24.4.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/1

(1)

Article 76 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement gives the Association Council the power to make appropriate recommendations, for the purpose of attaining the objectives of the Agreement.

(2)

In terms of Article 86 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, the Parties shall take any general or specific measures required to fulfil their obligations under the Agreement and shall see to it that the objectives set out in the Agreement are attained.

(3)

The Parties to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement have agreed on the text of the EU-Lebanon Action Plan.

(4)

The EU-Lebanon Action Plan will support the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement through the elaboration and agreement between the Parties of concrete steps which will provide practical guidance for such implementation.

(5)

The Action Plan serves the dual purpose of setting out concrete steps in bringing the fulfilment of the Parties' obligations set out in the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, and of providing a broader framework for further strengthening EU-Lebanon relations to involve a significant measure of economic integration and a deepening of political cooperation, in accordance with the overall objectives of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement,

24.4.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/2

(1)

On 27 March 2007 the Council examined the updated stability programme of Belgium, which covers the period 2006 to 2010 (2).

(2)

The macroeconomic scenario underlying the programme envisages that real GDP growth will decrease from 2,7 % in 2006 to 2,2 % on average over the rest of the programme period. Assessed against currently available information, this scenario appears to be based on plausible growth assumptions. The programme's projections for inflation also appear realistic.

(3)

The current update of the stability programme is based on the assumption of a balanced budget in 2006. This assumption seems to be broadly confirmed by most recent data, whereas the Commission services' autumn forecast had projected a deficit of 0,2 % of GDP. While cyclical conditions in 2006 turned out to be significantly better than foreseen in the previous update and expenditure developed broadly as expected, revenues were lower than anticipated (notably because of an underestimation of the impact of the final stage of the 2001 direct tax reform, which was aimed at reducing the tax wedge). This shortfall was partly compensated by the fact that planned one-off measures yielded more than expected and by some additional one-offs of a limited magnitude. Therefore the structural balance (i.e. the cyclically-adjusted balance net of one-off and other temporary measures) significantly deteriorated in 2006, mainly due to revenue reducing measures.

(4)

(5)

(6)

The budgetary outcomes could be slightly worse than projected in the programme. This is especially the case for 2007, mainly because the budget appears to be somewhat on the optimistic side and sometimes provides insufficient details about the envisaged measures (including the one-off measures in the area of real estate sales or the take-over of pension obligations from public corporations, which are not further specified). Belgium overall has a good track record of achieving the nominal budgetary targets, but as in recent years a strict monitoring will be necessary to achieve the target for 2007. The upcoming budget control exercises should specify any required additional measures. A worse-than-targeted outcome in 2007 would also carry over to the following years. From 2008 onwards there is also a risk that expired one-offs will not be replaced by structural measures.

(7)

In view of this risk assessment, the budgetary stance in the programme may not be sufficient to ensure that the MTO is achieved by 2008, as envisaged in the programme. However, as stated above, the MTO is more demanding than implied by the debt ratio and average potential output growth in the long term. The budgetary strategy seems sufficient to achieve a budgetary position in structural terms that can be considered appropriate under the Pact from 2008 onwards. In addition, the budgetary stance in the programme seems to provide a sufficient safety margin against breaching the 3 % of GDP deficit threshold with normal macroeconomic fluctuations throughout the programme period. The pace of the adjustment towards the MTO implied by the programme should be strengthened to be in line with the Stability and Growth Pact, which specifies that, for euro-area and ERM II Member States, the annual improvement in the structural balance should be 0,5 % of GDP as a benchmark and that the adjustment should be higher in good economic times and could be lower in bad economic times. In particular, taking into account risks, the adjustment may fall short of the benchmark in 2007 and slow down thereafter.

(8)

The programme reports a debt of 87,7 % of GDP for 2006, but this does not include the debt assumption from the railway corporation SNCB in 2005, which according to Eurostat increases the debt level by 1,7 % of GDP in the same year. Therefore the Commission services' estimate of the government gross debt is 89,4 % of GDP in 2006, which is still far above the 60 % of GDP Treaty reference value, although substantially decreasing over the last several years. The programme projects the debt ratio to rapidly decline by around 15 percentage points over the programme period. In view of the risk assessment and in particular the risks to the budgetary targets mentioned above, the evolution of the debt ratio is likely to be slightly less favourable than projected in the programme. However, the debt ratio still seems to be sufficiently diminishing towards the reference value over the programme period.

(9)

The long-term budgetary impact of ageing in Belgium is above the EU average, influenced notably by a large increase in pension expenditure as a share of GDP over the coming decades. The initial budgetary position with a high primary surplus, albeit weaker compared to 2005, contributes to easing the projected long-term budgetary impact of an ageing population, but it is not sufficient to fully cover the substantial increase in expenditure. Moreover, the current level of gross debt, while declining, remains well above the Treaty reference value. The steady reduction of the debt ratio requires sustaining high primary surpluses for a long period of time, which would contribute to reducing risks to the sustainability of public finances. Overall, Belgium appears to be at medium risk with regard to the sustainability of public finances.

(10)

The stability programme does not contain a qualitative assessment of the overall impact of the October 2006 implementation report of the national reform programme within the medium-term fiscal strategy. In addition, it provides no systematic information on the direct budgetary costs or savings of the main reforms envisaged in the national reform programme but its budgetary projections seem to take into account the public finance implications of the actions outlined in the national reform programme. The measures in the area of public finances envisaged in the stability programme seem consistent with those foreseen in the national reform programme. In particular, both programmes envisage the gradual implementation of the 'generation pact' (a comprehensive plan to increase employment and strengthen the social security), a further gradual reduction of the tax burden on labour and measures to stimulate research and entrepreneurship.

(11)

The budgetary strategy in the programme is broadly consistent with the broad economic policy guidelines included in the integrated guidelines for the period 2005-2008.

(12)

As regards the data requirements specified in the code of conduct for stability and convergence programmes, the programme has some gaps in the required and optional data (3).

(i)

ensure that the budgetary target for 2007 is met and strengthen the pace of adjustment towards the MTO thereafter, including through a reduction of the recourse to one-off measures;

(ii)

in the light of the high level of debt and the projected increase in age-related expenditure, to better address the long-term sustainability of public finances by at least achieving the MTO as well as by implementing reforms.

24.4.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/7

(1)

On 27 March 2007 the Council examined the updated stability programme of Spain, which covers the period 2006 to 2009 (2).

(2)

The macroeconomic scenario underlying the programme envisages that real GDP growth will decrease from 3,8 % in 2006 to 3,3 % on average over the rest of the programme period. Assessed against currently available information, this scenario appears to be based on plausible growth assumptions. The programme's projections for inflation also appear realistic. The projected inflation differential with the euro area, although decreasing, is still significant. While there may be some upside risks in the short term, there might also be some downside risks to this scenario in the medium term, associated to the imbalances of the economy, namely the increasing household indebtedness, the widening current account deficit and the possibility of the extended residential construction boom coming to an end more rapidly than foreseen in the programme.

(3)

For 2006, the Commission services' autumn 2006 forecast estimated the general government surplus at 1,5 % of GDP, fully in line with the updated stability programme, but against a target of 0,9 % of GDP set in the previous update of the stability programme. This positive outcome is the result of higher-than-expected revenues stemming from strong job creation and buoyant corporate profits, which are estimated to have boosted direct tax revenues well above nominal GDP growth.

(4)

(5)

(6)

The risks to the budgetary projections in the programme appear broadly balanced. The macroeconomic scenario underlying the update is plausible and revenue projections seem to reflect cautious assumptions. On the expenditure side, there is a risk of some expenditure overruns (at the level of regional authorities) if past trends in education and health care are confirmed.

(7)

In view of this risk assessment, the budgetary stance seems sufficient to maintain the MTO throughout the programme period, as envisaged in the programme. In addition it provides a sufficient safety margin against breaching the 3 % of GDP deficit threshold with normal macroeconomic fluctuations in every year. The fiscal policy stance implied by the programme is in line with the Stability and Growth Pact.

(8)

Government gross debt is estimated to have declined below 40 % of GDP in 2006, well below the 60 % of GDP Treaty reference value. The update projects the debt ratio to further decline by 8 percentage points over the programme period.

(9)

The long-term budgetary impact of ageing in Spain is well above the EU average, mainly as a result of a relatively high increase in pension expenditure as a share of GDP over the coming decades. The initial budgetary position, improved compared with 2005, contributes to easing the projected long-term budgetary impact of ageing populations, but is not sufficient to fully cover the substantial increase in expenditure due to the ageing of the population. Maintaining high primary surpluses over the medium term and implementing further measures aimed at curbing the significant increase in age-related expenditures would contribute to reducing risks to the sustainability of public finances. Overall, Spain appears to be at medium risk with regard to the sustainability of public finances.

(10)

The stability programme contains a qualitative assessment of the overall impact of the October 2006 implementation report of the national reform programme within the medium-term fiscal strategy. It provides some information, although not in a systematic manner, on the direct budgetary costs or savings of the main reforms envisaged in the national reform programme and its budgetary projections seem to take into account the public finance implications of the actions outlined in the national reform programme. The measures in the area of public finances envisaged in the stability programme seem consistent with those foreseen in the national reform programme. In particular, both programmes envisage the gradual increase of public R&D expenditures and of infrastructure investments.

(11)

The budgetary strategy in the programme is broadly consistent with the broad economic policy guidelines included in the integrated guidelines for the period 2005-2008.

(12)

As regards the data requirements specified in the code of conduct for stability and convergence programmes, the programme provides all required and most of the optional data (3).

24.4.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/11

(1)

On 27 March 2007 the Council examined the convergence programme of Bulgaria, which covers the period 2006 to 2009.

(2)

(3)

The macroeconomic scenario underlying the programme envisages that real GDP growth will remain at a high level, slightly increasing from 5,9 % in 2006 to 6,1 % on average over the rest of the programme period. Assessed against currently available information, this scenario appears to be based on plausible growth assumptions. However, high external imbalances continue to be a risk factor in the medium term, in particular as the external deficit in 2006 turned out at 16 % of GDP, although the financing of the deficit has been fully ensured through FDI inflows. The programme's projections for inflation appear realistic.

(4)

For 2006, the general government surplus is estimated at 3,3 % of GDP in the Commission services' autumn 2006 forecast, against a target of a balanced budget set in the December 2005 pre-accession economic programme (PEP) and a projected surplus of 3,2 % of GDP in the Convergence Programme. The substantially better budgetary outcome is mainly the result of higher than projected revenues due to conservative revenue forecasts in the PEP, higher output growth, and improved revenue collection. Compared to the PEP projections, expenditures are also lower by 1 % of GDP, reflecting mainly lower current expenditures.

(5)

(6)

(7)

The budgetary outcome in 2007 could be better than projected in the programme, while in 2008 and 2009 the risks to the budgetary projections appear broadly balanced. In view of the good track record with respect to the achievement of budgetary targets and provisions in the 2007 Budget Law for limiting expenditures during budget execution, a higher surplus for 2007 appears to be realistic even though revenue projections for 2007 could entail certain downside risks as revenue shortfalls from tax reductions may not be fully compensated by improved compliance and collection rates. Although no details are given on the adjustment strategy from 2008 onwards, the budgetary targets until the end of the programme period appear to be broadly plausible, provided that a better than currently projected budgetary outcome in 2007 is realised.

(8)

(9)

(10)

In the absence of the long-term projections of age-related expenditures, based on the common macroeconomic assumptions as carried out by the EPC/Commission, it is not possible to assess the impact of population ageing in Bulgaria on a comparable and robust basis as it is currently done for the other Member States, for which the projections on this basis are available. However, a significant impact of ageing on expenditures cannot be excluded given the current demographic structure. The initial budgetary position, with a large structural surplus, contributes significantly to stabilise debt before considering the long-term budgetary impact of ageing. Maintaining high primary surpluses over the medium term would contribute to containing risks to the sustainability of public finances.

(11)

The budgetary strategy in the programme is partly consistent with the broad economic policy guidelines included in the integrated guidelines for the period 2005-2008. According to the programme, the fiscal policy stance is expansionary in 2007 which could turn out to be pro-cyclical in good times and risks aggravating the already high external deficit. In addition, while steps to improve the long-term sustainability of the pension system have been taken, very few concrete measures to improve the efficiency of public spending, in particular as regards healthcare expenditures, where there are recurrent problems with the monitoring and control of expenditures and the quality of the services provided, are presented.

(12)

As regards the data requirements specified in the code of conduct for stability and convergence programmes, the programme has some gaps in the required and optional data (2).

(i)

achieve a higher budgetary surplus in 2007 than planned in the programme and to maintain a strong position thereafter in order to foster macroeconomic stability and to contain the high external deficit;

(ii)

to further strengthen the efficiency of public spending, in particular through a reform of the healthcare system.

24.4.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/15

(1)

On 27 March 2007 the Council examined the updated convergence programme of Latvia, which covers the period 2006 to 2009 (2). On 6 March 2007, the Latvian government announced a plan aiming at combating inflation. This includes a revision of the budgetary targets, with a balanced budget in 2007 and 2008 and a surplus from 2009 onwards. However, this Council opinion is based on the convergence programme.

(2)

The macroeconomic scenario underlying the programme envisages a soft-landing of the economy, with real GDP growth slowing from 11,5 % in 2006 to 8,0 % on average over the rest of the programme period. Assessed against currently available information, this scenario appears to be based on plausible growth assumptions. Nevertheless, there are significant risks of less favourable macroeconomic developments in view of large external imbalances, high inflation and increasing signs of overheating of the Latvian economy. The programme's projections for inflation appear to be slightly optimistic.

(3)

For 2006, the Commission services' autumn 2006 forecast estimated the general government deficit at 1,0 % of GDP, against a target of 1,5 % of GDP set in the previous update of the convergence programme. The updated programme presents a deficit estimate of 0,4 % of GDP, which is plausible in view of the higher than expected revenues and despite the impact of budgetary amendments adopted in October 2006, which increased expenditures by an estimated 1,5 % of GDP.

(4)

(5)

(6)

The risks to the budgetary projections in the programme appear broadly balanced for 2007, but the budgetary outcomes could be worse than projected in the programme from 2008, due to risks to the macroeconomic scenario. The budgetary strategy relies on an increase in the revenue-to-GDP ratio and on declines in the ratios to GDP of social transfers and ‘other expenditure ’(which in the programme includes part of consumption expenditure), which could have been better substantiated, taking into account that according to the update a formal medium-term framework for the planning and control of public finances is planned to be introduced from 2008 onwards.

(7)

In view of this risk assessment, the budgetary stance in the programme may not be sufficient to ensure that the MTO is achieved by 2008, as envisaged in the programme. However, it seems to provide a sufficient safety margin against breaching the 3 % of GDP deficit threshold with normal macroeconomic fluctuations throughout the programme period. Except for 2007, the pace of the adjustment towards the MTO implied by the programme is broadly in line with the Stability and Growth Pact, which specifies that the adjustment should be higher in good economic times and could be lower in bad economic times. Nevertheless, 2007 is clearly a year of moving away from the MTO in economic good times, which is not in line with the Stability and Growth Pact. A stronger structural adjustment path frontloaded during the programme period would be appropriate to support a stable macroeconomic convergence process and the mitigation of risks of imbalanced economic growth.

(8)

(9)

Government gross debt is estimated to have reached 10,7 % of GDP in 2006, well below the 60 % of GDP Treaty reference value. The programme projects the debt ratio to decline by 1,3 percentage points over the programme period to reach 9,4 % of GDP by 2009.

(10)

The long-term budgetary impact of ageing in Latvia is lower than the EU average, with age-related expenditure projected to fall as a share of GDP over the coming decades, influenced by the expenditure-reducing impact of the reform of the pension system. The current level of gross debt is very low in Latvia and improving the structural budgetary position as planned in the convergence programme update would contribute to contain the risks to the long-term sustainability of public finances. Overall, Latvia appears to be at low risk with regard to the sustainability of public finances.

(11)

The convergence programme contains a qualitative assessment of the overall impact of the October 2006 implementation report of the national reform programme within the medium-term fiscal strategy. In addition, it provides some information on the direct budgetary costs or savings of the main reforms envisaged in the national reform programme and its budgetary projections explicitly take into account the public finance implications of the actions outlined in the national reform programme. The measures in the area of public finances envisaged in the convergence programme seem consistent with those foreseen in the national reform programme. In particular, both programmes envisage significant increase in public investment and the convergence programme further expands on measures to be implemented in order to improve the institutional features of the public finances, including the introduction of the multi-annual budgetary framework.

(12)

The budgetary strategy in the programme is only partly consistent with the broad economic policy guidelines included in the integrated guidelines for the period 2005-2008. In particular, the projected fiscal stance does not contribute adequately to promoting greater sustainability of the external account.

(13)

As regards the data requirements specified in the code of conduct for stability and convergence programmes, the programme provides all required and most of the optional data (3). However, some inconsistencies exist with regards to standard Table 2.

(i)

reduce the risks of macroeconomic instability by implementing vigorously measures to achieve a significantly better budgetary target for 2007 than foreseen in the programme, as part of a broader reform strategy. Building further on this, measures to enhance consolidation beyond the MTO in subsequent years should also be implemented as soon as possible;

(ii)

establish a clearer and more binding medium-term framework for the planning and control of public finances.

24.4.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/19

(1)

On 27 March 2007 the Council examined the convergence programme of Romania, which covers the period 2006 to 2009.

(2)

Romania enjoyed strong economic growth over the past five years, but its GDP per capita (expressed in PPS) is still low at 34 % of the EU-25 average in 2005. Therefore, the scope for catching up remains ample and represents Romania's overriding challenge for the medium and long term. In 2001-2005 macroeconomic stability improved, as reflected by the sharp and sustained decline in inflation and the consolidation of public finances. The average inflation rate stood at 6,6 % in 2006.

(3)

The macroeconomic scenario underlying the programme envisages that real GDP growth will decelerate progressively from a well-above potential rate of 8 % in 2006 to a still sustained 5,9 % in 2009. Assessed against currently available information, this scenario appears to be based on plausible growth assumptions. The programme's projections for inflation appear to be on the low side since they assume a sustained deceleration of credit and private consumption growth which may not materialise. Unlike the programme, the Commission's services 2006 autumn forecast projects a further widening of the external deficit in 2007 and 2008 on the basis of imports that continue to outpace exports as a result of strong private consumption and investment.

(4)

For 2006, in the Commission services' autumn 2006 forecast estimated the general government deficit at 1,4 % of GDP against a target of 0,7 % of GDP set in the December 2005 pre-accession economic programme. The convergence programme estimates the deficit at 2,3 % of GDP. The slippage compared to the original target reflects significant additional expenditure, notably current spending partly due to a reallocation of unspent investment expenditures, which more than offset stronger revenue growth than expected.

(5)

The main goal of the programme is to pursue fiscal consolidation so as to reach the medium-term objective of a structural deficit (in cyclically-adjusted terms net of one-off and other temporary measures) of 0,9 % of GDP in 2011, i.e. beyond the programme period. The programme targets a small reduction of the general government deficit from 2,3 % of GDP in 2006 to 2 % of GDP in 2009, after a rise to 2,7 % of GDP in 2007. The primary deficit is expected to follow a similar path and to stand at 1 % of GDP at the end of the programme period.

(6)

(7)

(8)

The risks to the budgetary projections in the programme appear broadly balanced in 2007, but budgetary outcomes could be worse than projected in the programme thereafter. In 2007, both expenditure and revenues might be lower than planned: the former because public investment plans are unlikely to be achieved and the latter because the assumed tax intensity of economic activity appears to be favourable, explained to a certain extent by the recently implemented measures in the area of tax administration reform. From 2008 onwards, the budgetary strategy is insufficiently specified, with a volatile path for several expenditure items and an unsubstantiated tightening in 2009. Expenditure slippage in recent years through frequent budgetary amendments, the uncertainty regarding the total amount of compensation to be paid by general government to citizens for the non-return of properties nationalised during the communist regime and potential cancellations of public enterprises' unpaid liabilities towards general government point to a risk of expenditure overruns, even though the level of planned spending on investment will likely be undershot. In addition, over-budgeted resources allocated to investments might be shifted to consumption as seen in the past, with a negative impact on the quality of public spending.

(9)

In view of this risk assessment, the budgetary stance in the programme seems insufficient to ensure that the MTO is achieved within the programme period, as also envisaged in the programme. In addition, it does not seem to provide a sufficient safety margin against breaching the 3 % of GDP deficit threshold with normal macroeconomic fluctuations throughout the programme period. The pace of the adjustment towards the MTO implied by the programme is insufficient and should be strengthened significantly to be in line with the Stability and Growth Pact, which specifies that the adjustment should be higher in good economic times and could be lower in bad economic times. In particular, in a context of good times, the structural improvement is marginal and fully back-loaded, with a deterioration in 2007, while the planned adjustment, notably in 2009 is not supported by measures.

(10)

Government gross debt is estimated to have reached around 13 % of GDP in 2006, well below the 60 % of GDP Treaty reference value. The programme projects the debt ratio to decline by around 1 percentage point of GDP over the programme period.

(11)

In the absence of the long-term projections of age-related expenditures, based on the common macroeconomic assumptions as carried out by the EPC/Commission, it is not possible to assess the impact of population ageing in Romania on a comparable and robust basis as it is currently done for the other Member States, for which the projections on this basis are available. However, a significant impact of ageing on expenditure cannot be excluded given the current demographic structure. The initial budgetary position, with a large structural deficit, is not sufficient to stabilise debt even before considering the long-term budgetary impact of ageing. Improving the structural budgetary position over the medium term would contribute to containing risks to the sustainability of public finances.

(12)

The budgetary strategy in the programme is partly consistent with the broad economic policy guidelines included in the integrated guidelines for the period 2005-2008. In particular, the budgetary adjustment towards the MTO is insufficient and should be strengthened significantly over the programme period. Moreover, the fiscal strategy put forward in the programme, notably the loosening of the fiscal stance until 2007, and the limited consolidation thereafter add to aggregate demand management concerns, including those regarding the need to maintain sustained high growth, to continue to support the disinflation process and to contain the increase in the external deficit, which is estimated to have reached 10,3 % of GDP in 2006.

(13)

As regards the data requirements specified in the code of conduct for stability and convergence programmes, the programme has some gaps in the required and optional data (2).

(i)

exploit the good times to significantly strengthen the pace of adjustment towards the MTO by aiming for more demanding budgetary targets in 2007 and subsequent years. Improving the structural budgetary position over the medium-term would contribute to containing risks to the sustainability of public finances;

(ii)

control the envisaged high increase in public spending and review its composition so as to enhance the growth potential, as well as improve the planning and execution of public expenditures within a binding medium-term framework.

24.4.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/23

24.4.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/26

Name of product

Description of product

X

Geographical area

Proof of origin

Method of production

Link

Labelling

X

National requirements

—

Department of Drôme:

—

Department of Vaucluse:

—

Canton de Nyons: Arpavon, Aubres, Châteauneuf-de-Bordette, Condorcet, Curnier, Eyroles, Mirabel-aux-Baronnies, Montaulieu, Nyons, Le Pègue, Piégon, Les Pilles, Rousset-les-Vignes, Saint-Ferréol-Trente-Pas, Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues, Saint-Pantaléon-les-Vignes, Venterol, Vinsobres.

—

Canton de Buis-les-Baronnies: Beauvoisin, Benivay-Ollon, Buis-les-Baronnies, Eygaliers, Mérindol-les-Oliviers, Mollans-sur-Ouvèze, La Penne-sur-l'Ouvèze, Pierrelongue, Plaisians, Propiac, La Roche-sur-le-Buis, Vercoiran.

—

Canton de Remuzat: Montréal-les-Sources, Saint-May, Sahune, Villeperdrix

—

Canton de Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux: Tulette

—

Canton de Malaucène: Brantes, Entrechaux, Malaucène (section AI)

—

Canton de Vaison-la-Romaine: Buisson, Cairanne, Crestet, Faucon, Puymeras, Rasteau, Roaix, Séguret, Saint-Marcellin-lès-Vaison, Saint-Romain-en-Viennois, Saint-Roman-de-Malegarde, Vaison-la-Romaine, Villedieu.

—

Canton de Valréas: Valréas, Visan

—

Olives have been grown in this region for thousands of years and until the beginning of the 20th century they were a very important crop. Production then declined — mainly due to competition from seed oils — and became a supplementary activity. To stop it disappearing altogether, after the severe frosts of winter 1956, producers took steps to preserve the heritage it embodied. A ruling from the Court of Valence in 1968 recognised l'Olive Noire de Nyons as a designation of origin.

—

The ‘tanche ’is a variety typical of the region, particularly well adapted to its mixed climate. The expertise and perseverance of producers has enabled this traditional product to be maintained.

24.4.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/30

24.4.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/37

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32007M4566. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://eur-lex.europa.eu)

24.4.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/38

24.4.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/39

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Hauptzollamt Hamburg-Jonas

Süderstraße 63

D-20097 Hamburg

Hauptzollamt Hamburg-Jonas

Süderstraße 63

D-20097 Hamburg

1.

2.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

ONIFLHOR

164, rue de Javel

F-75739 Paris Cedex 15

Tél. (33-1) 44 25 36 77

Fax (33-1) 44 54 31 69

AGEA

Via Torino, 45

I-00184 Roma

AVEPA

Centro Tommaseo

Via N. Tommaseo, 67 C

I-35131 Padova

ARTEA

Via San Donato, 42/1

I-50127 Firenze

Agencja Rynku Rolnego

ul. Nowy Świat 6/12

PL-00-400 Warszawa

Tel. (48-22) 661-72-72

Fax (48-22) 628-93-53

IFADAP/INGA

Instituto de Financiamento e Apoio ao Desenvolvimento da Agricoltura e Pescas/

Instituto Nacional de Intervenção e Garantia Agrícola

Rua Fernando Curado Ribeiro, n.o 4 G

P-1600 Lisboa

Tel. (351-21) 751 85 00

Fax (351-21) 751 86 11/2

Pôdohospodárska platobná agentúra

Dobrovičova 12

SK-815 26 Bratislava

24.4.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/42

1.

On 17 April 2007 the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 and following a referral pursuant to Article 4(5) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc (‘Bridgestone’, USA) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of Bandag Incorporated (‘Bandag’, USA) by way of purchase of shares.

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

4.

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

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4564 — Bridgestone/Bandag to the following address:

24.4.2007   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 89/43

1.

On 17 April 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking The Apollo Group (‘Apollo’, USA) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Claire's Stores, Inc (‘Claire's’, USA), by way of purchase of shares.

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

3.

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

4.

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

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4665 — The Apollo Group/Claire's Stores, to the following address: