# Official Journal C 70/2008

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 70 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5115 March 2008 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 70

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5115 March 2008

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| | OPINIONS |
| | European Central Bank |
| 2008/C 070/01 | Opinion of the European Central Bank of 3 March 2008 at the request of the Council of the European Union on a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Community statistics relating to external trade with non-member countries and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1172/95 (CON/2008/12) | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

OPINIONS

European Central Bank

2008/C 070/01

Opinion of the European Central Bank of 3 March 2008 at the request of the Council of the European Union on a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Community statistics relating to external trade with non-member countries and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1172/95 (CON/2008/12)

1

| | II   Information |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2008/C 070/02 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 3 |
| 2008/C 070/03 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2008/C 070/04 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4945 — Arcelor/OFZ) (
  1
  ) | 9 |

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2008/C 070/02

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  )

1

3

2008/C 070/03

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  )

1

7

2008/C 070/04

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4945 — Arcelor/OFZ) (
  1
  )

1

9

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2008/C 070/05 | Euro exchange rates | 10 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2008/C 070/06 | State aid — Community guidelines for State aid in the agriculture and forestry sector 2007-2013 — Acceptance by Member States of the proposal for appropriate measures made by the Commission in accordance with Article 88(1) of the EC Treaty (Pursuant to Article 26(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 93 of the EC Treaty
  ) | 11 |
| 2008/C 070/07 | Public holidays in 2008 | 13 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2008/C 070/05

Euro exchange rates

10

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2008/C 070/06

State aid — Community guidelines for State aid in the agriculture and forestry sector 2007-2013 — Acceptance by Member States of the proposal for appropriate measures made by the Commission in accordance with Article 88(1) of the EC Treaty (Pursuant to Article 26(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 93 of the EC Treaty
  )

(Pursuant to Article 26(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 93 of the EC Treaty

)

11

2008/C 070/07

Public holidays in 2008

13

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | European Food Safety Authority |
| 2008/C 070/08 | Call for Expressions of Interest for External Experts of the Scientific Committee of the European Food Safety Authority (Parma, Italy) | 14 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2008/C 070/09 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5083 — Groupama/OTP Garancia) (
  1
  ) | 18 |
| 2008/C 070/10 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5106 — Candover/Bourne Leisure) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 19 |
| 2008/C 070/11 | Withdrawal of notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4967 — Marel/SFS) (
  1
  ) | 20 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Food Safety Authority

2008/C 070/08

Call for Expressions of Interest for External Experts of the Scientific Committee of the European Food Safety Authority (Parma, Italy)

14

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

2008/C 070/09

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5083 — Groupama/OTP Garancia) (
  1
  )

1

18

2008/C 070/10

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5106 — Candover/Bourne Leisure) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

19

2008/C 070/11

Withdrawal of notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4967 — Marel/SFS) (
  1
  )

1

20

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

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I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

OPINIONS

European Central Bank

| 15.3.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 70/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.3.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 70/1

---

OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

of 3 March 2008

at the request of the Council of the European Union on a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Community statistics relating to external trade with non-member countries and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1172/95

(CON/2008/12)

(2008/C 70/01)

Introduction and legal basis

On 7 February 2008, the European Central Bank (ECB) received a request from the Council of the European Union for an opinion on a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Community statistics relating to external trade with non-member countries and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1172/95 (1) (hereinafter the ‘proposed Regulation’).

The ECB's competence to deliver an opinion is based on the first indent of Article 105(4) of the Treaty establishing the European Community. In accordance with the first sentence of Article 17.5 of the Rules of Procedure of the European Central Bank, the Governing Council has adopted this opinion.

General observations

| 1. | The ECB welcomes the proposed Regulation, which should improve the quality, comparability and timeliness of European trade statistics and provide a better link between them and business statistics. In the Member States, external trade statistics are also used as a source for compiling balance of payments and national accounts statistics, as well as for national contributions to the euro area balance of payments and euro area accounts for which the ECB is responsible. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The ECB welcomes the proposed Regulation, which should improve the quality, comparability and timeliness of European trade statistics and provide a better link between them and business statistics. In the Member States, external trade statistics are also used as a source for compiling balance of payments and national accounts statistics, as well as for national contributions to the euro area balance of payments and euro area accounts for which the ECB is responsible.

| 2. | The ECB notes that under the proposed Regulation, Member States will only have to compile and transmit data on the following to the Commission of the European Communities if they are available on a customs declaration lodged with their Customs authorities: (i) the Member State of final destination, for imports; (ii) the Member State of actual export, for exports; and (iii) the nature of the transaction (2). Similarly, one Member State will only be obliged to transmit records on exports or imports to another Member State once the Customs authorities in both Member States have established a mechanism for mutual exchange of the relevant data by electronic means (3). The ECB notes that the abovementioned data are important to ensure the high quality of the euro area statistics mentioned in paragraph 1 and recommends that steps to implement the appropriate changes in the Community Customs Code (4) and in the mechanism for data exchange among Customs authorities throughout the EU should be taken without delay, in order to avoid the risk of a deterioration in data quality. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The ECB notes that under the proposed Regulation, Member States will only have to compile and transmit data on the following to the Commission of the European Communities if they are available on a customs declaration lodged with their Customs authorities: (i) the Member State of final destination, for imports; (ii) the Member State of actual export, for exports; and (iii) the nature of the transaction (2). Similarly, one Member State will only be obliged to transmit records on exports or imports to another Member State once the Customs authorities in both Member States have established a mechanism for mutual exchange of the relevant data by electronic means (3). The ECB notes that the abovementioned data are important to ensure the high quality of the euro area statistics mentioned in paragraph 1 and recommends that steps to implement the appropriate changes in the Community Customs Code (4) and in the mechanism for data exchange among Customs authorities throughout the EU should be taken without delay, in order to avoid the risk of a deterioration in data quality.

| 3. | As expressed in a previous opinion (5), the ECB shares the interest expressed by the European Parliament in monitoring the international role of the euro. In this context, the ECB particularly welcomes Article 6(3) of the proposed Regulation, which requires the compilation of statistics on trade broken down by invoicing currency of exports and imports of goods to and from countries outside the EU. The ECB monitors the use of the euro outside the euro area and publishes an annual review on the international role of the euro, including a specific section on the use of the euro in international trade. The international role of the euro has a strong regional dimension and is most pronounced in the EU. Data on the currency breakdown of external trade is also a key source used in the ECB's macroeconomic projections, which are used to analyse price stability, as they provide information on the extent to which exchange rate changes influence movements in the price of imports and domestically produced goods. |
| --- | --- |

3.

As expressed in a previous opinion (5), the ECB shares the interest expressed by the European Parliament in monitoring the international role of the euro. In this context, the ECB particularly welcomes Article 6(3) of the proposed Regulation, which requires the compilation of statistics on trade broken down by invoicing currency of exports and imports of goods to and from countries outside the EU. The ECB monitors the use of the euro outside the euro area and publishes an annual review on the international role of the euro, including a specific section on the use of the euro in international trade. The international role of the euro has a strong regional dimension and is most pronounced in the EU. Data on the currency breakdown of external trade is also a key source used in the ECB's macroeconomic projections, which are used to analyse price stability, as they provide information on the extent to which exchange rate changes influence movements in the price of imports and domestically produced goods.

| 4. | The ECB welcomes the envisaged reduction of the statistical reporting burden on economic agents and the improved use of administrative data that should be brought about by the proposed Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The ECB welcomes the envisaged reduction of the statistical reporting burden on economic agents and the improved use of administrative data that should be brought about by the proposed Regulation.

| 5. | The ECB understands that the proposed Regulation may imply amendments to Intrastat reporting, as established by Regulation (EC) No 638/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on Community statistics relating to the trading of goods between Member States and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 3330/91 (6), and recommends that these amendments be considered without delay. |
| --- | --- |

5.

The ECB understands that the proposed Regulation may imply amendments to Intrastat reporting, as established by Regulation (EC) No 638/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on Community statistics relating to the trading of goods between Member States and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 3330/91 (6), and recommends that these amendments be considered without delay.

Done at Frankfurt am Main, 3 March 2008.

The President of the ECB

Jean Claude TRICHET

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(1)  COM(2007) 653 final.

1

(2)  See Article 6(5) of the proposed Regulation.

2

(3)  See Article 7(3) of the proposed Regulation.

3

(4)  Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 of 12 October 1992 establishing the Community Customs Code (OJ L 302, 19.10.1992, p. 1). Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1791/2006 (OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, p. 1).

4

(5)  ECB Opinion CON/2003/26 of 1 December 2003 at the request of the Council of the European Union concerning a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Community statistics concerning balance of payments, international trade in services and foreign direct investment (COM(2003) 507 final) (OJ C 296, 6.12.2003, p. 5).

5

(6)  OJ L 102, 7.4.2004, p. 1.

6

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 15.3.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 70/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.3.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 70/3

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 70/02)

| Date of adoption of the decision | 28.1.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 337/07 |
| Member State | Spain |
| Region | Comunidad Autónoma del Principado de Asturias |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Régimen de ayudas a la inversión regional del Principado de Asturias |
| Legal basis | Ley no 38/2003 de 17 de noviembre, General de Subvenciones
  Real Decreto no 887/2006, de 21 de julio, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de la Ley no 38/2003, de 17 de noviembre, General de Subvenciones
  Programa Operativo FEDER del Principado de Asturias, 2007-2013
  Bases reguladoras del programa de ayudas a proyectos de inversión empresarial en el Principado de Asturias |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Regional development, Small and medium-sized enterprises |
| Form of aid | Interest subsidy, Direct grant |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 6 million |
| Intensity | 30 % |
| Duration | 1.1.2007-31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | Manufacturing industry, Hotels and restaurants (tourism), Computer and related activities |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Instituto de desarollo económico del Principado de Asturias |
| Parque tecnológico de Asturias |
| E-33420 Llanera-Asturias |

Date of adoption of the decision

28.1.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 337/07

Member State

Spain

Region

Comunidad Autónoma del Principado de Asturias

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Régimen de ayudas a la inversión regional del Principado de Asturias

Legal basis

Ley no 38/2003 de 17 de noviembre, General de Subvenciones

Real Decreto no 887/2006, de 21 de julio, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de la Ley no 38/2003, de 17 de noviembre, General de Subvenciones

Programa Operativo FEDER del Principado de Asturias, 2007-2013

Bases reguladoras del programa de ayudas a proyectos de inversión empresarial en el Principado de Asturias

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Regional development, Small and medium-sized enterprises

Form of aid

Interest subsidy, Direct grant

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 6 million

Intensity

30 %

Duration

1.1.2007-31.12.2013

Economic sectors

Manufacturing industry, Hotels and restaurants (tourism), Computer and related activities

Name and address of the granting authority

Instituto de desarollo económico del Principado de Asturias

Parque tecnológico de Asturias

E-33420 Llanera-Asturias

Other information

—

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

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

| Date of adoption of the decision | 15.1.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 463/07 |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Aiuti agli investimenti di tutela ambientale per veicoli commerciali pesanti di peso superiore a 11,5 tonnellate |
| Legal basis | Legge 27 dicembre 2006, n. 296 (Legge finanziaria 2007), articolo 1, commi 918 e 919 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Environmental protection |
| Form of aid | Grants or tax allowances |
| Budget | EUR 70 million |
| Intensity | 30 % normally
  40 % for SMEs and max. 50 % for companies in Article 87(3)(a) regions |
| Duration | 1.1.2007-31.12.2008 |
| Economic sectors | Road transport |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ministero dei Trasporti |
| Direzione Generale APC |
| Via G. Garcia 36 |
| I-00157 Roma |

Date of adoption of the decision

15.1.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 463/07

Member State

Italy

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Aiuti agli investimenti di tutela ambientale per veicoli commerciali pesanti di peso superiore a 11,5 tonnellate

Legal basis

Legge 27 dicembre 2006, n. 296 (Legge finanziaria 2007), articolo 1, commi 918 e 919

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Environmental protection

Form of aid

Grants or tax allowances

Budget

EUR 70 million

Intensity

30 % normally

40 % for SMEs and max. 50 % for companies in Article 87(3)(a) regions

Duration

1.1.2007-31.12.2008

Economic sectors

Road transport

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministero dei Trasporti

Direzione Generale APC

Via G. Garcia 36

I-00157 Roma

Other information

—

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

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

| Date of adoption of the decision | 30.1.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 565/07 |
| Member State | The Hellenic Republic |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Δημόσια χρηματοδότηση του έργου του αυτοκινητοδρόμου Κεντρικής Ελλάδας (E65)
  Dimossia chrimatodotissi tou ergou tou aftokinitodromou Kentrikis Elladas (E65) |
| Legal basis | Νόμος 3597/2007 |
| Type of measure | Capital grant, operation subsidies and toll revenues |
| Objective | Construction of infrastructure |
| Form of aid | Grant considered to be no State aid |
| Budget | EUR 500 million (no State aid) |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration | 30 years |
| Economic sectors | Road infrastructure |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ελληνικό κράτος (Greek State) |
| Other information | Grant under a concession agreement awarded on the basis of a public tender: considered not to constitute State aid |

Date of adoption of the decision

30.1.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 565/07

Member State

The Hellenic Republic

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Δημόσια χρηματοδότηση του έργου του αυτοκινητοδρόμου Κεντρικής Ελλάδας (E65)

Dimossia chrimatodotissi tou ergou tou aftokinitodromou Kentrikis Elladas (E65)

Legal basis

Νόμος 3597/2007

Type of measure

Capital grant, operation subsidies and toll revenues

Objective

Construction of infrastructure

Form of aid

Grant considered to be no State aid

Budget

EUR 500 million (no State aid)

Intensity

—

Duration

30 years

Economic sectors

Road infrastructure

Name and address of the granting authority

Ελληνικό κράτος (Greek State)

Other information

Grant under a concession agreement awarded on the basis of a public tender: considered not to constitute State aid

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

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

| Date of adoption of the decision | 30.1.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 566/07 |
| Member State | The Hellenic Republic |
| Region | Πελοπόννησος
  Peloponnisos |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Αυτοκινητόδρομος Κόρινθος–Τρίπολη–Καλαμάτα και κλάδος Λεύκτρο — Σπάρτη
  Aftokinitrodromos Korinthos-Tripoli-Kalamata kai klados Leftkro-Sparti |
| Legal basis | Νόμος 3555/2007 (ΓΓ Α 81/18-04-2007) |
| Type of measure | Capital grant, operation subsidies and toll revenues |
| Objective | Construction and management of a road infrastructure |
| Form of aid | — |
| Budget | EUR 330 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration | 30 years |
| Economic sectors | Road infrastructure |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ελληνικό κράτος (Greek State) |
| Other information | Grant under a concession agreement awarded on the basis of a public tender: considered not to constitute State aid |

Date of adoption of the decision

30.1.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 566/07

Member State

The Hellenic Republic

Region

Πελοπόννησος

Peloponnisos

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Αυτοκινητόδρομος Κόρινθος–Τρίπολη–Καλαμάτα και κλάδος Λεύκτρο — Σπάρτη

Aftokinitrodromos Korinthos-Tripoli-Kalamata kai klados Leftkro-Sparti

Legal basis

Νόμος 3555/2007 (ΓΓ Α 81/18-04-2007)

Type of measure

Capital grant, operation subsidies and toll revenues

Objective

Construction and management of a road infrastructure

Form of aid

—

Budget

EUR 330 million

Intensity

—

Duration

30 years

Economic sectors

Road infrastructure

Name and address of the granting authority

Ελληνικό κράτος (Greek State)

Other information

Grant under a concession agreement awarded on the basis of a public tender: considered not to constitute State aid

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

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

| Date of adoption of the decision | 30.1.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 633/07 |
| Member State | The Hellenic Republic |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Δημόσια χρηματοδότηση των τμημάτων αυτοκινητοδρόμου Μαλιακός — Κλειδί (τμήμα του προγράμματος ΠΑΘΕ), Τέμπη — Σκοτίνα και Ευαγγελισμός — Λεπτοκαρυά
  Dimossia chrimatodotissi ton tmimaton aftokinitodromou Maliakos — Klidi (tmima tou programmatos PATHÉ), Tempi — Skotina kai Evagelismos-Leptokarya |
| Legal basis | Νόμος 3605/2007 της 1ης Αυγούστου 2007 |
| Type of measure | Capital grant, operation subsidies and toll revenues |
| Objective | Construction of infrastructure |
| Form of aid | Grant |
| Budget | EUR 278 million (no State aid) |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration | 30 years |
| Economic sectors | Road infrastructure |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ελληνικό κράτος (Greek State) |
| Other information | Grant under a concession agreement awarded on the basis of a public tender: considered not to constitute State aid |

Date of adoption of the decision

30.1.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 633/07

Member State

The Hellenic Republic

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Δημόσια χρηματοδότηση των τμημάτων αυτοκινητοδρόμου Μαλιακός — Κλειδί (τμήμα του προγράμματος ΠΑΘΕ), Τέμπη — Σκοτίνα και Ευαγγελισμός — Λεπτοκαρυά

Dimossia chrimatodotissi ton tmimaton aftokinitodromou Maliakos — Klidi (tmima tou programmatos PATHÉ), Tempi — Skotina kai Evagelismos-Leptokarya

Legal basis

Νόμος 3605/2007 της 1ης Αυγούστου 2007

Type of measure

Capital grant, operation subsidies and toll revenues

Objective

Construction of infrastructure

Form of aid

Grant

Budget

EUR 278 million (no State aid)

Intensity

—

Duration

30 years

Economic sectors

Road infrastructure

Name and address of the granting authority

Ελληνικό κράτος (Greek State)

Other information

Grant under a concession agreement awarded on the basis of a public tender: considered not to constitute State aid

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

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

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| 15.3.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 70/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.3.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 70/7

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 70/03)

| Date of adoption of the decision | 11.12.2007 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 848/06 |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Fondo per favorire il potenziamento, la sostituzione e l'ammodernamento delle unità navali destinate al servizio di trasporto pubblico locale effettuato per via marittima, fluviale e lacuale. |
| Legal basis | Articolo 18, comma 593, del disegno di legge n. 1183 recante «Disposizioni per la formazione del bilancio annuale e pluriennale dello Stato» all'esame del Parlamento. |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | To encourage the scrapping of older vessels intended exclusively for local maritime and inland navigation (river or lake) public transport which no longer comply with recent maritime or inland navigation safety and environmental protection standards in order to prevent accidents, safeguard human life and limit the consequences of disasters which could cause substantial damage to the environment |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | EUR 30 million annually and the overall budget is EUR 90 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration | 1 January 2007-31 December 2009 |
| Economic sectors | Maritime and inland navigation local transport |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ministero dei Trasporti |
| Other information | — |

Date of adoption of the decision

11.12.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 848/06

Member State

Italy

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Fondo per favorire il potenziamento, la sostituzione e l'ammodernamento delle unità navali destinate al servizio di trasporto pubblico locale effettuato per via marittima, fluviale e lacuale.

Legal basis

Articolo 18, comma 593, del disegno di legge n. 1183 recante «Disposizioni per la formazione del bilancio annuale e pluriennale dello Stato» all'esame del Parlamento.

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

To encourage the scrapping of older vessels intended exclusively for local maritime and inland navigation (river or lake) public transport which no longer comply with recent maritime or inland navigation safety and environmental protection standards in order to prevent accidents, safeguard human life and limit the consequences of disasters which could cause substantial damage to the environment

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

EUR 30 million annually and the overall budget is EUR 90 million

Intensity

—

Duration

1 January 2007-31 December 2009

Economic sectors

Maritime and inland navigation local transport

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministero dei Trasporti

Other information

—

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

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

| Date of adoption of the decision | 14.2.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 754/07 |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | Regione Toscana |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Aiuti di avviamento a favore di compagnie aeree operanti sull'aeroporto regionale di Grosseto |
| Legal basis | Convenzione fra la Camera di commercio di Grosseto, la Provincia e il Comune di Grosseto |
| Type of measure | Regime |
| Objective | Regional development |
| Form of aid | Direct subsidies |
| Budget | EUR 927 000 |
| Intensity | 30 % of the eligible costs |
| Duration | Three years (as of June 2008) |
| Economic sectors | Air transport |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Camera di Commercio di Grosseto |
| Comune e Provincia di Grosseto |
| Regione Toscana |

Date of adoption of the decision

14.2.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 754/07

Member State

Italy

Region

Regione Toscana

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Aiuti di avviamento a favore di compagnie aeree operanti sull'aeroporto regionale di Grosseto

Legal basis

Convenzione fra la Camera di commercio di Grosseto, la Provincia e il Comune di Grosseto

Type of measure

Regime

Objective

Regional development

Form of aid

Direct subsidies

Budget

EUR 927 000

Intensity

30 % of the eligible costs

Duration

Three years (as of June 2008)

Economic sectors

Air transport

Name and address of the granting authority

Camera di Commercio di Grosseto

Comune e Provincia di Grosseto

Regione Toscana

Other information

Decision not to raise objections to the measure

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

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

---

| 15.3.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 70/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.3.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 70/9

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4945 — Arcelor/OFZ)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 70/04)

On 25 February 2008, 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:

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

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/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 under document number 32008M4945. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu). |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32008M4945. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 15.3.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 70/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.3.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 70/10

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

14 March 2008

(2008/C 70/05)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,5561 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 157,07 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4569 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,76755 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,4361 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,5741 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 108,95 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,9885 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,034 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 257,07 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6975 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,5280 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,6986 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 32,302 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,8898 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6531 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,5479 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 12,1104 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,8998 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 2,1536 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 552,05 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 12,2348 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 11,0318 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,2584 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 14 367,47 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,9212 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 64,648 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 36,8500 |
| THB | Thai baht | 48,893 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,6110 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 16,7001 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,5561

JPY

Japanese yen

157,07

DKK

Danish krone

7,4569

GBP

Pound sterling

0,76755

SEK

Swedish krona

9,4361

CHF

Swiss franc

1,5741

ISK

Iceland króna

108,95

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,9885

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,034

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

257,07

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6975

PLN

Polish zloty

3,5280

RON

Romanian leu

3,6986

SKK

Slovak koruna

32,302

TRY

Turkish lira

1,8898

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6531

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,5479

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

12,1104

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,8998

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,1536

KRW

South Korean won

1 552,05

ZAR

South African rand

12,2348

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

11,0318

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,2584

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

14 367,47

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,9212

PHP

Philippine peso

64,648

RUB

Russian rouble

36,8500

THB

Thai baht

48,893

BRL

Brazilian real

2,6110

MXN

Mexican peso

16,7001

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 15.3.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 70/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.3.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 70/11

---

State aid — Community guidelines for State aid in the agriculture and forestry sector 2007-2013 — Acceptance by Member States of the proposal for appropriate measures made by the Commission in accordance with Article 88(1) of the EC Treaty

(Pursuant to Article 26(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 93 of the EC Treaty
   (1)
  )

(2008/C 70/06)

In accordance with point 196 of the Community guidelines for State aid in the agriculture and forestry sector 2007 to 2013 (2), Member States must amend their amend their existing aid schemes to conform with the guidelines by 31 December 2007 at the latest, except for existing aid schemes for investments in connection with processing and marketing of agricultural products, that have to be eliminated by 31 December 2008 at the latest, and for investments concerning land purchase in agricultural holdings, that have to be amended to conform with the guidelines by 31 December 2009.

Point 197 of the guidelines states that Member States are invited to confirm that they accept the proposals for appropriate measures in writing by 28 February 2007 at the latest.

Member States were reminded of the need to accept the above-mentioned appropriate measures in a letter from the Commission of 29 January 2007.

The following Member States have given their explicit and unconditional agreement to the proposed appropriate measures in writing:

| Member State | Date of Agreement |
| --- | --- |
| Belgium | 29 January 2007 |
| Czech Republic | 27 February 2007 |
| Denmark | 27 February 2007 |
| Germany | 25 April 2007 |
| Estonia | 28 February 2007 |
| Ireland | 21 February 2007 |
| Greece | 27 February 2007 |
| Spain | 27 February 2007 |
| France | 13 February 2007 |
| Italy | 13 March 2007 |
| Cyprus | 18 April 2007 |
| Latvia | 20 February 2007 |
| Lithuania | 22 March 2007 |
| Luxembourg | 23 April 2007 |
| Hungary | 7 February 2007 |
| Malta | 16 February 2007 |
| Netherlands | 27 February 2007 |
| Austria | 1 March 2007 |
| Poland | 26 February 2007 |
| Portugal | 22 March 2007 |
| Slovenia | 26 February 2007 |
| Slovakia | 26 February 2007 |
| Finland | 21 February 2007 |
| Sweden | 13 February 2007 |
| United Kingdom | 16 February 2007 |

Member State

Date of Agreement

Belgium

29 January 2007

Czech Republic

27 February 2007

Denmark

27 February 2007

Germany

25 April 2007

Estonia

28 February 2007

Ireland

21 February 2007

Greece

27 February 2007

Spain

27 February 2007

France

13 February 2007

Italy

13 March 2007

Cyprus

18 April 2007

Latvia

20 February 2007

Lithuania

22 March 2007

Luxembourg

23 April 2007

Hungary

7 February 2007

Malta

16 February 2007

Netherlands

27 February 2007

Austria

1 March 2007

Poland

26 February 2007

Portugal

22 March 2007

Slovenia

26 February 2007

Slovakia

26 February 2007

Finland

21 February 2007

Sweden

13 February 2007

United Kingdom

16 February 2007

Pursuant to Article 19(1) of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, the Commission hereby takes note of the unconditional and explicit agreement of the above-mentioned Member States to the appropriate measures which it has proposed.

---

(1)  OJ L 83, 27.3.1999, p. 1.

(2)  OJ C 319, 27.12.2006, p. 1.

---

| 15.3.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 70/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.3.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 70/13

---

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN 2008

(2008/C 70/07)

| BELGIQUE/BELGIË | 1.1, 24.3, 1.5, 2.5, 12.5, 21.7, 15.8, 1.11, 2.11, 11.11, 15.11, 25.12, 26.12, 27.12, 28.12, 29.12, 30.12, 31.12 |
| --- | --- |
| БЪЛГАРИЯ | 1.1, 3.3, 27.4, 28.4, 1.5, 6.5, 24.5, 6.9, 22.9, 1.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA | 1.1, 24.3, 1.5, 8.5, 5.7, 6.7, 28.9, 28.10, 17.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| DANMARK | 1.1, 20.3, 21.3, 24.3, 18.4, 1.5, 12.5, 5.6, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12, 31.12 |
| DEUTSCHLAND | 1.1, 21.3, 24.3, 1.5, 12.5, 3.10, 25.12 |
| EESTI | 1.1, 24.2, 21.3, 23.3, 1.5, 23.6, 24.6, 20.8, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| ÉIRE/IRELAND | 1.1, 17.3, 24.3, 5.5, 2.6, 4.8, 27.10, 25.12, 26.12 |
| ΕΛΛΆΔΑ | 1.1, 6.1, 10.3, 25.3, 25.4, 28.4, 1.5, 16.6, 15.8, 28.10, 25.12, 26.12 |
| ESPAÑA | 1.1, 2.1, 20.3, 21.3, 24.3, 1.5, 2.5, 9.5, 12.5, 21.7, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12, 29.12, 30.12, 31.12 |
| FRANCE | 1.1, 24.3, 1.5, 8.5, 14.7, 15.8, 1.11, 11.11, 25.12 |
| ITALIA | 1.1, 24.3, 1.5, 2.5, 12.5, 2.6, 21.7, 15.8, 1.11, 25.12, 26.12 |
| ΚΎΠΡΟΣ/KIBRIS | 1.1, 6.1, 10.3, 25.3, 1.4, 25.4, 28.4, 1.5, 16.6, 15.8, 1.10, 28.10, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| LATVIJA | 1.1, 21.3, 24.3, 1.5, 5.5, 23.6, 24.6, 18.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12, 31.12 |
| LIETUVA | 1.1, 16.2, 11.3, 1.5, 24.6, 6.7, 15.8, 1.11, 25.12, 26.12 |
| LUXEMBOURG | 1.1, 24.3, 1.5, 12.5, 23.6, 15.8, 25.12, 26.12 |
| MAGYARORSZÁG | 1.1, 15.3, 24.3, 1.5, 2.5, 12.5, 20.8, 23.10, 24.10, 1.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| MALTA | 1.1, 10.2, 19.3, 21.3, 31.3, 1.4, 7.6, 29.6, 15.8, 8.9, 21.9, 8.12, 13.12, 25.12 |
| NEDERLAND | 1.1, 24.3, 1.5, 2.5, 5.5, 12.5, 25.12, 26.12 |
| ÖSTERREICH | 1.1, 6.1, 24.3, 1.5, 12.5, 22.5, 15.8, 26.10, 1.11, 8.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| POLSKA | 1.1, 23.3, 24.3, 1.5, 3.5, 11.5, 22.5, 15.8, 1.11, 11.11, 25.12, 26.12 |
| PORTUGAL | 1.1, 21.3, 25.4, 1.5, 22.5, 10.6, 15.8, 5.10, 1.11, 1.12, 8.12, 25.12 |
| ROMÂNIA | 1.1, 2.1, 28.4, 1.5, 1.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| SLOVENIJA | 1.1, 2.1, 8.2, 23.3, 24.3, 27.4, 1.5, 2.5, 11.5, 25.6, 15.8, 31.10, 1.11, 25.12, 26.12 |
| SLOVENSKO | 1.1, 6.1, 21.3, 24.3, 1.5, 8.5, 5.7, 29.8, 1.9, 15.9, 1.11, 17.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| SUOMI/FINLAND | 1.1, 6.1, 21.3, 23.3, 24.3, 1.5, 21.6, 1.11, 6.12, 25.12, 26.12 |
| SVERIGE | 1.1, 6.1, 21.3, 23.3, 24.3, 1.5, 11.5, 6.6, 21.6, 1.11, 25.12, 26.12 |
| UNITED KINGDOM | Wales and England: 1.1, 21.3, 24.3, 5.5, 26.5, 25.8, 25.12, 26.12
  Northern Ireland: 1.1, 17.3, 21.3, 24.3, 5.5, 26.5, 14.7, 25.8, 25.12, 26.12
  Scotland: 1.1, 2.1, 21.3, 5.5, 26.5, 4.8, 25.12, 26.12 |

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

1.1, 24.3, 1.5, 2.5, 12.5, 21.7, 15.8, 1.11, 2.11, 11.11, 15.11, 25.12, 26.12, 27.12, 28.12, 29.12, 30.12, 31.12

БЪЛГАРИЯ

1.1, 3.3, 27.4, 28.4, 1.5, 6.5, 24.5, 6.9, 22.9, 1.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

1.1, 24.3, 1.5, 8.5, 5.7, 6.7, 28.9, 28.10, 17.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12

DANMARK

1.1, 20.3, 21.3, 24.3, 18.4, 1.5, 12.5, 5.6, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12, 31.12

DEUTSCHLAND

1.1, 21.3, 24.3, 1.5, 12.5, 3.10, 25.12

EESTI

1.1, 24.2, 21.3, 23.3, 1.5, 23.6, 24.6, 20.8, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12

ÉIRE/IRELAND

1.1, 17.3, 24.3, 5.5, 2.6, 4.8, 27.10, 25.12, 26.12

ΕΛΛΆΔΑ

1.1, 6.1, 10.3, 25.3, 25.4, 28.4, 1.5, 16.6, 15.8, 28.10, 25.12, 26.12

ESPAÑA

1.1, 2.1, 20.3, 21.3, 24.3, 1.5, 2.5, 9.5, 12.5, 21.7, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12, 29.12, 30.12, 31.12

FRANCE

1.1, 24.3, 1.5, 8.5, 14.7, 15.8, 1.11, 11.11, 25.12

ITALIA

1.1, 24.3, 1.5, 2.5, 12.5, 2.6, 21.7, 15.8, 1.11, 25.12, 26.12

ΚΎΠΡΟΣ/KIBRIS

1.1, 6.1, 10.3, 25.3, 1.4, 25.4, 28.4, 1.5, 16.6, 15.8, 1.10, 28.10, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12

LATVIJA

1.1, 21.3, 24.3, 1.5, 5.5, 23.6, 24.6, 18.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12, 31.12

LIETUVA

1.1, 16.2, 11.3, 1.5, 24.6, 6.7, 15.8, 1.11, 25.12, 26.12

LUXEMBOURG

1.1, 24.3, 1.5, 12.5, 23.6, 15.8, 25.12, 26.12

MAGYARORSZÁG

1.1, 15.3, 24.3, 1.5, 2.5, 12.5, 20.8, 23.10, 24.10, 1.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12

MALTA

1.1, 10.2, 19.3, 21.3, 31.3, 1.4, 7.6, 29.6, 15.8, 8.9, 21.9, 8.12, 13.12, 25.12

NEDERLAND

1.1, 24.3, 1.5, 2.5, 5.5, 12.5, 25.12, 26.12

ÖSTERREICH

1.1, 6.1, 24.3, 1.5, 12.5, 22.5, 15.8, 26.10, 1.11, 8.12, 25.12, 26.12

POLSKA

1.1, 23.3, 24.3, 1.5, 3.5, 11.5, 22.5, 15.8, 1.11, 11.11, 25.12, 26.12

PORTUGAL

1.1, 21.3, 25.4, 1.5, 22.5, 10.6, 15.8, 5.10, 1.11, 1.12, 8.12, 25.12

ROMÂNIA

1.1, 2.1, 28.4, 1.5, 1.12, 25.12, 26.12

SLOVENIJA

1.1, 2.1, 8.2, 23.3, 24.3, 27.4, 1.5, 2.5, 11.5, 25.6, 15.8, 31.10, 1.11, 25.12, 26.12

SLOVENSKO

1.1, 6.1, 21.3, 24.3, 1.5, 8.5, 5.7, 29.8, 1.9, 15.9, 1.11, 17.11, 24.12, 25.12, 26.12

SUOMI/FINLAND

1.1, 6.1, 21.3, 23.3, 24.3, 1.5, 21.6, 1.11, 6.12, 25.12, 26.12

SVERIGE

1.1, 6.1, 21.3, 23.3, 24.3, 1.5, 11.5, 6.6, 21.6, 1.11, 25.12, 26.12

UNITED KINGDOM

Wales and England: 1.1, 21.3, 24.3, 5.5, 26.5, 25.8, 25.12, 26.12

Northern Ireland: 1.1, 17.3, 21.3, 24.3, 5.5, 26.5, 14.7, 25.8, 25.12, 26.12

Scotland: 1.1, 2.1, 21.3, 5.5, 26.5, 4.8, 25.12, 26.12

---

V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Food Safety Authority

| 15.3.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 70/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.3.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 70/14

---

Call for Expressions of Interest for External Experts of the Scientific Committee of the European Food Safety Authority (Parma, Italy)

(2008/C 70/08)

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the keystone of European Union (EU) risk assessment regarding food and feed safety; its independent scientific advice underpins the policies and decisions of risk managers in the European Institutions and EU Member States.

EFSA has set up a selection procedure that aims to draw up a reserve list of:

Scientific Experts to be considered as External Experts of the EFSA Scientific Committee

Ref.: EFSA/S/2008/001

The call is addressed to leading scientists with a broad expertise in science-based risk assessment wishing to be considered as external experts of EFSA's Scientific Committee. The required expertise of the external experts is within the field of EFSA's remit, e.g. in:

human health risk assessment, food consumption and exposure assessment, environmental risk assessment, animal health risk assessment, toxicology, microbiology, human nutrition, epidemiology, animal health, animal welfare, human medicine, veterinary medicine, food hygiene, food technology, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, life sciences.

The reserve list will be used to identify and select external experts for the EFSA Scientific Committee. It is expected that in 2008 two experts will be appointed from this reserve list to support the work of the Scientific Committee members.

The role of EFSA

EFSA brings together Europe's leading scientists in risk assessment in the field of food and feed safety, to provide the European Commission, Member States and the European Parliament with scientific advice of the highest standard. EFSA's most critical commitment is to provide objective, transparent and independent scientific advice and clear communication grounded in the most up-to-date scientific methodologies, information and data available.

Since EFSA's advice serves to inform the policies and decisions of risk managers, a large part of EFSA's work is undertaken in response to specific requests for scientific advice. Requests for scientific assessments are received from the European Commission, the European Parliament and EU Member States. EFSA also undertakes scientific work on its own initiative, so-called self-tasking.

Through its Scientific Committee, Scientific Panels and Working Groups, EFSA undertakes to respond quickly and proactively to urgent issues and emerging risks.

For more information on EFSA, please see:

http://www.efsa.europa.eu

The role of the EFSA Scientific Committee

EFSA's Scientific Committee provide scientific opinions and advice, support the work of EFSA's Scientific Panels on scientific matters of a horizontal nature. It is also responsible for general co-ordination to ensure consistency in the scientific opinions prepared by the Scientific Panels. Another role of the Scientific Committee is in developing harmonised risk assessment methodologies in fields where EU-wide approaches are not already defined.

The Scientific Committee is composed of the Chairs of the Scientific Panels and six additional independent experts who do not belong to any of the Scientific Panels.

For more information on EFSA Scientific Committee:

http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/ScientificPanels/efsa_locale-1178620753812_ScientificCommittee.htm

The work of the external experts of the Scientific Committee

The external experts of the Scientific Committee will support the work of the Scientific Committee members and be invited to attend and contribute to all meetings of the Scientific Committee. It is estimated that the Scientific Committee meets five to six times per year in two-day meetings usually in Parma, Italy. The external experts are also supporting the work of the Scientific Committee members through the participation in working groups, as appropriate, and this will mean attending additional meetings. Applicants should take into account that meetings generally involve preparatory work and that meetings and most documents are in English.

The external experts of the Scientific Committee are entitled to a compensation decided by EFSA Management Board for each full day meeting (currently EUR 300). In addition, experts receive subsistence allowance and incurred travelling expenses.

Selection procedure

A.   Eligibility criteria

Applicants must have:

| — | a university degree in areas including toxicology, microbiology, human nutrition, epidemiology, animal health, animal welfare, human medicine, veterinary medicine, food hygiene, food technology, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, life sciences, preferably at post-graduate level, |
| --- | --- |

—

a university degree in areas including toxicology, microbiology, human nutrition, epidemiology, animal health, animal welfare, human medicine, veterinary medicine, food hygiene, food technology, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, life sciences, preferably at post-graduate level,

| — | at least ten (10) years professional experience relevant to the remit of the Scientific Committee at a level to which above required qualifications give admission, |
| --- | --- |

—

at least ten (10) years professional experience relevant to the remit of the Scientific Committee at a level to which above required qualifications give admission,

| — | good knowledge of the English language, |
| --- | --- |

—

good knowledge of the English language,

| — | candidates must complete the declaration of interests included in the expression of interest in a true and complete manner. Please note that failure to fill in this part of the form in a true and complete manner will result in the rejection of the expression of interest. |
| --- | --- |

—

candidates must complete the declaration of interests included in the expression of interest in a true and complete manner. Please note that failure to fill in this part of the form in a true and complete manner will result in the rejection of the expression of interest.

B.   Selection criteria

| — | experience in carrying out scientific risk assessment and/or providing scientific advice in fields related to food and feed safety in general and, in particular in the areas of competence and expertise of the Scientific Committee, |
| --- | --- |

—

experience in carrying out scientific risk assessment and/or providing scientific advice in fields related to food and feed safety in general and, in particular in the areas of competence and expertise of the Scientific Committee,

| — | proven scientific excellence in one, or preferably several fields linked to the area covered by the Scientific Committee, |
| --- | --- |

—

proven scientific excellence in one, or preferably several fields linked to the area covered by the Scientific Committee,

| — | proven experience in peer reviewing scientific work and publications, preferably in fields related to the area covered by the Scientific Committee, |
| --- | --- |

—

proven experience in peer reviewing scientific work and publications, preferably in fields related to the area covered by the Scientific Committee,

| — | the ability to analyse complex information and dossiers, often from a wide range of scientific disciplines and sources and to contribute to the preparation of draft scientific opinions and reports, |
| --- | --- |

—

the ability to analyse complex information and dossiers, often from a wide range of scientific disciplines and sources and to contribute to the preparation of draft scientific opinions and reports,

| — | professional experience in a multidisciplinary environment, preferably in an international context, |
| --- | --- |

—

professional experience in a multidisciplinary environment, preferably in an international context,

| — | experience in project management related to scientific matters, |
| --- | --- |

—

experience in project management related to scientific matters,

| — | proven communication skills, |
| --- | --- |

—

proven communication skills,

| — | experts from non-European countries will be considered when the required level of expertise cannot be found among European experts. |
| --- | --- |

—

experts from non-European countries will be considered when the required level of expertise cannot be found among European experts.

Selection process, appointment and term

Experts meeting the eligibility requirements will be submitted to a comparative evaluation carried out by EFSA on the basis of the selection criteria given above. EFSA reserves the right to consult third parties on the professional experience of experts as mentioned in their expression of interest. The selected external experts will initially be appointed for one year, which is renewable.

Experts meeting the requirement to become external experts of the Scientific Committee but who are not appointed will be retained on the reserve list. The reserve list may be used for similar activities and will be valid until 31 December 2009. The validity of the reserve list may be extended. The experts in the reserve list will also be added to the EFSA Database of External Scientific Experts.

Independence and declarations of commitment and interest

The external experts of the Scientific Committee are appointed on a personal basis. They are required to fill in a declaration of interests which may be deemed to be prejudicial to their independence. The declaration of interest of the selected external experts will be published on the EFSA website.

Equal opportunity

EFSA is an equal opportunities employer and takes care to avoid any form of discrimination.

Submission of expression of interests

Candidates are requested to submit their expression of interest together with the declaration of interests electronically through the EFSA's website:

http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/header/efsa_locale-1178620753812_Jobs.htm

The forms can also be downloaded from the website and sent by registered mail to the following address:

| Ref.: EFSA/S/2008/001 |
| --- |
| EFSA — European Food Safety Authority |
| Human Resource Unit |
| Largo Natale Palli, 5/A |
| I-43100 Parma |

Ref.: EFSA/S/2008/001

EFSA — European Food Safety Authority

Human Resource Unit

Largo Natale Palli, 5/A

I-43100 Parma

Expression of interests delivered via email will not be accepted. An expression of interest will be deemed admissible only if duly completed. Candidates are kindly invited to fill in the form in English in order to facilitate the selection procedure.

Please note that EFSA will not return expression of interests to candidates. The personal information EFSA requests from candidates will be processed in line with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data. The purpose of processing of the personal data candidates submit is to manage expression of interests in view of a possible pre-selection and selection at EFSA.

Closing date for sending expression of interests

Expression of interests must be submitted no later than 1 June 2008 at midnight (Local time, GMT +1). For those sent by registered mail, the postmark date will serve as a proof.

Note:

In the event of inconsistency or discrepancy between the English version and any of the other linguistic versions of this publication, the English language version shall prevail.

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PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

| 15.3.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 70/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.3.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 70/18

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.5083 — Groupama/OTP Garancia)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 70/09)

| 1. | On 10 March 2008, 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 Groupama Int (‘Groupama’, France) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking OTP Garancia Biztosító Zártkörűen Működő Részvénytársaság (‘OTP Garancia’, Hungary) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 10 March 2008, 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 Groupama Int (‘Groupama’, France) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking OTP Garancia Biztosító Zártkörűen Működő Részvénytársaság (‘OTP Garancia’, Hungary) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for Groupama: insurance group providing insurance and banking services, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Groupama: insurance group providing insurance and banking services,

| — | for OTP Garancia: insurances. |
| --- | --- |

—

for OTP Garancia: insurances.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. 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 ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5083 — Groupama/OTP Garancia, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |

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 ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5083 — Groupama/OTP Garancia, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

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

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| 15.3.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 70/19 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.3.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 70/19

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.5106 — Candover/Bourne Leisure)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 70/10)

| 1. | On 7 March 2008, 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 Candover Partners Limited (‘Candover’, United Kingdom) belonging to the Candover Group acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Bourne Leisure Holdings Limited (‘Bourne Leisure’, United Kingdom) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 7 March 2008, 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 Candover Partners Limited (‘Candover’, United Kingdom) belonging to the Candover Group acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Bourne Leisure Holdings Limited (‘Bourne Leisure’, United Kingdom) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for Candover: a private global investment firm, arranging and providing private equity for large European buy-outs, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Candover: a private global investment firm, arranging and providing private equity for large European buy-outs,

| — | for Bourne Leisure: provision of accommodation and other related facilities for holidays or short breaks in hotels, caravan parks and holiday parks in the United Kingdom. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Bourne Leisure: provision of accommodation and other related facilities for holidays or short breaks in hotels, caravan parks and holiday parks in the United Kingdom.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (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 Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (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 ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5106 — Candover/Bourne Leisure, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |

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 ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5106 — Candover/Bourne Leisure, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

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

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.

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| 15.3.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 70/20 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.3.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 70/20

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Withdrawal of notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4967 — Marel/SFS)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 70/11)

(Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004)

On 18 February 2008, the Commission of the European Communities received notification of a proposed concentration between Marel Food Systems hf and Stork Food Systems. On 12 March 2008, the notifying parties informed the Commission that they withdrew their notification.

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