This document is an excerpt from the EUR-Lex website
Document C:2012:197:FULL
Official Journal of the European Union, C 197, 5 July 2012
Official Journal of the European Union, C 197, 5 July 2012
Official Journal of the European Union, C 197, 5 July 2012
ISSN 1977-091X doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2012.197.eng |
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Official Journal of the European Union |
C 197 |
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English edition |
Information and Notices |
Volume 55 |
Notice No |
Contents |
page |
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II Information |
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INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
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European Commission |
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2012/C 197/01 |
Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.6593 — Audi/Ducati Motor Holding) ( 1 ) |
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2012/C 197/02 |
Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections ( 2 ) |
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IV Notices |
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NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
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European Commission |
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2012/C 197/03 |
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2012/C 197/04 |
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European Data Protection Supervisor |
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2012/C 197/05 |
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NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
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2012/C 197/06 |
Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries |
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NOTICES CONCERNING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA |
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EFTA Surveillance Authority |
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2012/C 197/07 |
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V Announcements |
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ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
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European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) |
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2012/C 197/08 |
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OTHER ACTS |
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European Commission |
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2012/C 197/09 |
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Corrigenda |
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2012/C 197/10 |
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(1) Text with EEA relevance |
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(2) Text with EEA relevance, except for products falling under Annex I to the Treaty |
EN |
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II Information
INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES
European Commission
5.7.2012 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 197/1 |
Non-opposition to a notified concentration
(Case COMP/M.6593 — Audi/Ducati Motor Holding)
(Text with EEA relevance)
2012/C 197/01
On 28 June 2012, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:
— |
in the merger section of the Competition 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, |
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in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) under document number 32012M6593. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to the European law. |
5.7.2012 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 197/2 |
Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU
Cases where the Commission raises no objections
(Text with EEA relevance, except for products falling under Annex I to the Treaty)
2012/C 197/02
Date of adoption of the decision |
13.5.2011 |
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Reference number of State Aid |
SA.32733 (11/NN) |
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Member State |
Greece |
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Region |
Attiki |
Non-assisted areas |
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Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) |
Μέτρα υπέρ των κτηνοτρόφων της Ανατολικής Αττικής, των οποίων οι βοσκήσιμες εκτάσεις καταστράφηκαν από πυρκαγιές κατά τη χρονική περίοδο Αυγούστου 2009 |
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Legal basis |
ΝΟΜΟΣ3698/2008/ΕΛΟΓΑΚ(ΠΑΡ.4 του άρθρού 11) |
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Type of measure |
Scheme |
— |
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Objective |
Natural disasters or exceptional occurrences |
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Form of aid |
Direct grant |
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Budget |
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Intensity |
2,50 % |
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Duration (period) |
9.10.2009-2.11.2009 |
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Economic sectors |
Animal production |
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Name and address of the granting authority |
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Other information |
— |
The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/state_aids_texts_en.htm
Date of adoption of the decision |
9.11.2011 |
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Reference number of State Aid |
SA.32904 (11/N) |
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Member State |
Greece |
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Region |
— |
— |
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Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) |
Αποκατάσταση δασοκομικού δυναμικού και εισαγωγή δράσεων πρόληψης |
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Legal basis |
Εκχώρηση αρμοδιοτήτων της Ειδικής Υπηρεσίας Διαχείρισης του Προγράμματος Αγροτικής Ανάπτυξης της Ελλάδας 2007-2013 (ΕΥΔ ΠΑΑ) στις Υπηρεσίες: Δ/νση Διαχείρισης Δασών και Δασικού Περιβάλλοντος, Δ/νση Αισθητικών Δασών, Δρυμών και Θήρας, Δ/νση Προστασίας Δασών και Φ.Π. και Δ/νση Αναδασώσεων και Ο.Υ. της Γενικής Δ/νσης Ανάπτυξης και Προστασίας Δασών και Φ.Π. της Ειδικής Γραμματείας Δασών του ΥΠΕΚΑ. (ΦΕΚ: 1492, τ.Β' 6.9.2010) |
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Type of measure |
Scheme |
— |
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Objective |
Forestry |
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Form of aid |
Direct grant |
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Budget |
Overall budget: EUR 174 million |
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Intensity |
100 % |
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Duration (period) |
9.11.2011-31.12.2013 |
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Economic sectors |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing |
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Name and address of the granting authority |
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Other information |
— |
The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/state_aids_texts_en.htm
Date of adoption of the decision |
16.5.2012 |
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Reference number of State Aid |
SA.34152 (11/N) |
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Member State |
Czech Republic |
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Region |
— |
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Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) |
Příspěvek na zpracování lesních hospodářských plánů |
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Legal basis |
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Type of measure |
Scheme |
— |
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Objective |
Forestry, Environmental protection, Rural development (AGRI) |
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Form of aid |
Direct grant |
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Budget |
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Intensity |
100 % |
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Duration (period) |
until 31.12.2018 |
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Economic sectors |
Forestry and logging |
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Name and address of the granting authority |
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Other information |
— |
The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/state_aids_texts_en.htm
Date of adoption of the decision |
12.4.2012 |
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Reference number of State Aid |
SA.34253 (12/NN) |
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Member State |
Netherlands |
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Region |
Noord-Limburg |
— |
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Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) |
Investeringssteun voor de vermindering van geuremissies van Knoops Lottum B.V. (varkenshouderij) |
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Legal basis |
Algemene subsidieverordening Horst aan de Maas 2011; Algemene Wet Bestuursrecht; Subsidieverordening inrichting landelijk gebied Limburg; Wet geurhinder en veehouderij; en Regeling geurhinder en veehouderij |
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Type of measure |
Individual aid |
Knoops Lottum B.V., Oude Goorenweg 4, 5715 PH Lierop. Knoops Lottum B.V. beschikt over diverse bedrijfslocaties. Het adres waarop onderhavige steun betrekking heeft betreft de locatie: Zandterweg 39, 5973 RB Lottum. |
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Objective |
Environmental protection, Investments in agricultural holdings |
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Form of aid |
Direct grant |
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Budget |
Overall budget: EUR 0,09 million |
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Intensity |
60 % |
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Duration (period) |
22.11.2011 |
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Economic sectors |
Raising of swine/pigs |
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Name and address of the granting authority |
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Other information |
— |
The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/state_aids_texts_en.htm
Date of adoption of the decision |
31.5.2012 |
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Reference number of State Aid |
SA.34291 (12/N) |
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Member State |
Czech Republic |
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Region |
Moravskoslezko |
— |
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Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) |
Dotační program Poskytování příspěvků na podporu hospodaření v lesích v Moravskoslezském kraji pro období let 2013–2019 |
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Legal basis |
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Type of measure |
Scheme |
— |
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Objective |
Forestry |
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Form of aid |
Direct grant |
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Budget |
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Intensity |
100 % |
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Duration (period) |
1.1.2013-31.12.2019 |
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Economic sectors |
Forestry and logging |
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Name and address of the granting authority |
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Other information |
— |
The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/state_aids_texts_en.htm
IV Notices
NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES
European Commission
5.7.2012 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 197/7 |
Euro exchange rates (1)
4 July 2012
2012/C 197/03
1 euro =
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Currency |
Exchange rate |
USD |
US dollar |
1,2560 |
JPY |
Japanese yen |
100,28 |
DKK |
Danish krone |
7,4366 |
GBP |
Pound sterling |
0,80320 |
SEK |
Swedish krona |
8,6876 |
CHF |
Swiss franc |
1,2013 |
ISK |
Iceland króna |
|
NOK |
Norwegian krone |
7,5165 |
BGN |
Bulgarian lev |
1,9558 |
CZK |
Czech koruna |
25,500 |
HUF |
Hungarian forint |
285,36 |
LTL |
Lithuanian litas |
3,4528 |
LVL |
Latvian lats |
0,6964 |
PLN |
Polish zloty |
4,2066 |
RON |
Romanian leu |
4,4764 |
TRY |
Turkish lira |
2,2677 |
AUD |
Australian dollar |
1,2221 |
CAD |
Canadian dollar |
1,2726 |
HKD |
Hong Kong dollar |
9,7397 |
NZD |
New Zealand dollar |
1,5635 |
SGD |
Singapore dollar |
1,5876 |
KRW |
South Korean won |
1 428,07 |
ZAR |
South African rand |
10,2134 |
CNY |
Chinese yuan renminbi |
7,9727 |
HRK |
Croatian kuna |
7,4933 |
IDR |
Indonesian rupiah |
11 748,77 |
MYR |
Malaysian ringgit |
3,9621 |
PHP |
Philippine peso |
52,275 |
RUB |
Russian rouble |
40,5534 |
THB |
Thai baht |
39,533 |
BRL |
Brazilian real |
2,5362 |
MXN |
Mexican peso |
16,7927 |
INR |
Indian rupee |
68,4360 |
(1) Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.
5.7.2012 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 197/8 |
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION
of 4 July 2012
concerning the financing for the year 2012 of activities in the veterinary field related to the European Union's information policy and support of international organisations, to several measures necessary to ensure the application of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 and towards a pilot project on a coordinated European Animal Welfare Network
2012/C 197/04
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (1) (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Financial Regulation’), and in particular Articles 49(6)a and 75 thereof,
Having regard to Council Decision 2009/470/EC of 25 May 2009 on expenditure in the veterinary field (2), and in particular Articles 20, 23 and 27 thereof,
Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on official controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules (3) and in particular, Article 66(1)(c) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) |
In accordance with Article 75 of the Financial Regulation and Article 90(1) of the Implementing Rules, the commitment of expenditure from the budget of the European Union shall be preceded by a financing decision setting out the essential elements of the action involving expenditure and adopted by the institution or the authorities to which powers have been delegated by the institution. |
(2) |
Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Implementing Rules’) identifies the degree of detail considered sufficient to describe the framework set by a financing decision. |
(3) |
In accordance with Article 110 of the Financial Regulation, an annual work programme must be adopted for grants. |
(4) |
It is necessary to lay down a work programme for the activities of the European Union in the veterinary field related to information policy, support of international organisations and computerisation of veterinary procedures. |
(5) |
As the work programme in the Annexes is a sufficiently detailed framework in the meaning of Article 90(2) and (3) of Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002, the present decision constitutes a financing decision for the expenditure provided for in the work programme for grants and procurement. |
(6) |
Pursuant to Article 22 of Decision 2009/470/EC, the Union may undertake, or assist the Member States or international organisations in undertaking, the technical and scientific measures necessary for the development of Union veterinary legislation and for the development of veterinary education or training. |
(7) |
Article 19 of Decision 2009/470/EC rules that the Union shall make a financial contribution to the establishment of an information policy in the field of animal health, animal welfare and food safety in products of animal origin including the performance of studies necessary for the preparation and development of legislation in the field of animal welfare. |
(8) |
Article 19 paragraph (a)(i) of Decision 2009/470/EC provides that the Union shall make a financial contribution to the gathering and storing of all information relating to Union legislation in the field of animal health, animal welfare and food safety in products of animal origin. |
(9) |
A financial contribution is required to make the interactive database of veterinary legislation (Vetlex) established originally for Candidate Countries, potential Candidate Countries and countries under the European Neighbourhood Policy initiative available to all Member States. |
(10) |
Communication activities were put in place in previous years to promote animal health issues and the Animal Health Strategy principles to stakeholders, organisations and society as a whole. It is appropriate that these communication activities, including the horizontal ones, continue in 2012. |
(11) |
Article 27 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC provides for Union financial contribution for the implementation of national eradication/surveillance programmes. According to that same Article, the Commission shal assess these programmes. In order to provide an additional tool, external technical assistance will carry out a pre-assessment of these programmes submitted for 2013. |
(12) |
Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 lays down rules for the performance of official controls to verify compliance with rules aiming in particular at preventing, eliminating or reducing to acceptable levels risks to humans and animals, either directly or through the environment, guaranteeing fair practices in feed and food trade and protecting consumers interests, including feed and food labelling and other forms of consumer information. |
(13) |
According to Article 66(1)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, the appropriations required for the financing of other measures necessary to ensure the application of this regulation shall be authorised each year within the framework of the budgetary procedure. The measures referred to in Article 66 include in particular the organisation of studies, the publication of information and the organisation of meetings and conferences. |
(14) |
The Food and Veterinary office reports on inspections performed in the years 2007-2011 on official controls in Member States on food contact materials indicated some shortcomings. In particular deficiencies were detected in the enforceability of the general safety requirements and good manufacturing practice in those areas in which no specific EU measures (‘non harmonised areas’) are adopted. Therefore a study is foreseen to be carried out in 2012 to investigate to what degree and which specific provisions would be necessary at EU level to improve enforceability of the general safety requirements and provide data on their economic, social and environmental impact (including administrative burden). |
(15) |
Communication on food and feed control can't always be linked to a specific subject. Therefore, it is appropriate to foresee some resources to horizontal communication activities related to it. |
(16) |
Along the food chain a series of risks endanger the delivery of safe and healthy food to European consumers. A study is foresen in 2012 in order to identify them across the food chain, develop and assess future scenarios and define policy responses. |
(17) |
Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (5) requires the Union and the Member States, since animals are sentient beings, to pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals in formulating and implementing some of the Union’s policies. It is therefore appropriate to fund a pilot project that will contribute to assist the Member States and stakeholders in implementing the Union's rules on animal welfare. |
(18) |
Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 of 24 September 2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing (6) requires Member States in its Article 20 to ensure a scientific support to assist competent authorities for scientific, technical and educational expertise in order to facilitate the implementation of this animal welfare legislation. It appears appropriate that a pilot project is developed for ensuring better coordination between the national technical supports to be put in place for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 before 2013. |
(19) |
The Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee on the European Union Strategy for the protection and welfare of animals 2012-2015 (7) also envisages the possibility of establishing a European network of reference centres which could aim at ensuring that the competent authorities receive coherent and uniform technical information on the way the EU legislation should be implemented, especially in the context of outcome-based animal welfare indicators. It is therefore relevant that the Union promotes a pilot project in order to assess the feasibility and the efficiency of such network before proposing future legislation. |
(20) |
It is appropriate to maintain financing by the Union for that pilot project. In the general budget of the European Union for 2012, the budgetary authority allocated EUR 1 000 000 to a pilot project on a coordinated European Animal Welfare Network. |
(21) |
This financing decision may also cover the payment of interest due for late payment on the basis of Articles 83 of the Financial Regulation and 106(5) of the Implementing Rules. |
(22) |
For the application of this decision, it is appropriate to define the term ‧substantial change‧ within the meaning of Article 90(4) of the Implementing Rules. |
(23) |
The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, |
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
TITLE I
Work programme implementing Council Decision 2009/470/EC
Article 1
The annual work programme for the implementation of Articles 20, 23 and 27 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC, as set out in Annex I, is hereby adopted.
Article 2
The maximum contribution authorised by this Title for the implementation of the programme is set at EUR 3 254 600 to be financed from budget line 17 04 02 01 of the General Budget of the European Union for 2012.
Article 3
The budget implementation of tasks related to point 2 in the Annex I may be entrusted to the following international organisation, which applies standards which offer guarantees equivalent to internationally accepted standards in its accounting, audit, internal control and procurement procedures: World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
TITLE II
Work programme implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 882/2004
Article 4
The annual work programme for the implementation of Article 66(1)(c), as set out in the Annex II, is hereby adopted.
Article 5
The maximum contribution authorised by this Title for the implementation of the programme is set at EUR 277 650 to be financed from budget line 17 04 07 01 of the General Budget of the European Union for 2012.
TITLE III
Pilot project on a coordinated European Animal Welfare Network
Article 6
The pilot project, as set out in the Annex III is hereby adopted.
Article 7
The maximum contribution authorised by this Title for the implementation of the pilot project is set at EUR 1 000 000 to be financed from budget line 17 04 01 02 of the General Budget of the European Union for 2012.
TITLE IV
General provisions
Article 8
The work programmes mentioned in Titles I, II and III constitute financing decisions in the meaning of Article 75 of the Financial Regulation.
Article 9
1. The authorising officer may adopt any changes to each Title which are not considered substantial within the meaning of Article 90(4) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002, in accordance with the principles of sound financial management and of proportionality.
2. Cumulative changes of the allocations to the actions within each work programme not exceeding 10 % of the maximum contribution provided for in Articles 2, 5 and 7 of this Decision shall not be considered to be substantial within the meaning of Article 90(4) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002, provided that they do not significantly affect the nature and objective of the work programmes.
Article 10
The appropriations mentioned in Articles 2, 5 and 7 may also cover interest due for late payment.
Article 11
This Decision is addressed to the authorising officers by delegation.
Done at Brussels, 4 July 2012.
For the Commission
John DALLI
Member of the Commission
(1) OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 155, 18.6.2009, p. 30.
(3) OJ L 165, 30.4.2004, p. 1; as corrected by OJ L 191, 28.5.2004, p. 1.
(4) OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1.
(5) OJ C 83, 30.3.2010, p. 47.
(6) OJ L 303, 18.11.2009, p. 1.
(7) COM(2012) 6 final.
ANNEX I
Council Decision 2009/470/EC on expenditure in the veterinary field, and in particular Articles 20, 23 and 27 thereof — Work Programme for 2012
1. Introduction
This programme contains six main topics for the year 2012. On the basis of the objectives given in Council Decision 2009/470/EC of 25 May 2009 on expenditure in the veterinary field, the distribution of the budget and the main actions are the following:
— |
for grants implemented in joint management (point 2):
|
— |
for procurement (implemented in direct centralised management) (point 3):
|
2. Action under joint management
Global Conferences on animal welfare, antimicrobial resistance, veterinary statutory bodies and wildlife diseases; Regional Conference on animal welfare in South America; and Regional Seminars for new OIE Delegates, Focal Points on Veterinary products, on Animal Welfare and on Aquatic Animal Health in Europe.
LEGAL BASIS
Article 23 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC.
BUDGETARY LINE
17 04 02 01
Contributions shall be covered by a written contribution agreement 2012-2013.
IMPLEMENTING ENTITY
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide. In order to improve the animal health status worldwide and consequently lower the animal disease risk in the EU, it is important that the EU approach to animal health and welfare be shared with all member countries of the OIE and that the EU actively supports Conferences and training seminars organised by the OIE in order to promote the Union's animal health and welfare policy at the occasion.
The Commission and the OIE have signed on June 7, 2010 a long-term Framework Agreement (FA) laying down the administrative and financial arrangements for their cooperation (here attached), whereby the ‘European Union Contribution Agreement with an International Organisation’ (the ‘Standard Contribution Agreement’ or ‘SCA’) applies to global, regional or national programmes and actions administered by the OIE and financed or co-financed by the European Union.
A thorough and complete assessment of the OIE had been done previously, through a ‘four pillar assessment’ that established that the OIE applied, in its accounting, audit, control and procurement procedures, standards that offer guarantees equivalent to internationally accepted standards.
OBJECTIVES TO BE FULFILLED AND FORESEEN RESULTS
To share the EU approach to animal health and welfare and veterinary public health with all members of the OIE through the promotion of the Union's policy at the occasion of conferences and training seminars organised by the OIE. Eventually to improve the animal health, welfare and veterinary public health status worldwide and lower the risk in the EU.
DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE IMPLEMENTING MEASURE
An overview of the different actions to be financed under this point can be found in the table below.
IMPLEMENTATION
Joint management
MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF THE CONTRIBUTION
EUR 660 000
Summary of the activities to be organised by the OIE in 2012-2013, as referred to in point 2
Activity |
Venue |
Maximum amount in EUR |
Indicative Dates (2012-2013) |
|
1. Global Conferences |
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1.1. |
3rd OIE Global Conference on Animal Welfare: ‘Implementating the OIE Standards — Addressing Regional expectations’ |
Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) |
100 000 |
6-8 November 2012 |
1.2. |
OIE Global Conference on the Prudent Use of Antimicrobial Agents for Animals — International Solidarity to Fight against Antimicrobial Resistance |
Paris (France) |
100 000 |
13-15 March 2013 |
1.3. |
Veterinary Statutory Bodies (VSB) — Preparation of VSB twinning programme |
To be confirmed |
80 000 |
2nd semester 2013 |
2. Regional Conferences and Seminars |
||||
2.1. |
Regional Conference for the Americas on ‘Global Trade and Animal Welfare Standards’ (follow-up of 2009 conference in Brussels) |
South American Country |
80 000 |
14-16 October 2013 |
2.2. |
Regional Seminar for the OIE new Delegates of Europe |
European country |
60 000 |
19 May 2012 |
2.3. |
Regional Seminar for the OIE Focal Points of Europe for veterinary products |
European country |
80 000 |
2nd semester 2012 |
2.4. |
Regional Seminar for the OIE Focal Points of Europe for animal welfare |
European country |
80 000 |
1st semester 2013 |
2.5. |
Regional Seminar for the OIE Focal Points of Europe for aquatic animal health |
European country |
80 000 |
1st semester 2013 |
3. Procurement
The global budgetary envelope reserved in 2012 for the procurement contracts amounts to EUR 2 594 600.
3.1. Availability of Vetlex to the administrations of Member States
LEGAL BASIS
Article 20 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC.
BUDGETARY LINE
17 04 02 01
INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED
One service contract.
SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)
The Vetlex database is an existing interactive database of all veterinary legislation managed by an outside company. The database is kept up to date within 24 hours of new legislation being published and contains the consolidated versions of the concerned legislation.
The database used to be accessible to Candidate Countries, potential Candidate Countries and countries under the European Neighbourhood Policy initiative via a contract between the company and DG Enlargement of the European Commission. It is not available to Member States.
The contribution foreseen will enable Vetlex to be made available to administrators in Member States.
IMPLEMENTATION
Direct centralised
INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE
Third quarter of 2012.
INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS
EUR 150 000
SPECIFIC CONTRACT (IF APPLICABLE)
NA
3.2. Horizontal contribution towards communication related to animal health activities
LEGAL BASIS
Article 20 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC.
BUDGETARY LINE
17 04 02 01
INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED
Different specific contracts using several framework contracts.
SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)
Horizontal contribution towards communication related to animal health activities.
IMPLEMENTATION
Direct centralised
INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE
Throughout the year 2012.
INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS
EUR 49 600
SPECIFIC CONTRACT (IF APPLICABLE)
Several framework contracts of DG SANCO.
3.3. Events to support ongoing policy on animal welfare and maintenance of existing communication tools
LEGAL BASIS
Articles 20 and 23 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC.
BUDGETARY LINE
17 04 02 01
INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED
Six service contracts using a framework contract and an open call for tender.
SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)
(a) |
Organisation or co-organisation of a maximum of three workshops for veterinary practitioners to promote EU animal welfare standards for better implementation within the EU and mutual understanding outside the EU; EUR 150 000. |
(b) |
Events to disseminate at local/regional the Farmland animal welfare websites and teacher toolbox; EUR 100 000. |
(c) |
Production of publications on animal welfare (animal welfare newsletter, brochures on animal welfare, publications/materials for events etc); EUR 50 000. |
(d) |
Study on the opportunity to provide EU consumers with the relevant information on stunning of animals; EUR 200 000. |
(e) |
Communication actions on working animals; EUR 50 000. |
(f) |
Study on education and information activities on animal welfare — This study is a follow-up action of the communication on the European Union strategy for the protection and welfare of animals 2012-2015 (COM(2012) 6 final) and will aim at establishing the need for education and information activities to the general public and consumers and possible actions that could derive from it: EUR 150 000. |
IMPLEMENTATION
Direct centralised
INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE
From second quarter onwards to third quarter of 2012.
INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS
EUR 700 000
SPECIFIC CONTRACT (IF APPLICABLE)
Conclusion of a maximum of five specific service contracts under framework contract with reference SANCO/2009/A1/005 Lot 1 and Lot 2.
Conclusion of one specific service contract under framework contract with reference SANCO/2009/B1/010.
The study mentioned in point (f) will be launched after an open call for tender.
3.4. Publications and dissemination of information to promote animal health issues and the Animal Health Strategy principles
LEGAL BASIS
Article 20 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC.
BUDGETARY LINE
17 04 02 01
INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED
Conclusion of at least 10 specific service contracts using a framework contract.
SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)
(a) |
in order to raise the awareness of the work of the European Commission and the veterinary profession a major conference in Brussels on the subject of the ‘Economics of Animal Health’ (EUR 100 000) and one student seminar will be organised (EUR 75 000). |
(b) |
increase visibility of the European Commission's role in animal health, welfare and food safety via three main fairs (EUR 525 000) and two smaller fairs (EUR 250 000) and technical support to the fairs (EUR 200 000): Roskilde Dyrskue, 8-10 June 2012; Salone del Gusto, 25-29 October 2012; Good Food Show, 28 November-2 December 2012; International Green Week, 18-27 January 2013; Salon International de l'Agriculture 23 February-3 March 2013. Participation to such fairs will aim at reaching some 2 millions citizens with a view to make the added value and benefits of our policy for their daily lives known. |
(c) |
outline benefits of modern regulatory framework for animal health in the EU via a partnership with Euronews (EUR 270 000). The sum foreseen relates to the production of a 90 second information video and subsequent distribution on Euronews, on the importance of this legislation for the safety of the food chain, the sustainability of our resources as well as growth of the most important economic European sector: agriculture. |
(d) |
production of publication and promotional material for animal health and to update website (EUR 175 000). These publications and promotional materials will serve to reinforce our messages about the benefits of animal health to the citizens (as they relate to food safety, human health and the economy), and to support activities to promote these messages at a local level. |
IMPLEMENTATION
Direct centralised
INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE
Throughout 2012.
INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS
EUR 1 595 000
SPECIFIC CONTRACT (IF APPLICABLE)
Conclusion of +/– 10. specific service contracts under framework contract SANCO/2009/A1/005.
3.5. External pre-assessment of the eradication/surveillance programmes for 2013
LEGAL BASIS
Article 27 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC.
BUDGETARY LINE
17 04 02 01
INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED
Conclusion of at least 20 specific service contracts.
SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)
According to that Article 27 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC, the Commission shall assess the programmes submitted for 2013. Programmes can be submitted for 11 diseases. The aim is to look for a pre-assessment of these programmes by two external technical assistants per disease.
IMPLEMENTATION
Direct centralised
INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE
May-July 2012.
INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS
EUR 100 000
SPECIFIC CONTRACT (IF APPLICABLE)
Conclusion of 20 specific service contracts
ANNEX II
Work programme for 2012 — Regulation (EC) No 882/2004
1. Introduction
This programme contains three implementing measures for the year 2012. On the basis of Article 66(1)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 on Union financial support of measures necessary to ensure the application of the Regulation, the distribution of the budget and the main actions are the following:
For procurement:
— |
study to investigate impact of possible provisions for food contact materials to improve enforceability: EUR 125 000 (point 2.1), |
— |
contribution towards horizontal communication related to food and feed control: EUR 52 650 (point 2.2), |
— |
study of the feasibility on the identification, quantification and risk assessments of risks from production to consumption: EUR 100 000 (point 2.3). |
2. Procurement
The global budgetary envelope reserved in 2012 for the procurement contracts amounts to EUR 277 650.
2.1. Study to investigate impact of possible provisions for food contact materials to improve enforceability
LEGAL BASIS
Council Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, Article 66(1)(c)
BUDGETARY LINE
17 04 07 01
INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED
One contract
SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)
Study to investigate impact of possible provisions on food contact materials to improve the enforceability of the existing general safety requirements
IMPLEMENTATION
Direct centralised
INDICATIVE TIME-FRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE
Invitation letter with TOR to be sent out by September 2012; signature of contract in November 2012
INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS
EUR 125 000
SPECIFIC CONTRACT
Framework service contract: evaluation, impact assessment and related services SANCO/2008/01/055
2.2. Horizontal contribution towards communication related to food and feed control, notably for the update of relevant parts of websites, and design and creation of audiovisual and printed material
LEGAL BASIS
Article 66(1)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004
BUDGETARY LINE
17 04 07 01
INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED
Different service contract using several framework contracts
SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)
Horizontal contribution towards communication related to food and feed control notably for the update of relevant parts of websites, and design and creation of audiovisual and printed material
IMPLEMENTATION
Direct centralised
INDICATIVE TIME-FRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE
Throughout the year 2012
INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS
EUR 52 650
SPECIFIC CONTRACT
Several framework contracts
2.3. Study of the feasibility on the identification, quantification and risk assessment of risks from production to consumption
LEGAL BASIS
Article 66(1)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004
BUDGETARY LINE
17 04 07 01
INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED
One contract
SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)
Study on the identification and quantification of risks, in particular economic and market risks, environmental risks, health and welfare risks from production to consumption; development and assessment of scenarios of future challenges; definition of policy responses
INDICATIVE TIME-FRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE
During the third quarter of 2012
INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS
EUR 100 000
SPECIFIC CONTRACT
Conclusion of one service contract under framework contract SANCO/2009/A1/005/Lot 2
ANNEX III
Pilot project on a coordinated European Animal Welfare Network
Introduction
This pilot project contains one implementing measure for 2012.
On the basis of the objectives given in the pilot project, the allocation of the budget is for a grant for the establishment and the functioning of a coordinated European animal welfare network (to be implemented in direct centralised management) and is set at: EUR 1 000 000.
Grant for the establishment and the functioning of a coordinated European Animal Welfare Network
LEGAL BASIS
Pilot project within the meaning of Article 49(6) (a) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002
BUDGET LINE
17 04 01 02
PRIORITIES OF THE YEAR, OBJECTIVES TO BE FULFILLED AND EXPECTED RESULTS
This action is intended to cover the setting up of a European coordinated network for animal welfare, as called for by the European Parliament resolution on the evaluation and assessment of the Animal Welfare Action Plan 2006-2010 (PE 430.922 v02-00, A7-0053/2010). It should perform the tasks referred to in the Commission communication of 28 October 2009 on options for animal welfare labelling and the establishment of a European Network of Reference Centres for the protection and welfare of animals (COM(2009) 0584).
DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE IMPLEMENTING MEASURE
Objective 1— Establish a network of technical, scientific and educational (vocational education) resources on animal welfare, independent from specific interests, which reflects the geographical and cultural diversity of the Union.
Objective 2— Based on specific examples of the EU legislation and according scientifically established methodology, collect and analyse existing data to establish a state of play of implementation of the legislation in different parts of the EU as to benchmark the effectiveness of the actions foreseen.
Objective 3— Based on specific examples of the EU legislation, develop and implement strategies based on the transfer of knowledge to competent authorities and stakeholders in order to improve the level of implementation of the legislation.
Objective 4— Monitor, report and analyse the effects of the different knowledge strategies implemented by the pilot project and provide recommendations on the feasibility and the possible conditions under which the Union could support a network of reference centres for animal welfare.
IMPLEMENTATION
The implementation shall be carried out under centralised direct management.
TIMETABLE AND INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL(S) FOR PROPOSALS DIRECT AWARD
A single call for proposals of EUR 1 000 000 shall be published in second quarter of 2012.
The pilot project shall be performed within 12 months for the date of signature of the grant agreement.
MAXIMUM POSSIBLE RATE OF CO-FINANCING
Maximum co-financing of the eligible costs of the action will differ depending on the Member State where beneficiaries are established:
— |
For beneficiaries registered in Member States with a GDP per capita in PPS not more than 50 % of the EU 2010 GDP per capita, the maximum co-financing rate will be of 85 % (Bulgaria, Romania). |
— |
For beneficiaries registered in Member States with a GDP per capita in PPS more than 50 % but not more than 100 % of the EU 2010 GDP, the maximum co-financing rate will be of 75 % (Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia). |
For the other beneficiaries of the EU, the maximum co-financing rate will be of 50 %.
ESSENTIAL SELECTION AND AWARD CRITERIA
Essential selection criteria:
The applicants must have access to solid and adequate funding sources, so as to be able to maintain activities for the period of the project funded and to help finance the project.
The applicants must have the professional skills and qualifications required to complete the proposed action. They must provide evidence of their knowledge and experience in the relevant fields and in particular in applied research and/or vocational education on animal welfare.
Essential award criteria:
— |
Soundness of the approach (15 %) |
— |
Organisation of work and stakeholders involvement (25 %) |
— |
Interest of project at European level and multiplier effect (30 %) |
— |
Efficiency and cost effectiveness of the project (30 %) |
FORM OF THE LEGAL COMMITMENT
Written agreement.
European Data Protection Supervisor
5.7.2012 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 197/21 |
Executive summary of the Opinion of the European Data Protection Supervisor on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on serious cross-border threats to health
(The full text of this Opinion can be found in EN, FR and DE on the EDPS website http://www.edps.europa.eu)
2012/C 197/05
I. Introduction
1. |
On 8 December 2011, the Commission adopted a Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on serious cross-border threats to health (‘the Proposal’) and on the same day forwarded it to the EDPS for consultation. On 19 January 2012, the Council sent the Proposal for consultation as well. |
2. |
Already before the adoption of the Proposal, the EDPS had the opportunity to provide informal comments on a draft text. The EDPS welcomes this consultation at an early stage and is pleased to see that some of his comments have been taken into account. |
3. |
The Proposal aims at replacing Decision 2119/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 September 1998 setting up a network for the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases in the Community (1), which is the current legal basis (along with its implementing Commission Decision 2000/57/EC (2)) for the Early Warning and Response System (‘EWRS’). The EWRS is operated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (‘ECDC’) (3) on behalf of the Commission and is used by the competent authorities in the Member States to exchange information necessary for the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases at European level. The EWRS has been successfully used in a number of situations such as SARS, avian influenza in humans and other major communicable diseases. It constitutes an important tool to protect public health. |
4. |
The Proposal aims at increasing cooperation between Member States as regards cross-border health threats. Among others, the Proposal extends the scope of the existing EWRS, which currently only covers communicable diseases, to other kinds of cross-border health threats, including hazards of biological, chemical, environmental or unknown origin which are likely to spread across national borders. |
5. |
The EWRS itself has been the subject of a prior check Opinion of the EDPS issued on 26 April 2010 (4). In the follow-up to that Opinion, the data protection safeguards for the EWRS have improved considerably. Among others, in the framework of the follow-up procedure, a Commission recommendation on data protection guidelines for the EWRS has also been adopted (5). |
6. |
This Opinion should be read in the light of the progress already made and contains recommendations to further improve the level of data protection under the Proposal. |
7. |
The EDPS welcomes the references to Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Directive 95/46/EC in recital 18 and Article 18 of the Proposal and that the reference to the applicable data protection legislation in Article 18 now encompasses all personal data processing under the scope of the Proposal. He also welcomes the specific data protection safeguards for contact tracing set forth, or required to be adopted by the Commission, under Article 18. |
8. |
However, the following elements of the Proposal still require, or would benefit from, clarification, further detail or other improvements from the point of view of data protection:
|
9. |
As a preliminary remark, the EDPS notes that several aspects of the Proposal are not elaborated in the text itself, but will be the subject of delegated and implementing acts, such as the list of communicable diseases to which the Proposal shall apply (6) and the procedures for the information exchange in the EWRS (7). Other aspects will be clarified in guidelines and recommendations to be adopted by the Commission, such as the data protection guidelines for the EWRS (8). |
10. |
Delegated acts are meant to amend and specify certain non-essential aspects of legal acts (Article 290 TFEU), while implementing acts aim to establish uniform conditions for the implementation of legally binding Union acts (Article 291 TFEU). While details can of course be regulated in delegated and implementing acts, and such additional provisions are certainly of great benefit, the EDPS recommends that the Proposal itself also provide more guidance on some of the points mentioned in point 8, as will be discussed below. |
II. Conclusion
34. |
In general, the EDPS recommends that some essential elements, including certain essential data protection safeguards, should be also included in the text of the Proposal itself. In addition, some clarifications are also necessary due to the expansion of the scope of the Proposal to additional health threats beyond communicable diseases, which have not been subject to the prior checking procedure and also not discussed in the guidelines. |
35. |
More particularly, the EDPS recommends that the Proposal should:
|
(Abridged version. The full text of this Opinion can be found in EN, FR and DE on the EDPS website http://www.edps.europa.eu)
Done at Brussels, 28 March 2012.
Giovanni BUTTARELLI
Assistant European Data Protection Supervisor
(1) OJ L 268, 3.10.1998, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 21, 26.1.2000, p. 32.
(3) The ECDC is established by Regulation (EC) No 851/2004 (OJ L 142, 30.4.2004, p. 1).
(4) Available on the EDPS website: http://www.edps.europa.eu/EDPSWEB/webdav/site/mySite/shared/Documents/Supervision/Priorchecks/Opinions/2010/10-04-26_EWRS_EN.pdf
(6) Article 6(5)(a) of the Proposal.
(7) Article 8(2) of the Proposal.
(8) Article 18(6) of the Proposal.
NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES
5.7.2012 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 197/24 |
Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries
2012/C 197/06
In accordance with Article 35(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20 November 2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy (1), a decision has been taken to close the fishery as set down in the following table:
Date and time of closure |
13.5.2012 |
Duration |
13.5.2012-31.12.2012 |
Member State |
Portugal |
Stock or group of stocks |
BUM/ATLANT |
Species |
Blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) |
Zone |
Atlantic Ocean |
Type(s) of fishing vessels |
— |
Reference number |
575665 |
(1) OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.
NOTICES CONCERNING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA
EFTA Surveillance Authority
5.7.2012 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 197/25 |
Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice on State aid issues concerning potential aid to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene in Norway
2012/C 197/07
By means of Decision No 123/12/COL of 28 March 2012, reproduced in the authentic language on the pages following this summary, the EFTA Surveillance Authority initiated proceedings pursuant to Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice. The Norwegian authorities have been informed by means of a copy of the decision.
By means of this notice the EFTA Surveillance Authority gives the EFTA States, EU Member States and interested parties notice to submit their comments on the measure in question within one month of the date of publication to:
EFTA Surveillance Authority |
Registry |
Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 35 |
1040 Bruxelles/Brussel |
BELGIQUE/BELGIË |
The comments will be communicated to the Norwegian authorities. The identity of the interested party submitting the comments may be withheld following a request in writing stating the reasons for the request.
SUMMARY
Background
In Norway, the local bus transport sector is regulated by the Commercial Transport Act of 2002 (the ‘CTA’) and the Commercial Transport Regulation of 2003 (the ‘CTR’). Both the CTA and the CTR repealed preceding legislation that was in substance similar. This legislative framework provides inter alia for a system of concessions that are necessary for undertakings to be eligible for being entrusted with the discharging of public bus services, and confers on counties, such as Oslo Municipality, the responsibility for compensating undertakings that operate unprofitable routes. Such compensation can be granted to cover the difference between the revenue generated from the sale of tickets and the cost of operating the service.
In Oslo, since before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement, annual compensation was granted to the concessionaires for unprofitable routes in line with the city’s budget procedure. Compensation was paid by means of an annual lump sum, which was based on costs incurred in the preceding years, taking into account a variety of correction factors. Since 2008, all contracts for scheduled bus services have been awarded to undertakings following a public tender. Since then no compensation as described above has been granted to AS Oslo Sporveier for scheduled bus services.
AS Oslo Sporveier and later its subsidiary, AS Sporveisbussene, were entrusted with the provision of scheduled bus services in Oslo in accordance with the provisions briefly described above since long before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement until the 2008.
AS Oslo Sporveier has undergone many reorganisations since 1994. For example, the operation of all bus services, including commercial tour bus services in addition to the scheduled bus services in Oslo, was outsourced to its subsidiary AS Sporveisbussene in 1997. As a result, AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene entered into a so-called Transport Agreement so that AS Sporveisbussene could become the effective recipient of the annual compensation. Under the Transport Agreement compensation for the scheduled bus service was paid in accordance with the provisions described above. The Norwegian authorities maintain that throughout the entire period under investigation — 1994 to 2008 — separate accounts were kept for commercial and public service activities in the Oslo Sporveier group, and that the commercial activities were always charged market prices for services they received from public service activities.
In 2004, Oslo Municipality — then a 98,8 % shareholder of AS Oslo Sporveier — injected NOK 111 760 000 of capital to cover the underfunding of AS Sporveisbussene’s pension funds. The underfunding had accrued in the period prior to 1997, and related to pension liabilities of employees both in the public service as well as in the tour bus division of AS Oslo Sporveier. AS Oslo Sporveier was obliged to remedy the underfunding. The capital injection was chosen by Oslo Municipality, in its capacity as owner, as the least expensive means to do so.
Assessment of the measure
The presence of State aid
The Authority considers that both the capital injection and the annual compensation payments entail State aid.
As for capital injection to cover the underfunding of the pension accounts of the commercial activity, the Authority is currently unable to exclude that it confers an economic advantage on AS Oslo Sporveier, as no information has been submitted demonstrating that it had been granted in line with the market economy investor principle.
Moreover, it is the preliminary view of the Authority that both the annual compensation as well as the capital injection to cover the underfunding relating to public service pension accounts (which linked to cost that could also form the basis for the annual compensation) have not been determined through a public procurement procedure and are not similar to the cost that an undertaking, well run and adequately equipped, would have incurred. Thus the fourth criterion of the Altmark case law is not met and therefore both measures constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement.
The nature of the aid
The Authority is at this stage not able to conclude whether the aid was granted under an existing aid scheme, which would based on the CTA and the CTR as applied in Oslo since before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement. It should be noted that no further aid was granted in accordance with the above provisions since 2008. Assuming that an existing aid scheme has been in place since 1994, the Authority is currently unable to determine the exact delineation of the scheme, and whether all aid awarded was based on that scheme. Moreover, it is not capable of excluding that the measures entail, at least to some minor extent, in particular as regards the covering of pension liabilities relating to the commercial activities, illegal and incompatible State aid.
Compatibility of the aid
At this stage it would appear to the Authority that the payments made until the directly awarded concession had run its course in 2008, and the 2004 capital injection to offset the underfunding of the pension fund could at least in large parts be compatible public service compensation under Article 49 of the EEA. The compatibility assessment in the final decision would thus focus in particular on whether there has been overcompensation. Moreover, the aid could, at least in part, be compatible under Article 61(3)(c).
Conclusion
In light of the above considerations, the Authority decided to open the formal investigation procedure in accordance with Article 1(2) of the EEA Agreement. Interested parties are invited to submit their comments within one month from publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.
V Announcements
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)
5.7.2012 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 197/28 |
NOTICE OF OPEN COMPETITIONS
2012/C 197/08
The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is organising the following open competitions:
CONFERENCE INTERPRETERS
With Danish (DA) as their main language |
: |
EPSO/AD/236/12 (grades AD 5 and AD 7) |
With German (DE) as their main language |
: |
EPSO/AD/237/12 (grades AD 5 and AD 7) |
With English (EN) as their main language |
: |
EPSO/AD/238/12 (grade AD 7) |
For Slovak (SK) |
: |
EPSO/AD/239/12 (grades AD 5 and AD 7) |
The competition notices are published in Official Journal C 197 A of 5 July 2012 in Danish, German, English and Slovak only.
Further details can be found on the EPSO website: http://www.eu-careers.info
OTHER ACTS
European Commission
5.7.2012 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 197/29 |
Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs
2012/C 197/09
This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months of the date of this publication
SINGLE DOCUMENT
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006
‘AGNELLO DEL CENTRO ITALIA’
EC No: IT-PGI-0005-0808-18.05.2010
PGI ( X ) PDO ( )
1. Name:
‘Agnello del Centro Italia’
2. Member State or third Country:
Italy
3. Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff:
3.1. Type of product:
Class 1.1. |
Fresh Meat (and offal) |
3.2. Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies:
‘Agnello del Centro Italia’ meat is obtained from slaughtered lambs which are less than 12 months old and from the following local breeds and cross-breeds: Appenninica, Bergamasca, Biellese, Fabrianese, Merinizzata Italiana, Pomarancina, Sopravissana, Zerasca; Comisana, Cornella Bianca, Cornigliese (Corniglio), Garfagnina Bianca, Gentile di Puglia, Massese, Pagliarola, Pecora delle Langhe. There are three types of carcasses, with the following characteristics: the ‘light’ lamb, weighing between 8,01 and 13,0 kg, whose degree of fat cover falls under classes 1, 2 and 3 as defined in the ‘Community scale for the classification of carcasses of light lambs’; the ‘heavy’ lamb, weighing 13,01 kg or more, whose conformation falls under classes U, R and O and whose degree of fat cover falls under classes 2, 3 and 4 as defined in the ‘Community scale for the classification of carcasses of ovine animals’; the ‘castrated’ lamb, weighing 20,0 kg or more, whose conformation falls under classes E, U and R and whose degree of fat cover falls under classes 2, 3 and 4 as defined in the ‘Community scale for the classification of carcasses of ovine animals’.
The meat's pH is measured on the Longissimus toraci muscle and has a value between 6,15 and 6,80 if measured once all the slaughter procedures are completed and before the refrigeration of the carcasses; the value is between 5,15 and 5,80 if measured between 24 and 30 hours following the slaughter.
3.3. Raw materials (for processed products only):
—
3.4. Feed (for products of animal origin only):
The lambs are suckled exclusively with their mother's milk until weaning. After that, their basic diet consists of fodder made up of wild plants from the meadows, sown pasture, pulses and/or grasses, all obtained in the geographical area. Mineral and vitamin supplements and feedstuffs are allowed at a maximum daily quantity of 0,4 kg per head.
3.5. Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area:
The birth and rearing of the lambs take place in the same farm located in the geographical area of production as delimited in point 4 below.
3.6. Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc.:
—
3.7. Specific rules concerning labelling:
‘Agnello del Centro Italia’ meat must bear a label containing the following information: the ‘Agnello del Centro Italia’ logo; the type of product (Light — Heavy — Castrated); the EU’s graphic symbol.
4. Concise definition of the geographical area:
The geographical area of production of ‘Agnello del Centro Italia’ meat includes the territories of the following regions: Abruzzo, Lazio, Marche, Tuscany, Umbria; Emilia-Romagna, including the entire territories of the provinces of Bologna, Rimini, Forlì-Cesena, Ravenna and, to a certain extent, the territories of the provinces of Modena, Reggio Emilia and Parma, delimited by the motorway route A1 Bologna-Milano from the border of the province of Bologna, by the junction with motorway A16 Parma-La Spezia and up until the border with the Tuscany — Passo della Cisa region.
5. Link with the geographical area:
5.1. Specificity of the geographical area:
The geographical area is characterised by three levels of altitude: the Apennine mountains, consisting mainly of limestone, which make up the central axis; the hills, where clay predominates and finally the plains on the valley floor which are made up of alluvial soils.
Environmental variations condition plant production quantitatively and qualitatively and, from the valley floor to the highest altitudes, a progressive change is observed in the percentage composition of the grazing resources.
As a result, the feed intake of ovine animals includes pastures and sown pasture which are essentially made up of fodder crops and pulses.
The rearing of ovine breeds is perfectly adapted to the particularities and difficult geographical and climatic conditions of this area of central Italy thanks to the horizontal, but especially vertical, transhumance practised by shepherds on both small and large scales since ancient times. Their goal is to integrate the resources offered by fodder from different areas by moving their flocks onto the pastures of the plains and to the seashore in winter and, inversely, onto the pastures of the Apennines during spring and summer. This practice exemplifies the ecological integration of local production systems and resources available in the geographical area of reference. It can also be considered a means of self-organisation for cattle-rearing, intended to overcome not only the adverse climatic conditions but also the imbalance between the dietary needs of the animals and the availability of forage.
5.2. Specificity of the product:
The characteristics of ‘Agnello del Centro Italia’ meat correspond to the relation between the speed at which the animals gain weight and their yield.
The early development of tissues provides for a good meat/bone ratio at the time of slaughter, which constitutes an overall advantage in terms of commercial yield. Its superior yield compared to other ovine meats, particularly milk-fed meats which are mainly sold on the local market, is precisely what makes it appreciated by consumers and market operators alike.
5.3. Causal link between the geographical area and the quality or characteristics of the product (for PDO) or a specific quality, the reputation or other characteristic of the product (for PGI):
The product is obtained from breeds and cross-breeds which are deeply rooted in the production area; some of them take their name from the geographical areas where they best adapted to the environment and gave the best yields. This strong link between environment and genetic heritage, deriving from a breed known generically as ‘Appenninica’ and used in the production of ‘Agnello del Centro Italia’ meat, has allowed these animals to grow more rapidly than other breeds/genetic types reared in the area.
Moreover, the very names of these ovine breeds testify to their link with the geographical area. Indeed, the ongoing cross-breeding, hybridisation and selection of the ovine population from central Italy has produced specimens which have adapted perfectly to the specificities of the area, to the extent that they have taken the names of the municipalities in which they have produced the highest yields: the ‘Fabrianese’ from Fabriano; the ‘Pomarancina’ from Pomarance; the ‘Sopravissana’ from Visso which spread throughout the Marche region at the turn of the 20th century and which from there reached Umbria, Agro Romano, the part of Maremma situated between Tuscany and Lazio and as far as the Abruzzo region, which with the practice of transhumance became the centre of great seasonal migrations. The ‘Massese’ race which originates in the Valle del Forno in the province of Massa Carrara; the ‘Garfagnina Bianca’ population, which spread throughout the Valle del Serchio in Garfagnana and in the Val di Magra (Lunigiana and the Pontremoli region); the ‘Zerasca’ in Lunigiana, in the territory of Zeri in the province of Massa-Carrara.
The reputation of ‘Agnello del Centro Italia’ meat thus derives from a qualitative synthesis carried out on the breeds historically present in the area, whose production value is further raised thanks to a high quality diet obtained through a cattle-breeding system which, taking place in the open air for at least eight months a year, allows for the extensive use of sown pastures where endemic plant fodder crops also grow. Its reputation is also due to the management capacities of the breeders and the screening measures they use to improve quality and productivity.
Today ‘Agnello del Centro Italia’ meat enjoys a well-established reputation which originates in a document published in September 1961 by the Associazione Nazionale della Pastorizia, in the context of the ‘Rassegna Interregionale ovina’ held in Castelluccio di Norcia (Perugia), which stated: ‘The goal is to improve living conditions in mountain areas by creating the conditions necessary for developing livestock rearing and the “Agnello del Centro Italia” in particular.’
Reference to publication of the specification:
(Article 5(7) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)
The Ministry launched the national objection procedure with the publication of the proposal for recognising the protected geographical indication ‘Agnello del Centro Italia’ in Official Gazette of the Italian Republic No 66 of 20 March 2010.
The full text of the product specification is available on the following web site: http://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/3335
or
by going directly to the home page of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy (http://www.politicheagricole.it) and clicking on ‘Qualità e sicurezza’ (on the top right of the screen) and then on ‘Disciplinari di Produzione all’esame dell’UE’.
(1) OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.
Corrigenda
5.7.2012 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 197/33 |
Corrigendum to Commission notice on current State aid recovery interest rates and reference/discount rates for 27 Member States applicable as from 1 July 2008
( Official Journal of the European Union C 166 of 1 July 2008 )
2012/C 197/10
On page 2, the following text should be added:
Commission notice — State aid recovery interest rates for the period 14 April 2008 to 30 June 2008
Commission Regulation (EC) No 271/2008 of 30 January 2008 amended Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 inter alia as concerns the method for fixing the recovery interest rates. According to Article 9(2) of Regulation (EC) No 794/2004, as modified by Article 1 of Regulation (EC) No 271/2008, “the interest rate shall be calculated by adding 100 basis points to the one-year money market rate”. Regulation (EC) No 271/2008 was published in the Official Journal L 82 of 25 March 2008. According to its Article 2, Regulation (EC) No 271/2008 enters into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal, i.e. on 14 April 2008.
In line with Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 (provision not modified by the Regulation (EC) No 271/2008), the Commission publishes “current and relevant historical State aid recovery interest rates in the Official Journal of the European Union and for information on the Internet”. The recovery interest rates applicable on the basis of Regulation (EC) No 271/2008 have not yet been published for the period between 14 April and 30 June 2008. In order to complement the data series for the State aid recovery interest rates, and to bring the published rates in line with the method and provisions foreseen in the Regulation (EC) No 271/2008, the following table is published in the Official Journal. These changes to the rates will be applicable as from the date of their publication in the Official Journal.
Commission notice — State aid recovery interest rates for the period 14 April 2008 to 30 June 2008
Commission Regulation (EC) No 271/2008 of 30 January 2008 amending the 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 basis points to the base rate.
From |
To |
AT |
BE |
BG |
CY |
CZ |
DE |
DK |
EE |
EL |
ES |
FI |
FR |
HU |
IE |
IT |
LT |
LU |
LV |
MT |
NL |
PL |
PT |
RO |
SE |
SI |
SK |
UK |
1.6.2008 |
30.6.2008 |
4,55 |
4,55 |
6,58 |
4,55 |
4,23 |
4,55 |
4,75 |
6,96 |
4,55 |
4,55 |
4,55 |
4,55 |
7,64 |
4,55 |
4,55 |
6,73 |
4,55 |
11,09 |
4,55 |
4,55 |
6,14 |
4,55 |
11,02 |
4,66 |
4,55 |
4,39 |
5,60 |
14.4.2008 |
31.5.2008 |
4,55 |
4,55 |
6,58 |
4,55 |
4,23 |
4,55 |
4,75 |
6,96 |
4,55 |
4,55 |
4,55 |
4,55 |
7,64 |
4,55 |
4,55 |
6,73 |
4,55 |
11,09 |
4,55 |
4,55 |
6,14 |
4,55 |
9,25 |
4,66 |
4,55 |
4,39 |
5,60 |