# Úradný vestník C 9/14.

| | ISSN 1725-5236 |
| --- | --- |
| Úradný vestník
  Európskej únie | C 9 |
| | |
| Slovenské vydanie | Informácie a oznámenia | Zväzok 4914. januára 2006 |

ISSN 1725-5236

Úradný vestník

Európskej únie

C 9

Slovenské vydanie

Informácie a oznámenia

Zväzok 4914. januára 2006

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| Číslo oznamu | Obsah | Strana |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Informácie |
| | Komisia |
| 2006/C 009/1 | Výmenný kurz eura | 1 |
| 2006/C 009/2 | Povolenie štátnej pomoci v rámci ustanovení článkov 87 a 88 Zmluvy o ES — Prípady, ku ktorým nemá Komisia námietky | 2 |
| 2006/C 009/3 | Povolenie štátnej pomoci v rámci ustanovení článkov 87 a 88 Zmluvy o ES — Prípady, ku ktorým nemá Komisia námietky (
  1
  ) | 3 |
| 2006/C 009/4 | Štátna pomoc — Spojené kráľovstvo — Štátna pomoc C 45/2005 (ex N 364/2005) — Akčný program pre odpadové hospodárstvo a zdroje pomoc na účely zvýšenia kapacity opätovného spracovania tlačiarenského a písacieho papiera — Výzva na predloženie pripomienok podľa článku 88 ods. 2 Zmluvy o ES (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2006/C 009/5 | Nevznesenie námietky voči oznámenej koncentrácii (Prípad č. COMP/M.4008 — Logista/Editorial Planeta/JV) (
  1
  ) | 12 |
| 2006/C 009/6 | Nevznesenie námietky voči oznámenej koncentrácii (Prípad č. COMP/M.4058 — Logista/Planeta de Agostini/JV) (
  1
  ) | 12 |

Číslo oznamu

Obsah

Strana

I   Informácie

Komisia

2006/C 009/1

Výmenný kurz eura

1

2006/C 009/2

Povolenie štátnej pomoci v rámci ustanovení článkov 87 a 88 Zmluvy o ES — Prípady, ku ktorým nemá Komisia námietky

2

2006/C 009/3

Povolenie štátnej pomoci v rámci ustanovení článkov 87 a 88 Zmluvy o ES — Prípady, ku ktorým nemá Komisia námietky (
  1
  )

1

3

2006/C 009/4

Štátna pomoc — Spojené kráľovstvo — Štátna pomoc C 45/2005 (ex N 364/2005) — Akčný program pre odpadové hospodárstvo a zdroje pomoc na účely zvýšenia kapacity opätovného spracovania tlačiarenského a písacieho papiera — Výzva na predloženie pripomienok podľa článku 88 ods. 2 Zmluvy o ES (
  1
  )

1

6

2006/C 009/5

Nevznesenie námietky voči oznámenej koncentrácii (Prípad č. COMP/M.4008 — Logista/Editorial Planeta/JV) (
  1
  )

1

12

2006/C 009/6

Nevznesenie námietky voči oznámenej koncentrácii (Prípad č. COMP/M.4058 — Logista/Planeta de Agostini/JV) (
  1
  )

1

12

| | Korigendum |
| --- | --- |
| 2006/C 009/7 | Korigendum k sviatkom a dňom pracovného voľna v roku 2006 (Ú. v. EÚ C 336, 31.12.2005) | 13 |

Korigendum

2006/C 009/7

Korigendum k sviatkom a dňom pracovného voľna v roku 2006 (Ú. v. EÚ C 336, 31.12.2005)

(Ú. v. EÚ C 336, 31.12.2005)

13

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text s významom pre EHP |

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(1)   Text s významom pre EHP

1

| SK | |
| --- | --- |

SK

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I Informácie

Komisia

| 14.1.2006 | SK | Úradný vestník Európskej únie | C 9/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.1.2006

SK

Úradný vestník Európskej únie

C 9/1

---

Výmenný kurz eura (1)

13. januára 2006

(2006/C 9/01)

1 euro=

| | Mena | Výmenný kurz |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | Americký dolár | 1,2039 |
| JPY | Japonský jen | 138,13 |
| DKK | Dánska koruna | 7,4592 |
| GBP | Britská libra | 0,68140 |
| SEK | Švédska koruna | 9,3063 |
| CHF | Švajčiarsky frank | 1,5491 |
| ISK | Islandská koruna | 74,01 |
| NOK | Nórska koruna | 8,0475 |
| BGN | Bulharský lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | Cyperská libra | 0,5737 |
| CZK | Česká koruna | 28,840 |
| EEK | Estónska koruna | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Maďarský forint | 250,51 |
| LTL | Litovský litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Lotyšský lats | 0,6960 |
| MTL | Maltská líra | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Poľský zlotý | 3,8138 |
| RON | Rumunský lei | 3,6308 |
| SIT | Slovinský toliar | 239,49 |
| SKK | Slovenská koruna | 37,520 |
| TRY | Turecká líra | 1,6160 |
| AUD | Austrálsky dolár | 1,6040 |
| CAD | Kanadský dolár | 1,3972 |
| HKD | Hongkongský dolár | 9,3316 |
| NZD | Novozélandský dolár | 1,7344 |
| SGD | Singapurský dolár | 1,9648 |
| KRW | Juhokórejský won | 1 189,03 |
| ZAR | Juhoafrický rand | 7,3170 |
| CNY | Čínsky juan | 9,7144 |
| HRK | Chorvátska kuna | 7,3750 |
| IDR | Indonézska rupia | 11 282,95 |
| MYR | Malajzijský ringgit | 4,502 |
| PHP | Filipínske peso | 63,072 |
| RUB | Ruský rubeľ | 34,3200 |
| THB | Thajský baht | 47,643 |

Mena

Výmenný kurz

USD

Americký dolár

1,2039

JPY

Japonský jen

138,13

DKK

Dánska koruna

7,4592

GBP

Britská libra

0,68140

SEK

Švédska koruna

9,3063

CHF

Švajčiarsky frank

1,5491

ISK

Islandská koruna

74,01

NOK

Nórska koruna

8,0475

BGN

Bulharský lev

1,9558

CYP

Cyperská libra

0,5737

CZK

Česká koruna

28,840

EEK

Estónska koruna

15,6466

HUF

Maďarský forint

250,51

LTL

Litovský litas

3,4528

LVL

Lotyšský lats

0,6960

MTL

Maltská líra

0,4293

PLN

Poľský zlotý

3,8138

RON

Rumunský lei

3,6308

SIT

Slovinský toliar

239,49

SKK

Slovenská koruna

37,520

TRY

Turecká líra

1,6160

AUD

Austrálsky dolár

1,6040

CAD

Kanadský dolár

1,3972

HKD

Hongkongský dolár

9,3316

NZD

Novozélandský dolár

1,7344

SGD

Singapurský dolár

1,9648

KRW

Juhokórejský won

1 189,03

ZAR

Juhoafrický rand

7,3170

CNY

Čínsky juan

9,7144

HRK

Chorvátska kuna

7,3750

IDR

Indonézska rupia

11 282,95

MYR

Malajzijský ringgit

4,502

PHP

Filipínske peso

63,072

RUB

Ruský rubeľ

34,3200

THB

Thajský baht

47,643

---

(1)

Zdroj: referenčný výmenný kurz publikovaný ECB.

---

| 14.1.2006 | SK | Úradný vestník Európskej únie | C 9/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.1.2006

SK

Úradný vestník Európskej únie

C 9/2

---

Povolenie štátnej pomoci v rámci ustanovení článkov 87 a 88 Zmluvy o ES

Prípady, ku ktorým nemá Komisia námietky

(2006/C 9/02)

Dátum prijatia rozhodnutia:

Členský štát: Nemecko (Šlezvicko-Holštajnsko)

Pomoc č.: N 9/2004

Názov: Pomoc pri likvidácii mŕtvych zvierat

Účel: Kompenzovať farmárom, chovateľom hospodárskych zvierat likvidáciu uhynutého dobytka v rámci fariem

Právny základ:

| — | Richtlinien für die Gewährung von Beihilfen für die Tierkörperbeseitigung (VIII 35 — 7280.321) |
| --- | --- |

—

Richtlinien für die Gewährung von Beihilfen für die Tierkörperbeseitigung (VIII 35 — 7280.321)

| — | § 9, Abs 1 n. 7 „Ausführungsgesetz zum Tierkörperbeseitigungsgesetz“ (GVObl. Schl. H.S.) |
| --- | --- |

—

§ 9, Abs 1 n. 7 „Ausführungsgesetz zum Tierkörperbeseitigungsgesetz“ (GVObl. Schl. H.S.)

Rozpočet: 5,5 mil. EUR na rok

Intenzita pomoci: 100 %

Trvanie: Do roku 2013

Text rozhodnutia v platnom jazyku/platných jazykoch, zbavený dôverných údajov, je dostupný na internetovej stránke:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

---

| 14.1.2006 | SK | Úradný vestník Európskej únie | C 9/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.1.2006

SK

Úradný vestník Európskej únie

C 9/3

---

Povolenie štátnej pomoci v rámci ustanovení článkov 87 a 88 Zmluvy o ES

Prípady, ku ktorým nemá Komisia námietky

(2006/C 9/03)

(Text s významom pre EHP)

Dátum prijatia rozhodnutia:

Členský štát: Holandsko

Číslo pomoci: N 127/2004

Názov: Akcie na propagáciu platesy

Účel: Financovanie akcií na propagáciu platesy prostredníctvom nepriamych daní

Právny základ:

| — | Instellingsverordening Productschap Vis |
| --- | --- |

—

Instellingsverordening Productschap Vis

| — | Wet op de bedrijfsorganisatie |
| --- | --- |

—

Wet op de bedrijfsorganisatie

| — | Verordening instelling van een fonds voor scholpromotie en verordening financiering scholpromotie 2004 |
| --- | --- |

—

Verordening instelling van een fonds voor scholpromotie en verordening financiering scholpromotie 2004

Rozpočet: 200 000 EUR ročne

Trvanie: Neobmedzené (pomoc sa znova oznámi Komisii najneskôr o desať rokov od jej vstupu do platnosti)

Forma a intenzita pomoci: V rozsahu stanovenom v usmerneniach na preskúmanie štátnej pomoci v sektore rybného hospodárstva a akvakultúry (Ú. v. ES C 19, 20.1.2001, s. 7)

Ďalšie informácie: Výročná správa

Text rozhodnutia v platnom jazyku/platných jazykoch, zbavený dôverných údajov, je dostupný na internetovej stránke:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

Dátum prijatia:

Členský štát: Španielsko (Principado de Asturias)

Číslo pomoci: N 173/2005

Názov: Proyecto de ayudas para la ejecución de proyectos de investigación del Plan I+D+I de Asturias. Prolongación y modificación de la ayuda N 716/2001

Účel: Výskum a vývoj (Všetky odvetvia)

Právny základ: Propuesta de Resolución de la Consejería de Educación y Ciencia del Gobierno del Principado de Asturias, de marzo de 2005, por la que se convocan ayudas a las empresas para la ejecución de proyectos de investigación en el marco del Plan de I+D+I de Asturias

Rozpočet:

| | 2005: 300 000 EUR |
| --- | --- |

2005: 300 000 EUR

| | 2006: 3 000 000 EUR |
| --- | --- |

2006: 3 000 000 EUR

| | 2007: 3 000 000 EUR |
| --- | --- |

2007: 3 000 000 EUR

Intenzita alebo výška pomoci: 35 % – 60 % – + 10 % – 75 % – 50 %

Trvanie:

Text rozhodnutia v platnom jazyku/platných jazykoch, zbavený dôverných údajov, je dostupný na internetovej stránke:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

Dátum prijatia:

Členský štát: Dánsko

Číslo pomoci: N 229/2005

Názov: Regionale Teknologicentre

Účel: Výskum a vývoj (Všetky odvetvia)

Právny základ: Lov nr. 419 af 6.6.2002

Rozpočet:

| | 2005: 4 000 000 EUR |
| --- | --- |

2005: 4 000 000 EUR

| | 2006-2008: 23 000 000 EUR |
| --- | --- |

2006-2008: 23 000 000 EUR

| | 2009: 25 000 000 EUR |
| --- | --- |

2009: 25 000 000 EUR

Intenzita alebo výška pomoci: 60 %

Trvanie:

Text rozhodnutia v platnom jazyku/platných jazykoch, zbavený dôverných údajov, je dostupný na internetovej stránke:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

Dátum prijatia rozhodnutia:

Členský štát: Slovenská republika

Číslo pomoci: N 298/2005

Názov: Individuálna pomoc určená na audiovizuálnu tvorbu v prospech spoločnosti TYZAM s. r. o.

Účel: Podpora filmovej tvorby

Právny základ:

| a) | Zákon č. 523/2004 Z.z. o rozpočtových pravidlách verejnej správy a o zmene a doplnení niektorých zákonov |
| --- | --- |

a)

Zákon č. 523/2004 Z.z. o rozpočtových pravidlách verejnej správy a o zmene a doplnení niektorých zákonov

| b) | Zákon č. 231/1999 Z.z. o štátnej pomoci v znení zákona č. 203/2004 – § 4 ods. 1, písm. d) |
| --- | --- |

b)

Zákon č. 231/1999 Z.z. o štátnej pomoci v znení zákona č. 203/2004 – § 4 ods. 1, písm. d)

| c) | Výnos MK SR – 480/2004 – 1 o poskytovaní dotácií v pôsobnosti MK SR |
| --- | --- |

c)

Výnos MK SR – 480/2004 – 1 o poskytovaní dotácií v pôsobnosti MK SR

Rozpočet: 7 miliónov SKK

Intenzita alebo výška pomoci: 20 %

Trvanie: jednorázové opatrenie po schválení (31. 12. 2005)

Text rozhodnutia v platnom jazyku/platných jazykoch, zbavený dôverných údajov, je dostupný na internetovej stránke:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

Dátum prijatia rozhodnutia:

Členský štát: Slovenská republika

Číslo pomoci: N 299/2005

Názov: Individuálna pomoc určená na audiovizuálnu tvorbu v prospech spoločnosti TaO Productions, s. r. o.

Účel: Podpora filmovej tvorby

Právny základ:

| a) | Zákon č. 523/2004 Z.z. o rozpočtových pravidlách verejnej správy a o zmene a doplnení niektorých zákonov |
| --- | --- |

a)

Zákon č. 523/2004 Z.z. o rozpočtových pravidlách verejnej správy a o zmene a doplnení niektorých zákonov

| b) | Zákon č. 231/1999 Z.z. o štátnej pomoci v znení zákona č. 203/2004 – § 4 ods. 1, písm. d) |
| --- | --- |

b)

Zákon č. 231/1999 Z.z. o štátnej pomoci v znení zákona č. 203/2004 – § 4 ods. 1, písm. d)

| c) | Výnos MK SR – 480/2004 – 1 o poskytovaní dotácií v pôsobnosti MK SR |
| --- | --- |

c)

Výnos MK SR – 480/2004 – 1 o poskytovaní dotácií v pôsobnosti MK SR

Rozpočet: 8 miliónov SKK

Intenzita alebo výška pomoci: 10 %

Trvanie: Jednorázové opatrenie po schválení (31. 12. 2005)

Text rozhodnutia v platnom jazyku/platných jazykoch, zbavený dôverných údajov, je dostupný na internetovej stránke:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

Dátum prijatia rozhodnutia:

Členský štát: Slovenská republika

Číslo pomoci: N 300/2005

Názov: Individuálna pomoc určená na audiovizuálnu tvorbu v prospech spoločnosti ALEF Film & Media Group, s. r. o.

Účel: Podpora filmovej tvorby

Právny základ:

| a) | Zákon č. 523/2004 Z.z. o rozpočtových pravidlách verejnej správy a o zmene a doplnení niektorých zákonov |
| --- | --- |

a)

Zákon č. 523/2004 Z.z. o rozpočtových pravidlách verejnej správy a o zmene a doplnení niektorých zákonov

| b) | Zákon č. 231/1999 Z.z. o štátnej pomoci v znení zákona č. 203/2004 – § 4 ods. 1, písm. d) |
| --- | --- |

b)

Zákon č. 231/1999 Z.z. o štátnej pomoci v znení zákona č. 203/2004 – § 4 ods. 1, písm. d)

| c) | Výnos MK SR – 480/2004 – 1 o poskytovaní dotácií v pôsobnosti MK SR |
| --- | --- |

c)

Výnos MK SR – 480/2004 – 1 o poskytovaní dotácií v pôsobnosti MK SR

Rozpočet: 11 miliónov SKK

Intenzita alebo výška pomoci: 26,2 %

Trvanie: Jednorázové opatrenie po schválení (31. 12. 2005)

Text rozhodnutia v platnom jazyku/platných jazykoch, zbavený dôverných údajov, je dostupný na internetovej stránke:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

Dátum prijatia rozhodnutia:

Členský štát: Francúzsko

Číslo pomoci: N 337/2004 a N 378/2004

Názov: Financovanie technicko-priemyselných centier (ďalej TPC) a odborných centier hospodárskeho rozvoja (ďalej PCHR) prostredníctvom určených daní a dotácií z rozpočtu

Účel: Súborné opatrenia na výskum a vývoj, normalizáciu, vzdelávanie, propagáciu a informovanie podnikov v sektore strojárenských výrobkov, spotrebného tovaru a stavebných materiálov

Právny základ: Loi 2001-692 du 1er août 2001 et loi de finance annuelle

Doba trvania: Od dňa schválenia Komisiou do 31. decembra 2010

Ďalšie informácie: Prijímateľ pomoci: TPC a PCHR v sektoroch spotrebného tovaru, strajárenstva a stavebných materiálov

Text rozhodnutia v platnom jazyku/platných jazykoch, zbavený dôverných údajov, je dostupný na internetovej stránke:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

Dátum prijatia rozhodnutia:

Členský štát: Dánsko

Číslo pomoci: N 374/2002

Názov: Pomoc určená na vybavenie rybárskych prístavov poskytnutá v rámci štrukturálnych opatrení Spoločenstva, ktoré pokrýva FIFG na obdobie rokov 2000 – 2006

Účel: Spolufinancovanie štrukturálnych intervencií týkajúcich sa vybavenia rybárskych prístavov v Dánsku počas rokov 2000 – 2006

Právny základ:

| — | Lov nr. 316 om strukturforanstaltninger, offentliggjort den 3. maj 2001 |
| --- | --- |

—

Lov nr. 316 om strukturforanstaltninger, offentliggjort den 3. maj 2001

| — | Rådets forordning (EF) nr. 2792/1999 af 17. december 1999 om de nærmere regler og betingelser for Fællesskabets strukturforanstaltninger for fiskeriet |
| --- | --- |

—

Rådets forordning (EF) nr. 2792/1999 af 17. december 1999 om de nærmere regler og betingelser for Fællesskabets strukturforanstaltninger for fiskeriet

Rozpočet: 27 miliónov EUR

Trvanie: 2000 – 2006

Intenzita a výška pomoci: V rámci obmedzení súm stanovených nariadením (ES) č. 2792/1999

Ďalšie informácie: Výročná správa

Text rozhodnutia v platnom jazyku/platných jazykoch, zbavený dôverných údajov, je dostupný na internetovej stránke:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

Dátum prijatia:

Číslo pomoci: N 465/2005

Členský štát: Holandské kráľovstvo

Názov v pôvodnom jazyku: Ondersteunende maatregelen om de omschakeling te vergemakkelijken van een aanbod- naar een vraagfinanciering voor schoolbegeleidingsdiensten en rechtstreekse betaling van het geoormerkt gedeelte van de begroting voor schoolbegeleidingsdiensten aan deze diensten

Právny základ: Hoofdstukken VI en VIA, onderdeel a) van de wet tot wijziging van onder meer de wet op het primair onderwijs, de wet op de expertisecentra, en de wet op het voortgezet onderwijs in verband met de vraagfinanciering voor schoolbegeleiding en de bekostiging van het onderwijs aan zieke leerlingen

Účel: vzdelávanie

Celková výška poskytnutej pomoci: 53 mil. EUR

Ročné plánované výdavky:

| | 2006: 15 000 000 EUR |
| --- | --- |

2006: 15 000 000 EUR

| | 2007: 35 000 000 EUR |
| --- | --- |

2007: 35 000 000 EUR

| | 2008: 3 000 000 EUR |
| --- | --- |

2008: 3 000 000 EUR

Trvanie: 1. 1. 2006 – 31. 12. 2008

Ďalšie informácie:

| | Druh opatrenia: schéma |
| --- | --- |

Druh opatrenia: schéma

| | Forma pomoci: priamy grant |
| --- | --- |

Forma pomoci: priamy grant

Text rozhodnutia v platnom jazyku/platných jazykoch, zbavený dôverných údajov, je dostupný na internetovej stránke:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

Dátum prijatia rozhodnutia:

Členský štát: Španielsko

Číslo pomoci: N 499/2004

Názov: Režimy pomoci na banský prieskum, ochranu životného prostredia a bezpečnosť v baniach týkajúce sa rúd bez energetického využitia

Účel: Odvetvie ťažby rúd bez energetického využitia. Úprava režimu schváleného Komisiou dňa 19. júna 2002. Úpravy sa týkajú spôsobu a intenzity pomoci na banský prieskum s cieľom zatraktívnenia tejto činnosti

Intenzita a výška pomoci: Pomoc na prieskum: nenávratné subvencie pokrývajú až 20 % oprávnených nákladov (30 % v prípade MSP a/alebo splatné bezúročné preddavky pokrývajúce až 60 % oprávnených nákladov (70 % v prípade MSP)

Trvanie:

Text rozhodnutia v platnom jazyku/platných jazykoch, zbavený dôverných údajov, je dostupný na internetovej stránke:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

Dátum prijatia rozhodnutia:

Členský štát: Nemecko

Číslo pomoci: NN 44/2004

Názov: Pomoc na záchranu pre SVZ Schwarze Pumpe

Účel: Pomoc na záchranu

Právny základ: §2(3) Förderbankgesetz

Rozpočet: 21,028 miliónov EUR

Trvanie: Do 31. 5. 2005

Text rozhodnutia v platnom jazyku/platných jazykoch, zbavený dôverných údajov, je dostupný na internetovej stránke:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/

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| 14.1.2006 | SK | Úradný vestník Európskej únie | C 9/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.1.2006

SK

Úradný vestník Európskej únie

C 9/6

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ŠTÁTNA POMOC — SPOJENÉ KRÁĽOVSTVO

Štátna pomoc C 45/2005 (ex N 364/2005) — Akčný program pre odpadové hospodárstvo a zdroje pomoc na účely zvýšenia kapacity opätovného spracovania tlačiarenského a písacieho papiera

Výzva na predloženie pripomienok podľa článku 88 ods. 2 Zmluvy o ES

(2006/C 9/04)

(Text s významom pre EHP)

Listom z dňa 7. decembra 2005, ktorý je uvedený v autentickom jazyku na stranách nasledujúcich po tomto zhrnutí, oznámila Komisia Spojenému kráľovstvu svoje rozhodnutie začať konanie podľa článku 88 ods. 2 Zmluvy o ES, pokiaľ ide o uvedenú pomoc.

Zainteresované strany môžu predložiť svoje pripomienky v lehote jedného mesiaca odo dňa uverejnenia tohto zhrnutia a nasledujúceho listu, na adresu:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| State Aid Greffe |
| SPA 3, 6/05 |
| B-1049 Brussels |
| Fax: (32-2) 296 12 42 |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

State Aid Greffe

SPA 3, 6/05

B-1049 Brussels

Fax: (32-2) 296 12 42

Tieto pripomienky sa oznámia Spojenému kráľovstvu. Zainteresované strany môžu písomne s uvedením dôvodov požiadať o dôverné nakladanie s informáciami o ich totožnosti.

SÚHRN

Spojené kráľovstvo v júli 2005 Komisii oznámilo investičnú schému pomoci na zvýšenie výrobnej kapacity tlačiarenského a písacieho papiera z recyklovaného vlákna.

1.   Opis opatrenia

Odpadový papier z kancelárií sa v Spojenom kráľovstve nezbiera ani nerecykluje. Orgán vlády zodpovedný za akčný plán pre odpadové hospodárstvo a zdroje (WRAP) v snahe riešiť tento nedostatok mieni formou verejnej súťaže poskytnúť granty papierňam. Granty budú stimulovať dopyt pokiaľ ide o zber odpadového papiera z kancelárií prostredníctvom spolufinancovania na zvýšenie kapacity recyklácie tlačiarenského a písacieho papiera (T&P papier) v papierňach. Papierne výmenou za pomoc sa musia zaviazať k využitiu väčšieho množstva odpadového papiera recyklovaného z vyprodukovaného odpadu pri minimálnom percente alebo tonáži recyklovaného T&P papiera z kancelárií. Aby sa zozbieraný odpadový T&P papier najlepšie využil, zvýšená kapacita na výrobu papiera sa použije na výrobu nového T&P papiera.

Verejná súťaž zohľadní zahrnutie prvkov novej technológie, ukážku a inovácie, ktoré napomôžu rozvoju udržateľných postupov recyklácie odpadu, t. j. ktoré predbiehajú najnovšie postupy. Predpokladaná výška rozpočtu schémy pomoci je medzi 6 až 20 miliónov GPB. Keďže verejná súťaž určí stupne pomoci, intenzita pomoci zatiaľ nie je známa. Očakávaní príjemcovia predstavujú menej ako desať výrobcov papiera. Orgány Spojeného kráľovstva očakávajú, že pomoc bude poskytnutá pred aprílom 2006.

2.   Hodnotenie opatrenia

Pokiaľ ide o usmernenia o environmentálnej pomoci (1) Komisia pochybuje o tom, či schéma spadá do rámca bodu 29 usmernení, keďže investície do výrobnej kapacity nového papiera, ktorá používa papierový odpad, neznížia znečistenie zo strany týchto spoločností. Príjemcovia budú skôr používať papierový odpad pochádzajúci od hociktorého výrobcu papiera.

Pokiaľ ide o pravidlá iné ako sú environmentálne usmernenia, Komisia pochybuje o uplatniteľnosti ostatných výnimiek ustanovených v článku 87 ods. 2 a 3 Zmluvy o ES. Zatiaľ však k výberu príjemcov nedošlo, a preto nie je možné posúdiť, či sa investície uskutočnia v oblastiach oprávnených na regionálnu pomoc a či sa usmernenia o národnej regionálnej pomoci (2) budú uplatňovať v celistvosti alebo čiastočne.

V prípade, že usmernenia o environmentálne pomoci nemožno uplatňovať, Komisia vyhotoví posudok priamo na základe článku 87 ods. 3 písm. c). Komisia v minulosti tak už konala, najmä v prípade recyklačnej schémy (3) a dvoch iných prípadov v papierenskom odvetví. (4) Komisiou uplatňované kritériá vychádzajú zo stimulačného účinku pomoci a z toho, či potrebné investície na získanie environmentálnych výhod predstihujú „najnovšie postupy“ na úrovni EÚ.

V ostatných prípadoch, v ktorých Komisia posudzovala investičnú pomoc na účely vytvorenia kapacity na opätovné spracovanie papiera, Komisiou uplatňované kritériá vychádzali zo stimulačného účinku pomoci a z toho, či potrebné investície na získanie environmentálnych výhod predstihovali „najnovšie postupy“ na úrovni EÚ. Komisia pochybuje o tom, či zdôvodnenie orgánov Spojeného kráľovstva o súčasnom veľmi nízkom využití recyklačného obsahu vo výrobe T&P papiera v EÚ je postačujúce na vyhlásenie, že výroba T&P papiera použitím recyklačného vlákna predstihuje súčasné „najmodernejšie postupy“ v EÚ.

Komisia pochybuje o stimulačnom účinku schémy pokiaľ ide o zber odpadového tlačiarenského a písacieho papiera.

Komisia taktiež pochybuje o zvýšení environmentálnych výhod výroby T&P papiera z odpadového T&P papiera v súvislosti so zaužívanejším prístupom použitia odpadového T&P papiera na výrobu iných druhov papiera.

Komisia ďalej pochybuje o tom, či sa oprávnené náklady budú obmedzovať na mimoriadne investičné náklady potrebné na splnenie environmentálnych cieľov, keďže Spojené kráľovstvo nemá v úmysle z oprávnených investičných nákladov odrátať investičné náklady na porovnateľnú kapacitu, ktorej výsledkom by neboli rovnaké environmentálne výhody. Z tohto dôvodu nie je jasné, či, v prípade poskytnutia pomoci na účely investície do novej kapacity na výrobu T&P papiera použitím odpadového T&P papiera, dôjde k odrátaniu nákladov na konvenčnú papiereň vyrábajúcu T&P papier.

Na záver Komisia pochybuje o tom, či Spojeným kráľovstvom zamýšľané opatrenie predstavuje najmenej rušivý nástroj riešenia daného problému. Ostatné nástroje, napr. nástroje sústreďujúce sa na zber, môžu menej narúšať trh s odpadovým papierom a trh s koncovými produktmi.

3.   Záver

Na základe uvedených úvah Komisia rozhodla začať konanie podľa článku 88 ods. 2 Zmluvy o ES. Zainteresované strany môžu svoje pripomienky predkladať najmä pokiaľ ide o: 1.) čo sa má považovať za „najmodernejšie postupy“ pri použití odpadového (T&P) papiera pri výrobe nového T&P papiera, 2.) potrebu pomoci na základe očakávaného zvýšenia zberných sadzieb odpadového T&P papiera, 3.) stupeň narušenia hospodárskej súťaže, ktorý možno očakávať na trhu s novým ako aj odpadovým papierom a 4.) environmentálne výhody, ktoré možno očakávať z oznámeného opatrenia v porovnaní s výhodami, ktoré možno dosiahnuť pomocou iných nástrojov.

TEXT LISTU

„The Commission wishes to inform the United Kingdom that, having examined the information supplied by your authorities on the aid referred to above, it has decided to initiate the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty.

1.   PROCEDURE

| (1) | Following informal discussions, by letter of 22 July 2005, registered in the Commission on 26 July 2005 under number A/6948, the United Kingdom notified to the Commission a scheme for increasing the manufacturing capacity of printing and writings paper from recycled fibre under the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). The notification was registered under number N 364/05. The Commission asked further information by letter dated 9 September 2005, registered under number D/56952. The United Kingdom replied by letter dated 28 October 2005, and registered on 7 November 2002 under number A/38954. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Following informal discussions, by letter of 22 July 2005, registered in the Commission on 26 July 2005 under number A/6948, the United Kingdom notified to the Commission a scheme for increasing the manufacturing capacity of printing and writings paper from recycled fibre under the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). The notification was registered under number N 364/05. The Commission asked further information by letter dated 9 September 2005, registered under number D/56952. The United Kingdom replied by letter dated 28 October 2005, and registered on 7 November 2002 under number A/38954.

2.   DESCRIPTION OF THE MEASURE

| (2) | WRAP is an entity established to promote sustainable waste management, and more specifically to promote efficient markets for recycled materials and products. Its central objective is to enable recycled markets to function more effectively by stimulating demand for recycled materials and products, thereby improving the economics of collection. Although WRAP functions as an adjunct to the Government and implements government policies, it has the form of a private company. WRAP's shareholders comprise several representatives of the industries with some interests in waste management, among them the Confederation of Paper Industries and the Chartered Institute of Waste Management, charities like Wastewatch, and representatives of the devolved and British governments. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

WRAP is an entity established to promote sustainable waste management, and more specifically to promote efficient markets for recycled materials and products. Its central objective is to enable recycled markets to function more effectively by stimulating demand for recycled materials and products, thereby improving the economics of collection. Although WRAP functions as an adjunct to the Government and implements government policies, it has the form of a private company. WRAP's shareholders comprise several representatives of the industries with some interests in waste management, among them the Confederation of Paper Industries and the Chartered Institute of Waste Management, charities like Wastewatch, and representatives of the devolved and British governments.

| (3) | In the present case, WRAP has chosen to give support for the creation of printing and writing reprocessing capacity. The definition of printing and writing paper used by the UK authorities includes the following types of papers: paper for printed publications, copier/printer paper and magazine papers. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In the present case, WRAP has chosen to give support for the creation of printing and writing reprocessing capacity. The definition of printing and writing paper used by the UK authorities includes the following types of papers: paper for printed publications, copier/printer paper and magazine papers.

| (4) | By increasing reprocessing capacity of printing and writing paper (hereinafter “P&W paper”), WRAP wants to address the problems of paper collection and recycling in offices and business. According to the United Kingdom most of the paper produced by businesses and offices is not collected and sorted for recycling. The reasons for this lie in a dual system of waste collection, where city councils are responsible for collecting domestic waste but have no responsibility for collecting waste from businesses and offices, and the low costs of landfill. Businesses and offices pay private waste managers for the collection of their waste. The low costs of landfill, the difficulties experienced in sourcing waste paper in the last decade, and attendant price fluctuations has led to a market failure consisting of a shortage of reprocessing capacity and a preference by waste managers to dump waste paper from offices and businesses in the landfill and to a shortage of reprocessing capacity. In order to correct this market failure, WRAP intends to offer grants to paper manufacturers to increase paper reprocessing capacity which utilises waste paper from offices and businesses as its raw material input. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

By increasing reprocessing capacity of printing and writing paper (hereinafter “P&W paper”), WRAP wants to address the problems of paper collection and recycling in offices and business. According to the United Kingdom most of the paper produced by businesses and offices is not collected and sorted for recycling. The reasons for this lie in a dual system of waste collection, where city councils are responsible for collecting domestic waste but have no responsibility for collecting waste from businesses and offices, and the low costs of landfill. Businesses and offices pay private waste managers for the collection of their waste. The low costs of landfill, the difficulties experienced in sourcing waste paper in the last decade, and attendant price fluctuations has led to a market failure consisting of a shortage of reprocessing capacity and a preference by waste managers to dump waste paper from offices and businesses in the landfill and to a shortage of reprocessing capacity. In order to correct this market failure, WRAP intends to offer grants to paper manufacturers to increase paper reprocessing capacity which utilises waste paper from offices and businesses as its raw material input.

| (5) | WRAP is planning to issue a competitive tender process, inspired by EC public procurement procedures, and grant the aid to paper mills before April 2006. The specific aim expressed in the tender procedure will be to provide a subsidy towards the creation of new P&W paper reprocessing capacity and promote the development of recycled paper technology within this paper grade. Successful bidders will be those whose collections are predominantly from offices and business and are of P&W waste paper. According to the UK authorities, it is highly probable that a bid that included a high proportion of (low quality) household waste, rather than P&W waste paper from offices and/or businesses, will not succeed. According to the order of priority given by WRAP in the tender invitation document to raw material sources, the most important source is offices or business. In return to the grant, the successful paper manufacturers will commit to an increased agreed tonnage of P&W waste paper newly recovered from the waste stream as the raw material for the new facilities, with a minimum percentage or tonnage being recovered printing and writing paper from offices. Tenderers will need to specify the level of support required to bring forward their proposals, and to demonstrate technological developments and environmental benefits. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

WRAP is planning to issue a competitive tender process, inspired by EC public procurement procedures, and grant the aid to paper mills before April 2006. The specific aim expressed in the tender procedure will be to provide a subsidy towards the creation of new P&W paper reprocessing capacity and promote the development of recycled paper technology within this paper grade. Successful bidders will be those whose collections are predominantly from offices and business and are of P&W waste paper. According to the UK authorities, it is highly probable that a bid that included a high proportion of (low quality) household waste, rather than P&W waste paper from offices and/or businesses, will not succeed. According to the order of priority given by WRAP in the tender invitation document to raw material sources, the most important source is offices or business. In return to the grant, the successful paper manufacturers will commit to an increased agreed tonnage of P&W waste paper newly recovered from the waste stream as the raw material for the new facilities, with a minimum percentage or tonnage being recovered printing and writing paper from offices. Tenderers will need to specify the level of support required to bring forward their proposals, and to demonstrate technological developments and environmental benefits.

| (6) | Among the criteria for the selection of the successful tenderers is the inclusion in the facility of elements of new technology or processes, whose trialling or demonstration will assist the development of sustainable processes in waste recycling. In addition, the demonstration by the tenderer that the process used goes beyond current “state of the art”. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Among the criteria for the selection of the successful tenderers is the inclusion in the facility of elements of new technology or processes, whose trialling or demonstration will assist the development of sustainable processes in waste recycling. In addition, the demonstration by the tenderer that the process used goes beyond current “state of the art”.

| (7) | According to the United Kingdom, the competitive tender will ensure that the minimum necessary is paid to secure the environmental benefits. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

According to the United Kingdom, the competitive tender will ensure that the minimum necessary is paid to secure the environmental benefits.

| (8) | The United Kingdom argues that the investment project would bring about a major environmental benefit consisting in the creation of an increasing demand for a major proportion of office and businesses waste stream. This will bring benefits for the environment, while this will also allow less waste to be disposed in the landfills. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The United Kingdom argues that the investment project would bring about a major environmental benefit consisting in the creation of an increasing demand for a major proportion of office and businesses waste stream. This will bring benefits for the environment, while this will also allow less waste to be disposed in the landfills.

| (9) | The budget for this measure is between GBP 6 million and GBP 20 millions. The budget will cover a period from the date of clearance to 31 December 2008. The number of beneficiaries is expected to be between two and ten paper mill companies, depending on the quality of the proposals. The aid is financed through the general budget of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The budget for this measure is between GBP 6 million and GBP 20 millions. The budget will cover a period from the date of clearance to 31 December 2008. The number of beneficiaries is expected to be between two and ten paper mill companies, depending on the quality of the proposals. The aid is financed through the general budget of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

3.   PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF THE MEASURE

| (10) | According to Article 6 of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 of 22 March 1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 93 of the EC Treaty (5), the decision to initiate the formal investigation procedure shall summarise the relevant issues of fact and law, shall include a preliminary assessment of the Commission as to the aid character of the proposed measure, and shall set out the doubts as to its compatibility with the common market. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

According to Article 6 of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 of 22 March 1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 93 of the EC Treaty (5), the decision to initiate the formal investigation procedure shall summarise the relevant issues of fact and law, shall include a preliminary assessment of the Commission as to the aid character of the proposed measure, and shall set out the doubts as to its compatibility with the common market.

3.1.   Existence of aid under Article 87(1) EC Treaty

| (11) | Under Article 87(1) EC Treaty, “any aid granted by a Member State 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, insofar as it affects trade between Member States, be incompatible with the common market.” |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Under Article 87(1) EC Treaty, “any aid granted by a Member State 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, insofar as it affects trade between Member States, be incompatible with the common market.”

| (12) | In this case, the measure will be funded by resources granted by the State under the WRAP programme. The aid will be granted to individual beneficiaries. The competitive selection procedures may ensure that the amount of the subsidy is limited to the minimum, but does not take away the aid character of the measure. The measure distorts or threatens to distort competition, as it may cover a significant part of investment costs, which would allow the beneficiary to charge a lower price for the P&W paper it produces. The measure will affect the market for new paper, but also the market for waste paper, which is valuable commodity in demand by the paper industry. The measure is likely to affect trade between Member States, since both new paper and waste paper are traded internationally. In fact, a big amount of the UK paper consumption is imported mainly from other Member States and the United Kingdom was the biggest European exporter of waste paper in 2004 (6). |
| --- | --- |

(12)

In this case, the measure will be funded by resources granted by the State under the WRAP programme. The aid will be granted to individual beneficiaries. The competitive selection procedures may ensure that the amount of the subsidy is limited to the minimum, but does not take away the aid character of the measure. The measure distorts or threatens to distort competition, as it may cover a significant part of investment costs, which would allow the beneficiary to charge a lower price for the P&W paper it produces. The measure will affect the market for new paper, but also the market for waste paper, which is valuable commodity in demand by the paper industry. The measure is likely to affect trade between Member States, since both new paper and waste paper are traded internationally. In fact, a big amount of the UK paper consumption is imported mainly from other Member States and the United Kingdom was the biggest European exporter of waste paper in 2004 (6).

| (13) | Therefore, the scheme qualifies as State aid under Article 87(1) of the EC Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Therefore, the scheme qualifies as State aid under Article 87(1) of the EC Treaty.

| (14) | By notifying to the Commission the current scheme, the United Kingdom has fulfilled with the obligation of Article 88(3) of the EC Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

By notifying to the Commission the current scheme, the United Kingdom has fulfilled with the obligation of Article 88(3) of the EC Treaty.

3.2.   Compatibility of the aid under the environmental aid guidelines

| (15) | The UK authorities claim that the scheme brings environmental benefits. Therefore, the Commission assessed whether the scheme would be justified under the Community guidelines on State aid for environmental protection (hereinafter the environmental aid guidelines) (7). |
| --- | --- |

(15)

The UK authorities claim that the scheme brings environmental benefits. Therefore, the Commission assessed whether the scheme would be justified under the Community guidelines on State aid for environmental protection (hereinafter the environmental aid guidelines) (7).

| (16) | The Commission does not deny that the reuse of waste paper is more environmentally friendly than putting it into landfill. However, it has doubts that point 29 of the environmental aid guidelines justify the scheme in as far as it increases the recycling rate of P&W paper. Pursuant to this point, the Commission may authorise (1) investment aid enabling firms to improve on the community standards applicable and (2) investment aid where firms undertake investment in the absence of mandatory Community standards or where they have to undertake investments in order to comply with national standards that are more stringent than the applicable Community standards. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

The Commission does not deny that the reuse of waste paper is more environmentally friendly than putting it into landfill. However, it has doubts that point 29 of the environmental aid guidelines justify the scheme in as far as it increases the recycling rate of P&W paper. Pursuant to this point, the Commission may authorise (1) investment aid enabling firms to improve on the community standards applicable and (2) investment aid where firms undertake investment in the absence of mandatory Community standards or where they have to undertake investments in order to comply with national standards that are more stringent than the applicable Community standards.

| (17) | First of all, the Commission recalls that according to the general principles of law, an exception should be interpreted in a restrictive manner. The guidelines define the conditions under which the Commission may consider that aid is compatible with the common market in accordance with Article 87(3)(c)of the Treaty, and therefore form an exception to the general prohibition laid down in Article 87(1) of the Treaty. It should also be recalled that the environmental aid guidelines are based on the general principle of “the polluter pays”, and that every interpretation of the guidelines should strictly comply with this underlying principle. |
| --- | --- |

(17)

First of all, the Commission recalls that according to the general principles of law, an exception should be interpreted in a restrictive manner. The guidelines define the conditions under which the Commission may consider that aid is compatible with the common market in accordance with Article 87(3)(c)of the Treaty, and therefore form an exception to the general prohibition laid down in Article 87(1) of the Treaty. It should also be recalled that the environmental aid guidelines are based on the general principle of “the polluter pays”, and that every interpretation of the guidelines should strictly comply with this underlying principle.

| (18) | The scheme may increase the capacity to produce P&W paper, which would lead to increase quantities of waste paper, which would only be partially recycled. In any case, only part of the waste paper used to manufacture P&W paper will be paper sold by each beneficiary itself. Consequently, the Commission has doubts that the investment will reduce the beneficiaries' own pollution. It is more likely that the environmental benefits may derive from indirect effects on supply and demand for waste paper that affect all users and provide of waste paper concerned, not only the beneficiary. |
| --- | --- |

(18)

The scheme may increase the capacity to produce P&W paper, which would lead to increase quantities of waste paper, which would only be partially recycled. In any case, only part of the waste paper used to manufacture P&W paper will be paper sold by each beneficiary itself. Consequently, the Commission has doubts that the investment will reduce the beneficiaries' own pollution. It is more likely that the environmental benefits may derive from indirect effects on supply and demand for waste paper that affect all users and provide of waste paper concerned, not only the beneficiary.

| (19) | The United Kingdom agrees that there are no Community standards applicable to the beneficiaries. Therefore, first situation referred to in point 29 of the environmental aid guidelines, which allows aid to be granted in order to enable firms to improve on Community standards does not apply in this case. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

The United Kingdom agrees that there are no Community standards applicable to the beneficiaries. Therefore, first situation referred to in point 29 of the environmental aid guidelines, which allows aid to be granted in order to enable firms to improve on Community standards does not apply in this case.

| (20) | In relation to the second situation described in the environmental guidelines, concerning aid to firms to undertake investments in absence of Community standards, the Commission also has doubts that it would apply in this case. The Commission considers that point 29 of the environmental aid guidelines concerns cases where an undertaking invests to improve its own environmental record, and to reduce its own pollution. In such cases, aid can be allowed as an incentive to improve the environmental performance of the company. |
| --- | --- |

(20)

In relation to the second situation described in the environmental guidelines, concerning aid to firms to undertake investments in absence of Community standards, the Commission also has doubts that it would apply in this case. The Commission considers that point 29 of the environmental aid guidelines concerns cases where an undertaking invests to improve its own environmental record, and to reduce its own pollution. In such cases, aid can be allowed as an incentive to improve the environmental performance of the company.

| (21) | This interpretation is confirmed by point 18(b) of the environmental aid guidelines, which states that aid “may act as an incentive to firms to improve on standards or to undertake further investment designed to reduce pollution from their plants”. |
| --- | --- |

(21)

This interpretation is confirmed by point 18(b) of the environmental aid guidelines, which states that aid “may act as an incentive to firms to improve on standards or to undertake further investment designed to reduce pollution from their plants”.

| (22) | Other interpretation of the guidelines might result in Member States subsidising large investments, with high intensities, in all those sectors where used products can be used as materials for production or where such use is the general practice in that sector. Such aid could be granted in non-assisted areas or, in any event, without having to comply with regional aid rules and might have serious consequences on the relevant markets. Moreover, following such interpretation, the rules could be circumvented by granting aid not to the polluters, that under Community law would not be obliged to take care of the other company's pollution, but to the companies taking care of the pollution. |
| --- | --- |

(22)

Other interpretation of the guidelines might result in Member States subsidising large investments, with high intensities, in all those sectors where used products can be used as materials for production or where such use is the general practice in that sector. Such aid could be granted in non-assisted areas or, in any event, without having to comply with regional aid rules and might have serious consequences on the relevant markets. Moreover, following such interpretation, the rules could be circumvented by granting aid not to the polluters, that under Community law would not be obliged to take care of the other company's pollution, but to the companies taking care of the pollution.

| (23) | It is not excluded that part(s) of the selected investment projects will be eligible for environmental aid for other reasons, but as the projects have not been selected yet and as the United Kingdom has not guaranteed that aid would be given only in situations foreseen by the environmental guidelines, the Commission doubts whether the aid can be justified under the environmental aid guidelines. |
| --- | --- |

(23)

It is not excluded that part(s) of the selected investment projects will be eligible for environmental aid for other reasons, but as the projects have not been selected yet and as the United Kingdom has not guaranteed that aid would be given only in situations foreseen by the environmental guidelines, the Commission doubts whether the aid can be justified under the environmental aid guidelines.

3.3.   Compatibility of aid under the regional guidelines and other provisions of the Treaty

| (24) | The beneficiaries have not been chosen yet, and therefore it is impossible to assess if the investments will take place in areas eligible for regional aid and that the Guidelines on national regional aid (8) would apply wholly or in part. In fact, it should be noted that similar projects have already been approved by the Commission based on the rules for regional aid, but not as environmental aid (9). |
| --- | --- |

(24)

The beneficiaries have not been chosen yet, and therefore it is impossible to assess if the investments will take place in areas eligible for regional aid and that the Guidelines on national regional aid (8) would apply wholly or in part. In fact, it should be noted that similar projects have already been approved by the Commission based on the rules for regional aid, but not as environmental aid (9).

| (25) | The Commission furthermore doubts that other rules based on Article 87(3)(c) are applicable or that other exemptions set out in Article 87(2) and (3) of the EC-Treaty are applicable. |
| --- | --- |

(25)

The Commission furthermore doubts that other rules based on Article 87(3)(c) are applicable or that other exemptions set out in Article 87(2) and (3) of the EC-Treaty are applicable.

3.4.   Compatibility of aid directly on the basis of Article 87(3)(c)

| (26) | Should the Environmental aid guidelines not be applicable, the case has to be assessed directly on the basis of Article 87(3)(c). In fact, the Commission has done so in the past, notably for a recycling scheme administered by WRAP (10) and two other cases in the paper industry (11). |
| --- | --- |

(26)

Should the Environmental aid guidelines not be applicable, the case has to be assessed directly on the basis of Article 87(3)(c). In fact, the Commission has done so in the past, notably for a recycling scheme administered by WRAP (10) and two other cases in the paper industry (11).

| (27) | In past cases dealing with investment to increase recycling capacity in the paper industry (12), the criteria applied by the Commission was based on the incentive effect of the aid and whether the necessary investments to obtain the environmental benefits were going beyond the “state of the art” at EU level. Since the use of recycled fibre to manufacture paper is common practice in the EU, the Commission has not accepted that the mere fact that the aid aims to increase the amount of recycled paper fibre in the manufacturing of paper is enough to qualify it as environmental aid. |
| --- | --- |

(27)

In past cases dealing with investment to increase recycling capacity in the paper industry (12), the criteria applied by the Commission was based on the incentive effect of the aid and whether the necessary investments to obtain the environmental benefits were going beyond the “state of the art” at EU level. Since the use of recycled fibre to manufacture paper is common practice in the EU, the Commission has not accepted that the mere fact that the aid aims to increase the amount of recycled paper fibre in the manufacturing of paper is enough to qualify it as environmental aid.

Investments going beyond the state of the art?

| (28) | The UK authorities argue that the fact that very small amounts of P&W paper are made from recycled fibre in the EU, qualifies the investments as going beyond the current “state of the art”. The Commission is aware of technological barriers to increased rates of recycled fibres used in particular in P&W paper, like the de-inking of digital print, the removal of ashes with washers and the increased amount of bleaching, flotation, dispersion and sludge disposal. It would, however, normally expect a certain level of innovation from a market operator that wants to compete and be in the vanguard of the product market, in particular in the paper market, where many operators are large multinational producers. In past cases, the Commission concluded that “any paper producer that wishes to remain technologically and environmentally competitive in the long run has to make such investments in innovation from time to time” (13). The relatively small amounts of P&W paper manufactured from waste paper would seem to indicate that it is possible to implement such processes and that the technology exists. According to information available to the Commission the production of P&W papers using recycled fibre has increased by 6,8 % in 2004 (14). The production of P&W paper using recycled fibre is currently the fastest growing type of recycled paper in Europe. |
| --- | --- |

(28)

The UK authorities argue that the fact that very small amounts of P&W paper are made from recycled fibre in the EU, qualifies the investments as going beyond the current “state of the art”. The Commission is aware of technological barriers to increased rates of recycled fibres used in particular in P&W paper, like the de-inking of digital print, the removal of ashes with washers and the increased amount of bleaching, flotation, dispersion and sludge disposal. It would, however, normally expect a certain level of innovation from a market operator that wants to compete and be in the vanguard of the product market, in particular in the paper market, where many operators are large multinational producers. In past cases, the Commission concluded that “any paper producer that wishes to remain technologically and environmentally competitive in the long run has to make such investments in innovation from time to time” (13). The relatively small amounts of P&W paper manufactured from waste paper would seem to indicate that it is possible to implement such processes and that the technology exists. According to information available to the Commission the production of P&W papers using recycled fibre has increased by 6,8 % in 2004 (14). The production of P&W paper using recycled fibre is currently the fastest growing type of recycled paper in Europe.

| (29) | Therefore, the Commission has doubts that the justification used by the UK authorities that the current very low utilisation of recycled content in the production of P&W papers in the EU is enough to state that manufacturing P&W paper using recycle fibre goes beyond the current “state of the art” in the EU. |
| --- | --- |

(29)

Therefore, the Commission has doubts that the justification used by the UK authorities that the current very low utilisation of recycled content in the production of P&W papers in the EU is enough to state that manufacturing P&W paper using recycle fibre goes beyond the current “state of the art” in the EU.

Increasing collection rates?

| (30) | According to information available to the Commission, it seems that the current situation of the market of P&W waste paper is changing fast and that paper companies are becoming very interested on P&W waste paper due to its high quality (15). In fact, in Sweden it is expected that the recycling rate of office papers office will pass from 57 % in 2003 to 75 % in 2006. Given the situation on the waste paper market, it is reasonable to expect increased interest in waste P&W paper from paper producers. |
| --- | --- |

(30)

According to information available to the Commission, it seems that the current situation of the market of P&W waste paper is changing fast and that paper companies are becoming very interested on P&W waste paper due to its high quality (15). In fact, in Sweden it is expected that the recycling rate of office papers office will pass from 57 % in 2003 to 75 % in 2006. Given the situation on the waste paper market, it is reasonable to expect increased interest in waste P&W paper from paper producers.

| (31) | Therefore, the Commission has doubts that an increase in paper manufacturing capacity in the United Kingdom is needed to increase the collection demand. In the last years, there has been a big demand for waste paper in countries of East Asia. It would seem that such an increase has converted the United Kingdom to a net exporter of P&W waste paper. |
| --- | --- |

(31)

Therefore, the Commission has doubts that an increase in paper manufacturing capacity in the United Kingdom is needed to increase the collection demand. In the last years, there has been a big demand for waste paper in countries of East Asia. It would seem that such an increase has converted the United Kingdom to a net exporter of P&W waste paper.

| (32) | Therefore, the Commission has doubts about the necessity of aid for increasing the collection of P&W waste paper. |
| --- | --- |

(32)

Therefore, the Commission has doubts about the necessity of aid for increasing the collection of P&W waste paper.

Proper targeting to maximise environmental benefits?

| (33) | The Commission doubts whether the measure is properly targeted, ensuring the highest environmental benefits. The United Kingdom argues that the biggest environmental gains are obtained if high quality waste paper is used for high quality new paper, i.e. P&W paper. The Commission, however, wonders whether a more common approach like using P&W waste paper to manufacture other types of paper might have the same impact in the collection of paper from offices and, taking the broadest possible perspective, bring the same environmental benefits. |
| --- | --- |

(33)

The Commission doubts whether the measure is properly targeted, ensuring the highest environmental benefits. The United Kingdom argues that the biggest environmental gains are obtained if high quality waste paper is used for high quality new paper, i.e. P&W paper. The Commission, however, wonders whether a more common approach like using P&W waste paper to manufacture other types of paper might have the same impact in the collection of paper from offices and, taking the broadest possible perspective, bring the same environmental benefits.

Proper calculation of eligible investment cost?

| (34) | If it were appropriate to base the assessment directly on Article 87(3)(c), the Commission would draw a parallel to points 36 and 37 of the environmental aid guidelines to calculate the eligible cost. In accordance with these points, eligible cost must be confined to the extra investment costs necessary to meet the environmental objectives. |
| --- | --- |

(34)

If it were appropriate to base the assessment directly on Article 87(3)(c), the Commission would draw a parallel to points 36 and 37 of the environmental aid guidelines to calculate the eligible cost. In accordance with these points, eligible cost must be confined to the extra investment costs necessary to meet the environmental objectives.

| (35) | The method used by the UK authorities to calculate the eligible costs will be based on the premise that where the market would not give rise to the investment in question, then the relevant eligible costs are all the costs of the investment. Only those costs necessary to make the required investment, and to achieve the environmental objective, will be considered to be eligible and any net benefits during the first five years of production will be deducted. The cost of a reference investment which creates the same capacity but which does not provide the same environmental benefits, would not be subtracted. |
| --- | --- |

(35)

The method used by the UK authorities to calculate the eligible costs will be based on the premise that where the market would not give rise to the investment in question, then the relevant eligible costs are all the costs of the investment. Only those costs necessary to make the required investment, and to achieve the environmental objective, will be considered to be eligible and any net benefits during the first five years of production will be deducted. The cost of a reference investment which creates the same capacity but which does not provide the same environmental benefits, would not be subtracted.

| (36) | The Commission has doubts whether this interpretation is acceptable. Substantial parts of the selected investment projects might be essential as well for investment projects in similar production capacity that is not based on using waste P&W paper. In case of investment in new capacity, the whole investment cost would be necessary to obtain the environmental benefit, but it is not clear why the investment of a conventional plant should not be subtracted. Without taking account of such a reference investment, the cost calculation would be disproportioned. |
| --- | --- |

(36)

The Commission has doubts whether this interpretation is acceptable. Substantial parts of the selected investment projects might be essential as well for investment projects in similar production capacity that is not based on using waste P&W paper. In case of investment in new capacity, the whole investment cost would be necessary to obtain the environmental benefit, but it is not clear why the investment of a conventional plant should not be subtracted. Without taking account of such a reference investment, the cost calculation would be disproportioned.

Choice for the least distortive instrument?

| (37) | The United Kingdom has chosen to grant aid directly to the paper producers instead of to collection schemes, because it reduces it administrative costs and the amount of support. The Commission, however, doubts whether the measure proposed by the United Kingdom is the least distortive instrument to address the problem at stake. Other instruments, e.g. instruments that focus on the collection, are likely to less distort the markets of waste paper and of end products. |
| --- | --- |

(37)

The United Kingdom has chosen to grant aid directly to the paper producers instead of to collection schemes, because it reduces it administrative costs and the amount of support. The Commission, however, doubts whether the measure proposed by the United Kingdom is the least distortive instrument to address the problem at stake. Other instruments, e.g. instruments that focus on the collection, are likely to less distort the markets of waste paper and of end products.

4.   CONCLUSION

| (38) | In the light of the foregoing considerations, the Commission, acting under the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty, requests the United Kingdom to submit its comments and to provide all such information as may help to assess the aid, within one month of the date of receipt of this letter. It requests your authorities to forward a copy of this letter to the potential recipient of the aid immediately. |
| --- | --- |

(38)

In the light of the foregoing considerations, the Commission, acting under the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty, requests the United Kingdom to submit its comments and to provide all such information as may help to assess the aid, within one month of the date of receipt of this letter. It requests your authorities to forward a copy of this letter to the potential recipient of the aid immediately.

| (39) | The Commission wishes to remind the United Kingdom that Article 88(3) of the EC Treaty has suspensory effect, and would draw your attention to Article 14 of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, which provides that all unlawful aid may be recovered from the recipient. |
| --- | --- |

(39)

The Commission wishes to remind the United Kingdom that Article 88(3) of the EC Treaty has suspensory effect, and would draw your attention to Article 14 of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, which provides that all unlawful aid may be recovered from the recipient.

| (40) | The Commission warns the United Kingdom that it will inform interested parties by publishing this letter and a meaningful summary of it in the Official Journal of the European Union. It will also inform interested parties in the EFTA countries which are signatories to the EEA Agreement, by publication of a notice in the EEA Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union and will inform the EFTA Surveillance Authority by sending a copy of this letter. All such interested parties will be invited to submit their comments within one month of the date of such publication.“ |
| --- | --- |

(40)

The Commission warns the United Kingdom that it will inform interested parties by publishing this letter and a meaningful summary of it in the Official Journal of the European Union. It will also inform interested parties in the EFTA countries which are signatories to the EEA Agreement, by publication of a notice in the EEA Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union and will inform the EFTA Surveillance Authority by sending a copy of this letter. All such interested parties will be invited to submit their comments within one month of the date of such publication.“

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(1)  Ú. v. ES C 37, 3.2.2001, s. 3.

1

(2)  Ú. v. ES C 74, 10.3.1998, s. 9.

2

(3)  Ú. v. EÚ L 102, 7.4.2004, s. 59. Spojené kráľovstvo nedávno oznámilo rozšírenie a predĺženie tejto schémy, ktorá je v súčasnosti predmetom posudzovania.

3

(4)  Ú. v. EÚ L 314, 28.11.2003, s. 26 a Ú. v. EÚ L 53, 26.2.2005, s. 66. Pripomienky ku kritériám použitým v týchto prípadoch sú obsahom Výročnej správy o hospodárskej súťaži za rok 2004.

4

(5)  OJ L 83, 27.3.1999, p. 1.

5

(6)  CEPI, Special Recycling 2004 Statistics. Page 5, available at http://www.cepi.org/files/Sp %20Rec %202005-135002A.pdf

6

(7)  OJ C 37, 3.2.2001, p. 3.

7

(8)  OJ C 74, 10.3.1998, p. 9.

8

(9)  E.g. Hamburger AG (C 72/01), Commission decision 9 April 2002, OJ L 296, 20.10.2002, p. 50.

9

Kartogroup (N184/2000), Commission decision 18 July 2001 available at

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids/industrie/n184-00.pdf

(10)  OJ L 102, 7.4.2004, p. 59. The waste products that are concerned under this scheme are wood, glass, plastics, aggregates and compost. The Commission noted that the objective of this measure is to encourage the development of waste recycling, which is a clear objective of the Community environmental policy. The Commission also noted that the aid does not subsidise ‚state of the art’ techniques in the industries concerned, which are economically profitable and do not need State aid. Therefore, the Commission considered that this scheme was compatible with Article 87(3)(c) of the EC Treaty.

10

(11)  OJ L 314, 28.11.2003, p. 26 and OJ L 53, 26.2.2005, p. 66 respectively. The criteria used in these cases are also commented upon in the Annual Competition report of 2004.

11

(12)  OJ L 314, 28.11.2003, p. 26 and OJ L 53, 26.2.2005, p.66 respectively. The criteria used in these cases are also commented upon in the Annual Competition report of 2004.

12

(13)  OJ L 53, 26.2.2005, p. 76.

13

(14)  CEPI, Special Recycling 2004 Statistics, p. 1.

14

(15)  This is, e.g., signalled in a study on recycling waste ‚Support in the drafting of an ExIA on the Thematic Strategy on the Prevention and Recycling of Waste’ by EPEC, Page 82, available at http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/waste/pdf/epec_report_05.pdf, published by DG ENV.

15

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| 14.1.2006 | SK | Úradný vestník Európskej únie | C 9/12 |
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14.1.2006

SK

Úradný vestník Európskej únie

C 9/12

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Nevznesenie námietky voči oznámenej koncentrácii

(Prípad č. COMP/M.4008 — Logista/Editorial Planeta/JV)

(2006/C 9/05)

(Text s významom pre EHP)

Dňa 16. decembra 2005 sa Komisia rozhodla neoponovať voči vyššie spomínanej oznámenej koncentrácii a vyhlásiť ju za kompatibilnú so spoločným trhom. Toto rozhodnutie je založené na článku 6 odsek 1 písmeno b) nariadenia Rady (ES) č. 139/2004. Úplný text rozhodnutia je dostupný iba v španielčine bude dostupný verejnosti po tom, ako budú odstránené akékoľvek obchodné tajomstvá, ktoré by mohol obsahovať. Prístupný bude na:

| — | webovej stránke Europa competition (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). Táto webová stránka poskytuje rôzne možnosti pomoci na lokalizáciu individuálnych rozhodnutí o fúziách vrátane názvu spoločnosti, čísla prípadu, dátumu a sektorových indexov, |
| --- | --- |

—

webovej stránke Europa competition (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). Táto webová stránka poskytuje rôzne možnosti pomoci na lokalizáciu individuálnych rozhodnutí o fúziách vrátane názvu spoločnosti, čísla prípadu, dátumu a sektorových indexov,

| — | v elektronickej forme na webovej stránke EUR-Lex pod číslom dokumentu 32005M4008. EUR-Lex je počítačový dokumentačný systém práva Európskeho spoločenstva. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

v elektronickej forme na webovej stránke EUR-Lex pod číslom dokumentu 32005M4008. EUR-Lex je počítačový dokumentačný systém práva Európskeho spoločenstva. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex)

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| 14.1.2006 | SK | Úradný vestník Európskej únie | C 9/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.1.2006

SK

Úradný vestník Európskej únie

C 9/12

---

Nevznesenie námietky voči oznámenej koncentrácii

(Prípad č. COMP/M.4058 — Logista/Planeta de Agostini/JV)

(2006/C 9/06)

(Text s významom pre EHP)

Dňa 16. decembra 2005 sa Komisia rozhodla neoponovať voči vyššie spomínanej oznámenej koncentrácii a vyhlásiť ju za kompatibilnú so spoločným trhom. Toto rozhodnutie je založené na článku 6 odsek 1 písmeno b) nariadenia Rady (ES) č. 139/2004. Úplný text rozhodnutia je dostupný iba v španielčine bude dostupný verejnosti po tom, ako budú odstránené akékoľvek obchodné tajomstvá, ktoré by mohol obsahovať. Prístupný bude na:

| — | webovej stránke Europa competition (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). Táto webová stránka poskytuje rôzne možnosti pomoci na lokalizáciu individuálnych rozhodnutí o fúziách vrátane názvu spoločnosti, čísla prípadu, dátumu a sektorových indexov, |
| --- | --- |

—

webovej stránke Europa competition (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). Táto webová stránka poskytuje rôzne možnosti pomoci na lokalizáciu individuálnych rozhodnutí o fúziách vrátane názvu spoločnosti, čísla prípadu, dátumu a sektorových indexov,

| — | v elektronickej forme na webovej stránke EUR-Lex pod číslom dokumentu 32005M4058. EUR-Lex je počítačový dokumentačný systém práva Európskeho spoločenstva. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

v elektronickej forme na webovej stránke EUR-Lex pod číslom dokumentu 32005M4058. EUR-Lex je počítačový dokumentačný systém práva Európskeho spoločenstva. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex)

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Korigendum

| 14.1.2006 | SK | Úradný vestník Európskej únie | C 9/13 |
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14.1.2006

SK

Úradný vestník Európskej únie

C 9/13

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Korigendum k sviatkom a dňom pracovného voľna v roku 2006

(
  Úradný vestník Európskej únie C 336 z 31. decembra 2005
  )

(2006/C 9/07)

Na strane 2 v riadku „FRANCE“ sa vypúšťa dátum „15.4“.

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