# L_2022187EN.01003701.xml

| 14.7.2022 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 187/37 |
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14.7.2022

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 187/37

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EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY DECISION No 276/21/COL

of 8 December 2021

on the Norwegian regional aid map 2022–2027 (Norway) [2022/1213]

1   SUMMARY

| (1) | The EFTA Surveillance Authority (‘ESA’) wishes to inform the Norwegian authorities that, having assessed the Norwegian regional aid map 2022–2027, ESA finds it compatible with the principles set out in the Guidelines on regional State aid (‘the RAG’) (1). |
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(1)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (‘ESA’) wishes to inform the Norwegian authorities that, having assessed the Norwegian regional aid map 2022–2027, ESA finds it compatible with the principles set out in the Guidelines on regional State aid (‘the RAG’) (1).

| (2) | This decision represents ESA’s assessment of the regional aid map under paragraph 190 of the RAG. The approved map constitutes an integral part of the RAG (2). The regional aid map itself does not involve any State aid and does not constitute an authorisation to grant such aid. |
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(2)

This decision represents ESA’s assessment of the regional aid map under paragraph 190 of the RAG. The approved map constitutes an integral part of the RAG (2). The regional aid map itself does not involve any State aid and does not constitute an authorisation to grant such aid.

| (3) | ESA has based its decision on the following considerations. |
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(3)

ESA has based its decision on the following considerations.

2   PROCEDURE

| (4) | On 1 December 2021, ESA adopted its new RAG by Decision No 269/21/COL. The RAG set out conditions under which notifiable regional aid may be considered compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement (3). They also set out criteria for identifying the areas that fulfil the conditions for compatibility under Article 61(3)(a) and Article 61(3)(c) of the EEA Agreement (4). |
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(4)

On 1 December 2021, ESA adopted its new RAG by Decision No 269/21/COL. The RAG set out conditions under which notifiable regional aid may be considered compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement (3). They also set out criteria for identifying the areas that fulfil the conditions for compatibility under Article 61(3)(a) and Article 61(3)(c) of the EEA Agreement (4).

| (5) | According to paragraph 150 of the RAG, the areas which EEA EFTA States wish to designate as ‘a’ or ‘c’ areas must be identified in a regional aid map. Pursuant to paragraph 189 of the RAG, each EEA EFTA State should notify to ESA a single regional aid map applicable from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027. In keeping with this, the Norwegian authorities notified the Norwegian regional aid map 2022–2027 by letter dated 2 December 2021 (5). |
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(5)

According to paragraph 150 of the RAG, the areas which EEA EFTA States wish to designate as ‘a’ or ‘c’ areas must be identified in a regional aid map. Pursuant to paragraph 189 of the RAG, each EEA EFTA State should notify to ESA a single regional aid map applicable from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027. In keeping with this, the Norwegian authorities notified the Norwegian regional aid map 2022–2027 by letter dated 2 December 2021 (5).

3   ELIGIBLE AREAS DESIGNATED BY THE NORWEGIAN AUTHORITIES

3.1   Background

| (6) | The regional aid coverage available for 2022–2027 is set out for each EEA EFTA State in Annex I to the RAG. Norway’s allocation consists of predefined and non-predefined ‘c’ areas. |
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(6)

The regional aid coverage available for 2022–2027 is set out for each EEA EFTA State in Annex I to the RAG. Norway’s allocation consists of predefined and non-predefined ‘c’ areas.

| (7) | The Norwegian authorities can use this allocation to designate predefined and non-predefined ‘c’ areas. The principles governing such designation are found in respectively paragraphs 168 and 169, and paragraph 175, of the RAG. |
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(7)

The Norwegian authorities can use this allocation to designate predefined and non-predefined ‘c’ areas. The principles governing such designation are found in respectively paragraphs 168 and 169, and paragraph 175, of the RAG.

3.2   Predefined ‘c’ areas

3.2.1   Introduction

| (8) | According to paragraph 168 of the RAG, EEA EFTA States may designate as ‘c’ areas the predefined ‘c’ areas referred to in paragraph 166. These areas are identified in Annex I to the RAG. |
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(8)

According to paragraph 168 of the RAG, EEA EFTA States may designate as ‘c’ areas the predefined ‘c’ areas referred to in paragraph 166. These areas are identified in Annex I to the RAG.

| (9) | Paragraph 169 allows for a flexible approach whereby sparsely and very sparsely populated areas other than those predefined as eligible, can be designated on certain conditions. |
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(9)

Paragraph 169 allows for a flexible approach whereby sparsely and very sparsely populated areas other than those predefined as eligible, can be designated on certain conditions.

| (10) | In the Norwegian regional aid map 2014–2020, the Norwegian authorities designated sparsely populated areas. The very sparsely populated areas were not identified (6). Instead, the Norwegian authorities designated very sparsely populated areas in the context of an operating aid scheme which was contingent upon being limited to such areas (7). |
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(10)

In the Norwegian regional aid map 2014–2020, the Norwegian authorities designated sparsely populated areas. The very sparsely populated areas were not identified (6). Instead, the Norwegian authorities designated very sparsely populated areas in the context of an operating aid scheme which was contingent upon being limited to such areas (7).

| (11) | Footnote 65 of the RAG contains a new specification that sparsely populated and very sparsely populated areas should be identified on the regional aid map. On this basis, the Norwegian authorities have in their notification included an identification of the designated very sparsely populated areas equivalent to that previously made in the context of an operating aid scheme. |
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(11)

Footnote 65 of the RAG contains a new specification that sparsely populated and very sparsely populated areas should be identified on the regional aid map. On this basis, the Norwegian authorities have in their notification included an identification of the designated very sparsely populated areas equivalent to that previously made in the context of an operating aid scheme.

| (12) | Accordingly, ESA will first assess the Norwegian authorities’ designation of sparsely populated areas. Thereafter, ESA will assess the Norwegian authorities’ designation of very sparsely populated areas within these areas. As required by the last sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG, ESA will take account of the population in both the very sparsely and sparsely populated areas when assessing compliance with the population coverage ceiling. |
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(12)

Accordingly, ESA will first assess the Norwegian authorities’ designation of sparsely populated areas. Thereafter, ESA will assess the Norwegian authorities’ designation of very sparsely populated areas within these areas. As required by the last sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG, ESA will take account of the population in both the very sparsely and sparsely populated areas when assessing compliance with the population coverage ceiling.

| (13) | It follows from the definition in paragraph 19(30) of the RAG that all areas designated on the basis of paragraph 169 are sparsely populated. Accordingly, ESA will only count the population in those areas that are both sparsely and very sparsely populated once when assessing compliance with the population coverage ceiling. |
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(13)

It follows from the definition in paragraph 19(30) of the RAG that all areas designated on the basis of paragraph 169 are sparsely populated. Accordingly, ESA will only count the population in those areas that are both sparsely and very sparsely populated once when assessing compliance with the population coverage ceiling.

3.2.2   Sparsely populated areas

3.2.2.1   Two counties included in their entirety

| (14) | The first and second sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG stipulates that, ‘[f]or sparsely populated areas, EEA EFTA States should in principle designate statistical regions at level 2 with fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2 or statistical regions at level 3 with fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2. However, EEA EFTA States may designate parts of statistical regions at level 3 with fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2 or other contiguous areas adjacent to those statistical regions at level 3, provided that these areas have fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2.’ |
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(14)

The first and second sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG stipulates that, ‘[f]or sparsely populated areas, EEA EFTA States should in principle designate statistical regions at level 2 with fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2 or statistical regions at level 3 with fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2. However, EEA EFTA States may designate parts of statistical regions at level 3 with fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2 or other contiguous areas adjacent to those statistical regions at level 3, provided that these areas have fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2.’

| (15) | In Norway, statistical regions at level 3 consist of counties, whereas statistical regions at level 2 amount to larger regions (8). |
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(15)

In Norway, statistical regions at level 3 consist of counties, whereas statistical regions at level 2 amount to larger regions (8).

| (16) | The counties of Troms og Finnmark and Nordland are included in their entirety. Based on figures from 1 January 2020 (9), the population densities in these counties are respectively 3,4 and 6,7 inhabitants per km2 (10). Based on the same population data, the population in these areas amounts to 484 546 inhabitants (11). |
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(16)

The counties of Troms og Finnmark and Nordland are included in their entirety. Based on figures from 1 January 2020 (9), the population densities in these counties are respectively 3,4 and 6,7 inhabitants per km2 (10). Based on the same population data, the population in these areas amounts to 484 546 inhabitants (11).

3.2.2.2   Partially included regions

| (17) | The second sentence of paragraph 169 opens up for designating parts of statistical regions at level 3 with fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2, or other contiguous areas adjacent to those statistical regions at level 3, provided that these areas have fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2. The possibility to include contiguous areas (swap in) is thus mirrored by the possibility to exclude (swap out) areas within the statistical regions at level 3 with fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2. |
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(17)

The second sentence of paragraph 169 opens up for designating parts of statistical regions at level 3 with fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2, or other contiguous areas adjacent to those statistical regions at level 3, provided that these areas have fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2. The possibility to include contiguous areas (swap in) is thus mirrored by the possibility to exclude (swap out) areas within the statistical regions at level 3 with fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2.

| (18) | Accordingly, parts of the level 3 regions Innlandet and Trøndelag are swapped out of the regional aid map, whereas areas in other level 3 regions are swapped in (12). |
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(18)

Accordingly, parts of the level 3 regions Innlandet and Trøndelag are swapped out of the regional aid map, whereas areas in other level 3 regions are swapped in (12).

3.2.2.3   Smaller areas that are swapped out

| (19) | Table 1 below lists the areas in the level 3 regions of Innlandet and Trøndelag that are swapped out (13):

  Table 1


  Smaller areas that are swapped out








  Level 3 region | Areas (municipalities) | Population density |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Innlandet | Hamar, Lillehammer, Gjøvik, Ringsaker, Løten, Stange, Elverum, Gran, and Østre Toten | 34,5 |
| Trøndelag | Trondheim, the part of Orkland that was formerly Orkdal municipality, Melhus, Skaun, Malvik, Stjørdal, and Levanger | 83,3 |

(19)

Table 1 below lists the areas in the level 3 regions of Innlandet and Trøndelag that are swapped out (13):

Table 1

Smaller areas that are swapped out

Level 3 region

Areas (municipalities)

Population density

Innlandet

Hamar, Lillehammer, Gjøvik, Ringsaker, Løten, Stange, Elverum, Gran, and Østre Toten

34,5

Trøndelag

Trondheim, the part of Orkland that was formerly Orkdal municipality, Melhus, Skaun, Malvik, Stjørdal, and Levanger

83,3

| (20) | Based on the population data from 1 January 2020, these swapped out areas have a total population of 504 560 (14). |
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(20)

Based on the population data from 1 January 2020, these swapped out areas have a total population of 504 560 (14).

3.2.2.4   Smaller areas that are swapped in

| (21) | Table 2 below provides an overview of the smaller areas with lower population densities than 12,5 inhabitants per km2 that have been swapped in (15):

  Table 2


  Smaller areas that are swapped in








  Level 3 region | Areas (municipalities) | Population density |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Viken | Aremark, Marker, Aurskog-Høland, Flå, Nesbyen, Gol, Hemsedal, Ål, Hol, Sigdal, Krødsherad, Flesberg, Rollag, and Nore og Uvdal | 4,8 |
| Vestfold og Telemark | Notodden, Bamble, Kragerø, Drangedal, Nome, Midt-Telemark, Tinn, Hjartdal, Seljord, Kviteseid, Nissedal, Fyresdal, Tokke, and Vinje | 6,2 |
| Agder | The part of Lindesnes that was former Marnardal, the part of Lyngdal that was formerly Audnedal municipality, Risør, Farsund, Flekkefjord, Gjerstad, Vegårshei, Tvedestrand, Åmli, Iveland, Evje og Hornnes, Bygland, Valle, Bykle, Åseral, Hægebostad, Kvinesdal, and Sirdal | 5,4 |
| Rogaland | Sokndal, Lund, Bjerkreim, Hjelmeland, Suldal and Sauda | 4,8 |
| Vestland | Kinn, Etne, Bømlo, Fitjar, Tysnes, Kvinnherad, Ullensvang, Eidfjord, Ulvik, Voss, Kvam, Samnanger, Vaksdal, Modalen, Austrheim, Fedje, Masfjorden, Gulen, Solund, Hyllestad, Høyanger, Vik, Sogndal, Aurland, Lærdal, Årdal, Luster, Askvoll, Fjaler, Sunnfjord, Bremanger, Stad, Gloppen, and Stryn | 6,6 |
| Møre og Romsdal | The parts of Molde that were formerly Nesset and Midsund municipalities, the parts of Ålesund that were formerly Haram and Sandøy municipalities, Vanylven, Sande, Hareid, Ørsta, Stranda, Sykkylven, Vestnes, Rauma, Averøy, Gjemnes, Tingvoll, Sunndal, Surnadal, Smøla, Aure, Volda, Fjord, and Hustadvika | 9,5 |

(21)

Table 2 below provides an overview of the smaller areas with lower population densities than 12,5 inhabitants per km2 that have been swapped in (15):

Table 2

Smaller areas that are swapped in

Level 3 region

Areas (municipalities)

Population density

Viken

Aremark, Marker, Aurskog-Høland, Flå, Nesbyen, Gol, Hemsedal, Ål, Hol, Sigdal, Krødsherad, Flesberg, Rollag, and Nore og Uvdal

4,8

Vestfold og Telemark

Notodden, Bamble, Kragerø, Drangedal, Nome, Midt-Telemark, Tinn, Hjartdal, Seljord, Kviteseid, Nissedal, Fyresdal, Tokke, and Vinje

6,2

Agder

The part of Lindesnes that was former Marnardal, the part of Lyngdal that was formerly Audnedal municipality, Risør, Farsund, Flekkefjord, Gjerstad, Vegårshei, Tvedestrand, Åmli, Iveland, Evje og Hornnes, Bygland, Valle, Bykle, Åseral, Hægebostad, Kvinesdal, and Sirdal

5,4

Rogaland

Sokndal, Lund, Bjerkreim, Hjelmeland, Suldal and Sauda

4,8

Vestland

Kinn, Etne, Bømlo, Fitjar, Tysnes, Kvinnherad, Ullensvang, Eidfjord, Ulvik, Voss, Kvam, Samnanger, Vaksdal, Modalen, Austrheim, Fedje, Masfjorden, Gulen, Solund, Hyllestad, Høyanger, Vik, Sogndal, Aurland, Lærdal, Årdal, Luster, Askvoll, Fjaler, Sunnfjord, Bremanger, Stad, Gloppen, and Stryn

6,6

Møre og Romsdal

The parts of Molde that were formerly Nesset and Midsund municipalities, the parts of Ålesund that were formerly Haram and Sandøy municipalities, Vanylven, Sande, Hareid, Ørsta, Stranda, Sykkylven, Vestnes, Rauma, Averøy, Gjemnes, Tingvoll, Sunndal, Surnadal, Smøla, Aure, Volda, Fjord, and Hustadvika

9,5

| (22) | Based on the figures from 1 January 2020, these swapped in areas have a total population of 528 360 (16). |
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(22)

Based on the figures from 1 January 2020, these swapped in areas have a total population of 528 360 (16).

3.2.2.5   Assessment of the flexible approach

| (23) | Paragraph 169 of the RAG sets out three requirements, which must be met, in order to swap in smaller areas from a statistical region at level 3 where this region as a whole has a population density above 12,5 inhabitants per km2. |
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(23)

Paragraph 169 of the RAG sets out three requirements, which must be met, in order to swap in smaller areas from a statistical region at level 3 where this region as a whole has a population density above 12,5 inhabitants per km2.

| (24) | First, these smaller areas must have fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2. |
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(24)

First, these smaller areas must have fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2.

| (25) | In previous practice, both ESA (17) and the Commission (18) have assessed the population densities for swapped in sparsely populated areas per level 3 region (statistical regions at level 3 / NUTS 3 regions). There is nothing new in the wording of paragraph 169 to require a different interpretation. Consequently, ESA will follow the same approach under the new RAG. |
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(25)

In previous practice, both ESA (17) and the Commission (18) have assessed the population densities for swapped in sparsely populated areas per level 3 region (statistical regions at level 3 / NUTS 3 regions). There is nothing new in the wording of paragraph 169 to require a different interpretation. Consequently, ESA will follow the same approach under the new RAG.

| (26) | It follows from the data presented in Table 2 above, that the population densities in the swapped in areas are below 12,5 inhabitants per km2, when assessed together at the level of their statistical region at level 3. The population density requirement is therefore met for the swapped in areas. |
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(26)

It follows from the data presented in Table 2 above, that the population densities in the swapped in areas are below 12,5 inhabitants per km2, when assessed together at the level of their statistical region at level 3. The population density requirement is therefore met for the swapped in areas.

| (27) | Second, the swapped in smaller areas must be contiguous areas adjacent to the statistical regions at level 3 with a population density of less than 12,5 inhabitants per km2. On the basis of the borders of the concerned areas, as illustrated by the graphic map attached as Annex III(a) to this decision, ESA concludes that this requirement is met. |
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(27)

Second, the swapped in smaller areas must be contiguous areas adjacent to the statistical regions at level 3 with a population density of less than 12,5 inhabitants per km2. On the basis of the borders of the concerned areas, as illustrated by the graphic map attached as Annex III(a) to this decision, ESA concludes that this requirement is met.

| (28) | Third, the swapping exercise must not result in the specific allocation of ‘c’ coverage referred to in paragraph 167 of the RAG being exceeded. According to the final sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG, the population of the sparsely and very sparsely populated areas must be taken together for the purposes of this assessment. However, as clarified in paragraph (13), the population in those areas that are both sparsely and very sparsely populated, will only be counted once when assessing compliance with the population coverage ceiling. |
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(28)

Third, the swapping exercise must not result in the specific allocation of ‘c’ coverage referred to in paragraph 167 of the RAG being exceeded. According to the final sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG, the population of the sparsely and very sparsely populated areas must be taken together for the purposes of this assessment. However, as clarified in paragraph (13), the population in those areas that are both sparsely and very sparsely populated, will only be counted once when assessing compliance with the population coverage ceiling.

| (29) | According to Annex I to the RAG, the specific allocation of ‘c’ coverage for Norway is 25,14 % of the national population. Both ESA (19) and the Commission (20) have in previous practice accepted the use of recent national population data when assessing compliance with the population coverage ceiling. There is nothing new in the wording of paragraph 169 of the RAG which would entail that this approach is not equally compatible with the new RAG. Accordingly, ESA considers the Norwegian authorities’ use of population data from 1 January 2020 acceptable. |
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(29)

According to Annex I to the RAG, the specific allocation of ‘c’ coverage for Norway is 25,14 % of the national population. Both ESA (19) and the Commission (20) have in previous practice accepted the use of recent national population data when assessing compliance with the population coverage ceiling. There is nothing new in the wording of paragraph 169 of the RAG which would entail that this approach is not equally compatible with the new RAG. Accordingly, ESA considers the Norwegian authorities’ use of population data from 1 January 2020 acceptable.

| (30) | Based on the figures from 1 January 2020, the population of Norway is 5 368 283 (21). The designated very sparsely and sparsely populated areas can therefore, calculated based on these figures, cover no more than 1 349 586 inhabitants. |
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(30)

Based on the figures from 1 January 2020, the population of Norway is 5 368 283 (21). The designated very sparsely and sparsely populated areas can therefore, calculated based on these figures, cover no more than 1 349 586 inhabitants.

| (31) | The population within the designated sparsely populated areas amounts to 1 348 649 inhabitants (22). This is below the specific allocation of ‘c’ coverage for Norway. |
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(31)

The population within the designated sparsely populated areas amounts to 1 348 649 inhabitants (22). This is below the specific allocation of ‘c’ coverage for Norway.

3.2.3   Very sparsely populated areas

3.2.3.1   Many of the sparsely populated areas qualify as very sparsely populated

| (32) | In this section, ESA will assess the Norwegian authorities’ designation of very sparsely populated areas. Due to the geography and population pattern of Norway, many of the sparsely populated areas qualify, and are designated by the Norwegian authorities, as very sparsely populated. |
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(32)

In this section, ESA will assess the Norwegian authorities’ designation of very sparsely populated areas. Due to the geography and population pattern of Norway, many of the sparsely populated areas qualify, and are designated by the Norwegian authorities, as very sparsely populated.

3.2.3.2   The region of Northern Norway is included in its entirety

| (33) | The third sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG stipulates that, ‘[f]or very sparsely populated areas, EEA EFTA States may designate statistical regions at level 2 with fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2 or other smaller contiguous areas adjacent to those statistical regions at level 2, provided that these areas have fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2 and that the population of the very sparsely populated areas taken together with the sparsely populated areas does not exceed the specific allocation of “c” coverage referred to in paragraph 167.’ |
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(33)

The third sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG stipulates that, ‘[f]or very sparsely populated areas, EEA EFTA States may designate statistical regions at level 2 with fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2 or other smaller contiguous areas adjacent to those statistical regions at level 2, provided that these areas have fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2 and that the population of the very sparsely populated areas taken together with the sparsely populated areas does not exceed the specific allocation of “c” coverage referred to in paragraph 167.’

| (34) | Two statistical regions at level 2 in Norway satisfy the population density criterion of 8 inhabitants per km2. These are Northern Norway (23) and Innlandet (24). The level 2 region of Northern Norway has a population density of 4,5 inhabitants per km2 (25), whereas the level 2 region of Innlandet has a population density of 7,5 inhabitants per km2 (26). |
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(34)

Two statistical regions at level 2 in Norway satisfy the population density criterion of 8 inhabitants per km2. These are Northern Norway (23) and Innlandet (24). The level 2 region of Northern Norway has a population density of 4,5 inhabitants per km2 (25), whereas the level 2 region of Innlandet has a population density of 7,5 inhabitants per km2 (26).

| (35) | The Norwegian authorities have designated the level 2 region Northern Norway as eligible in its entirety. Thus, all areas in Northern Norway are to be regarded as very sparsely populated for the purposes of the RAG. |
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(35)

The Norwegian authorities have designated the level 2 region Northern Norway as eligible in its entirety. Thus, all areas in Northern Norway are to be regarded as very sparsely populated for the purposes of the RAG.

| (36) | As mentioned in paragraph (16) above, based on figures from 1 January 2020, the population in these areas amounts to 484 546 inhabitants. |
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(36)

As mentioned in paragraph (16) above, based on figures from 1 January 2020, the population in these areas amounts to 484 546 inhabitants.

3.2.3.3   The region of Innlandet is partially included

| (37) | The wording of the third sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG allows for designating smaller contiguous areas adjacent to those statistical regions at level 2 with fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2. While this is not stated explicitly, the possibility to include such contiguous areas must logically be mirrored by the possibility to exclude areas within the statistical regions at level 2 with fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2. This interpretation is also in line with previous practice (27). |
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(37)

The wording of the third sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG allows for designating smaller contiguous areas adjacent to those statistical regions at level 2 with fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2. While this is not stated explicitly, the possibility to include such contiguous areas must logically be mirrored by the possibility to exclude areas within the statistical regions at level 2 with fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2. This interpretation is also in line with previous practice (27).

| (38) | In accordance with this, the level 2 region of Innlandet is only partially designated as very sparsely populated. Table 3 below presents the included areas in Innlandet, and the population density in this area (28):

  Table 3


  Included areas in Innlandet








  Level 2 region | Areas (municipalities) | Population density |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Innlandet | Kongsvinger, Nord-Odal, Sør-Odal, Eidskog, Grue, Åsnes, Våler, Trysil, Åmot, Stor-Elvdal, Rendalen, Engerdal, Tolga, Tynset, Alvdal, Folldal, Os, Dovre, Lesja, Skjåk, Lom, Vågå, Nord-Fron, Sel, Sør-Fron, Ringebu, Søndre Land, Nordre Land, Sør-Aurdal, Etnedal, Nord-Aurdal, Vestre Slidre, Øystre Slidre, and Vang | 3,4 |

(38)

In accordance with this, the level 2 region of Innlandet is only partially designated as very sparsely populated. Table 3 below presents the included areas in Innlandet, and the population density in this area (28):

Table 3

Included areas in Innlandet

Level 2 region

Areas (municipalities)

Population density

Innlandet

Kongsvinger, Nord-Odal, Sør-Odal, Eidskog, Grue, Åsnes, Våler, Trysil, Åmot, Stor-Elvdal, Rendalen, Engerdal, Tolga, Tynset, Alvdal, Folldal, Os, Dovre, Lesja, Skjåk, Lom, Vågå, Nord-Fron, Sel, Sør-Fron, Ringebu, Søndre Land, Nordre Land, Sør-Aurdal, Etnedal, Nord-Aurdal, Vestre Slidre, Øystre Slidre, and Vang

3,4

| (39) | Based on population figures from 1 January 2020, the population in these areas is 143 115 inhabitants (29). |
| --- | --- |

(39)

Based on population figures from 1 January 2020, the population in these areas is 143 115 inhabitants (29).

3.2.3.4   Parts of Trøndelag are included as smaller contiguous areas to Northern Norway

| (40) | The adjacent areas to Northern Norway are all located in the level 3 region of Trøndelag. |
| --- | --- |

(40)

The adjacent areas to Northern Norway are all located in the level 3 region of Trøndelag.

| (41) | Table 4 below presents the included areas in Trøndelag and the population density in this area (30):

  Table 4


  Included contiguous areas to Northern Norway








  Level 3 region | Areas (municipalities) | Population density |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Trøndelag | The part of Steinkjer that was formerly Verran, Namsos, Osen, Snåase-Snåsa, Lierne, Raarvihke–Røyrvik, Namsskogan, Grong, Høylandet, Overhalla, Flatanger, Leka, Inderøy, Indre Fosen, Ørland, Åfjord, and Nærøysund | 4,1 |

(41)

Table 4 below presents the included areas in Trøndelag and the population density in this area (30):

Table 4

Included contiguous areas to Northern Norway

Level 3 region

Areas (municipalities)

Population density

Trøndelag

The part of Steinkjer that was formerly Verran, Namsos, Osen, Snåase-Snåsa, Lierne, Raarvihke–Røyrvik, Namsskogan, Grong, Høylandet, Overhalla, Flatanger, Leka, Inderøy, Indre Fosen, Ørland, Åfjord, and Nærøysund

4,1

| (42) | The population in these areas is 73 683 inhabitants when calculated on the basis of the population figures from 1 January 2020 (31). |
| --- | --- |

(42)

The population in these areas is 73 683 inhabitants when calculated on the basis of the population figures from 1 January 2020 (31).

3.2.3.5   Smaller contiguous areas to Innlandet in several counties are included

| (43) | The adjacent areas to Innlandet are located in the level 3 regions of Trøndelag, Møre og Romsdal, Vestland, Rogaland, Agder, Vestfold og Telemark, and Viken. These areas are presented in the below Table 5 (32).

  Table 5


  Included contiguous areas to Innlandet








  Level 3 region | Areas (municipalities) | Population density |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Trøndelag | Hitra, Frøya, Oppdal, Rennebu, Røros, Holtålen, Tydal, Meråker, Heim, Rindal, and the parts of Orkland that were formerly Agdenes, Meldal, and parts of Snillfjord municipality | 3,6 |
| Møre og Romsdal | Vanylven, Sande, Stranda, Sykkylven, Vestnes, Rauma, Tingvoll, Sunndal, Surnadal, Smøla, Aure, Fjord, the part of Volda that was formerly Hornindal municipality, the parts of Molde that were formerly Nesset and Midsund minicipalities, and the part of Ålesund that was formerly Sandøy municipality | 6,3 |
| Vestland | Tysnes, Kvinnherad, Ullensvang, Eidfjord, Ulvik, Modalen, Fedje, Masfjorden, Gulen, Solund, Hyllestad, Høyanger, Vik, Aurland, Lærdal, Årdal, Luster, Askvoll, Fjaler, Bremanger, Stad, Gloppen, Stryn, the part of Voss that was formerly Granvin municipality, the part of Kinn that was formerly Vågsøy municipality, the parts of Sogndal that were formerly Leikanger and Balestrand municipalities, and the parts of Sunnfjord that were formerly Gaular, Jølster and Naustdal municipalities | 4,7 |
| Rogaland | Hjelmeland, Suldal and Sauda | 3,6 |
| Agder | Risør, Gjerstad, Åmli, Evje og Hornnes, Bygland, Valle, Bykle, and Åseral | 2,9 |
| Vestfold og Telemark | Drangedal, Nome, Tinn, Hjartdal, Seljord, Kviteseid, Nissedal, Fyresdal, Tokke, and Vinje | 2,9 |
| Viken | Flå, Nesbyen, Gol, Hemsedal, Ål, Hol, Rollag, and Nore og Uvdal | 3,0 |

(43)

The adjacent areas to Innlandet are located in the level 3 regions of Trøndelag, Møre og Romsdal, Vestland, Rogaland, Agder, Vestfold og Telemark, and Viken. These areas are presented in the below Table 5 (32).

Table 5

Included contiguous areas to Innlandet

Level 3 region

Areas (municipalities)

Population density

Trøndelag

Hitra, Frøya, Oppdal, Rennebu, Røros, Holtålen, Tydal, Meråker, Heim, Rindal, and the parts of Orkland that were formerly Agdenes, Meldal, and parts of Snillfjord municipality

3,6

Møre og Romsdal

Vanylven, Sande, Stranda, Sykkylven, Vestnes, Rauma, Tingvoll, Sunndal, Surnadal, Smøla, Aure, Fjord, the part of Volda that was formerly Hornindal municipality, the parts of Molde that were formerly Nesset and Midsund minicipalities, and the part of Ålesund that was formerly Sandøy municipality

6,3

Vestland

Tysnes, Kvinnherad, Ullensvang, Eidfjord, Ulvik, Modalen, Fedje, Masfjorden, Gulen, Solund, Hyllestad, Høyanger, Vik, Aurland, Lærdal, Årdal, Luster, Askvoll, Fjaler, Bremanger, Stad, Gloppen, Stryn, the part of Voss that was formerly Granvin municipality, the part of Kinn that was formerly Vågsøy municipality, the parts of Sogndal that were formerly Leikanger and Balestrand municipalities, and the parts of Sunnfjord that were formerly Gaular, Jølster and Naustdal municipalities

4,7

Rogaland

Hjelmeland, Suldal and Sauda

3,6

Agder

Risør, Gjerstad, Åmli, Evje og Hornnes, Bygland, Valle, Bykle, and Åseral

2,9

Vestfold og Telemark

Drangedal, Nome, Tinn, Hjartdal, Seljord, Kviteseid, Nissedal, Fyresdal, Tokke, and Vinje

2,9

Viken

Flå, Nesbyen, Gol, Hemsedal, Ål, Hol, Rollag, and Nore og Uvdal

3,0

| (44) | The population in these areas is 301 848 inhabitants when calculated on the basis of the population figures from 1 January 2020 (33). |
| --- | --- |

(44)

The population in these areas is 301 848 inhabitants when calculated on the basis of the population figures from 1 January 2020 (33).

3.2.3.6   Assessment of the flexible approach

| (45) | Paragraph 169 of the RAG sets out three requirements, which must be met, in order to swap in areas from statistical regions at level 2 with a population density above 8 inhabitants per km2. |
| --- | --- |

(45)

Paragraph 169 of the RAG sets out three requirements, which must be met, in order to swap in areas from statistical regions at level 2 with a population density above 8 inhabitants per km2.

| (46) | First, these areas must have fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2. |
| --- | --- |

(46)

First, these areas must have fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2.

| (47) | As established in paragraph (27) above, both ESA (34) and the Commission (35) have previously assessed the population densities for swapped in sparsely populated areas together, per their respective level 3 region (statistical regions at level 3 / NUTS 3 regions). For very sparsely populated areas designated in the context of an operating aid scheme, ESA did not assess the population densities in the concerned areas at a smaller unit level than level 3 (36). |
| --- | --- |

(47)

As established in paragraph (27) above, both ESA (34) and the Commission (35) have previously assessed the population densities for swapped in sparsely populated areas together, per their respective level 3 region (statistical regions at level 3 / NUTS 3 regions). For very sparsely populated areas designated in the context of an operating aid scheme, ESA did not assess the population densities in the concerned areas at a smaller unit level than level 3 (36).

| (48) | There is nothing new in the wording of paragraph 169 of the RAG to require a departure from this established practice. Accordingly, ESA will follow the same approach under the new RAG. |
| --- | --- |

(48)

There is nothing new in the wording of paragraph 169 of the RAG to require a departure from this established practice. Accordingly, ESA will follow the same approach under the new RAG.

| (49) | It follows from the data presented in Tables 4 and 5 above that the population densities in the swapped in areas are below 8 inhabitants per km2 when the areas located in the same statistical region at level 3 are assessed together. As the statistical regions at level 3 are part of the larger regions at level 2, this entails that the population densities in the swapped in areas are also below the threshold of 8 inhabitants per km2 if assessed at the level of the included areas in each region at level 2. |
| --- | --- |

(49)

It follows from the data presented in Tables 4 and 5 above that the population densities in the swapped in areas are below 8 inhabitants per km2 when the areas located in the same statistical region at level 3 are assessed together. As the statistical regions at level 3 are part of the larger regions at level 2, this entails that the population densities in the swapped in areas are also below the threshold of 8 inhabitants per km2 if assessed at the level of the included areas in each region at level 2.

| (50) | The population density requirement is therefore met for the swapped in areas. As established by Table 3, the population density requirement is also met for the designated areas in Innlandet assessed together. |
| --- | --- |

(50)

The population density requirement is therefore met for the swapped in areas. As established by Table 3, the population density requirement is also met for the designated areas in Innlandet assessed together.

| (51) | Second, the swapped in areas must be contiguous areas adjacent to the statistical regions at level 2 with a population density of less than 8 inhabitants per km2. On the basis of the borders between the concerned areas, as illustrated by the graphic map attached as Annex III(b) to this decision, ESA concludes that this requirement is met. |
| --- | --- |

(51)

Second, the swapped in areas must be contiguous areas adjacent to the statistical regions at level 2 with a population density of less than 8 inhabitants per km2. On the basis of the borders between the concerned areas, as illustrated by the graphic map attached as Annex III(b) to this decision, ESA concludes that this requirement is met.

| (52) | Third, the swapping exercise must not result in the specific allocation of ‘c’ coverage referred to in paragraph 167 of the RAG being exceeded. According to the final sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG, the population of the very sparsely populated areas must, for the purposes of this assessment, be taken together with that of the areas which are only sparsely populated. |
| --- | --- |

(52)

Third, the swapping exercise must not result in the specific allocation of ‘c’ coverage referred to in paragraph 167 of the RAG being exceeded. According to the final sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG, the population of the very sparsely populated areas must, for the purposes of this assessment, be taken together with that of the areas which are only sparsely populated.

| (53) | The population within the designated very sparsely populated areas amounts to 1 003 192 inhabitants (37). This population was included when assessing the compliance of the designation of sparsely populated areas with the population coverage ceiling in paragraph (31) above. On this basis, ESA concludes that the population coverage of the Norwegian regional aid map does not exceed the specific allocation of ‘c’ coverage referred to in paragraph 167 of the RAG. |
| --- | --- |

(53)

The population within the designated very sparsely populated areas amounts to 1 003 192 inhabitants (37). This population was included when assessing the compliance of the designation of sparsely populated areas with the population coverage ceiling in paragraph (31) above. On this basis, ESA concludes that the population coverage of the Norwegian regional aid map does not exceed the specific allocation of ‘c’ coverage referred to in paragraph 167 of the RAG.

3.2.4   Concluding remarks on the designation of predefined ‘c’ areas

| (54) | In the regional aid map 2022–2027, the Norwegian authorities have designated sparsely and very sparsely populated areas eligible for regional aid. On the basis of the above assessment, ESA considers that this designation has been made in accordance with the RAG. |
| --- | --- |

(54)

In the regional aid map 2022–2027, the Norwegian authorities have designated sparsely and very sparsely populated areas eligible for regional aid. On the basis of the above assessment, ESA considers that this designation has been made in accordance with the RAG.

3.3   Non-predefined ‘c’ areas

3.3.1   Introduction

| (55) | According to Annex I to the RAG, the allocation of non-predefined ‘c’ coverage for Norway is 6,87 % of the national population. Norway can use this coverage to designate non-predefined ‘c’ areas in accordance with the conditions in paragraph 175 of the RAG. |
| --- | --- |

(55)

According to Annex I to the RAG, the allocation of non-predefined ‘c’ coverage for Norway is 6,87 % of the national population. Norway can use this coverage to designate non-predefined ‘c’ areas in accordance with the conditions in paragraph 175 of the RAG.

3.3.2   Included areas

| (56) | The areas designated by the Norwegian authorities as non-predefined ‘c’ areas, are presented in the below Table 6 (38).

  Table 6


  Non-predefined ‘c’ areas








  Level 3 region | Municipalities | Population 1 January 2020 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rogaland | Utsira and Kvitsøy | 715 |
| Møre og Romsdal | Aukra | 3 509 |

(56)

The areas designated by the Norwegian authorities as non-predefined ‘c’ areas, are presented in the below Table 6 (38).

Table 6

Non-predefined ‘c’ areas

Level 3 region

Municipalities

Population 1 January 2020

Rogaland

Utsira and Kvitsøy

715

Møre og Romsdal

Aukra

3 509

| (57) | On the basis of the most recent population figures from 1 January 2020, the population in the areas designated as non-predefined ‘c’ areas is therefore 4 224 inhabitants. |
| --- | --- |

(57)

On the basis of the most recent population figures from 1 January 2020, the population in the areas designated as non-predefined ‘c’ areas is therefore 4 224 inhabitants.

3.3.3   Assessment

| (58) | According to paragraph 175(3)(iii) of the RAG, EEA EFTA States may designate as non-predefined ‘c’ areas islands that have fewer than 5 000 inhabitants. |
| --- | --- |

(58)

According to paragraph 175(3)(iii) of the RAG, EEA EFTA States may designate as non-predefined ‘c’ areas islands that have fewer than 5 000 inhabitants.

| (59) | As follows from the figures presented in Table 6 above, the population on each of the islands of Utsira, Kvitsøy and Aukra is less than 5 000 inhabitants. The condition in paragraph 175(3)(iii) of the RAG is therefore met. |
| --- | --- |

(59)

As follows from the figures presented in Table 6 above, the population on each of the islands of Utsira, Kvitsøy and Aukra is less than 5 000 inhabitants. The condition in paragraph 175(3)(iii) of the RAG is therefore met.

| (60) | Based on the population data in Table 6 above, the population within these designated areas furthermore amounts to 0,08 % of the total population. This is well below the allocation of non-predefined ‘c’ coverage for Norway of 6,87 % in Annex I to the RAG. |
| --- | --- |

(60)

Based on the population data in Table 6 above, the population within these designated areas furthermore amounts to 0,08 % of the total population. This is well below the allocation of non-predefined ‘c’ coverage for Norway of 6,87 % in Annex I to the RAG.

| (61) | On this basis, ESA concludes that the designation of non-predefined ‘c’ areas in the Norwegian regional aid map 2022–2027 is in accordance with the RAG. |
| --- | --- |

(61)

On this basis, ESA concludes that the designation of non-predefined ‘c’ areas in the Norwegian regional aid map 2022–2027 is in accordance with the RAG.

3.4   Overview of the areas covered by the regional aid map

| (62) | A list of the areas included in the regional aid map, including their status as very sparsely populated, sparsely populated, or non-predefined ‘c’ areas, is included as Annex I to this decision. Annex II contains more detailed information on the statistical units in those municipalities that have been split when designating eligible areas. |
| --- | --- |

(62)

A list of the areas included in the regional aid map, including their status as very sparsely populated, sparsely populated, or non-predefined ‘c’ areas, is included as Annex I to this decision. Annex II contains more detailed information on the statistical units in those municipalities that have been split when designating eligible areas.

4   AID INTENSITIES

| (63) | It follows from paragraph 151 of the RAG that the regional aid map must also specify maximum aid intensities applicable in the eligible areas during the period of validity of the approved map. |
| --- | --- |

(63)

It follows from paragraph 151 of the RAG that the regional aid map must also specify maximum aid intensities applicable in the eligible areas during the period of validity of the approved map.

| (64) | The maximum aid intensities in the map apply to regional investment aid. The maximum intensities allowed for such aid under the RAG, are set out in its Section 7.4. |
| --- | --- |

(64)

The maximum aid intensities in the map apply to regional investment aid. The maximum intensities allowed for such aid under the RAG, are set out in its Section 7.4.

| (65) | As specified in Table 7 below, the Norwegian authorities have notified maximum aid intensities for large enterprises of 20 % and 10 % in respectively predefined ‘c’ areas and non-predefined ‘c’ areas. These maximum intensities are increased by 20 percentage points for small enterprises and 10 percentage points for medium-sized enterprises (39).

  Table 7


  Maximum aid intensities









  Type of area | Maximum aid intensities for large enterprises | Increase for medium-sized enterprises | Increase for small enterprises |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Predefined ‘c’ | 20  % | 10  % | 20  % |
| Non-predefined ‘c’ | 10  % | 10  % | 20  % |

(65)

As specified in Table 7 below, the Norwegian authorities have notified maximum aid intensities for large enterprises of 20 % and 10 % in respectively predefined ‘c’ areas and non-predefined ‘c’ areas. These maximum intensities are increased by 20 percentage points for small enterprises and 10 percentage points for medium-sized enterprises (39).

Table 7

Maximum aid intensities

Type of area

Maximum aid intensities for large enterprises

Increase for medium-sized enterprises

Increase for small enterprises

Predefined ‘c’

20  %

10  %

20  %

Non-predefined ‘c’

10  %

10  %

20  %

| (66) | With respect to the maximum aid intensities in predefined ‘c’ areas, paragraph 182(1) of the RAG stipulates that the aid intensity for large enterprises must not exceed 20 % in sparsely populated areas. As all of the areas designated under the quota for predefined ‘c’ areas are sparsely populated, the maximum aid intensity stipulated by the Norwegian authorities for these areas is in accordance with the RAG. |
| --- | --- |

(66)

With respect to the maximum aid intensities in predefined ‘c’ areas, paragraph 182(1) of the RAG stipulates that the aid intensity for large enterprises must not exceed 20 % in sparsely populated areas. As all of the areas designated under the quota for predefined ‘c’ areas are sparsely populated, the maximum aid intensity stipulated by the Norwegian authorities for these areas is in accordance with the RAG.

| (67) | The increases allowed for medium-sized and small enterprises in predefined ‘c’ areas are also in accordance with the RAG. It follows from paragraph 186 of the RAG that the aid intensities may be increased by up to 20 percentage points for small enterprises or up to 10 percentage points for medium-sized enterprises. |
| --- | --- |

(67)

The increases allowed for medium-sized and small enterprises in predefined ‘c’ areas are also in accordance with the RAG. It follows from paragraph 186 of the RAG that the aid intensities may be increased by up to 20 percentage points for small enterprises or up to 10 percentage points for medium-sized enterprises.

| (68) | As regards the maximum aid intensities in non-predefined ‘c’ areas, paragraph 182(3) of the RAG stipulates that the aid intensity for large enterprises must not exceed 10 % in non-predefined ‘c’ areas that have a GDP per capita above 100 % of the EEA average and an unemployment rate below 100 % of the EEA average. Since the designated non-predefined ‘c’ areas fall within this category, the Norwegian authorities have set the maximum aid intensity to 10 %. |
| --- | --- |

(68)

As regards the maximum aid intensities in non-predefined ‘c’ areas, paragraph 182(3) of the RAG stipulates that the aid intensity for large enterprises must not exceed 10 % in non-predefined ‘c’ areas that have a GDP per capita above 100 % of the EEA average and an unemployment rate below 100 % of the EEA average. Since the designated non-predefined ‘c’ areas fall within this category, the Norwegian authorities have set the maximum aid intensity to 10 %.

| (69) | The scope under paragraph 186 of the RAG for increasing the aid intensities for small and medium-sized enterprises, however, apply also for non-predefined ‘c’ areas. The increases of the maximum aid intensity in these areas, as presented in Table 7 above, are therefore also in accordance with the RAG. |
| --- | --- |

(69)

The scope under paragraph 186 of the RAG for increasing the aid intensities for small and medium-sized enterprises, however, apply also for non-predefined ‘c’ areas. The increases of the maximum aid intensity in these areas, as presented in Table 7 above, are therefore also in accordance with the RAG.

5   DURATION AND REVIEW

| (70) | In accordance with paragraph 189 of the RAG, the Norwegian authorities have notified a single regional aid map applicable for the period 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027. |
| --- | --- |

(70)

In accordance with paragraph 189 of the RAG, the Norwegian authorities have notified a single regional aid map applicable for the period 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027.

| (71) | It follows from paragraph 194 of the RAG that a mid-term review of the regional aid maps will be carried out in 2023. ESA will communicate the details on the mid-term review by June 2023. |
| --- | --- |

(71)

It follows from paragraph 194 of the RAG that a mid-term review of the regional aid maps will be carried out in 2023. ESA will communicate the details on the mid-term review by June 2023.

6   CONCLUSION

| (72) | On the basis of the foregoing assessment, ESA finds that the Norwegian regional aid map 2022–2027 is compatible with the principles set out in the RAG. The approved map constitutes an integral part of the RAG. |
| --- | --- |

(72)

On the basis of the foregoing assessment, ESA finds that the Norwegian regional aid map 2022–2027 is compatible with the principles set out in the RAG. The approved map constitutes an integral part of the RAG.

| (73) | Annexes I, II, and III(a) and (b), form an integral part of this decision. |
| --- | --- |

(73)

Annexes I, II, and III(a) and (b), form an integral part of this decision.

For the EFTA Surveillance Authority,

Bente ANGELL-HANSEN

President

Responsible College Member

Högni S. KRISTJÁNSSON

College Member

Stefan BARRIGA

College Member

Melpo-Menie JOSÉPHIDÈS

Countersigning as Director,

Legal and Executive Affairs

---

(1)  The Guidelines on regional State aid were adopted on 1 December 2021 by ESA Decision No 269/21/COL, not yet published.

1

(2)  The RAG, paragraph 190.

2

(3)  The RAG, paragraph 2.

3

(4)  
  Ibid.

4

Ibid

(5)  Document Nos 1252726, 1252724, 1252722, 1252736, 1252734, 1252728, 12527 and 1252732.

5

(6)  ESA Decision No 91/14/COL of 26 February 2014 on the Norwegian regional aid map 2014–2020 (OJ L 172, 12.6.2014, p. 52, and EEA Supplement No 34, 12.6.2014, p. 18).

6

(7)  See paragraphs 79–81 of ESA Decision No 225/14/COL of 18 June 2014 on regionally differentiated social security contributions 2014–2020 (OJ C 344, 2.10.2014, p. 14, and EEA Supplement No 55, 2.10.2014, p. 4).

7

(8)  PDF maps of the statistical regions of Norway are available on Eurostat’s webpages: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/nuts/nuts-maps

8

(9)  For the purpose of the notification of the regional aid map, the Norwegian authorities have used population figures from 1 January 2020. These figures have been procured from Statistics Norway (SSB). With respect to the land area figures, these are also from 1 January 2020, and have been collected from SSB (Statistikkbanken). In certain instances, however, data have been collected from earlier years to obtain data for former municipalities which have been split or amalgamated. This pertains in particular to land area data.

9

Statistikkbanken

(10)  Notification, p. 3.

10

(11)  Table 4 on p. 5 of the notification.

11

(12)  Notification, pp. 3 and 4.

12

(13)  The table is based on Table 2 on p. 4 of the notification.

13

(14)  Table 1 on p. 3 of the notification.

14

(15)  The table is based on Table 3 on p. 4 of the notification.

15

(16)  Table 1 on p. 3 of the notification.

16

(17)  See the Decision on the Norwegian regional aid map 2014–2020, referenced in footnote 6 above, paragraph 18.

17

(18)  See paragraphs 7 and 15 of the Commission decision of 27 March 2014 on the Swedish regional aid map 2014–2020, SA37985 (2014/N), (OJ C 210, 4.7.2014, p. 20).

18

(19)  See paragraph 9 of ESA Decision No 170/14/COL of 24 April 2014 on the Icelandic regional aid map 2014–2020 (OJ L 201, 10.7.2014, p. 33).

19

(20)  See the Commission decision on the Swedish regional aid map 2014–2020, referenced in footnote 18 above, in footnote 2, paragraph 10, and paragraphs 13–15.

20

(21)  Notification, p. 3.

21

(22)  Notification, p. 3.

22

(23)  This region comprises the following statistical regions at level 3: Troms og Finnmark and Nordland.

23

(24)  Innlandet is also a statistical region at level 3.

24

(25)  Table 7a on p. 8 of the notification.

25

(26)  Notification, p. 8.

26

(27)  See the Decision on regionally differentiated social security contributions 2014–2020, referenced in footnote 7, paragraphs 79 to 81.

27

(28)  The table is based on Tables 7b and 8b on pp. 8 and 9 of the notification.

28

(29)  Table 7b on p. 8 of the notification.

29

(30)  The table is based on Tables 7a and 8a on pp. 8 and 9 of the notification.

30

(31)  Table 7a on p. 8 of the notification.

31

(32)  The table is based on Tables 7b and 8b on pp. 8 and 9 of the notification.

32

(33)  Table 7b on p. 8 of the notification.

33

(34)  See the Decision on the Norwegian regional aid map 2014–2020, referenced in footnote 6 above, paragraph 18.

34

(35)  See the Decision on the Swedish regional aid map 2014–2020, referenced in footnote 18 above, paragraphs 7 and 15.

35

(36)  See paragraphs 79–81 of the Decision on regionally differentiated social security contributions 2014–2020, referenced in footnote 7 above.

36

(37)  Notification, p. 10.

37

(38)  The table is based on Table 9 on p. 11 of the notification.

38

(39)  The table is based on Table 10 on p. 11 of the notification.

39

---

ANNEX I

Overview of the areas covered by the regional aid map

1   PREDEFINED ‘C’ AREAS

1.1   Very sparsely populated areas

| Level 3 region | Municipalities |
| --- | --- |
| Troms og Finnmark | Tromsø, Harstad-Hárstták, Alta, Vardø, Vadsø, Hammerfest, Kvæfjord, Tjeldsund, Ibestad, Gratangen, Loabák-Lavangen, Bardu, Salangen, Målselv, Sørreisa, Dyrøy, Senja, Balsfjord, Karlsøy, Lyngen, Storfjord-Omasvuotna-Omasvuono, Gáivuotna-Kåfjord-Kaivuono, Skjervøy, Nordreisa, Kvænangen, Guovdageaidnu-Kautokeino, Loppa, Hasvik, Måsøy, Nordkapp, Porsanger-Porsáŋgu-Porsanki, Kárášjohka-Karasjok, Lebesby, Gamvik, Berlevåg, Deatnu-Tana, Unjárga-Nesseby, Båtsfjord, and Sør-Varanger |
| Nordland | Bodø, Narvik, Bindal, Sømna, Brønnøy, Vega, Vevelstad, Herøy, Alstahaug, Leirfjord, Vefsn, Grane, Hattfjelldal, Dønna, Nesna, Hemnes, Rana, Lurøy, Træna, Rødøy, Meløy, Gildeskål, Beiarn, Saltdal, Fauske-Fuossko, Sørfold, Steigen, Lødingen, Evenes, Røst, Værøy, Flakstad, Vestvågøy, Vågan, Hadsel, Bø, Øksnes, Sortland, Andøy, Moskenes, and Hamarøy-Hábmer |
| Trøndelag | The part of Steinkjer that was formerly Verran, Namsos, Osen, Snåase-Snåsa, Lierne, Raarvihke–Røyrvik, Namsskogan, Grong, Høylandet, Overhalla, Flatanger, Leka, Inderøy, Indre Fosen, Ørland, Åfjord, Nærøysund, Hitra, Frøya, Oppdal, Rennebu, Røros, Holtålen, Tydal, Meråker, Heim, Rindal, and the parts of Orkland that were formerly Agdenes, Meldal and parts of Snillfjord municipality |
| Møre og Romsdal | Vanylven, Sande, Stranda, Sykkylven, Vestnes, Rauma, Tingvoll, Sunndal, Surnadal, Smøla, Aure, Fjord, the part of Volda that was formerly Hornindal, the parts of Molde that were formerly Nesset and Midsund, and the part of Ålesund that was formerly Sandøy |
| Vestland | Tysnes, Kvinnherad, Ullensvang, Eidfjord, Ulvik, Modalen, Fedje, Masfjorden, Gulen, Solund, Hyllestad, Høyanger, Vik, Aurland, Lærdal, Årdal, Luster, Askvoll, Fjaler, Bremanger, Stad, Gloppen, Stryn, the part of Voss that was formerly Granvin, the part of Kinn that was formerly Vågsøy, the parts of Sogndal that were formerly Leikanger and Balestrand, and the parts of Sunnfjord that were formerly Gaular, Jølster and Naustdal |
| Rogaland | Hjelmeland, Suldal and Sauda |
| Agder | Risør, Gjerstad, Åmli, Evje og Hornnes, Bygland, Valle, Bykle, and Åseral |
| Vestfold og Telemark | Drangedal, Nome, Tinn, Hjartdal, Seljord, Kviteseid, Nissedal, Fyresdal, Tokke, and Vinje |
| Innlandet | Kongsvinger, Nord-Odal, Sør-Odal, Eidskog, Grue, Åsnes, Våler, Trysil, Åmot, Stor-Elvdal, Rendalen, Engerdal, Tolga, Tynset, Alvdal, Folldal, Os, Dovre, Lesja, Skjåk, Lom, Vågå, Nord-Fron, Sel, Sør-Fron, Ringebu, Søndre Land, Nordre Land, Sør-Aurdal, Etnedal, Nord-Aurdal, Vestre Slidre, Øystre Slidre, and Vang |
| Viken | Flå, Nesbyen, Gol, Hemsedal, Ål, Hol, Rollag, and Nore og Uvdal |

Level 3 region

Municipalities

Troms og Finnmark

Tromsø, Harstad-Hárstták, Alta, Vardø, Vadsø, Hammerfest, Kvæfjord, Tjeldsund, Ibestad, Gratangen, Loabák-Lavangen, Bardu, Salangen, Målselv, Sørreisa, Dyrøy, Senja, Balsfjord, Karlsøy, Lyngen, Storfjord-Omasvuotna-Omasvuono, Gáivuotna-Kåfjord-Kaivuono, Skjervøy, Nordreisa, Kvænangen, Guovdageaidnu-Kautokeino, Loppa, Hasvik, Måsøy, Nordkapp, Porsanger-Porsáŋgu-Porsanki, Kárášjohka-Karasjok, Lebesby, Gamvik, Berlevåg, Deatnu-Tana, Unjárga-Nesseby, Båtsfjord, and Sør-Varanger

Nordland

Bodø, Narvik, Bindal, Sømna, Brønnøy, Vega, Vevelstad, Herøy, Alstahaug, Leirfjord, Vefsn, Grane, Hattfjelldal, Dønna, Nesna, Hemnes, Rana, Lurøy, Træna, Rødøy, Meløy, Gildeskål, Beiarn, Saltdal, Fauske-Fuossko, Sørfold, Steigen, Lødingen, Evenes, Røst, Værøy, Flakstad, Vestvågøy, Vågan, Hadsel, Bø, Øksnes, Sortland, Andøy, Moskenes, and Hamarøy-Hábmer

Trøndelag

The part of Steinkjer that was formerly Verran, Namsos, Osen, Snåase-Snåsa, Lierne, Raarvihke–Røyrvik, Namsskogan, Grong, Høylandet, Overhalla, Flatanger, Leka, Inderøy, Indre Fosen, Ørland, Åfjord, Nærøysund, Hitra, Frøya, Oppdal, Rennebu, Røros, Holtålen, Tydal, Meråker, Heim, Rindal, and the parts of Orkland that were formerly Agdenes, Meldal and parts of Snillfjord municipality

Møre og Romsdal

Vanylven, Sande, Stranda, Sykkylven, Vestnes, Rauma, Tingvoll, Sunndal, Surnadal, Smøla, Aure, Fjord, the part of Volda that was formerly Hornindal, the parts of Molde that were formerly Nesset and Midsund, and the part of Ålesund that was formerly Sandøy

Vestland

Tysnes, Kvinnherad, Ullensvang, Eidfjord, Ulvik, Modalen, Fedje, Masfjorden, Gulen, Solund, Hyllestad, Høyanger, Vik, Aurland, Lærdal, Årdal, Luster, Askvoll, Fjaler, Bremanger, Stad, Gloppen, Stryn, the part of Voss that was formerly Granvin, the part of Kinn that was formerly Vågsøy, the parts of Sogndal that were formerly Leikanger and Balestrand, and the parts of Sunnfjord that were formerly Gaular, Jølster and Naustdal

Rogaland

Hjelmeland, Suldal and Sauda

Agder

Risør, Gjerstad, Åmli, Evje og Hornnes, Bygland, Valle, Bykle, and Åseral

Vestfold og Telemark

Drangedal, Nome, Tinn, Hjartdal, Seljord, Kviteseid, Nissedal, Fyresdal, Tokke, and Vinje

Innlandet

Kongsvinger, Nord-Odal, Sør-Odal, Eidskog, Grue, Åsnes, Våler, Trysil, Åmot, Stor-Elvdal, Rendalen, Engerdal, Tolga, Tynset, Alvdal, Folldal, Os, Dovre, Lesja, Skjåk, Lom, Vågå, Nord-Fron, Sel, Sør-Fron, Ringebu, Søndre Land, Nordre Land, Sør-Aurdal, Etnedal, Nord-Aurdal, Vestre Slidre, Øystre Slidre, and Vang

Viken

Flå, Nesbyen, Gol, Hemsedal, Ål, Hol, Rollag, and Nore og Uvdal

1.2   Sparsely populated areas

| Level 3 region | Municipalities |
| --- | --- |
| Trøndelag | The part of Steinkjer that was formerly Steinkjer (i.e. the part that was not Verran), Midtre Gauldal, Selbu, Frosta, and Verdal |
| Møre og Romsdal | The part of Ålesund that was formerly Haram, Hareid, the part of Volda that was formerly Volda (i.e. the part that was not Hornindal), Ørsta, Averøy, Gjemnes, and Hustadvika |
| Vestland | The part of Voss that was formerly Voss (i.e. the part that was not Granvin), the part of Kinn that was formerly Flora, the part of Sogndal that was formerly Sogndal (i.e. the part that was not Balestrand and Leikanger), the part of Sunnfjord that was formerly Førde, Etne, Bømlo, Fitjar, Kvam, Samnanger, Vaksdal, and Austrheim |
| Rogaland | Sokndal, Lund, and Bjerkreim |
| Agder | The part of Lindesnes that was formerly Marnardal, the part of Lyngdal that was formerly Audnedal, Farsund, Flekkefjord, Vegårshei, Tvedestrand, Iveland, Hægebostad, Kvinesdal, and Sirdal |
| Vestfold og Telemark | Notodden, Bamble, Kragerø, and Midt-Telemark |
| Innlandet | Øyer, Gausdal, and Vestre Toten |
| Viken | Aremark, Marker, Aurskog-Høland, Sigdal, Krødsherad, and Flesberg |

Level 3 region

Municipalities

Trøndelag

The part of Steinkjer that was formerly Steinkjer (i.e. the part that was not Verran), Midtre Gauldal, Selbu, Frosta, and Verdal

Møre og Romsdal

The part of Ålesund that was formerly Haram, Hareid, the part of Volda that was formerly Volda (i.e. the part that was not Hornindal), Ørsta, Averøy, Gjemnes, and Hustadvika

Vestland

The part of Voss that was formerly Voss (i.e. the part that was not Granvin), the part of Kinn that was formerly Flora, the part of Sogndal that was formerly Sogndal (i.e. the part that was not Balestrand and Leikanger), the part of Sunnfjord that was formerly Førde, Etne, Bømlo, Fitjar, Kvam, Samnanger, Vaksdal, and Austrheim

Rogaland

Sokndal, Lund, and Bjerkreim

Agder

The part of Lindesnes that was formerly Marnardal, the part of Lyngdal that was formerly Audnedal, Farsund, Flekkefjord, Vegårshei, Tvedestrand, Iveland, Hægebostad, Kvinesdal, and Sirdal

Vestfold og Telemark

Notodden, Bamble, Kragerø, and Midt-Telemark

Innlandet

Øyer, Gausdal, and Vestre Toten

Viken

Aremark, Marker, Aurskog-Høland, Sigdal, Krødsherad, and Flesberg

2   NON-PREDEFINED ‘C’ AREAS

| Level 3 region | Municipalities |
| --- | --- |
| Rogaland | Utsira and Kvitsøy |
| Møre og Romsdal | Aukra |

Level 3 region

Municipalities

Rogaland

Utsira and Kvitsøy

Møre og Romsdal

Aukra

---

ANNEX II

Eligible Basic Statistical Units (BSUs) in split municipalities

| Municipality (LAU) Code | Municipality name | Former municipality | BSU Code | BSU Name |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 4205 | Lindesnes | Marnardal | 42051001 | Øyslebø |
| | | | 42051002 | Skjævesland |
| | | | 42051003 | Birkeland |
| | | | 42051004 | Støa |
| | | | 42051005 | Gangså |
| | | | 42051006 | Finnsdal |
| | | | 42051007 | Tjomsland - Lindland |
| | | | 42051008 | Laudal Nedre |
| | | | 42051009 | Laudal Øvre |
| | | | 42051010 | Tisland |
| | | | 42051011 | Åkset |
| | | | 42051012 | Bruskeland |
| | | | 42051013 | Rydlende |
| | | | 42051014 | Trygsland |
| | | | 42051015 | Stedjan |
| | | | 42051016 | Koland |
| 4225 | Lyngdal | Audnedal | 42250401 | Brastad |
| | | | 42250402 | Viblemo |
| | | | 42250403 | Konsmo |
| | | | 42250404 | Audnedal |
| | | | 42250405 | Ågedalstø |
| | | | 42250406 | Øydna |
| | | | 42250407 | Byremo |
| | | | 42250408 | Håland - Sveindal |
| 4621 | Voss | 1234 Granvin | 46211001 | Lussand - Kvandal |
| | | | 46211002 | Folkedal |
| | | | 46211003 | Hamre |
| | | | 46211004 | Eide |
| | | | 46211005 | Selland - Kjerland |
| | | | 46211006 | Kyrkjestrandi |
| | | | 46211007 | Seim - Nesheim |
| | | | 46211008 | Spildo |
| | | | 46211009 | Tjoflot |
| | | | 46211010 | Djønno |
| 4602 | Kinn | 1439 Vågsøy | 46020401 | Silda |
| | | | 46020402 | Vedvik |
| | | | 46020403 | Halsør |
| | | | 46020404 | Røysa |
| | | | 46020405 | Raudeberg |
| | | | 46020406 | Kapellneset |
| | | | 46020407 | Refvik |
| | | | 46020408 | Kvalheim |
| | | | 46020501 | Ulvesund |
| | | | 46020502 | Degnepoll |
| | | | 46020503 | Kulen |
| | | | 46020504 | Blålid |
| | | | 46020505 | Skavøypoll |
| | | | 46020506 | Sørpoll |
| | | | 46020507 | Almenning |
| | | | 46020601 | Våge - Oppedal |
| | | | 46020602 | Holvik |
| | | | 46020603 | Sæternes |
| | | | 46020604 | Ellingskaret |
| | | | 46020605 | Skram Øvre |
| | | | 46020606 | Skram Nedre |
| | | | 46020607 | Midtgård Søndre |
| | | | 46020608 | Midtgård Nordre |
| | | | 46020609 | Gotteberg |
| | | | 46020610 | Øyane i Sør |
| 4640 | Sogndal | 1419 Leikanger | 46400501 | Njøs |
| | | | 46400502 | Hermansverk |
| | | | 46400503 | Henjum |
| | | | 46400504 | Leitet |
| | | | 46400505 | Leikanger |
| | | | 46400506 | Hamre - Fosse |
| | | | 46400507 | Grinde |
| | | | 46400508 | Eitorn |
| 4640 | Sogndal | 1418 Balestrand | 46400604 | Vetlefjord |
| | | | 46400605 | Sværefjorden |
| | | | 46400606 | Esefjorden |
| | | | 46400607 | Balestrand |
| | | | 46400608 | Thue |
| | | | 46400609 | Kvamsøy |
| 4647 | Sunnfjord | 1430 Gaular | 46470601 | Øvrebotten |
| | | | 46470602 | Eldal - Mjell |
| | | | 46470603 | Viken |
| | | | 46470604 | Hestadgrend |
| | | | 46470605 | Skudal |
| | | | 46470606 | Senneseth |
| | | | 46470607 | Steien |
| | | | 46470608 | Sande |
| | | | 46470609 | Sygna |
| | | | 46470610 | Lunde |
| | | | 46470611 | Skilbrei - Hjelmeland |
| | | | 46470612 | Lien |
| | | | 46470613 | Kvamme |
| | | | 46470614 | Osen |
| | | | 46470615 | Birkeland |
| | | | 46470616 | Kårstad |
| | | | 46470617 | Hestad |
| 4647 | Sunnfjord | 1431 Jølster | 46470401 | Eikås |
| | | | 46470402 | Langhaugane |
| | | | 46470403 | Hjellbrekke |
| | | | 46470404 | Vassenden Nord |
| | | | 46470405 | Vassenden Sør |
| | | | 46470406 | Sanddal |
| | | | 46470407 | Svidal |
| | | | 46470408 | Ålhus |
| | | | 46470501 | Myklebost |
| | | | 46470502 | Årdal |
| | | | 46470503 | Helgheim |
| | | | 46470504 | Fugle |
| | | | 46470505 | Skei |
| | | | 46470506 | Kjøsnesfjorden |
| | | | 46470507 | Førde |
| | | | 46470508 | Klakegg |
| | | | 46470509 | Veiteberg |
| | | | 46470510 | Åmot |
| 4647 | Sunnfjord | 1433 Naustdal | 46470701 | Kvellestad |
| | | | 46470702 | Vevring |
| | | | 46470703 | Redal |
| | | | 46470704 | Helle |
| | | | 46470705 | Frammarsvik |
| | | | 46470706 | Naustdal Vest |
| | | | 46470707 | Naustdal Aust |
| | | | 46470708 | Åse |
| | | | 46470709 | Horstad Vest |
| | | | 46470710 | Horstad Aust |
| | | | 46470711 | Ullaland Nord |
| | | | 46470712 | Ullaland Sør |
| | | | 46470713 | Fimland |
| 1577 | Volda | 1444 Hornindal | 15770601 | Haugen |
| | | | 15770602 | Kirkhorn |
| | | | 15770603 | Grodås |
| | | | 15770605 | Otterdal |
| | | | 15770606 | Lødemel |
| | | | 15770607 | Rygg |
| | | | 15770608 | Kjøs |
| 1506 | Molde | 1543 Nesset | 15060801 | Ranvik |
| | | | 15060802 | Tjelle |
| | | | 15060803 | Rød |
| | | | 15060804 | Høvik |
| | | | 15060805 | Hammervoll |
| | | | 15060806 | Eidsvåg Sentrum |
| | | | 15060807 | Aasen |
| | | | 15060808 | Stubø |
| | | | 15060809 | Vorpenes |
| | | | 15060810 | Raudsand |
| | | | 15060811 | Bersås |
| | | | 15060812 | Eidsøra |
| | | | 15060813 | Meisalstranda |
| | | | 15060814 | Bugge |
| | | | 15060901 | Myklebostad |
| | | | 15060902 | Nerland |
| | | | 15060903 | Sira |
| | | | 15060904 | Slenes |
| | | | 15060905 | Eikesdal |
| | | | 15060906 | Aursjøen |
| | | 1545 Midsund | 15061001 | Søre Midøy |
| | | | 15061002 | Nordre Midøy |
| | | | 15061003 | Midsund Ytre |
| | | | 15061004 | Ugelvik |
| | | | 15061005 | Nerland |
| | | | 15061006 | Raknes |
| | | | 15061007 | Rakvåg |
| | | | 15061008 | Ræstad |
| | | | 15061009 | Nord - Heggdal - Tutra |
| | | | 15061010 | Sør - Heggdal |
| | | | 15061011 | Midsund Indre |
| 1507 | Ålesund | 1534 Haram | 15071101 | Fjørtoft |
| | | | 15071102 | Otterlei |
| | | | 15071103 | Rogne |
| | | | 15071104 | Longva |
| | | | 15071105 | Flem |
| | | | 15071106 | Ulla |
| | | | 15071107 | Austnes |
| | | | 15071108 | Haram |
| | | | 15071109 | Kjerstad |
| | | | 15071110 | Farstad |
| | | | 15071201 | Hurla |
| | | | 15071202 | Alvestad |
| | | | 15071203 | Brattvåg |
| | | | 15071204 | Aksla - Håvik |
| | | | 15071301 | Samfjord |
| | | | 15071302 | Strand |
| | | | 15071303 | Slyngstad |
| | | | 15071304 | Tennfjord |
| | | | 15071305 | Vatne |
| | | | 15071306 | Ulvestad - Vatne |
| | | | 15071307 | Hellestranda |
| | | | 15071308 | Vestrefjord |
| | | | 15071401 | Bjørnøy - Kalvøy |
| | | | 15071402 | Søvik - Gamlem |
| | | | 15071403 | Grytastrand - Hamsund |
| | | 1546 Sandøy | 15071701 | Myklebost |
| | | | 15071702 | Røsok |
| | | | 15071703 | Bruvoll - Morsund |
| | | | 15071704 | Steinshamn - Harnes |
| | | | 15071705 | Huse |
| | | | 15071706 | Finnøy |
| | | | 15071708 | Sandøy |
| | | | 15071709 | Ona - Husøy |
| 5006 | Steinkjer | Verran | 50060801 | Vada |
| | | | 50060802 | Nordberg |
| | | | 50060803 | Kirkreit |
| | | | 50060804 | Bratreit |
| | | | 50060805 | Holdåsen |
| | | | 50060806 | Malmo |
| | | | 50060807 | Fossdalen |
| | | | 50060808 | Ressem |
| | | | 50060809 | Sundbygda |
| | | | 50060810 | Tverås |
| | | | 50060811 | Folladalen - Ystmark |
| | | | 50060812 | Holden - Langvatnet |
| | | | 50060901 | Sela |
| | | | 50060902 | Follafoss Østre |
| | | | 50060903 | Follafoss Vestre - Tua |
| | | | 50060904 | Skjelstad |
| | | | 50060905 | Verrastranda |
| 5059 | Orkland | 5023 Meldal | 50590501 | Midtskog |
| | | | 50590502 | Løvby |
| | | | 50590503 | Løkken Vest |
| | | | 50590504 | Bjørnli |
| | | | 50590505 | Løkken Øst |
| | | | 50590601 | Laksøybygda |
| | | | 50590602 | Drogsetmoen |
| | | | 50590603 | Lo |
| | | | 50590604 | Storås Vest |
| | | | 50590605 | Fossen |
| | | | 50590606 | Syrstad |
| | | | 50590607 | Grefstad |
| | | | 50590608 | Grøta |
| | | | 50590609 | Hilstad |
| | | | 50590610 | Jerpstad |
| | | | 50590611 | Ree |
| | | | 50590612 | Grut |
| | | | 50590613 | Ilfjellet |
| | | | 50590614 | Resdalen |
| | | 5016 Agdenes | 50590801 | Selven |
| | | | 50590802 | Lysheim |
| | | | 50590803 | Sletvik |
| | | | 50590804 | Fjorden |
| | | | 50590806 | Leksa |
| | | | 50590807 | Ingdalen |
| | | | 50590808 | Hamna |
| | | | 50590809 | Singstad |
| | | | 50590810 | Sterten |
| | | | 50590811 | Stranda |
| | | Parts of 5012 Snillfjord | 50590901 | Aa |
| | | | 50590902 | Vuttudal - Skårild |
| | | | 50590904 | Tannvik |
| | | | 50590905 | Åstfjorden |
| | | | 50590906 | Heggstad |
| | | | 50590911 | Imsterfjorden Indre |
| | | | 50590912 | Moldtun |

Municipality (LAU) Code

Municipality name

Former municipality

BSU Code

BSU Name

4205

Lindesnes

Marnardal

42051001

Øyslebø

42051002

Skjævesland

42051003

Birkeland

42051004

Støa

42051005

Gangså

42051006

Finnsdal

42051007

Tjomsland - Lindland

42051008

Laudal Nedre

42051009

Laudal Øvre

42051010

Tisland

42051011

Åkset

42051012

Bruskeland

42051013

Rydlende

42051014

Trygsland

42051015

Stedjan

42051016

Koland

4225

Lyngdal

Audnedal

42250401

Brastad

42250402

Viblemo

42250403

Konsmo

42250404

Audnedal

42250405

Ågedalstø

42250406

Øydna

42250407

Byremo

42250408

Håland - Sveindal

4621

Voss

1234 Granvin

46211001

Lussand - Kvandal

46211002

Folkedal

46211003

Hamre

46211004

Eide

46211005

Selland - Kjerland

46211006

Kyrkjestrandi

46211007

Seim - Nesheim

46211008

Spildo

46211009

Tjoflot

46211010

Djønno

4602

Kinn

1439 Vågsøy

46020401

Silda

46020402

Vedvik

46020403

Halsør

46020404

Røysa

46020405

Raudeberg

46020406

Kapellneset

46020407

Refvik

46020408

Kvalheim

46020501

Ulvesund

46020502

Degnepoll

46020503

Kulen

46020504

Blålid

46020505

Skavøypoll

46020506

Sørpoll

46020507

Almenning

46020601

Våge - Oppedal

46020602

Holvik

46020603

Sæternes

46020604

Ellingskaret

46020605

Skram Øvre

46020606

Skram Nedre

46020607

Midtgård Søndre

46020608

Midtgård Nordre

46020609

Gotteberg

46020610

Øyane i Sør

4640

Sogndal

1419 Leikanger

46400501

Njøs

46400502

Hermansverk

46400503

Henjum

46400504

Leitet

46400505

Leikanger

46400506

Hamre - Fosse

46400507

Grinde

46400508

Eitorn

4640

Sogndal

1418 Balestrand

46400604

Vetlefjord

46400605

Sværefjorden

46400606

Esefjorden

46400607

Balestrand

46400608

Thue

46400609

Kvamsøy

4647

Sunnfjord

1430 Gaular

46470601

Øvrebotten

46470602

Eldal - Mjell

46470603

Viken

46470604

Hestadgrend

46470605

Skudal

46470606

Senneseth

46470607

Steien

46470608

Sande

46470609

Sygna

46470610

Lunde

46470611

Skilbrei - Hjelmeland

46470612

Lien

46470613

Kvamme

46470614

Osen

46470615

Birkeland

46470616

Kårstad

46470617

Hestad

4647

Sunnfjord

1431 Jølster

46470401

Eikås

46470402

Langhaugane

46470403

Hjellbrekke

46470404

Vassenden Nord

46470405

Vassenden Sør

46470406

Sanddal

46470407

Svidal

46470408

Ålhus

46470501

Myklebost

46470502

Årdal

46470503

Helgheim

46470504

Fugle

46470505

Skei

46470506

Kjøsnesfjorden

46470507

Førde

46470508

Klakegg

46470509

Veiteberg

46470510

Åmot

4647

Sunnfjord

1433 Naustdal

46470701

Kvellestad

46470702

Vevring

46470703

Redal

46470704

Helle

46470705

Frammarsvik

46470706

Naustdal Vest

46470707

Naustdal Aust

46470708

Åse

46470709

Horstad Vest

46470710

Horstad Aust

46470711

Ullaland Nord

46470712

Ullaland Sør

46470713

Fimland

1577

Volda

1444 Hornindal

15770601

Haugen

15770602

Kirkhorn

15770603

Grodås

15770605

Otterdal

15770606

Lødemel

15770607

Rygg

15770608

Kjøs

1506

Molde

1543 Nesset

15060801

Ranvik

15060802

Tjelle

15060803

Rød

15060804

Høvik

15060805

Hammervoll

15060806

Eidsvåg Sentrum

15060807

Aasen

15060808

Stubø

15060809

Vorpenes

15060810

Raudsand

15060811

Bersås

15060812

Eidsøra

15060813

Meisalstranda

15060814

Bugge

15060901

Myklebostad

15060902

Nerland

15060903

Sira

15060904

Slenes

15060905

Eikesdal

15060906

Aursjøen

1545 Midsund

15061001

Søre Midøy

15061002

Nordre Midøy

15061003

Midsund Ytre

15061004

Ugelvik

15061005

Nerland

15061006

Raknes

15061007

Rakvåg

15061008

Ræstad

15061009

Nord - Heggdal - Tutra

15061010

Sør - Heggdal

15061011

Midsund Indre

1507

Ålesund

1534 Haram

15071101

Fjørtoft

15071102

Otterlei

15071103

Rogne

15071104

Longva

15071105

Flem

15071106

Ulla

15071107

Austnes

15071108

Haram

15071109

Kjerstad

15071110

Farstad

15071201

Hurla

15071202

Alvestad

15071203

Brattvåg

15071204

Aksla - Håvik

15071301

Samfjord

15071302

Strand

15071303

Slyngstad

15071304

Tennfjord

15071305

Vatne

15071306

Ulvestad - Vatne

15071307

Hellestranda

15071308

Vestrefjord

15071401

Bjørnøy - Kalvøy

15071402

Søvik - Gamlem

15071403

Grytastrand - Hamsund

1546 Sandøy

15071701

Myklebost

15071702

Røsok

15071703

Bruvoll - Morsund

15071704

Steinshamn - Harnes

15071705

Huse

15071706

Finnøy

15071708

Sandøy

15071709

Ona - Husøy

5006

Steinkjer

Verran

50060801

Vada

50060802

Nordberg

50060803

Kirkreit

50060804

Bratreit

50060805

Holdåsen

50060806

Malmo

50060807

Fossdalen

50060808

Ressem

50060809

Sundbygda

50060810

Tverås

50060811

Folladalen - Ystmark

50060812

Holden - Langvatnet

50060901

Sela

50060902

Follafoss Østre

50060903

Follafoss Vestre - Tua

50060904

Skjelstad

50060905

Verrastranda

5059

Orkland

5023 Meldal

50590501

Midtskog

50590502

Løvby

50590503

Løkken Vest

50590504

Bjørnli

50590505

Løkken Øst

50590601

Laksøybygda

50590602

Drogsetmoen

50590603

Lo

50590604

Storås Vest

50590605

Fossen

50590606

Syrstad

50590607

Grefstad

50590608

Grøta

50590609

Hilstad

50590610

Jerpstad

50590611

Ree

50590612

Grut

50590613

Ilfjellet

50590614

Resdalen

5016 Agdenes

50590801

Selven

50590802

Lysheim

50590803

Sletvik

50590804

Fjorden

50590806

Leksa

50590807

Ingdalen

50590808

Hamna

50590809

Singstad

50590810

Sterten

50590811

Stranda

Parts of 5012 Snillfjord

50590901

Aa

50590902

Vuttudal - Skårild

50590904

Tannvik

50590905

Åstfjorden

50590906

Heggstad

50590911

Imsterfjorden Indre

50590912

Moldtun

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ANNEX III (a) and (b)

Graphic illustrations of the eligible areas

Image 1

Image 2

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