15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/1

—

new ways of working, automation and robotisation are affecting the types of knowledge, skills and competences needed in an evermore competitive, complex and multicultural world, many economic sectors are undergoing rapid technological and structural change, and digital competence and transversal skills have become necessary to overcome skills gaps and mismatches and to enable people to perform and adapt to future jobs and societal changes;

—

low levels of basic skills, transversal skills and digital competence may jeopardize employability and active participation in society;

—

at the same time, and to varying degrees, parts of Europe are subject to different phenomena, such as prolonged periods of low economic and employment growth particularly affecting young people, an ageing population, as well as the increased migratory flows, low levels of innovation and new security risks;

1.

TAKES NOTE of the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — A New Skills Agenda for Europe: Working together to strengthen human capital, employability and competitiveness (1); WELCOMES its contribution to joint efforts on skills development within the EU and to bringing together the worlds of work and education; and RECALLS that individual proposals under the New Skills Agenda for Europe will undergo examination in the respective Council bodies;

2.

AGREES that the following issues should be underlined due to their utmost importance:

3.

CALLS on the Commission to take account of this Resolution when submitting further deliverables under the New Skills Agenda for Europe.

15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/3

—

the European Union is a common space to build a prosperous and peaceful area of coexistence and respect for diversity based on common values and principles recognised by Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union,

—

the challenges to Europe from recent acts of terrorism underline the urgency to prevent and counter radicalisation leading to violent extremism (2). Many terrorist suspects were radicalised European Union nationals often subverted by externally driven, ideological influences employing potent and nimble technological means of recruitment and inducement in addition to face-to-face methods,

—

the human and social conditions which provide fertile ground for radicalisation, particularly in young people, are complex and multifaceted and may include: a profound sense of personal and/or cultural alienation, real and/or perceived grievances, xenophobia and discrimination, limited education, training or employment opportunities, social marginalisation, urban and rural degradation, geo-political interests, distorted ideological and religious beliefs, unstructured family ties, personal trauma or mental health issues,

—

the challenges to mitigating society’s underlying vulnerabilities to radicalisation and to identifying and disabling the ideological triggers of violent extremism call for a cross-institutional alliance of actors cutting across different policy areas,

—

it is crucial to address all types of radicalisation leading to violent extremism, regardless of the religious and/or political ideology behind it;

—

NOTE that radicalisation leading to terrorism and violent extremism raises significant and evolving challenges to the security of our citizens which must be comprehensively addressed, primarily by the Member States, particularly at the local level, but also with coordinated support at EU level in accordance with the Treaties,

—

NOTE that the recent terrorist attacks and attempted attacks in Europe reflects that the global terrorist threat has become more decentralized, more complex, and in many respects harder to detect, due in part to an ever more rapid process of radicalisation,

—

TAKE INTO ACCOUNT that the number of returnees, including, in particular, returning foreign terrorist fighters, their families and minors might increase,

—

ACKNOWLEDGE that a robust response to the transnational threat of radicalisation besides EU-internal preventive measures, requires quick implementation of EU external efforts to tackle its root causes, particularly focusing on cooperation with and support to the Western Balkan region, Turkey and North Africa;

—

NOTE the need to involve and cooperate with service providers in the fight against illegal hate speech online (9), in full respect of freedom of expression, in view of the role of social media as a prime vehicle for targeting, grooming and triggering potential radicals to commit violent acts, and UNDERLINE the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach (10),

—

EMPHASISE the role of the EU internet Forum in developing means to reduce the accessibility of terrorist content online and to empower civil society partners in delivering alternative narratives online,

—

RECOGNISE the valuable work done by the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), the Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN) and its Centre of Excellence and the Syria Strategic Communications Advisory Team (SSCAT) and EMPHASISE the importance of proper connection between national and local actors,

—

CONSIDER that online and offline initiatives that present alternative, positive and moderate narratives can be crucial in promoting mutual respect and preventing radicalisation; NOTE the need for further evaluation and analysis of the impact of counter-narratives,

—

encourage cooperation between education and training institutions, local communities, local and regional administrations, parents, the wider family, youth field actors, volunteers and civil society to enhance inclusion and strengthen a sense of belonging and positive identity,

—

broaden the competences of teachers, educators and other teaching staff to be able to recognise early signs of radicalised behaviour and hold ‘difficult conversations’ (11), which open a dialogue with students and other young people about sensitive topics related to personal feelings, principles and beliefs,

—

where necessary, use existing or develop new tools and materials for teachers, educators and other teaching staff, including networks where they can share advice and guidance on how to handle challenging cases, as well as help-hotlines for young people,

—

promote global and citizenship education, as well as volunteering, to enhance social, civic and intercultural competences,

—

encourage inclusive (12) education for all children and young people, while combatting racism, xenophobia, bullying and discrimination on any ground,

—

address, with the support of the Commission and the concerned EU agencies, the use of the internet for radicalisation leading to terrorism and recruitment purposes, notably by developing cooperation with service providers, cooperation on strategic communication and, where appropriate, internet referral units while respecting fundamental rights and in compliance with obligations under international law,

—

support the work of the EU internet Forum and the work of the Europol’s European Counter Terrorism Centre (ECTC), in particular the work carried out by the EU IRU,

—

support civil society organisations to promote mutual respect and counter hate crime, hate speech and terrorist propaganda with positive alternatives to violent extremist narratives and ideologies as well as developing counter-narratives to violent extremist ideologies,

—

use the EU-wide networks to continue the exchange of ‘best practices’ in relation to the fight against radicalisation, such as the RAN Centre of Excellence,

—

with the transition of SSCAT (Syria Strategic Communications Advisory Team) to the European Strategic Communication Network (ESCN) continue to make use of ESCN consultancy and information-sharing services to understand and respond better to radicalisation and polarisation in Europe’s communities, for example by embedding staff into ESCN in Brussels,

—

continue developing de-radicalisation, disengagement and rehabilitation programmes for returnees, including in particular returning foreign terrorist fighters, their families and minors;

—

pursue in close cooperation with the Member States the work on a specific toolkit (13) based on best practices for youth workers to help young people develop their democratic resilience, media literacy, tolerance, critical thinking, and conflict-resolution skills,

—

promote and support peer learning and research for teachers, educators, and other teaching staff, experts, policy makers and researchers, in order to enable the sharing of best practices and gaining better understanding of the issue of radicalisation, including developing a policy framework and an online compendium of good practices (14),

—

given the pressing and enormously multifaceted challenge to prevent and counter radicalisation, organise a multi-stakeholder conference (15) bringing together different sectors and relevant stakeholders (e.g. from the fields of justice, home affairs, education, youth, sport, culture and social affairs), and young people,

—

promote mutual understanding and respect between students and other young people from the EU and third countries through direct and virtual exchanges, such as the extension of eTwinning Plus network to selected countries of the EU’s neighbourhood and Erasmus+ virtual youth exchanges,

—

encourage direct contacts between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and positive role models, such as artists, sportspersons or entrepreneurs and any success story relevant for young people to inspire them through real life experiences (16). To help create credible positive alternatives to violent extremist narratives, formerly-radicalised people could also speak about their own experience,

—

enhance the cooperation with service providers, welcoming the strong involvement of digital industry and civil society and the development of initiatives to further enhance the effective removal of terrorist content (in particular through the development of a Joint Referral Platform) as well as the dissemination of alternative narratives, in particular through the announced civil society empowerment programme,

—

build on the work of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency in promoting mutual respect, non-discrimination, fundamental freedoms and solidarity throughout the EU,

—

take account of these conclusions when preparing and implementing the proposed actions.

15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/8

1.

The political background to this issue as set out in the Annex to these conclusions.

2.

Young women and men possess inner potential and talent that may be of benefit to them as well as to the whole of society. The potential of young women and men can be seen in terms of competences (knowledge, skills, attitudes), which build upon their creativity and diversity.

3.

Young people are striving to develop their potential, talents and creativity in connection with active citizenship, personal development and employability. While development of talents means transforming extraordinary abilities into excellence, development of potential means development of latent qualities or abilities that may lead to future success or usefulness, considering the individual situation of a young woman or man.

4.

In order to uncover and develop the potential and talents of all young people, the EU and its Member States need to support and promote the implementation of effective cross-sectoral policies that can encourage and support young people and help them realise their full potential. Special attention should be given to those in difficult life situations.

5.

Youth work has been used to reach out to young people including those who are marginalised or at risk of being marginalised. However, as young people's lifestyles and behaviour changes in the context of new social and technological developments, it is essential that new methods and approaches in youth work continue to be developed. In order to understand and connect to young people, youth work should also improve its outreach to the digital world.

6.

Youth work takes place in many different forms and settings, answering to the various needs, dreams, aspirations and living conditions of young people. Its capacity for outreach and responsiveness to emerging changes brings qualitative change to the lives of young people and to society.

7.

The learning processes in youth work help young people to develop their competences in a holistic way, including knowledge, skills and attitudes. Youth work is often used to assist young people in facing various life challenges, whether during transitions from education to work, periods of unemployment, various emerging threats including radicalisation leading to violent extremism or in their search for positive identity and a sense of belonging.

8.

The youth work environment should be stimulating, adaptive, attractive and responsive to new trends in the lives of young people and thus support them in uncovering and developing their potential, which can be often hidden and not apparent within formal education or in other sectors. This environment should be a place to experiment and try new things, where failure is allowed and is considered part of the learning and social integration processes.

9.

The activities developed in youth work have proved to be effective in the positive development of young personalities and they need to be further supported and strengthened. Encouraging innovation in youth work should be seen as a part of the response to constant change, aiming to attract the interest of all young people including those not yet taking an active part in youth work activities. Innovations should be part of the continuous quality development of youth work, responding to the needs, interests and experiences of young people as perceived by themselves (1).

10.

To appeal to young people and to ensure greater impact on their lives, new settings where young people spend their time, such as modern city infrastructure and virtual space, as well as new approaches using innovative online and offline tools (such as gamification (2), GPS based activities (3), learning badges (4) or design thinking (5)), should be reflected upon and taken into account in the further development of education and training of youth workers.

11.

Young people themselves should play a crucial role in the design, development and implementation of the innovation process of youth work to make this innovation successful.

12.

The capacities of youth workers (either volunteer or employed) can be enhanced through education, training and networking opportunities, guidance, as well as financial support, in order to search for and implement new and innovative approaches in youth work with the aim of reaching out to more young people, especially those which are difficult to reach, and of achieving a greater impact on their lives.

13.

The creation of evidence-based youth policy requires regular updates, with up-to-date and relevant data gathered at local, regional, national and European level. Information on the lifestyles and current living trends (6) of young people should also be included.

14.

Beyond the development of the youth work sector as such, cross-sectoral cooperation is vital for the development of new approaches in youth work. In the context of implementing new approaches in youth work and youth policy practice, the cooperation of stakeholders representing various sectors needs to be facilitated and promoted, so as to ensure the effective identification of cooperation opportunities (7) and to contribute to the quality of youth work practice and the better fulfilment of young people's needs.

15.

Promote, support and evaluate the exploitation, design, development, testing and dissemination of new tools and approaches to be used in youth work by means of cross-sectoral cooperation, in order to respond appropriately to current needs and future challenges, interests and expectations of young people and society. In order to ensure quality, young people, youth researchers, youth workers and youth organisations should be invited to take an active part at all stages of the process.

16.

Enhance the capacities of youth workers (voluntary or employed) for innovation and the development of the potential and talents of young people by providing educational and training opportunities focusing in particular on:

17.

Encourage, where relevant, sustainable support, including financial support, of the organisations working with and for young people, in particular on collective projects and following the principles (8) of youth work, so as to build their capacities for innovation.

18.

Work closely with the representatives of regional and local authorities, youth councils and youth work organisations, young people and other actors in the youth field so that the messages included in these conclusions are widely incorporated into practice at regional and local level.

19.

Promote and support spaces and opportunities in partnership with local authorities, where appropriate, in order to allow young people to meet in person and develop common initiatives.

20.

Consider the creation of flexible spaces and opportunities for experimentation, trial and error, where youth workers and young people can learn to react to the fast-changing conditions and lifestyles, and learn to deal with complexity.

21.

Consider the regular collection and analysis of information on the living trends of young people and support dissemination of the findings to the relevant stakeholders, including national, regional and local policy makers, volunteers in youth work, youth leaders and youth workers.

22.

Search for innovative approaches implemented in youth work practice, including other relevant fields, such as education and training, sport and culture, social services, information and communication technologies, etc. and create opportunities for adapting innovative approaches used in other policy fields to the youth work area, as well as for sharing examples of good practice.

23.

Where appropriate, identify the new competences that youth workers need and develop education and training modules that facilitate the acquisition of new competences by youth workers, including digital competences.

24.

Through the creation, monitoring and evaluation of youth policies, youth strategies and youth initiatives at national, regional and local level, identify new approaches in youth work that help to uncover and develop the potential and talent of all young people.

25.

Make regular analysis and insert a section in the Youth Report providing up-to-date and accurate information on the latest lifestyles and living trends of young people.

26.

Support the exchange of information on lifestyles and living trends of young people, as well as examples of good practice and innovative approaches implemented in youth work at the level of EU Member States, as well as outside the EU. Organise expert meetings, conferences and other mutual learning activities and consider using platforms such as the European Youth Work Convention to promote innovative approaches in youth work.

27.

Make best use of the existing EU programmes such as Erasmus+ to support the implementation of innovative approaches in youth work practice.

15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/12

1.

RECALLING the political background to this issue as set out in the Annex;

2.

ACKNOWLEDGING that sport is a possible tool in supporting intercultural, economic and political cooperation and understanding between nations and cultures, and that its potential can be part of extending and strengthening contacts between the EU and third countries;

3.

RECOGNISING THAT:

4.

ACKNOWLEDGING that sport diplomacy can be realised in close cooperation with the sports movement whilst respecting its autonomy. It includes areas such as promotion of positive sporting values and it contributes to the development of political, social and economic cooperation and relations;

5.

ACKNOWLEDGING the values that sport can promote such as fair play, equality, respect for diversity, integrity, discipline, excellence, friendship, tolerance and mutual understanding which can bring different people and countries together. Sport diplomacy uses the universality of sport as a way to transcend linguistic, sociocultural and religious differences and thereby has strong potential to promote multi-cultural dialogue and contribute to development and peace;

6.

EMPHASISING that sports people and sporting events can contribute significantly to the development of sport diplomacy. They can bestow a positive image among foreign publics and organisations and shape perception in order to support reaching broader foreign policy goals. In this context sport can contribute to strengthening and complementing national and EU diplomacy;

7.

CONSIDERING that sport can be a platform for building people-to-people relations, for example by supporting exchange programmes for athletes, young people, coaches and experts, or by organising international sport competitions both at elite and grassroots level;

8.

raise awareness within Member States and in the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) (including EU Delegations) on the potential of sport to contribute to public diplomacy;

9.

encourage cooperation between public authorities and the sports movement in order to use the potential of sport in foreign policy;

10.

enhance relations with relevant sport organisations and international governmental organisations as well as other stakeholders through the EU structured dialogue on sport in the framework of the Council meetings and the EU Sport Forum and other structures;

11.

better use the potential of sport, including through education and the involvement of well-known athletes as messengers, to promote positive sporting and European values;

12.

promote major sport events as an important aspect of EU intercultural, social and economic diplomacy in cases where they can contribute to the EU’s economic objectives of growth, employment and competitiveness;

13.

ensure that sport diplomacy remains on the EU political agenda;

14.

examine the possibility of using the network of European Week of Sport Ambassadors to promote positive sporting values and European values with the aim of increasing the attractiveness, recognition and visibility of the EU in third countries;

15.

support and participate in activities, such as conferences, seminars, peer-learning activities or informal ad hoc groups, which could contribute to the preparation of the strategic approach to sport diplomacy in the framework of the EU;

16.

ensure that sport, and the contribution it can make to achieving the EU’s external relations ambitions, is taken into account in agreements with third countries, including within the framework of Accession, Association, Cooperation and European Neighbourhood agreements;

17.

collect and disseminate empirical evidence of the effectiveness of sport as a means of promoting values, intercultural dialogue, development and peace;

18.

organise a high-level conference to discuss the possibilities of cooperation in the field of sport diplomacy, including on a possible platform or network for enhancing knowledge in the field of sport diplomacy, in particular through collecting and exchanging best practices on the role of sport diplomacy in society; and examine the possibility of preparing educational guidance or modules for public authorities and relevant stakeholders involved in sport diplomacy issues;

19.

examine the possibility of funding sport-related activities from EU external relations funding programmes and consider supporting projects related to sports diplomacy with the participation of third countries through EU funding programmes in the area of EU external relations as well as through the Erasmus+ programme;

20.

consider engaging third countries in the European Week of Sport.

15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/15

15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/16

(1)

The Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, of the other part (‘the SAA’) was signed on 16 June 2008 and entered into force on 1 June 2015 (1).

(2)

The Republic of Croatia became a Member State of the Union on 1 July 2013.

(3)

In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 6(2) of the 2012 Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union, the accession of Croatia to the SAA should be agreed by the conclusion of a protocol to the SAA by the Council, acting unanimously on behalf of the Member States, and by the third country concerned.

(4)

On 24 September 2012, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to conclude a protocol to the SAA.

(5)

Those negotiations were successfully completed and the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union (‘the Protocol’) was initialled on 18 July 2016.

(6)

The Protocol covers matters falling within the competence of the European Atomic Energy Community.

(7)

The Protocol should be concluded by the Commission on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community as regards matters falling within the competence of the European Atomic Energy Community.

(8)

On 21 November 2016 the Council adopted a decision approving the conclusion of the Protocol by the Commission on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community (2).

(9)

The signing and conclusion of the Protocol is subject to a separate procedure as regards matters falling under the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

(10)

The Protocol should be approved,

15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/18

—

to kick-start longer-term changes and field-test innovative solutions to challenges in the education and training fields which have the potential of becoming mainstreamed and to generate a sustainable and systemic impact on education and training systems,

—

to support transnational cooperation and mutual learning on forward-looking issues among key stakeholders,

—

to facilitate the collection and analysis of evidence to substantiate innovative policies and practices.

—

acquisition of basic skills by low-skilled adults,

—

promoting performance-based approaches in VET,

—

promoting innovative technology in the field of providing career guidance,

—

professionalisation of staff (school education, including early childhood education and care),

—

achieving the aims of the renewed EU strategy for higher education.

—

public authorities at national/regional/local level responsible for education and training policy,

—

non-profit organisations (NGOs), private or public,

—

research centres,

—

schools or other educational institutions,

—

higher education institutions,

—

chambers of commerce,

—

stakeholders networks,

—

recognition centres,

—

evaluation/quality assurance bodies,

—

trade organisations and employers,

—

trade unions and staff associations,

—

career guidance services,

—

civil society and cultural organisations,

—

companies,

—

international organisations.

—

the 28 Member States of the European Union,

—

the EFTA/EEA countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway,

—

EU candidate countries: the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey.

—

analyses, studies, mapping exercises,

—

research activities,

—

training activities,

—

drafting of reports, project conclusions, policy recommendations,

—

workshops,

—

conferences/seminars,

—

tests and assessments of innovative approaches at grass-roots level,

—

awareness-raising and dissemination actions,

—

actions aiming at the creation and improvement of networks, exchange of good practice,

—

development of ICT tools (software, platforms, apps, etc.) or learning resources,

—

development of other intellectual outputs.

1.

Relevance of the project (30 %).

2.

Quality of the project design and implementation (30 %).

3.

Quality of the partnership and cooperation arrangements (20 %).

4.

Impact on policy development and dissemination (20 %).

—

at least the threshold of 50 % of each criterion (i.e. minimum 15 points for respectively ‘Relevance of the project’ and ‘Quality of the project design and implementation’; 10 points for respectively ‘Quality of the partnership and cooperation arrangements’ and ‘Impact on policy development and dissemination’, and

—

at least the threshold of 70 % on the total score (i.e. aggregate score of the four award criteria),

15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/21

EPSO/AST/139/16 – ASSISTANTS (AST 3)

15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/22

1.

Declares that by:

2.

Orders Norway to bear the costs of these proceedings.

15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/23

1.

Declares that Iceland has failed to fulfil its obligations under the Act referred to at point 21au of Chapter III of Annex XX to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (Directive 2009/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 on Stage II petrol vapour recovery during refuelling of motor vehicles at service stations), as adapted to the Agreement under its Protocol 1, and under Article 7 of the Agreement, by failing to adopt the measures necessary to implement the Act within the time prescribed.

2.

Orders Iceland to bear the costs of the proceedings.

15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/24

1.

Declares that Iceland has failed to fulfil its obligations under the Act referred to at points 7a, 7e and 7i of Annex XIX to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (Directive 2011/83/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on consumer rights, amending Council Directive 93/13/EEC and Directive 1999/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directive 85/577/EEC and Directive 97/7/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council) as adapted to the Agreement under its Protocol 1, and under Article 7 of the Agreement, by failing to adopt the measures necessary to implement the Act within the time prescribed.

2.

Orders Iceland to bear the costs of the proceedings.

15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/25

1.

The EFTA Surveillance Authority’s decision in Case No 79116 from 27 July 2016 is based on a wrongful interpretation of the relevant sources of law, and is consequently void.

2.

The EFTA Surveillance Authority does have the competence and obligation to perform surveillance of State aid to the fisheries sector, pursuant to Article 4(1) of Protocol 9 EEA, and is therefore obliged to assess the claims made by the Applicant through the formal complaint filed on 2 May 2016.

3.

The EFTA Surveillance Authority shall bear the costs of these proceedings.

—

The Applicant seeks the annulment of the EFTA Surveillance Authority’s Decision in Case No 79116 from 27 July 2016.

—

Marine Harvest submits that ESA has the necessary competence to review whether aid to the production and marketing of fisheries and aquaculture products is compatible with the EEA Agreement, and to carry out surveillance, pursuant to Article 62 EEA, cf. Protocol 26 of the EEA Agreement, and further that ESA is obliged to carry out such surveillance pursuant to the same article.

—

An essential element is the interpretation of Protocol 26 of the Agreement, which sets out the competences of the EFTA Surveillance Authority, but does not specifically refer to the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. According to ESAs decision, the aforementioned list should be regarded as exhaustive.

—

The applicant finds this interpretation to add a qualification to Protocol 26 that is not supported by the objectives and basic provisions of the Agreement, which the Protocol itself enumerates.

15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/26

1.

Declare that Iceland has failed to fulfil its obligations arising from the Act referred to at point 17h of Chapter II of Annex XIII to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (Directive 2000/30/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 June 2000 on the technical roadside inspection of the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles circulating in the Community) by not introducing the technical roadside inspections required by Article 3(1) of the Act.

2.

Order Iceland to bear the costs of these proceedings.

—

The application addresses Iceland’s failure to comply, no later than 16 September 2014, with a reasoned opinion delivered by the EFTA Surveillance Authority on 16 July 2014 regarding that State’s failure to fulfil its obligations arising from the Act referred to at point 17h of Chapter II of Annex XIII to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (Directive 2000/30/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 June 2000 on the technical roadside inspection of the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles circulating in the Community) by not introducing the technical roadside inspections required by Article 3(1) of the Act.

15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/27

1.

Declare that Iceland has failed to fulfil its obligations under the Act referred to at point 17d of Chapter II of Annex XIII to the EEA Agreement (Council Directive 95/50/EC of 6 October 1995 on uniform procedures for checks on the transport of dangerous goods by road), as adapted to the Agreement under its Protocol 1, by:

2.

Order Iceland to bear the costs of these proceedings.

—

The application addresses Iceland’s failure to comply, no later than 16 November 2015, with a reasoned opinion delivered by the EFTA Surveillance Authority on 16 September 2015 regarding that State’s failure to fulfil its obligations under the Act referred to at point 17d of Chapter II of Annex XIII to the EEA Agreement (Council Directive 95/50/EC of 6 October 1995 on uniform procedures for checks on the transport of dangerous goods by road), as adapted to the Agreement under its Protocol 1.

15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/28

1.

On 8 December 2016, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings Barloworld South Africa Proprietary Limited (‘Barloworld’, South Africa) and BayWa Aktiengesellschaft (‘BayWa’, Germany) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of Barloworld’s agricultural mechanisation and materials handling business in South Africa by way of purchase of shares.

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

3.

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

4.

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

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference M.8204 — Barloworld South Africa/BayWa/JV to the following address:

15.12.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 467/29

1.

On 8 December 2016, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking KKR & Co. LP (‘KKR’, United States) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of Hilding Anders Holdings 3 AB (‘Hilding Anders’, Sweden) by way of purchase of shares.

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for KKR: asset management on a global basis and offering of financial advisory services,

—   for Hilding Anders: development, manufacture and marketing of beds, mattresses and related products.

3.

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

4.

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

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference M.8325 — KKR/Hilding Anders, to the following address: