# Official Journal C 204/2012

| | ISSN 1977-091X
  doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2012.204.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 204 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5512 July 2012 |

ISSN 1977-091X

doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2012.204.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 204

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5512 July 2012

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 204/01 | Withdrawal of notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6564 — ARM/Giesecke & Devrient/Gemalto/JV) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2012/C 204/01

Withdrawal of notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6564 — ARM/Giesecke & Devrient/Gemalto/JV) (
  1
  )

1

1

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 204/02 | Euro exchange rates | 2 |
| 2012/C 204/03 | Commission Implementing Decision of 11 July 2012 on the financing of the 2012 work programme on IT tools in the field of food safety, animal health, animal welfare and plant health | 3 |
| | NOTICES CONCERNING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA |
| | EFTA Surveillance Authority |
| 2012/C 204/04 | Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice on State aid issues concerning potential aid to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene in Norway | 15 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2012/C 204/02

Euro exchange rates

2

2012/C 204/03

Commission Implementing Decision of 11 July 2012 on the financing of the 2012 work programme on IT tools in the field of food safety, animal health, animal welfare and plant health

3

NOTICES CONCERNING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA

EFTA Surveillance Authority

2012/C 204/04

Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice on State aid issues concerning potential aid to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene in Norway

15

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) |
| 2012/C 204/05 | Notice of open competitions | 41 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 204/06 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6647 — Mitsubishi Corporation/Mitsubishi Electric Corporation/Mitsubishi Elevator (Singapore)) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 42 |
| 2012/C 204/07 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6651 — Goldman Sachs/William C. Young/Plastipak Holdings) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 43 |
| 2012/C 204/08 | Communication from the Commission published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case COMP/39.654 — Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs) (notified under document C(2012) 4873)
   (
  1
  ) | 44 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

2012/C 204/05

Notice of open competitions

41

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2012/C 204/06

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6647 — Mitsubishi Corporation/Mitsubishi Electric Corporation/Mitsubishi Elevator (Singapore)) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

42

2012/C 204/07

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6651 — Goldman Sachs/William C. Young/Plastipak Holdings) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

43

2012/C 204/08

Communication from the Commission published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case COMP/39.654 — Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs) (notified under document C(2012) 4873)
   (
  1
  )

(notified under document C(2012) 4873)

1

44

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

| EN | |
| --- | --- |

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 12.7.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 204/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.7.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 204/1

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Withdrawal of notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.6564 — ARM/Giesecke & Devrient/Gemalto/JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 204/01

(Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004)

On 15 June 2012, the European Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration between ARM, Giesecke & Devrient, Gemalto and JV. On 3 July 2012, the notifying party/ies informed the Commission that it/they withdrew its/their notification.

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 12.7.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 204/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.7.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 204/2

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Euro exchange rates (1)

11 July 2012

2012/C 204/02

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,2260 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 97,14 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4363 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,78815 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 8,5384 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,2010 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,4745 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,395 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 288,75 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6962 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,1697 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,5255 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,2191 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,1953 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,2493 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,5070 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,5369 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,5499 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 398,56 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 10,0655 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,7828 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,4858 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 11 558,92 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 3,8944 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 51,288 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 40,2341 |
| THB | Thai baht | 38,864 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,4899 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 16,3330 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 68,2000 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,2260

JPY

Japanese yen

97,14

DKK

Danish krone

7,4363

GBP

Pound sterling

0,78815

SEK

Swedish krona

8,5384

CHF

Swiss franc

1,2010

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,4745

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,395

HUF

Hungarian forint

288,75

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6962

PLN

Polish zloty

4,1697

RON

Romanian leu

4,5255

TRY

Turkish lira

2,2191

AUD

Australian dollar

1,1953

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,2493

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,5070

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,5369

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5499

KRW

South Korean won

1 398,56

ZAR

South African rand

10,0655

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,7828

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,4858

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

11 558,92

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

3,8944

PHP

Philippine peso

51,288

RUB

Russian rouble

40,2341

THB

Thai baht

38,864

BRL

Brazilian real

2,4899

MXN

Mexican peso

16,3330

INR

Indian rupee

68,2000

---

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

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| 12.7.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 204/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.7.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 204/3

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION

of 11 July 2012

on the financing of the 2012 work programme on IT tools in the field of food safety, animal health, animal welfare and plant health

2012/C 204/03

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (1) (hereinafter ‘the Financial Regulation’), and in particular Article 75 thereof,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on official controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules (2), and in particular Articles 66(1)(c) and 66(2) thereof,

Having regard to Council Decision 2009/470/EC of 25 May 2009 on expenditure in the veterinary field (3), and in particular Articles 35(2) and 36(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | In accordance with Article 75 of the Financial Regulation and Article 90(1) of the Implementing Rules, the commitment of expenditure from the Union budget shall be preceded by a financing decision setting out the essential elements of the action involving expenditure and adopted by the institution or the authorities to which powers have been delegated by the institution. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

In accordance with Article 75 of the Financial Regulation and Article 90(1) of the Implementing Rules, the commitment of expenditure from the Union budget shall be preceded by a financing decision setting out the essential elements of the action involving expenditure and adopted by the institution or the authorities to which powers have been delegated by the institution.

| (2) | Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) (hereinafter ‘the Implementing Rules’) identifies the degree of detail considered sufficient to describe the framework of a financing decision. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) (hereinafter ‘the Implementing Rules’) identifies the degree of detail considered sufficient to describe the framework of a financing decision.

| (3) | In accordance with Article 53d of the Financial Regulation, evidence has been obtained that the international organisations to be entrusted by the Commission with the implementation of Union funds in joint management, apply standards which offer guarantees equivalent to internationally accepted standards in their accounting, audit, internal control and procurement procedures. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In accordance with Article 53d of the Financial Regulation, evidence has been obtained that the international organisations to be entrusted by the Commission with the implementation of Union funds in joint management, apply standards which offer guarantees equivalent to internationally accepted standards in their accounting, audit, internal control and procurement procedures.

| (4) | Article 50(1) of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety (5) establishes a rapid alert system for the notification of a direct or indirect risk to human health deriving from food or feed as a network and rules that the Commission manages the network. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Article 50(1) of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety (5) establishes a rapid alert system for the notification of a direct or indirect risk to human health deriving from food or feed as a network and rules that the Commission manages the network.

| (5) | Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods (6) obliges the Commission to establish and maintain a register of nutrition and health claims made on food. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods (6) obliges the Commission to establish and maintain a register of nutrition and health claims made on food.

| (6) | Article 28 of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on genetically modified food and feed (7) obliges the Commission to establish and maintain a publicly available register of genetically modified food and feed. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Article 28 of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on genetically modified food and feed (7) obliges the Commission to establish and maintain a publicly available register of genetically modified food and feed.

| (7) | Article 25 of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on flavourings and certain ingredients with flavouring properties for use in and on foods and amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91, Regulations (EC) No 2232/96 and (EC) No 110/2008 and Directive 2000/13/EC (8) indicates that the Union shall establish a list of flavouring substances. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Article 25 of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on flavourings and certain ingredients with flavouring properties for use in and on foods and amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91, Regulations (EC) No 2232/96 and (EC) No 110/2008 and Directive 2000/13/EC (8) indicates that the Union shall establish a list of flavouring substances.

| (8) | Article 31(2) of Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 March 2001 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified oreganisms and repealing Council Directive 90/220/EEC (9) obliges the Commission to establish one or several registers for the purposes of recording the information on genetic modifications in GMOs which can be used for the detection and identification of particular GMO products to facilitate post-marketing control and inspection. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Article 31(2) of Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 March 2001 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified oreganisms and repealing Council Directive 90/220/EEC (9) obliges the Commission to establish one or several registers for the purposes of recording the information on genetic modifications in GMOs which can be used for the detection and identification of particular GMO products to facilitate post-marketing control and inspection.

| (9) | Articles 4 to 8 of Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 1997 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients (10) require the provision and maintenance of a network between the EU Member States and the European Commission for a fast exchange of data allowing the secure handling of confidential information. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Articles 4 to 8 of Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 1997 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients (10) require the provision and maintenance of a network between the EU Member States and the European Commission for a fast exchange of data allowing the secure handling of confidential information.

| (10) | Article 2(1)(i) and Article 21(6) of Council Directive 2000/29/EC of 8 May 2000 on protective measures agains the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against the spread within the Community (11) provide for the establishment of a network for the notification of new occurrences of harmful organisms, for recommendations for drawing up guidelines for national inspectors in carrying out phytosanitary import inspections and for programmes aimed at raising the knowledge of national inspectors. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

Article 2(1)(i) and Article 21(6) of Council Directive 2000/29/EC of 8 May 2000 on protective measures agains the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against the spread within the Community (11) provide for the establishment of a network for the notification of new occurrences of harmful organisms, for recommendations for drawing up guidelines for national inspectors in carrying out phytosanitary import inspections and for programmes aimed at raising the knowledge of national inspectors.

| (11) | Article 10 of Council Directive 69/464/EEC of 8 December 1969 on control of potato wart disease (12), Articles 1(a) and 2 of Council Directive 93/85/EEC of 4 October 1993 on the control of potato ring rot (13), Articles 1(a) and 2 of Council Directive 98/57/EC of 20 July 1998 on the control of Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith) Yabuuchi et al. (14) and Articles 1, 4 and 8 of Council Directive 2007/33/EC of 11 June 2007 on the control of potato cyst nematodes and repealing Directive 69/465/EEC (15) lay down the requirements for controlling respectively potato wart disease, potato ring rot, potato brown rot and potato cyst nematodes, which are all very important diseases of the potato crop. They establish in particular strict requirements for the execution of regular surveys to monitor the presence of the above mentioned harmful organisms, as well as obligations to communicate the results thereof to the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Article 10 of Council Directive 69/464/EEC of 8 December 1969 on control of potato wart disease (12), Articles 1(a) and 2 of Council Directive 93/85/EEC of 4 October 1993 on the control of potato ring rot (13), Articles 1(a) and 2 of Council Directive 98/57/EC of 20 July 1998 on the control of Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith) Yabuuchi et al. (14) and Articles 1, 4 and 8 of Council Directive 2007/33/EC of 11 June 2007 on the control of potato cyst nematodes and repealing Directive 69/465/EEC (15) lay down the requirements for controlling respectively potato wart disease, potato ring rot, potato brown rot and potato cyst nematodes, which are all very important diseases of the potato crop. They establish in particular strict requirements for the execution of regular surveys to monitor the presence of the above mentioned harmful organisms, as well as obligations to communicate the results thereof to the Commission.

| (12) | Article 76(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC (16) provides the financing of the development of a database for gathering and storing all information related to plant protection products. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Article 76(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC (16) provides the financing of the development of a database for gathering and storing all information related to plant protection products.

| (13) | Article 5e of Council Directive 68/193/EEC of 9 April 1968 on the marketing of material for the vegetative propagation of the vine (17) provides that the Commission is to publish a common catalogue of varieties which fall within the scope of the Directive. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Article 5e of Council Directive 68/193/EEC of 9 April 1968 on the marketing of material for the vegetative propagation of the vine (17) provides that the Commission is to publish a common catalogue of varieties which fall within the scope of the Directive.

| (14) | Article 7(6) of Council Directive 2008/90/EC of 29 September 2008 on the marketing of fruit plant propagating material and fruit plants intended for fruit production (18) provides that it may be decided that a common catalogue of varieties may be established and published. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

Article 7(6) of Council Directive 2008/90/EC of 29 September 2008 on the marketing of fruit plant propagating material and fruit plants intended for fruit production (18) provides that it may be decided that a common catalogue of varieties may be established and published.

| (15) | Article 11(1) of Council Directive 1999/105/EC of 22 December 1999 on the marketing of forest reproductive material provides that the Commission may publish a ‘Community list of approved basic material for the production of forest reproductive material’. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

Article 11(1) of Council Directive 1999/105/EC of 22 December 1999 on the marketing of forest reproductive material provides that the Commission may publish a ‘Community list of approved basic material for the production of forest reproductive material’.

| (16) | The first paragraph of Article 17 of Council Directive 2002/53/EC of 13 June 2002 on the common catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant species (19) and the first paragraph of Article 17 of Directive 2002/55/EC on the marketing of vegetable seed (20) provide that the Commission publishes common catalogues of varieties of agricultural plant species and vegetable species respectively. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

The first paragraph of Article 17 of Council Directive 2002/53/EC of 13 June 2002 on the common catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant species (19) and the first paragraph of Article 17 of Directive 2002/55/EC on the marketing of vegetable seed (20) provide that the Commission publishes common catalogues of varieties of agricultural plant species and vegetable species respectively.

| (17) | Article 36(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticide in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin and amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC (21) provides for the establishment of a consolidated database for Union legislation on maximum residues levels of pesticide residues and for making such information publicly available. |
| --- | --- |

(17)

Article 36(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticide in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin and amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC (21) provides for the establishment of a consolidated database for Union legislation on maximum residues levels of pesticide residues and for making such information publicly available.

| (18) | Article 8 of Directive 96/23/EC of 29 April 1996 on measures to monitor certain substances and residues thereof in live animals and animal products and repealing Directives 85/358/EEC and 86/469/EEC and Decisions 89/187/EEC and 91/664/EEC (22) provides in a database for the monitoring plans. |
| --- | --- |

(18)

Article 8 of Directive 96/23/EC of 29 April 1996 on measures to monitor certain substances and residues thereof in live animals and animal products and repealing Directives 85/358/EEC and 86/469/EEC and Decisions 89/187/EEC and 91/664/EEC (22) provides in a database for the monitoring plans.

| (19) | Article 6(4) of Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (23) provides in a database in relation to the epidemiological surveillance of bovine spongiform encephalopathies. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

Article 6(4) of Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (23) provides in a database in relation to the epidemiological surveillance of bovine spongiform encephalopathies.

| (20) | Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the Europeran Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives (24) requires the running and maintenance of databases in relation to the common authorisation procedure for food additives. |
| --- | --- |

(20)

Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the Europeran Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives (24) requires the running and maintenance of databases in relation to the common authorisation procedure for food additives.

| (21) | Article 35(1) of Decision 2009/470/EC allows for Union financial assistance for the introduction of systems to identify animals and notify diseases. A Union financial contribution should be granted for the management of and for improving the Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS), based on Commission Decision 2005/176/EC of 1 March 2005 laying down the codified form and the codes for the notification of animal diseases pursuant to Council Directive 82/894/EEC (25). |
| --- | --- |

(21)

Article 35(1) of Decision 2009/470/EC allows for Union financial assistance for the introduction of systems to identify animals and notify diseases. A Union financial contribution should be granted for the management of and for improving the Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS), based on Commission Decision 2005/176/EC of 1 March 2005 laying down the codified form and the codes for the notification of animal diseases pursuant to Council Directive 82/894/EEC (25).

| (22) | Article 36 of Decision 2009/470/EC provides for Union financial contribution for certain computerised systems used in intra-Union trade and imports. |
| --- | --- |

(22)

Article 36 of Decision 2009/470/EC provides for Union financial contribution for certain computerised systems used in intra-Union trade and imports.

| (23) | It is necessary to continue to provide financial contributions for hosting, management and maintenance of the integrated computerised veterinary system Traces (Trade Control and Expert System) introduced by Commission Decision 2003/24/EC of 30 December 2002 concerning the development of an integrated computerised veterinary system (26). |
| --- | --- |

(23)

It is necessary to continue to provide financial contributions for hosting, management and maintenance of the integrated computerised veterinary system Traces (Trade Control and Expert System) introduced by Commission Decision 2003/24/EC of 30 December 2002 concerning the development of an integrated computerised veterinary system (26).

| (24) | According to Article 27 of Decision 2009/470/EC, Member States have to introduce applications for the eradication/surveillance programmes, reports and cost claims related to the approved programmes; the development of an online system for the submission of the applications, the reports and the claims would facilitate the handling of the information. |
| --- | --- |

(24)

According to Article 27 of Decision 2009/470/EC, Member States have to introduce applications for the eradication/surveillance programmes, reports and cost claims related to the approved programmes; the development of an online system for the submission of the applications, the reports and the claims would facilitate the handling of the information.

| (25) | In order to ensure their coordination, and an efficient implementation of the Directorate-General for Health and Consumers’ IT plan, the 2012 work programme for those actions, together with the necessary financing thereof, should be approved by this single Decision. |
| --- | --- |

(25)

In order to ensure their coordination, and an efficient implementation of the Directorate-General for Health and Consumers’ IT plan, the 2012 work programme for those actions, together with the necessary financing thereof, should be approved by this single Decision.

| (26) | This Decision is also a financing decision for the expenditure in the context of indirect centralised or joint management chargeable to the Union budget. |
| --- | --- |

(26)

This Decision is also a financing decision for the expenditure in the context of indirect centralised or joint management chargeable to the Union budget.

| (27) | The present financing Decision may also cover the payment of interest due for late payment on the basis of Articles 83 of the Financial Regulation and 106(5) of the Implementing Rules. |
| --- | --- |

(27)

The present financing Decision may also cover the payment of interest due for late payment on the basis of Articles 83 of the Financial Regulation and 106(5) of the Implementing Rules.

| (28) | The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, |
| --- | --- |

(28)

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The 2012 work programme concerning actions related to the creation and maintenance of IT tools in the field of food safety, animal health, animal welfare and plant health (‘the work programme’), as set out in Annex, is hereby adopted. Its adoption constitutes a financing decision in the meaning of Article 75 of the Financial Regulation.

Article 2

The maximum contribution authorised by this Decision for the implementation of the work programme is set at EUR 6 856 000, to be financed from the following budget lines of the general budget of the European Union for 2012:

| (a) | budget line No 17 04 02 01: EUR 4 989 000; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

budget line No 17 04 02 01: EUR 4 989 000;

| (b) | budget line No 17 04 04 01: EUR 1 180 000; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

budget line No 17 04 04 01: EUR 1 180 000;

| (c) | budget line No 17 04 07 01: EUR 687 000; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

budget line No 17 04 07 01: EUR 687 000;

These appropriations may also cover interest due for late payment.

Article 3

The budget implementation of tasks related to action in Annex under point 2 can be entrusted to OIE, which applies standards which offer guarantees equivalent to internationally accepted standards in its accounting, audit, internal control and procurement procedures.

Article 4

Cumulated changes of the allocations to the specific actions covered by the work programme not exceeding 10 % of the maximum contribution authorised by Article 2 of this Decision are not considered to be substantial within the meaning of Article 90(4) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002, provided that they do not significantly affect the nature and objective of the work programme.

The authorising officer may adopt such changes in accordance with the principles of sound financial management and of proportionality.

Done at Brussels, 11 July 2012.

For the Commission

John DALLI

Member of the Commission

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(1)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

1

(2)  OJ L 165, 30.4.2004, p. 1.

2

(3)  OJ L 155, 18.6.2009, p. 30.

3

(4)  OJ L 157, 10.6.1992, p. 10.

4

(5)  OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p. 1.

5

(6)  OJ L 404, 30.12.2006, p. 9.

6

(7)  OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 1.

7

(8)  OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 34.

8

(9)  OJ L 106, 17.4.2001, p. 1.

9

(10)  OJ L 43, 14.2.1997, p. 1.

10

(11)  OJ L 169, 10.7.2000, p. 1.

11

(12)  OJ L 323, 24.12.1969, p. 1.

12

(13)  OJ L 259, 18.10.1993, p. 1.

13

(14)  OJ L 235, 21.8.1998, p. 1.

14

(15)  OJ L 156, 16.6.2007, p. 12.

15

(16)  OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 1.

16

(17)  OJ L 93, 17.4.1968, p. 15.

17

(18)  OJ L 267, 8.10.2008, p. 8.

18

(19)  OJ L 193, 20.7.2002, p. 1.

19

(20)  OJ L 193, 20.7.2002, p. 33.

20

(21)  OJ L 70, 16.3.2005, p. 1.

21

(22)  OJ L 125, 23.5.1996, p. 10.

22

(23)  OJ L 147, 31.5.2001, p. 1.

23

(24)  OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 16.

24

(25)  OJ L 59, 5.3.2005, p. 40.

25

(26)  OJ L 8, 14.1.2003, p. 44.

26

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ANNEX

Work programme for 2012 on information technology tools in the field of food safety, animal health, animal welfare and plant health

1.   INTRODUCTION

This work programme contains implementing measures for the year 2012. On the basis of the objectives given, the distribution of budget and the main actions are the following:

| — | for one grant (EUR 455 000) and procurements (implemented in direct centralised management): EUR 6 401 000. |
| --- | --- |

—

for one grant (EUR 455 000) and procurements (implemented in direct centralised management): EUR 6 401 000.

2.   ACTION IMPLEMENTED IN JOINT MANAGEMENT THROUGH AN AGREEMENT WITH OIE

CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ANIMAL DISEASE INFORMATION SYSTEM (ADIS)

Legal basis

Article 35(2) of Council Decision 2009/470/EC

Budgetary line

17 04 02 01

Estimated amount

Between EUR 380 000 and EUR 455 000

The contribution shall be covered by a written contribution agreement with OIE.

Implementing entity

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide. In order to improve the animal health status worldwide and consequently lower the animal disease risk in the EU, it is important that the EU approach to animal health and welfare be shared with all member countries of the OIE and that the EU actively supports conferences and training seminars organised by the OIE in order to promote the Union's animal health and welfare policy at the occasion.

The Commission and the OIE have signed on 7 June 2010 a long-term Framework Agreement (FA) laying down the administrative and financial arrangements for their cooperation (here attached), whereby the ‘European Union Contribution Agreement with an International Organisation’ (the ‘Standard Contribution Agreement’ or ‘SCA’) applies to global, regional or national programmes and actions administered by the OIE and financed or co-financed by the European Union.

A thorough and complete assessment of the OIE had been done previously, through a ‘four-pillar assessment’ that established that the OIE applied, in its accounting, audit, control and procurement procedures, standards that offer guarantees equivalent to internationally accepted standards.

Overall objective and purpose of the action

Once the ongoing pilot phase of ADIS is completed and validated in 2012, a first version of ADIS will be developed for use under field-like conditions.

3.   PROCUREMENT

3.1.   IT projects to support the functioning of the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), register of food additives, food contact materials, GMOs, novel food, flavourings and nutrition and health claims

The action to be financed under this budget aims to finalise the implementation and maintain the Generic Rapid Alert System (GRAS) IT application, which has been deployed for use in 2011, for use by the latest version of the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, also deployed in 2011. The use of the same IT platform by the various alert systems managed by the Commission facilitates the exchange of information between these systems, and improves the manageability from an IT perspective.

In order to have an informed view on non-authorised substances and support the RASFF, it is necessary to maintain registers with authorised substances (additives, food contact materials, novel food, GM food and feed, GMOs, flavourings, etc.).

Planned actions:

| — | contribution to the maintenance and development of RASFF: EUR 200 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

contribution to the maintenance and development of RASFF: EUR 200 000,

| — | additional development to improve the performance of the RASFF sector application including specifications for external system's links: EUR 308 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

additional development to improve the performance of the RASFF sector application including specifications for external system's links: EUR 308 000,

| — | register of authorised food contact materials (substances for use in active and intelligent materials and articles; recycling processes), novel food, GM food and feed, GMOs, food additives, flavourings: EUR 200 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

register of authorised food contact materials (substances for use in active and intelligent materials and articles; recycling processes), novel food, GM food and feed, GMOs, food additives, flavourings: EUR 200 000,

| — | novel foods — development of a new version of the register (based on existing software): EUR 100 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

novel foods — development of a new version of the register (based on existing software): EUR 100 000,

| — | establishement of a Union register for nutrition and health claims: EUR 82 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

establishement of a Union register for nutrition and health claims: EUR 82 000,

| — | contribution to improvement of the IT systems security, central support team, central hosting and central IT equipment necessary to run and manage publicly accessible applications: EUR 390 000. |
| --- | --- |

—

contribution to improvement of the IT systems security, central support team, central hosting and central IT equipment necessary to run and manage publicly accessible applications: EUR 390 000.

Legal basis

Article 50(1) of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002

Article 19(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003

Article 28 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Article 25 of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008

Article 31 of Directive 2001/18/EC

Articles 4 to 8 of Regulation (EC) No 258/97

Budgetary line

17 04 02 01 — amount: EUR 1 280 000

Indicative number and type of contracts envisaged

Intra muros time and means specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II and/or SANCO/2010/A4/001.

The indicative number of specific contracts is thirteen.

Subject of the contracts envisaged (if possible)

Development and maintenance of information technology systems, including project management, quality control, business analysis, programming and documentation

Indicative timeframe for launching the contracts

Contracts should be signed by the end of the first semester of 2012.

Implementation

Direct management

Specific contract

Specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under Call for tenders ESP-DESIS II and/or framework contract SANCO/2010/A4/001

3.2.   IT projects to support the implementation of plant health measures, EUROPHYT

EUROPHYT is a web-based application for Member States to notify interceptions of consignments that do not comply with plant health requirements. During a meeting with all Member States representatives for EUROPHYT, a plan for the renewal of the interface has been adopted. The EUROPHYT system uses central resources and resources from the GRAS application that need to be provided and maintained. The plant health import requirements database is under construction and will be finalised before the end of the year.

The actions to be financed under this budget are:

| — | the development of a Community list on forest reproduction material: EUR 100 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

the development of a Community list on forest reproduction material: EUR 100 000,

| — | the development and hosting of a plant health import requirements database: EUR 100 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

the development and hosting of a plant health import requirements database: EUR 100 000,

| — | the registering of plant protection products applications: EUR 100 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

the registering of plant protection products applications: EUR 100 000,

| — | the development of registration of all plant shipments: EUR 200 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

the development of registration of all plant shipments: EUR 200 000,

| — | the execution of a data collection to monitor approved basic material of Community list: EUR 25 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

the execution of a data collection to monitor approved basic material of Community list: EUR 25 000,

| — | the evolutive maintenance of the existing EUROPHYT application: EUR 100 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

the evolutive maintenance of the existing EUROPHYT application: EUR 100 000,

| — | the development for the improvement of the user interface of the EUROPHYT application: EUR 150 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

the development for the improvement of the user interface of the EUROPHYT application: EUR 150 000,

| — | the hosting of the EUROPHYT application: EUR 50 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

the hosting of the EUROPHYT application: EUR 50 000,

| — | the execution of data collections in relation to the surveillance for and notifications of occurrences of harmful organisms, on the basis of Council Directive 2000/29/EC and Directives 93/85/EEC, 98/57/EC, 2007/33/EC: EUR 60 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

the execution of data collections in relation to the surveillance for and notifications of occurrences of harmful organisms, on the basis of Council Directive 2000/29/EC and Directives 93/85/EEC, 98/57/EC, 2007/33/EC: EUR 60 000,

| — | contribution to the IT central support team, central hosting, central IT equipment: EUR 60 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

contribution to the IT central support team, central hosting, central IT equipment: EUR 60 000,

| — | contribution to the central web team and security: EUR 65 000. |
| --- | --- |

—

contribution to the central web team and security: EUR 65 000.

Legal basis

Article 2(1) under (i) and Article 21(6) of Directive 2000/29/EC

Article 10 of Directive 69/464/EEC

Articles 1(a) and 2 of Directive 93/85/EEC

Articles 1(a) and 2 of Directive 98/57/EC

Articles 1, 4 and 8 of Directive 2007/33/EC

Articles 66(1)(c) and 66(2) of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 and

Article 76(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009

Budgetary line

17 04 04 01 — amount: EUR 1 010 000

Indicative number and type of contracts envisaged

Intra muros time and means specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II.

The indicative number of specific contracts is 10.

Subject of the contracts envisaged (if possible)

Development and maintenance of information technology systems, including project management, quality control, business analysis, programming and documentation

Indicative timeframe for launching the contracts

Contracts should be signed by the end of the first semester of 2012.

Implementation

Directly by the DG

Specific contract

Specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II and/or SANCO/2010/A4/001.

3.3.   IT project supporting the functioning of the common catalogues of varieties of agricultural plants, vegetables, vine and fruit plants and the Community list of approved basic material for the production of forest reproductive material

The ‘Common catalogue’ application manages the catalogues of varieties of agricultural plants (Directive 2002/53/EC) and vegetables (Directive 2002/55/EC) of which the seeds are not subject to any restriction with regard to their commercialisation, within the European Union as well as in Norway and in Iceland.

The application is also foreseen for the catalogue of varieties of vine (Directive 68/193/EEC), Community list of approved basic material for the production of forest reproductive material (Directive 1999/105/EC) and a common list of varieties of fruit plants (Directive 2008/90/EC).

A database provides for the management of these catalogues by the Commission, for access by the Member States and the electronic data exchange between the Member States, the Commission and the Publication Office.

In 2012, the maintenance of the system will be ensured, and the technological functionalities will be updated in order to adapt the system to more up-to-date developments in electronic publication.

Legal basis

Article 5(e) of Directive 68/193/EEC

Article 7(6) of Directive 2008/90/EC

Article 11(1) of Directive 1999/105/EC

Article 17(1) of Directive 2002/53/EC and

Article 17(1) of Directive 2002/55/EC

Budgetary line

17 04 04 01 — Amount: EUR 50 000

Indicative number and type of contracts envisaged

Intra muros time and means specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II and/or framework contract SANCO/2010/A4/001.

The indicative number of specific contracts is one.

Subject of the contracts envisaged (if possible)

Development and maintenance of information technology systems, including project management, quality control, business analysis, programming and documentation

Indicative timeframe for launching the contracts

The contract should be signed by the end of the first semester of 2012.

Implementation

Directly by the DG

Specific contract

Specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II

3.4.   Pesticide residues database

Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 provides for the creation and maintenance of a consolidated database of Community legislation on maximum residues levels (MRL) of pesticide. This action aims at implementing the above provisions, via the maintenance and improvement of a database that will allow input of data from Member States and automatic electronic publication via establishment of an export format for the Publications Office.

Legal basis

Article 36(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005

Budgetary line

17 04 04 01 — amount: EUR 120 000

Indicative number and type of contracts envisaged

Intra muros time and means specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II and/or framework contract SANCO/2010/A4/001.

The indicative number of specific contracts is one.

Subject of the contracts envisaged (if possible)

Development and maintenance of information technology systems, including project management, quality control, business analysis, programming and documentation

Indicative timeframe for launching the contracts

The contract should be signed by the end of the first semester of 2012.

Implementation

Directly by the DG

Specific contract

Specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II and/or SANCO/2010/A4/001

3.5.   IT projects supporting the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, Council Directive 96/23/EC, Regulation (EC) No 999/2001, Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008

The actions to be financed under this budget include the creation and maintenance of IT tools and instruments aimed at ensuring a successful implementation of a series of new requirements applicable to the performance of official controls in the feed law and food law area by the Member States and by the Commission, and/or at fulfilling specific needs or obligations in the field of food and feed controls under the legal basis.

The actions relate to the further improvement and increase of the capacity of databases for the collection of data relating to national control plans and official controls’ results so that the Commission can check their compliance and monitor developments across time, and to the development of online systems for the capturing of data in relation to national control plans and official controls’ results, provided by the Member States and/or the Commission.

The actions are:

| — | the implementation, running and maintenance of databases in relation to the epidemiologic surveillance of bovine spongiform encephalopathy’s (Regulation (EC) No 999/2001, Article 6(4)), common authorisation procedure for food additives (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008), residue monitoring plans (Directive 96/23/EC, Article 8) and the quantitative results, i.e. reporting of this monitoring: EUR 150 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

the implementation, running and maintenance of databases in relation to the epidemiologic surveillance of bovine spongiform encephalopathy’s (Regulation (EC) No 999/2001, Article 6(4)), common authorisation procedure for food additives (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008), residue monitoring plans (Directive 96/23/EC, Article 8) and the quantitative results, i.e. reporting of this monitoring: EUR 150 000,

| — | continued development of an IT system and the maintenance and evolution of dedicated infrastructure that will allow to share, validate and monitor data collected by the Commission in relation to the enforcement of feed and food law in Member States and third countries, including information collected by the Food and Veterinary Office. The IT tool should permit the establishment of ‘country profiles’ that would facilitate the assessment of control plans submitted by the competent authorities: EUR 122 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

continued development of an IT system and the maintenance and evolution of dedicated infrastructure that will allow to share, validate and monitor data collected by the Commission in relation to the enforcement of feed and food law in Member States and third countries, including information collected by the Food and Veterinary Office. The IT tool should permit the establishment of ‘country profiles’ that would facilitate the assessment of control plans submitted by the competent authorities: EUR 122 000,

| — | the implementation and maintenance of a complete and secure system for the management and planning of Union inspections according to Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 inspections, for the management and storage of audit reports and associated documents and for the follow-up of recommendations resulting from inspection audits: EUR 220 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

the implementation and maintenance of a complete and secure system for the management and planning of Union inspections according to Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 inspections, for the management and storage of audit reports and associated documents and for the follow-up of recommendations resulting from inspection audits: EUR 220 000,

| — | contribution to improvement of the IT systems security, central support team and central IT equipment necessary to provide the implementation of all systems related to the abovementioned actions: EUR 195 000. |
| --- | --- |

—

contribution to improvement of the IT systems security, central support team and central IT equipment necessary to provide the implementation of all systems related to the abovementioned actions: EUR 195 000.

Legal basis

Article 8 of Directive 96/23/EC

Article 6(4) of Regulation (EC) No 999/2001

Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008

Articles 66(1)(c) and 66(2) of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004

Budgetary line

17 04 07 01 — amount: EUR 687 000

Indicative number and type of contracts envisaged

Intra muros time and means specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II, ITSS II and framework contract SANCO/2010/A4/001.

The indicative number of specific contracts is seven.

Subject of the contracts envisaged (if possible)

Development and maintenance of information technology systems, including project management, quality control, business analysis, programming and documentation

Indicative timeframe for launching the contracts

Contracts should be signed by the end of the first semester of 2012.

Implementation

Directly by the DG

Specific contract

Specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II, ITSS II and SANCO/2010/A4/001

3.6.   Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS)

The action to be financed under this budget aims to finalise the implementation and maintain the Animal Disease Notification System.

Planned actions:

| — | contribution to the maintenance development of ADNS: EUR 150 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

contribution to the maintenance development of ADNS: EUR 150 000,

| — | additional development to improve the performance and data quality of the outbreak maps, browsable maps and on line drawn maps: EUR 100 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

additional development to improve the performance and data quality of the outbreak maps, browsable maps and on line drawn maps: EUR 100 000,

| — | hosting services to assure the availability of the application: EUR 78 000, |
| --- | --- |

—

hosting services to assure the availability of the application: EUR 78 000,

| — | contribution to improvement of the IT systems security, central support team, central hosting and central IT equipment necessary to run and manage publicly accessible applications: EUR 255 000. |
| --- | --- |

—

contribution to improvement of the IT systems security, central support team, central hosting and central IT equipment necessary to run and manage publicly accessible applications: EUR 255 000.

Legal basis

Articles 35 and 36 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC

Budgetary line

17 04 02 01 — amount: EUR 583 000

Indicative number and type of contracts envisaged

Intra muros time and means specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II and/or framework contract SANCO/2010/A4/001.

The indicative number of specific contracts is four.

Subject of the contracts envisaged (if possible)

Development and maintenance of information technology systems, including project management, quality control, business analysis, programming and documentation

Indicative timeframe for launching the contracts

Contracts should be signed by the end of the first semester of 2012.

Implementation

Directly by the DG

Specific contract

Specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II and/or SANCO/2010/A4/001

3.7.   Animal Disease Information System (ADIS)

The action to be financed under this budget aims to develop the interface and to implement the Animal Disease Information System.

Planned action:

| — | contribution to the support for the IT systems security, central support team, central hosting and central IT equipment necessary to run and manage publicly accessible applications: EUR 75 000. |
| --- | --- |

—

contribution to the support for the IT systems security, central support team, central hosting and central IT equipment necessary to run and manage publicly accessible applications: EUR 75 000.

Legal basis

Articles 35 and 36 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC

Budgetary line

17 04 02 01 — amount: EUR 75 000

Indicative number and type of contracts envisaged

Intra muros time and means specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II and/or framework contract SANCO/2010/A4/001.

The indicative number of specific contracts is one.

Subject of the contracts envisaged (if possible)

Development and maintenance of information technology systems, including project management, quality control, business analysis, programming and documentation

Indicative timeframe for launching the contracts

Contracts should be signed by the end of the first semester of 2012.

Implementation

Directly by the DG

Specific contract

Specific contract on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II and/or SANCO/2010/A4/001

3.8.   Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES)

The action to be financed under this budget aims to improve, maintain, support and make available the TRACES system.

Planned actions:

| — | EUR 2 380 000 for the hosting, management and maintenance of the integrated computerised veterinary system TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System), logistical support to assist TRACES users, contribution to central services, communication, website, security and the purchase (maintenance and support) of software licences, electronic signature, hosting of the application, |
| --- | --- |

—

EUR 2 380 000 for the hosting, management and maintenance of the integrated computerised veterinary system TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System), logistical support to assist TRACES users, contribution to central services, communication, website, security and the purchase (maintenance and support) of software licences, electronic signature, hosting of the application,

| — | EUR 80 000 for the support of the Bovine Identification Exchange System. |
| --- | --- |

—

EUR 80 000 for the support of the Bovine Identification Exchange System.

Legal basis

Article 36(2) of Council Decision 2009/470/EC

Budgetary line

17 04 02 01 — amount: EUR 2 460 000

Indicative number and type of contracts envisaged

Intra muros time and means specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II and/or framework contract SANCO/2010/A4/001.

The indicative number of specific contracts is 15.

One memorandum of understanding with DIGIT for the hosting.

Subject of the contracts envisaged (if possible)

Development and maintenance of information technology systems, including project management, quality control, business analysis, programming and documentation

Indicative timeframe for launching the contracts

Contracts should be signed by the end of the first semester of 2012.

Implementation

Directly by the DG

Specific contract

Specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II and/or SANCO/2010/A4/001.

3.9.   Data collection for the eradication and control programmes

Planned actions:

| — | EUR 136 000 for the collection and treatment of the data related to the applications for the eradication/surveillance programmes and the reports and cost claims related to the approved programmes according to Article 27 of Decision 2009/470/EC. |
| --- | --- |

—

EUR 136 000 for the collection and treatment of the data related to the applications for the eradication/surveillance programmes and the reports and cost claims related to the approved programmes according to Article 27 of Decision 2009/470/EC.

Legal basis

Article 27 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC

Budgetary line

17 04 02 01 — amount: EUR 136 000

Indicative number and type of contracts envisaged

Intra muros time and means specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II and/or framework contract SANCO/2010/A4/001.

The indicative number of specific contracts is two.

Subject of the contracts envisaged (if possible)

Development and maintenance of information technology systems, including project management, quality control, business analysis, programming and documentation

Indicative timeframe for launching the contracts

The contract should be signed by the end of the first semester of 2012

Implementation

Directly by the DG

Specific contract

Specific contracts on existing framework contracts provided by DIGIT under call for tenders ESP-DESIS II and/or SANCO/2010/A4/001

4.   SUMMARY

| No | Name | Budget line | Estimated number of contracts | Legal base | Amount in EUR |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1. | Contribution to the development and implementation of an Animal Disease Information System (ADIS) | 17 04 02 01 | 1 | Article 35(2) of Decision 2009/470/EC | 455 000 |
| 2. | IT project to support the functioning of the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), register of food additives, flavourings, food contact materials, GMOs and novel food | 17 04 02 01 | 13 | Regulations (EC) No 178/2002, (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EC) No 1829/2003, (EC) No 1334/2008, Directive 2001/18/EC, Regulation (EC) No 258/97 | 1 280 000 |
| 3. | IT projects to support the implementation of plant health measures, EUROPHYT | 17 04 04 01 | 10 | Directives 2000/29/EC, 69/464/EEC, 93/85/EEC, 98/57/EC and 2007/33/EC, Regulations (EC) No 882/2004, (EC) No 1107/2009 | 1 010 000 |
| 4. | IT project supporting the functioning of the common catalogues of varieties of agricultural plants, vegetables, vine and the common list of fruit plants and the Community list of approved basic material for the production of forest reproductive material | 17 04 04 01 | 1 | Directives 68/193/EEC, 2008/90/EC, 1999/105/EC, 2002/53/EC and 2002/55/EC | 50 000 |
| 5. | Pesticide residues database | 17 04 04 01 | 1 | Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 | 120 000 |
| 6. | IT projects supporting the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, Council Directive 96/23/EC, Regulation (EC) No 999/2001, Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 | 17 04 07 01 | 7 | Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, Council Directive 96/23/EC, Regulation (EC) No 999/2001, Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 | 687 000 |
| 7. | Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS) | 17 04 02 01 | 4 | Article 35(2) of Council Decision 2009/470/EC | 583 000 |
| 8. | ADIS | 17 04 02 01 | 1 | Article 35(2) of Council Decision 2009/470/EC | 75 000 |
| 9. | Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) | 17 04 02 01 | 15 | Article 36(2) of Council Decision 2009/470/EC | 2 460 000 |
| 10. | Animal health studies | 17 04 02 01 | 2 | Article 27 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC | 136 000 |
| TOTAL | | 55 | | 6 856 000 |

No

Name

Budget line

Estimated number of contracts

Legal base

Amount in EUR

1.

Contribution to the development and implementation of an Animal Disease Information System (ADIS)

17 04 02 01

1

Article 35(2) of Decision 2009/470/EC

455 000

2.

IT project to support the functioning of the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), register of food additives, flavourings, food contact materials, GMOs and novel food

17 04 02 01

13

Regulations (EC) No 178/2002, (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EC) No 1829/2003, (EC) No 1334/2008, Directive 2001/18/EC, Regulation (EC) No 258/97

1 280 000

3.

IT projects to support the implementation of plant health measures, EUROPHYT

17 04 04 01

10

Directives 2000/29/EC, 69/464/EEC, 93/85/EEC, 98/57/EC and 2007/33/EC, Regulations (EC) No 882/2004, (EC) No 1107/2009

1 010 000

4.

IT project supporting the functioning of the common catalogues of varieties of agricultural plants, vegetables, vine and the common list of fruit plants and the Community list of approved basic material for the production of forest reproductive material

17 04 04 01

1

Directives 68/193/EEC, 2008/90/EC, 1999/105/EC, 2002/53/EC and 2002/55/EC

50 000

5.

Pesticide residues database

17 04 04 01

1

Regulation (EC) No 396/2005

120 000

6.

IT projects supporting the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, Council Directive 96/23/EC, Regulation (EC) No 999/2001, Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008

17 04 07 01

7

Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, Council Directive 96/23/EC, Regulation (EC) No 999/2001, Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008

687 000

7.

Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS)

17 04 02 01

4

Article 35(2) of Council Decision 2009/470/EC

583 000

8.

ADIS

17 04 02 01

1

Article 35(2) of Council Decision 2009/470/EC

75 000

9.

Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES)

17 04 02 01

15

Article 36(2) of Council Decision 2009/470/EC

2 460 000

10.

Animal health studies

17 04 02 01

2

Article 27 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC

136 000

TOTAL

55

6 856 000

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NOTICES CONCERNING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA

EFTA Surveillance Authority

| 12.7.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 204/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.7.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 204/15

---

Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice on State aid issues concerning potential aid to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene in Norway

2012/C 204/04

By means of Decision No 123/12/COL of 28 March 2012, reproduced in the authentic language on the pages following this summary, the EFTA Surveillance Authority initiated proceedings pursuant to Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice. The Norwegian authorities have been informed by means of a copy of the decision.

By means of this notice the EFTA Surveillance Authority gives the EFTA States, EU Member States and interested parties notice to submit their comments on the measure in question within one month of the date of publication to:

| EFTA Surveillance Authority |
| --- |
| Registry |
| Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 35 |
| 1040 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

EFTA Surveillance Authority

Registry

Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 35

1040 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

The comments will be communicated to the Norwegian authorities. The identity of the interested party submitting the comments may be withheld following a request in writing stating the reasons for the request.

SUMMARY

Background

In Norway, the local bus transport sector is regulated by the Commercial Transport Act of 2002 (the ‘CTA’) and the Commercial Transport Regulation of 2003 (the ‘CTR’). Both the CTA and the CTR repealed preceding legislation that was in substance similar. This legislative framework provides inter alia for a system of concessions that are necessary for undertakings to be eligible for being entrusted with the discharging of public bus services, and confers on counties, such as Oslo Municipality, the responsibility for compensating undertakings that operate unprofitable routes. Such compensation can be granted to cover the difference between the revenue generated from the sale of tickets and the cost of operating the service.

In Oslo, since before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement, annual compensation was granted to the concessionaires for unprofitable routes in line with the city’s budget procedure. Compensation was paid by means of an annual lump sum, which was based on costs incurred in the preceding years, taking into account a variety of correction factors. Since 2008, all contracts for scheduled bus services have been awarded to undertakings following a public tender. Since then no compensation as described above has been granted to AS Oslo Sporveier for scheduled bus services.

AS Oslo Sporveier and later its subsidiary, AS Sporveisbussene, were entrusted with the provision of scheduled bus services in Oslo in accordance with the provisions briefly described above since long before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement until the 2008.

AS Oslo Sporveier has undergone many reorganisations since 1994. For example, the operation of all bus services, including commercial tour bus services in addition to the scheduled bus services in Oslo, was outsourced to its subsidiary AS Sporveisbussene in 1997. As a result, AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene entered into a so-called Transport Agreement so that AS Sporveisbussene could become the effective recipient of the annual compensation. Under the Transport Agreement, compensation for the scheduled bus service was paid in accordance with the provisions described above. The Norwegian authorities maintain that throughout the entire period under investigation — 1994 to 2008 — separate accounts were kept for commercial and public service activities in the Oslo Sporveier Group, and that the commercial activities were always charged market prices for services they received from public service activities.

In 2004, Oslo Municipality — then a 98,8 % shareholder of AS Oslo Sporveier — injected NOK 111 760 000 of capital to cover the underfunding of AS Sporveisbussene’s pension funds. The underfunding had accrued in the period prior to 1997, and related to pension liabilities of employees both in the public service as well as in the tour bus division of AS Oslo Sporveier. AS Oslo Sporveier was obliged to remedy the underfunding. The capital injection was chosen by Oslo Municipality, in its capacity as owner, as the least expensive means to do so.

Assessment of the measure

The presence of State aid

The Authority considers that both the capital injection and the annual compensation payments entail State aid.

As for capital injection to cover the underfunding of the pension accounts of the commercial activity, the Authority is currently unable to exclude that it confers an economic advantage on AS Oslo Sporveier, as no information has been submitted demonstrating that it had been granted in line with the market economy investor principle.

Moreover, it is the preliminary view of the Authority that both the annual compensation as well as the capital injection to cover the underfunding relating to public service pension accounts (which linked to cost that could also form the basis for the annual compensation) have not been determined through a public procurement procedure and are not similar to the cost that an undertaking, well run and adequately equipped, would have incurred. Thus the fourth criterion of the Altmark case law is not met and therefore both measures constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement.

The nature of the aid

The Authority is at this stage not able to conclude whether the aid was granted under an existing aid scheme, which would based on the CTA and the CTR as applied in Oslo since before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement. It should be noted that no further aid was granted in accordance with the above provisions since 2008. Assuming that an existing aid scheme has been in place since 1994, the Authority is currently unable to determine the exact delineation of the scheme, and whether all aid awarded was based on that scheme. Moreover, it is not capable of excluding that the measures entail, at least to some minor extent, in particular as regards the covering of pension liabilities relating to the commercial activities, illegal and incompatible State aid.

Compatibility of the aid

At this stage it would appear to the Authority that the payments made until the directly awarded concession had run its course in 2008, and the 2004 capital injection to offset the underfunding of the pension fund could at least in large parts be compatible public service compensation under Article of the 49 EEA. The compatibility assessment in the final decision would thus focus in particular on whether there has been overcompensation. Moreover, the aid could, at least in part, be compatible under Article 61(3)(c).

Conclusion

In light of the above considerations, the Authority decided to open the formal investigation procedure in accordance with Article 1(2) of the EEA Agreement. Interested parties are invited to submit their comments within one month from publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY DECISION

No 123/12/COL

of 28 March 2012

opening the formal investigation into potential aid to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene

(Norway)

THE EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY (‘THE AUTHORITY’),

HAVING REGARD to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (‘the EEA Agreement’), in particular to Articles 49 and 61 to 63 and Protocol 26,

HAVING REGARD to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice (‘the Surveillance and Court Agreement’), in particular to Article 24,

HAVING REGARD to Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement (‘Protocol 3’), in particular to Article 1 of Part I and Article 4(2) and (4) and Articles 6 and 13 of Part II,

HAVING REGARD to the consolidated version of the Authority’s Decision No 195/04/COL of 14 July 2004 on the implementing provisions referred to under Article 27 of Part II of Protocol 3 (‘the Implementing Provisions Decision’) (1),

Whereas:

I.   FACTS

1.   Procedure

1.1.   
  Administrative procedure leading to the Authority’s Decision No 254/10/COL

| (1) | By letter dated 11 August 2006, the Authority received a complaint from Konkurrenten.no AS (‘the complainant’) alleging that the Norwegian authorities had granted State aid to AS Oslo Sporveisbussene (‘the complaint’). The letter was registered by the Authority on 16 August 2006 (Event No 384017). By letter dated 17 August 2006 to the complainant, the Authority acknowledged the receipt of the complaint (Event No 384134). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

By letter dated 11 August 2006, the Authority received a complaint from Konkurrenten.no AS (‘the complainant’) alleging that the Norwegian authorities had granted State aid to AS Oslo Sporveisbussene (‘the complaint’). The letter was registered by the Authority on 16 August 2006 (Event No 384017). By letter dated 17 August 2006 to the complainant, the Authority acknowledged the receipt of the complaint (Event No 384134).

| (2) | By letter dated 7 September 2006, the Authority forwarded the complaint to the Norwegian authorities and invited them to comment (Event No 387163). By letter dated 11 October 2006, the Norwegian authorities replied to the information request. The letter was registered by the Authority on 19 October 2006 (Event No 392725). |
| --- | --- |

(2)

By letter dated 7 September 2006, the Authority forwarded the complaint to the Norwegian authorities and invited them to comment (Event No 387163). By letter dated 11 October 2006, the Norwegian authorities replied to the information request. The letter was registered by the Authority on 19 October 2006 (Event No 392725).

| (3) | By letter dated 20 October 2006, the complainant submitted further comments. The letter was registered by the Authority on 23 October 2006 (Event No 394520). |
| --- | --- |

(3)

By letter dated 20 October 2006, the complainant submitted further comments. The letter was registered by the Authority on 23 October 2006 (Event No 394520).

| (4) | By letter dated 29 November 2006, the Authority requested further information from the Norwegian authorities (Event No 394397). The Norwegian authorities replied by letter dated 11 January 2007. The letter was registered by the Authority on 12 January 2007 (Event No 406541). |
| --- | --- |

(4)

By letter dated 29 November 2006, the Authority requested further information from the Norwegian authorities (Event No 394397). The Norwegian authorities replied by letter dated 11 January 2007. The letter was registered by the Authority on 12 January 2007 (Event No 406541).

| (5) | By letter dated 19 June 2007, the Authority requested further information from the Norwegian authorities (Event No 425271). The Norwegian authorities replied by letter submitted electronically on 16 August 2007 (Event No 434326).
  By e-mail dated 20 February 2008, the complainant submitted further information (Event No 466226). |
| --- | --- |

(5)

By letter dated 19 June 2007, the Authority requested further information from the Norwegian authorities (Event No 425271). The Norwegian authorities replied by letter submitted electronically on 16 August 2007 (Event No 434326).

By e-mail dated 20 February 2008, the complainant submitted further information (Event No 466226).

| (6) | By letter submitted electronically on 2 April 2008, the Authority requested yet further information from the Norwegian authorities (Event No 471926). The Norwegian authorities replied by letter submitted electronically on 29 April 2008 (Event No 475480). |
| --- | --- |

(6)

By letter submitted electronically on 2 April 2008, the Authority requested yet further information from the Norwegian authorities (Event No 471926). The Norwegian authorities replied by letter submitted electronically on 29 April 2008 (Event No 475480).

| (7) | The complainant submitted further information by e-mails dated 25 May 2008 (Event No 478132), 2 June 2008 (Event No 479743), 9 July 2008 (Events No 489623 and 489626), 14 August 2008 (Event No 489591), 15 August 2008 (Event No 488527), 1 September 2008 (Event No 489591), 20 January 2009 (Event No 505210) and 22 January 2009 (Event No 505503). |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The complainant submitted further information by e-mails dated 25 May 2008 (Event No 478132), 2 June 2008 (Event No 479743), 9 July 2008 (Events No 489623 and 489626), 14 August 2008 (Event No 489591), 15 August 2008 (Event No 488527), 1 September 2008 (Event No 489591), 20 January 2009 (Event No 505210) and 22 January 2009 (Event No 505503).

| (8) | During the beginning of 2010, the Authority and the Norwegian authorities had informal contact both via telephone and e-mail regarding the case. Information received by the Authority in this context was consolidated in a letter submitted to the Authority electronically on 21 April 2010 by the Norwegian authorities (Event No 554417). |
| --- | --- |

(8)

During the beginning of 2010, the Authority and the Norwegian authorities had informal contact both via telephone and e-mail regarding the case. Information received by the Authority in this context was consolidated in a letter submitted to the Authority electronically on 21 April 2010 by the Norwegian authorities (Event No 554417).

| (9) | On 21 June 2010, the Authority adopted Decision No 254/10/COL closing the case on the grounds that the aid involved existing aid that was incompatible with Article 49 of the EEA Agreement and Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007. However, as the existing aid measures had been terminated on 30 March 2008, the Authority concluded that no further measures were required. By letters dated 21 June 2010, the Authority forwarded copies of Decision No 254/10/COL to the Norwegian authorities (Event No 558824) and the complainant (Event No 561949). |
| --- | --- |

(9)

On 21 June 2010, the Authority adopted Decision No 254/10/COL closing the case on the grounds that the aid involved existing aid that was incompatible with Article 49 of the EEA Agreement and Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007. However, as the existing aid measures had been terminated on 30 March 2008, the Authority concluded that no further measures were required. By letters dated 21 June 2010, the Authority forwarded copies of Decision No 254/10/COL to the Norwegian authorities (Event No 558824) and the complainant (Event No 561949).

1.2.   
  Judgment of the EFTA Court in Case E-14/10 Konkurrenten.no AS v EFTA Surveillance Authority

| (10) | By application lodged at the Registry of the EFTA Court on 2 September 2010, the complainant brought an action for annulment of the Authority’s Decision No 254/10/COL. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

By application lodged at the Registry of the EFTA Court on 2 September 2010, the complainant brought an action for annulment of the Authority’s Decision No 254/10/COL.

| (11) | On 22 August 2011, the EFTA Court rendered its judgment in Case E-14/10 Konkurrenten.no v EFTA Surveillance Authority, annulling Decision No 254/10/COL in its entirety, for the following reasons. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

On 22 August 2011, the EFTA Court rendered its judgment in Case E-14/10 Konkurrenten.no v EFTA Surveillance Authority, annulling Decision No 254/10/COL in its entirety, for the following reasons.

| (12) | Firstly, the Court found that the Decision was inadequately reasoned, in that the Authority had failed to explain how the renewal of the concession, as of 1 January 2000, could be classified as part of an existing aid scheme, or why it could not be considered to be a relevant alteration of that aid scheme (2). |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Firstly, the Court found that the Decision was inadequately reasoned, in that the Authority had failed to explain how the renewal of the concession, as of 1 January 2000, could be classified as part of an existing aid scheme, or why it could not be considered to be a relevant alteration of that aid scheme (2).

| (13) | Secondly, the Court held that the Authority had infringed its obligation to open the formal investigation procedure in respect of aid granted during the period 1997-2000. It found that the Authority could not exclude the possibility that AS Oslo Sporveier had received aid over and above the losses associated with discharging the public service obligation, and that the Authority indeed considered that such overcompensation was likely. Given that the Authority was unable, after almost four years of investigation, to establish which parts of the aid were existing aid and which parts were unlawful aid, the Authority should have opened the formal investigation procedure in order to become, as far as possible, fully informed of the facts. The applicant’s plea addressing the same issues with regard to the period 2000-2008 was also declared well founded (3). |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Secondly, the Court held that the Authority had infringed its obligation to open the formal investigation procedure in respect of aid granted during the period 1997-2000. It found that the Authority could not exclude the possibility that AS Oslo Sporveier had received aid over and above the losses associated with discharging the public service obligation, and that the Authority indeed considered that such overcompensation was likely. Given that the Authority was unable, after almost four years of investigation, to establish which parts of the aid were existing aid and which parts were unlawful aid, the Authority should have opened the formal investigation procedure in order to become, as far as possible, fully informed of the facts. The applicant’s plea addressing the same issues with regard to the period 2000-2008 was also declared well founded (3).

| (14) | Thirdly, the Court held that the Authority had failed to identify whether the capital injection only concerned unfunded pension liabilities that arose in connection with the discharge of public service obligations, or if it also covered other activities. As the Court could not review the Decision in relation to the applicant’s claim that the capital injection did not correspond to a payment for transport services provided, this amounted to a lack of reasoning (4). |
| --- | --- |

(14)

Thirdly, the Court held that the Authority had failed to identify whether the capital injection only concerned unfunded pension liabilities that arose in connection with the discharge of public service obligations, or if it also covered other activities. As the Court could not review the Decision in relation to the applicant’s claim that the capital injection did not correspond to a payment for transport services provided, this amounted to a lack of reasoning (4).

1.3.   
  Re-assessment of the complaint

| (15) | The Authority commenced a reassessment of the complaint, and by e-mail dated 25 October 2011 to the Norwegian authorities (Event No 613053) requested additional information. The Norwegian authorities responded in a telephone conference on 28 October 2011. Additionally, the Norwegian authorities provided further information in meetings in Oslo on 29 November 2011 and in Brussels on 9 December 2011 and 17 January 2012. By e-mails of 13 December 2011 (Event No 621639) and 20 January 2012 (Event No 622816), the Norwegian authorities submitted further information. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

The Authority commenced a reassessment of the complaint, and by e-mail dated 25 October 2011 to the Norwegian authorities (Event No 613053) requested additional information. The Norwegian authorities responded in a telephone conference on 28 October 2011. Additionally, the Norwegian authorities provided further information in meetings in Oslo on 29 November 2011 and in Brussels on 9 December 2011 and 17 January 2012. By e-mails of 13 December 2011 (Event No 621639) and 20 January 2012 (Event No 622816), the Norwegian authorities submitted further information.

| (16) | By letter dated 27 January 2012 (Event No 622888), the Authority requested further information from the Norwegian authorities. The Norwegian authorities responded by letter dated 22 February 2012 (Events No 625908, 625916, 625949, 626065 and 626066) and e-mails of 5 March 2012 (Events No 627096 and 627097). |
| --- | --- |

(16)

By letter dated 27 January 2012 (Event No 622888), the Authority requested further information from the Norwegian authorities. The Norwegian authorities responded by letter dated 22 February 2012 (Events No 625908, 625916, 625949, 626065 and 626066) and e-mails of 5 March 2012 (Events No 627096 and 627097).

2.   The content of the complaint

| (17) | The complaint alleged that the following measures may involve unlawful State aid:






  1. | cross-subsidies between the four companies: AS Oslo Sporveier, AS Sporveisbussene, Arctic Express AS and Sporveisbussenes Turbiler AS (5); |
| --- | --- | --- |

(17)

The complaint alleged that the following measures may involve unlawful State aid:

1.

cross-subsidies between the four companies: AS Oslo Sporveier, AS Sporveisbussene, Arctic Express AS and Sporveisbussenes Turbiler AS (5);

| 2. | a capital injection of NOK 41 499 000 made in 2004 by AS Oslo Sporveier into AS Sporveisbussene; |
| --- | --- |

2.

a capital injection of NOK 41 499 000 made in 2004 by AS Oslo Sporveier into AS Sporveisbussene;

| 3. | a favourable tax position acquired in a non-competitive market, allowing AS Sporveisbussene to avoid paying tax on profits; and |
| --- | --- |

3.

a favourable tax position acquired in a non-competitive market, allowing AS Sporveisbussene to avoid paying tax on profits; and

| 4. | guarantees granted by AS Sporveisbussene to the benefit of its subsidiaries Arctic Express AS and Sporveisbussenes Turbiler AS. |
| --- | --- |

4.

guarantees granted by AS Sporveisbussene to the benefit of its subsidiaries Arctic Express AS and Sporveisbussenes Turbiler AS.

3.   Background: Norwegian legislative framework on local scheduled bus transport

3.1.   
  Commercial Transport Act 2002 and Commercial Transport Regulation 2003

| (18) | At present, the local bus transport sector is regulated by the Commercial Transport Act of 2002 (the ‘CTA’) (6) and the Commercial Transport Regulation of 2003 (the ‘CTR’) (7). The CTA repealed and replaced the Transport Act of 1976 (8). The CTR repealed and replaced two regulations (9). |
| --- | --- |

(18)

At present, the local bus transport sector is regulated by the Commercial Transport Act of 2002 (the ‘CTA’) (6) and the Commercial Transport Regulation of 2003 (the ‘CTR’) (7). The CTA repealed and replaced the Transport Act of 1976 (8). The CTR repealed and replaced two regulations (9).

| (19) | Based on the information submitted by the Norwegian authorities, the relevant provisions regulating local bus transport, presented in the following, appear not to have been significantly altered since the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in 1994. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

Based on the information submitted by the Norwegian authorities, the relevant provisions regulating local bus transport, presented in the following, appear not to have been significantly altered since the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in 1994.

3.2.   
  Administrative responsibility of the counties

| (20) | In Norway, the responsibility of providing local public transport services is conferred on the counties. However, the counties are not under any obligation to offer such services. |
| --- | --- |

(20)

In Norway, the responsibility of providing local public transport services is conferred on the counties. However, the counties are not under any obligation to offer such services.

| (21) | The counties can either administer local bus transport services through their own organisation, or through an administrative company (10) set up by the county. The CTA provides that when the county sets up an administrative company, the funds intended for the financing of the local bus transport services will be allocated to that company (11). The administrative companies can obtain the bus transport services from a third party, or provide the services themselves. |
| --- | --- |

(21)

The counties can either administer local bus transport services through their own organisation, or through an administrative company (10) set up by the county. The CTA provides that when the county sets up an administrative company, the funds intended for the financing of the local bus transport services will be allocated to that company (11). The administrative companies can obtain the bus transport services from a third party, or provide the services themselves.

3.3.   
  Co-financing of local transport services by the State and counties

| (22) | The counties partly finance the local transport services with tax revenue. In addition, under the CTA the counties receive State funding by way of annual block grants (12). The amount of the grants are determined on the basis of the extent to which the counties need contributions from the State. Therefore, the counties have to provide the Ministry of Transport with budgets, accounts and other relevant information necessary to assess the need for contributions (13). |
| --- | --- |

(22)

The counties partly finance the local transport services with tax revenue. In addition, under the CTA the counties receive State funding by way of annual block grants (12). The amount of the grants are determined on the basis of the extent to which the counties need contributions from the State. Therefore, the counties have to provide the Ministry of Transport with budgets, accounts and other relevant information necessary to assess the need for contributions (13).

3.4.   
  Concessions

| (23) | Under the CTA, concessions are required to carry out remunerated bus transport services (14).
  Both a general and a special concession are needed for operators of scheduled passenger transport services. |
| --- | --- |

(23)

Under the CTA, concessions are required to carry out remunerated bus transport services (14).

Both a general and a special concession are needed for operators of scheduled passenger transport services.

3.4.1.   General concession for remunerated passenger transport

| (24) | Undertakings providing passenger transport services for remuneration must have a general concession (15). In order to obtain a general concession, the applicant must (i) provide a certificate of good conduct, (ii) have satisfactory financial means and abilities, and (iii) have satisfactory professional qualifications (16). General concessions are not time-limited (17). |
| --- | --- |

(24)

Undertakings providing passenger transport services for remuneration must have a general concession (15). In order to obtain a general concession, the applicant must (i) provide a certificate of good conduct, (ii) have satisfactory financial means and abilities, and (iii) have satisfactory professional qualifications (16). General concessions are not time-limited (17).

3.4.2.   Special concessions for scheduled passenger transport

| (25) | In addition to the general concession, any undertaking wishing to carry out scheduled passenger transport for remuneration must have a special concession (18). There are two types of special concessions: (i) area concessions; and (ii) route-specific concessions. The area concession is of a residual nature, in that it permits its holder to operate scheduled bus transport services in the entire area covered in so far as other route-specific concessions have not been granted for routes in the area. The holder of a route-specific concession is the sole entity entitled to operate scheduled bus transport on that route. |
| --- | --- |

(25)

In addition to the general concession, any undertaking wishing to carry out scheduled passenger transport for remuneration must have a special concession (18). There are two types of special concessions: (i) area concessions; and (ii) route-specific concessions. The area concession is of a residual nature, in that it permits its holder to operate scheduled bus transport services in the entire area covered in so far as other route-specific concessions have not been granted for routes in the area. The holder of a route-specific concession is the sole entity entitled to operate scheduled bus transport on that route.

| (26) | The special concession confers upon the concessionaire both a right and a duty to carry out the transport service as set out in the concession (19). When applying for a special concession, a proposal for a transportation schedule and tariffs must be submitted (20). Schedules and tariffs are subject to the control of the counties. The counties can order changes in the schedules and tariffs (21). |
| --- | --- |

(26)

The special concession confers upon the concessionaire both a right and a duty to carry out the transport service as set out in the concession (19). When applying for a special concession, a proposal for a transportation schedule and tariffs must be submitted (20). Schedules and tariffs are subject to the control of the counties. The counties can order changes in the schedules and tariffs (21).

| (27) | The special concessions can either be awarded (i) through tender procedures (granted for the period determined in the tender procedure (22), which in any event will not be for a longer period than 10 years (23)), or (ii) directly, without the use of a tender (granted for a 10-year period) (24). |
| --- | --- |

(27)

The special concessions can either be awarded (i) through tender procedures (granted for the period determined in the tender procedure (22), which in any event will not be for a longer period than 10 years (23)), or (ii) directly, without the use of a tender (granted for a 10-year period) (24).

3.5.   
  Contracts

| (28) | To complement the concessions, the counties may enter into contracts with the concessionaires about the provision of the public service. The counties are free to determine the form of these contracts (25). |
| --- | --- |

(28)

To complement the concessions, the counties may enter into contracts with the concessionaires about the provision of the public service. The counties are free to determine the form of these contracts (25).

3.6.   
  Remuneration to the concessionaires

| (29) | The counties are responsible for remunerating the concessionaires (26). Compensation is granted to undertakings that operate unprofitable routes (i.e. where the revenue generated from the sale of tickets does not cover the cost of operating the service). |
| --- | --- |

(29)

The counties are responsible for remunerating the concessionaires (26). Compensation is granted to undertakings that operate unprofitable routes (i.e. where the revenue generated from the sale of tickets does not cover the cost of operating the service).

| (30) | According to the Norwegian authorities, under Article 22 of the CTA the county is under the obligation to compensate the operators for the provision of the transport service on unprofitable routes. The counties are free to determine the manner in which the concessionaires are to be remunerated; the CTA and the CTR do not have any particular provisions on how the compensation is to be provided. |
| --- | --- |

(30)

According to the Norwegian authorities, under Article 22 of the CTA the county is under the obligation to compensate the operators for the provision of the transport service on unprofitable routes. The counties are free to determine the manner in which the concessionaires are to be remunerated; the CTA and the CTR do not have any particular provisions on how the compensation is to be provided.

| (31) | The Authority understands that Article 22 of the CTA is read as allowing for compensation to cover the cost of the public service minus the ticket revenue, and that compensation beyond that could not be based on the CTA. |
| --- | --- |

(31)

The Authority understands that Article 22 of the CTA is read as allowing for compensation to cover the cost of the public service minus the ticket revenue, and that compensation beyond that could not be based on the CTA.

4.   Organisation of the local scheduled bus transport in Oslo

| (32) | As noted above, the responsibility of providing local scheduled public transport services is conferred on the counties. Oslo Municipality is a county as well as a municipality. In the following, it is referred to as Oslo Municipality.
  From before 1994, all public transport administration in Oslo was carried out by AS Oslo Sporveier (27), as Oslo Municipality has delegated to the company the task of planning and administering public transport in Oslo (28). At the same time, AS Oslo Sporveier operated an in-house department (29) carrying out most (30) of the scheduled bus transport in Oslo. This activity was carried out on the basis of an area concession awarded on 16 November 1992, permitting AS Oslo Sporveier to operate scheduled bus transport services in the entire Oslo grid in so far as other route-specific concessions had not been granted. |
| --- | --- |

(32)

As noted above, the responsibility of providing local scheduled public transport services is conferred on the counties. Oslo Municipality is a county as well as a municipality. In the following, it is referred to as Oslo Municipality.

From before 1994, all public transport administration in Oslo was carried out by AS Oslo Sporveier (27), as Oslo Municipality has delegated to the company the task of planning and administering public transport in Oslo (28). At the same time, AS Oslo Sporveier operated an in-house department (29) carrying out most (30) of the scheduled bus transport in Oslo. This activity was carried out on the basis of an area concession awarded on 16 November 1992, permitting AS Oslo Sporveier to operate scheduled bus transport services in the entire Oslo grid in so far as other route-specific concessions had not been granted.

| (33) | The concession had been granted for a 10-year period, with retroactive effect from 1 January 1990. |
| --- | --- |

(33)

The concession had been granted for a 10-year period, with retroactive effect from 1 January 1990.

| (34) | Additionally, from 1994, AS Oslo Sporveier operated small-scale tour bus services outside its public service remit. |
| --- | --- |

(34)

Additionally, from 1994, AS Oslo Sporveier operated small-scale tour bus services outside its public service remit.

| (35) | On 23 April 1997, the bus department, including the small tour bus division, was separated from AS Oslo Sporveier and transferred to a newly established company, AS Sporveisbussene. From then on AS Sporveisbussene carried out the scheduled local bus transport in accordance with the concession awarded to AS Oslo Sporveier. |
| --- | --- |

(35)

On 23 April 1997, the bus department, including the small tour bus division, was separated from AS Oslo Sporveier and transferred to a newly established company, AS Sporveisbussene. From then on AS Sporveisbussene carried out the scheduled local bus transport in accordance with the concession awarded to AS Oslo Sporveier.

| (36) | The companies entered into a Transport Agreement, signed on 23 April 1997, and with retroactive force with effect from 1 January 1997 (‘the Transport Agreement’). The Transport Agreement was due to expire at the date of expiry of the existing concession (i.e. 31 December 1999), but it would be prolonged automatically for one year at a time as long as AS Oslo Sporveier’s area concession would be renewed. Under this Transport Agreement, AS Sporveierbussene assumed the public service activities of AS Oslo Sporveier and received remuneration directly from AS Oslo Sporveier for these services. |
| --- | --- |

(36)

The companies entered into a Transport Agreement, signed on 23 April 1997, and with retroactive force with effect from 1 January 1997 (‘the Transport Agreement’). The Transport Agreement was due to expire at the date of expiry of the existing concession (i.e. 31 December 1999), but it would be prolonged automatically for one year at a time as long as AS Oslo Sporveier’s area concession would be renewed. Under this Transport Agreement, AS Sporveierbussene assumed the public service activities of AS Oslo Sporveier and received remuneration directly from AS Oslo Sporveier for these services.

| (37) | The area concession was renewed for another 10 years on 20 September 2001, with retroactive effect from 1 January 2000. |
| --- | --- |

(37)

The area concession was renewed for another 10 years on 20 September 2001, with retroactive effect from 1 January 2000.

| (38) | In 2001, Oslo Municipality decided that all scheduled bus transport in Oslo should be tendered out. On this basis, scheduled bus transport was gradually put up for public tender in five lots during the period 2003-2008. The respective contracts entered into force the year following that in which they had been tendered out. The last lot was tendered in 2007, and the last contract entered into force on 30 March 2008. |
| --- | --- |

(38)

In 2001, Oslo Municipality decided that all scheduled bus transport in Oslo should be tendered out. On this basis, scheduled bus transport was gradually put up for public tender in five lots during the period 2003-2008. The respective contracts entered into force the year following that in which they had been tendered out. The last lot was tendered in 2007, and the last contract entered into force on 30 March 2008.

| (39) | Due to its residual nature, the scope of the area concession would be reduced in accordance with the gradual tendering of the routes that once had been covered by the area concession. Thus, the area concession awarded to AS Oslo Sporveier expired on 30 March 2008 (when all scheduled bus transport in Oslo had been tendered out). As the concession lapsed, so did the Transport Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(39)

Due to its residual nature, the scope of the area concession would be reduced in accordance with the gradual tendering of the routes that once had been covered by the area concession. Thus, the area concession awarded to AS Oslo Sporveier expired on 30 March 2008 (when all scheduled bus transport in Oslo had been tendered out). As the concession lapsed, so did the Transport Agreement.

| (40) | As set out above, in 1997 AS Sporveisbussene took over the small tour bus division from AS Oslo Sporveier. |
| --- | --- |

(40)

As set out above, in 1997 AS Sporveisbussene took over the small tour bus division from AS Oslo Sporveier.

| (41) | In 2003, AS Sporveisbussene established a subsidiary, Nexus Trafikk AS, in order to participate in tenders for operating scheduled bus transport routes in Oslo. In 2005, AS Sporveisbussene acquired the company Arctic Express AS and its subsidiary Lavprisexpressen.no, engaged in airport express services and regional bus transport. In 2006, the tour bus division was separated from AS Sporveisbussene into a newly established company, Sporveisbussenes Turbiler AS, owned 100 % by AS Sporveisbussene. |
| --- | --- |

(41)

In 2003, AS Sporveisbussene established a subsidiary, Nexus Trafikk AS, in order to participate in tenders for operating scheduled bus transport routes in Oslo. In 2005, AS Sporveisbussene acquired the company Arctic Express AS and its subsidiary Lavprisexpressen.no, engaged in airport express services and regional bus transport. In 2006, the tour bus division was separated from AS Sporveisbussene into a newly established company, Sporveisbussenes Turbiler AS, owned 100 % by AS Sporveisbussene.

| (42) | From 1 July 2006 to 1 January 2007, the administration of the public transport in Oslo was reorganised. A new company was established under the name AS Oslo Sporveier (the ‘new AS Oslo Sporveier’). The former AS Oslo Sporveier changed its name to Kollektivtransportproduksjon AS (‘KTP’). The administrative functions of the former AS Oslo Sporveier were transferred to the new AS Oslo Sporveier. |
| --- | --- |

(42)

From 1 July 2006 to 1 January 2007, the administration of the public transport in Oslo was reorganised. A new company was established under the name AS Oslo Sporveier (the ‘new AS Oslo Sporveier’). The former AS Oslo Sporveier changed its name to Kollektivtransportproduksjon AS (‘KTP’). The administrative functions of the former AS Oslo Sporveier were transferred to the new AS Oslo Sporveier.

| (43) | KTP retained the operative part of AS Oslo Sporveier and the ownership of AS Sporveisbussene. The latter turned into a parent company with three subsidiaries. The subsidiaries were renamed (from Nexus Trafikk to Unibuss AS; Sporveisbussenes Turbiler AS to Unibuss Tur AS; and Arctic Express AS to Unibuss Ekspress AS). |
| --- | --- |

(43)

KTP retained the operative part of AS Oslo Sporveier and the ownership of AS Sporveisbussene. The latter turned into a parent company with three subsidiaries. The subsidiaries were renamed (from Nexus Trafikk to Unibuss AS; Sporveisbussenes Turbiler AS to Unibuss Tur AS; and Arctic Express AS to Unibuss Ekspress AS).

5.   Compensation for the public service obligation in Oslo

5.1.   
  Administrative practice

| (44) | As noted above, Oslo Municipality is responsible for compensating operators of public services it wishes to establish or maintain within its region (31). |
| --- | --- |

(44)

As noted above, Oslo Municipality is responsible for compensating operators of public services it wishes to establish or maintain within its region (31).

| (45) | In Oslo, there is a common ticketing system that applies to all operators for bus, tram, underground and ferry. The public service operators are not responsible for the ticketing system. The ticketing system is the responsibility of KTP (formerly AS Oslo Sporveier), and the ticket prices are subject to the control of Oslo Municipality. |
| --- | --- |

(45)

In Oslo, there is a common ticketing system that applies to all operators for bus, tram, underground and ferry. The public service operators are not responsible for the ticketing system. The ticketing system is the responsibility of KTP (formerly AS Oslo Sporveier), and the ticket prices are subject to the control of Oslo Municipality.

| (46) | The concessionaire is allowed to keep the ticket income generated by the operation of the scheduled bus transport (32). When the ticket income is not sufficient to cover the cost of the operations, the concessionaire is eligible for public service compensation from Oslo Municipality. |
| --- | --- |

(46)

The concessionaire is allowed to keep the ticket income generated by the operation of the scheduled bus transport (32). When the ticket income is not sufficient to cover the cost of the operations, the concessionaire is eligible for public service compensation from Oslo Municipality.

| (47) | In the late 1980s, a system of compensation in the form of annual grants of lump sums was introduced. In essence, a lump sum that covered the difference between the estimated costs of operating the public service in question and the income from sale of tickets was determined by Oslo Municipality and the concessionaire. This was done as part of the general budget process in Oslo Municipality. According to the Norwegian authorities, the budget process can be outlined as follows:






  January/February | The City Government (Byrådet) decides the budget limits for the next year. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| March | The municipal departments and undertakings are informed of the budget limits and the time limit for submission of budget proposals. |
| March/April | The municipal undertakings deal with the budget of the following year. |
| May | The municipal departments and undertakings submit their budget proposals based on previous years income and costs, activity level, budget limits and assumptions on future cost developments and efficiency gains. |
| June-August | Discussions between the departments/undertakings and the responsible governmental unit are carried out in order to clarify the budget and the activities covered by it. |
| September | The budget proposal is announced by the City Government. |
| October | The different committees of the City Council (Bystyret) deal with the different parts of the budget. |
| October/November | The City Government proposes a revised budget. |
| December | The budget is approved by the City Council. |

(47)

In the late 1980s, a system of compensation in the form of annual grants of lump sums was introduced. In essence, a lump sum that covered the difference between the estimated costs of operating the public service in question and the income from sale of tickets was determined by Oslo Municipality and the concessionaire. This was done as part of the general budget process in Oslo Municipality. According to the Norwegian authorities, the budget process can be outlined as follows:

January/February

The City Government (Byrådet) decides the budget limits for the next year.

March

The municipal departments and undertakings are informed of the budget limits and the time limit for submission of budget proposals.

March/April

The municipal undertakings deal with the budget of the following year.

May

The municipal departments and undertakings submit their budget proposals based on previous years income and costs, activity level, budget limits and assumptions on future cost developments and efficiency gains.

June-August

Discussions between the departments/undertakings and the responsible governmental unit are carried out in order to clarify the budget and the activities covered by it.

September

The budget proposal is announced by the City Government.

October

The different committees of the City Council (Bystyret) deal with the different parts of the budget.

October/November

The City Government proposes a revised budget.

December

The budget is approved by the City Council.

| (48) | According to the Norwegian authorities, this has been the administrative practice in Oslo Municipality at least since 1994. |
| --- | --- |

(48)

According to the Norwegian authorities, this has been the administrative practice in Oslo Municipality at least since 1994.

| (49) | With regard to the compensation for the scheduled bus transport, the aim of the process was to determine the amount of compensation necessary to cover the difference between the estimated costs of operating the public service and the income from the sale of tickets. |
| --- | --- |

(49)

With regard to the compensation for the scheduled bus transport, the aim of the process was to determine the amount of compensation necessary to cover the difference between the estimated costs of operating the public service and the income from the sale of tickets.

| (50) | Based on the budget proposals (and possible amendments during the budget discussions in the City Council), the compensation was granted by budget decisions within certain presumptions that were specified in each decision, i.e. to achieve certain efficiency gains and maintain the preceding year’s transport services to the public. The decisions also contained certain goals with respect to, inter alia, the volume of produced transportation services and costs per travel. |
| --- | --- |

(50)

Based on the budget proposals (and possible amendments during the budget discussions in the City Council), the compensation was granted by budget decisions within certain presumptions that were specified in each decision, i.e. to achieve certain efficiency gains and maintain the preceding year’s transport services to the public. The decisions also contained certain goals with respect to, inter alia, the volume of produced transportation services and costs per travel.

| (51) | The assessment of the amount of compensation was based on the costs incurred in the preceding years, corrected for efficiency gains, the development of the Norwegian consumer price index, salaries, taxes, and laws and regulations that would affect the costs. |
| --- | --- |

(51)

The assessment of the amount of compensation was based on the costs incurred in the preceding years, corrected for efficiency gains, the development of the Norwegian consumer price index, salaries, taxes, and laws and regulations that would affect the costs.

| (52) | According to the Norwegian authorities, separate accounts were kept for the public service and commercial activities (i.e. the tour bus service) carried out by AS Oslo Sporveier. According to the Norwegian authorities, the cost of the commercial activities of AS Oslo Sporveier was not taken into account for the calculation of the annual compensation for public services. |
| --- | --- |

(52)

According to the Norwegian authorities, separate accounts were kept for the public service and commercial activities (i.e. the tour bus service) carried out by AS Oslo Sporveier. According to the Norwegian authorities, the cost of the commercial activities of AS Oslo Sporveier was not taken into account for the calculation of the annual compensation for public services.

| (53) | According to the Norwegian authorities, also under the Transport Agreement concluded in 1997, which lapsed on 30 March 2008 when all public service contracts had been tendered and the area concession itself lapsed, the calculation of the compensation was carried out on an annual basis in accordance with the principles described above. |
| --- | --- |

(53)

According to the Norwegian authorities, also under the Transport Agreement concluded in 1997, which lapsed on 30 March 2008 when all public service contracts had been tendered and the area concession itself lapsed, the calculation of the compensation was carried out on an annual basis in accordance with the principles described above.

| (54) | Thus, the public service compensation was determined in accordance with the same procedure. The amount of public service compensation was determined on the basis of the difference between cost and revenue on the public service and adjusted in accordance with the same correction factors throughout the entire period under assessment, and separate accounts were kept for the public service activities and the non-public service activities. |
| --- | --- |

(54)

Thus, the public service compensation was determined in accordance with the same procedure. The amount of public service compensation was determined on the basis of the difference between cost and revenue on the public service and adjusted in accordance with the same correction factors throughout the entire period under assessment, and separate accounts were kept for the public service activities and the non-public service activities.

5.2.   
  Introduction of a quality bonus/malus system

| (55) | According to the Norwegian authorities, a quality bonus/malus system was agreed on by AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene and introduced before 2004. According to that system, the performance of AS Sporveisbussene was assessed in accordance with the following criteria: (i) total customer satisfaction; (ii) punctuality; (iii) level of safety and comfort; and (iv) the driver being forthcoming. |
| --- | --- |

(55)

According to the Norwegian authorities, a quality bonus/malus system was agreed on by AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene and introduced before 2004. According to that system, the performance of AS Sporveisbussene was assessed in accordance with the following criteria: (i) total customer satisfaction; (ii) punctuality; (iii) level of safety and comfort; and (iv) the driver being forthcoming.

| (56) | AS Oslo Sporveier granted a quality bonus to AS Sporveisbussene of NOK 3,9 million in 2004. The Authority is not aware of any other quality bonuses being granted. |
| --- | --- |

(56)

AS Oslo Sporveier granted a quality bonus to AS Sporveisbussene of NOK 3,9 million in 2004. The Authority is not aware of any other quality bonuses being granted.

5.3.   
  Common cost and intra-group transactions

| (57) | According to the Norwegian authorities, AS Sporveisbussene paid market prices for all services that were provided by AS Oslo Sporveier. |
| --- | --- |

(57)

According to the Norwegian authorities, AS Sporveisbussene paid market prices for all services that were provided by AS Oslo Sporveier.

| (58) | Likewise, the Norwegian authorities maintain that the commercial activities of AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene and its subsidiaries were always charged market prices for all services provided by AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene (for example, the tour bus division paid market prices for their use of office space, garage facilities and administration provided by the Oslo Sporveier Group). |
| --- | --- |

(58)

Likewise, the Norwegian authorities maintain that the commercial activities of AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene and its subsidiaries were always charged market prices for all services provided by AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene (for example, the tour bus division paid market prices for their use of office space, garage facilities and administration provided by the Oslo Sporveier Group).

| (59) | The Norwegian authorities have indicated that from 2004 onwards, [...] (33) % of the overall costs were levied from all subsidiaries for general overheads. |
| --- | --- |

(59)

The Norwegian authorities have indicated that from 2004 onwards, [...] (33) % of the overall costs were levied from all subsidiaries for general overheads.

| (60) | However, the Norwegian authorities have not submitted further information on the allocation of the common costs, or whether such a particular allocation key was used for this purpose, or whether the payment for the services that the commercial subsidiaries of AS Sporveisbussene received was done on an arms-length basis and on market terms. |
| --- | --- |

(60)

However, the Norwegian authorities have not submitted further information on the allocation of the common costs, or whether such a particular allocation key was used for this purpose, or whether the payment for the services that the commercial subsidiaries of AS Sporveisbussene received was done on an arms-length basis and on market terms.

| (61) | Furthermore, no explanations have been provided as to the rationale of introducing a ‘general overhead fee’ in 2004, and if overheads were exclusively born by the public service activities before that date. |
| --- | --- |

(61)

Furthermore, no explanations have been provided as to the rationale of introducing a ‘general overhead fee’ in 2004, and if overheads were exclusively born by the public service activities before that date.

5.4.   
  Profitability of the public service

| (62) | According to an overview of the annual results of the bus activities of AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene submitted by the Norwegian authorities, the average annual profit of the companies was 0,49 % in the period from 1994 to 2008. This figure, however, includes commercial activities from 2005 onwards. The average annual return for the period between 1994 and 2005, for which the data submitted by the Norwegian authorities relates exclusively to the public service, was 1,98 % (34). |
| --- | --- |

(62)

According to an overview of the annual results of the bus activities of AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene submitted by the Norwegian authorities, the average annual profit of the companies was 0,49 % in the period from 1994 to 2008. This figure, however, includes commercial activities from 2005 onwards. The average annual return for the period between 1994 and 2005, for which the data submitted by the Norwegian authorities relates exclusively to the public service, was 1,98 % (34).

6.   Capital injection of 2 April 2004

6.1.   
  The complaint

| (63) | The complainant states that AS Oslo Sporveier transferred NOK 41 499 000 in new equity to AS Sporveisbussene in 2004, and alleges that this transaction may have involved State aid as no private market investor would inject capital in a loss-making company. The complainant furthermore questions whether capital has been injected in order to fund new activities taking place in a market exposed to competition. |
| --- | --- |

(63)

The complainant states that AS Oslo Sporveier transferred NOK 41 499 000 in new equity to AS Sporveisbussene in 2004, and alleges that this transaction may have involved State aid as no private market investor would inject capital in a loss-making company. The complainant furthermore questions whether capital has been injected in order to fund new activities taking place in a market exposed to competition.

| (64) | The Norwegian authorities have confirmed that Oslo Municipality injected new capital into Oslo Sporveier Group on 2 April 2004, and that this measure related to a one-time contribution to the pension fund of the Group (Oslo Sporveiers Pensjonskasse) (35) to cover an accumulated shortage of funds in the existing pension fund accounts. The amount of this capital injection allocated to AS Sporveisbussene was NOK 111 760 000. The Norwegian authorities have furthermore explained that at the same time as the capital injection took place, AS Sporveisbussene changed accounting principles for estimating future pension obligations with the result that from 2004 onwards such obligations were recognised in their accounts (36). |
| --- | --- |

(64)

The Norwegian authorities have confirmed that Oslo Municipality injected new capital into Oslo Sporveier Group on 2 April 2004, and that this measure related to a one-time contribution to the pension fund of the Group (Oslo Sporveiers Pensjonskasse) (35) to cover an accumulated shortage of funds in the existing pension fund accounts. The amount of this capital injection allocated to AS Sporveisbussene was NOK 111 760 000. The Norwegian authorities have furthermore explained that at the same time as the capital injection took place, AS Sporveisbussene changed accounting principles for estimating future pension obligations with the result that from 2004 onwards such obligations were recognised in their accounts (36).

| (65) | Based on the information submitted by the Norwegian authorities, the Authority assumes that the complainant, when referring to the transfer of NOK 41 499 000 in his correspondence with the Authority, has compared the 2003 and 2004 accounts of AS Sporveisbussene, and deducted NOK 39 501 000 (total equity in 2003) from NOK 81 000 000 (total equity in 2004) (37). In this Decision, the Authority will assess the actual capital injection of NOK 111 760 000, which is the amount allocated to cover the pension obligations of AS Sporveisbussene (as opposed to NOK 41 499 000 referred to by the complainant). |
| --- | --- |

(65)

Based on the information submitted by the Norwegian authorities, the Authority assumes that the complainant, when referring to the transfer of NOK 41 499 000 in his correspondence with the Authority, has compared the 2003 and 2004 accounts of AS Sporveisbussene, and deducted NOK 39 501 000 (total equity in 2003) from NOK 81 000 000 (total equity in 2004) (37). In this Decision, the Authority will assess the actual capital injection of NOK 111 760 000, which is the amount allocated to cover the pension obligations of AS Sporveisbussene (as opposed to NOK 41 499 000 referred to by the complainant).

| (66) | The Norwegian authorities have submitted explanations regarding the rationale for this capital injection, which relates to the pension liabilities of AS Sporveisbussene. These are summarised in the following. |
| --- | --- |

(66)

The Norwegian authorities have submitted explanations regarding the rationale for this capital injection, which relates to the pension liabilities of AS Sporveisbussene. These are summarised in the following.

6.2.   
  Mid-1990s shortfall in AS Oslo Sporveier Group’s pension fund and increased annual compensation

| (67) | The Norwegian authorities have explained that the Norwegian local authorities — and companies owned or controlled by them — were obliged to provide their employees with an indexed pension equal to 70 % or 66 % of their final salary upon retirement at the age of 67 (38). |
| --- | --- |

(67)

The Norwegian authorities have explained that the Norwegian local authorities — and companies owned or controlled by them — were obliged to provide their employees with an indexed pension equal to 70 % or 66 % of their final salary upon retirement at the age of 67 (38).

| (68) | By the mid-1990s, it had become clear that the pension fund of the Oslo Sporveier Group was underfunded. The underfunding had accumulated over several years as the payments of premiums to the pension fund did not take adequate account of increased pension obligations resulting from factors such as increases in the employees’ salaries, longer life expectancy, changes in expected rates of disability etc. According to the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway (Kredittilsynet), the pension fund of AS Oslo Sporveier had a coverage of only 46,9 % per 31 December 1995. Municipal pension funds with a coverage below 95 % must be increased with a minimum of 1,5 % per year (39). Oslo Municipality, as its owner, was therefore legally obliged to cover the underfunding of Oslo Sporveier Group (40). Thus, as resolved by Decision of 23 December 1996, AS Oslo Sporveier had to submit a plan on how to make up for the shortfall. Consequently, a payment plan to eliminate the shortfall by 2020 was laid down. This plan was approved by the Financial Supervisory Authority on 9 July 1997. |
| --- | --- |

(68)

By the mid-1990s, it had become clear that the pension fund of the Oslo Sporveier Group was underfunded. The underfunding had accumulated over several years as the payments of premiums to the pension fund did not take adequate account of increased pension obligations resulting from factors such as increases in the employees’ salaries, longer life expectancy, changes in expected rates of disability etc. According to the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway (Kredittilsynet), the pension fund of AS Oslo Sporveier had a coverage of only 46,9 % per 31 December 1995. Municipal pension funds with a coverage below 95 % must be increased with a minimum of 1,5 % per year (39). Oslo Municipality, as its owner, was therefore legally obliged to cover the underfunding of Oslo Sporveier Group (40). Thus, as resolved by Decision of 23 December 1996, AS Oslo Sporveier had to submit a plan on how to make up for the shortfall. Consequently, a payment plan to eliminate the shortfall by 2020 was laid down. This plan was approved by the Financial Supervisory Authority on 9 July 1997.

| (69) | In accordance with the payment plan, Oslo Municipality adjusted upwards the annual public service compensation so as to cover the increased pension premiums. |
| --- | --- |

(69)

In accordance with the payment plan, Oslo Municipality adjusted upwards the annual public service compensation so as to cover the increased pension premiums.

6.3.   
  Capital injection into Oslo Sporveiers Pensjonskasse

| (70) | According to the Norwegian authorities, Oslo Municipality decided in 2003 to cover the pension fund shortfall at Oslo Sporveier Group with a one-time payment. As a result, on 2 April 2004, AS Oslo Sporveier injected NOK 802,5 million (41) in Oslo Sporveiers Pensjonskasse to cover the current total shortfall (42). The capital injection covered the underfunding of the pension liabilities relating to the employees of Oslo Sporvognsdrift AS, Oslo T-banedrift AS, AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene. |
| --- | --- |

(70)

According to the Norwegian authorities, Oslo Municipality decided in 2003 to cover the pension fund shortfall at Oslo Sporveier Group with a one-time payment. As a result, on 2 April 2004, AS Oslo Sporveier injected NOK 802,5 million (41) in Oslo Sporveiers Pensjonskasse to cover the current total shortfall (42). The capital injection covered the underfunding of the pension liabilities relating to the employees of Oslo Sporvognsdrift AS, Oslo T-banedrift AS, AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene.

| (71) | The Norwegian authorities have explained that although Oslo Municipality was legally obliged to cover the underfunding of Oslo Sporveier Group, it was not required to do so by a one-time payment: it chose to do so as this solution would be more cost-efficient than adhering to the existing amortisation plan. The annual amortised amount to service the underfunding was higher than the finance costs needed to service a bank loan of the same size. Moreover, a one-time payment was estimated to provide savings in the operating budget of approximately NOK 160 million, and reduce the Group’s annual pension costs by NOK 60 million. |
| --- | --- |

(71)

The Norwegian authorities have explained that although Oslo Municipality was legally obliged to cover the underfunding of Oslo Sporveier Group, it was not required to do so by a one-time payment: it chose to do so as this solution would be more cost-efficient than adhering to the existing amortisation plan. The annual amortised amount to service the underfunding was higher than the finance costs needed to service a bank loan of the same size. Moreover, a one-time payment was estimated to provide savings in the operating budget of approximately NOK 160 million, and reduce the Group’s annual pension costs by NOK 60 million.

| (72) | Of the NOK 802,5 million, NOK 111 760 000 went to cover the pension obligations of AS Sporveisbussene. According to the Norwegian authorities, the full amount was paid directly from AS Oslo Sporveier to the Oslo Sporveiers Pensjonskasse and was not transferred as cash to AS Sporveisbussene. In the annual accounts of AS Sporveisbussene for 2004, the pension contribution of NOK 111 760 000 was recorded as an injection of new share capital. |
| --- | --- |

(72)

Of the NOK 802,5 million, NOK 111 760 000 went to cover the pension obligations of AS Sporveisbussene. According to the Norwegian authorities, the full amount was paid directly from AS Oslo Sporveier to the Oslo Sporveiers Pensjonskasse and was not transferred as cash to AS Sporveisbussene. In the annual accounts of AS Sporveisbussene for 2004, the pension contribution of NOK 111 760 000 was recorded as an injection of new share capital.

6.4.   
  Underfunding of the pension liabilities for the tour bus employees

| (73) | According to the Norwegian authorities, a part of the capital injection transferred to AS Sporveisbussene covered pension liabilities for employees in the tour bus operation for the period 1994 (when the tour bus operations commenced) until 1 January 1997. |
| --- | --- |

(73)

According to the Norwegian authorities, a part of the capital injection transferred to AS Sporveisbussene covered pension liabilities for employees in the tour bus operation for the period 1994 (when the tour bus operations commenced) until 1 January 1997.

| (74) | The Norwegian authorities have submitted calculations according to which approximately NOK 430 300 of the total capital injection was related to pension liability underfunding in the tour bus division. |
| --- | --- |

(74)

The Norwegian authorities have submitted calculations according to which approximately NOK 430 300 of the total capital injection was related to pension liability underfunding in the tour bus division.

6.5.   
  Change of pension funds to Vital Forsikring ASA

| (75) | The payment of NOK 111 760 000 also enabled AS Sporveisbussene to transfer its pension fund from Oslo Sporveiers Pensjonskasse to Vital Forsikring ASA, a life insurance company. The change took effect on 1 June 2004. Under the then applicable Norwegian law, all premiums intended to cover the shortfall had to be paid in full, before AS Sporveisbussene could transfer its pension obligations from one fund to another (43). |
| --- | --- |

(75)

The payment of NOK 111 760 000 also enabled AS Sporveisbussene to transfer its pension fund from Oslo Sporveiers Pensjonskasse to Vital Forsikring ASA, a life insurance company. The change took effect on 1 June 2004. Under the then applicable Norwegian law, all premiums intended to cover the shortfall had to be paid in full, before AS Sporveisbussene could transfer its pension obligations from one fund to another (43).

7.   Taxation of the Oslo Sporveier Group

7.1.   
  Allegations of the complainant

| (76) | The complainant has argued that AS Oslo Sporveier’s negative tax position has been used to reduce the tax burden on AS Sporveisbussene. According to the complainant, favourable tax conditions in the Oslo Sporveier Group could possibly have been used to avoid payment of tax on profits made in a market wholly or partially exposed to competition. The basis for this complaint seems to be that AS Sporveisbussene in the period 2000-2004, while having a profit before tax of approximately NOK 54 796 000, only had a taxable income of NOK 2 027 000. |
| --- | --- |

(76)

The complainant has argued that AS Oslo Sporveier’s negative tax position has been used to reduce the tax burden on AS Sporveisbussene. According to the complainant, favourable tax conditions in the Oslo Sporveier Group could possibly have been used to avoid payment of tax on profits made in a market wholly or partially exposed to competition. The basis for this complaint seems to be that AS Sporveisbussene in the period 2000-2004, while having a profit before tax of approximately NOK 54 796 000, only had a taxable income of NOK 2 027 000.

| (77) | According to the Norwegian authorities, it seems that the complainant is referring to the taxation rules regarding contributions between companies belonging to the same group (group contributions). AS Sporveisbussene has apparently transferred parts of its profits thus avoiding the payment of income tax on the amount transferred. |
| --- | --- |

(77)

According to the Norwegian authorities, it seems that the complainant is referring to the taxation rules regarding contributions between companies belonging to the same group (group contributions). AS Sporveisbussene has apparently transferred parts of its profits thus avoiding the payment of income tax on the amount transferred.

7.2.   
  The relevant provision of the Norwegian Tax Act

| (78) | According to the Norwegian Tax Act (44), every undertaking within a group shall be taxed as a single taxable entity; there is no consolidation of groups of companies for tax purposes. However, under certain conditions, the taxation rules permit income earned by the companies in the group to be distributed within the group by way of so-called ‘group contributions’. |
| --- | --- |

(78)

According to the Norwegian Tax Act (44), every undertaking within a group shall be taxed as a single taxable entity; there is no consolidation of groups of companies for tax purposes. However, under certain conditions, the taxation rules permit income earned by the companies in the group to be distributed within the group by way of so-called ‘group contributions’.

| (79) | Group contributions are allowed (45) when the contributing company and the receiving company are limited liability companies (46) and belong to the same group (47). In addition, the parent company has to own more than 90 % of the subsidiary, and hold an equivalent share of the votes (48). A group contribution may consist of money, working capital or other financial contributions (49). |
| --- | --- |

(79)

Group contributions are allowed (45) when the contributing company and the receiving company are limited liability companies (46) and belong to the same group (47). In addition, the parent company has to own more than 90 % of the subsidiary, and hold an equivalent share of the votes (48). A group contribution may consist of money, working capital or other financial contributions (49).

| (80) | The group contributions are deductible for the granting company to the extent that the contribution is covered by the taxable income of the contributor (50). The receiving company, on the other hand, is liable for paying taxes on the group contribution (51). The contribution is considered as an income for the receiving company in the same year as the granting company deducts the contribution in its tax assessment. Provided that the recipient suffers a deficit, the contribution may be set off against any losses, also those incurred in previous years. |
| --- | --- |

(80)

The group contributions are deductible for the granting company to the extent that the contribution is covered by the taxable income of the contributor (50). The receiving company, on the other hand, is liable for paying taxes on the group contribution (51). The contribution is considered as an income for the receiving company in the same year as the granting company deducts the contribution in its tax assessment. Provided that the recipient suffers a deficit, the contribution may be set off against any losses, also those incurred in previous years.

II.   ASSESSMENT

1.   The presence of State aid

| (81) | Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement reads as follows:
  ‘Save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any aid granted by EC Member States, EFTA States or through State resources in any form whatsoever which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods shall, in so far as it affects trade between contracting parties, be incompatible with the functioning of this Agreement.’ |
| --- | --- |

(81)

Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement reads as follows:

‘Save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any aid granted by EC Member States, EFTA States or through State resources in any form whatsoever which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods shall, in so far as it affects trade between contracting parties, be incompatible with the functioning of this Agreement.’

| (82) | The Authority will in the following assess whether the four alleged measures referred to in the complaint constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 61 of the EEA Agreement. The Authority will assess (i) whether there are State resources involved, (ii) whether the alleged measures confer an economic advantage on the relevant entities of the Oslo Sporveier Group, and (iii) whether the alleged measures distort competition and have an effect on trade between the contracting parties. |
| --- | --- |

(82)

The Authority will in the following assess whether the four alleged measures referred to in the complaint constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 61 of the EEA Agreement. The Authority will assess (i) whether there are State resources involved, (ii) whether the alleged measures confer an economic advantage on the relevant entities of the Oslo Sporveier Group, and (iii) whether the alleged measures distort competition and have an effect on trade between the contracting parties.

2.   Alleged cross-subsidies — compensation for the public service and the 2004 capital injection

2.1.   
  Introduction

| (83) | A preliminary assessment of the complaint concerning the alleged cross-subsidisation and the 2004 capital injection is set out below.
  Concerning the complaint that cross-subsidisation has occurred between the public service activities and the commercial activities of AS Oslo Sporveier, AS Sporveisbussene, Arctic Express AS and Sporveisbussenes Turbiler AS, the Authority understands the allegation to be that compensation for the provision of the local scheduled transport service has subsidised the commercial activities carried out by the Oslo Sporveier Group. |
| --- | --- |

(83)

A preliminary assessment of the complaint concerning the alleged cross-subsidisation and the 2004 capital injection is set out below.

Concerning the complaint that cross-subsidisation has occurred between the public service activities and the commercial activities of AS Oslo Sporveier, AS Sporveisbussene, Arctic Express AS and Sporveisbussenes Turbiler AS, the Authority understands the allegation to be that compensation for the provision of the local scheduled transport service has subsidised the commercial activities carried out by the Oslo Sporveier Group.

| (84) | It is evident that cross-subsidisation (in the sense of entailing incompatible State aid) can only occur if the cross-subsidising undertaking receives State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. Thus, in respect of this part of the complaint, the Authority must first assess if the financing measures, i.e. (i) the annual payments from Oslo Municipality granted to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene (via AS Oslo Sporveier) as compensation for the provision of scheduled bus services, and (ii) the 2004 capital injection, entail State aid. |
| --- | --- |

(84)

It is evident that cross-subsidisation (in the sense of entailing incompatible State aid) can only occur if the cross-subsidising undertaking receives State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. Thus, in respect of this part of the complaint, the Authority must first assess if the financing measures, i.e. (i) the annual payments from Oslo Municipality granted to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene (via AS Oslo Sporveier) as compensation for the provision of scheduled bus services, and (ii) the 2004 capital injection, entail State aid.

2.2.   
  Presence of State resources

| (85) | In order to constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement, the aid must be granted by the State or through State resources. |
| --- | --- |

(85)

In order to constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement, the aid must be granted by the State or through State resources.

| (86) | As a preliminary point, both local and regional authorities are considered to be equivalent to the State (52). Hence, Oslo Municipality is equivalent to the State for the purposes of the EEA State aid rules. |
| --- | --- |

(86)

As a preliminary point, both local and regional authorities are considered to be equivalent to the State (52). Hence, Oslo Municipality is equivalent to the State for the purposes of the EEA State aid rules.

| (87) | In the present case it is clear that the State, in the capacity of Oslo Municipality, provided funding to AS Oslo Sporveier for carrying out scheduled bus transport until 1997. For the period 1997-2008 it is undisputed that AS Oslo Sporveier passed on the annual compensation to AS Sporveisbussene, according to the terms of the Transport Agreement, which appears in essence to have formalised the previous unwritten administrative practice of calculating the annual compensation (53). |
| --- | --- |

(87)

In the present case it is clear that the State, in the capacity of Oslo Municipality, provided funding to AS Oslo Sporveier for carrying out scheduled bus transport until 1997. For the period 1997-2008 it is undisputed that AS Oslo Sporveier passed on the annual compensation to AS Sporveisbussene, according to the terms of the Transport Agreement, which appears in essence to have formalised the previous unwritten administrative practice of calculating the annual compensation (53).

| (88) | As regards the 2004 capital injection into AS Sporveisbussene to cover the underfunding of the pension fund it is undisputed that the State, in the capacity of Oslo Municipality, contributed NOK 111 760 000 as capital for AS Sporveisbussene. |
| --- | --- |

(88)

As regards the 2004 capital injection into AS Sporveisbussene to cover the underfunding of the pension fund it is undisputed that the State, in the capacity of Oslo Municipality, contributed NOK 111 760 000 as capital for AS Sporveisbussene.

| (89) | The Authority therefore comes to the preliminary conclusion that the 2004 capital injection and the compensation to AS Oslo Sporveier, and then to AS Sporveisbussene (via AS Oslo Sporveier) for carrying out bus transport services in Oslo were granted by the State and financed by State resources. |
| --- | --- |

(89)

The Authority therefore comes to the preliminary conclusion that the 2004 capital injection and the compensation to AS Oslo Sporveier, and then to AS Sporveisbussene (via AS Oslo Sporveier) for carrying out bus transport services in Oslo were granted by the State and financed by State resources.

2.3.   
  Economic advantage

2.3.1.   Introduction

| (90) | In order to constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement, the measure must confer an economic advantage on an undertaking, for example by relieving it of charges that are normally borne from its budget. |
| --- | --- |

(90)

In order to constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement, the measure must confer an economic advantage on an undertaking, for example by relieving it of charges that are normally borne from its budget.

| (91) | The beneficiaries of any potential aid will be AS Oslo Sporveier and/or AS Sporveisbussene. That an undertaking, or undertakings, will benefit from any economic advantage does not therefore raise any doubts. |
| --- | --- |

(91)

The beneficiaries of any potential aid will be AS Oslo Sporveier and/or AS Sporveisbussene. That an undertaking, or undertakings, will benefit from any economic advantage does not therefore raise any doubts.

2.3.2.   Compensation for scheduled bus transport in Oslo

| (92) | As mentioned above, the compensation to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene for carrying out bus transport services in Oslo constitutes — at least in part — compensation for costs incurred by providing a public service. Such compensation does not entail an economic advantage if the criteria established in the Altmark case-law of the European Court of Justice are met (54). |
| --- | --- |

(92)

As mentioned above, the compensation to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene for carrying out bus transport services in Oslo constitutes — at least in part — compensation for costs incurred by providing a public service. Such compensation does not entail an economic advantage if the criteria established in the Altmark case-law of the European Court of Justice are met (54).

| (93) | Furthermore, as regards the 2004 capital injection, the Authority considers that AS Sporveisbussene received the capital injection to cover the underfunding of pension obligations that had accrued before 1997, and is at this stage of the view that the entire capital injection was used for this purpose. It is also worth noting that whilst certain changes to the capital position of AS Sporveisbussene were recorded in the accounts, the full amount was paid directly from AS Oslo Sporveier to the pension fund and was not transferred as cash to AS Sporveisbussene. |
| --- | --- |

(93)

Furthermore, as regards the 2004 capital injection, the Authority considers that AS Sporveisbussene received the capital injection to cover the underfunding of pension obligations that had accrued before 1997, and is at this stage of the view that the entire capital injection was used for this purpose. It is also worth noting that whilst certain changes to the capital position of AS Sporveisbussene were recorded in the accounts, the full amount was paid directly from AS Oslo Sporveier to the pension fund and was not transferred as cash to AS Sporveisbussene.

| (94) | However, in order to determine whether the capital injection described above entailed an economic advantage for AS Sporveisbussene, a distinction needs to be drawn between the capital that was injected to remedy the underfunding of the pension accounts of the public service employees (‘public service capital injection’), and the capital that covered the underfunding of the pension accounts of the employees in the commercial arm of AS Sporveisbussene (‘commercial activities capital injection’). As set out above, according to the Norwegian authorities, approximately NOK 430 300 of the 2004 capital injection appears to have been related to underfunding of pension accounts in the commercial tour bus division. |
| --- | --- |

(94)

However, in order to determine whether the capital injection described above entailed an economic advantage for AS Sporveisbussene, a distinction needs to be drawn between the capital that was injected to remedy the underfunding of the pension accounts of the public service employees (‘public service capital injection’), and the capital that covered the underfunding of the pension accounts of the employees in the commercial arm of AS Sporveisbussene (‘commercial activities capital injection’). As set out above, according to the Norwegian authorities, approximately NOK 430 300 of the 2004 capital injection appears to have been related to underfunding of pension accounts in the commercial tour bus division.

| (95) | As for the public service capital injection, it does not relate to new costs but to costs accrued in the past which had technically not been reflected in the general accounts of the company. However, these liabilities were already present at the time of the capital injection, which seems to have been necessary to make up for the shortfall in the pensions funds. |
| --- | --- |

(95)

As for the public service capital injection, it does not relate to new costs but to costs accrued in the past which had technically not been reflected in the general accounts of the company. However, these liabilities were already present at the time of the capital injection, which seems to have been necessary to make up for the shortfall in the pensions funds.

| (96) | Therefore, the public service capital injection can be considered to form part of the cost that Oslo Municipality had to bear in exchange for AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene (via AS Oslo Sporveier) providing the public service. Instead of injecting this capital, Oslo Municipality could have paid out a higher annual public service compensation. |
| --- | --- |

(96)

Therefore, the public service capital injection can be considered to form part of the cost that Oslo Municipality had to bear in exchange for AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene (via AS Oslo Sporveier) providing the public service. Instead of injecting this capital, Oslo Municipality could have paid out a higher annual public service compensation.

| (97) | Thus public service capital injection constituted an integral part of the public service compensation granted to AS Sporveisbussene, as it had been from the mid-1990s until the capital injection was made (and as it would have been if carried out in accordance with the amortisation plan until 2020). |
| --- | --- |

(97)

Thus public service capital injection constituted an integral part of the public service compensation granted to AS Sporveisbussene, as it had been from the mid-1990s until the capital injection was made (and as it would have been if carried out in accordance with the amortisation plan until 2020).

| (98) | In the Altmark judgment the European Court of Justice (the ‘Court of Justice’) held that compensation for a public service does not constitute State aid when four cumulative criteria are met.






  — | First, the recipient undertaking must actually have public service obligations to discharge and such obligations must be clearly defined. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(98)

In the Altmark judgment the European Court of Justice (the ‘Court of Justice’) held that compensation for a public service does not constitute State aid when four cumulative criteria are met.

—

First, the recipient undertaking must actually have public service obligations to discharge and such obligations must be clearly defined.

| — | Second, the parameters on the basis of which the compensation is calculated must be established in advance in an objective and transparent manner. |
| --- | --- |

—

Second, the parameters on the basis of which the compensation is calculated must be established in advance in an objective and transparent manner.

| — | Third, the compensation cannot exceed what is necessary to cover all or part of the costs incurred in the discharge of the public service obligations, taking into account the relevant receipts and a reasonable profit. |
| --- | --- |

—

Third, the compensation cannot exceed what is necessary to cover all or part of the costs incurred in the discharge of the public service obligations, taking into account the relevant receipts and a reasonable profit.

| — | Fourth, and finally, where the undertaking which is to discharge public service obligations is not chosen pursuant to a public procurement procedure which would allow for the selection of the tenderer capable of providing those services at the least cost, the level of compensation needed must be determined on the basis of an analysis of the costs which a typical undertaking, well run and adequately equipped, would have incurred (55). |
| --- | --- |

—

Fourth, and finally, where the undertaking which is to discharge public service obligations is not chosen pursuant to a public procurement procedure which would allow for the selection of the tenderer capable of providing those services at the least cost, the level of compensation needed must be determined on the basis of an analysis of the costs which a typical undertaking, well run and adequately equipped, would have incurred (55).

| (99) | The Authority will firstly examine the fourth criterion, namely whether the compensation was based on a tender or on the basis of the costs of an efficient and well-run company. |
| --- | --- |

(99)

The Authority will firstly examine the fourth criterion, namely whether the compensation was based on a tender or on the basis of the costs of an efficient and well-run company.

| (100) | Oslo Municipality paid an annual compensation to AS Oslo Sporveier for scheduled bus transport services, which from 1997 was passed on to AS Sporveisbussene. However, with regards to the routes operated under the area concession, neither AS Oslo Sporveier nor AS Sporveisbussene were selected in a public procurement procedure. Hence, neither the compensation from Oslo Municipality to AS Oslo Sporveier nor the compensation subsequently passed on from AS Oslo Sporveier to AS Sporveisbussene were based on prices resulting from public tenders. |
| --- | --- |

(100)

Oslo Municipality paid an annual compensation to AS Oslo Sporveier for scheduled bus transport services, which from 1997 was passed on to AS Sporveisbussene. However, with regards to the routes operated under the area concession, neither AS Oslo Sporveier nor AS Sporveisbussene were selected in a public procurement procedure. Hence, neither the compensation from Oslo Municipality to AS Oslo Sporveier nor the compensation subsequently passed on from AS Oslo Sporveier to AS Sporveisbussene were based on prices resulting from public tenders.

| (101) | Furthermore, the Norwegian authorities have neither argued that (nor provided the Authority with information enabling a verification of whether) the costs incurred by AS Oslo Sporveier or AS Sporveisbussene correspond to the costs of a typical undertaking, well run and adequately equipped. Therefore, the preliminary opinion of the Authority is that the fourth Altmark criterion is not met. |
| --- | --- |

(101)

Furthermore, the Norwegian authorities have neither argued that (nor provided the Authority with information enabling a verification of whether) the costs incurred by AS Oslo Sporveier or AS Sporveisbussene correspond to the costs of a typical undertaking, well run and adequately equipped. Therefore, the preliminary opinion of the Authority is that the fourth Altmark criterion is not met.

| (102) | On the basis of the above, the Authority considers at this stage that the scheduled bus transport services carried out under the area concession in Oslo have, both in the case of AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene, therefore not been discharged in accordance with the fourth criterion of the Altmark judgment. Consequently, as the Altmark criteria must be satisfied cumulatively for public service compensation not to constitute State aid (56), the Authority’s preliminary conclusion is that the annual compensation, including the public service capital injection, confers an economic advantage to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene. |
| --- | --- |

(102)

On the basis of the above, the Authority considers at this stage that the scheduled bus transport services carried out under the area concession in Oslo have, both in the case of AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene, therefore not been discharged in accordance with the fourth criterion of the Altmark judgment. Consequently, as the Altmark criteria must be satisfied cumulatively for public service compensation not to constitute State aid (56), the Authority’s preliminary conclusion is that the annual compensation, including the public service capital injection, confers an economic advantage to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene.

2.3.3.   The commercial activities capital injection

| (103) | As set out above, approximately NOK 430 300 of the 2004 capital injection appears to have been related to underfunding of pension accounts in the tour bus division. As this part of the injected capital does not relate to public service cost, it cannot be assessed on the basis of Altmark. Thus, according to settled case-law, it is necessary for the Authority to establish whether the recipient undertaking, AS Sporveisbussene, received an economic advantage which it would not have obtained under normal conditions (57). In doing so, the Authority has to apply the market economy investor test (58) which in essence provides that State aid is granted whenever a State makes funds available to an undertaking which in the normal course of events would not be provided by a private investor applying ordinary commercial criteria and disregarding other considerations of a social, political or philanthropic nature (59). |
| --- | --- |

(103)

As set out above, approximately NOK 430 300 of the 2004 capital injection appears to have been related to underfunding of pension accounts in the tour bus division. As this part of the injected capital does not relate to public service cost, it cannot be assessed on the basis of Altmark. Thus, according to settled case-law, it is necessary for the Authority to establish whether the recipient undertaking, AS Sporveisbussene, received an economic advantage which it would not have obtained under normal conditions (57). In doing so, the Authority has to apply the market economy investor test (58) which in essence provides that State aid is granted whenever a State makes funds available to an undertaking which in the normal course of events would not be provided by a private investor applying ordinary commercial criteria and disregarding other considerations of a social, political or philanthropic nature (59).

| (104) | It should be recalled that the initial amortisation plan was triggered by a decision of Norway’s Financial Supervisory Authority requesting AS Oslo Sporveier to make up for the shortfall in its pension fund. This meant that the owners of AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene needed to either remedy the underfunding in their business, or run the risk of their company becoming insolvent. |
| --- | --- |

(104)

It should be recalled that the initial amortisation plan was triggered by a decision of Norway’s Financial Supervisory Authority requesting AS Oslo Sporveier to make up for the shortfall in its pension fund. This meant that the owners of AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene needed to either remedy the underfunding in their business, or run the risk of their company becoming insolvent.

| (105) | In assessing whether the capital injection was done on conditions that would be acceptable to a private investor, the Authority points out that a private owner/investor in a similar situation — i.e. with the options to either (a) inject fresh capital into the company, or (b) liquidate the company and invest the same amount elsewhere, would choose strategy (a) only if it was globally more profitable than strategy (b). The fact that the owner had made a previous investment is otherwise irrelevant in this context (60). This means that it is not sufficient to choose the ‘cheapest’ solution, which the Norwegian authorities have submitted the capital injection was, in order to meet the market economy investor benchmark, but that it is necessary to demonstrate an acceptable rate of future return for the ‘price of this cheapest solution’. |
| --- | --- |

(105)

In assessing whether the capital injection was done on conditions that would be acceptable to a private investor, the Authority points out that a private owner/investor in a similar situation — i.e. with the options to either (a) inject fresh capital into the company, or (b) liquidate the company and invest the same amount elsewhere, would choose strategy (a) only if it was globally more profitable than strategy (b). The fact that the owner had made a previous investment is otherwise irrelevant in this context (60). This means that it is not sufficient to choose the ‘cheapest’ solution, which the Norwegian authorities have submitted the capital injection was, in order to meet the market economy investor benchmark, but that it is necessary to demonstrate an acceptable rate of future return for the ‘price of this cheapest solution’.

| (106) | The Norwegian authorities have not, however, further substantiated their argument in this respect, and have in particular not submitted any profitability forecasts that a market economy investor would presumably have made. |
| --- | --- |

(106)

The Norwegian authorities have not, however, further substantiated their argument in this respect, and have in particular not submitted any profitability forecasts that a market economy investor would presumably have made.

| (107) | Furthermore, none of the information submitted indicates that the Municipality of Oslo injected further capital in this part of the business based on expectations of acceptable long-term profit. Moreover, the Authority is not aware of then minority shareholder(s) of AS Oslo Sporveier having contributed to remedy the underfunding — and a private shareholder surely would have requested the other shareholders to either do so pro rata, or would have increased its stake. |
| --- | --- |

(107)

Furthermore, none of the information submitted indicates that the Municipality of Oslo injected further capital in this part of the business based on expectations of acceptable long-term profit. Moreover, the Authority is not aware of then minority shareholder(s) of AS Oslo Sporveier having contributed to remedy the underfunding — and a private shareholder surely would have requested the other shareholders to either do so pro rata, or would have increased its stake.

| (108) | For the above reasons, the Authority is at this stage uncertain whether the market economy investor test is met with regard to the commercial activities capital injection. |
| --- | --- |

(108)

For the above reasons, the Authority is at this stage uncertain whether the market economy investor test is met with regard to the commercial activities capital injection.

3.   Favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods

| (109) | In order to constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement, the aid measure must be selective by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods. |
| --- | --- |

(109)

In order to constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement, the aid measure must be selective by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods.

| (110) | The Court of Justice has held that in order to determine whether a measure is selective, the question is whether the undertaking(s) in question are in a legal and factual situation that is comparable to other undertakings in the light of the objective pursued by the measure (61). |
| --- | --- |

(110)

The Court of Justice has held that in order to determine whether a measure is selective, the question is whether the undertaking(s) in question are in a legal and factual situation that is comparable to other undertakings in the light of the objective pursued by the measure (61).

| (111) | In the present case, the annual compensation and the capital injection favoured AS Oslo Sporveier and/or AS Sporveisbussene to the exclusion of other bus transport operators. Such other bus operators operate scheduled bus transport services in Norway or elsewhere in the EEA and were therefore in a similar legal and factual situation compared to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene. For these reasons, the Authority is of the preliminary view that these two measures are selective. |
| --- | --- |

(111)

In the present case, the annual compensation and the capital injection favoured AS Oslo Sporveier and/or AS Sporveisbussene to the exclusion of other bus transport operators. Such other bus operators operate scheduled bus transport services in Norway or elsewhere in the EEA and were therefore in a similar legal and factual situation compared to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene. For these reasons, the Authority is of the preliminary view that these two measures are selective.

4.   Distortion of competition and effect on trade between Contracting Parties

| (112) | In order to constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement, the aid measure must distort or threaten to distort competition and affect trade between contracting parties. According to the EFTA Court case law, this requires the Authority to examine whether such aid is liable to affect trade and to distort competition (62). |
| --- | --- |

(112)

In order to constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement, the aid measure must distort or threaten to distort competition and affect trade between contracting parties. According to the EFTA Court case law, this requires the Authority to examine whether such aid is liable to affect trade and to distort competition (62).

| (113) | Since before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in Norway several undertakings have provided scheduled bus services in Oslo, the Authority preliminarily concludes that the annual compensation and the capital injection were liable to distort competition since then (63). |
| --- | --- |

(113)

Since before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in Norway several undertakings have provided scheduled bus services in Oslo, the Authority preliminarily concludes that the annual compensation and the capital injection were liable to distort competition since then (63).

| (114) | With respect to the effect on trade and the fact that the present case concerns a local market for bus transport in Oslo, the Authority recalls that in the Altmark judgment, which also concerned regional bus transport services, the Court of Justice held that
  ‘a public subsidy granted to an undertaking which provides only local or regional transport services and does not provide any transport services outside its State of origin may none the less have an effect on trade between Member States ... The second condition for the application of Article 92(1) of the Treaty, namely that the aid must be capable of affecting trade between Member States, does not therefore depend on the local or regional character of the transport services supplied or on the scale of the field of activity concerned (64).’. |
| --- | --- |

(114)

With respect to the effect on trade and the fact that the present case concerns a local market for bus transport in Oslo, the Authority recalls that in the Altmark judgment, which also concerned regional bus transport services, the Court of Justice held that

‘a public subsidy granted to an undertaking which provides only local or regional transport services and does not provide any transport services outside its State of origin may none the less have an effect on trade between Member States ... The second condition for the application of Article 92(1) of the Treaty, namely that the aid must be capable of affecting trade between Member States, does not therefore depend on the local or regional character of the transport services supplied or on the scale of the field of activity concerned (64).’.

| (115) | This means that even if — as in the present case — only the local bus transport market (Oslo) is concerned, public funding made available to one operator in such a local market is liable to affect trade between contracting parties (65). Consequently, the Authority considers that the annual compensation and the capital injection were liable to affect trade between contracting parties. |
| --- | --- |

(115)

This means that even if — as in the present case — only the local bus transport market (Oslo) is concerned, public funding made available to one operator in such a local market is liable to affect trade between contracting parties (65). Consequently, the Authority considers that the annual compensation and the capital injection were liable to affect trade between contracting parties.

5.   Taxation of the Oslo Sporveier Group

| (116) | The complainant has argued that AS Oslo Sporveier’s negative tax position has been used to reduce the tax burden on AS Sporveisbussene. |
| --- | --- |

(116)

The complainant has argued that AS Oslo Sporveier’s negative tax position has been used to reduce the tax burden on AS Sporveisbussene.

| (117) | Based on the submissions of the Norwegian authorities, it appears to the Authority that the complainant is referring to the taxation rules regarding contributions between companies belonging to the same corporate group (‘group contributions’). |
| --- | --- |

(117)

Based on the submissions of the Norwegian authorities, it appears to the Authority that the complainant is referring to the taxation rules regarding contributions between companies belonging to the same corporate group (‘group contributions’).

| (118) | The Authority observes that these rules are applicable to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene, as the latter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the former. Thus, AS Oslo Sporveier or any of its subsidiaries could in principle offset taxable profits by distributing contributions within the group. |
| --- | --- |

(118)

The Authority observes that these rules are applicable to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene, as the latter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the former. Thus, AS Oslo Sporveier or any of its subsidiaries could in principle offset taxable profits by distributing contributions within the group.

| (119) | The Authority points out that the complainant seems to have taken issue with what appears to be an application of the general Norwegian rules on corporate taxation. The Authority notes that the complainant has neither alleged, nor submitted any information sustaining that the relevant tax rules are drafted in a manner which could lead to State aid being granted to specific companies. |
| --- | --- |

(119)

The Authority points out that the complainant seems to have taken issue with what appears to be an application of the general Norwegian rules on corporate taxation. The Authority notes that the complainant has neither alleged, nor submitted any information sustaining that the relevant tax rules are drafted in a manner which could lead to State aid being granted to specific companies.

| (120) | Moreover, and with more particular regard to the case at hand, it appears to the Authority that the offsetting of taxable income by making a group contribution would not confer an economic advantage on AS Sporveisbussene when it, as a condition of benefitting from the tax deductions, was obliged to make a contribution to the group of the same amount as the tax base reduction obtained in this manner. By transferring income, AS Sporveisbussene may avoid paying taxes on the transferred amount, but the amount will not be at its disposal. Arguably, the benefit of not paying taxes on an income which is no longer disposable does not produce any obvious effects resulting in an economic advantage for that entity (although the situation may be different for the corporate group as a whole). |
| --- | --- |

(120)

Moreover, and with more particular regard to the case at hand, it appears to the Authority that the offsetting of taxable income by making a group contribution would not confer an economic advantage on AS Sporveisbussene when it, as a condition of benefitting from the tax deductions, was obliged to make a contribution to the group of the same amount as the tax base reduction obtained in this manner. By transferring income, AS Sporveisbussene may avoid paying taxes on the transferred amount, but the amount will not be at its disposal. Arguably, the benefit of not paying taxes on an income which is no longer disposable does not produce any obvious effects resulting in an economic advantage for that entity (although the situation may be different for the corporate group as a whole).

| (121) | However, the Authority considers that it is in possession of insufficient facts and information allowing it to assess the application of the Norwegian Tax Act to and by the Oslo Sporveier Group, and to exclude without any doubt that in this case a potential economic advantage may have indirectly been derived by AS Sporveisbussene, or the Oslo Sporveier Group, in a manner incompatible with the State aid rules. |
| --- | --- |

(121)

However, the Authority considers that it is in possession of insufficient facts and information allowing it to assess the application of the Norwegian Tax Act to and by the Oslo Sporveier Group, and to exclude without any doubt that in this case a potential economic advantage may have indirectly been derived by AS Sporveisbussene, or the Oslo Sporveier Group, in a manner incompatible with the State aid rules.

6.   Alleged guarantees from AS Sporveisbussene to its subsidiaries

| (122) | The Authority has asked the Norwegian authorities to clarify whether the subsidiaries of AS Sporveisbussene have benefitted from any guarantees granted by their owner, as alleged by the complainant. |
| --- | --- |

(122)

The Authority has asked the Norwegian authorities to clarify whether the subsidiaries of AS Sporveisbussene have benefitted from any guarantees granted by their owner, as alleged by the complainant.

| (123) | The Norwegian authorities have stated that no guarantees have been granted by AS Sporveisbussene, and that its subsidiaries consequently have not benefitted from any guarantees from AS Sporveisbussene. The Authority is in possession of no information suggesting that this is incorrect. |
| --- | --- |

(123)

The Norwegian authorities have stated that no guarantees have been granted by AS Sporveisbussene, and that its subsidiaries consequently have not benefitted from any guarantees from AS Sporveisbussene. The Authority is in possession of no information suggesting that this is incorrect.

| (124) | In light of this, the Authority sees no reason to investigate further this part of the complaint. |
| --- | --- |

(124)

In light of this, the Authority sees no reason to investigate further this part of the complaint.

7.   Conclusion

| (125) | The Authority preliminarily concludes that the annual compensation disbursed until 2008 and the 2004 capital injection of NOK 111 760 000 in Oslo constitute aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(125)

The Authority preliminarily concludes that the annual compensation disbursed until 2008 and the 2004 capital injection of NOK 111 760 000 in Oslo constitute aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement.

| (126) | As regards the allegations concerning the taxation of AS Sporveisbussene, the Authority is, as indicated above, unable to exclude without any doubt that a potential economic advantage may have indirectly been derived by AS Sporveisbussene, or the Oslo Sporveier Group, in a manner incompatible with Article 61(1).
  The Authority sees no reason to investigate further the alleged guarantees from AS Sporveisbussene to its subsidiaries. |
| --- | --- |

(126)

As regards the allegations concerning the taxation of AS Sporveisbussene, the Authority is, as indicated above, unable to exclude without any doubt that a potential economic advantage may have indirectly been derived by AS Sporveisbussene, or the Oslo Sporveier Group, in a manner incompatible with Article 61(1).

The Authority sees no reason to investigate further the alleged guarantees from AS Sporveisbussene to its subsidiaries.

8.   Classification of the aid as existing or new

| (127) | Regarding the allegation of potential cross-subsidisation, it is necessary in this context to firstly determine if the aid in question is to be qualified as existing or new aid. Were the public service compensation existing aid (i.e. granted under an existing aid scheme), the Authority could at most request the Norwegian State to bring it in line with the State aid provisions of the EEA Agreement (if the aid was deemed incompatible and the existing aid scheme in question still applicable). If, on the other hand, the aid was considered as new aid, the consequence of its incompatibility would normally be the recovery of the aid. |
| --- | --- |

(127)

Regarding the allegation of potential cross-subsidisation, it is necessary in this context to firstly determine if the aid in question is to be qualified as existing or new aid. Were the public service compensation existing aid (i.e. granted under an existing aid scheme), the Authority could at most request the Norwegian State to bring it in line with the State aid provisions of the EEA Agreement (if the aid was deemed incompatible and the existing aid scheme in question still applicable). If, on the other hand, the aid was considered as new aid, the consequence of its incompatibility would normally be the recovery of the aid.

8.1.   
  Introduction — the Court’s judgment

| (128) | Article 1(b)(i) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that ‘existing aid’ shall mean:
  ‘all aid which existed prior to the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in the respective EFTA States, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid which were put into effect before, and are still applicable after, the entry into force of the EEA Agreement.’. |
| --- | --- |

(128)

Article 1(b)(i) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that ‘existing aid’ shall mean:

‘all aid which existed prior to the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in the respective EFTA States, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid which were put into effect before, and are still applicable after, the entry into force of the EEA Agreement.’.

| (129) | The Authority notes that AS Oslo Sporveier, at the time of the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in Norway (1 January 1994), was compensated for carrying out scheduled bus transport in Oslo in accordance with the provisions of the transport legislation and established administrative practice (pre-dating the EEA Agreement), as described in detail above. |
| --- | --- |

(129)

The Authority notes that AS Oslo Sporveier, at the time of the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in Norway (1 January 1994), was compensated for carrying out scheduled bus transport in Oslo in accordance with the provisions of the transport legislation and established administrative practice (pre-dating the EEA Agreement), as described in detail above.

| (130) | In the judgment in Case E-14/10 annulling the Authority’s Decision No 254/10/COL, the EFTA Court stated the following on the question of the existing or new nature of the aid:
  ‘Whether the aid granted [...] constitutes “existing aid” [...] depends upon the interpretation of the provisions of Protocol 3 SCA [...]
  [...] to qualify as an “existing aid measure” under the EEA State aid rules, it must be part of an aid scheme that was put into effect before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement (66).’. |
| --- | --- |

(130)

In the judgment in Case E-14/10 annulling the Authority’s Decision No 254/10/COL, the EFTA Court stated the following on the question of the existing or new nature of the aid:

‘Whether the aid granted [...] constitutes “existing aid” [...] depends upon the interpretation of the provisions of Protocol 3 SCA [...]

[...] to qualify as an “existing aid measure” under the EEA State aid rules, it must be part of an aid scheme that was put into effect before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement (66).’.

8.2.   
  Aid scheme

| (131) | Article 1(d) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that an aid scheme:
  ‘shall mean any act on the basis of which, without further implementing measures being required, individual aid awards may be made to undertakings defined within the act in a general and abstract manner and any act on the basis of which aid which is not linked to a specific project may be awarded to one or several undertakings for an indefinite period of time and/or for an indefinite amount;’. |
| --- | --- |

(131)

Article 1(d) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that an aid scheme:

‘shall mean any act on the basis of which, without further implementing measures being required, individual aid awards may be made to undertakings defined within the act in a general and abstract manner and any act on the basis of which aid which is not linked to a specific project may be awarded to one or several undertakings for an indefinite period of time and/or for an indefinite amount;’.

| (132) | Article 1(e) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that individual aid:
  ‘shall mean aid that is not awarded on the basis of an aid scheme and notifiable awards of aid on the basis of an aid scheme;’. |
| --- | --- |

(132)

Article 1(e) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that individual aid:

‘shall mean aid that is not awarded on the basis of an aid scheme and notifiable awards of aid on the basis of an aid scheme;’.

| (133) | This distinction is of particular importance in the context of existing aid, as Protocol 3 only provides the Authority with a competence to keep under constant review existing systems of aid (cf. Article 1.1 of Part I of Protocol 3). Likewise, Section V of Part II of Protocol 3 only applies to existing aid schemes (the terms ‘aid schemes’ and ‘systems of aid’ are to be treated as synonyms in the Authority’s view (67)).
  The Authority recalls that the Norwegian transport legislation in essence sets out the following key parameters that are relevant for the aid measures at hand: (i) a system of co-financing of scheduled bus transport services (from State and county); (ii) that the counties are responsible for administering the scheduled bus transport services, control concessions, routes, schedules and ticket prices; and (iii) a detailed concession system. |
| --- | --- |

(133)

This distinction is of particular importance in the context of existing aid, as Protocol 3 only provides the Authority with a competence to keep under constant review existing systems of aid (cf. Article 1.1 of Part I of Protocol 3). Likewise, Section V of Part II of Protocol 3 only applies to existing aid schemes (the terms ‘aid schemes’ and ‘systems of aid’ are to be treated as synonyms in the Authority’s view (67)).

The Authority recalls that the Norwegian transport legislation in essence sets out the following key parameters that are relevant for the aid measures at hand: (i) a system of co-financing of scheduled bus transport services (from State and county); (ii) that the counties are responsible for administering the scheduled bus transport services, control concessions, routes, schedules and ticket prices; and (iii) a detailed concession system.

| (134) | Moreover, according to the Norwegian authorities, Article 22 of the CTA entails that Oslo Municipality is under the obligation to compensate the operators for the provision of the transport service on unprofitable routes (where the revenue generated from the sale of tickets does not cover the cost of operating the service). The Authority understands that the compensation aims to cover the gap between the costs and the revenues (in the form of ticket sales). |
| --- | --- |

(134)

Moreover, according to the Norwegian authorities, Article 22 of the CTA entails that Oslo Municipality is under the obligation to compensate the operators for the provision of the transport service on unprofitable routes (where the revenue generated from the sale of tickets does not cover the cost of operating the service). The Authority understands that the compensation aims to cover the gap between the costs and the revenues (in the form of ticket sales).

| (135) | Before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement, Oslo Municipality had chosen to provide scheduled bus transport services under the relevant provisions of the CTA and CTR, compensating unprofitable routes in accordance with the administrative practice described above. This continued without interruption until the last directly awarded concession had run its course (on 30 March 2008). |
| --- | --- |

(135)

Before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement, Oslo Municipality had chosen to provide scheduled bus transport services under the relevant provisions of the CTA and CTR, compensating unprofitable routes in accordance with the administrative practice described above. This continued without interruption until the last directly awarded concession had run its course (on 30 March 2008).

| (136) | Whether the system in Oslo as outlined above constitutes an aid scheme in accordance with the definition of Article 1(d) of Part II of Protocol 3 depends on whether the legal framework for the financing of scheduled bus transport in Oslo can be considered to be ‘an act on the basis of which, without further implementing measures being required, individual aid awards may be made to undertakings defined within the act in a general and abstract manner’. |
| --- | --- |

(136)

Whether the system in Oslo as outlined above constitutes an aid scheme in accordance with the definition of Article 1(d) of Part II of Protocol 3 depends on whether the legal framework for the financing of scheduled bus transport in Oslo can be considered to be ‘an act on the basis of which, without further implementing measures being required, individual aid awards may be made to undertakings defined within the act in a general and abstract manner’.

| (137) | The Authority notes that this definition was incorporated into the EEA Agreement in 2001 with the insertion of Part II of Protocol 3. Prior to 2001, when Protocol 3 was brought in line with the Procedural Regulation, there was no similarly precise definition in EEA law determining what an aid scheme was. Moreover, the rationale for the concept of existing aid — in principle that of providing EEA States and beneficiaries of State with some legal certainty regarding arrangements that predate the entry into force of State aid control in their legal systems whilst providing the Authority with the possibility of bringing such systems in line with EEA law — must in the Authority’s view be borne in mind. |
| --- | --- |

(137)

The Authority notes that this definition was incorporated into the EEA Agreement in 2001 with the insertion of Part II of Protocol 3. Prior to 2001, when Protocol 3 was brought in line with the Procedural Regulation, there was no similarly precise definition in EEA law determining what an aid scheme was. Moreover, the rationale for the concept of existing aid — in principle that of providing EEA States and beneficiaries of State with some legal certainty regarding arrangements that predate the entry into force of State aid control in their legal systems whilst providing the Authority with the possibility of bringing such systems in line with EEA law — must in the Authority’s view be borne in mind.

| (138) | Furthermore, the Authority notes that the case-law of the European Courts does not provide detailed guidance as regards the interpretation of this definition. The Authority has thus reviewed its own case practice and that of the European Commission and found that existing ‘aid schemes’ were held to encompass non-statutory customary law (68) and administrative practice related to the application of statutory (69) and non-statutory law (70). In one case, the European Commission found that an aid scheme relating to Anstaltslast and Gewährträgerhaftung was based on the combination of an unwritten old legal principle combined with widespread practice across Germany (71). |
| --- | --- |

(138)

Furthermore, the Authority notes that the case-law of the European Courts does not provide detailed guidance as regards the interpretation of this definition. The Authority has thus reviewed its own case practice and that of the European Commission and found that existing ‘aid schemes’ were held to encompass non-statutory customary law (68) and administrative practice related to the application of statutory (69) and non-statutory law (70). In one case, the European Commission found that an aid scheme relating to Anstaltslast and Gewährträgerhaftung was based on the combination of an unwritten old legal principle combined with widespread practice across Germany (71).

| (139) | Nevertheless, the Authority is at this stage in doubt as to whether the three criteria defining an ‘aid scheme’ as provided for in Protocol 3 — (i) an act on the basis of which aid can be awarded; (ii) requiring no further implementing measures; and (iii) defining the potential aid beneficiaries in a general and abstract manner — are met.
  As for the first criterion, the Authority notes that the CTA and the CTR are acts on the basis of which Oslo Municipality could award aid. |
| --- | --- |

(139)

Nevertheless, the Authority is at this stage in doubt as to whether the three criteria defining an ‘aid scheme’ as provided for in Protocol 3 — (i) an act on the basis of which aid can be awarded; (ii) requiring no further implementing measures; and (iii) defining the potential aid beneficiaries in a general and abstract manner — are met.

As for the first criterion, the Authority notes that the CTA and the CTR are acts on the basis of which Oslo Municipality could award aid.

| (140) | As for the second criterion, the Authority notes that the administration of any aid scheme requires a certain decision-making process which can (but does not have to) lead to individual awards of aid being made. However, an arrangement that would for example require, for individual aid to be awarded, the adoption of further legislative measures, cannot be considered as an aid scheme. |
| --- | --- |

(140)

As for the second criterion, the Authority notes that the administration of any aid scheme requires a certain decision-making process which can (but does not have to) lead to individual awards of aid being made. However, an arrangement that would for example require, for individual aid to be awarded, the adoption of further legislative measures, cannot be considered as an aid scheme.

| (141) | A mere ‘technical application’, as indicated above, of the provisions providing for the scheme would thus not be an implementing measure (72). Moreover, the mere fact that a decision awarding aid under an aid scheme has implications for the budget of the authority administering that scheme, cannot, in the Authority’s view, mean that such decisions are to be regarded as implementing measures. |
| --- | --- |

(141)

A mere ‘technical application’, as indicated above, of the provisions providing for the scheme would thus not be an implementing measure (72). Moreover, the mere fact that a decision awarding aid under an aid scheme has implications for the budget of the authority administering that scheme, cannot, in the Authority’s view, mean that such decisions are to be regarded as implementing measures.

| (142) | In a similar vein, considering acts of entrustment such as the award of a concession, for which the CTA foresees a duration of 10 years, in the case at hand as an implementing measure would make it ex ante impossible to set up an aid scheme for public service compensation under which aid to several undertakings could be awarded, as any entrustment would then entail individual aid. A concession — as any other act of entrustment — specifies one particular undertaking, and could thus not relate to a group of undertakings, ‘defined in a general and abstract manner’. |
| --- | --- |

(142)

In a similar vein, considering acts of entrustment such as the award of a concession, for which the CTA foresees a duration of 10 years, in the case at hand as an implementing measure would make it ex ante impossible to set up an aid scheme for public service compensation under which aid to several undertakings could be awarded, as any entrustment would then entail individual aid. A concession — as any other act of entrustment — specifies one particular undertaking, and could thus not relate to a group of undertakings, ‘defined in a general and abstract manner’.

| (143) | On the other hand, the Authority is of the view that ‘implementing measures’ should be understood as entailing a certain degree of discretion, that could influence the amount, characteristics or conditions under which the aid is granted to a significant degree. In particular, it would seem that every scheme determines for which clearly defined purpose aid can be awarded. Thus, where a public body for example has general powers allowing it to use different instruments to promote the local economy, and grants several capital injections based on those general powers, this granting of capital injections implies the use of considerable discretion as to the amount, characteristics or conditions and purpose for which the aid is granted, and is hence not to be regarded as an aid scheme (73). |
| --- | --- |

(143)

On the other hand, the Authority is of the view that ‘implementing measures’ should be understood as entailing a certain degree of discretion, that could influence the amount, characteristics or conditions under which the aid is granted to a significant degree. In particular, it would seem that every scheme determines for which clearly defined purpose aid can be awarded. Thus, where a public body for example has general powers allowing it to use different instruments to promote the local economy, and grants several capital injections based on those general powers, this granting of capital injections implies the use of considerable discretion as to the amount, characteristics or conditions and purpose for which the aid is granted, and is hence not to be regarded as an aid scheme (73).

| (144) | In the case at hand, it is clear that no further legislative measures needed to be adopted for compensation payments to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene to be made. The preliminary opinion of the Authority is that the CTA and CTR arguably ringfenced the discretion of Oslo Municipality, to the extent that they appear to have been applied by the Municipality, in line with its administrative practice, in a way that did not allow for compensation in excess of cost for the public service minus revenue. Moreover, the compensation was not based on discretionary budget allocations. Oslo Municipality, after choosing to maintain the public service, was not free to decide whether to cover the loss of AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene or not. Oslo Municipality was obliged to do so, and did so, every year until 2008, in line with a routine procedure. It is also evident that the compensation was and could only be granted for the purpose of financing local scheduled bus transport in Oslo. The municipality could not have awarded aid for different purposes on the basis of the provisions described above. |
| --- | --- |

(144)

In the case at hand, it is clear that no further legislative measures needed to be adopted for compensation payments to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene to be made. The preliminary opinion of the Authority is that the CTA and CTR arguably ringfenced the discretion of Oslo Municipality, to the extent that they appear to have been applied by the Municipality, in line with its administrative practice, in a way that did not allow for compensation in excess of cost for the public service minus revenue. Moreover, the compensation was not based on discretionary budget allocations. Oslo Municipality, after choosing to maintain the public service, was not free to decide whether to cover the loss of AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene or not. Oslo Municipality was obliged to do so, and did so, every year until 2008, in line with a routine procedure. It is also evident that the compensation was and could only be granted for the purpose of financing local scheduled bus transport in Oslo. The municipality could not have awarded aid for different purposes on the basis of the provisions described above.

| (145) | However, the Authority cannot, on the basis of the information provided, conclude that the provisions and practice that set out how providers of scheduled bus services were to be remunerated in Oslo is sufficiently precise and detailed. The Authority has doubts as to the exact extent of the discretion enjoyed by Oslo Municipality, taking into account the administrative practice, in determining the amount of compensation for scheduled bus services. |
| --- | --- |

(145)

However, the Authority cannot, on the basis of the information provided, conclude that the provisions and practice that set out how providers of scheduled bus services were to be remunerated in Oslo is sufficiently precise and detailed. The Authority has doubts as to the exact extent of the discretion enjoyed by Oslo Municipality, taking into account the administrative practice, in determining the amount of compensation for scheduled bus services.

| (146) | As for the last criterion, the compensation system in Oslo applies to all concessionaires that have been entrusted with providing bus services on unprofitable routes. |
| --- | --- |

(146)

As for the last criterion, the compensation system in Oslo applies to all concessionaires that have been entrusted with providing bus services on unprofitable routes.

| (147) | Consequently, in particular given the Authority’s doubts as regards the second criterion mentioned above, the Authority cannot at this stage conclude that the financing of AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene, as described above, constitutes an aid scheme. |
| --- | --- |

(147)

Consequently, in particular given the Authority’s doubts as regards the second criterion mentioned above, the Authority cannot at this stage conclude that the financing of AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene, as described above, constitutes an aid scheme.

| (148) | However, so as to address issues of law relevant for the final assessment of this case, the Authority sets out its preliminary views below based on the assumption that public service compensation for AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene has been awarded on the basis of an aid scheme. |
| --- | --- |

(148)

However, so as to address issues of law relevant for the final assessment of this case, the Authority sets out its preliminary views below based on the assumption that public service compensation for AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene has been awarded on the basis of an aid scheme.

8.3.   
  Existing aid due to the entry into force of the EEA Agreement

| (149) | Article 1(b)(i) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that existing aid encompasses all aid which existed prior to the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in the respective EFTA States, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid which were put into effect before, and are still applicable after, the entry into force of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(149)

Article 1(b)(i) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that existing aid encompasses all aid which existed prior to the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in the respective EFTA States, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid which were put into effect before, and are still applicable after, the entry into force of the EEA Agreement.

| (150) | As described above, the provisions providing for the scheme have been in place since before the EEA Agreement entered into force in Norway on 1 January 1994. As it appears that the market for local bus transport was already exposed to some competition on that date, the Authority is of the preliminary view that the scheme became an existing aid scheme on 1 January 1994. |
| --- | --- |

(150)

As described above, the provisions providing for the scheme have been in place since before the EEA Agreement entered into force in Norway on 1 January 1994. As it appears that the market for local bus transport was already exposed to some competition on that date, the Authority is of the preliminary view that the scheme became an existing aid scheme on 1 January 1994.

8.4.   
  Aid not granted on the basis of the provisions providing for the scheme

8.4.1.   Judgment in Case E-14/10

| (151) | In the judgment in Case E-14/10, the EFTA Court stated the following on the question of the existing or new nature of the aid:
  ‘(...) what is relevant is whether the aid was granted in accordance with the provisions providing for it.
  (...) in so far as the compensation payments were indeed used to finance the operation of non-profitable scheduled bus services, the defendant (the Authority) may correctly have classified those payments as existing aid.
  However, (...) any aid granted to Oslo Sporveier in excess of the losses actually incurred in connection with the services in question cannot be regarded to constitute, on the basis of that aid scheme, existing aid (...)’ (74). |
| --- | --- |

(151)

In the judgment in Case E-14/10, the EFTA Court stated the following on the question of the existing or new nature of the aid:

‘(...) what is relevant is whether the aid was granted in accordance with the provisions providing for it.

(...) in so far as the compensation payments were indeed used to finance the operation of non-profitable scheduled bus services, the defendant (the Authority) may correctly have classified those payments as existing aid.

However, (...) any aid granted to Oslo Sporveier in excess of the losses actually incurred in connection with the services in question cannot be regarded to constitute, on the basis of that aid scheme, existing aid (...)’ (74).

| (152) | The Authority understands the judgment of the EFTA Court to mean that only payments made on the basis of the existing aid scheme can be considered as existing aid disbursed under that scheme. Payments not made on the basis of the provisions providing for the scheme cannot be protected by the existing aid nature of that scheme (75).
  Therefore, to determine whether the aid granted is existing or new, the Authority must assess whether it was granted in accordance with the scheme providing for it. |
| --- | --- |

(152)

The Authority understands the judgment of the EFTA Court to mean that only payments made on the basis of the existing aid scheme can be considered as existing aid disbursed under that scheme. Payments not made on the basis of the provisions providing for the scheme cannot be protected by the existing aid nature of that scheme (75).

Therefore, to determine whether the aid granted is existing or new, the Authority must assess whether it was granted in accordance with the scheme providing for it.

| (153) | The Authority’s preliminary view is that the scheme was based on the CTA, the CTR as applied in Oslo in accordance with the established administrative practice. |
| --- | --- |

(153)

The Authority’s preliminary view is that the scheme was based on the CTA, the CTR as applied in Oslo in accordance with the established administrative practice.

| (154) | The scheme only provided for cost coverage (the difference between cost and revenue) of the unprofitable scheduled bus services that the concessionaires provided. This therefore is the benchmark against which the Authority must assess the extent to which the measures covered by the complaint have been made on the basis of the aid scheme. |
| --- | --- |

(154)

The scheme only provided for cost coverage (the difference between cost and revenue) of the unprofitable scheduled bus services that the concessionaires provided. This therefore is the benchmark against which the Authority must assess the extent to which the measures covered by the complaint have been made on the basis of the aid scheme.

| (155) | In the following, the Authority assesses whether (i) the annual compensation and (ii) the 2004 capital injection were granted on the basis of the provisions providing for the system of compensation. |
| --- | --- |

(155)

In the following, the Authority assesses whether (i) the annual compensation and (ii) the 2004 capital injection were granted on the basis of the provisions providing for the system of compensation.

8.4.2.   Annual compensation

| (156) | As set out above, the Authority is at this stage of the view that at least a large part of the compensation that AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene have received has been awarded in line with the existing aid scheme, which provides in essence for loss coverage for the public service. Such a scheme would appear to presuppose the separation of accounts, an appropriate allocation of common costs and arms-length intra-group transactions for undertakings that in addition to providing public services also engage in commercial activities. Complying with these principles seems necessary to avoid that aid is granted outside the scheme. |
| --- | --- |

(156)

As set out above, the Authority is at this stage of the view that at least a large part of the compensation that AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene have received has been awarded in line with the existing aid scheme, which provides in essence for loss coverage for the public service. Such a scheme would appear to presuppose the separation of accounts, an appropriate allocation of common costs and arms-length intra-group transactions for undertakings that in addition to providing public services also engage in commercial activities. Complying with these principles seems necessary to avoid that aid is granted outside the scheme.

| (157) | According to the Norwegian authorities, market prices were paid for services that were provided between the companies in the Oslo Sporveier Group. |
| --- | --- |

(157)

According to the Norwegian authorities, market prices were paid for services that were provided between the companies in the Oslo Sporveier Group.

| (158) | However, aside from indicating that from 2004 onwards, [...] (76) % of the overall costs were levied from all subsidiaries for general overheads, the Norwegian authorities have not submitted information that would allow the Authority to conclude that the allocation of the common costs was done in accordance with a particular allocation key, or that the payment for the services that the commercial subsidiaries of AS Sporveisbussene received was done on an arms-length basis and on market terms. Furthermore, no explanations have been provided as to the rationale of introducing a general overhead fee in 2004, and if overheads were exclusively born by the public service activities before that. |
| --- | --- |

(158)

However, aside from indicating that from 2004 onwards, [...] (76) % of the overall costs were levied from all subsidiaries for general overheads, the Norwegian authorities have not submitted information that would allow the Authority to conclude that the allocation of the common costs was done in accordance with a particular allocation key, or that the payment for the services that the commercial subsidiaries of AS Sporveisbussene received was done on an arms-length basis and on market terms. Furthermore, no explanations have been provided as to the rationale of introducing a general overhead fee in 2004, and if overheads were exclusively born by the public service activities before that.

| (159) | Thus, the Authority cannot, on the basis of the information provided, conclude that all payments to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene were made on the basis of the provisions providing for the aid.
  In particular, the Authority has doubts as to whether the commercial activities carried out by the Oslo Sporveier Group (the tour bus activities in particular), were financed by the annual public service compensation in contravention of the provisions providing for the aid. The information provided has not enabled the Authority to conclude that the annual payments were restricted to cover only costs that could be covered in accordance with the legal framework of the scheme — in other words, whether the annual compensation exceeded the difference between the costs and the revenues of the public service. |
| --- | --- |

(159)

Thus, the Authority cannot, on the basis of the information provided, conclude that all payments to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene were made on the basis of the provisions providing for the aid.

In particular, the Authority has doubts as to whether the commercial activities carried out by the Oslo Sporveier Group (the tour bus activities in particular), were financed by the annual public service compensation in contravention of the provisions providing for the aid. The information provided has not enabled the Authority to conclude that the annual payments were restricted to cover only costs that could be covered in accordance with the legal framework of the scheme — in other words, whether the annual compensation exceeded the difference between the costs and the revenues of the public service.

8.4.3.   2004 capital injection

| (160) | Turning to the 2004 capital injection, already since the mid-1990s, it was clear that the pension fund of AS Oslo Sporveier was underfunded. Thus, a payment plan to remedy the fund’s shortfall by 2020 was implemented. In accordance with that plan, Oslo Municipality increased the public service compensation to AS Oslo Sporveier in order for the compensation to cover all the costs incurred by the provision of the public service. |
| --- | --- |

(160)

Turning to the 2004 capital injection, already since the mid-1990s, it was clear that the pension fund of AS Oslo Sporveier was underfunded. Thus, a payment plan to remedy the fund’s shortfall by 2020 was implemented. In accordance with that plan, Oslo Municipality increased the public service compensation to AS Oslo Sporveier in order for the compensation to cover all the costs incurred by the provision of the public service.

| (161) | In 2004, the remaining shortfall was covered by a capital injection of NOK 111 760 000. Although it was not granted as part of the annual lump sum to AS Sporveisbussene, the payment appears to mainly (77) have been made on the basis of the existing aid scheme, in that it went to cover a cost incurred whilst providing the public service. |
| --- | --- |

(161)

In 2004, the remaining shortfall was covered by a capital injection of NOK 111 760 000. Although it was not granted as part of the annual lump sum to AS Sporveisbussene, the payment appears to mainly (77) have been made on the basis of the existing aid scheme, in that it went to cover a cost incurred whilst providing the public service.

| (162) | As noted above, the CTA and the CTR do not have any particular provisions on how the concessionaire is to be compensated for the public service, in practice, the compensation has simply been awarded annually in the form of lump sums in accordance with the established administrative practice. The EFTA Court has held (78) that when an existing aid scheme does not have any particular provisions on how the aid is to be provided, a divergence from the usual procedure cannot in and of itself, lead to the finding that the aid was not granted on the basis of that scheme. The fact that the 2004 capital injection was not made in accordance with the normal annual block grant procedure cannot in and of itself entail that it was not made on the basis of the scheme. |
| --- | --- |

(162)

As noted above, the CTA and the CTR do not have any particular provisions on how the concessionaire is to be compensated for the public service, in practice, the compensation has simply been awarded annually in the form of lump sums in accordance with the established administrative practice. The EFTA Court has held (78) that when an existing aid scheme does not have any particular provisions on how the aid is to be provided, a divergence from the usual procedure cannot in and of itself, lead to the finding that the aid was not granted on the basis of that scheme. The fact that the 2004 capital injection was not made in accordance with the normal annual block grant procedure cannot in and of itself entail that it was not made on the basis of the scheme.

| (163) | As described above, Oslo Muncipality had since the mid-1990s increased the annual public service compensation payments to cover a historic shortfall in the pension fund of the Oslo Sporveier Group by 2020. These pension costs were predominantly (79) linked to the public service which Oslo Municipality was obliged to cover in accordance with their obligation to cover the cost of the public service. Instead of continuing with the annual payments until 2020, it was decided that the 2004 capital injection should cover the remaining share of the underfunding, thus eliminating the need for further annual payments to cover the historic underfunding. |
| --- | --- |

(163)

As described above, Oslo Muncipality had since the mid-1990s increased the annual public service compensation payments to cover a historic shortfall in the pension fund of the Oslo Sporveier Group by 2020. These pension costs were predominantly (79) linked to the public service which Oslo Municipality was obliged to cover in accordance with their obligation to cover the cost of the public service. Instead of continuing with the annual payments until 2020, it was decided that the 2004 capital injection should cover the remaining share of the underfunding, thus eliminating the need for further annual payments to cover the historic underfunding.

| (164) | On this basis, the Authority is of the preliminary opinion that the 2004 capital injection was largely carried out in accordance with the provisions providing for the aid. |
| --- | --- |

(164)

On this basis, the Authority is of the preliminary opinion that the 2004 capital injection was largely carried out in accordance with the provisions providing for the aid.

| (165) | However, the Norwegian authorities have informed the Authority that the capital injection was not restricted to cover the cost of the pensions related to the public service. The Norwegian authorities have explained that the capital injection also covered pension obligations related to employees engaged in commercial tour bus services and have calculated the amount of this compensation to be approximately NOK 430 300. |
| --- | --- |

(165)

However, the Norwegian authorities have informed the Authority that the capital injection was not restricted to cover the cost of the pensions related to the public service. The Norwegian authorities have explained that the capital injection also covered pension obligations related to employees engaged in commercial tour bus services and have calculated the amount of this compensation to be approximately NOK 430 300.

| (166) | As this portion of the compensation does not appear to have been disbursed on the basis of the provisions providing for the aid, it appears that it cannot be held to be covered by the existing aid scheme. Thus, the preliminary opinion of the Authority is that it represents new aid. |
| --- | --- |

(166)

As this portion of the compensation does not appear to have been disbursed on the basis of the provisions providing for the aid, it appears that it cannot be held to be covered by the existing aid scheme. Thus, the preliminary opinion of the Authority is that it represents new aid.

8.5.   
  Alterations to existing aid

| (167) | According to Article 1(b)(i) of Part II of Protocol 3, a measure that existed prior to the entry into force of the EEA Agreement and was still in force afterwards is existing aid. |
| --- | --- |

(167)

According to Article 1(b)(i) of Part II of Protocol 3, a measure that existed prior to the entry into force of the EEA Agreement and was still in force afterwards is existing aid.

| (168) | Further, Article 1(c) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that ‘new aid’ is:
  ‘all aid, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid, which is not existing aid, including alterations to existing aid;’. |
| --- | --- |

(168)

Further, Article 1(c) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that ‘new aid’ is:

‘all aid, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid, which is not existing aid, including alterations to existing aid;’.

| (169) | In Namur, the Court of Justice stated the following:
  ‘[...] the emergence of new aid or the alteration of existing aid cannot be assessed according to the scale of the aid or, in particular, its amounts in financial terms at any moment in the life of the undertaking if the aid is provided under earlier statutory provisions which remain unaltered. Whether aid may be classified as new aid or as alteration of existing aid must be determined by reference to the provisions providing for it (80).’ |
| --- | --- |

(169)

In Namur, the Court of Justice stated the following:

‘[...] the emergence of new aid or the alteration of existing aid cannot be assessed according to the scale of the aid or, in particular, its amounts in financial terms at any moment in the life of the undertaking if the aid is provided under earlier statutory provisions which remain unaltered. Whether aid may be classified as new aid or as alteration of existing aid must be determined by reference to the provisions providing for it (80).’

| (170) | As set out in the factual description of the case above, there are a number of events that could potentially be considered as altering the scheme and turning it into new aid. |
| --- | --- |

(170)

As set out in the factual description of the case above, there are a number of events that could potentially be considered as altering the scheme and turning it into new aid.

8.5.1.   1997 internal reorganisation

| (171) | In 1997, an internal reorganisation led the newly established entity AS Sporveisbussene to take over the responsibility of carrying out the scheduled bus transport services previously provided by AS Oslo Sporveier. |
| --- | --- |

(171)

In 1997, an internal reorganisation led the newly established entity AS Sporveisbussene to take over the responsibility of carrying out the scheduled bus transport services previously provided by AS Oslo Sporveier.

| (172) | Purely formal or administrative changes to an aid scheme do not lead to the reclassification of existing aid as new (81). The question is whether this reorganisation brought with it a change to the existing aid scheme involving new aid. |
| --- | --- |

(172)

Purely formal or administrative changes to an aid scheme do not lead to the reclassification of existing aid as new (81). The question is whether this reorganisation brought with it a change to the existing aid scheme involving new aid.

| (173) | The Norwegian authorities have explained that, in essence, the change from AS Oslo Sporveier to AS Sporveisbussene as the provider of the service was a change of a formal nature. By establishing AS Sporveisbussene, AS Oslo Sporveier created a subsidiary for operating public bus services that it formerly ran itself. AS Oslo Sporveier — in its position as the mother company — remained, however, the primary recipient of the compensation and holder of the concession, and simply underwent an internal reorganisation that led to AS Sporveisbussene being in charge of providing the services in accordance with the concession. For this it received compensation from its mother company. The reorganisation did necessitate the conclusion of the Transport Agreement, which however, as the Norwegian authorities have explained, did not substantially change the established administrative practice relating to the financing of the public service. Additionally, the reorganisation did not involve any changes to the CTA or CTR. |
| --- | --- |

(173)

The Norwegian authorities have explained that, in essence, the change from AS Oslo Sporveier to AS Sporveisbussene as the provider of the service was a change of a formal nature. By establishing AS Sporveisbussene, AS Oslo Sporveier created a subsidiary for operating public bus services that it formerly ran itself. AS Oslo Sporveier — in its position as the mother company — remained, however, the primary recipient of the compensation and holder of the concession, and simply underwent an internal reorganisation that led to AS Sporveisbussene being in charge of providing the services in accordance with the concession. For this it received compensation from its mother company. The reorganisation did necessitate the conclusion of the Transport Agreement, which however, as the Norwegian authorities have explained, did not substantially change the established administrative practice relating to the financing of the public service. Additionally, the reorganisation did not involve any changes to the CTA or CTR.

| (174) | On this basis, the reorganisation of 1997 cannot be held to have involved a substantive change to the aid scheme (82). Consequently, the scheme remained in the Authority’s preliminary view an existing aid scheme after the reorganisation. |
| --- | --- |

(174)

On this basis, the reorganisation of 1997 cannot be held to have involved a substantive change to the aid scheme (82). Consequently, the scheme remained in the Authority’s preliminary view an existing aid scheme after the reorganisation.

8.5.2.   Renewal of concession

| (175) | With reference to the description of the scheme above, the Authority notes that it does not consider the concession to form part of the provisions providing for the existing aid scheme. The concession, granted for a duration of 10 years pursuant to the CTA, appears to be an act of entrustment. The entrustment in essence determines the route(s) for which the concessionaire has a right and obligation to provide a scheduled service. The Authority considers that an existing aid scheme will not be altered by the grant or renewal of an act of entrustment under that scheme. |
| --- | --- |

(175)

With reference to the description of the scheme above, the Authority notes that it does not consider the concession to form part of the provisions providing for the existing aid scheme. The concession, granted for a duration of 10 years pursuant to the CTA, appears to be an act of entrustment. The entrustment in essence determines the route(s) for which the concessionaire has a right and obligation to provide a scheduled service. The Authority considers that an existing aid scheme will not be altered by the grant or renewal of an act of entrustment under that scheme.

| (176) | In any event, other than the temporal prolongation, no changes were made to the renewed concession. AS Sporveisbussene simply continued, on the same terms, to carry out the public service on behalf of AS Oslo Sporveier on the basis of the concession. |
| --- | --- |

(176)

In any event, other than the temporal prolongation, no changes were made to the renewed concession. AS Sporveisbussene simply continued, on the same terms, to carry out the public service on behalf of AS Oslo Sporveier on the basis of the concession.

| (177) | Therefore, the Authority does not consider the renewal of the concession as an alteration to the existing aid scheme. |
| --- | --- |

(177)

Therefore, the Authority does not consider the renewal of the concession as an alteration to the existing aid scheme.

8.5.3.   Introduction of a quality bonus/malus system

| (178) | AS Oslo Sporveier introduced a new bonus/malus system some time before 2004. The Authority has not received exact information on when this system was introduced. Nor has the Authority received information on how the system was implemented in the contractual relationship between AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene. Thus, further information is necessary for the Authority to fully assess the nature of the quality bonus and its relationship to the existing aid scheme. |
| --- | --- |

(178)

AS Oslo Sporveier introduced a new bonus/malus system some time before 2004. The Authority has not received exact information on when this system was introduced. Nor has the Authority received information on how the system was implemented in the contractual relationship between AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene. Thus, further information is necessary for the Authority to fully assess the nature of the quality bonus and its relationship to the existing aid scheme.

| (179) | The Authority is at this stage of the opinion that the quality bonus that AS Sporveisbussene received in 2004 pursuant to the bonus/malus system could either form part of the compensation for the public service, possibly constituting part of the reasonable profit that the company appears to have been entitled to, or a change to the existing aid scheme. If so, this measure could constitute new aid (83). |
| --- | --- |

(179)

The Authority is at this stage of the opinion that the quality bonus that AS Sporveisbussene received in 2004 pursuant to the bonus/malus system could either form part of the compensation for the public service, possibly constituting part of the reasonable profit that the company appears to have been entitled to, or a change to the existing aid scheme. If so, this measure could constitute new aid (83).

8.6.   
  Period subsequent to 30 March 2008

| (180) | In the early 2000s, Oslo Municipality decided to tender all public service contracts for scheduled bus transport in the Oslo region. By 30 March 2008, this process was brought to an end, thus AS Oslo Sporveier’s concession was without object, and all services were provided on the basis of tendered contracts. |
| --- | --- |

(180)

In the early 2000s, Oslo Municipality decided to tender all public service contracts for scheduled bus transport in the Oslo region. By 30 March 2008, this process was brought to an end, thus AS Oslo Sporveier’s concession was without object, and all services were provided on the basis of tendered contracts.

| (181) | Therefore, from 30 March 2008 onwards, the new concessionaires have been remunerated on the basis of the tendered contracts, and not in accordance with the system described above under which aid had been granted to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene before. |
| --- | --- |

(181)

Therefore, from 30 March 2008 onwards, the new concessionaires have been remunerated on the basis of the tendered contracts, and not in accordance with the system described above under which aid had been granted to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene before.

9.   Compatibility of the aid

| (182) | As set out above, the Authority is of the preliminary view that a substantial part of the aid to AS Oslo Sporveier (in the form of annual compensation and the 2004 capital injection) was granted under an existing aid scheme. The Authority has furthermore come to the preliminary conclusion that the bonus/malus system introduced some time before 2004 may represent new aid. Moreover, the Authority has preliminarily concluded that some of the aid was potentially granted outside the aforementioned scheme and thus constitutes new aid. |
| --- | --- |

(182)

As set out above, the Authority is of the preliminary view that a substantial part of the aid to AS Oslo Sporveier (in the form of annual compensation and the 2004 capital injection) was granted under an existing aid scheme. The Authority has furthermore come to the preliminary conclusion that the bonus/malus system introduced some time before 2004 may represent new aid. Moreover, the Authority has preliminarily concluded that some of the aid was potentially granted outside the aforementioned scheme and thus constitutes new aid.

| (183) | The Authority notes that the Norwegian authorities have not submitted any arguments relating to the compatibility of either the new or existing aid described above. In the absence of such information and, in particular, without a detailed account of which costs formed the basis for the annual payment negotiations and the methodology and justification for the allocation of common cost, the Authority cannot take a final view on this matter. |
| --- | --- |

(183)

The Authority notes that the Norwegian authorities have not submitted any arguments relating to the compatibility of either the new or existing aid described above. In the absence of such information and, in particular, without a detailed account of which costs formed the basis for the annual payment negotiations and the methodology and justification for the allocation of common cost, the Authority cannot take a final view on this matter.

| (184) | However, it would appear to the Authority that the compensation payments for the public service, or at least parts thereof, and the capital injection to offset the underfunding of the pension fund, or at least parts thereof, could be compatible public service compensation under Article of the 49 EEA. This provision cannot be applied directly (84) but only by virtue of Council Regulations, i.e. Regulation (EEC) No 1191/69 (85) or Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 (86). An essential element in the assessment under both regulations is to verify that aid in the form of public service compensation only covers the cost of the public service (including a reasonable profit) and does not lead to overcompensation. |
| --- | --- |

(184)

However, it would appear to the Authority that the compensation payments for the public service, or at least parts thereof, and the capital injection to offset the underfunding of the pension fund, or at least parts thereof, could be compatible public service compensation under Article of the 49 EEA. This provision cannot be applied directly (84) but only by virtue of Council Regulations, i.e. Regulation (EEC) No 1191/69 (85) or Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 (86). An essential element in the assessment under both regulations is to verify that aid in the form of public service compensation only covers the cost of the public service (including a reasonable profit) and does not lead to overcompensation.

| (185) | Moreover, it also cannot be excluded at this stage that the aid measures under assessment, in particular the capital injection to remedy the underfunded pension fund, could be compatible under Article 61(3)(c) of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(185)

Moreover, it also cannot be excluded at this stage that the aid measures under assessment, in particular the capital injection to remedy the underfunded pension fund, could be compatible under Article 61(3)(c) of the EEA Agreement.

| (186) | Should any new aid have been granted that benefitted the commercial activities of the Oslo Sporveier Group, the Authority does not at this stage envisage any provision in EEA State aid law that could form the basis for deeming such aid compatible. As the Authority expresses solely a preliminary view however, the Norwegian authorities are invited to submit arguments and information regarding the compatibility of all State aid that was granted to the Oslo Sporveier Group, including (potential) aid to the commercial activities. |
| --- | --- |

(186)

Should any new aid have been granted that benefitted the commercial activities of the Oslo Sporveier Group, the Authority does not at this stage envisage any provision in EEA State aid law that could form the basis for deeming such aid compatible. As the Authority expresses solely a preliminary view however, the Norwegian authorities are invited to submit arguments and information regarding the compatibility of all State aid that was granted to the Oslo Sporveier Group, including (potential) aid to the commercial activities.

10.   Conclusion

| (187) | Based on the information submitted by the complainant and the Norwegian authorities, the Authority has come to the conclusion that the complainant’s allegations that guarantees provided by AS Sporveisbussene may involve unlawful State aid are unfounded. |
| --- | --- |

(187)

Based on the information submitted by the complainant and the Norwegian authorities, the Authority has come to the conclusion that the complainant’s allegations that guarantees provided by AS Sporveisbussene may involve unlawful State aid are unfounded.

| (188) | However, the Authority preliminarily considers that the three additional measures referred to by the complainant — namely: (i) the annual compensation payments for scheduled bus services; (ii) the 2004 capital injection; and (iii) an alleged favourable tax position benefiting AS Sporveisbussene — may entail State aid in the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. As regards the second measure, the Authority has doubts whether (parts of) it might indeed have been granted in line with the market economy investor principle. |
| --- | --- |

(188)

However, the Authority preliminarily considers that the three additional measures referred to by the complainant — namely: (i) the annual compensation payments for scheduled bus services; (ii) the 2004 capital injection; and (iii) an alleged favourable tax position benefiting AS Sporveisbussene — may entail State aid in the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. As regards the second measure, the Authority has doubts whether (parts of) it might indeed have been granted in line with the market economy investor principle.

| (189) | As established above, the Authority moreover is at this stage of the view that most of the State aid appears to have been granted on the basis of an existing aid scheme which entitled concessionaires that provided public scheduled bus services in Oslo to a compensation which would cover the difference between ticket revenue and cost for discharging the public service. However, the Authority has doubts as to the precise delineation of that scheme, i.e. how exactly the costs, that formed the basis for the annual negotiations on the compensation payment, were calculated, and which costs were exactly taken into account. Given that the beneficiary is also engaged in commercial activities, the Authority doubts at this stage if indeed costs that should have been borne by those commercial activities were taken into account in the process of calculating the annual compensation. |
| --- | --- |

(189)

As established above, the Authority moreover is at this stage of the view that most of the State aid appears to have been granted on the basis of an existing aid scheme which entitled concessionaires that provided public scheduled bus services in Oslo to a compensation which would cover the difference between ticket revenue and cost for discharging the public service. However, the Authority has doubts as to the precise delineation of that scheme, i.e. how exactly the costs, that formed the basis for the annual negotiations on the compensation payment, were calculated, and which costs were exactly taken into account. Given that the beneficiary is also engaged in commercial activities, the Authority doubts at this stage if indeed costs that should have been borne by those commercial activities were taken into account in the process of calculating the annual compensation.

| (190) | Furthermore, and in line with the judgment of the EFTA Court, the Authority is of the view that any aid not granted in line with the scheme would have to be qualified as new aid. It preliminarily considers that the 2004 capital injection also covered underfunded pension funds of employees of the commercial activities of the beneficiary. Moreover, it doubts whether the quality bonus described above has been granted on the basis of the scheme, or whether it is a severable amendment to the scheme involving new aid. |
| --- | --- |

(190)

Furthermore, and in line with the judgment of the EFTA Court, the Authority is of the view that any aid not granted in line with the scheme would have to be qualified as new aid. It preliminarily considers that the 2004 capital injection also covered underfunded pension funds of employees of the commercial activities of the beneficiary. Moreover, it doubts whether the quality bonus described above has been granted on the basis of the scheme, or whether it is a severable amendment to the scheme involving new aid.

| (191) | Finally, if any new aid not in line with the scheme has been granted, the Authority has doubts as to whether such aid would be compatible with the EEA Agreement, in particular Articles 49 and 61(3)(c) thereof. |
| --- | --- |

(191)

Finally, if any new aid not in line with the scheme has been granted, the Authority has doubts as to whether such aid would be compatible with the EEA Agreement, in particular Articles 49 and 61(3)(c) thereof.

| (192) | Consequently, and in accordance with Article 4(4) of Part II of Protocol 3, the Authority is obliged to open the formal investigation procedure provided for in Article 1(2) of Part I of Protocol 3. The decision to open a formal investigation procedure is without prejudice to the final decision of the Authority, which may conclude that the measures in question do not constitute aid, are existing aid or new aid compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(192)

Consequently, and in accordance with Article 4(4) of Part II of Protocol 3, the Authority is obliged to open the formal investigation procedure provided for in Article 1(2) of Part I of Protocol 3. The decision to open a formal investigation procedure is without prejudice to the final decision of the Authority, which may conclude that the measures in question do not constitute aid, are existing aid or new aid compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.

| (193) | In light of the foregoing considerations, the Authority, acting under the procedure laid down in Article 1(2) of Part I of Protocol 3, invites the Norwegian authorities to submit their comments, as well as all documents, information and data needed to address the doubts of the Authority outlined above, as well as all relevant information that will enable the Authority in consolidating its preliminary views expressed in this Decision. In particular, it invites the Norwegian authorities to comment, within one month of the date of receipt of this Decision, on:






  (a) | the compliance of the commercial activities capital injection with the market economy investor principle; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(193)

In light of the foregoing considerations, the Authority, acting under the procedure laid down in Article 1(2) of Part I of Protocol 3, invites the Norwegian authorities to submit their comments, as well as all documents, information and data needed to address the doubts of the Authority outlined above, as well as all relevant information that will enable the Authority in consolidating its preliminary views expressed in this Decision. In particular, it invites the Norwegian authorities to comment, within one month of the date of receipt of this Decision, on:

(a)

the compliance of the commercial activities capital injection with the market economy investor principle;

| (b) | the description of the potential existing aid scheme in this Decision; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the description of the potential existing aid scheme in this Decision;

| (c) | the costs that were taken into account for the calculation of the annual compensation, and whether it can be excluded that costs of the commercial activities were taken into account for this purpose; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the costs that were taken into account for the calculation of the annual compensation, and whether it can be excluded that costs of the commercial activities were taken into account for this purpose;

| (d) | the distribution of common costs between the various activities and subsidiaries, and the methodology for the pricing of services provided by the public service activities to the commercial activities; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the distribution of common costs between the various activities and subsidiaries, and the methodology for the pricing of services provided by the public service activities to the commercial activities;

| (e) | a detailed description of the rules on group taxation, and their application to and by the Oslo Sporveier Group; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

a detailed description of the rules on group taxation, and their application to and by the Oslo Sporveier Group;

| (f) | the nature and potential compatibility of the amounts paid under the bonus/malus system; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

the nature and potential compatibility of the amounts paid under the bonus/malus system;

| (g) | how, should any of the above measures entail new aid, they could be considered compatible with the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(g)

how, should any of the above measures entail new aid, they could be considered compatible with the EEA Agreement.

| (194) | The Authority requests the Norwegian authorities to immediately forward a copy of this Decision to the potential recipients of the aid. |
| --- | --- |

(194)

The Authority requests the Norwegian authorities to immediately forward a copy of this Decision to the potential recipients of the aid.

| (195) | The Authority must remind the Norwegian authorities that, according to Article 14 of Part II of Protocol 3, any incompatible aid unlawfully granted to the beneficiaries will have to be recovered, unless, exceptionally, such recovery would be contrary to a general principle of EEA law, |
| --- | --- |

(195)

The Authority must remind the Norwegian authorities that, according to Article 14 of Part II of Protocol 3, any incompatible aid unlawfully granted to the beneficiaries will have to be recovered, unless, exceptionally, such recovery would be contrary to a general principle of EEA law,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The EFTA Surveillance Authority considers the allegation that guarantees provided by AS Sporveisbussene to its subsidiaries may involve unlawful State aid are without object.

Article 2

The formal investigation procedure provided for in Article 1(2) of Part I of Protocol 3 is opened into the compensation for scheduled bus services in Oslo paid to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene during the period 1 January 1994-30 March 2008, the capital injection paid by Oslo Municipality on 1 June 2004, and the application of the group taxation rules to and by the Oslo Sporveier Group.

Article 3

The Norwegian authorities are invited, pursuant to Article 6(1) of Part II of Protocol 3, to submit their comments on the opening of the formal investigation procedure within one month from the notification of this Decision.

Article 4

The Norwegian authorities are requested to provide within one month from notification of this Decision all documents, information and data needed for assessment of the nature and compatibility of the aid measures.

Article 5

This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Norway.

Article 6

Only the English language version of this Decision is authentic.

Decision made at Brussels, 28 March 2012.

For the EFTA Surveillance Authority

Oda Helen SLETNES

President

Sabine MONAUNI-TÖMÖRDY

College Member

---

(1)  Available at: http://www.eftasurv.int/media/decisions/195-04-COL.pdf

1

(2)  Judgment, paras. 55-63.

2

(3)  Ibid., paragraphs 76-80.

3

(4)  Ibid., paragraphs 84-91.

4

(5)  References to the ‘Oslo Sporveier Group’ in this Decision will be used to refer to AS Oslo Sporveier and its subsidiaries.

5

(6)  Act of 21.6.2002 No 45 (e.i.f. 1.1.2003).

6

(7)  Regulation of 26.3.2003 No 401 (e.i.f. 1.4.2003).

7

(8)  Act of 4.6.1976 No 63 (e.i.f. 1.7.1977). Repealed and replaced by the CTA on 1.1.2003.

8

(9)  Regulation of 12.8.1986 No 2170 (e.i.f. 1.1.1987) and Regulation of 4.12.1992 No 1013 (e.i.f. 1.1.1994). Both repealed and replaced by the CTR on 1.4.2003.

9

(10)  In Norwegian: Administrasjonsselskap.

10

Administrasjonsselskap

(11)  Article 23 CTA.

11

(12)  Article 22(3) CTA.

12

(13)  Article 22(4) CTA.

13

(14)  Articles 4 and 6 CTA.

14

(15)  Article 4(1) CTA.

15

(16)  Article 4(2) CTA and Chapter I of the CTR.

16

(17)  Article 27(1) CTA.

17

(18)  Article 6(1) CTA.

18

(19)  Article 25 CTR.

19

(20)  Articles 28 and 29 CTR. These are the requirements the Authority considers to be the most relevant for the purposes of describing the national scheme, however, a number of other detailed requirements for a special concession are set out in the CTR.

20

(21)  Articles 28(2) and 29(2) CTR.

21

(22)  Article 27(2) CTR.

22

(23)  As stated in the preparatory works, Chapter 10.1 of Prop. 113 L (2009-2010).

23

(24)  Article 8 CTA. The possibility to tender the concessions was introduced by an amendment of the Transport Act of 1976 by Act of 11.6.1993 No 85 (e.i.f. 1.1.1994).

24

(25)  Article 22(5) CTA. The 1997 Transport Agreement between AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene, discussed in Section I.4 below, is an example of such a contract.

25

(26)  Article 22(1) CTA.

26

(27)  Since 1934, Oslo Municipality has practically been the sole owner of AS Oslo Sporveier (with 98,8 % ownership) until a reorganisation in July 2006. Following this reorganisation, a new company, Kollektivtransportproduksjon, which is wholly owned by Oslo Municipality, became the 100 % owner of AS Oslo Sporveier.

27

(28)  According to the Norwegian authorities, Oslo Municipality was involved in all issues of commercial importance relating to the carrying out of collective bus transport by AS Oslo Sporveier, including financial aspects of agreements/contracts with subsidiaries (such as AS Sporveisbussene) or other third parties. Oslo Municipality was involved via the management board of AS Oslo Sporveier.

28

(29)  Additionally, AS Oslo Sporveier had other departments operating i.a. underground, tram and ferry services.

29

(30)  Three other operators, ING. M.O. Schøyens Bilcentraler A/S, Norgesbuss AS/Oslo and Follo Busstrafikk A/S also held concessions for carrying scheduled bus transport on a few specified routes in Oslo. Norgesbuss AS/Oslo acquired Follo Busstrafikk A/S in 1996 and with that took over its concessions.

30

(31)  Article 22 CTA.

31

(32)  All ticket revenue generated by direct sale on their own buses, plus a share of the ticket revenue stemming from AS Oslo Sporveier, Stor-Oslo Lokaltrafikk and Norges Statsbaner.

32

(33)  The exact figure is covered by the obligation of professional secrecy. It is in the range of 2 %-7 %.

33

(34)  Own calculation by the Authority.

34

(35)  Oslo Sporveiers Pensjonskasse was the pension fund for the employees of the Oslo Sporveier Group. The 2004 capital injection covered the underfunding related to the pension obligations of Oslo Sporvognsdrift AS, Oslo T-banedrift AS, AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene.

35

(36)  The Norwegian authorities have explained that prior to the 2004 capital injection, AS Sporveisbussene recorded its pension obligations using the so-called ‘corridor solution’. Using this accounting method, the company amortised adjustments in calculated pension obligations over a period of 10 years. The ‘corridor solution’ was based on the assumption that there will be deviations every year between the long-term assumptions and realities and that, over time, such differences will even out. In 2004, the Norwegian authorities decided to change the accounting method used for recording pension obligations. Annual adjustments that included, in the accounts, all costs over the period of assumed average employment were made. As a consequence, AS Sporveisbussene recorded in 2004 a reduction in equity of NOK 80 934 000 (under the item ‘estimatavvik’), which reflects this change in accounting methods. These changes resulted in an increase in the obligations recognised in the balance sheet and a corresponding reduction of the equity capital of the company. This change in accounting principles did not have an impact on the amount of capital needed to offset the underfunding of the pension fund, but rather explains some of the changes in the accounts of AS Sporveisbussene from 2003 to 2004 to which the complaint referred.

36

(37)  Alternatively, the complainant might have deducted the share capital reduction of NOK 70 261 000 (as reported in the accounts of 2004) from the actual capital injection, which amounted to NOK 111 760 000.

37

(38)  Given that Norwegian national insurance would provide a basic pension between 40 % and 50 %, the employer provided the remaining part through either pension funds or life insurance companies. Oslo Sporveier Group organised their pension fund as a municipal pension fund (Oslo Sporveiers Pensjonskasse), in accordance with Chapter 7 of the Insurance Act of 10.6.2005 No 44.

38

(39)  Regulation of 19.2.1993 No 117, Section 28 A.

39

(40)  Not complying with this obligation could have had several legal consequences for Oslo Sporveier Group, for instance it may have been declared bankrupt.

40

(41)  Of which NOK 800 million was transferred from Oslo Municipality.

41

(42)  The amount paid to Oslo Sporveiers Pensjonskasse was NOK 711 980 000 (NOK 90 519 282 (14,1 % of the total amount NOK 802,5 million) was employment tax).

42

(43)  Act of 10.6.1988 No 39 (repealed), Article 8c-11 in conjunction with Article 8c-10 at paragraphs 1 and 3.

43

(44)  The Tax Act of 26.3.1999 No 14, Article 2-2.

44

(45)  Articles 10-2 to 10-4 of the Tax Act.

45

(46)  According to Article 10-1 of the Tax Act, the rules governing group contributions are applicable for ‘aksjeselskap, allmennaksjeselskap samt likestilt selskap og sammenslutning’.

46

(47)  As provided by Act of 13.6.1997 No 44, Articles 1-3 and 1-4.

47

(48)  Article 10-4(1) of the Tax Act.

48

(49)  The actual payment does not necessarily need to take place in the same year as the income is made, provided that it will be effected by a real transfer of wealth at a later date. Accordingly, it is sufficient that the granting company undertakes an unconditional obligation to make the contribution.

49

(50)  Article 10-2(1) of the Tax Act.

50

(51)  Article 10-3(1) of the Tax Act.

51

(52)  Article 2 of Commission Directive 2006/111/EC on the transparency of financial relations between Member States and public undertakings, OJ L 318, 17.11.2006, p. 17, incorporated by means of Annex XV to the EEA Agreement.

52

(53)  As regards, in particular, the quality bonus from AS Oslo Sporveier to AS Sporveisbussene of NOK 3,9 million, the Authority has not received information allowing it to exclude that the funds stem from State resources, or that the payment is not imputable to the State. As Oslo Municipality is involved in all issues of commercial importance relating to the provision of scheduled bus transport in the Oslo region, and AS Oslo Sporveier is a publicly-owned company, it is likely that the transaction could be held to be imputable to the State and thus represent State resources within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement.

53

(54)  Case C-280/00 Altmark [2003] ECR I-7747. See also Case T-289/03 BUPA [2008] ECR II-81.

54

Altmark

BUPA

(55)  Case C-280/00 Altmark [2003] ECR I-7747, paragraphs 89-93.

55

Altmark

(56)  Case C-280/00 Altmark [2003] ECR I-7747, paragraphs 94-95.

56

Altmark

(57)  Case C-39/94 SFEI v La Poste [2006] ECR I-3547, at paragraph 60.

57

SFEI

La Poste

(58)  This principle is explained in the Authority’s guidelines Part IV Rules on public service compensation, State ownership of enterprises and aid to public enterprises, Application of State aid provisions to public enterprises in the manufacturing sector.

58

(59)  Cf. for example Opinion of Advocate General Jacobs, Joined Cases C-278/92, C-279/92 and C-280/92 Kingdom of Spain v Commission [1994] ECR I-4103, at paragraph 28. See also Case 40/857 Belgium v Commission (Boch) [1986] ECR-2321, at paragraph 13; Case C-301/87 France v Commission (Boussac) [1990] ECR I-307, at paragraphs 39-40; Case C-303/88 Italy v Commission (Lanerossi) [1991] ECR I-1433, at paragraph 24.

59

Kingdom of Spain

Commission

Belgium

Commission (Boch)

France

Commission (Boussac)

Italy

Commission (Lanerossi)

(60)  Joined Cases T-228/99 and T-233/99 Westdeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale and Land Nordrhein-Westfalen v Commission [2003] ECR II-435, at paragraph 222.

60

Westdeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale and Land Nordrhein-Westfalen

Commission

(61)  Case C-143/99 Adria-Wien Pipeline and Wietersdorfer & Peggauer Zementwerke ECR [2001] I-8365, paragraph 41.

61

Adria-Wien Pipeline and Wietersdorfer & Peggauer Zementwerke

(62)  Joined Cases E-5/04, E-6/04 and E-7/04, Fesil and Finnfjord and Others v EFTA Surveillance Authority [2005] EFTA Court Report, 117 at paragraph 93.

62

Fesil and Finnfjord and Others

EFTA Surveillance Authority

(63)  Moreover, the Court of Justice observed in the Altmark judgment that since 1995 several EU Member States had voluntarily opened-up certain urban, suburban or regional transport markets to competition from undertakings established in other EU Member States, the risk to inter-Member State trade was not hypothetical, but real as the market was open to competition (paragraphs 69 and 79).

63

Altmark

(64)  Paragraphs 77 and 82 of the Altmark judgment.

64

Altmark

(65)  See also Case 102/87 France v Commission [1988] ECR 4067, paragraph 19; Case C-305/89 Italy v Commission [1991] ECR I-1603, paragraph 26.

65

France

Commission

Italy

Commission

(66)  Paragraphs 50-53.

66

(67)  Cf. Sinnaeve/Slot, The new Regulation on State aid Procedures, Common Market Law Review 36/1999, p. 1153, footnote 28.

67

(68)  See the Authority’s Decision No 405/08/COL HFF (OJ L 79, 25.3.2010, p. 40 and the EEA Supplement No 14, 25.3.2010, p. 20), Chapter II.2.3.1, p. 23: ‘The State guarantee on all State institutions for all their obligations follows from general unwritten rules of Icelandic public law predating the entry into force of the EEA Agreement. The guarantee is applicable to all State institutions, regardless of when they are established, or of their activities, or changes in those activities. This possible aid measure must be regarded as a scheme falling within the definition in Article 1(d) in part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement.’

68

(69)  See Commission Decision in Case E-45/2000 (Netherlands) Fiscal exemption in favour of Schiphol Group (OJ C 37, 11.2.2004, p. 13).

69

Fiscal exemption in favour of Schiphol Group

(70)  From the Authority’s Decision No 491/09/COL Norsk Film group (OJ C 174, 1.7.2010, p. 3 and the EEA Supplement No 34, 1.7.2010, p. 1), Chapter II.2 p. 8: ‘the yearly payments made by the Norwegian State since the 1970s to Norsk FilmStudio AS/Filmparken AS for the production of feature films and to maintain an infrastructure necessary for the production of films were based on an existing system of aid. The Authority considers that in this case, where regular payments were consistently made over a very long period of time, the practice shows that State support was an essential element in the financing of the company. The Authority considers on that basis that the annual grants were made under an existing system of state aid within the meaning of Article 62 EEA.’ In that case, the Authority opened the formal investigation into a payment of NOK 36 million that had been made in addition to the regular payments and an alleged preferential tax measure. With Decision No 204/11/COL (not yet published in the OJ, available online: http://www.eftasurv.int/state-aid/state-aid-register/) the Authority closed the procedure on the basis that the NOK 36 million payment was made on the basis of the existing aid scheme and that the tax measure did not constitute State aid.

70

(71)  See Commission Decision in Case E-10/2000 (Germany) State guarantees for public banks in Germany (OJ C 150, 22.6.2002, p. 6).

71

State guarantees for public banks in Germany

(72)  See Commission Decision in Case E-4/07 (France) Charges aéroportuaires, paragraph 56 (OJ C 83, 7.4.2009, p. 16).

72

Charges aéroportuaires

(73)  Cf. Commission Decision in Case C-6/08 (Finland) Public Commercial Property Åland Industrihus, (not yet published), paragraphs 107-109 in particular.

73

Public Commercial Property Åland Industrihus

(74)  Paragraphs 73-76.

74

(75)  The same logic applies for schemes that have been approved by the Authority or the European Commission. See for example Case C-47/91, Italy v Commission [1994] ECR-4635, paragraphs 25-26.

75

Italy

Commission

(76)  The exact figure is covered by the obligation of professional secrecy. It is in the range of 2 %-7 %.

76

(77)  See below on the approximate amount of NOK 430 300 that went to cover non-PSO pension costs.

77

(78)  Paragraph 87 of the judgment of the EFTA Court.

78

(79)  See below on the approximate amount of NOK 430 300 that went to cover non-PSO pension costs.

79

(80)  Case C-44/93 Namur-Les Assurances du Crédit [1994] ECR I-3829, paragraph 28.

80

Namur-Les Assurances du Crédit

(81)  See Article 4(1) of the Implementing Provisions Decision. See also the opinion of Advocate General Lenz in Namur (cited above).

81

Namur

(82)  This is supported by the conclusions drawn by the European Commission in similar cases, see the Commission Decisions in Case NN 73/08 (Hungary) Sharing of loans between MÁV Zrt. and MÁV-TRAKCIÓ Zrt. (OJ C 109, 13.5.2009, p. 5), at paragraphs 59-60 and Case E-14/05 (Portugal) Compensation payments to public service broadcaster RTP (not published in the OJ) at paragraphs 78-80.

82

Sharing of loans between MÁV Zrt. and MÁV-TRAKCIÓ Zrt.

Compensation payments to public service broadcaster RTP

(83)  Only changes affecting the substance of an existing scheme can transform that existing aid to new aid. Changes severable from the existing aid will not affect the substance of that existing aid (Joined Cases T-195/01 and T-207/01 Government of Gibraltar v Commission [2002] ECR II-2309, paragraph 111).

83

Government of Gibraltar

Commission

(84)  See Altmark (cited above), at paragraph 107.

84

Altmark

(85)  Regulation (EEC) No 1191/69 on public service in transport by rail, road and inland waterway (OJ L 156, 8.6.1969, p. 8), incorporated in the EEA Agreement by means of Annex XIII to the EEA Agreement.

85

(86)  Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on public passenger transport services by rail and by road and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) Nos 1191/69 and 1107/70 (OJ L 315, 3.12.2007, p. 1), incorporated in the EEA Agreement by means of Annex XIII to the EEA Agreement. Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 entered into force in Norway on 1 January 2011, see Regulation of 17.12.2010 No 1673.

86

---

V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

| 12.7.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 204/41 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.7.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 204/41

---

NOTICE OF OPEN COMPETITIONS

2012/C 204/05

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is organising the following open competitions:

| | EPSO/AD/240/12 — Estonian-language (ET) translators |
| --- | --- |

EPSO/AD/240/12 — Estonian-language (ET) translators

| | EPSO/AD/241/12 — Irish-language (GA) translators |
| --- | --- |

EPSO/AD/241/12 — Irish-language (GA) translators

| | EPSO/AD/242/12 — Latvian-language (LV) translators |
| --- | --- |

EPSO/AD/242/12 — Latvian-language (LV) translators

| | EPSO/AD/243/12 — Portuguese-language (PT) translators |
| --- | --- |

EPSO/AD/243/12 — Portuguese-language (PT) translators

The competition notice is published in Official Journal C 204 A of 12 July 2012 in Estonian, Irish, Latvian and Portuguese only.

Further details can be found on the EPSO website: http://www.eu-careers.info

---

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 12.7.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 204/42 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.7.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 204/42

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.6647 — Mitsubishi Corporation/Mitsubishi Electric Corporation/Mitsubishi Elevator (Singapore))

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 204/06

| 1. | On 5 July 2012, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings Mitsubishi Corporation (‘MC’, Japan) and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (‘MELCO’, Japan) acquire within the meaning of the article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the whole of Mitsubishi Elevator Singapore Co. Ltd (‘MESP’, Singapore) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 5 July 2012, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings Mitsubishi Corporation (‘MC’, Japan) and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (‘MELCO’, Japan) acquire within the meaning of the article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the whole of Mitsubishi Elevator Singapore Co. Ltd (‘MESP’, Singapore) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | MC is a general trading company active in various industries including energy, metals, machinery, chemicals, food and general merchandise, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

MC is a general trading company active in various industries including energy, metals, machinery, chemicals, food and general merchandise,

| — | MELCO is active in in the manufacture and sale of electric and electronic equipment used in energy and electric systems, industrial automation, information and communication systems, electronic devices, and home appliances, |
| --- | --- |

—

MELCO is active in in the manufacture and sale of electric and electronic equipment used in energy and electric systems, industrial automation, information and communication systems, electronic devices, and home appliances,

| — | MESP is a Singaporean registered company active in the supply, distribution, installation and maintenance of MELCO elevators and escalators in Singapore. Its activities are limited to Singapore. |
| --- | --- |

—

MESP is a Singaporean registered company active in the supply, distribution, installation and maintenance of MELCO elevators and escalators in Singapore. Its activities are limited to Singapore.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the EC Merger Regulation (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the EC Merger Regulation (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6647 — Mitsubishi Corporation/Mitsubishi Electric Corporation/Mitsubishi Elevator (Singapore), to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

4.

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

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6647 — Mitsubishi Corporation/Mitsubishi Electric Corporation/Mitsubishi Elevator (Singapore), to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32 (‘Notice on a simplified procedure’).

---

| 12.7.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 204/43 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.7.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 204/43

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.6651 — Goldman Sachs/William C. Young/Plastipak Holdings)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 204/07

| 1. | On 5 July 2012, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which funds advised and managed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (‘Goldman Sachs’, USA), and Mr William C. Young acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the undertaking Plastipak Holdings, Inc. (‘Plastipak’, USA) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 5 July 2012, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which funds advised and managed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (‘Goldman Sachs’, USA), and Mr William C. Young acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the undertaking Plastipak Holdings, Inc. (‘Plastipak’, USA) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | for Goldman Sachs: global investment banking, securities and investment management firm, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Goldman Sachs: global investment banking, securities and investment management firm,

| — | for Mr William C. Young: a natural person controlling a number of undertakings, |
| --- | --- |

—

for Mr William C. Young: a natural person controlling a number of undertakings,

| — | for Plastipak: manufacturer of plastic resins, plastic packaging containers and preforms, also engaged in recycling operations for the production of post-consumer recycled plastic raw materials. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Plastipak: manufacturer of plastic resins, plastic packaging containers and preforms, also engaged in recycling operations for the production of post-consumer recycled plastic raw materials.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the EC Merger Regulation (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the EC Merger Regulation (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6651 — Goldman Sachs/William C. Young/Plastipak Holdings, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

4.

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

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6651 — Goldman Sachs/William C. Young/Plastipak Holdings, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32 (‘Notice on a simplified procedure’).

---

| 12.7.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 204/44 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.7.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 204/44

---

Communication from the Commission published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case COMP/39.654 — Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs)

(notified under document C(2012) 4873)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 204/08

1.   INTRODUCTION

| 1. | According to Article 9 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 of 16 December 2002 (1) the Commission may decide — in cases where it intends to adopt a decision requiring that an infringement is brought to an end and the parties concerned offer commitments to meet the concerns expressed to them by the Commission in its preliminary assessment — to make those commitments binding on the undertakings. Such a decision may be adopted for a specified period and shall conclude that there are no longer grounds for action by the Commission. According to Article 27(4) of the same Regulation, the Commission shall publish a concise summary of the case and the main content of the commitments. Interested parties may submit their observations within the time limit fixed by the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

1.

According to Article 9 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 of 16 December 2002 (1) the Commission may decide — in cases where it intends to adopt a decision requiring that an infringement is brought to an end and the parties concerned offer commitments to meet the concerns expressed to them by the Commission in its preliminary assessment — to make those commitments binding on the undertakings. Such a decision may be adopted for a specified period and shall conclude that there are no longer grounds for action by the Commission. According to Article 27(4) of the same Regulation, the Commission shall publish a concise summary of the case and the main content of the commitments. Interested parties may submit their observations within the time limit fixed by the Commission.

2.   SUMMARY OF THE CASE

| 2. | On 19 September 2011 the Commission adopted a preliminary assessment within the meaning of Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003. The assessment related to the sector for financial information services, more particularly the market for consolidated real-time datafeeds (2). It was addressed to Thomson Reuters Corporation and companies under its direct or indirect control, including Reuters Limited (Thomson Reuters). The Commission has concerns that some of Thomson Reuters restrictive licensing practices with respect to Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs) may amount to an infringement of Article 102 TFEU (3). Proceedings against Thomson Reuters had been opened on 30 October 2009. |
| --- | --- |

2.

On 19 September 2011 the Commission adopted a preliminary assessment within the meaning of Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003. The assessment related to the sector for financial information services, more particularly the market for consolidated real-time datafeeds (2). It was addressed to Thomson Reuters Corporation and companies under its direct or indirect control, including Reuters Limited (Thomson Reuters). The Commission has concerns that some of Thomson Reuters restrictive licensing practices with respect to Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs) may amount to an infringement of Article 102 TFEU (3). Proceedings against Thomson Reuters had been opened on 30 October 2009.

| 3. | According to the preliminary assessment:






  (a) | Thomson Reuters is dominant in the worldwide market for consolidated real-time datafeeds (4). |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

According to the preliminary assessment:

(a)

Thomson Reuters is dominant in the worldwide market for consolidated real-time datafeeds (4).

| (b) | Thomson Reuters may have abused its dominant position by imposing on its customers restrictions as regards the use of RICs. Thomson Reuters (a) prohibits its customers from using RICs to retrieve data from consolidated real-time datafeeds from other providers and (b) prevents third parties from creating and maintaining mapping tables incorporating RICs that would allow the systems of Thomson Reuters customers to interoperate with consolidated real-time datafeeds from other providers (5). |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Thomson Reuters may have abused its dominant position by imposing on its customers restrictions as regards the use of RICs. Thomson Reuters (a) prohibits its customers from using RICs to retrieve data from consolidated real-time datafeeds from other providers and (b) prevents third parties from creating and maintaining mapping tables incorporating RICs that would allow the systems of Thomson Reuters customers to interoperate with consolidated real-time datafeeds from other providers (5).

| (c) | These restrictions appear to create substantial barriers to switching. Thomson Reuters customers use RICs widely in their applications and the staff that operates these applications has become acquainted with the RICs symbology. Due to the restrictions put in place by Thomson Reuters, where RICs have become embedded in applications, switching providers involves the removal of RICs and the recoding of those applications to replace RICs with an alternative symbology. This is an arduous and often excessively costly undertaking. The Commission's preliminary view is that Thomson Reuters has, in effect, locked in its existing consolidated real-time datafeed customers who have embedded RICs in their applications. As a result, other consolidated real-time datafeed providers are not able to compete effectively with Thomson Reuters' on the market for consolidated real-time datafeeds. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

These restrictions appear to create substantial barriers to switching. Thomson Reuters customers use RICs widely in their applications and the staff that operates these applications has become acquainted with the RICs symbology. Due to the restrictions put in place by Thomson Reuters, where RICs have become embedded in applications, switching providers involves the removal of RICs and the recoding of those applications to replace RICs with an alternative symbology. This is an arduous and often excessively costly undertaking. The Commission's preliminary view is that Thomson Reuters has, in effect, locked in its existing consolidated real-time datafeed customers who have embedded RICs in their applications. As a result, other consolidated real-time datafeed providers are not able to compete effectively with Thomson Reuters' on the market for consolidated real-time datafeeds.

| 4. | A first market test in relation to the initial Commitment proposal offered by Thomson Reuters was launched on 14 December 2011 (6). Market participants were invited to submit comments until 25 January 2012. Following the comments received on this first market test, Thomson Reuters has substantially revised its commitment proposal to address the shortcomings identified by market participants relating to the Commission's competition concerns. |
| --- | --- |

4.

A first market test in relation to the initial Commitment proposal offered by Thomson Reuters was launched on 14 December 2011 (6). Market participants were invited to submit comments until 25 January 2012. Following the comments received on this first market test, Thomson Reuters has substantially revised its commitment proposal to address the shortcomings identified by market participants relating to the Commission's competition concerns.

| 5. | The revised commitments differ from the previous commitments in several respects. The main changes are the following:






  (a) | the level of the fee for the Extended RIC License (‘ERL’) is reduced; |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.

The revised commitments differ from the previous commitments in several respects. The main changes are the following:

(a)

the level of the fee for the Extended RIC License (‘ERL’) is reduced;

| (b) | the fee structure for the ERL is no longer linked to any existing rebates for Thomson Reuters' consolidated real-time datafeed, is less complex and more transparent; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the fee structure for the ERL is no longer linked to any existing rebates for Thomson Reuters' consolidated real-time datafeed, is less complex and more transparent;

| (c) | the ERL can be used worldwide by customers with genuine business operations in the EEA (7); |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the ERL can be used worldwide by customers with genuine business operations in the EEA (7);

| (d) | the ERL covers RICs of single source OTC instruments subject to the consent of the relevant contributor (unless Thomson Reuters is the sole provider of the OTC-data at the time of the switch); |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the ERL covers RICs of single source OTC instruments subject to the consent of the relevant contributor (unless Thomson Reuters is the sole provider of the OTC-data at the time of the switch);

| (e) | the ERL covers human interfaces to server-based applications (at no additional cost); |
| --- | --- |

(e)

the ERL covers human interfaces to server-based applications (at no additional cost);

| (f) | in addition to the initial five year period during which the ERL is available for subscription, there is an option for a customer to extend the subscription window for a nominal fee by a further two years; and |
| --- | --- |

(f)

in addition to the initial five year period during which the ERL is available for subscription, there is an option for a customer to extend the subscription window for a nominal fee by a further two years; and

| (g) | a separate license will be available for third party developers to enable them to develop and maintain switching tools for sale to customers to facilitate customer switching. |
| --- | --- |

(g)

a separate license will be available for third party developers to enable them to develop and maintain switching tools for sale to customers to facilitate customer switching.

3.   THE MAIN CONTENT OF THE REVISED COMMITMENTS

| 6. | Thomson Reuters does not agree with the Commission’s preliminary assessment. It has nevertheless offered commitments pursuant to Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in order to meet the Commission’s competition concerns. The commitments offered by Thomson Reuters (the ‘Commitments’) are briefly summarised below. A non-confidential version of the Commitments is published in full in English on the website of the Commission’s Directorate-General for Competition at:
  http://ec.europa.eu/competition/index_en.html |
| --- | --- |

6.

Thomson Reuters does not agree with the Commission’s preliminary assessment. It has nevertheless offered commitments pursuant to Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in order to meet the Commission’s competition concerns. The commitments offered by Thomson Reuters (the ‘Commitments’) are briefly summarised below. A non-confidential version of the Commitments is published in full in English on the website of the Commission’s Directorate-General for Competition at:

http://ec.europa.eu/competition/index_en.html

| 7. | The Commitments consist in offering a licence to Thomson Reuters existing and future RT Service (8) customers (an ERL) which grants them an option to license additional RIC symbology usage rights for the purpose of switching providers of consolidated real-time datafeeds. This license allows them, against a monthly licence fee, to use RICs to retrieve real-time financial data from consolidated real-time datafeeds sourced from Thomson Reuters competitors for the purpose of switching some or all of their server-based applications to alternative consolidated real-time datafeed providers. In addition, Thomson Reuters would provide ERL licensees with regular and timely updates of the relevant RICs including, where applicable, the necessary information linked to the RIC (i.e. relevant trading venue, source, official code, currency and/or description). The ERL does not affect any usage rights in relation to RICs which customers already enjoy under their current contractual relationship with Thomson Reuters. |
| --- | --- |

7.

The Commitments consist in offering a licence to Thomson Reuters existing and future RT Service (8) customers (an ERL) which grants them an option to license additional RIC symbology usage rights for the purpose of switching providers of consolidated real-time datafeeds. This license allows them, against a monthly licence fee, to use RICs to retrieve real-time financial data from consolidated real-time datafeeds sourced from Thomson Reuters competitors for the purpose of switching some or all of their server-based applications to alternative consolidated real-time datafeed providers. In addition, Thomson Reuters would provide ERL licensees with regular and timely updates of the relevant RICs including, where applicable, the necessary information linked to the RIC (i.e. relevant trading venue, source, official code, currency and/or description). The ERL does not affect any usage rights in relation to RICs which customers already enjoy under their current contractual relationship with Thomson Reuters.

| 8. | The Commitments cover (i) customers that will partially and/or fully switch away from Thomson Reuters consolidated real-time datafeeds to an alternative consolidated real-time datafeed; and (ii) customers that will subscribe to a third party consolidated real-time datafeed in addition to Thomson Reuters RT service without switching away from the latter (for example, as a back-up solution in the case of emergency outages or to enable the testing of the functionalities and reliability of new consolidated real-time datafeeds). |
| --- | --- |

8.

The Commitments cover (i) customers that will partially and/or fully switch away from Thomson Reuters consolidated real-time datafeeds to an alternative consolidated real-time datafeed; and (ii) customers that will subscribe to a third party consolidated real-time datafeed in addition to Thomson Reuters RT service without switching away from the latter (for example, as a back-up solution in the case of emergency outages or to enable the testing of the functionalities and reliability of new consolidated real-time datafeeds).

| 9. | In the case of a partial switch, Thomson Reuters commits not to discriminate against its customers switching to other consolidated real-time datafeed supplier(s) as regards the terms on which the Thomson Reuters RT Service is supplied. Customers that use the ERL to fully switch away from Thomson Reuters are not required to subscribe to any other license or service offered by Thomson Reuters. |
| --- | --- |

9.

In the case of a partial switch, Thomson Reuters commits not to discriminate against its customers switching to other consolidated real-time datafeed supplier(s) as regards the terms on which the Thomson Reuters RT Service is supplied. Customers that use the ERL to fully switch away from Thomson Reuters are not required to subscribe to any other license or service offered by Thomson Reuters.

| 10. | The ERL will be available for subscription by customers for a period of five years. In addition, customers who have not subscribed to the ERL within this initial five year period can purchase an option to subscribe to the ERL for a USD 150 per month administrative fee. This option needs to be exercised within two years after the initial five year subscription period (therefore providing customers with the ability to subscribe to the ERL within a seven year window). Upon subscription, the extended license is granted to customers in perpetuity, subject to payment of the relevant fee. |
| --- | --- |

10.

The ERL will be available for subscription by customers for a period of five years. In addition, customers who have not subscribed to the ERL within this initial five year period can purchase an option to subscribe to the ERL for a USD 150 per month administrative fee. This option needs to be exercised within two years after the initial five year subscription period (therefore providing customers with the ability to subscribe to the ERL within a seven year window). Upon subscription, the extended license is granted to customers in perpetuity, subject to payment of the relevant fee.

| 11. | The remedy would apply to all RIC symbols directly associated with the price for an individual financial instrument or a value for index carried on Thomson Reuters RT service, hence inter alia (i) data from exchanges and Multilateral Trading Facilities (MTFs); and (ii) OTC traded instruments that are not listed on exchanges or MTFs. RICs related to instruments traded OTC for which Thomson Reuters sources the data from a single contributor who is identifiable by the RIC (‘single source RICs’) are included at the request of customers, subject to consent of the relevant data contributor. RICs for which the content is only available from Thomson Reuters are excluded as long as the content is not made available by the data contributor to the competing provider of consolidated real-time datafeeds to which the customer is switching. |
| --- | --- |

11.

The remedy would apply to all RIC symbols directly associated with the price for an individual financial instrument or a value for index carried on Thomson Reuters RT service, hence inter alia (i) data from exchanges and Multilateral Trading Facilities (MTFs); and (ii) OTC traded instruments that are not listed on exchanges or MTFs. RICs related to instruments traded OTC for which Thomson Reuters sources the data from a single contributor who is identifiable by the RIC (‘single source RICs’) are included at the request of customers, subject to consent of the relevant data contributor. RICs for which the content is only available from Thomson Reuters are excluded as long as the content is not made available by the data contributor to the competing provider of consolidated real-time datafeeds to which the customer is switching.

| 12. | Thomson Reuters will furthermore provide the information necessary to facilitate the ability of customers to cross-reference RICs to the symbology of other providers in a timely fashion. |
| --- | --- |

12.

Thomson Reuters will furthermore provide the information necessary to facilitate the ability of customers to cross-reference RICs to the symbology of other providers in a timely fashion.

| 13. | The proposed licence can be used worldwide in server-based applications provided that the customer has genuine business operations in the EEA. |
| --- | --- |

13.

The proposed licence can be used worldwide in server-based applications provided that the customer has genuine business operations in the EEA.

| 14. | The monthly ERL licence fees that Thomson Reuters intends to charge are incremental and depend on the number of RIC symbols a client wishes to licence to retrieve data from a competitor. For the first 50 000 RICs a customer will have to pay USD 0,01 per RIC per month. The fee to be paid per RIC will then decrease the more RICs a customer wishes to license (9). The fee schedule also contains a minimum monthly fee of USD 750. |
| --- | --- |

14.

The monthly ERL licence fees that Thomson Reuters intends to charge are incremental and depend on the number of RIC symbols a client wishes to licence to retrieve data from a competitor. For the first 50 000 RICs a customer will have to pay USD 0,01 per RIC per month. The fee to be paid per RIC will then decrease the more RICs a customer wishes to license (9). The fee schedule also contains a minimum monthly fee of USD 750.

| 15. | The fees cover the additional usage rights in the RIC symbology and the costs of the service to be provided by Thomson Reuters to its customers under the Commitments. According to Thomson Reuters, the fee level amounts to a very small proportion of the Thomson Reuters' consolidated real-time datafeed price for the same scope of licensed RICs and usage. For details on the ERL fee schedule please consult the non-confidential version of the Commitments as published on the website of the Directorate-General for Competition (Annex III). |
| --- | --- |

15.

The fees cover the additional usage rights in the RIC symbology and the costs of the service to be provided by Thomson Reuters to its customers under the Commitments. According to Thomson Reuters, the fee level amounts to a very small proportion of the Thomson Reuters' consolidated real-time datafeed price for the same scope of licensed RICs and usage. For details on the ERL fee schedule please consult the non-confidential version of the Commitments as published on the website of the Directorate-General for Competition (Annex III).

| 16. | The Commitments also allow third party developers to develop and maintain a switching tool (i.e. mapping tables) on behalf of customers. Eligible third party developers (excluding any market data vendor) can use and keep RICs in the switching tools they develop for a variety of customers against the payment of a monthly license fee. |
| --- | --- |

16.

The Commitments also allow third party developers to develop and maintain a switching tool (i.e. mapping tables) on behalf of customers. Eligible third party developers (excluding any market data vendor) can use and keep RICs in the switching tools they develop for a variety of customers against the payment of a monthly license fee.

| 17. | The third party developer rights described above are included in a separate third party developer license which is attached to the proposed Commitments as Annex II. Third party developers have to pay the same fees as customers, but their monthly fees are capped at USD 3 750 and the license is subject to a minimum monthly fee of only USD 250. Third party developers may obtain support from alternative vendors of consolidated real-time datafeeds in mapping to that vendor's symbology and may engage in joint advertising to prospective customers. |
| --- | --- |

17.

The third party developer rights described above are included in a separate third party developer license which is attached to the proposed Commitments as Annex II. Third party developers have to pay the same fees as customers, but their monthly fees are capped at USD 3 750 and the license is subject to a minimum monthly fee of only USD 250. Third party developers may obtain support from alternative vendors of consolidated real-time datafeeds in mapping to that vendor's symbology and may engage in joint advertising to prospective customers.

4.   INVITATION TO MAKE COMMENTS

| 18. | The Commission intends, subject to market testing, to adopt a decision under Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 declaring the revised Commitments summarised above and published on the Internet, on the website of the Directorate-General for Competition, to be binding. If there are substantial changes to the Commitments a new market test will be launched. |
| --- | --- |

18.

The Commission intends, subject to market testing, to adopt a decision under Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 declaring the revised Commitments summarised above and published on the Internet, on the website of the Directorate-General for Competition, to be binding. If there are substantial changes to the Commitments a new market test will be launched.

| 19. | In accordance with Article 27(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, the Commission invites interested third parties to submit their observations on the Commitments. |
| --- | --- |

19.

In accordance with Article 27(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, the Commission invites interested third parties to submit their observations on the Commitments.

| 20. | Comments should preferably be reasoned and should set out the relevant facts. If you identify a problem with any part of the proposed Commitments, please suggest a possible solution. |
| --- | --- |

20.

Comments should preferably be reasoned and should set out the relevant facts. If you identify a problem with any part of the proposed Commitments, please suggest a possible solution.

| 21. | The time-limit to submit observations expires four weeks after the date of publication of this Notice. Interested parties are asked to submit a non-confidential version of their comments, in which business secrets and other confidential passages are deleted and are replaced as required by a non-confidential summary or by the words ‘business secret’ or ‘confidential’. |
| --- | --- |

21.

The time-limit to submit observations expires four weeks after the date of publication of this Notice. Interested parties are asked to submit a non-confidential version of their comments, in which business secrets and other confidential passages are deleted and are replaced as required by a non-confidential summary or by the words ‘business secret’ or ‘confidential’.

| 22. | Observations can be sent to the Commission under reference number ‘Case COMP/39.654 — RICs’ either by e-mail (COMP-GREFFE-ANTITRUST@ec.europa.eu), by fax (+32 22950128) or by post, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Antitrust Registry |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

22.

Observations can be sent to the Commission under reference number ‘Case COMP/39.654 — RICs’ either by e-mail (COMP-GREFFE-ANTITRUST@ec.europa.eu), by fax (+32 22950128) or by post, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Antitrust Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

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(1)  OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, p. 1. With effect from 1 December 2009, Articles 81 and 82 of the EC Treaty have become Articles 101 and, respectively, 102 of the TFEU. The two sets of provisions are in substance identical. For the purposes of this notice references to Articles 101 and 102 of the TFEU should be understood as references to Articles 81 and 82 of the EC Treaty when applicable.

(2)  This case specifically concerns consolidated real-time datafeeds and does not concern real-time data conveyed via desktop products or via direct feeds. Furthermore, the competition concerns are limited to real-time market data excluding reference data and end-of-day data services.

(3)  According to Thomson Reuters, RICs are alphanumerical codes that are the retrieval mechanism created and provided by Thomson Reuters to its customers as an integral part of their Thomson Reuters financial information services to identify, navigate and retrieve a structured set of related data items from Thomson Reuters' real-time data collections and distribution network (IDN Integrated Data Network).

(4)  The market investigation showed that direct feeds provided to customers directly by exchanges or MTFs form part of a separate product market.

(5)  Thomson Reuters has stated that it does not prevent its customers of consolidated real-time datafeeds to cross-reference RICs with the symbology of other providers, as long as the resulting database or mapping table is not used to retrieve data from another provider. In other words, Thomson Reuters does not prohibit the creation of mapping tables as such, but it opposes the direct and indirect use of RICs to retrieve real-time data from other providers.

(6)  OJ C 364, 14.12.2011, p. 21.

(7)  For the purposes of the commitments, the EEA includes also Switzerland.

(8)  Thomson Reuters commercialises its consolidated real-time market datafeed offer for enterprise-wide usage under the name Thomson Reuters Real-time Service (‘RT Service’ — previously known as Reuters Datascope Real-Time Service, i.e. RDRT) for consumption in server-based applications. For the purposes of the scope of the Commitments, the definition of the RT Service has been extended to cover all other Thomson Reuters real-time data licenses which license data for enterprise wide usage in server-based applications. Human operators will also be able to continue to use RICs in software user interfaces associated with server-based applications to access, view and validate data from another vendor's consolidated real-time datafeed to facilitate switching at no additional costs. Applications which are currently fed under Thomson Reuters' desktop licenses for individual usage (and not for enterprise wide usage) are outside the scope of the proposed Commitments.

(9)  Between 50 001 and 500 000 RICs the fee per RIC will be USD 0,005; between 500 001 and 3 000 000 RICs it will be USD 0,002 and above 3 000 001 it will be USD 0,001. Fees are subject to escalation in line with general inflation.

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