ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 184

European flag  

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 50
7 August 2007


Notice No

Contents

page

 

II   Information

 

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

 

Commission

2007/C 184/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4736 — Altor Fund II/Wrist Group) ( 1 )

1

 

IV   Notices

 

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

 

Commission

2007/C 184/02

Euro exchange rates

2

 

V   Announcements

 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

 

Commission

2007/C 184/03

Culture (2007-2013) — Call for proposals — EACEA/22/07 — Support for bodies active at European level in the field of culture

3

2007/C 184/04

Culture (2007-2013) — Call for proposals — EACEA/23/07 — Support for cultural actions: multi-annual cooperation projects (strand 1.1), cooperation measures (strand 1.2.1)

5

2007/C 184/05

Culture Programme (2007-2013) — Call for proposals — EACEA/26/07 — Networking of organisations carrying out evaluation or impact assessment activities in the field of cultural policies — Networks (strand 3.2)

7

2007/C 184/06

Culture Programme (2007-2013) — Call for proposals — EACEA/25/07 — Support for cultural actions: literary translation (strand 1.2.2)

9

 

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

 

Commission

2007/C 184/07

Notice of initiation of a partial interim review of the antidumping measures applicable to imports of hand pallet trucks and their essential parts (HPT) originating in the People's Republic of China

11

 

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

 

Commission

2007/C 184/08

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4852 — Groupe Arnault/CNP/Go Voyages) — Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )

13

2007/C 184/09

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4861 — KESA/EMH) — Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )

14

 

OTHER ACTS

 

Commission

2007/C 184/10

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

15

2007/C 184/11

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

19

 


 

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

EN

 


II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

7.8.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 184/1


Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4736 — Altor Fund II/Wrist Group)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 184/01)

On 31 July 2007, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32007M4736. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu)


IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

7.8.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 184/2


Euro exchange rates (1)

6 August 2007

(2007/C 184/02)

1 euro=

 

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3818

JPY

Japanese yen

162,88

DKK

Danish krone

7,4426

GBP

Pound sterling

0,68015

SEK

Swedish krona

9,2192

CHF

Swiss franc

1,6385

ISK

Iceland króna

88,09

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,9425

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5842

CZK

Czech koruna

28,067

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

251,32

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6968

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4293

PLN

Polish zloty

3,7886

RON

Romanian leu

3,1768

SKK

Slovak koruna

33,38

TRY

Turkish lira

1,7715

AUD

Australian dollar

1,613

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,455

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,8183

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,8153

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,0924

KRW

South Korean won

1 276,02

ZAR

South African rand

9,8274

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,4478

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,3022

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

12 850,74

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,79

PHP

Philippine peso

62,734

RUB

Russian rouble

35,197

THB

Thai baht

41,385


(1)  

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.


V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Commission

7.8.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 184/3


CULTURE (2007-2013)

CALL FOR PROPOSALS — EACEA/22/07

Support for bodies active at European level in the field of culture

(2007/C 184/03)

1.   Legal basis

This call for proposals is based on Decision No 1855/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 establishing the Culture Programme (2007-2013) (1) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Programme’).

2.   Objectives and description

The Programme is part of the European Union's ongoing commitment to enhance the cultural area shared by Europeans and based on a common cultural heritage through the development of cultural cooperation between the creators, cultural players and cultural institutions of the countries taking part in the Programme, with a view to encouraging the emergence of European citizenship.

The Programme provides for Community intervention to support bodies working for cultural cooperation providing representation at Community level, collecting or disseminating information for facilitating trans-European Community cultural cooperation, networking at European level for bodies active in the field of culture, participating in cultural cooperation projects or acting as ambassadors for European culture.

3.   Purpose of the call for proposals

In order to meet the objectives of the Programme, this call for proposals aims to award operating grants to co-finance expenditure associated with the permanent work programme of bodies pursuing an aim of general European interest in the field of culture or an objective forming part of the European Union's policy in this area.

This support shall take the form of framework partnership agreements or annual operating grant agreements. Furtheremore, for categories Festival and Network — Structured dialogue platforms defined under point 5.1, the support will take the form of targeted operating grants.

The Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (2) (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Executive Agency’) is responsible for carrying out the call for proposals.

4.   Budget available and duration of the project

The total budget earmarked for the co-financing of operational grants in 2008 and for all categories amounts to a minimum of EUR 5 million (3).

Framework partnership agreements will represent around Formula of the available budget. Annual grants will represent around Formula of the available budget with a minimum guaranteed of 20 % of the available budget.

5.   Eligibility criteria and selection criteria

Eligible applicants must be a non-profit-making body which must have been in existence for at least two years. They must also be public or private independent cultural organisations with legal status, whose activity lies in the cultural sphere.

In the context of the present call, international, national, regional or local ‘public authorities’, such as communes, provinces or regions as well as individuals are not eligible.

Eligible applicants must correspond to one of the categories as defined under point 6.1 of the specifications which are integral part of the present call for proposals, namely:

category Ambassador,

category Network,

category Festival.

Eligible applicants must have their registered legal seat in one of the countries taking part in the Programme (4). Eligible applicants must also have the financial capacity and operational capacity to complete the cooperation projects.

6.   Award criteria

Awarding of a grant is not only dependent on examination of the eligibility, exclusion and selection criteria. Decision will be determined on the basis of the award criteria.

The award criteria can be outlined as follows:

1.

the extent to which the work Programme can generate a real European added value as well as the European dimension of the proposed activities;

2.

the relevance of the work programme and subsequent activities to the specific objectives of the Programme;

3.

the extent to which the proposed work programme and the subsequent activities are designed and can be carried out successfully with a high level of excellence;

4.

the extent to which the proposed work programme and subsequent activities can produce outputs which reach as many people as possible, both directly and indirectly;

5.

the extent to which the results of proposed activities will be appropriately communicated and promoted;

6.

the extent to which the activities can generate an appropriate level of sustainability (long-term results and cooperation) and also to act as multipliers as to other possible promoters.

7.   Deadline for submission of applications

5 November 2007

8.   Additional information

The specifications which complete the call for proposals EACEA/22/07 are integral part of the call for proposals. Applications must satisfy the requirements laid down in the specifications and must be submitted using the application forms provided for this purpose.

The specifications, the application pack and all the relevant forms are available on the Internet site of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency:

http://eacea.cec.eu.int/index.htm


(1)  OJ L 372, 27.12.2006, p. 1.

(2)  Commission Decision No 2005/56/EC of 14 January 2005 setting up the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency for the management of Community action in the fields of education, audiovisual and culture in application of Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 (OJ L 24, 27.1.2005, p. 35).

(3)  Figure EU 27.

(4)  The 27 Member States of the European Union, the EEA countries; the candidate countries Croatia, Turkey and FYROM, subject to the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the participation of this country in the Culture Programme; and the countries of the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia including Kosovo (under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244)), subject to the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the participation of each of those countries in the Culture Programme.


7.8.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 184/5


CULTURE (2007-2013)

CALL FOR PROPOSALS — EACEA/23/07

Support for cultural actions: multi-annual cooperation projects (strand 1.1), cooperation measures (strand 1.2.1)

(2007/C 184/04)

1.   Legal basis

This call for proposals is based on Decision No 1855/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 establishing the Culture Programme (2007-2013) (1) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Programme’).

2.   Objectives and description

The Programme is part of the European Union's ongoing commitment to enhance the cultural area shared by Europeans and based on a common cultural heritage, through the development of cultural cooperation between the creators, cultural players and cultural institutions of the countries taking part in the Programme, with the view to encouraging the emergence of European citizenship.

The Programme encompasses the cultural sector as a whole and aspires to stimulate synergies leading to a sustainable cultural cooperation at European level, by means of promoting transnational mobility of people working in the cultural sector, transnational circulation of artistic and cultural works and products and intercultural dialogue.

3.   Purpose of this call for proposals

In order to meet the objectives of the Programme, this call for proposals aims to award Community grants, following a selection process, to two types of actions from any artistic and cultural field:

multi-annual cooperation projects (strand 1.1),

cooperation measures (strand 1.2.1) (2).

The Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (hereinafter ‘the Executive Agency’) is the service responsible for implementing this call for proposals.

MULTI-ANNUAL COOPERATION PROJECTS (STRAND 1.1)

Community co-financing will be provided for projects comprising a number of multi-annual cultural activities aiming to achieve a sustainable and structured cooperation between cultural operators. The projects may be sectoral or cross-sectoral in nature and must pursue a common overarching objective, founded on a cooperation agreement  (3).

Each cooperation project must involve at least six cultural operators from six different countries participating in the Programme.

COOPERATION MEASURES (STRAND 1.2.1)

Community co-financing will be provided for sectoral or cross-sectoral cultural actions of a shorter duration and smaller scale, which aim at exploring avenues for longer-term cooperation among cultural operators.

Each cooperation measure must involve at least three cultural operators from three different countries participating in the Programme.

4.   Budget and project duration

4.1   Budget

The total budget allocated amounts to approximately EUR 17,5 million for multi-annual cooperation projects (strand 1.1) and EUR 10,0 million for cooperation measures (strand 1.2.1).

Community co-financing cannot exceed 50 % of the total eligible costs of the action financed.

For multi-annual cooperation projects (strand 1.1), community co-financing must be between EUR 200 000 and EUR 500 000 per year.

For cooperation measures (strand 1.2.1), community co-financing must be between EUR 50 000 and EUR 200 000.

The right is reserved not to distribute all the funds available.

4.2   Project Duration

Multi-annual cooperation projects (strand 1.1) must have a duration of three to five years.

Cooperation measures (strand 1.2.1) must have a duration of maximum 24 months.

5.   Eligibility criteria and selection criteria

Eligible applicants must be a public or private body with legal status, whose principal activity is in the cultural sphere.

Natural persons are not eligible to apply for a grant.

Applicants must have their registered legal seat in one of the countries taking part in the Programme (4).

Applicants must have the professional competencies and qualifications required to complete the action financed and must be involved both in its design and implementation. They must have stable and sufficient financial resources to make a real and significant financial contribution by providing at least 50 % of total budget of the action financed.

Actions for which co-financing is granted must comply with the principles underpinning the Community action in the field of culture (5) and must take account of the objectives laid down in point 2 and the conditions defined in point 3.

The eligibility period of multi-annual cooperation projects (strand 1.1) must begin before 1 December 2008 and must finish by 30 November 2013 at the latest.

The eligibility period of cooperation measures (strand 1.2.1) must begin before 1 December 2008 and must finish by 30 November 2010 at the latest.

6.   Award criteria

Awarding of a grant is not only dependent on examination of the eligibility, exclusion and selection criteria. Decision will be determined on the basis of the award criteria.

The award criteria can be outlined as follows:

1.

the extent to which the project can generate a real European added value;

2.

the relevance of the activities to the specific objectives of the Programme;

3.

the extent to which the activities proposed are designed and can be carried out successfully with a high level of excellence;

4.

the quality of partnership between coordinator and co-organisers;

5.

the extent to which the activities can produce outputs which achieve the objectives of the Programme;

6.

the extent to which the results of activities proposed will be appropriately communicated and promoted;

7.

the extent to which the activities can generate an appropriate level of sustainability.

7.   Deadline for submission of applications

31 October 2007 (date as postmark or courier service stamp).

8.   Additional information

The specifications which complement the call for proposals EACEA/23/07 are integral part thereof. Applications must satisfy the requirements laid down in the specifications and must be submitted using the application forms provided for this purpose.

The specifications, the application pack and all the relevant forms are available on the website of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency:

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/


(1)  OJ L 372, 27.12.2006, p. 1.

(2)  Actions covering literary translation are the subject of a separate call for proposals EACEA/25/07.

(3)  A common document having a legal form valid in one of the countries taking part in the Programme and signed by all the cultural operators involved.

(4)  The 27 Member States of the European Union; the EEA countries (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway); the candidate countries (Croatia and Turkey; FYROM, subject to the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the participation of this country in the Programme); the countries of the western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia including Kosovo (under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244)), subject to the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the participation of each of those countries in the Programme.

(5)  Article 151 of the Treaty establishing the European Community.


7.8.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 184/7


CULTURE PROGRAMME (2007-2013)

CALL FOR PROPOSALS — EACEA/26/07

Networking of organisations carrying out evaluation or impact assessment activities in the field of cultural policies — Networks (strand 3.2)

(2007/C 184/05)

1.   Legal basis

This call for proposals is based on Decision No 1855/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 establishing the Culture Programme (2007-2013) (1) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Programme’).

2.   Objectives and description

The Programme is part of the European Union's ongoing commitment to enhance the cultural area shared by Europeans and based on a common cultural heritage, through the development of cultural cooperation between the creators, cultural players and cultural institutions of the countries taking part in the Programme, with the view to encouraging the emergence of European citizenship.

The Programme encompasses the cultural sector as a whole and aspires to stimulate synergies leading to a sustainable cultural cooperation at European level, by means of promoting trans-national mobility of people working in the cultural sector, trans-national circulation of artistic and cultural works and products and intercultural dialogue.

3.   Purpose of this call for proposals

In order to meet the objectives of the Programme, this call for proposals aims to award Community grants, following a selection process, up to 3 Networks Projects (strand 3.2).

The Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (hereinafter ‘the Executive Agency’) is the service responsible for implementing this call for proposals.

Action 3 of the Programme provides for Community intervention, support for ‘analyses in the field of European cultural cooperation and European cultural policy development’ (Article 4, paragraph 1).

The intention of this support shall be to increase the volume and quality of information and data to develop comparative data and analysis on cultural cooperation at European level, particularly with regard to the mobility of creators and cultural players, the circulation of works of art and artistic and cultural products and intercultural dialogue.

In this context, the present call for proposals aims to support the networking of various types of stakeholders (cultural departments of national, regional or local authorities, cultural observatories, universities specialized in cultural affairs etc.) which have a direct and practical experience in evaluation or impact assessment in the cultural policy field on the following two topics:

Topic 1: cultural policies in local/regional socio-economic development and attractiveness

Topic 2: synergies/bridges between education and culture with strong focus on creativity and innovation.

Each Network must involve at least three organisations from three different countries participating in the Programme.

4.   Budget and project duration

4.1.   Budget

The total budget allocated amounts to approximately EUR 0,6 million.

Community co-financing cannot exceed EUR 200 000 and 50 % of the total eligible costs of the action financed.

The right is reserved not to distribute all the funds available.

4.2.   Project Duration

‘Networks’ Projects must have a duration from twelve (12) to a maximum of twenty-four (24) months.

5.   Eligibility criteria and selection criteria

Eligible applicants must be a public or private body with legal status in one of the countries taking part in the Programme (2)and a proven experience of at least five years in impact assessment or evaluation in the field of cultural policies.

Natural persons are not eligible to apply for a grant.

Applicants must have the professional competencies and qualifications required to complete the action financed and must be involved both in its design and implementation. They must have stable and sufficient financial resources to make a real and significant financial contribution by providing at least 50 % of total budget of the action financed.

Actions for which co-financing is granted must comply with the principles underpinning the Community action in the field of culture (3) and must take account of the objectives laid down in point 2 and the conditions defined in point 3.

6.   Award criteria

Awarding of a grant is not only dependent on examination of the eligibility, exclusion and selection criteria. Decision will be determined on the basis of the award criteria.

The award criteria can be outlined as follows:

1.

the extent to which the activities proposed are designed and can be carried out successfully with a high level of excellence;

2.

the quality of partnership between co-ordinator and co-organisers;

3.

the extent to which the project can generate a real European added value;

4.

the extent to which the results of activities proposed will be appropriately communicated and promotedDissemination and exploitation strategy;

5.

the extent to which the activities can generate an appropriate level of sustainability.

7.   Deadline for submission of applications

1st October 2007 (date as postmark or courier service stamp).

8.   Additional information

The specifications which complement the call for proposals EACEA/26/07 are integral part thereof. Applications must satisfy the requirements laid down in the specifications and must be submitted using the application forms provided for this purpose.

The specifications, the application pack and all the relevant forms are available on the website of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency:

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/


(1)  OJ L 372, 27.12.2006, p. 1.

(2)  The 27 Member States of the European Union; the EEA countries (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway); the candidate countries (Croatia and Turkey; FYROM, subject to the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the participation of this country in the Programme); the countries of the western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia including Kosovo (under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244)), subject to the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the participation of each of those countries in the Programme.

(3)  Article 151 of the Treaty establishing the European Community.


7.8.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 184/9


CULTURE PROGRAMME (2007-2013)

CALL FOR PROPOSALS — EACEA/25/07

Support for cultural actions: literary translation (strand 1.2.2)

(2007/C 184/06)

1.   Legal basis

This call for proposals is based Decision No 1855/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 establishing the Culture Programme (2007-2013) (1) hereinafter referred to as ‘the Programme’).

2.   Objectives and description

The Programme is part of the European Union's ongoing commitment to enhance the cultural area shared by Europeans and based on a common cultural heritage, through the development of cultural cooperation between the creators, cultural players and cultural institutions of the countries taking part in the Programme, with the view to encouraging the emergence of European citizenship.

The Programme encompasses the cultural sector as a whole and aspires to stimulate synergies leading to a sustainable cultural cooperation at European level, by means of promoting transnational mobility of people working in the cultural sector, transnational circulation of artistic and cultural works and products and intercultural dialogue.

3.   Purpose of this call for proposals

In order to meet the objectives of the Programme, this call for proposals aims to award Community grants, following two selection processes (2), to Literary Translation projects.

The Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (hereinafter ‘the Executive Agency’) is the service responsible for implementing this call for proposals.

4.   Budget and project duration

4.1.   Budget

The total budget allocated amounts to approximately EUR 1,7 million.

Community funding shall not be inferior to EUR 2 000 and shall not exceed EUR 60 000. It shall cover translation costs provided these costs do not represent more than 50 % of the total operational costs.

The right is reserved not to distribute all the funds available.

4.2.   Project duration

The maximum duration of a literary translation project is 18 (eighteen) months.

5.   Eligibility criteria and selection criteria

Eligible applicants must be a public or private publishing house or publishing group whose registered office must be legally established in one of the countries participating in the Programme (3).

Natural persons are not eligible to apply for a grant.

Applicants shall demonstrate the operational and financial capacity to carry out the project to its completion and provide evidence of stable and sufficient sources of funding as well as evidence of professional competencies, qualifications and experience to maintain its activity throughout the period during which the project is being carried out.

Eligible works are works of fiction irrespective of their literary genre (novels, tales, short stories, theatre plays, poetry, comics, etc.).

Eligible authors are authors who are nationals or residents of a country participating in the Programme.

Eligible languages are the official languages (4) of the countries participating in the Programme and ancient languages, such as Latin and ancient Greek.

The eligibility period must begin before 30 June 2008 and must finish by 31 December 2009 for the first selection procedure.

The eligibility period must begin before 31 December 2008 and must finish by 30 June 2010 for the second selection procedure.

6.   Award criteria

Awarding of a grant is not only dependent on examination of the eligibility, exclusion and selection criteria. Decision will be determined on the basis of the award criteria.

The award criteria can be outlined as follows:

the extent to which the project can generate a real European added value,

the relevance of the activities to the specific objectives of the Programme,

the extent to which the activities proposed are designed and can be carried out successfully with a high level of excellence,

the extent to which the activities can produce outputs which achieve the objectives of the Programme,

the extent to which the results of activities proposed will be appropriately communicated and promoted.

7.   Deadlines for submission of applications

First Selection:

 

1st October 2007 (date as postmark or courier service stamp).

Second Selection:

 

1st April 2008 (date as postmark or courier service stamp).

8.   Additional information

The specifications which complement the call for proposals EACEA/25/07 are integral part thereof. Applications must satisfy the requirements laid down in the specifications and must be submitted using the application forms provided for this purpose.

The specifications, the application pack and all the relevant forms are available on the website of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency:

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/


(1)  OJ L 372, 27.12.2006, p. 1.

(2)  See Section 7 — Deadlines for submission.

(3)  The 27 Member States of the European Union; the EEA countries (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway); the candidate countries (Croatia and Turkey; FYROM, subject to the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the participation of this country in the Programme); the countries of the western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia including Kosovo (under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244)), subject to the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the participation of each of those countries in the Programme.

(4)  As defined by the Constitution or by the basic laws of the respective country.


PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

Commission

7.8.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 184/11


Notice of initiation of a partial interim review of the antidumping measures applicable to imports of hand pallet trucks and their essential parts (HPT) originating in the People's Republic of China

(2007/C 184/07)

The Commission has decided on its own initiative to initiate a partial interim review pursuant to Article 11(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 of 22 December 1995 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community (‘the basic Regulation’) (1). The review is limited to the examination of the product scope as regards the clarification of whether certain product types fall within the scope of the measures on hand pallet trucks.

1.   Product

The product under review is hand pallet trucks and their essential parts, i.e. chassis and hydraulics, originating in the People's Republic of China originating in People's Republic of China (‘the product concerned’), currently classifiable within CN codes ex 8427 90 00 and ex 8431 20 00. These CN codes are given only for information.

2.   Existing measures

The measures currently in force are a definitive anti-dumping duty imposed by Council Regulation (EC) No 1174/2005 (2) on imports of hand pallet trucks and their essential parts originating in People's Republic of China.

3.   Grounds for the review

The information at the Commission's disposal indicates that certain products (so-called highlifters, stackers, scissorlifts and weighing trucks), which could allegedly fall under the product scope, appear to be distinct from HPT, inter alia due to their specific functions (lifting, stacking or weighing) and end uses. In order to fulfil these functions, there appear to be differences in the strength and construction of the fork, hydraulics, chassis, wheels, etc. The aforementioned features underline the differences in use — and there appears to be no interchangeability between these products and HPT. Therefore it is appropriate to review the case as far as a clarification of the scope of the product is concerned, with the conclusion thereon possibly having retroactive effect as of the date of the imposition of the relevant measures.

4.   Procedure for the determination of dumping

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 accordance with Article 11(3) of the basic Regulation, limited to the examination of the product scope.

(a)   Questionnaires

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for its investigation, the Commission will send questionnaires to the Community industry, to known importers, to known exporting producers in the country concerned and to the authorities of the exporting country concerned. This information and supporting evidence should reach the Commission within the time limit set in point 5(a).

(b)   Collection of information and holding of hearings

All interested parties are hereby invited to make their views known, submit information other than questionnaire replies and to provide supporting evidence. This information and supporting evidence must reach the Commission within the time limit set in point 5(a).

Furthermore, the Commission may hear interested parties, provided that they make a request showing that there are particular reasons why they should be heard. This request must be made within the time limit set in point 5(b).

5.   Time limits

(a)   For parties to make themselves known, to submit questionnaire replies and any other information

All interested parties, if their representations are to be taken into account during the investigation, must make themselves known by contacting the Commission, present their views and submit questionnaire replies or any other information within 40 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, unless otherwise specified. Attention is drawn to the fact that the exercise of most procedural rights set out in the basic Regulation depends on the party's making itself known within the aforementioned period.

(b)   Hearings

All interested parties may also apply to be heard by the Commission within the same 40-day time limit.

6.   Written submissions, questionnaire replies and correspondence

All submissions and requests made by interested parties must be made in writing (not in electronic format, unless otherwise specified) and must indicate the name, address, e-mail address, telephone and fax numbers of the interested party. All written submissions, including the information requested in this notice, questionnaire replies and correspondence provided by interested parties on a confidential basis shall be labelled as ‘Limited (3) and, in accordance with Article 19(2) of the basic Regulation, shall be accompanied by a non-confidential version, which will be labelled ‘FOR INSPECTION BY INTERESTED PARTIES’.

Commission address for correspondence:

European Commission

Directorate General for Trade

Directorate H

Office: J-79 5/16

B-1049 Brussels

Fax (32-2) 295 65 05

7.   Non-co-operation

In cases in which any interested party refuses access to or does not provide the necessary information within the time limits, or significantly impedes the investigation, findings, affirmative or negative, may be made in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation, on the basis of the facts available.

Where it is found that any interested party has supplied false or misleading information, the information shall be disregarded and use may be made, in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation, of the facts available. If an interested party does not cooperate or cooperates only partially, and use of facts available is made, the result may be less favorable to that party than if it had cooperated.

8.   Schedule of the investigation

The investigation will be concluded, according to Article 11(5) of the basic Regulation within 15 months of the date of the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

9.   Processing of personal data

Please note that any personal data collected in this investigation will be treated in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data (4).


(1)  OJ L 56, 6.3.1996, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2117/2005 (OJ L 340, 23.12.2005, p. 17).

(2)  OJ L 189, 21.7.2005, p. 1.

(3)  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 of 30 May 2001 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 19 of the basic Regulation and Article 6 of the WTO Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti-dumping Agreement).

(4)  OJ L 8, 12.1.2001, p. 1.


PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

7.8.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 184/13


Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4852 — Groupe Arnault/CNP/Go Voyages)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 184/08)

1.

On 31 July 2007, 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 Groupe Arnault SAS (‘Groupe Arnault’, France) and Compagnie Nationale à Portefeuille (‘CNP’, Belgium) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertaking Go Voyages SA (‘Go Voyages’, France) by way of purchase of shares.

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

for undertaking Groupe Arnault: holding company active via its subsidiaries (Christian Dior Couture and LVMH) in the sector of luxury products,

for undertaking CNP: financial holding company, holding shares in a broad range of sectors,

for undertaking Go Voyages: online travel agency specialized in the retail of air tickets.

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4852 — Groupe Arnault/CNP/Go Voyages, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel


(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.


7.8.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 184/14


Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4861 — KESA/EMH)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 184/09)

1.

On 31 July 2007, 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 KESA Electricals plc (‘KESA’, United Kingdom) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Electrodomésticos Menaje del Hogar S.A. (‘EMH’, Spain) by way of purchase of shares.

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

for KESA: retailing of electrical consumer goods (domestic appliances, visual and audio products, telecommunications and media products) and related services,

for EMH: retailing of electrical consumer goods (domestic appliances, air-conditioning machines, visual and audio products, telecommunications and media products).

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4861 — KESA/EMH, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel


(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.


OTHER ACTS

Commission

7.8.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 184/15


Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2007/C 184/10)

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months of the date of this publication.

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘ČESKÝ KMÍN’

EC No: CZ/PDO/005/0382/20.10.2004

PDO ( X ) PGI ( )

This summary sets out the main product specifications for information purposes.

1.   Responsible Department in the Member State:

Name:

Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví

Address:

Antonína Čermáka 2a

CZ-160 68 Praha 6 – Bubeneč

Tel.

(420) 220 38 31 11

Fax

(420) 224 32 47 18

E-mail:

posta@upv.cz

2.   Group:

Name:

ČESKÝ KMÍN – sdružení

Address:

Keřkov 86

CZ-582 22 Přibyslav

Tel.

(420) 569 48 21 71

Fax

(420) 569 48 21 71

E-mail:

ceskykmin@quick.cz

Composition:

Producer/processor ( X ) Other ( X )

3.   Type of product:

Class 1.8: Spices: Caraway — seeds, Carum carvi L. — fructus, biennial form.

4.   Specification

(summary of requirements under Article 4(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

4.1.   Name:

Český kmín

4.2.   Description: Appearance: mature achenes, developed, elongated, costated surface, moderately bent, healthy, not diseased and showing no signs of decay even in cases where the pedicel is not separated from the achene.

Colour: bright to dark brown

Taste: spicy

Aroma: typical; no strange smell

Humidity: max. 13 %

Aromatic oils: min. 2,8 %

Total ash: max. 8 %

Native admixtures: max. 2,5 %

Foreign non-detrimental vegetable admixtures: max. 2 %

Mineral foreign matter: max. 1,5 %; sand possibly max. 1 %.

4.3.   Geographical area: Czech Republic; on loamy and sand-clay soils with a clay content of 10 % to 30 % and diverse levels of gravel admixture. According to the classification of soils, this includes eutrophic brown soils, brown soils with crude soils, brown soils with podzols on ledge deposits, acid brown soils and heavy acid brown soils.

4.4.   Proof of origin: Each grower keeps records of the land managed. The records kept on caraway usually begin with an entry on the registered variety certified seeds purchased. Records are also kept of the agricultural measures taken (soil preparation, sowing, fertilising, weed, disease and pest control and application of anti-stress preparations). The purpose of keeping records is to consider crop rotation patterns. As the product harvested is natural, records are kept of the quantity harvested, humidity and content of admixtures prior to drying and prior to cleaning to the desired level, which is carried out either on the producer's own premises or in cleaning plants. Both quantity and quality records are kept. Inspections of cleaning plants are conducted by staff from the Agronomy Department.

Records of the inspections are kept in cleaning logs. Final customers, processors and traders keep full records of purchases, which must display the desired physical and chemical properties (see section 4.2), be microbiologically unexceptionable and contain no undesired contaminants. These properties are repeatedly verified by processors, either in their own laboratories or in accredited centres. Products which do not meet the requirements will not be purchased and may not be put into circulation. This means that any caraway not meeting the specifications will not find its way onto the market as ‘Czech’. Each phase is also precisely documented. Each product package is labelled with the mandatory data on the producer, including the producer's address. The inspection for compliance with the specifications is performed by the local inspectorates of Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce (the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority).

4.5.   Method of production: Several specific requirements are observed by caraway growers, thus achieving very good results. Long experience in traditional growing is essential. The basic requirement for successful Český kmín growing is a suitable soil, i.e. loamy and sand-clay soils with a clay content of 10 % to 30 % and diverse levels of gravel admixture. According to the classification of soils, this includes eutrophic brown soils, brown soils with crude soils, brown soils with podzols on ledge deposits, acid brown soils and heavy acid brown soils. For details of the climatic conditions, see section 4.6. Further conditions include:

The prerequisite for top-quality Český kmín is just detailed compliance with these basic conditions.

4.6.   Link: Český kmín has been grown since the first half of the 19th century in field conditions in the Czech Republic under the name of several major growers, such as Havelka, Hokeš and others. Scientific improvement has been a tradition since 1910. As a result, the Moravský variety, licensed in 1941, and the Český variety, licensed in 1952, were developed from regional varieties, but yielded small seeds. The Ekonom variety, licensed in 1964, had bigger seeds and achieved greater success. All these varieties were deciduous and unsuitable for machine harvest and were therefore gradually withdrawn from production. A major change came with the licensing of the Rekord variety, which gives a high yield with a high aromatic oil content and is resistant to drop-out of seeds in the course of maturing and harvesting. This variety was followed by licensing of two others: Prochan (1990) and Kepron (1994). These three form a line of non-deciduous varieties offering high quality and yield and a high essence content. This intensive improvement of the product has also led to intensive involvement by scientists and researchers. Consequently, staff from research institutes and agricultural universities have been involved in this field as well.

The Czech Republic has the specific natural and soil conditions which have allowed a 150-year tradition of caraway growing in field conditions. Caraway is grown on loamy and sand-clay soils with a clay content of 10 % to 30 % and diverse levels of gravel content. Such soils offer the capillary/gravitational water supply meeting the needs of caraway, which demands sufficient rainfall during the period of intensive development of the roots and leaf rosette in the first year and in the period from earing-up to flowering in the second year. The climate of the Czech highlands, marking the transition from maritime to continental conditions, is fully compatible with high-quality caraway growing. These conditions, especially the temperatures and rainfall during the year, differ from the climate in other countries. The conditions for caraway growing in the Czech Republic are more favourable than in areas with a continental climate as the rate of development of the crop is lower due to lower temperatures and lower probability of short-term droughts. The main differences between the Czech and maritime climates lie in the nature of the winter season (the rainfall reserves are higher when the spring comes) and also in the fact that short-term droughts are more probable due to lower rainfall in the summer. Together, these soil and climate conditions, combined with the long tradition, experience and sophisticated methods in the field of caraway growing in the Czech Republic, have an impact on the specific properties of Český kmín, especially in the form of high yields of caraway seeds with a high aromatic oil content (in the order of 3 %-5 %). The seeds are harvested at a higher average degree of maturity. However, the contents of the caraway essence, particularly its aromatic components, are quite specific. The main aromatic component in the caraway grown in the specified areas is carvone. Compared with other regions, where D-limonene prevails in the aromas, the carvone content here is higher than 50 % and usually around 60 %. This carvone content is the most valuable component of the quality of the aromatic caraway oil. Carvone has healing, antiseptic and retardation effects which are used in a number of industries. The Czech Codex contains ‘Carvi etheroleum’, a national item covering the quality of caraway essence produced by distillation with vapour, where the desired carvone content is at least 50 %. To achieve this value, raw material (caraway seeds) with an even higher carvone content is essential. In Český kmín this value is approximately 20 % higher.

That is why the caraway from these areas — Český kmín — is so highly appreciated and in such demand. The majority of the caraway produced is exported to both continental and seaside areas.

Caraway has been granted the designation of origin ‘Český kmín’ (registration certificate No 193) in the Czech Republic.

4.7.   Inspection body:

Name:

Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce

Address:

Květná 15

CZ-603 00 Brno

Tel.

(420) 543 54 01 11

Fax

(420) 543 54 02 02

E-mail:

sekret.k.@szpi.gov.cz

4.8.   Labelling: —


(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.


7.8.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 184/19


Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2007/C 184/11)

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months from the date of this publication.

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘CHODSKÉ PIVO’

EC No: CZ/PGI/005/0363/22.9.2004

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

This summary sets out the main product specifications for information purposes.

1.   Responsible department in the Member State:

Name:

Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví

Address:

Antonína Čermáka 2a

CZ-160 68 Praha 6 – Bubeneč

Tel.

(420) 220 38 31 11

Fax

(420) 221 32 47 18

E-mail:

posta@upv.cz

2.   Group:

Name:

Chodovar, spol. s r.o.

Address:

Pivovarská 107

CZ-348 13 Chodová Planá

Tel.

(420) 374 79 41 81

Fax

(420) 374 79 41 83

E-mail:

chodovar@chodovar.cz

Composition:

Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

This application is for a derogation from Article 5(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the ground that there is only one producer in the area. The requirements laid down in Article 2 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1898/2006 (2) are fulfilled.

3.   Type of product:

Class 2.1 — Beers

4.   Specification

(summary of requirements under Article 4(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

4.1.   Name:

Chodské pivo

4.2.   Description: Only natural raw materials are used to produce Chodské pivo: malt, hops, water and yeast.

Only Czech aroma hop varieties (Žatecký poloraný červeňák and Sládek) and bittering hop varieties (e.g. Premiant) are used in Chodské pivo.

The traditional two-stage fermentation of the wort gives Chodské pivo a rich maltiness, a hint of bitterness, a strong flavour and a head.

4.3.   Geographical area: The historic Chodsko region is located on the territory of today's Plzeň region, i.e. the area along the entire length of the border with Bavaria, from the Všerubský Pass to the Dyleň in the mountains and uplands of the Bohemian Forest. The borders were defined in accordance with the land registers of the municipalities within the area.

4.4.   Proof of origin: Procedures are in place to guarantee the authenticity of origin and ensure that all beers appearing on the market under the designation ‘Chodské pivo’ were actually produced in the geographical area specified. In addition, each product has to display mandatory information on the producer, including the producer's address.

The CAFIA (Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority) sub-office monitors both the procedures and appropriateness of individual control methods and checks the results to make sure that they meet requirements.

All raw materials are purchased on a contract basis only, so that the brewery knows not only their geographical origin but also the technology and processes used to produce them. Precise records are kept of the raw material suppliers and of the purchasers of the end-products. The individual batches of raw material used in the production of individual batches of beer are also recorded.

4.5.   Method of production:

Water:

The only water sources used have an exceptionally low mineral content — a dGH (degrees of general hardness) of about 1,6° — owing to the area's geology, and in particular the presence of a granite massif. This water has a distinctive influence on the ultimate taste of the beer produced. The water, with its low mineral content, produces no chemical reaction with the other raw materials and has a positive influence on the rich maltiness of the beers produced.

Malting method:

Locally produced malt is used for brewing light and dark beers. It is prepared by the traditional method of germinating barley on malting floors and drying it in kilns. The malting barley (Hordeum vulgare sub. Distichum) originates in a defined area identical to the Chodské pivo production area and is listed in the Register of Authorised Varieties.

Preparation of the wort:

A double mash process is used. The first mash is put in the copper and gradually heated to 70-75 °C. After saccharification, it is brought to boiling point and boiled for 20 minutes.

The boiled mash is added to the rest of the mash, bringing the temperature to 65 °C. After the temperature has stabilised, the second mash is put in the copper. The second mash is also heated to 70-75 °C and allowed to saccharify. It is boiled for 20 minutes and transferred to the mash tun. It is mashed out at 75-78 °C.

Specification for primary fermentation and lagering:

Primary fermentation takes place at a temperature of 6-9 °C. The temperature of the fermenting wort is checked twice a day. Cold-fermenting strains of bottom-fermenting brewer's yeast (W 95 — the type of bottom-fermenting yeast in common use) are employed. The apparent extract is monitored daily for four days before casking and, after the requisite values have been attained, the green beer is skimmed and casked. The green beer is racked in lagering tanks, in which it completes its fermentation. During this second fermentation, the pressure in the lagering vessel is maintained at 0,70-0,90 KPa. The temperature is 2-6 °C.

Bottling and packaging method:

The beer is bottled with no artificial carbonation. All the CO2 in the beer is a natural product of the fermentation process.

4.6.   Link: The brewing tradition dates back to the 12th century. Its history and significance are borne out both by a 1341 document from John of Luxembourg, King of Bohemia, concerning brewing in the Chodsko region and by the fact that Chodské pivo used to be supplied to Prague and to Bavaria for consumption by the royal court. This region on the border with Bavaria is historically renowned for brewing. In 1945 there were still over 60 working breweries there.

The distinctive features of Chodské pivo are the pronounced golden colour of the light beers and its rich maltiness, slightly bitter taste and strong flavour. These properties are conferred by a traditional brewing process involving two-stage fermentation of the wort, lengthy maturation, selection of the raw materials used, harnessing local natural resources, in the form of exceptionally soft water, and bottling and casking with no artificial carbonation.

The designated area and its specific environment are marked in particular by water sources with an exceptionally low mineral content and by malting barleys that are grown and malted locally in accordance with the procedures described above. The entire brewing, fermentation and lagering process is conducted in the designated area.

In the last few years Chodské pivo has been mentioned in the regional and supra-regional press about once every two months on average and over the same period the brewery has received many national and international awards for its products.

4.7.   Inspection body:

Name:

Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce, inspektorát v Plzni

Address:

Jiráskovo nám. 8

CZ-308 58 Plzeň

Tel.

(420) 377 43 34 11

Fax

(420) 377 45 52 29

E-mail:

plzen@szpi.gov.cz

4.8.   Labelling: —


(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

(2)  OJ L 396, 23.12.2006, p. 1.

(3)  ‘Content’ means the mass fraction.