Official Journal C 202/2008

8.8.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 202/1

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 202/01)

Date of adoption of the decision	4.6.2008
Reference number of the aid	N 538/05
Member State	France
Region	—
Title (and/or name of beneficiary)	Modification du régime de remboursement des contributions sociales patronales dans le transport maritime
Legal basis	Loi no 2005-412 du 3 mai 2005 relative à la création du registre international français
Type of measure	Changes to the awarding procedure for the system of exemption from social security contributions for seamen signed on by maritime transport vessels
Objective	Administrative simplification of the management of an existing aid scheme
Form of aid	Exemption from social security contributions
Budget	NA
Intensity	NA
Duration	NA
Economic sectors	Maritime transport
Name and address of the granting authority	NA
Other information	—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision	17.6.2008
Reference number of the aid	N 159/08
Member State	France
Region	—
Title (and/or name of beneficiary)	Aides d'État au démarrage et à l'exploitation de services réguliers de transport combiné de marchandises alternatif au mode routier
Legal basis	Loi no 82-1153 du 30 décembre 1982 d'orientation des transports intérieurs, modifiée notamment par loi no 99-523 du 25 juin 1999 d'orientation pour l'aménagement et le développement durable du territoire
Type of measure	Aid scheme
Objective	The objective of the scheme is to develop combined transport so that it can provide an attractive alternative to the transport of goods by road
Form of aid	Direct grant and repayable loan
Budget	Maximum of EUR 200 million
Intensity	Maximum of 50 % of the cost of transhipment operations and 30 % of the price of transport
Duration	5 years (2008-2012)
Economic sectors	Combined transport (rail/inland waterway and short-distance by sea)
Name and address of the granting authority	—
Other information	—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision

17.6.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 197/08

Member State

Lithuania

Region

87(3)(a)

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Regioninė pagalba energetikos sektoriui

Legal basis

LR ūkio ministro įsakymais patvirtinti priemonių „Atsinaujinančių energijos išteklių panaudojimas energijos gamybai“, „Gamtinių dujų perdavimo sistemos modernizavimas ir plėtra“, „Elektros perdavimo sistemos modernizavimas ir plėtra“, „Elektros skirstymo sistemos modernizavimas ir plėtra“, „Energijos gamybos efektyvumo didinimas“ ir „Šilumos tiekimo sistemos modernizavimas ir plėtra“ aprašai; 2007–2013 m. Ekonomikos augimo veiksmų programa; 2007-2013 m. Sanglaudos skatinimo veiksmų programa; Lietuvos Respublikos Vyriausybės 2007 m. gruodžio 19 d. nutarimas Nr. 1449 „Dėl žmogiškųjų ištekliu plėtros, ekonomikos augimo ir sanglaudos skatinimo veiksmų programų priedų patvirtinimo“

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Regional development, Sectoral development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: LTL 180 million

Overall budget: LTL 900 million

Intensity

50 %

Duration

Until 31.12.2013

Economic sectors

Electricity, gas and water supply

Name and address of the granting authority

Lietuvos Respublikos ūkio ministerija

Gedimino pr. 38/2

LT-01104 Vilnius

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision

2.7.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 252/08

Member State

Germany

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Änderung der Richtlinie des Sächsischen Staatsministeriums für Wirtschaft und Arbeit über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen zur Rettung und Umstrukturierung von kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen im Freistaat Sachsen

Legal basis

Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen zur Rettung und Umstrukturierung von kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen im Freistaat Sachsen

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Rescue of firms in difficulty, Restructuring of firms in difficulty

Form of aid

Rescue aid: loan, Restructuring aid: loan, interest subsidy and in exceptional circumstances a grant

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 2 million

Intensity

—

Duration

Until 2015, but commitment from German authorities to adapt their scheme to the replacing Guidelines

Economic sectors

SMEs and — in exceptional circumstances — also large companies

Name and address of the granting authority

Sächsische Aufbaubank — Förderbank

Pirnaische Straße 9

D-01069 Dresden

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

8.8.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 202/8

Legislative proposals adopted by the Commission

(2008/C 202/05)

Document	Part	Date	Title
COM(2008) 8		10.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 866/2004 on a regime under Article 2 of Protocol 10 to the Act of Accession concerning rules on goods, services and persons crossing the Green Line in Cyprus
COM(2008) 40		30.1.2008	Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision of food information to consumers
COM(2008) 88		13.3.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation providing for the adaptation of cod fishing quotas to be allocated to Poland in the Baltic Sea (Subdivisions 25-32, EC Waters) from 2008 to 2011
COM(2008) 98		27.2.2008	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles, and the enforcement of the obligation to insure against such liability (Codified version)
COM(2008) 100		29.2.2008	Proposal for a Directive …/…/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of […] on roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers (Recast)
COM(2008) 105		26.2.2008	Adaptation to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny — Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending, as regards the implementing powers conferred on the Commission, Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds
COM(2008) 106		27.2.2008	Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a multiannual Community programme on protecting children using the Internet and other communication technologies
COM(2008) 116		29.2.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision concerning the conclusion of the Convention on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters
COM(2008) 121		7.3.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation repealing the countervailing duty imposed on imports of certain electronic microcircuits known as DRAMs (Dynamic Random Access Memories) originating in the Republic of Korea and terminating the proceeding
COM(2008) 123		4.3.2008	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2001/82/EC and Directive 2001/83/EC as regards variations to the terms of marketing authorisations for medicinal products
COM(2008) 124		3.3.2008	Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the placing on the market and use of feed
COM(2008) 129		7.3.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation opening and providing for the administration of autonomous Community tariff quotas on imports of certain fishery products into the Canary Islands
COM(2008) 132		11.3.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on the approval on behalf of the European Community of the Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment to the 1991 UN/ECE Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context
COM(2008) 134		11.3.2008	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2005/35/EC on ship source pollution and on the introduction of penalties for infringements
COM(2008) 138		10.3.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision amending Decision 2005/321/EC concluding the consultation procedure with the Republic of Guinea under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement
COM(2008) 139	1	14.3.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on the signing of a Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Albania, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union
COM(2008) 139	2	14.3.2008	Proposal for a Council and Commission Decision on the conclusion of the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Albania, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union
COM(2008) 140		14.3.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion of the Protocol to the Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters between the European Community, of the one part, and the Republic of Albania, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria, and Romania to the European Union
COM(2008) 147	1	17.3.2008	Proposal for a Council Directive amending Council Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax to combat tax evasion connected with intra-Community transactions
COM(2008) 147	2	17.3.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1798/2003 to combat tax evasion connected with intra Community transactions
COM(2008) 148		11.3.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain compressors originating in the People's Republic of China
COM(2008) 149		19.3.2008	Proposal for a Council Directive adapting Directive 2006/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down technical requirements for inland waterway vessels, by reason of the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania
COM(2008) 151		19.3.2008	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council facilitating cross-border enforcement in the field of road safety
COM(2008) 152		16.4.2008	Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 on budgetary discipline and sound financial management as regard adjustment of the multiannual financial framework presented by the Commission to Parliament and the Council in accordance with paragraph 48 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006
COM(2008) 154		27.3.2008	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approximation of the laws of the Member States on extraction solvents used in the production of foodstuffs and food ingredients (Recast)
COM(2008) 155		18.3.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on the signature and provisional application of the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the CARIFORUM States, of the other part
COM(2008) 156		18.3.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision concluding the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the CARIFORUM States, on the other part
COM(2008) 157		27.3.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on the signing and conclusion by the European Community of the International Coffee Agreement 2007
COM(2008) 159		28.3.2008	Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European Year of Creativity and Innovation (2009)
COM(2008) 161		2.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation laying down the weightings applicable from 1 July 2007 to the remuneration of officials, temporary staff and contract staff of the European Communities serving in third countries and of certain officials remaining in post in the two new Member States for a maximum period of nineteen months after accession
COM(2008) 162		2.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 423/2004 as regards the recovery of cod stocks and amending Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93
COM(2008) 166		1.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 397/2004 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of cotton-type bed linen originating in Pakistan
COM(2008) 168		3.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1405/2006 laying down specific measures for agriculture in favour of the smaller Aegean islands and amending Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003
COM(2008) 170	1	4.4.2008	Proposal for a Decision of the Council on the signature on behalf of the European Community of the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the European Community, of the one part, and the Government of New Zealand, of the other part
COM(2008) 170	2	4.4.2008	Proposal for a Decision of the Council on the conclusion on behalf of the European Community of the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the European Community, of the one part, and the Government of New Zealand, of the other part
COM(2008) 171		4.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation extending the definitive anti-dumping measures imposed by Regulation (EC) No 1472/2006 on imports of certain footwear with uppers of leather originating in the People's Republic of China to imports of the same product consigned from the Macao SAR, whether declared as originating in the Macao SAR or not
COM(2008) 172		7.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on the eligibility of Central Asian countries under Council Decision 2006/1016/EC granting a Community guarantee to the European Investment Bank against losses under loans and loan guarantees for projects outside the Community
COM(2008) 173		4.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of coumarin originating in the People's Republic of China following an expiry review pursuant to Article 11(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 extended to India, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia
COM(2008) 174		7.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision establishing the position to be taken on behalf of the European Community on the interpretation of Article 14 of the Aarhus Convention
COM(2008) 176		10.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision establishing the position to be adopted on behalf of the European Community with regard to a proposal for the amendment of Annex III to the Rotterdam Convention
COM(2008) 178	1	9.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the State of Israel on certain aspects of air services
COM(2008) 178	2	9.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the State of Israel on certain aspects of air services
COM(2008) 179		9.4.2008	Proposal for a Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of a European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Vocational Education and Training
COM(2008) 180		9.4.2008	Proposal for a Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of the European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET)
COM(2008) 182	1	8.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and its Member States and Bosnia and Herzegovina on behalf of the European Community
COM(2008) 182	2	8.4.2008	Proposal for a Council and Commission Decision on the conclusion of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, of the other part
COM(2008) 183		8.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion of the Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters between the European Community, of the one part, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, of the other part
COM(2008) 184		8.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation on certain procedures for applying the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, of the other part, and for applying the Interim Agreement between the European Community, of the one part, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, of the other part
COM(2008) 185		8.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on a Community Position to be adopted in the EC-Bosnia and Herzegovina Interim Committee on its Rules of Procedure including the Terms of Reference and Structure of the EC-Bosnia and Herzegovina sub-committees
COM(2008) 188		14.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 laying down a uniform format for visas as regards the numbering of visas
COM(2008) 191		16.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision amending, for the purposes of updating its Annex, Decision 2004/162/EC concerning dock dues
COM(2008) 196		16.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on migration from the Schengen Information System (SIS 1+) to the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II)
COM(2008) 197		16.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation on migration from the Schengen Information System (SIS 1+) to the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II)
COM(2008) 200		14.4.2008	Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund
COM(2008) 202		17.4.2008	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to simple pressure vessels (Codified version)
COM(2008) 205		18.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1212/2005 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain castings originating in the People's Republic of China
COM(2008) 209	1	22.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on the signature, on behalf of the European Community and its Member States, of a Protocol to the Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other, on the free movement of persons regarding the participation, as contracting parties, of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania pursuant to their accession to the European Union
COM(2008) 209	2	22.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Community and its Member States, of a Protocol to the Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other, on the free movement of Persons, regarding the participation, as contracting parties, of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania, pursuant to their accession to the European Union
COM(2008) 210		21.4.2008	Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning crop statistics
COM(2008) 211		16.4.2008	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on amending Directive 2006/66/EC of the European Parliament and the Council on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators as regards Article 6(2) on placing batteries and accumulators on the market
COM(2008) 212		24.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1371/2005 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of grain oriented flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel originating in the United States of America and Russia and repealing the anti-dumping duties imposed by Regulation (EC) No 1371/2005 on imports of grain oriented flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel originating in Russia
COM(2008) 213		23.4.2008	Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 98/26/EC on settlement finality in payment and securities settlement systems and Directive 2002/47/EC on financial collateral arrangements as regards linked systems and credit claims
COM(2008) 214		24.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) No …/… of […] on common rules for imports from certain third countries (Codified version)
COM(2008) 217		25.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation adjusting the weightings applicable to the remuneration and pensions of officials and other servants of the European Communities
COM(2008) 218		28.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified soybean A2704-12 (ACS-GHØØ5-3) pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council
COM(2008) 220		28.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and Ukraine in relation to preservation of commitments on trade in services contained in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
COM(2008) 222		28.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision on the signature and provisional application of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and Ukraine in relation to preservation of commitments on trade in services contained in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
COM(2008) 226		30.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Decision authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified LLCotton25 (ACS-GHØØ1-3) pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council
COM(2008) 230		30.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 concerning restrictive measures against President Lukashenko and certain officials of Belarus
COM(2008) 232		30.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 2505/96 opening and providing for the administration of autonomous Community tariff quotas for certain agricultural and industrial products
COM(2008) 235		30.4.2008	Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1255/96 temporarily suspending the autonomous common customs tariff duties on certain industrial, agricultural and fishery products

These texts are available on EUR-Lex: http://eur-lex.europa.eu

8.8.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 202/15

Euro exchange rates (1)

7 August 2008

(2008/C 202/06)

1 euro=

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,5471
JPY	Japanese yen	169,16
DKK	Danish krone	7,4609
GBP	Pound sterling	0,79255
SEK	Swedish krona	9,4127
CHF	Swiss franc	1,6322
ISK	Iceland króna	123,88
NOK	Norwegian krone	7,9970
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	24,105
EEK	Estonian kroon	15,6466
HUF	Hungarian forint	234,20
LTL	Lithuanian litas	3,4528
LVL	Latvian lats	0,7051
PLN	Polish zloty	3,2458
RON	Romanian leu	3,4805
SKK	Slovak koruna	30,363
TRY	Turkish lira	1,8050
AUD	Australian dollar	1,6986
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,6201
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	12,0760
NZD	New Zealand dollar	2,1537
SGD	Singapore dollar	2,1440
KRW	South Korean won	1 572,55
ZAR	South African rand	11,5027
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	10,6153
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,2126
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	14 078,61
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	5,0822
PHP	Philippine peso	67,760
RUB	Russian rouble	36,4730
THB	Thai baht	51,971
BRL	Brazilian real	2,4356
MXN	Mexican peso	15,3828

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

8.8.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 202/17

COM documents other than legislative proposals adopted by the Commission

(2008/C 202/08)

Document	Part	Date	Title
COM(2008) 33		30.1.2008	Commission Working Document — Second Progress Report on the strategy for simplifying the regulatory environment
COM(2008) 35		30.1.2008	Commission Working Document — Reducing administrative burdens in the European Union — 2007 Progress Report and 2008 outlook
COM(2008) 67		13.2.2008	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Report on the evaluation and future development of the Frontex Agency
COM(2008) 68		13.2.2008	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Examining the creation of a European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR)
COM(2008) 69		13.2.2008	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Preparing the next steps in border management in the European Union
COM(2008) 110		27.2.2008	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Court of Auditors — Report on the Commission Action Plan towards an Integrated Internal Control Framework
COM(2008) 115		27.2.2008	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — A common European approach to Sovereign Wealth Funds
COM(2008) 118		3.3.2008	Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament — Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR): Annual Report 2007
COM(2008) 122		27.2.2008	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council — Europe's financial system: adapting to change — Contribution of the Commission to the European Council
COM(2008) 125		5.3.2008	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions concerning the Progress of exploratory talks regarding cooperation in the field of transport with the neighbouring countries
COM(2008) 127		5.3.2008	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council — Western Balkans: Enhancing the European perspective
COM(2008) 128		6.3.2008	Green Paper — Effective enforcement of judgments in the European Union: The transparency of debtors' assets
COM(2008) 130		5.3.2008	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council — Reinforcing the Union's Disaster Response Capacity
COM(2008) 133		11.3.2008	Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee — Towards an increased contribution from standardisation to innovation in Europe
COM(2008) 135		11.3.2008	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council — European agencies — The way forward
COM(2008) 141		10.3.2008	Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — 2008 Fast Track Actions to reduce administrative burdens in the European Union
COM(2008) 146		17.3.2008	Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the review of the application of Directive 2002/14/EC in the EU
COM(2008) 150		14.3.2008	Preliminary draft amending Budget No 2 to the General Budget 2008 — Statement of expenditure by Section — Section III — Commission
COM(2008) 153		19.3.2008	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Progress Report on the Single European Electronic Communications Market 2007 (13th Report)
COM(2008) 158		2.4.2008	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Debate Europe — Building on the experience of Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate
COM(2008) 160		31.3.2008	Report from the Commission to the Council and to the European Parliament on the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1177/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 June 2003
COM(2008) 165		2.4.2008	White Paper on damages actions for breach of the EC antitrust rules
COM(2008) 167		2.4.2008	Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament — Macao Special Administrative Region: Annual Report 2007
COM(2008) 169		1.4.2008	Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee — Strategy for the evolution of the Customs Union
COM(2008) 177		9.4.2008	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — The EU — A global partner for development — Speeding up progress towards the Millennium Development Goals
COM(2008) 181		11.4.2008	Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament — Annual Report from the European Commission on the Instrument for Stability in 2007 — Executive summary
COM(2008) 187		11.4.2008	Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament — The role of the CFP in implementing an ecosystem approach to marine management
COM(2008) 192		15.4.2008	Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament — Progress in creating the internal gas and electricity market
COM(2008) 198		17.4.2008	Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council — Implementation of the Public Health Programme in 2006
COM(2008) 199		17.4.2008	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Preparing Europe's digital future — i2010 Mid-Term Review
COM(2008) 201		14.4.2008	Preliminary draft amending Budget No 3 to the General Budget 2008 — Statement of expenditure by Section — Section III — Commission — Section VI — Economic and Social Committee
COM(2008) 203		15.4.2008	Preliminary draft amending Budget No 4 to the General Budget 2008 — Statement of expenditure by Section — Section III — Commission
COM(2008) 204		18.4.2008	Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Central Bank — The introduction of the euro in Cyprus and Malta
COM(2008) 215		24.4.2008	Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the operation of Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 July 2002 on the application of international accounting standards
COM(2008) 216		24.4.2008	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council — Insurance Requirements for Aircraft Operators in the EU — A Report on the Operation of Regulation (EC) No 785/2004
COM(2008) 224		24.4.2008	Report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Court of Auditors — Annual Report on the Financial Management of the 7th-9th European Development Funds (EDFs) in 2007

These texts are available on EUR-Lex: http://eur-lex.europa.eu

8.8.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 202/20

Operation of scheduled air services

Invitation to tender issued by the United Kingdom under Article 4(1)(d) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 in respect of the operation of scheduled air services between Glasgow-Campbeltown, Glasgow-Tiree and Glasgow-Barra (Scotland)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 202/09)

1. Introduction

In pursuance of Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes, the United Kingdom has imposed public service obligations (PSOs) in respect of scheduled air services operated between Glasgow-Campbeltown, Glasgow-Tiree and Glasgow-Barra (1). The standards required by these public service obligations were published in the Official Journal of the European Communities C 387 of 21 December 1996, p. 6-7, as modified in the Official Journal of the European Communities/Union C 355 of 8 December 1999, p. 3-4, C 310 of 13 December 2002, p. 7-8, C 278 of 19 November 2003, p. 5-6, C 321 of 16 December 2005, p. 5-6, C 184 of 8 August 2006, p. 4, and C 201 of 7 August 2008, p. 2.

If, by 1 March 2009, no air carrier has commenced or is about to commence scheduled air services between Glasgow-Campbeltown, Glasgow-Tiree and Glasgow-Barra in accordance with the PSOs imposed and without requesting compensation, the United Kingdom has decided, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 4(1)(d) of the above-mentioned Regulation, to continue to limit access to these routes to a single air carrier and to offer the right to operate such services from 1 April 2009 by public tender.

2. Object of invitation to tender

Operation from 1 April 2009 of scheduled air services between Glasgow-Campbeltown, Glasgow-Tiree and Glasgow-Barra in accordance with the public service obligations imposed on these routes and published in the Official Journal of the European Communities C 387 of 21 December 1996, p. 6-7, as modified in the Official Journal of the European Communities/Union C 355 of 8 December 1999, p. 3-4, C 310 of 13 December 2002, p. 7-8, C 278 of 19 November 2003, p. 5-6, C 321 of 16 December 2005, p. 5-6, C 184 of 8 August 2006, p. 4, and C 201 of 7 August 2008, p. 2.

3. Participation

Participation is open to all air carriers holding a valid operating licence issued by a Member State in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92 of 23 July 1992 on licensing of air carriers. The services will operate under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulatory regime.

4. Tender procedure

This invitation to tender is subject to the provisions of Article 4(1)(d), (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92.

5. Tender dossier/Qualifications etc.

The complete tender documentation, including form of tender, specifications, conditions of contract/schedule to the conditions of contract, as well as the text of the original public service obligations published in the Official Journal of the European Communities C 387 of 21 December 1996, p. 6-7, as modified in the Official Journal of the European Communities/Union C 355 of 8 December 1999, p. 3-4, C 310 of 13 December 2002, p. 7-8, C 278 of 19 November 2003, p. 5-6, C 321 of 16 December 2005, p. 5-6, C 184 of 8 August 2006, p. 4, and C 201 of 7 August 2008, p. 2, may be obtained free of charge from the Awarding Authority as follows:

The Scottish Government, Transport Directorate, Aviation Policy, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ, United Kingdom

Tel. (44) 131 244 0854 or (44) 131 244 0867

Fax (44) 131 244 0463

Contact: Grace McGuire or Ken Crawford, The Scottish Government, Aviation Policy

E-mails: grace.mcguire@scotland.gsi.gov.uk — ken.crawford@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Airlines will be required to include in their tender documents, evidence of their financial standing (an annual report and audited accounts for the past 3 years, if these are available, must be provided and must include turnover and pre-tax profit for the past 3 years), previous experience and technical capability to provide the services described. The Awarding Authority reserves the right to solicit further information about any applicant's financial and technical resources and abilities.

The right to operate the Glasgow-Campbeltown, Glasgow-Tiree and Glasgow-Barra services is being offered on the basis that all 3 services will be grouped together into one contract. Bids will be evaluated according to which bid is the most economically advantageous to secure the operation of all of the 3 services for the duration of the specified tender period. In addition to all applicants being able to demonstrate that specified aircraft can operate safely in and out of the relevant airports, tenderers must also have, when the tender is submitted, appropriate approval from the relevant regulatory authority for the operation of all aspects of the 3 routes. Tenders should be priced in Sterling and all supporting documents must be in English. The contract shall be considered as a contract made under Scottish Law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Scottish courts.

6. Financial compensation

Tenders submitted should indicate the amount required by way of grant for operating the services from the scheduled starting date to 31 March 2012 (with an analysis to each year). For the avoidance of doubt, tenders submitted which involve the provision of services between Glasgow-Campbeltown, Glasgow-Tiree and Glasgow-Barra should provide the amount required by way of grant for operating all 3 services. The grant should be calculated in accordance with the specifications. The maximum limit finally granted may be revised only in the event of an unforeseen change in the operating conditions.

The contract will be awarded by the Scottish Ministers. All payments under the contract will be in Sterling.

7. Period of validity, amendment and termination of the contract

Contract commencing 1 April 2009 will terminate on 31 March 2012. A new Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air transport services in the Community is expected to repeal and recast Council Regulations (EEC) No 2407/92, (EEC) No 2408/92 and (EEC) No 2409/92. The period of this contract will be extended to 31 March 2013 if that Regulation, if it is adopted and in force before 1 April 2009, so permits. Any amendment or termination of the contract will be in accordance with the conditions of contract. Variations in the services will be permitted only with the agreement of the Awarding Authority.

8. Penalties in the event of the carrier failing to comply with the contract

In the event of the carrier failing to operate a flight for any reason then, subject as aftermentioned, the Scottish Ministers may reduce the grant on a pro rata basis for each occasion on which a flight is not operated provided that the Scottish Ministers shall not make any such reduction in the grant where the failure to operate the flight is as a consequence of any of the following, and the appropriate occurrence has not arisen as a consequence of the acts or omissions of the carrier:

—	weather/tidal conditions,

—	closure of the airports,

—	security reasons,

—

strikes,

—	reasons of safety.

An explanation from the carrier for such non-operation is also required in accordance with the conditions of contract.

9. Deadline for submission of bids

1 month after the date of publication of this notice.

10. Application procedure

Tenders must be sent to the address at 5 above. Persons admitted to open tenders are designated staff from Aviation Policy Branch and the Scottish Procurement Directorate, both within the Scottish Government.

11. Validity of invitations to tender

In accordance with Article 4(1)(d) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92, the validity of this invitation to tender is subject to the condition that no Community air carrier presents, by 1 March 2009, a programme for operating the routes in question from 1 April 2009 or before that date, in accordance with the PSOs imposed, as amended, without receiving any subsidy.

(1) Glasgow Airport means Glasgow International Airport.

8.8.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 202/23

Publication of an application in accordance with Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2008/C 202/10)

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months of the date of this publication.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘WIELKOPOLSKI SER SMAŻONY’

EC No: PL-PGI-005-0551-04.08.2006

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1. Name

‘Wielkopolski ser smażony’

2. Member State or Third Country

Poland

3. Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1. Type of product [as in Annex II]

Group: Cheese — class 1.3

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

Consistency:

Fried cheese from Wielkopolska (Greater Poland) has a firm, homogenous and elastic consistency.

Colour:

The colour of the cheese mass varies from light cream to yellow, depending on the quality of butter used in production (the fat content of the cheese mass may not be lower than 7,5 %) and how intensely it is fried.

Taste and smell:

The taste and smell are typical for fried cheese, i.e. rather sharp, originating in ripened curds.

pH value: 5,2-5,6.

Water: maximum 65 %.

Fat: minimum 7,5 %

Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus: absent in 0,1 g.

Number of moulds: maximum 100 in 1 g.

Sulphite-reducing spores: absent in 1 g.

Sometimes visible caraway seeds are added to the fried cheese. The taste and smell of fried cheese with caraway remains typical for that product (originating in ripened curds) while the taste and smell of caraway are clearly perceptible. The other features of the fried cheese with caraway are the same as for cheese without caraway.

3.3. Raw materials (only for processed products)

1. Milk

The producers of Wielkopolska fried cheese buy their milk from dairy producers:

—	whom they are able to supervise thoroughly, and

—	who are able to guarantee fresh milk of the desired quality to be used for curds intended for the production of fried cheese.

The entire production cycle of Wielkopolska fried cheese, from the purchase of raw milk to the finished product, should not take more than six or seven days. Any extension of the production process (use of milk or curds which have been kept too long) has a negative impact on the final product.

2. Caraway

Caraway may be added to Wielkopolska fried cheese in order to obtain one of the two possible taste varieties of the cheese, which are:

—	natural (pure) Wielkopolska fried cheese,

—	Wielkopolska fried cheese with caraway.

These are the only two varieties of fried cheese which may be marketed under the name ‘Wielkopolska fried cheese’.

3.4. Feed (for products of animal origin only)

There is no particular limitation as to the origin of feed.

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

Production stages:

—	Storage of raw milk — Raw milk is stored for no longer than 24 hours at a maximum temperature of 6 °C.

—	Skimming the milk — The skimming is done in centrifuges (special apparatus for skimming milk). The fat content of the skimmed milk should not exceed 1 %.

—	Heating the milk — The skimmed milk is heated to a temperature of 70-75 °C and left at that temperature for at least 30 seconds.

—	Preparation of the starter culture — The starter culture is prepared from pasteurised milk with the addition of a strain of lactic streptococci. This milk preparation is kept at a temperature of 25 °C for 8-10 hours, which produces the starter culture, i.e. milk containing natural microflora.

—	Souring — The milk is soured at 20-23 °C through the addition of the starter culture corresponding to 2 % of the total milk quantity.

—	Heating and turning the curds — When the curds have reached an acidity of about 31 °SH, they are slowly heated (for about 2 hours) to a temperature of 32-33 °C. The heated curds are then cut and gently turned.

—	Draining — The whey separated from the curds is drained off and the curds are then pressed and drained at a temperature of 20 °C until a water content of about 64 % is obtained. Draining off the water results in curd cheese.

—	Crumbling and placing on metal sheets — The curd cheese is crumbled and then spread on metal sheets in the cheese maturer.

—

Ripening — The ripening process (maturation of the curd cheese) takes place on metal sheets at a temperature of 16-27 °C. The process consists in the natural decomposition of the albumen until the curd becomes a glassy mass with a smell, consistency and appearance characteristic of that process.

Ripening takes 2 or 3 days. The indication that the ripening process can be terminated is the content of curd that has not ripened, which for the whole mass should be less than 25 %.

—	Mixing with fat and frying — The matured curd cheese is mixed with milk fat (butter) with the addition of salt, and also caraway in the case of Wielkopolska fried cheese with caraway. It is then fried for about 15 minutes at a temperature of at least 90 °C.

Banned practice:

‘Banned practice’ refers to the addition of substances that may replace the ripening process (e.g. fluxes, i.e. salts that enable frying without ripening) or to the use of fats other than milk fat (butter) for production.

3.6. Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc.

Wielkopolska fried cheese is packed at the production site, since it may be packed (moulded) only directly after frying, when it is still hot. Reheating the fried cheese, once cooled, in order to shape it, is not allowed. Such practice is detrimental to the quality of the product.

3.7. Specific rules concerning labelling

Each package should carry the producer's label. The label should indicate the name ‘Wielkopolski ser smażony’. The logo of the Protected Geographical Indication should be clearly visible on the label.

4. Concise definition of the geographical area

The area is situated within the administrative boundaries of the voivodship of Wielkopolska.

5. Link with the geographical area

5.1. Specificity of the geographical area

Specificity of the area where Wielkopolska fried cheese is produced:

Beginning at the end of the eighteenth century, there was a colonising movement concentrated on the area of Wielkopolska (particularly western Wielkopolska) called the ‘Olęderski’ movement (the name ‘Olędrzy’ was used for colonisers from Western and South-Western Europe). It is highly probable that the practice of frying cheese was started by these settlers.

These ‘Olędrzy’, as well as settlers from the region of Brandenburg (‘Bamberski’ farmers) were at the origin of the local know-how and custom shaped over centuries on the farms of Wielkopolska, which led to a high level of cattle farming, agriculture and methods of obtaining milk in those areas. Up to this day Wielkopolska has been known for the uniform quality of its milk. As milk cows yielded more milk, farmers sought ways of preserving one of the dairy products, namely fresh curd cheese. One such method was the production of fried cheese following the natural ripening of curd cheese (the natural decomposition of albumen which takes 2-3 days). This method of handling curd cheese (ripening and frying) did not come about by chance. Initially this was done in order to extend the period in which the cheese could be eaten. With time, the production of fried cheese in Wielkopolska became everyday routine and no meal in Wielkopolska was complete without it.

The natural method of producing Wielkopolska fried cheese, steeped in tradition, points to a solid link between the region where it is produced, the correct execution of each stage of production and the particular quality of fried cheese.

5.2. Specificity of the product

Wielkopolska fried cheese owes its characteristic taste and smell to the ripened and fried curd cheese and to the caraway (in the case of fried cheese with caraway). The use of fresh raw materials, i.e. milk and the curd cheese produced from it, is extremely important for the production of Wielkopolska fried cheese. This is linked to the necessity of ensuring the specific quality of the final product and finishing the whole production cycle of the fried cheese within 6-7 days.

The ripening process is particularly important for the production of this fried cheese. The process consists in the natural decomposition of albumen which lasts for 2-3 days. It is precisely the ripening process that has a determining influence on the specificity and exceptional character of Wielkopolska fried cheese, i.e. its taste and smell.

Frying the cheese using only milk fat (butter) is an equally important process, since it influences the taste, smell, colour and consistency of the final product.

5.3. Causal link between the geographical area and the quality or characteristics of the product (for PDO) or a specific quality, reputation or other characteristic of the product (for PGI)

The link between Wielkopolska fried cheese with the region of production is based, in particular, on its fame, described below, and the quality characteristics mentioned under point 5.2 which are due to the traditional methods of production.

Wielkopolska fried cheese is typical for the lands of western Wielkopolska together with the Nowotomyska Plain, and for central Wielkopolska: witness the frequent references to it in old documents, books and other accounts written on or about these lands. One example is a work published in Poznań at the end of the nineteenth century, Gospodyni doskonała, czyli Przepisy utrzymywania porządku w domu i zaopatrzenia (‘The Excellent Housekeeper, or How to Take Care of and Shop for your Household’) from 1899, where we find a recipe for fried cheese. There is also confirmation of the link between fried cheese and Wielkopolska in Kucharz wielkopolski (‘The Wielkopolska Chef’) by Maria Śleżańska from 1904. This book was published in Poznań by Jarosław Leitgeber. ‘The fast way of making cheese’ (‘Prędki sposób robienia sera’) described in this book does indeed contain information on making fried cheese according to the recipe from Wielkopolska.

Fried cheese has also been mentioned in more recent books. The fact that the recipe for fried cheese is regional and particular to Wielkopolska is confirmed by its inclusion in Kuchnia Wielkopolska — wczoraj i dziś, czyli porady jak smacznie i tanio gotować zachowując tradycje i zdrowie (‘Wielkopolska Cuisine Yesterday and Today — How to Cook Tasty and Inexpensive Meals while Respecting Tradition and Health’), published in Poznań in 1992. A recipe for fried cheese with caraway is also included in Potrawy z serami (‘Cheese dishes’) by Barbara Adamczewska (2005).

With time, preparing and eating fried cheese became a popular and everyday activity in Wielkopolska. Fried cheese itself became a typical product for the inhabitants of Wielkopolska, and no breakfast or supper was complete without it.

Wielkopolska fried cheese produced according to the recipe passed down the generations has maintained its high reputation throughout Poland and abroad. Its taste has always been appreciated by the inhabitants of Wielkopolska. They associate the taste of fried cheese with their childhood. The cheese is produced according to local tradition and the recipe is typical of that part of Poland. Consumers are on the look-out for precisely that fried cheese which their mothers and grandmothers used to make at home.

Nowadays fried cheese produced throughout Wielkopolska is mainly sold in the regional capital, Poznań: further proof that this exceptional product, with its extremely characteristic taste and smell, is a typical product linked to a definite region and constitutes an indissociable part of its culture.

Fried cheese produced by various Wielkopolska producers has received a great number of prizes and distinctions at the Wielkopolska Consumer Competition for Product Quality, where consumers award the prizes. This confirms the consistently high reputation of Wielkopolska fried cheese and its superior quality which is so appreciated by consumers. The fact that prizes have been awarded to various producers from Wielkopolska over the years shows that the product is of a high quality which all producers are eager to maintain.

Reference to publication of the specification

http://www.bip.minrol.gov.pl/strona/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabOrgId=1620&LangId=0

(1) OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

		ISSN 1725-2423
Official Journal of the European Union		C 202

English edition	Information and Notices	Volume 51 8 August 2008

Notice No	Contents	page
	II Information
	INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES
	Commission
2008/C 202/01	Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections ( 1 )	1

2008/C 202/02	Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections ( 1 )	5

2008/C 202/03	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5139 — Empik/HDS/JV) ( 1 )	7

2008/C 202/04	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5234 — Thomas Cook France/Jet Tours) ( 1 )	7

	III Preparatory Acts
	COMMISSION
2008/C 202/05	Legislative proposals adopted by the Commission	8

	IV Notices
	NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES
	Commission
2008/C 202/06	Euro exchange rates	15

2008/C 202/07	Latest publication of COM documents other than legislative proposals and legislative proposals adopted by the Commission OJ C 196 of 2.8.2008	16

2008/C 202/08	COM documents other than legislative proposals adopted by the Commission	17

	V Announcements
	ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
	Commission
2008/C 202/09	Operation of scheduled air services — Invitation to tender issued by the United Kingdom under Article 4(1)(d) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 in respect of the operation of scheduled air services between Glasgow-Campbeltown, Glasgow-Tiree and Glasgow-Barra (Scotland) ( 1 )	20

	OTHER ACTS
	Commission
2008/C 202/10	Publication of an application in accordance with Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs	23