Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 of 14 July 1992 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs^f1, and in particular Article 7(5)(b), Article 6(3) and the first indent of Article 6(4) thereof,

Whereas:

In accordance with Article 6(2) of Regulation (EC) No 2081/92, France’s application to register ‘Miel d’Alsace’ was published in the Official Journal of the European Union ^f2.

Germany opposed the registration under Article 7 of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92. This opposition arose from a failure to comply with the conditions laid down in Article 2 of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92. In Germany’s view, some details of the specification relating to proof of origin in particular were inadequate as regards the definition of a geographical indication.

By letter of 6 February 2003 the Commission asked the Member States concerned to seek agreement among themselves in accordance with their internal procedures.

As no agreement was reached between France and Germany within three months, the Commission must adopt a decision in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 15 of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92.

As a result of the contacts between France and Germany on Miel d’Alsace, clarifications were made to the product specification in question, particularly as regards the honey’s chemical features and proof of origin. Point 4 of the specification summary has been amended as a result.

In light of the above, the name should thus be entered in the ‘Register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications’.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Regulatory Committee on the Protection of Geographical Indications and Designations of Origin for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: