Official Journal C172 of the European Union

ISSN 1725-2423 Official Journal C172 of the European Union

Volume 48

English edition Information and Notices 12 July 2005

Notice No Contents Page

I Information

Council

2005/C 172/01 Statement on Council Regulation (EC) No 851/2005 of 2 June 2005 amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 as regards the reciprocity mechanism ...... 1

Commission

2005/C 172/02 Euro exchange rates ...... 2

2005/C 172/03 Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (1) ...... 3

2005/C 172/04 Notice of initiation of a partial interim review of the countervailing measures applicable to imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film originating in India ...... 5

2005/C 172/05 Publication of an application for registration pursuant to Article 6(2) of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin ...... 7

2005/C 172/06 Publication of an application for registration pursuant to Article 6(2) of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin ...... 13

2005/C 172/07 Commission notice on current State aid recovery interest rates and reference/discount rates for 25 Member States applicable as from 1 January 2005 — Published in accordance with Article 10 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 of 21 April 2004 (OJ L 140, 30.4.2004, p. 1) and the Commission notice on the method for setting the reference and discount rates (OJ C 273, 9.9.1997, p. 3) ...... 18

2005/C 172/08 Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.3857 — SITA/Flughafen Düsseldorf/FDITG) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (1) ...... 19

2005/C 172/09 Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.3799 — Dexia/Kommunalkredit/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (1) ...... 20

EN (1) Text with EEA relevance (Continued overleaf) 1 Notice No Contents (continued) Page

2005/C 172/10 COM documents other than legislative proposals adopted by the Commission ...... 21

2005/C 172/11 Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3839 — Access Industries/Basell) (1) ...... 23

II Preparatory Acts

Commission

2005/C 172/12 Legislative proposals adopted by the Commission ...... 24

III Notices

Commission

2005/C 172/13 Call for proposals — DG EAC No 24/05 — ‘Promotion of active European citizenship’ — Support to town twinning actions — Conferences, training seminars and information campaigns 2006 ...... 29

2005/C 172/14 Call for Proposals — DG EAC No 39/05 — Culture 2000: Call for Proposals 2006 ...... 31

EN (1) Text with EEA relevance 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/1

(Information)

COUNCIL

Statement on Council Regulation (EC) No 851/2005 of 2 June 2005 amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 as regards the reciprocity mechanism (1)

(2005/C 172/01)

The Council and the Commission stress that the mechanism which is the subject of this Regulation, accompanied where necessary by provisional introduction of the visa requirement for a third country which imposes a visa requirement for nationals from one or more Member States, in no way prevents the application of other provisional measures to such a third country in one or more other fields (particularly poli- tical, economic or commercial fields) in accordance with the relevant legal basis or bases in the Treaties if such measures would be deemed an advisable part of the strategy to be implemented to induce the third country to restore visa-free travel for nationals from the Member State or States concerned. The Council and the Commission consider that, when one or other of the notifications provided for in Articles 1 and 2 of this Regulation occurs, due consideration should be given in the appropriate fora to the advisability of such other measures.

(1) OJ L 141, 4.6.2005, p. 3. C 172/2EN Official Journal of the European Union 12.7.2005

COMMISSION

Euro exchange rates (1) 11 July 2005

(2005/C 172/02)

1 euro =

Currency Exchange rate Currency Exchange rate

USD US dollar 1,2006 SIT Slovenian tolar 239,48 JPY Japanese yen 134,40 SKK Slovak koruna 38,879 DKK Danish krone 7,4561 TRY Turkish lira 1,6125 GBP Pound sterling 0,68800 AUD Australian dollar 1,6129 SEK Swedish krona 9,4744 CAD Canadian dollar 1,4584 CHF Swiss franc 1,5554 HKD Hong Kong dollar 9,3392 ISK Iceland króna 78,76 NZD New Zealand dollar 1,7760 NOK Norwegian krone 7,9120 SGD Singapore dollar 2,0381 BGN Bulgarian lev 1,9559 KRW South Korean won 1 252,95 CYP Cyprus pound 0,5736 ZAR South African rand 8,2184 CZK Czech koruna 30,166 CNY Chinese yuan renminbi 9,9368 EEK Estonian kroon 15,6466 HRK Croatian kuna 7,3101 HUF Hungarian forint 247,04 LTL Lithuanian litas 3,4528 IDR Indonesian rupiah 11 720,86 LVL Latvian lats 0,6961 MYR Malaysian ringgit 4,562 MTL Maltese lira 0,4293 PHP Philippine peso 67,510 PLN Polish zloty 4,0850 RUB Russian rouble 34,4780 RON Romanian leu 3,5760 THB Thai baht 50,483

(1) Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB. 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/3

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

(2005/C 172/03)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Date of adoption of the decision: 16.3.2004 Date of adoption of the decision: 2.2.2005 Member State: Italy [Abruzzi] Member State: Denmark Aid No: N 30/04 Aid No: N 313/2004 Title: Training aid for Finmek Title: Recapitalisation of TV2/Danmark A/S Objective: Training Objective: Financing of public service obligations Legal basis: Decreto della giunta regionale del 7.3.2003 n. 143 e Aid amount: DKK 440 million decreto della giunta regionale del 29.12.2003 Budget: EUR 4 672 953 The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confiden- Aid intensity or amount: The aid intensity is 25 % for tial information has been removed, can be found at The specific training projects and 50 % for general training projects. authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential The maximum intensities concerned are increased by 10 information has been removed, can be found at: percentage points when the training is given to disadvantaged workers. http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/ Duration: The scheme began in July 2003 and will run for 22 months.

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at: Date of adoption of the decision: 2 March 2005 http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/ Member State: France Aid No: N 386/2004 Title: Aid for restructuring SNCF Freight Objective: To restructure SNCF Freight so that it will become Date of adoption: 16.11.2004 viable again Member State: Denmark Legal basis: Lignes directrices communautaires pour les aides d'Etat au sauvetage et à la restructuration d'entreprises en difficulté Aid No: N 168/2004 Budget: EUR 1 500 million Title: Technology Transfer Companies of Public Research Insti- tutions Duration: 2004 — 2006 Objective: To promote the transfer of new knowledge and technology between public research institutions and trade and The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confiden- industry. tial information has been removed, can be found at: Legal basis: Forslag til lov nr. L 177 om teknologioverførsel ved offentlige forskningsinstitutter http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/ Amount: DKK 5 million per institutional company or up to 3 % of the institutional R & D turnover, for up to an estimated 10 institutional companies. The estimated total of the aid is DKK 199 million (approx EUR 27 million). Duration: Initially ten years. Date of adoption: 7.1.2005 Member State: Spain (Cataluña) The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at: Aid No: N 500/2004 http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/ Title: Incentives to industrial investment in research, development and technological innovation for sectors highly exposed to international competition in Cataluña C 172/4EN Official Journal of the European Union 12.7.2005

Objective: Research and Technological Development The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at: All sectors, with focus on NACE 17-Textiles, NACE DL-Elec- http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/ trical and optical equipment and NACE 34.1-Motor vehicles.

Legal basis: Orden TRI/290/2004, de 4 de agosto, por la que se aprueban las bases reguladoras de incentivos a la inversión industrial en investigación, desarrollo e innovación tecnológica para sectores Date of adoption of the decision: 20.4.2005 altamente expuestos a la competencia internacional, y se abre la Member State: Germany convocatoria para el año 2004. Aid No: NN 85/2004 Budget: EUR 60 million Title: Aid to the coal industry in 2001 and 2002, not notified Objective: Coal Intensity or amount: Up to 50 % of gross aid intensity for Legal basis: Kohlekompromiss vom 13. November 1997; Haush- industrial research projects. altsgesetze des Bundes und des Landes NRW für die Jahre 2001 und 2002 Up to 25 % for pre-competitive development activities. Budget: EUR 306,8 million Aid intensity or amount: EUR 306,8 million 10 % bonus for SMEs. Duration: 2001 and 2002

5 % bonus for Article 87(3)(c) regions. The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at: Duration: Until 31.12.2007 http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/ 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/5

Notice of initiation of a partial interim review of the countervailing measures applicable to imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film originating in India

(2005/C 172/04)

The Commission has received a request for a partial interim present level is no longer sufficient to counteract the subsidisa- review pursuant to Article 19 of Council Regulation (EC) No tion which is causing injury. The applicants have provided 2026/97 on protection against subsidised imports from coun- sufficient evidence in accordance with Article 19(2) of the basic tries not members of the European Community (1) (‘the basic Regulation that the subsidy amount has increased well above Regulation’), as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No the 3,8 % of the definitive countervailing duty which is 461/2004 (2). currently applicable for Garware Polyester Ltd.

It is alleged that Garware Polyester Ltd benefits from a number of subsidies granted by the Government of India and the 1. Request for review Government of Maharashtra. These alleged subsidies consist of, among others, the duty entitlement passbook scheme, the The request was lodged by the following Community produ- export promotion capital goods scheme, the package scheme cers: DuPont Teijin Films, Mitsubishi Polyester Film GmbH, of incentives of the Government of Maharashtra, special import Nuroll SpA and Toray Plastics Europe (‘the applicants’). licences and export credits.

The request is limited in scope to the examination of subsidisa- It is alleged that the above schemes are subsidies since they tion as far as Garware Polyester Ltd is concerned. involve a financial contribution from the Government of India or other regional governments and confer a benefit to Garware Polyester Ltd. They are alleged to be contingent upon export performance and therefore specific and countervailable or to be 2. Product otherwise specific and countervailable.

The product under review is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film originating in India (‘the product concerned’), normally declared within CN codes ex 3920 62 19 and ex 3920 62 90. 5. Procedure These CN codes are given only for information. Having determined, after consulting the Advisory Committee, that sufficient evidence exists to justify the initiation of a partial interim review, the Commission hereby initiates a review in 3. Existing measures accordance with Article 19 of the basic Regulation.

The measure currently in force for Garware Polyester Ltd is a definitive countervailing duty imposed by Council Regulation (EC) No 2597/1999 (3) imposing a definitive countervailing (a) Questionnaires duty on imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film originating in India and collecting definitively the provisional duty imposed. These measures are currently subject to an expiry In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for review investigation (4) in accordance with Article 18 of the its investigation, the Commission will send questionnaires basic Regulation. to Garware Polyester Ltd and to the Indian authorities. This information and supporting evidence should reach the Commission within the time limit set in point 6(a).

4. Grounds for the review (b) Collection of information and holding of hearings The request pursuant to Article 19 of the basic Regulation is based on the prima facie evidence, provided by the applicants, that, as far as Garware Polyester Ltd is concerned, the circum- All interested parties are hereby invited to make their views stances with regard to subsidisation have changed significantly. known, submit information other than questionnaire replies and to provide supporting evidence. This information and supporting evidence must reach the Commission The applicants allege that the existing measure on imports of within the time limit set in point 6(a). the product under review from Garware Polyester Ltd at its

(1) OJ L 288, 21.10.97, p. 1. Furthermore, the Commission may hear interested parties, (2) OJ L 77, 13.3.2004, p. 12. provided that they make a request showing that there are (3) OJ L 316, 10.12.1999, p. 1. particular reasons why they should be heard. This request (4) OJ C 306, 10.12.2004, p. 2. must be made within the time limit set in point 6(b). C 172/6EN Official Journal of the European Union 12.7.2005

6. Time limits by interested parties on a confidential basis shall be labelled as ‘Limited’ (1) and, in accordance with Article 29(2) of the basic (a) For parties to make themselves known, to submit questionnaire Regulation, shall be accompanied by a non-confidential replies and any other information version, which will be labelled ‘For inspection by interested All interested parties, if their representations are to be parties’. taken into account during the investigation, must make Commission address for correspondence: themselves known by contacting the Commission, present European Commission their views and submit questionnaire replies or any other Directorate General for Trade information within 40 days of the date of publication of Directorate B this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, Office: J-79 5/16 unless otherwise specified. Attention is drawn to the fact B-1049 Brussels that the exercise of most procedural rights set out in the Fax (32-2) 295 65 05 basic Regulation depends on the party's making itself known within the aforementioned period. 8. Non-cooperation (b) Hearings In cases in which any interested party refuses access to or does not provide the necessary information within the time limits, All interested parties may also apply to be heard by the or significantly impedes the investigation, provisional or final Commission within the same 40-day time limit. findings, affirmative or negative, may be made in accordance with Article 28 of the basic Regulation, on the basis of the 7. Written submissions, questionnaire replies and cor- facts available. respondence Where it is found that any interested party has supplied false or All submissions and requests made by interested parties must misleading information, the information shall be disregarded be made in writing (not in electronic format, unless otherwise and use may be made of the facts available. If an interested specified) and must indicate the name, address, e-mail address, party does not cooperate or cooperates only partially and find- telephone and fax, and/or telex numbers of the interested party. ings are therefore based on facts available in accordance with All written submissions, including the information requested in Article 28 of the basic Regulation, the result may be less this notice, questionnaire replies and correspondence provided favourable to that party than if it had cooperated.

(1) This means that the document is for internal use only. It is protected pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents (OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43). It is a confidential document pursuant to Article 29 of the basic Regulation and Article 12 of the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/7

Publication of an application for registration pursuant to Article 6(2) of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin

(2005/C 172/05)

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Articles 7 and 12d of the above- mentioned Regulation. Any objection to this application must be submitted via the competent authority in a Member State, in a WTO member country or in a third country recognized in accordance with Article 12(3) within a time limit of six months from the date of this publication. The arguments for publication are set out below, in particular under 4.6, and are considered to justify the application within the meaning of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92.

SUMMARY

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 2081/92

‘HUILE D'OLIVE DE NICE’

EC No: FR/00322/29.10.2003

PDO (X) PGI ( )

This summary has been drawn up for information purposes only. For full details, in particular for the producers of the PDO or PGI concerned, please consult the complete version of the product specification obtainable at national level or from the European Commission (1).

1. Responsible department in the Member State:

Name: Institut National des Appellations d'Origine Address: 138, Champs-Élysées, F-75008 Paris From 1 January 2005: 51, rue d'Anjou, F-75008 Paris Tel.: 01 53 89 80 00 Fax: 01 42 25 57 97

2. Group:

2.1 Name: Syndicat Interprofessionnel de l'Olive de Nice 2.2 Address: Box 116, Min Fleurs 6, F-06296 Nice Cedex 3 Tel.: 04 97 25 76 40 Fax: 04 97 25 76 59 2.3 Composition: — Members: all natural and legal persons producing, processing, packing and marketing ‘Olive de Nice’ registered designation of origin olives and olive paste and ‘Huile d'olive de Nice’ registered designation of origin olive oil. — Management board: the 12-member board is made up of six growers, three cooperatives, two private processors and one packer.

3. Type of product:

Group 1.5 Olive oil

4. Specification:

(summary of requirements under Article 4(2))

4.1 Name: ‘Huile d'olive de Nice’

(1) European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture, Agricultural product quality policy, B-1049 Brussels. C 172/8EN Official Journal of the European Union 12.7.2005

4.2 Description:

Huile d'olive de Nice is a sweet oil with a discreet but fine aroma reminiscent of ripe apple and nuts (hazelnut, almond). It is produced essentially from the Cailletier variety of olive and has a maximum oleic acid content of 1,5 g per 100 g.

4.3 Geographical area:

The geographical area covers 99 municipalities in the department of Alpes-Maritimes: Aiglun, Antibes, Aspremont, Auribeau-sur-Siagne, Le Bar-sur-Loup, Beaulieu-sur-mer, Bendejun, Berre-les- Alpes, Biot, Blauzasc, La Bollène-Vésubie, Bonson, Bouyon, Breil-sur-Roya, Le Broc, Cabris, Cagnes sur mer, Cannes, Le Cannet, Cantaron, Carros, Castagniers, Castellar, Castillon, Châteauneuf-Villevieille, Châteauneuf-de-Grasse, Clans, Coaraze, La Colle sur Loup, Colomars, Conségudes, Contes, Cuébris, Drap, Duranus, L'Escarène, Eze, Falicon, Les Ferres, Fontan, Gattières, La Gaude, Gilette, Gorbio, Gourdon, Grasse, Lantosque, Levens, Lucéram, Malaussène, Mandelieu-la-Napoule, Massoins, Menton, Mouans-Sartoux, Mougins, Nice, Opio, Pégomas, Peille, Peillon, Peymeinade, Pierrefeu, Revest-les- Roches, Roquebillière, Roquefort-les-Pins, Roquestéron, Roquestéron-Grasse, La Roquette-sur Siagne, La Roquette-sur-Var, Le Rouret, Saint-André, Saint-Blaise, Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, Saint-Jeannet, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Saint-Martin-du-Var, Saint-Paul, Sainte-Agnès, Saorge, Sigale, Sospel, Spéracédès, Le Tignet, Toudon, Touet-Escarène, La Tour-sur-Tinée, Tourette-du-Château, Tourette-Levens, Tour- ette-sur-Loup, Tournefort, La Trinité, La Turbie, Utelle, Valbonne, Vallauris, Vence, Villars-sur-Var, Villefranche-sur-mer, Villeneuve-Loubet.

The area is consistent with the traditional siting of olive groves and cultivation of the Cailletier variety (the presence of this variety in olive groves is a sound indicator of the geographical context typical of the designation) and the locating of processing plants and is based on the original characteristics of the natural environment (topography, pedology, climatology).

The area's northern boundaries are contiguous overall with the northernmost limits of the cultivation of olive trees and the southern limits of the ‘alpine, subalpine, mountain’ temperature and rainfall zone. These limits are precise because with altitude, and also latitude, cold becomes a restricting factor.

The Mediterranean Sea forms the southern boundary.

The eastern boundary consists of the border between France and Italy.

The western boundaries along with the Valley of La Siagne come up against the Var olive groves and taken as a whole coincide with the limits beyond which the Cailletier variety is not cultivated.

4.4Proofoforigin:

The oils may be marketed under the ‘Huile d'olive de Nice’ registered designation of origin only if a certificate of approval issued by the Institut national des designations d'origine is obtained on the conditions laid down in the orders and decrees governing the approval of olive products qualifying for a registered designation of origin.

All operations involved in the production of the raw material and its preparation must be undertaken within the defined geographical area.

For the production of the raw material, the procedure entails:

— identifying the parcel: this means producing a list of parcels recognised as suitable for the production of oil with the ‘Huile d'olive de Nice’ designation, i.e. parcels declared by the producer that comply with the requirements regarding siting and the rules of production (variety, growing system in the vineyard),

— a harvest declaration: drawn up annually by the grower who declares the area in production, the quantity of olives grown in compliance with the specified yield, and the purpose for which the olives are intended. 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/9

For manufacturing, the procedure entails:

— a declaration of manufacture: drawn up by the manufacturer who makes an annual declaration of the total quantity of product prepared;

— an application for a certificate of approval: identifying the premises where the products are stored together with all containers of the products claimed.

The procedure includes an analytical and organoleptic examination to verify observance of the quality and identity of the products.

Lastly, producers and manufacturers who are issued with a certificate of approval are obliged to make an annual stock declaration.

4.5 Method of production:

Variety and growing system in the olive grove

The oil comes exclusively from olives of the Cailletier variety.

However, within each olive grove, the presence of pollinating varieties and old local varieties of olive trees, in particular Arabanier, Blanquetier, Blavet, Nostral and Ribeyrou, is permitted provided they are spaced out in a coordinated way and represent not more than 5 % of the number of trees in each cultivation unit in question. The use of olives obtained from pollinating varieties and old local varieties is only permitted for the production of olive oil only on condition that the proportion of these olives does not exceed 5 % by volume of the olives used.

The area available for each tree must be not less than 24 m2.

The olive trees must be pruned at least once every two years and the prunings must be removed from the groves before the next harvest.

Annual crops are authorised only in irrigated olive groves where the trees are less than five years old.

The olive groves must be maintained each year. However, no tilling may take place in any olive groves from 1 September to the end of harvesting, other than for the sowing of green manure, which is permitted up to 30 October.

Irrigation is allowed during the growing period until the colours begin to turn.

Harvesting

Save in exceptional circumstance, the yield from olive groves must not be more than six tonnes of olives per hectare for all uses.

Harvesting of the olives starts on a date fixed by order of the prefect on a proposal from the Institut national des appellations d'origine.

This must take place not earlier than the onset of ripening, i.e. when at least half the olives are wine- coloured.

The olives must be picked directly from the tree and no leaf detachment product may be used, or harvested in the traditional way by beating the tree or shaking down the fruit with a pole or by mechanical means. The fruit must be collected in nets or other receptacles placed beneath the trees.

Olives collected from the ground or which have fallen into the nets or other receptacles before harvesting must be kept separate from the olives to be used for producing oil protected by the designation. C 172/10EN Official Journal of the European Union 12.7.2005

Storage and transportation must take place in crates or slatted pallets.

Manufacturing conditions

The olives must be processed within seven days of harvest. The oil is extracted using only mechanical procedures and the paste is heated to no more than 30 °C. The only procedures authorised are washing, decantation, centrifugation and filtration. Other than water, no adjuvants may be used to facilitate extraction of the oil. The oil obtained must be virgin olive oil with a maximum free acid content, expressed as oleic acid, of 1,5 grams per 100 grams.

4.6 Link:

Oil covered by the ‘Huile d'olive de Nice’ registered designation of origin reflects simultaneously a natural environment, a history and expertise.

Natural environment

France's olive-growing zone is located at the boundary in climatic terms for the cultivation of the olive tree. The progress of olive cultivation across the territory has the appearance of colonisation by selection and adaptation. In difficult climatic circumstances, and for a given type of soil, only a variety that is perfectly attuned to the natural environment can establish itself and succeed in producing fruit. This has been achieved by the Cailletier variety for the ‘Huile d'olive de Nice’ registered designation of origin.

The olive groves of Nice are sited amidst rugged hills on carbonate soils. They occupy elevated areas, subcoastal plateaux and the slopes of major hill systems on land arranged in terraces.

The climate of the olive-growing area is a Mediterranean one balanced by the occasional presence of a mountain climate, with mild temperatures, more abundant rainfall than in Lower Provence, excellent sunshine, and above all winds that are not strong.

In these circumstances, notable for the absence of strong winds, the Cailletier variety has become established over centuries as the dominant variety in Nice's olive groves.

The variety is so closely associated with the olive-growing landscape of Nice that its synonyms are: Petite olive de Nice, Olivier de Grasse (the name of a municipality close to Nice) and Grassenc.

History

For over two thousand years the olive tree has been part of the landscape of Alpes-Maritimes where it grows in 102 of the department's 163 municipalities. A witness to this are the olive groves producing fruit planted with trees several hundred years old and mills, of which there are still five operating according to the système génois (described in the Annex), such as the moulin de Contes dating from the XIIIth century and with a preservation order on it, still driven by a water wheel and wooden gears.

Originally located in coastal areas and hills following successive Phoenician, Greek and Roman inva- sions, olive cultivation developed over centuries in medium-elevation and upland areas to an altitude of 700 m.

Because of its oil, cultivation of the olive tree has always been essential for the population of the ‘Comté de Nice’ and the Côte d'Azur (see attached bibliography for the Tinée Valley).

Nice was even a ‘stronghold’ of the international trade in ‘Riviera’ type olive oil from the late XIXth century up to the Second World War (see attached old labels).

Olive growing declined sharply in Alpes-Maritimes after the Second World War and the disastrous extremely cold periods in 1929 and 1956. 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/11

For more than 25 years, driven by the activities of the professional organisations, the more efficient olive cultivation of Alpes-Maritimes has held steady and is expanding in the area behind the coast where it has been able to win back hillsides from flower cultivation.

The introduction and later the propagation over centuries of the sole ‘Cailletier’ variety, better known as ‘olive de Nice’, can be understood as the outcome of its adaptation to the environment and the qualitative and commercial recognition of the products produced from it.

Expertise

Holdings that live principally on olive growing have always been few in number even if today more and more are deriving income from its products.

On the terraces where the olive trees are grown, known locally as ‘planches’, cereals and market garden crops were also cultivated. The shaking down of the olives using poles made of hazelnut or chestnut wood took place in winter from January to March, as the soil was not cultivated during that period. The custom has always been, therefore, to harvest the olives when they are turning colour or ripe.

The special characteristic of the Cailletier variety is that it has two uses, with qualities suitable for the preparation of oil and for pickling. The variety has always been known for its ability to produce a sweet oil, particularly as the olives are harvested late.

It is also interesting to note that the late harvesting of ripe, dry olives is particularly well suited to milling using the ‘système génois’, with the addition of water (easily available in this mountain area) to the stone trough improving the results, producing a sweeter oil.

This expertise, the result of a centuries-long tradition, is apparent:

— in the knowledge of their groves shown by the growers who, through their experience are able to direct the production of their parcels (geographical location, age of grove, ripening potential, etc.) or of a given tree in a grove (size of tree, olive crop, size of olives, uniformity of ripeness, etc.) towards oil or pickled-olive production;

— at harvesting, which involves a single operation per tree, by the visual selection of the olives to be used for oil production or for pickling according to size, degree of ripeness and colouring, or smoothness (pickling) or crumpled appearance (oil production) of their skin, etc.

To sum up, oils bearing the ‘Huile d'olive de Nice’ Registered Designation of Origin draw their original character from:

— the depths of their natural environment, with its predominantly Mediterranean climate balanced by moderate winds;

— a variety that has found its environmental niche and comprises most of the trees planted in groves sited on hill terraces;

— the customs of harvesting by beating and shaking down large-sized trees in a single operation, and the late harvesting, after the colour turns, of finely shaded fruit;

— the expertise of the olive growers and processors;

— manufacturing techniques appropriate to the variety and which emphasise preserving the characteristic features of the raw material. C 172/12EN Official Journal of the European Union 12.7.2005

4.7 Inspection body: Name: I.N.A.O. Address: 138, Champs Élysées, F-75008 Paris From 1 January 2005: 51, rue d'Anjou, F-75008 Paris Name: D.G.C.C.R.F. Address: 59, Bd V.Auriol, F-75703 Paris Cedex 13 4.8 Labelling: In addition to the compulsory information provided for in the rules on the labelling and presentation of food, the following must appear on the labelling of oils qualifying for the ‘Huile d'olive de Nice’ registered designation of origin: — the name of the designation: ‘Huile d'olive de Nice’, — the words: ‘appellation d'origine contrôlée’ or ‘AOC’. Where the name of an undertaking or brand appears on the labelling, independently of the address, the name of the designation is repeated between the words ‘appellation’ and ‘contrôlée’. The above information must be grouped in the same visual field and on the same label. It must be indicated in conspicuous, clearly legible and indelible characters of a sufficient size to stand out from the label on which they are printed so as to be clearly distinguishable from all other written or graphic information. 4.9 National requirements: Order concerning the ‘Huile d'olive de Nice’ registered designation of origin. 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/13

Publication of an application for registration pursuant to Article 6(2) of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin

(2005/C 172/06)

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) No 2081/92

‘ACEITE DE LA RIOJA’

EC No: ES/00312/21.08.2003

PDO (X) PGI ( )

This note is a summary produced for information. For full details, interested parties and in particular the producers of the products covered by the PDO and the PGI in question are invited to consult the full version of the specifications at national services and associations or at the competent services of the Euro- pean Commission (1).

1. Responsible department in the Member State:

Name: Subdirección General de Systems de Calidad Diferenciada — Dirección General de Alimen- tación — Secretaría General de Agriculture y Alimentación del Ministerio de Agriculture, Pesca y Alimentación de España.

Address: Infanta Isabel, 1, E-28071 Madrid

Tel.: (34-941) 347 53 94

Fax: (34-941) 347 54 10

2. Group:

2.1. Name: ‘Asolrioja’ Association de Trujales y Olivicultores de La Rioja.

2.2 Address: C/ Gran Vía, no 14, 8oA. Logroño, La Rioja

Tel.: 655 93 89 80

2.3 Composition: producer/processor (X) other ( )

3. Type of product:

Extra virgin olive oil. Class 1.5.- Oils and fats (butter, margarine, oil, etc.).

(1) European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, Agricultural Products Quality Policy Unit, B-1049 Brussels. C 172/14EN Official Journal of the European Union 12.7.2005

4. Specification:

(Summary of requirements under Article 4(2))

4.1. Name:

‘Aceite de La Rioja’

4.2. Description:

Product obtained from the fruit of the olive tree (olives) using exclusively mechanical methods or procedures, including pressing, in conditions which, particularly as regards heat, do not alter the nature of the oil or its excellent taste and free fatty acid content expressed as oleic acid of not more than 0,8 grams per 100, excluding oils obtained using solvents or by reesterification and any mixing with oils of other types or olive oil obtained by different methods.

The protected oils are extra virgin olive oils, clear in appearance, with no cloudiness, turbidity or dirt which detracts from their transparency. They are green in colour, with lights which may range from intense light green to intense dark green. They have no defects and sufficiently marked positive features. Their taste is fruity early in the season, with hints of almond, no bitterness, sweet and slightly savoury.

Once it has matured, La Rioja olive oil has the following physical and chemical characteristics:

Acidity not exceeding 0,8, ultraviolet absorption (K270) not exceeding 0,20, ultraviolet absorption (K232), not exceeding 2,50, peroxide index mEq O2 not exceeding 15, humidity and volatile mater when heated to 105 °C not exceeding 0,1 per 100, impurities insoluble in petroleum ether not exceeding 0,1 per 100, average organoleptic defect evaluation (Md), Md = 0 and average organoleptic evaluation of fruitiness (Mf), Mf > 0.

4.3. Geographical area:

The area of production corresponds to that of conservation, extraction and packaging and covers the 503 388 ha of the Autonomous Community of La Rioja.

4.4. Proof of origin:

Holdings and/or plantations, oil mills and packaging plants located in the designated area from which the raw material is derived and where it is processed must be entered in the corresponding registers of the ‘Asolrioja’ Association.

These holdings and/or plantations, oil mills and/or packaging plants must also have their own self- inspection system and be subject to outside checks by the I.C.A.R. and/or an outside inspection body under contract to the ‘Asolrioja’ Association, which will ensure recognition by the relevant authority (Department of agriculture, livestock raising and rural development of the Government of La Rioja) of compliance with standard UNE EN 45.004, providing impartial checks that the protected extra virgin olive oil meets the requirements set out in the Regulation and the specification.

Each holding and/or plantation, oil mill and/or packaging plant must apply to the Association for entry in the ‘Control plan’ and the I.C.A.R and/or the authorised outside inspection body evaluates it by means of a registration audit. If this is satisfactory, the body concerned may be entered in the corresponding register of the Association, which will ensure that it is continuously updated. Subsequently, the I.C.A.R. and/or the outside inspection body draws up an ‘Audit plan’ leading to a report to be eval- uated by the Food Quality Institute. If its decision is favourable, Product certification is granted, ensuring that only extra virgin olive oil which has passed all the checks provided for will be marketed. There is also a Coordination Council to ensure the impartiality of both the Association itself and of the I.C.A.R and/or the authorised outside inspection body. 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/15

The traceability of the product is guaranteed by its identification at each of the stages of production and marketing.

4.5. Method of production:

The state of health of the fruit, the date of harvesting and the increasingly modern processing techniques mean that the area of production boasts a good quality of fruit and so the oil obtained from it. The productivity and shade density of the olive tree will be appropriate to the state of growth of the plantation. Harvesting is always carried out carefully, with the sole aim of producing the protected oils from healthy fruit collected direct from the tree and of an appropriate degree of ripeness.

All the mills and/or packaging plants have systems to guarantee the separate unloading of fruit intended for the preparation of La Rioja extra virgin olive oil or of that oil and the rest, so avoiding any possible mixing. They also have appropriate areas for storing the olives or the protected oil before it handling. The olives are milled within no more than 48 hours of harvesting, so preventing them from rotting and becoming more acid. The temperature during extraction never exceeds 30 °C during pressing and 45 °C during the centrifugation process.

Pressing time never exceeds 60 minutes and the temperature never exceeds 30 °C; there is only one pressing cycle.

La Rioja extra virgin olive oil is never refined.

The protected oil is stored in conditions which guarantee its conservation, preferably in stainless steel vats, presses or metal tanks lined with ceramic, epoxy resins or other food-grade inert material. These tanks are hermetically sealed and kept at a gentle and constant storage temperature never exceeding 22 °C.

The olive oil is packaged only if it has the physical and chemical characteristics listed under 4.2 and passes a taste test set by a Grading Committee.

To preserve the quality and ensure the traceability and inspection of the protected product, all the processes of production, reception, processing and packaging take place in the designated geographical area.

4.6. Link:

Historic link: Olive oil, now a key element of the Mediterranean diet, has been a basic food in La Rioja, as well as being used for poultices and as rubbing oil, collected by the faithful for use in lamps in shrines and consumed or rubbed on painful spots while invoking virgins. For years olives preserved and prepared in the houses of farmers in La Rioja have served as an aperitif and a good snack when kept in cold water with salt, thyme, garlic and orange peel.

However, the Romans were the first to extract olive oil by pressing in La Rioja. An indication of this is the Roman counterweight found at Murillo de Río Leza and the oil store at a mill site in Alfaro, where two large oil stains may be seen. C 172/16EN Official Journal of the European Union 12.7.2005

There are written references to olive cultivation in the Province in the eighteenth century, as the only well-ordered crop, and to mills for processing, of which there were 42 in La Rioja, which fell to 39 in 1861, rose to 64 in 1945 and then in 1953 to 81 mills, one residue mills, four factories producing industrial soap and six producing ordinary soap, all of which used olive oil. In that century Berceo notes that oil from La Rioja was being exported to the Indies and northern Europe.

Madoz's ‘Diccionario Geográfico Estadístico Histórico de España y sus Posesiones de Ultramar’ (Historical statistical dictionary of Spain and its overseas possessions), mentions the importance of oil exports from Alfaro in 1846-50.

Natural factors: Olive trees in La Rioja are normally to be found on dry soils with little humus in their upper layers, rich in lime, clay and sand and with no impermeable layers, so having good drai- nage, limiting growth, particularly in the hot season, and so a correct hormonal balance which affects the future quality of the olives produced here by increasing the content of the fruit in oil, polyphe- nols, anthocyanins and aromas and lowering pH, malic acid, potassium and grassy flavours. A more fertile type of soil would result in excessive growth and, worse, growth spilling over into the period when the olives are ripening, so delaying ripening and preventing adequate maturing. There would also be more shade problems because of the greater density of foliage and abundance of vegetation and more fungal diseases resulting in lower quality.

The predominant climate in the protected geographical area, temperate Mediterranean with some continental features, mild winters, long hot summers and low rainfall which is, however, sufficient for this crop to grow correctly in drought, good light and slight fluctuations in temperature between day and night, is ideal for development of the olive tree, resulting in increased oil content, better aroma and lower total acidity.

The low winter temperatures at cold times, which are also necessary to ensure the subsequent flow- ering and fruiting of the tree, occur when it is in its state of vegetative rest with no leaves or fruit, a time when it can resist temperatures down to -10 °C. After its winter rest, the olive requires light and temperatures between 10 °C and 25 °C to develop correctly. The Mediterranean climate in the designated area provides adequate light and warmth but is not so fierce as to prevent photosynthesis and loss of leaves where evaporation from them cannot be compensated for from the roots.

The thermal gap which occurs only during maturation has a positive influence on the synthesis of anthocyanins.

Another factor which is also very important in securing a good harvest and so good oil is the olive grower, who adds care to all the region's natural assets. The olive growers in the area have consider- able knowledge of the olive tree and use traditional cultivation techniques designed to result in a balanced grove perfectly designed to produce quality olive oil.

4.7. Inspection body:

Name: Instituto de Calidad Agroalimentaria de La Rioja.

Address: Avda. de La Paz, 8-10, E-26071, Logroño (La Rioja)

Tel.: 941 29 16 00

Fax: 941 29 16 02

4.8. Labelling:

Labels must bear the wording Denominación de origen Protegida ‘Aceite de La Rioja’ 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/17

4.9. National requirements: — Basic Law No 3/1982 of 9 June 1982, Statute of Autonomy of La Rioja (amended by Basic Laws Nos 3/1994 of 24 March 1994 and 2/1999 of 7 January 1999). — Law No 3/1995 of 8 March 1995 on the legal arrangements for the government and public administration of the Autonomous Community of La Rioja. — Law No 30/1992 of 26 November 1992. Legal arrangements for the public administration and joint administrative procedure. — Order of 25 January 1994 laying down the correspondence between Spanish legislation and Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 on designation of origin and geographical indications for agricultural and food products. — Royal Decree No 1643/1999 of 22 October 1999 laying down the procedure for applying for entry on the Community Register of Protected Designations of Origin and Protected Geographical Indications. 7/8Ofca ora fteErpa Union European the of Journal Official 172/18 C Commission notice on current State aid recovery interest rates and reference/discount rates for 25 Member States applicable as from 1 January 2005 Published in accordance with Article 10 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 of 21 April 2004 (OJ L 140, 30.4.2004, p. 1) and the Commis- sion notice on the method for setting the reference and discount rates (OJ C 273, 9.9.1997, p. 3)

(2005/C 172/07) EN

From To AT BE CY CZ DE DK EE EL ES FI FR HU IE IT LT LU LV MT NL PL PT SE SI SK UK

1.7.2005 … 4,08 4,08 7,53 4,05 4,08 4,23 5,50 4,08 4,08 4,08 4,08 8,59 4,08 4,08 6,49 4,08 6,64 7,00 4,08 6,24 4,08 3,96 5,10 7,55 5,81

1.6.2005 30.6.2005 4,08 4,08 7,53 4,05 4,08 4,23 5,50 4,08 4,08 4,08 4,08 8,59 4,08 4,08 6,49 4,08 6,64 7,00 4,08 6,24 4,08 4,69 5,10 7,55 5,81

1.4.2005 31.5.2005 4,08 4,08 6,33 4,05 4,08 4,23 5,50 4,08 4,08 4,08 4,08 8,59 4,08 4,08 6,49 4,08 6,64 7,00 4,08 7,62 4,08 4,69 5,10 7,55 5,81

1.1.2005 31.3.2005 4,08 4,08 6,33 4,86 4,08 4,23 5,50 4,08 4,08 4,08 4,08 8,59 4,08 4,08 6,49 4,08 6,64 7,00 4,08 7,62 4,08 4,69 5,10 7,55 5,81 12.7.2005 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/19

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.3857 — SITA/Flughafen Düsseldorf/FDITG) Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2005/C 172/08)

(Text with EEA relevance)

1. On 1 July 2005, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings SITA Information Networking Computing BV (‘SITA’, The Netherlands) and Flughafen Düsseldorf GmbH (‘Flughafen Düssel- dorf’, Germany), acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of Flughafen Düsseldorf Informationstechnologie GmbH (‘FDITG’, Germany), currently solely controlled by Flughafen Düsseldorf, by way of purchase of shares. 2. The business activities of the undertakings concerned are: — for undertaking SITA: provision of information and telecommunications services to global air transport and related industries, — for undertaking Flughafen Düsseldorf: operates Düsseldorf airport in Germany, — for undertaking FDITG: provision and marketing of IT and telecommunications services for the campus of the Düsseldorf airport and business park ‘Airport City’. 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 (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.3857 — SITA/Flughafen Düsseldorf/FDITG, to the following address: European Commission Directorate-General for Competition Merger Registry J-70 B-1049 Brussels

(1) OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1. (2) OJ C 56, 5.3.2005 p. 32. C 172/20EN Official Journal of the European Union 12.7.2005

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.3799 — Dexia/Kommunalkredit/JV) Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2005/C 172/09)

(Text with EEA relevance)

1. On 30 June 2005, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings Dexia Crédit Local (‘Dexia CL’, France), controlled by Dexia S.A. (‘Dexia’, Belgium), and Kommunalkredit Austria AG (‘Kommunalk- redit’, Austria), controlled by Österreichische Volksbanken AG (‘ÖVAG’, Austria), acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertakings Dexia Kommunalk- redit Bank AG (‘Dexia-Kom’, Austria) and Kommunalkredit Finance a.s. (KF, Czech Republic) by way of purchase of shares. Currently, Dexia-Kom is controlled by Dexia CL and KF is controlled by Kommunalk- redit. 2. The business activities of the undertakings concerned are: — for Dexia and ÖVAG: financial services; — for Kommunalkredit, Dexia CL, Dexia-Kom and KF: financial services with focus on public finance. 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 (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.3799 — Dexia/Kommunalkredit/JV, to the following address: European Commission Directorate-General for Competition Merger Registry J-70 B-1049 Brussels

(1) OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1. (2) OJ C 56, 5.3.2005 p. 32 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/21

COM documents other than legislative proposals adopted by the Commission

(2005/C 172/10)

Document Part Date Title

COM(2005) 51 1 17.2.2005 Communication from the Commission to the Council: EDF Perfor- mance Review and Proposal for the Release of the Remaining Conditional Balances of the 9th European Development Fund

COM(2005) 63 23.2.2005 Report from the Commission based on Article 34 of the Council Framework Decision of 13 June 2002 on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States

COM(2005) 75 7.3.2005 Communication from the Commission to the Council and the Euro- pean Parliament: European Initiative for Growth Feasibility report on EU loan guarantee instrument for TEN-Transport projects

COM(2005) 94 16.3.2005 Communication from the Commission: Green Paper ‘Confronting demographic change: a new solidarity between the generations’

COM(2005) 115 1 6.4.2005 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the regions — Healthier, safer, more confident citizens: a Health and Consumer protection Strategy

COM(2005) 120 31.3.2005 Communication from the Commission: Restructuring and employment — Anticipating and accompanying restructuring in order to develop employment: the role of the European Union

COM(2005) 132 12.4.2005 Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee: Speeding up progress towards the Millennium Development Goals — The Euro- pean Union's contribution

COM(2005) 134 12.4.2005 Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee: Policy Coherence for Development — Accelerating progress towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals

COM(2005) 153 20.4.2005 Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: Reinforcing EU Disaster and Crisis Response in third countries

COM(2005) 172 27.4.2005 Communication from the Commission: Compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights in Commission legislative proposals

COM(2005) 175 29.4.2005 Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the Development, Validation and Legal Acceptance of Alternative Methods to Animal Tests in the Field of Cosmetics (2004)

COM(2005) 195 19.5.2005 Communication from the Commission to the Council and the Euro- pean Parliament: Communication on the mutual recognition of judi- cial decisions in criminal matters and the strengthening of mutual trust between Member States C 172/22EN Official Journal of the European Union 12.7.2005

Document Part Date Title

COM(2005) 207 30.5.2005 Communication from the Commission to the Council and the Euro- pean Parliament: Reports from Member States on behaviours which seriously infringed the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy in 2003

COM(2005) 208 23.5.2005 Communication from the Commission to the Council and the Euro- pean Parliament — European Space Policy — Preliminary Elements

COM(2005) 217 1 25.5.2005 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and to the Council on the independence, integrity and accountability of the national and Community statistical authorities

COM(2005) 217 2 25.5.2005 Recommendation of the Commission on the independence, integrity and accountability of the national and Community statistical authorities

COM(2005) 218 25.5.2005 Communication from the Commission to the Council and the Euro- pean Parliament — Draft Declaration on Guiding Principles for Sustainable Development

COM(2005) 222 1 25.5.2005 Communication from the Commission to the Council concerning the negotiation of the accession of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) to an international Framework Agreement among the Members of the Generation IV International Forum in the field of nuclear-related research

COM(2005) 223 31.5.2005 Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the progress of the pilot studies referred to in Article 4(3) and Article 5(1) of Regulation (EC) No 2150/2002 of the Euro- pean Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2002 on waste statistics

COM(2005) 233 3.6.2005 Report from the Commission Annual Report on research and technological development activities of the European Union in 2003

COM(2005) 243 7.6.2005 Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee — Nano- sciences and nanotechnologies: An action plan for Europe 2005- 2009

COM(2005) 245 8.6.2005 Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the implementation of macro-financial assistance to third countries in 2004

COM(2005) 269 22.6.2005 Communication from the Commission to the Council and the Euro- pean Parliament: Implementing the Community Strategy to Reduce

CO2 Emissions from Cars: Fifth annual Communication on the effectiveness of the strategy

These texts are available on EUR-Lex: http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/ 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/23

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3839 — Access Industries/Basell)

(2005/C 172/11)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 4 July 2005, 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 web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site 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 32005M3839. EUR-Lex is the on- line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) C 172/24EN Official Journal of the European Union 12.7.2005

(Preparatory Acts)

COMMISSION

Legislative proposals adopted by the Commission

(2005/C 172/12)

Document Part Date Title

COM(2005) 51 2 17.2.2005 Proposal for a Council decision concerning the mobilisation of a second allocation of EUR 250 million from the conditional EUR 1 billion under the 9th EDF to be used for the second instalment of the ACP-EU Water Facility

COM(2005) 51 3 17.2.2005 Proposal for a Council decision concerning the release and use of EUR 18 million from the conditional EUR 1 billion under the 9th EDF to be used to cover the financing of the National Indicative Programme of Timor Leste during the period 2006-2007

COM(2005) 51 4 17.2.2005 Proposal for a Council decision concerning the release and use of the remaining EUR 482 million of the conditional EUR 1 billion under the 9th European Development Fund for cooperation with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries

COM(2005) 51 5 17.2.2005 Proposal for a Council decision on the position to be adopted by the Community within the ACP-EC Council of Ministers regarding a decision on the use of the reserve of the long-term development envelope as well as of resources from the Investment Facility of the ninth European Development Fund for the financing of the EU Energy Initiative, for the contributions to the International Commodity Risk Management Financing Facility, the adaptation to the new EU feed and food sanitary and phyto sanitary rules, the strengthening of the African Union and a contribution to the Education for All Fast Track Initiative

COM(2005) 51 6 17.2.2005 Proposal for a Council decision on the position to be adopted by the Community within the ACP-EC Council of Ministers regarding a decision on the use of the long-term development envelope as well as resources from the Investment Facility of the ninth European Development Fund for the second allocation of the ACP-EU Water Facility

COM(2005) 106 31.3.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 297/95 on fees payable to the European Medicines Agency

COM(2005) 113 6.4.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation establishing a Rapid Response and Preparedness Instrument for major emergencies 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/25

Document Part Date Title

COM(2005) 115 2 6.4.2005 Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Programme of Community action in the field of Health and Consumer protection 2007-2013

COM(2005) 116 6.4.2005 Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing for the period 2007-2013 the programme ‘Citi- zens for Europe’ to promote active European citizenship

COM(2005) 117 6.4.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation establishing Community financial measures for the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and in the area of the Law of the Sea

COM(2005) 131 1 8.4.2005 Proposal for a Council decision on the signing of a Protocol to the Agreement between the European Community, the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway, concerning the criteria and mechanisms for establishing the State responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in a Member State or in Iceland or Norway

COM(2005) 131 2 8.4.2005 Proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of a Protocol to the Agreement between the European Community, the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the criteria and mechanisms for establishing the State responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in a Member State or in Iceland or Norway

COM(2005) 140 14.4.2005 Proposal for a Council decision on the fulfilment of the conditions laid down in Article 3 of the Additional Protocol to the Europe Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Romania, of the other part, with regard to an extension of the period foreseen in Article 9(4) of Protocol 2 to the Europe Agree- ment

COM(2005) 154 20.4.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary posi- tions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies

COM(2005) 168 26.4.2005 Proposal for a Council decision concerning the provisional prohibi- tion of the use and sale in Austria of genetically modified maize (Zea mays L. line MON 810) pursuant to Directive 2001/18/EC

COM(2005) 182 4.5.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 131/2004 concerning certain restrictive measures in respect of Sudan

COM(2005) 183 1 4.5.2005 Proposal for a Council decision on the signing of an Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the revision of the Agreement on mutual recognition in relation to conformity assessment between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation

COM(2005) 183 2 4.5.2005 Proposal for a Council decision concerning the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the revision of the Agreement on mutual recognition in relation to conformity assessment between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation C 172/26EN Official Journal of the European Union 12.7.2005

Document Part Date Title

COM(2005) 185 1 3.5.2005 Proposal for a Council decision concerning the signing, on behalf of the European Community, of the Agreement amending the Partner- ship Agreement signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 between the African, Caribbean and Pacific States, of the one part, and the Euro- pean Community and its Member States, of the other part

COM(2005) 185 2 3.5.2005 Proposal for a Council decision concerning the conclusion of the Agreement amending the Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 between the African, Caribbean and Pacific States, of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part

COM(2005) 187 12.5.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation on the conclusion of the Protocol setting out the tuna fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros on fishing off the Comoros for the period from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2010

COM(2005) 190 1 13.5.2005 Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EEC) No 1210/90 on the establish- ment of the European Environment Agency and the European Environment Information and Observation Network as regards the term of office of the Executive Director

COM(2005) 190 2 13.5.2005 Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EEC) No 337/75 establishing a Euro- pean Centre for the Development of Vocational Training as regards the Director's term of office

COM(2005) 190 3 13.5.2005 Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EEC) No 1365/75 on the creation of a European Foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions as regards the term of office of the director and deputy director

COM(2005) 190 4 13.5.2005 Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EEC) No 1360/90 establishing a European Training Foundation as regards the Director's term of office

COM(2005) 190 6 13.5.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 40/94 as regards the term of office of the President of the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market

COM(2005) 190 7 13.5.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 2100/94 as regards the term of office of the President of the Com- munity Plant Variety Office

COM(2005) 190 8 13.5.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 2965/94 setting up a Translation Centre for bodies of the European Union as regards the Director's term of office

COM(2005) 190 9 13.5.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1035/97 establishing a European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia as regards the Director's term of office 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/27

Document Part Date Title

COM(2005) 190 10 13.5.2005 Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 as regards the term of office of the Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority

COM(2005) 190 11 13.5.2005 Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 851/2004 establishing a European Centre for disease prevention and control as regards the Director's term of office

COM(2005) 190 12 13.5.2005 Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 as regards the term of office of the Executive Director of the European Medicines Agency

COM(2005) 190 13 13.5.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1321/2004 Council as regards the term of office of the Executive Director of the European GNSS Supervisory Authority

COM(2005) 190 14 13.5.2005 Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 2062/94 establishing a Euro- pean Agency for Health and Safety at Work as regards the Director's term of office

COM(2005) 190 15 13.5.2005 Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1406/2002 establishing a European Maritime Safety Agency as regards the Executive Direc- tor's term of office

COM(2005) 190 16 13.5.2005 Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1592/2002 as regards the term of office of the Executive Director and the Directors of the European Aviation Safety Agency

COM(2005) 190 17 13.5.2005 Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 881/2004 establishing a European Railway Agency as regards the term of office of the Executive Director

COM(2005) 190 18 13.5.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 2007/2004 as regards the term of office of the Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union

COM(2005) 191 1 13.5.2005 Proposal for a Council decision on the signature of the Additional Protocol to the Agreement establishing an Association between the European Economic Community and Turkey following the enlarge- ment of the European Union

COM(2005) 191 2 13.5.2005 Proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of the Additional Protocol to the Agreement establishing an Association between the European Economic Community and Turkey following the enlarge- ment of the European Union

COM(2005) 193 17.5.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation extending the definitive anti- dumping measures imposed by Council Regulation (EC) No 1470/2001 on imports of integrated electronic compact fluorescent lamps (CFL-i) originating in the People's Republic of China to imports of the same product consigned from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of the Philippines C 172/28EN Official Journal of the European Union 12.7.2005

Document Part Date Title

COM(2005) 194 18.5.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs

COM(2005) 197 19.5.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation on administering certain restric- tions on imports of certain steel products from the Republic of Kazakhstan

COM(2005) 222 2 25.5.2005 Proposal for a Council decision concerning the negotiation of the accession of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) to an international Framework Agreement among the Members of the Generation IV International Forum in the field of nuclear-related research

COM(2005) 226 1.6.2005 Proposal for a Council decision the equivalence of checks on prac- tices for the maintenance of varieties carried out in certain third countries

COM(2005) 238 6.6.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 3317/94 as regards the transmission of applications for fishing licences to third countries

COM(2005) 254 15.6.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 2505/96 opening and providing for the administration of autonomous Community tariff quotas for certain agricultural and industrial products

COM(2005) 264 1 21.6.2005 Proposal for a Council decision on the signature and provisional application of the Agreement between the European Community and the Government of Australia on certain aspects of air services

COM(2005) 264 2 21.6.2005 Proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Government of Australia on certain aspects of air services

COM(2005) 268 21.6.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation terminating the new exporter review of Council Regulation (EC) No 1995/2000 imposing definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) originating, inter alia, in Algeria

COM(2005) 270 23.6.2005 Proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of an agreement between the European Community and the Government of Ukraine on trade in certain steel products

COM(2005) 271 23.6.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation on administering certain restric- tions on imports of certain steel products from Ukraine

COM(2005) 273 21.6.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation adopting autonomous and transi- tional measures to open a Community tariff quota for the import of live bovine animals originating in Switzerland

COM(2005) 283 27.6.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation imposing a definitive anti- dumping duty and collecting definitely the provisional duty imposed on imports of hand pallet trucks and their essential parts originating in the People's Republic of China

COM(2005) 289 21.6.2005 Proposal for a Council regulation (EC, Euratom) repealing Regu- lation No 6/66/Euratom, 121/66/EEC of the Councils, Regulation No 7/66/Euratom, 122/66/EEC of the Councils and Regulation No 174/65/EEC, 14/65/Euratom of the Councils

These texts are available on EUR-Lex: http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/ 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/29

III

(Notices)

COMMISSION

CALL FOR PROPOSALS — DG EAC No 24/05 ‘PROMOTION OF ACTIVE EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP’ Support to town twinning actions Conferences, training seminars and information campaigns 2006

(2005/C 172/13)

1. OBJECTIVES — PROJECT FORMATS Information campaigns must be targeted to municipalities and aimed at promoting the town twinning idea in Europe through disseminating information regarding the Town Twinning The call for proposals is designed to support projects in the programme and emphasising the importance of the town twin- framework of town twinning in EU member states and in ning movement in Europe. Information campaigns must cover other eligible countries, which will contribute to raising Euro- at least two eligible countries including at least one EU Member pean awareness, foster new and existing links and networks State. between local authorities, strengthen the dialogue between the citizens of the European Union as well as promote the town twinning idea and disseminate best practice in town twinning in Europe. 2. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

To be eligible the applicant must be an organisation with legal This call for proposals concerns actions in the framework of status (legal personality) and be established in an eligible town-twinning such as conferences, training seminars and country. information campaigns. A separate call for proposals will be published concerning meetings of citizens between twinned towns. Only the following types of organisations are eligible: — municipalities and their twinning associations/committees, The call for proposals is aimed at supporting projects in the following three formats: — local and regional governments, — associations representing local authorities. Format 1: Thematic conferences in the framework of town-twinning aimed at raising awareness of European poli- Eligible countries: cies. Conferences must involve participants from municipalities from at least two eligible countries from which at least one is — the 25 Member States of the European Union (Austria, an EU Member State. Belgium, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Format 2: Training seminars on town twinning targeted at Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the people responsible for town twinning to enable them to United Kingdom); acquire the knowledge and skills needed for organising twinning projects with a high quality European content. — Bulgaria and Romania (1)

Format 3: Information campaigns to promote town twin- (1) Eligibility of Bulgaria depending on the ratification of the memor- ning — new element in the programme, launched to enable andum of understanding. Furthermore an EEA/EFTA country or candidate country Turkey will be eligible if, by the deadline for suitable organisations such as regional, national or European submission of grant applications, an agreement on participation in associations of local authorities to carry out new innovative the programme has been concluded between the Country in actions supporting the development of town twinning. concern and the Commission. C 172/30EN Official Journal of the European Union 12.7.2005

3. BUDGET AND PROJECT DURATION The deadlines for submission of grant applications are as follows: The total amount available for the co-financing of projects within this call for proposals is estimated at EUR 2 500 000. First phase: until 17 October 2005 for projects beginning between 15 April and 31 August 2006; The grant awarded may not exceed 60 % of the total amount of the project's eligible costs in the detailed budget estimation. Second phase: until 1 March 2006 for projects beginning between 1 September and 31 December 2006; The maximum amount of the grant may not exceed EUR 60 000 per project. The minimum grant is EUR 10 000. 5. FURTHER INFORMATION The maximum duration of the projects is 10 months (from The full text of the call for proposals and the application forms preparation to implementation and reporting). are available on the following website:

4. DEADLINES http://europa.eu.int/comm/towntwinning/call/call_en.html This call covers projects starting between 15 April 2006 and Applications must comply with the requirements set out in the 31 December 2006. full text of the call and be submitted using the form provided. 12.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 172/31

CALL FOR PROPOSALS — DG EAC No 39/05 Culture 2000: Call for Proposals 2006

(2005/C 172/14)

1. OBJECTIVES AND DESCRIPTION The Funding requested for annual projects must range from EUR 50 000 to EUR 150 000 and may not exceed 50 % of the The Culture 2000 programme contributes to the promotion of project's total eligible budget. a cultural area common to the European Peoples. Each year the Community supports annual and multi-annual cultural events For translation projects, Community funding will cover the and projects carried out in partnership or in the forms of translator(s)' fees for all books within the application networks. The annual projects must involve cultural operators (minimum 4, maximum 10 eligible books) provided these do from at least three States and respectively the multi-annual not exceed a total of EUR 50 000 or 60 % of the total opera- projects must involve cultural operators from at least five States tion costs. participating in the Culture 2000 programme. Under Action 1 (annual projects) Culture 2000 Programme Funding requested for multi-annual projects must be above provides support in the field of music and performing arts, EUR 50 000 but not more than EUR 300 000 per year and cultural heritage, plastic and visual arts, literature and books may not exceed 60 % of the total eligible budget. and translation. The projects have to start before 15 November 2006. Under Action 2 (multi-annual projects) Culture 2000 Programme provides support in the field of music and The duration of annual projects must not be more than 12 performing arts, cultural heritage, plastic and visual arts and months. literature and books. The duration of multi-annual projects must be a minimum of 2. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS 24 months and must not be more than 36 months.

Eligible candidates are public and private organisations with In exceptional circumstances and provided it is duly justified by legal status, whose main activity lies in the cultural sphere. the beneficiary, selected projects will have the possibility to Applications may be submitted by organisations established in extend the project duration by a maximum of 6 months one of the following countries: through an amendment procedure. — the 25 countries of the European Union; — the three EEA/EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and 4. DEADLINE Norway); Applications must be sent to the Commission no later than: — the acceding countries Bulgaria and Romania; the candidate country Turkey. 17 October 2005 for annual and translation projects 28 However, it should be noted that Turkey's participation in the October 2005 for multi-annual projects. programme is subject to an agreement to be concluded between the Turkish government and the European Commis- sion. Turkish organisations will be eligible as project leaders or 5. FURTHER INFORMATION co-organisers provided that such an agreement enters into force by the end of the selection process. The specifications and the application forms are available on the following Commission's internet site: 3. BUDGET AND PROJECT DURATION http://europa.eu.int/comm/culture/eac/index_en.html The total budget for projects supported under this call for proposals is approximately EUR 28 million (Action 1 and Applications must comply with the requirements set out in the Action 2). specifications and be submitted using the forms provided.