COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION

of 5 April 2022

on the mobility of young volunteers across the European Union

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2022/C 157/01)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 165 and 166 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

1.

On 15 September 2021, the President of the European Commission announced in the State of the European Union (1) address that the European Commission would propose to make 2022 the European Year of Youth, ‘empowering those who have dedicated so much to others’. The European Year of Youth aims, among other things, at ‘support[ing] young people to acquire a better understanding of, and actively promot[ing] the various opportunities available to them from, public policies at Union, national, regional and local level in order to support their personal, social, economic and professional development in a green, digital and inclusive world, while aiming to remove the remaining barriers thereto’ (2).

2.

As highlighted in the European Parliament Resolution on the impact of COVID-19 on youth and on sport (2020/2864(RSP)) (3) young people have been at the heart of solidarity-motivated activities to respond to the needs of their communities in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, from leading awareness campaigns to working on the front line as part of the European Solidarity Corps, to other volunteering initiatives.

3.

Through their volunteering actions in the European Solidarity Corps and other schemes, young people are giving concrete effect to the Preamble of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), which highlights signatories’desire to deepen solidarity between the peoples of Europe, to Article 2 TEU, which mentions solidarity as one of the values common to the Member States, and to Article 3 TEU, which mentions that the Union’s aim is to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its peoples. Their humanitarian aid volunteering actions contribute to promoting peace in Europe and in the world and respect for human dignity and human rights.

4.

The experiences with the European Voluntary Service (1996-2018) and the European Solidarity Corps, while successful, have shown the need to further facilitate transnational volunteering, in particular for young people with fewer opportunities. In this context, the Council has called for a review of the Council Recommendation of 20 November 2008 on the mobility of young volunteers across the European Union (‘the 2008 Council Recommendation’) in order to strengthen the potential of the European Youth Programmes in reaching out to young people and helping to build a community (4). This is expressed in particular in Annex 4 on the Work Plan for the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027. Furthermore, the Commission’s Report on the implementation of the EU Youth Strategy of 14 October 2021 (5) referred to the review of the 2008 Council Recommendation.

5.

Most of the issues raised in the 2008 Council Recommendation are still crucial and have been retained in this proposal. The update of the 2008 Council Recommendation has become necessary because of several developments since 2008. An important one is the launch of the European Solidarity Corps in 2016 and the creation of new national volunteering schemes and activities, also with transnational elements (6) that sometimes offer very similar opportunities for young people. The European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 (7) invited Member States and the Commission, within their respective fields of competence, to ’seek complementarity and synergies between EU funding instruments and national, regional and local schemes’.

6.

An evaluation of the EU Youth Strategy and the 2008 Council Recommendation (8) identified the need for inclusion of people from disadvantaged backgrounds as a more pressing issue in 2015 than it had been in 2008. Other needs identified but not addressed by the 2008 Recommendation included quality assurance for volunteering projects, capacity-building opportunities for organisations and better monitoring of the implementation of the Recommendation. An expert group made further policy recommendations (9), covering also knowledge-sharing and networking, access to volunteering, administrative obstacles, awareness, recognition, digital volunteering and the environmental context, which have informed the proposed Recommendation.

7.

Since 2008, the impact of crises, for instance those that disrupt the transnational physical mobility of volunteers, has been severe. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of ensuring the security, safety and physical and mental health of all participants at all times, including making provisions for managing the potential impact of unforeseen circumstances. Moreover, for a long time, the concept of ‘transnational volunteering’ referred in practice exclusively to activities involving the physical mobility of volunteers. However, with technological progress and under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, new volunteering trends have emerged. Digital volunteering has revealed its potential to complement physical mobility or be an optional form of volunteering for young people who are not in a position to travel physically. The inter-generational dimension of volunteering has also clearly shown its importance in tackling the demographic challenges of our society. Concerns for the environment and climate change are at the top of the EU political agenda and need to be reflected in activities that involve transnational mobility.

8.

The European Commission Communication on establishing the European Education Area by 2025 (10) emphasised the importance of inclusiveness, quality and recognition of cross-border experiences under the European Solidarity Corps. Guarantees of the quality of the available opportunities and provisions for appropriate support for participants at every stage of their volunteering experience constitute a prerequisite for the volunteering activities to benefit communities as well as young volunteers.

9.

In the Council Resolution on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area and beyond (2021-2030), the Council confirmed in priority area 1 of the strategic framework that ‘Fostering, valuing and recognising non-formal learning including volunteering, and enhancing the inclusiveness, quality and recognition of cross-border solidarity activities’ is a concrete issue for action.

10.

One of the first difficulties that young people interested in transnational volunteering experience encounter is access to user-friendly information about their status and rights as volunteers, on a dedicated national website, so that they can start their transnational volunteering activity fully aware of what impact it will have on their social security rights and entitlements in the host Member State as well as in the Member State of their usual residence (11). Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 October 2018 establishing a single digital gateway to provide access to information, to procedures and to assistance and problem-solving services, the Commission and Member States are already obliged to provide user-friendly online information to EU citizens on rights, obligations and rules laid down in Union and national law in the field of volunteering in another Member State (12).

11.

Many issues related to transnational mobility cannot be tackled at national level alone, as the activities involve both sending and hosting Member States. Administrative and legal frameworks on volunteering can vary between Member States. Youth-friendly and comprehensive information relating to the national legal and administrative rules governing volunteering, in particular information on social security coverage in both sending and hosting Member States, is very important for young people wishing to engage in a transnational volunteering activity.

12.

The Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Action Plan on integration and inclusion 2021-2027 (13) recognises the role of volunteering in integration and inclusion of those with fewer opportunities. For many of them, volunteering activities may represent the most accessible option for engaging in cross-border mobility, especially in formats of short-term volunteering or volunteering in groups or teams.

13.

Third-country nationals may face administrative and practical obstacles to cross-border volunteering if they need to apply for a short or long-term visa or residence permit for the purpose of volunteering service in another Member State. Directive (EU) 2016/801 regulates the conditions for obtaining a long-term visa or a residence permit in order to be admitted to an EU Member State for the purposes of voluntary service. However, it does not contain provisions on intra-EU mobility of third-country volunteers.

14.

A volunteering experience provides volunteers with learning outcomes that increase their employability. National or EU frameworks (that is to say, Youthpass (14) and Europass (15)) supporting the identification, documentation and validation of learning outcomes of volunteering activities exist. The Council Recommendation of 20 December 2012 on the validation of non-formal and informal learning (16) invited employers, youth and civil society organisations to promote and facilitate the identification and documentation of learning outcomes acquired at work or in voluntary activities. The evaluation (17) of the 2012 Council Recommendation identified areas where further action is needed to achieve the goals of the 2012 Council Recommendation, to provide people with access to more and better validation opportunities, enabling them to access further learning and to put their skills to good use in European society and the labour market. The Europass Decision of 18 April 2018 defines volunteers among its target groups.

15.

New developments since 2008, evidence about barriers to transnational volunteering and the policy recommendations of an expert group regarding the promotion of the mobility of young volunteers call for a new Council Recommendation on volunteering, with a view to facilitating and improving the quality of transnational youth volunteering and encouraging mutual learning, networking and synergies between volunteering schemes and activities in Member States and the European Solidarity Corps.

16.	This Recommendation fully respects the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.

RECOGNISES THAT:

17.

For the purposes of this Recommendation, the same definition of ‘volunteering’ is used as in Regulation (EU) 2021/888 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 establishing the European Solidarity Corps Programme, namely a solidarity activity that takes place, for a period of up to 12 months, as a voluntary unpaid (18) activity that contributes to the achievements of the common good. Where transnational schemes existing in the Member States envisage solidarity activities of a duration exceeding 12 months that otherwise correspond to the definition of volunteering, these are to be considered as volunteering for the purposes of this Recommendation and thus included in its scope.

18.

Youth volunteering under this Recommendation comprises volunteering across the EU by EU nationals or third-country nationals who are residing in one Member State and moving to a second Member State for the purpose of voluntary service, under the European Solidarity Corps or any national cross-border volunteering scheme or activity in Member States. To the extent possible, the actions undertaken by Member States and the Commission in response to this Recommendation should also take account of volunteering activities between Member States and third countries. Voluntary activities should not have an adverse effect on potential or existing paid employment, nor should they be seen as a substitute for it. The terms ‘youth’ and ‘young’ cover the age bracket of 18 to 30 years.

19.

Young people with fewer opportunities means young people who, for economic, social, cultural, geographical or health reasons, due to their migrant background, or for reasons such as disability and educational difficulties or for any other reason, including a reason that could give rise to discrimination under Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, face obstacles that prevent them from having effective access to opportunities (19).

HEREBY RECOMMENDS THAT THE MEMBER STATES:

20.

Consider measures contributing to or maintaining an adequate and clear legislative and implementation framework for the health, safety and security of participants in transnational volunteering activities by: a) ensuring that all volunteers can benefit from social security coverage in a Member State, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the coordination of social security systems; b) supporting organisers involved in the implementation of volunteering activities in ensuring that clear and reliable procedures are in place to care for and assist volunteers in the event of crises, emergencies and other unforeseen circumstances.

21.

Provide accessible information and raise awareness about volunteers’ rights as stipulated in the dedicated framework set out above, in particular: a) ensuring that there is a national website, which complies with the requirements of the Web Accessibility Directive (20), to provide practical, accessible and comprehensive information for volunteers relating to the national legal and administrative rules governing volunteering and the impact of volunteering in another Member State on the existing and future social security rights and entitlements (21) of the volunteer (both for incoming and outgoing EU volunteers); b) supporting youth information providers through encouraging training in developing youth-friendly information relating to the national legal and administrative rules governing volunteering; c) encouraging collaborations with established networks and services such as ERYICA in developing such information; d) encouraging organisers of existing national cross-border volunteering schemes and activities to point to relevant national and European websites (22) that inform volunteers about their rights, obligations and applicable rules with regard to volunteering in another Member State.

22.

Enhance the quality of volunteering opportunities by supporting organisers of volunteering activities in their capacity-building endeavours. In particular, this can be achieved by: a) encouraging organisers in both sending and receiving Member States to cooperate, including by providing sufficient information about the volunteering activity, its organisers and the volunteer, so as to enable both parties to make an informed decision about the activity’s sustainability and to meet any legal requirements; b) encouraging organisers of volunteering activities to put emphasis on quality, among other things by basing the organisation of volunteering activities on an analysis that supports identifiable needs and leads to beneficial outcomes in local communities. c) encouraging organisers of volunteering activities to put adequate emphasis on the learning dimension of volunteering activities, including language learning in transnational volunteering; d) supporting organisers of volunteering activities in a more systematic and generalised use of existing national or EU frameworks (i.e. Youthpass and Europass) to support the identification, documentation and validation of learning outcomes of volunteering activities; e) recognising youth work as a key promoter of volunteering opportunities for young people and as one of the main tools for quality development of volunteering activities in the EU and contributing in this way to the implementation of the European Youth Work Agenda (23); f) promoting the cross-border mobility of those active in youth work and in youth organisations; g) supporting the training of youth workers and organisers of volunteering activities, recognising their key role in accompanying and guiding young volunteers through a high-quality volunteering experience; h) encouraging organisers of transnational volunteering activities to apply for the European Solidarity Corps quality label; i) developing and promoting general quality standards for volunteering while drawing inspiration from the comprehensive system of quality, support, inclusion and certification measures contained in Regulation (EU) 2021/888 (24), wherever feasible in the national context; j) adopting measures to ensure that volunteering activities do not lead to job substitution.

23.

Ensure that access to transnational volunteering activities is a realistic opportunity for all young people, including those with fewer opportunities, including by: a) supporting the creation and/or operation of national gateways and regional and local structures, such as youth work infrastructures and youth information centers where they exist, to provide information and guidance regarding existing volunteering opportunities, in formats that are accessible to persons with disabilities, to young potential volunteers, including young people with fewer opportunities, civil society/solidarity organisations, and other stakeholders in the field. These structures can include alumni networks (such as EuroPeers) and local youth workers, using their capacity to empower and support potential volunteering candidates, and, where relevant, could work in conjunction with the National Agencies implementing the European Solidarity Corps; b) facilitating access to transnational volunteering experiences for young people with fewer opportunities through promoting targeted and accessible information and outreach by relevant organisations and networks (25), such as Eurodesk and ERYICA, including through the raising of awareness regarding the importance of intercultural competences and language learning as a stepping-stone to transnational mobility; c) ensuring that organisers of volunteering activities are encouraged to promote social inclusion, including by providing reasonable and suitable accommodation that is accessible to young people, in particular those with disabilities; d) supporting organisers of volunteering activities to develop aspects of inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities for their projects (26), among other things by putting them in touch with experts from services in charge of the promotion of social inclusion who could support and train them; e) providing targeted support to the development of volunteering activities, specifically promoting inclusion, equality and empowerment of disadvantaged groups or groups at risk of discrimination, and incentivising young volunteers from these communities to engage in volunteering and act as multipliers or even as role models in their own community; f) supporting relevant organisations and networks in the promotion of local volunteering activities (including short-term, part-time and group formats) as a potential first step towards participation in transnational activities and providing additional targeted support for the development of volunteering opportunities that cater for young people who cannot participate in physical transnational mobility for various reasons, for example by offering, among other things, digital volunteering opportunities; g) further promoting existing transnational tools that can facilitate youth mobility, such as mobility cards and encouraging their use in all transnational volunteering activities (27); h) resolving, where possible and without prejudice to the Schengen acquis and Union law on entry and residence of third-country nationals, administrative and practical issues that create difficulties in obtaining visas and/or residence permits for third-country nationals for the purpose of voluntary service.

24.

Increase awareness of the benefits of volunteering activities, through information, guidance and outreach activities, including by involving national stakeholders in the education, training, employment, social services and youth sectors. Pay particular attention to equitably reaching out to young people with fewer opportunities. That includes promoting that: a) volunteering activities provide young people with a concrete way of contributing to tackling societal challenges and displaying solidarity with people in a vulnerable situation; b) a volunteering experience enhances the personal, educational, social, civic and professional development of young people and helps them develop competences needed and valued by the labour market; c) frameworks exist to support the identification, documentation and validation of learning outcomes of volunteering activities (including Youthpass and Europass).

25.

Support and promote community-building activities related to volunteering. That includes: a) encouraging at a national level the operation of networks of volunteers, especially of those who take part in activites that have a long-term vision, that is to say are not linked to or limited by the duration of individual projects; b) promoting existing European networks linked to volunteering, in particular the European Solidarity Network and Europeers, as well as other resources and platforms accessible via the European Solidarity Corps Portal on the European Youth Portal; c) encouraging former volunteers to share their experiences through youth networks, educational establishments and workshops in roles such as ambassadors or as members of a network, and to train current or future volunteers; d) encouraging the organisers of volunteering activities to support volunteers in their integration into the host community during their activity and in continuing their engagement in volunteering activities after their return home, with special focus on accompanying young people with fewer opportunities.

26.

Explore new trends and alternative dimensions and formats of volunteering, including through: a) promoting the testing of formats and the gathering of evidence on digital volunteering in a transnational context, as a complement to physical mobility or even as a stand-alone format of volunteering activities; b) acknowledging the value of and promoting inter-generational volunteering as a valuable contribution to the challenges faced by an ageing society as well as a way of engaging young people in an inter-generational dialogue, facilitating inter-generational knowledge-transfer and improving social cohesion.

27.

Create synergies, complementarities and continuities between volunteering schemes and activities existing at European level and at various levels in Member States. That includes, for example: a) exchanging information amongst Member States on existing volunteering schemes, including national civil service schemes and activities where they exist, and transmission of such information to the European Commission, with a view to facilitating its publication on the European Youth Portal, the Youth Wiki, and the development of best practices; b) considering measures that would promote and support the transfer of best practices between volunteering schemes or activities.

28.

Support volunteering activities that make a meaningful contribution to tackling climate and environment-related challenges, by: a) encouraging the integration of green practices into all volunteering projects and activities as well as promoting environmentally sustainable and responsible behaviour among participants and participating organisations; b) promoting the reduction of the environmental footprint of volunteering activities, for example by reducing waste, recycling and, whenever possible, using sustainable means of transportation; c) promoting the development of volunteering activities that address the topic of environmental protection, sustainability, climate goals and disaster prevention and recovery.

29.	Include information about progress in following this Recommendation in regular updates made under the EU Youth Strategy, in particular as part of the Youth Wiki.

HEREBY INVITES THE COMMISSION TO:

30.	Facilitate exchange of practices between Member States on how to address obstacles that may prevent young people from participating in volunteering, for example through peer learning activities, Commission expert groups or the EU Youth Strategy Platform.

31.	Support the Member States in following this Recommendation through the cooperation mechanisms and tools of the EU Youth Strategy, the European Youth Work Agenda and the EU youth programmes, in particular the European Solidarity Corps.

32.

Facilitate mutual learning and exchanges among Member States and all relevant stakeholders at various levels through activities such as peer learning, peer counselling, expert groups, networking and other cooperation structures, including with a focus on synergies and complementarities between EU and national level schemes or activities, including national civil service schemes where they exist. For this purpose, make use of existing spaces such as the Youth Wiki and the European Youth Portal where resources and knowledge can be shared amongst Member States and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) at different levels.

33.

Explore new trends and formats of volunteering which respect the basic principles for equal opportunities and non-discrimination, accessibility, inclusiveness and high quality of activities, through the gathering of evidence, development of best practices and preparation of guidance and handbooks, in particular regarding digital or blended volunteering and inter-generational volunteering.

34.

Promote and disseminate information about European opportunities for youth volunteering, in particular for people with fewer opportunities, through the European Youth Portal, which contains the registration tool for solidarity activities under the European Solidarity Corps. In cooperation with Member States, include on the European Youth portal links to relevant national websites (28).

35.	Further develop, promote and provide support for the use of existing EU tools that support the validation of outcomes of non-formal and informal learning, in particular Youthpass and the Europass platform, including through European digital credentials for learning.

36.

Support research and data collection on the long-term impact of volunteering and solidarity activities for individuals and organisations, as well as on society, including lessons learnt and insights from the COVID-19 pandemic on the volunteering sector and its preparedness for similar crises, through studies, surveys, statistics, research and data analysis.

37.	Use the online platform Youth Wiki to gather information on Member States’ progress in following this Recommendation.

38.	Report on the use of this Council Recommendation in the context of the work on the implementation of the EU Youth Strategy and of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area and beyond.

This Recommendation replaces the Council Recommendation of 20 November 2008 on the mobility of young volunteers across the European Union.

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(1)  https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/soteu_2021_address_en_0.pdf

(2)  Decision (EU) 2021/2316 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 2021 on a European Year of Youth (2022) (OJ L 462, 28.12.2021, p. 1).

(3)  Texts adopted - The impact of Covid-19 on youth and on sport - Wednesday, 10 February 2021 (europa.eu)

(4)  OJ C 456, 18.12.2018, p. 1.

(5)  Report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the implementation ofthe EU Youth Strategy (2019-2021), COM/2021/636 final.

(6)  Regulation (EU) 2021/888 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 establishing the European Solidarity Corps Programme. Volunteering activities can take place in non-EU countries:

- as provided in article 7.2 of Regulation (EU) 2021/888, ‘volunteering under the “participation of young people in solidarity activities” strand may take place in a country other than the participant’s country of residence (“cross-border volunteering”) or in the participant’s country of residence (“in-country volunteering”)’. A country other than the participant’s country of residence may be a third country associated to the Programme or another participating country;

- as provided in article 10.2 of Regulation (EU) 2021/888, ‘volunteering under the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps may only take place in those regions of third countries in which humanitarian aid activities and operations take place and there are no ongoing international or non-international armed conflicts’.

Moreover, as provided in article 2 (3), participation in the Programme is also open to third country nationals ‘who are legally residing in a Member State, in a third country associated to the Programme or in another participating country under this Regulation’.

(7)  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:42018Y1218(01)&qid=1578414694481&from=EN

(8)  Evaluation of the EU Youth Strategy and the Council Recommendation on the mobility of young volunteers, 2016.

(9)  ‘Promoting the mobility of young volunteers and cross-border solidarity, a practical toolbox for actors and stakeholders in the field of youth and recommendations for policymakers’, developed by the expert group set up by the European Commission to support the process of reviewing the 2008 Council Recommendation on the mobility of young volunteers, 2021 (work undertaken from September 2019 to September 2020).

(10)  Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on achieving the European Education Area by 2025, COM(2020)625 final, available at EUR-Lex - 52020DC0625 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu)

(11)  It should be recalled that Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the coordination of social security systems provides for the coordination of social security rights, including of sickness benefits, in cross-border situations and applies to volunteers moving between Member States.

(12)  OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 32, annex I, section E. Implemented through the ’Your Europe’ portal: Your Europe (europa.eu)

(13)  COM (2020) 758 final.

(14)  Youthpass is the main recognition and validation instrument available to all Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps participants to reflect the learning process and document their learning outcomes in the Youthpass certificate.

(15)  Decision (EU) 2018/646 of the European Parliament and the Council of 18 April 2018 on a common framework for the provision of better services for skills and qualifications (Europass) and repealing Decision No 2241/2004/EC (OJ L 112, 2.5.2018, p. 42) establishes a European framework to support the transparency and understanding of skills and qualifications acquired in formal, non-formal and informal settings, including through practical experiences, mobility and volunteering.

(16)  OJ C 398, 22.12.2012, p. 1.

(17)  Evaluation of the EU Youth Strategy and the Council Recommendation on the mobility of young volunteers (europa.eu), 2016.

(18)  Volunteers are not paid for their time but expenses usually limited to travel, food or accommodation and/or other small personal expenses may be covered.

(19)  See the same definition in Regulation (EU) 2021/888, Art. 2 (4).

(20)  Directive (EU) 2016/2102 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2016 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies (OJ L 327, 2.12.2016, p. 1).

(21)  Including information about the procedures for applying for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and detailed information on what is and is not covered by national health care systems.

(22)  The multilingual ‘Your Europe’ portal under Regulation (EU) 2018/1724, (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 1); the Youth Wiki section of the European Youth Portal; information on the Europa portal, e.g. on EHIC: Applying for a card - Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion - European Commission (europa.eu)

(23)  Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the Framework for establishing a European Youth Work Agenda (2020/C 415/01).

(24)  Regulation (EU) 2021/888 of the European Parliament and the Council of 20 May 2021 establishing the European Solidarity Corps Programme and repealing Regulations (EU) 2018/1475 and (EU) No 375/2014 (OJ L 202, 8.6.2021, p. 32).

(25)  See Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Inclusion and Diversity Strategy for guidance on how to do this: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/resources/implementation-guidelines-erasmus-and-european-solidarity-corps-inclusion-and-diversity_en

(26)  In line with EU equality strategies and inclusion policy frameworks targeting specific discriminated and disadvantaged groups adopted in 2020-2021: EU anti-racism action plan 2020-2025 (COM(2020) 565 final, 18 September 2020), EU Roma strategic framework for equality, inclusion and participation (COM(2020) 620 final, 7 October 2020), LGBTIQ equality strategy (COM(2020) 698 final, 12 November 2020), Action plan on integration and inclusion (COM(2020) 758 final, 24 November 2020), Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COM(2021) 101 final, 3 March 2021).

(27)  This was already a good practice of the former European Voluntary Service; now the European Solidarity Corps provides for a European Youth Card to every volunteer free of charge.

(28)  With information foreseen under point 2 a) of this Recommendation, as well as information on national volunteering schemes or activities.

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10531 – SANTANDER / MAPFRE / JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2022/C 157/02)

On 4 April 2022, 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 32022M10531. 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 persons, entities and bodies subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2014/145/CFSP, as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/582, and Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/581 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

(2022/C 157/03)

The following information is brought to the attention of the persons, entities and bodies that appear in the Annex to Council Decision 2014/145/CFSP (1), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/582 (2), and in Annex I to Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 (3), as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/581 (4) concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

The Council of the European Union has decided that those persons, entities and bodies should be included in the list of persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures provided for in Decision 2014/145/CFSP and in Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The grounds for the designation of those persons, entities and bodies appear in the relevant entries in those Annexes.

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 in the websites in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 269/2014, in order to obtain an authorisation to use frozen funds for basic needs or specific payments (cf. Article 4 of the Regulation).

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 list should be reconsidered, to the following address before 1 June 2022:

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 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 78, 17.3.2014, p. 16.

(2)  OJ L 110, 8.4.2022, p. 55.

(3)  OJ L 78, 17.3.2014, p. 6.

(4)  OJ L 110, 8.4.2022, p. 3.

Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2014/145/CFSP and Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine apply

(2022/C 157/04)

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 2014/145/CFSP (2), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/582 (3), and Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 (4), as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/581 (5).

The controller of this processing operation is department RELEX.1 in the Directorate-General for External Relations (RELEX) of the General Secretariat of the Council (GSC), which may 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 GSC’s Data Protection Officer 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 2014/145/CFSP, as amended by Decision (CFSP) 2022/582, and Regulation (EU) No 269/2014, as implemented by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/581.

The data subjects are the natural persons who fulfil the listing criteria as laid down in Decision 2014/145/CFSP and Regulation (EU) No 269/2014.

The personal data collected include data necessary for the correct identification of the person concerned, the statement of reasons and any other data related thereto.

The personal data collected may be shared as necessary with the European External Action Service and the Commission.

Without prejudice to restrictions pursuant to Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, the exercise of the rights of the data subjects, such as the right of access and the right to rectification or to object, will be governed by the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

Personal data will be retained for five years from the moment the data subject has been removed from the list of persons subject to the restrictive measures or the validity of the measure has expired, or for the duration of court proceedings in the event they had been started.

Without prejudice to any judicial, administrative or non-judicial remedy, data subjects may lodge a complaint with the European Data Protection Supervisor in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 2018/1725 (edps@edps.europa.eu).

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(1)  OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39.

(2)  OJ L 78, 17.3.2014, p. 16.

(3)  OJ L 110, 8.4.2022, p. 55.

(4)  OJ L 78, 17.3.2014, p. 6.

(5)  OJ L 110, 8.4.2022, p. 3.

Euro exchange rates (1)

8 April 2022

(2022/C 157/05)

1 euro =

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,0861
JPY	Japanese yen	134,87
DKK	Danish krone	7,4372
GBP	Pound sterling	0,83355
SEK	Swedish krona	10,2768
CHF	Swiss franc	1,0155
ISK	Iceland króna	139,60
NOK	Norwegian krone	9,5080
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	24,479
HUF	Hungarian forint	375,66
PLN	Polish zloty	4,6437
RON	Romanian leu	4,9425
TRY	Turkish lira	16,0237
AUD	Australian dollar	1,4552
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,3675
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	8,5134
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,5849
SGD	Singapore dollar	1,4801
KRW	South Korean won	1 333,12
ZAR	South African rand	15,9968
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	6,9115
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,5490
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	15 601,96
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,5850
PHP	Philippine peso	55,990
RUB	Russian rouble
THB	Thai baht	36,488
BRL	Brazilian real	5,1583
MXN	Mexican peso	21,8729
INR	Indian rupee	82,3890

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

Summary of the Opinion of the European Data Protection Supervisor on the Proposal for amending the Directive on the framework for the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport

(The full text of this Opinion can be found in English, French and German on the EDPS website: www.edps.europa.eu)

(2022/C 157/06)

The European Commission adopted on 14 December 2021 a Proposal for amending Directive 2010/40/EU on the framework for the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems (‘ITS’) in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other modes of transport. The deployment of ITS has been identified by the Commission as a key action in achieving connected and automated multimodal mobility.

The objective of the Proposal is to expand the current scope of the ITS Directive to cover new and emerging challenges and to allow essential ITS services to be made mandatory across the EU. Moreover, the revision is part of the evolving landscape of legislation on data, following the Communication on the European strategy for data.

The EDPS recalls that the processing of personal data shall be lawful if the data subject (the identified or identifiable natural person to whom personal data relate) has given consent to the processing of his or her personal data for one or more specific purposes or if another appropriate legal basis under Article 6 GDPR can be validly applied.

The Proposal indicates that data types and services, the provision of which should be made mandatory, would be identified based on the specifications set out in delegated acts supplementing the ITS Directive and reflect the data types and services set therein. At the same time, the EDPS notes that the Proposal would delete a number of provisions included the existing ITS Directive, including the provisions that relate to the principle of purpose specification and data minimisation.

Taking into account the particular protection granted to privacy and data protection as fundamental rights protected by Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the EDPS considers that the categories of personal data as well as the purposes for the processing of personal data in the context of the deployment of ITS services should be specified directly in the Proposal rather than in delegated acts supplementing the ITS Directive. In addition, the EDPS considers it important that the requirements of purpose specification, security, data minimisation, and to the need to ensure that provisions on consent are respected would remain appropriately reflected in the revised ITS Directive.

Insofar as the Proposal would seek to provide a legal basis for the processing of personal data in the context of the deployment and operational use of ITS, it should also establish a maximum storage duration for the relevant categories of data concerned, taking into account the ITS in question.

Given that the deployment of ITS may involve a large number of stakeholders, the EDPS recommends that a DPIA be conducted by the Commission before enabling the deployment of ITS services that are likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons (e.g. mobility management services by public transport authorities).

1.   INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.

The European Commission adopted on 14 December 2021 a Proposal for amending Directive 2010/40/EU on the framework for the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other modes of transport (‘the Proposal’) (1).

2.

Directive 2010/40/EU (‘the ITS Directive’) was designed to be the framework for accelerating and coordinating the deployment and use of ITS applied to road transport and its interfaces with other transport modes.

3.

The Commission’s Communication on a Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy (‘the Strategy’) (2) identifies the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems (‘ITS’) as a key action in achieving connected and automated multimodal mobility, and therefore contributing to the transformation of the European transport system to reach the objective of efficient, safe, sustainable, smart and resilient mobility.

4.

The Strategy announced that the ITS Directive would soon be revised, including some of its delegated regulations. The Strategy also highlighted the Commission’s intention to support the creation of a coordination mechanism in 2021 for the national access points (NAPs) created under the ITS Directive. Moreover, the revision is part of the evolving landscape of legislation on data, following the Communication on the European strategy for data (3) .

5.

The Proposal seeks to address the following problems (4): i. the lack of interoperability and lack of continuity of applications, systems and services; ii. the lack of concertation and effective cooperation among stakeholders; and iii. unresolved issues related to the availability and sharing of data supporting ITS services.

6.

The Proposal seeks to address these problems notably by expanding the current scope of the ITS Directive to cover new and emerging challenges, and by allowing essential ITS services to be made mandatory across the EU. The deployment of ITS services will be supported by the availability of data necessary to provide reliable information and additional rules would help to improve alignment with current practices and standards (5).

7.

On 6 January 2022 the Commission requested the EDPS to issue an Opinion on the Proposal pursuant to Article 42(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 (‘the EUDPR’) (6). The comments and recommendations in this Opinion are limited to the provisions in the Proposal that are most relevant from data protection perspective.

4.   CONCLUSIONS

39.

In light of the above, the EDPS makes the following main recommendations: a) Insofar as the Proposal seeks to provide a legal basis for the processing of personal data in the context of the deployment and operational use of ITS, it should therefore: — clearly specify the purpose(s) of the processing; and — provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the categories of personal data concerned; — clearly assign the roles of the various actors involved as controller, joint controller or processor; — establish a maximum storage duration for the relevant categories of data concerned, taking into account purposes of the processing the ITS in question. b) Given that the deployment of ITS may involve a large number of stakeholders, the EDPS recommends that the Commission carry out a data protection impact assessment before enabling the deployment of ITS services that are likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons.

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(1)  COM(2021) 813 final.

(2)  Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions ‘Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy – putting European transport on track for the future’ adopted in December 2020, COM/2020/789 final.

(3)  https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/sshoudltrategy-data

(4)  Explanatory Memorandum, p. 3.

(5)  Explanatory Memorandum, p. 3.

(6)  Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39).

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10647 – HOYA / BOE Vision / JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2022/C 157/07)

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(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10650 – EGERIA / ISOPLUS GROUP / BRUGG / ISOPLUS JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2022/C 157/08)

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(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

Notice to economic operators

New round of requests for the suspension of the autonomous Common Customs Tariff duties on certain industrial and agricultural products

(2022/C 157/09)

Economic operators are informed that the Commission has received requests in accordance with the administrative arrangements foreseen in the Commission Communication concerning autonomous tariff suspensions and quotas (2011/C 363/02) (1) for the January round of 2023.

The list of the products for which a duty suspension is requested is now available on the Commission’s thematic (Europa) website on the customs union (2).

Economic operators are also informed that the deadline for objections against new requests to reach the Commission, via the national administrations, is 21 June 2022 which is the date of the second scheduled meeting of the Economic Tariff Questions Group.

Interested operators are advised to consult the list regularly in order to be informed on the status as the requests.

More information on the autonomous tariff suspension procedure can be found on the Europa Internet:

Suspensions (Autonomous Tariff Suspensions) (europa.eu)

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(1)  OJ C 363, 13.12.2011, p. 6.

(2)  http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/susp/susp_home.jsp?Lang=en

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to the product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2022/C 157/10)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).

NOTIFICATION OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT TO THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Mór / Móri’

PDO-HU-A1333-AM04

Date of communication: 11.1.2022

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Change in the organoleptic characteristics of Móri Premium PDO wine

(a)   Product specification headings affected:

—	II. Description of the wines

(b)   Single document section affected:

—	Chapter 4 ‘Description of the wine(s)’, point 4 ‘Wine – Premium’

(c)   justification:

The organoleptic characteristics need to be clarified following the addition of a new variety to this product category and in light of experience to date.

2.   Addition of the Generosa variety to the Móri Premium PDO wine category

(a)   Product specification headings affected:

—	VI. Permitted grape varieties

(b)   The single document is not affected by this amendment.

(c)   justification:

The Mór wine region has a long tradition of producing full-bodied, strong, mature white wines. The intention behind the amendment is to allow this style of wine to be produced from the Generosa variety. The fact that this is a domestic variety descended from the Ezerjó and Tramini varieties and that winegrowers have many years of experience of cultivating the variety make it worthy of promotion to a higher category. In previous vintages, even without restrictions on production the Generosa variety has typically achieved a sugar content of 20 in Hungarian must grade (Magyar mustfok: MM°]), or as much as 23–24 MM° with a later harvest date and production restrictions, while preserving its acidity. Within these analytical parameters, the flavours and aromas of the variety are well preserved, as are its flavours of ripe stone fruit and honey and its spiciness, even with a later harvest date, making this variety an excellent raw material for the Móri Premium PDO category.

3.   Change in the method for harvesting Móri Premium wine

(a)   Product specification headings affected:

—	III. Specific oenological practices

(b)   Single document section affected:

—	Chapter 5 ‘Wine-making practices’, point 3 ‘Rules on grape production’, subpoint 4 ‘Method of harvesting’

(c)   justification:

Increasing labour shortages in the vine-growing sector and technical advances in the mechanisation of harvesting over recent years argue in favour of allowing the raw material of Móri Premium wines to be harvested mechanically, with the exceptions indicated above. Dry, full-bodied, mature wines harvested from well-ripened grapes subject to production restrictions form the basis of the Móri Premium PDO category. Modern mechanical harvesting techniques enable the raw material to reach the processing plant quickly, preventing any bruising or unwanted oxidation processes. In many cases, the mash that enters the processor through the machines’ de-stemming and sorting adapters is of even better quality than that harvested by the human labour available. To sum up, with the exceptions provided, the technology currently available is capable of ensuring the quality requirements for the Móri Premium PDO category.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Mór

Móri

2.   Type of geographical indication

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine products

1.

Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Wine – white

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The white wines are green-white, straw-yellow or golden yellow in colour, with pale or light shades. They are characterised by fresh, lively acidity, floral or fruity notes, lightness and freshness. They mostly lack the characteristics of ageing in barrels. The medium-bodied wines are typically aromatic with a pronounced character. The characteristics of the indicated variety are generally easily recognised.

*	The limits laid down in the EU legislation apply to the maximum total alcoholic strength and maximum total sulphur dioxide.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	9
Minimum total acidity	4,6 g/l expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)	18
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

2.   Wine – rosé

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The rosé wines are pink, violet, salmon (onion skin) or light red in colour, are light, fruity and intended for consumption within the year.

*

The limits laid down in the EU legislation apply to the maximum total alcoholic strength and maximum total sulphur dioxide.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	9
Minimum total acidity	4,6 g/l expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)	18
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

3.   Red wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The red wines are produced as primary wine with a short maceration process (5-7 days) for consumption within the year. They are light, simple and reminiscent of red berries in fragrance and flavour. They are pale ruby red in colour.

*	The limits laid down in the EU legislation apply to the maximum total alcoholic strength and maximum total sulphur dioxide.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	9
Minimum total acidity	4,6 g/l expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)	20
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

4.   Wine – Premium

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

Its colour ranges from straw-yellow to gold or old gold. The typically pronounced acidity and high alcoholic strength allow for longer maturation. Due to longer ageing, secondary flavours of maturation become dominant and sometimes have a mineral quality.

*	The limits laid down in the EU legislation apply to the maximum total alcoholic strength and maximum total sulphur dioxide.

*	For late-harvest and selected-harvest wines and wines made from raisined grapes bearing the term ‘premium’, the minimum total alcoholic strength by volume is 12,83 %, and the maximum volatile acidity is 2 g/l.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	9
Minimum total acidity	4,6 g/l expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)	18
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

1.   Wine – oenological practices

Specific oenological practice

Use of an intermittent wine press.

2.   Oenological practices not permitted

Relevant restriction on making the wines

Sweetening and must enrichment of the premium wines is not permitted.

3.   Rules on grape production

Cultivation practice

1.

Rules on training the vine: a. For vineyards planted before 1 August 2010, winery products with the protected designation of origin may be produced from grapes harvested from vineyards with any cultivation method authorised earlier, as long as production is continued in the vineyard. b. For vineyards planted after 1 August 2010: i. Head training ii. Gobelet training iii. Curtain training iv. Low cordon training v. Medium-high cordon training vi. High cordon training

2.

Rules on vine density in the vineyard: a. For vineyards planted before 1 August 2010, winery products with the protected designation of origin may be produced from grapes harvested from vineyards with any plantation density authorised earlier, as long as production is continued in the vineyard. b. For vineyards planted after 1 August 2010: Min. 3 300 vines per hectare c. For vineyards planted after 1 August 2016: Min. 3 500 vines per hectare

3.	Rules on bud load in the vineyard: The production of Móri wine is allowed only for a maximum bud load of 10 living buds per square metre.

4.	Method of harvesting: Manual and mechanical harvesting are allowed for all PDO wines. Mechanical harvesting is allowed for Móri Premium PDO wines, except for selected-harvest or late-harvest wine, wine made from raisined grapes, main wine and ice wine, which may only be harvested manually.

4.   Minimum natural sugar content and potential alcoholic strength of the grapes

Relevant restriction on making the wines

For white, rosé and red wines: 9,0 % by volume – 14,9 in Hungarian must grade (Magyar mustfok – [MM°])

For late-harvest and selected-harvest white wines, white wines made from raisined grapes and premium wines, the minimum natural sugar content of the grapes is 216 g/litre, the potential alcoholic strength is 12,83 % by volume and 20 in Hungarian must grade ([MM°]).

5.   Rules on the date of harvest and the indication of varieties

Cultivation practice

Setting the date of the harvest:

The date on which harvesting begins is set by the wine community council by 20 August each year. Any wine product made from grapes harvested before the start date of the harvest set by the wine community council cannot be granted a certificate of origin for ‘Mór / Móri’ wine and cannot be marketed using the PDO label. The date of the harvest is published in the form of an announcement by the wine communities. In the event of exceptional circumstances (e.g. weather or infection) a derogation from the above may be allowed.

Rules on the indication of varieties:

The indication of the variety and its synonyms, as defined in relevant national legislation on the classification of vine varieties suitable for wine-making, is permitted on Móri wine products of any category, subject to the following restrictions and additions:

a.	Where a single variety is indicated, 85 % of the product must be made from that variety.

b.	Where several varieties are indicated, 100 % of the product must be made from the indicated varieties.

c.	The indication of a variety is not permitted for Móri wines distinguished by the restricted expression ‘Muskotály’ [Muscat].

5.2.   Maximum yields

1.	Wine – white, rosé, red 100 hectolitres per hectare

2.	Wine – white, rosé, red 13 600 kg of grapes per hectare

3.	Wine – Premium 60 hectolitres per hectare

4.	Wine – Premium 8 500 kg of grapes per hectare

5.	Wine – Premium – Late-harvest and selected-harvest wines 45 hectolitres per hectare

6.	Wine – Premium – Late-harvest and selected-harvest wines 8 000 kg of grapes per hectare

7.	Wine – Premium – Wines made from raisined grapes and ice wines 20 hectolitres per hectare

8.	Wine – Premium – Wines made from raisined grapes and ice wines 5 000 kg of grapes per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

Grapes originating from vineyards belonging to areas of the municipalities of Csákberény, Csókakő, Mór, Pusztavám, Söréd and Zámoly in Fejér County classified as Class I and II according to the vineyard cadastre (Mór wine region) may be used to produce wine products bearing the ‘Mór/Móri’ PDO.

7.   Main grape variety (varieties)

cabernet franc – cabernet

cabernet franc – carbonet

cabernet franc – carmenet

cabernet franc – gros cabernet

cabernet franc – gros vidur

cabernet franc – kaberne fran

cabernet sauvignon

chardonnay – chardonnay blanc

chardonnay – kereklevelű

chardonnay – morillon blanc

chardonnay – ronci bilé

cserszegi fűszeres

ezerjó – kolmreifler

ezerjó – korponai

ezerjó – szadocsina

ezerjó – tausendachtgute

ezerjó – tausendgute

ezerjó – trummertraube

generosa

irsai olivér – irsai

irsai olivér – muskat olivér

irsai olivér – zolotis

irsai olivér – zolotisztüj rannüj

királyleányka – dánosi leányka

királyleányka – erdei sárga

királyleányka – feteasca regale

királyleányka – galbena de ardeal

királyleányka – königliche mädchentraube

királyleányka – königstochter

királyleányka – little princess

kékfrankos – blauer lemberger

kékfrankos – blauer limberger

kékfrankos – blaufränkisch

kékfrankos – limberger

kékfrankos – moravka

leányka – dievcenske hrozno

leányka – feteasca alba

leányka – leányszőlő

leányka – mädchentraube

merlot

olasz rizling – grasevina

olasz rizling – nemes rizling

olasz rizling – olaszrizling

olasz rizling – riesling italien

olasz rizling – risling vlassky

olasz rizling – taljanska grasevina

olasz rizling – welschrieslig

ottonel muskotály – miszket otonel

ottonel muskotály – muscat ottonel

ottonel muskotály – muskat ottonel

pinot blanc – fehér burgundi

pinot blanc – pinot beluj

pinot blanc – pinot bianco

pinot blanc – weissburgunder

pinot noir – blauer burgunder

pinot noir – kisburgundi kék

pinot noir – kék burgundi

pinot noir – kék rulandi

pinot noir – pignula

pinot noir – pino csernüj

pinot noir – pinot cernii

pinot noir – pinot nero

pinot noir – pinot tinto

pinot noir – rulandski modre

pinot noir – savagnin noir

pinot noir – spätburgunder

rajnai rizling – johannisberger

rajnai rizling – rheinriesling

rajnai rizling – rhine riesling

rajnai rizling – riesling

rajnai rizling – riesling blanc

rajnai rizling – weisser riesling

rizlingszilváni – müller thurgau

rizlingszilváni – müller thurgau bijeli

rizlingszilváni – müller thurgau blanc

rizlingszilváni – rivaner

rizlingszilváni – rizvanac

sauvignon – sauvignon bianco

sauvignon – sauvignon bijeli

sauvignon – sauvignon blanc

sauvignon – sovinjon

syrah – blauer syrah

syrah – marsanne noir

syrah – serine noir

syrah – shiraz

syrah – sirac

szürkebarát – auvergans gris

szürkebarát – grauburgunder

szürkebarát – graumönch

szürkebarát – pinot grigio

szürkebarát – pinot gris

szürkebarát – ruländer

sárga muskotály – moscato bianco

sárga muskotály – muscat blanc

sárga muskotály – muscat bélüj

sárga muskotály – muscat de frontignan

sárga muskotály – muscat de lunel

sárga muskotály – muscat lunel

sárga muskotály – muscat sylvaner

sárga muskotály – muscat zlty

sárga muskotály – muskat weisser

sárga muskotály – weiler

sárga muskotály – weisser

tramini – gewürtztraminer

tramini – roter traminer

tramini – savagnin rose

tramini – tramin cervené

tramini – traminer

tramini – traminer rosso

zenit

zöld veltelíni – grüner muskateller

zöld veltelíni – grüner veltliner

zöld veltelíni – veltlinské zelené

zöld veltelíni – zöldveltelíni

8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   Wine (1)

Description of the demarcated area

(a)   Natural and cultural factors

One of Hungary’s smallest historical wine regions, the Mór wine region lies on the Vértes side of the Mór Valley, which is cupped between the Vértes and Bakony Hills in Fejér County.

The microclimate and prevailing wind direction of the wine region are influenced by the Mór Valley, which is a tectonic fault line between the Bakony and Vértes Hills. Today’s morphological characteristics were determined by surface formation in the Late Pliocene Epoch and the Quaternary Period, which produced buttes with gravel caps, long and broad ridges, rugged and gently sloping pediments. The Vértes is a karstic medium mountain range with a horst and graben structure.

The brown forest soil with clay illuviation and the brown soil largely developed on loess mixed with limestone debris and Oligocene sands. The dolomite and limestone are covered by rendzina soils.

The climate is suited to growing vines, although it is cooler than the average. The winters are mild, with considerable air movement throughout the year. The sun shines on most of the vineyards throughout the summer. The annual mean temperature is 10 °C. The area is characterised by moderate light conditions and 600–650 mm of precipitation. Most of the rain falls in the summer, the least in February and March. The prevailing winds are north-westerly. The weather is usually moderately cool and relatively rainy.

(b)   Human factors

Vine growing in the area is thought to go back to as early as Roman times. However, deeds issued after the foundation of the Hungarian state in the 11th century provide clear evidence of local viticulture. The first written record dates from after the Magyar Conquest in the Middle Ages. The will of Lord Miklós Csák in 1231 makes first mention of the Vajal (Mór) vineyards.

Ottoman rule was detrimental to vine cultivation in the area. The Turkish garrison withdrawing from Csókakő Castle burned down villages, also destroying the vineyards.

Assuming a crucial role in subsequent recovery were the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and the German settlers (introduced to the area by the Hochburgs and the Lambergs), who brought with them modern equipment and sophisticated vine-growing and wine-making traditions. Founding their monastery between 1694 and 1696, the Capuchin monks of Mór maintained close links with fellow monks of the order in Tokaj. Tradition has it that they sent them cuttings of the Ezerjó variety to help them replant the vineyards.

The Ezerjó variety, today a ‘Hungaricum’, became the main grape variety in the wine region in the course of replanting after the phylloxera epidemic of the 19th century. The recovery of vine and wine played a major role in Mór becoming a market town in 1758.

Historical records show that raisined grapes were harvested for the first time in the wine region in 1834. In the 19th century, thanks to good transportability, increasing quantities of the wines of the region were sold on the Austrian market.

Although the first wine community in the area was established in Csákberény in 1882, following its application in 1901 the creation of the independent Mór wine region was registered by decree in 1928.

From after the Second World War until the end of the 1980s, the Mór State Farm provided the technological background for vine cultivation and grape processing, the necessary storage capacities and a significant part of the marketing opportunities in the wine region. By the mid-1980s, the wine-growing area had once again reached its largest expanse in centuries. In addition to supplying the domestic market, sales were mainly focused on export to the Soviet Union.

Following the regime change in 1990, the State Farm was wound up, its wine-growing capacities dismantled, and with privatisation, the destiny of the wine region was back in the hands of local decision-makers, individual farmers and wineries. This, in turn, significantly changed the structure of viniculture. Many families became wine-growers by profession, and there are now many flourishing wineries in Mór and its surroundings. The wine-growing area of the wine region has been reduced to 685 ha.

Thanks to the development, centuries-old experience and expertise of these family wineries, Mór wines are becoming increasingly popular with consumers. This trend is evidenced by the numerous gold medals won at national and international wine competitions and the opening up of sales to foreign markets.

8.2.   Wine (2)

Description of the wines

Mór wines have a rich bouquet of fragrances and aromas, a relatively high alcoholic strength and acidity, and are pleasant and usually dry. An expressive, full-bodied character and balanced acidity make these wines highly pleasurable. Good vintages in particular produce harmonious wines boasting pronounced acids with corresponding body, which, given the right wine-making technology and maturation, make for premium wines.

Mór wines are most frequently referred to in the literature as firm, pronounced and ‘masculine’. The wines of the region have the backbone, body, sugar content and acidity that usually characterise great wines. The calcareous soil imparts to the wines an acidic backbone, to which they owe their exceptional palatability. The same acidic backbone affords selected-variety Premium wines the keeping quality allowing them to develop and grow for up to several years.

Due to the draughty nature of the Mór Valley, fungal grapevine diseases are uncommon. This allows healthy grapes to be processed in most of the vintage years. White wines made from healthy fruit are also excellent for long-term ageing and for the production of historical wines (‘muzeális borok’).

Under favourable weather conditions, the grapes of the Ezerjó variety ripen to a golden yellow and have an exquisite flavour. In certain vintage years, botrytised grapes may be used to produce special-quality main wine.

Link between the production area, human factors and the product

Thanks to the natural and human factors of the geographical environment, the Mór wine region has produced nationally famed wines for centuries.

The favourable meso- and microclimate on the south–south-western slopes of the mountains and hills has developed good local growing conditions.

The specific ‘draughty’ nature of the valley is a great asset in curbing fungal grapevine diseases, reducing or avoiding frost risks, or manipulating their frequency. Other beneficial features include favourable exposure and excellent sunlight utilisation on the steep south-western slopes on the edge of the Mór Valley. Mór wines also owe their distinctive character to the relatively high lime content of the soils.

Grape-growing and wine-making in the region boast a wide range of unique traditional characteristics, which are crucial in their long-term effects. The significant differences in vine cultivation and grape processing compared to other wine regions can be put down, first, to the fact that the German-speaking settlers brought with them the cultivation practices of their home regions; second, to the Capuchin monks introducing new vine-growing and wine-making methods; and third, to the fact that these peculiarities largely developed locally, in isolation at the time.

Traditionally cultivated vineyards still employ ‘bald’ pruning and head-training with stakes, typical of the wine region, which aims to bring the bunches on the plants closer to the soil, which heats up during the day, thereby ensuring good ripening and better quality. Mór wine producers adhere to this cultivation approach to this day. All winemakers in the region seek to maintain low grapevine training methods.

Also, careful debudding helps to evenly spread out the buds, contributing to the healthy growth of the grapes, which is the key to the production of fruity Mór wines.

The raw material produced in this way is highly suitable for longer maturation of, for example, premium wines, which are traditionally made in the wine region using casks. This is because the smaller surface area allows longer maturation in wooden barrels.

The ruling variety and trademark of the wine region until the 1950s, the Ezerjó has since been accompanied by a number of predominantly white grape varieties. These include Zöld veltelíni, Rizlingszilváni, Rajnai rizling, Chardonnay, Leányka, Királyleányka, Sauvignon, Szürkebarát and Tramini, as well as a few blue grape varieties grown on a small scale. The most important variety of the wine region is still Ezerjó, grown on almost a third of the area.

Consequently, Mór wine is still widely equated with ‘Móri Ezerjó’, which came out of the fortuitous meeting of a good production area and an excellent variety. The variety is grown in several places in Hungary, but found a true home on the slopes of the Vértes.

9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Rules on indications (1)

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

(a)	The expression ‘oltalom alatt álló eredetmegjelölés’ (‘protected designation of origin’) and its Hungarian-language adjective variants, as well as the same in any of the official languages of the European Union, may appear on the label.

(b)	On the label of a wine with the ‘Mór/Móri’ protected designation of origin, the words ‘oltalom alatt álló eredetmegjelölés’ (‘protected designation of origin’) may be replaced by ‘védett eredetű bor’ (‘protected origin wine’).

(c)	The ‘Mór’ protected designation of origin may be replaced by the indication ‘Móri’ or ‘Móri borvidék’ (Mór wine region). The grammatical variant with the derivative ‘-i’ of the names of all municipalities listed in point VIII/1.1.2 may also be indicated on the labels.

(d)	Indication of vintage is mandatory for all primary and new wines.

(e)	When the vintage is indicated, 85 % of the wine must originate from that vintage. An exception is made for primary or new wines, as well as for ‘virgin vintage’ or ‘first harvest’ wines, where 100 % of the wine must come from the relevant vintage.

(f)	The expressions ‘termőhelyen palackozva’ (bottled in the production area), ‘termelői palackozás’ (bottled by the producer) and ‘pinceszövetkezetben palackozva’ (bottled in a winery cooperative) may be indicated on any ‘Mór/Móri’ wine.

(g)	The expression ‘rozé’ can be replaced by ‘rosé’, and the expression ‘küvé’ by ‘cuvée’.

Rules on indications (2)

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

(a)

‘Küvé’ or ‘cuvée’ wines may indicate wines obtained by blending several grape varieties, on the label of which the name of the grape varieties constituting the cuvée may be indicated in descending order of quantity in order to provide information for consumers. If the names of the varieties are indicated, the names of all the varieties that make up the cuvée must be indicated.

(b)	The expression ‘Öreg tőkék bora’ (‘Wine of old vines’) may be included on the label when at least 85 % of the wine comes from a terroir whose vines are over 40 years old.

(c)

The use of the expression ‘birtokbor’ [estate-grown wine] is permitted on Mór wines provided that 100 % of the grapes used as raw material for the wines come from the area cultivated by the specific winery. In the case of family businesses, the expression ‘birtokbor’ [estate-grown wine] may also be indicated on the label of wines produced in vineyards cultivated by family members.

(d)	The expressions ‘késői szüretelésű bor’ [late-harvest wine], ‘válogatott szüretelésű bor’ [selected-harvest wine], ‘főbor’ [main wine], ‘jégbor’ [ice wine] and ‘töppedt szőlőből készült bor’ [wine made from raisined grapes] may appear on the label of premium wines only.

Other restricted expressions that may be indicated:

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

—	‘Muzeális bor’ [Historical wine]: white, premium

—	‘Birtokbor’ [Estate-grown wine]: all wines

—	‘Öreg tőkék bora’ [Wine of old vines]: all wines

—	‘Virgin vintage’ or ‘első szüret’ [first harvest]: all wines

—	‘Muskotály’ [Muscat]: white

—	‘Cuvée’ or ‘küvé’: all wines

—	‘Szűretlen’ [Unfiltered]: red

—	‘Primőr’ [Primeur] or ‘újbor’ [new wine]: white, rosé, red

—	‘Barrique’: white, red, premium

Smaller geographical units that may be used in addition to the ‘Mór’ PDO

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

Municipalities:

—	Fejér County: Csákberény, Csókakő, Pusztavám, Söréd, Zámoly

For Mór wines labelled with a municipality name, at least 85 % of the grapes must originate from vineyards classified in class I or II in that municipality, and up to 15 % of the processed grapes may originate from other parts of the Mór demarcated production area.

Rules on presentation

Legal framework:

By an organisation which manages the PDO/PGI, where foreseen by Member States

Type of further condition:

Packaging in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

Premium wines may only be sold in bottles.

This rule does not apply to wines produced within the production area by the producer in his/her own cellar for on-site consumption.

Premium wines may only be sold in the wine year following the harvest.

Production outside the demarcated production area (1)

Legal framework:

By an organisation which manages the PDO/PGI, where foreseen by Member States

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

For historical reasons, ‘Mór’ PDO wines may be produced in the following counties and towns in addition to the municipalities listed in Chapter IV:

—	Fejér County:

The municipalities of Aba, Alcsútdoboz, Bicske, Csabdi, Etyek, Felcsút, Gárdony, Gyúró, Igar, Kajászó, Kápolnásnyék, Lajoskomárom, Martonvásár, Mezőkomárom, Nadap, Pákozd, Pázmánd, Seregélyes, Sukoró, Szabadhídvég, Székesfehérvár, Tordas, Vál and Velence

—	Bács-Kiskun County:

The municipalities of Ágasegyháza, Akasztó, Apostag, Bácsalmás, Bácsszőlős, Ballószög, Balotaszállás, Bátmonostor, Bócsa, Borota, Bugac, Császártöltés, Csengőd, Csátalja, Csávoly, Csikéria, Csólyospálos, Dunapataj, Dunavecse, Dusnok, Érsekcsanád, Érsekhalma, Felsőlajos, Fülöpháza, Fülöpjakab, Hajós, Harkakötöny, Harta, Helvécia, Imrehegy, Izsák, Jakabszállás, Jánoshalma, Jászszentlászló, Kaskantyú,, Kecel, Kecskemét, Kelebia, Kéleshalom, Kerekegyháza, Kiskőrös, Kiskunfélegyháza, Kiskunmajsa, Kisszállás, Kunbaja, Kunbaracs, Kunfehértó, Kunszállás, Kunszentmiklós, Ladánybene, Lajosmizse, Lakitelek, Pirtó, Páhi, Rém, Solt, Soltszentimre, Soltvadkert, Sükösd, Szabadszállás, Szank, Szentkirály, Tabdi, Tázlár, Tiszaalpár, Tiszakécske, Tiszaug, Tompa, Vaskút and Zsana

Production outside the demarcated production area (2)

Legal framework:

By an organisation which manages the PDO/PGI, where foreseen by Member States

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

—	Komárom-Esztergom County:

The municipalities of Ászár, Baj, Bajót, Bársonyos, Császár, Csép, Dunaalmás, Dunaszentmiklós, Esztergom, Ete, Kerékteleki, Kesztölc, Kisbér, Kocs, Lábatlan, Mocsa, Mogyorósbánya, Nagyigmánd, Neszmély, Nyergesújfalu, Süttő, Szomód, Tát, Tata, Tokod, Vérteskethely and Vértesszőlős

—	Pest County:

The municipalities of Abony, Albertirsa, Bénye, Budajenő, Budakeszi, Cegléd, Ceglédbercel, Csemő, Dány, Dömsöd, Gomba, Hernád, Inárcs, Kakucs, Kerepes, Kisnémedi, Kocsér, Kóka, Mogyoród, Monor, Monorierdő, Nagykőrös, Ócsa, Őrbottyán, Örkény, Páty, Pilis, Pilisborosjenő, Ráckeve, Szada, Szigetcsép, Szigetszentmárton, Szigetújfalu, Tápiószele, Tápiószentmárton, Telki, Tóalmás, Tököl, Újlengyel, Üröm, Vác, Vácegres and Veresegyház

—	Somogy County:

The municipalities of Andocs, Balatonberény, Balatonboglár, Balatonendréd, Balatonkeresztúr, Balatonlelle, Balatonőszöd, Balatonszabadi, Balatonszemes, Böhönye, Csoma, Csurgó, Gyugy, Kaposhomok, Kaposkeresztúr, Karád, Kercseliget, Kéthely, Kötcse, Kőröshegy, Látrány, Lengyeltóti, Marcali, Mosdós and Ordacsehi

Production outside the demarcated production area (3)

Legal framework:

By an organisation which manages the PDO/PGI, where foreseen by Member States

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

—	Tolna County:

The municipalities of Alsónána, Alsónyék, Aparhant, Báta, Bátaapáti, Bátaszék, Bikács, Bölcske, Bonyhád, Bonyhádvarasd, Decs, Dunaföldvár, Dunaszentgyörgy, Dúzs, Fácánkert, Felsőnyék, Grábóc, Gyönk, Györe, Györköny, Harc, Hőgyész, Iregszemcse, Izmény, Kakasd, Kéty, Kisdorog, Kismányok, Kisszékely, Kisvejke, Kölesd, Lengyel, Madocsa, Magyarkeszi, Medina, Mőcsény, Mórágy, Mucsfa, Mucsi, Nagydorog, Nagymányok, Nagyszékely, Nagyszokoly, Ozora, Őcsény, Paks, Pincehely, Regöly, Sárszentlőrinc, Simontornya, Sióagárd, Szálka, Szekszárd, Tamási, Tengelic, Tevel, Tolna, Tolnanémedi, Váralja, Várdomb, Závod and Zomba

—	Veszprém County:

The municipalities of Ábrahámhegy, Alsóörs, Aszófő, Badacsonytomaj, Badacsonytördemic, Balatonakali, Balatonalmádi, Balatoncsicsó, Balatonederics, Balatonfüred, Balatonfőkajár, Balatonhenye, Balatonkenese, Balatonrendes, Balatonszepezd, Balatonszőlős, Balatonudvari, Balatonvilágos, Csopak, Csabrendek, Dörgicse, Felsőörs, Gyulakeszi, Hegyesd, Hegymagas, Káptalantóti, Kisapáti, Kővágóörs, Köveskál, Lesencefalu, Lesenceistvánd, Lesencetomaj, Lovas, Mencshely, Mindszentkálla, Monostorapáti, Monoszló, Nemesgulács, Nemesvita, Óbudavár, Örvényes, Paloznak, Pécsely, Raposka, Révfülöp, Salföld, Sáska, Sümeg, Sümegprága, Szentantalfa, Szentbékkálla, Szentjakabfa, Szigliget, Tagyon, Tapolca, Tihany, Uzsa, Vászoly, Zalahaláp and Zánka

Exceptions to this rule are premium wines, which may only be processed in the municipalities listed in Chapter IV.

Link to the product specification

https://boraszat.kormany.hu/admin/download/6/5f/d2000/Mor%20OEM_vv3_standard_korr_nelkul.pdf

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(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.