11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/1

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.7862 — TDR Capital/Euro Garages)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 52/01)

On 14 January 2016, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32016M7862. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

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11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/2

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

10 February 2016

(2016/C 52/02)

1 euro =

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,1257
JPY	Japanese yen	129,42
DKK	Danish krone	7,4638
GBP	Pound sterling	0,77328
SEK	Swedish krona	9,5162
CHF	Swiss franc	1,0960
ISK	Iceland króna
NOK	Norwegian krone	9,6195
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	27,031
HUF	Hungarian forint	311,62
PLN	Polish zloty	4,4289
RON	Romanian leu	4,4830
TRY	Turkish lira	3,2945
AUD	Australian dollar	1,5848
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,5601
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	8,7686
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,6916
SGD	Singapore dollar	1,5674
KRW	South Korean won	1 340,37
ZAR	South African rand	17,8379
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	7,4007
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,6350
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	15 136,73
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,6398
PHP	Philippine peso	53,388
RUB	Russian rouble	88,5600
THB	Thai baht	39,793
BRL	Brazilian real	4,3758
MXN	Mexican peso	21,0652
INR	Indian rupee	76,3844

---

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

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11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/3

---

COMMISSION DECISION

of 8 February 2016

on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union

(2016/C 52/03)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty Establishing the European Atomic Energy Community and in particular Article 101(2) thereof,

Having regard to the Council decision approving the conclusion by the Commission, on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (‘the Protocol’),

Whereas:

(1)

The conclusion of the Protocol is subject to separate procedures as regards matters falling under the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union on the one hand and as regards matters falling under the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community on the other hand.

(2)	On 1 October 2015, the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2015/1891 (1) on the conclusion of the Protocol on behalf of the European Union and its Member States pursuant to Article 218(6) of the Treaty of on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 6(2) of the Act of Accession of Croatia.

(3)	On 18 February 2014, and on 1 October 2015 for the version in Irish, the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2015/1892 (2) approving the conclusion of the Protocol by the Commission on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community.

(4)	The Protocol should also be concluded on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, as regards matters falling under the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community.

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The conclusion on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (‘the Protocol’) (3) is hereby approved.

Article 2

The President of the Commission is hereby authorised to carry out all necessary steps on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, in order to express the consent of the European Atomic Energy Community to be bound by the Protocol, in particular to deposit the notification provided for in Article 12 of the Protocol.

Article 3

The Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

---

(1)  Council Decision (EU) 2015/1891 of 1 October 2015 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States, of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (OJ L 279, 23.10.2015, p. 1).

(2)  Council Decision (EU) 2015/1892 of 18 February 2014 approving the conclusion, by the European Commission, on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (OJ L 279, 23.10.2015, p. 3).

(3)  OJ L 276, 18.9.2014, p. 3.

---

11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/5

---

COMMISSION DECISION

of 8 February 2016

on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one part, and the Republic of Montenegro of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union

(2016/C 52/04)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty Establishing the European Atomic Energy Community and in particular Article 101(2) thereof,

Having regard to the Council decision approving the conclusion by the Commission, on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one part, and the Republic of Montenegro of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (‘the Protocol’),

Whereas:

(1)

The conclusion of the Protocol is subject to separate procedures as regards matters falling under the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union on the one hand and as regards matters falling under the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community on the other hand.

(2)	On 13 May 2014, the Council adopted Decision 2014/321/EU (1) on the conclusion of the Protocol on behalf of the European Union and its Member States pursuant to Article 218(6) of the Treaty of on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 6(2) of the Act of Accession of Croatia.

(3)	On 22 October 2013, the Council adopted Decision 2014/315/Euratom (2) approving the conclusion of the Protocol by the Commission on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community.

(4)	The Protocol should also be concluded on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, as regards matters falling under the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community.

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The conclusion on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one part, and the Republic of Montenegro, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (‘the Protocol’) (3) is hereby approved.

Article 2

The President of the Commission is hereby authorised to carry out all necessary steps on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, in order to express the consent of the European Atomic Energy Community to be bound by the Protocol, in particular to deposit the notification provided for in Article 11 of the Protocol.

Article 3

The Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

---

(1)  Council Decision 2014/321/EU of 13 May 2014 on the conclusion on behalf of the European Union and its Member States of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Montenegro, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (OJ L 165, 4.6.2014, p. 30).

(2)  Council Decision 2014/315/Euratom of 22 October 2013 approving the conclusion, by the European Commission, on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Montenegro, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (OJ L 165, 4.6.2014, p. 1).

(3)  OJ L 93, 28.3.2014, p. 2.

---

11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/7

---

COMMISSION DECISION

of 8 February 2016

on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one part, and the Republic of Albania, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union

(2016/C 52/05)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty Establishing the European Atomic Energy Community and in particular Article 101(2) thereof,

Having regard to the Council decision approving the conclusion by the Commission, on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one part, and the Republic of Albania, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (‘the Protocol’),

WHEREAS:

(1)

The conclusion of the Protocol is subject to separate procedures as regards matters falling under the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union on the one hand and as regards matters falling under the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community on the other hand.

(2)	On 12 May 2014, the Council adopted Decision 2014/320/EU (1) on the conclusion of the Protocol on behalf of the European Union and its Member States pursuant to Article 218(6) of the Treaty of on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 6(2) of the Act of Accession of Croatia.

(3)	On 15 November 2013, the Council adopted Decision 2014/317/Euratom (2) approving the conclusion of the Protocol by the Commission on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community.

(4)	The Protocol should be also concluded on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, as regards matters falling under the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The conclusion on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one part, and the Republic of Albania, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (‘the Protocol’) (3) is hereby approved.

Article 2

The President of the Commission is hereby authorised to carry out all necessary steps on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, in order to express the consent of the European Atomic Energy Community to be bound by the Protocol, in particular to deposit the notification provided for in Article 9 of the Protocol.

Article 3

The Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

---

(1)  Council Decision 2014/320/EU of 12 May 2014 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States, of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Albania, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (OJ L 165, 4.6.2014, p. 18).

(2)  Council Decision 2014/317/Euratom of 15 November 2013 approving the conclusion, by the European Commission, on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Albania, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (OJ L 165, 4.6.2014, p. 5).

(3)  OJ L 165, 4.6.2014, p. 19.

---

11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/9

---

COMMISSION DECISION

of 8 February 2016

on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one part, and the Republic of Serbia, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union

(2016/C 52/06)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty Establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 101(2) thereof,

Having regard to the Council decision approving the conclusion by the Commission, on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one part, and the Republic of Serbia, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (‘the Protocol’),

Whereas:

(1)

The conclusion of the Protocol is subject to separate procedures as regards matters falling under the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union on the one hand and as regards matters falling under the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community on the other hand.

(2)	On 20 July 2015, the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2015/1292 (1) on the conclusion of the Protocol on behalf of the European Union and its Member States pursuant to Article 218(6) of the Treaty of on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 6(2) of the Act of Accession of Croatia.

(3)	On 14 April 2014, the Council adopted Decision 2014/518/Euratom (2) approving the conclusion of the Protocol by the Commission on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community.

(4)	The Protocol should also be concluded on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, as regards matters falling under the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community.

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The conclusion on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one part, and the Republic of Serbia, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (‘the Protocol’) (3) is hereby approved.

Article 2

The President of the Commission is hereby authorised to carry out all necessary steps on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, in order to express the consent of the European Atomic Energy Community to be bound by the Protocol, in particular to deposit the notification provided for in Article 13 of the Protocol.

Article 3

The Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

---

(1)  Council Decision (EU) 2015/1292 of 20 July 2015 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States, of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Serbia, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (OJ L 199, 29.7.2015, p. 1).

(2)  Council Decision 2014/518/Euratom of 14 April 2014 approving the conclusion, by the European Commission, on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Serbia, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (OJ L 233, 6.8.2014, p. 20).

(3)  OJ L 233, 6.8.2014, p. 3.

---

11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/11

---

DECISION No F2

of 23 June 2015

on the exchange of data between institutions for the purpose of granting family benefits

(Text of relevance to the EEA and to the EC/Switzerland Agreement)

(2016/C 52/07)

THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR THE COORDINATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the coordination of social security systems (1), and in particular Article 72(a) thereof,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems (2), and in particular Article 2(2) and Title III, Chapter VI thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

At the 340th meeting of the Administrative Commission on 22-23 October 2014, delegations expressed concerns about problems they encountered with regard to the speed, uniformity and structure of the exchange of information by the competent institutions for the purposes of granting and calculating family benefits.

(2)	The complexity and the length of the procedure for granting family benefits was also discussed at the Working Party of the Administrative Commission on family benefits of 18 April 2012 and at the Reflection Forum on issues of export and competence of Family Benefits on 10 March 2015.

(3)	The exchange of information between institutions should comply with Articles 68(3) and 76(4) of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and Articles 2, 60(2) and (3) of Regulation No (EC) 987/2009.

(4)

In accordance with Article 60(3) of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009, where the institution to which an application for family benefits has been made concludes that its legislation is applicable but not by priority right, it should take a provisional decision, without delay, on the priority rules to be applied and should forward the application, in accordance with Article 68(3) of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 to the institution of the Member State it believes has primary competence.

(5)

Save where the institution receiving a forwarded application under Article 60(3) of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 has communicated that it disputes the provisional decision within the two month timeframe specified, that provisional decision will become definitive either from the date when the receiving institution approves the decision or where the receiving institution fails to communicate its position on the provisional decision, upon expiry of two months from receipt of the application by the receiving institution (whichever is the soonest).

(6)

In accordance with Article 68(3)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and Article 60(3) of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009, the differential supplement should be calculated and paid without delay as soon as the person concerned becomes entitled to the benefit and the Member State has the information necessary for the calculation of the differential supplement.

(7)

Where the institution to which an application for family benefits was made has taken a provisional decision on the priority rules to be applied but does not yet have all the information required to calculate definitively the amount of the differential supplement, that institution should, at the request of the person concerned, calculate and award the differential supplement on a provisional basis, if such calculation is possible on the basis of the information available in accordance with Article 68(3)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and Articles 7 and 60(3) of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009. Where there is a difference in views between the institutions concerned about which legislation is applicable by priority right, Article 6(2) to (5) and 60(4) of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 should apply.

(8)	The use of the forms for the exchange of data for the purposes of granting and calculating family benefits under Regulations (EC) No 883/2004 and (EC) No 987/2009 should comply with Decision No E1 (3).

(9)

In order to facilitate the uniform application of Regulations (EC) No 883/2004 and (EC) No 987/2009, the Administrative Commission therefore agrees that clearer deadlines should be established for the exchange of data for the purposes of granting and calculating family benefits under Regulations (EC) No 883/2004 and (EC) No 987/2009 and in addition there should be clearer rules for the payment of the differential supplement (including on a provisional basis), Acting in accordance with the conditions laid down in Article 71(2) of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

1.

An institution shall, without delay, provide all the necessary information for establishing an entitlement and calculating the family benefit to the concerned institutions of other Member States. Likewise, where an institution becomes aware of information that may be relevant to a decision on the entitlement or amount of an award of family benefits it shall forward the relevant information to other institutions concerned as soon as possible.

2.

An institution shall reply promptly to a request for information from another Member State and in any event, no later than: a. two months after the day of receipt of the request in a case concerning a request for a position on a provisional decision on the priority rules referred to at Article 60(3) of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009), or b. three months after the day of receipt of the request for information in all other cases.

3.

In exceptional cases, where for justified reasons it is not possible for the institution receiving a request for information to reply within the deadlines set out at paragraph 2(b), it shall notify the requesting institution of this fact and the reasons for the delay; and where possible the institution shall indicate when it will provide the requested information and keep the requesting institution informed of any changes to the indicative timeframe.

4.

If at least two Member States are concerned, the competent institutions shall, upon request, exchange information on the family situation of the beneficiaries and the amount and rates of the benefits paid. Such requests shall be subject to the timeframes referred to in paragraph 2(b). Without prejudice to the obligation in paragraph 1, in the case of generic periodic requests either for the control of the amount of benefit or verification of entitlement to benefit made without concrete grounds a competent institution shall not submit such a request more than once a year, nor shall the receiving competent institution be obliged to answer such a request more than once a year.

5.

The differential supplement shall be calculated and paid without delay as soon as the person concerned becomes entitled to the benefit and the Member State has the information necessary for the calculation of the differential supplement. The supplement or provisional supplement shall be paid at the intervals laid down in the national legislation of the competent Member State for the payment of family benefits.

6.	This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. It enters into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication.

---

(1)  OJ L 166, 30.4.2004, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 284, 30.10.2009, p. 1.

(3)  Decision No E1 of 12 June 2009 concerning the practical arrangements for the transitional period for the data exchange via electronic means referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ C 106, 24.4.2010, p. 9).

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11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/13

---

DECISION No H7

of 25 June 2015

on the revision of the Decision No H3 concerning the date to be taken into consideration for determining the rates of conversion referred to in Article 90 of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council

(Text of relevance to the EEA and to the EC/Switzerland Agreement)

(2016/C 52/08)

THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR THE COORDINATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS,

Having regard to Article 72(a) of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the coordination of social security systems (1), under which the Administrative Commission is responsible for dealing with all administrative questions or questions of interpretation arising from the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems (2),

Whereas:

(1)	Paragraph 8 of Decision No H3 (3) requires a revision of this Decision after the first year of the entry into application of the Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and Regulation (EC) No 987/2009.

(2)

The terminology used in Decision H3 should be consistent for the reason of clarity. Therefore, in cases where the expression ‘published for’ is used, it should be replaced by ‘published on’. In the case where the expression ‘conversion applicable’ is used it should be replaced by ‘conversion published’.

(3)	The wording of paragraph 6 of Decision No H3 has caused interpretative difficulties and has been applied differently by the Member States. Thus, there is a need to amend this provision in order to clarify the procedure that is to be applied,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

1.	In paragraph 3(a) and 3(b) of Decision No H3 the expression ‘published for’ is replaced by ‘published on’.

2.	In paragraph 5 of Decision No H3 the expression ‘conversion applicable’ is replaced by ‘conversion published’.

3.

Paragraph 6 of the Decision No H3 is replaced by: ‘For the purposes of Article 90 of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009, the date to be taken into account for determining the applicable exchange rate between two currencies shall be: (a) in the case of a request for offsetting from arrears/ongoing payments, the working day immediately preceding the day on which the applicant party sent the final request for offsetting from arrears/ongoing payments; or (b) in the case of a request for recovery, the working day immediately preceding the day on which the applicant party sent the first request for recovery. For the purposes of this paragraph, working day shall refer to a working day of the European Central Bank on which it publishes a daily reference rate for currency exchange.’.

4.	This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. It enters into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication.

---

(1)  OJ L 166, 30.4.2004, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 284, 30.10.2009, p. 1.

(3)  Decision No H3 of 15 October 2009 concerning the date to be taken into consideration for determining the rates of conversion referred to in Article 90 of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ C 106, 24.4.2010, p. 56).

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11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/14

---

Decision to close the formal investigation procedure after withdrawal by EFTA State

2014 PCC Power Contract and 2014 Transmission Agreement

(2016/C 52/09)

By Decision 238/15/COL of 17 June 2015, the EFTA Surveillance Authority has decided to close the formal investigation procedure under Article 4(4) of Part II of Protocol 3 of the Surveillance and Court Agreement, initiated on 10 December 2014 by Decision No 543/14/COL, in respect of (i) the Power Contract signed by Landsvirkjun hf. and PCC Bakki Silicon hf. signed on 17 March 2014 and (ii) the Transmission Agreement entered into by Landsnet hf. and PCC Bakki Silicon hf. on 7 February 2014.

The case has become devoid of purpose due to the withdrawal of the notification by the EFTA State and the fact that the contracts have been terminated by the parties to them before entering into force.

The authentic text of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found on the EFTA Surveillance Authority’s website:

http://www.eftasurv.int/state-aid/state-aid-register/

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11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/15

---

State aid — Decision to raise no objections

(2016/C 52/10)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority raises no objections to the following State aid measure:

Date of adoption of the decision	:	16 September 2015
Case No	:	77595
Decision No	:	336/15/COL
EFTA State	:	Norway
Region	:	IN (an) unassisted region(s)
Title	:	Programme for alternative fuels infrastructure
Legal basis	:	— The annual state budgets, which describe the energy policy and propose the budget for the coming year. — Parliamentary Decision of 5 April 2001 on the basis of a proposition by the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy of 21 December 2000. The Parliamentary Decision amends the Energy Act of 29 June 1990 No 50 (energiloven). — The agreement between the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and Enova. The latest version of the agreement, with amendment dated 30 January 2015, regulates the objectives for Enova’s administration of the Energy Fund between 28 June 2012 and 31 December 2016. — Regulation No 1377 of 10 December 2001 concerning the levy on the electricity distribution tariff (forskrift om innbetaling av påslag på nettariffen til energifondet). — A regulation on the Energy Fund (vedtekter for energifondet) places the Energy Fund under the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and stipulates its administration.
Type of measure	:	Scheme
Objective	:	Environmental protection
Form of aid	:	Direct grant
Budget	:	NOK 300 million
Intensity	:	Up to 100 % of the eligible costs
Duration	:	End of 2016
Economic sectors	:	Transport
Name and address of the granting authority	:	Enova Postbox 5700 Sluppen N-7437 Trondheim NORWAY
Other information	:

The authentic text of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found on the EFTA Surveillance Authority’s website:

http://www.eftasurv.int/state-aid/state-aid-register/

---

11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/16

---

State aid — Decision to raise no objections

(2016/C 52/11)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority raises no objections to the following State aid measure:

Date of adoption of the decision	:	28 October 2015
Case No	:	78015
Decision No	:	444/15/COL
EFTA State	:	Norway
Legal basis	:	Regulation 2005-12-21-1720
Type of measure	:	Maritime aid
Objective	:	Employment
Form of aid	:	Tax refund
Budget	:	Estimated NOK 900 million for the first half of 2016
Duration	:	1.1.2016-30.6.2016
Economic sectors	:	Maritime transport
Name and address of the granting authority	:	Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries P.O. Box 8090 Dep N-0032 Oslo NORWAY

The authentic text of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found on the EFTA Surveillance Authority’s website:

http://www.eftasurv.int/state-aid/state-aid-register/

---

11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/17

---

State aid — Decision to raise no objections

(2016/C 52/12)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority raises no objections to the following State aid measure:

Date of adoption of the decision	:	4 November 2015
Case No	:	77887
Decision No	:	468/15/COL
EFTA State	:	Norway
Region	:	Troms, Finnmark and Nordland
Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)	:	Extension of the duration and tightening of the conditions for eligibility of the Charter Fund Scheme for Northern Norway
Legal basis	:	Budgetary decisions taken by Troms, Finnmark and Nordland
Type of measure	:	Reimbursement of tour operators’ charter costs
Objective	:	Tourism
Form of aid	:	Grant
Budget	:	NOK 30 million (EUR 3,25 million) for 3 years
Intensity	:	Max 25 %
Duration	:	3 years
Economic sectors	:	H51.1.0 — Passenger air transport
Name and address of the granting authority	:	Northern Norway Tourist Board Storgata 69 Tromsø P.O. Box 23 N-9251 Tromsø NORWAY
Other information	:

The authentic text of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found on the EFTA Surveillance Authority’s website:

http://www.eftasurv.int/state-aid/state-aid-register/

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11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/18

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.7948 — Hauptgenossenschaft Nord/Roth Agrarhandel)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 52/13)

1.

On 3 February 2016, 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 Hauptgenossenschaft Nord AG (‘Hauptgenossenschaft Nord’, Germany), controlled by Dansk Landbrugs Grovvareselskab a.m.b.a. (‘dlg’, Denmark) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Roth Agrarhandel GmbH (‘Roth Agrarhandel’, Germany) by way of purchase of shares.

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are: —   for dlg: farmers’ cooperative operating in the agricultural sector offering products and services to farmers, —   for Hauptgenossenschaft Nord: wholesale and trade of agricultural commodities, including grains, seeds, animal feed and fertilisers, —   for Roth Agrarhandel: retail of agricultural commodities, including grains, seeds, animal feed and fertilisers.

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under 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 this Notice.

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission. Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference M.7948 — Hauptgenossenschaft Nord/Roth Agrarhandel, to the following address: European Commission Directorate-General for Competition Merger Registry 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel BELGIQUE/BELGIË

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

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

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11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/19

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Publication of an application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2016/C 52/14)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1).

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘ΓΛΥΚΟ ΤΡΙΑΝΤΑΦΥΛΛΟ ΑΓΡΟΥ’ (GLYKO TRIANTAFYLLO AGROU)

EU No: CY-PGI-0005-01310 — 03.02.2015

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

1.   Name(s)

‘Γλυκο Τριανταφυλλο Αγρου’ (Glyko Triantafyllo Agrou)

2.   Member State or Third Country

Cyprus

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 2.3. Bread, pastry, cakes, confectionery, biscuits and other baker’s wares

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

‘Glyko Triantafyllo Agrou’ is a homogenous, thick mixture of rose petals, sugar and water, which has set during the preparation process. It is served with a spoon and eaten as a dessert.

Chemical characteristics

Moisture content: 20-24 %

Ash: 0,1-0,3 %

Carbohydrates: 70-85 %

Organoleptic characteristics

Colour: the characteristic colour of the sweet when in the jar is a deep, dark purple to brown. The sweet appears a lighter brown/orange when it is spread out, while the individual petals are translucent beige with brown tones.

Consistency: a thick mixture containing a high proportion of intact rose petals which give it a firm consistency.

Aroma: a strong rose fragrance

Taste: sweet, tasting of roses

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

To make the sweet the following ingredients are used, in a ratio of 1:1:1 to 1:1½:1 respectively:

—	rose petals (without stem) of the variety Rosa damascena (damask rose), which have been grown on holdings located within the defined geographical area,

—

sugar,

—

water.

Lemon juice is also added to the final mixture (1 %).

3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the defined geographical area

—   Harvesting of the raw material: the roses are harvested only during the cool hours of the morning, specifically between five and eight o’clock, when the flowers are not yet fully open and the petals are still moist. Delivery and storage: the roses are delivered fresh and still attached to the stems, within approximately three hours of harvesting. Next: (a) preparation of the sweet begins immediately; or (in exceptional cases where the volume of roses delivered is very large) (b) they are immediately chilled at a temperature of 0-6 °C with approximately 75 % relative humidity; they may not be stored for longer than 24 hours.

—   Preparation: first the stems and any other woody material is removed so that only the petals remain, these are then screened to remove the pollen and finally they are washed in cold tap water.

—   In the cauldron — first cooking: the rose petals are cooked in a little water with sugar. The initial amount of water added depends on how much remains on the petals after washing. At this stage, the cauldron is covered with a properly-fitting lid so that all the aromas are incorporated into the mixture, which helps to ensure that the sweet has the desired rose fragrance.

—   In the cauldron — second cooking: the mixture continues to be cooked with the lid open after the remaining sugar and water and the lemon juice have been added.

—   Cooling, packaging and heating in the oven: the sweet is left to cool at room temperature and it is then transferred to sterilised glass jars with lids, which can withstand high temperatures. The jars are placed in the oven and heated until the temperature in the centre of the mixture reaches 70-85 °C.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product to which the registered name refers

‘Glyko Triantafyllo Agrou’ is packaged in glass jars (which can be heated to high temperatures), but there is no minimum or maximum weight.

Τhese jars are packed in cardboard boxes and stored at room temperature (in a cool, dry place).

Shelf life: three years from the date of packaging.

Storage temperature: ambient temperature below 25 °C.

Packaging is part of the production process and must be carried out within the defined geographical area (see point 3.6 below).

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product to which the registered name refers

In the interests of improved traceability, labelling must also take place within the defined geographical area. This is because the product is very susceptible to contamination. Contamination is prevented by packaging and then labelling, which ensures that all stages of the production process take place within the defined geographical area, including the final stage.

The regulations on the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs, as amended or replaced, must be observed. In addition, it must be clearly stated on the label that the product is made from roses of the Rosa damascena variety grown in the Community of Agros.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

‘Glyko Triantafyllo Agrou’ is produced within the administrative boundaries of the Community of Agros.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Although small quantities of rose spoon sweet are prepared by other producers elsewhere in Cyprus and abroad, ‘Glyko Triantafyllo Agrou’ is unique owing to,

(a)	The raw material, i.e. the petals of the damask rose, which thrives in the Agros area.

(b)	The link that has developed between damask rose products and the Community of Agros over the past hundred years or more and the reputation they have acquired;

(c)	The know-how built up by the Community and in particular the only commercial producer of ‘Glyko Triantafyllo Agrou’, which has incorporated into its production process the methods and expertise of the local women who in times past would prepare the sweet at home as a medicinal remedy.

(a)   Raw material and the local damask rose crop: ‘Glyko Triantafyllo Agrou’ is one of the products made from the petals of the damask rose, which thrives in the defined geographical area. The link between Agros and products made from roses derives from the fact that the damask rose has been grown in the area for over a hundred years. A total of 70 % of all the holdings growing this variety in Cyprus are located in the Community of Agros, because it is well-suited to the area’s specific climatic conditions. The availability of large quantities of rose petals on holdings close to the processing facility means that a sweet (‘Glyko Triantafyllo Agrou’) with specific characteristics deriving from prompt delivery of the raw material from field to kitchen can be prepared on a commercial scale.

The geographical area has a distinct microclimate, which is good for damask rose growing.

The link between the damask rose and the environmental characteristics of the Agros area derives from the climate (a cool, dry mountain climate) and the soil. Agros lies at an altitude of around 1 000 metres, which is ideal for rose growing as evidenced by the large quantities (around 70 %) grown in this Community. Moreover, it is located in a natural basin, so the roses are protected from northerly winds.

Temperatures range from -5 °C to 35 °C. However, during the months when vegetative growth begins they are stable, which is important. Major fluctuations in temperature from March to June could have an adverse effect on the crop. Rainfall is also stable; likewise, any variation could adversely affect flowering and therefore the yield. In May when the roses bloom and are harvested there is usually little rain and therefore little risk of fungal disease, and the conditions for harvesting are ideal. Lastly, the rock (gabbro and diabase) in combination with the soil type (medium texture and rich in organic matter), provide suitable soil conditions for this variety of rose.

Owing to the specific climatic and soil conditions, the Community of Agros has come to be identified with damask rose growing and processing and over the years a number of cultural traditions have developed in connection with this. The first references to damask rose growing in Cyprus date back to the end of the 19th century and the only areas ever recorded as producing a sizeable crop were the Communities of Mylikouri and Agros, which attests to their distinct characteristics. In both areas rose growing gained momentum after 1940 but Agros produced more roses than Mylikouri and it still does today, which leads to the firm conclusion that specific climatic conditions combined with human factors are the reason why damask roses continue to thrive there. Moreover, there are no written references to a sweet being made from damask roses in Mylikouri; only rosewater appears to be produced in that area.

In addition to the fact that the Agros area is well suited to damask rose growing, it should be noted that according to scientific studies, only 20 % of all rose species are classed as scented, 50 % are weakly scented and the remaining species are unscented. The damask rose is among the 20 % classed as scented and the research also shows that where scent is concerned it differs from other hybrids. It can therefore be concluded that the specific fragrance of ‘Glyko Triantafyllo Agrou’, which is prepared from the petals of the damask rose, is due to the specific aromatic properties of that variety of rose.

(b)   Link and reputation of the Community of Agros: in Agros, the processing of damask roses into a sweet began when they started being grown on a commercial scale at the beginning of the 1940s. References dating back to 1940 explain how women in the Community of Agros would prepare ‘Glyko Triantafyllo Agrou’ at home not only to be eaten as a simple, traditional sweet but also as a remedy for constipation. Up until 1985 it was made only in private kitchens, not on a commercial scale. Around 1985 Niki Agathokleous started to produce it commercially, deploying the expertise she had acquired from her mother-in-law. To this day, this is still the only authorised commercial producer of ‘Glyko Triantafyllo Agrou’, although during the harvesting period many women in the village continue to prepare small quantities at home for private consumption.

Besides the historical link between Agros and the rose spoon sweet, the Community’s link with damask rose products is also evidenced by its cultural life. Every year in mid-May (depending on the weather), i.e. at harvest time, the Community holds an annual rose festival where the local damask rose products are presented, including the local sweet. The rose has become an emblem of the Community, so to speak, and this is evidenced by publications (recent and less recent) featuring the village that specifically mention its damask rose products.

(c)   Expertise: although the fragrance of the damask rose is the basic factor that makes the product distinct, the expertise acquired over time is also very important. This is deployed in: harvesting of the roses, (they are picked every day during the harvesting period and this is done very carefully so that the petals yield as much fragrance as possible), post-harvest handling and preparation of the final product. The expertise built up over the years is reflected in:

(i)	the fact that the petals remain intact and their firm consistency in the final product;

(ii)	the firm consistency of the final mixture;

(iii)

the high proportion of rose petals in the final mixture.

More precisely, the human factors that help give ‘Glyko Triantafyllo Agrou’ its specific characteristics, especially as regards fragrance, colour, intactness of the petals and the high proportion of petals in the mixture are described below:

1.

The roses are harvested only during the cool hours of the morning from five to eight o’clock, when the flowers are not completely open and the petals are still moist. Picking the flowers when it is hot reduces their oil content, as the essential oil evaporates from tiny hairs on the petals. The roses are then transported immediately to the processing facility so that preparation of the sweet can begin while the petals are still moist and fragrant. The proximity of the holdings to the processing facility is also crucial, as it cuts the transport time of the rose petals to a minimum so that their quality and aromatic properties are unimpaired when they are processed.

2.

When the roses are first cooked with the water and sugar, the cauldron is covered with a lid, to minimise the evaporation of essential oil and ensure that the sweet absorbs as much fragrance as possible. The steam released at the beginning of cooking has the highest essential-oil content (fragrance) — because this has a lower boiling point than water and evaporates first — and it needs to come into contact with a cool surface in order to condense and return to the mixture to be absorbed.

3.	The careful harvesting by hand and the very short distance to the processing facility also help to ensure that the rose petals remain intact, which is crucial to ensuring that the final product has a firm consistency.

4.	The proportion of rose petals in the mixture is another crucial factor, ensuring that the mixture has a thicker consistency and is more aromatic.

5.	The gradual (in two stages) addition of sugar during preparation (cooking) helps the rose petals to cook gradually and evenly; this is decisive in determining the colour and firm consistency of the final product.

Publication reference of the specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of this Regulation)

http://www.moa.gov.cy/moa/da/da.nsf/All/F3FF567F4E8FF1C5C2257B970039D8EF/$file/Προδιαγραφες%20Γλυκο%20Τριανταφυλλο%20Αγρου%20final.pdf

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(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

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11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/23

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Publication of an application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2016/C 52/15)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1).

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘POULET DE L'ARDECHE’/‘CHAPON DE L'ARDECHE’

EU No: FR-PGI-0005-01296 – 29.12.2014

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

1.   Name(s)

‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’

2.   Member State or Third Country

France

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.1. Fresh meat (and offal)

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

‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ are free-range chickens and capons of the Gallus gallus species.

‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ come from hardy, slow-growing strains. The age at slaughter must be at least 81 days for the ‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’ and at least 150 days for the ‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’.

Organoleptic properties: ‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ have firm, lean meat with an intense flavour and a dark colour. The colour of the skin and feet (white or yellow) varies according to the strain used.

Presentation characteristics:

—	only Class A carcases are marketed as whole pieces,

—	in line with tradition, the carcasses sold whole are presented with the tarsus folded away in the chest of the bird, under the sternum,

—	if the carcase has been cut up, which may only be done by hand, the pieces must comply with the presentation criteria for Class A.

Types of presentation:

—	gutted (minimum carcase weight = 1,3 kg for the chickens and 2,9 kg for the capons),

—	ready-to-cook (minimum carcase weight without giblets and with tarsus = 1,030 kg for the chickens and 2,530 kg for the capons),

—

cut.

These meats are presented fresh or deep-frozen.

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ are reared in the open air, with free access to a run planted with trees and naturally covered with gravel, from the age of 42 days.

Cereals make up the bulk of the animals' feed:

—	In the start-up phase from the 1st to the 28th day at the most: at least 50 % cereals.

—	During fattening from the 29th day inclusive to slaughter: the weighted average percentage of cereals and products derived from cereals during the fattening stage must be at least 80 %. This stage comprises the period of ‘growth’ and ‘finishing’.

Products derived from cereals may not represent more than 15 % of all cereals and products derived from cereals.

‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ feed is entirely composed of plant-based products, minerals and vitamins. At least two types of cereals are used. The total proportion of fatty matter in the feed must not exceed 6 %. The feed distributed must be devoid of any medicinal substance, including coccidiostats. Only natural flora regulators are permitted.

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

‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ are reared in the defined geographical area. The rearing stage covers the period from the moment the day-old chicks are placed into production until the chickens are taken to the slaughterhouse.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product to which the registered name refers

The distance between farm and slaughterhouse must be less than 100 km or the journey time between farm and slaughterhouse less than 3 hours. The cutting up of the carcases may only be done by hand. Chickens sold whole are presented with their tarsi.

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product to which the registered name refers

In addition to the information required by legislation on the labelling of poultry, the label must bear:

—	the designation: ‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’ or ‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’,

—	the European Union's IGP (PGI) logo,

—	the identification of the slaughterhouse on a specific label (EEC mark) or on the weight/price label affixed to the product next to the information label.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area of ‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ is situated mainly in the mountain range of the Ardèche (the Vivarais mountains) in the central-eastern part of the Massif Central. It comprises the territory of the following cantons:

The department of Ardèche (07):

All the municipalities in the cantons of: Annonay, Annonay Nord, Annonay Sud, Antraigues-sur-Volane, Burzet, Le Cheylard, Chomerac, Coucouron, Lamastre, Montpezat-sous-Bauzon, Privas, Rochemaure, Saint-Agrève, Saint-Félicien, Saint-Martin-de-Valamas, Saint-Péray, Saint-Pierreville, Satillieu, Serrières, Tournon-sur-Rhône, Vals-les-Bains, Vernoux-en-Vivarais and La Voulte-sur-Rhône. The canton of Aubenas: the municipalities of Aubenas, Mercuer and Saint-Didier-sous-Aubenas. The canton of Thueyts: the municipalities of Astet, Barnas, Chirols, Lalevade-d'Ardèche, Mayres, Meyras, Pont-de-Labeaume, Prades and Thueyts. The canton of Villeneuve-de-Berg: the municipalities of Berzème, Darbres, Lussas, Mirabel, Saint-Gineis-en-Coiron, Saint-Jean-le-Centenier, Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron and Saint-Pons.

The department of Loire (42):

All the municipalities in the cantons of: Bourg-Argental, Pélussin, Saint-Chamond, Saint-Chamond Sud and Saint-Genest-Malifaux. The canton of La Grand-Croix: the municipalities of Doizieux, Farnay, La Grand-Croix, L'Horme, Lorette, Saint-Paul-en-Jarez and La Terrasse-sur-Dorlay. The canton of Rive-de-Gier: the municipalities of Châteauneuf, Pavezin, Rive-de-Gier, and Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez.

The department of Haute-Loire (43):

All the municipalities in the cantons of: Aurec-sur-Loire, Fay-sur-Lignon, Le-Monastier-sur-Gazeille, Monistrol-sur-Loire, Montfaucon-en-Velay, Le-Puy-en-Velay Est, Le-Puy-en-Velay Sud-Est, Saint-Didier-en-Velay, Saint-Julien-Chapteuil, Sainte-Sigolène, Tence and Yssingeaux. The canton of Bas-en-Basset: the municipalities of Bas-en-Basset and Malvalette. The canton of Le-Puy-en-Velay Nord: the municipalities of Chaspinhac, Malrevers and Le Monteil.

The canton of Retournac: the municipality of Retournac. The canton of Saint-Paulien: the municipalities of Lavoûte-sur-Loire and Saint-Vincent. The canton of Solignac-sur-Loire: the municipalities of Le Brignon, Cussac-sur-Loire and Solignac-sur-Loire. The canton of Vorey: the municipalities of Beaulieu, Chamalières-sur-Loire, Mézères, Rosières and Vorey.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Specificity of the geographical area

The geographical area of the ‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ consists of the massif of the Vivarais mountains, a mountainous unit which essentially covers the Ardèche, but also extends to the eastern part of the Haute-Loire and the southern part of the Loire. A characteristic of this area is that it is composed exclusively of municipalities located in mountain areas and foothills, with disadvantages linked to altitude, sloping terrain and/or climate that substantially restrict land use and in which extensive farming activities take place.

The geographical area has an upland to continental climate that varies according to the season, with significant differences in temperature, very brief shoulder seasons, and a windy environment.

The geographical area is characterised by soils formed from old volcanic rocks, granite and shale. A common feature of these rocks is that they are hard but disintegrate easily, leading to the presence of large numbers of small stones on the ground of the poultry runs.

Initiated in the 1960s in the north of the Ardèche, the development of a true local poultry industry became a reality in the 1980s, with farmers setting up the ‘Syndicat de Défense des Volailles Fermières de l'Ardèche’ in 1985.

‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’, which are reared in the open air, started being produced in a natural environment poorly suited to the development of intensive crops or livestock rearing and characterised by small to medium-size family farms (35 ha on average) engaged in mixed farming (livestock rearing, fruit cultivation, red fruits, lentils) and by small areas of available land.

In order to maintain the traditional character of the poultry rearing, breeders chose to apply an extensive production method and free-range farming. For this reason, densities are limited both in buildings and in runs. The animals' feed is based on a high proportion of cereals, which corresponds to the traditional practices of Ardèche farmers, who used to supplement the ration provided by the runs with cereals from the farm cultivated on the few parcels of farmland.

In addition, the birds have free access to an open-air run, which helps to meet their need for exercise and provides them with additional feed (grass, insects). In order to make better use of the runs, which are uneven and subject to unpredictable local weather, breeders decided to plant a large number of trees (at least 30 trees of local species per 400 m2 of building), thereby encouraging the animals to venture outdoors and move about and protecting them against the sun and the wind.

Breeders also chose strains adapted to the natural conditions: rather calm as well as hardy and mobile, well adapted to the properties of the run. Furthermore, these strains are slow-growing, which means that the animals may be slaughtered when they are older than the average age at slaughter.

Limited transport time to the place of slaughter helps to protect the animal from stress.

Specificity of the product

‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ are free-range poultry.

The organoleptic tests carried out on ‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ identified the following characteristics that differentiate them from other animals present on the market:

—	the flesh is firmer, as regards both the white meat (fillets) and the red meat (legs),

—	the meat has a lower fat content, the taste is more intense and the meat has a darker colour.

The meat is always cut manually. If sold whole, ‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ are characteristically presented with the tarsus folded under the sternum.

Causal link

The causal link between the geographical area and ‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ is based on the reputation of the products as well as on the rearing expertise.

In order to maintain the traditional character of the poultry rearing, breeders chose to apply a specific farm production method: free-range farming (limited densities, late slaughter, the use of runs).

The use of hardy, slow-growing strains, the choice of feed with a high proportion of cereals and the use of uneven runs that have plenty of natural grit make it possible to produce poultry with recognised flavour qualities, in particular a firm flesh and an intense taste. The high proportion of cereals is important for the deposit of intramuscular fat and consequently the flavour properties of the meat.

The unevenness of the runs helps to develop the upper muscles, in particular in the legs, and eliminate fats, thus giving ‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ their low-fat character.

The slaughter of ‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ at a higher-than-average age makes it possible to obtain meat that is more coloured and has more intense flavours.

Limiting the stress of the animals before slaughter preserves the final quality of the carcasses, which is also ensured by cutting the carcass manually or by presenting it whole, as is done traditionally.

The reputation of ‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ is based on traditional rearing methods and the animal's organoleptic characteristics. Their reputation has been strengthened since the 1980s by the development of the sector (a hundred breeders, more than 150 buildings) and a rise in sales throughout the south-eastern quarter of France and beyond. It has been proven, in particular, by the number of prizes obtained by ‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’. The chickens and capons have won several medals at the Concours général agricole (national agricultural contest): the Silver Medal in 1993, the Bronze Medal in 1996, the Silver Medal in 1997. ‘Poulet de l'Ardèche’/‘Chapon de l'Ardèche’ feature on the tables of top chefs, on the gourmet menus of Ardèche as well as in broadcasts and tourist guides presenting tasty recipes, such as: ‘suprême de poulet de l'Ardèche aux écrevisses’ (supreme of Ardèche chicken with crayfish), ‘Chapon de l'Ardèche en deux cuissons, morilles et vin jaune’ (Ardèche capon cooked in two different ways with morels and vin jaune). The involvement of farmers at the points of sale, where they talk about their production method and recipes for their products, has contributed to this success.

Reference to publication of the specification

(second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of the Regulation)

https://www.inao.gouv.fr/fichier/CDCPouletChapondelArdeche.pdf

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(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

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11.2.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52/27

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Corrigendum to Notice of initiation of a partial interim review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of threaded tube or pipe cast fittings, of malleable cast iron, originating in the People’s Republic of China and Thailand

( Official Journal of the European Union C 392 of 25 November 2015 )

(2016/C 52/16)

On page 14, in ‘4. Grounds for the review’:

for:

read:

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