# Eiropas Savienības C 291/2012

| | ISSN 1977-0952
  doi:10.3000/19770952.C_2012.291.lav |
| --- | --- |
| Eiropas Savienības
  Oficiālais Vēstnesis | C 291 |
| | |
| Izdevums latviešu valodā | Informācija un paziņojumi | 55. sējums2012. gada 27. septembris |

ISSN 1977-0952

doi:10.3000/19770952.C_2012.291.lav

Eiropas Savienības

Oficiālais Vēstnesis

C 291

Izdevums latviešu valodā

Informācija un paziņojumi

55. sējums2012. gada 27. septembris

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| Paziņojums Nr. | Saturs | Lappuse |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | IV   Paziņojumi |
| | EIROPAS SAVIENĪBAS IESTĀŽU UN STRUKTŪRU SNIEGTI PAZIŅOJUMI |
| | Eiropas Komisija |
| 2012/C 291/01 | Euro maiņas kurss | 1 |
| | INFORMĀCIJA ATTIECĪBĀ UZ EIROPAS EKONOMIKAS ZONU |
| | EBTA Uzraudzības iestāde |
| 2012/C 291/02 | Uzaicinājums iesniegt piezīmes par valsts atbalstu saistībā ar Čartera lidojumu fonda Ziemeļnorvēģijai (Charter Fund for Northern Norway) izveidošanu atbilstoši 3. protokola I daļas 1. panta 2. punktam Nolīgumā starp EBTA valstīm par Uzraudzības iestādes un Tiesas izveidi | 2 |

Paziņojums Nr.

Saturs

Lappuse

IV   Paziņojumi

EIROPAS SAVIENĪBAS IESTĀŽU UN STRUKTŪRU SNIEGTI PAZIŅOJUMI

Eiropas Komisija

2012/C 291/01

Euro maiņas kurss

1

INFORMĀCIJA ATTIECĪBĀ UZ EIROPAS EKONOMIKAS ZONU

EBTA Uzraudzības iestāde

2012/C 291/02

Uzaicinājums iesniegt piezīmes par valsts atbalstu saistībā ar Čartera lidojumu fonda Ziemeļnorvēģijai (Charter Fund for Northern Norway) izveidošanu atbilstoši 3. protokola I daļas 1. panta 2. punktam Nolīgumā starp EBTA valstīm par Uzraudzības iestādes un Tiesas izveidi

Charter Fund for Northern Norway

2

| | V   Atzinumi |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATĪVAS PROCEDŪRAS |
| | Eiropas Personāla atlases birojs (EPSO) |
| 2012/C 291/03 | Paziņojums par atklātu konkursu | 12 |
| | JURIDISKAS PROCEDŪRAS |
| | EBTA Tiesa |
| 2012/C 291/04 | Padomdevēja atzinuma pieprasījums no EBTA Tiesas, ko iesniegusi Héraðsdómur Reykjavíkur ar 2012. gada 6. februāra lēmumu lietā HOB-vín ehf. v the State Alcohol and Tobacco Company of Iceland (ÁTVR) (Lieta E-2/12) | 13 |
| 2012/C 291/05 | Tiesas spriedums (2011. gada 12. septembris) Lietā E-16/10 – Philip Morris Norway AS pret Norvēģijas valsti, ko pārstāv Veselības un aprūpes pakalpojumu ministrija (Brīva preču aprite – tabakas izstrādājumu redzamas izvietošanas aizliegums – EEZ līguma 11. un 13. pants – pasākumi, kuru sekas ir līdzvērtīgas kvantitatīviem ierobežojumiem – tirdzniecības nosacījumi – sabiedrības veselības aizsardzība – samērīgums) | 14 |
| 2012/C 291/06 | Tiesas spriedums (2011. gada 14. decembris) Lietā E-3/11 – Pálmi Sigmarsson pret Islandes Centrālo banku (Kapitāla brīva aprite – EEZ līguma 43. pants – valsts noteiktie kapitāla aprites ierobežojumi – jurisdikcija – samērīgums – tiesiskā noteiktība) | 15 |
| 2012/C 291/07 | Tiesas spriedums (2011. gada 14. decembris) Lietā E-8/11 – EBTA Uzraudzības iestāde pret Islandi (Līgumslēdzējas puses saistību neizpilde – Direktīva 2002/49/EK par vides trokšņa novērtēšanu un pārvaldību) | 16 |

V   Atzinumi

ADMINISTRATĪVAS PROCEDŪRAS

Eiropas Personāla atlases birojs (EPSO)

2012/C 291/03

Paziņojums par atklātu konkursu

12

JURIDISKAS PROCEDŪRAS

EBTA Tiesa

2012/C 291/04

Padomdevēja atzinuma pieprasījums no EBTA Tiesas, ko iesniegusi Héraðsdómur Reykjavíkur ar 2012. gada 6. februāra lēmumu lietā HOB-vín ehf. v the State Alcohol and Tobacco Company of Iceland (ÁTVR) (Lieta E-2/12)

Héraðsdómur Reykjavíkur

HOB-vín ehf. v the State Alcohol and Tobacco Company of Iceland (ÁTVR)

13

2012/C 291/05

Tiesas spriedums (2011. gada 12. septembris) Lietā E-16/10 – Philip Morris Norway AS pret Norvēģijas valsti, ko pārstāv Veselības un aprūpes pakalpojumu ministrija (Brīva preču aprite – tabakas izstrādājumu redzamas izvietošanas aizliegums – EEZ līguma 11. un 13. pants – pasākumi, kuru sekas ir līdzvērtīgas kvantitatīviem ierobežojumiem – tirdzniecības nosacījumi – sabiedrības veselības aizsardzība – samērīgums)

Philip Morris Norway AS

(Brīva preču aprite – tabakas izstrādājumu redzamas izvietošanas aizliegums – EEZ līguma 11. un 13. pants – pasākumi, kuru sekas ir līdzvērtīgas kvantitatīviem ierobežojumiem – tirdzniecības nosacījumi – sabiedrības veselības aizsardzība – samērīgums)

14

2012/C 291/06

Tiesas spriedums (2011. gada 14. decembris) Lietā E-3/11 – Pálmi Sigmarsson pret Islandes Centrālo banku (Kapitāla brīva aprite – EEZ līguma 43. pants – valsts noteiktie kapitāla aprites ierobežojumi – jurisdikcija – samērīgums – tiesiskā noteiktība)

Pálmi Sigmarsson

(Kapitāla brīva aprite – EEZ līguma 43. pants – valsts noteiktie kapitāla aprites ierobežojumi – jurisdikcija – samērīgums – tiesiskā noteiktība)

15

2012/C 291/07

Tiesas spriedums (2011. gada 14. decembris) Lietā E-8/11 – EBTA Uzraudzības iestāde pret Islandi (Līgumslēdzējas puses saistību neizpilde – Direktīva 2002/49/EK par vides trokšņa novērtēšanu un pārvaldību)

(Līgumslēdzējas puses saistību neizpilde – Direktīva 2002/49/EK par vides trokšņa novērtēšanu un pārvaldību)

16

| LV | |
| --- | --- |

LV

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IV Paziņojumi

EIROPAS SAVIENĪBAS IESTĀŽU UN STRUKTŪRU SNIEGTI PAZIŅOJUMI

Eiropas Komisija

| 27.9.2012 | LV | Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis | C 291/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.9.2012

LV

Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis

C 291/1

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Euro maiņas kurss (1)

2012. gada 26. septembris

2012/C 291/01

1 euro =

| | Valūta | Maiņas kurss |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | ASV dolārs | 1,2845 |
| JPY | Japānas jena | 99,82 |
| DKK | Dānijas krona | 7,4561 |
| GBP | Lielbritānijas mārciņa | 0,79490 |
| SEK | Zviedrijas krona | 8,4998 |
| CHF | Šveices franks | 1,2088 |
| ISK | Islandes krona | |
| NOK | Norvēģijas krona | 7,4030 |
| BGN | Bulgārijas leva | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Čehijas krona | 24,983 |
| HUF | Ungārijas forints | 285,78 |
| LTL | Lietuvas lits | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvijas lats | 0,6962 |
| PLN | Polijas zlots | 4,1511 |
| RON | Rumānijas leja | 4,5178 |
| TRY | Turcijas lira | 2,3053 |
| AUD | Austrālijas dolārs | 1,2421 |
| CAD | Kanādas dolārs | 1,2633 |
| HKD | Hongkongas dolārs | 9,9600 |
| NZD | Jaunzēlandes dolārs | 1,5675 |
| SGD | Singapūras dolārs | 1,5844 |
| KRW | Dienvidkorejas vona | 1 438,77 |
| ZAR | Dienvidāfrikas rands | 10,5700 |
| CNY | Ķīnas juaņa renminbi | 8,0961 |
| HRK | Horvātijas kuna | 7,4515 |
| IDR | Indonēzijas rūpija | 12 324,62 |
| MYR | Malaizijas ringits | 3,9611 |
| PHP | Filipīnu peso | 53,910 |
| RUB | Krievijas rublis | 40,1730 |
| THB | Taizemes bāts | 39,807 |
| BRL | Brazīlijas reāls | 2,6118 |
| MXN | Meksikas peso | 16,5957 |
| INR | Indijas rūpija | 68,7400 |

Valūta

Maiņas kurss

USD

ASV dolārs

1,2845

JPY

Japānas jena

99,82

DKK

Dānijas krona

7,4561

GBP

Lielbritānijas mārciņa

0,79490

SEK

Zviedrijas krona

8,4998

CHF

Šveices franks

1,2088

ISK

Islandes krona

NOK

Norvēģijas krona

7,4030

BGN

Bulgārijas leva

1,9558

CZK

Čehijas krona

24,983

HUF

Ungārijas forints

285,78

LTL

Lietuvas lits

3,4528

LVL

Latvijas lats

0,6962

PLN

Polijas zlots

4,1511

RON

Rumānijas leja

4,5178

TRY

Turcijas lira

2,3053

AUD

Austrālijas dolārs

1,2421

CAD

Kanādas dolārs

1,2633

HKD

Hongkongas dolārs

9,9600

NZD

Jaunzēlandes dolārs

1,5675

SGD

Singapūras dolārs

1,5844

KRW

Dienvidkorejas vona

1 438,77

ZAR

Dienvidāfrikas rands

10,5700

CNY

Ķīnas juaņa renminbi

8,0961

HRK

Horvātijas kuna

7,4515

IDR

Indonēzijas rūpija

12 324,62

MYR

Malaizijas ringits

3,9611

PHP

Filipīnu peso

53,910

RUB

Krievijas rublis

40,1730

THB

Taizemes bāts

39,807

BRL

Brazīlijas reāls

2,6118

MXN

Meksikas peso

16,5957

INR

Indijas rūpija

68,7400

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(1)  Datu avots: atsauces maiņas kursu publicējusi ECB.

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INFORMĀCIJA ATTIECĪBĀ UZ EIROPAS EKONOMIKAS ZONU

EBTA Uzraudzības iestāde

| 27.9.2012 | LV | Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis | C 291/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.9.2012

LV

Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis

C 291/2

---

Uzaicinājums iesniegt piezīmes par valsts atbalstu saistībā ar Čartera lidojumu fonda Ziemeļnorvēģijai (Charter Fund for Northern Norway) izveidošanu atbilstoši 3. protokola I daļas 1. panta 2. punktam Nolīgumā starp EBTA valstīm par Uzraudzības iestādes un Tiesas izveidi

2012/C 291/02

Ar 2012. gada 27. jūnija Lēmumu Nr. 246/12/COL, kas autentiskajā valodā pievienots šim kopsavilkumam, EBTA Uzraudzības iestāde (turpmāk tekstā “Uzraudzības iestāde”) uzsāka procedūru saskaņā ar 3. protokola I daļas 1. panta 2. punktu Nolīgumā starp EBTA valstīm par Uzraudzības iestādes un Tiesas izveidi. Norvēģijas iestādes tika informētas, nosūtot tām lēmuma kopiju.

Ar šo EBTA Uzraudzības iestāde aicina EBTA valstis, ES dalībvalstis un ieinteresētās personas viena mēneša laikā no šā paziņojuma publicēšanas dienas iesniegt piezīmes par attiecīgo pasākumu, nosūtot tās uz šādu adresi:

| 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

Piezīmes paziņos Norvēģijas iestādēm. Ieinteresētā persona, kas iesniedz piezīmes, var rakstveidā lūgt, lai tās identitāte netiktu atklāta, norādot šāda pieprasījuma iemeslus.

KOPSAVILKUMS

Procedūra

Norvēģijas iestādes 2011. gada jūnijā vērsās Uzraudzības iestādē saistībā ar plānu izveidot Čartera lidojumu fonda shēmu Ziemeļnorvēģijai (turpmāk tekstā “shēma”). Uzraudzības iestāde pirmspaziņošanas posma laikā iesniedza piezīmes.

Saskaņā ar 3. protokola I daļas 1. panta 2. punktu Norvēģijas iestādes par shēmu oficiāli paziņoja ar 2012. gada 2. maija vēstuli.

Pasākuma novērtējums

Shēma ietver čartera lidojumu fonda izveidošanu, lai piešķirtu atbalstu ceļojumu rīkotājiem, kas nodrošina čartera lidojumus uz trīs apgabaliem Ziemeļnorvēģijā: Nordland, Troms un Finnmark. Fonda kapitālu veidos šo apgabalu piešķirtais publiskais finansējums, un fonds piederēs šiem apgabaliem.

Shēmas mērķis ir izvērst lidostu izmantošanu Ziemeļnorvēģijā un tādējādi veicināt reģiona ekonomikas attīstību. Ziemeļu apgabali ir teritorijas, kurās ir zems iedzīvotāju blīvums, proti, vidējais apdzīvotības blīvums ir 4,2 iedzīvotāji uz km2, un tādējādi šie apgabali atbilst vismazāk apdzīvoto reģionu definīcijai, kā norādīts Uzraudzības iestādes Valsts atbalsta pamatnostādņu par valsts reģionālo atbalstu (turpmāk tekstā “Reģionālā atbalsta pamatnostādnes”) attiecīgajā nodaļā, un tajos notiek iedzīvotāju skaita samazināšanās.

Agrāk izveidoti daži maršruti uz Ziemeļnorvēģiju, taču bez panākumiem. Saskaņā ar nozares datiem tā iemesls varētu būt čartera lidojumiem piemērojamie atcelšanas noteikumi. Lidojumu atcelšana vēlā stadijā izmaksā ļoti dārgi. Termiņš, lai pieņemtu lēmumu par to, vai lidojumu atcelt, ir vairākus mēnešus pirms čartera lidojumu kopuma norises. Ja pārdots maz biļešu, ņemot vērā brīvu vietu risku, ceļojumu rīkotāji labprātāk lidojumus atceļ, nekā turpina gaidīt un cerēt, ka lidojums būs rentabls, pateicoties vēlākā stadijā pārdotajām biļetēm.

Shēma aptvers čartera lidojumus uz visām lidostām Ziemeļnorvēģijā neatkarīgi no lidmašīnu un lidostu izmēriem.

Shēmas atbalsta saņēmēji var atrasties Ziemeļnorvēģijā vai ārpus tās un EEZ teritorijā vai ārpus tās.

Atbalsts tiks sniegts maksājuma veidā, sedzot līdz 25 % no kopējām čartera izmaksām, un attieksies vienīgi uz čartera izmaksām. Atbalstu no čartera lidojumu fonda ceļojumu rīkotājiem izmaksās pēc tam, kad veikti lidojumi uz Ziemeļnorvēģiju. Ceļojuma rīkotājiem bezzaudējumu slieksnis būs jānosaka 80 % apmērā no kabīnes noslodzes (pārdoto vietu skaits, izteikts procentuāli), kas ir nozares bezzaudējumu sliekšņa standarts. Par kabīnes noslodzi 60 % vai mazākā apmērā tiks piešķirts maksimālais atbalsts (25 %). Kabīņu noslodzei sasniedzot vidējo rādītāju 80 % apmērā, atbalsta intensitāte pakāpeniski samazināsies līdz nullei.

Uzraudzības iestāde apšauba, ka shēmu, kurā paredzēta darbības atbalsta piešķiršana saņēmējiem, kuri var atrasties ārpus vismazāk apdzīvotajiem reģioniem, var uzskatīt par saderīgu ar Reģionālā atbalsta pamatnostādnēm.

Uzraudzības iestāde saprot, ka netiešā ekonomiskā ietekme, ko shēma var radīt attiecībā uz trim reģioniem, var palīdzēt stabilizēt iedzīvotāju uzturēšanos šajā reģionā. Tomēr Uzraudzības iestāde nav pārliecināta, ka šo mērķi nebūtu iespējams sasniegt ar citiem līdzekļiem, nekā izmantojot darbības atbalstu, kas ir visvairāk kropļojošais instruments. Tāpēc Uzraudzības iestāde apšauba, ka būtu lietderīgi piešķirt tiešu atbalstu ceļojumu rīkotājiem, kuri, visticamāk, atradīsies ārpus atbalstāmā reģiona.

Secinājums

Ņemot vērā iepriekš minētos apsvērumus, Uzraudzības iestāde nolēma uzsākt oficiālās izmeklēšanas procedūru saskaņā ar EEZ līguma 3. protokola II daļas 6. panta 1. punktu. Ieinteresētās personas tiek aicinātas iesniegt piezīmes viena mēneša laikā no šā lēmuma publicēšanas dienas Eiropas Savienības Oficiālajā Vēstnesī.

EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY DECISION

No 246/12/COL

of 27 June 2012

to initiate the formal investigation procedure provided for in Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement with regard to a Charter Fund for Northern Norway

(Norway)

THE EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY (‘THE AUTHORITY’),

HAVING REGARD to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (‘the EEA Agreement’), in particular to Articles 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(3) of Part I and Article 4(4) and Article 6 of Part II,

Whereas:

I.   FACTS

1.   Procedure

| (1) | The Norwegian authorities approached the Authority in June 2011 regarding their plan to establish a Charter Fund Scheme for Northern Norway (‘the Scheme’). A pre-notification document setting out the main elements of the Scheme was communicated on 24 June 2011 (Event No 602898). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The Norwegian authorities approached the Authority in June 2011 regarding their plan to establish a Charter Fund Scheme for Northern Norway (‘the Scheme’). A pre-notification document setting out the main elements of the Scheme was communicated on 24 June 2011 (Event No 602898).

| (2) | The Authority provided some initial feedback on 5 August 2011 (Event No 605972). |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Authority provided some initial feedback on 5 August 2011 (Event No 605972).

| (3) | After several exchanges of e-mail, the Authority, by e-mail dated 16 January 2012 (Event No 621292), informed the Norwegian authorities that the pre-notification phase could be considered as complete. It furthermore identified some issues which the notification should address and alleviate. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

After several exchanges of e-mail, the Authority, by e-mail dated 16 January 2012 (Event No 621292), informed the Norwegian authorities that the pre-notification phase could be considered as complete. It furthermore identified some issues which the notification should address and alleviate.

| (4) | The Norwegian authorities notified the Scheme, pursuant to Article 1(3) of Part I of Protocol 3, by letter of 2 May 2012 (Event Nos 632837 and 322824). |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Norwegian authorities notified the Scheme, pursuant to Article 1(3) of Part I of Protocol 3, by letter of 2 May 2012 (Event Nos 632837 and 322824).

2.   The Scheme

2.1.   
  The objective and the scope of the Scheme

| (5) | The Scheme entails the establishment of a Charter Fund (‘the Charter Fund’) which will grant aid to tour operators flying air charter (1) to three counties in Northern Norway, Nordland, Troms and Finnmark. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The Scheme entails the establishment of a Charter Fund (‘the Charter Fund’) which will grant aid to tour operators flying air charter (1) to three counties in Northern Norway, Nordland, Troms and Finnmark.

| (6) | The objective of the Scheme is to increase the use of the airports in Northern Norway and thereby to contribute to the economic development in the region. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The objective of the Scheme is to increase the use of the airports in Northern Norway and thereby to contribute to the economic development in the region.

| (7) | The northern counties are low density population areas with an average population density of 4,2 inhabitants per km2 thereby falling within the definition of least populated regions as set out by the chapter of the Authority’s State Aid Guidelines on national regional aid (‘the Regional Aid Guidelines’) (2). Moreover, they face depopulation (3). |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The northern counties are low density population areas with an average population density of 4,2 inhabitants per km2 thereby falling within the definition of least populated regions as set out by the chapter of the Authority’s State Aid Guidelines on national regional aid (‘the Regional Aid Guidelines’) (2). Moreover, they face depopulation (3).

| (8) | The Charter Fund will be a non-profit company acting as a vehicle for granting aid. The fund will be capitalised with public money granted by the counties of Nordland, Troms and Finnmark and will be owned by the counties. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The Charter Fund will be a non-profit company acting as a vehicle for granting aid. The fund will be capitalised with public money granted by the counties of Nordland, Troms and Finnmark and will be owned by the counties.

| (9) | The Scheme will cover charter flights to all airports in Northern Norway regardless of the size of the airplanes and the airports. The Norwegian authorities have however indicated that they expect only large airplanes to be concerned as they are the only ones suitable for charter flights. The following airports can currently handle large planes: Tromsø, Bodø, Harstad Narvik/Evenes, Alta, Kirkenes, Høybuktmoen, Bardufoss, Svalbard (4), Banak, Andøya (‘the Northern lights airports’). All these airports have excess capacity. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The Scheme will cover charter flights to all airports in Northern Norway regardless of the size of the airplanes and the airports. The Norwegian authorities have however indicated that they expect only large airplanes to be concerned as they are the only ones suitable for charter flights. The following airports can currently handle large planes: Tromsø, Bodø, Harstad Narvik/Evenes, Alta, Kirkenes, Høybuktmoen, Bardufoss, Svalbard (4), Banak, Andøya (‘the Northern lights airports’). All these airports have excess capacity.

| (10) | A few routes have been operated to Northern Norway in the past but without success (5). According to the industry, a reason for this could be the cancellation rules applying to air charters. Cancellation at a late stage is very expensive. The deadline for deciding whether to cancel or not is several months before the operation of the air charter series. If the sale of tickets until that date is limited, the series is often cancelled. The tour operator would otherwise risk having to pay a cancellation fee or bear the loss corresponding to the empty seats. Several charter series have been cancelled due to limited sales up until the cancellation deadline. The industry believes that if the risk is reduced, many of the flights would go ahead. Such flights could even be profitable. However, tour operators seem to prefer to cancel flights due to the risk of empty seats rather than to wait and hope that late sales will make the flight profitable. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

A few routes have been operated to Northern Norway in the past but without success (5). According to the industry, a reason for this could be the cancellation rules applying to air charters. Cancellation at a late stage is very expensive. The deadline for deciding whether to cancel or not is several months before the operation of the air charter series. If the sale of tickets until that date is limited, the series is often cancelled. The tour operator would otherwise risk having to pay a cancellation fee or bear the loss corresponding to the empty seats. Several charter series have been cancelled due to limited sales up until the cancellation deadline. The industry believes that if the risk is reduced, many of the flights would go ahead. Such flights could even be profitable. However, tour operators seem to prefer to cancel flights due to the risk of empty seats rather than to wait and hope that late sales will make the flight profitable.

2.2.   
  The beneficiaries of the Scheme

| (11) | The beneficiaries of the Scheme may be located inside or outside Northern Norway and inside or outside the EEA. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

The beneficiaries of the Scheme may be located inside or outside Northern Norway and inside or outside the EEA.

| (12) | The aid applicant is the tour operator, i.e. the charterer and signature partner of the airline contract. The Norwegian authorities have however indicated that all applications must be supported by three parties:






  — | the tour operator who is the direct aid recipient, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(12)

The aid applicant is the tour operator, i.e. the charterer and signature partner of the airline contract. The Norwegian authorities have however indicated that all applications must be supported by three parties:

—

the tour operator who is the direct aid recipient,

| — | the destination provider which could be a destination management company, a hotel, a tourist office, or any other service provider. Aid from the Charter Fund will not be granted to ‘air only packages’. It must be demonstrated that the tour package includes a so-called ‘land arrangement’ in the target area with a value of at least NOK 800 (approx. EUR 106) per tourist, |
| --- | --- |

—

the destination provider which could be a destination management company, a hotel, a tourist office, or any other service provider. Aid from the Charter Fund will not be granted to ‘air only packages’. It must be demonstrated that the tour package includes a so-called ‘land arrangement’ in the target area with a value of at least NOK 800 (approx. EUR 106) per tourist,

| — | the airline outlining all costs, deadlines, penalties, obligations and responsibilities applicable to the charter series. |
| --- | --- |

—

the airline outlining all costs, deadlines, penalties, obligations and responsibilities applicable to the charter series.

| (13) | The panel in charge of selecting projects may reject an application if:






  — | fund limitations set by the board of directors of the Charter Fund for the period in question have been reached, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(13)

The panel in charge of selecting projects may reject an application if:

—

fund limitations set by the board of directors of the Charter Fund for the period in question have been reached,

| — | any of the supporting partners are believed to be unable to meet the expected commercial performance described in the application, |
| --- | --- |

—

any of the supporting partners are believed to be unable to meet the expected commercial performance described in the application,

| — | the application is incomplete or does not comply with published guidelines of the Charter Fund. |
| --- | --- |

—

the application is incomplete or does not comply with published guidelines of the Charter Fund.

| (14) | The Norwegian authorities anticipate that the Scheme will trigger 16 charter series with 7 flight rotations per charter series the first year. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

The Norwegian authorities anticipate that the Scheme will trigger 16 charter series with 7 flight rotations per charter series the first year.

2.3.   
  Form of the aid

| (15) | The aid will take the form of a payment of up to 25 % of the total charter costs and will be limited to the charter costs only (financial obligations under the contact with the airlines). Other costs borne by tour operators are not eligible costs. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

The aid will take the form of a payment of up to 25 % of the total charter costs and will be limited to the charter costs only (financial obligations under the contact with the airlines). Other costs borne by tour operators are not eligible costs.

| (16) | The aid will be paid out from the Charter Fund to the tour operators after the flights to Northern Norway have been conducted. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

The aid will be paid out from the Charter Fund to the tour operators after the flights to Northern Norway have been conducted.

| (17) | The aid will be calculated with reference to the average cabin factor of the operated flights under the charter series excluding empty legs (6). The cabin factor is the percentage of sold seats. The cabin factor will be determined according to the actual number of departing passengers divided by the maximum seat capacity of the aircraft. Passenger data will be based on the official numbers recorded by the Norwegian airport authorities. Empty legs will not be taken into account when calculating the average cabin factor but will be included when the total eligible costs for the charter series are calculated. |
| --- | --- |

(17)

The aid will be calculated with reference to the average cabin factor of the operated flights under the charter series excluding empty legs (6). The cabin factor is the percentage of sold seats. The cabin factor will be determined according to the actual number of departing passengers divided by the maximum seat capacity of the aircraft. Passenger data will be based on the official numbers recorded by the Norwegian airport authorities. Empty legs will not be taken into account when calculating the average cabin factor but will be included when the total eligible costs for the charter series are calculated.

| (18) | The tour operators will be required to set a break-even point at 80 % cabin factor which is the industrial break-even standard. Maximum support (25 %) will be given for cabin factors of 60 % or less. The aid intensity will gradually decrease to zero when cabin factors reach an average of 80 %. |
| --- | --- |

(18)

The tour operators will be required to set a break-even point at 80 % cabin factor which is the industrial break-even standard. Maximum support (25 %) will be given for cabin factors of 60 % or less. The aid intensity will gradually decrease to zero when cabin factors reach an average of 80 %.

| (19) | If the planes operated under a charter series reach between 60 % and 80 % cabin factor, the contribution paid by the Charter Fund will cover the tour operator’s losses connected to the charter series. The following figure illustrates how the Scheme will work: |
| --- | --- |

(19)

If the planes operated under a charter series reach between 60 % and 80 % cabin factor, the contribution paid by the Charter Fund will cover the tour operator’s losses connected to the charter series. The following figure illustrates how the Scheme will work:

Image

| (20) | As shown in the table above, if flights are operated with a cabin factor of less than 60 %, the tour operator will lose money, as the combination of sales revenues and an aid intensity of 25 % will not be enough to reach the break-even point. The Charter Fund will actually cover the tour operator’s losses only when the cabin factor lies between 60 % and 80 %. |
| --- | --- |

(20)

As shown in the table above, if flights are operated with a cabin factor of less than 60 %, the tour operator will lose money, as the combination of sales revenues and an aid intensity of 25 % will not be enough to reach the break-even point. The Charter Fund will actually cover the tour operator’s losses only when the cabin factor lies between 60 % and 80 %.

2.4.   
  Cumulation, monitoring and advertising

| (21) | Aid under the Scheme may be cumulated with other forms of aid. Funding of the same eligible costs under other schemes will be coordinated with the Scheme and the aid ceilings in the applicable guidelines will not be exceeded. Operating aid under the Scheme shall not be cumulated with de minimis support in respect of the same eligible expenses in order to circumvent the maximum aid intensities laid down in the Regional Aid Guidelines. |
| --- | --- |

(21)

Aid under the Scheme may be cumulated with other forms of aid. Funding of the same eligible costs under other schemes will be coordinated with the Scheme and the aid ceilings in the applicable guidelines will not be exceeded. Operating aid under the Scheme shall not be cumulated with de minimis support in respect of the same eligible expenses in order to circumvent the maximum aid intensities laid down in the Regional Aid Guidelines.

| (22) | The Scheme will be published under a new subpage on Avinor’s homepage (7) and on http://www.visitnorthnorway.com. It will furthermore be advertised in international conferences. |
| --- | --- |

(22)

The Scheme will be published under a new subpage on Avinor’s homepage (7) and on http://www.visitnorthnorway.com. It will furthermore be advertised in international conferences.

| (23) | The Charter Fund undertakes to ensure that a list of tour operators receiving aid is published annually, in each instance indicating the source of public funding, the recipient company, the amount of aid paid out and the number of passengers concerned. |
| --- | --- |

(23)

The Charter Fund undertakes to ensure that a list of tour operators receiving aid is published annually, in each instance indicating the source of public funding, the recipient company, the amount of aid paid out and the number of passengers concerned.

| (24) | In the event that a tour operator fails to comply with the criteria set by the Charter Fund when the aid was granted, penalty mechanisms will be implemented. |
| --- | --- |

(24)

In the event that a tour operator fails to comply with the criteria set by the Charter Fund when the aid was granted, penalty mechanisms will be implemented.

2.5.   
  Duration and budget

| (25) | The Norwegian authorities have indicated that the Scheme will be in place for 10 years but will be re-notified if required by the revision of the Regional Aid Guidelines. |
| --- | --- |

(25)

The Norwegian authorities have indicated that the Scheme will be in place for 10 years but will be re-notified if required by the revision of the Regional Aid Guidelines.

| (26) | The Norwegian authorities have said that the budget for the three first years will be of NOK 30 million. Thereinafter, capital will be injected only when necessary. However, the Charter Fund will never be capitalised with more than NOK 30 million. |
| --- | --- |

(26)

The Norwegian authorities have said that the budget for the three first years will be of NOK 30 million. Thereinafter, capital will be injected only when necessary. However, the Charter Fund will never be capitalised with more than NOK 30 million.

II.   ASSESSMENT

1.   The presence of State aid

| (27) | 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.’ |
| --- | --- |

(27)

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.’

1.1.   
  Presence of State resources

| (28) | The aid measure must be granted by the State or through State resources. |
| --- | --- |

(28)

The aid measure must be granted by the State or through State resources.

| (29) | The Norwegian authorities have indicated that the Charter Fund will most likely be financed directly from the three northern counties’ budgets (it cannot be excluded that it may also at some stage be financed directly by the Norwegian State). |
| --- | --- |

(29)

The Norwegian authorities have indicated that the Charter Fund will most likely be financed directly from the three northern counties’ budgets (it cannot be excluded that it may also at some stage be financed directly by the Norwegian State).

| (30) | The Authority considers that the condition regarding use of State resources is met as the Scheme will be financed either by the counties or the State’s budgets (8). |
| --- | --- |

(30)

The Authority considers that the condition regarding use of State resources is met as the Scheme will be financed either by the counties or the State’s budgets (8).

1.2.   
  Favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods

| (31) | Firstly, the aid measure must confer on the beneficiaries advantages that relieve them of charges that are normally borne from their budget. |
| --- | --- |

(31)

Firstly, the aid measure must confer on the beneficiaries advantages that relieve them of charges that are normally borne from their budget.

| (32) | The tour operators benefiting from the Scheme will receive a direct grant which will reduce the amount they have lost on a given charter series. Similarly, the service providers located in the three northern counties gaining from an increase in the tourist population will also benefit indirectly from the Scheme. |
| --- | --- |

(32)

The tour operators benefiting from the Scheme will receive a direct grant which will reduce the amount they have lost on a given charter series. Similarly, the service providers located in the three northern counties gaining from an increase in the tourist population will also benefit indirectly from the Scheme.

| (33) | Secondly, the aid measure must be selective in that it favours ‘certain undertakings or the production of certain goods’. |
| --- | --- |

(33)

Secondly, the aid measure must be selective in that it favours ‘certain undertakings or the production of certain goods’.

| (34) | Only those tours operators that operate charter flights to Northern Norway will benefit directly from the Scheme. Similarly, only those operators that are located in the three northern counties will indirectly benefit from the Scheme. |
| --- | --- |

(34)

Only those tours operators that operate charter flights to Northern Norway will benefit directly from the Scheme. Similarly, only those operators that are located in the three northern counties will indirectly benefit from the Scheme.

| (35) | The Authority therefore considers that the measure is indeed selective. |
| --- | --- |

(35)

The Authority therefore considers that the measure is indeed selective.

1.3.   
  Distortion of competition and effect on trade between contracting parties

| (36) | The aid measure must distort or threaten to distort competition and affect trade between the contracting parties to the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(36)

The aid measure must distort or threaten to distort competition and affect trade between the contracting parties to the EEA Agreement.

| (37) | Aid is regarded as distorting competition if it is granted to an undertaking which carries out activities in competition with others. The aid beneficiaries of the Scheme are tour operators. Tour operators are active in a sector characterised by strong competition. Therefore, any aid granted under the Scheme may be regarded as distorting competition. |
| --- | --- |

(37)

Aid is regarded as distorting competition if it is granted to an undertaking which carries out activities in competition with others. The aid beneficiaries of the Scheme are tour operators. Tour operators are active in a sector characterised by strong competition. Therefore, any aid granted under the Scheme may be regarded as distorting competition.

| (38) | Furthermore, State aid to specific undertakings is regarded as affecting trade between the contracting parties if the recipient firm carries out an economic activity involving trade between the contracting parties. The State funding affects trade between contracting parties as it will be granted to operators offering holiday packages in different countries, which by definition is a cross-border activity. |
| --- | --- |

(38)

Furthermore, State aid to specific undertakings is regarded as affecting trade between the contracting parties if the recipient firm carries out an economic activity involving trade between the contracting parties. The State funding affects trade between contracting parties as it will be granted to operators offering holiday packages in different countries, which by definition is a cross-border activity.

| (39) | The Authority therefore considers that all the conditions set out in Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement are met and that consequently the notified Scheme entails State aid. |
| --- | --- |

(39)

The Authority therefore considers that all the conditions set out in Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement are met and that consequently the notified Scheme entails State aid.

2.   Procedural requirements

| (40) | The Regional Aid Guidelines (paragraph 81) provide that ‘operating aid schemes are not covered by the regional aid maps, and are assessed on a case-by-case basis on the basis of a notification by the EFTA State concerned pursuant to Article 1(3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement’. |
| --- | --- |

(40)

The Regional Aid Guidelines (paragraph 81) provide that ‘operating aid schemes are not covered by the regional aid maps, and are assessed on a case-by-case basis on the basis of a notification by the EFTA State concerned pursuant to Article 1(3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement’.

| (41) | Pursuant to Article 1(3) of Part I of Protocol 3, ‘the EFTA Surveillance Authority shall be informed, in sufficient time to enable it to submit its comments, of any plans to grant or alter aid. (...) The State concerned shall not put its proposed measures into effect until the procedure has resulted in a final decision’. |
| --- | --- |

(41)

Pursuant to Article 1(3) of Part I of Protocol 3, ‘the EFTA Surveillance Authority shall be informed, in sufficient time to enable it to submit its comments, of any plans to grant or alter aid. (...) The State concerned shall not put its proposed measures into effect until the procedure has resulted in a final decision’.

| (42) | By submitting a notification of the Scheme on 2 May 2012 (Event No 632837), the Norwegian authorities complied with the requirement to do so set out in Article 1(3) of Part I of Protocol 3. |
| --- | --- |

(42)

By submitting a notification of the Scheme on 2 May 2012 (Event No 632837), the Norwegian authorities complied with the requirement to do so set out in Article 1(3) of Part I of Protocol 3.

| (43) | By not implementing the notified Scheme, the Norwegian authorities have complied with the standstill obligation provided for under Article 3 of Part I of Protocol 3. |
| --- | --- |

(43)

By not implementing the notified Scheme, the Norwegian authorities have complied with the standstill obligation provided for under Article 3 of Part I of Protocol 3.

3.   Compatibility of the aid

| (44) | The Regional Aid Guidelines (paragraph 1) provide: ‘on the basis of Article 61(3)(a) and Article 61(3)(c) of the EEA Agreement, State aid granted to promote the economic development of certain disadvantaged areas within the EEA may be considered to be compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement. This kind of State aid is known as national regional aid. National regional aid consists of aid for investment granted to large companies, or in certain limited circumstances, operating aid, which in both cases are targeted on specific regions in order to redress regional disparities’. (Emphasis added.) |
| --- | --- |

(44)

The Regional Aid Guidelines (paragraph 1) provide: ‘on the basis of Article 61(3)(a) and Article 61(3)(c) of the EEA Agreement, State aid granted to promote the economic development of certain disadvantaged areas within the EEA may be considered to be compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement. This kind of State aid is known as national regional aid. National regional aid consists of aid for investment granted to large companies, or in certain limited circumstances, operating aid, which in both cases are targeted on specific regions in order to redress regional disparities’. (Emphasis added.)

| (45) | In the case at hand, the aid granted is operating aid, i.e. aid which releases an undertaking from costs which it would normally have to bear in its day-to-day management or normal activities (9). |
| --- | --- |

(45)

In the case at hand, the aid granted is operating aid, i.e. aid which releases an undertaking from costs which it would normally have to bear in its day-to-day management or normal activities (9).

| (46) | The Regional Aid Guidelines (paragraph 69) furthermore provide:
  ‘(in derogation from the previous paragraph,) operating aid which is not both progressively reduced and limited in time may only be authorised in the least populated regions, in so far as it is intended to prevent or reduce the continuing depopulation of these regions (10). The least populated regions represent or belong to regions at NUTS-II level for Norway and NUTS IV level for Iceland with a population density of 8 inhabitants per km2 or less and extend to adjacent and contiguous smaller areas meeting the same population density criterion’. |
| --- | --- |

(46)

The Regional Aid Guidelines (paragraph 69) furthermore provide:

‘(in derogation from the previous paragraph,) operating aid which is not both progressively reduced and limited in time may only be authorised in the least populated regions, in so far as it is intended to prevent or reduce the continuing depopulation of these regions (10). The least populated regions represent or belong to regions at NUTS-II level for Norway and NUTS IV level for Iceland with a population density of 8 inhabitants per km2 or less and extend to adjacent and contiguous smaller areas meeting the same population density criterion’.

3.1.   
  The aid may only be authorised in the least populated regions

3.1.1.   The three northern counties belong to the least populated regions

| (47) | As provided by paragraph 69 of the Regional Aid Guidelines, the operating aid measure which is not progressively reduced and limited in time may only be granted in the least populated regions. The least populated regions are those regions with less than 8 inhabitants per km2
   (11). |
| --- | --- |

(47)

As provided by paragraph 69 of the Regional Aid Guidelines, the operating aid measure which is not progressively reduced and limited in time may only be granted in the least populated regions. The least populated regions are those regions with less than 8 inhabitants per km2
   (11).

| (48) | The three northern counties have a population density of 4,2 inhabitants per km2. They consequently meet the conditions set by the Regional Aid Guidelines to benefit from the more flexible compatibility assessment. |
| --- | --- |

(48)

The three northern counties have a population density of 4,2 inhabitants per km2. They consequently meet the conditions set by the Regional Aid Guidelines to benefit from the more flexible compatibility assessment.

3.1.2.   The direct beneficiaries of the Scheme are not necessarily located in the least populated regions

| (49) | However, the aid as such will be paid to tour operators which may be situated anywhere in the world. The direct beneficiary of the aid will therefore not necessarily be located in the least populated region. |
| --- | --- |

(49)

However, the aid as such will be paid to tour operators which may be situated anywhere in the world. The direct beneficiary of the aid will therefore not necessarily be located in the least populated region.

| (50) | During the pre-notification phase, the Authority expressed some concerns regarding the fact that the aid beneficiaries would not necessarily be located in the least populated regions. The companies located in the northern counties involved in the package sold by the tour operator would benefit from the increase in the tourist population but only in an indirect manner. |
| --- | --- |

(50)

During the pre-notification phase, the Authority expressed some concerns regarding the fact that the aid beneficiaries would not necessarily be located in the least populated regions. The companies located in the northern counties involved in the package sold by the tour operator would benefit from the increase in the tourist population but only in an indirect manner.

| (51) | The Norwegian authorities have argued that the link between the aid to the tour operator and the regional development was sufficient for the following reasons:






  — | the Scheme will apply to charter flights to Northern Norway exclusively, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(51)

The Norwegian authorities have argued that the link between the aid to the tour operator and the regional development was sufficient for the following reasons:

—

the Scheme will apply to charter flights to Northern Norway exclusively,

| — | only those packages including a ‘land arrangement’ would be eligible, and |
| --- | --- |

—

only those packages including a ‘land arrangement’ would be eligible, and

| — | the aid will be paid out from the Charter Fund to the tour operator after the flights to the target area have been conducted. |
| --- | --- |

—

the aid will be paid out from the Charter Fund to the tour operator after the flights to the target area have been conducted.

| (52) | The Norwegian authorities have argued that if indeed the direct beneficiaries of the aid will be tour operators who may be located outside the three northern counties, there will be many indirect beneficiaries of the Scheme in the region. They therefore consider that as the link between the direct beneficiaries of the aid — the tour operators — and the indirect beneficiaries — hotels, restaurants, etc. — is sufficiently strong, the Scheme may be held to be compatible with the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(52)

The Norwegian authorities have argued that if indeed the direct beneficiaries of the aid will be tour operators who may be located outside the three northern counties, there will be many indirect beneficiaries of the Scheme in the region. They therefore consider that as the link between the direct beneficiaries of the aid — the tour operators — and the indirect beneficiaries — hotels, restaurants, etc. — is sufficiently strong, the Scheme may be held to be compatible with the EEA Agreement.

| (53) | The Authority, however, considers that the Regional Aid Guidelines were meant to encourage the granting of aid in the regions to be developed. Paragraph 1 of the Regional Aid Guidelines provides that ‘national regional aid consists of aid for investment granted to large companies, or in certain limited circumstances, operating aid, which in both cases are targeted on specific regions in order to redress regional disparities’. (Emphasis added.) |
| --- | --- |

(53)

The Authority, however, considers that the Regional Aid Guidelines were meant to encourage the granting of aid in the regions to be developed. Paragraph 1 of the Regional Aid Guidelines provides that ‘national regional aid consists of aid for investment granted to large companies, or in certain limited circumstances, operating aid, which in both cases are targeted on specific regions in order to redress regional disparities’. (Emphasis added.)

| (54) | Furthermore, paragraph 72 of the Regional Aid Guidelines states that ‘in order to verify the effects on trade and competition of operating aid schemes, EFTA States will be required to provide each year a single report in respect of each NUTS II region in which operating aid is granted which provides a breakdown of total expenditure, or estimated income forgone, for each operating aid scheme approved in the region concerned and identifies the ten largest beneficiaries of operating aid in the region concerned’. (Emphasis added.) |
| --- | --- |

(54)

Furthermore, paragraph 72 of the Regional Aid Guidelines states that ‘in order to verify the effects on trade and competition of operating aid schemes, EFTA States will be required to provide each year a single report in respect of each NUTS II region in which operating aid is granted which provides a breakdown of total expenditure, or estimated income forgone, for each operating aid scheme approved in the region concerned and identifies the ten largest beneficiaries of operating aid in the region concerned’. (Emphasis added.)

| (55) | The Authority therefore considers that the way the Regional Aid Guidelines were drafted indicates that the intention was that operating aid could only be granted in the regions concerned, here in the three northern counties. The Authority questions whether the fact that the undertakings in the regions concerned are only indirectly targeted by the Scheme constitutes a sufficiently strong link for the regional development of the area. |
| --- | --- |

(55)

The Authority therefore considers that the way the Regional Aid Guidelines were drafted indicates that the intention was that operating aid could only be granted in the regions concerned, here in the three northern counties. The Authority questions whether the fact that the undertakings in the regions concerned are only indirectly targeted by the Scheme constitutes a sufficiently strong link for the regional development of the area.

| (56) | Despite the supporting data put forward by the notifying party, the Authority still questions whether a scheme providing for the grant of operating aid to beneficiaries that may be situated outside the least populated regions may be held to be compatible with the Regional Aid Guidelines. |
| --- | --- |

(56)

Despite the supporting data put forward by the notifying party, the Authority still questions whether a scheme providing for the grant of operating aid to beneficiaries that may be situated outside the least populated regions may be held to be compatible with the Regional Aid Guidelines.

3.2.   
  The aid must be necessary and appropriate to prevent or reduce continuing depopulation

| (57) | The Regional Aid Guidelines provide that it is up to the EFTA State to demonstrate that the Scheme is necessary and appropriate (paragraph 69). |
| --- | --- |

(57)

The Regional Aid Guidelines provide that it is up to the EFTA State to demonstrate that the Scheme is necessary and appropriate (paragraph 69).

| (58) | According to the Regional Aid Guidelines, the Norwegian authorities must demonstrate that the Scheme is necessary to prevent depopulation: that to reach the objective of preventing or reducing continuing depopulation, there is a need for a State intervention. The Norwegian authorities have explained that Northern Norway — which is one of Europe’s least populated areas — has always been extremely sparsely populated and has suffered from depopulation for decades. The Norwegian authorities therefore consider that it is necessary to take further measures to stabilise the settlement and to prevent further depopulation. They recognise that the establishment of the Charter Fund on its own will not solve the issue of depopulation but as a part of a general policy will increase the economic activity in the region and maintain and create new jobs. Employment opportunities and expected income are the most decisive factors influencing a person’s choice of residence. |
| --- | --- |

(58)

According to the Regional Aid Guidelines, the Norwegian authorities must demonstrate that the Scheme is necessary to prevent depopulation: that to reach the objective of preventing or reducing continuing depopulation, there is a need for a State intervention. The Norwegian authorities have explained that Northern Norway — which is one of Europe’s least populated areas — has always been extremely sparsely populated and has suffered from depopulation for decades. The Norwegian authorities therefore consider that it is necessary to take further measures to stabilise the settlement and to prevent further depopulation. They recognise that the establishment of the Charter Fund on its own will not solve the issue of depopulation but as a part of a general policy will increase the economic activity in the region and maintain and create new jobs. Employment opportunities and expected income are the most decisive factors influencing a person’s choice of residence.

| (59) | For the notified measure to be appropriate, the Norwegian authorities must demonstrate that to reach the objective of preventing or reducing continuing depopulation, the establishment of the Scheme is the best instrument as it is the one with the most chances of success and the least distortive effects. |
| --- | --- |

(59)

For the notified measure to be appropriate, the Norwegian authorities must demonstrate that to reach the objective of preventing or reducing continuing depopulation, the establishment of the Scheme is the best instrument as it is the one with the most chances of success and the least distortive effects.

| (60) | The Regional Aid Guidelines (paragraph 10) also provide that:
  ‘where, exceptionally, it is envisaged to grant individual ad hoc aid to a single firm or aid confined to one area of activity, it is the responsibility of the Member State to demonstrate that the project contributes towards a coherent regional development strategy’. (Emphasis added.) |
| --- | --- |

(60)

The Regional Aid Guidelines (paragraph 10) also provide that:

‘where, exceptionally, it is envisaged to grant individual ad hoc aid to a single firm or aid confined to one area of activity, it is the responsibility of the Member State to demonstrate that the project contributes towards a coherent regional development strategy’. (Emphasis added.)

| (61) | The notified Scheme will concern tour operators directly and the tourism industry and the local economy as a whole more indirectly. The Norwegian authorities have however indicated that the notified measure is part of a more general regional development policy. |
| --- | --- |

(61)

The notified Scheme will concern tour operators directly and the tourism industry and the local economy as a whole more indirectly. The Norwegian authorities have however indicated that the notified measure is part of a more general regional development policy.

| (62) | Thus, the High North is considered as a priority in terms of regional development. It is the government’s ambition to prevent depopulation and to encourage settlement in this region. Support for the tourism industry is seen as a key to the development of the region (12). To that effect, they have argued that the creation of employment possibilities is of particular interest to achieve the aim of preventing or reducing depopulation in the region. They have indicated that the High North has always been extremely sparsely populated and has suffered from depopulation for decades. |
| --- | --- |

(62)

Thus, the High North is considered as a priority in terms of regional development. It is the government’s ambition to prevent depopulation and to encourage settlement in this region. Support for the tourism industry is seen as a key to the development of the region (12). To that effect, they have argued that the creation of employment possibilities is of particular interest to achieve the aim of preventing or reducing depopulation in the region. They have indicated that the High North has always been extremely sparsely populated and has suffered from depopulation for decades.

| (63) | The Institute of Transport Economics estimated that in 2007, foreign air bound tourists used NOK 7 480 (approx. EUR 992) on prepaid purchases and NOK 6 730 (approx. EUR 892) on local purchases. It is estimated that travellers to Northern Norway will spend NOK 9 000 (approx. EUR 1 193) per person in 2012. |
| --- | --- |

(63)

The Institute of Transport Economics estimated that in 2007, foreign air bound tourists used NOK 7 480 (approx. EUR 992) on prepaid purchases and NOK 6 730 (approx. EUR 892) on local purchases. It is estimated that travellers to Northern Norway will spend NOK 9 000 (approx. EUR 1 193) per person in 2012.

| (64) | The Authority understands that the indirect economic impact the Scheme may have on the three northern counties may contribute to stabilising the settlement of population in the region. It is, however, not convinced that this objective could not be reached by another means than by using operating aid which is the most distortive instrument. Moreover, the Authority questions whether the objective of reducing depopulation could not be reached by an instrument that directly benefits the undertakings located in the target area. The Authority thus questions whether it is appropriate to grant direct aid to tour operators located outside the region to be aided. |
| --- | --- |

(64)

The Authority understands that the indirect economic impact the Scheme may have on the three northern counties may contribute to stabilising the settlement of population in the region. It is, however, not convinced that this objective could not be reached by another means than by using operating aid which is the most distortive instrument. Moreover, the Authority questions whether the objective of reducing depopulation could not be reached by an instrument that directly benefits the undertakings located in the target area. The Authority thus questions whether it is appropriate to grant direct aid to tour operators located outside the region to be aided.

3.3.   
  The aid must be proportionate to the objective of the Scheme

| (65) | According to Article 61(3)(c) of the EEA Agreement, aid granted in order to facilitate the development of certain economic areas may be considered to be compatible with the functioning of the Agreement ‘where such aid does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest’. In order to be compatible with the common market, the Scheme must be proportionate to the objective of the Scheme. |
| --- | --- |

(65)

According to Article 61(3)(c) of the EEA Agreement, aid granted in order to facilitate the development of certain economic areas may be considered to be compatible with the functioning of the Agreement ‘where such aid does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest’. In order to be compatible with the common market, the Scheme must be proportionate to the objective of the Scheme.

| (66) | The Norwegian authorities have indicated that the Scheme has been designed so that only the necessary level of aid is granted. The aid will take the form of a payment of up to 25 % of the total charter costs which must be specified in accordance with generally accepted project accounting principles. If the planes operated under a charter series have somewhere between 60 % and 80 % cabin factor, the Charter Fund will reimburse the tour operator’s losses connected to the charter series. Maximum support (25 %) from the Charter Fund will be given at cabin factors of 60 % or less. The aid intensity will gradually decrease to zero when cabin factors reach an average of 80 %. At 80 % cabin factor, the tour operator has passed the break-even point and will therefore generate a profit (see above, Part I, Section 2.3). |
| --- | --- |

(66)

The Norwegian authorities have indicated that the Scheme has been designed so that only the necessary level of aid is granted. The aid will take the form of a payment of up to 25 % of the total charter costs which must be specified in accordance with generally accepted project accounting principles. If the planes operated under a charter series have somewhere between 60 % and 80 % cabin factor, the Charter Fund will reimburse the tour operator’s losses connected to the charter series. Maximum support (25 %) from the Charter Fund will be given at cabin factors of 60 % or less. The aid intensity will gradually decrease to zero when cabin factors reach an average of 80 %. At 80 % cabin factor, the tour operator has passed the break-even point and will therefore generate a profit (see above, Part I, Section 2.3).

| (67) | The Norwegian authorities have indicated that the risk reducing aspect of the Scheme will most likely lead to a cabin factor exceeding 60 % and that therefore it is unlikely that the aid intensity will correspond to 25 % of the charter costs. |
| --- | --- |

(67)

The Norwegian authorities have indicated that the risk reducing aspect of the Scheme will most likely lead to a cabin factor exceeding 60 % and that therefore it is unlikely that the aid intensity will correspond to 25 % of the charter costs.

| (68) | They have furthermore argued that the tourist industry being a major industry in the EEA, it is unlikely that the relatively small amounts of aid likely to be granted under the Scheme are liable to affect trade in a particularly negative way. |
| --- | --- |

(68)

They have furthermore argued that the tourist industry being a major industry in the EEA, it is unlikely that the relatively small amounts of aid likely to be granted under the Scheme are liable to affect trade in a particularly negative way.

| (69) | The Norwegian authorities have furthermore indicated that the Scheme will expire after 10 years of operation but that the Scheme will be re-notified if necessary due to the adoption by the Authority of new guidelines. |
| --- | --- |

(69)

The Norwegian authorities have furthermore indicated that the Scheme will expire after 10 years of operation but that the Scheme will be re-notified if necessary due to the adoption by the Authority of new guidelines.

| (70) | The Authority refers to paragraph 71 of the currently applicable Regional Aid Guidelines which provide: ‘In all cases, the need for and level of operating aid should be regularly re-examined to ensure its long-term relevance to the region concerned. The Authority will therefore only approve aid schemes for the duration of these guidelines’. (Emphasis added.) The Regional Aid Guidelines are applicable until 31 December 2012. |
| --- | --- |

(70)

The Authority refers to paragraph 71 of the currently applicable Regional Aid Guidelines which provide: ‘In all cases, the need for and level of operating aid should be regularly re-examined to ensure its long-term relevance to the region concerned. The Authority will therefore only approve aid schemes for the duration of these guidelines’. (Emphasis added.) The Regional Aid Guidelines are applicable until 31 December 2012.

| (71) | The Authority doubts that, should it consider that the Scheme is compatible with the EEA Agreement at the end of the formal investigation phase, it will be able to approve the Scheme beyond 31 December 2013. |
| --- | --- |

(71)

The Authority doubts that, should it consider that the Scheme is compatible with the EEA Agreement at the end of the formal investigation phase, it will be able to approve the Scheme beyond 31 December 2013.

4.   Conclusion

| (72) | Based on the information submitted by the Norwegian authorities, the Authority considers that all the conditions set out in Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement are met and that consequently the notified Scheme entails State aid. The Authority has doubts that the Scheme complies with Article 61(3) of the EEA Agreement, read in conjunction with the requirements laid down in the Authority’s Chapter of the State Aid Guidelines on national regional aid. The Authority, therefore, doubts that the above measures are compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(72)

Based on the information submitted by the Norwegian authorities, the Authority considers that all the conditions set out in Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement are met and that consequently the notified Scheme entails State aid. The Authority has doubts that the Scheme complies with Article 61(3) of the EEA Agreement, read in conjunction with the requirements laid down in the Authority’s Chapter of the State Aid Guidelines on national regional aid. The Authority, therefore, doubts that the above measures are compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.

| (73) | 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 are compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(73)

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 are compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.

| (74) | 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 within one month of the date of receipt of this Decision. |
| --- | --- |

(74)

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 within one month of the date of receipt of this Decision.

| (75) | In light of the foregoing considerations, within one month of receipt of this Decision, the Authority requests the Norwegian authorities to provide all documents, information and data needed for the assessment of the compatibility of the measure, |
| --- | --- |

(75)

In light of the foregoing considerations, within one month of receipt of this Decision, the Authority requests the Norwegian authorities to provide all documents, information and data needed for the assessment of the compatibility of the measure,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The formal investigation procedure provided for in Article 1(2) of Part I of Protocol 3 is opened into the Charter Fund Scheme for Northern Norway notified by the Norwegian authorities.

Article 2

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 3

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 compatibility of the aid measure.

Article 4

This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Norway.

Article 5

Only the English language version of this Decision is authentic.

Done at Brussels, 27 June 2012.

For the EFTA Surveillance Authority

Oda Helen SLETNES

President

Sabine MONAUNI-TÖMÖRDY

College Member

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(1)  A charter flight is defined as a non-scheduled flight. A charter series is charter flights between two destinations repeated over a limited period of time (for example, weekly flights between Bodø and London from February to April).

1

(2)  Available at: http://www.eftasurv.int/state-aid/legal-framework/state-aid-guidelines/

2

(3)  The three northernmost counties are NUTS II regions. The lowest population density can be found in Finnmark: 1,6 inhabitants per km2.

3

2

(4)  See Protocol 40 to the EEA Agreement.

4

(5)  In 2009, the Authority approved an aid scheme for route development from the second largest city in Northern Norway, Bodø, see Decision No 179/09/COL. The Route Development Fund Bodø has not yet granted any aid under the scheme.

5

(6)  Empty legs are flights operated in order to position an aircraft at the start and at the end of a charter series. The return flight on the first departure will be empty and the flight to pick up the last passengers will also be empty. Empty legs represent a considerable cost for short charter series.

6

(7)  Avinor AS is the State-owned company that operates most of the civil airports in Norway.

7

(8)  The Norwegian authorities have also mentioned the fact that the Charter Fund may, at some stage in the future, be co-financed by private undertakings. The assessment carried out by the Authority will not examine this possibility as this option seems to be relatively uncertain.

8

(9)  See Case T-384/04 SIDE v Commission [2008], ECR I-nyr, paragraph 99, Case T-162/06 Kronoply GmbH v Commission [2009], ECR II-nyr, paragraph 75.

9

SIDE

Commission

Kronoply GmbH

Commission

(10)  ‘It is the task of the EFTA State to demonstrate that the aid proposed is necessary and appropriate to prevent or reduce continuing depopulation’. (Emphasis added.)

10

(11)  See paragraph 22(a) of the Regional Aid Guidelines.

11

(12)  See The High North. Vision and policy instruments, the Government’s political platform for the period 2009 until 2013 and The Governments’ tourism strategy.

12

The High North. Vision and policy instruments, the Government’s political platform for the period 2009 until 2013

The Governments’ tourism strategy

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V Atzinumi

ADMINISTRATĪVAS PROCEDŪRAS

Eiropas Personāla atlases birojs (EPSO)

| 27.9.2012 | LV | Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis | C 291/12 |
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LV

Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis

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PAZIŅOJUMS PAR ATKLĀTU KONKURSU

2012/C 291/03

Eiropas Personāla atlases birojs (EPSO) rīko atklātu konkursu:

EPSO/AST/121/12 – Konferenču tehniskie darbinieki (AST 3)

Paziņojums par konkursu ir publicēts 23 valodās
  Oficiālā Vēstneša C sērijā 291 A 2012. gada 27. septembris.

Sīkāka informācija atrodama EPSO tīmekļa vietnē http://www.eu-careers.info

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JURIDISKAS PROCEDŪRAS

EBTA Tiesa

| 27.9.2012 | LV | Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis | C 291/13 |
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Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis

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Padomdevēja atzinuma pieprasījums no EBTA Tiesas, ko iesniegusi Héraðsdómur Reykjavíkur ar 2012. gada 6. februāra lēmumu lietā “HOB-vín ehf. v the State Alcohol and Tobacco Company of Iceland (ÁTVR)”

(Lieta E-2/12)

2012/C 291/04

Héraðsdómur Reykjavíkur (Reikjavīkas apgabaltiesa) ar 2012. gada 6. februāra vēstuli, ko Tiesas kanceleja saņēma 2012. gada 13. februārī, lūdza EBTA Tiesu sniegt padomdevēja atzinumu lietā HOB-vín ehf. v the State Alcohol and Tobacco Company of Iceland (ÁTVR) par šādiem jautājumiem:

| 1. | Vai tas nav saderīgi ar EEZ līguma 11. pantu, ja valsts uzņēmumam, kam ir monopolstāvoklis attiecībā uz alkohola mazumtirdzniecību kādas EEZ valsts teritorijā, saskaņā ar likumiem vai administratīviem noteikumiem ir atļauts atteikties pieņemt pārdošanai alkoholiskus dzērienus, ko likumīgi izgatavo un tirgo citā EEZ valstī, pamatojoties uz to, ka uz produkta iepakojuma un marķējuma ir nesaistīta informācija vai tie ir pārslogoti ar informāciju, vai ietver norādi, ka alkohols uzlabo fiziskās, garīgās, sociālās vai seksuālās spējas, un informācija nav tikai saistīta ar produktu, tā ražošanas metodi vai īpašībām? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Vai tas nav saderīgi ar EEZ līguma 11. pantu, ja valsts uzņēmumam, kam ir monopolstāvoklis attiecībā uz alkohola mazumtirdzniecību kādas EEZ valsts teritorijā, saskaņā ar likumiem vai administratīviem noteikumiem ir atļauts atteikties pieņemt pārdošanai alkoholiskus dzērienus, ko likumīgi izgatavo un tirgo citā EEZ valstī, pamatojoties uz to, ka uz produkta iepakojuma un marķējuma ir nesaistīta informācija vai tie ir pārslogoti ar informāciju, vai ietver norādi, ka alkohols uzlabo fiziskās, garīgās, sociālās vai seksuālās spējas, un informācija nav tikai saistīta ar produktu, tā ražošanas metodi vai īpašībām?

| 2. | Vai tas nav saderīgi ar EEZ līguma 11. pantu, ja EEZ valsts savos likumos vai administratīvos noteikumos ietver normas, kas paredz, ka uz alkoholisku dzērienu iepakojuma skaidri norāda, ka tie satur alkoholu, un ja valstij piederošais monopoluzņēmums var atteikties pieņemt šādus produktus pārdošanai, ja iepakojums neatbilst šai prasībai? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Vai tas nav saderīgi ar EEZ līguma 11. pantu, ja EEZ valsts savos likumos vai administratīvos noteikumos ietver normas, kas paredz, ka uz alkoholisku dzērienu iepakojuma skaidri norāda, ka tie satur alkoholu, un ja valstij piederošais monopoluzņēmums var atteikties pieņemt šādus produktus pārdošanai, ja iepakojums neatbilst šai prasībai?

| 3. | Atbildot uz pirmo un otro jautājumu, vai tam ir kāda nozīme, ja minētie likumi un administratīvie noteikumi ir vienādi piemērojami gan valsts, gan ārvalstu produktiem? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Atbildot uz pirmo un otro jautājumu, vai tam ir kāda nozīme, ja minētie likumi un administratīvie noteikumi ir vienādi piemērojami gan valsts, gan ārvalstu produktiem?

| 4. | Ja tiek uzskatīts, ka kārtība, kas iepriekš aprakstīta pirmajā un/vai otrajā jautājumā, ir kvantitatīvs ierobežojums vai pasākums ar līdzvērtīgu iedarbību EEZ līguma 11. panta izpratnē, tad EBTA Tiesa tiek lūgta konstatēt, vai šādu kārtību tomēr var uzskatīt par attaisnotu, atsaucoties uz EEZ līguma 13. pantu. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Ja tiek uzskatīts, ka kārtība, kas iepriekš aprakstīta pirmajā un/vai otrajā jautājumā, ir kvantitatīvs ierobežojums vai pasākums ar līdzvērtīgu iedarbību EEZ līguma 11. panta izpratnē, tad EBTA Tiesa tiek lūgta konstatēt, vai šādu kārtību tomēr var uzskatīt par attaisnotu, atsaucoties uz EEZ līguma 13. pantu.

| 5. | Ja tiek uzskatīts, ka kārtība, kas iepriekš aprakstīta pirmajā un/vai otrajā jautājumā un kas pamatojas uz likumu vai administratīvu noteikumu, nav saderīga ar EEZ līguma 11. pantu, tad EBTA Tiesa tiek lūgta konstatēt, vai tā uzskata, ka ir izpildīti nosacījumi valsts atbildībai tādā apmērā, kā EBTA Tiesa var izvērtēt šo jautājumu. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Ja tiek uzskatīts, ka kārtība, kas iepriekš aprakstīta pirmajā un/vai otrajā jautājumā un kas pamatojas uz likumu vai administratīvu noteikumu, nav saderīga ar EEZ līguma 11. pantu, tad EBTA Tiesa tiek lūgta konstatēt, vai tā uzskata, ka ir izpildīti nosacījumi valsts atbildībai tādā apmērā, kā EBTA Tiesa var izvērtēt šo jautājumu.

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LV

Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis

C 291/14

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TIESAS SPRIEDUMS

(2011. gada 12. septembris)

Lietā E-16/10

Philip Morris Norway AS pret Norvēģijas valsti, ko pārstāv Veselības un aprūpes pakalpojumu ministrija

(Brīva preču aprite – tabakas izstrādājumu redzamas izvietošanas aizliegums – EEZ līguma 11. un 13. pants – pasākumi, kuru sekas ir līdzvērtīgas kvantitatīviem ierobežojumiem – tirdzniecības nosacījumi – sabiedrības veselības aizsardzība – samērīgums)

2012/C 291/05

Lietā E-16/10 Philip Morris Norway AS pret Norvēģijas valsti, ko pārstāv Veselības un aprūpes pakalpojumu ministrija, pēc Oslo rajona tiesas (Oslo Tingrett) LŪGUMA, ievērojot 34. pantu Līgumā starp EBTA valstīm par Uzraudzības iestādes un Tiesas izveidi, Tiesai sniegt interpretāciju par Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas līguma (EEZ līguma) 11. un 13. pantu, jo īpaši jautājumā, vai noteikums, kas aizliedz tabakas izstrādājumu redzamu izvietošanu mazumtirdzniecības vietās, kā tas ir noteikts Norvēģijas tiesību aktos, ir uzskatāms par nelikumīgu ierobežojumu saskaņā ar EEZ līguma 11. pantu, un, ja šāds ierobežojums ir konstatēts, kas ir izšķirošie kritēriji, lai noteiktu, vai minētais aizliegums ir samērīgs saskaņā ar EEZ līguma 13. pantu, Tiesa, kuras sastāvā ir priekšsēdētājs Carl Baudenbacher, tiesneši Thorgeir Örlygsson (tiesnesis-referents) un Per Christiansen, 2011. gada 12. septembrī pasludināja spriedumu, kura rezolutīvā daļa ir šāda:

| 1. | EEZ valsts tiesību aktos noteikts aizliegums redzami izvietot tabakas izstrādājumus, tāds kā šajā lietā izskatāmais, EEZ līguma 11. panta izpratnē ir pasākums, kura sekas ir līdzvērtīgas kvantitatīviem importa ierobežojumiem, ja aizliegums faktiski lielākā mērā ietekmē no citām EEZ valstīm importēto produktu tirdzniecību nekā to importēto produktu tirdzniecību, kas vēl nesen tika ražoti Norvēģijā. |
| --- | --- |

1.

EEZ valsts tiesību aktos noteikts aizliegums redzami izvietot tabakas izstrādājumus, tāds kā šajā lietā izskatāmais, EEZ līguma 11. panta izpratnē ir pasākums, kura sekas ir līdzvērtīgas kvantitatīviem importa ierobežojumiem, ja aizliegums faktiski lielākā mērā ietekmē no citām EEZ valstīm importēto produktu tirdzniecību nekā to importēto produktu tirdzniecību, kas vēl nesen tika ražoti Norvēģijā.

| 2. | Valsts tiesa ir tā, kurai ir jānosaka, kādi ir faktiskie šajā lietā izskatāmo tiesību aktu mērķi, kā arī jālemj, vai sabiedrības veselības politikas uzdevums samazināt tabakas izstrādājumu lietošanu sabiedrībā kopumā var tikt sasniegts ar mazāk ierobežojošiem pasākumiem kā aizliegums redzami izvietot tabakas izstrādājumus. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Valsts tiesa ir tā, kurai ir jānosaka, kādi ir faktiskie šajā lietā izskatāmo tiesību aktu mērķi, kā arī jālemj, vai sabiedrības veselības politikas uzdevums samazināt tabakas izstrādājumu lietošanu sabiedrībā kopumā var tikt sasniegts ar mazāk ierobežojošiem pasākumiem kā aizliegums redzami izvietot tabakas izstrādājumus.

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LV

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TIESAS SPRIEDUMS

(2011. gada 14. decembris)

Lietā E-3/11

Pálmi Sigmarsson pret Islandes Centrālo banku

(Kapitāla brīva aprite – EEZ līguma 43. pants – valsts noteiktie kapitāla aprites ierobežojumi – jurisdikcija – samērīgums – tiesiskā noteiktība)

2012/C 291/06

Lietā E-3/11 Pálmi Sigmarsson pret Islandes Centrālo banku, pēc Reikjavīkas apgabaltiesas (Héraðsdómur Reykjavíkur) LŪGUMA Tiesai, ievērojot 34. pantu Līgumā starp EBTA valstīm par Uzraudzības iestādes un Tiesas izveidi, sniegt interpretāciju par EEZ līguma 43. pantu Tiesa, kuras sastāvā ir priekšsēdētājs Carl Baudenbacher, tiesneši Per Christiansen (tiesnesis-referents) un Benedikt Bogason (ad hoc), 2011. gada 14. decembrī pasludināja spriedumu, kura rezolutīvā daļa ir šāda:

Iesniedzējtiesā izskatāmās lietas apstākļos valsts pasākums, kas liedz uz Islandi pārskaitīt Islandes kronas, kuras pirktas ārzonas tirgū, ir saderīgs ar EEZ līguma 43. panta 2. un 4. punktu.

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TIESAS SPRIEDUMS

(2011. gada 14. decembris)

Lietā E-8/11

EBTA Uzraudzības iestāde pret Islandi

(Līgumslēdzējas puses saistību neizpilde – Direktīva 2002/49/EK par vides trokšņa novērtēšanu un pārvaldību)

2012/C 291/07

Lietā E-8/11 EBTA Uzraudzības iestāde pret Islandi PRASĪBA atzīt, ka, nenodrošinot to, ka tās kompetentās iestādes noteiktajos termiņos izstrādā un, ja nepieciešams, apstiprina stratēģiskās trokšņu kartes, un izveido trokšņu samazināšanas rīcības plānus visiem tās teritorijas galvenajiem autoceļiem, uz kuriem satiksmes intensitāte ir lielāka par sešiem miljoniem transportlīdzekļu gadā, kā arī nenodrošinot to, ka stratēģiskajās trokšņu kartes un rīcības plānu kopsavilkumos sniegtā informācija, kā minēts direktīvas VI pielikumā, tiek nosūtīta EBTA Uzraudzības iestādei, Islande nav izpildījusi savus pienākumus, kas tai uzlikti ar 7. panta 1. punktu, 8. panta 1. punktu un 10. pantu tiesību aktā, kas minēts EEZ Līguma XX pielikuma 32.g punktā (Eiropas Parlamenta un Padomes 2002. gada 25. jūnija Direktīva 2002/49/EK par vides trokšņa novērtēšanu un pārvaldību), kas pielāgots EEZ līgumam ar tā 1. protokolu, Tiesa, kuras sastāvā ir priekšsēdētājs un tiesnesis referents Carl Baudenbacher, tiesneši Per Christiansen un Páll Hreinsson, 2011. gada 14. decembrī pasludināja spriedumu, kura rezolutīvā daļa ir šāda:

Ar šo Tiesa:

| 1. | Atzīst, ka, nenodrošinot to, ka tās kompetentās iestādes noteiktajos termiņos izstrādā un, ja nepieciešams, apstiprina stratēģiskās trokšņu kartes, un izveido trokšņu samazināšanas rīcības plānus visiem tās teritorijas galvenajiem autoceļiem, uz kuriem satiksmes intensitāte ir lielāka par sešiem miljoniem transportlīdzekļu gadā, kā arī nenodrošinot to, ka stratēģiskajās trokšņu kartēs un rīcības plānu kopsavilkumos sniegtā informācija, kā minēts direktīvas VI pielikumā, tiek nosūtīta EBTA Uzraudzības iestādei, Islande nav izpildījusi savus pienākumus, kas tai uzlikti ar 7. panta 1. punktu, 8. panta 1. punktu un 10. pantu tiesību aktā, kas minēts EEZ Līguma XX pielikuma 32.g punktā (Eiropas Parlamenta un Padomes 2002. gada 25. jūnija Direktīva 2002/49/EK par vides trokšņa novērtēšanu un pārvaldību), kas pielāgots EEZ līgumam ar tā 1. protokolu. |
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1.

Atzīst, ka, nenodrošinot to, ka tās kompetentās iestādes noteiktajos termiņos izstrādā un, ja nepieciešams, apstiprina stratēģiskās trokšņu kartes, un izveido trokšņu samazināšanas rīcības plānus visiem tās teritorijas galvenajiem autoceļiem, uz kuriem satiksmes intensitāte ir lielāka par sešiem miljoniem transportlīdzekļu gadā, kā arī nenodrošinot to, ka stratēģiskajās trokšņu kartēs un rīcības plānu kopsavilkumos sniegtā informācija, kā minēts direktīvas VI pielikumā, tiek nosūtīta EBTA Uzraudzības iestādei, Islande nav izpildījusi savus pienākumus, kas tai uzlikti ar 7. panta 1. punktu, 8. panta 1. punktu un 10. pantu tiesību aktā, kas minēts EEZ Līguma XX pielikuma 32.g punktā (Eiropas Parlamenta un Padomes 2002. gada 25. jūnija Direktīva 2002/49/EK par vides trokšņa novērtēšanu un pārvaldību), kas pielāgots EEZ līgumam ar tā 1. protokolu.

| 2. | Piespriež Islandei segt tiesāšanās izdevumus. |
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2.

Piespriež Islandei segt tiesāšanās izdevumus.

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