Official Journal C 421/2017

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/1

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.8602 — DIF/CDC/ADTIM)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2017/C 421/01)

On 28 November 2017, 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 32017M8602. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

(1) OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/1

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.8639 — Cariparma/Caricesena/Carim/Carismi)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2017/C 421/02)

On 30 November 2017, 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 32017M8639. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

(1) OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/2

Council Conclusions on school development and excellent teaching

(2017/C 421/03)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

RECALLING the political background to this issue as set out in Annex to these conclusions;

RECOGNISING THAT:

Making high-quality, inclusive and equitable school education a reality for all learners is a top priority that influences the European Union's social progress and sustainable growth in the future. Education plays a decisive role in young people's prospects and life chances, and lays the foundation for learners' self-fulfilment in civic and social life, in the labour market and in their personal lives.

It is important for individuals to continue learning throughout their lives, in order to be able to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Schools, supported by the wider community, can play an essential role in helping individuals to develop a broad range of key competences (1), to take responsibility for their lifelong learning and careers, and to become active and responsible citizens.

AWARE OF:

the need for contemporary approaches to teaching, learning and the governance of school education systems that are based on advancements in learning sciences and help schools to respond to the changing educational demands of learners, society and the labour market, as well as those brought about by digital and technological developments;

the challenges involved in reaching the 2020 benchmark of reducing the share of low achievers in reading, mathematics and science (2), which require serious policy efforts to improve schools' capacity to support all learners, including those with special educational needs and learners from disadvantaged backgrounds;

the fact that, despite the good progress made over the last decade, continued efforts are needed to achieve the Europe 2020 headline target of reducing the rate of early school leaving (3);

the need to promote equity, equality and inclusivity in and through school education, since socioeconomic background continues to be a strongly influential factor in students' educational achievement;

the need to invest in teachers and school leaders as powerful determinants of student achievement and to support them in taking responsibility and achieving a better balance between professional autonomy and accountability;

the importance of good governance of school education systems, and the balance between school autonomy and accountability as a crucial factor in improving quality, equity and efficiency in education;

the importance of early childhood education and care that lays the foundation for higher performance at all future education levels and participation in lifelong learning, as well as promoting learning of all children, their well-being and development.

STRESSES THAT:

10.

Diversity is a hallmark of school education in Europe, where Member States are fully responsible for organising and developing their own education systems, which means that solutions addressing shared challenges and implementing targeted reforms may vary depending on national, regional and local contexts.

11.

European cooperation in the field of school education, particularly through the Erasmus+ programme, has a high EU added value and an important role to play in ensuring quality education, building closer contacts between European young people, fostering a common European identity and supporting policy reforms in the educational field.

WELCOMES the Commission Communication on school development and excellent teaching for a great start in life (4), which identifies three areas where action is needed and where European-level support can help.

Accordingly INVITES THE MEMBER STATES, with due regard for subsidiarity and in accordance with national circumstances, to focus on the following priority fields of action:

12.

Ensuring high-quality and inclusive education (5), and contributing to the development of the talent and potential of all learners by:

supporting schools to apply a whole-school approach to developing teaching and learning, in order to promote a more inclusive, engaging and supportive school culture with a focus on the well-being of the entire school community and zero tolerance for bullying, violence and discrimination on whatever basis;

b)	taking steps to ensure the acquisition of solid subject knowledge together with the development of a full range of key competences, in particular social and civic competences, as well as promoting common values (6);

c)	supporting learners' motivation, their learning to learn competence and ownership of learning, and promoting learner voice, democratic dialogue and participation in school life;

d)	enriching learning experiences while supporting effective use of digital technologies and encouraging activities that link learning with real-life experience, for instance through project- and problem-based learning, on-the-job experiences or involvement in local community activities;

investing in timely and targeted support for learners with special educational needs and those from disadvantaged backgrounds and at particular risk, using a wide range of means, including providing better access to inclusive settings and focusing on transitions within the education system and from school to the labour market;

f)	investing in high-quality early childhood education and care (7) that is accessible and available to all children.

13.

Empowering teachers and school leaders by:

a)	shifting towards a comprehensive teacher policy that spans all stages of their professional careers and takes advantage of digitalisation in education;

b)	making their careers more attractive by offering quality working conditions and enhancing support, feedback and guidance, in particular for novice teachers and school leaders;

c)	offering quality initial teacher education in which particular focus should be put on well-prepared classroom practice which spans the whole duration of their studies and, where appropriate, guided by trained mentors;

d)	investing in their continuous professional development and growth during all phases of their careers and enhancing school leadership;

e)	supporting the preparation and professional development of teacher educators and mentors and bringing a broader range of experiences into teachers' education and training;

f)	strengthening targeted collaboration, learning networks, online communities and innovative pedagogical practices among teachers and school leaders, and involving other relevant stakeholders.

14.

Shifting towards more effective, equitable and efficient governance by:

a)	finding a proper balance between autonomy and accountability with a view to supporting continuous improvement and innovation at school and system levels;

b)	further developing quality assurance systems, including self-evaluation, quantitative and qualitative assessment in accordance with national circumstances and policies, that are based on a comprehensive understanding of school development that is established and shared with stakeholders;

c)	supporting evidence-informed policies and making balanced and appropriate use of data, including from international comparative studies and from the Education and Training Monitor;

d)	striving for sufficient and efficient spending on school education and optimum use of resources at all levels, and, when appropriate, triggering structural school education reforms.

INVITES THE COMMISSION to complement actions taken by Member States and support their cooperation with a view to:

15.

widening cooperation between schools by making school partnerships, eTwinning, and mobility of students, staff and teacher educators — including practical experience abroad for novice and future teachers and school leaders — more accessible through the Erasmus+ programme;

16.

encouraging, through the exchange of best practice and peer learning, the development of a broad set of key competences for all young people, including basic skills, digital competences and competences to support personal and social development and active citizenship;

17.

enhancing schools' readiness for digital age learning, for example by promoting teachers' self-assessment and development of digital skills through a Digital Competence Framework, exploring the potential of a voluntary self-assessment tool on digital capacity for schools, and further developing EU online communities and resources;

18.

fostering science, technology, engineering, (arts) and mathematics (STE(A)M) education by promoting best practices, strengthening schools' cooperation with the higher education, research and business sectors at EU level, and effectively addressing gender gaps and stereotypes;

19.

reinforcing peer learning and peer counselling activities and the exchange of experiences and best practices, in particular on early childhood education and care, quality assurance, the careers and professional development of teachers and school leaders, and inclusive education;

20.

promoting and supporting inclusivity in education, including through policy experimentation on teaching learners with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and strengthening cooperation between Member States and the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education, as well as other relevant agencies and international organisations;

21.

promoting and supporting research on education and disseminating the results of educational research, and further developing synergies with the OECD in coordination with the Member States to produce joint comparative data and reports on school education, including through more efficient joint data collection by Eurydice and the OECD;

22.

helping Member States who voluntarily seek assistance to design and implement major school education reforms by setting up a demand-driven technical support arrangement with due regard for subsidiarity. The Commission services, including the Structural Reform Support Service, and EU funding instruments, such as the European Structural and Investment Funds and Erasmus+, could provide support.

ADDITIONALLY STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF:

23.

the Commission taking full account of these conclusions when preparing its proposals for the future strategic cooperation framework in the field of education and training and the Union programme on education and training after 2020.

(1) In the 2006 Recommendation on Key Competences for Lifelong Learning, key competences are defined as a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes.

(2) By 2020, the share of low-achieving 15-year-olds in reading, mathematics and science should be less than 15 %.

(3) By 2020, the share of early leavers from education and training should be less than 10 %.

(4) 9842/17.

(5) As referred to in the Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on inclusion in diversity to achieve a high quality education for all (February 2017).

(6) As referred to in the Declaration on promoting citizenship and the common values of freedom, tolerance and non-discrimination through education.

(7) As referred to in the Council conclusions on early childhood education and care: providing all our children with the best start for the world of tomorrow (19 and 20 May 2011).

ANNEX

Political Background

1.	Council Conclusions on preparing young people for the 21st century: an agenda for European cooperation on schools (21 November 2008).

2.	Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament — Improving competences for the 21st century: an agenda for European cooperation on schools (3 July 2008).

3.	Council Conclusions on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (‘ET2020’) (12 May 2009).

4.	Council conclusions on early childhood education and care: providing all our children with the best start for the world of tomorrow (19 and 20 May 2011).

5.	Council Conclusions on effective teacher education (20 May 2014).

6.	Council Conclusions on effective leadership in education (25 and 26 November 2013).

7.	Declaration on promoting citizenship and the common values of freedom, tolerance and non-discrimination through education (Paris, 17 March 2015).

8.	Council Conclusions on the role of early childhood education and primary education in fostering creativity, innovation and digital competence (18 and 19 May 2015).

9.	2015 Joint Report of the Council and the Commission on the implementation of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET 2020) — New priorities for European cooperation in education and training (23 and 24 November 2015).

10.	Council Conclusions on reducing early school leaving and promoting success in school (23 and 24 November 2015).

11.

Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on promoting socioeconomic development and inclusiveness in the EU through education: the contribution of education and training to the European Semester 2016 (24 February 2016).

12.	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — A new skills agenda for Europe: working together to strengthen human capital, employability and competitiveness (10 June 2016).

13.	2016 Education and Training Monitor (7 November 2016).

14.	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Improving and modernising education (7 December 2016).

15.	Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on inclusion in diversity to achieve a high quality education for all (17 February 2017).

16.	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — School development and excellent teaching for a great start in life (30 May 2017).

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/7

Notice for the attention of the persons subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/72/CFSP and Council Regulation (EU) No 101/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Tunisia

(2017/C 421/04)

The following information is brought to the attention of the persons that appear in the Annex to Council Decision 2011/72/CFSP (1), and in Annex I to Council Regulation (EU) No 101/2011 (2), concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Tunisia.

The Council intends to renew the restrictive measures provided for in Decision 2011/72/CFSP. The Council holds on its file new elements concerning all persons listed in the Annex to Decision 2011/72/CFSP and in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 101/2011. The persons concerned are hereby informed that they may submit a request to the Council to obtain the information that relates to them, before 15 December 2017, to the following address:

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

DG C 1C

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

E-mail: 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 5 of Decision 2011/72/CFSP and Article 12(4) of Regulation (EU) No 101/2011.

(1) OJ L 28, 2.2.2011, p. 62.

(2) OJ L 31, 5.2.2011, p. 1.

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/8

Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Regulation (EU) No 101/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Tunisia apply

(2017/C 421/05)

The attention of data subjects is drawn to the following information in accordance with Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1).

The legal basis for this processing operation is Council Regulation (EU) No 101/2011 (2).

The controller of this processing operation is the Council of the European Union represented by the Director-General of DG C (Foreign Affairs, Enlargement, Civil Protection) of the General Secretariat of the Council and the department entrusted with the processing operation is the Unit 1C of DG C that can be contacted at:

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

DG C 1C

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

E-mail: sanctions@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 Regulation (EU) No 101/2011.

The data subjects are the natural persons who fulfil listing criteria as laid down in that Regulation.

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 provided for in Article 20(1)(a) and (d) of Regulation (EC) No 45/2001, requests for access, as well as requests for rectification or objection will be answered in accordance with section 5 of Council Decision 2004/644/EC (3).

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 asset freeze or the validity of the measure has expired, or for the duration of court proceedings in the event they had been started.

Data subjects may have recourse to the European Data Protection Supervisor in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001.

(1) OJ L 8, 12.1.2001, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 31, 5.2.2011, p. 1.

(3) OJ L 296, 21.9.2004, p. 16.

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/9

Euro exchange rates (1)

7 December 2017

(2017/C 421/06)

1 euro =

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,1786
JPY	Japanese yen	132,88
DKK	Danish krone	7,4415
GBP	Pound sterling	0,88068
SEK	Swedish krona	9,9558
CHF	Swiss franc	1,1700
ISK	Iceland króna
NOK	Norwegian krone	9,7503
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	25,611
HUF	Hungarian forint	314,84
PLN	Polish zloty	4,2129
RON	Romanian leu	4,6354
TRY	Turkish lira	4,5553
AUD	Australian dollar	1,5682
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,5131
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	9,2040
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,7252
SGD	Singapore dollar	1,5916
KRW	South Korean won	1 287,95
ZAR	South African rand	16,0897
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	7,8013
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,5450
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	15 967,83
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,8184
PHP	Philippine peso	59,646
RUB	Russian rouble	69,7763
THB	Thai baht	38,458
BRL	Brazilian real	3,8824
MXN	Mexican peso	22,3177
INR	Indian rupee	76,1110

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

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/10

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION

of 4 December 2017

on the publication in the Official Journal of the European Union of an application to amend the specification for a name in the wine sector in accordance with Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Graves (PDO))

(2017/C 421/07)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007 (1), and in particular Article 97(3) thereof,

Whereas:

(1)	France submitted an application to amend the specification for the name ‘Graves’ in accordance with Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013.

(2)	The Commission examined that application and found that the conditions laid down in Articles 93 to 96, 97(1), 100, 101 and 102 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 had been met.

(3)	In order to allow statements of objection to be submitted in accordance with Article 98 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, the application to amend the specification for the name ‘Graves’ should be published in the Official Journal of the European Union,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The application to amend the specification for the name ‘Graves’ (PDO) in accordance with Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 is contained in the Annex to this Decision.

In accordance with Article 98 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, the publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union confers the right to oppose the amendment of the specification referred to in the first paragraph of this Article within 2 months.

Done at Brussels, 4 December 2017.

For the Commission

Phil HOGAN

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

ANNEX

‘GRAVES’

AOP-FR-A1012-AM01

Date of submission of the application: 7.3.2016

REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT OF THE SPECIFICATION

1. Rules applicable to the amendment

Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 — Non-minor amendment

2. Description of and reasons for the amendment

2.1. Geographical area

Chapter I, point IV, subpoint 1 of the specification is amended as follows:

—

After the word: ‘Virelade’, the following words are added: ‘and in part of the municipality of Coimères corresponding to section A “des Herrères” of the first page of the land register (1934 revised plan) certified in accordance with the updated land register of 5 November 2010.’ The purpose of this amendment is to include within the geographical area part of the municipality of Coimères where similar vine training methods and a very similar area for planting — in terms of the landscape, topography, hydrology, geology and soil — to that of the neighbouring vineyards covered by the ‘Graves’ designation have long been used in wine production. This part of the municipality of Coimères is located immediately next to the geographical area covered by the ‘Graves’ PDO.

The request to incorporate the municipality of Coimères was lodged in 1938 just after national recognition was granted to the designation, after it was pointed out by an operator at that time that the municipality had been overlooked. Despite successive decisions by national bodies approving the inclusion of the municipality in the geographical area covered by the designation, the decision was never subsequently incorporated into official texts. By now including this municipality, the aim is to simply rectify this longstanding oversight.

—

The words ‘Martignas-sur-Jalle’ and ‘Saint-Jean-d'Illac’ are deleted. The purpose of this amendment is to exclude the municipalities of Martignas-sur-Jalle and Saint-Jean-d'Illac from the geographical area as wine production no longer takes place there and no vineyards or parcels attributed to the AOC are situated in those municipalities.

Point 6 of the Single Document has been amended accordingly.

2.2. Demarcated parcel area

In Chapter I, point IV, subpoint 2 of the specification, after the words: ‘of 10 February 2011’, the following words are added: ‘and of its standing committee of 4 September 2013, by delegation of the national committee’. The reason for this amendment is to add the date the competent national authority approved an amendment to the demarcated parcel area within the geographical area of production. The parcel demarcation consists of identifying the parcels within the geographical area of production that are suitable for producing the protected designation of origin in question.

The Single Document is not affected by this amendment.

2.3. Link to the origin

In Chapter I, point X, subpoint 1, paragraph 3 of the specification, the number ‘43’ is replaced by ‘42’. This change reflects the correction made to the number of municipalities which comprise the geographical area following the removal of two municipalities (Martignas-sur-Jalle and Saint-Jean-d'Illac) and the addition of part of the municipality of Coimères.

Point 8 of the Single Document has been amended accordingly.

The summary of the link under point 8 of the Single Document has been revised in line with this change and the maximum number of characters allowed in e-Ambrosia.

2.4. Other amendments

In connection with this new amendment application, the Single Document has been updated according to the new input rules of the e-Ambrosia software.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name

Graves

2. Type of geographical indication

PDO — Protected Designation of Origin

3. Categories of grapevine products

Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

Still red wine

The red wines are produced from balanced vine varieties with the Cabernet Sauvignon N variety offering aromas and structure, the Merlot N variety offering fragrance and suppleness and the Franc N, Petit-Verdot N, Malbec N and Carménère N varieties complementing them. When young, they frequently develop red fruit aromas coupled with spicy, roasted notes. Elegant and structured, fine and aromatic, the wines age harmoniously, with their bouquet taking on a fine smokiness. Depending on their vintage and origin, they take between 5 and 10 years to reach their peak.

Minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 11 %.

After enrichment, the total alcoholic strength by volume is 13,5 %

The red wines must undergo malo-lactic fermentation.

The malic acid content is less than or equal to 0,3 g per litre.

The fermentable sugar content is less than or equal to 3 g per litre.

Still dry white wine

The white wines are elegant and fleshy. Produced from the Sémillon B vine variety, they generally take on floral notes and a natural fattiness which is still fresh. When combined with the Sauvignon B variety which brings a lively, expressive quality, and the Muscadelle B variety, which offers a slight muskiness, the aromas of the wines often suggest flora and citrus, sometimes with exotic or menthol notes. The practice sometimes used of maturing the wines in barrels increases their richness and complexity after they have been aged for a number of years.

Minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 10,5 %.

After enrichment, the total alcoholic strength by volume is 13 %.

The fermentable sugar content is less than or equal to 4 g per litre.

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum total acidity	In milliequivalents per litre
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)	13,27
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

The parameters not indicated — concerning the analytical characteristics — are laid down in the legislation in force.

5. Wine-making practices

a. Essential oenological practices

Density and distance

Cultivation method

The minimum planting density of the vines is 5 000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of these vines must not exceed 2 metres, and the spacing between plants in the same row must be at least 0,8 metres.

Pruning rules

Cultivation method

At the latest, pruning is carried out at the unfolded leaves stage (Lorenz stage 9). Vines are pruned with a maximum of 12 buds per plant, using the following techniques:

—	‘short’ (or spur) pruning or ‘shoot’ (or long) pruning,

—	short pruning to two cordons, or fan pruning to four arms.

Irrigation

Cultivation method

Irrigation during the vine growing season is only permitted in cases of persistent drought and if drought is disrupting the sound physiological development of the vines and the ripening of the grapes.

Enrichment

Specific oenological practice

Reductive methods of enrichment are permitted for the red wines with a limit of a 15 % concentration rate.

After enrichment, the red wines' total alcoholic strength by volume does not exceed 13,5 %.

After enrichment, the white wines' total alcoholic strength by volume does not exceed 13 %.

b. Maximum yields

Red wine

65 hectolitres per hectare

White wine

68 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and aged in the territory of the following municipalities in the department of Gironde: Arbanats, Ayguemorte-les-Graves, Beautiran, Bègles, La Brède, Budos, Cabanac-et-Villagrains, Cadaujac, Canéjan, Castres-Gironde, Cérons, Cestas, Eysines, Gradignan, Guillos, Le Haillan, Illats, Isle-Saint-Georges, Landiras, Langon, Léogeats, Léognan, Martillac, Mazères, Mérignac, Pessac, Podensac, Portets, Pujols-sur-Ciron, Roaillan, Saint-Médard-d'Eyrans, Saint-Michel-de-Rieufret, Saint-Morillon, Saint-Pardon-de-Conques, Saint-Pierre-de-Mons, Saint-Selve, Saucats, Talence, Toulenne, Villenave-d'Ornon, Virelade, and in part of the municipality of Coimères corresponding to section A ‘des Herrères’ of the first page of the land register (1934 revised plan) certified in accordance with the updated land register of 5 November 2010.

7. Main wine grapes

Cabernet-Sauvignon N

Cabernet Franc N

Cot N

Carménère N

Muscadelle B

Merlot N

Sémillon B

Sauvignon Gris G

Sauvignon B

Petit Verdot N

8. Description of the link(s)

The geographical area of the ‘Graves’ Protected Designation of Origin is a strip some 10 km wide situated on the left bank of the Garonne, beginning north of Bordeaux and ending south-east of Langon.

As the name of the designation implies, the ‘Graves’ region is formed of shingles, pebbles, largely coarse gravel and sand mixed with silt and clay, at times on a base of calcerous rock but generally on pure sand, iron-rich sandstone (alios) or clay. It spans 42 municipalities of the Gironde department.

The soil is the result of a long and complex geological history, closely connected with the beginnings of the Garonne, its changes in course and the successive glaciers during the quarternary era. During those periods, the Pyrenees glaciers eroded their valleys and prepared the rocks which the rivers would then wear down, continuing through to the Bordeaux region. Gravel hillocks of all types and sizes are the only remaining traces of these successive deposits.

Common to the soils which have since formed there is their high permeability caused by the rich gravel and shingle content. Although not the only soils which very much distinguish ‘Graves’, they are the backbone and embodiment of its excellence. By encouraging the flow of water, the slopes ensure perfect surface drainage. This is also supported by a large hydrographic network made up of small streams, tributaries of the Garonne. The soils are such that the vines' water supply is strictly regulated.

The vineyards benefit from a special and favourable climate, protected from harsh weather to the west by pine forests which play an important role in regulating the temperature. They are also protected from high temperatures and excess humidity by means of aeration and natural ventilation thanks to the proximity of the Garonne, benefitting from oceanic influences which help to mitigate spring frost. The wine-growing landscapes in this area, consisting of gentle slopes where bright, polished pebbles reflect light onto the grapes, are set between the river and pine forests.

Home to the great white and red wines of Bordeaux, the ‘Graves’ region is the birthplace of techniques still used to this day. The vine varieties, grown in an oceanic climate, have needed échalas (support poles) since the 17th and 18th centuries, followed by widespread trellising and a severe pruning method to ensure a well distributed grape harvest and sufficient leaf area for photosynthesis and optimum ripeness.

In line with the methods transcribed in the Decree of 4 March 1937 defining the ‘Graves’ controlled designation of origin, the parcel area defined for the grape harvest classifies parcels characterised by natural drainage according to either their drainage quality or their position on a hilltop or slope. Geographical or topographical locations where spring frost forms on account of their greater distance from the Garonne or enclosure by forest (blocking the flow of cold air masses) are excluded.

The precisely defined parcels ensure optimum development of the local vine varieties which have been selected over time on account of being well suited to conservation and ageing, this being associated with the need for products to be transported over long distances.

Although the stony, warm and generally infertile soil corresponding to the designation naturally limits red wine production, it nevertheless enables the Cabernet-Sauvignon N and Merlot varieties to achieve optimum ripeness, helped also by the temperature regulation resulting from the proximity of the Garonne. The wines which are thereby obtained have good structure and are subsequently matured as necessary in order to age and be expressed as best as possible prior to being placed on the market for consumers.

The sandier soils and soils with a clayey matrix are better suited to producing the white wines covered by the designation, largely from the Sauvignon B and Sémillon B vine varieties. These varieties offer a freshness which combines with their finesse and floral, fruity properties.

In order to ensure an adequate harvest without overloading the vines, thereby guaranteeing the grapes' ripeness and optimum concentration, there is a higher minimum planting density.

Due to the closeness of the Port of Bordeaux, where a busy trade historically developed to market the wines internationally, combined with the unique geographical and pedological conditions, the ‘Graves’ controlled designation of origin has become internationally renowned.

9. Essential further conditions

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further condition

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition

The area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for the making, development and ageing of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities of the Department of Gironde: Barsac, Beguey, Bieujac, Bommes, Cadillac, Castets en Dorthe, Fargues, Langoiran, Loupiac, Le Pian sur Garonne, Preignac, Rions, Saint-Loubert, Saint-Maixant, Saint-Pierre-d'Aurillac, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont and Sauternes.

Broader geographical unit

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition

Wines with the controlled designation of origin may specify on their labels the broader geographical unit ‘Vin de Graves’. The size of the letters for this broader geographical unit must not be larger, either in height or width, than two-thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the controlled designation of origin.

10. Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-d60d4526-0d0e-4eec-811f-73176ca92985

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/16

Commission notice on current State aid recovery interest rates and reference/discount rates for 28 Member States applicable as from 1 January 2018

(Published in accordance with Article 10 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 of 21 April 2004 (OJ L 140, 30.4.2004, p. 1))

(2017/C 421/08)

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

Modified rates are indicated in bold.

Previous table published in OJ C 385, 15.11.2017, p. 17.

From	To	AT	BE	BG	CY	CZ	DE	DK	EE	EL	ES	FI	FR	HR	HU	IE	IT	LT	LU	LV	MT	NL	PL	PT	RO	SE	SI	SK	UK
1.1.2018	…	-0,18	-0,18	0,65	-0,18	0,75	-0,18	0,02	-0,18	-0,18	-0,18	-0,18	-0,18	0,54	0,13	-0,18	-0,18	-0,18	-0,18	-0,18	-0,18	-0,18	1,85	-0,18	1,89	-0,42	-0,18	-0,18	0,73

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/17

Special Report No 20/2017

‘EU-funded loan guarantee instruments: positive results but better targeting of beneficiaries and coordination with national schemes needed’

(2017/C 421/09)

The European Court of Auditors hereby informs you that Special Report No 20/2017 ‘EU-funded loan guarantee instruments: positive results but better targeting of beneficiaries and coordination with national schemes needed’ has just been published.

The report can be accessed for consultation or downloading on the European Court of Auditors' website: http://eca.europa.eu

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/18

Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries

(2017/C 421/10)

In accordance with Article 35(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20 November 2009 establishing a Union control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy (1), a decision has been taken to close the fishery as set down in the following table:

Date and time of closure	23.10.2017
Duration	23.10.2017-31.12.2017
Member State	Portugal
Stock or Group of stocks	SBR/09- (including special condition SBR/*678-)
Species	Red seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo)
Zone	Union and international waters of IX
Type(s) of fishing vessels	—
Reference number	32/TQ2285

(1) OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/18

Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries

(2017/C 421/11)

Date and time of closure	20.11.2017
Duration	20.11.2017-31.12.2017
Member State	Portugal
Stock or Group of stocks	SRX/89-C (including special condition RJC/89-C., RJH/89-C., RJN/89-C., RJU/8-C. and RJU/9-C.)
Species	Skates and rays (Rajiformes)
Zone	Union waters of VIII and IX
Type(s) of fishing vessels	—
Reference number	44/TQ127

(1) OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/19

Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries

(2017/C 421/12)

Date and time of closure	10.10.2017
Duration	10.10.2017-31.12.2017
Member State	Belgium
Stock or Group of stocks	HKE/8ABDE. (and special condition HKE/*57-14)
Species	Hake (Merluccius merluccius)
Zone	VIIIa, VIIIb, VIIId and VIIIe (and special condition in VI and VII; Union and international waters of Vb; international waters of XII and XIV)
Type(s) of fishing vessels	—
Reference number	24/TQ127

(1) OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/19

Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries

(2017/C 421/13)

Date and time of closure	10.10.2017
Duration	10.10.2017-31.12.2017
Member State	Belgium
Stock or Group of stocks	SRX/89-C (including special condition RJC/89-C., RJH/89-C., RJN/89-C., RJU/8-C. and RJU/9-C.)
Species	Skates and rays (Rajiformes)
Zone	Union waters of VIII and IX
Type(s) of fishing vessels	—
Reference number	25/TQ127

(1) OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/20

Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries

(2017/C 421/14)

Date and time of closure	10.10.2017
Duration	10.10.2017-31.12.2017
Member State	Belgium
Stock or Group of stocks	SOL/8AB.
Species	Common sole (solea solea)
Zone	VIIIa and VIIIb
Type(s) of fishing vessels	—
Reference number	26/TQ127

(1) OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/20

Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries

(2017/C 421/15)

Date and time of closure	11.10.2017
Duration	11.10.2017-31.12.2017
Member State	Portugal
Stock or Group of stocks	ALB/AN05N
Species	Northern albacore (Thunnus alalunga)
Zone	Atlantic Ocean, north of 5° N
Type(s) of fishing vessels	—
Reference number	29/TQ127

(1) OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/21

Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries

(2017/C 421/16)

Date and time of closure	10.10.2017
Duration	10.10.2017-31.12.2017
Member State	Belgium
Stock or Group of stocks	PLE/8/3411
Species	Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)
Zone	VIII, IX and X; Union waters of CECAF 34.1.1
Type(s) of fishing vessels	—
Reference number	27/TQ127

(1) OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/21

Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries

(2017/C 421/17)

Date and time of closure	7.10.2017
Duration	7.10.2017-31.12.2017
Member State	Estonia
Stock or Group of stocks	COD/N3M.
Species	Cod (Gadus morhua)
Zone	NAFO 3M
Type(s) of fishing vessels	—
Reference number	30/TQ127

(1) OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/22

Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries

(2017/C 421/18)

Date and time of closure	10.10.2017
Duration	10.10.2017-31.12.2017
Member State	Belgium
Stock or Group of stocks	ANF/*8ABDE (special condition to ANF/07.)
Species	Anglerfish (Lophiidae)
Zone	VIIIa, VIIIb, VIIId and VIIIe
Type(s) of fishing vessels	—
Reference number	23/TQ127

(1) OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/22

Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries

(2017/C 421/19)

Date and time of closure	10.10.2017
Duration	10.10.2017-31.12.2017
Member State	Belgium
Stock or Group of stocks	LEZ/*8ABDE. (special condition to LEZ/07.)
Species	Megrims (Lepidorhombus spp.)
Zone	VIIIa, VIIIb, VIIId and VIIIe
Type(s) of fishing vessels	—
Reference number	22/TQ127

(1) OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

8.12.2017

Official Journal of the European Union

C 421/23

Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries

(2017/C 421/20)

Date and time of closure	3.10.2017
Duration	3.10.2017 – 31.12.2017
Member State	Spain
Stock or Group of stocks	RNG/5B67- including RHG/5B67-, RNG/8X14- and RHG/8X14-
Species	Roundnose grenadier (Coryphaenoides rupestris)
Zone	Union and international waters of Vb, VI and VII
Type(s) of fishing vessels	—
Reference number	19/TQ2285

(1) OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

		ISSN 1977-091X
Official Journal of the European Union		C 421

English edition	Information and Notices	Volume 60 8 December 2017

Notice No	Contents	page
	II Information
	INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES
	European Commission
2017/C 421/01	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8602 — DIF/CDC/ADTIM) ( 1 )	1
2017/C 421/02	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8639 — Cariparma/Caricesena/Carim/Carismi) ( 1 )	1

	IV Notices
	NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES
	Council
2017/C 421/03	Council Conclusions on school development and excellent teaching	2
2017/C 421/04	Notice for the attention of the persons subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/72/CFSP and Council Regulation (EU) No 101/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Tunisia	7
2017/C 421/05	Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Regulation (EU) No 101/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Tunisia apply	8
	European Commission
2017/C 421/06	Euro exchange rates	9
2017/C 421/07	Commission Implementing Decision of 4 December 2017 on the publication in the Official Journal of the European Union of an application to amend the specification for a name in the wine sector in accordance with Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Graves (PDO))	10
2017/C 421/08	Commission notice on current State aid recovery interest rates and reference/discount rates for 28 Member States applicable as from 1 January 2018(Published in accordance with Article 10 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 of 21 April 2004 ( OJ L 140, 30.4.2004, p. 1 ))	16
	Court of Auditors
2017/C 421/09	Special Report No 20/2017 — EU-funded loan guarantee instruments: positive results but better targeting of beneficiaries and coordination with national schemes needed	17
	NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES
2017/C 421/10	Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries	18
2017/C 421/11	Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries	18
2017/C 421/12	Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries	19
2017/C 421/13	Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries	19
2017/C 421/14	Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries	20
2017/C 421/15	Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries	20
2017/C 421/16	Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries	21
2017/C 421/17	Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries	21
2017/C 421/18	Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries	22
2017/C 421/19	Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries	22
2017/C 421/20	Information communicated by Member States regarding closure of fisheries	23