ISSN 1725-2423 |
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Official Journal of the European Union |
C 283 |
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English edition |
Information and Notices |
Volume 49 |
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(1) Text with EEA relevance |
EN |
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I Information
Commission
21.11.2006 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 283/1 |
Euro exchange rates (1)
20 November 2006
(2006/C 283/01)
1 euro=
|
Currency |
Exchange rate |
USD |
US dollar |
1,2841 |
JPY |
Japanese yen |
151,57 |
DKK |
Danish krone |
7,4578 |
GBP |
Pound sterling |
0,67680 |
SEK |
Swedish krona |
9,0823 |
CHF |
Swiss franc |
1,5928 |
ISK |
Iceland króna |
90,61 |
NOK |
Norwegian krone |
8,2620 |
BGN |
Bulgarian lev |
1,9558 |
CYP |
Cyprus pound |
0,5777 |
CZK |
Czech koruna |
28,005 |
EEK |
Estonian kroon |
15,6466 |
HUF |
Hungarian forint |
258,78 |
LTL |
Lithuanian litas |
3,4528 |
LVL |
Latvian lats |
0,6980 |
MTL |
Maltese lira |
0,4293 |
PLN |
Polish zloty |
3,8093 |
RON |
Romanian leu |
3,4968 |
SIT |
Slovenian tolar |
239,66 |
SKK |
Slovak koruna |
35,678 |
TRY |
Turkish lira |
1,8741 |
AUD |
Australian dollar |
1,6687 |
CAD |
Canadian dollar |
1,4676 |
HKD |
Hong Kong dollar |
9,9993 |
NZD |
New Zealand dollar |
1,9225 |
SGD |
Singapore dollar |
2,0005 |
KRW |
South Korean won |
1 201,21 |
ZAR |
South African rand |
9,3553 |
CNY |
Chinese yuan renminbi |
10,1110 |
HRK |
Croatian kuna |
7,3681 |
IDR |
Indonesian rupiah |
11 754,01 |
MYR |
Malaysian ringgit |
4,6870 |
PHP |
Philippine peso |
64,000 |
RUB |
Russian rouble |
34,2040 |
THB |
Thai baht |
47,000 |
Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.
21.11.2006 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 283/2 |
Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises
(2006/C 283/02)
(Text with EEA relevance)
Aid No |
XS 106/06 |
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Member State |
Netherlands |
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Region |
Provincie Zuid-Holland |
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Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid |
Wilgengroep B.V. |
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Legal basis |
Artikel 12 van de Algemene Subsidieverordening Zuid-Holland, 1 juni 2005 |
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Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of aid granted to the company |
Aid scheme |
Annual overall amount |
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Loans guaranteed |
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Individual aid |
Overall aid amount |
EUR 475 717 |
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Loans guaranteed |
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Maximum aid intensity |
In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation |
Yes. Intensity of government aid is 45 % (pre-competitive research) |
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Date of implementation |
13.6.2006. Conditional. The aid will be provided after notification |
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Duration of scheme or individual aid award |
Until 30.6.2009. The measure will, if necessary, be adapted to take account of the relevant provisions after review of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001. The Commission will be notified accordingly |
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Objective of aid |
Aid to SMEs |
Yes. This research and development project will develop and build a prototype of a robot platform for use in greenhouse cultivation. The internal transport system envisaged should be able to operate in greenhouses entirely independently, without human intervention, to take measurements, record data and perform tasks such as administering nutrients or pesticides as required. The robot platform thus offers possibilities for savings in raw materials and waste products. Yields can also be improved by setting the temperature, humidity, CO2 level etc. in the greenhouse at a level that human beings could not survive in but which is ideal for the crop. Another important challenge of the project is how to attach the platform in the greenhouse and move it around. It cannot be placed on the ground, and greenhouse design at the moment is not geared to such a system. By using and developing knowledge in the field of structural design, ICT, light materials and guidance systems the aim is to develop a mechanical service platform. The knowledge institution Praktijkonderzoek Plant & Omgeving in Naaldwijk has become involved in the project at its own expense and risk and is supplying the necessary scientific know-how in the area of cultivation methods, logistical systems and advanced techniques for monitoring, handling and treatment at individual plant level. PPO is testing the system in practice in the experimental garden |
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Economic sectors concerned |
Limited to specific sectors |
Yes |
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Other manufacturing |
Industries supplying the greenhouse cultivation sector. |
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Name and address of the granting authority |
Provincie Zuid-Holland |
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Large individual aid grants |
In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation |
Yes |
Aid No |
XS 107/06 |
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Member State |
Netherlands |
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Region |
Provincie Zuid-Holland |
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Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid |
Vivici B.V. |
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Legal basis |
Artikel 12 van de Algemene Subsidieverordening Zuid-Holland, 1 juni 2005 |
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Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of aid granted to the company |
Aid scheme |
Annual overall amount |
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Loans guaranteed |
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Individual aid |
Overall aid amount |
EUR 154 955 |
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Loans guaranteed |
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Maximum aid intensity |
In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation |
Yes. Intensity of government aid is 45 % (pre-competition research) |
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Date of implementation |
13.6.2006. Conditional. The aid will be provided after notification |
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Duration of scheme or individual aid award |
Until 31.6.2007 |
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Objective of aid |
Aid to SMEs |
Yes. This research and development project will develop knowledge and technology in the area of applying ICT in home and primary care services. Where many care providers are involved, electronic patient records will exist in different locations. These are rarely linked, whereas this could achieve radically better value for money in home and primary care. It will only be possible to develop and apply IT and ICT-based technical aids if the data are accurate and up-to-date and can be exchanged quickly and securely. One complication is the uncertain interaction between software, hardware and future health care products. At the heart of the project is an IT-breakthrough in the field of open electronic health records. The knowledge institute TNO will provide the scientific expertise for the development, operational application, testing and evaluation of the various elements of the system. The aim is to put together an integrated service concept with the requisite technology (hardware and software) for ultimate use in home care, with the aim of enabling people to be cared for in their own homes for longer |
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Economic sectors concerned |
Limited to specific sectors |
Yes |
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Other services |
Industries supplying the care sector |
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Name and address of the granting authority |
Provincie Zuid-Holland |
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Large individual aid grants |
In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation |
Yes |
Aid No |
XS 131/06 |
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Member State |
Italy |
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Region |
Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta |
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Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid |
Consultancy aid to SMEs, pursuant to measure D3 of the regional operational programme (ROP) for structural measures taken by the region of Valle d'Aosta to meet Objective 3 in the period 2000-2006 |
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Legal basis |
Deliberazione della Giunta regionale n. 2003 in data 27.6.2005 |
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Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company |
Aid scheme |
Annual overall amount |
EUR 0,20 million |
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Loans guaranteed |
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Individual aid |
Overall aid amount |
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Loans guaranteed |
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Maximum aid intensity |
In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation |
Yes |
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Date of implementation |
1.7.2005 |
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Duration of scheme or individual aid award |
Until 31.12.2006 |
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Objective of aid |
Aid to SMEs |
Yes |
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Economic sectors concerned |
All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs |
Yes |
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All manufacturing |
Yes |
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Name and address of the granting authority |
Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta — Assessorato attività produttive e politiche del lavoro — Dipartimento industria, artigianato ed energia |
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Large individual aid grants |
In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation, the measure excludes individual aid grants or requires prior notification to the Commission of awards of aid,
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Yes |
Aid No |
XS 213/05 |
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Member State |
Greece |
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Region |
All regions, but Attica |
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Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid |
Regional Innovation poles (RIP)-Development and Networking of SMEs and technological service providers in matters related to transfer technology and innovation |
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Legal basis |
P.Π.Δ.274/2000, όπως τροποποιήθηκε με το Π.Δ.103/2003 και το άρθρο 34 του Νόμου αριθ. 3259/2004 Το Άρθρο 23 του Νόμου 3377/2005 παρέχει ορισμό του ΠΠΚ |
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Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company |
Aid scheme |
Annual overall amount |
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Loans guaranteed |
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Individual aid |
Overall aid amount |
EUR 3 600 000 (maximum) |
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Loans guaranteed |
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Maximum aid intensity |
In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation |
Yes |
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Date of implementation |
1.5.2006 |
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Duration of scheme or individual aid award |
Until .31.12.2006 (Legal Commitments) Projects implementation expires 31.12.2008 |
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Objective of aid |
Aid to SMEs |
Yes |
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Economic sectors concerned |
All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs |
Yes |
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Name and address of the granting authority |
Υπουργείο Ανάπτυξης (Ministry of Development) Γενική Γραμματεία Έρευνας & Τεχνολογίας (General Secretariat for Research and Technology) |
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Large individual aid grants |
In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation |
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21.11.2006 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 283/6 |
Prior notification of a concentration
(Case COMP/M.4423 — Merck/Serono)
Candidate case for simplified procedure
(2006/C 283/03)
(Text with EEA relevance)
1. |
On 13 November 2006, 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 Merck KGaA (‘Merck’, Germany) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the undertaking Serono S.A. (‘Serono’, Switzerland) by way of purchase of shares. |
2. |
The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:
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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 (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4423 — Merck/Serono, to the following address:
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21.11.2006 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 283/7 |
Prior notification of a concentration
(Case COMP/M.4418 — Nycomed Group/Altana Pharma)
(2006/C 283/04)
(Text with EEA relevance)
1. |
On 8 November 2006, 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 Nycomed Group (‘Nycomed’, Denmark) jointly controlled by Nordic Capital Fund V (‘Nordic Capital’, Jersey) and Credit Suisse Group (‘CSG’, Switzerland) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Altana Pharma AG (‘Altana’, Germany) by way of purchase of shares. |
2. |
The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:
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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. |
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 (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4418 — Nycomed Group/Altana Pharma, to the following address:
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21.11.2006 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 283/8 |
Non-opposition to a notified concentration
(Case COMP/M.4412 — Permira Holdings/Borsodchem)
(2006/C 283/05)
(Text with EEA relevance)
On 8 November 2006, 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 32006M4412. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex) |
21.11.2006 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 283/8 |
Withdrawal of notification of a concentration
(Case COMP/M.4267 — Deutsche Börse/Euronext)
(2006/C 283/06)
(Text with EEA relevance)
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 139/2004
On 13 October 2006, the Commission of the European Communities received notification of a proposed concentration between Deutsche Börse AG and Euronext N.V. On 17 November 2006, the notifying parties informed the Commission that they withdrew their notification.
21.11.2006 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 283/9 |
Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty
Cases where the Commission raises no objections
(2006/C 283/07)
(Text with EEA relevance)
Date of adoption of the decision |
26.9.2006 |
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Reference number of the aid |
N 178/06 |
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Member State |
The Czech Republic |
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Title |
Výzkumný program ministerstva dopravy na léta 2007 – 2011 |
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Legal basis |
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Type of measure |
Aid scheme |
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Objective |
R&D |
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Form of aid |
grant |
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Budget |
CZK 306 352 000 (EUR 10 736 372) (overall) |
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Intensity |
100 % (fundamental research), 75 % (industrial research), 50 % (precompetitive research) |
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Duration |
Till 31.12.2011 |
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Economic sectors |
Transport |
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Name and address of the granting authority |
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Other information |
The Czech authorities committed themselves to present to the Commission annual reports on implementation of the scheme |
The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/
Date of adoption of the decision |
22.6.2006 |
Reference number of the aid |
N 302/05 |
Member State |
Czech Republic |
Title |
Privatisation of the railway catering services company Jídelní a lůžkové vozy |
Legal basis |
Usnesení vlády č. 145 ze dne 2. února 2005 a § 10 odst. 1 zákona č. 92/1991 Sb., o podmínkách převodu majetku státu |
Objective |
To achieve a high-quality passenger service, to provide more attractive services on board and to support joint rail ventures with catering companies |
Budget |
The purchase price for all shares on sale amounts to CZK 20 million (EUR 705 756,51) |
The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/
Date of adoption of the decision |
22.2.2006 |
Reference number of the aid |
N 397/05 |
Member State |
Germany |
Title |
Guidelines on funding for transhipment facilities for combined transport |
Legal basis |
Haushaltgesetz des Bundes für das Jahr 2005 und die Richtlinie zur Förderung vom Umschlaganlagen des Kombinierter Verkehrs |
Objective |
To prolong a subsidy scheme for the construction of combined transport terminals in order to continue promoting rail and inland waterway transport |
Budget |
EUR 52,53 million annually |
Intensity |
50 % — 85 % |
Duration (period) |
2006-2008 |
The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/
Date of adoption of the decision |
12.10.2006 |
Reference number of the aid |
N 427/06 |
Member State |
United Kingdom |
Region |
Only Great Britain |
Title |
Rail Environmental Benefit Procurement Scheme (REPS) |
Legal basis |
Railways Act 2005, Section 6, 8 and 10 |
Type of measure |
Aid scheme |
Objective |
To increase the use of railway transport |
Form of aid |
Grant rates for the movement of an intermodal container |
Budget |
GBP 20 million (EUR 29 million) per annum during 3 years. The total amount of the budget is GBP 60 million (EUR 87 million) |
Intensity |
30 % maximun |
Duration |
3 years from 1.04.2007-31.3.2010 |
Economic sectors |
Rail transport |
Name and address of the granting authority |
Department of Transport UK, the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government |
Other information |
A report will be submitted at the end of the period |
The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/
Date of adoption of the decision |
26.9.2006 |
Reference number of the aid |
N 564/05 |
Member State |
The Czech Republic |
Title |
Podpora (dotace) ke krytí ztrát v důsledku nedostatečných plavebních podmínek na úseku Labe mezi Ústím nad Labem a státní hranicí s Německem, způsobených výjimečným obdobím nízkých srážek |
Legal basis |
Návrh usnesení vlády České republiky o poskytnutí dotace ke krytí ztrát v důsledku nedostatečných plavebních podmínek na úseku Labe mezi Ústím nad Labem a státní hranicí s Německem |
Type of measure |
aid scheme |
Objective |
compensate losses which occur as a result of insufficient boating conditions |
Form of aid |
Grant |
Budget |
CZK 84,7 million |
Duration |
2004-2010 |
Economic sectors |
Inland waterway transport |
Name and address of the granting authority |
Ministrerstvo dopravy, Nábřeží Ludvíka Svobody 12/222, CZ-110 15 Praha 1 |
The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/
Date of adoption of the decision |
22.2.2006 |
Reference number of the aid |
N 565/05 |
Member State |
Czech Republic |
Title |
State guarantee for the purpose of financing the purchase of railway rolling stock by Česke Dráhy (Czech Railways |
Legal basis |
Zákon o poskytnutí státní záruky České republiky na zajištění úvěru poskytnutého společností EUROFIMA za účelem financování nákupu kolejových vozidel |
Objective |
To facilitate the purchase of new passenger rolling stock by Česke Dráhy (Czech Railways) |
Budget |
The State guarantee will be granted to cover a loan up to EUR 30 million, including interest and charges from the company of EUROFIMA |
Intensity |
The amount covered by the State guarantee is 95 % of the loan, the remaining 5 % is covered by Czech Railways own resources |
Duration |
The State guarantee will remain valid until 31 December 2019 at the latest |
The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/
21.11.2006 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 283/12 |
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
(2006/C 283/08)
This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation No 510/2006. Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months from the date of this publication.
SUMMARY
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006
Application for registration according to articles 5 and 17(2)
‘BAYERISCHER MEERRETTICH’ OR ‘BAYERISCHER KREN’
EC No: DE/PGI/005/0299/19.03.2003
PDO ( ) PGI ( X )
This summary has been drawn up for information only. For full details, interested parties and in particular the producers of the products covered by the PDO or PGI in question are invited to consult the full version of the product specification obtainable at national level or from the European Commission (1).
1. Responsible department in the Member State:
Name: |
Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt — Markenabteilung 3.2 |
Address: |
D-80297 München |
Tel.: |
(49-89) 21 95 46 22 |
Fax: |
(49-89) 21 95 41 43 |
E-Mail: |
— |
2. Group:
Name: |
Schutzgemeinschaft „BAYERISCHER MEERRETTICH“ |
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Address: |
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Tel.: |
(49-9133) 776 00 |
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Fax: |
(49-9133) 77 60 77 |
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E-Mail: |
hts@schamel.de |
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Composition: |
Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( ) |
3. Type of product:
Class 1.6: Vegetables, fresh or processed
4. Specification (summary of requirements under Article 4(2))
4.1 Name: ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’
4.2 Description: ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ is produced in accordance with the current ‘Bavarian quality standards for horseradish’ of 16 May 1979. ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ is supplied in the form of sticks (raw material) or in processed form (processed material). Processed ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ is manufactured using traditional recipes, particularly in the rural districts of Erlangen-Höchstadt, Neustadt an der Aisch/Bad Windsheim and Forchheim.
Processed ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ which is ready to eat consists of grated horseradish (raw material) with added vinegar, oil, and spices.
The minimum proportion of grated horseradish which must be present in the final product is governed by the ‘Quality requirements for non-perishable foodstuffs made of horseradish’.
100 % of the unprocessed horseradish (raw material) used to produce processed ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ must come from Bavaria, since the Bavarian raw material is key in determining the particular pungency and particular spiciness of the final product ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’. The other ingredients such as vinegar, oil, and spices do not need to be produced or grown in Bavaria.
Special features of the raw material:
‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ has a high proportion of vitamin C, essential oils and antibiotic substances. ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ is characterised by its particular pungency and unique aroma.
Special features of the processed material:
Grated ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ is enriched using recipes which have been closely guarded and handed down through generations. The ingredients are essentially horseradish, vinegar, oil and spices. Once prepared, ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ is particularly pungent and spicy, i.e. it has a rustic, consistently pungent and spicy taste. Because it is processed particularly carefully, the finished product is a perfectly light colour without dark specks, and highly viscous in consistency.
Processed horseradish preparations must contain the minimum levels of the raw material horseradish stipulated in the guidelines on processed horseradish products. Such preparations may only be called ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ if minimum levels are met.
4.3 Geographical area: ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ must be grown in Bavaria in suitable soil, such as one finds particularly in Mittelfranken and Oberfranken; it must also be processed in the Free State of Bavaria. The raw material is traditionally processed mainly in the Frankish rural districts of Erlangen-Höchstadt, Neustadt an der Aisch/Bad Windsheim and Forchheim.
4.4 Proof of origin: The origin of finished products made from Bavarian horseradish can be fully traced via the traceability regulation prescribed by law: the origin of ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ can be demonstrated at all times by means of the batch mark on each individual packet, and the producers' legal records of purchase, sale and production. An independent inspection institution commissioned by the applicant checks the plausibility of the records of purchase, sale and production.
Agricultural producers of ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ are recorded in a register which is kept by the ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ producers' association and updated annually. Only those agricultural producers in the register may supply processors with the raw material for production of ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’. The Erzeugergemeinschaft ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ [The ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ Producers' Association] is also a member of the Schutzgemeinschaft ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ [Association for the Protection of ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’]. An independent inspection institution commissioned by the applicant checks the plausibility of the records of cultivation and sale.
4.5 Method of production: Horseradish is grown in Bavaria following a centuries-old tradition, and on the basis of good farming practice. Since the middle of the 15th century, Bavaria's region for cultivating horseradish has been the richest in tradition in the world.
Cultivation is laborious and requires a lot of work by hand, which explains the old farming saying ‘A field with horseradish wants to see its master every day’. At the end of February, when the period of frost is coming to an end, the clamp where the horseradish root cuttings (young plants) have spent the winter is uncovered. The root cuttings are stored in a bright room until they form shoots under the influence of light. In April, they are planted in the prepared field beds with the ‘crown eastwards, towards the rising sun’, slanting upwards slightly. The first crown shoots emerge in early May, when ‘topping’ begins. Half of each root cutting is exposed, the shoots are broken off and only the strongest shoot is left. This is necessary so that sticks with a single crown can be harvested later.
Until they are harvested in autumn, each individual rooted cutting must then be dug up, and dug in again, at least once more so that side shoots can be removed. Even today, this still takes place mainly by hand. Such roots (the young plant for the coming year) should grow only at the end of the stick. The forthcoming ripening period is signalled by the leaves changing colour. In October, the plant is ready: a harvester is used to loosen the soil and the horseradish sticks are pulled up by hand.
As the root removes all the nutritional value from the soil, horseradish should only be planted in the same field every three years.
Processing takes place using selected, inspected and hand-picked raw materials. The horseradish is cleaned, washed, freshly grated and enriched using ingredients (see 4.2 above). The use of gentle processes means that the aroma of ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ is fully preserved. Raw material which is not immediately processed is stored in chill rooms.
One should stress that the horseradish roots are hand-picked before further processing. The firms in Bavaria's processing region have, over the centuries, developed special processes whereby only small mechanical forces act on the horseradish. This allows it to be treated in a way which helps retain its aroma, thereby sacrificing little of its special pungency and of the constituents determining its value. One should further stress that ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ is preserved via sulphurisation only, and that it contains no other preservatives. This is another factor distinguishing it from processed horseradish of different origin.
4.6 Link: The name ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ has been used for centuries for horseradish produced and processed in Bavaria. Horseradish is said to have been introduced in the 15th century by margrave Johannes Alchemista on the river Regnitz. Precise instructions are found for the first time in the book ‘Die Nymphe Noris’ of 1650, which mentions ‘Bohemian Kraen in the garlic country’ (Franconia). In 1787, Johann Füssel mentions field cultivation of horseradish between Forchheim and Erlangen in his diary. After the Ludwig-Danube Canal was opened in 1846, ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ was shipped from Baiersdorf to Austria and Hungary, but also to Israel, the USA, Russia and other countries. Since 1912, horseradish produced in Baiersdorf and its surroundings has also been supplied grated and ready to eat. The cultivation region around the well-known horseradish city Baiersdorf is the richest in tradition in the world. Even today, it is also the most important one in Germany.
Bavaria's cultivation regions have the climatic characteristics and soil which provide the horseradish with optimal growing conditions: the warm climate (annual average temperature 8,5 °C) and low precipitation (c. 600 mm), combined with the special soil conditions (loose, sand and clayey soils), result in the horseradish having a higher glucosinulate content compared to other cultivation regions.
The traditional recipes used by the producers, and their familiarity with gentle processing, result in the unique quality of ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’. Processed ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ does not need to be supplemented with horseradish from other cultivation regions.
‘Bayerischer Meerrettich’ or ‘Bayerischer Kren’ has been highly regarded by consumers for centuries, both inside and outside Bavaria.
4.7 Inspection body:
Name: |
Bayerische Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft — Institut für Ernährungswirtschaft und Markt |
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Address: |
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Tel.: |
(49-89) 17 80 00 |
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Fax: |
(49-89) 17 80 03 13 |
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E-Mail: |
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4.8 Labelling: ‘Bayerischer Meerrettich g.g.A.’ (protected geographical indication) or ‘Bayerischer Kren g.g.A.’ (protected geographical indication)
4.9 National requirements: —
(1) European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, Agricultural product quality policy, B-1049 Brussels.
21.11.2006 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 283/15 |
Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises
(2006/C 283/09)
(Text with EEA relevance)
Aid No |
XS 127/05 |
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Member State |
Greece |
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Region |
Whole country |
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Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid |
Business plans for existing medium-sized (as defined by Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC) manufacturing enterprises and service workshops |
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Legal basis |
ΠΔ 93/97 (ΦΕΚ 92/Α/16-5-97) «Όροι και διαδικασίες για την ένταξη και χρηματοδότηση έργων του ιδιωτικού τομέα σε προγράμματα ή τμήματά του αναφέρονται στους τομείς βιομηχανίας, ενέργειας και τεχνολογίας» |
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Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company |
The scheme was first announced in 2005 with a budget of EUR 103 626 943 (public and private expenditure) |
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Maximum aid intensity |
45 %, 50 % or 55 %, grant only, depending on the area in which the project is carried out; the amount may never exceed the ceilings in the regional aid map approved for Greece, increased by 15 % for SMEs |
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Date of implementation |
First announcement, June 2005 |
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Duration of scheme or individual aid award |
2005-2008 |
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Objective of aid |
The aim of the measure is to help eligible enterprises to improve their competitiveness by implementing an integrated two-year business plan providing for technological and organisational modernisation |
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Economic sectors concerned |
All manufacturing sectors Medium-sized manufacturing enterprises defined in accordance with Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC. Enterprises providing support services to manufacturing (STAKOD (1) codes 631 — logistics and 722 — software development) that are small and medium-sized enterprises as defined in Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC and employ over 30 people, or under 30 people for enterprises whose annual turnover and total annual balance sheet exceeds EUR 10 million. Small and medium-sized workshops providing quality services. The following are excluded from the above manufacturing enterprises:
|
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Name and address of the granting authority |
MInistry of Development General Secretariat for Industry Directorat of Industrial Investments
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Other information |
This is project 2.5.3 of the Business Programme for Competitiveness, which is co-financed by the Structural Funds |
(1) STAKOD — Στατιστική Ταξινόμηση των Κλάδων Οικονομικής Δραστηριότητας (Statistical Classification of Fields of Economic Activity)
European Central Bank
21.11.2006 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 283/16 |
RECOMMENDATION OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK
of 13 November 2006
to the Council of the European Union on the external auditors of the Banco de España
(ECB/2006/18)
(2006/C 283/10)
THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK,
Having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank, and in particular Article 27(1) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) |
The accounts of the European Central Bank (ECB) and of the national central banks of the Eurosystem are audited by independent external auditors recommended by the Governing Council of the ECB and approved by the Council of the European Union. |
(2) |
Pursuant to Article 4(2) of the Law of autonomy of the Banco de España and Articles 29(3) and 31 of its Rules of procedure, the accounts of the Banco de España are audited by independent external auditors as provided for in Article 27 of the Statute, and under the terms of Law 19/1988 on the auditing of accounts (1) regarding the eligibility, mandate and rotation of the auditors. |
(3) |
The mandate of the current external auditors of the Banco de España will end after the audit for the financial year 2005. It is therefore necessary to appoint external auditors from the financial year 2006. |
(4) |
The Banco de España has selected Deloitte, S.L. as its external auditors for the financial years 2006 to 2008, with their mandate being renewable thereafter on a yearly basis until the financial year 2012, |
HAS ADOPTED THIS RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that Deloitte, S.L. should be appointed as the external auditors of the Banco de España for the financial years 2006 to 2008, with their mandate being renewable thereafter on a yearly basis until the financial year 2012.
Done at Frankfurt am Main, 13 November 2006.
The President of the ECB
Jean-Claude TRICHET
(1) As amended by Law 44/2002 on financial system reform measures.