# Official Journal C 132/2013

| | ISSN 1977-091X
  doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2013.132.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 132 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 569 May 2013 |

ISSN 1977-091X

doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2013.132.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 132

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 569 May 2013

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 132/01 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2013/C 132/02 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2013/C 132/03 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.6815 — ERDF/CDC/UEM/Efluid) (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| 2013/C 132/04 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.6890 — SCPE/Pemgrofund/Carlyle/ETC Group) (
  1
  ) | 9 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2013/C 132/01

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

1

1

2013/C 132/02

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

1

5

2013/C 132/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.6815 — ERDF/CDC/UEM/Efluid) (
  1
  )

1

9

2013/C 132/04

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.6890 — SCPE/Pemgrofund/Carlyle/ETC Group) (
  1
  )

1

9

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 132/05 | Euro exchange rates | 10 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2013/C 132/05

Euro exchange rates

10

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | COURT PROCEEDINGS |
| | EFTA Court |
| 2013/C 132/06 | Judgment of the Court of 28 January 2013 in Case E-16/11 — EFTA Surveillance Authority v Iceland (Directive 94/19/EC on deposit-guarantee schemes — Obligation of result — Emanation of the State — Discrimination) | 11 |
| 2013/C 132/07 | Amendments to the rules of procedure of the EFTA Court — adopted by the Court on 16 May 2012 | 12 |
| 2013/C 132/08 | Action brought on 13 February 2013 by the Míla ehf. against the EFTA Surveillance Authority (Case E-1/13) | 13 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 132/09 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6900 — Borealis/Rosier/GPN) (
  1
  ) | 14 |
| 2013/C 132/10 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6862 — Vinci/Aeroportos de Portugal) (
  1
  ) | 15 |
| 2013/C 132/11 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6926 — Nordic Capital/Unicorn) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 16 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 132/12 | 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 | 17 |
| 2013/C 132/13 | 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 | 22 |

V   Announcements

COURT PROCEEDINGS

EFTA Court

2013/C 132/06

Judgment of the Court of 28 January 2013 in Case E-16/11 — EFTA Surveillance Authority v Iceland (Directive 94/19/EC on deposit-guarantee schemes — Obligation of result — Emanation of the State — Discrimination)

(Directive 94/19/EC on deposit-guarantee schemes — Obligation of result — Emanation of the State — Discrimination)

11

2013/C 132/07

Amendments to the rules of procedure of the EFTA Court — adopted by the Court on 16 May 2012

12

2013/C 132/08

Action brought on 13 February 2013 by the Míla ehf. against the EFTA Surveillance Authority (Case E-1/13)

13

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2013/C 132/09

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6900 — Borealis/Rosier/GPN) (
  1
  )

1

14

2013/C 132/10

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6862 — Vinci/Aeroportos de Portugal) (
  1
  )

1

15

2013/C 132/11

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6926 — Nordic Capital/Unicorn) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

16

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2013/C 132/12

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

17

2013/C 132/13

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

22

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

---

II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 9.5.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 132/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.5.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 132/1

---

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

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 132/01

| Date of adoption of the decision | 6.3.2013 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.32817 (11/N) |
| Member State | Portugal |
| Region | The entire mainland territory |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Aquiseguro |
| Legal basis | Portaria do Ministério das Finanças e da Administração Pública e da Agricultura, do Desenvolvimento Rural e das Pescas, que aprova o Regulamento do Seguro Bonificado para a Aquicultura (Aquiseguro) |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | To subsidise 45 % of the insurance premium protecting companies in the aquaculture sector from losses due to diseases, natural disasters, chemical or biological contamination, etc. |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | EUR 1,4 million over a 6-year period |
| Intensity | 45 % |
| Duration (period) | Until 31.12.2016 |
| Economic sectors | A302 — Aquaculture |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ministério da Agricultura, do Desenvolvimento Rural e das Pescas/Gabinete de Planeamento e Políticas |
| Rua Padre António Vieira 1.o |
| 1099-073 Lisboa |
| PORTUGAL |

Date of adoption of the decision

6.3.2013

Reference number of State Aid

SA.32817 (11/N)

Member State

Portugal

Region

The entire mainland territory

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Aquiseguro

Legal basis

Portaria do Ministério das Finanças e da Administração Pública e da Agricultura, do Desenvolvimento Rural e das Pescas, que aprova o Regulamento do Seguro Bonificado para a Aquicultura (Aquiseguro)

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

To subsidise 45 % of the insurance premium protecting companies in the aquaculture sector from losses due to diseases, natural disasters, chemical or biological contamination, etc.

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

EUR 1,4 million over a 6-year period

Intensity

45 %

Duration (period)

Until 31.12.2016

Economic sectors

A302 — Aquaculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministério da Agricultura, do Desenvolvimento Rural e das Pescas/Gabinete de Planeamento e Políticas

Rua Padre António Vieira 1.o

1099-073 Lisboa

PORTUGAL

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/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 5.2.2013 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.33105 (11/N) |
| Member State | The Netherlands |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Methodiek berekening garanties aquacultuur |
| Legal basis | Artikel 2, 4 en 7 Kaderwet LNV-subsidies
  Concept: artikel 4:60a (e.v.) Regeling LNV-subsidies |
| Type of measure | Method for calculating aquaculture guarantees |
| Objective | The method is aimed at calculating the gross grant equivalent of State guarantees for aquaculture SMEs |
| Form of aid | Guarantee |
| Budget | — |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | — |
| Economic sectors | Aquaculture |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ministerie van Economische Zaken |
| Bezuidenhoutseweg 73 |
| Postbus 20401 |
| 2500 EK Den Haag |
| NEDERLAND |

Date of adoption of the decision

5.2.2013

Reference number of State Aid

SA.33105 (11/N)

Member State

The Netherlands

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Methodiek berekening garanties aquacultuur

Legal basis

Artikel 2, 4 en 7 Kaderwet LNV-subsidies

Concept: artikel 4:60a (e.v.) Regeling LNV-subsidies

Type of measure

Method for calculating aquaculture guarantees

Objective

The method is aimed at calculating the gross grant equivalent of State guarantees for aquaculture SMEs

Form of aid

Guarantee

Budget

—

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

—

Economic sectors

Aquaculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministerie van Economische Zaken

Bezuidenhoutseweg 73

Postbus 20401

2500 EK Den Haag

NEDERLAND

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/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 25.3.2013 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.35691 (12/N) |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | Sardegna | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Declaratoria della eccezionalità degli eventi meteo-marini che hanno interessato la costa della Sardegna nel mese di novembre 2011. |
| Legal basis | Decreto dell’Assessore dell’Agricoltura e Riforma Agro-pastorale n. 85 dell’11 agosto 2009«Criteri e modalità per l’attuazione e la gestione del Fondo di Solidarietà Regionale della Pesca (art. 11, Legge Regionale 14 aprile 2006, n. 3, escluso comma 4)»; Decreto dell’Assessore dell’Agricoltura e Riforma Agro-pastorale n. 1549/DecA/103 del 31 ottobre 2012«1549/DecA/103 del 31 ottobre 2012»; Decreto dell’Assessore dell’Agricoltura e Riforma Agro-pastorale n. 1568/DecA/104 dell’8 novembre 2012«Declaratoria della eccezionalità degli eventi meteo-marini che hanno interessato la costa della Sardegna nel mese di novembre 2011. Rettifica decreto n. 1549/DEC/A 103 del 31 ottobre 2012». |
| Type of measure | Individual aid | società Maricolture Calasetta C.F. e P.IVA 02193170921, con sede legale in Calasetta (CA) località Cussorgia s.n. |
| Objective | Compensation of damages caused by natural disaster |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 0,36 million |
| Intensity | 100 % |
| Duration (period) | From 15.2.2013 |
| Economic sectors | Fishing and aquaculture |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Regione Autonoma della Sardegna |
| Via Pessagno 4 |
| 09126 Cagliari CA |
| ITALIA |

Date of adoption of the decision

25.3.2013

Reference number of State Aid

SA.35691 (12/N)

Member State

Italy

Region

Sardegna

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Declaratoria della eccezionalità degli eventi meteo-marini che hanno interessato la costa della Sardegna nel mese di novembre 2011.

Legal basis

Decreto dell’Assessore dell’Agricoltura e Riforma Agro-pastorale n. 85 dell’11 agosto 2009«Criteri e modalità per l’attuazione e la gestione del Fondo di Solidarietà Regionale della Pesca (art. 11, Legge Regionale 14 aprile 2006, n. 3, escluso comma 4)»; Decreto dell’Assessore dell’Agricoltura e Riforma Agro-pastorale n. 1549/DecA/103 del 31 ottobre 2012«1549/DecA/103 del 31 ottobre 2012»; Decreto dell’Assessore dell’Agricoltura e Riforma Agro-pastorale n. 1568/DecA/104 dell’8 novembre 2012«Declaratoria della eccezionalità degli eventi meteo-marini che hanno interessato la costa della Sardegna nel mese di novembre 2011. Rettifica decreto n. 1549/DEC/A 103 del 31 ottobre 2012».

Type of measure

Individual aid

società Maricolture Calasetta C.F. e P.IVA 02193170921, con sede legale in Calasetta (CA) località Cussorgia s.n.

Objective

Compensation of damages caused by natural disaster

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 0,36 million

Intensity

100 %

Duration (period)

From 15.2.2013

Economic sectors

Fishing and aquaculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Regione Autonoma della Sardegna

Via Pessagno 4

09126 Cagliari CA

ITALIA

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/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 27.3.2013 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.35692 (12/N) |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | Sardegna | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Declaratoria della eccezionalità degli eventi meteo-marini che hanno interessato la costa della Sardegna nel mese di novembre 2011. |
| Legal basis | Decreto dell’Assessore dell’Agricoltura e Riforma Agro-pastorale n. 85 dell’11 agosto 2009«Criteri e modalità per l’attuazione e la gestione del Fondo di Solidarietà Regionale della Pesca (art. 11, Legge Regionale 14 aprile 2006, n. 3, escluso comma 4)»; Decreto dell’Assessore dell’Agricoltura e Riforma Agro-pastorale n. 1549/DecA/103 del 31 ottobre 2012«Declaratoria della eccezionalità degli eventi meteo-marini che hanno interessato la costa della Sardegna nel mese di novembre 2011»; Decreto dell’Assessore dell’Agricoltura e Riforma Agro-pastorale n. 1568/DecA/104 dell’8 novembre 2012«Declaratoria della eccezionalità degli eventi meteo-marini che hanno interessato la costa della Sardegna nel mese di novembre 2011. Rettifica decreto n. 1549/DEC/A 103 del 31 ottobre 2012». |
| Type of measure | Individual aid | società La Maricoltura Alghero srl. C.F. e P.IVA 017443550905, con sede legale in Fertilia (SS) via Orsera 30 |
| Objective | Compensation of damages caused by natural disaster |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 0,30 million |
| Intensity | 100 % |
| Duration (period) | 15.2.2013-15.3.2014 |
| Economic sectors | Fishing and aquaculture |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Regione Autonoma della Sardegna |
| Via Pessagno 4 |
| 09126 Cagliari CA |
| ITALIA |

Date of adoption of the decision

27.3.2013

Reference number of State Aid

SA.35692 (12/N)

Member State

Italy

Region

Sardegna

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Declaratoria della eccezionalità degli eventi meteo-marini che hanno interessato la costa della Sardegna nel mese di novembre 2011.

Legal basis

Decreto dell’Assessore dell’Agricoltura e Riforma Agro-pastorale n. 85 dell’11 agosto 2009«Criteri e modalità per l’attuazione e la gestione del Fondo di Solidarietà Regionale della Pesca (art. 11, Legge Regionale 14 aprile 2006, n. 3, escluso comma 4)»; Decreto dell’Assessore dell’Agricoltura e Riforma Agro-pastorale n. 1549/DecA/103 del 31 ottobre 2012«Declaratoria della eccezionalità degli eventi meteo-marini che hanno interessato la costa della Sardegna nel mese di novembre 2011»; Decreto dell’Assessore dell’Agricoltura e Riforma Agro-pastorale n. 1568/DecA/104 dell’8 novembre 2012«Declaratoria della eccezionalità degli eventi meteo-marini che hanno interessato la costa della Sardegna nel mese di novembre 2011. Rettifica decreto n. 1549/DEC/A 103 del 31 ottobre 2012».

Type of measure

Individual aid

società La Maricoltura Alghero srl. C.F. e P.IVA 017443550905, con sede legale in Fertilia (SS) via Orsera 30

Objective

Compensation of damages caused by natural disaster

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 0,30 million

Intensity

100 %

Duration (period)

15.2.2013-15.3.2014

Economic sectors

Fishing and aquaculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Regione Autonoma della Sardegna

Via Pessagno 4

09126 Cagliari CA

ITALIA

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/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm

---

| 9.5.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 132/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.5.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 132/5

---

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

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 132/02

| Date of adoption of the decision | 4.10.2012 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.34716 (12/N) |
| Member State | Austria |
| Region | — | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Geplante Kapitalzuführung zugunsten der Hypo Tirol Bank AG |
| Legal basis | § 23 BWG |
| Type of measure | Ad hoc aid | Hypo Tirol Bank AG |
| Objective | Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy, Restructuring firms in difficulty |
| Form of aid | Other forms of equity intervention |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 220 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | From 1.12.2012 |
| Economic sectors | Financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Tiroler Landesregierung |
| Amt der Tiroler Landesregierung |
| Eduard-Wallnöfer-Platz 3 |
| 6020 Innsbruck |
| ÖSTERREICH |

Date of adoption of the decision

4.10.2012

Reference number of State Aid

SA.34716 (12/N)

Member State

Austria

Region

—

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Geplante Kapitalzuführung zugunsten der Hypo Tirol Bank AG

Legal basis

§ 23 BWG

Type of measure

Ad hoc aid

Hypo Tirol Bank AG

Objective

Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy, Restructuring firms in difficulty

Form of aid

Other forms of equity intervention

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 220 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

From 1.12.2012

Economic sectors

Financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding

Name and address of the granting authority

Tiroler Landesregierung

Amt der Tiroler Landesregierung

Eduard-Wallnöfer-Platz 3

6020 Innsbruck

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/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 20.2.2013 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.35477 (12/N) |
| Member State | Poland |
| Region | Świętokrzyskie | Article 107(3)(a) |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Pomoc na restrukturyzację dla Zakładu Produkcyjno-Handlowego Artykułów Gospodarstwa Domowego „MESKO-AGD” sp. z o.o. |
| Legal basis | Ustawa z dnia 30 sierpnia 1996 r. o komercjalizacji i prywatyzacji |
| Type of measure | Ad hoc aid | Zakład Produkcyjno-Handlowy Artykułów Gospodarstwa Domowego „MESKO-AGD” sp. z o.o. |
| Objective | Restructuring firms in difficulty |
| Form of aid | Soft loan |
| Budget | Overall budget: PLN 2,06 million |
| Intensity | 54 % |
| Duration (period) | 1.7.2012-31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | Manufacture of other electrical equipment |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu SA |
| ul. Wołoska 7 |
| 02-675 Warszawa |
| POLSKA/POLAND |

Date of adoption of the decision

20.2.2013

Reference number of State Aid

SA.35477 (12/N)

Member State

Poland

Region

Świętokrzyskie

Article 107(3)(a)

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Pomoc na restrukturyzację dla Zakładu Produkcyjno-Handlowego Artykułów Gospodarstwa Domowego „MESKO-AGD” sp. z o.o.

Legal basis

Ustawa z dnia 30 sierpnia 1996 r. o komercjalizacji i prywatyzacji

Type of measure

Ad hoc aid

Zakład Produkcyjno-Handlowy Artykułów Gospodarstwa Domowego „MESKO-AGD” sp. z o.o.

Objective

Restructuring firms in difficulty

Form of aid

Soft loan

Budget

Overall budget: PLN 2,06 million

Intensity

54 %

Duration (period)

1.7.2012-31.12.2013

Economic sectors

Manufacture of other electrical equipment

Name and address of the granting authority

Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu SA

ul. Wołoska 7

02-675 Warszawa

POLSKA/POLAND

Other information

—

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

http://ec.europa.eu/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 22.2.2013 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.36047 (13/N) |
| Member State | Lithuania |
| Region | — | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Fifth prolongation of the Lithuanian bank support scheme — H1 2013 |
| Legal basis | Republic of Lithuania Law on Financial Stability; Government of the Republic of Lithuania Resolution On Approval of Rules on Issue, Administration and Implementation of State Guarantees for Bank Stability Enhancement, Rules on Extension of Subordinated Loans to Banks and Supervision Thereof and Rules on Redemption of Bank Assets adopted by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania by Resolution No 1673 of 24 November 2010. |
| Type of measure | Scheme | — |
| Objective | Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy |
| Form of aid | Guarantee, Other forms of equity intervention — Subordinated loans and asset relief measures. |
| Budget | | Overall budget: LTL 1 600 million |

Date of adoption of the decision

22.2.2013

Reference number of State Aid

SA.36047 (13/N)

Member State

Lithuania

Region

—

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Fifth prolongation of the Lithuanian bank support scheme — H1 2013

Legal basis

Republic of Lithuania Law on Financial Stability; Government of the Republic of Lithuania Resolution On Approval of Rules on Issue, Administration and Implementation of State Guarantees for Bank Stability Enhancement, Rules on Extension of Subordinated Loans to Banks and Supervision Thereof and Rules on Redemption of Bank Assets adopted by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania by Resolution No 1673 of 24 November 2010.

Type of measure

Scheme

—

Objective

Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy

Form of aid

Guarantee, Other forms of equity intervention — Subordinated loans and asset relief measures.

Budget

Overall budget: LTL 1 600 million

| | Annual budget: LTL 1 600 million |
| --- | --- |

Annual budget: LTL 1 600 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

1.1.2013-30.6.2013

Economic sectors

Financial and insurance activities

Name and address of the granting authority

| Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania |
| --- |
| Lukiškių g. 2 |
| LT-01512 Vilnius |
| LIETUVA/LITHUANIA |

Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania

Lukiškių g. 2

LT-01512 Vilnius

LIETUVA/LITHUANIA

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/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 22.3.2013 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.36087 (13/N) |
| Member State | Hungary |
| Region | — | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Prolongation of Hungarian Liquidity scheme for banks |
| Legal basis | Article 44 (Chapter VII) of Act CXCIV of 2011 on the Stability of Hungarian Economy |
| Type of measure | Scheme | — |
| Objective | Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy |
| Form of aid | Soft loan |
| Budget | Overall budget: HUF 1 100 800 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | 22.3.2013-30.6.2013 |
| Economic sectors | Financial and insurance activities |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Nemzetgazdasági Minisztérium |
| Budapest |
| József nádor tér 2–4. |
| 1051 |
| MAGYARORSZÁG/HUNGARY |

Date of adoption of the decision

22.3.2013

Reference number of State Aid

SA.36087 (13/N)

Member State

Hungary

Region

—

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Prolongation of Hungarian Liquidity scheme for banks

Legal basis

Article 44 (Chapter VII) of Act CXCIV of 2011 on the Stability of Hungarian Economy

Type of measure

Scheme

—

Objective

Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy

Form of aid

Soft loan

Budget

Overall budget: HUF 1 100 800 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

22.3.2013-30.6.2013

Economic sectors

Financial and insurance activities

Name and address of the granting authority

Nemzetgazdasági Minisztérium

Budapest

József nádor tér 2–4.

1051

MAGYARORSZÁG/HUNGARY

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/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm

---

| 9.5.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 132/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.5.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 132/9

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.6815 — ERDF/CDC/UEM/Efluid)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 132/03

On 9 April 2013, 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 32013M6815. 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 32013M6815. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to the European law.

---

| 9.5.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 132/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.5.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 132/9

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.6890 — SCPE/Pemgrofund/Carlyle/ETC Group)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 132/04

On 29 April 2013, 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 32013M6890. 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 32013M6890. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to the European law.

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 9.5.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 132/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.5.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 132/10

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

8 May 2013

2013/C 132/05

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3135 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 129,89 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4535 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,84690 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 8,5402 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,2336 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,5910 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,862 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 293,31 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,7000 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,1361 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,3123 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,3570 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,2873 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,3190 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,1934 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,5629 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,6138 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 421,55 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 11,9058 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 8,0665 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5710 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 12 779,48 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 3,8903 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 53,520 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 40,9017 |
| THB | Thai baht | 38,551 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,6347 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 15,8073 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 71,0930 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3135

JPY

Japanese yen

129,89

DKK

Danish krone

7,4535

GBP

Pound sterling

0,84690

SEK

Swedish krona

8,5402

CHF

Swiss franc

1,2336

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,5910

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,862

HUF

Hungarian forint

293,31

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,7000

PLN

Polish zloty

4,1361

RON

Romanian leu

4,3123

TRY

Turkish lira

2,3570

AUD

Australian dollar

1,2873

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,3190

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,1934

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,5629

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,6138

KRW

South Korean won

1 421,55

ZAR

South African rand

11,9058

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

8,0665

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5710

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

12 779,48

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

3,8903

PHP

Philippine peso

53,520

RUB

Russian rouble

40,9017

THB

Thai baht

38,551

BRL

Brazilian real

2,6347

MXN

Mexican peso

15,8073

INR

Indian rupee

71,0930

---

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

---

V Announcements

COURT PROCEEDINGS

EFTA Court

| 9.5.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 132/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.5.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 132/11

---

JUDGMENT OF THE COURT

of 28 January 2013

in Case E-16/11

EFTA Surveillance Authority v Iceland

(Directive 94/19/EC on deposit-guarantee schemes — Obligation of result — Emanation of the State — Discrimination)

2013/C 132/06

In Case E-16/11, EFTA Surveillance Authority v Iceland — APPLICATION for a declaration that by failing to ensure payment of the minimum amount of compensation to Icesave depositors in the Netherlands and in the United Kingdom provided for in Article 7(1) of the Act referred to at point 19a of Annex IX to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (Directive 94/19/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 on deposit-guarantee schemes) within the time limits laid down in Article 10 of the Act, Iceland has failed to comply with the obligations resulting from that Act, in particular its Articles 3, 4, 7 and 10, and/or Article 4 of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, the Court, composed of Carl Baudenbacher, President and Judge-Rapporteur, Páll Hreinsson and Ola Mestad (ad hoc), Judges, gave judgment on 28 January 2013, the operative part of which is as follows:

The Court hereby:

| 1. | dismisses the application; |
| --- | --- |

1.

dismisses the application;

| 2. | orders the EFTA Surveillance Authority to pay its own costs and the costs incurred by Iceland; |
| --- | --- |

2.

orders the EFTA Surveillance Authority to pay its own costs and the costs incurred by Iceland;

| 3. | orders the European Commission to bear its own costs. |
| --- | --- |

3.

orders the European Commission to bear its own costs.

---

| 9.5.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 132/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.5.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 132/12

---

Amendments to the rules of procedure of the EFTA Court

adopted by the Court on 16 May 2012

(Only the English text is authentic)

2013/C 132/07

THE EFTA COURT,

Having regard to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and Court of Justice, signed in Oporto on 2 May 1992, and in particular Article 43(2) thereof;

Having regard to Protocol 5 to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice, on the Statute of the Court, and in particular Article 43 thereof;

Whereas it is necessary for the Court, in the light of experience, to have a clear legal basis for the enactment of practice directions with a view to improving the conduct of the proceedings, in particular with regard to the lodging of written pleadings and the conduct of hearings before it,

ADOPTS THE FOLLOWING DECISION AMENDING ITS RULES OF PROCEDURE:

Article 1

The following text shall be inserted after Article 97a:

‘Article 97b

The Court may issue practice directions relating in particular to the preparation and conduct of the hearings before it and to the lodging of written statements of case or written observations.’

Article 2

1.   This Decision, which is authentic in English, shall be published in the EEA Section of, and the EEA Supplement to, the Official Journal of the European Union, and shall enter into force on the day following its publication.

Official Journal of the European Union

2.   This Decision shall be officially translated by the Court into German, Icelandic and Norwegian.

Luxembourg, 16 May 2012.

Páll HREINSSON

Judge

Carl BAUDENBACHER

President

Per CHRISTIANSEN

Judge

---

| 9.5.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 132/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.5.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 132/13

---

Action brought on 13 February 2013 by the Míla ehf. against the EFTA Surveillance Authority

(Case E-1/13)

2013/C 132/08

An action against the EFTA Surveillance Authority was brought before the EFTA Court on 13 February 2013 by Míla ehf., represented by Espen I. Bakken, attorney at law and Thomas Nordby, attorney at law, Arntzen de Besche Advokatfirma AS, Bygdøy allé 2, 0204 Oslo, Norway.

The Applicant requests the EFTA Court to:

| 1. | declare void Article 1 of ESA Decision No 410/12/COL; |
| --- | --- |

1.

declare void Article 1 of ESA Decision No 410/12/COL;

| 2. | order the Authority to pay the costs of the present proceedings. |
| --- | --- |

2.

order the Authority to pay the costs of the present proceedings.

Legal and factual background and pleas in law adduced in support:

| — | The Applicant seeks the annulment of the EFTA Surveillance Authority’s Decision No 410/12/COL of 21 November 2012, to close the case without opening the formal investigation procedure as to whether the subsidised lease of optical fibres, previously operated on behalf of NATO, to Vodafone, is to be regarded as State aid. |
| --- | --- |

—

The Applicant seeks the annulment of the EFTA Surveillance Authority’s Decision No 410/12/COL of 21 November 2012, to close the case without opening the formal investigation procedure as to whether the subsidised lease of optical fibres, previously operated on behalf of NATO, to Vodafone, is to be regarded as State aid.

| — | The contested Decision was adopted as a result of a complaint from Míla ehf. concerning alleged unlawful State aid granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Iceland through subsidised lease for the use of two optical fibres which were previously operated by NATO. In the Decision, the EFTA Surveillance Authority found that the lease by the Defence Agency of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Iceland with Og fjarskipti (also referred to as ‘Vodafone’) of 1 February 2010 for the use and operation of an optical fibre did not involve State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement and closed the case without further investigations. |
| --- | --- |

—

The contested Decision was adopted as a result of a complaint from Míla ehf. concerning alleged unlawful State aid granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Iceland through subsidised lease for the use of two optical fibres which were previously operated by NATO. In the Decision, the EFTA Surveillance Authority found that the lease by the Defence Agency of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Iceland with Og fjarskipti (also referred to as ‘Vodafone’) of 1 February 2010 for the use and operation of an optical fibre did not involve State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement and closed the case without further investigations.

| — | The Applicant claims, inter alia, that:






  — | the contested Decision rests upon an inadequate assessment of the facts and a misapplication of the relevant case law, |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

The Applicant claims, inter alia, that:

—

the contested Decision rests upon an inadequate assessment of the facts and a misapplication of the relevant case law,

| — | the EFTA Surveillance Authority has failed to initiate the formal investigation procedure for aid granted, and |
| --- | --- |

—

the EFTA Surveillance Authority has failed to initiate the formal investigation procedure for aid granted, and

| — | the EFTA Surveillance Authority has failed to provide sufficient reasoning for their findings. |
| --- | --- |

—

the EFTA Surveillance Authority has failed to provide sufficient reasoning for their findings.

---

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 9.5.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 132/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.5.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 132/14

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.6900 — Borealis/Rosier/GPN)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 132/09

| 1. | On 26 April 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Borealis AG (‘Borealis’, Austria), ultimately controlled by OMV AG and the International Petroleum Investment Company PJSC, plans to acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation, directly or indirectly through its subsidiary Borealis France SAS (‘Borealis France’, France) or another legal entity controlled by Borealis AG, the sole control of GPN SA (‘GPN’, France) and Rosier SA (‘Rosier’, Belgium) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 26 April 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Borealis AG (‘Borealis’, Austria), ultimately controlled by OMV AG and the International Petroleum Investment Company PJSC, plans to acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation, directly or indirectly through its subsidiary Borealis France SAS (‘Borealis France’, France) or another legal entity controlled by Borealis AG, the sole control of GPN SA (‘GPN’, France) and Rosier SA (‘Rosier’, Belgium) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for Borealis AG: provision of innovative solutions in the fields of polyolefins, base chemicals and fertilisers, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Borealis AG: provision of innovative solutions in the fields of polyolefins, base chemicals and fertilisers,

| — | for GPN: manufacturing of nitrogen fertilizers and related nitrogen-based industrial products, |
| --- | --- |

—

for GPN: manufacturing of nitrogen fertilizers and related nitrogen-based industrial products,

| — | for Rosier: manufacturing of mineral fertilisers. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Rosier: manufacturing of mineral fertilisers.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope the EC 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 the EC 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. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6900 — Borealis/Rosier/GPN, to the following 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. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6900 — Borealis/Rosier/GPN, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

---

| 9.5.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 132/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.5.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 132/15

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.6862 — Vinci/Aeroportos de Portugal)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 132/10

| 1. | On 2 May 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Vinci, France, acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Aeroportos de Portugal (‘ANA’), Portugal, by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 2 May 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Vinci, France, acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Aeroportos de Portugal (‘ANA’), Portugal, by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for undertaking Vinci: concessions and infrastructures (mainly motorways and parking lots; and airports in France and in Cambodia), electrical engineering, climatic engineering and mechanical engineering; building works and civil engineering; road works, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for undertaking Vinci: concessions and infrastructures (mainly motorways and parking lots; and airports in France and in Cambodia), electrical engineering, climatic engineering and mechanical engineering; building works and civil engineering; road works,

| — | for undertaking ANA: management and operation of airport infrastructures in Portugal. |
| --- | --- |

—

for undertaking ANA: management and operation of airport infrastructures in Portugal.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope the EC 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 the EC 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. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6862 — Vinci/Aeroportos de Portugal, to the following 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. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6862 — Vinci/Aeroportos de Portugal, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

---

| 9.5.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 132/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.5.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 132/16

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.6926 — Nordic Capital/Unicorn)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 132/11

| 1. | On 2 May 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Nordic Capital VIII Limited (Jersey) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of Unicorn ApS (Denmark) by way of purchase of shares |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 2 May 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Nordic Capital VIII Limited (Jersey) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of Unicorn ApS (Denmark) by way of purchase of shares

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






  — | Nordic Capital VIII Limited is one of four active general partners to private equity funds forming the Nordic Capital group. These private equity funds invest in large and medium-sized companies, predominantly in Europe. The portfolio companies controlled by the Nordic Capital group are active in diverse areas, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

Nordic Capital VIII Limited is one of four active general partners to private equity funds forming the Nordic Capital group. These private equity funds invest in large and medium-sized companies, predominantly in Europe. The portfolio companies controlled by the Nordic Capital group are active in diverse areas,

| — | Unicorn ApS is the parent company of Unifeeder A/S, a company active in maritime transportation services for containerized goods mainly in Northern Europe. |
| --- | --- |

—

Unicorn ApS is the parent company of Unifeeder A/S, a company active in maritime transportation services for containerized goods mainly in Northern Europe.

| 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.6926 — Nordic Capital/Unicorn, to the following 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. 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.6926 — Nordic Capital/Unicorn, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

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’).

---

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 9.5.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 132/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.5.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 132/17

---

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

2013/C 132/12

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

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs
   (2)

‘MELONE MANTOVANO’

EC No: IT-PGI-0005-0883-13.07.2011

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1.   Name

‘Melone Mantovano’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Italy

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

| Class 1.6. | Fruit, vegetables and cereals, fresh or processed |
| --- | --- |

Class 1.6.

Fruit, vegetables and cereals, fresh or processed

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

The protected geographical indication (PGI) ‘Melone Mantovano’ denotes fresh melons, with amber flesh tending towards salmon-coloured, of the following two botanical varieties of Cucumis melo L.:

| — | cantalupensis (cantaloup melon), with smooth spherical or spheroid fruits and a grey-green to yellow skin, |
| --- | --- |

—

cantalupensis (cantaloup melon), with smooth spherical or spheroid fruits and a grey-green to yellow skin,

| — | reticulatus (netted melon), with mostly rounded or oval fruits, with or without grooves, but with a visible lattice (netting) on the skin. |
| --- | --- |

—

reticulatus (netted melon), with mostly rounded or oval fruits, with or without grooves, but with a visible lattice (netting) on the skin.

The table below shows the quality, sensory and calibre characteristics of the various fruit types:

| Fruit characteristics | Smooth type | Netted type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shape | Spherical or spheroid | Oval or rounded |
| Epicarpal (skin) colour | Straw-yellow | Straw-yellow or green, with or without grooves |
| Mesocarpal (flesh) colour | Amber | Amber-salmon |
| Thickness of flesh | ≥ 24 mm | ≥ 24 mm |
| Firmness of flesh | ≥ 0,5 kg on a surface equivalent to a circle 8 mm in diameter | ≥ 0,5 kg on a surface equivalent to a circle 8 mm in diameter |
| Sugar content | ≥ 12 °Brix | ≥ 12 °Brix |

Fruit characteristics

Smooth type

Netted type

Shape

Spherical or spheroid

Oval or rounded

Epicarpal (skin) colour

Straw-yellow

Straw-yellow or green, with or without grooves

Mesocarpal (flesh) colour

Amber

Amber-salmon

Thickness of flesh

≥ 24 mm

≥ 24 mm

Firmness of flesh

≥ 0,5 kg on a surface equivalent to a circle 8 mm in diameter

≥ 0,5 kg on a surface equivalent to a circle 8 mm in diameter

Sugar content

≥ 12 °Brix

≥ 12 °Brix

The cultivars used belong in particular to the following reference types: ‘Honey Moon’ (smooth type), ‘Harper’ (netted type without grooves) and ‘Supermarket’ (netted type with grooves). In general, ‘Melone Mantovano’ is characterised by its typical flavour and aroma (mushroom, watermelon, lime-blossom and courgette aromas, which also influence its sensory profile), its moist amber to salmon-coloured flesh, which is particularly thick, fibrous and firm, its sugar content of ≥ 12 °Brix and a significant mineral salt and potassium content, generally above the levels found in other melon-growing areas.

The calibre of the fruit (pepos) is determined by the weight and the maximum diameter of the longitudinal axis of the fruit. For smooth or netted ‘Melone Mantovano’ PGI the minimum calibres are: 800 g weight and 10 cm diameter; a maximum weight only has also been fixed of 2 000 g.

When sold in ready-to-eat form, the two types of ‘Melone Mantovano’ PGI may also be cut, sliced and peeled. When cut and peeled as a ready-to-eat product, ‘Melone Mantovano’ must have the same aromatic characteristics, sugar content, colour and flesh firmness as the whole fruit.

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 defined geographical area

The melon production steps, from growing to harvesting, must take place in the geographical production area defined in point 4.

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

As they are climacteric fruit, ‘Melone Mantovano’ PGI must be sorted and labelled within 24 hours of being harvested, either directly at the holding or in ad-hoc processing units. Moreover, when sold as a ready-to-eat product, ‘Melone Mantovano’ PGI may be cut, sliced and peeled after sorting and labelling. In order to best preserve its flavour, ready-to-eat ‘Melone Mantovano’ must be refrigerated, cut and packaged within 24 hours of being harvested.

3.7.   Specific rules concerning labelling

The words ‘Melone Mantovano Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ or its abbreviation ‘IGP’ and the EU symbol must appear, clearly and perfectly legibly, on packaging used either for whole fruit or for the ready-to-eat product. Together with the protected geographical indication, indications and/or images referring to company names, trade names or logos of consortia or individual companies may be used. The logo of the ‘Melone Mantovano’ denomination must be affixed to whole fruit. A label with the logo of the ‘Melone Mantovano’ denomination must be affixed to whole fruit.

The logo consists of a stylised image of a melon on a gridded circle, inside which, against a white background, can be seen the words ‘Melone Mantovano I.G.P’. The words ‘Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ or the abbreviation ‘IGP’ may be repeated in another area of the packaging or labels.

Image

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The production area of ‘Melone Mantovano’ PGI comprises various municipalities in Mantua, Cremona, Modena, Bologna and Ferrara provinces. In Mantua province the production area comprises the entire administrative area of the municipalities of Borgoforte, Carbonara di Po, Castellucchio, Cavriana, Ceresara, Commessaggio, Dosolo, Felonica, Gazoldo degli Ippoliti, Gazzuolo, Goito, Magnacavallo, Marcaria, Mariana Mantovana, Piubega, Poggio Rusco, Pomponesco, Quistello, Redondesco, Rivarolo Mantovano, Rodigo, Sabbioneta, San Benedetto Po, San Martino dall'Argine, Sermide and Viadana. In Borgoforte municipality the border of the production area in the east is the bridge over the River Po, while that in the north is the SS 62 road. In the west it is bordered by the Dugale Gherardo road up to the limits of Curtatone municipality. For Marcaria municipality the border of the production area in the south is the SS 10 Padana Inferiore road.

In Cremona province the production area comprises the entire administrative area of the following municipalities: Casalmaggiore, Casteldidone, Gussola, Martignana di Po, Rivarolo del Re ed Uniti, San Giovanni in Croce, Solarolo Rainerio and Spineda.

In Modena province the production area comprises the entire administrative area of the following municipalities: Concordia, Mirandola and San Felice sul Panaro.

In Bologna province the production area comprises the entire administrative area of the following municipalities: Crevalcore, Galiera and San Giovanni in Persiceto.

In Ferrara province the production area comprises the entire administrative area of the following municipalities: Bondeno, Cento and Sant’Agostino.

5.   Link with the geographical area

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area

The climate and soil conditions in the production area are specific and highly favourable to growing high-quality melons.

The climate, characterised by cold winters and hot, humid summers, as well as by fairly uniform temperatures, favours the development of the melon plants and encourages regular flowering and fruit setting. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of 2,7 °C, while the hottest month is July, with average temperatures of 25 °C; annual average solar radiation is 1 331 kWh/m2. The flat area of fluvial and fluvioglacial origin, formed over centuries by the erosion and deposits caused by the rivers Oglio, Mincio, Secchia, Panaro and Po, has a relatively shallow watertable and a total annual rainfall of between 600 mm and 700 mm. The altitude varies between 50 metres above sea level in the most southerly section (Rodigo) and 10 metres above sea level near the river Po.

From the soil maps of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna regions it can be seen that the production area of ‘Melone Mantovano’ has highly fertile soils, generally of the fluvisol, vertisol, calcisol and luvisol types, as described in the FAO's World Reference Base for Soil Resources (FAO — WRB, 1998).

5.2.   Specificity of the product

The characteristics which make ‘Melone Mantovano’ PGI unique compared to other products in the same commercial category are its typical flavour, its moist, amber to salmon-coloured, particularly thick (24 mm or more), fibrous and firm flesh (a firmness of 0,5 kg or more, measured on the median part of the flesh using a dynamometer with an 8 mm tip), its high sugar content of greater than or equal to 12 °Brix, and an average mineral salt and potassium content which is generally higher than in other melon-growing areas. Other characteristics which best describe ‘Melone Mantovano’ are its aromas of mushroom, watermelon, lime-blossom and courgette, which also influence its sensory profile, obtained using the ‘conventional QDA (qualitative descriptive analysis) profile’ method carried out with the aid of ‘generalised procrustes analysis (GPA)’.

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 particularly long and vigorous roots of ‘Melone Mantovano’ PGI can easily penetrate the deep and permeable soils of the production area. This guarantees regular water supplies and nutrients to the plant and avoids any kind of stress during the delicate periods of fruit setting and growth. Moreover, the artesian water used for irrigation has a high concentration of dissolved mineral salts; this, too, improves the melons' organoleptic and qualitative characteristics. During the growing period the combination of high average temperatures, solar radiation and low rainfall, along with the balanced and regular supply of water and nutrients, is reflected in the melons' high sugar content and typical aromas, as seen from the sensory profiles listed in the Lombardy region's research reports (Quaderni della ricerca della Regione Lombardia).

Melon-growing in the favourable soils of Mantua province and of certain neighbouring municipalities in the provinces of Modena, Bologna, Ferrara and Cremona is time-honoured, with many historical and bibliographical references, such as the documents dating from the end of the 15th century in the Gonzaga family archives. Among these documents are detailed notes on the ‘production of melons from these lands’. These testimonies also attest to how good the local growers were at selecting varieties and adopting growing methods which allowed them to produce good quality melons, methods which have continued to this day. This is proved by the numerous promotional events organised by the local administrations (festivals, fairs, traditional celebrations) and which take place each year in many parts of the ‘Melone Mantovano’ production area; these are also aimed at publicising the melon's organoleptic qualities and gastronomic uses among consumers from the locality and beyond. The best-known festivals which each year bring in visitors and fans of the various ways of preparing melon (antipasti, risotto, sauces and desserts) include the ‘Melonaria’ and the ‘Fiere e Sagre del “Melone tipico Mantovano” ’ which have for some time now been held in the municipalities of Sermide, Viadana, Gazoldo degli Ippoliti, Rodigo, Castellucchio, Goito and Casteldidone, as well as in the city of Mantua.

These important results and the reputation gained over a long period, which have been recognised and acclaimed in many specialised press articles (‘Melone Mantovano’,Fresh Point magazine, Supplement No 6 of June 2009, ed. Il sole 24 ore business media — 2009; report on the national congress on ‘Melone Mantovano’, 12.6.2009, Mantua; ‘Speciale melone — la produzione il mercato la realtà mantovana’, Supplement to No 24 of 2004 — Terra e Vita, ed. Edagricole; Zerbinati, F., ‘Melone positivo in serra, male in pieno campo’, L’informatore Agrario, No 46/2002, p. 44; report on the national congress on ‘The melon culture in Italy’, 7.2.1979, Verona), have been due to a combination of the melon-growing culture (which is a heritage of know-how passed down from generation to generation) and the soil and climate characteristics of the geographical area of production.

Reference to publication of the specification

(Article 5(7) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (3))

The Ministry launched the national procedure to allow objections to the proposed amendment to the ‘Melone Mantovano’ protected geographical indication in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic No 130 of 7 June 2011.

The full text of the product specification is available on the following website:

http://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/3335

or alternatively:

by going direct to the home page of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy (http://www.politicheagricole.it) and clicking on ‘Qualità e sicurezza’ (on the top right of the screen) and then on ‘Disciplinari di Produzione all’esame dell’UE’.

---

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

(2)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12. Replaced by Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

(3)  See footnote 2.

---

| 9.5.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 132/22 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.5.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 132/22

---

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

2013/C 132/13

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

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs
   (2)

‘SAL DE TAVIRA’/‘FLOR DE SAL DE TAVIRA’

EC No: PT-PDO-0005-0913-07.12.2011

PGI ( ) PDO ( X )

1.   Name

‘Sal de Tavira’/‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’

2.   Member State or third country

Portugal

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

| Class 1.8 — | Other products of Annex I to the Treaty (spices, etc.) |
| --- | --- |

Class 1.8 —

Other products of Annex I to the Treaty (spices, etc.)

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

‘Sal de Tavira’/‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ is hand-harvested sea salt, obtained in the defined geographical area by the natural precipitation of water from the Atlantic Ocean, which circulates through a series of pools until it finally crystallises in the salt pans. Its physical and chemical properties are described below. It is unrefined, unwashed and additive-free sea salt.

3.2.1.   ‘Sal de Tavira’

‘Sal de Tavira’ is sea salt consisting of crystals which form at the bottom (natural clay) of the salt pans. The salt is extracted by hand with a special tool called a rodo. The crystals, which are flake- or cube-shaped, can up to a certain point simply be crushed between the fingers and are clearly distinguishable from common sodium chloride.

3.2.2.   ‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’

‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ has a different mineral salt content and is much more fragile when rubbed between the fingers than ‘Sal de Tavira’. It consists of very fine flakes which with minimal rubbing between the fingers are crushed into very small, light crystals. It has its own characteristic proportions of chemical elements and looks different to the naked eye. It dissolves easily in the mouth, so it can be used directly at table. ‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ is hand-harvested by removing the top layer of salt which forms in the pans, with a special tool, a coador, before the rest of the salt sinks to the bottom.

‘Sal de Tavira/Flor de Sal de Tavira’ have specific physical and chemical properties which differ from those of common salt and derive from the specificity of the defined geographical area, the conditions under which they form and the harvesting method. See details below.

Table 1

Physical properties of ‘Sal de Tavira’/‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’

| Properties | ‘Sal de Tavira’ | ‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Crystal shape | Flake- or cube-shaped | Varies |
| Crystal size | Small | Extremely small |
| Rigidity (how easily the crystals can be crushed between the fingers) | Very easily | Extremely easily |
| Solubility in water | Very soluble | Very very soluble |
| Colour | Depends on atmospheric conditions (3) | White |

Properties

‘Sal de Tavira’

‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’

Crystal shape

Flake- or cube-shaped

Varies

Crystal size

Small

Extremely small

Rigidity (how easily the crystals can be crushed between the fingers)

Very easily

Extremely easily

Solubility in water

Very soluble

Very very soluble

Colour

Depends on atmospheric conditions (3)

White

Table 2

Chemical properties of ‘Sal de Tavira’/‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’

| Chemical properties | ‘Sal de Tavira’ | ‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Elements/Substances | Arsenic, As (mg/kg) | 0,01 | < 0,005 |
| Copper, Cu (mg/kg) | < 0,015 | < 0,015 |
| Lead, Pb (mg/kg) | 0,559 | 0,048 |
| Cadmium, Cd (mg/kg) | < 0,002 | < 0,002 |
| Mercury, Hg (mg/kg) | < 0,005 | < 0,005 |
| NaCl % | 97,10 % | 97,70 % |
| Zinc (mg/kg) | < 1,00 | 1,00 |
| Iron (mg/kg) | 21 | 4 |
| Manganese (mg/kg) | 2,2 | < 2,0 |
| Sodium % | 35,83 % | 31,16 % |
| Potassium % | 0,15 % | 0,22 % |
| Magnesium % | 0,50 % | 0,69 % |
| Calcium % | 0,10 % | 0,14 % |
| Sulphates % | 0,92 % | 1,25 % |
| Insoluble in water % | < 0,01 % | < 0,01 % |
| Natural iodine ppm | Approx. 630 ppm | Approx. 630 ppm |

Chemical properties

‘Sal de Tavira’

‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’

Elements/Substances

Arsenic, As (mg/kg)

0,01

< 0,005

Copper, Cu (mg/kg)

< 0,015

< 0,015

Lead, Pb (mg/kg)

0,559

0,048

Cadmium, Cd (mg/kg)

< 0,002

< 0,002

Mercury, Hg (mg/kg)

< 0,005

< 0,005

NaCl %

97,10 %

97,70 %

Zinc (mg/kg)

< 1,00

1,00

Iron (mg/kg)

21

4

Manganese (mg/kg)

2,2

< 2,0

Sodium %

35,83 %

31,16 %

Potassium %

0,15 %

0,22 %

Magnesium %

0,50 %

0,69 %

Calcium %

0,10 %

0,14 %

Sulphates %

0,92 %

1,25 %

Insoluble in water %

< 0,01 %

< 0,01 %

Natural iodine ppm

Approx. 630 ppm

Approx. 630 ppm

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 defined geographical area

‘Sal de Tavira’/‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ is harvested in the defined geographical area and all the other production operations must be carried out in that area.

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

—

3.7.   Specific rules concerning labelling

The following must appear on the label of all types of ‘Sal de Tavira’ and ‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ packaging:

| — | ‘Sal de Tavira’ or ‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ — ‘DOP’ and/or ‘Denominação de Origem Protegida’, |
| --- | --- |

—

‘Sal de Tavira’ or ‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ — ‘DOP’ and/or ‘Denominação de Origem Protegida’,

| — | the EU logo and the words ‘Denominação de Origem Protegida’ — from the date of the Community decision. |
| --- | --- |

—

the EU logo and the words ‘Denominação de Origem Protegida’ — from the date of the Community decision.

In addition, the label must bear the certification mark, which includes the following:

| — | name of inspection body, |
| --- | --- |

—

name of inspection body,

| — | serial number, |
| --- | --- |

—

serial number,

| — | producer details (address, logo, batch year, awards received), |
| --- | --- |

—

producer details (address, logo, batch year, awards received),

| — | ‘Sal de Tavira’ or ‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ logo: | |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

‘Sal de Tavira’ or ‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ logo:

Image

Image

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The salt pans where ‘Sal de Tavira’/‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ are produced are located in the Ria Formosa National Park. Administratively, the defined geographical area comprises the parishes of Santa Luzia, Santiago and Santa Maria in the municipality of Tavira.

5.   Link with the geographical area

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area

The specific characteristics of ‘Sal de Tavira’/‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ result to a large extent from the climatic conditions in the defined geographical area and the fact that there are no environmentally damaging activities such as heavy industry or intensive farming in this part of the Ria Formosa, where the salt pans are located.

The Ria Formosa is a lagoon area, protected from the direct action of the ocean by a sandy barrier. The compact, clay soils, which are highly impermeable, are suitable for the construction of salt pans.

The climate is temperate Mediterranean, with low average annual rainfall; it rarely rains for long periods. The area receives long hours of sunshine and the winds are evenly distributed, from the north and the south-west, thus favouring salt production.

The specificity of the geographical area also derives from human factors and rules governing land use dating back to 1266, which describe the Tavira salt pans as the property of the Portuguese crown.

The soil and climatic variables in the defined geographical area, together with the production rules and the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, mean that ‘Sal de Tavira’/‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ are produced under unique conditions.

In addition, the specific techniques employed by the local salt workers are essential for optimising production, as regards preparation of the salt pans and extraction, storage and conservation of the product, so that the final product is free of impurities, clean and ‘glitters like a pile of diamonds’.

The experience and knowledge of the local people are an extremely important factor in determining the characteristics of the product. They know how to prepare the salt pans, cleaning them and removing mud, thus ensuring that a quality product is obtained, free of undesirable foreign matter.

Control of the volume of water in each pan has a significant influence on the concentration of brine and the crystallisation process, which are decisive for the production of the top layer of salt. Knowing how to handle the coadores so as not to create waves that will cause the extremely fine flakes of salt floating on the surface of the pans to break, so that they cannot be harvested intact, is one of the techniques mastered through experience by the local salt workers, which is of crucial importance to the quality of the product.

5.2.   Specificity of the product

‘Sal de Tavira’ and ‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ are a hall-mark of the region, known to contain natural iodine in beneficial quantities and trace elements present in sea water, and to be free of mud and/or other insoluble substances. They are natural, unrefined, unwashed and additive-free salts.

‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’ is more fragile than ‘Sal de Tavira’ when rubbed between the fingers. The fact that it consists of extremely fine flakes that are crumbled easily into very small crystals means that it can be used directly at table, where it dissolves in contact with the moisture of food and enhances its natural taste.

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 variables that create the geographical area's microclimate, together with the rules of production and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, give the region unique conditions for salt production, which has been going on for centuries, and enhance the quality of the final product. As a result of aerosolarisation, the salt naturally contains iodine and other important nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron.

The impermeable clay soils of the salt pans in the region allow traditional (manual) extraction of a white salt that is free of mud and other impurities.

In addition, the techniques employed by the local salt workers, who are known as marnotos, together with the rules of production, notably the preparation of the salt pans and cleaning of the pools, are essential for optimising production and ensuring that the final product is of high quality. The method of harvesting in the defined area, using three types of salt pan (cold water pools, hot water pools and crystallising pools), where the water circulates by gravity, helps to concentrate the brine and facilitates the harvesting of ‘Sal de Tavira’/‘Flor de Sal de Tavira’.

Its physical and chemical characteristics therefore result from a combination of factors and they have been acknowledged by numerous prizes awarded at fairs and other events.

The unique qualities of Flor de Sal are recognised nationally and internationally by top chefs. When used in cooking it enhances the flavour of food and gives dishes a unique, refined taste. It is a hallmark of the region, known for its flavour and its widespread use in national and international cuisine.

Publication reference of the specification

(Article 5(7) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (4))

http://www.gpp.pt/Valor/Caderno_Especificacoes_Sal_CE.pdf

---

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

(2)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12. Replaced by Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

(3)  As the product is additive-free and has not undergone any processing, if it rains it is yellow and if it does not rain it is white.

(4)  See footnote 2.

---