: DE-PDO-0005-0843-10.01.2011

PGI ( ) PDO ( X )

1.   Name:

‘Spalt Spalter’

2.   Member State or third country:

Germany

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff:

3.1.   Type of product:

| Class 1.8. | Other products covered by Annex I (spices etc.) |
| --- | --- |

Class 1.8.

Other products covered by Annex I (spices etc.)

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

The hop belongs to the same family as hemp (Cannabinaceae) and to the order Urticaceae (nettles). It is a dioecious plant, i.e. the male and female flowers are found on separate plants. Only the female plants produce hop cones (Lupuli strobulus), otherwise known as strobiles. The hop harvest runs from late August until mid-September. After harvesting the hops (hop cones) are dried, then pressed and cooled for processing.

The protection afforded by Regulation (EC) No 510/2006, which is hereby requested for the designation ‘Spalt Spalter’, is to apply only to the dried hop cones (Lupuli strobulus) and the products obtained by processing them (hop pellets and hop extracts).

The purpose of processing the hops (into hop pellets or hop extracts) is to preserve the constituents of the raw hops during storage and to enhance the automatic hop dosing process in the brewery.

Hop pellets are produced by grinding and gently compressing the hop cones in order to retain the original quality of the natural product.

The pellets known in the trade as Type 90 derive their name from the fact that for every 100 kg of raw hops processed the approximate yield is 90 kg.

Lupulin-enriched hop pellets, also known as Type 45, are produced by mechanically enriching the lupulin glands when the hops are frozen (– 35 °C). This is the process by which part of the leaf material and the strig are removed from the powder by passing it through a sieve. No additives whatsoever are used in the production of hop pellets. Only the physical/technical qualities of the raw hop are modified.

In the production of hop extracts, great care is taken to preserve the original character of the natural product, as in the case of pellets. Hop extracts have been produced on an industrial-scale since the early 1970s. The polar resins and oils are gently extracted from the hop cone using either liquid or supercritical CO2, or ethanol.

Hop components which are important in the brewing process

Typical components such as bitter substances and essential oils determine the brewing value of the hop. Tannin content is less important. The bitter substances and essential oils are found in the lupulin glands of the hop cone. The tannins are most commonly found in the bracts, bracteoles and strig of the hop cones.

Quality

‘Spalt Spalter’ meets the minimum quality requirements for the marketing of hop cones and hop extracts in the Community as set out in Commission Regulation (EEC) No 890/78. In accordance with Regulation (EEC) No 1696/71 and amending regulations, the brewery is provided with full certification regarding the quality and origin of the hops.

Varieties and components

The name ‘Spalt Spalter’ can be explained by the fact that the name of the respective growing area is always placed before the variety denomination, and literally means ‘spalter hops from Spalt’.

If the Spalter hop variety were grown in any other region (which does not happen at present) it would be possible to make a clear distinction between hops of the variety specified in the designation grown outside the Spalt region and hops of the same variety grown in the Spalt region. It would therefore be necessary to refer to a Spalter hop grown in Hallertau, for example, as a ‘Hallertau Spalter’. There is therefore no risk of confusion between the designation ‘Spalt Spalter’ for which protection is being applied and a variety. The components are described in more detail in section 5.

3.3.   Raw materials (for processed products only):

—

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

—

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

The entire hop production process until the moment the hop cones are packaged by the hop growers takes place in the identified geographical area. When propagating Spalt Spalter hops, only mother plants from this region may be used.

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

—

3.7.   Specific rules concerning labelling:

—

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area:

The identified geographical area corresponds to the hop-growing region of Spalt. This area is defined in §3 of the Bavarian Implementing Provisions for the Hops Act (Bayerische Verordnung zur Durchführing des Hopfengesetzes (BayHopfDV) (source 4a). According to the provisions, the Spalt hop-growing region includes the certification districts (‘Siegelbezirke’) of Spalt and Kinding.

The following municipalities belong to the Spalt certification district:

Abenberg, Büchenbach, Georgensgmünd, Heideck, Röttenbach, Roth, Spalt, Absberg, Ellingen, Haundorf, Höttingen, Pfofeld, Pleinfeld, Mitteleschenbach, Neuendettelsau and Windsbach.

The following municipalities belong to the Kinding certification district: Altmannstein (only the districts of Pondorf and Schamhaupten), Beilngries, Denkendorf, Kinding, Kipfenberg, Titting, Greding and Berching.

5.   Link with the geographical area:

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area:

In the Middle Ages, viticulture in the Spalt region gave way to the cultivation of hops. In areas of Spalt such as Großweingarten, hops are grown in former vineyards. The Spalt region’s mild climate makes it ideally suited to the cultivation of hops, with annual rainfall of 650 mm and a high number of sunshine hours (1 700 a year). Deep soils of loose to medium density that are swift to warm provide optimum hop-growing conditions.

In hydrogeological terms, the Spalt growing region is essentially defined by Keuper Sandstone and the Franconian Jura, and thus karstic-fissured aquifers. The soil is predominantly sandy loam to loam in texture and generally has poor water retention characteristics. On hilly terrain, hop plantations are usually located in valleys where there are sufficient water resources even during a sustained period of drought. The Spalt growing region is situated near the source of a number of small and medium-sized waterways. There are relatively few larger watercourses, however.

The producers, or growers, of ‘Spalt Spalter’ produce outstanding hops for the brewing industry. The Spalt hop-growing region is one of the smallest but also one of the finest and most traditional hop-growing areas. Hops have been cultivated in the area for over 1 000 years. Hops from the town of Spalt carry the world’s oldest seal of quality for hops. The seal was conferred on the town by the Prince Bishop of Eichstätt Philipp von Pappenheim in 1538 and reflects the importance attached by hop growers in Spalt to high standards. Spalt Spalter was already a much sought-after commodity in the Middle Ages. The delicate aroma varieties grown in the Spalt region are particularly well-suited to producing the finest beers (Der Gross Hopfen Atlas (The Hop Atlas), Barth, Klinke & Schmidt, p. 115).

There is a special tradition here of growing the highly aromatic ‘Spalter’ hop. This variety is a regional landrace from the ‘Saazer Formenkreis’ (Saazer group of varieties — Spalter, Tettnanger, Saazer), that have been cultivated for centuries around the town of Spalt and to this day are almost exclusively produced in the Spalt growing region. The climate and geological conditions have contributed to the development of a regional variation of the landrace. Quality, uniformity and aroma were continually improved through clonal selection. Expertise built up over many centuries, combined with the favourable climatic conditions of the Spalt region, have led to the development of a hop variety that is unique worldwide, enjoys an excellent international reputation and which because of the distinctive flavour it gives the beer is used by leading breweries to produce some of the finest beers.

5.2.   Specificity of the product:

It is the unique growing conditions — the properties of the soil and the climatic conditions — which give ‘Spalt Spalter’ hops their distinctive quality. The conditions are such that ‘Spalt Spalter’ hops grown elsewhere would not be of the same high standard or quality and would produce a lower yield. The soil and climate have a profound impact in particular on the growth of the hops and the level of active substances they contain. ‘Spalt Spalter’ hops are characterised by their exquisite aromatic compounds. The myrcene content is approximately 20-35 % and the hops typically contain very high levels of farnesene (10-20 %) which is not found in such high quantities in aroma hops from other regions. The high farnesene content and relatively low levels of alpha acids (2,5-5,5 %) and beta acids (3,0-5,0 %) combine to create the unique overall character which defines the ‘Spalt Spalter’ aroma and makes it so exceptional. The direct relationship between the growing conditions and the typical hop characteristics they give rise to serves to demonstrate why the ‘Spalt Spalter’ variety should qualify for protected designation of origin status.

‘Spalt Spalter’ differs from most other hop varieties and growing regions, partly because of the geological conditions in the growing region and the unique climate — with 1 700 hours of sunshine per year on average and an average annual rainfall of just 650 mm — and partly because of its unusually high farnesene content. Moreover, ‘Spalt Spalter’ is characterised in its overall composition by a particularly intense and sophisticated hop aroma that in tastings is described as ‘flowery’, ‘fruity’ and ‘spicy’. The overall impression is of a beer with a well-balanced, full-bodied and mild ‘bouquet’ (see the variety portfolio produced by the CMA (Centrale Marketing-Gesellschaft der deutschen Agrarwirtschaft m.b.H) which provides tasting notes and brewing analysis).

‘Spalt Spalter’ has always been very highly rated at various trade shows and exhibitions. In terms of the most important quality characteristics of German hops, ‘Spalt Spalter’ is one of the leading aroma varieties. At numerous hop tastings ‘Spalt Spalter’ has been awarded top prizes for aroma and overall qualities.

5.3.   Causal link between the geographical area and the quality or characteristics of the product (for PDO) or a specific quality, the reputation and/or other characteristic of the product (for PGI):

The soil and the temperate climate of the Spalt growing area, combined with centuries of expertise of local hop growers, have created a hop variety with unmistakable qualities which is unique worldwide. Even today the hop is practically only grown in the Spalt growing area and enjoys an excellent international reputation because of the distinctive flavour it imparts to the finished beer product.

The climate in the Spalt region, a former wine-growing area with an annual sunshine average of 1 700 hours and an average annual rainfall of just 650 mm, has a strong influence on the hops which grow in loose, sandy soil which is easily penetrated by roots. It is the unusual natural conditions in the Spalt growing region which give ‘Spalt Spalter’ hops their unique quality (see section 5.2, Specificity of the Product).

The unique environmental features of the Spalt growing region (average precipitation, temperature, soil profile, height above sea level, sunshine hours, and a water supply which is fed by smaller watercourses) combine to ensure that ‘Spalt Spalter’ hops cultivated here are of a uniquely high standard and quality. Other hop growing regions always lack one or more of the fundamental growing conditions (for example, the local rock formation/soil composition is different, they have fewer sunshine hours or, in the case of hilly terrain, there are no valleys).

Proof of origin

The hop industry has agreed common criteria for organising and carrying out quality inspections and these are laid down in the guidelines drawn up by the ‘Arbeitsgruppe neutrale Qualitätsfeststellung’ (Working Group on Neutral Quality Assessment). All market partners recognise the results. The neutral quality assessment system together with the documentation (on the origin and traceability of the hops) associated with the traditional sealing of the hops ensure that the origin of the hops can be clearly distinguished. Under official supervision, the producer weighs, labels and seals (with an official lead seal) the sacks of hops produced. He drafts an official declaration stating the quantity, weight and origin of the hops.

The production of ‘Spalt Spalter’ hops is sealed and certified either at the certification centre (hop cooling centre) or at the hop farm by an official according to certified principles, and a certificate stating the origins and growing region is issued. Without this certificate the hops cannot be processed or put on the market.

Reference to publication of the specification:

(Article 5(7) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

Markenblatt Vol. 01 of 7 January 2011, Part 7c, p. 490

(http://www.register.dpma.de/dpmaregister/geo/detail.pdfdownload/17400)

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

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Corrigenda

| 2.2.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 29/23 |
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2.2.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 29/23

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

Invitation to tender in respect of the operation of scheduled air services in accordance with public service obligations as detailed in the information notice published in
  OJ C 53 of 19 February 2011

(
  Official Journal of the European Union C 18 of 21 January 2012
  )

2012/C 29/13

On the cover and on page 12, in the title:

for:

‘... OJ C 53 of 19 February 2011’,

read:

‘... OJ C 18 of 21 January 2012’.

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