COMMISSION OPINION

of 10 May 2023

relating to the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from the new workshop AMC2, located on the Tricastin industrial site in France

(Only the French text is authentic)

(2023/C 174/01)

The assessment below is carried out under the provisions of the Euratom Treaty, without prejudice to any additional assessments to be carried out under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the obligations stemming from it and from secondary legislation (1).

On 6 July 2022, the European Commission received from the Government of France, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty, the General Data relating to the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste (2) arising from the new workshop AMC2.

On the basis of this data and additional information requested by the Commission on 29 September 2022 and provided by the French authorities on 31 January 2023, and following consultation with the Group of Experts, the Commission has drawn up the following opinion:

1.	The distance from the site to the nearest border of another Member State, in this case Italy is 170 km.

2.

During normal operation the discharges of liquid or gaseous radioactive effluents are not liable to cause an exposure of the population in another Member State that would be significant from the point of view of health, in respect of the dose limits laid down in the Basic Safety Standards Directive (3).

3.	Solid radioactive waste will be transferred to licensed treatment (TRIDENT workshop at the Tricastin industrial site) or disposal facilities located in France.

4.

In the event of unplanned releases of radioactive effluents that may follow an accident of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data, these releases are not liable to result in a radioactive contamination of the water, soil or airspace of another Member State which is significant from the point of view of health, in compliance with the provisions of the Basic Safety Standards Directive.

In conclusion, the Commission is of the opinion that the implementation of the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste in whatever form arising from the new workshop AMC2, located on the Tricastin industrial site in France, both in normal operation and in the event of the accidents of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data, is not liable to result in a radioactive contamination of the water, soil or airspace of another Member State that would be significant from the point of view of health, in respect of the provisions laid down in the Basic Safety Standards Directive.

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(1)  For instance, under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, environmental aspects should be further assessed. Indicatively, the Commission would like to draw attention to the provisions of Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU; to Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, as well as to Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and to Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy.

(2)  The disposal of radioactive waste in the meaning of point 1 of Commission Recommendation 2010/635/Euratom of 11 October 2010 on the application of Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty (OJ L 279, 23.10.2010, p. 36).

(3)  Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom of 5 December 2013 laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation, and repealing Directives 89/618/Euratom, 90/641/Euratom, 96/29/Euratom, 97/43/Euratom and 2003/122/Euratom (OJ L 13, 17.1.2014, p. 1).

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10561 – CINTRA / ABERTIS / ITINERE / BIP & DRIVE)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 174/02)

On 14 February 2023, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M10561. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

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(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.11067 – HG / EFMS / TRUSTQUAY / VIEWPOINT)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 174/03)

On 5 May 2023, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M11067. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

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(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.11089 – AXPO IBERIA / ACSA OBRAS E INFRAESTRUCTURAS / NOGUERA RENOVABLES)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 174/04)

On 8 May 2023, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M11089. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

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(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.11079 – BNP PARIBAS FORTIS / MATEXI / R2O JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 174/05)

On 10 May 2023, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M11079 . EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

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(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/797 and Council Regulation (EU) 2019/796 concerning restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the Union or its Member States apply

(2023/C 174/06)

The attention of data subjects is drawn to the following information in accordance with Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1).

The legal bases for this processing operation are Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/797 (2), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/964 (3), and in Council Regulation (EU) 2019/796 (4), concerning restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the Union or its Member States.

The controller of this processing operation is the Council of the European Union represented by the Director-General of Directorate-General for External Relations (RELEX) of the General Secretariat of the Council and the department entrusted with the processing operation is RELEX.1 that can be contacted at:

Council of the European Union General Secretariat

RELEX.1

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

The Data Protection Officer of the Council can be contacted at:

Data Protection Officer data.protection@consilium.europa.eu

The purpose of the processing operation is the establishment and updating of the list of persons subject to restrictive measures in accordance with Decision (CFSP) 2019/797, as amended by Decision (CFSP) 2023/964, and in Regulation (EU) 2019/796.

The data subjects are the natural persons who fulfil the listing criteria as laid down in Decision (CFSP) 2019/797 and Regulation (EU) 2019/796.

The personal data collected includes data necessary for the correct identification of the person concerned, the statement of reasons and any other data related to the grounds for listing.

The legal bases for the handling of personal data are the Council Decisions adopted under Article 29 TEU and Council Regulations adopted under Article 215 TFEU designating natural persons (data subjects) and imposing the freezing of assets and travel restrictions.

Processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest in accordance with Article 5(1)(a) and for compliance with legal obligations laid down in above-mentioned legal acts to which the controller is subject in accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

Processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest in accordance with Article 10(2)(g) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

The Council may obtain personal data of data subjects from Member States and/or the European External Action Service. The recipients of the personal data are Member States, the European Commission and the European External Action Service.

All personal data processed by the Council in the context of EU autonomous restrictive measures will be retained for 5 years from the moment the data subject has been removed from the list of persons subject to the asset freeze or the validity of the measure has expired or, if a legal action is brought before the Court of Justice, until a final judgment has been handed down. Personal data contained in documents registered by the Council are kept by the Council for archiving purposes in the public interest, within the meaning of Art. 4(1)(e) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

The Council may need to exchange personal data regarding a data subject with a third country or international organisation in the context of the Council’s transposition of UN designations or in the context of international cooperation regarding the EU’s restrictive measures policy.

In the absence of an adequacy decision, or of appropriate safeguards, transfer of personal data to a third country or an international organisation is based on the following condition(s), pursuant to Article 50 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725:

—	the transfer is necessary for important reasons of public interest;

—	the transfer is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

No automated decision-making is involved in the processing of the data subject's personal data.

Data subjects have the right of information and the right of access to their personal data. They also have the right to correct and complete their data. Under certain circumstances, they may have the right to obtain the erasure of their personal data, or the right to object to the processing of their personal data or to ask for it to be restricted.

Data subjects can exercise these rights by sending an e-mail to the controller with a copy to the Data Protection Officer as indicated above.

Attached to their request, the data subjects must provide a copy of an identification document to confirm their identity (ID card or passport). This document should contain an identification number, country of issue, period of validity, name, address and date of birth. Any other data contained in the copy of the identification document such as photo or any personal characteristics may be blacked out.

Data subjects have the right to lodge a complaint with the European Data Protection Supervisor in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 (edps@edps.europa.eu).

Before doing so, it is recommended that data subjects first try to obtain a remedy by contacting the controller and/or the Data Protection Officer of the Council.

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(1)  OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39.

(2)  OJ L 129 I, 17.5.2019, p. 13.

(3)  OJ L 129, 16.5.2023, p. 16.

(4)  OJ L 129 I, 17.5.2019, p.1.

Notice for the attention of the natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/797, as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/964, and in Council Regulation (EU) 2019/796, concerning restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the Union or its Member States

(2023/C 174/07)

The following information is brought to the attention of the persons, entities and bodies that appear in the Annex to Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/797 (1), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/964 (2), and in Annex I to Council Regulation (EU) 2019/796 (3), concerning restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the Union or its Member States.

The Council of the European Union, after having reviewed the list of persons, entities and bodies designated in the above-mentioned Annexes, has determined that the restrictive measures provided for in Decision (CFSP) 2019/797, and in Regulation (EU) 2019/796 should continue to apply to those persons, entities and bodies.

The attention of the persons, entities and bodies concerned is drawn to the possibility of making an application to the competent authorities of the relevant Member State(s) as indicated on the websites in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2019/796 concerning restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the Union or its Member States, in order to obtain an authorisation to use frozen funds for basic needs or specific payments.

The persons, entities and bodies concerned may submit a request to the Council, together with supporting documentation, that the decision to include them on the above-mentioned lists should be reconsidered, before 15 January 2024, to the following address:

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

RELEX.1

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

Any observations received will be taken into account for the purpose of the Council's periodic review, in accordance with Article 10 of Decision (CFSP) 2019/797 concerning restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the Union or its Member States.

The attention of the persons, entities and bodies concerned is also drawn to the possibility of challenging the Council's decision before the General Court of the European Union, in accordance with the conditions laid down in Article 275, second paragraph, and Article 263, fourth and sixth paragraphs, of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

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(1)  OJ L 129 I, 17.5.2019, p. 13.

(2)  OJ L 129, 16.5.2023, p. 16.

(3)  OJ L 129 I, 17.5.2019, p.1.

New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

(2023/C 174/08)

National side of the new commemorative 2-euro coin intended for circulation and issued by Spain

Euro coins intended for circulation have legal tender status throughout the euro area. For the purpose of informing the public and all parties who handle the coins, the Commission publishes a description of the designs of all new coins (1). In accordance with the Council conclusions of 10 February 2009 (2), euro-area Member States and countries that have concluded a monetary agreement with the European Union providing for the issuing of euro coins are allowed to issue commemorative euro coins intended for circulation, provided that certain conditions are met, particularly that only the 2-euro denomination is used. These coins have the same technical characteristics as other 2-euro coins, but their national face features a commemorative design that is highly symbolic in national or European terms.

Issuing country: Spain

Subject of commemoration: The Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU

Description of the design: The design shows two images. The first one is the logo of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU. Surrounding the logo are the captions: “ESPANA 2023 – PRESIDENCIA ESPANOLA and ‘CONSEJO DE LA UNION EUROPEA’ (Spain 2023 – Spanish Presidency and Council of the European Union). The second image, in the lower part, represents the mint mark of the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre Real Casa de la Moneda with the crowned ‘M’.

The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Estimated number of coins to be issued: 1 500 000

Date of issue:1 June 2023

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(1)  See OJ C 373, 28.12.2001, p. 1 for the national faces of all the coins issued in 2002.

(2)  See the conclusions of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 10 February 2009 and the Commission Recommendation of 19 December 2008 on common guidelines for the national sides and the issuance of euro coins intended for circulation (OJ L 9, 14.1.2009, p. 52).

Euro exchange rates (1)

15 May 2023

(2023/C 174/09)

1 euro =

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,0876
JPY	Japanese yen	148,15
DKK	Danish krone	7,4471
GBP	Pound sterling	0,86943
SEK	Swedish krona	11,2905
CHF	Swiss franc	0,9747
ISK	Iceland króna	150,90
NOK	Norwegian krone	11,5830
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	23,574
HUF	Hungarian forint	369,30
PLN	Polish zloty	4,5078
RON	Romanian leu	4,9375
TRY	Turkish lira	21,3896
AUD	Australian dollar	1,6261
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,4684
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	8,5250
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,7494
SGD	Singapore dollar	1,4548
KRW	South Korean won	1 453,79
ZAR	South African rand	20,7496
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	7,5621
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	16 089,55
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,8915
PHP	Philippine peso	60,984
RUB	Russian rouble
THB	Thai baht	36,772
BRL	Brazilian real	5,3431
MXN	Mexican peso	19,0872
INR	Indian rupee	89,4990

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

Special report 12/2023

‘EU supervision of banks’ credit risk – The ECB stepped up its efforts but more is needed to increase assurance that credit risk is properly managed and covered’

(2023/C 174/10)

The European Court of Auditors has published its special report 12/2023: ‘EU supervision of banks’ credit risk – The ECB stepped up its efforts but more is needed to increase assurance that credit risk is properly managed and covered’.

The report can be consulted directly or downloaded at the European Court of Auditors’ website: https://www.eca.europa.eu/en/publications/sr-2023-12

Commission information notice pursuant to Article 16(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community

Public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 174/11)

Member State	Greece
Concerned Route	Ioannina – Heraklion
Date of entry into force of the public service obligations	1 October 2023
Address where the text and any relevant information and/or documentation related to the public service obligation can be obtained free of charge	Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority General Directorate for Economic Oversight & Administrative Support Athens International Airport, Building 45, P.O. 190 1P.O. 190 19, Spata, GREECE Tel. +30 210 3541313, 3541327, 3541349 Emails: info@hcaa.gov.gr, gd.ecfin@hcaa.gov.gr, a4.a@hcaa.gov.gr, pso@hcaa.gov.gr Internet: https://hcaa.gov.gr/

Commission information notice pursuant to Article 17(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community

Invitation to tender in respect of the operation of scheduled air services in accordance with public service obligations

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 174/12)

Member State	Greece
Concerned route	Ioannina – Heraklion
Period of validity of the contract	1.10.2023 – 30.9.2027
Deadline for submission of tenders	61 days after the day of publication of the notice of PSOs
Address where the text of the invitation to tender and any relevant information and/or documentation related to the public tender and the public service obligation can be obtained free of charge	Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority General Directorate for Economic Oversight & Administrative Support Athens International Airport, Building 45, P.O. 190 19, Spata, GREECE Tel. +30 210 3541313, 3541333 Emails: info@hcaa.gov.gr, gd.ecfin@hcaa.gov.gr, m.savvidou@hcaa.gov.gr, a5.c@hcaa.gov.gr, pso@hcaa.gov.gr Internet: https://hcaa.gov.gr/ All correspondence, requests for information, documentation and tenders relating to this tender competition to be submitted to the e-procurement Portal Website at www.promitheus.gov.gr

Publication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication in the sector of the agricultural products and foodstuffs, as referred to in Article 6b(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014

(2023/C 174/13)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 6b(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014 (1).

Communicating the approval of a standard amendment to the product specification of a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication originating in a Member State

(Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012)

‘Crottin de Chavignol/Chavignol’

EU No: PDO-FR-0117-AM04 - 27.2.2023

PDO (x) PGI ( )

1.   Name of product

2.   Member State to which the geographical area belongs

France

3.   Member State authority communicating the standard amendment

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty

4.   Description of the approved amendment(s)

1.   Description of product

The specification has been amended to add that the maximum dry matter content of the cheeses has been increased from 45 g to 48 g to take account of the seasonal variability in the dry matter content of the milk, as it has an impact on the dry matter content of the cheese. This variability is directly linked to the seasonality of goat milk production. The minimum dry matter content of the cheese has not been changed, but the maximum dry matter content has been raised to take account of the variability in the actual dry matter content of goat’s milk depending on when it is produced.

This amendment has been carried over to the single document (point 3.2 on the description of the product).

Point 3.2 (Description of the product) of the single document has also been amended by deleting the following sentences, which refer to the method of production rather than to the description of the product: ‘The curds are pre-drained on cloth. The minimum maturing period is 10 days from the moulding date.’

The amendment affects the single document.

2.   Proof of origin

This section of the specification has been supplemented to include record-keeping and document conservation obligations, as well as the reporting requirements needed for the purpose of identifying operators and monitoring new production conditions.

The provision on the check to be performed on the products specifies that the check is to be performed at the end of the minimum maturing period.

There have also been editorial amendments to the specification and redundant information has been deleted.

The amendment does not affect the single document.

3.   Method of production

Management of the herd:

A production condition relating to monitoring the health of the herd has been added (obligation to carry out coprological monitoring).

A minimum weight requirement of 32 kg has been set for the female kids prior to the first service. The arrangements for weighing by sampling have been specified.

Production conditions for bedding management have been added along with the following obligations:

—	to keep the straw dry;

—	to monitor the temperature of the bedding;

—	to adapt the quantity of straw to the frequency of mulching;

—	to adapt the frequency of mulching to the ventilation and ambient conditions of the livestock buildings;

—	not to leave male and female kids to roam free in the living area of the adult goats for more than 7 days after farrowing.

All of these new provisions make it possible to improve the animal welfare conditions and better monitor and control the health status of the bedding and herd, which is beneficial for the production of ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ or ‘Chavignol’ from raw milk. In fact, good bedding management in conjunction with knowing and monitoring the aeration and ambient conditions of the buildings is of crucial importance as it helps to ensure better monitoring of the health status of the herd and of any undesirable microbial flora in the milk used.

A provision relating to the labour allocated to rearing the herd has also been introduced. It aims to limit the number of goats per man-work unit (MWU). The number of goats per MWU has been limited to 160, with the possibility of a further 40 goats being added for every mechanisation tool used that allows to free up labour. This measure reinforces the link between the product and the geographical area, particularly in terms of the human factors, as it requires that sufficient labour be allocated to manage the herd. This enables adequate supervision of the animals, which has positive qualitative effects on the milk produced, which must be used in the raw form by the cheesemakers. This provision does not alter the link between the product and its geographical area; on the contrary, it reinforces it. In particular, it makes it possible to reduce the impact of inadequate animal supervision (due to insufficient labour being allocated) on the health status of the herd, and hence on the quality of the milk.

Diet of the goat herd:

The provision relating to the fodder conservation method has been deleted (permission to use sodium chloride and buffered propionic acid). This deletion allows the use of many other more effective and less aggressive molecules authorised under the general legislation.

The provision authorising the use of additives authorised for goat feed under the general legislation has been deleted. This provision is unnecessary since it is not more restrictive than the legislation in force.

Three provisions regulating the distribution of concentrates have been introduced:

—	The quantity of concentrates distributed per meal has been limited to 400 g;

—	The daily quantity of concentrates distributed on average to the goat herd may not exceed 1,4 kg per dairy goat;

—	The annual quantity of concentrates distributed to the goat herd per litre of milk produced must be on average less than or equal to 450 g per litre of milk produced.

The aim of these three provisions is to ensure that the feed for the dairy goats is balanced at all times, with the aim of improving the health status of the raw milk used to make the cheese. The quantity and nature of the supplementary feed, which consists of foodstuffs that are concentrated (rich in nitrogen and/or energy) and/or dehydrated, remain unchanged, representing a maximum of 50 % of the dry matter content in the goats’ daily feed.

A provision has been added to clarify the concept of ‘mixed holding’. As there is a ban on silage in the diet of the goat herd, the aim of this clarification is to avoid the accidental consumption of silage on holdings with other ruminants.

In the provision which specifies how wrapped fodder should be distributed, the word ‘ingested’ has been replaced by ‘distributed’. It is actually not possible to verify the quantities ingested. However, it is possible to verify the quantities distributed.

Milk used:

Two provisions relating to the milking stage have been added with a view to reinforcing the health status of the milk:

—	The obligation to introduce a filtration system for macroscopic particles in the milking circuit;

—	The obligation for the filter (if reusable) to be washed after every milking.

In addition, the provision on the maximum time until the milk is used has been modified to shorten the interval between the last milking and the renneting. Given that raw milk is susceptible to microbial deterioration, the intention in shortening this interval by 3 hours is to reinforce the health status of the milk and preserve the indigenous flora.

Manufacture:

The size of the mould has been changed. The lower diameter of the mould has been increased by 1 cm (from 5,5 to 6,5 cm). This amendment is the result of changes to the materials used for moulding. Block-moulds have replaced individual cheese strainers. The use of block-moulds equipped with a distributor makes moulding a more mechanical process.

The clarification on the surface salting methods to be used (saltcellar or by hand) has been deleted because it serves no purpose, as the salt cellar is not described in the specification.

The addition of the words ‘on cloth’ in the reference to the pre-drainage stage corrects an omission in the wording of the previous version of the specification. The clarification provided corresponds to current practices.

Maturing, packing:

The maturing methods for cheeses referred to as ‘repassé’ have been amended. The purpose of the amendment is to make it clear that this maturing may be carried out ‘individually or otherwise’ (clarification added). These cheeses are matured in a confined atmosphere which alters the maturing process by promoting anaerobic flora. They have traditionally been matured in hermetically sealed sandstone pots containing several cheeses. The sector has developed a method of maturing the individually wrapped cheeses which achieves the same result. The purpose of the amendment is to authorise this new method of maturing only for cheeses referred to as ‘repassé’.

In addition, the following editorial amendments have been made to the specification:

—	Deletion of transitional provisions on the due date;

—	Deletion of redundant and/or unnecessary information;

—	Moving/regrouping paragraphs or sentences within the same heading in order to make the provisions easier to read and more consistent;

—	Miscellaneous editorial amendments (e.g. replacing the term ‘PDO area’ with ‘geographical area’) and spelling corrections;

This amendment has also been carried over to the section of the single document concerning these matters (point 3.3).

The amendment affects the single document.

4.   Link

An introduction summarising the link has been added to the specification:

‘“Crottin de Chavignol” or “Chavignol” is a small cheese in a flat cylinder shape that is made exclusively from raw whole goat’s milk; it has a thin rind, with or without white or blue moulds. The know-how in managing the diet of the dairy goats, processing the milk and shaping the mould ensure that the quality of the native floras in the milk is preserved, thus resulting in the characteristics of the cheese.’

There have also been editorial amendments or spelling corrections to the specification, which do not entail a change to the link.

This amendment has also been carried over to the section of the single document concerning these matters (point 5).

The amendment affects the single document.

5.   Labelling

This section of the specification has been amended due to the deletion of the requirement to include the words ‘Protected Designation of Origin’, in view of the small size of the cheeses and the limited space available on the labels.

The labelling arrangements for cheeses sold by an intermediary have also been amended. It has been clarified that it is not compulsory for all cheeses to bear individual labels at the time of dispatch. This is in line with the specific conditions for the dispatch of cheeses in crates sold by an intermediary. When dispatched in crates, the cheeses are usually accompanied by individual labels. The labels are affixed to the cheeses at a later stage, at the point of sale to the consumer.

The labelling rule whereby it is not permitted to use the term ‘fermier’ [farm] for cheeses made from frozen curds has been moved from the section of the specification on the method of production.

There have also been editorial amendments to the specification.

This amendment has also been carried over to the section of the single document concerning these matters (point 3.6).

The amendment affects the single document.

6.   Other

The address of the responsible department has been updated in the specification.

The list of municipalities in the geographical area has been updated in the specification on the basis of the Official Geographical Code of 2020, without entailing any changes to the perimeter.

It has also been added that maps showing the geographical area can be viewed on the website of the National Institute of Origin and Quality.

The sentence on the obligation for the curds to be frozen, stored and thawed in the geographical area has been moved from the section of the specification on the method of production to the section providing the description of the geographical area.

This amendment has also been carried over to the section of the single document concerning these matters (point 4).

The name and contact details of the official inspection bodies have been updated in the specification. This amendment does not affect the single document.

The table listing the main points to be checked (national requirements) in the specification has been amended to correct a mistake: the area of grassland of at least 1 ha for every 24 goats corresponds to the area of the holding and therefore purchases of fodder should not be taken into consideration. This amendment does not affect the single document.

The amendment affects the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Crottin de Chavignol/Chavignol’

EU No: PDO-FR-0117-AM04 - 27.2.2023

PDO (x) PGI ( )

1.   Name(s)

2.   Member State or Third Country

France

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.3. Cheeses

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

The cheese covered by the protected designation of origin ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ or ‘Chavignol’ is obtained by lactic coagulation of raw whole goat’s milk, with the addition of a small quantity of rennet. The cheese has a thin, ivory-coloured rind with or without white or blue moulds, and may at a later stage become darker, even brown, in the case of cheeses referred to as ‘repassé’: i.e. cheeses covered in a blue Penicillium and matured in a confined atmosphere which makes them soft. ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ or ‘Chavignol’ has the shape of a flat cylinder, very slightly curved at the periphery. The edges are rounded. The central diameter is greater than the top and bottom diameters.

‘Crottin de Chavignol’ or ‘Chavignol’ cheeses have the following analytical characteristics:

—	the total dry matter content is between 37 g and 48 g per cheese;

—	the fat content is at least 45 % of the dry matter content;

—	the weight upon leaving the business is between 60 g and 90 g.

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

Fodder represents at least 50 % of the dry matter in the daily ration and is made up of at least 70 % grass, hay or wrapped fodder.

Wrapped fodder is limited to at most 50 % of the dry matter in the fodder ingested daily. Ensilaged fodder is not permitted.

The fodder is produced entirely in the geographical area.

The feed supplementing the fodder, consisting of concentrated and/or dehydrated feed, must make up at most 50 % of the dry matter in the daily ration and must comprise incorporable raw materials determined in accordance with a positive list.

At least half of the supplementary feed must be produced in the geographical area.

Consequently, at least 75 % of the dry matter in the overall daily feed ration supplied to the dairy herds must be produced in the geographical area defined at point 4 below.

In addition, the minimum forage area actually used each year for feeding the goat herds must be 1 hectare for every 12 goats and must be located in the geographical area defined at point 4 below. The area of grassland on each farm must be at least 1 hectare for every 24 goats. In order to satisfy this requirement, it is nevertheless permitted to buy fodder originating from the geographical area. In that case, an equivalent area is determined on the basis of 4 tonnes of dry matter = 1 hectare of forage area. This equivalence is limited to half the annual consumption of the herd in question.

The milk used must come from herds comprising only goats of the Alpine breed.

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

The milk must be produced, the cheeses made and matured, and the curds frozen, stored and thawed in the geographical area defined at point 4 below.

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

—

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

In addition to the mandatory particulars required by the legislation on the labelling and presentation of foodstuffs, the label on each cheese or batch of cheeses covered by the designation of origin ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ or ‘Chavignol’ must include, in the same visual field:

—	the registered name of the designation of origin in characters at least two-thirds the size of the largest characters on the label;

—	the European Union’s AOP [PDO] symbol.

Irrespective of the regulatory terms applicable to all cheeses, the use of any other adjective or words accompanying the said designation is prohibited in labelling, advertising, invoices and commercial documents, with the exception of:

—	specific brand names or trademarks;

—	maturing terms.

Every cheese sold by an intermediary must be accompanied by an individual label.

The name ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ or ‘Chavignol’ followed by the words ‘Appellation d'origine protégée’ [protected designation of origin] must appear on the invoices and commercial documents.

It is not permitted to label ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ or ‘Chavignol’ cheese obtained from frozen curds with the word ‘fermier’ [farm] or any other indication suggesting farm origin.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The milk must be produced, the cheeses made and matured, and the curds frozen, stored and thawed in the geographical area, the perimeter of which includes the territory of the following municipalities, based on the Official Geographical Code of 2020.

—   Cher:

Cantons of: Aix-d'Angillon, Baugy, La Chapelle-d'Angillon, Henrichemont, Léré, Levet, Mehun-sur-Yèvre, Nérondes, Saint-Doulchard, Saint-Martin-d'Auxigny, Sancergues, Sancerre, Vailly-sur-Sauldre: all municipalities,

and the following municipalities: Argent-sur-Sauldre, Aubigny-sur-Nère, Blancafort, Bourges, Bussy, Cerbois, Civray, Corquoy, Lantan, Lazenay, Limeux, Lunery, Mareuil-sur-Arnon, Morthomiers, Nançay, Neuvy-sur-Barangeon, Oizon, Osmery, Plou, Poisieux, Preuilly, Primelles, Quincy, Raymond, Saint-Denis-de-Palin, Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, Saint-Germain-des-Bois, Saint-Laurent, Serruelles, Le Subdray, Villeneuve-sur-Cher, Vouzeron.

—   Loiret:

Canton of Châtillon-sur-Loire: all municipalities,

and the following municipalities: Bonny-sur-Loire, Cerdon, Coullons, Faverelles, Ousson-sur-Loire, Poilly-lès-Gien, Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire, Saint-Martin-sur-Ocre, Thou.

—   Nièvre:

Cantons of: Cosne-Cours sur Loire Nord and Cosne-Cours sur Loire Sud: all municipalities,

and the following municipalities: Arquian, Bulcy, Donzy, Garchy, La Charité-sur-Loire, Mesves-sur-Loire, Narcy, Pouilly-sur-Loire, Raveau, Saint-Andelain, Saint-Laurent-l’Abbaye, Saint-Martin-sur-Nohain, Saint-Quentin-sur-Nohain, Suilly-la-Tour, Saint-Vérain, Tracy-sur-Loire, Varennes-lès-Narcy.

Maps of the geographical area can be consulted on the website of the National Institute of Origin and Quality (Institut national de l’origine et de la qualité – INAO).

5.   Link with the geographical area

‘Crottin de Chavignol’ or ‘Chavignol’ is a small cheese in a flat cylinder shape that is made exclusively from raw whole goat’s milk; it has a thin rind, with or without white or blue moulds. The know-how in managing the diet of the dairy goats, processing the milk and shaping the mould ensure that the quality of the native floras in the milk is preserved, thus resulting in the characteristics of the cheese.

The geographical area for ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ or ‘Chavignol’ is centred around the Pays-Fort sancerrois farming region and extends into the neighbouring regions: Champagne berrichonne, Coteaux de la Loire et Sologne, characterised by the presence of grassland on clayey and clayey-chalky soils, favourable to supplying fodder for the goats.

Historically this area was a poor farming region where farms growing mixed crops, fodder, vines and orchards and rearing small hardy ruminants developed subsistence goat production. On those farms, the women reared the goats and processed the milk into cheese. The practice of pre-draining was one of the means for berrichon women to free themselves from the constraints of moulding by deferring that task in order to best manage the many other domestic or professional priorities which they had on those mixed-crop and mixed-livestock farms.

The word ‘crottin’ is thought to have come from the berrichon word ‘crot’, which means hole and referred in particular to the river banks where the women came to do their washing. The clayey soil which bordered those ‘crots’ was used by the farmers for pottery, initially to make small oil lamps and then small cheese moulds.

Rearing goats and using their milk to make cheese have therefore constituted a supplementary resource for farmers in the geographical area since at least the 16th century. In the berrichon farming and wine-growing areas, those small cheeses were often intended as food for the workers and day labourers in the fields or vineyards. Depending on the season and whether or not the milk was plentiful, ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ or ‘Chavignol’ had or did not have white or blue moulds, or was even of the ‘repassé’ version in the middle of winter.

Today’s production methods stem from those used in the past. The cheese is obtained by predominantly lactic coagulation of raw whole goat’s milk, with the addition of a small quantity of rennet. During production, the curds must be pre-drained on cloth. The curds are then shaped in a truncated-cone mould of specified dimensions and turned at least once in the mould. Maturing takes at least 10 days at a controlled temperature and humidity. The confinement stage for making ‘repassé’ cheeses is in addition to the minimum maturing period.

‘Crottin de Chavignol’ or ‘Chavignol’ is a small cheese made from raw whole goat’s milk and has the shape of flat cylinder, very slightly curved at the central diameter. It has a thin rind, with or without white or blue moulds.

The ‘repassé’ version of the cheese is covered in a blue Penicillium and is soft.

The use of a truncated-cone mould of specified dimensions gives ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ or ‘Chavignol’ its characteristic shape, which is accentuated by turning the mould’s contents half way through draining. The shape of ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ or ‘Chavignol’ is also linked to a production process which includes pre-draining the curds.

The pre-draining stage, which gives the fresh cheese the moisture level expected upon removal from the mould, and its shape (weight/surface area ratio) influences the maturing floras in order to give ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ or ‘Chavignol’ its characteristics. The shape is also linked to the use of the mould whose local origin is recognised.

‘Crottin de Chavignol’ or ‘Chavignol’ is also characterised by the diversity of its appearance (thin rind, with or without white or blue moulds, and brown with blue moulds for the ‘repassé’ version).

Reference to publication of the specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-10f7d543-ce73-49ef-b0ce-8eaa6576e2dc

---

(1)  OJ L 179, 19.6.2014, p. 17.

Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2), point (a), of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2023/C 174/14)

This publication confers the right to oppose the amendment application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within three months from the date of this publication.

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF A NON-MINOR AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION FOR A PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN OR PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION

Application for approval of an amendment in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

‘Fränkischer Karpfen / Frankenkarpfen / Karpfen aus Franken’

EU No: PGI-DE-0688-AM01

☐ PDO ☒ PGI

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

Name: Fischereiverband Mittelfranken e.V. [Mittelfranken Fisheries Association]

Address: Maiacher Straße 60d, 90441 Nuremberg

Tel. +49 9114249010

Email: info@mfr.de

Legitimate interest

The applicant is the same as the original applicant. It is an association of producers of the protected products. It therefore has a legitimate interest in this amendment application and is also entitled to apply (Article 53(1) in conjunction with Article 3, point (2), of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012).

2.   Member State or Third Country

Germany

3.   Heading in the product specification affected by the amendment(s)

☐	Name of product

☒	Description of product

☐	Geographical area

☒	Proof of origin

☒	Method of production

☒

Link

☐

Labelling

☐	Other [to be specified]

4.   Type of amendment(s)

☒	Amendments to the product specification of a registered PDO or PGI which cannot be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

☐	Amendments to the product specification of a registered PDO or PGI for which a single document (or equivalent) has not been published and which cannot be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

5.   Amendment(s)

1.    Description of product

Amendment to the specification

In the third paragraph of Section (b), Description, the current wording of the first sentence

‘The live weight of a 3-year-old fish is between 1 000 g and 1 700 g’ is to be amended to

‘The live weight of this table carp (from K3) is between 1 000 g and 3 000 g.’

Reason: The development of automatic filleters has resulted in the demand for fillets soaring, larger carp being particularly well suited to filleting.

Impact on the single document

The above-mentioned amendment to the specification also affects point 3.2, Product description, of the single document.

In the third paragraph, the first sentence ‘The live weight of a 3-year-old fish is between 1 000 g and 1 700 g’ is to be amended to

‘The live weight of this table carp (from K3) is between 1 000 g and 3 000 g.’

2.    Proof of origin

Amendment to the specification

In Section (d), Proof of origin, the current wording of the fourth and fifth sentences

‘All producers registered in the control system are recorded by the pond cooperative in a database. The pond cooperative monitors ...’ is to be amended to

‘All producers registered in the control system are recorded in a database by the authorised coordinator (currently “Satzfischerzeugerring Franken e.V.”). The coordinator monitors ...’

Reason: As neither the Mittelfranken Fisheries Association nor any of the pond cooperatives in the geographical area wanted to take over the control system, Satzfischerzeugerring Franken e.V. agreed to act as coordinator.

Impact on the single document: none

3.    Method of production

Amendment to the specification

The following amendments are requested in Section (e), Method of production:

(1)	In the first paragraph, the current wording of the fourth sentence   ‘... and then reach the desired weight in the third summer (i.e. as K3 fish)’ is to be amended to   ‘... and then generally reach the desired weight in the third summer (i.e. as K3 fish)’.

(2)

The current wording of the second paragraph   ‘... be kept in the geographical area for [at least] one production period (starting in April of the year in question)’ is to be amended to   ‘... be kept in the geographical area for [at least] one production period (starting in most cases in April of the year in question)’.

(3)

In the third paragraph, the current wording of the first sentence   ‘... In the production of table fish (K2-K3), this is supplemented by legumes and grain, excluding maize’ is to be amended to   ‘... In the production of table fish (from K2), this is supplemented by legumes and grain, excluding maize’.

Reason: As carp are farmed extensively (i.e. outdoors) in natural ponds, the weather has a strong influence on the growth of the fish. Table carp have developed very differently over recent years (as a result of climate change).

In some years, early spring was so warm that the fish came out of hibernation early and started to feed. This meant that their natural food sources were not sufficient and had to be supplemented.

Although carp prefer warmth, the last, extremely hot and dry summers have shown that other factors also have a negative impact on growth: mainly lack of oxygen, but in some cases also high incidence of blue-green algae, and also low water levels in ponds. This led to stress, as a result of which the fish ate less and also grew more slowly. In addition, fish had to be removed from ponds as an emergency measure when the water level was too low, which, again, had a negative impact on their growth. As it is not possible to tell how the climate will develop, the applicants consider greater flexibility in the production method (as described above) to be a matter of urgency.

Impact on the single document

The amendments affect the following points in the single document:

NB: the numbering of the single document has changed; what was point 3.4, Feed, is now 3.3 and what was point 3.5, Specific steps in production, is now 3.4.

Point 3.3 (Feed)

The sentence in the current single document (point 3.4, first and second lines)

‘… In the production of table fish (K2-K3), this is supplemented by legumes …’ is to be amended to

(now under point 3.3, first and second lines)

Point 3.4 (Specific steps in production that must take place in the defined geographical area)

In the current wording of the fourth sentence of the first paragraph (under point 3.5 of the current single document)

‘... and then reach the desired weight in the third summer (i.e. as K3 fish)’, the word ‘generally’ is inserted before ‘reach’.

The sentence (which is now the fourth sentence under point 3.4) now reads:

In the second paragraph (under point 3.5 of the current single document, in the phrase ‘(starting in April of the year in question)’ the words ‘in most cases’ are inserted before ‘in April’.

The phrase (which is now in the fifth sentence under point 3.4) now reads:

4.    Link with the geographical area

Amendment to the specification

Under point (3), Causal link / Reputation, the current wording of the second and third sentences of the last paragraph:

is to be amended to

Reason: The reason for the amendment is that the indicated URL (www.foodfrombavaria.de ) is no longer valid.

Impact on the single document

The above-mentioned amendment to the specification also affects point 5(3), Causal link, of the single document. The current wording of the second and third sentences of the last paragraph:

is to be amended to

SINGLE DOCUMENT

’ Fränkischer Karpfen / Frankenkarpfen / Karpfen aus Franken'

EU No: PGI-DE-0688-AM01— 7.2.2022

PDO ( ) PGI (X )

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

’ Fränkischer Karpfen / Frankenkarpfen / Karpfen aus Franken'

2.   Member State or Third Country

Germany

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.7. Fresh fish, molluscs and crustaceans and products derived therefrom

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

‘Fränkischer Karpfen’ / ‘Frankenkarpfen’ / ‘Karpfen aus Franken’ (hereinafter ‘Frankenkarpfen’), a mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio), is a table fish which is sold live or slaughtered.

The ‘Frankenkarpfen’ has a dark green, grey or greyish blue back, yellow-green to gold sides and a yellowish white belly. Its dorsal and caudal fins are grey, the caudal and anal fins have a reddish tone and the pectoral and pelvic fins are yellowish or reddish in colour.

The live weight of this table carp (from K3) is between 1 000 g and 3 000 g. The ‘Frankenkarpfen’ is a mirror carp characterised by its firm, white, palatable flesh and its low fat content of practically no more than 10 %. The fat content is kept low by limiting the stocking density (a maximum of 800 carp per ha at the K2 stage).

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

The carp feed predominantly on what is naturally available (bottom nutrients, zooplankton, etc.). In the production of table fish (from K2), this is supplemented by legumes and grain (excluding maize). In addition, mixed feed authorised under the Bavarian agricultural landscapes programme is permitted. The mixed feed must consist of arable crops only and may not contain any ingredients of animal origin. It may not contain more than 16 % raw protein and the total phosphorus content must not be more than 0,6 %. The greenmeal content must be at least 10 %.

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

As the carp grow during the warm summer months, their age is counted in summers. Table carp in Franconia generally grow to maturity over the course of three summers. In the first year, what are known as K1 fish are raised from the eggs. After the subsequent winter, the fish grow to K2, are kept for another winter and then generally reach the desired weight in the third summer (i.e. as K3 fish). ‘Frankenkarpfen’ must be kept in the geographical area at least from fry (K2) to table fish (K3), i.e. for at least one production period (starting in most cases in April of the year in question).

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

-

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

-

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area covers all carp ponds in Unterfranken, Mittelfranken and Oberfranken.

5.   Link with the geographical area

(1)   Specificity of the geographical area

‘Frankenkarpfen’ has been produced in the production region for about 900 years. Carp production has close historical links to the Franconian monasteries.

The fish ponds in Franconia form a band of varying width through the geological Rednitz basin and the upper Altmühl, Aisch and Wörnitz valleys. They are located mainly in the Middle (or ‘Bunter’) Keuper, the sandstone Keuper, and in particular in the light sandy soils of the Löwenstein Formation.

The alternation of sandstone layers and clayey, impermeable layers, which is a particular characteristic of the soils of the Bunter Keuper, proved to be extremely conducive to the construction of ponds.

Throughout Franconia, ponds can be found almost exclusively in the geological formation that is the Keuper. That formation, as stated above, is made up of impermeable soils with only minimal water loss through seepage. This means that only small inflows or simple precipitation are enough to maintain the water level over summer.

Compared to the rest of Germany, Franconia has very little precipitation. Average annual rainfall is thus between about 600 mm and 650 mm, and the average temperature is 7-9 °C. In other words, it is a warm, dry continental climate with little precipitation. Unlike in the Oberpfalz, the water balance is the limiting factor for pond farming in Franconia. The climate is warmer than in the Oberpfalz and the ponds are more fertile and give better yields as a result.

Carp farming is a distinctive feature not only of the landscape of Franconia but also of its culture. There are books of fish-farming anecdotes, songs about carp and even art and other exhibitions dedicated to the carp.

‘Frankenkarpfen’ is a traditional meal served in hostelries all over Franconia, many of which – like the delicacy itself – have been there for hundreds of years. Most of the innkeepers, who follow in a long family tradition of serving carp, keep them in tanks or basins so that they always have a ready supply of fresh fish.

The ‘Frankenkarpfen’ is very highly regarded as a foodstuff throughout the region and can be prepared in ways typical of Franconia (e.g. carp cut in half lengthways and fried).

(2)   Specificity of the product

‘Frankenkarpfen’ is characterised by its firm, white flesh, which has a typical flavour that can be said to be not earthy or musty, pleasantly palatable and reminiscent of good, freshly boiled potatoes. As a result of the prescribed stocking density, ‘Frankenkarpfen’ has a low fat content of practically no more than 10 %.

(3)   Causal link

The link is based on the quality and characteristics of the product and the natural factors of the area.

‘Frankenkarpfen’ is known throughout the region and beyond and is highly regarded among consumers. The characteristic and typical taste of the fish comes from the high quality and purity of the water in the defined area in which they are bred, the effects of the natural and geographical conditions on the breeding of the carp, the influence of the specific subsoil in Franconia and, in particular, the predominantly natural feed (fish food organisms) in the water of the area concerned. It can be said to be not earthy or musty, pleasantly palatable and reminiscent of good, freshly boiled potatoes. The feed and low stocking density (which does not exceed 800 K2 carp per hectare) ensure the outstanding quality of the meat.

‘Frankenkarpfen’ is held in high regard because of its quality and the importance and centuries-old tradition of pond farming in Franconia. The carp is an integral part of cultural life in the geographical area and is a highly prized foodstuff and a key component of traditional Franconian cuisine – these factors too have made ‘Frankenkarpfen’ a speciality of the region with a reputation that extends far beyond it.

A consumer survey carried out in Nuremberg in 2002 showed that 31 % of consumers prefer ‘Frankenkarpfen’. ‘Frankenkarpfen’ is also listed as a traditional Bavarian speciality in the Bavarian specialities database. In order to be included in the database, a product, dish or drink must meet a number of requirements.

The speciality must have been produced or grown in the region for at least 50 years. It must also have a history and/or origin that demonstrates that the product is closely linked to the region where it is produced or processed. Last but not least, consumers must perceive the product as being typically Bavarian or typical of a region within Bavaria.

Reference to publication of the specification

Markenblatt [Trade Mark Journal] Vol. 32 of 13.8.2021, Part 7a-bb, p. 31509

https://register.dpma.de/DPMAregister/geo/detail.pdfdownload/42259

---

(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

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

(2023/C 174/15)

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

SINGLE DOCUMENT

’Milas Yağlı Zeytini'

EU No: PDO-TR-02628 – 4.8.2020

PDO (X) PGI ( )

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

’Milas Yağlı Zeytini'

2.   Member State or Third Country

Türkiye

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.6. Fruits, vegetables and cereals fresh or processed

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

Milas Yağlı Zeytini protected designation of origin covers table olives of the Memecik variety grown in Milas province, fermented in brine and preserved with olive oil obtained from Memecik variety olives and fresh lemon slices. Milas Yağlı Zeytini olives are fully ripened, black/purple colored, whole and split vertically. Milas Yağlı Zeytini has medium fruity flavour. Bitter orange, orange, mandarin and lemon aromas are dominant.

The product must present the following characteristics

Size :	170-200 fruit/kg
Fruit color :	purple/black
Free acidity (Oleic acid) :	≤ 0,8 %
Salt Content :	≤ 4 %
Total Phenolic Content :	≥ 97 mgGAE/100g
Fat Content :	27-33 %
Moisture Content :	54-62 %

Organoleptic Characteristics (International Olive Council Method COI/OT/MO (On a scale of min:1 max:11)
Saltiness	Low or medium strength (3,5-5,5)
Bitterness	Low or medium strength (3,5-5,5)
Acidity	Low or medium strength (2,5-5,5)
Hardness	Medium strength (4-6,4)
Fibrousness	Medium or high strength (4,2-6,2)
Crunchiness	Medium or high strength (4-7)

Quality Characteristics
Defect predominantly perceived median (Abnormal fermentation, musty, rancid, cooking effect, soapy, metallic, earthy, winey-vinegary) (International Olive Council Method COI/OT/MO)	< 3

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

‘Milas Yağlı Zeytini’ is produced exclusively from olives, specifically Memecik variety, grown in the specified geographical area. Lemons should be free from mould or other defects and rock salt is used for seasoning. Olive oil used to preserve olives must be produced from the same variety of olives in the specified geographical area and have maximum 1,0 % free acidity. This olive oil has dark green/yellow color and pungent fruity smell which enhances the fruity flavor of the product.

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

All steps in the production process including growing, harvesting, processing of the olives must take place within the defined geographical area.

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

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

Labels must include the following:

—	The name of the designation ‘Milas Yağlı Zeytini’,

—	Trade name and address or short name and address or registered mark of the producer,

—	European Union PDO logo

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The protected area refers to all the villages and towns under the municipality of Milas in the province of Muğla, located in southern Aegean region.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Specificity of the geographical area

Milas is located in Menteşe region in the northwestern part of Muğla province, and it is a mountainous region where there are narrow and deep valleys and calcareous lands, extending in the north-southeast direction of Bafa lake-Milas depression and Ilbıra Mountain in the west and Akçay depression in the east. Limited agricultural areas and the mountainous masses and slopes in the district have prepared a favorable environment for olive farming. In Milas, olive cultivation has become an agricultural activity that is completely forced by natural conditions.

The Memecik olive variety used in production is indigenous to the geographical area. Memecik variety has been cultivated in the Milas region for generations and greater percentage of olive trees in this region is of ‘Memecik’ variety. A comparative study of bioactive constituents in Turkish olives (Hasim Kelebek, Songul Kesen & Serkan Selli (2015) Comparative Study of Bioactive Constituents in Turkish Olive Oils by LC-ESI/MS/MS, International Journal of Food Properties, 18:10, 2231-2245) shown that Memecik olive variety have high antioxidant activity and phenolic content compared to other olive cultivars grown in Turkey. The unique characteristics of the variety that originated from the specificity of the geographical area, contribute to the chemical composition of the product, in particular the phenolic content, which adds to the fruity flavor of the Milas Yağlı Zeytini.

The typical characteristics of the Mediterranean climate are seen in Milas district. Olive plants require average temperature conditions of 15-20 °C during flowering period, 15-20 °C during fruit ripening period and a minimum of 5 °C from ripening to harvest period. In addition, it needs a certain cold period during the formation of the flower bud. Olives are very sensitive to low temperatures and will be damaged if the minimum daily temperature falls below -7 °C. The average daily temperature in olive fields in Milas is minimum 9,9 °C in December, 8,9 °C in January and 9,5 °C in February which is very suitable for cooling period. The lowest average temperature is 19,4 °C in May, which is the flowering period, and the lowest average temperature is 17,4 °C in the fruit-ripening period. These temperature values are nearly optimum growing conditions for olive trees and gives high yield of olives. Alluvial soil as well as clay-sandy soil is seen in Milas. This type of soil retains water and makes it possible for olives trees to grow stronger roots to give higher yields. In addition, Milas province has a long-standing average precipitation record of 900-1 000 mm, which is suitable for olive farming without any need for irrigation. Olives used for the production of Milas Yağlı Zeytini are grown without irrigation as the mountainous relief of the region does not allow for the irrigation of the olive trees. Thus, during the hot summer months, olive trees are not irrigated. The absence of irrigation results in the formation of higher phenol content and the fruity flavor of the olives, which constitute the main specificity of Milas Yağlı Zeytini.

Specificity of the product

The distinctive character of the product is mainly due to the organoleptic characteristics of the olives grown in the area and its fruity aroma, which comes from being seasoned with olive oil and lemons. Because olives are not usually preserved with oil and lemons, the product is easily recognizable. The purple/black color of the olives are also very distinctive.

The fruity and bitterness characteristic of olives is due to the high polyphenol content of Memecik variety of olives. Furthermore, quality olive oil that is used for preserving the olives has similar characteristics as it is produced from the same variety olives which enhances the organoleptic qualities of the product.

The sliced lemons enhance the acidity and the desirable bitterness of the product. The use of olive oil for preservation cuts the contact of olives with air and the lemons increase acidity so less salt can be used during production. This method is also the reason why the product does not undergo pasteurization or sterilization process.

Human factors

The town of Milas has been an ancient human settlement area of more than 5 000 years. The natural conditions have made olive farming and olive oil production to be the primary agricultural activity in the region since Caria Civilization. The know-how of local olive growers is essential to start harvest. Harvest starts around December before the olives becomes completely black. The specific knowledge of the local producers is essential to recognize when the olives are turning color from purple to black and start the harvest. This gives the products its distinctive purple/black color. Olives are harvested with care to prevent bruising and, if possible, by hand. As bruised or damaged olives are very prone to oxidation, care during harvest is essential to low level of defects and low free acidity.

Olives are prepared with a traditional method without additives or preservatives. The method involves olives being sliced and put in fresh water for debittering in the first 24 hours after harvest. The water is changed three times where 2 % rock salt is added after third change. The level of debittering is checked by the operators to ensure required organoleptic characteristics. The expertise of the producers help determine when the olives are sufficiently debittered.

The flavoring method which uses olive oil and lemons comes from the producers' know-how. The lemons used for production are sliced and salted by the producers to prevent any undesirable microbial growth. The amount of salt and lemon slices are determined by the producers to ensure the fruity flavor.

Causal link

Milas Yağlı Zeytini is characterized by the presence of the Memecik variety, which is well established in the area and accounts for almost all its olive trees. The unique characteristics of the variety which originated from the specificity of the geographical area, contribute to the chemical composition of the product, in particular the phenolic content which gives the fruity flavor of the Milas Yağlı Zeytini.

The specificity of the product is closely linked to pedo-climatic conditions of the geographical area and local know-how. The production method is closely monitored by the producers which ensures the quality. Olive oil and lemons which are used for preserving distinguishes the product and enhances its natural taste and aroma.

Reference to publication of the specification

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(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.