# Official Journal C 272/2006

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 272 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 499 November 2006 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 272

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 499 November 2006

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Information |
| | Commission |
| 2006/C 272/1 | Euro exchange rates | 1 |
| 2006/C 272/2 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections | 2 |
| 2006/C 272/3 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 10 |
| 2006/C 272/4 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid (
  1
  ) | 14 |
| 2006/C 272/5 | Notice of the impending expiry of certain anti-dumping and countervailing measures | 18 |
| | EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA |
| | EFTA Surveillance Authority |
| 2006/C 272/6 | Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement on a Norwegian aid scheme for the grant of financial support to the wood sector, the Wood Scheme. | 19 |
| 2006/C 272/7 | Authorisation of State measure pursuant to Article 61 of the EEA Agreement and Article 1 (3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement | 37 |
| 2006/C 272/8 | Authorisation of State measure pursuant to Article 61 of the EEA Agreement and Article 1 (3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement | 38 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Information

Commission

2006/C 272/1

Euro exchange rates

1

2006/C 272/2

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections

2

2006/C 272/3

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  )

1

10

2006/C 272/4

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid (
  1
  )

1

14

2006/C 272/5

Notice of the impending expiry of certain anti-dumping and countervailing measures

18

EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA

EFTA Surveillance Authority

2006/C 272/6

Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement on a Norwegian aid scheme for the grant of financial support to the wood sector, the Wood Scheme.

19

2006/C 272/7

Authorisation of State measure pursuant to Article 61 of the EEA Agreement and Article 1 (3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement

37

2006/C 272/8

Authorisation of State measure pursuant to Article 61 of the EEA Agreement and Article 1 (3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement

38

| | III   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | Commission |
| 2006/C 272/9 | Media 2007— Development, distribution and promotion — Implementation of a programme to encourage the development, distribution and promotion of European audiovisual works — Support for the transnational distribution of European films — Support for international sales agents of European cinema films — Conditional call for proposals — EACEA No 07/06 | 39 |
| 2006/C 272/0 | Structural support for European public policy research organisations and for civil society organisations at European level — Citizenship — P.7 — EACEA — Call for Proposals No 12/06 | 41 |

III   Notices

Commission

2006/C 272/9

Media 2007— Development, distribution and promotion — Implementation of a programme to encourage the development, distribution and promotion of European audiovisual works — Support for the transnational distribution of European films — Support for international sales agents of European cinema films — Conditional call for proposals — EACEA No 07/06

39

2006/C 272/0

Structural support for European public policy research organisations and for civil society organisations at European level — Citizenship — P.7 — EACEA — Call for Proposals No 12/06

41

| | |
| --- | --- |
| 2006/C 272/1 | Notice | s3 |

2006/C 272/1

Notice

Notice

s3

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

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I Information

Commission

| 9.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 272/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.11.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 272/1

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

8 November 2006

(2006/C 272/01)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,2776 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 150,35 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4568 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,67045 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,1465 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,5952 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 87,25 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,2430 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | Cyprus pound | 0,5777 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 28,020 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 261,60 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6962 |
| MTL | Maltese lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,8369 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,5066 |
| SIT | Slovenian tolar | 239,65 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 36,104 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,8627 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6601 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4448 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,9455 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,9109 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,9945 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 194,68 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 9,4364 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 10,0497 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,3320 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 11 635,74 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,6537 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 63,739 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 34,1000 |
| THB | Thai baht | 46,871 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,2776

JPY

Japanese yen

150,35

DKK

Danish krone

7,4568

GBP

Pound sterling

0,67045

SEK

Swedish krona

9,1465

CHF

Swiss franc

1,5952

ISK

Iceland króna

87,25

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,2430

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5777

CZK

Czech koruna

28,020

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

261,60

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6962

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4293

PLN

Polish zloty

3,8369

RON

Romanian leu

3,5066

SIT

Slovenian tolar

239,65

SKK

Slovak koruna

36,104

TRY

Turkish lira

1,8627

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6601

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4448

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,9455

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,9109

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,9945

KRW

South Korean won

1 194,68

ZAR

South African rand

9,4364

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,0497

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,3320

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

11 635,74

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,6537

PHP

Philippine peso

63,739

RUB

Russian rouble

34,1000

THB

Thai baht

46,871

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

| 9.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 272/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.11.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 272/2

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(2006/C 272/02)

| Date of adoption of the decision | 18.9.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 67/06 |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Niedersachsen |
| Title | Trinkwasserschutz |
| Legal basis | §47 h Abs. 3 Wassergesetz Niedersachsen |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | To protect drinking water |
| Budget | 9 000 000 EUR |
| Intensity | 100 % |
| Duration (period) | Unlimited |
| Economic sectors | Environment |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Niedersäschsischer Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft, Küsten- und Naturschutz |
| Sportplatz 23 |
| D-26506 Norden |

Date of adoption of the decision

18.9.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 67/06

Member State

Germany

Region

Niedersachsen

Title

Trinkwasserschutz

Legal basis

§47 h Abs. 3 Wassergesetz Niedersachsen

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

To protect drinking water

Budget

9 000 000 EUR

Intensity

100 %

Duration (period)

Unlimited

Economic sectors

Environment

Name and address of the granting authority

Niedersäschsischer Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft, Küsten- und Naturschutz

Sportplatz 23

D-26506 Norden

Other information

Annual summary reports to be sent to the Commission — individual progress reports to be published on the Internet

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 18.9.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 89/06 |
| Member State | Spain |
| Region | Navarra |
| Title | Ayudas para paliar los daños producidos en el sector agrario por la sequía durante el año 2005 |
| Legal basis | Orden foral 209/2005, de 15 de noviembre de 2005, por que se establece un régimen de ayudas para paliar los daños ocasionados por la sequía en el sector agrario en el año 2005 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Compensation for farmers following adverse weather conditions |
| Form of aid | Direct payments |
| Budget | EUR 1 800 000 for 2006 |
| Intensity | Varies according to the farming activities affected |
| Duration | 2006 |
| Economic sectors | Sector A: Agriculture |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Gobierno de Navarra
  Departamento de agricultura, ganadería y alimentación |
| C/ Tudela 20 |
| E-31003 Pamplona |

Date of adoption of the decision

18.9.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 89/06

Member State

Spain

Region

Navarra

Title

Ayudas para paliar los daños producidos en el sector agrario por la sequía durante el año 2005

Legal basis

Orden foral 209/2005, de 15 de noviembre de 2005, por que se establece un régimen de ayudas para paliar los daños ocasionados por la sequía en el sector agrario en el año 2005

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Compensation for farmers following adverse weather conditions

Form of aid

Direct payments

Budget

EUR 1 800 000 for 2006

Intensity

Varies according to the farming activities affected

Duration

2006

Economic sectors

Sector A: Agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Gobierno de Navarra

Departamento de agricultura, ganadería y alimentación

C/ Tudela 20

E-31003 Pamplona

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 18.9.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 101/06 |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | Emilia Romagna |
| Title | Aiuti destinati agli allevatori di bovini da carne colpiti dalla BES |
| Legal basis | Delibera della Giunta regionale sulle misure d'applicazione della Legge regionale n. 20 del 3 luglio 2001‘Provvedimenti straordinari ed urgenti a sostegno delle aziende colpite dalla BSE’ |
| Type of measure | (Aid scheme) |
| Objective | Compensation for loss of income to beef cattle farmers who have a farm in the region of Emilia-Romagna and who, following an order from the veterinary authority, have had to slaughter animals on account of BSE |
| Form of aid | Outright grants |
| Budget | EUR 79 709 for the scheme |
| Intensity | Varies according to the loss suffered |
| Duration (period) | 31 December 2010 |
| Economic sectors | Agriculture |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Regione Emilia-Romagna
  Direzione generale Agricoltura Servizio produzioni animali |
| V.le Silvani, 6 |
| I-40122 Bologna |

Date of adoption of the decision

18.9.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 101/06

Member State

Italy

Region

Emilia Romagna

Title

Aiuti destinati agli allevatori di bovini da carne colpiti dalla BES

Legal basis

Delibera della Giunta regionale sulle misure d'applicazione della Legge regionale n. 20 del 3 luglio 2001‘Provvedimenti straordinari ed urgenti a sostegno delle aziende colpite dalla BSE’

Type of measure

(Aid scheme)

Objective

Compensation for loss of income to beef cattle farmers who have a farm in the region of Emilia-Romagna and who, following an order from the veterinary authority, have had to slaughter animals on account of BSE

Form of aid

Outright grants

Budget

EUR 79 709 for the scheme

Intensity

Varies according to the loss suffered

Duration (period)

31 December 2010

Economic sectors

Agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Regione Emilia-Romagna

Direzione generale Agricoltura Servizio produzioni animali

V.le Silvani, 6

I-40122 Bologna

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 2.10.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 185/06 |
| Member State | Sweden |
| Region | Counties of Skåne, Blekinge, Kronberg, Kalmar, Jönköping, Halland, Västa Götaland and Östergötland |
| Title | Measures in connection with the storm in Southern Sweden on 8-9 January 2005 (aid for storage costs and transport fees) |
| Legal basis | Förordningen (2005:229) om tillfälligt stöd för lagring av virke, Järnvägslagen (2004:519), Järnvägsförordningen (2004:526), Lagen (1975:88) med bemyndigande att meddela föreskrifter om trafik, transporter och kommunikationer, Förordningen (1997:1121) om farledsavgift |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | The aid may be paid for the storage and transport costs of storm-felled timber from forests felled by the storm on 8-9 January 2005. The aid aims to reduce the amount of storm-felled timber in the forest in order to prevent insect damage to living trees |
| Form of aid | Subsidy |
| Budget | Maximum SEK 475 million (ca EUR 51,1 million) |
| Intensity | Variable |
| Duration (period) | One-off |
| Economic sectors | Forestry |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Näringsdepartementet |
| S-103 33 Stockholm |

Date of adoption of the decision

2.10.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 185/06

Member State

Sweden

Region

Counties of Skåne, Blekinge, Kronberg, Kalmar, Jönköping, Halland, Västa Götaland and Östergötland

Title

Measures in connection with the storm in Southern Sweden on 8-9 January 2005 (aid for storage costs and transport fees)

Legal basis

Förordningen (2005:229) om tillfälligt stöd för lagring av virke, Järnvägslagen (2004:519), Järnvägsförordningen (2004:526), Lagen (1975:88) med bemyndigande att meddela föreskrifter om trafik, transporter och kommunikationer, Förordningen (1997:1121) om farledsavgift

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

The aid may be paid for the storage and transport costs of storm-felled timber from forests felled by the storm on 8-9 January 2005. The aid aims to reduce the amount of storm-felled timber in the forest in order to prevent insect damage to living trees

Form of aid

Subsidy

Budget

Maximum SEK 475 million (ca EUR 51,1 million)

Intensity

Variable

Duration (period)

One-off

Economic sectors

Forestry

Name and address of the granting authority

Näringsdepartementet

S-103 33 Stockholm

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 2.10.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 199/06 |
| Member State | Czech Republic |
| Region | The Ústí Region |
| Title | Forest Management in the Ústí Region |
| Legal basis | — | Paragraf 36 zákona č. 129/2000 Sb., ze dne 12. dubna 2000 |

Date of adoption of the decision

2.10.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 199/06

Member State

Czech Republic

Region

The Ústí Region

Title

Forest Management in the Ústí Region

Legal basis

—

Paragraf 36 zákona č. 129/2000 Sb., ze dne 12. dubna 2000

| — | Program poskytování podpor na hospodaření v lesích v Ústeckém kraji v roce 2006 |
| --- | --- |

—

Program poskytování podpor na hospodaření v lesích v Ústeckém kraji v roce 2006

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Aid in the forestry sector

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Total: CZK 19 000 000 (approximately EUR 633 000)

Intensity

Up to 70 %

Duration (period)

2006

Economic sectors

Agriculture (Forestry)

Name and address of the granting authority

Regional Office of the Ústí Region (office régional de la région d'Ústí)

| Velká Hradební 48 |
| --- |
| CZ-400 02 Ústí nad Labem |

Velká Hradební 48

CZ-400 02 Ústí nad Labem

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 18.9.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 263/06 |
| Member State | Slovakia |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Podpora nákupu a inštalácie technológie spaľovní živočíšnych vedľajších produktov |
| Legal basis | — | Zákon č. 473/2003 Z.z. o Pôdohospodárskej platobnej agentúre, o podpore podnikania v pôdohospodárstve a o zmene a doplnení niektorých zákonov. |

Date of adoption of the decision

18.9.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 263/06

Member State

Slovakia

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Podpora nákupu a inštalácie technológie spaľovní živočíšnych vedľajších produktov

Legal basis

—

Zákon č. 473/2003 Z.z. o Pôdohospodárskej platobnej agentúre, o podpore podnikania v pôdohospodárstve a o zmene a doplnení niektorých zákonov.

| — | Zákon č. 231/1999 Z.z. o statnej pomoci v znení neskorších predpisov. |
| --- | --- |

—

Zákon č. 231/1999 Z.z. o statnej pomoci v znení neskorších predpisov.

| — | Výnos MP SR č. 806/2004-100 o podrobnostiach o poskytovaní podpory v oblasti poľnohospodárstva, potravinárstva a lesného hospodárstva. |
| --- | --- |

—

Výnos MP SR č. 806/2004-100 o podrobnostiach o poskytovaní podpory v oblasti poľnohospodárstva, potravinárstva a lesného hospodárstva.

| — | Výnos MP SR č. 1467/2006-100, ktorým sa mení a doplna výnos MP SR č. 806/2004-100 o podrobnostiach o poskytovaní podpory v oblasti poľnohospodárstva, potravinárstva a lesného hospodárstva |
| --- | --- |

—

Výnos MP SR č. 1467/2006-100, ktorým sa mení a doplna výnos MP SR č. 806/2004-100 o podrobnostiach o poskytovaní podpory v oblasti poľnohospodárstva, potravinárstva a lesného hospodárstva

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Investment aid

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget SKK 80 million; total budget SKK 240 million

Intensity

40 %

Duration (period)

2006 - 2008

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 18.9.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 449/06 |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | Toscana |
| Title | Assistance to farming areas affected by natural disaster (floods of 5-15 November 2005 in the province of Grosseto, Tuscany) |
| Legal basis | Decreto legislativo n. 102/2004 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | To compensate for damage to farm structures as a result of bad weather |
| Budget | See the approved scheme (NN 54/A/04) |
| Intensity | Up to 100 % of the cost of the damage to farm structures |
| Duration (period) | Until the final payment is made |
| Economic sectors | Agriculture |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ministero delle Politiche Agricole |
| Via XX settembre, 20 |
| I-00187 Roma |

Date of adoption of the decision

18.9.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 449/06

Member State

Italy

Region

Toscana

Title

Assistance to farming areas affected by natural disaster (floods of 5-15 November 2005 in the province of Grosseto, Tuscany)

Legal basis

Decreto legislativo n. 102/2004

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

To compensate for damage to farm structures as a result of bad weather

Budget

See the approved scheme (NN 54/A/04)

Intensity

Up to 100 % of the cost of the damage to farm structures

Duration (period)

Until the final payment is made

Economic sectors

Agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministero delle Politiche Agricole

Via XX settembre, 20

I-00187 Roma

Other information

Measure applying the scheme approved by the Commission under State aid NN 54/A/2004 (Commission letter C(2005) 1622 final, dated 7 June 2005)

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 18.9.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 490/06 |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Nordrhein-Westfalen |
| Title | Swine fever |
| Legal basis | Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen an Mastschweinehalter |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Compensation |
| Form of aid | Grant |
| Budget | EUR 220 000 |
| Intensity | Maximum 60 % |
| Duration | 2006 |
| Economic sectors | Agriculture |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Landwirtschaftskammer NRW |
| Nevinghoff 40 |
| D-48147 Münster |

Date of adoption of the decision

18.9.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 490/06

Member State

Germany

Region

Nordrhein-Westfalen

Title

Swine fever

Legal basis

Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen an Mastschweinehalter

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Compensation

Form of aid

Grant

Budget

EUR 220 000

Intensity

Maximum 60 %

Duration

2006

Economic sectors

Agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Landwirtschaftskammer NRW

Nevinghoff 40

D-48147 Münster

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 18.9.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 503/06 |
| Member State | Italy |
| Title | Accordo interprofessionale campagna 2006 per le patate destinate alla trasformazione industriale e aiuto all'ammasso privato di patate da consumo |
| Legal basis | Accordo interprofessionale 2006 per le patate destinate alla trasformazione industriale e aiuto all'ammasso privato di patate alimentari |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Purpose/Objectives | Aid for producer groups and associations and private storage aid for ware potatoes. |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | EUR 7 600 000 |
| Intensity | Varies according to the measure |
| Duration | 1 year (2006) |
| Economic sectors | Agriculture |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ministero delle Politiche Agricole |
| Via XX Settembre, 20 |
| I-00187 Roma |

Date of adoption of the decision

18.9.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 503/06

Member State

Italy

Title

Accordo interprofessionale campagna 2006 per le patate destinate alla trasformazione industriale e aiuto all'ammasso privato di patate da consumo

Legal basis

Accordo interprofessionale 2006 per le patate destinate alla trasformazione industriale e aiuto all'ammasso privato di patate alimentari

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Purpose/Objectives

Aid for producer groups and associations and private storage aid for ware potatoes.

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

EUR 7 600 000

Intensity

Varies according to the measure

Duration

1 year (2006)

Economic sectors

Agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministero delle Politiche Agricole

Via XX Settembre, 20

I-00187 Roma

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 18.9.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 505/06 |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | Scotland |
| Title | Crofters Cattle Quality Improvement Scheme |
| Legal basis | Section 4(1) of The Congested Districts (Scotland) Act 1897 |
| Type of measure | scheme |
| Objective | quality |
| Form of aid | grant |
| Budget | GBP 0,6 million (EUR 0,84 million) |
| Intensity | variable |
| Duration (period) | 2006-2008 |
| Economic sectors | agriculture |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Dpt |
| Edinburgh |
| United Kingdom |

Date of adoption of the decision

18.9.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 505/06

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

Scotland

Title

Crofters Cattle Quality Improvement Scheme

Legal basis

Section 4(1) of The Congested Districts (Scotland) Act 1897

Type of measure

scheme

Objective

quality

Form of aid

grant

Budget

GBP 0,6 million (EUR 0,84 million)

Intensity

variable

Duration (period)

2006-2008

Economic sectors

agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Dpt

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 2.10.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 511/05 |
| Member State | Spain |
| Title | Aid for slaughtering in slaughterhouses of laying hens affected by salmonella of importance for public health |
| Legal basis | Proyecto de Real Decreto ..../2005, por el que se establece la normativa básica de las ayudas estatales al sacrificio en matadero de gallinas ponedoras afectadas o sospechosas de salomonelosis de importancia para la salud pública |
| Type of measure | Scheme |
| Objective | Animal diseases |
| Form of aid | Grant |
| Budget | EUR 8,24 million |
| Intensity | 89,8 % |
| Duration (period) | 5 years |
| Economic sectors | Agriculture |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Autoridades competentes de la 17 Comunidades Autónomas del Reino de España |

Date of adoption of the decision

2.10.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 511/05

Member State

Spain

Title

Aid for slaughtering in slaughterhouses of laying hens affected by salmonella of importance for public health

Legal basis

Proyecto de Real Decreto ..../2005, por el que se establece la normativa básica de las ayudas estatales al sacrificio en matadero de gallinas ponedoras afectadas o sospechosas de salomonelosis de importancia para la salud pública

Type of measure

Scheme

Objective

Animal diseases

Form of aid

Grant

Budget

EUR 8,24 million

Intensity

89,8 %

Duration (period)

5 years

Economic sectors

Agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Autoridades competentes de la 17 Comunidades Autónomas del Reino de España

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 18.9.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 532/06 |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Title | Bio-Energy Infrastructure Scheme |
| Legal basis | Section 153(4) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 |
| Type of measure | scheme |
| Objective | environment protection |
| Form of aid | grant |
| Budget | GBP 10 million (EUR 14,83 million) |
| Intensity | variable |
| Duration (period) | Five years and three months (1.9.2006-31.12.2011) |
| Economic sectors | agriculture |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Dpt (SEERAD) |
| Edinburgh |
| United Kingdom |

Date of adoption of the decision

18.9.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 532/06

Member State

United Kingdom

Title

Bio-Energy Infrastructure Scheme

Legal basis

Section 153(4) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990

Type of measure

scheme

Objective

environment protection

Form of aid

grant

Budget

GBP 10 million (EUR 14,83 million)

Intensity

variable

Duration (period)

Five years and three months (1.9.2006-31.12.2011)

Economic sectors

agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Dpt (SEERAD)

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 18.9.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 534/06 |
| Member State | Cyprus |
| Title | Aid for the promotion and advertising of agricultural products (draft ministerial decree) — amendment of aid scheme N 522/04. |
| Legal basis | Πρόταση προς το Υπουργικό Συμβούλιο — Κρατικές Ενισχύσεις για Ενέργειες Προώθησης ή/και Διαφήμισης των Γεωργικών Προϊόντων |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Promotion of quality products; advertising |
| Form of aid | Grants |
| Budget | See file N 522/04 (EUR 14 400 000) |
| Intensity | 70-100 % for promotion, with a ceiling of EUR 100 000 per beneficiary and per three-year period; 40 % for publicity |
| Duration (period) | Until 31 December 2010 |
| Economic sectors | Agriculture |

Date of adoption of the decision

18.9.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 534/06

Member State

Cyprus

Title

Aid for the promotion and advertising of agricultural products (draft ministerial decree) — amendment of aid scheme N 522/04.

Legal basis

Πρόταση προς το Υπουργικό Συμβούλιο — Κρατικές Ενισχύσεις για Ενέργειες Προώθησης ή/και Διαφήμισης των Γεωργικών Προϊόντων

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Promotion of quality products; advertising

Form of aid

Grants

Budget

See file N 522/04 (EUR 14 400 000)

Intensity

70-100 % for promotion, with a ceiling of EUR 100 000 per beneficiary and per three-year period; 40 % for publicity

Duration (period)

Until 31 December 2010

Economic sectors

Agriculture

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

---

| 9.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 272/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.11.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 272/10

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(2006/C 272/03)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| Date of adoption of the decision | 25.1.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 160/05 |
| Member State | Poland |
| Title | Aid scheme for the development of intermodal systems |
| Legal basis | Projekt rozporządzenia ministra infrastruktury w sprawie procedur, metod i warunków finansowania lub współfinansowania inwestycji kolejowych w transporcie intermodalnym |
| Objective | The aim of the scheme is to develop combined transport trough the construction of logistics centres and terminals |
| Budget | The expected budget is EUR 31,6 million |
| Duration | 2005 — 31 December 2008 |

Date of adoption of the decision

25.1.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 160/05

Member State

Poland

Title

Aid scheme for the development of intermodal systems

Legal basis

Projekt rozporządzenia ministra infrastruktury w sprawie procedur, metod i warunków finansowania lub współfinansowania inwestycji kolejowych w transporcie intermodalnym

Objective

The aim of the scheme is to develop combined transport trough the construction of logistics centres and terminals

Budget

The expected budget is EUR 31,6 million

Duration

2005 — 31 December 2008

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 16.5.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 169/06 |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | Highlands and Islands of Scotland |
| Title | Aid of a Social Character Air Services in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland |
| Legal basis | Section 70 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 |
| Budget | GBP 11,2 million (EUR 16,2 million) per annum |
| Duration (period) | 2006-2008 |
| Economic sectors | Air transport |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Scottish Executive,
  Aviation, Ports and International Division |
| Victoria Quay, |
| Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ |
| United Kingdom |

Date of adoption of the decision

16.5.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 169/06

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

Highlands and Islands of Scotland

Title

Aid of a Social Character Air Services in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland

Legal basis

Section 70 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001

Budget

GBP 11,2 million (EUR 16,2 million) per annum

Duration (period)

2006-2008

Economic sectors

Air transport

Name and address of the granting authority

Scottish Executive,

Aviation, Ports and International Division

Victoria Quay,

Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ

United Kingdom

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 16.5.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 303/05 |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | North East and North West Regions of England and Wales |
| Title | UK Scheme for Air Route Development Funds |
| Legal basis | Section 7(1) of the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 requires a regional development agency to formulate and keep under review a strategy in relation to its purposes and to have regard to the strategy in exercising its functions |
| Budget | GBP 25 million (EUR 36 million) |
| Duration | Up to 10 years. |
| Economic sectors | Air Transport. |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Various regional bodies |

Date of adoption of the decision

16.5.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 303/05

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

North East and North West Regions of England and Wales

Title

UK Scheme for Air Route Development Funds

Legal basis

Section 7(1) of the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 requires a regional development agency to formulate and keep under review a strategy in relation to its purposes and to have regard to the strategy in exercising its functions

Budget

GBP 25 million (EUR 36 million)

Duration

Up to 10 years.

Economic sectors

Air Transport.

Name and address of the granting authority

Various regional bodies

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 22.2.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 389/05 |
| Member State | France |
| Title | Chartering an ATR 72-500 for the airline Air Caraïbes |
| Legal basis | Article 199 undecies B du code général des impôts |
| Objective | Regional development |
| Budget | EUR 3,78 million |
| Economic sectors | Aviation sector |
| Other information | Individual decision following Commission Decision of 11 November 2003 — N 96B/2003 — France — Tax aid scheme for overseas investment. |

Date of adoption of the decision

22.2.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 389/05

Member State

France

Title

Chartering an ATR 72-500 for the airline Air Caraïbes

Legal basis

Article 199 undecies B du code général des impôts

Objective

Regional development

Budget

EUR 3,78 million

Economic sectors

Aviation sector

Other information

Individual decision following Commission Decision of 11 November 2003 — N 96B/2003 — France — Tax aid scheme for overseas investment.

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 22.3.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 436/04 |
| Member State | Italy |
| Title | Friulia-Venezia Giulia — Measures to develop intermodality |
| Legal basis | Legge regionale 24.5.2004, N. 015, Art. 21 |
| Objective | Promote a modal shift and develop intermodality by rail and sea by granting compensation for unpaid external and infrastructure costs of road transport vis-à-vis rail and sea transport |
| Budget | EUR 2 700 000 |
| Intensity | max 30 % |
| Duration | 3 years |

Date of adoption of the decision

22.3.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 436/04

Member State

Italy

Title

Friulia-Venezia Giulia — Measures to develop intermodality

Legal basis

Legge regionale 24.5.2004, N. 015, Art. 21

Objective

Promote a modal shift and develop intermodality by rail and sea by granting compensation for unpaid external and infrastructure costs of road transport vis-à-vis rail and sea transport

Budget

EUR 2 700 000

Intensity

max 30 %

Duration

3 years

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 19.5.2004 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 437/02 |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | Sicilia |
| Title | Aid for apprenticeships — Regional Law 32/00, Articles 50, 61, 71 and 116 (Sicily) |
| Legal basis | Articoli 50, 61, 71 e 116 della legge regionale n. 32/00 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Employment |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Annual budget: -; Overall budget: EUR 490 634 000 |
| Intensity | 35 % |
| Duration | 31 December 2006 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |

Date of adoption of the decision

19.5.2004

Reference number of the aid

N 437/02

Member State

Italy

Region

Sicilia

Title

Aid for apprenticeships — Regional Law 32/00, Articles 50, 61, 71 and 116 (Sicily)

Legal basis

Articoli 50, 61, 71 e 116 della legge regionale n. 32/00

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Employment

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: -; Overall budget: EUR 490 634 000

Intensity

35 %

Duration

31 December 2006

Economic sectors

All sectors

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 8.11.2005 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 477/05 |
| Member State | Spain |
| Region | Aragón |
| Title | Modificación de la ayuda destinada a promover la diversificación y el desarrollo económico de Aragón (N 678/2002) |
| Legal basis | «Decreto XXX, del gobierno de Aragón, de modificación del Decreto 66/2003, de 8 de abril, por el que se regulan ayudas para diversificar la actividad económica y favorecer el desarrollo equilibrado del territorio» |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Small and medium-sized enterprises — Regional development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | EUR 6 million per year |
| Intensity | Zaragoza and Huesca: 20 % NGE — Teruel: 30 % NGE. |
| Duration | Until 31.12.2006 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |

Date of adoption of the decision

8.11.2005

Reference number of the aid

N 477/05

Member State

Spain

Region

Aragón

Title

Modificación de la ayuda destinada a promover la diversificación y el desarrollo económico de Aragón (N 678/2002)

Legal basis

«Decreto XXX, del gobierno de Aragón, de modificación del Decreto 66/2003, de 8 de abril, por el que se regulan ayudas para diversificar la actividad económica y favorecer el desarrollo equilibrado del territorio»

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Small and medium-sized enterprises — Regional development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

EUR 6 million per year

Intensity

Zaragoza and Huesca: 20 % NGE — Teruel: 30 % NGE.

Duration

Until 31.12.2006

Economic sectors

All sectors

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 16.5.2006 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | NN 21/06 |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | Northern Ireland |
| Title | City of Derry Airport |
| Legal basis | Article 24 of the Airport (Northern Ireland) Order 1994 |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Budget | Approximately GBP 10 million (EUR 14,6 million) |
| Duration | 2005-2010 |
| Economic sectors | Air transport |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Department for Regional Development, |
| Clarence Court |
| 10-18 Adelaide Street |
| Belfast BT2 8GB |
| Northern Ireland |
| United Kingdom |

Date of adoption of the decision

16.5.2006

Reference number of the aid

NN 21/06

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

Northern Ireland

Title

City of Derry Airport

Legal basis

Article 24 of the Airport (Northern Ireland) Order 1994

Type of measure

Individual aid

Budget

Approximately GBP 10 million (EUR 14,6 million)

Duration

2005-2010

Economic sectors

Air transport

Name and address of the granting authority

Department for Regional Development,

Clarence Court

10-18 Adelaide Street

Belfast BT2 8GB

Northern Ireland

United Kingdom

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

---

| 9.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 272/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.11.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 272/14

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid

(2006/C 272/04)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| Aid No | XT 15/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Slovenia |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Training programmes
  No BE01-5022860-2006
  (ex N 569/2005 and SI 1 2004) |
| Legal basis | Pravilnik o izvajanju ukrepov „Aktivne politike zaposlovanja“, v navezavi z Zakonom o zaposlovanju in zavarovanju za primer brezposelnosti |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | 2006: SIT 2 003 832 972 |
| Maximum aid intensity | Aid for general training covers up to 50 % of the eligible costs and may be increased by:






  — | 20 percentage points where the training is for employees of SMEs, |

Aid No

XT 15/06

Member State

Slovenia

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Training programmes

No BE01-5022860-2006

(ex N 569/2005 and SI 1 2004)

Legal basis

Pravilnik o izvajanju ukrepov „Aktivne politike zaposlovanja“, v navezavi z Zakonom o zaposlovanju in zavarovanju za primer brezposelnosti

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

2006: SIT 2 003 832 972

Maximum aid intensity

Aid for general training covers up to 50 % of the eligible costs and may be increased by:

—

20 percentage points where the training is for employees of SMEs,

| — | 10 percentage points where the training is for employees in areas falling under (a), |
| --- | --- |

—

10 percentage points where the training is for employees in areas falling under (a),

| — | 5 percentage points where the training is for employees in areas falling under (b), |
| --- | --- |

—

5 percentage points where the training is for employees in areas falling under (b),

| — | 10 percentage points where the training is for the hard-to-place unemployed within the meaning of the regulations. |
| --- | --- |

—

10 percentage points where the training is for the hard-to-place unemployed within the meaning of the regulations.

Aid for specific training covers up to 25 % of the eligible costs and may be increased by:

| — | 10 percentage points where the training is for employees of SMEs, |
| --- | --- |

—

10 percentage points where the training is for employees of SMEs,

| — | 10 percentage points where the training is for employees in areas falling under (a), |
| --- | --- |

—

10 percentage points where the training is for employees in areas falling under (a),

| — | 5 percentage points where the training is for employees in areas falling under (b), |
| --- | --- |

—

5 percentage points where the training is for employees in areas falling under (b),

| — | 10 percentage points where the training is for the hard-to-place unemployed. |
| --- | --- |

—

10 percentage points where the training is for the hard-to-place unemployed.

Date of implementation

7.3.2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

To 31.12.2006

Objective of the aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

All sectors excl. coalmining

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministrstvo za delo, družino in socialne zadeve

| Kotnikova 5 |
| --- |
| SLO-1000 Ljubljana |

Kotnikova 5

SLO-1000 Ljubljana

Other information

The operator of the scheme is aware of the obligations arising from Articles 5 and 6 of Commission Regulation No 68/2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid.

The operator of the scheme will notify the European Commission if the amount of aid granted to one enterprise for a single training project exceeds EUR 1 000 000.

The above aid ceiling applies regardless of whether the project is financed entirely from State resources or is partly financed by the Community.

| Aid No | XT 20/05 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Italian Republic |
| Region | Veneto |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: | L. 53/2000 art. 6 — D.I. n. 349/V/2004. Funding of projects drawn up on the basis of contractual agreements which provide for reductions in working time |
| Legal basis | L. 53/2000 art. 6 — D.I. n. 349/V/2004
  D.G.R. n. 706 del 4 marzo 2005 |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | EUR 1 437 373,56, excluding private-sector contribution. This amount also includes the contribution under the arrangements laid down in Regulation (EC) No 69/2001. |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(6) of the Regulation | Yes |
| Date of implementation | From 13.5.2005 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 31.12.2007 |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | Yes |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for training aid
  (only for sectors not covered by the ‘de minimis’ arrangements, as well as transport, agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture) | Yes |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Regione del Veneto — Giunta Regionale |
| Dorsoduro 3901 |
| I-30100 Venezia |

Aid No

XT 20/05

Member State

Italian Republic

Region

Veneto

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid:

L. 53/2000 art. 6 — D.I. n. 349/V/2004. Funding of projects drawn up on the basis of contractual agreements which provide for reductions in working time

Legal basis

L. 53/2000 art. 6 — D.I. n. 349/V/2004

D.G.R. n. 706 del 4 marzo 2005

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 1 437 373,56, excluding private-sector contribution. This amount also includes the contribution under the arrangements laid down in Regulation (EC) No 69/2001.

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(6) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

From 13.5.2005

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2007

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

(only for sectors not covered by the ‘de minimis’ arrangements, as well as transport, agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture)

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Regione del Veneto — Giunta Regionale

Dorsoduro 3901

I-30100 Venezia

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation. The measure excludes awards of aid, or requires prior notification to the Commission of awards of aid, if the amount of aid granted to one enterprise for a single training project exceeds EUR 1 million.

Yes

| Aid No | XT 26/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | Wales |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | HCC Awareness Training Scheme (Hybu Cig Cymru — Meat Promotion Wales) |
| Legal basis | Industrial Development Act 1982 |
| Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | 2006: GBP 0,030 million
  2007: GBP 0,020 million |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation | Yes |
| Date of implementation | From 1.6.2006 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 31.12.2007 — The grant was committed prior to 31 December 2006. Payments against this commitment will continue until 31 December 2007. |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | |
| Economic sectors concerned | Limited to specific sectors | Yes |
| — | Agriculture |

Aid No

XT 26/06

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

Wales

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

HCC Awareness Training Scheme (Hybu Cig Cymru — Meat Promotion Wales)

Legal basis

Industrial Development Act 1982

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

2006: GBP 0,030 million

2007: GBP 0,020 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

From 1.6.2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2007 — The grant was committed prior to 31 December 2006. Payments against this commitment will continue until 31 December 2007.

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Economic sectors concerned

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

—

Agriculture

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Meat and Livestock Commission

| PO Box 44, Winterhill House |
| --- |
| Snowdon Drive |
| Milton Keynes MK6 1AX |
| United Kingdom |

PO Box 44, Winterhill House

Snowdon Drive

Milton Keynes MK6 1AX

United Kingdom

Attention: Michael Fogden

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Yes

| Aid No | XT 39/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Italy |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Call for proposals to carry out continuous training activities I-2006 |
| Legal basis: | Art. 118 Legge 23 dicembre 2000, pag. 388
  Art. 48 Legge 27 dicembre 2002, pag. 289 |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | EUR 7 830 288 for this invitation |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation | Yes |
| Date of implementation | 29.7.2006 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until approximately 30.6.2007 |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | Yes |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for training aid | Yes |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Fondartigianato — Fondo Artigianato Formazione |
| Via di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, 63 |
| I-00185 Roma |

Aid No

XT 39/06

Member State

Italy

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Call for proposals to carry out continuous training activities I-2006

Legal basis:

Art. 118 Legge 23 dicembre 2000, pag. 388

Art. 48 Legge 27 dicembre 2002, pag. 289

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 7 830 288 for this invitation

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

29.7.2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until approximately 30.6.2007

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Fondartigianato — Fondo Artigianato Formazione

Via di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, 63

I-00185 Roma

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

The measure excludes awards of aid or requires prior notification to the Commission of awards of aid, if the amount of aid granted to one enterprise for a single training project exceeds EUR 1 million.

Yes

| Aid No | XT 41/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Bavaria |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Bildungszentrum der Stadt Nürnberg (Volkshochschule) |
| Gewerbemuseumsplatz 1 |
| D-90403 Nürnberg |

Aid No

XT 41/06

Member State

Germany

Region

Bavaria

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Bildungszentrum der Stadt Nürnberg (Volkshochschule)

Gewerbemuseumsplatz 1

D-90403 Nürnberg

Legal basis

Bay HO, VO (EG) Nr. 1260/1999, VO (EG) Nr. 1784/1999, EPPD zu Ziel 2, Programmergänzung zu Ziel 2

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Total

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

EUR 127 586

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

27.7.2006

Duration of the scheme or individual aid award

31.12.2007

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Zentrum Bayern Familie und Soziales

| Hegelstrasse 2 |
| --- |
| D-95447 Bayreuth |

Hegelstrasse 2

D-95447 Bayreuth

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Yes

---

| 9.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 272/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.11.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 272/18

---

Notice of the impending expiry of certain anti-dumping and countervailing measures

(2006/C 272/05)

| 1. | As provided for in Article 11(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 of 22 December 1995 (1) on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community and in Article 18(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 2026/97 of 6 October 1997 (2) on protection against subsidised imports from countries not members of the European Community, the Commission gives notice that, unless a review is initiated in accordance with the following procedure, the anti-dumping and countervailing measures mentioned below will expire on the date mentioned in the table below. |
| --- | --- |

1.

As provided for in Article 11(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 of 22 December 1995 (1) on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community and in Article 18(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 2026/97 of 6 October 1997 (2) on protection against subsidised imports from countries not members of the European Community, the Commission gives notice that, unless a review is initiated in accordance with the following procedure, the anti-dumping and countervailing measures mentioned below will expire on the date mentioned in the table below.

2.   Procedure

Community producers may lodge a written request for a review. This request must contain sufficient evidence that the expiry of the measures would be likely to result in a continuation or recurrence of dumping/subsidisation and injury.

Should the Commission decide to review the measures concerned, importers, exporters, representatives of the exporting country and Community producers will then be provided with the opportunity to amplify, rebut or comment on the matters set out in the review request.

3.   Time limit

Community producers may submit a written request for a review on the above basis, to reach the European Commission, Directorate-General for Trade (Division B-1), J-79 5/16, B-1049 Brussels (3) at any time from the date of the publication of the present notice but no later than three months before the date mentioned in the table below.

| 4. | This notice is published in accordance with Article 11(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 of 22 December 1995 and with Article 18(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 2026/97 of 6 October 1997.









  Product | Country(ies) of origin or exportation | Measures | Reference | Date of expiry |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sulphanilic acid | People's Republic of China
  India | Anti-dumping duty | Council Regulation (EC) No 1339/2002 (OJ L 196, 25.7.2002, p. 11) as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 123/2006 (OJ L 22, 26.1.2006, p. 5) | 26.7.2007 |
| India | Undertaking | Commission Decision No 2006/37/EC (OJ L 22, 26.1.2006, p. 52) |
| Sulphanilic acid | India | Countervailing duty | Council Regulation (EC) No 1338/2002 (OJ L 196, 25.7.2002, p. 1) as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 123/2006 (OJ L 22, 26.1.2006, p. 5) | 26.7.2007 |
| Undertaking | Commission Decision No 2006/37/EC (OJ L 22, 26.1.2006, p. 52) |

4.

This notice is published in accordance with Article 11(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 of 22 December 1995 and with Article 18(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 2026/97 of 6 October 1997.

Product

Country(ies) of origin or exportation

Measures

Reference

Date of expiry

Sulphanilic acid

People's Republic of China

India

Anti-dumping duty

Council Regulation (EC) No 1339/2002 (OJ L 196, 25.7.2002, p. 11) as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 123/2006 (OJ L 22, 26.1.2006, p. 5)

26.7.2007

India

Undertaking

Commission Decision No 2006/37/EC (OJ L 22, 26.1.2006, p. 52)

Sulphanilic acid

India

Countervailing duty

Council Regulation (EC) No 1338/2002 (OJ L 196, 25.7.2002, p. 1) as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 123/2006 (OJ L 22, 26.1.2006, p. 5)

26.7.2007

Undertaking

Commission Decision No 2006/37/EC (OJ L 22, 26.1.2006, p. 52)

---

(1)  OJ L 56, 6.3.1996, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 2117/2005 (OJ L 340, 23.12.2005, p. 17).

(2)  OJ L 288, 21.10.97, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 461/2004 (OJ L 77, 13.3.2004, p. 12).

(3)  Telefax: (32-2) 295 65 05.

---

EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA

EFTA Surveillance Authority

| 9.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 272/19 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

9.11.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 272/19

---

Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement on a Norwegian aid scheme for the grant of financial support to the wood sector, the ‘Wood Scheme’.

(2006/C 272/06)

By means of Decision No 147/06/COL of 17 May 2006, reproduced in the authentic language on the pages following this summary, the EFTA Surveillance Authority initiated proceedings pursuant to Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice (Surveillance and Court Agreement). The Norwegian authorities have been informed by means of a copy of the decision.

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

| EFTA Surveillance Authority |
| --- |
| 35, Rue Belliard |
| B-1040 Brussels |

EFTA Surveillance Authority

35, Rue Belliard

B-1040 Brussels

The comments will be communicated to the Norwegian authorities. Confidential treatment of the identity of the interested party submitting the comments may be requested in writing, stating the reasons for the request.

SUMMARY

The Authority has decided to open the formal investigation procedure in respect of a Norwegian aid scheme for the purpose of providing grants to undertakings in the wood sector (the ‘Wood Scheme’) with the underlying objective of improving the processing of woodwork, increasing the use of woodwork and improving relations on different levels of trade between the forest and the market.

The Wood Scheme was introduced by the Norwegian authorities in the year of 2000 for a period of five years onwards and provides for grants to undertakings, institutions etc. who can contribute to the overall objective under the Wood Scheme. The Authority has taken the preliminary view that the Wood Scheme involves the grant of State aid. As the Wood Scheme was not notified to the Authority any aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement granted under the scheme is unlawful.

The Authority has assessed the Wood Scheme on the basis of the Authority's State Aid Guidelines on aid for research and development and regional aid. The Authority has also assessed compliance of the Wood Scheme with the block exemption Regulations on small and medium-sized enterprises and training aid. Moreover, compatibility of the Wood Scheme under Article 61(3)(c) has been examined on the basis of the principles established in the aforementioned block exemption Regulations.

However, as the Wood Scheme does not contain sufficiently specific definitions of the type of projects for which support may be granted, descriptions of eligible costs or ceilings on the maximum amount of aid which may be granted, aid under the Wood Scheme could potentially be granted to different types of activities, regardless of the aid intensities involved, and irrespective of whether the costs qualify as eligible. However, the Norwegian authorities have stated that in practice, the Wood Scheme has been implemented on the basis of the aid intensities which are referred to in the State Aid Guidelines and the block exemption Regulations. The Authority has therefore requested the Norwegian authorities whether an administrative practice for implementing the Wood Scheme in accordance with the State Aid Guidelines and the material principles in the block exemption Regulations can be substantiated by further evidence. Nonetheless the Authority has reserved its right to take a final position on such an administrative practice in view of the existence of a parallel practice under the Wood Scheme to finance projects 100 % when in the view of the Norwegian authorities no State aid is involved.

In such circumstances the Authority has not been able to reassure itself that grants under the Wood Scheme have been awarded in accordance with the State Aid Guidelines or the material principles of the block exemption Regulations. It therefore doubts whether the Wood Scheme is compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.

The Norwegian authorities have stated that the Wood Scheme contains provisions which are in compliance with the rules for granting de minimis aid under the de minimis Regulation or the previous Chapter 12 of the State Aid Guidelines on the de minimis rule for State aid. However, it appears that the rules on de minimis under the Wood Scheme do not include provisions that entail a verification of whether recipients of de minimis aid have been in receipt of other de minimis aid during the three previous years of the grant. This means that total aid received may exceed the de minimis threshold.

As a result of these circumstances the Authority has been unable to conclude on whether aid allegedly granted as de minimis do, in fact, qualify as such.

---

EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY DECISION

No 147/06/COL

of 17 May 2006

on the wood scheme

(‘Verdiskapningsprogrammet for tre’)

(Norway)

THE EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY,

Having regard to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (1), in particular to Articles 61 to 63 and Protocol 26 thereof,

Having regard to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice (2), in particular to Article 24 thereof and Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 thereof,

Having regard to the Authority's Guidelines (3) on the application and interpretation of Articles 61 and 62 of the EEA Agreement, and in particular Chapters 14 and 25 thereof as well as to the block exemption Regulations on aid for training and aid to small and medium-sized enterprises, respectively, as well as to the Regulation on de minimis aid, (4)

Whereas:

I.   FACTS

1.   Procedure

By letter dated 1 February 2005 (Event no: 307555) the EFTA Surveillance Authority (the ‘Authority’) received a complaint (the ‘Complaint’) from a trade association for the Norwegian masonry and concrete industry, ‘byggutengrenser.no’ (the ‘Complainant’). In the Complaint, which was both received and registered by the Authority on 3 February 2005, the Complainant alleges that the Norwegian state is granting State aid to the wood construction industry on the basis of ‘Verdiskapningsprogrammet for tre’, also referred to as ‘Treprogrammet’ (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Wood Scheme’).

By letter dated 27 April 2005 (Event No: 313418), the Authority requested information from the Norwegian authorities. The Norwegian authorities responded by letter dated 27 May 2005, enclosed in a letter from the Norwegian Mission to the European Union dated 1 June 2005, received and registered by the Authority on 1 June 2005 (Event no: 323464).

The Authority requested further information by letter dated 31 August 2005 (Event no: 323451) to which the Norwegian authorities responded by letter dated 29 September 2005, enclosed in a letter dated 3 October 2005 from the Norwegian Mission to the European Union, received and registered by the Authority on 5 October 2005 (Event no: 345465).

In addition hereto, during the months of November and December 2005 and January 2006 the Authority and the Norwegian authorities have had informal contact both via telephone and electronic mail regarding the Wood Scheme. Information received by the Authority in this context has been consolidated by the Norwegian authorities in a letter dated 3 March 2006, enclosed in a letter dated 8 March 2006 from the Norwegian Mission to the European Union, received and registered by the Authority on 9 March 2006 (Event no: 365992).

2.   Description of the measures

2.1   Objective and administration of the Wood Scheme described in preparatory legislative works

The aim of the Wood Scheme is set out in a White Paper from the Government to the Parliament on the creation of value and opportunities within the forest sector (St. meld. nr. 17 (1998-99 ‘Verdiskapning og miljø — muligheter i skogssektoren’) — hereinafter referred to as the ‘White Paper’.

The aim of the White Paper was to establish a general policy for a rational and sustainable utilization of forest resources and to increase the forest sectors' contribution to the national economy and the general development of the Norwegian society. The White Paper proposed the introduction of various measures in order to achieve this goal — one of which was the Wood Scheme. In this respect the White Paper proposed the establishment of a five-year scheme for purposes of creating value within the sector of woodwork and the (wood) processing business. More specifically, the White Paper foresaw that the aim of the Wood Scheme should be to increase the creation of value in forestry and the (wood) processing business as well as to increase the contribution of the forest sector to achieve a more sustainable production and consumption. (5) Within these objectives, focus of the Wood Scheme should be on (i) improving the processing of woodwork; (ii) increasing the use of woodwork; and (iii) improving relations on different levels of trade between the forest sector and the market. (6) The White Paper also stated that focus of the new scheme should be on identifying possibilities in the areas of product development, design and architecture and that the scheme should pave the way for enabling woodwork to be considered as an attractive building material with a wide range of utilization purposes to a higher extent than up until presently. (7) Finally, on a more general level the White Paper pointed out that the aim of increasing value in the processing business for woodwork should be achieved internally (i.e., within Norway). (8)

The framework for the establishment of the Wood Scheme was laid down in further detail in a recommendation from a Parliamentary standing committee addressed to the Parliament (Innst. S. nr. 208 (1998-1999)), dated 3 June 1999 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Recommendation’). The Recommendation suggests, amongst others, that a working group should be established in order to lay down the strategies, implementation and financing needs of the new scheme.

Shortly afterwards in July 1999 a ‘Working Group’ was established, composed of, amongst others, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, trade associations for producers of timber and forest owners (respectively), research and development institutions as well as companies in the sector. The Working Group issued a report (the ‘Working Group Report’) on 14 April 2000 on the content, organisation and financing of the Wood Scheme as well as on the issue of inviting for cooperation from sector relevant organisations.

The Working Group Report recalls the objectives of the Wood Scheme referred to in the White Paper and the aims at which the Wood Scheme should be focused (of improving the processing of woodwork; increasing the use of woodwork; and improving relations on different levels of trade between the forest sector and the market). (9) The Working Group Report further specifies that the scheme should be limited to the processing chain between the forest sector and the mechanical wood processing industry but should also include the supply of raw material to the wood processing industry (e.g. to improve quality, precision and steady deliveries). (10) The Working Group Report also states that it is an objective that the Wood Scheme is focused on Norwegian wood resources and that improvements are achieved within the Norwegian (wood) processing business.

The Working Group Report places the responsibility for administration and implementation of the Wood Scheme with (i) ‘Statens nærings- og distriktsutviklingsfond’, generally referred to as ‘SND’ (which was reorganised and renamed ‘Innovasjon Norge’ as of 1 January 2004); and (ii) a management group (the ‘Management Group’) composed of market operators, appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture. (11)

The tasks of the Management Group is to ensure engagement from the value chain; verify that the activities within the scheme correspond to its aim and strategies; develop and turn the strategies into concrete actions; decide on overall priorities (such as with regard to areas to be focused on or target groups); and to contribute to the development of new strategic initiatives and active communication in order to obtain initiatives and engagement. The Management Group shall also cater for the interests of the businesses participating in the scheme. In the Working Group Report it is explained how the businesses — by means of the Management Group — will enjoy a central role in the strategic development of the scheme thereby ensuring active participation by business in the development and execution of the scheme. The Management Group must prepare annual reports on the implementation of activities and development of the scheme. The reports are forwarded to the Ministry of Agriculture and constitute the basis both for the process of preparing the budget within the Ministry and the preparation of guidelines to SND. (12)

Finally, it appears from the Working Group Report that while during an initial phase initiatives are taken on the basis of funding under the Wood Scheme, later on, initiatives should come from the operators who must assume responsibility for the projects. (13) All actions are to be realised in the form of projects, and proposals for projects are evaluated by reference to financing and the relevant objectives and criteria of the Wood Scheme.

2.2   Legal basis and annual budgets

It appears from the state budgets that the Wood Scheme is financed by the Ministry of Agriculture (renamed the ‘Ministry of Agriculture and Food’ as of 30 September 2004) via annual awards over the state budget. Specific details on the financing of the Wood Scheme were laid down in the Government proposal to the Parliament, containing the state budget for the year 2000 (St. prp. nr. 1 (1999-2000)) where funding for the Wood Scheme was included in Chapter 1142 as item 71. (14)

The state budgets for the following years earmarked amounts for the years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 for the Wood Scheme. (15) In the first four years (2000-2003, both inclusive) funding for the Wood Scheme was earmarked under item 71 in Chapter 1142 of the state budget, whereas in the last two years (2004 and 2005) funding for the Wood Scheme was earmarked under item 71 in Chapter 1149 of the state budget.

In a letter dated 29 September 2005 the Norwegian authorities have informed the Authority that the budgets for the Wood Scheme for the financial years from 2000 to 2005 have been as follows:

| Year | Budget million NOK | Consents million NOK |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2000 | 17 | 8,8 |
| 2001 | 25 | 25,7 |
| 2002 | 20 | 18,0 |
| 2003 | 36 | 39,4 |
| 2004 | 35 | 28,3 |
| 2005 | 33 | (not available yet) |
| Total | 166 | — |

Year

Budget million NOK

Consents million NOK

2000

17

8,8

2001

25

25,7

2002

20

18,0

2003

36

39,4

2004

35

28,3

2005

33

(not available yet)

Total

166

—

Grants have been paid out within three years after the year that a consent (‘tilsagn’) was given and upon completion of the project by the recipient. If a budget of a certain year would not be fully spent the remaining amount could be carried over to the subsequent year. Hence the total amount covering consents given in any one year may be higher than the budget amount in the same year.

Grants under the Wood Scheme to projects are conditional upon contributions by the recipients in the form of financing and work force. (16) There is no general minimum requirement for co-financing; rather the share of it differs depending on the objectives and character of the project. However, the Norwegian authorities have stated that as aid under the Wood Scheme is granted in accordance with the aid intensities set forth in the State Aid Guidelines — which according to a table prepared by the Norwegian authorities — provide for a maximum rate of 75 % of eligible costs, the co-financing consists in the remaining percentage. Nonetheless, projects may also be fully financed by the Wood Scheme, namely those which are addressed to the wood sector in general and where (according to the Norwegian authorities) the measure cannot be attributed to individual undertakings and results in a modest benefit only to an individual undertaking. An example of this, which has been referred to by the authorities, is the grant of NOK 125.000 to Norsk Treteknisk Institutt to a project for the product development of planed panels for internal use. The Norwegian authorities stated that results are accessible for its member companies, but that, in any event, much of Norsk Treteknisk Institutt's information is generally accessible via its library.

The Norwegian authorities have pointed out that although projects are co-financed, it is clear that the relevant activities/projects would not have taken place had it not been for the grants awarded under the Wood Scheme. The grants under the Wood Scheme are precisely aimed at triggering (or encouraging) contributions and resources from those operators who might pursue projects covered by the objectives of the Wood scheme. (17)

2.3   Recipients of support under the Wood Scheme

The Working Group Report provides that the Wood Scheme should be directed towards companies and other operators with concrete projects, falling within the strategies and work areas of the scheme and which contribute to increased value creation. (18)

The Norwegian authorities have further specified that the Wood Scheme is open to all relevant industries (referred to as ‘mechanical wood-based industries and a variety of companies’) and industries which can contribute to goal achievement within the Wood Scheme, such as industries exploring the use of wood in combination with other materials. Within these parameters the scheme is open to private persons, companies, authorities, unions, research and educational institutions, irrespectively of their country of establishment.

The Norwegian authorities have provided the Authority with two lists on the allocation of amounts granted under the Wood Scheme. The first list contains an overview of the amounts granted to recipients by consent over the period 2000-2004 (‘List 1 of Overview of Grants’). The second list also includes the consents given during 2000-2004 but contains further details, such as the amounts that have been ‘annulled’ and the amounts actually paid out to recipients (‘List 2 of Overview of Grants’).

2.4   Eligible costs and aid intensity

In general the Norwegian authorities have stated that grants under the Wood Scheme have been awarded in compliance with the State Aid Guidelines such as Chapter 14 on aid for research and development and Chapter 25 on regional aid, or in accordance with the block exemptions for small and medium-sized enterprises (‘block exemption Regulation on SMEs’) or training aid (‘block exemption Regulation on training aid’) unless the grant would qualify to be considered as de minimis under the previous Chapter 12 in the State Aid Guidelines or the subsequent Regulation on de minimis aid (the ‘de minimis Regulation’). (19)

More specifically, the Norwegian authorities have stated that the Wood Scheme does not fund ‘...investments in fixed or intangible assets nor ordinary day-to-day operations.’ but that ‘The Wood Scheme may fund consultancy services for competence building and network building; product- and process-development etc.’ In this regard it appears from the Working Group Report that ‘The Wood Scheme shall finance “soft”investments, that is, development of skills, networking, product- and process development (but not for machines) communication solutions, including IT-infrastructure (but not machinery) market development and the like. The scheme should normally not contribute support to physical investments.’
   (20)

As regards eligible costs the Norwegian authorities have stated that grants under the Wood Scheme are awarded to eligible projects that ‘... contribute to goal achievement within the strategies and work areas of the program’ and which trigger innovation. As regards strategies it appears from the Working Group Report that the following three strategies should be employed in order to achieve the objectives of the Wood Scheme. Each of the strategies should be implemented by means of the activities specified below each strategy. (21) The costs of such activities are therefore eligible for funding under the Wood Scheme.

| | |
| --- | --- |

Specifically as regards research and development, the Norwegian authorities have stated that as the documents on which the Wood Scheme is based do not set forth any conditions which must be met in order for a research and development project to be eligible for support, case handlers have assessed projects on a case-by-case basis by reference to the project description given by applicants and Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines. In this context the Norwegian authorities have stated that eligible costs could include personnel costs (researchers, technicians & assistance personnel, exclusively used for the research and development activity), instruments, equipment, working space and buildings (permanently and exclusively used for the research and development activity); consultancy assistance and corresponding services (exclusively used in the context of the research and development activity) and administration directly related to the research and development activity. Other eligible costs could be operating expenses such as materials, supplies and similar products which are directly related to the research & development activity.

The Norwegian authorities have stated that: ‘When aid to consultancy services is granted, the aid intensity lies within 50 % of eligible costs, development projects (R&D) are funded within 35/25 % of eligible costs depending on the size of the recipient.’. The authorities have subsequently added that it is assumed that the aid intensity must be 50 % when financing projects are addressed to undertakings, and that to the extent that grants have exceeded 50 % it has been for purposes of projects with a general and common purpose in which case the Norwegian authorities have considered that the grant does not constitute illegal State aid under Article 61 of the EEA Agreement, or that the amount qualifies as de minimis. However, the Norwegian authorities have also (in the context of co-financing) referred to a maximum aid intensity of 75 % albeit without linking this aid intensity to a specific set of guidelines. (22)

The Norwegian authorities have maintained that grants under the Wood Scheme have been implemented on the basis of the ceilings referred to in the following table (translated by the Authority) which according to the Norwegian authorities contains an overview of previously notified and approved schemes.

| — | ( ) indicates that the scheme is only exceptionally relevant for the stated purposes and/or type of undertakings |
| --- | --- |

—

( ) indicates that the scheme is only exceptionally relevant for the stated purposes and/or type of undertakings

| — | Up to 100 000 Euro may be granted under all schemes on the basis of the rules on de minimis aid |
| --- | --- |

—

Up to 100 000 Euro may be granted under all schemes on the basis of the rules on de minimis aid

| Measure — Scheme | Purpose | SMEs (< 250 employees and two other criteria) | Large undertakings |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Small enterprises
  (< 50 employees and two other criteria) | Medium-sized enterprises
  (< 250 employees and two other criteria) |
| Country-wide innovation scheme | Investments | 15 % | 7,5 % | 0 |
| Soft aid | 50 % | 0 |
| Training aid (shall not be given from LI for the moment) | (Specific/general — 35 %/70 %) | (specific/general — 25 %/50 %) |
| R & D: | | |
| — | Development activities for commercialisation |

Measure — Scheme

Purpose

SMEs (< 250 employees and two other criteria)

Large undertakings

Small enterprises

(< 50 employees and two other criteria)

Medium-sized enterprises

(< 250 employees and two other criteria)

Country-wide innovation scheme

Investments

15 %

7,5 %

0

Soft aid

50 %

0

Training aid (shall not be given from LI for the moment)

(Specific/general — 35 %/70 %)

(specific/general — 25 %/50 %)

R & D:

—

Development activities for commercialisation

35 %

25 %

Technical preparatory studies

75 %

50 %

| — | (Individual Research, Technical preparatory studies) |
| --- | --- |

—

(Individual Research, Technical preparatory studies)

(60 %/75 %)

(50 %/75 %)

OFU/IFU

R & D:

| — | Development activities for commercialisation |
| --- | --- |

—

Development activities for commercialisation

35 % (regional area + 5 %)

25 % (regional area + 5 %)

Technical preparatory studies

75 %

50 %

| — | (Individual research, Technical preparatory studies) |
| --- | --- |

—

(Individual research, Technical preparatory studies)

(60 %/75 %)

(50 %/75 %)

Contribution to county municipalities for regional development

Investments:

| — | Zone A |
| --- | --- |

—

Zone A

30 %

25 %

B

25 %

20 %

C

20 % (25 %) (23)

10 % (15 %)

Soft aid

50 %

0

Training aid

Specific/general — 40 %/75 %

Specific/general — 30 %/55 %

R & D:

| — | Development activities for commercialisation |
| --- | --- |

—

Development activities for commercialisation

40 %

30 %

Technical preparatory studies

75 %

| — | (Individual Research, Technical preparatory studies) |
| --- | --- |

—

(Individual Research, Technical preparatory studies)

(65 %/75 %)

55 % (55 %/75 %)

Rearrangements and new creations

Investments:

0

| — | Outside reg. area |
| --- | --- |

—

Outside reg. area

15 %

7,5 %

| — | Within reg. area |
| --- | --- |

—

Within reg. area

Zone A: 30 %, B: 25 % and C: 20 % (25 %) (24)

Zone A: 25 %, B: 20 % and C: 10 % (15 %)

Soft aid:

| — | Outside reg. area |
| --- | --- |

—

Outside reg. area

50 %

| — | Inside reg. area |
| --- | --- |

—

Inside reg. area

50 %

Training aid:

| — | Outside reg. area |
| --- | --- |

—

Outside reg. area

Specific/general — 35 %/70 %

Specific/general — 25 %/50 %

| — | Inside reg. area |
| --- | --- |

—

Inside reg. area

Specific/general — 40 %/75 %

Specific/general — 30 %/55 %

R & D:

Outside reg. area:

| — | Development activities for commercialisation |
| --- | --- |

—

Development activities for commercialisation

35 %

25 %

Technical preparatory studies

75 %

50 %

| — | (Individual research, Technical preparatory studies) |
| --- | --- |

—

(Individual research, Technical preparatory studies)

(60 %/75 %)

(50 %/75 %)

Inside reg. area:

| — | Development activities for commercialisation |
| --- | --- |

—

Development activities for commercialisation

40 %

30 %

Technical preparatory studies

75 %

55 %

| — | (Individual research, Technical preparatory studies) |
| --- | --- |

—

(Individual research, Technical preparatory studies)

(65 %/75 %)

(55 %/75 %)

Establishment grant

De minimis aid

Max. NOK 400 000 (in spec. cases more but not over 100 000 Euro

The references to ‘zone’ refer to the areas eligible for regional aid according to the Authority's Decision on the regional aid map for Norway. (25)

2.5   De minimis aid

As regards de minimis aid the Norwegian authorities have submitted a list of those who in their view have received grants under the Wood Scheme that qualify as de minimis (the ‘de minimis List’). In this regard the Norwegian authorities have specified that it is the date that the authorities gave the consent (‘tilsagn’) which determines whether the previous Chapter 12 of the State Aid Guidelines on the de minimis rule, or the subsequent de minimis Regulation, is applicable to the grant in question. Moreover, the authorities have explained that when aid has been granted as de minimis aid the consent letter, sent to the aid recipient, contains a reference to the de minimis threshold and time frame as well as to the obligation of the aid recipient to inform of aid received from other sources within three years from the point in time at which the consent to be granted aid was given. (26)

2.6   Commencement of scheme and duration

The Norwegian authorities have stated that the Wood Scheme was operational as of 1 July 2000 (i.e., the date as of which applications for support could be made) and should remain in force for five years. (27) This is also stated in the comments to the proposal for the State Budget in St. prp. nr. 1 (2000-2001) from which it appears that the Wood Scheme entered into force in the second quarter of 2000.

2.7   Trade in wood products

It appears from the White Paper from the Government to the Parliament on the creation of value and opportunities within the forest sector that Norway exports its wood products to the EU. In this regard it is specifically stated in Section 4.3 of the White Paper that ‘Norway exports approximately 85-90 % of the wholesale production of wood and paper products and approximately 35 % of the timber production. Supplies to EU countries amount to 70 % and 90 % of total exports. Any strategies or political interventions within the EU which can effect EUs import of forest industry products could have large consequences for the Norwegian forest sector.’
   (28) Moreover, it appears from Eurostat statistics that wood products are extensively traded in the EU. (29) Finally, it appears from statistics produced by ‘Statistics Norway’ (‘Statistisk sentralbyrå’) that Norway also imports substantial amounts of timber, processed wood and wood products (‘Tømmer, trelast og kork...’) from the EU into Norway. (30)

II.   APPRECIATION

1.   The presence of State aid

As a preliminary point, the Authority considers that the Wood Scheme falls within the scope of the EEA Agreement. This view is based on the fact that it appears from Article 8(3) of the EEA Agreement that the EEA Agreement applies to the products listed in Chapters 25 to 97 of the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System, and the fact that wood and articles of wood are covered by Chapter 44 thereof. As support under the Wood Scheme is granted to the woodwork processing business and related wood industries the Authority takes the position that the scheme is within the scope of the EEA Agreement.

1.1   State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) EEA

Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement provides that: ‘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.’

To be termed State aid, within the meaning of Article 61(1) EEA a measure must meet the following four cumulative criteria: The measure must (i) confer on recipients an economic advantage which is not received in the normal course of business; (ii) the advantage must be granted by the State or through State resources and must (iii) be selective by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods; and (iv) distort competition and affect trade between Contracting Parties. In the following it is examined whether the four cumulative criteria are met in the present case.

1.2   Economic advantage

The measure must confer on recipients an economic advantage which is not received in the normal course of business.

Under the Wood Scheme the Norwegian authorities award financial grants to companies, authorities, unions, etc. which can contribute to the objectives under the scheme. The undertakings receiving such grants receive an economic advantage, i.e., a grant, which they would not have received in their normal course of business.

1.3   Presence of State resources

The advantage must be granted by the state or through state resources.

The grants awarded under the Wood Scheme are financed by the Ministry of Agriculture (renamed the ‘Ministry of Agriculture and Food’ as of 30 September 2004) and is therefore financed by the state.

1.4   Favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods

The measure must favour certain undertakings or the production of certain goods.

It appears from various legislative preparatory works (such as the White Paper, the Recommendation and the Working Group Report), leading up to the state budgets and the establishment of the Wood Scheme, that the scheme is aimed at improving value in (i) the wood processing business; and (ii) the relations on different levels of trade between the forest sector and the market (which includes the supply of raw material to the wood processing industry) along with a general aim of increasing the actual use of woodwork.

Thus grants under the Wood Scheme are awarded only where it is considered that they may benefit the wood processing sector and related wood industries as well as the supply of raw material to such industries. The Wood Scheme favours therefore undertakings within the wood industry sector and is hence selective in nature. In this respect the European Court of Justice has held that a measure may be selective even if it covers (undertakings in) an entire sector. (31)

It should be noted that although grants under the Wood Scheme may also be awarded to undertakings in other industries (for example where industries explore the use of wood in combination with other materials), this option is open only for such industries which can contribute to the overall aim of the Wood Scheme of generally improving value in the wood processing business. The Authority therefore considers that even this option is ultimately aimed at favouring undertakings in the wood processing industries and related wood industries.

1.5   Distortion of competition and effect on trade between Contracting Parties

The measures must distort competition and affect trade between the Contracting Parties.

Under the Wood Scheme the Norwegian authorities award grants to undertakings in the wood processing (and related) industries. Moreover, the Norwegian industry exports a large share of its wholesale timber and refined wood products (up to 90 %) to other EEA countries where wood products are extensively traded. In addition, Norway also imports timber, processed wood and wood products from the EU. In such circumstances, the grant of support to undertakings under the Wood Scheme will strengthen the position of the recipients compared to other undertakings which are located in Norway or in other EEA countries and competing in the wood processing (and related) businesses. Moreover, since wood is merely one of the raw materials used in the construction business, grants received by construction companies under the Wood Scheme will strengthen and reinforce their position compared to other undertakings competing in the construction business. (32)

On this basis, the Authority considers that the grant of financial support to undertakings under the Wood Scheme will distort competition and affect trade.

1.6   Conclusion

In the light of the above, the preliminary conclusion of the Authority is that the Wood Scheme satisfies the test of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement and hence involves State aid. The Authority also takes the view that as the Wood Scheme is an act on the basis of which, without further implementing measures being required, individual aid awards may be made to undertakings defined within the act in a general and abstract manner, it qualifies as an aid scheme within the meaning of Article 1(d) in part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement.

2   Compatibility of the aid

As the preliminary conclusion of the Authority is that the Wood Scheme satisfies the test of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement and hence involves State aid, it has to be examined whether the Wood Scheme may be considered compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement under Article 61(2) or (3) of the EEA Agreement.

2.1   Compatibility with Article 61(2) EEA

It appears that none of the exceptions under Article 61(2) EEA apply in this case as the Wood Scheme is not aimed at the objectives listed in those provisions.

2.2   Compatibility with Article 61(3) EEA

A State aid measure is considered compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement under Article 61(3)(a) EEA when it is designed to promote the economic development of areas where the standard of living is abnormally low or where there is serious underemployment. However, as there are no such areas defined by the Norwegian regional aid map, this provision is not relevant. (33)

Moreover, the exception in Article 61(3)(b) EEA does not apply since the State aid granted under the Wood Scheme is not intended to promote the execution of an important project of common European interest or to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of Norway.

However, the exception laid down in Article 61(3)(c) EEA which provides that State aid may be considered compatible with the common market where it facilitates the development of certain economic activities or of certain economic areas and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest, may be applicable.

Undertakings become eligible for aid under this provision when they are established in certain regions defined by the Norwegian regional aid map, referred to above, and when the conditions set out in Chapter 25 of the State Aid Guidelines are met. However, the documents which establish the Wood Scheme (e.g. the state budgets, White Paper, Working Group Report etc.) do not contain any provisions which refer to the regional aid map for Norway or the conditions set out in Chapter 25 of the State Aid Guidelines.

The Norwegian authorities have, however, stated that the Wood Scheme has (in practice) been implemented on the basis of the (regional aid) ceilings referred to in the table entitled ‘Attachment No 3 Overview — funding rates applicable to the Wood Scheme’ (included in Section 2.4 in Part I on ‘Facts’). However, the Authority observes that this table does not contain any supplementing information on the application of the ceilings, such as a description of eligible costs. The Authority can therefore not reassure itself that grants awarded under the Wood Scheme are in accordance and compatible with Chapter 25 of the State Aid Guidelines on regional aid.

In Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines aid granted to firms for research and development may be regarded as compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement on the basis of Article 61(3)(c) EEA. Chapter 14 sets out the definition of different types of research and development, such as ‘fundamental research’, ‘industrial research’ and ‘pre-competitive development activity’ and the aid intensities which apply.

However, the documents which establish and implement the Wood Scheme do not contain any definition or requirements as regards the type of research and development for which support may be granted, nor do they describe the costs which are considered as eligible or set out any ceilings on the maximum amount of aid which may be granted.

The Norwegian authorities have stated that aid for research and development activities have (in practice) been granted in accordance with the rules set forth in Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines and that research and development projects are funded within 35/25 % of eligible costs, depending on the size of the recipient. However, the Norwegian authorities have also provided statements referring to other aid intensities, such as 50 % when financing projects are addressed to undertakings; and 100 % where the grant was assumed not to qualify as aid either because the activity could not be attributed to individual undertakings or qualified as de minimis. (34) Moreover, in the context of co-financing the Norwegian authorities have referred to a maximum aid intensity of 75 %.

As regards the eligible costs the Norwegian authorities have stated that they could include personnel costs, instruments, equipment, working space & buildings, etc. While these are costs referred to as eligible costs in Chapter 14.6 of the State Aid Guidelines, the Authority recalls that grants under the Wood Scheme may also be awarded to support the costs of a range of other elements such as campaigns, information dissemination, establishment of Internet portals & networks, meeting points for specific groups, development projects with focus on value generation and systems of logistics and on digitalisation.

On the basis of the above the Authority cannot reassure itself that grants awarded under the Wood Scheme are in accordance with Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines for research and development.

Aid granted in compliance with the block exemption Regulations on SMEs and/or on training aid is considered compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement and is exempt from the notification requirement provided that the scheme fulfills all the conditions of the relevant block exemption Regulation and contains an express reference to it (by citing its title and publication reference in the Official Journal of the European Communities; now the Official Journal of the European Union). (35)

However, neither the state budgets nor the Working Group Report or any of the other legislative preparatory works regarding the Wood Scheme include a reference to the application of the block exemption Regulation on SMEs nor to the block exemption Regulation on training aid. Moreover, the Authority has not received any information from the Norwegian authorities on the application of any of the block exemption Regulations for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

On this basis the Authority takes the preliminary view that the Norwegian authorities have not complied with the formal requirements in the block exemption Regulations with respect to the Wood Scheme.

The Authority may assess the Wood Scheme directly under Article 61(3)(c) EEA in the light of the material principles established in the block exemption Regulations on SMEs and training aid for purposes of determining whether the Wood Scheme may be considered compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.

However, neither the state budgets or any of the other legislative preparatory works regarding the Wood Scheme provide that support must be granted to companies qualifying as SMEs, or contain a definition of this term. Nor do they provide that support must be granted to training aid or contain a definition of the latter.

The Norwegian authorities have, on the other hand, stated that the Wood Scheme has (in practice) been implemented on the basis of the ceilings referred to in the table entitled ‘Attachment No 3 Overview — funding rates applicable to the Wood Scheme’ (included in Section 2.4 in Part I on ‘Facts’). However, this table does not contain any supplementing information on the application of the ceilings, such as a description of eligible costs. The Authority can therefore not reassure itself that grants awarded under the Wood Scheme have been based on a practice which are in accordance with the material principles on the grant of aid to SMEs.

On this basis the Authority takes the preliminary view that even taking into account the material principles set out in the block exemption Regulations the Authority has doubts that the Wood Scheme is compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement under Article 61(3)(c) EEA.

2.3   Conclusions

In view of the fact that the Authority cannot establish that the Wood Scheme qualifies for any of the exemptions provided for in the EEA Agreement, the Authority therefore has doubts that the Wood Scheme could be considered compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.

The documents submitted to the Authority which establish and implement the Wood Scheme do not contain sufficiently specific definitions of the type of projects for which support may be granted, descriptions of eligible costs or ceilings on the maximum amount of aid which may be granted. However, the Norwegian authorities may have an administrative practice to implement the Wood Scheme in accordance with the State aid Guidelines and the material principles in the block exemption Regulations. In the light of this the Norwegian authorities are invited to submit any information showing that internal instructions or other authoritative orders have been issued for purposes of implementing the Wood Scheme in compliance with the principles set out in the State Aid Guidelines or material principles in the block exemption Regulations.

However, the Authority wishes to point out that even if such an administrative practice could be demonstrated the Authority reserves its right to take a position on whether the Wood Scheme may be considered compatible under Article 61(3)(c) in view of the existence of the practice under the Wood Scheme to grant 100 % support to projects where the grant was assumed by the administering authority not to qualify as aid because the activity could not be attributed to individual undertakings and considered to result in a modest benefit only to an individual undertaking. Indeed in the example given in Section 2.2 (in Part I on ‘Facts’ under ‘co-financing’) where the Wood Scheme financed 100 % of the costs of a development project, the presence of State aid cannot be excluded merely because the results were made available to ‘member companies’. The Norwegian authorities are invited to submit any further information it may have in respect of this practice, including on the existence of any eventual internal instructions to implement the Wood Scheme in this manner.

3.   De minimis aid

The Norwegian authorities have submitted that grants awarded on the basis of specific provisions under the Wood Scheme fulfil the conditions for qualifying as de minimis aid. In other words, according to the Norwegian authorities the Wood Scheme contains provisions setting out conditions which, when they are met, ensure that grants qualify as de minimis aid.

The grant of aid may qualify as de minimis under the previous Chapter 12 of the State Aid Guidelines or the subsequent de minimis Regulation (which replaced Chapter 12 as of 1 February 2003) (36) with the consequence that the measure does not contain State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement and that there is no obligation to notify. (37) As the Wood Scheme was implemented between 1 July 2000 and the end of 2005 both sets of de minimis rules are relevant for the scheme. According to the Norwegian authorities it is the date that the Norwegian authorities gave their consent (‘tilsagn’) which determines whether the previous Chapter 12 of the State Aid Guidelines or the subsequent de minimis Regulation is applicable to the grant in question.

It appears from Article 3(1) of the de minimis Regulation that the national authorities can only grant de minimis aid after first having verified that the total amount of de minimis aid received by the company is not raised by virtue of other de minimis aid having been received during the previous three years. The previous Chapter 12 of the State Aid Guidelines contained a provision to the same effect by providing that it must be ensured that any additional aid granted to the same recipient does not raise the total amount of aid granted beyond the de minimis threshold. Under the de minimis Regulation one manner of verifying the de minimis threshold is by obtaining full information from the recipient on this matter. Under the previous Chapter 12 of the State Aid Guidelines the de minimis rule should be verified by means of a control modality (e.g. control ‘machinery’). In the view of the Authority this could likewise consist of obtaining complete information from the recipient on the matter.

Under the Wood Scheme, Innovasjon Norge has made reference to the de minimis rules and informed recipients of an obligation to inform the authorities of other de minimis aid received three years after the consent to receive de minimis aid was given. However, this information obligation only concerns de minimis aid received after aid has been received under the Wood Scheme, and recipients have therefore not been required to submit information on whether any de minimis aid has been received prior to receiving de minimis aid under the Wood Scheme. As a consequence it cannot be excluded that recipients have received other de minimis aid prior to the grants received under the Wood Scheme with the result that total aid may exceed the de minimis threshold. The Authority can therefore not be certain that aid which has been stated by the Norwegian authorities to qualify as de minimis aid under the Wood Scheme does indeed qualify as such. The Authority is therefore of the preliminary opinion that the provisions under the Wood Scheme, potentially constituting a de minimis scheme, does not comply with the de minimis rules.

4.   Procedural requirements

Pursuant to Article 1(3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement, ‘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’.

The Norwegian authorities have not notified the Wood Scheme to the Authority prior to implementing the scheme. The Authority observes that it has not received information from the Norwegian authorities showing that the Wood Scheme is a continuance of a previous scheme which is similar to that of the Wood Scheme in terms of substance and structure. Moreover, the Wood Scheme is not covered by any other aid scheme notified by the Norwegian authorities to the Authority. In view of the fact that the preliminary conclusion of the Authority is that the Wood Scheme involves State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) EEA it is the preliminary opinion of the Authority that the Norwegian authorities have not respected its obligation to notify pursuant to Article 1(3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement. Any State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement which is not notified will be treated as ‘unlawful aid’ within the meaning of Article 1(f) in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement.

The Norwegian authorities are invited to confirm that the Wood Scheme has been terminated by referring to the specific date of its termination.

5.   Conclusion

Based on the information submitted by the Norwegian authorities, the Authority is of the preliminary opinion that the Wood Scheme constitutes aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. Furthermore, the Authority has doubts that the Wood Scheme can be regarded as compatible with Article 61(3)(c) of the EEA Agreement in combination with the requirements laid down in Chapters 14 and 25 of the Authority's State Aid Guidelines. Moreover, the Authority's preliminary view is that the Norwegian authorities have not complied with the block exemption Regulations on aid to SMEs and training aid, and that the Wood Scheme cannot be approved directly under Article 61(3)(c) EEA in the light of the material principles of the block exemption Regulations. Consequently, the Authority has doubts that the Wood Scheme is compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.

In addition, the Authority has doubts that the provisions under which de minimis aid allegedly is granted is in compliance with the previous Chapter 12 of the State aid Guidelines and the de minimis Regulation.

Consequently, and in accordance with Article 13(1) cf. Article 4(4) in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement, the Authority is obliged to open the procedure provided for in Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 of the Surveillance and Court Agreement. The decision to open proceedings is without prejudice to the final decision of the Authority, which may conclude that the Wood Scheme is compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.

As the Wood Scheme has not been notified to the Authority, any aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) EEA granted under the Wood Scheme constitutes unlawful aid within the meaning of Article 1(f) in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement. It follows from Article 14 in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement that the Authority shall decide that unlawful aid which is incompatible with the State aid rules under the EEA Agreement must be recovered from the beneficiaries.

In the light of the foregoing considerations, the Authority, acting under the procedure laid down in Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement as well as Articles 6(1) in Part II thereof, requests the Norwegian authorities to submit its comments and to provide all such information as may help to assess the aid granted under the Wood Scheme within one month of the date of receipt of this decision.

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The Authority has decided to open the formal investigation procedure provided for in Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement against Norway with regard to the Wood Scheme.

Article 2

The Norwegian authorities are requested, pursuant to Article 6(1) in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement, to submit their comments on the opening of the formal investigation procedure within one month from the notification of this decision and to provide all such information which may help to assess the Wood Scheme.

Article 3

Other EFTA States, EC Member States, and interested parties shall be informed by means of publication of this decision in its authentic language version, accompanied by a meaningful summary in languages other than the authentic language version, in the EEA Section of the Official Journal of the European Union and the EEA Supplement thereto, inviting them to submit comments within one month from the date of publication.

Article 4

This Decision is authentic in the English language.

Article 5

This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Norway.

Done at Brussels, 17 May 2006

For the EFTA Surveillance Authority

Bjørn T. GRYDELAND

President

Kurt JAEGER

College Member

---

(1)  Hereinafter referred to as the ‘EEA Agreement’ or ‘EEA’.

1

(2)  Hereinafter referred to as the Surveillance and Court Agreement.

2

(3)  Procedural and Substantive Rules in the Field of State Aid Guidelines on the application and interpretation of Articles 61 and 62 of the EEA Agreement and Article 1 of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement, adopted and issued by the EFTA Surveillance Authority on 19 January 1994, published in OJ L 231, 3.9.1994, p. 1, EEA Supplement No 32, 3.9.1994, p. 1, last amended by the Authority's Decision No 69/06/COL of 22 March 2006 on reference and discount rates (hereinafter referred to as the ‘State Aid Guidelines’).

3

(4)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid (OJ L 10, 13.1.2001, p. 20 as amended by OJ L 63, 28.2.2004, p. 20); Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises (OJ L 10, 13.1.2001, p. 33 as amended by OJ L 63, 28.2.2004, p. 22); and Commission Regulation (EC) No 69/2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to de minimis aid (OJ L 10, 13.1.2001, p. 30). The latter Regulation replaces the previous Chapter 12 in the State Aid Guidelines (adopted by the Authority's Decision No 54/96/COL of 15 May 1996, OJ L 245, 25.9.1996, p. 28). All Regulations have been incorporated into Annex 15 (in Sections 1(d)-(f)) to the EEA Agreement by means of Joint Committee Decision No 88/2002 (OJ L 266, 3.10.2002, p. 56 and EEA Suppl. No 49, 3.10.2002, p. 42) and Joint Committee Decision No 131/2004 (OJ L 64, 10.3.2005, p. 67 and EEA Supplement No 12, 10.3.2005, p. 49).

4

de minimis

(5)  Section 7.3.3 of the White Paper.

5

(6)  Section 7.3.3 of the White Paper.

6

(7)  Section 2.4.1 of the White Paper.

7

(8)  Section 6.1.1 of the White Paper. Regarding the focus on Norwegian industry Section 6.1.1 of the White Paper also states that (translated by the Authority): For purposes of increasing the creation of value it is important to consider both the possibility of reducing costs on the levels of processing as well as sales and to increase and improve the use/exploitation of woodwork produced in Norway.

8

For purposes of increasing the creation of value it is important to consider both the possibility of reducing costs on the levels of processing as well as sales and to increase and improve the use/exploitation of woodwork produced in Norway.

(9)  Section 2.1 of the Working Group Report defines the forest based value chain (or the forest sector) as all operators involved from the stump to the end-user. ‘Forest’ covers the supply side (forest owners and associations of such) and the commercial level (forest entrepreneurs, including terrain transport, timber measurement and turnover, forest culture work, operational planning etc.). ‘Production’ covers all processing of timber into products suitable for end-users but with a focus on the wood mechanical processing chain (covering traditional work in sawmills and carpentry and further processing into doors, windows, staircases and other building elements as well as the production of wood furniture, wooden houses and manually produced productions). The ‘market’ covers the end-users but includes also different trading levels and other operators in the forest based production system, such as subcontractors of goods and services to forestry and the forest based industry.

9

(10)  Section 1.4 of the Working Group Report which also states that the Wood Scheme does not cover forest culture, infrastructure, transport, fields, forest products for green decoration purposes and bio energy which are to be addressed via other measures by the Government.

10

(11)  Sections 1.5, 6.2 and 6.3 of the Working Group Report. The Ministry of Agriculture also defines the mandate of the Management Group.

11

(12)  Sections 1.5, 6.2 and 6.3 of the Working Group Report.

12

(13)  Section 4.7 of the Working Group Report.

13

(14)  See also revised budget (St. prp. nr. 61 (1999-2000)). The Wood Scheme has been referred to in different manners including ‘Treprogrammet’ and ‘Verdiskapningsprogrammet for tre’ or by means of the original Recommendation from the Standing Committee to the Parliament (Innst. S. nr. 208 (1998-1999)).

14

‘Treprogrammet’

‘Verdiskapningsprogrammet for tre’

(15)  2001: St. prp. nr. 1 (2000-2001) and revised budget (St. prp. nr. 84 (2000-2001)); 2002: St. prp. nr. 1 (2001-2002) and revised budget (St. prp. nr. 1 Tillegg nr. 4 (2001-2002)); 2003: St. prp. nr. 1 (2002-2003) and revised budget (St. prp. nr. 65 (2002-2003)); 2004: St. prp. nr. 1 (2003-2004) and revised budget (St. prp. nr. 63); 2005: St. prp. nr. 1 (2004-2005) and revised budget (St. prp. nr. 65 (2004-2005)).

15

(16)  Sections 1.4 and 7.1 of the Working Group Report.

16

(17)  Section 7.1 of the Working Group Report. See also bullet point 3 in Section 7.2 of the Working Group Report and the third paragraph of Section 4.7 where it is stated that the financing by the Wood Scheme must function as a trigger for projects.

17

(18)  Section 4.6 of the Working Group Report.

18

(19)  Regulation Nos 68/2001 (on training aid), 70/2001 (on small and medium-sized enterprises); and 69/2001 (on de minimis aid). The de minimis Regulation replaced the previous Chapter 12 of the State Aid Guidelines. See references to all Regulations and Chapter 12 of the State Aid Guidelines in footnote 4.

19

de minimis

de minimis

(20)  Translation (by the Authority) of the second bullet point in Section 7.2 of the Working Group Report. The Norwegian authorities have added that‘These principles have been followed and communicated to the beneficiaries.’

20

‘These principles have been followed and communicated to the beneficiaries.’

(21)  Sections 4.1- 4.4 and 5 of the Working Group Report.

21

(22)  See Section 2.2 above.

22

(23)  Up to 25 %/15 % may be used for measures which can be expected to have a strong effect from a district policy point of view. In the counties of Vest-Agder, Rogaland and Hordaland the aid threshold may not be in excess of 20 %/10 %.

23

(24)  Up to 25 %/15 % may be used for measures which can be expected to have a strong regional effect. In the counties of Vest-Agder, Rogaland and Hordaland the thresholds may not be in excess of 20 %/10 %.

24

(25)  The Authority's Decision 327/99/COL of 16 December 1999 on the map of assisted areas and levels of aid (Norway).

25

(26)  This information request is phrased in the following manner: ‘EØS-regelverket — opplysningsplikt: Tildelingen av tilskuddet skjer i henhold til reglene for bagatellmessig støtte. Ved eventuelle nye søknader om offentlig støtte (uansett støttekilde) har støttemottaker plikt til å opplyse om dette tilskuddet. Opplysningsplikten gjelder i 3 år fra tilsagnstidspunktet. Støttemottakeren må ikke motta mer enn til sammen 100.000 Euro (ca. kr 815.000,-) i støtte etter reglene for bagatellmessig støtte over et tidsrom på 3 år.’

26

‘EØS-regelverket

opplysningsplikt: Tildelingen av tilskuddet skjer i henhold til reglene for bagatellmessig støtte. Ved eventuelle nye søknader om offentlig støtte (uansett støttekilde) har støttemottaker plikt til å opplyse om dette tilskuddet. Opplysningsplikten gjelder i 3 år fra tilsagnstidspunktet. Støttemottakeren må ikke motta mer enn til sammen 100.000 Euro (ca. kr 815.000,-) i støtte etter reglene for bagatellmessig støtte over et tidsrom på 3 år.’

(27)  The Working group Report also states that the Wood Scheme should be operational from the second quarter in the year of 2000 and remain in force for five years onwards.

27

(28)  Translation by the Authority of the following quote: ‘Norge eksporterer ca 85-90 % av produksjonen av tremasse og papirprodukter og ca 35 % av trelast-produksjonen. Leveransene til EU-land utgjør henholdsvis 70 % og 90 % av eksporten. Eventuelle strategier eller politiske vedtak innen EU som kan påvirke EUs import av skogindustriprodukter vil kunne få store konsekvenser for den norske skogsektoren.’

28

Norge eksporterer ca 85-90 % av produksjonen av tremasse og papirprodukter og ca 35 % av trelast-produksjonen. Leveransene til EU-land utgjør henholdsvis 70 % og 90 % av eksporten. Eventuelle strategier eller politiske vedtak innen EU som kan påvirke EUs import av skogindustriprodukter vil kunne få store konsekvenser for den norske skogsektoren.

(29)  Statistics produced by EUROSTAT for the years between 1999 and 2004, covering both imports and exports of various varieties of refined wood and timber within the EU (where value is expressed either in thousands of cubic meters or tons), shows that there is extensive trade within the EU of wood products. The relevant statistics are (i) intra EU-25 imports and exports of round wood; ‘table fores51’; (ii) intra EU-25 imports of wood pulp and paper and paperboard; ‘table fores62’; (iii) intra-EU 25 exports of woodpulp ‘table fores62’; (iv) intra-EU 25 imports of sawnwood and wood based panels; ‘table fores61’; and (v) intra-EU exports of sawnwood ‘table fores61’. All available at

29

http://europa.eu.int/comm/eurostat

or via contacting EUROSTAT via their web-site.

(30)  See the webpage:

30

http://www.ssb.no/muh/tab15-01.shtml

which shows table 15, entitled, ‘Trade with selected countries by two-digit SITC. Jan — mar 2006. Million kroner’.

Trade with selected countries by two-digit SITC. Jan

mar 2006. Million kroner

(31)  Case C-75/97 Belgium v Commission [1999] ECR I-3671, paragraph 33, Case C-66/02 Italy v Commission of 15 December 2005, not yet published, paragraph 95, Joined Cases E-5/04, E-6/04 and E-7/04 Fesil and Finnfjord, Pil and others and The Kingdom of Norway v EFTA Surveillance Authority [2005] Report of the EFTA Court, page 121, paragraphs 77-79.

31

Belgium

Commission

Italy

Commission

Fesil and Finnfjord, Pil and others and The Kingdom of Norway v EFTA Surveillance Authority

(32)  See in this respect Case 730/79 Philip Morris v Commission [1989] ECR 2671, at paragraph 11 where it is stated that ‘When State financial aid strengthens the position of an undertaking compared with other undertakings competing in intra-Community trade the latter must be regarded as affected by that aid.’

32

Philip Morris

Commission

‘When State financial aid strengthens the position of an undertaking compared with other undertakings competing in intra-Community trade the latter must be regarded as affected by that aid.’

(33)  The Authority's Decision 327/99/COL of 16 December 1999 on the map of assisted areas and levels of aid (Norway).

33

(34)  See Sections 2.4 and 2.2 above.

34

(35)  See Article 3(3) in the block exemption Regulations on SMEs and on training aid, respectively.

35

(36)  The previous Chapter 12 of the State Aid Guidelines was deleted by the Authority's Decision No 198/03/COL of 5 November 2003, but as stated above Chapter 12 was superseded by the de minimis Regulation already as of 1 February 2003.

36

de minimis

(37)  The second paragraph of the previous Chapter 12 of the State Aid Guidelines on de minimis and Article 2(1) of the de minimis Regulation.

37

de minimis

de minimis

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| 9.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 272/37 |
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Authorisation of State measure pursuant to Article 61 of the EEA Agreement and Article 1 (3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement

(2006/C 272/07)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority has decided not to raise objections to the notified measure

Date of adoption:

EFTA State: Norway

Aid No: 58699

Title: EFTA Surveillance Authority decision of 8 March 2006 on the notification of an amendment of the nationwide seed capital scheme

Objective: To increase the supply of seed capital

Legal basis: St.prp. nr.1 (2004-2005), Budsjett-innst. S.nr. 6 (2004-2005) and Budsjett-innst. S. nr. 8 (2004-2005)

Duration: Up to 15 years

Budget: Subordinated loans of NOK 667 million (approximately EUR 81 million) and a loss-fund of NOK 167 million (approximately EUR 20 million)

The authentic text of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://www.eftasurv.int/fieldsofwork/fieldstateaid/stateaidregistry/

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| 9.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 272/38 |
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Authorisation of State measure pursuant to Article 61 of the EEA Agreement and Article 1 (3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement

(2006/C 272/08)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority has decided not to raise objections to the notified measure

Date of adoption:

EFTA State: Norway

Aid No: 58699

Title: EFTA Surveillance Authority decision of 8 March 2006 on the notification of an amendment of the regional seed capital scheme

Objective: To increase the supply of seed capital and to promote the development of assisted areas

Legal basis: St.prp. nr.1 (2004-2005), Budsjett-innst. S.nr. 6 (2004-2005) and Budsjett-innst. S. nr. 8 (2004-2005)

Duration: Up to 15 years

Budget: Subordinated loans of NOK 700 million (approximately EUR 85 million), a loss-fund of NOK 175 million (approximately EUR 21 million) and administrative costs of NOK 50 million (approximately EUR 6,1 million)

The authentic text of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://www.eftasurv.int/fieldsofwork/fieldstateaid/stateaidregistry/

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III Notices

Commission

| 9.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 272/39 |
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Media 2007— Development, distribution and promotion

Implementation of a programme to encourage the development, distribution and promotion of European audiovisual works

Support for the transnational distribution of European films

Support for international sales agents of European cinema films

Conditional call for proposals — EACEA No 07/06

(2006/C 272/09)

Precautionary clause

The Commission's proposal relating to the MEDIA programme has not yet been formally adopted by the European legislature. Nevertheless, to enable prompt implementation of this programme after the adoption of its legal basis by the European legislature, which should take place soon, and to enable potential beneficiaries of Community grants to prepare their proposals as soon as possible, the Commission has decided to publish this call for proposals.

This call for proposals does not legally bind the Commission. It may be cancelled and calls for proposals with different specifications may be issued, with appropriate reply periods, if there is a substantial change in the legal basis by the European legislature.

More generally, the implementation of the calls for proposals in 2007 is subject to the following conditions, the meeting of which is not dependent on the Commission:

| — | the adoption by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union of the final text of the legal basis establishing the Programme without any substantial modifications; |
| --- | --- |

—

the adoption by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union of the final text of the legal basis establishing the Programme without any substantial modifications;

| — | the adoption of the annual work programme relating to the MEDIA programme and of the general implementation guidelines and the selection criteria and procedures, after referral to the programme committee; and |
| --- | --- |

—

the adoption of the annual work programme relating to the MEDIA programme and of the general implementation guidelines and the selection criteria and procedures, after referral to the programme committee; and

| — | the adoption of the 2007 budget for the European Union by the budgetary authority. |
| --- | --- |

—

the adoption of the 2007 budget for the European Union by the budgetary authority.

1.   Objectives and Description

This call for proposals is based on the decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a single multi-annual programme for Community measures in the field of Audiovisual for the period between 2007 and 2013

The objectives of the abovementioned Council Decision include:

| — | facilitating and encouraging the promotion and movement of European audiovisual and cinema works at trade shows, fairs and audiovisual festivals in Europe and around the globe, insofar as such events may play an important role in the promotion of European works and the networking of professionals; |
| --- | --- |

—

facilitating and encouraging the promotion and movement of European audiovisual and cinema works at trade shows, fairs and audiovisual festivals in Europe and around the globe, insofar as such events may play an important role in the promotion of European works and the networking of professionals;

| — | encouraging the networking of European operators, by supporting joint activities on the European and international markets by national public or private promotion bodies; |
| --- | --- |

—

encouraging the networking of European operators, by supporting joint activities on the European and international markets by national public or private promotion bodies;

2.   Eligible applicants

The present notification is addressed to European organisations; those registered in and controlled by nationals from the Member States of the European Union and countries of the European Economic Agreement participating in the MEDIA 2007 Programme (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and Switzerland.

This notice is addressed to European companies specialising in the international distribution of European cinema films (sales agents).

3.   Budget and project duration

The maximum amount available under this call for proposals is EUR 1 000 000 provided funds are available under the 2007 exercise.

The financial support from the Commission cannot exceed 50 % of the total eligible costs.

The maximum duration of the projects is 16 months.

4.   Deadline

Applications must be sent to the Executive Agency (EACEA) no later than 22 December 2006

5.   Further information

The complete text of the Call for Proposals, as well as the application forms are available on:

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/avpolicy/media/distr_en.html.

Applications must respect all conditions set out in this complete text and must be submitted using the application forms provided.

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| 9.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 272/41 |
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Structural support for European public policy research organisations and for civil society organisations at European level

Citizenship — P.7

EACEA — Call for Proposals No 12/06

(2006/C 272/10)

Precautionary clause

The Commission's proposal relating to the Europe for Citizens programme has not yet been formally adopted by the legislature. Nevertheless, to enable prompt implementation of this programme after the adoption of its basic act, which should take place soon, and to enable potential beneficiaries of Community grant to prepare their proposals as soon as possible, the Commission has decided to publish this call for proposals.

This call for proposals does not legally bind the Commission and the Executive Agency (EACEA). It may be cancelled and calls for proposals with different specifications may be issued, with appropriate reply periods, if there is a substantial change in the legal basis by the European legislation.

More generally, the implementation of the calls for proposals in 2007 is subject to the following conditions, the meeting of which is not dependent on the Commission:

| — | the adoption by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union of the final text of the legal basis establishing the Programme without any substantial modifications; |
| --- | --- |

—

the adoption by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union of the final text of the legal basis establishing the Programme without any substantial modifications;

| — | the adoption of the annual work programme relating to the Europe for Citizens Programme and the general implementation of the call for proposals and the selection criteria and procedures, after referral to the programme committee, and |
| --- | --- |

—

the adoption of the annual work programme relating to the Europe for Citizens Programme and the general implementation of the call for proposals and the selection criteria and procedures, after referral to the programme committee, and

| — | the adoption of the 2007 budget for the European Union by the budgetary authority. |
| --- | --- |

—

the adoption of the 2007 budget for the European Union by the budgetary authority.

This call for proposals 12/06 is based on the draft decision of the European Parliament and the Council establishing the ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme to promote active European citizenship for the period between 2007 and 2013 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Programme’). The proposed programme ensures the continuity of the current Civic Participation programme (1) (2004-2006) and opens the way to new activities. This call for proposals implements the measures 1 and 2 within the action 2 ‘Active Civil Society for Europe’.

1.   Introduction

This call for proposals concerns structural support, referred to as operating grants, to organisations, pursuing an aim of general European interest. Operating grants are different from project grants. Operating grants provide financial support to costs necessary for the proper conduct of the normal and permanent activities of the organisations selected. These costs include in particular personnel costs, overheads (rental and property charges, equipment, office supplies, telecommunications, postal charges etc.) costs of internal meetings, publications, information and dissemination costs and costs directly linked to the organisation's work programme.

2.   Objectives

2.1   General objectives

The programme is intended to contribute to the following general objectives:

| a) | Giving citizens the opportunity to interact and participate in constructing an ever closer Europe, which is democratic and world-oriented, united in and enriched through its cultural diversity, thus developing citizenship of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

a)

Giving citizens the opportunity to interact and participate in constructing an ever closer Europe, which is democratic and world-oriented, united in and enriched through its cultural diversity, thus developing citizenship of the European Union;

| b) | Developing a sense of European identity, based on common values, history and culture; |
| --- | --- |

b)

Developing a sense of European identity, based on common values, history and culture;

| c) | Fostering a sense of ownership of the European Union among its citizens; |
| --- | --- |

c)

Fostering a sense of ownership of the European Union among its citizens;

| d) | Enhancing mutual understanding between European citizens respecting and promoting cultural and linguistic diversity, while contributing to intercultural dialogue. |
| --- | --- |

d)

Enhancing mutual understanding between European citizens respecting and promoting cultural and linguistic diversity, while contributing to intercultural dialogue.

2.2   Specific objectives

The specific objectives for this call for proposals are:

| a) | Foster action, debate and reflection related to European citizenship and democracy, shared values, common history and culture through cooperation within civil society organisations at European level; |
| --- | --- |

a)

Foster action, debate and reflection related to European citizenship and democracy, shared values, common history and culture through cooperation within civil society organisations at European level;

| b) | Encourage interaction between citizens and civil society organisations from all participating countries, contributing to intercultural dialogue and bringing to the fore both Europe's diversity and unity, with particular attention to activities aimed at developing closer ties between citizens from Member States which acceded to the European Union before and those which have acceded since 30 April 2004. |
| --- | --- |

b)

Encourage interaction between citizens and civil society organisations from all participating countries, contributing to intercultural dialogue and bringing to the fore both Europe's diversity and unity, with particular attention to activities aimed at developing closer ties between citizens from Member States which acceded to the European Union before and those which have acceded since 30 April 2004.

3.   Timetable

Applications must be submitted to the Executive Agency no later than 22 December 2006 (please read carefully section 13 of this call for proposals concerning the procedures for submitting applications).

The period of eligibility of expenditure will run from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007 (12 months) or for organisations for which the financial year starts at a later date, the period of eligibility of expenditure will run from the beginning of their financial year up to a period of 12 months.

4.   Budget

The structural support will be awarded under the posts 15.06.66 of the European Union's General Budget.

Subject to the adoption of the budget, the total available amount for 2007 is EUR 1,9 million.

5.   Eligible applicants

5.1   Eligible organisations

To be eligible for an operating grant, an organisation, pursuing an aim of general European interest must:

| a) | Be a European public policy research organisation (think thanks) OR be a civil society organisation at European level, promoting European citizenship; |
| --- | --- |

a)

Be a European public policy research organisation (think thanks) OR be a civil society organisation at European level, promoting European citizenship;

| b) | Be established in an eligible country (see point 5.3); |
| --- | --- |

b)

Be established in an eligible country (see point 5.3);

| c) | Be a non-profit making and independent organisation with a legal status and legal personality (individuals are not eligible); |
| --- | --- |

c)

Be a non-profit making and independent organisation with a legal status and legal personality (individuals are not eligible);

| d) | Operate on a trans-national basis, either through the structure of the organisation (networking or an organisation with subsidiary(s) in different eligible countries) or/and through the work programme. |
| --- | --- |

d)

Operate on a trans-national basis, either through the structure of the organisation (networking or an organisation with subsidiary(s) in different eligible countries) or/and through the work programme.

5.2   Eligible countries

Applications from legal entities established in the following countries are eligible:

| a) | the Member States of the European Union on the 1st of January 2007 (27): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom; |
| --- | --- |

a)

the Member States of the European Union on the 1st of January 2007 (27): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom;

5.3   Period of eligibility

The period of eligibility must correspond to the applicant's budget year.

If the applicant's budget year corresponds to the calendar year, the period of eligibility will be from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007.

For the applicants with a budgetary year that differs from the calendar year, the period of eligibility will be the 12-month period from the starting date of their budgetary year in 2007.

6.   Further Information

The full text of the call for proposals and the application forms are available on the following website:

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/static/en/citizenship/index.htm

Applications must comply with the requirements set out in the full text and be submitted using the forms provided.

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(1)  OJ L 30, 2.2.2004, p. 6.

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NOTICE

On 9 November 2006, in Official Journal of the European Union C 272 A, the ‘Common catalogue of agricultural plant species — Sixth supplement to the 24th complete edition’ will be published.

Subscribers to the Official Journal may obtain the same number of copies and language versions of this Official Journal as those to which they subscribe free of charge. They are requested to return the attached order form, duly completed and bearing their subscription registration number (code appearing on the left of each label and beginning with: O/...). This Official Journal will remain available free of charge for one year from the date of its publication.

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This Official Journal — like all Official Journals (L,C,CA,CE) — can be consulted free of charge online at http://eur-lex.europa.eu.

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