Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.11006 – ONE / MACQUARIE / YTI)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 185/01)

On 4 May 2023, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M11006. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.11092 – BLACKSTONE / CDPQ / INVENERGY / AEP RENEWABLES / AEP WIND HOLDINGS / TRENT WIND FARM / DESERT SKY WIND FARM)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 185/02)

On 3 May 2023, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M11092. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.11016 – AIR LIQUIDE / ADP / JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 185/03)

On 12 May 2023, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M11016. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the outcomes of the 9th cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue

(2023/C 185/04)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL,

RECALLING THAT:

1.

The aims of this resolution are to ensure that the outcomes of the 9th cycle of the European Union Youth Dialogue (EUYD) are recognised and followed up by relevant stakeholders at local, regional, national and European levels, and to ensure quality and continuity in the implementation of the EUYD process and its outcomes. This document further aims to contribute to increased transparency in the EUYD and to provide feedback from the work that has been done within the 9th cycle and previous cycles.

2.

This resolution builds on the Resolution on the European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 (1) and its European Youth goals, as well as Annex I of the Resolution establishing guidelines on the governance of the EUYD, and the outcomes of the previous cycles of the EUYD. The EU Youth Strategy calls for a greater involvement of young people in dialogue with decision-makers, and for the engagement of young people from diverse backgrounds and social groups.

3.

The decision (EU) 2021/2316 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 2021 on a European Year of Youth (2022) (hereinafter ‘EYY’) highlights the need to give young people opportunities for a future that is greener, more digital and more inclusive.

4.

The EUYD is a participation mechanism for young people in the EU. It serves as a forum for continuous joint reflection and for consultations on the priorities, implementation and follow-up of cooperation at EU level in the field of youth between decision-makers, young people and their representative organisations as well as researchers. The EUYD makes possible a continuous partnership in the governance of these processes at local, regional, national and European level.

5.

The outcomes of the 9th cycle of the EUYD are based on the cycle’s three EU Youth Conferences, on feedback from national and European qualitative consultations and events from the dialogue phase, and on the results from the implementation phase in the Member States and at European level. These outcomes contribute to mainstreaming the multi-level and cross-sectoral implementation of Youth Goal #10 ‘Sustainable Green Europe’ and of Youth Goal #3 ‘Inclusive Societies’ under the title ‘Engaging Together for a Sustainable and Inclusive Europe’.

6.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact (2) on the participation of young people and increased inequalities between groups of young people. Furthermore, the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and the consequent energy crisis, increased migration and global inflation have serious effects on young people and communities in Europe. The fact that young people with fewer opportunities have less access to human and especially social rights than young people with more opportunities became even more evident during these crises.

7.

The invitation from the 8th cycle to the European Commission and the Member States is to — strengthen long-term institutional memory and continuity of work between EUYD cycles; — call for regular exchanges and coordination that is youth led and adequately supported between the Presidency trios, the Commission and the European Youth Forum to be organised, and for the documentation of the European Steering Group to be made public in the European Youth Portal; — provide continuous feedback to young people and youth organisations involved in all stages of the EUYD process in order to ensure meaningful dialogue and youth participation at all levels; — prioritise and give visibility to the EUYD in national and EU-level events and promote youth participation in decision-making processes at all levels.

8.

The 9th cycle EUYD toolkit provided means for the National Working Groups to collect data on plans they created for the cycle, and on good practice examples they identified in the five key domains, namely: a) information and education, b) action and empowerment, c) governance, d) mobility and solidarity, e) access to infrastructure. This process collected the opinions of young people and contributed to the development of working methods and best practices, facilitating the implementation of the 9th cycle of the EUYD.

ACKNOWLEDGING THAT:

9.

The EUYD is based on the leadership and shared ownership of the National Working Groups, where possible, coordinated by the National Youth Councils. This enables a diversity of young people to participate in the dialogue and connects different national, regional and local stakeholders with the process.

10.

The contribution of International Non-Governmental Youth Organisations (INGYOs) is important in bringing a range of perspectives from across Europe to the policy dialogue and in ensuring quality input on the transnational dimension of the EUYD process.

CONSIDER THAT:

11.

The National Working Groups and the INGYOs used a variety of methods, such as dialogue and round table events (both online and offline), social media polls and targeted activities with young people with fewer opportunities.

12.

Putting young people and youth organisations at the core of the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and follow-up of the cycle and all its activities, for example by ensuring that the presidency’s National Youth Councils had the right to co-chair the European Steering Group, was a key aspect of the implementation of the 9th cycle of the EUYD.

NOTE THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE EU YOUTH CONFERENCE (3):

13.

Recommendation for subtheme 1 on information and education: ‘We request that Member States ensure equal access to user-friendly information on sustainability and climate change through inclusive and empowering non-formal and formal education fostering intergenerational dialogue and learning’.

14.

Recommendation for subtheme 2 on action and empowerment: ‘We urge Member States to guarantee independent advisory boards on a local level (e.g., youth councils) consisting of, and selected by, young people with an intersectional emphasis on young people with fewer opportunities, taking a sustainable approach’.

15.

Recommendation for subtheme 3 on governance: ‘We recommend developing legislation ensuring accountability and transparency in environmental and sustainable development policymaking processes and supporting participation and evaluation mechanisms which enable this (e.g., youth bodies, youth tests) at local, regional, and European level’.

16.

Recommendation for subtheme 4 on mobility and solidarity: ‘We urge the European Commission and the Member States to create action plans, aimed at the formal education sector and at the labour market, in order to ensure formal recognition of experience and key competences acquired through participation in volunteering and learning mobility’.

17.

Recommendation for subtheme 5 on access to infrastructure: ‘We recommend the European Commission and the Member States to provide an affordable and accessible “Youth Climate Ticket” as a universal multimodal tool for public transportation at the regional, national, and international levels, and the European Commission to support Member States in advancing sustainable ways of public transportation’.

RECOGNISE THAT:

18.

The participants of the EU Youth Conference emphasised the need in making all aspects of the EUYD more inclusive and diverse and to improve its outreach to various groups of young people, including through a long-term communication strategy e.g., by a common logo, widescale promotion of results and accessible and youth-friendly information, reaching beyond the conference delegates and core participants at the EUYD.

19.

The participants of the EU Youth Conference further stressed that efficient cross sectoral co-operation at both national and EU level was important to bring the results of the EUYD outside of the youth policy sphere to create impact beyond the youth sector. It was further noted that Member States and National Working Groups had a key role in providing systematic monitoring and feedback in order to enhance the internal transparency of the process.

WELCOME:

20.

The decision on a European Year of Youth (2022) (4), drawing attention to young people and their important role in society as well as empowering and restoring confidence to the young generation that suffered the most during the COVID-19 pandemic.

21.

The evolution of the European Youth Portal and its reaffirmed function as a one stop shop for the EUYD and related documents as a contribution to ensuring the institutional memory between cycles.

22.

The conclusions of the Council on fostering engagement among young people as actors of change in order to protect the environment, especially the emphasis put on supporting young people in their engagement to the environment and their agency in the ongoing development of society as a whole.

23.

The conclusions of the Council on promoting the intergenerational dimension in the youth field to foster dialogue and social cohesion, in particular highlighting the benefits of bringing together the experience and competencies of different generations in building peaceful and cohesive societies.

24.

The emphasis of the 8th cycle of the EUYD on the Youth Goal #9 ‘Space and Participation for All’ and the participatory process that led to the approval of the Council conclusions on strengthening the multilevel governance when promoting the participation of young people in decision-making processes and the Council conclusions on safeguarding and creating civic spaces for young people that facilitate meaningful youth participation.

25.

The active participation of young people and of the National Working Groups in the 9th cycle of the EUYD and the inclusion of youth organisations in a variety of events providing feedback throughout the cycle and the implementation of the EYY. Further, the youth participation in the informal meeting of Ministers for Education and Youth in Strasbourg, in the seminar on the participation of young people in the European Project in Strasbourg, and in the conference ‘Claim the Future’ in Brussels to summarise the achievements of the EYY and to reflect upon its legacy.

INVITE THE MEMBER STATES AND THE COMMISSION, IN LINE WITH THE SUBSIDIARITY PRINCIPLE, AND WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE SPHERES OF COMPETENCE, TO:

26.

Consider, where appropriate, the recommendations mentioned above in paragraphs 13 to 17 when implementing and evaluating relevant policy responses relating to subthemes 1 to 5 of the 9th cycle of the EUYD.

27.

Consider the outcomes of the 9th cycle of the EUYD, when implementing and evaluating current youth policies and designing future youth policies, in synergy with all policies affecting young people. Explore further ways of implementing European Youth Goals #10 and #3 and their sub-targets.

28.

Encourage, acknowledge and, where appropriate, financially support actions and programmes initiated and led by young people in sustainable development, particularly those combating climate change and increasing inclusion, so that they can be agents of change within society as a whole.

29.

Strengthen and improve the EUYD process by considering and, where possible, applying best practices from the 9th cycle of the EUYD and the principles that guided its implementation, in particular by putting young people and youth organisations at the core of the process and ensuring that the EUYD is a youth-led process in which young people and decision-makers have a constructive solution-seeking dialogue.

30.

Empower the National Youth Councils, where applicable, in their role as leading stakeholders in the National Working Groups to enable them to coordinate and implement the EUYD at the national level.

31.

Call on relevant parties to ensure stable administrative and financial support, as well as the necessary tools, to the National Youth Councils for co-chairing the European Steering Group, where applicable, to enable them to take on a leading role in the EUYD during the presidency term of their Member State, especially through the Youth chapter of the Erasmus+ programme in line with its legal basis and the EU Financial regulation.

32.

Encourage young people, youth organisations and other stakeholders in the youth field to make more use of the funding possibilities offered by the Youth chapter of the EU programme Erasmus+ in order to strengthen youth participation and youth dialogues at local, regional and national level and, where appropriate, to link them more closely to the EUYD process.

33.

Recognise the involvement and contribution of INGYOs in the EUYD process as important actors for ensuring that the dialogue has a strong European dimension and, where appropriate, provide necessary preconditions for their active participation and involvement in the EUYD process.

34.

Continue the work that was done at all levels during the EYY to prioritise and increase the visibility of the EUYD in local, regional, national and EU-level events and promote inclusive youth participation in decision-making processes at all levels in line with best practice for youth inclusion.

35.

Ensure that there is a long-term communication strategy at European level to increase outreach regarding the EUYD in a youth friendly manner and, where appropriate, provide National Working Groups with additional support to enhance their own EUYD communication. The communication strategy should preferably be created under the co-leadership of youth organisations, including a common EUYD logo, labelling all EUYD actions, at European, national, regional and local level.

36.

Take appropriate measures to mainstream meaningful youth participation across all relevant policy fields, in line with the activities carried out during the EYY, to foster a youth perspective in all relevant policy areas. The youth policy area should act as a bridge to other areas of policymaking, to ensure that the voices of children and young people are amplified and included in other sectors.

37.

Further develop monitoring and feedback related to the outcomes of the EUYD to increase transparency and to ensure meaningful youth participation in all parts and at all stages of decision-making processes.

38.

Provide support as well as targeted tools and methods to reach and prepare young people who usually do not participate, including young people with fewer opportunities, in the EUYD. These could be tailored to specific groups needs on a case-by-case basis. The objective would be to provide simple communication tools to explain the EUYD and the role of the European institutions in a youth friendly way and provide appropriate support throughout the process.

39.

Where appropriate, develop methods and implementation tools at local, regional, national and EU levels on how to take action on the messages and demands that emanate from the EUYD and the EU Youth Conferences, as well as from the EYY.

INVITE THE COMMISSION, IN LINE WITH THE SUBSIDIARITY PRINCIPLE, TO:

40.

Further develop the EU Youth Portal and other relevant communications tools in a youth friendly manner in order to increase the user-friendliness and visibility of the EUYD, building on good practices from the EYY and the 9th cycle of the EUYD.

41.

Further engage the EU Youth Coordinator in mainstreaming youth participation across all relevant EU policy fields in line with the EYY legacy and give increased visibility to the EUYD as an instrument for mainstreaming youth participation.

AND FURTHER NOTE THAT:

42.

The overall topic priority of the next trio presidency (Spain, Belgium and Hungary) is ‘WE NEED YOUTH’.

43.

The ambition is to further develop and strengthen the EUYD during the 10th cycle taking account of the results, recommendations, celebration and evaluations of the previous cycles.

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(1)  Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Member States meeting within the Council establishing guidelines on the governance of the EU Youth Dialogue — European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 (OJ C 189, 5.6.2019, p. 1).

(2)  Eurofound (2021), impact of COVID-19 on young people in the EU, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

(3)  These are the recommendations formulated at the EU Youth Conference in March 2023 at the end of the 9th cycle of the EUYD. See further supporting abstracts to recommendations 1 to 5 in Annex II to the annex.

(4)  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).

Resolution of the Council of the European Union and the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the revision of the EU Youth Strategy Work Plan 2022-2024

(2023/C 185/05)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL

RECALLING THAT

1.

The Council Resolution on a framework for European cooperation in the youth field: The European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027, invites the Member States and the European Commission, within their respective fields of competences, to effectively implement the EU Youth Strategy across the EU and in the Member States with specific instruments, including the EU Work Plans for Youth.

2.

The EU Youth Strategy follows triennial working periods that spans two presidency trios. The priorities and actions for the respective working periods are presented in the EU Work Plans for Youth. These plans should draw on the guiding principles and priorities of this Strategy, addressing youth issues in other Council configurations and preparatory bodies in relevant policy areas.

3.

The EU Work Plan is an instrument that works as a compass and guides Member States, the Commission and all stakeholders towards achieving the objectives of the EU Youth Strategy.

4.

The priorities and actions presented in the triennial work programme are to be revised during the first half of 2023 with a view to its approval by the Council and the Member States meeting within the Council by the end of June 2023.

TAKE NOTE THAT

5.

The Council sets these EU Work Plans based on preliminary information received by the trio-presidencies from the following countries: France, Czech Republic and Sweden, as well as Spain, Belgium and Hungary.

6.

The Commission can support and complement actions by Member States set out in this Work Plan, in particular by encouraging cooperation, supporting the mobility of young people and youth workers, and encouraging the participation of young people in democratic life. The tools developed to support the implementation of the EU Youth Strategy can be mobilised as appropriate: these include the EU Youth Dialogue, the EU Youth Strategy Platform, the European Youth Portal, the EU Youth Coordinator and mutual learning activities (expert groups, peer learning activities (PLAs) and peer counselling). This is underpinned by regular updates to the Future National Activity Planners, the Youth Wiki, youth indicators, surveys, studies and research. The support is further reinforced through partnerships and cooperation with other international organisations, in particular the Council of Europe, and through programmes in the field of youth (in particular Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps).

7.

A particular highlight of this Work Plan is the European Year of Youth 2022 (EYY). Its outcomes and legacy will be maintained, promoted and reinforced since the evaluation of the EYY will be used in order to enhance and strengthen the Plan in the future. It will further stimulate young people to come forward with contributions to shape the Union’s development and society at large, including as part of the Conference of the Future of Europe and the New European Bauhaus initiative. It will raise awareness of the opportunities for young people as well as the support provided for them at the EU, national, regional and local levels.

Conclusions of the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council on the social dimension of a sustainable Europe for youth

(2023/C 185/06)

THE COUNCIL AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES, MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL,

RECALLING:

1.

That the European Youth Goals #3 and #10 as annexed to the European Union Youth Strategy, entitled ’Inclusive Societies’ and ‘Sustainable Green Europe’, set out to ‘enable and ensure the inclusion of all young people in society’ and to ‘achieve a society in which all young people are environmentally active, educated and able to make a difference in their everyday lives’ (1).

2.

That young people are powerful agents (2) of change and innovation and essential partners in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and other multilateral agreements and instruments, including the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (3) and the European Green Deal (4). Furthermore, the principle that no one will be left behind is reiterated in the UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable development (5). According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, every child has the right to express their views freely in all matters affecting the child (6). Young people have the right to participate meaningfully in the development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and follow-up of policies that affect them and society at large (7).

3.

The recognition of intergenerational dialogue and responsibility as a cornerstone of sound policymaking (8), the recognition of the crucial role of young people in environmental action and the importance of highlighting the progress made in fostering meaningful youth engagement (9).

4.

The European Year of Youth 2022 (10) provided a momentum to empower and support young people, including young people with fewer opportunities, to acquire relevant knowledge and competences in order to become active and engaged citizens and actors of change. In the ‘Claim the Future’ European Year of Youth’s closing conference on 6 December 2022, policy makers and youth stakeholders reiterated their joint commitment to mainstream a youth perspective in policy making and increase their participation in policy making processes. There were also calls for an increased focus on preventative health care, combating mental health problems and loneliness as well as increased participation in organised sports activities.

AWARE THAT:

5.

Addressing the social dimension of sustainable development (11) is a crucial aspect to empowering vulnerable groups in society. Issues of sustainable development are intersectional. Socioeconomic exclusion and democratic exclusion go hand in hand, affecting the extent to which young people are able to engage in actions for sustainable development. Achieving fair, sustainable and inclusive development through democratic processes needs to take all perspectives and opinions into consideration, via the principles of free speech and press freedom and through inclusive processes at all levels.

6.

The group that we define as ‘youth’ consists of a multitude of identities, with different abilities, needs, wills, resources and interests facing diverse challenges and opportunities and comes from various educational, cultural, geographic, economic and social backgrounds. These differences affect their interests, possibilities, and capacity to engage in actions for sustainable development and the environment.

7.

Factors such as differences in population density and demographic structure, i.e., between urban, rural and remote, peripheral, less developed areas and outermost regions, also affect the accessibility and availability of sustainable infrastructure for young people.

8.

The COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis triggered by the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and the climate crisis have shed light on inequalities in our societies as the crises have affected groups of young people differently and some groups disproportionately. The unequal access to human rights for young people with fewer opportunities, such as access to education and healthcare, have become even more evident during these crises. Pre-conditions such as mental and physical health, living and housing conditions, access to formal, non-formal and informal learning, job opportunities and leisure time activities are of crucial importance for young people’s resilience and opportunities to live sustainably.

9.

Democracy and human rights are indivisible in relation to sustainable development as climate change has a disproportionate impact on marginalised groups in vulnerable situations. People with the fewest resources have the most difficulty in adapting to climate related changes (12) and those at risk of poverty are more likely to face a higher risk of exposure to pollution and environmental problems (13). In addition, young people who are dependent on natural resources in different ways, in order to work, live or engage in their cultural traditions, may be negatively affected by climate change in ways that jeopardise their power to shape their own lives (14).

CONSIDER THAT:

10.

All young people should have good living conditions, employment perspectives, the power to shape their lives and to influence policymaking and the development of society. Young people are one of our societies’ strengths, as well as individual’ rights-holders and actors of change (15).

11.

Young people’s knowledge, perspectives and experiences contribute to more purposeful political decisions and are valuable resources in the democratic process. Youth policy should take a dual approach by developing and formulating initiatives directly with, for and by young people through active and meaningful participation by young people, and by mainstreaming youth policy across all policy areas.

12.

EU youth policy, including the EU Youth Dialogue, should contribute to the creation of a society for all present and future generations in which the biggest challenges related to social issues such as poverty, involuntary loneliness (16), mental health, sustainable development and climate change are discussed and solved, without deteriorating the global situation.

13.

Increasing the social inclusion of all young people is necessary in order to promote understanding of the interconnected global challenges the world faces and to support young people in acquiring the knowledge, skills and competences needed to live more sustainably and to contribute both individually and collectively to a more sustainable society. The EU youth programmes Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, as well as other EU and national volunteering or civic service schemes and activities where they exist, and initiatives for civic participation, can be useful tools to this end.

14.

All young people should have access to verified evidence-based information and data, formulated in a youth-friendly accessible manner and in multiple languages to ensure that all young people can assimilate the information and develop sustainable behaviour and their role as agents of change and as informed citizens.

HIGHLIGHT:

15.

That the global nature of challenges such as the COVID 19 pandemic, climate change and biodiversity loss call for the widest possible cooperation, at all levels, safeguarding meaningful and effective youth participation.

16.

The need for the further involvement of young people in sustainable development policies at all levels in order to harness the potential and creativity of young people, recognising that investing in young people gives a strong leverage for a sustainable future. The need for dialogue on the ethical and social issues surrounding sustainable development, both among young people and between generations in society, through, for example, intergenerational dialogue, is essential to foster hope and to create understanding of and respect for different perspectives and realities.

17.

That many young people in Europe are aware and mobilised for their concerns about sustainability and environmental issues. At the same time, there are young people who are not engaged in societal issues. The level of mobilisation and engagement varies from one young person to another, depending on different factors such as, for example, access to information, educational background, socioeconomical status or geographical location. Different groups of young people need different kinds of encouragement and support in order to participate in the development of society. It is therefore necessary to take on a holistic approach and develop inclusive and participatory actions when addressing such issues, as sustainable development, human rights, gender equality, equal opportunities, social justice and climate change.

18.

That youth organisations, youth work and other non-formal and informal learning activities are important for providing information and support to young people who are outside formal structures and are often complementary to services provided by public authorities at all levels.

NOTE:

19.

The message from the participants of the EU Youth Conference in March 2023 on the importance in providing young people with trustworthy, accessible and user-friendly information and with access to both formal and non-formal education on sustainability and climate change. Also note their message on the importance in using intergenerational and interdisciplinary approaches to empower young people by providing them with the necessary information, knowledge and tools on how to get involved in sustainable and inclusive practices.

INVITE MEMBER STATES, AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVELS, TO:

20.

Provide accessible, sustainable and multilevel governance structures (17) and opportunities for youth organisations and young people, including underrepresented groups of young people, in line with existing best practices, e.g., the Council of Europe Code of good practice for civil participation in the decision-making process (18), to allow for meaningful involvement and facilitate accessible mechanisms in order to provide feedback and carry out evaluation of such processes.

21.

Promote educational opportunities for youth workers to develop the necessary knowledge, skills and competences to address issues of social inclusion and sustainable development in their practices, in a non-formal way.

22.

Encourage the development of training and professional learning opportunities for educators (19) including youth workers, to better inform, educate and empower all young people in matters of sustainable development, in order for young people to have the opportunity to make informed and sustainable choices in everyday life and involve them in decision-making processes.

23.

Prioritise mental health and well-being among young people, especially by recognising mental health problems as one of the most significant health concerns for young people (20) , by strengthening knowledge-based mental health promotion, mental health literacy and prevention efforts in different settings through cross-sectoral approaches and by promoting and developing equitable access to quality health services that are integrated, safe and people-centred, in order to improve young people’s health, welfare and quality of life, thus increasing the strength and resilience of society as a whole.

24.

Consider applying a rights-based youth perspective (21) to policies for sustainable infrastructure, especially in relation to affordable and accessible public transportation and housing, in order to provide sustainable and green options for all young people.

INVITE THE MEMBER STATES AND THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, ADHERING TO THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY, IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS OF COMPETENCE AND AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVELS, TO:

25.

Consider the results of the 9th cycle in the EU youth dialogue, in the design and implementation of future policies related to social inclusion and sustainable development.

26.

Ensure all young people’s access to their rights in accordance with international declarations and conventions by including a rights-based youth perspective in designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating measures that affect young people at all levels. It is important to enable decision-makers to have the necessary competences and access to the appropriate tools to create inclusive and participatory decision-making processes.

27.

Further support research and analysis, using existing tools such as Youth Wiki (22), and collect disaggregated data on how social exclusion and climate change relates to young people’s mental health, well-being and living conditions, bearing in mind the possible need for new indicators and monitoring mechanisms to measure the impact of social exclusion and climate change.

28.

Improve the accessibility of different participation mechanisms such as youth councils, youth hearings and participatory conferences, including the EU Youth Dialogue, as well as digital tools for participation, ensuring that they focus on the concerns of different groups of young people in society, including unrepresented and underrepresented groups of young people to participate and take on leading roles in such mechanisms.

29.

Make use of the full potential of the Erasmus+ programme, the European Solidarity Corps and the ESF+, including where applicable the ALMA initiative in creating opportunities for more inclusive and sustainable projects and mobility actions, including hybrid mobilities, for all young people. Special emphasis should be placed on the participation of young people with fewer opportunities.

INVITE THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY, TO:

30.

Ensure long-term information measures at European level, including through the European Youth Portal and other relevant information tools, in a youth friendly, inclusive, multilingual, and accessible way in relation to the EU’s policies and programmes related to sustainable development and climate change, as well as to participatory processes within the European institutions.

31.

Facilitate opportunities for peer learning activities on sustainability and inclusion.

32.

Further promote and support a cross-sector approach and synergies with other initiatives such as the ‘Education for Climate Coalition’, the Council recommendation on learning for the green transition and sustainable development (23) and the ‘New European Bauhaus’.

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(1)  Annex 3 of the Resolution of the Council of the European Union and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on a framework for European cooperation in the youth field: The European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027, OJ C 456, 18.12.2018, p. 1.

(2)  Council conclusions on a comprehensive approach to accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable development – Building back better from the COVID-19 crisis (doc. 9850/21).

(3)  United Nations, The Paris Agreement, 2015.

(4)  European Commission, Communication from the Commission, The European Green Deal, COM(2019) 640 final.

(5)  Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; Publisher, UN General Assembly, A/RES/70/1.

(6)  United Nations, Convention on the Rights of the Child. General Assembly resolution 44/25.

(7)  Council conclusions on safeguarding and creating civic spaces for young people that facilitate meaningful youth participation (OJ C 501 I, 13.12.2021, p. 19).

(8)  Council conclusions on promoting the intergenerational dimension in the youth field to foster dialogue and social cohesion (OJ C 495, 29.12.2022, p. 56).

(9)  Stockholm +50, The Global Youth Policy Paper: Third Official Version, May 2022.

(10)  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.

(11)  For a definition of the ‘social dimension of sustainable development’, see Annex II to the annex.

(12)  United Nations, World Youth Report (2020).

(13)  Eurostat, Quality of life indicators - natural and living environment, 2022.

(14)  Communication from the Commission on Forging a climate-resilient Europe - the new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change COM(2021) 82 final.

(15)  Council conclusions on fostering engagement among young people as actors of change in order to protect the environment (OJ C 159, 12.4.2022, p. 9).

(16)  For a definition of ‘loneliness’, see Annex II to the annex.

(17)  Council conclusions on strengthening the multilevel governance when promoting the participation of young people in the decision-making processes, OJ C 241, 21.6.2021, p. 3.

(18)  Council of Europe, Code of good practice for civil participation in decision-making process, CONF/PLE(2009)CODE1.

(19)  For a definition of ‘educator’, see Annex II to the annex.

(20)  European Commission, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Children and mental health: preventive approaches to anxiety and depression, Publications Office, 2021.

(21)  For a definition of ‘rights-based youth perspective’, see Annex II to the annex.

(22)  The Youth Wiki is an online platform hosted by the European Commission presenting information on European countries' youth policies.

(23)  OJ C 243, 27.6.2022, p. 1.

Resolution of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, reviewing the representation of the EU Member States in the Foundation Board of WADA and the coordination of Member States’ positions prior to WADA meetings

(2023/C 185/07)

THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES, MEEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL,

RECALLING:

1.

The conclusions of the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council of 4 December 2000 on combating doping (1).

2.

The conclusions of the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council of 18 November 2010 on the role of the European Union (EU) in the international fight against doping (2).

3.

The resolution of the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council of 20 December 2011 on the representation of the EU Member States in the Foundation Board of WADA and the coordination of the EU and its Member States’ positions prior to WADA meetings (3).

4.

The conclusions of the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council of 15 December 2015, reviewing the 2011 resolution on the representation of the EU Member States in the Foundation Board of WADA and the coordination of the EU and its Member States’ positions prior to WADA meetings which provides that by 31 December 2018 the experience gained from the further application of this resolution shall be reviewed once more (4).

5.

The 2019 resolution of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the representation of the EU Member States in the Foundation Board of WADA and the coordination of Member States’ positions prior to WADA meetings (hereinafter ‘2019 resolution’) (5).

NOTING THAT:

1.

Since the adoption of the 2019 resolution the working methods and practices of WADA have evolved, in particular with regard to the duration of mandates of members of its Foundation Board. These developments make it timely for the Council to update the 2019 resolution to give clearer guidance on the criteria and the duration of the mandates of experts at governmental level designated jointly by the Member States meeting within the Council. The 2019 resolution does not explicitly provide the duration of mandates of the experts at governmental level who replace the expert representative who cease its function at ministerial level in their Member State. Neither does the 2019 resolution take into account the eligibility criteria of WADA’s statutes to be a member of the Foundation Board.

2.

It is important that the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, continue to review the experience gained from the application of the 2019 resolution on a regular basis.

RECOGNISE THAT:

1.

The European Union and its Member States should be able to exercise their competences and play their role during the preparation, negotiation and adoption inter alia of rules, standards and guidelines by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

2.

Three seats in WADA’s Foundation Board are allocated to the representatives from EU Member States.

3.

It is necessary to provide for practical modalities concerning the participation of representatives from the EU Member States in WADA’s Foundation Board, as well as the coordination of the positions of the EU and its Member States prior to CAHAMA (6) and WADA meetings. These practical modalities should reflect the duty of sincere cooperation and seek to promote unity in the EU’s external representation while avoiding duplication of the work in CAHAMA.

4.

The coordination of European continent positions prior to WADA meetings should take place within CAHAMA and it should be ensured that decisions taken in that body fully respect any applicable EU legislation.

5.

There is a strong need for continuity and commitment in the EU Member States representation in the Foundation Board of WADA, which is supported by a political mandate and appropriate expertise.

CONSEQUENTLY, AGREE THAT:

1.

The representatives of the EU Member States in the Foundation Board of WADA will be at ministerial level and the seats will be allocated as follows: — one seat will be allocated to a person in charge of sport at ministerial level from one of the Member States forming the incumbent Trio Presidency, — one seat will be allocated to a person in charge of sport at ministerial level from one of the Member States forming the future Trio Presidency, — one seat will be jointly allocated by the Member States meeting within the Council to a person responsible for sport at ministerial level (hereafter ‘expert at governmental level’).

2.

The arrangements regarding EU Member States representation in the Foundation Board of WADA as described in Annex I to the Annex will take effect as from 30 June 2023, without prejudice to mandates approved prior to this date.

3.

The representative from the incumbent Trio Presidency in the Foundation Board of WADA will report on the outcome of the meeting of the Foundation Board of WADA at the meeting of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport (EYCS) Council of the EU. This representative will submit a report on the outcome of that meeting to the Working Party on Sport (WPS).

4.

While avoiding duplication with CAHAMA, the delegates of the Member States meeting within the Working Party on Sport (WPS) may coordinate a common position on matters falling within the competence of the Member States, provided there is a clear added value of such a common position. The common position is subject to approval by the representatives of the Member States meeting within the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) unless Member States agree differently.

5.

Any common position agreed by EU Member States must be consistent with any agreed EU position and will be presented at the CAHAMA meetings by the Presidency. The EU Member States should seek to include this common position in the European continent mandate prepared by CAHAMA.

6.

The representatives from the EU Member States in WADA’s Foundation Board will speak and vote on matters in accordance with the European continent’s mandate agreed by CAHAMA, provided that such position is consistent with the EU acquis.

7.

By 31 December 2025, the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, will review the experience gained from the application of this resolution and consider whether any adjustments to the arrangement established by this resolution are needed.

8.

This resolution, including the attached arrangements regarding the EU Member States’ representation in the WADA Foundation Board, and the practical arrangements regarding preparations for the WADA meetings on matters falling within Union competence approved by the Council on 15 May 2023, replaces resolution 2019/C 192/01 of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the representation of the EU Member States in the Foundation Board of WADA and the coordination of the EU and its Member States’ positions prior to WADA meetings.

---

(1)  OJ C 356, 12.12.2000, p. 1.

(2)  OJ C 324, 1.12.2010, p. 18.

(3)  OJ C 372, 20.12.2011, p. 7.

(4)  OJ C 417, 15.12.2015. p. 45.

(5)  OJ C 192, 7.6.2019, p. 1.

(6)  The Ad Hoc European Committee for the World Anti-Doping Agency (CAHAMA) is a committee of experts responsible for coordinating the positions of States Parties to the European Cultural Convention on issues relating to anti-doping policy development.

Council resolution on The European Education Area: Looking to 2025 and beyond

(2023/C 185/08)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

---

(1)  COM(2022) 700 final.

(2)  OJ C 160, 13.4.2022, p. 1.

(3)  In line with the Council Recommendation of 26 November 2018 on promoting automatic mutual recognition of higher education and upper secondary education and training qualifications and the outcomes of learning periods abroad, OJ C 444, 10.12.2018, p. 1.

COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS ON AT-RISK AND DISPLACED ARTISTS

(2023/C 185/09)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

ACKNOWLEDGING

1.

the importance of creative and cultural rights, as enshrined in global (1) as well as regional (2) human rights instruments, for maintaining human dignity, cultural diversity, pluralism, democracy and culture’s intrinsic value,

2.

the work of international organisations on the freedom of artistic expression, such as UNESCO – whose 2005 Convention recognises the need to take measures to protect the diversity of cultural expressions, especially in situations where cultural expressions may be threatened by the possibility of extinction or serious impairment (3) – and the Council of Europe (4), particularly with regard to its Manifesto on the Freedom of Expression of the Arts and Culture in the Digital Era,

3.

the conclusions of the European Council of 15 December 2022 and of 9 February 2023, which reiterate its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, reaffirm the Union’s full support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders (5), and reiterate the commitment to reinforce support of displaced persons (6),

4.

the European Parliament resolution on cultural solidarity with Ukraine, which expresses sincere solidarity with artists (7), as art and culture will have a fundamental role to play in the healing and rebuilding of Ukraine, and in particular salutes the action of the Ukrainian artists and creators who have acted in resistance to the Russian invasion by practising their art (8),

5.

the EU Work Plan for Culture 2023-2026 (9), which contains several actions (10) relating to the topic of at-risk (11) and displaced artists.

CONSIDERING THAT

6.

artists globally play an important role in the life, development and resilience of society and individuals, and that they should be able to do so while preserving their creativity and freedom of expression,

7.

artists should therefore be offered protection, in accordance with existing regulations, against threats and violations of any kind and form that put them in danger because of their artistic work,

8.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is also an attack on Ukraine’s cultural identity, and that the cultural dimension has an important part to play in the different forms of support to Ukraine.

UNDERLINING

9.

the courage and determination of all artists, in particular women artists, who raise their voices through the power of culture to promote just and peaceful societies, freedom and democracy, and opposing war, persecution and intolerance,

10.

the significant role, historically and today, of exiled artists in promoting peace, mutual understanding, freedom, democracy and cultural diversity, and the importance of at-risk and displaced artists being given the opportunity to continue their artistic work and to continue to bear witness to ongoing events,

11.

that artists can no longer continue their artistic work safely in countries all over the world where democratic values are oppressed or prohibited, including Russian and Belarusian artists who are critical of the regime and therefore are particularly subjected to threats and persecution,

12.

that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has triggered a large-scale displacement of Ukrainian citizens and a humanitarian crisis on a scale not seen in Europe since the Second World War, with immense impacts, including on artists and their freedom of expression, and has reaffirmed the need for preparedness in Europe to offer support to at-risk and displaced artists in both the short and the long term, through the appropriate institutional and legal frameworks.

WELCOMES

13.

the measures taken by the EU and its Member States to provide a safe haven (12) for artists, including arts students, and independent journalists (13), fleeing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and the initiatives taken in the Creative Europe (14) programme for supporting Ukrainian artists affected by the war, as well as in the Erasmus+ programme to support Ukrainian arts students.

INVITES THE MEMBER STATES, AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVELS, AND THROUGH THE APPROPRIATE INSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORKS, TO:

14.

consider taking further measures to enhance the capacity to offer safe havens and so-called ‘cities of refuge’ (15) for at-risk and displaced artists from different parts of the world, and contribute to networking for such artists,

15.

consider adapting, where appropriate, regular artistic residencies into emergency residencies, taking into account the needs of at-risk and displaced artists, including those emerging from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,

16.

consider applying a long-term and holistic approach when welcoming at-risk and displaced artists and their families, complementing the urgent need for a safe haven with possibilities to become a part of the local community and cultural life and to remain artistically active and heard, and encouraging the learning of the host country’s language.

INVITES THE MEMBER STATES, THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND THE HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNION FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY POLICY (16), IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS OF COMPETENCE AND AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVELS, TO:

17.

maintain the dialogue with Ukrainian partners on ways to continue supporting the Ukrainian cultural and creative sectors and encourage the promotion of Ukrainian culture in the EU with participation of Ukrainian artists, including at-risk and displaced artists, and cultural organisations, while fully respecting the autonomy and diversity of the cultural sector,

18.

take measures, through all relevant channels, to uphold and protect artistic freedom and the rights of artists globally, including the right to create without censorship or intimidation,

19.

continue supporting at-risk and displaced artists in the EU due to the effects of, or their opposition to, oppressive regimes or war, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,

20.

consult with actors active in providing safe havens for at-risk and displaced artists in advance of the periodic reports to the 2005 UNESCO Convention (17) and, where relevant, include the issue of safe havens for at-risk and displaced artists in those reports.

INVITES THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND THE HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNION FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY POLICY TO:

21.

make available a comprehensive overview outlining up-to-date information on the EU’s and the Member States’ bilateral assistance to Ukraine in the field of culture and creative sectors, including at-risk and displaced Ukrainian artists,

22.

contribute to networking and the exchange of information, best practices and experiences between Member States and non-state actors supporting at-risk and displaced artists,

23.

support cross-sectoral transnational policy cooperation on artistic freedom, including supporting actions for at-risk and displaced artists, taking into account experiences from the Creative Europe call for support for Ukrainian displaced people and the Ukrainian cultural and creative sectors.

---

(1)  Inter alia Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2023, or Article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

(2)  Inter alia the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

(3)  UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

(4)  Basing its work on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the Council of Europe has e.g. published a report on Artistic Freedom and launched the Manifesto on the Freedom of Expression of the Arts and Culture in the Digital Era which states inter alia that restrictions on freedom of expression and artistic freedom affect the whole of society, bereaving it of its pluralism and the vitality of the democratic process.

(5)  EUCO 34/22.

(6)  EUCO 1/23.

(7)  See Annex II for the definition of ‘artists’.

(8)  European Parliament resolution of 20 October 2022 on cultural solidarity with Ukraine and a joint emergency response mechanism for cultural recovery in Europe (2022/2759(RSP)).

(9)  Council Resolution on the EU Work Plan for Culture 2023-2026 - OJ C 466, 7.12.2022, p. 1.

(10)  I.e., on artistic freedom, on preserving cultural heritage and empowering local cultural and creative sectors in Ukraine and on the role of culture and cultural professionals in the promotion and defence of democracy and human rights in fragile contexts.

(11)  See Annex II for the definition of ‘at-risk artists’.

(12)  See Annex II for the definition of ‘safe haven’.

(13)  See for example Council conclusions (2022/C 245/04) on the protection and safety of journalists and other media professions, e.g., inviting Member States and the Commission to support independent and exiled journalists and media professionals, particularly from countries such as Ukraine, Belarus and the Russian Federation.

(14)  European Commission, Support for Ukrainian artists, cultural and creative professionals and organisations.

(15)  See Annex II for the definition of ‘cities of refuge’.

(16)  While respecting the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 TEU.

(17)  UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, Article 9.

Council conclusions on further steps to make automatic mutual recognition in education and training a reality

(2023/C 185/10)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

REAFFIRMS its strong political commitment to make the European Education Area a reality by 2025, and RECALLS the political background as set out in the annex.

UNDERLINES that:

RECOGNISES THAT:

WELCOMES the report from the Commission to the Council on the implementation of the Council Recommendation on promoting automatic mutual recognition of higher education and upper secondary education and training qualifications and the outcomes of learning periods abroad of 23 February 2023 (2) and NOTES, in particular, that:

AGREES THAT:

INVITES THE MEMBER STATES, with due regard for institutional autonomy and academic freedom and in accordance with national circumstances and legislation, to:

INVITES THE COMMISSION, with due regard for subsidiarity and national circumstances, including institutional autonomy, to:

---

(1)  OJ C 444, 10.12.2018, p. 1.

(2)  COM(2023) 91 final.

(3)  Such as the European Digital Credentials for Learning, the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure, the Europass Mobility template and the Europass Certificate Supplement (as part of the Europass platform), as well as national qualifications registers mapped to the Europass platform, and the Database of External Quality Assurance Results (DEQAR).

Notice for the attention of persons and entities subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2013/255/CFSP and in Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

(2023/C 185/11)

The following information is brought to the attention of the persons and entities designated in Annex I to Council Decision 2013/255/CFSP (1), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1035 (2), and in Annex II to Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 (3), as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1027 (4), concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria.

The Council of the European Union, after having reviewed the list of persons and entities designated in the above-mentioned Annexes, has determined that the restrictive measures provided for in Decision 2013/255/CFSP and in Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 should continue to apply to those persons and entities.

The attention of the persons and entities concerned is drawn to the possibility of making an application to the competent authorities of the relevant Member State(s) as indicated on the websites in Annex III to Regulation (EU) No 36/2012, in order to obtain an authorisation to use frozen funds for basic needs or specific payments (cf. Article 16 of the Regulation).

The persons and entities concerned may submit a request to the Council before 16 February 2024, together with supporting documentation that the decision to include them on the above-mentioned list should be reconsidered to the following address:

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

RELEX.1

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

Any observations received will be taken into account for the purpose of the Council's next review, pursuant to Article 34 of Decision 2013/255/CFSP and Article 32(4) of Regulation (EU) No 36/2012, of the list of designated persons and entities.

---

(1)  OJ L 147, 1.6.2013, p. 14.

(2)  OJ L 139, 26.5.2023, p. 49.

(3)  OJ L 16, 19.1.2012, p. 1.

(4)  OJ L 139, 26.5.2023, p. 1.

Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2013/255/CFSP, as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1035 and Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1027 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria apply

(2023/C 185/12)

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 2013/255/CFSP (2), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1035 (3), and Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 (4), as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1027 (5).

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

Council of the European Union General Secretariat

RELEX.1

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

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

Data Protection Officer

data.protection@consilium.europa.eu

The purpose of the processing operation is the establishment and updating of the list of persons subject to restrictive measures in accordance with Decision 2013/255/CFSP, as amended by Decision 2023/1035 , and Regulation (EU) No 36/2012, as implemented by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1027.

The data subjects are the natural persons who fulfil the listing criteria as laid down in Decision 2013/255/CFSP and Regulation (EU) No 36/2012.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

(1)  OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39.

(2)  OJ L 147, 1.6.2013, p. 14.

(3)  OJ L 139, 26.5.2023, p. 49.

(4)  OJ L 16, 19.1.2012, p. 1.

(5)  OJ L 139, 26.5.2023, p. 1.

Euro exchange rates (1)

25 May 2023

(2023/C 185/13)

1 euro =

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,0735
JPY	Japanese yen	149,63
DKK	Danish krone	7,4502
GBP	Pound sterling	0,86793
SEK	Swedish krona	11,5490
CHF	Swiss franc	0,9708
ISK	Iceland króna	150,70
NOK	Norwegian krone	11,7695
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	23,645
HUF	Hungarian forint	372,30
PLN	Polish zloty	4,5110
RON	Romanian leu	4,9495
TRY	Turkish lira	21,3944
AUD	Australian dollar	1,6443
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,4599
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	8,4092
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,7655
SGD	Singapore dollar	1,4515
KRW	South Korean won	1 424,30
ZAR	South African rand	20,7466
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	7,5891
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	16 040,83
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,9655
PHP	Philippine peso	60,132
RUB	Russian rouble
THB	Thai baht	37,154
BRL	Brazilian real	5,3320
MXN	Mexican peso	19,0797
INR	Indian rupee	88,8055

---

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

Commission notice on current State aid recovery interest rates and reference/discount rates applicable as from 1 June 2023

(Published in accordance with Article 10 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 of 21 April 2004 (1))

(2023/C 185/14)

Base rates calculated in accordance with the Communication from the Commission on the revision of the method for setting the reference and discount rates (OJ C 14, 19.1.2008, p. 6.). Depending on the use of the reference rate, the appropriate margins have still to be added as defined in this communication. For the discount rate this means that a margin of 100 basispoints has to be added. The Commission Regulation (EC) No 271/2008 of 30 January 2008 amending Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 foresees that, unless otherwise provided for in a specific decision, the recovery rate will also be calculated by adding 100 basispoints to the base rate.

Modified rates are indicated in bold.

Previous table published in OJ C 141, 24.4.2023, p. 3.

From	To	AT	BE	BG	CY	CZ	DE	DK	EE	EL	ES	FI	FR	HR	HU	IE	IT	LT	LU	LV	MT	NL	PL	PT	RO	SE	SI	SK	UK
1.6.2023	…	3,64	3,64	2,15	3,64	7,43	3,64	3,54	3,64	3,64	3,64	3,64	3,64	3,64	15,10	3,64	3,64	3,64	3,64	3,64	3,64	3,64	7,62	3,64	8,31	3,21	3,64	3,64	4,24
1.5.2023	31.5.2023	3,06	3,06	1,80	3,06	7,43	3,06	3,54	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	15,10	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	7,62	3,06	8,31	3,21	3,06	3,06	4,24
1.4.2023	30.4.2023	3,06	3,06	1,51	3,06	7,43	3,06	3,54	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	15,10	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	7,62	3,06	8,31	3,21	3,06	3,06	3,52
1.3.2023	31.3.2023	3,06	3,06	1,10	3,06	7,43	3,06	2,92	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	15,10	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	3,06	7,62	3,06	8,31	2,96	3,06	3,06	3,52
1.2.2023	28.2.2023	2,56	2,56	0,79	2,56	7,43	2,56	2,92	2,56	2,56	2,56	2,56	2,56	2,56	15,10	2,56	2,56	2,56	2,56	2,56	2,56	2,56	7,62	2,56	8,31	2,44	2,56	2,56	2,77
1.1.2023	31.1.2023	2,56	2,56	0,36	2,56	7,43	2,56	2,92	2,56	2,56	2,56	2,56	2,56	2,56	15,10	2,56	2,56	2,56	2,56	2,56	2,56	2,56	7,62	2,56	8,31	2,44	2,56	2,56	2,77

---

(1)  OJ L 140, 30.4.2004, p. 1.

NOTICE PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 29(2) OF THE STAFF REGULATIONS

Publication of a vacancy for the function of Head of Representation in Sofia – Representation in Bulgaria (Grade AD 14) in the Directorate-General Communication (DG COMM)

COM/2023/10433

(2023/C 185/15)

The European Commission has published a vacancy notice (reference COM/2023/10433) for the function of Head of Representation in Sofia – Representation in Bulgaria (Grade AD 14) in the Directorate-General Communication (DG COMM).

To consult the text of the vacancy notice in 24 languages and to submit your application, please visit this dedicated webpage on the European Commission’s website: https://europa.eu/!tGQCxB

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

(2023/C 185/16)

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

COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’

PDO-FR-A0149-AM03

Date of communication: 27 February 2023

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Official Geographic Code

The municipalities making up the geographical area and the area in immediate proximity have been updated in line with the Code officiel géographique [Official Geographic Code].

This does not affect the boundary of the demarcated geographical area.

Points 6 and 9 of the single document have been amended.

2.   Spacing between vines

The minimum spacing between the individual vines in the same row has been changed from 1 m to 0,90 m.

The purpose of this amendment is to allow greater planting density without altering the spacing between the rows of vines.

A special provision has also been added for vines located on slopes of over 10 %, for which a minimum spacing of 0,80 m between plants is permitted.

This addition has been made to take into account the particular situation of vines planted on steep slopes, which require special arrangements during planting: rows parallel rather than perpendicular to the slope.

Point 5 of the single document has been amended.

3.   Pruning

The pruning rules have been aligned with those of the other designations in the Anjou Saumur area in the Val de Loire.

This alignment is intended to ensure that winegrowers are better informed, and to simplify inspections. This amendment gives winegrowers the possibility of adapting when frosts occur, which is happening later and later in the year.

Point 5 of the single document has been amended.

4.   Link

The Link section has been edited, and the reference to the year 2018 has been changed to 2021.

Point 8 of the single document has been amended.

5.   Transitional measures

Transitional measures no longer in force have been deleted.

The single document has not been amended.

6.   Main points for checking

Harvesting by hand in multiple passes has been added to the main points to be checked.

The single document has not been amended.

7.   Editorial amendments

A number of editorial amendments have been made to the specification.

These amendments do not require any amendments to the single document.

8.   Labelling

The rules on labelling have been clarified and aligned with those of the other designations in the Anjou Saumur area in the Val de Loire. This is a purely editorial amendment.

Point 9 of the single document has been amended.

9.   Reference to the inspection body

The reference to the inspection body has been reworded to align it with the wording used in other product specifications. This is a purely editorial amendment.

This amendment does not lead to any changes to the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Coteaux de l’Aubance

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine product

1.

Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

These white wines are still with residual sugar. They are made from grapes harvested when over-ripe (natural concentration on the vine, with or without noble rot). These harmonious wines develop aromas of white and citrus fruit as well as floral scents and late-harvest aromas - with the same harmony in the mouth in terms of richness in sugar, acidity and structure. Ageing brings out their elegance and complexity. They have: a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 14 %; in order to be eligible for the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’, a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 19 %; a fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content after fermentation greater than or equal to 34 g/l. The total acid and total sulphur dioxide content are those set out in EU legislation. After fermentation, wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume below 18 % have a minimum actual alcoholic strength by volume of 11 %.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum total acidity
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)	25
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

Enrichment is permitted according to the rules set out in the specification.

The use of wood chips is forbidden.

The wines are aged according to the conditions laid down in the specification.

In addition to the above provisions, the oenological practices concerning these wines must meet the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

1.   Density

Growing method

The minimum vine planting density is 4 000 plants per hectare. Spacing between vine rows must not exceed 2,50 metres, and spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0,90 metres.

Grape harvests are eligible for the controlled designation of origin if they come from vineyard parcels with spacing of at least 0,80 metres but less than 0,90 metres between plants in the same row, where they are on slopes of more than 10 %.

In the case of vineyard parcels where the planting density is at least 3 300 but less than 4 000 plants per hectare, the harvests are eligible for the controlled designation of origin provided that they comply with the rules on trellising and foliage height laid down in this specification. The spacing between the rows of the vines must not exceed 3 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 1 metre.

2.   Vine pruning and trellising

Growing method

The vines are pruned with a maximum of 12 buds per plant, regardless of whether spur pruning, cane pruning or mixed pruning is used.

At the phenological stage corresponding to 11 or 12 leaves (separate buds), the number of fruit-bearing branches for the year per plant must not exceed 12.

The height of the foliage when trellised is at least 0,6 times the spacing between the rows. This height is measured from the lowest point of the foliage, set at a minimum of 0,4 metres above the ground, to the highest part of the canopy, set at a minimum of 0,2 metres above the height of the upper trellising wire.

In the case of vineyard parcels where the planting density is at least 3 300 but less than 4 000 plants per hectare, the following trellising rules apply: the minimum height of the trellising posts above the ground is 1,9 m; there are 4 levels of trellising wires; the minimum height of the highest wire is 1,85 metres above the ground.

3.   Irrigation

Growing method

Irrigation is prohibited.

4.   Harvesting

Growing method

The wines are made from grapes that are harvested late. A feature of wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ is the further concentration on the vinestock due to the action of noble rot.

The grapes are harvested by hand in multiple passes.

5.2.   Maximum yields

40 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

All stages of production take place in the geographical area, which encompasses the municipalities of the Maine-et-Loire department named below, on the basis of the Official Geographic Code of 2021: Brissac Loire Aubance (for the single territory of the delegated municipalities of Brissac-Quincé, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire and Vauchrétien), Denée, Les Garennes sur Loire, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Saint-Melaine-surAubance and Soulaines-sur-Aubance.

Maps showing the geographical area can be viewed on the website of the National Institute of Origin and Quality.

7.   Wine grape variety(-ies)

Chenin B

8.   Description of the link(s)

a) -   Description of the natural factors relevant to the link

The geographical area is characterised by a landscape of numerous low and gentle slopes of varying orientations. Altitudes range between 50 and 90 metres to the south-west of the city of Angers. As of 2021, the geographical area extends across seven municipalities. It is bordered to the west by the confluence of the River Aubance with the Loire; to the east by a Cretaceous plateau at the edge of the Paris basin; to the north by the course of the Loire; and at the southern edge by the forests of Brissac and Beaulieu.

The Aubance is a small tributary of the Loire, emblematic of this geographical area. It flows northwards from its source to the municipality of Brissac-Quincé, which is famous for its sixteenth century castle. The Aubance then takes a north-west course as far as the municipality of Mûrs-Erigné from where it flows parallel to the Loire to a point south-west of the city of Angers.

The soils developed on the schist, or schist and sandstone, substratum of the Armorican Massif, which forms a plateau tilting slightly towards the Loire. Usually shallow with good thermal performance, the soils are characterised by limited water reserves. The western part of the geographical area is studded with subvolcanic rocks formed of igneous rocks of an acidic (rhyolite) or basaltic (spilite) nature producing very stony soils. A foundation of schist and slate formations is a characteristic of the municipalities in the north of the geographical area. For centuries these were used to build the walls of houses, to construct roofs, to lay floors and even to make fixtures such as sinks, tables or staircases. All of this demonstrates the unique nature of this land. These elements are very apparent in the landscape and contribute to vineyard identity.

The geographical area is an enclave with limited irrigation, benefiting from a foehn effect, sheltered from maritime mists by the higher slopes of Choletais and Mauges. Annual rainfall is around 585 millimetres, compared with 800 millimetres in Choletais. The figures recorded in Brissac-Quincé are the lowest among the meteorological stations in the department of Maine-et-Loire. Similarly, during the growing cycle, there is a difference in rainfall levels of around 100 millimetres compared with the rest of the department. The average annual temperatures are relatively high, around 12 degrees, which is 1 degree higher than the rest of the department of Maine-et-Loire as a whole. The characteristic mesoclimate of this area is evident in the Mediterranean nature of the vegetation, which includes holm oak and umbrella pine.

b) -   Description of the human factors relevant to the geographical link

Some of the emblematic properties of the ‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’ vineyards are of ancient origin, dating back to the end of the sixteenth century. The vineyards themselves were first identified at the close of the nineteenth century, immediately following the phylloxera crisis that destroyed over three quarters of the vineyards of Anjou. Neighbouring wine-producers from the Layon region were seeking unaffected land parcels away from their own vineyards. They planted the traditional Chenin B variety. In 1922, the name ‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’ was mentioned for the first time in a harvest declaration. In 1925, the Syndicat des viticulteurs (wine-growers’ union) of Coteaux de l’Aubance was founded. The stated aim in the union’s statutes is: ‘to bring to the attention of the whole world wines renowned for their terroir but nevertheless unknown further afield’.

The proximity of the city of Angers plays an important role in vineyard development. The Aubance area has become an important source of supplies for beverage retailers in the surrounding municipalities, especially in Mûrs-Erigné and Saint-Mélaine-sur-Aubance.

Historically, grapes were harvested when ripe to make dry or semi-dry wines. However, the practices of the neighbouring Layon region were quickly adopted, i.e. late harvesting and multiple passes producing a concentrated harvest for making semi-sweet wine.

The controlled designation of origin ‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’ was recognised by a Decree of 18 February 1950 as a white wine made from grapes harvested late with multiple passes. In 2009, vineyards covered 200 hectares.

c) -   Information on the quality and characteristics of the product

The wines are still white wines with fermentable sugars.

They are fully harmonious wines. Harmonious on the nose, they frequently have aromas of white and citrus fruit blended with floral scents, combined with late-harvesting aromas such as dried or candied fruit. The same harmony is also found in the mouth with the richness in sugar, the acidity and the structure.

Ageing, which can last for several decades, heightens the finish and complexity of these wines.

d) -   Causal interactions

The vineyards are planted in shallow, stony soils on clearly demarcated land parcels that demonstrate the methods in use. The topography is hilly with gentle slopes, and the nearby rivers, the Loire and the Aubance, provide atmospheric moisture that encourages the noble rot. All of these factors combine in the geographical area to produce favourable conditions for the late harvesting of grapes naturally concentrated on the vine, with or without the noble rot. They account for the characteristics of a product for which people have learned to adapt their techniques. The late harvest with hand-picked multiple passes is proof of the concern for quality.

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

Labelling: traditional term‘Sélection de grains nobles’

Legal framework:

EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The controlled designation of origin ‘Coteaux de l’Aubance’ may be supplemented by the traditional term ‘sélection de grains nobles’, in accordance with the provisions laid down in the specification. Wines eligible to bear the term ‘sélection de grains nobles’ must also state the vintage.

Labelling: Optional terms

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

Under EU rules, the use of optional terms may be regulated by the Member States. On the labels, the size of the letters used for such terms must not be larger, either in height, width or thickness, than double the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Labelling: geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The name of the controlled designation of origin may be followed by the geographical designation ‘Val de Loire’, in accordance with the rules laid down in the specification regarding use of this geographical designation. The size of the letters of the geographical name ‘Val de Loire’ may not be larger, either in height or width, than two thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Labelling: specifying a smaller geographical entity

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

Wines with the controlled designation of origin may specify a smaller geographical unit on their label, provided that: it is a place name listed in the land registry; it appears on the harvest declaration. The place name must be printed in letters no larger, either in height or in width, than half the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework:

EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for wine-growing, production and ageing, comprises the territory of the following municipalities of the department of Maine-et-Loire, on the basis of the Official Geographical Code of 2021: Aubigné-sur-Layon, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Bellevigne-en-Layon, Blaison-Saint-Sulpice, Bouchemaine, Brissac Loire Aubance (for the single territory of the delegated municipalities of Alleuds, Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance, Chemellier, Coutures, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne and Saulgé-l’Hôpital), Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chemillé-en-Anjou (for the single territory of the delegated municipalities of Chanzeaux and Valanjou), Doué-en-Anjou (for the single territory of the delegated municipality of Brigné), Gennes-Valde-Loire (for the single territory of the delegated municipalities of Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, Gennes, Grézillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil), Lys-Haut-Layon (for the single territory of the delegated municipality of Tigné), Parnay, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Savennières, Terranjou, Tuffalun and Val-du-Layon.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-c3ae57c9-8342-4de4-8756-38a6322eacae

---

(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.

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

(2023/C 185/17)

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

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

(Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012)

‘Prés-salés du Mont-Saint-Michel’

EU No: PDO-FR-0813-AM01 – 27.2.2023

PDO (X) PGI ( )

1.   Name of product

‘Prés-salés du Mont-Saint-Michel’

2.   Member State to which the geographical area belongs

France

3.   Member State authority communicating the standard amendment

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty

4.   Description of the approved amendment(s)

1.   Geographical area

Description

The definition of the geographical area has been amended. The geographical area covered by the ‘Prés-salés du Mont-Saint-Michel’ PDO has been extended to include the following four municipalities in the department of Manche: Montsenelle, Baupte, Auvers and Méautis.

The list of municipalities in the geographical area covered by the product specification has been updated to bring it into line with the 2021 Official Geographical Code, in accordance with national requirements.

The amendment affects the single document.

2.   References to the inspection structures

Description

In accordance with the requirements established by the French authorities, the heading ‘References to the inspection structures’ has been amended.

The amendment does not affect the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Prés-salés du Mont-Saint-Michel’

EU No: PDO-FR-0813-AM01 – 27.2.2023

PDO (X) PGI ( )

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

‘Prés-salés du Mont-Saint-Michel’

2.   Member State or Third Country

France

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product [as in Annex XI]

Class 1.1. Fresh meat (and offal)

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

Meat bearing the ‘Prés-salés du Mont-Saint-Michel’ designation of origin is obtained from lambs which are up to 12 months old and which feed on maritime pasture, which gives them their distinctive features. These lambs are the offspring of rams of the following breeds: ‘Suffolk’, ‘Roussin’, ‘Rouge de l’Ouest’, ‘Vendéen’, ‘Cotentin’, ‘Avranchin’, ‘Charollais’, or of rams born of mothers reared by breeders entitled to use salt marshes as pasturage. The breeding females are the offspring of ewes which were reared in the geographical area by breeders using salt marshes as pasturage.

The carcasses have the following features:

—	minimum weight: 14 kg;

—	slim carcass profile: ‘straight to subconcave profile’ and ‘good to generous muscle development’ (classes U, R and O on the EUROP grading scale);

—	fat cover: ‘slightly to well covered’ (class 2 or 3 on the EUROP grading scale);

—	firm, white to creamy-white external and internal fat, spread evenly around the body.

The meat is offered for sale chilled. It may not be sold thawed and chilled.

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

The lambs and ewes feed mainly on salt marsh pastures. The lambs are reared over the course of successive periods: the post-natal period, the period of maritime pasture and sometimes a finishing period.

In all cases, the maritime pasture period, including grazing in retreat zones on days when the salt marsh is covered by the spring tides, is equal to at least half of the animal’s lifetime.

The fodder consumed by the animals during the various rearing periods comes from the geographical area and consists of fresh grass, grazing grass or grass preserved as hay or haylage with a dry matter content of over 50 %, roots, tubers and vegetables.

The distribution of maize silage has been forbidden since 1 June 2013.

100 % of the forage comes from the geographical area, compared to 50 % for the concentrates.

Only plants, co-products and feedstuffs derived from non-transgenic products may be used in the animal feed. No product of animal origin, apart from dairy products, may be added to the lambs’ feed.

—	During the post-natal period, which lasts for at least 45 days and up to a maximum of 105 days after birth, the lambs feed mainly on their mother’s milk, sometimes supplemented by powdered milk, fodder or concentrates.

—

During the maritime pasturing, which lasts for at least 70 days, the lambs are kept on the salt marshes within specific, independent tracts of pasturage. The animals withdraw to retreat zones when the pastures are flooded. They feed mainly or exclusively on grass (a maximum of 400 g of concentrates per day, served in the evening, can be tolerated on top of grazing).

—	During the (optional) finishing period, which lasts for a maximum of 30 or 40 days according to the season and concerns lambs having fed exclusively on grass during the maritime grazing period, the lambs feed on fodder and concentrates and no longer graze on the salt marshes.

The concentrates given to the ewes and/or lambs during the various rearing periods are made up of the following ingredients:

—	cereals and their products and by-products: barley, maize, wheat, triticale, oats,

—	oil seeds and their products and by-products: soya, sunflower, colza and linseed oilcakes, soya beans and husks,

—	protein crops; lupin, beans and field beans,

—	tubers and roots and their products and by-products: beet pulp,

—	forage: alfalfa, straw,

—	molasses: sugar-cane molasses,

—	additives,

—	minerals, vitamins.

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

Birth, rearing and slaughter.

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

—

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

At the end of the chilling period carcasses of lambs covered by the designation of origin ‘Prés-salés du Mont-Saint-Michel’ are identified and labelled with a permanent stamp in indelible ink marked ‘Prés-salés MSM’ on the main areas (shoulders, ribs and legs).

Up to the final distribution stage, the carcass and pieces of meat cut from it are accompanied by a label displaying at least:

—	the designation,

—	the abbreviation ‘PDO’ or the words ‘protected designation of origin’.

—	the European Union PDO logo,

—	the breeder’s name,

—	the number of the holding,

—	the national identification number of the lamb,

—	the date of slaughter,

—	the place of slaughter and slaughter number,

—	the sentence ‘the meat matures on the bone for at least 4 full days between the date of slaughter and the date of retail sale to the final consumer’.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area within which the birth, rearing and slaughter of the lambs takes place comprises the following 26 cantons, 14 of which belong in part to the departments of Manche and Ille et Vilaine:

Department of Manche:

All of the municipalities belonging to the cantons of Bréhal, Bricquebec-en-Cotentin, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), Granville, La Hague, Les Pieux and Pontorson.

In the canton of Agon-Coutainville, the municipalities of Agon-Coutainville, Blainville-sur-Mer, Geffosses, Gouville-sur-Mer, Muneville-le-Bingard, Saint-Malo-de-la-Lande and Saint-Sauveur-Villages (only for the territory of the delegated municipalities of Ancteville and La Ronde-Haye).

In the canton of Carentan-les-Marais, the municipalities of Auvers, Baupte, Méautis, Picauville (only for the territory of the delegated municipality of Les Moitiers-en-Bauptois).

In the canton of Isigny-le-Buat, only the municipalities of Avranches, La Godefroy, Saint-Brice, Saint-Loup, Saint-Senier-sous-Avranches, Isigny-le-Buat and Tirepied-sur-Sée (only for the territory of La Gohannière).

In the canton of Quettreville-sur-Sienne, the municipalities of Annoville, Hauteville-sur-Mer, Lingreville, Montmartin-sur-Mer, Quettreville-sur-Sienne (only for the territory of the delegated municipalities of Contrières, Hérenguerville, Hyenville, Quettreville-sur-Sienne and Trelly).

In the canton of Valognes, the municipalities of Brix, Huberville, Lieusaint, Montaigu-la-Brisette, Saint-Joseph, Saussemesnil, Tamerville, Valognes and Yvetot-Bocage.

In the canton of Villedieu-les-Poêles-Rouffigny, only the municipality of Le Tanu.

The municipalities of the canton of Avranches, with the exception of the delegated municipality of Braffais in the municipality of Le Parc.

The municipalities of the canton of Coutances, with the exception of the municipalities of Camprond and Monthuchon.

In the canton of Créances, with the exception of the municipality of Le Plessis-Lastelle.

The municipalities of the canton of Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët, with the exception of the municipalities of Savigny-le-Vieux and Buais-Les-Monts.

The department of Ille-et-Vilaine:

All the municipalities in the cantons of Fougères-2.

In the canton of Vitré, the municipalities of Balazé, Châtillon-en-Vendelais, Montautour, Princé, Saint-M’Hervé and Vitré.

The municipalities of the canton of Dol-de-Bretagne, with the exception of the municipalities of Châteauneuf-d’Ille-et-Vilaine, Lillemer, Miniac-Morvan, Plerguer, Saint-Guinoux, Saint-Père-Marc-en-Poulet, Saint-Suliac, Le Tronchet and La Ville-ès-Nonais.

The municipalities of the canton of Fougères-1, with the exception of Livré-sur-Changeon.

The municipalities of the canton of Val-Couesnon, with the exception of the municipalities of Aubigné, Feins, Mouazé and Montreuil-sur-Ille.

5.   Link with the geographical area

The geographical area is located around the Norman-Breton Gulf, including the coastal part of the departments of Manche and Ille-et-Vilaine. Its most notable features are its extensive coastal area and the strong maritime and oceanic influence on its climate. In the heart of this geographical area lies grassland which is regularly covered over by the sea, known as salt or grass marshes, which provide most of the animals’ food. These salt marshes make up the upper part of the intertidal zone. They have developed locally within the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel and the estuaries on the western seaboard of the Cotentin region, shielded from waves and strong currents and characterised by fine sedimentation. The substrate of the salt marsh is known as sea sand (‘tangue’), which is made up of very fine silt and sand which are rich in calcium. The marshlands are deeply perforated by channels which break down into secondary channels, forming an extremely dense network which divides the grassland into several operational units and creates obstacles hindering the movement of the sheep.

The vegetation is made up of plants known as halophytes, which are adapted to the saltiness of the soil and to flooding. Several of these plants, including puccinellie (Puccinellia maritima), troscart (Triglochin maritima) and obione (Halimione portulacoides), especially when frozen, are much appreciated by ‘Prés-salés du Mont-Saint-Michel’ lambs and therefore account for most of their diet.

Lamb production in the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay can be traced back to the 10th century, when local monks had the right to ‘brebiage’ (lamb rearing). Sheep production also took place at the same time in the Contentin port region according to the founding charter of the Lessay abbey, whereby the abbey was endowed with two sheepfolds; by 1181, sheep wool made up two thirds of the abbey’s ‘tithe’ (tax income) under the Charter of Henry II Plantagenet.

Up until the first half of the 20th century the sheep were herded in groups of two to four, tied together, except in the polders of Mont-Saint-Michel where relatively large herds were led by shepherds onto the salt marsh. As from the second half of the 20th century, sheep rearing became more specialised with the use of sheepfolds.

In order to overcome the geographical constraints of the area, farmers have always selected their breeding stock in a specific manner so as to make the best use of the females’ reproductive capacity and the ability of the animals to move on unstable ground, whilst ensuring that the lambs’ growth is adapted to the growth cycle of the plants on the salt marsh. Thus the females belong to the flock while the males, which are bought from outside, belong to breeds which are well suited to the living conditions of the salt marsh and whose muscle growth is relatively slower.

The rearing of ‘pré-salés’ lambs also developed thanks to the construction of sheepfolds and when the meadows located on firmer ground near the maritime marsh were made fit for that purpose. The sheepfolds are crucial for sheltering the ewes when they give birth and when the maritime meadows are flooded by the spring tides.

Farmers have developed breeding and dietary strategies which are well suited to the geographical area so as to take account of weather hazards and the rate of growth in individual lambs within the herd, which varies greatly. When the animal shelters are near the coastline, feed supplements are sometimes distributed in the evening after grazing. When the shelters are far away, all breeders can do is carry out finishing procedures before slaughter. This feed is produced mainly within the geographical area, although part of it can come from outside, especially feed with nitrogenous content.

Built on local relations between breeders, butchers and slaughterers, this particular sheep-rearing tradition has resulted in consistent use being made of nearby slaughterhouses where the means and know-how for slaughtering sheep have been maintained over time. The main features of the specific expertise used in slaughtering the animals are a short waiting period in comfortable conditions between arrival at the slaughterhouse and slaughter, and a particularly careful form of slaughter, cutting-up and evisceration which preserves the fat cover and prevents any contamination of the carcass. There are also rules governing primary chilling and maturing. The conformity of the carcasses is assessed following these operations, particularly in relation to the quality of the fat and the appearance of the carcasses.

The carcasses have a white, firm and evenly spread fat cover. They range between slightly covered in fat to well covered and are relatively slim. The legs are slender. Distinguishing features of the meat are its strong pink colour, fibre length and marbled appearance (from intramuscular fat). The meat remains very juicy after cooking and when chewed and produces intense, lasting flavours in the mouth, with no taste of wool grease.

The specific qualities of the meat have been recognised for a long time, as reflected in the words of Pierre Thomas du Fosse, a scholar and man of letters from Rouen who went to Pontorson during the summer of 1691: ‘The grass near the coast is like wild thyme: it gives the mutton and lamb such an exquisitely delicious taste that one would be tempted to give up partridges and pheasants.’

This long-standing fame was also confirmed more recently in a ruling of the Caen appeal court of 24 January 1986, stating that sheep bred at regular intervals on pastures which are periodically flooded by the sea are normally known as ‘pré-salés’ sheep and that high-quality meat is obtained from animals bred in that way.

The link between ‘Prés-salés du Mont-Saint-Michel’ meat and its production area is explained by the specific vegetation of the salt marshes on which the sheep feed, as well as the physical exercise they have to do to reach it. Physical exercise plays an important role in the link to the geographical area in the salt marshes of the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, which provide large open spaces in which to graze, and also in the salt marshes of the port region of Cotentin, even though the grasslands are smaller there. This is because the feed value of the salt marshes is fairly low, and the rarity of the particular type of grass on which the sheep graze means that they have to cover long distances to find sufficient food. This results in slim carcasses and strongly coloured meat.

The meat’s distinguishing features are reinforced by the other constraints of this area of loose terrain, which is divided up by a network of deep channels and exposed to a harsh climate. Given these rough conditions, often the animals cannot arrive on the salt marshes too young and must stay there long enough for their specific diet to have its full effect on the meat obtained from them.

These rearing conditions result in animals with slim carcass conformations, a light and firm fat cover and a distinctive flavour without any taste of wool grease.

The fact that slaughtering takes place near the holdings helps preserve these features. This proximity limits travelling times, thus sparing the animals any stress which might cause the meat to deteriorate and allowing its organoleptic qualities, acquired as a result of the rearing process, to be preserved. In addition, this sheep-rearing tradition has made it possible for slaughterhouses in the geographical area to develop and maintain a specific know-how which respects the quality of the raw material (for example by keeping the fat cover intact and prohibiting spraying), while facilitating compliance checks on the carcasses.

The succulence of ‘pré-salés’ meat, recognised by gourmets, has given it a strong reputation which is reflected in its sale price: for more than a century the price has been 50-100 % higher than that of common lambs’ meat.

Reference to publication of the specification

https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/download/pdf?id=yUNSnznfq_FUS9VY3CTgn4PCIFRafx3LLgujSD-i24w=

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(1)  OJ L 179, 19.6.2014, p. 17.