# Official Journal C 246/2006

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 246 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 4913 October 2006 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 246

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 4913 October 2006

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Information |
| | Commission |
| 2006/C 246/1 | Euro exchange rates | 1 |
| 2006/C 246/2 | Amendment by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Amsterdam (
  1
  ) | 2 |
| 2006/C 246/3 | Amendment by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Copenhagen (Kastrup/Roskilde) (
  1
  ) | 3 |
| 2006/C 246/4 | Amendment by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Madrid (
  1
  ) | 4 |
| 2006/C 246/5 | Amendment by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Milan (Malpensa) (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2006/C 246/6 | Amendment by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Vienna (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2006/C 246/7 | Imposition by France of a public service obligation for scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Warsaw (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2006/C 246/8 | Imposition by France of a public service obligation for scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Prague (
  1
  ) | 8 |
| 2006/C 246/9 | Imposition by France of a public service obligation for scheduled air services between Strasbourg and central England (Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds) (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| 2006/C 246/0 | Imposition by France of a public service obligation for scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Frankfurt (
  1
  ) | 10 |
| 2006/C 246/1 | Actions programme for the promotion of research and analysis of issues related to the European Economic and Monetary Union | 11 |
| 2006/C 246/2 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under 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 (
  1
  ) | 16 |
| 2006/C 246/3 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4335 — Diehl/Thales/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 21 |
| 2006/C 246/4 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4297 — Nokia/Siemens) (
  1
  ) | 22 |
| 2006/C 246/5 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4384 — Hombergh — de Pundert — PIB/Ovako) (
  1
  ) | 23 |
| 2006/C 246/6 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4398 — Veolia Cargo/Rail Link/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 24 |
| 2006/C 246/7 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4374 — CVRD/INCO) (
  1
  ) | 25 |
| 2006/C 246/8 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4129 — Thule/Chaas Holdings/Advanced Accessory Systems/Valley) (
  1
  ) | 25 |
| 2006/C 246/9 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4091 — Linde/Spectra) (
  1
  ) | 26 |
| 2006/C 246/0 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4318 — Veolia/Cleanaway) (
  1
  ) | 26 |
| 2006/C 246/1 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4234 — Carlson/One Equity Partners/Carlson Wagonlit) (
  1
  ) | 27 |
| 2006/C 246/2 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4322 — Morgan Stanley/IHG/Portfolio Hotels) (
  1
  ) | 27 |
| 2006/C 246/3 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4340 — FCC/WRG) (
  1
  ) | 28 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Information

Commission

2006/C 246/1

Euro exchange rates

1

2006/C 246/2

Amendment by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Amsterdam (
  1
  )

1

2

2006/C 246/3

Amendment by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Copenhagen (Kastrup/Roskilde) (
  1
  )

1

3

2006/C 246/4

Amendment by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Madrid (
  1
  )

1

4

2006/C 246/5

Amendment by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Milan (Malpensa) (
  1
  )

1

5

2006/C 246/6

Amendment by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Vienna (
  1
  )

1

6

2006/C 246/7

Imposition by France of a public service obligation for scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Warsaw (
  1
  )

1

7

2006/C 246/8

Imposition by France of a public service obligation for scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Prague (
  1
  )

1

8

2006/C 246/9

Imposition by France of a public service obligation for scheduled air services between Strasbourg and central England (Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds) (
  1
  )

1

9

2006/C 246/0

Imposition by France of a public service obligation for scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Frankfurt (
  1
  )

1

10

2006/C 246/1

Actions programme for the promotion of research and analysis of issues related to the European Economic and Monetary Union

11

2006/C 246/2

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under 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 (
  1
  )

1

16

2006/C 246/3

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4335 — Diehl/Thales/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

21

2006/C 246/4

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4297 — Nokia/Siemens) (
  1
  )

1

22

2006/C 246/5

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4384 — Hombergh — de Pundert — PIB/Ovako) (
  1
  )

1

23

2006/C 246/6

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4398 — Veolia Cargo/Rail Link/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

24

2006/C 246/7

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4374 — CVRD/INCO) (
  1
  )

1

25

2006/C 246/8

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4129 — Thule/Chaas Holdings/Advanced Accessory Systems/Valley) (
  1
  )

1

25

2006/C 246/9

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4091 — Linde/Spectra) (
  1
  )

1

26

2006/C 246/0

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4318 — Veolia/Cleanaway) (
  1
  )

1

26

2006/C 246/1

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4234 — Carlson/One Equity Partners/Carlson Wagonlit) (
  1
  )

1

27

2006/C 246/2

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4322 — Morgan Stanley/IHG/Portfolio Hotels) (
  1
  )

1

27

2006/C 246/3

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4340 — FCC/WRG) (
  1
  )

1

28

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

---

I Information

Commission

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/1

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

12 October 2006

(2006/C 246/01)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,2531 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 149,87 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4557 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,67530 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,2400 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,5932 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 85,87 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,4530 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | Cyprus pound | 0,5767 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 28,288 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 266,81 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6961 |
| MTL | Maltese lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,9118 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,5085 |
| SIT | Slovenian tolar | 239,59 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 36,915 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,8574 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6723 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4251 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,7641 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,8990 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,9887 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 200,34 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 9,5966 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 9,9180 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,4225 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 11 552,96 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,6290 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 62,686 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 33,7860 |
| THB | Thai baht | 47,010 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,2531

JPY

Japanese yen

149,87

DKK

Danish krone

7,4557

GBP

Pound sterling

0,67530

SEK

Swedish krona

9,2400

CHF

Swiss franc

1,5932

ISK

Iceland króna

85,87

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,4530

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5767

CZK

Czech koruna

28,288

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

266,81

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6961

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4293

PLN

Polish zloty

3,9118

RON

Romanian leu

3,5085

SIT

Slovenian tolar

239,59

SKK

Slovak koruna

36,915

TRY

Turkish lira

1,8574

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6723

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4251

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,7641

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,8990

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,9887

KRW

South Korean won

1 200,34

ZAR

South African rand

9,5966

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

9,9180

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,4225

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

11 552,96

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,6290

PHP

Philippine peso

62,686

RUB

Russian rouble

33,7860

THB

Thai baht

47,010

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/2

---

Amendment by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Amsterdam

(2006/C 246/02)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | France has decided to amend, with effect from 25 March 2007, the public service obligation imposed on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Amsterdam published in the
  Official Journal of the European Communities No C 85 of 9 April 2002 pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes. |
| --- | --- |

1.

France has decided to amend, with effect from 25 March 2007, the public service obligation imposed on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Amsterdam published in the
  Official Journal of the European Communities No C 85 of 9 April 2002 pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes.

2.   The public service obligation is as follows:

2.1.   Frequency

The minimum level of service provided between Amsterdam and Strasbourg must be two round trips per day from Monday to Friday, all year round except for the month of August, when there must be a minimum of one round trip per day, from Monday to Friday. The flights in question must be non-stop.

2.2.   Type of aircraft used and minimum capacity provided

The services must be operated by jet aircraft with at least 48 seats.

2.3.   Timetables

The first flight in the day departing from Amsterdam must leave at a time that enables flights from other European countries to connect.

The timetable must coincide with parliamentary sessions, i.e. arriving at Strasbourg close to but no later than 14:00 for the session beginning at 15:00 and leaving Strasbourg close to but no earlier than 17:00, when the sessions end.

The two daily rotations must enable passengers to make a return trip in one day.

2.4.   Flight bookings

Seats on these flights must be marketed by a computerised booking system.

2.5.   Continuity of service

Except in cases of force majeure, the number of flights cancelled for reasons directly attributable to the carrier must not exceed 2 % of the number of flights scheduled in any IATA scheduling season. The carrier must give a minimum of six months' notice before discontinuing these services.

Community carriers are hereby informed that the operation of air services without regard to the abovementioned public service obligation may result in administrative and/or criminal penalties.

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/3

---

Amendment by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Copenhagen (Kastrup/Roskilde)

(2006/C 246/03)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | France has decided to amend, with effect from 25 March 2007, the public service obligation imposed on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Copenhagen (Kastrup/Roskilde) published in the
  Official Journal of the European Communities No C 348 of 5 December 2000 pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes. |
| --- | --- |

1.

France has decided to amend, with effect from 25 March 2007, the public service obligation imposed on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Copenhagen (Kastrup/Roskilde) published in the
  Official Journal of the European Communities No C 348 of 5 December 2000 pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes.

2.   The public service obligation is as follows:

2.1.   Frequency

The minimum level of service provided between Copenhagen and Amsterdam must be two round trips per day from Monday to Friday, all year round except for the month of August, when there must be a minimum of one round trip per day, from Monday to Friday. The flights in question must be non-stop.

2.2.   Type of aircraft used and minimum capacity provided

The services must be operated by jet aircraft with at least 25 seats.

2.3.   Timetables

The first flight in the day departing from Copenhagen must leave at a time that enables flights from Scandinavia and other European countries to connect.

The timetable must coincide with parliamentary sessions, i.e. arriving at Strasbourg close to but no later than 14:00 for the session beginning at 15:00 and leaving Strasbourg close to but no earlier than 17:00, when the sessions end.

The two daily rotations must enable passengers to make a return trip in one day.

2.4.   Flight bookings

Seats on these flights must be marketed by a computerised booking system.

2.5.   Continuity of service

Except in cases of force majeure, the number of flights cancelled for reasons directly attributable to the carrier must not exceed 2 % of the number of flights scheduled in any IATA scheduling season. The carrier must give a minimum of six months' notice before discontinuing these services.

Community carriers are hereby informed that the operation of air services without regard to the abovementioned public service obligation may result in administrative and/or criminal penalties.

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/4

---

Amendment by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Madrid

(2006/C 246/04)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | France has decided to amend, with effect from 25 March 2007, the public service obligation imposed on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Madrid published in the
  Official Journal of the European Communities No C 348 of 5 December 2000 pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes. |
| --- | --- |

1.

France has decided to amend, with effect from 25 March 2007, the public service obligation imposed on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Madrid published in the
  Official Journal of the European Communities No C 348 of 5 December 2000 pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes.

2.   The public service obligation is as follows:

2.1.   Frequency

The minimum level of service provided between Strasbourg and Madrid must be one round trip per day from Monday to Friday, all year round. The flights in question must be non-stop.

2.2.   Type of aircraft used and minimum capacity provided

The services must be operated by jet aircraft with at least 48 seats.

2.3.   Timetables

The flight departing from Madrid must leave at a time enabling other flights from Spain to connect.

The timetable must coincide with parliamentary sessions, i.e. arriving at Strasbourg close to but no later than 14:00 for the session beginning at 15:00 and leaving Strasbourg close to but no earlier than 17:00, when the sessions end.

2.4.   Flight bookings

Seats on these flights must be marketed by a computerised booking system.

2.5.   Continuity of service

Except in cases of force majeure, the number of flights cancelled for reasons directly attributable to the carrier must not exceed 2 % of the number of flights scheduled in any IATA scheduling season. The carrier must give a minimum of six months' notice before discontinuing these services.

Community carriers are hereby informed that the operation of air services without regard to the abovementioned public service obligation may result in administrative and/or criminal penalties.

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/5

---

Amendment by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Milan (Malpensa)

(2006/C 246/05)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | France has decided to amend, with effect from 25 March 2007, the public service obligation imposed on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Milan (Malpensa/Linate/Bergamo) published in the
  Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 of 25 October 2003 pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes. |
| --- | --- |

1.

France has decided to amend, with effect from 25 March 2007, the public service obligation imposed on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Milan (Malpensa/Linate/Bergamo) published in the
  Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 of 25 October 2003 pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes.

2.   The public service obligation is as follows:

2.1.   Minimum frequency and capacity

The minimum level of service provided between Strasbourg and Milan must be two round trips per day from Monday to Friday, all year round except for the month of August, when there must be a minimum of one round trip per day, from Monday to Friday. The flights in question must be non-stop.

2.2.   Type of aircraft used and minimum capacity provided

The services must be operated by aircraft with at least 25 seats.

2.3.   Timetables

The first flight in the day departing from Milan must leave at a time that enables flights from Italian cities and other European countries to connect.

The timetable must coincide with parliamentary sessions, i.e. arriving at Strasbourg close to but no later than 14:00 for the session beginning at 15:00 and leaving Strasbourg close to but no earlier than 17:00, when the sessions end.

The two daily rotations must enable passengers to make a return trip in one day.

2.4.   Flight bookings

Seats on these flights must be marketed by a computerised booking system.

2.5.   Continuity of service

Except in cases of force majeure, the number of flights cancelled for reasons directly attributable to the carrier must not exceed 2 % of the number of flights scheduled in any IATA scheduling season. The carrier must give a minimum of six months' notice before discontinuing these services.

Community carriers are hereby informed that the operation of air services without regard to the abovementioned public service obligation may result in administrative and/or criminal penalties.

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/6

---

Amendment by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Vienna

(2006/C 246/06)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | France has decided to amend, with effect from 25 March 2007, the public service obligation imposed on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Vienna published in the
  Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 of 25 October 2003 pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes. |
| --- | --- |

1.

France has decided to amend, with effect from 25 March 2007, the public service obligation imposed on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Vienna published in the
  Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 of 25 October 2003 pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes.

2.   The public service obligation is as follows:

2.1.   Frequency

The minimum level of service provided between Strasbourg and Vienna must be two round trips per day from Monday to Friday, all year round except for the month of August, when there must be a minimum of one round trip per day, from Monday to Friday. The flights in question must be non-stop.

2.2.   Type of aircraft used and minimum capacity provided

The services must be operated by aircraft with at least 25 seats.

2.3.   Timetables

The first flight in the day departing from Vienna must leave at a time that enables flights from other European countries to connect.

The timetable must coincide with parliamentary sessions, i.e. arriving at Strasbourg close to but no later than 14:00 for the session beginning at 15:00 and leaving Strasbourg close to but no earlier than 17:00, when the sessions end.

The two daily rotations must enable passengers to make a return trip in one day.

2.4.   Flight bookings

Seats on these flights must be marketed by a computerised booking system.

2.5.   Continuity of service

Except in cases of force majeure, the number of flights cancelled for reasons directly attributable to the carrier must not exceed 2 % of the number of flights scheduled in any IATA scheduling season. The carrier must give a minimum of six months' notice before discontinuing these services.

Community carriers are hereby informed that the operation of air services without regard to the abovementioned public service obligation may result in administrative and/or criminal penalties.

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/7

---

Imposition by France of a public service obligation for scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Warsaw

(2006/C 246/07)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | France has decided to impose a public service obligation on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Warsaw pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes. |
| --- | --- |

1.

France has decided to impose a public service obligation on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Warsaw pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes.

2.   The public service obligation is as follows:

2.1.   Frequency

The minimum level of service provided between Warsaw and Strasbourg must be three round trips per week, all year round. The flights in question must be non-stop. Two out of these three flights must be scheduled on a Monday and a Thursday.

2.2.   Type of aircraft used and minimum capacity provided

The services must be operated by jet aircraft with at least 48 seats.

2.3.   Timetables

The timetable must coincide with parliamentary sessions, i.e. arriving at Strasbourg on Monday close to but no later than 14:00 for the session beginning at 15:00 and leaving Strasbourg on Thursday close to but no earlier than 17:00, when the sessions end.

2.4.   Flight bookings

Seats on these flights must be marketed by a computerised booking system.

2.5.   Continuity of service

Except in cases of force majeure, the number of flights cancelled for reasons directly attributable to the carrier must not exceed 2 % of the number of flights scheduled in any IATA scheduling season. The carrier must give a minimum of six months' notice before discontinuing these services.

Community carriers are hereby informed that the operation of air services without regard to the abovementioned public service obligation may result in administrative and/or criminal penalties.

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/8

---

Imposition by France of a public service obligation for scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Prague

(2006/C 246/08)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | France has decided to impose a public service obligation on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Prague pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes. |
| --- | --- |

1.

France has decided to impose a public service obligation on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Prague pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes.

2.   The public service obligation is as follows:

2.1.   Frequency

The minimum level of service provided between Warsaw and Prague must be three round trips per week, all year round. The flights in question must be non-stop. Two out of these three flights must be scheduled on a Monday and a Thursday.

2.2.   Type of aircraft used and minimum capacity provided

The services must be operated by aircraft with at least 35 seats.

2.3.   Timetables

The timetable must coincide with parliamentary sessions, i.e. arriving at Strasbourg on Monday close to but no later than 14:00 for the session beginning at 15:00 and leaving Strasbourg on Thursday close to but no earlier than 17:00, when the sessions end.

2.4.   Flight bookings

Seats on these flights must be marketed by a computerised booking system.

2.5.   Continuity of service

Except in cases of force majeure, the number of flights cancelled for reasons directly attributable to the carrier must not exceed 2 % of the number of flights scheduled in any IATA scheduling season. The carrier must give a minimum of six months' notice before discontinuing these services.

Community carriers are hereby informed that the operation of air services without regard to the abovementioned public service obligation may result in administrative and/or criminal penalties.

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/9

---

Imposition by France of a public service obligation for scheduled air services between Strasbourg and central England (Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds)

(2006/C 246/09)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | France has decided to impose a public service obligation on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and central England (Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds) pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes. |
| --- | --- |

1.

France has decided to impose a public service obligation on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and central England (Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds) pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes.

2.   The public service obligation is as follows:

2.1.   Frequency

The minimum level of service provided between Strasbourg and Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds must be one round trip per day from Monday to Friday, all year round. The flights in question must be non-stop.

2.2.   Type of aircraft used and minimum capacity provided

The services must be operated by aircraft with at least 48 seats.

2.3.   Timetables

The timetable must coincide with parliamentary sessions, i.e. arriving at Strasbourg close to but no later than 14:00 for the session beginning at 15:00 and leaving Strasbourg close to but no earlier than 17:00, when the sessions end.

2.4.   Flight bookings

Seats on these flights must be marketed by a computerised booking system.

2.5.   Continuity of service

Except in cases of force majeure, the number of flights cancelled for reasons directly attributable to the carrier must not exceed 2 % of the number of flights scheduled in any IATA scheduling season. The carrier must give a minimum of six months' notice before discontinuing these services.

Community carriers are hereby informed that the operation of air services without regard to the abovementioned public service obligation may result in administrative and/or criminal penalties.

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| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/10

---

Imposition by France of a public service obligation for scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Frankfurt

(2006/C 246/10)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | France has decided to impose a public service obligation on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Frankfurt pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes. |
| --- | --- |

1.

France has decided to impose a public service obligation on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Frankfurt pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes.

2.   The public service obligation is as follows:

2.1.   Frequency

The minimum level of service provided between Frankfurt and Strasbourg must be four round trips per day from Monday to Friday, all year round except for the month of August, when there must be a minimum of one round trip per day, from Monday to Friday. The flights in question must be non-stop.

2.2.   Type of aircraft used and minimum capacity provided

The services must be operated by aircraft with at least 48 seats.

2.3.   Timetables

The first flight in the day departing from Frankfurt must leave at a time that enables flights from other European countries to connect. All four services must coincide with connecting flights at Frankfurt airport.

The timetable must coincide with parliamentary sessions, i.e. arriving at Strasbourg close to but no later than 14:00 for the session beginning at 15:00 and leaving Strasbourg no earlier than 17:00, when the sessions end.

2.4.   Flight bookings

Seats on these flights must be marketed by a computerised booking system.

2.5.   Continuity of service

Except in cases of force majeure, the number of flights cancelled for reasons directly attributable to the carrier must not exceed 2 % of the number of flights scheduled in any IATA scheduling season. The carrier must give a minimum of six months' notice before discontinuing these services.

Community carriers are hereby informed that the operation of air services without regard to the abovementioned public service obligation may result in administrative and/or criminal penalties.

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/11

---

Actions programme for the promotion of research and analysis of issues related to the European Economic and Monetary Union

(2006/C 246/11)

1.   INTRODUCTION

The Ecofin Council report to the European Council on 11 and 12 December 1999 in Helsinki on ‘Economic policy co-ordination’ (13123/1/99 Rev 1) called for an effective monitoring of economic policies in stage three of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). For this purpose, the Council considered the improved understanding of economic developments and economic policy issues related to EMU an essential prerequisite.

According to the Treaty, the European Commission has an important role in informing the EU authorities, the Member States and the various economic agents on both the economic situation and prospects and on the impact of economic policy measures on the functioning of EMU. To give informed advice on economic developments and economic policy issues in EMU a thorough economic analysis and research is paramount. While a substantial part of this analysis and research is carried out inside the Commission and its services, a great variety of relevant contributions is produced by other institutions such as international organisations and the research community at large. The main objective of the actions programme for the promotion of research and analysis of issues related to EMU is to create a platform through which the results of this external research can be channelled more effectively into the policy debate within Community institutions.

2.   THE NEED FOR A COMPREHENSIVE AND INTEGRATED APPROACH TO PROMOTE EMU RELATED RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

The creation of EMU requires a strengthening of the analytical basis for economic policy decisions. Moreover, the awareness of the policy requirements of EMU in the Member States needs to be improved so as to raise the understanding for greater economic policy co-ordination.

To benefit to the greatest extent from the output of external analysis and research of EMU related issues, a comprehensive and integrated approach governing the relations, contacts and communications with the institutions producing such analysis is required. On the one hand, this is necessary to channel the results of this research in an appropriate way into the various circuits dealing with economic policy matters within the European institutions. On the other, this allows for feedback from the European Commission and other EU fora that can guide and direct this research into areas, which are most important and fruitful for the work of EU policy makers.

The European Commission has responded to the need for such a comprehensive and integrated approach by establishing a broad-based actions programme implemented by Directorate General for Economic and Financial Affairs (1). While some of these actions were instigated at the explicit request from Member States, others were created on the initiative of the European Commission. Such actions include, for instance, the establishment of an external expert group on analysis and forecasting macro-economic developments in the euro area (the ‘European Forecasting Network’); the organisation of research conferences, workshops and seminars both on a regular and on an ad hoc basis; the creation of a visiting fellows programme within the Commission services; or the setting-up of a study programme in the area of EMU related research with the purpose of soliciting specifically focused contributions from external researchers.

3.   IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME

A detailed description of the various components making up the programme and the supporting activities are listed below

(a)   The European Forecasting Network

The creation of the European Forecasting Network (EFN) was proposed in 2001 by a Franco-German initiative. This initiative aimed at improving the analysis of euro-area economic conditions and policy options through the production of regular independent assessments of the economic outlook and policy challenges by a network of leading EU research institutes.

The proposal received broad support by the Economic and Financial Committee and the Eurogroup and the Commission was invited to initiate the creation of such a network. The Commission responded positively to this request and selected a consortium of eight research institutes based in six different Member States for the period 2002-2004.

This research network produced its first report in Spring 2002. The network produced five further reports on a semi-annual frequency, the last one in Autumn 2004. In addition to a regular conjunctural analysis and a macro-economic forecast for the euro area, the various reports covered a wide variety of EMU relevant themes. Topics included the development of labour cost and productivity in the euro area, macro-economic shock absorption in the euro area, cyclical convergence in EMU or the economic effects of enlargement on EMU.

On the whole, the experience with the EFN during the period 2002-2004 was very positive, with the EFN reports providing a valuable complementary contribution to the Commission services' internal analysis of euro-area economic developments and policy issues. In the light of this favourable overall assessment, the Commission launched in spring 2005 the procedure for the establishment of a new EFN for the period 2005-2007. The selected network consists of ten research institutes from nine Member States. The new network presented its first report in March 2005. The special topic of the report dealt with the challenges of relocation for the euro area economy, which provided input into the Economic Review 2005. The special policy issue of the spring 2006 report was the convergence and integration of the new Member States.

The reports are usually presented, on a date commonly agreed between the Commission and the network, at a press conference organised by the EFN. The reports are being sent to the Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs and the chairpersons of the Economic and Financial Committee, the Economic Policy Committee and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament. The reports can be downloaded from the website of the EFN, which can be accessed via a link on the Commission website:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/efn_en.htm.

In 2006 an evaluation is currently underway (in the context of an overall evaluation of the economic research framework and output of Directorate General for Economic and Financial, Affairs) to assess whether the EFN initiative has attained its goals, namely the promotion of assessments of the economic outlook and policy challenges of the euro area by independent EU research institutes. The results of this evaluation will be an important element in the decision on whether the EFN initiative should be continued after 2007 or whether it can be phased out.

(b)   The Economic Research Conferences and Workshops and the Economic Seminar Programme

The Economic Research Conferences and Workshops and the Economic Seminar Programme aim to strengthen dialogue between the Commission services and the research community. The main purpose of these programmes is to bring to the attention of Commission staff relevant, original research on EMU related matters, which has been carried out by academia and other research institutions. While the programme is mainly targeted at the staff of Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs, staff of other Directorate-Generals is informed about activities carried out and has the possibility to attend these conferences and seminars.

The Economic Research Conferences

The Economic Research Conferences and Workshops and the Economic Seminar Programme are designed to enhance, by improving connections with the economic research community, the overall quality of the work carried out by the services of the Commission. To this effect, leading economists in the academic world, in international organisations and in research institutions are encouraged to expound and discuss original research work related to the formation and working of the EMU in the framework of research conferences and staff seminars. Apart from giving Commission staff better access to on-going original research work, these programmes aim to increase exposure to new approaches and give new insights on issues of relevance for the Commission. Conversely, outside participants in the programme have an opportunity to discuss their research results with staff from the Commission and other officials from EU institutions and, in doing so, contribute to developing their perception of the policy relevance of their research activity.

Several conferences have been organised over the past years in the framework of the Research Conference Programme. In general, these conferences were organised by Commission staff, but in some cases conferences were co-organised with other institutions. Depending on the conference, attendance varied between 50 and 300 participants and topics covered a wide spectrum of issues such as the internationalisation of asset ownership in the EU, statistical tools in business cycle analysis, the economic and budgetary implications of global ageing and the analysis of business cycles and growth in Europe.

Special conferences were organised to discuss major analytical documents published by the Commission services such as the ‘Public Finance Report’ or the report on ‘Five years of EMU’. The interaction with the academic world and policy makers is helpful in improving mutual understanding of policy constraints and theoretical advice. Issues such as economic governance have to be discussed openly in order to raise the credibility of the respective policy framework.

The Economic Seminar Programme

A newly-designed Economic Seminar Programme (ESP) was established in 2003 with a view to enhancing synergy effects between EMU research inside and outside the Commission. With this new approach, the Commission seeks to attract leading economists in the academic world, international organisations, governments and top research institutions. The Commission invites selected researchers to present a seminar and discuss original research work related to the formation and working of European Economic and Monetary Union, both from a macroeconomic and a microeconomic perspective.

The general aim of this programme is to enhance the overall quality of work done by the Commission services, strengthening in-house know-how by improving its connections with the economic research community. The programme allows Commission staff to gain better access to ongoing research work and to be confronted with new approaches and insights on issues of relevance for the Commission. Conversely, the programme gives seminar speakers the opportunity to learn about the policy-making environment in which the Commission services operate.

This programme is mainly managed by the members of the Advisers' Group of the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs. The advisers are in close contact with the research community, enabling them to assess the relevant frontiers in economic research and to disseminate this information to Commission staff. The programme also constitutes a valuable component in the training strategy of the Commission services.

During their one-day visit to the Commission services, speakers present their research at a seminar of one-and a half hours, after which they remain available to further discuss their research with Commission staff. As a rule, the background paper on which the seminar is based is made available prior to the event. In 2003, 15 speakers gave a seminar under this programme, and the figure in 2004 was 24 In 2005, a further 17 speakers were hosted. Together with the seminars given by the Visiting Fellows and other, no-cost seminars, roughly one seminar is organised per week.

(c)   The Visiting Fellows Programme

Within the framework of the Visiting Fellows Programme (VFP) the European Commission seeks to strengthen in-house knowledge on topical issues by bringing leading economists in academic circles, international organisations, governments and top research institutions for a short-term visit to the Commission services. These visits are usually of one or two weeks duration, with a possibility of up to six weeks, in order to benefit from more in-depth analysis. Such a period would merge better with the traditional sabbaticals in academic research institutions and therefore enhance the interest for potential participants.

During their stay at the Commission, Visiting Fellows are required to actively participate in the work carried out by the Commission services, primarily by engaging, in areas related to their own research programme, in discussions with, and giving advice to, Commission staff dealing with work in the same areas. Furthermore, fellows are required to give one or more seminars on topics that are part of their research agenda. Finally, fellows are requested to prepare a seminar paper on their recent original work, which may later be published in the working paper series ‘Economic Papers’ of the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs.

Alongside the Economic Seminar Programme, the general aim of this programme is to enhance the overall quality of the Commission services' work, strengthening in-house know-how through improved connections with the economic research community. The programme aims to give Commission staff better access to on-going research work, increase exposure to new approaches and insights on issues of relevance for the Commission services. Visiting Fellows will have an opportunity to experience the policy-making environment in the Commission services operate.

The VFP was launched in October 2001. The number of visitors invited has increased from 6 in 2002 to 10 in 2003 and 11 in 2004. In 2005, a further 8 fellows were hosted. The visitors covered a broad range of research topics regarding macroeconomic policy issues in EMU.

The VFP has been able to attract a number of high-profile visitors. The seminars have usually been well attended and presentations have been of a high quality. Most of the papers delivered by the visiting fellows have met the standard criteria for publication in scientific or policy-oriented economic journals and, some of them have also been published as the ‘Economic Papers’ series of the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs.

Communication, effective interaction, and in some cases even specific working relations with operational units within the Commission services, have been successfully established in most cases. Visiting fellows have been involved in discussing specific work-plans and projects, they contributed directly to the drafting of chapters for the Annual Economic Review, and as a rule, their detailed suggestions and comments have been incorporated into Commission staff's notes.

(d)   The Economic Studies Programme

The Economic Studies Programme is a further instrument of involving outside expertise in the work of the Commission services. In the framework of this programme studies are commissioned to the best qualified experts in academic institutions and other research bodies (2).

Studies are launched by the operational directorates/units and supervised by qualified staff. Given the decentralised nature of these studies, topics vary in accordance with the different requests. They can comprise theoretical analyses and/or empirical analysis of specific economic issues, e.g. estimates of the effects of further economic integration (financial market integration, etc.). Studies mainly serve as a background material to ongoing work of the Commission staff but when they are of interest to a wider public they are published in the ‘European Economy’ series or the ‘Economic Papers’ series of the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs. Over the recent past such studies have served in the preparation of the EU Economic Review (e.g. determinants of productivity growth in the EU, effects of globalisation) and the Public Finance Report or helped to underpin the analysis of EMU surveillance issues, such as the reform of the Stability and Growth Pact, or of economic reform policy in the EU, such as the Lisbon agenda.

4.   SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES

(a)   External databases and other information supporting the Programme

The analysis of EMU related issues requires a comprehensive array of relevant, reliable and timely information of statistical and other more general nature. As a rule, this information is to be provided for the evaluation at national, European and at a global level. Information requirements principally cover macro-economic developments, financial data (on financial structures, financial assets, asset prices and issuance volumes), and specific data on financial risk management. The latter concerns all kind of information on financial institutions (primarily balance sheets, income statements and ownership information).

The bulk of official macro-economic statistical information on the EU is produced through the European Statistical System, and is conveniently accessible through official sources for users in the Commission. However, user requirements go far beyond this stock of publicly available data.

Macro-economic data for non-European countries has to be acquired from other sources. This includes for the main non-EU industrial countries essentially (i) the full sequence of national accounts for the total economy and the institutional sectors (corporations, general government, households, non-profit institutions, the rest of the world), (ii) indicators related to economic activity (qualitative business and consumer surveys, indexes of production, prices, order books, etc.) and (iii) labour market indicators (population, employment, unemployment, wages, etc.).

As for financial data, comprehensive coverage for EU25 and the US is vital and is not generally available from official sources. This refers to all frequencies of (i) financial structure related statistics (monetary and financial aggregates, bank lending, data on financial intermediaries, stock market capitalisation, etc.), (ii) financial asset prices (money market rates, exchange rates, bank lending rates, bonds market yields, equity markets, housing prices), and (iii) financial asset issuance data (record of bond issuance with information on issuer, amount, maturity, rating coupon type etc.; and for equity markets initial placement offers and additional offerings).

As with financial data, the bulk of data for financial risk management has to be obtained from commercial databases. There are a few highly specialised firms providing this information on the potential risks of loans, financial investments and worldwide financial institutions. The data relates mainly to balance sheets and income statements of financial institutions, and ownership information on financial institutions, and extensive use is made of comparisons with peer groups using specialised analysis tools.

While statistical information constitutes the backbone of an informed analysis of economic developments in EMU there exists a host of analytical information, which can greatly facilitate the work of the economic analyst. The use of such information may often be an efficient means of gauging rapidly the major features of economic and financial developments. While such information is sometimes provided as part of the access to commercially offered databases, such products are often also offered on a stand-alone basis. For this reason, responding to the need for a broad-based and rapid information on economic and financial developments may be most effectively achieved by a subscription to such specialised products.

(b)   Publication programme on EMU related matters

The annual publication programme on EMU related matters is an important part of the Commission services' external communication policy. The programme aims to effectively promulgate current and topical intellectual output on EMU related matters. Its primary target audience comprises national and international economic institutions and academia, policy makers, specialised media and multipliers. Established yearly, the programme is incorporated in the global European Commission's Programme ordinaire de publication (POP).

The main series of the Commission services publications on EMU related matters is the ‘European Economy’ series. Reformed in 2002, several additional series have eventually been added in order to complement and further develop its editorial line and scope in a flexible manner. Its core editions are the ‘Broad Economic Policy Guidelines’, the annual report on ‘Public Finances in EMU’, the ‘Macroeconomic Forecasts’, and the annual ‘EU Economy Review’, which are accompanied by topical analyses of economic policy. Likewise former series such as ‘Euro Papers’, written during the main phase of introducing the euro, were discontinued while new products of economic policy debate, such as ‘Country Focus’, the Quarterly Report on the Euro Area and the Annual Report on the Euro Area are inserted. In this light, the publication activities of the Commission services remain elastic and flexible so as to adequately include forthcoming results and new focuses stemming from economic research, under certain conditions extending also to cooperation with commercial publishers.

To facilitate academic discussion and ensure broad access to ongoing original research work also to a wider audience, all paper series are also available on the Internet:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/publications_en.htm

5.   EVALUATION

With a view to gauging the effectiveness and efficiency of the programme, the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs included, in its multi-annual evaluation programme for the period 2005 to 2010, an external evaluation of the economic research activities of the Directorate-General. The exercise will focus, on the one hand, on the use of the outputs of these activities in policymaking within the Commission and their contribution to the maintenance and enhancement of intellectual capital within the Directorate-General. On the other hand, an examination will take place of the effects on external users reached. As part of the exercise, it is envisaged that some sort of benchmarking exercise against the work of research departments of similar organisations could take place. The evaluation was begun in 2005 and the final report will be delivered in the summer of 2006.

6.   CONCLUSION

The action programme for the promotion of research in EMU related fields is well implemented within the Commission services. It enables Commission staff to remain at the frontier of economic research in their economic analysis. The broadening of genuine research in the context of the 6th framework programme of research allows the Commission services also to contribute to basic economic research activities.

Research activities are not a one-way street. Through the enhanced co-operation with the research community and broad-based discussion of economic policy issues academia but also the public at large is informed about strategic policy decisions and policy co-ordination aimed at making EMU a success. As a counterpart, the policy framework is strengthened and gaining credibility in academia and among policy makers.

The research and analytical activities have proven to be an indispensable tool in the process of strengthening economic surveillance in EMU. They should, therefore, be maintained and enhanced where necessary.

---

(1)  This programme of actions is part of the annual work programme of the Directorate General Economic and Financial Affairs and is authorised by means of a financing decision adopted by the Commission.

(2)  This programme of actions is part of the annual work programme of the Directorate General Economic and Financial Affairs and is authorised by means of a financing decision adopted by the Commission.

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| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/16

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under 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

(2006/C 246/12)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| Aid No | XS 17/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Denmark |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | ‘Strategic Programme for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology’
  ‘Strategic Programme for IT Research’
  ‘Strategic Programme on the Interdisciplinary Application of Nanotechnology, Biotechnology and IT and Communications Technology’ |
| Legal basis | ‘Lov om forskningsrådgivning m.v’ (Act No 405, 28.5.2003) and the calls for applications |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | EUR 0,51million |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid grant | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation | Yes | |
| Date of implementation | 31.12.2005 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 31.12.2008
  (Note: We are prepared to make changes according to changes in rules in the successor of the regulation at the end of 2007) |
| Objective of aid | Aid to SMEs | Yes
  Research | |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs | Yes |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Forskningsstyrelsen (Direction de la recherche) |
| Artillerivej 88 |
| DK-2300 København S |

Aid No

XS 17/06

Member State

Denmark

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

‘Strategic Programme for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology’

‘Strategic Programme for IT Research’

‘Strategic Programme on the Interdisciplinary Application of Nanotechnology, Biotechnology and IT and Communications Technology’

Legal basis

‘Lov om forskningsrådgivning m.v’ (Act No 405, 28.5.2003) and the calls for applications

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

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 0,51million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid grant

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

31.12.2005

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2008

(Note: We are prepared to make changes according to changes in rules in the successor of the regulation at the end of 2007)

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Research

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Forskningsstyrelsen (Direction de la recherche)

Artillerivej 88

DK-2300 København S

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

| Aid No | X 27/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Hungary |
| Region | Entire country |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid | Aid to purchase instruments necessary for the setting up or modernisation of Hungarian terrestrially distributed local or regional radio broadcasters' broadcasts |
| Legal basis | A rádiózásról és televíziózásról szóló 1996. évi I. törvény 131. §-ának (3) bekezdése, az Országos Rádió és Televízió Testület 81/2006. (I. 11.) számú határozata |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | EUR 0,12 million |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation | Yes | |
| Date of implementation | 18.1.2006 |
| Duration of the scheme or individual aid award | 31.12.2006 |
| Objective of aid | Aid to SMEs | Yes | |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs | Yes |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Országos Rádió és Televízió Testület |
| Reviczky u. 5. |
| H-1088 Budapest |

Aid No

X 27/06

Member State

Hungary

Region

Entire country

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

Aid to purchase instruments necessary for the setting up or modernisation of Hungarian terrestrially distributed local or regional radio broadcasters' broadcasts

Legal basis

A rádiózásról és televíziózásról szóló 1996. évi I. törvény 131. §-ának (3) bekezdése, az Országos Rádió és Televízió Testület 81/2006. (I. 11.) számú határozata

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

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 0,12 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

18.1.2006

Duration of the scheme or individual aid award

31.12.2006

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Országos Rádió és Televízió Testület

Reviczky u. 5.

H-1088 Budapest

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

| Aid No | XS 104/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Slovak Republic |
| Region | The whole territory of the Slovak Republic — in accordance with the regional state aid map:
  Article 87(3)(a) regions
  Article 87(3)(c) regions |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Schéma podpory výskumu a vývoja Agentúrou na podporu výskumu a vývoja (Aid scheme for the support of research and development by the Research and Development Support Agency) |
| Legal basis | Právnym základom pre poskytnutie štátnej pomoci (ďalej len „pomoc“) je nariadenie Komisie (ES) č. 70/2001 z 12. januára 2001 o použití článkov 87 a 88 Zmluvy o založení ES na štátnu pomoc malým a stredným podnikom, publikované v Úradnom vestníku EÚ (Ú. v. ES C, 13.1.2001) v znení nariadenia Komisie (ES) č. 364/2004 z 25.2.2004, ktorým sa mení a dopĺňa nariadenie (ES) č. 70/2001 vzhľadom na rozšírenie jeho pôsobnosti na pomoc na výskum a vývoj a zákon č. 172/2005 Z. z. o organizácii štátnej podpory výskumu a vývoja |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | EUR 34 million |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation | Yes






  — | fundamental research 100 % |

Aid No

XS 104/06

Member State

Slovak Republic

Region

The whole territory of the Slovak Republic — in accordance with the regional state aid map:

Article 87(3)(a) regions

Article 87(3)(c) regions

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Schéma podpory výskumu a vývoja Agentúrou na podporu výskumu a vývoja (Aid scheme for the support of research and development by the Research and Development Support Agency)

Legal basis

Právnym základom pre poskytnutie štátnej pomoci (ďalej len „pomoc“) je nariadenie Komisie (ES) č. 70/2001 z 12. januára 2001 o použití článkov 87 a 88 Zmluvy o založení ES na štátnu pomoc malým a stredným podnikom, publikované v Úradnom vestníku EÚ (Ú. v. ES C, 13.1.2001) v znení nariadenia Komisie (ES) č. 364/2004 z 25.2.2004, ktorým sa mení a dopĺňa nariadenie (ES) č. 70/2001 vzhľadom na rozšírenie jeho pôsobnosti na pomoc na výskum a vývoj a zákon č. 172/2005 Z. z. o organizácii štátnej podpory výskumu a vývoja

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

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 34 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Yes

—

fundamental research 100 %

| — | industrial research 60 % + regional bonuses |
| --- | --- |

—

industrial research 60 % + regional bonuses

| — | development 35 % + regional bonuses |
| --- | --- |

—

development 35 % + regional bonuses

Date of implementation

14.6.2006

As regards the regional bonuses, the Slovak Republic undertakes to act in compliance with Section 9 point 107 of the Guidelines on national regional aid for 2007-2013 (OJ C 54, 4.3.2006)

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2007

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs — aid for research and development

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Yes

In conformity with Article 1(2) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 364/2004

Name and address of the granting authority

Agentúra na podporu výskumu a vývoja

| Mýtna 23 |
| --- |
| SK-811 07 Bratislava |

Mýtna 23

SK-811 07 Bratislava

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

| Aid No | XS 122/05 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | France |
| Region | All except Ile-de-France and the Lyons employment area |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Aid for real estate investment and for building rental granted to firms by local authorities and their groupings |
| Legal basis | Art. L. 1511-3 et R. 1511-4 à R. 1511-23 du code général des collectivités territoriales |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount n.a. | The local authorities are free to decide on the amount of aid they will grant. These amounts cannot be fixed in advance. |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation | Yes | |
| Date of implementation | 29.5.2005 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 31.12.2006 |
| Objective of aid | Aid to SMEs | Yes | |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs | |
| Limited to specific sectors | Yes |
| — | Coalmining |

Aid No

XS 122/05

Member State

France

Region

All except Ile-de-France and the Lyons employment area

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Aid for real estate investment and for building rental granted to firms by local authorities and their groupings

Legal basis

Art. L. 1511-3 et R. 1511-4 à R. 1511-23 du code général des collectivités territoriales

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

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount n.a.

The local authorities are free to decide on the amount of aid they will grant. These amounts cannot be fixed in advance.

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

29.5.2005

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2006

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

—

Coalmining

No

| — | All manufacturing |
| --- | --- |

—

All manufacturing

or

Steel

Yes

Shipbuilding

Yes

Synthetic fibres

Yes

Motor vehicles

Yes

Other manufacturing

Yes

| — | All services |
| --- | --- |

—

All services

or

Transport services

No

Financial services

No

Other services

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministère de l'intérieur, de la sécurité intérieure et des libertés locales — Direction générale des collectivités locales

| Place Beauvau |
| --- |
| F-75800 Paris cedex 08 |

Place Beauvau

F-75800 Paris cedex 08

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

| Aid number | XS 147/03 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | (United Kingdom and) Republic of Ireland |
| Region | 32 Counties of Ireland |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid | InterTradeIreland Acumen Consultancy programme |
| Legal Basis | British/Irish Agreement Act 1999, Section 2.3 (Part 7 of Annex 2 of the Act empowers InterTradeIreland to invest, lend or grant aid for the purposes of its function) |
| Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Maximum Cost Per Company | 2003/04: GBP 3 000 |

Aid number

XS 147/03

Member State

(United Kingdom and) Republic of Ireland

Region

32 Counties of Ireland

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

InterTradeIreland Acumen Consultancy programme

Legal Basis

British/Irish Agreement Act 1999, Section 2.3 (Part 7 of Annex 2 of the Act empowers InterTradeIreland to invest, lend or grant aid for the purposes of its function)

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

Maximum Cost Per Company

2003/04: GBP 3 000

| | 2004/05: GBP 3 000 |
| --- | --- |

2004/05: GBP 3 000

| | 2005/06: GBP 3 000 |
| --- | --- |

2005/06: GBP 3 000

Maximum Total funded element

| | 2003/04: (30 x GBP 3 000) GBP 90 000 |
| --- | --- |

2003/04: (30 x GBP 3 000) GBP 90 000

| | 2004/05: (45 x GBP 3 000) GBP 135 000 |
| --- | --- |

2004/05: (45 x GBP 3 000) GBP 135 000

| | 2005/06: (45 x GBP 3 000) GBP 135 000 |
| --- | --- |

2005/06: (45 x GBP 3 000) GBP 135 000

Total Funded Consultancy element for 3 years = GBP 360 000, representing 50 % contribution.

Funding provided to companies on a ‘one-off basis’ within a 52 week period i.e. companies not eligible for repeat funding in subsequent years

Maximum aid intensity

Up to a maximum of GBP 3 000 assistance per company representing 50 % assistance

Date of implementation

Proposed scheme to run for 3 years from November 2003

Individual companies will be eligible for assistance for a maximum of 52 weeks

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Scheme will run from November 2003 to December 2006

Objective of aid

To provide consultancy expertise to assist SMEs to develop and increase cross border trade by developing research expertise, market competence and experience

Economic Sector(s) concerned

All Sectors

Name and Address of the granting authority

InterTradeIreland

The Old Gasworks Business Park

| Kilmorey Street |
| --- |
| Newry BT34 2DE |
| Tel: (44-28 30) 83 41 09 |
| United Kingdom |

Kilmorey Street

Newry BT34 2DE

Tel: (44-28 30) 83 41 09

United Kingdom

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/21 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/21

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4335 — Diehl/Thales/JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2006/C 246/13)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | On 4 October 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Thales S.A. (‘Thales’, France) and Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG (‘Diehl’, Germany) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control over part of the undertakings TDA Armements SAS (France), Thales Munitronic BV (The Netherlands), Forges de Zeebrugge (Belgium), currently controlled by Thales, and over the undertaking Junghans Feinwerktechnik GmbH & Co KG (Germany), currently controlled by Diehl, by way of contribution of assets in a newly created company constituting a joint venture. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 4 October 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Thales S.A. (‘Thales’, France) and Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG (‘Diehl’, Germany) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control over part of the undertakings TDA Armements SAS (France), Thales Munitronic BV (The Netherlands), Forges de Zeebrugge (Belgium), currently controlled by Thales, and over the undertaking Junghans Feinwerktechnik GmbH & Co KG (Germany), currently controlled by Diehl, by way of contribution of assets in a newly created company constituting a joint venture.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | for Thales: defence, aerospace and civilian security technology. For the assets conferred to the Joint Venture: production and sales of fuzes and safety and arming devices; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Thales: defence, aerospace and civilian security technology. For the assets conferred to the Joint Venture: production and sales of fuzes and safety and arming devices;

| — | for Diehl: metals, controls, and defence and aviation For the assets conferred to the Joint Venture: production and sales of fuzes and safety and arming devices. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Diehl: metals, controls, and defence and aviation For the assets conferred to the Joint Venture: production and sales of fuzes and safety and arming devices.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4335 — Diehl/Thales/JV, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4335 — Diehl/Thales/JV, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/22 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/22

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4297 — Nokia/Siemens)

(2006/C 246/14)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | On 5 October 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Nokia Corporation (‘Nokia’; Finland) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the undertaking Nokia Siemens Networks (‘NSN’), a newly created company to which Nokia and Siemens Aktiengesellschaft (‘Siemens’; Germany) will contribute their worldwide mobile and fixed-line telecommunications network equipment businesses, by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 5 October 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Nokia Corporation (‘Nokia’; Finland) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the undertaking Nokia Siemens Networks (‘NSN’), a newly created company to which Nokia and Siemens Aktiengesellschaft (‘Siemens’; Germany) will contribute their worldwide mobile and fixed-line telecommunications network equipment businesses, by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | for undertaking Nokia: mobile telecommunications; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for undertaking Nokia: mobile telecommunications;

| — | for undertaking Siemens: information and communications, automation and control, power, transportation, medical, lighting, financing, and real estate; |
| --- | --- |

—

for undertaking Siemens: information and communications, automation and control, power, transportation, medical, lighting, financing, and real estate;

| — | for undertaking NSN: mobile and fixed-line telecommunications network equipment business and associated services. |
| --- | --- |

—

for undertaking NSN: mobile and fixed-line telecommunications network equipment business and associated services.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4297 — Nokia/Siemens, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4297 — Nokia/Siemens, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/23

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4384 — Hombergh — de Pundert — PIB/Ovako)

(2006/C 246/15)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | On 4 October 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 and following a referral pursuant to Article 4(5) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings Hombergh Holdings B.V. (‘Hombergh’, the Netherlands), W.P. de Pundert Ventures B.V. (‘de Pundert’, The Netherlands) and Pampus Industrie Beteiligungen GmbH & Co. KG (‘PIB’, Germany) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertaking Oy Ovako AB (‘Ovako’, Sweden) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 4 October 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 and following a referral pursuant to Article 4(5) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings Hombergh Holdings B.V. (‘Hombergh’, the Netherlands), W.P. de Pundert Ventures B.V. (‘de Pundert’, The Netherlands) and Pampus Industrie Beteiligungen GmbH & Co. KG (‘PIB’, Germany) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertaking Oy Ovako AB (‘Ovako’, Sweden) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | for Hombergh: holding company, with holdings in undertakings active in environmental products and services, the steel sector and the concrete sector; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Hombergh: holding company, with holdings in undertakings active in environmental products and services, the steel sector and the concrete sector;

| — | for de Pundert: holding and investment company with holdings in the energy sector, the meat sector and the steel sector; |
| --- | --- |

—

for de Pundert: holding and investment company with holdings in the energy sector, the meat sector and the steel sector;

| — | for PIB: German holding company with holdings in several companies active in the steel sector; |
| --- | --- |

—

for PIB: German holding company with holdings in several companies active in the steel sector;

| — | for Ovako: producer of long special steels and processed steel products for the automotive and engineering industry. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Ovako: producer of long special steels and processed steel products for the automotive and engineering industry.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4384 — Hombergh — de Pundert — PIB/Ovako, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4384 — Hombergh — de Pundert — PIB/Ovako, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/24 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/24

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4398 — Veolia Cargo/Rail Link/JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2006/C 246/16)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | On 4 October 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings Veolia Cargo (‘Veolia’, France), controlled by Veolia Transport, itself controlled by Veolia Environnement (France), and Rail Link (France), belonging to the CMA-CGM group (France), acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertakings JVEF (France) and JVCOM (France), by way of purchase of shares in newly created companies constituting joint ventures. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 4 October 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings Veolia Cargo (‘Veolia’, France), controlled by Veolia Transport, itself controlled by Veolia Environnement (France), and Rail Link (France), belonging to the CMA-CGM group (France), acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertakings JVEF (France) and JVCOM (France), by way of purchase of shares in newly created companies constituting joint ventures.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | Veolia Environnement: water treatment (Veolia Water), energy services (Dalkia), waste management (Veolia Environmental Services) and transport (Veolia Transport); |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

Veolia Environnement: water treatment (Veolia Water), energy services (Dalkia), waste management (Veolia Environmental Services) and transport (Veolia Transport);

| — | Veolia: goods transport by rail; |
| --- | --- |

—

Veolia: goods transport by rail;

| — | CMA-CGM: goods transport by sea; |
| --- | --- |

—

CMA-CGM: goods transport by sea;

| — | Rail Link: goods transport overland, and especially combined road/rail transport; |
| --- | --- |

—

Rail Link: goods transport overland, and especially combined road/rail transport;

| — | JVEF: goods transport by rail, mainly in France; |
| --- | --- |

—

JVEF: goods transport by rail, mainly in France;

| — | JVCOM: combined road/rail transport, in several European countries. |
| --- | --- |

—

JVCOM: combined road/rail transport, in several European countries.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4398 — Veolia Cargo/Rail Link/JV, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4398 — Veolia Cargo/Rail Link/JV, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/25 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/25

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4374 — CVRD/INCO)

(2006/C 246/17)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 5 October 2006, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4374. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4374. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/25 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/25

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4129 — Thule/Chaas Holdings/Advanced Accessory Systems/Valley)

(2006/C 246/18)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 28 August 2006, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4129. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4129. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/26 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/26

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4091 — Linde/Spectra)

(2006/C 246/19)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 20 September 2006, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4091. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4091. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/26 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/26

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4318 — Veolia/Cleanaway)

(2006/C 246/20)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 21 September 2006, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4318. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4318. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/27 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/27

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4234 — Carlson/One Equity Partners/Carlson Wagonlit)

(2006/C 246/21)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 3 July 2006, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4234. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4234. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex)

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| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/27 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/27

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4322 — Morgan Stanley/IHG/Portfolio Hotels)

(2006/C 246/22)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 1 September 2006, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4322. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4322. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 13.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 246/28 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 246/28

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4340 — FCC/WRG)

(2006/C 246/23)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 15 September 2006, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4340. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4340. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex)

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