# Official Journal C 83/2013

| | ISSN 1977-091X
  doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2013.083.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 83 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5622 March 2013 |

ISSN 1977-091X

doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2013.083.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 83

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5622 March 2013

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 083/01 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2013/C 083/01

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

1

1

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2013/C 083/02 | Notice for the attention of the persons to whom restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/172/CFSP, as amended by Council Decision 2013/144/CFSP, and in Council Regulation (EU) No 270/2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Egypt apply | 6 |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 083/03 | Euro exchange rates | 7 |
| 2013/C 083/04 | Explanatory Notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union | 8 |
| 2013/C 083/05 | Explanatory Notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union | 9 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2013/C 083/06 | Commission communication pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services (
  1
  ) | 10 |
| 2013/C 083/07 | Commission communication pursuant to Article 17 of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community — Invitation to tender in respect of the operation of scheduled air services in accordance with public service obligations (
  1
  ) | 10 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2013/C 083/02

Notice for the attention of the persons to whom restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/172/CFSP, as amended by Council Decision 2013/144/CFSP, and in Council Regulation (EU) No 270/2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Egypt apply

6

European Commission

2013/C 083/03

Euro exchange rates

7

2013/C 083/04

Explanatory Notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union

8

2013/C 083/05

Explanatory Notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union

9

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2013/C 083/06

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

1

10

2013/C 083/07

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

1

10

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 083/08 | Main specifications of the technical file for Russian Vodka | 11 |

V   Announcements

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2013/C 083/08

Main specifications of the technical file for Russian Vodka

11

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 22.3.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 83/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.3.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 83/1

---

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 83/01

| Date of adoption of the decision | 20.11.2012 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.33491 (11/NN) |
| Member State | France |
| Region | — | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Renouvellement des conventions de recherche industrielle (CRI) entre l'IFPEN et ses filiales Axens et Prosernat |
| Legal basis | | Programme 190 de la loi de finances pour 2011 |

Date of adoption of the decision

20.11.2012

Reference number of State Aid

SA.33491 (11/NN)

Member State

France

Region

—

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Renouvellement des conventions de recherche industrielle (CRI) entre l'IFPEN et ses filiales Axens et Prosernat

Legal basis

Programme 190 de la loi de finances pour 2011

| | Conventions entre IFPEN et Axens |
| --- | --- |

Conventions entre IFPEN et Axens

| | Avenant à la convention entre IFPEN et Prosernat |
| --- | --- |

Avenant à la convention entre IFPEN et Prosernat

Type of measure

Scheme

Prosernat, Axens

Objective

Research and development

Form of aid

Subsidised services, Guarantee

Budget

| | Overall budget: EUR 131,50 million |
| --- | --- |

Overall budget: EUR 131,50 million

| | Annual budget: EUR 14,30 million |
| --- | --- |

Annual budget: EUR 14,30 million

Intensity

65 %

Duration (period)

Until 30.12.2021

Economic sectors

Support activities for petroleum and natural gas extraction

Name and address of the granting authority

| Ministère de l'économie, des finances et de l'industrie |
| --- |
| 139 rue de Bercy |
| 75013 Paris |
| FRANCE |

Ministère de l'économie, des finances et de l'industrie

139 rue de Bercy

75013 Paris

FRANCE

Other information

—

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

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

| Date of adoption of the decision | 22.12.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.33571 (11/N) |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Niedersachsen | Non-assisted areas |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Kapitalstärkungsprogramm NORD/LB |
| Legal basis | | Beschluss der Trägerversammlung der NORD/LB vom 18. August 2001; |

Date of adoption of the decision

22.12.2011

Reference number of State Aid

SA.33571 (11/N)

Member State

Germany

Region

Niedersachsen

Non-assisted areas

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Kapitalstärkungsprogramm NORD/LB

Legal basis

Beschluss der Trägerversammlung der NORD/LB vom 18. August 2001;

| | Gesetz über Kapitalmaßnahmen zugunsten der NORD/LB vom 26. Mai 2011 |
| --- | --- |

Gesetz über Kapitalmaßnahmen zugunsten der NORD/LB vom 26. Mai 2011

Type of measure

Ad hoc aid

Norddeutsche Landesbank — Girozentrale — AöR

Objective

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

Form of aid

Other forms of equity intervention — capital injection for NORD/LB (capital conversion and additional capital injection)

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 1 667 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

30.12.2011-30.6.2012

Economic sectors

Financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding

Name and address of the granting authority

| Niedersächsisches Finanzministerium |
| --- |
| Schiffgraben 10 |
| 30159 Hannover |
| DEUTSCHLAND |

Niedersächsisches Finanzministerium

Schiffgraben 10

30159 Hannover

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/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 1.3.2013 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.35401 (13/N) |
| Member State | Finland |
| Region | — | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Bisnesenkeli-järjestelmän pääomatulojen veronhuojennus
  Skattelättnad avseende skattepliktig kapitalinkomst för affärsänglar |
| Legal basis | | Laki sijoitustoiminnan veronhuojennuksesta verovuosina 2013–2015 (993/2012) |

Date of adoption of the decision

1.3.2013

Reference number of State Aid

SA.35401 (13/N)

Member State

Finland

Region

—

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Bisnesenkeli-järjestelmän pääomatulojen veronhuojennus

Skattelättnad avseende skattepliktig kapitalinkomst för affärsänglar

Legal basis

Laki sijoitustoiminnan veronhuojennuksesta verovuosina 2013–2015 (993/2012)

| | Lag om skattelättnad för investeringsverksamhet skatteåren 2013–2015 (993/2012 VP) |
| --- | --- |

Lag om skattelättnad för investeringsverksamhet skatteåren 2013–2015 (993/2012 VP)

Type of measure

Scheme

—

Objective

Risk capital, SMEs

Form of aid

Tax deferment, Provision of risk capital

Budget

| | Overall budget: EUR 36 million |
| --- | --- |

Overall budget: EUR 36 million

| | Annual budget: EUR 12 million |
| --- | --- |

Annual budget: EUR 12 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

Until 31.12.2015

Economic sectors

All economic sectors eligible to receive aid

Name and address of the granting authority

| Valtiovarainministeriö |
| --- |
| Snellmaninkatu 1 A |
| PL 28 |
| FI-00023 Helsinki |
| SUOMI/FINLAND |

Valtiovarainministeriö

Snellmaninkatu 1 A

PL 28

FI-00023 Helsinki

SUOMI/FINLAND

| Valtioneuvosto |
| --- |
| Finansministeriet |
| Snellmansgatan 1 A |
| Helsingfors, PB 28 |
| FI-00023 Statsrådet |
| SUOMI/FINLAND |

Valtioneuvosto

Finansministeriet

Snellmansgatan 1 A

Helsingfors, PB 28

FI-00023 Statsrådet

SUOMI/FINLAND

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 | 4.12.2012 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.35702 (12/N) |
| Member State | Austria |
| Region | — | Mixed |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Verlängerung der Beihilfenregelung „TOP-Tourismus-Förderung 2007-2013 — Teil D: TOP-Restrukturierung“ |
| Legal basis | Richtlinien des Bundesministers für Wirtschaft und Arbeit für die TOP-Tourismus-Förderung 2007-2013 (Teil D: TOP-Restrukturierung) |
| Type of measure | Scheme | — |
| Objective | Restructuring firms in difficulty |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 1,35 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | 10.10.2012-31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | Accommodation and food service activities |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft, Familie und Jugend |
| Stubenring 1 |
| 1010 Wien |
| ÖSTERREICH |

Date of adoption of the decision

4.12.2012

Reference number of State Aid

SA.35702 (12/N)

Member State

Austria

Region

—

Mixed

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Verlängerung der Beihilfenregelung „TOP-Tourismus-Förderung 2007-2013 — Teil D: TOP-Restrukturierung“

Legal basis

Richtlinien des Bundesministers für Wirtschaft und Arbeit für die TOP-Tourismus-Förderung 2007-2013 (Teil D: TOP-Restrukturierung)

Type of measure

Scheme

—

Objective

Restructuring firms in difficulty

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 1,35 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

10.10.2012-31.12.2013

Economic sectors

Accommodation and food service activities

Name and address of the granting authority

Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft, Familie und Jugend

Stubenring 1

1010 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/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 7.2.2013 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.35830 (12/N) |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | — | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Green Bus Fund |
| Legal basis | Section 5 of the Science and Technology Act 1965 |
| Type of measure | Scheme | Bus companies |
| Objective | Environmental protection |
| Form of aid | Other, Direct grant — simplified procedure. Modifications: Scotland £2m->£3m/year, £750k->£1m/bidder. England intensity 80 %->50 %. |
| Budget | | Overall budget: GBP 23 million |

Date of adoption of the decision

7.2.2013

Reference number of State Aid

SA.35830 (12/N)

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

—

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Green Bus Fund

Legal basis

Section 5 of the Science and Technology Act 1965

Type of measure

Scheme

Bus companies

Objective

Environmental protection

Form of aid

Other, Direct grant — simplified procedure. Modifications: Scotland £2m->£3m/year, £750k->£1m/bidder. England intensity 80 %->50 %.

Budget

Overall budget: GBP 23 million

| | Annual budget: GBP 23 million |
| --- | --- |

Annual budget: GBP 23 million

Intensity

80 %

Duration (period)

1.1.2013-31.12.2013

Economic sectors

Urban and suburban passenger land transport

Name and address of the granting authority

| Department for Transport & Transport Scotland |
| --- |
| Great Minster House |
| 33 Horseferry Road |
| London |
| SW1P 4DR |
| UNITED KINGDOM |

Department for Transport & Transport Scotland

Great Minster House

33 Horseferry Road

London

SW1P 4DR

UNITED KINGDOM

| Victoria Quay |
| --- |
| Edinburgh |
| Scotland |
| EH6 6QQ |
| UNITED KINGDOM |

Victoria Quay

Edinburgh

Scotland

EH6 6QQ

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/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 22.3.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 83/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.3.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 83/6

---

Notice for the attention of the persons to whom restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/172/CFSP, as amended by Council Decision 2013/144/CFSP (1), and in Council Regulation (EU) No 270/2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Egypt apply

2013/C 83/02

The following information is brought to the attention of the persons who appear in the Annex to Council Decision 2011/172/CFSP (2) and in Annex I to Council Regulation (EU) No 270/2011 (3) concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Egypt.

The Council of the European Union has determined that the persons that appear in the above mentioned Annexes should continue to be included in the list of persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures provided for in Decision 2011/172/CFSP and in Regulation (EU) No 270/2011.

The attention of the persons concerned is drawn to the possibility of making an application to the competent authorities of the relevant Member State(s) as indicated on the websites in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 270/2011, in order to obtain an authorisation to use frozen funds for basic needs or specific payments (cf. Article 4 of the Regulation).

The persons concerned may submit a request to the Council, together with supporting documentation, that the decision to include them on the above mentioned lists should be reconsidered, to the following address:

| Council of the European Union |
| --- |
| General Secretariat |
| DG C 1C — Horizontal Issues Unit |
| Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 |
| 1048 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

DG C 1C — Horizontal Issues Unit

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

The attention of the persons concerned is also drawn to the possibility of challenging the Council's decision before the General Court of the European Union, in accordance with the conditions laid down in Article 275, second paragraph, and Article 263, fourth and sixth paragraphs, of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

---

(1)  OJ L 82, 22.3.2013, p. 54.

(2)  OJ L 76, 22.3.2011, p. 63.

(3)  OJ L 76, 22.3.2011, p. 4.

---

European Commission

| 22.3.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 83/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.3.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 83/7

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

21 March 2013

2013/C 83/03

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,2910 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 122,95 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4531 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,85165 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 8,3654 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,2225 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,5480 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,813 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 305,42 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,7017 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,1828 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,4180 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,3425 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,2375 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,3211 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,0224 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,5494 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,6132 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 438,36 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 12,0050 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 8,0273 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5950 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 12 573,22 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,0300 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 52,600 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 39,9375 |
| THB | Thai baht | 37,658 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,5726 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 15,9865 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 70,0300 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,2910

JPY

Japanese yen

122,95

DKK

Danish krone

7,4531

GBP

Pound sterling

0,85165

SEK

Swedish krona

8,3654

CHF

Swiss franc

1,2225

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,5480

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,813

HUF

Hungarian forint

305,42

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,7017

PLN

Polish zloty

4,1828

RON

Romanian leu

4,4180

TRY

Turkish lira

2,3425

AUD

Australian dollar

1,2375

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,3211

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,0224

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,5494

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,6132

KRW

South Korean won

1 438,36

ZAR

South African rand

12,0050

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

8,0273

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5950

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

12 573,22

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,0300

PHP

Philippine peso

52,600

RUB

Russian rouble

39,9375

THB

Thai baht

37,658

BRL

Brazilian real

2,5726

MXN

Mexican peso

15,9865

INR

Indian rupee

70,0300

---

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

---

| 22.3.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 83/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.3.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 83/8

---

Explanatory Notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union

2013/C 83/04

Pursuant to Article 9(1)(a), second indent, of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 of 23 July 1987 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff (1), the Explanatory Notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union (2) are amended as follows:

On page 394:

9506 69 90 Other

The following text is inserted after the first paragraph:

‘This subheading also includes so-called “anti-stress balls”, which have the shape of a ball and can be decorated in various ways. They are usually made of plastic or rubber and are intended to be kneaded in the hand.

Image

However, other “anti-stress items” intended to be kneaded in the hand, but not having the shape of a ball, are classified under heading 9503.’

Image

---

(1)  OJ L 256, 7.9.1987, p. 1.

1

(2)  OJ C 137, 6.5.2011, p. 1.

2

---

| 22.3.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 83/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.3.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 83/9

---

Explanatory Notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union

2013/C 83/05

Pursuant to Article 9(1)(a), second indent, of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 of 23 July 1987 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff (1), the Explanatory Notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union (2) are amended as follows:

On page 379, the following text is inserted:

| ‘9004 | Spectacles, goggles and the like, corrective, protective or other:

  Cords, chains and the like (for example, “spectacle cords” or “spectacle chains”) for the products of this heading, whether or not with end loops, are to be considered as neither parts nor accessories, because they are neither integral components nor do they add to or improve the functionality of these products. Therefore, they are to be classified according to their constituent material (for example, heading 5609, 6307, 7117, 7315 or 7616).’ |
| --- | --- |

‘9004

Spectacles, goggles and the like, corrective, protective or other:

Cords, chains and the like (for example, “spectacle cords” or “spectacle chains”) for the products of this heading, whether or not with end loops, are to be considered as neither parts nor accessories, because they are neither integral components nor do they add to or improve the functionality of these products. Therefore, they are to be classified according to their constituent material (for example, heading 5609, 6307, 7117, 7315 or 7616).’

---

(1)  OJ L 256, 7.9.1987, p. 1.

1

(2)  OJ C 137, 6.5.2011, p. 1.

2

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 22.3.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 83/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.3.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 83/10

---

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

Public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 83/06

| Member State | Ireland |
| --- | --- |
| Concerned route | Galway/Na Mine and the Aran Islands and vice versa |
| Date of entry into force of the revised public service obligations | 1 September 2013 |
| Address where the text and any relevant information and/or documentation related to the public service obligations can be obtained | Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht |
| Na Forbacha |
| Co Galway |
| IRELAND |

Member State

Ireland

Concerned route

Galway/Na Mine and the Aran Islands and vice versa

Date of entry into force of the revised public service obligations

1 September 2013

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

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Na Forbacha

Co Galway

IRELAND

Island’s Division

Tel. +353 91503715 / 91503724

Fax +353 91503750

E-mail: tender.islands@ahg.gov.ie

---

| 22.3.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 83/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.3.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 83/10

---

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

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

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 83/07

| Member State | Ireland |
| --- | --- |
| Concerned routes | Galway/Na Mine and the Aran Islands and vice versa |
| Period of validity of the contract | 1 September 2013 to 31 August 2014 with an option to renew for a further year |
| Deadline for the submission of tenders | Two months after the date of publication of this tender invitation |
| Address where the text of the invitation to tender and/or documentation related to the public tender and the public service obligations can be obtained | Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht |
| Na Forbacha |
| Co Galway |
| IRELAND |

Member State

Ireland

Concerned routes

Galway/Na Mine and the Aran Islands and vice versa

Period of validity of the contract

1 September 2013 to 31 August 2014 with an option to renew for a further year

Deadline for the submission of tenders

Two months after the date of publication of this tender invitation

Address where the text of the invitation to tender and/or documentation related to the public tender and the public service obligations can be obtained

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Na Forbacha

Co Galway

IRELAND

Island’s Division

Tel. +353 91503715 / 91503724

Fax +353 91503750

E-mail: tender.islands@ahg.gov.ie

---

V Announcements

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 22.3.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 83/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.3.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 83/11

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MAIN SPECIFICATIONS OF THE TECHNICAL FILE FOR RUSSIAN VODKA

2013/C 83/08

INTRODUCTION

On 26 November 2010, the Association of Russian Vodka Producers (ARVP), established in the Russian Federation, applied for registration of ‘Russian Vodka’ as a geographical indication within Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1576/89.

According to Article 17(5) of Regulation (EC) No 110/2008, the Commission shall verify, within 12 months of the date of submission of the application referred to in paragraph 1, whether that application complies with this Regulation.

This verification has been done and, in accordance with Article 17(6), Commission services have announced that the application complies with the Regulation at the 113rd meeting of the Committee for Spirit Drinks on 27 February 2013.

Therefore, the main specifications of the technical file shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, C Series.

According to Article 17(7), within 6 months of the date of publication of the main specifications of the technical file, any natural or legal person that has a legitimate interest may object to the registration of the geographical indication in Annex III on the grounds that the conditions provided for in this Regulation are not fulfilled. The objection, which must be duly substantiated, shall be submitted to the Commission in one of the official languages of the European Union or accompanied by a translation into one of those languages.

MAIN SPECIFICATIONS OF THE TECHNICAL FILE FOR ‘RUSSIAN VODKA’

1.   Name:‘Russian Vodka’ (Русская водкa)

2.   Category of spirit drink: Vodka (category 15 of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 110/2008)

3.   Description: Colourless spirit drink produced by the fermentation and distillation of wheat and rye

4.   Physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics:

The main physical and chemical properties of ‘Russian Vodka’ are:

| — | Alcoholic strength by volume: minimum 37,5 %, maximum 56 % |
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Alcoholic strength by volume: minimum 37,5 %, maximum 56 %

| — | Methanol content: not more than 0,01 % |
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Methanol content: not more than 0,01 %

| — | Aldehyde content: not more than 8 mg/dm3 |
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Aldehyde content: not more than 8 mg/dm3

| — | Fusel oil content: not more than 8 mg/dm3 |
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Fusel oil content: not more than 8 mg/dm3

| — | Alkalinity, i.e. the volume of hydrochloric acid (HCL) at a concentration of 0,1 mol/dm3, used for titrating 100 cm3 of vodka: not more than 3 cm3 |
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Alkalinity, i.e. the volume of hydrochloric acid (HCL) at a concentration of 0,1 mol/dm3, used for titrating 100 cm3 of vodka: not more than 3 cm3

| — | Compound ester content: not more than 20 mg/dm3 |
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Compound ester content: not more than 20 mg/dm3

Taste and flavour: mellow and pure taste with a subtle cereal/bread flavour

5.   Geographical area: Russian Federation

6.   Method of production:

The whole production process must be carried out on the territory of the Russian Federation and all raw materials for the production of ‘Russian Vodka’ have to be of Russian origin.

The grain (wheat and rye) is cleaned of dust and impurities, then crushed in hammer crushers, and carried to the mixing device. There it is mixed with water of a temperature of 50-55 °C. The mixture, called mash, is quickly heated by high-pressure steam, and then it is boiled softly.

Beforehand, a mixture of millet, oat and/or rye was germinated in a vessel and developed natural enzymes. No other enzymes are added. The latter mixture is added to the mash triggering the saccharification process.

Subsequently, the saccharified mash is cooled down to 26-28 °C, and yeast is added to trigger fermentation.

Afterwards, the brew is distilled and rectified.

The resulting ethyl alcohol and softened water are poured into a special vessel called the grading collector. Softening and purification of the water is achieved through ionisation and osmoses. This also ensures an optimum salt content.

The water-alcohol solution is mixed with the aim of reaching a determined alcoholic strength of the mixture.

The mixture undergoes numerous filtration processes. For preliminary purification, quartz sand with a particular grain-type structure and rough grain surfaces is used as filtering material.

Then the solution is passed into the charcoal battery, which is slowly filled from bottom to top. The birch charcoal used is made from specific parts of a particular birch variety (Betula pubescens), which is cultivated in Russia. As a result of the filtration process, the vodka acquires mildness and a light aroma of bread, which are typical of ‘Russian Vodka’.

At a third stage, the solution is passed through the quartz sand filter for final purification.

The solution is then delivered to the finishing vessel, where its alcoholic strength is adjusted to the required degree.

7.   Geographical link:

7.1.   History/Origin:

Vodka has deep roots in Russian history and became an integral part of folkloristic and cultural traditions of Russian people.

The first-ever printed mention of vodka in Russia dates back to 1474, and was made in connection with the installation of the relevant state monopoly, which suggests that vodka was already a mass commercial product in Russia.

The name ‘vodka’ itself evolved from the word ‘voda’ (water) and means ‘small water’.

In the XVIII century, the Russian Academy of Science developed a method for rectification of water-alcohol solutions, which led to considerable changes in the production of vodka. Subsequently, further research and development focused on the use of charcoal. In the period 1863-1895, Russian vodka production technology was further improved.

In the XX century, more advanced methods of activated charcoal filtration were used for the production of vodka in Russia.

In the past, in Russia, vodka was the main product among distilled alcoholic beverages, and remains so.

7.2.   Raw materials:

For the production of ‘Russian Vodka’ only wheat and rye obtained from spring and winter crops of Russian origin are allowed. The wheat and rye used are characterised by special proportions of carbohydrates, proteins (high carbohydrate contents, e.g. protein-starch ratios or Russian rye and wheat are 1:5.6 and 1:4, respectively) and amino acids, which are based on the types of cereals used, and the particular soil and climate conditions of Russia. The Russian wheat and rye used also possess specific ‘unidentified’ mixtures (volatile compounds) giving a special taste to the ethyl alcohol, which is typical for ‘Russian Vodka’.

Also, all auxiliary materials, i.e. the millet, oat and/or rye for the formation of enzymes used for the saccharification process, are of Russian origin.

For the production of ‘Russian Vodka’, specially treated drinking water is obtained from natural springs of Russia, mainly 100-200 m deep artesian wells, is used. In the Russian Federation, such water is characterised by a high content of ferrous ions and belongs to the group of calcium-magnesium bicarbonate waters.

Neither distilled nor boiled water is allowed.

7.3.   National production traditions:

The unique organoleptic features of the ‘Russian Vodka’ result from the following national production traditions:

| — | the method of ethyl alcohol production, |
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the method of ethyl alcohol production,

| — | the use of specially treated water with an optimum salt/mineral content, |
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the use of specially treated water with an optimum salt/mineral content,

| — | the special method of filtration of the water-alcohol solutions with use of birch charcoal and sand. |
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the special method of filtration of the water-alcohol solutions with use of birch charcoal and sand.

8.   Requirements of the national legislation:

Since 5 June 2003, the Appellation of Origin ‘Russian Vodka’ has been and is subject to legal protection in the Russian Federation. It has been included in the Russian Federation’s State Register for products with Appellations of Origin under No 0065.

Products bearing the Appellation of Origin ‘Russian Vodka’, which are intended for export to third countries, have to meet all legal requirements of the country of destination. This also means that ‘Russian Vodka’ exported to the European Union has to meet the legal requirements provided for in Article 15 of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 110/2008.

9.   Applicant:

| Name | : | Ассоциация производителей «Русской водки» |
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| English translation | : | Association of Russian Vodka Producers (ARVP) |
| Address | : | Россия, 121170, г. Москва, Кутузовский проспект, дом 34, строение 21
  Russia, 121170 Moscow, Kutuzovskiy prospect, building 34, block 21 |

Name

:

Ассоциация производителей «Русской водки»

English translation

:

Association of Russian Vodka Producers (ARVP)

Address

:

Россия, 121170, г. Москва, Кутузовский проспект, дом 34, строение 21

Russia, 121170 Moscow, Kutuzovskiy prospect, building 34, block 21

10.   Supervisory authority:

The Federal Service for Alcohol Market Regulation is the main state institution in the area of the Russian Federation’s alcohol policy. This includes verification of compliance of all alcoholic beverages with the legislative requirements of the Russian Federation.

Whereas the ARVP will be assisting the Federal Service for Alcohol Market Regulation in ensuring that ‘Russian Vodka’ exported to third countries, where it has been registered as a geographical indication, meets the above specifications.

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