Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10076 — Cinven/Raffles/Miller)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 63/01)

On 12 February 2021, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32021M10076. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.9410 — Saudi Aramco/SABIC)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 63/02)

On 27 February 2020, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32020M9410. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.9771 — Hitachi/Honda/HIAMS/Keihin/Showa/Nissin Kogyo)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 63/03)

On 7 August 2020, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32020M9771. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

Notice for the attention of the persons subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074, as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/276, and in Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/275 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela

(2021/C 63/04)

The following information is brought to the attention of the persons that appear in Annex I to Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 (1), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/276, (2), and in Annex IV to Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 (3), as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/275 (4) concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela.

The Council of the European Union has decided that the persons that appear in the above-mentioned Annexes should be included in the list of persons and entities subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 and Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela. The grounds for the listing of the persons concerned appear in the relevant entries in those Annexes.

The attention of the persons concerned is drawn to the possibility of making an application to the competent authorities of the relevant Member State(s) as indicated on the websites in Annex III to Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela, in order to obtain an authorisation to use frozen funds for basic needs or specific payments (cf. Article 9 of the Regulation).

The persons concerned may submit a request to the Council, together with supporting documentation, that the decision to include them on the above-mentioned lists should be reconsidered, before 16 July 2021, to the following address:

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

RELEX.1.C

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

Any observations received will be taken into account for the purpose of the Council's periodic review, in accordance with Article 13 of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 and Article 17(4) of Regulation (EU) 2017/2063.

The attention of the persons concerned is also drawn to the possibility of challenging the Council's decision before the General Court of the European Union, in accordance with the conditions laid down in Article 275, second paragraph, and Article 263, fourth and sixth paragraphs, of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

---

(1)  OJ L 295, 14.11.2017, p. 60.

(2)  OJ L 60 I, 22.2.2021, p. 9.

(3)  OJ L 295, 14.11.2017, p. 21.

(4)  OJ L 60 I, 22.2.2021, p. 1.

Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 and Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 concerning restrictive measures against Venezuela apply

(2021/C 63/05)

The attention of data subjects is drawn to the following information in accordance with Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1).

The legal basis for this processing operation are Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 (2), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/276 (3), and Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 (4), as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/275 (5).

The controller of this processing operation is the Department RELEX.1.C in the Directorate-General for External Relations – RELEX of the General Secretariat of the Council (GSC), that can be contacted at:

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

RELEX.1.C

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

The GSC's Data Protection Officer can be contacted at:

Data Protection Officer

data.protection@consilium.europa.eu

The purpose of the processing operation is the establishment and updating of the list of persons subject to restrictive measures in accordance with Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074, as amended by Decision (CFSP) 2021/276, and Regulation (EU) 2017/2063, as implemented by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/275.

The data subjects are the natural persons who fulfil the listing criteria as laid down in Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 and Regulation (EU) 2017/2063.

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

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

Without prejudice to restrictions pursuant to Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, the exercise of the rights of the data subjects such as the right of access, as well as the rights to rectification or to object will be answered in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

Personal data will be retained for 5 years from the moment the data subject has been removed from the list of persons subject to the restrictive measures or the validity of the measure has expired, or for the duration of court proceedings in the event they had been started.

Without prejudice to any judicial, administrative or non-judicial remedy, data subjects may lodge a complaint with the European Data Protection Supervisor in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 (edps@edps.europa.eu).

---

(1)  OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39.

(2)  OJ L 295, 14.11.2017, p. 60.

(3)  OJ L 60 I, 22.2.2021, p. 9.

(4)  OJ L 295, 14.11.2017, p. 21.

(5)  OJ L 60 I, 22.2.2021, p. 1.

Euro exchange rates (1)

22 February 2021

(2021/C 63/06)

1 euro =

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,2133
JPY	Japanese yen	128,00
DKK	Danish krone	7,4365
GBP	Pound sterling	0,86530
SEK	Swedish krona	10,0315
CHF	Swiss franc	1,0888
ISK	Iceland króna	155,60
NOK	Norwegian krone	10,3185
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	25,954
HUF	Hungarian forint	359,09
PLN	Polish zloty	4,4982
RON	Romanian leu	4,8758
TRY	Turkish lira	8,5684
AUD	Australian dollar	1,5392
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,5328
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	9,4070
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,6583
SGD	Singapore dollar	1,6058
KRW	South Korean won	1 350,83
ZAR	South African rand	18,0732
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	7,8447
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,5714
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	17 197,50
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,9048
PHP	Philippine peso	59,112
RUB	Russian rouble	90,9800
THB	Thai baht	36,448
BRL	Brazilian real	6,6843
MXN	Mexican peso	25,2189
INR	Indian rupee	87,9720

---

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

Notice from the Government of the Republic of Poland concerning Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons

(2021/C 63/07)

Notice of concession application for the prospection, exploration and extraction of methane contained in hard coal deposits

SECTION I: LEGAL BASIS

1.

Article 49ec(2) of the Geological and Mining Law Act of 9 June 2011 (Journal of Laws (Dziennik Ustaw) 2020, item 1064, as amended)

2.

Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons (OJ L 164, 30.6.1994, p. 3; Special edition in Polish: Chapter 6, Volume 2, p. 262)

SECTION II: ENTITY INVITING BIDS

Name: Ministry of Climate and the Environment

Postal address: ul. Wawelska 52/54, 00-922 Warsaw, Poland

Tel. +48 223692449

Fax +48 223692460

Website: www.gov.pl/web/klimat

SECTION III: SUBJECT OF THE PROCEDURE

1)   Information on the submission of concession applications

A concession application for the prospection, exploration and extraction of methane contained in the Krupiński hard coal deposit has been submitted to the concession authority.

2)   Type of activities for which the concession is to be granted

The prospection, exploration and extraction of methane contained in the Krupiński hard coal deposit.

3)   Area within which the activities are to be conducted

The boundaries of the area are defined by lines joining points with the following coordinates in the PL-2000/6 coordinate system:

No	X [PL-2000/6]	Y [PL-2000/6]
1	5548269	6553223
2	5547423	6552310
3	5546096	6552307
4	5544834	6552302
5	5543896	6554410
6	5544330	6556108
7	5544532	6558691
8	5544724	6561156
9	5547657	6561968
10	5547652	6559111
11	5548334	6558744

The surface area of the vertical projection of the area is 33,78 km2.

Administrative location:

Province: Śląskie;

Districts: Pszczyna, Mikołów, Żory;

Municipalities: Suszec, Orzesze, Żory

4)   Deadline for the submission of concession applications by other entities interested in the activity for which the concession is to be granted, not less than 90 days from the date of publication of the notice in the Official Journal of the European Union

Concession applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Climate and the Environment no later than 12:00 noon (CET/CEST) on the last day of the 180-day period commencing on the day following the date of publication of the notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

5)   Assessment criteria for concession applications and specification of their weighting, set with due regard to Article 49k(1), (1a) and (3) of the Geological and Mining Law Act

Applications received will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

30 % —

scope and schedule of the geological works, including geological operations, or mining operations proposed;

20 % —

scope and schedule of the mandatory collection of samples obtained during geological operations, including drill cores;

20 % —

financial capacities offering an adequate guarantee that activities relating to, respectively, the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits and the extraction of hydrocarbons will be carried out, and in particular the sources and methods of financing the intended activities, including the share of own funds and external financing;

20 % —

the proposed technology for conducting geological works, including geological operations, or mining operations;

5 % —

technical capacities for, respectively, the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits and the extraction of hydrocarbons, and in particular the availability of appropriate technical, organisational, logistical and human resources potential (including 2 % for the scope of collaboration, with regard to the development and implementation of innovative solutions for the prospection, exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons, with scientific bodies active in research into the geology of Poland and analytical tools, technologies and methods for prospecting hydrocarbon deposits that take account of the specificity of Polish geological conditions and that may be applied in those conditions, included in the list of scientific bodies referred to in Article 49ka(1) of the Geological and Mining Law Act);

5 % —

experience in the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits or the extraction of hydrocarbons, ensuring safe operation, the protection of human and animal life and health, and environmental protection.

If, following the evaluation of applications on the basis of the criteria specified above, two or more bids obtain the same score, the amount of the fee for the establishment of mining usufruct rights due during the prospection and exploration phase will be used as an additional criterion allowing a final choice to be made between the bids concerned.

SECTION IV: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

IV.1)   Applications should be sent to the following address

Ministerstwo Klimatu i Środowiska [Ministry of Climate and the Environment]

Departament Geologii i Koncesji Geologicznych [Geology and Geological Concessions Department]

ul. Wawelska 52/54

00-922 Warszawa/Warsaw

POLSKA/POLAND

IV.2)   Information may be obtained from

—	the website of the Ministry of Climate and the Environment: https://www.gov.pl/web/klimat

—	Departament Geologii i Koncesji Geologicznych [Geology and Geological Concessions Department]

Ministerstwo Klimatu i Środowiska [Ministry of Climate and the Environment]

ul. Wawelska 52/54

00-922 Warszawa/Warsaw

POLSKA/POLAND

Tel. +48 225792449

Fax +48 225792460

Email: sekretariat.dgk@klimat.gov.pl

IV.3)   Qualification decision

Concession applications may be submitted by entities in respect of which a decision has been issued confirming the positive outcome of a qualification procedure, as provided for in Article 49a(17) of the Geological and Mining Law Act.

IV.4)   Minimum fee for establishing mining usufruct rights

The minimum amount of the fee for establishing mining usufruct rights for the Krupiński area during the five-year base period of the prospection and exploration phase is PLN 7 740,69 (seven thousand, seven hundred and forty zlotys, sixty-nine grosz) per annum. The annual fee for establishing mining usufruct rights for the purpose of the prospection and exploration of minerals is indexed to average annual consumer price indices set cumulatively for the period from the conclusion of the agreement until the year preceding the date for payment of the fee, as announced by the President of the Central Statistical Office in the Monitor Polski (Official Gazette).

IV.5)   Granting of the concessions and establishment of mining usufruct

The concession authority, having obtained the opinions or agreements required under the Geological and Mining Law Act, will grant concessions for the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits and the extraction of hydrocarbons:

1)	to the entity whose concession application has been awarded the highest score, or

2)	where a concession application submitted jointly by several entities is awarded the highest score, to the parties to the cooperation agreement – once that agreement has been submitted to the concession authority

- and, at the same time, will not grant concessions to other entities (Article 49ee(1) of the Geological and Mining Law Act).

The concession authority will conclude a mining usufruct contract with the entity whose concession application has been awarded the highest score and, where a concession application submitted jointly by several entities is awarded the highest score, with all entities which submitted the joint application (Article 49ee(2) of the Geological and Mining Law Act). In order to be able to carry out activities involving the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits and the extraction of hydrocarbons in Poland, an operator must hold both mining usufruct rights and a concession.

IV.6)   Requirements to be met by concession applications and documents required from applicants

Article 49eb of the Geological and Mining Law Act specifies the component parts of the concession application.

The geological age of the formations where geological works will be carried out (geological purpose) should be indicated as the purpose of the works, including geological operations.

IV.7)   Minimum deposit exploration category

Category C is the minimum exploration category for methane contained in the Krupiński hard coal deposit.

Communication from the Government of the Republic of Poland concerning Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons

(2021/C 63/08)

Notice of concession application for the prospection, exploration and extraction of methane contained in hard coal deposits

SECTION I: LEGAL BASIS

1.

Article 49ec(2) of the Geological and Mining Law Act of 9 June 2011 (Journal of Laws (Dziennik Ustaw) 2020, item 1064, as amended)

2.

Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons (OJ L 164, 30.6.1994, p. 3; Special edition in Polish: Chapter 6, Volume 2, p. 262)

SECTION II: ENTITY INVITING BIDS

Name: Ministry of Climate and the Environment

Postal address: ul. Wawelska 52/54, 00-922 Warsaw, Poland.

Tel. +48 223692449

Fax +48 223692460

Website: www.gov.pl/web/klimat

SECTION III: SUBJECT OF THE PROCEDURE

(1)   Information on the submission of concession applications

A concession application for the prospection, exploration and extraction of methane contained in the Jas-Mos hard coal deposit has been submitted to the concession authority.

(2)   Type of activities for which the concession is to be granted

The prospection, exploration and extraction of methane contained in the Jas-Mos hard coal deposit.

(3)   Area within which the activities are to be conducted

The boundaries of the area are defined by lines joining points with the following coordinates in the PL-2000/6 coordinate system:

No	X [PL-2000/6]	Y [PL-2000/6]
1	5 536 021,32	6 541 599,24
2	5 536 558,88	6 541 614,10
3	5 537 123,00	6 541 257,54
4	5 536 937,85	6 540 832,48
5	5 536 889,97	6 540 853,30
6	5 536 857,82	6 540 842,38
7	5 536 672,54	6 540 402,22
8	5 536 654,73	6 540 390,81
9	5 536 617,85	6 540 406,48
10	5 536 596,72	6 540 359,50
11	5 536 710,14	6 540 308,77
12	5 536 700,32	6 540 285,37
13	5 536 821,30	6 540 233,02
14	5 536 855,67	6 540 314,32
15	5 536 777,70	6 540 345,10
16	5 536 765,18	6 540 384,35
17	5 536 786,60	6 540 435,22
18	5 536 828,43	6 540 399,77
19	5 536 855,98	6 540 463,42
20	5 536 845,34	6 540 468,68
21	5 536 823,44	6 540 418,19
22	5 536 791,03	6 540 445,77
23	5 536 800,48	6 540 468,19
24	5 536 832,42	6 540 454,64
25	5 536 836,93	6 540 464,72
26	5 536 804,67	6 540 478,17
27	5 536 846,33	6 540 577,14
28	5 536 954,39	6 540 628,96
29	5 536 919,15	6 540 547,91
30	5 536 967,59	6 540 530,57
31	5 536 931,84	6 540 448,93
32	5 536 869,18	6 540 311,27
33	5 536 884,46	6 540 271,83
34	5 536 926,15	6 540 253,69
35	5 537 012,01	6 540 216,13
36	5 537 105,17	6 540 174,35
37	5 537 297,63	6 540 604,98
38	5 537 902,09	6 540 838,70
39	5 539 062,86	6 540 393,09
40	5 538 810,40	6 540 164,50
41	5 536 854,62	6 538 222,58
42	5 536 182,45	6 537 555,02
43	5 534 963,32	6 537 566,01
44	5 533 784,92	6 539 829,49
45	5 536 110,36	6 541 152,15
46	5 537 119,78	6 541 208,12
47	5 537 038,81	6 540 808,24
48	5 537 020,55	6 540 796,52
49	5 536 953,20	6 540 825,81
50	5 536 974,37	6 540 674,89
51	5 536 965,83	6 540 655,25
52	5 536 857,33	6 540 603,27
53	5 536 868,72	6 540 630,32
54	5 536 900,91	6 540 705,80

The surface area of the vertical projection of the area is 11,152 km2.

Administrative location:

Śląskie Province;

Districts: the town with district status Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Wodzisław;

Municipalities: Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Mszana.

(4)   Deadline for the submission of concession applications by other entities interested in the activity for which the concession is to be granted, not less than 90 days from the date of publication of the notice in the Official Journal of the European Union

Concession applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Climate and the Environment no later than 12.00 noon (CET/CEST) on the last day of the 180-day period commencing on the day following the date of publication of the notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

(5)   Assessment criteria for concession applications and specification of their weighting, set with due regard to Article 49k(1), (1a) and (3) of the Geological and Mining Law Act

Applications received will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

30 %	–	scope and schedule of the geological works, including geological operations, or mining operations proposed;
20 %	–	scope and schedule of the mandatory collection of samples obtained during geological operations, including drill cores;
20 %	–	financial capacities offering an adequate guarantee that activities relating to, respectively, the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits and the extraction of hydrocarbons will be carried out, and in particular the sources and methods of financing the intended activities, including the share of own funds and external financing;
20 %	–	the proposed technology for conducting geological works, including geological operations, or mining operations;
5 %	–	technical capacities for, respectively, the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits and the extraction of hydrocarbons, and in particular the availability of appropriate technical, organisational, logistical and human resources potential (including 2 % for the scope of collaboration, with regard to the development and implementation of innovative solutions for the prospection, exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons, with scientific bodies active in research into the geology of Poland and analytical tools, technologies and methods for prospecting hydrocarbon deposits that take account of the specificity of Polish geological conditions and that may be applied in those conditions, included in the list of scientific bodies referred to in Article 49ka(1) of the Geological and Mining Law Act);
5 %	–	experience in the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits or the extraction of hydrocarbons, ensuring safe operation, the protection of human and animal life and health, and environmental protection.

If, following the evaluation of applications on the basis of the criteria specified above, two or more bids obtain the same score, the amount of the fee for the establishment of mining usufruct rights due during the prospection and exploration phase will be used as an additional criterion allowing a final choice to be made between the bids concerned.

SECTION IV: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

IV.1)   Applications should be sent to the following address

Ministerstwo Klimatu i Środowiska [Ministry of Climate and the Environment]

Departament Geologii i Koncesji Geologicznych [Geology and Geological Concessions Department]

ul. Wawelska 52/54

00-922 Warszawa/Warsaw

POLSKA/POLAND

IV.2)   Information may be obtained from

—	the website of the Ministry of Climate and the Environment: https://www.gov.pl/web/klimat

—	Departament Geologii i Koncesji Geologicznych [Geology and Geological Concessions Department]

Ministerstwo Klimatu i Środowiska [Ministry of Climate and the Environment]

ul. Wawelska 52/54

00-922 Warszawa/Warsaw

POLSKA/POLAND

Tel. +48 225792449

Fax +48 225792460

Email: sekretariat.dgk@klimat.gov.pl

IV.3)   Qualification decision

Concession applications may be submitted by entities in respect of which a decision has been issued confirming the positive outcome of a qualification procedure, as provided for in Article 49a(17) of the Geological and Mining Law Act.

IV.4)   Minimum fee for establishing mining usufruct rights

The minimum amount of the fee for establishing mining usufruct rights for the Jas-Mos area during the five-year base period of the prospection and exploration phase is PLN 6 000,00 (six thousand zlotys) per annum. The annual fee for establishing mining usufruct rights for the purpose of the prospection and exploration of minerals is indexed to average annual consumer price indices set cumulatively for the period from the conclusion of the agreement until the year preceding the date for payment of the fee, as announced by the President of the Central Statistical Office in the Monitor Polski (Official Gazette).

IV.5)   Granting of the concessions and establishment of mining usufruct

The concession authority, having obtained the opinions or agreements required under the Geological and Mining Law Act, will grant concessions for the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits and the extraction of hydrocarbons:

(1)	to the entity whose concession application has been awarded the highest score; or

(2)	where a concession application submitted jointly by several entities is awarded the highest score, to the parties to the cooperation agreement – once that agreement has been submitted to the concession authority;

— and, at the same time, will not grant concessions to other entities (Article 49ee(1) of the Geological and Mining Law Act).

The concession authority will conclude a mining usufruct contract with the entity whose concession application has been awarded the highest score and, where a concession application submitted jointly by several entities is awarded the highest score, with all entities which submitted the joint application (Article 49ee(2) of the Geological and Mining Law Act). In order to be able to carry out activities involving the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits and the extraction of hydrocarbons in Poland, an operator must hold both mining usufruct rights and a concession.

IV.6)   Requirements to be met by concession applications and documents required from applicants

Article 49eb of the Geological and Mining Law Act specifies the component parts of the concession application.

The geological age of the formations where geological works will be carried out (geological purpose) should be indicated as the purpose of the works, including geological operations.

IV.7)   Minimum deposit exploration category:

Category C is the minimum exploration category for methane contained in the Jas-Mos hard coal deposit.

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10160 – Mitsubishi Corporation/Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation/Industry One JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 63/09)

---

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

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

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

(2021/C 63/10)

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

COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘TERRE ALFIERI’

PDO-IT-A1241-AM02

Date of communication: 24 November 2020

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Designation and wines – Traditional terms

(a)

In Italy, ‘controlled and guaranteed designation of origin’ (DOCG) status is reserved for wines that have held ‘controlled designation of origin’ (DOC) status for at least 7 years, as indicated by the legislation in force, which are considered to be of particular value for their intrinsic quality characteristics (compared to the average of those of similar wines, due to the impact of traditional natural, human and historical factors) and the commercial reputation they have acquired. Therefore, 11 years after first being awarded protected status, ‘Terre Alfieri’ PDO wines can now bear the Italian traditional term ‘Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita’ [DOCG], which represents the reputation and esteem they have acquired both nationally and internationally. This amendment affects point (a) of Section 1.3 of the single document (Other information – Traditional terms), and updates the articles of the product specification containing the term ‘controlled designation of origin’, replacing it with ‘controlled and guaranteed designation of origin’.

(b)

The terms ‘Superiore’ and ‘Riserva’ can now be used for the existing product types from category 1 (Wine). Climate change resulting in longer summers and higher temperatures gives the grapes a higher sugar concentration and greater potential alcoholic strength, making the resulting wines more suited to ageing. The aim behind this amendment was therefore to highlight the production of wines with a higher alcohol content and wines that are traditionally subjected to ageing, to better reflect the actual profile of the ‘Terre Alfieri’ PDO wines being produced, by broadening the range of products and providing the market with more choice. These amendments affect point (b) of Section 1.3 of the single document (Other information – Traditional terms) and Articles 1 to 6 of the product specification.

2.   Description of the wine(s)

(a)

Descriptions have been added for the types ‘Terre Alfieri’ Arneis Superiore, ‘Terre Alfieri’ Nebbiolo Superiore and ‘Terre Alfieri’ Nebbiolo Riserva including wines labelled vigna followed by a place or vineyard name The inclusion of these types is aimed at distinguishing the wines made under this PDO that have superior analytical parameters (such as a higher alcohol and/or extract content) as well as a clear propensity for ageing; and in particular the red wines, which can present not only qualities from the grapes used, but also aromas from exposure to wooden barrels.

(b)

A minimum acidity at consumption of 4,5 grams per litre instead of 5 grams per litre has been laid down for all types. Reasons: Climate change has led to early ripening and a physiological reduction in the total acidity of the grapes. Therefore it was considered appropriate, based on observations during the production of the PDO wines, to update this parameter to a minimum of 4,5 grams per litre for all types. These amendments concern point 4 of the single document (Description of the wine(s)) and Article 6 of the product specification.

3.   Maximum yields

Maximum yields have been specified for the new types, ‘Terre Alfieri’ Arneis Superiore and ‘Terre Alfieri’ Nebbiolo Superiore and Riserva.

The maximum yields per hectare laid down for the types with the Superiore indication are one tonne less than those laid down for the basic types in order to pursue higher quality in the wines produced, which will be characterised by their higher alcohol and extract content.

This amendment affects point 5b of the single document (Maximum yields) and Article 4 of the product specification.

4.   Rules on wine-making

The natural alcoholic strength by volume for the ‘Terre Alfieri’ Arneis type has been increased in view of ongoing climate change and observations made in the vineyards on the natural alcoholic strength by volume of the grapes intended for its production. It was considered necessary to update this analytical parameter from 11,00 % vol. to 11,50 % vol.

This amendment affects Article 4 of the product specification.

5.   Rules on wine-making

(a)	For the basic ‘Terre Alfieri’ Arneis type, the rule that wines cannot be marketed before four months from 1 November of the year in which the grapes are harvested has been eliminated, as producers consider it to be a commercial disadvantage.

(b)

Minimum mandatory ageing periods have been laid down for the new categories: 6 months for ‘Terre Alfieri’ Arneis Superiore; 12 months for ‘Terre Alfieri’ Nebbiolo Superiore, 6 of which must be spent in wooden barrels; and at least 24 for ‘Terre Alfieri’ Nebbiolo Riserva, of which at least 12 must be spent in wooden barrels. It has also been specified for these types that ageing starts from 1 November of the year in which the grapes are harvested. These amendments affect Article 5 of the product specification.

6.   Grape production area – Editorial amendments

To achieve greater clarity it was considered necessary to include the precise delimitation of the production area in the single document, as described in the product specification (Grape production area). This is an editorial amendment that does not change the demarcation of the production area.

This amendment affects point 6 of the single document (Demarcated geographical area).

7.   Further conditions – Editorial amendments

Derogations from the requirement that production and bottling take place in the demarcated geographical area have been added to the ‘Essential further conditions’ section of the single document. These conditions have been in the product specification since the recognition of ‘Terre Alfieri’ as a PDO (in 2009), but due to error were not included in the single document. Therefore this is an editorial amendment.

This amendment affects point 9 of the single document (Essential further conditions) but does not concern the product specification.

8.   Other editorial amendments

The following has been deleted from Article 6 of the product specification as it no longer complies with the legislation in force: ‘The Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy may, by its own decree, change the total acidity and sugar-free extract limits’.

—	Some references to legislation in the product specification have been updated.

—	The ‘Other information – Contact details’ section of the single document has been updated in relation to points 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3 and 1.2.5.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name of the product

Terre Alfieri

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine product

1.

Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

‘Terre Alfieri’ Arneis

Colour: straw-yellow of varying intensity, occasionally with hints of gold.

Aroma: delicate, fragrant and sometimes floral.

Taste: bone dry, with a pleasant touch of bitterness.

Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12,00 %, also for wines labelled vigna followed by a place or vineyard name.

Minimum sugar-free extract: 16,0 grams per litre, also for wines labelled vigna followed by a place or vineyard name.

Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):
Minimum total acidity:	4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

‘Terre Alfieri’ Arneis Superiore

‘Terre Alfieri’ Arneis Superiore including wines labelled vigna followed by a place or vineyard name

Colour: straw yellow of varying intensity, occasionally with hints of gold.

Aroma: delicate, fragrant and sometimes floral.

Taste: bone dry, with a pleasant touch of bitterness.

Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12,50 %, also for wines labelled vigna followed by a place or vineyard name.

Minimum total acidity: 4,5 grams per litre.

Minimum sugar-free extract: 17,0 grams per litre.

Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.

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

‘Terre Alfieri’ Nebbiolo

Colour: ruby red, tending to garnet with age.

Aroma: distinctive, delicate, sometimes with hints of violet.

Taste: bone dry, full, harmonious.

Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 13,00 %, also for wines labelled vigna followed by a place or vineyard name.

Minimum total acidity: 4,5 grams per litre.

Minimum sugar-free extract: 22,0 grams per litre; 23 grams per litre for wines labelled vigna followed by a place or vineyard name

Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):
Minimum total acidity:	4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

‘Terre Alfieri’ Nebbiolo Superiore

‘Terre Alfieri’ Nebbiolo Superiore including wines labelled vigna followed by a place or vineyard name

Colour: ruby red, tending to garnet with age.

Aroma: distinctive, delicate, sometimes with hints of violet.

Taste: bone dry, full, harmonious.

Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 13,50 %, also for wines labelled vigna followed by a place or vineyard name.

Minimum total acidity: 4,5 grams per litre.

Minimum sugar-free extract: 23,0 grams per litre.

Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):
Minimum total acidity:	4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

‘Terre Alfieri’ Nebbiolo Riserva

Colour: ruby red, tending to garnet with age.

Aroma: distinctive, delicate, sometimes with hints of violet.

Taste: bone dry, full, harmonious.

Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 13,50 %, also for wines labelled vigna followed by a place or vineyard name.

Minimum total acidity: 4,5 grams per litre.

Minimum sugar-free extract: 23,0 grams per litre.

Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):
Minimum total acidity:	4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

5.   Wine-making practices

a.   Specific oenological practices

NONE

b.   Maximum yields

‘Terre Alfieri’ Arneis

10 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

‘Terre Alfieri Arneis’ Superiore, including wines labelled vigna followed by a place or vineyard name

9 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

‘Terre Alfieri’ Nebbiolo including Riserva

8 500 kilograms of grapes per hectare

‘Terre Alfieri’ Nebbiolo Superiore and ‘Terre Alfieri’ Nebbiolo Riserva, including wines labelled vigna followed by a place or vineyard name

7 500 kilograms of grapes per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The production area for grapes suitable for making ‘Terre Alfieri’ DOCG wines comprises the entire territory of the municipalities of Antignano, Celle Enomondo, Cisterna d’Asti, Revigliasco, San Damiano, San Martino Alfieri and Tigliole in the province of Asti and part of the municipalities of Castellinaldo, Govone, Magliano Alfieri and Priocca in the province of Cuneo, as defined below:

Starting from the intersection of the border between the provinces of Asti and Cuneo, between the municipalities of San Damiano, Govone and Priocca, at Bricco Genepreto in the municipality of Govone, the boundary follows the road leading to Montebertola south-eastwards to the intersection with the Craviano municipal road, which it follows eastwards until the Govone cemetery. It continues south-eastwards on the provincial road leading from Govone to Priocca, passing San Pietro di Govone, and follows the road south-south-eastwards to the junction with provincial road No 2 (formerly No 231) in Priocca territory. It follows the No 2 southwards to the junction with Via Pirio until it merges in a south-easterly direction in Madonnina onto the Priocca / Magliano Alfieri provincial road. It follows that road to San Bernardo in Magliano Alfieri, and continues south-westwards on the Castellinaldo / Priocca / Magliano provincial road to San Michele in the municipality of Castellinaldo. At the intersection with the Leschea municipal road, it follows a south-easterly direction to the municipal cemetery road as far as Santa Maria, near the church (196 m contour line) in the municipality of Magliano Alfieri. It then continues south-eastwards on Via Moisa, following it southwards to the village of Borgata San Pietro (214 m contour line), and goes as far as San Carlo della Serra, continuing to the border with the municipality of Castagnito. It follows the border east as far as the intersection of the Asti/Alba national highway No 231, continuing on the highway north-westward towards Asti until it intersects the Tanaro River in Govone territory. It follows the river north until the border of the provinces of Asti and Cuneo, between the territories of Govone and San Martino Alfieri.

7.   Main wine grape variety(ies)

Arneis B

Nebbiolo N

8.   Description of the link(s)

‘Terre Alfieri’ DOC

The name ‘Terre Alfieri’ covers the area under vines of the Comunità Collinare [Hill Community] Colline Alfieri and of the union of municipalities known as ‘Roero fra Tanaro e Castelli’. The winegrowing area concerned represents a major asset of Asti’s rural tradition and culture: traditional viticulture that has continued to the present day and gained a high reputation on the market.

Through dogged perseverance, the local winegrowers have saved Arneis from disappearance and kept the cultivation of Nebbiolo going, bestowing a piece of local history on new generations.

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

Derogation on the production in the demarcated geographical area

Legal framework:

In EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation on the production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The wine-making processes involved in making ‘Terre Alfieri’ DOCG wines must be carried out within the grape production area. These activities may also be carried out within the administrative territory of the provinces of Asti and Cuneo, to which the production area belongs.

Packaging in the demarcated area

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Packaging within the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The bottling of ‘Terre Alfieri’ DOCG wines must be carried out within the production area.

In accordance with Article 4(2) of Commission Delegated Regulation 2019/33, bottling or packaging must take place in the aforementioned demarcated geographical area with a view to safeguarding quality, guaranteeing the origin and ensuring the efficiency of checks. The distinctive features and qualities that ‘Terre Alfieri’ PDO wines obtain from their area of origin are better protected by bottling the wine within the demarcated area, since producers within this area are responsible for applying and enforcing all the technical rules on transport and bottling and have the necessary professional skills. Therefore the system of checks by the competent bodies on operators at all production stages (in particular during the bottling stage) is more efficient in a restricted area such as that of the ‘Terre Alfieri’ PDO. This requirement benefits the operators, who are aware of the risks and are responsible for preserving the quality of the designation, in order to give consumers assurance regarding the origin and quality of the wines and their conformity with the product specification, benefitting the image and reputation of the designation.

Link to the product specification

https://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/16194

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(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.

Publication of an application for registration of a name pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2021/C 63/11)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within 3 months from the date of this publication.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Balatoni hal’

EU No: PGI-HU-02470 – 25.5.2018

PDO ( ) PGI (X )

1.   Name(s) [OF PDO OR PGI]

‘Balatoni hal’

2.   Member State or third country

Hungary

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of Product

Class 1.7: Fresh fish, molluscs, and crustaceans and products derived therefrom

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

‘Balatoni hal’ [Balaton fish] is the exclusive name of carp (Cyprinus carpio L. 1758) and pike-perch (Sander lucioperca L. 1758) that live, are propagated and farmed in Lake Balaton or in the catchment area of Lake Balaton (to be detailed in point 4), and are sold live or processed (fresh, chilled or frozen; usually in piece, rarely in fillets).

a)   ‘Balatoni hal’: Pike-perch

‘Balatoni hal’ pike-perch is a fish belonging to the zander species (Sander lucioperca L.) within the perch genus, exclusively living and/or farmed in the geographical area defined in point 4 (the catchment area of Lake Balaton). It is one of Hungary’s most sought-after and valuable fishes. The flesh of the pike-perch is white, lean, boneless and tasty, has a low fat content and is rich in protein. The flesh of ‘Balatoni hal’ pike-perch is considered to be whiter and tastier than the flesh of river pike-perch.

The quality parameters of ‘Balatoni hal’ pike-perch flesh:

—	water content: 78,0-79,5 %,

—	proteins: 19-20 %,

—	fat: 0,5-1,0%.

‘Balatoni hal’: The minimum size at which ‘Balatoni hal’ pike-perch is sold (live, fresh, chilled or frozen) is 0,5 kg.

b)   ‘Balatoni hal’: Carp

‘Balatoni hal’ carp is a fish belonging to the carp species (Cyprinus carpio L.) within the cyprinid family, exclusively bred in the catchment area of Lake Balaton, and exclusively including the State-recognised local ‘Balatoni sudár’ and ‘Varászlói tükrös’ varieties farmed in the geographical area defined in point 4.

Typical quality parameters of ‘Balatoni hal’ carp ‘Balatoni sudár ponty’ flesh are (OMMI [National Institute for Agriculture Quality Control] 2004 MgSzH [Agricultural Office] 2011, Gorda and Borbély 2013):

—	water content: 74,1-77,4 %,

—	proteins: 16,6-17,6 %,

—	fat: 4,2-8,0 %.

Typical quality parameters of ‘Balatoni hal’ carp ‘Varászlói tükrös ponty’ flesh are:

—	water content: 73,9-78,3 %,

—	proteins: 16,8-17,7 %,

—	fat: 3,5-7,7 %.

The flesh of ‘Balatoni hal’ carp is firm and flaky.

The minimum size at which ‘Balatoni hal’ carp is sold (live, fresh, chilled or frozen) is 1,5 kg (ideally, 1,5-3 kg).

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

The use of fertilisers to enhance production yield is forbidden in the geographical area. The nutrition of the ‘Balatoni hal’ pike-perch is special in that the baby fish shift from feeding on zooplankton to feeding on fish after they have reached a body length of 12-15 cm, which is relatively late compared to other predatory fish. The available feed sources are also special in the catchment area of Lake Balaton, where common bleak (Alburnus alburnus), common bream (Abramis brama) and ziege (Pelecus cultratus) occur in abundance in the diet of pike-perch (Specziár 2010). The supply and composition of feed are similar across the entire catchment area of Lake Balaton. ‘Balatoni hal’ pike-perch are not given any feed supplements, and farming is entirely based on natural fish feed chiefly originating from the tributaries of fish ponds, i.e. the streams in the catchment area of Lake Balaton.

‘Balatoni hal’ carp are given natural feed and feed supplements, which comprise two main components. The first includes nutritive mixers (wheat, triticale and maize/corn); the second alien species of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugensis). Fish farmers (holders of an ecological, selective fishing permit) harvest the mussel biomass used for feed from mobile rafts installed in several locations on Lake Balaton (the southern sides of all three basins, primarily places in the vicinity of fish farms). The mussel biomass, which grows in 8 to 12 months, is harvested from the rafts and used for feed in carp farms, ensuring that the mussel types remain within the fish farm.

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

All four steps of producing ‘Balatoni hal’ must be conducted in the geographical area listed under point 4. These include natural spawning, artificial (incubator) breeding, rearing in natural waters and farming in the fish farm. Under current legislation, pelagic fishing in Lake Balaton has been banned since 5 December 2013. As an exception, selective fishing is permitted for ecological and demonstration purposes (3 000 kg of carp and 500 kg pike-perch annually, with eel traps). ‘Balatoni hal’ is therefore primarily farmed, but specimens reared in a natural environment are also occasionally available as a bi-product of selective eel fishing for ecological purposes.

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

—

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

—

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The farming of ‘Balatoni hal’ in Hungary is conducted in the following locations of the catchment area of Lake Balaton.

1.

Lake Balaton and its water system (waters included in fish farming: 61 139 ha) Specific water bodies of Lake Balaton and its water system: — the entire area of Lake Balaton, — the stretch of the Zala River extending from the mouth to the Fenékpuszta railway bridge, — the stretch of the Hévíz Canal from the mouth up to 50 metres from the downstream side of the dam on Lake Hévíz, — the stretch of the Páhok Canal from the mouth to the Hévíz Canal, — the stretch of the United Belt Canal (Egyesített-övcsatorna) from the Boat Bridge (Bárkázó híd) to the inflow of Gyöngyös Stream, — the stretch of the Fenyves Canal (Fenyvesi-nyomócsatorna) from the mouth to the pump station in Balatonfenyves, — the stretch of the Western Belt Canal (Nyugati-övcsatorna) extending from the mouth to the Pálmajor railway bridge, — the stretch of the Eastern Brush Canal (Keleti-Bozót-csatorna) from the mouth to the bridge of the road leading to Pusztaberény railway station, — the stretch of Jama Stream from the mouth to the sluice gates on Bugaszeg Fish Pond, — the stretch of Tetves Stream from the mouth to the sluice gates on Balatonlelle Fish Ponds, — the stretch of the Kismetszés from the mouth to the No 70 road, — the stretch of the Nagymetszés from the mouth to the wooden bridge in Szólád, — the Lesence, Kétöles, Tapolca, Egervíz and Burnót Streams and the stretch of Egermalom Canal from the mouth to the No 71 road, — the stretches of the Sár and Cigány inland inundation canals from the Somogyszentpál access road to the Western Belt Canal (Nyugati-övcsatorna), — the stretch of the Western Belt Canal (Nyugati-övcsatorna) from the Pálmajor railway bridge to the Határ-Külvíz Canal, — the stretch of the Határ-Külvíz Canal from the mouth to the main road between Marcali and Öreglak, — the Cigány Canal, and — the Eastern Brush Canal (Keleti Bozót Canal).

2.	Little Balaton Water Protection System, Stage I (Lake Hídvég; area: 2 000 ha)

3.	Little Balaton Water Protection System, Stage II (Lake Fenéki; area: 5 110 ha)

4.	Marcali Reservoir (area: 407 ha)

5.	Fonyód-Zardavár Fish Ponds (area: 135 ha)

6.	Balatonlelle-Irmapuszta Fish Ponds (area: 275 ha)

7.	Buzsáki-Ciframalom Fish Ponds (area: 138 ha)

8.	Balatonszárszó-Nádfedeles Fish Pond (area: 15 ha)

9.	Balatonföldvár Fish Pond (area: 23 ha)

10.	Somogyvár-Tölös Fish Ponds (area: 26 ha)

11.	Varászló Fish Ponds (area: 174 ha)

12.	Siófok-Törek Fish Ponds (area: 36 ha)

5.   Link with the geographical area

The link between ‘Balatoni hal’ and the geographical area is based on the product’s quality and reputation.

The place of production of ‘Balatoni hal’ is primarily the southern and south-western catchment area of Lake Balaton. Fish ponds are nowadays found in areas that used to be bays on lake Balaton before it was drained, that is, the former bed of the lake. Accordingly, their subsoil is similar to that of Lake Balaton.

The area has a humid continental climate, with sub-Mediterranean effects. The sub-Mediterranean effect chiefly refers to the temporal distribution of precipitation, which in average years has two peaks (June and September) and is crucial to fish farming. The area is wetter than the Hungarian average (620 mm p.a.). Most of the rain falls in the summer months, which is better for fish farming, ensuring adequate quantities and quality of water recharge. The tributaries of the fish ponds in the catchment area are typically short (30-40 km), and are free of untreated-sewage outlets (Ferincz et al. 2017). Thanks to this and the non-use of organic fertilisers, the water and sediments of the fish ponds are non-anaerobic. Consequently, the flesh of the fish produced there is free from extraneous flavours. The mean annual temperature (11,2) is also higher than the national average, which enhances fish growth. The composition of fish flesh is influenced by a number of environmental and production factors, including age, species, feed or natural feed (Trenovszki, 2013); most crucially, the quantity and quality of feed.

Crucially, too, for reasons of water quality protection, the use of organic fertilisers to enhance production yield (a routine practice in other areas) is forbidden in fish ponds within the catchment area of Lake Balaton. Consequently, fish farmed there do not come into contact with the extraneous flavour-impairing substances invariably found in organic fertilisers. The flesh of ‘Balatoni hal’ pike-perch owes its characteristic quality to the fish-pond water of adequate quantity and quality (sandy, loess pond beds; low organic content of incoming water), the aerobic lake-bottom sediments, and to the large quantity and proportion of chiefly indigenous white-fleshed bleak and roach characteristic of the area. Due to good water quality and natural fish feed, the flesh of ‘Balatoni hal’ pike-perch is snow-white, with no secondary flavour. It has a flaky structure due to the large water surface (more movement in searching for food).

Specziár (2010) has established that the nutrition of the ‘Balatoni hal’ pike-perch is special in that the baby fish shift from feeding on zooplankton to feeding on fish after they have reached a body length of 12-15 cm, which is relatively late compared to other predatory fish. The available feed sources are also special in the catchment area of Lake Balaton, where common bleak (Alburnus alburnus), common bream (Abramis brama) and ziege (Pelecus cultratus) occur in abundance in the diet of pike-perch (Specziár 2010). ‘Balatoni hal’ pike-perch flesh owes its special quality to these factors. The flesh of ‘Balatoni hal’ carp is firm. It owes its flexible consistency to protein-rich natural feed and to complementary natural shellfish feed, because protein-rich natural nutrients have a positive effect on the flesh quality of the carp (Balogh, 2015).

‘Balatoni hal’ is one of the mainstays of local cuisine. ‘Balatoni hal’ carp is an essential ingredient of ‘Balatoni halászlé’ fish soup, the recipe of which is unique and typical of the catchment area.

The present-day reputation of ‘Balatoni hal’

—	The close relationship between Lake Balaton and ‘Balatoni hal’ carp is also demonstrated by the fact that the International Balaton Carp Cup was held for the fifth time in 2019.

—	The Balaton Fish and Wine Festival has been held regularly by the city of Balatonfüred since 2015. The aim of the event is to raise consumers’ awareness of Balaton fish and to combine the consumption of local fish and wines, creating a market for local fish farms and wine producers.

—	Appropriately made from ‘Balatoni hal’, Balaton fish soup (‘balatoni halászlé’) has become a household culinary name (e.g.: http://itthonotthonvan.hu/cikkek/2687482/a_balatoni_halaszle_titka).

—	The following article discusses the special taste and traditional fishing methods of ‘Balatoni hal’: http://magyarkonyhaonline.hu/magyar-izek/a-balatoni-halak

—	The book ‘A halfőzés fortélyai a Balaton mentén’ [Tricks of cooking fish by the Balaton] is a collection of 400 fish dishes from 40 towns and villages around Lake Balaton (Szabó Zoltán 2014, ISBN 978-963-08-8628-4).

—	Michelin-star restaurants, including the Stand in Budapest (chefs Tamás Szél and Szabina Szulló), use ‘Balatoni sudár ponty’ as an ingredient, which is indicated on the menu (https://diningguide.hu/szell-tamas-cikke-halaszlevita-szell-tamas-halaszle-receptjevel/).

Historical background of the reputation of ‘Balatoni hal’ pike-perch

—	In discussing French fisheries in issue 44 of Fischerei Zeitung in 1917, Brussels scientist Waldmann remarked how ‘before the Great War, the “fogasch” was much sought after in Paris. This is the name of the zander in Hungary’s Lake Balaton.’.

—

In 1933, Neresheimer, fisheries expert of the Austrian Government, wrote in the Österreichisches Nahrungsmittelbuch (the Austrian Food Code), ‘The name “Fogasch” can only be correctly applied to zander originating from Lake Balaton’. He added that calling the fish by this name suggests to consumers that it has come from Lake Balaton. In his opinion, only zander from Lake Balaton could rightfully be called ‘Fogasch’ [pike-perch].

—	At the International Fishery Congress held in Paris in July 1931, Károly Lukács declared the Balaton zander a special local variety of pike-perch and proposed that its taxonomic designation be Lucioperca sandra varietas Fogas balatonica (Szári, 1988).

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In the 1930s the Balaton Halászati Részvénytársaság (Balaton Fisheries Stock Company) acquired exclusive rights to the name ‘fogas’ [pike-perch], which only applied to zander caught in Lake Balaton. Consignments were required to be accompanied by a certificate of origin of Lake Balaton. In 1931, a small convex metal seal was registered in the Bern International Patent Office in 1931, which was subsequently attached as a trade mark on the opercula (gill covers) of exported pike-perch. (Héjjas and Punk, 2010).

Historical background of the reputation of ‘Balatoni hal’ carp

—	As regards the importance of the carp, a publication called ‘A Balaton halai’ [Fish of Lake Balaton] declares the carp to be second only to the pike-perch (Lukács, 1936).

—	The carp was the other species, alongside the pike-perch, whose stocks Balaton fish farms sought to increase through conscious farming from the 1920s onwards.

Reference to publication of the specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of this Regulation)

https://gi.kormany.hu/foldrajzi-arujelzok

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(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.