do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
Euro exchange rates
Date: 2003-06-12
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: euro, exchange rate

C 137/10

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

12.6.2003

COMMISSION

Euro exchange rates (1)

11 June 2003

(2003/C 137/02)

1 euro =

USD

JPY

DKK

GBP

SEK

CHF

ISK

NOK

BGN

CYP

CZK

EEK

HUF

LTL

Currency

US dollar

Japanese yen

Danish krone

Pound sterling

Swedish krona

Swiss franc

Iceland króna

Norwegian krone

Bulgarian lev

Cyprus pound

Czech koruna

Estonian kroon

Hungarian forint

Lithuanian litas

Exchange
rate

1,1748

138,4

7,4241

0,7047

9,106

1,5378

86,12

8,175

1,9463

LVL

MTL

PLN

ROL

SIT

SKK

TRL

AUD

CAD

Currency

Latvian lats

Maltese lira

Polish zloty

Romanian leu

Slovenian tolar

Slovak koruna

Turkish lira

Australian dollar

Canadian dollar

0,58586

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

31,3

NZD

New Zealand dollar

15,6466

SGD

Singapore dollar

Exchange
rate

0,6578

0,429

4,438

38 230

233,635

41,535

1 678 000

1,778

1,5937

9,1619

2,0336

2,0389

257,75

KRW

South Korean won

1 404,24

3,4525

ZAR

South African rand

9,3372

___________
(1) Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1009/2003 of 12 June 2003 fixing the maximum reduction in the duty on maize imported in connection with the invitation to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 698/2003
Date: 2003-06-12
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: CCT duties, Spain, award of contract, import, maize, tariff reduction, third country

L 146/44

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

13.6.2003

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1009/2003

of 12 June 2003

fixing the maximum reduction in the duty on maize imported in connection with the invitation to
tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 698/2003

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 1766/92 of 30
June 1992 on the common organisation of the market in
cereals (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1666/
2000 (2), and in particular Article 12(1) thereof,

(3)

(4)

The application of the abovementioned criteria to the
current market situation for the cereal in question results
in the maximum reduction in the import duty being
fixed at the amount specified in Article 1.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in
accordance with the opinion of
the Management
Committee for Cereals,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

An invitation to tender for the maximum reduction in
the duty on maize imported into Spain from third coun-
tries was opened pursuant to Commission Regulation
(EC) No 698/2003 (3).

Pursuant to Article 5 of Commission Regulation (EC) No
1839/95 (4), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No
2235/2000 (5), the Commission, acting under the proce-
dure laid down in Article 23 of Regulation (EEC) No
1766/92, may decide to fix maximum reduction in the
import duty.
In fixing this maximum the criteria
provided for in Articles 6 and 7 of Regulation (EC) No
1839/95 must be taken into account. A contract
is
awarded to any tenderer whose tender is equal to or less
than the maximum reduction in the duty.

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

For tenders notified from 6 to 12 June 2003, pursuant to the
invitation to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 698/2003,
the maximum reduction in the duty on maize imported shall
be 44,47 EUR/t and be valid for a total maximum quantity of
70 300 t.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 13 June 2003.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 12 June 2003.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 181, 1.7.1992, p. 21.
(2) OJ L 193, 29.7.2000, p. 1.
(3) OJ L 99, 17.4.2003, p. 28.
(4) OJ L 177, 28.7.1995, p. 4.
(5) OJ L 256, 10.10.2000, p. 13.
Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.3184 — Wolseley/Pinault Bois & Matériaux) (Text with EEA relevance)
Date: 2003-06-12
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: construction equipment, culture, distributive trades, economic concentration, exchange of information, furniture industry, heating, leisure, luxury products industry, merger control, wood industry

12.6.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 137/13

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.3184 — Wolseley/Pinault Bois & Matériaux)

(2003/C 137/05)

(Text with EEA relevance)

1.
On 2 June 2003 the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to
Article 4 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1310/97 (2),
by which the United Kingdom undertaking Wolseley plc acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of
the Council Regulation control of the whole of the French undertaking Pinault Bois & Matériaux SA
(belonging to the Pinault-Printimpes-Redoute group) by way of purchase of shares.

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

— Wolseley plc: distribution of building, heating, sanitary and plumbing equipment to the professional
trade throughout Europe and North America (in France, it is present through its subsidiary Brossette
which is active in the distribution of heating, plumbing and sanitary equipment),

— Pinault Bois & Matériaux SA: distribution in France of a wide range of building products, timber import

and processing activities for distribution on the French market,

— Pinault-Printemps-Redoute: multi-channels distribution activities in France and in Europe of luxury
leisure and cultural products as well as manufacture and
goods, home appliances and furnishing,
commercialisation of luxury goods products (in France, it is active among others in the distribution
of electrical and part supplies through its subsidiary Rexel and in the distribution of building products
through its subsidiary Pinault Bois & Matériaux).

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified concentration could fall within

3.
the scope of Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit

4.
proposed operation.

their possible observations on the

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication.
Observations can be sent by fax (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number
COMP/M.3184 — Wolseley/Pinault Bois & Matériaux, to the following address:

European Commission,
Directorate-General for Competition,
Directorate B — Merger Task Force,
J-70,
B-1049 Brussels.

(1) OJ L 395, 30.12.1989, p. 1; corrigendum OJ L 257, 21.9.1990, p. 13.
(2) OJ L 180, 9.7.1997, p. 1; corrigendum OJ L 40, 13.2.1998, p. 17.
2003/432/CFSP: Council Decision 2003/432/CFSP of 12 June 2003 on the launching of the European Union military operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 2003-06-12
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: Congo, European Union, forces abroad, military intervention

L 147/42

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

14.6.2003

(Acts adopted pursuant to Title V of the Treaty on European Union)

COUNCIL DECISION 2003/432/CFSP

of 12 June 2003

on the launching of the European Union military operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in parti-
cular Article 17(2) and Article 25 thereof,

The Operation Plan is approved.

Article 1

Having regard to the Council Joint Action of 2003/423/CFSP
of 5 June 2003 on the European Union Military Operation in
the Democratic Republic of Congo (1), and in particular Article
6 thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

On 30 May 2003, the United Nations Security Council
unanimously adopted Resolution 1484 (2003) author-
ising, under Chapter VII of
the
temporary deployment of an interim emergency multi-
national force in Bunia, in the Democratic Republic of
Congo.

the UN Charter,

Following the request by the Secretary-General of the
United Nations,
the European Union has decided to
provide a temporary stabilisation force in the Ituri
Region in implementation of the mandate provided in
the UNSC Resolution 1484 (2003) of 30 May 2003.

The Council has authorised the Political and Security
Committee to take relevant decisions concerning the
political control and strategic direction of the operation.

In conformity with Article 6 of the Protocol on the posi-
tion of Denmark annexed to the Treaty on European
Union and to the Treaty establishing the European
Community, Denmark does not participate
in the
elaboration and implementation of decisions and actions
of the European Union which have defence implications.
Denmark does not participate in the financing of the
operation,

The Rules of Engagement Authorisation message is approved.

Article 2

Article 3

The EU military operation in the Democratic Republic of
Congo shall be launched on 12 June 2003.

Article 4

authorised with
The Operation Commander
immediate effect to release the activation order (Actord)
in
order to execute the deployment of the forces, prior to transfer
of authority following their arrival in theatre, and start execu-
tion of the mission.

is hereby

Article 5

Without prejudice to Article 15 of the Joint Action 2003/423/
CFSP, this Decision will remain in effect until such time as the
forces committed to the operation in Bunia have been re-
deployed.

Article 6

This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the
European Union.

Done at Luxembourg, 12 June 2003.

For the Council

The President

G. DRYS

(1) OJ L 143, 11.6.2003, p. 50.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1003/2003 of 12 June 2003 fixing the maximum export refund for white sugar to certain third countries for the 32nd partial invitation to tender issued within the framework of the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1331/2002
Date: 2003-06-12
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: award of contract, export refund, third country, white sugar

13.6.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 146/35

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1003/2003

of 12 June 2003

fixing the maximum export refund for white sugar to certain third countries for the 32nd partial
invitation to tender issued within the framework of the standing invitation to tender provided for
in Regulation (EC) No 1331/2002

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/2001 of 19
June 2001 on the common organisation of the markets in the
sugar sector (1), as amended by Commission Regulation (EC)
No 680/2002 (2), and in particular Article 27(5) thereof,

(3)

(4)

Following an examination of the tenders submitted in
invitation to tender, the
response to the 32nd partial
provisions set out in Article 1 should be adopted.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in
the Management
accordance with the opinion of
Committee for Sugar,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1331/2002 of 23 July
2002 on a standing invitation to tender to determine
levies and/or refunds on exports of white sugar (3), as
amended by Regulation (EC) No 432/2003 (4), for the
2002/2003 marketing year, requires partial
invitations
to tender to be issued for the export of this sugar to
certain third countries.

Pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1331/
2002 a maximum export refund shall be fixed, as the
case may be, account being taken in particular of the
state and foreseeable development of the Community
and world markets in sugar, for the partial invitation to
tender in question.

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

For the 32nd partial invitation to tender for white sugar issued
pursuant
to Regulation (EC) No 1331/2002 the maximum
amount of the export refund to certain third countries is fixed
at 50,989 EUR/100 kg.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 13 June 2003.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 12 June 2003.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 178, 30.6.2001, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 104, 20.4.2002, p. 26.
(3) OJ L 195, 24.7.2002, p. 6.
(4) OJ L 65, 8.3.2003, p. 21.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1006/2003 of 12 June 2003 concerning tenders notified in response to the invitation to tender for the export of rye issued in Regulation (EC) No 935/2003
Date: 2003-06-12
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: award of contract, export, export refund, rye

13.6.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 146/41

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1006/2003

of 12 June 2003

concerning tenders notified in response to the invitation to tender for the export of rye issued in
Regulation (EC) No 935/2003

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 1766/92 of 30
June 1992 on the common organisation of the market in
cereals (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1666/
2000 (2),

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1501/95 of
29 June 1995 laying down certain detailed rules for the appli-
cation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 1766/92 on the
granting of export refunds on cereals and the measures to be
taken in the event of disturbance on the market for cereals (3),
as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1163/2002 (4), as
amended by Regulation (EC) No 1324/2002 (5), and in parti-
cular Article 7 thereof,

Whereas:

(2)

(3)

(4)

Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1501/95 allows the
Commission to decide, in accordance with the procedure
laid down in Article 23 of Regulation (EEC) No 1766/92
and on the basis of the tenders notified, to make no
award.

On the basis of the criteria laid down in Article 1 of
Regulation (EC) No 1501/95 a maximum refund should
not be fixed.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in
accordance with the opinion of
the Management
Committee for Cereals,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

No action shall be taken on the tenders notified from 6 to 12
June 2003 in response to the invitation to tender for the refund
for the export of rye issued in Regulation (EC) No 935/2003.

(1)

An invitation to tender for the refund for the export of
rye to certain third countries was opened pursuant to
Commission Regulation (EC) No 935/2003 (6).

This Regulation shall enter into force on 13 June 2003.

Article 2

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 12 June 2003.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 181, 1.7.1992, p. 21.
(2) OJ L 193, 29.7.2000, p. 1.
(3) OJ L 147, 30.6.1995, p. 7.
(4) OJ L 170, 29.6.2002, p. 46.
(5) OJ L 194, 23.7.2002, p. 26.
(6) OJ L 133, 29.5.2003, p. 45.
Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.2416 — Tetra Laval/Sidel) (Text with EEA relevance)
Date: 2003-06-12
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: economic concentration, exchange of information, foodstuff, merger control, packaging product, plastics industry, pulp and paper industry

C 137/14

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

12.6.2003

Initiation of proceedings

(Case COMP/M.2978 — Lagardère/Natexis/VUP)

(2003/C 137/06)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 5 June 2003, the Commission decided to initiate proceedings in the abovementioned case after finding
that the notified concentration raises serious doubts as to its compatibility with the common market. The
initiation of proceedings opens a second phase investigation with regard to the notified concentration. The
decision is based on Article 6(1)(c) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their observations on the proposed concen-
tration to the Commission.

In order to be taken fully into account in the procedure, observations should reach the Commission not
later than 15 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by
fax (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference COMP/M.2978 — Lagardère/
Natexis/VUP, to:

European Commission,
Directorate-General for Competition,
Directorate B — Merger Task Force,
J-70,
B-1049 Brussels.

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.2416 — Tetra Laval/Sidel)

(2003/C 137/07)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 13 January 2003 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(2) of Council Regu-
lation (EEC) No 4064/89. The full text of the decision is only available in English and will be made public
after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

— as a paper version through the sales offices of the Office for Official Publications of the European

Communities (see list on the last page),

— in electronic form in the ‘CEN’ version of the CELEX database, under document No 303M2416. CELEX

is the computerised documentation system of European Community law.

For more information concerning subscriptions please contact:

EUR-OP,
Information, Marketing and Public Relations,
2, rue Mercier,
L-2985 Luxembourg.
Tel. (352) 29 29 427 18, fax (352) 29 29 427 09.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1921/03 by Carlos Bautista Ojeda (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Preserved mandarin segments from China.
Date: 2003-06-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: China, European Commission, Spain, citrus fruit, common commercial policy, import (EU), international commercial arbitration, operation of the Institutions, protective clause, trade relations

C 88 E/364

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

8.4.2004

(cid:1) why it did not apply Council Regulation (EC) No 427/2003 (3) on a transitional product-specific

safeguard mechanism for imports originating in the People’s Republic of China?

The Community market
is being
irreversibly damaged and seriously disturbed. When does the Commission envisage adopting measures to
protect its own market?

in mandarin segments, originating almost exclusively in Spain,

(1) OJ L 297, 21.11.1996, p. 29.
(2) OJ L 349, 31.12.1994, p. 53.
(3) OJ L 65, 8.3.2003, p. 1.

(2004/C 88 E/0370)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1921/03

by Carlos Bautista Ojeda (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(12 June 2003)

Subject: Preserved mandarin segments from China

The enormous increase in imports of preserved mandarin segments from China has seriously upset the
Community market, whose mandarin segment production is located almost exclusively in Spain and fell by
36 % between the 1998/1999 and 2001/2002 marketing years.

Bearing in mind the safeguard clause in Article 22 of Council Regulation (EC) 2201/96 (1) which states that
if the Community market is seriously disturbed by imports the Commission shall, at the request of a
Member State or on its own initiative, decide upon the necessary measures within three working days
following receipt of the request.

Why has the Commission not adopted any measure, in view of the serious situation there has been since
5 June 2002, when the Spanish Government urgently requested implementation of such measures?

Why has the Commission not adopted any measures on its own initiative?

(1) OJ L 297, 21.11.1996, p. 29.

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-1646/03, E-1920/03 and E-1921/03
given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission

(25 July 2003)

The Commission would like to take this opportunity to inform the Honourable Members that it has now
received a fully documented request from the Spanish Government under Article 5 of Council Regulation
(EC) No 427/2003 of 3 March 2003 on a transitional product-specific safeguard mechanism for imports
originating in the People’s Republic of China and amending Regulation (EC) No 519/94 on common rules
for imports from certain third countries (1).

The Commission recognises the urgency of this request, which it is already in the course of analysing, and
a copy of the request has been sent to all Member States with a view to consultation.

(1) OJ L 65, 8.3.2003.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1914/03 by María Sornosa Martínez (PSE) to the Commission. Breach of Community competition law in the helicopter sector in Spain.
Date: 2003-06-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Spain, civil aviation, competition law, helicopter, infringement of EU law, market-sharing agreement

C 58 E/114

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

6.3.2004

(2004/C 58 E/129)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1914/03

by María Sornosa Martínez (PSE) to the Commission

(12 June 2003)

Subject: Breach of Community competition law in the helicopter sector in Spain

The two companies Helicsa SA and Helisureste SA make up 90 % of the helicopter sector in Spain and
divide up the market by mutual agreement, as can be seen from the temporary mergers set up by them.

the Commission take any action vis-à-vis the Spanish Government

Will
for free
competition among operators and the right to an open market not divided up among firms in this sector
in Spain, particularly bearing in mind that virtually all the contracts stem from the various Spanish
administrations?

to ensure respect

(2004/C 58 E/130)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1915/03

by María Sornosa Martínez (PSE) to the Commission

(12 June 2003)

Subject: Items in the Community budget intended for fire-fighting in Spain and their actual final use in the

years 1996 to 2002

Can the Commission provide information on the funds from Community budgets allocated to fight forest
fires in Spain, and on their final use as decided by the Spanish Government?

Does the Commission know whether the Community funds concerned have been used to purchase or hire
aviation equipment used to fight forest fires in the years 1996 to 2002 inclusive?

Can the Commission guarantee that Community funding has not been used in Spain to hire
non-Community equipment which does not comply with the criteria for airworthiness certification and
equivalent safety standards required by Regulation (EC) No 2407/92 (1), which are met in the remaining EU
countries?

(1) OJ L 240, 24.8.1992, p. 1.

(2004/C 58 E/131)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1916/03

by María Sornosa Martínez (PSE) to the Commission

(12 June 2003)

Subject: Failure to comply with Directive 2000/79/EC on working time in civil aviation in the helicopter

sector in Spain

The deadline set by the Community authorities for the various Member States to implement the measures
which will enable Directive 2000/79/EC (1) on working time in civil aviation to come into force will expire
in six months, and no measures have been adopted in Spain to ensure that the 2 000-hour restriction on
working time contained therein is applied to Spanish helicopter pilots.

What type of action will the Commission take if the Spanish Government has not complied with the
requirements of Directive 2000/79/EC when the deadline expires?

What is the Commission’s view of and what action will it take in response to the Spanish Government’s
long-standing inability to enforce either Spanish or Community legislation as regards working time in the
Spanish helicopter sector, even though virtually all of these helicopters work for central and autonomous
governments?

(1) OJ L 302, 1.12.2000, p. 57.