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I Information

Commission

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Euro exchange rates (1)

7 July 2006

(2006/C 159/01)

1 euro= 

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(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

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STATE AID — BELGIUM

State aid C 46/2005 (ex NN 9/2004 & N 55/2005) — Inter Ferry Boats

Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty

(2006/C 159/02)

(Text with EEA relevance)

By means of the letter dated 7 December 2005 reproduced in the authentic language on the pages following this summary, the Commission notified Belgium of its decision to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty in respect of the abovementioned aid measure.

Interested parties may submit their comments on the aid measure in respect of which the Commission is initiating the procedure within one month of the date of publication of this summary and the letter which follows it, to:

These comments will be communicated to Belgium. Confidential treatment of the identity of the interested parties submitting the comments may be requested in writing, stating the reasons for the request.

TEXT OF SUMMARY

1.   PROCEDURE

Non-notified case.

2.   DESCRIPTION OF THE MEASURE IN RESPECT OF WHICH THE COMMISSION IS INITIATING THE PROCEDURE

—   national legal basis: decision of the Management Board of SNCB/NMBS;

—   granting authority within Member State: Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Belge (SNCB)/Nationale Maatschappij der Belgische Spoorwegen (NMBS);

—   form of aid: granting of an extension for payment of debts of EUR 63 million; granting of a recoverable advance of EUR 5 million; granting of a credit facility of EUR 15 million; conversion into a capital increase of debts of EUR 63 million and a loan of EUR 15 million; increase in additional capital of EUR 5 million through contribution in kind from TRW shares;

—   duration: indefinite;

—   beneficiary(ies): InterFerryBoats SA/NV;

—   objective/purpose: restructuring aid;

—   budget, origin of resources used to finance the aid and amounts (per year): granting of an extension for payment of debts of EUR 63 million; granting of a recoverable advance of EUR 5 million; granting of a credit facility of EUR 15 million; conversion into a capital increase of debts of EUR 63 million and a loan of EUR 15 million; increase in additional capital of EUR 5 million through contribution in kind from TRW shares.

3.   ASSESSMENT OF THE MEASURE

The decision taken by SNCB/NMBS on 7 April 2003 to grant restructuring aid to IFB is attributable to the Belgian State, since the submission of the restructuring plan to it for approval, as well as articles published in the press, indicate that it influenced the decision. On the other hand, the Commission has doubts about whether the tacit granting of extensions for payments by SNCB/NMBS since 2001 at the earliest and 19 September 2002 at the latest is attributable to the Belgian State.

SNCB/NMBS has not behaved like a creditor (as regards the extension for payment), or like an informed investor in a market economy (as regards the remaining measures) given that the return on the capital invested is below what such an investor would have accepted.

The cash aid cannot be regarded as rescue aid since its duration exceeds twelve months.

For aid to be regarded as restructuring aid compatible with the common market, a firm must be eligible within the meaning of the restructuring guidelines and the aid has to satisfy five conditions:

The Commission cannot at this stage rule out the possibility that IFB received part of the aid less than three years after it was set up. It therefore has doubts about whether IFB is eligible for the restructuring aid.

It emerges from the Commission's examination that criteria 1, 4 and 5 are met. However, the Commission has doubts about whether the measures taken to mitigate, as far as possible, any adverse effects of the aid on competitors are sufficient, and whether IFB's own contribution is sufficient.

With regard to mitigating adverse effects on competition: the Belgian authorities have indicated that IFB has taken the following two measures to mitigate, as far as possible, any adverse effects of the aid on competitors:

These two measures reduced its turnover from EUR 62 million in 2002 to EUR 58 million in 2003. However, given that these measures appear to concern loss-making activities, the Commission has doubts about whether it can take them into account.

To determine whether these two measures are sufficient to mitigate, as far as possible, any adverse effects of the aid on competitors, it is necessary to take into consideration the main developments on the two markets on which IFB operates, namely the logistics market and the freight transhipment market. Subsequently, an analysis should be made of whether the measures proposed do mitigate, as far as possible, any adverse effects of the aid on competitors.

a)   The logistics market and the aid for IFB

The logistics market is in a state of flux as a result of the opening-up of the rail transport markets and the entry of railway and postal undertakings on to the market, resulting in both a large number of small specialised operators and big integrated ones.

The Commission notes that the measures proposed do not concern the logistics market. IFB succeeded in increasing its volume on this market substantially in 2004 (compared with 2003). Belgium did not make any commitment which would have limited, at least temporarily, IFB's presence on this market.

The Commission therefore considers that the facts that no measures have been proposed concerning the logistics market, that the market is in a state of flux, and that IFB has succeeded in increasing its volume substantially raise doubts about whether Belgium has limited, as far as possible, any adverse effects on competition as far as IFB's logistics activities are concerned.

b)   The freight transshipment market and the aid for IFB

The two measures proposed concern the freight transshipment market. IFB has virtually ceased its operations in France, and has closed one terminal in Belgium and sold its shares in two others.

Consequently, the Belgian market is the only one on which the aid may have adverse effects on competition. IFB has less than 7 % of this market.

To limit the adverse effects of the aid on the Belgian market, IFB has closed one terminal and sold its shares in two others. The Commission notes, however, that the smallest terminal was closed, that its closure was primarily intended to reduce the losses of IFB Terminals, and that, following the capital increase, IFB will once again be operating the two terminals which it sold, since SNCB/NMBS will transfer to IFB 47 % of its shares in TRW, which has major holdings in the Brussels and Zeebrugge terminals.

Moreover, TRW also operates many other terminals in Belgium. Consequently, the capital increase through the contribution in kind from TRW shares will have the effect of increasing IFB's share of the Belgian market.

The Commission further notes that IFB has minority holdings in a large number of Belgian terminals.

The Commission therefore has doubts about whether the measures proposed by IFB to limit, as far as possible, the adverse effects of the aid on competition on the transhipment market are sufficient.

With regard to IFB's own contribution: According to the information supplied by the Belgian Government, IFB does not itself appear to have contributed to its restructuring, as required by the 1999 and 2004 guidelines. The Commission therefore has doubts about whether IFB's own contribution is sufficient.

TEXT OF LETTER

‘1.   PROCÉDURE

1.1.   Cas NN 9/2004

1.2.   Cas N 55/2005

2.   DESCRIPTION DÉTAILLÉE DES MESURES DE SAUVETAGE ET DE RESTRUCTURATION

2.1.   Les parties du contrat cadre concernant le sauvetage et la restructuration d'IFB

2.1.1.   IFB

2.1.1.1.   Description de la société

a)   L'activité IFB Logistics

b)   IFB Terminals

c)   Les participations d'IFB

2.1.1.2.   Définition des marchés concernés et parts de marchés de IFB

2.1.2.   La SNCB

2.2   Les difficultés financières rencontrées par IFB

2.2.1.   Les raisons pour les difficultés financières

2.2.2.   La réaction de l'encadrement d'IFB et de la SNCB

2.2.3.   La réaction des créanciers privés d'IFB

2.3.   Les dispositions principales du “contrat cadre entre la SNCB et IFB concernant la restructuration d'IFB”

2.3.1.   Modalités et conditions d'octroi des mesures de sauvetage

2.3.2.   Modalités et conditions d'octroi des mesures de restructuration

2.3.2.1.   Les mesures ad hoc entamées par IFB vis-à-vis de ses filiales exploitant des terminaux en France

2.3.2.2.   Le plan de restructuration

a)   Restructuration de l'activité logistique

b)   Restructuration de l'activité terminal

c)   Besoin d'investissement

2.3.2.3.   L'augmentation du capital

2.4.   Développement financier d'IFB depuis la conclusion du contrat cadre

2.4.1.   La mise en œuvre du plan de restructuration

2.4.1.1.   Mesures qui affectent l'ensemble des activités d'IFB

2.4.1.2.   Mesures spécifiques à IFB Terminals

2.4.1.3.   Mesures spécifiques à IFB Logistics

2.5.   Budget

2.6.   Mise à disposition des ressources financières et durée

3.   APPRÉCIATION

3.1.   Evaluation du caractère d'aide des mesures de sauvetage et de restructuration

3.1.1.   Accordée par l'État ou au moyen de ressources de l'État

3.1.1.1.   Ressources d'État

3.1.1.2.   Imputabilité

3.1.1.3.   En ce qui concerne le critère de l'imputabilité des mesures à l'État concerné, l'arrêt Stardust Marine stipule que “...le seul fait qu'une entreprise publique soit sous contrôle étatique ne suffit pas pour imputer des mesures prises par celle-ci, telles que les mesures de soutien financier en cause, à l'État. Il est encore nécessaire d'examiner si les autorités publiques doivent être considérées comme ayant été impliquées, d'une manière ou d'une autre, dans l'adoption de ces mesures. .... (19)”

a)   L'approbation par les autorités publiques

b)   Articles de presse

c)   Ampleur, contenu, conditions du contrat cadre

d)   Conclusion

3.1.2.   Soutien financier favorisant certaines entreprises

3.1.2.1.   Le non-paiement des factures de la SNCB par IFB entre 2000 et 2003

3.1.2.2.   Les mesures de sauvetage

a)   La SNCB a-t-elle agi comme l'aurait fait un créancier avisé en économie de marché en accordant le délai de paiement ?

b)   La SNCB a-t-elle agi comme l'aurait fait un investisseur avisé en économie de marché en accordant l'octroi d'une facilité de crédit et l'octroi d'une avance récupérable?

c)   Conclusion en ce qui concerne les mesures de sauvetage

3.1.2.3.   Les mesures de restructuration

a)   La SNCB a-t-elle agi comme l'aurait fait un créancier avisé en économie de marché en convertissant ses créances de 63 millions d'euros et les intérêts liés de 11 millions d'euros en capital social?

b)   La SNCB a-t-elle agi comme l'aurait fait un investisseur avisé en économie de marché en convertissant la facilité de crédit de 15 millions d'euros et les intérêts liés de 2,5 millions d'euros en capital social, et en injectant des capitaux frais de 5 millions d'euros?

c)   Conclusion en ce qui concerne les mesures de restructuration

3.1.3.   Distorsion de concurrence et affectation des échanges entre les Etats membres

3.1.4.   Conclusion: présence d'une aide d'État

3.2.   Compatibilité de l'aide

3.2.1.   Compatibilité en tant qu'aides au sauvetage

3.2.1.1.   Aide consistant en une aide de trésorerie

3.2.1.2.   Aide liée à des crédits dont la durée de remboursement qui suit le dernier versement à l'entreprise ne dépasse pas douze mois

3.2.1.3.   Conclusion

3.2.2.   Compatibilité des aides à la restructuration

3.2.2.1.   Plan de restructuration

3.2.2.2.   Viabilité économique de l'entreprise

3.2.2.3.   Mesures pour atténuer, autant que possible, les conséquences défavorables de l'aide pour les concurrents

a)   Le marché de la logistique et les aides pour IFB

b)   Le marché du transbordement de fret et les aides pour IFB

3.2.2.4.   Limitation de l'aide au strict minimum et contribution du bénéficiaire

3.2.2.5.   Rapport annuel et “one time, last time”

3.3.   Conclusion

4.   DÉCISION

La Commission a décidé de considérer, à ce stade, que les mesures de sauvetage et les mesures de restructuration en faveur d'IFB constituent des aide d'État au sens de l'article 87 (1) du traité CE.

Elle émet des doutes sur la question de savoir si ces aides peuvent être déclarées compatibles avec le marché commun en vertu des lignes directrices pour les aides à la restructuration et ouvre donc pour cette partie du dossier la procédure prévue à l'article 88 § 2 du traité CE.

Compte tenu des considérations qui précédent, la Commission invite la Belgique, dans le cadre de la procédure de l'article 88, paragraphe 2, du traité CE, à présenter ses observations et à fournir toute information utile pour l'évaluation de l'aide dans un délai d'un mois à compter de la date de réception de la présente. Elle invite vos autorités à transmettre immédiatement une copie de cette lettre au bénéficiaire potentiel de l'aide.

La Commission rappelle à la Belgique l'effet suspensif de l'article 88, paragraphe 3, du traité CE et se réfère à l'article 14 du règlement (CE) no 659/1999 du Conseil qui prévoit que toute aide illégale pourra faire l'objet d'une récupération auprès de son bénéficiaire.

Par la présente, la Commission avise la Belgique qu'elle informera les intéressés par la publication de la présente lettre et d'un résumé de celle-ci au Journal officiel de l'Union européenne. Elle informera également les intéressés dans les pays de l'AELE signataires de l'accord EEE par la publication d'une communication dans le supplément EEE du Journal officiel, ainsi que l'autorité de surveillance de l'AELE en leur envoyant une copie de la présente. Tous les intéressés susmentionnés seront invités à présenter leurs observations dans un délai d'un mois à compter de la date de cette publication.’

‘1.   PROCEDURE

1.1.   Zaak NN 9/2004

1.2.   Zaak N 55/2005

2.   GEDETAILLEERDE BESCHRIJVING VAN DE REDDINGS- EN HERSTRUCTURERINGSMAATREGELEN

2.1.   De partijen in de kaderovereenkomst betreffende de redding en herstructurering van IFB

2.1.1.   IFB

2.1.1.1.   Beschrijving van IFB

a)   De activiteit IFB Logistics

b)   IFB Terminals

c)   De participaties van IFB

2.1.1.2.   Definitie van de relevante markten en marktaandelen van IFB

2.1.2.   De NMBS

2.2   De financiële moeilijkheden van IFB

2.2.1.   De oorzaken van de financiële moeilijkheden

2.2.2.   De reactie van het management van IFB en van de NMBS

2.2.3.   De reactie van de particuliere schuldeisers van IFB

2.3.   De belangrijkste bepalingen van de „kaderovereenkomst tussen de NMBS en IFB m.b.t. de herstructurering van IFB”

2.3.1.   Modaliteiten en voorwaarden voor de reddingsmaatregelen

2.3.2.   Modaliteiten en voorwaarden voor de herstructureringsmaatregelen

2.3.2.1.   Ad-hocmaatregelen die door IFB zijn getroffen ten aanzien van haar dochtermaatschappijen die in Frankrijk terminals exploiteren

2.3.2.2.   Het herstructureringsplan

a)   Herstructurering van de logistieke activiteit

b)   Herstructurering van de terminalactiviteit

c)   Noodzaak van investeringen

2.3.2.3.   Kapitaalverhoging

2.4.   Financiële ontwikkeling van IFB sinds de sluiting van de kaderovereenkomst

2.4.1.   Uitvoering van het herstructureringsplan

2.4.1.1.   Maatregelen die gevolgen hebben voor alle activiteiten van IFB

2.4.1.2.   Specifieke maatregelen voor IFB Terminals

2.4.1.3.   Specifieke maatregelen voor IFB Logistics

2.5.   Budget

2.6.   Terbeschikkingstelling van financiële middelen en looptijd

3.   BEOORDELING

3.1.   Beoordeling van het steunkarakter van de reddings- en herstructureringsmaatregelen

3.1.1.   Steunmaatregel van de staat of met staatsmiddelen bekostigd

3.1.1.1.   Staatsmiddelen

3.1.1.2.   Toerekenbaarheid

3.1.1.3.   Wat het criterium van de toerekenbaarheid van de maatregelen aan de betrokken staat betreft, bepaalt het arrest in de zaak Stardust Marine dat het feit „dat een openbaar bedrijf onder staatscontrole staat, op zich dus niet volstaat om door dit bedrijf genomen maatregelen, zoals de onderhavige financiële steunmaatregelen, aan de staat toe te rekenen. Daarnaast dient te worden nagegaan of de overheid op een of andere manier bij de vaststelling van de maatregelen was betrokken.” (66)

a)   De goedkeuring door de overheid

b)   Berichten in de pers

c)   Omvang, inhoud en voorwaarden van de kaderovereenkomst

d)   Conclusie

3.1.2.   Financiële steun aan bepaalde ondernemingen

3.1.2.1.   Het niet betalen van de facturen van de NMBS door IFB tussen 2000 en 20033

3.1.2.2.   Reddingsmaatregelen

a)   Heeft de NMBS door verlening van uitstel van betaling gehandeld zoals een bedachtzaam schuldeiser in een markteconomie zou hebben gedaan?

b)   Heeft de NMBS door toekenning van een kredietfaciliteit en van een terugvorderbaar voorschot gehandeld zoals een bedachtzame investeerder in een markteconomie zou hebben gedaan?

c)   Conclusie ten aanzien van de reddingsmaatregelen

3.1.2.3.   Herstructureringsmaatregelen

a)   Heeft de NMBS gehandeld zoals een bedachtzaam schuldeiser in een markteconomie zou hebben gedaan, door haar schuldvorderingen van 63 miljoen euro en de bijbehorende rente van 11 miljoen euro om te zetten in maatschappelijk kapitaal?

b)   Heeft de NMBS gehandeld zoals een bedachtzaam investeerder in een markteconomie zou hebben gedaan, door de kredietfaciliteit van 15 miljoen euro en de bijbehorende rente van 2,5 miljoen euro om te zetten in maatschappelijk kapitaal en door 5 miljoen euro vers kapitaal te verstrekken?

c)   Conclusie wat de herstructureringsmaatregelen betreft

3.1.3   Vervalsing van de mededinging en ongunstige beïnvloeding van het handelsverkeer tussen de lidstaten

3.1.4.   Conclusie: aanwezigheid van staatssteun

3.2.   Verenigbaarheid van de steun

3.2.1.   Verenigbaarheid als reddingssteun

3.2.1.1.   Steun die bestaat in kassteun

3.2.1.2.   Steun die gekoppeld is aan leningen die over een periode van ten hoogste twaalf maanden na de laatste storting aan de onderneming moeten worden terugbetaald

3.2.1.3.   Conclusie

3.2.2.   Verenigbaarheid van de herstructureringssteun

3.2.2.1.   Herstructureringsplan

3.2.2.2.   Economische levensvatbaarheid van de onderneming

3.2.2.3.   Maatregelen om de nadelige gevolgen van de steun voor de concurrenten zoveel mogelijk te beperken

a)   De logistiekmarkt en de steun voor IFB

b)   De overslagmarkt en de steun voor IFB

3.2.2.4.   Beperking van de steun tot het strikte minimum en bijdrage van de begunstigde onderneming

3.2.2.5.   Jaarverslag en „one time, last time”

3.3.   CONCLUSIE

4.   BESCHIKKING

De Commissie heeft besloten de reddingsmaatregelen en de herstructureringsmaatregelen ten gunste van IFB in dit stadium te beschouwen als staatssteun als bedoeld in artikel 87, lid 1, van het EG-Verdrag.

Zij uit twijfels over de vraag of deze steun op grond van de richtsnoeren voor herstructureringssteun verenigbaar met de gemeenschappelijke markt kan worden verklaard, en leidt bijgevolg voor dit deel van de zaak de bij artikel 88, lid 2, van het EG-Verdrag vastgestelde procedure in.

Gelet op de bovenstaande overwegingen verzoekt de Commissie België in het kader van de procedure van artikel 88, lid 2, van het EG-Verdrag binnen een maand vanaf de datum van ontvangst van dit schrijven zijn opmerkingen te maken en alle dienstige inlichtingen te verstrekken voor de beoordeling van de steunmaatregel. Zij verzoekt uw autoriteiten onverwijld een afschrift van deze brief aan de potentiële begunstigde van de steunmaatregel te doen toekomen.

De Commissie wijst België op de schorsende werking van artikel 88, lid 3, van het EG-Verdrag. Zij verwijst naar artikel 14 van Verordening (EG) nr. 659/1999, volgens hetwelk elke onrechtmatige steun van de begunstigde kan worden teruggevorderd.

Voorts deelt de Commissie België mee, dat zij de belanghebbenden door de bekendmaking van dit schrijven en van een samenvatting ervan in het Publicatieblad van de Europese Unie in kennis zal stellen. Tevens zal zij de belanghebbenden in de lidstaten van de EVA die partij zijn bij de EER-Overeenkomst door de bekendmaking van een mededeling in het EER-Supplement van het Publicatieblad in kennis stellen, alsmede de Toezichthoudende Autoriteit van de EVA door haar een afschrift van dit schrijven toe te zenden. Alle bovengenoemde belanghebbenden zal worden verzocht hun opmerkingen te maken binnen een maand vanaf de datum van deze bekendmaking.’

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(1)  Secret d'affaires

(2)  [...]

(3)  [...]

(4)  [...]

(5)  Essentiellement des produits chimiques, des granulats, du charbon et des marchandises générales.

(6)  TEU est l'abréviation pour twenty foot equivalent unit, c'est-à-dire un container de vingt pied de longueur. Un container de cette taille est le standard pour décrire les volumes transportés en transport combiné.

(7)  Moniteur Belge du 24 juillet 1926.

(8)  Date de l'entrée en vigueur de l'arrêté royal du 30 septembre 1992 portant approbation du premier contrat de gestion de la Société nationale des chemins de fer belges et fixant les mesures relatives à cette société, Moniteur Belge du 14 octobre 1992.

(9)  Tel que définies dans la loi du 21 mars 1991 portant réforme de certaines entreprises publiques économiques, Moniteur belge du 27 mars 1991.

(10)  Moniteur Belge du 4 août 1966.

(11)  A titre d'information: depuis le 1 janvier 2004, ce taux est fixé à 4,43 % sur une base annuelle.

(12)  Ce qui équivaut au minimum à un taux annuel de [entre 3,6 et 7,2 %].

(13)  23,9/72,3 = 0,33

(14)  EUR 15 millions (mesure 2) + EUR 63 millions. (mesure 3) = EUR 78 millions, les EUR 5 millions (mesure 1) n'ayant pas été utilisés.

(15)  Ce qui équivaut au minimum à un taux annuel de 5,4 %.

(16)  Arrêt de la Cour du 16 mai 2002, C-482/99, France/Commission, Affaire dite “Stardust Marine”, considérant 37.

(17)  Directive de la Commission 2000/52/CE du 26 juillet 2000, JO L 193 du 29.07.2000, qui modifie la Directive 80/723/CEE du 25 juin 1980 relative à la transparence des relations financières entre les Etats membres et les entreprises publiques, JO L 195 du 29.7.1980.

(18)  Arrêt de la Cour du 16 mai 2002, C-482/99, précité, considérant 37.

(19)  Arrêt de la Cour du 16 mai 2002, C-482/99, précité, considérants 52 et 55.

(20)  Arrêt de la Cour du 16 mai 2002, C-482/99, précité, considérants 53 et 54.

(21)  Arrêt de la Cour du 2 février 1988, C-67, 68 et 70/85.

(22)  Arrêts de la Cour du 21 mars 1991, C-303/88 et C-305/89.

(23)  Arrêt de la Cour du 30 janvier 1985, 290/83.

(24)  À savoir la nomination des dirigeants par l'Etat pour les arrêts Commission/Italie; le financement par un établissement public, les modalités d'octroi qui correspondent à celles d'une aide étatique ordinaire, la présentation par le gouvernement de l'aide comme faisant partie d'un ensemble de mesures étatiques pour l'arrêt Commission/France.

(25)  Décision de la Commission du 17 septembre 2003 relative à l'aide d'Etat accordée par l'Allemagne en faveur de Space Park Development GmbH, JO L 61 du 27.2.2004, p. 66, considérant 30.

(26)  Des articles de presse peuvent constituer un indice d'imputabilité, cf. décisions ABX Logistics, JO C 9 du 14.1.2004, p. 32; Sniace SA, JO L 108 du 30.4.2003, p. 35.

(27)  “Inter Ferry Boats coupée en 2 branches”, mise en ligne le 19/05/2003 sur le site www.lalibre.be

(28)  Conclusions dans le cas C-276/2002 Espagne contre Commission, 1er avril 2004.

(29)  Arrêt du TPI du 8 juillet 2004, T-198/01, Technische Glaswerke Ilmenau, considérant 99.

(30)  Cf. l'arrêt de la Cour du 16 mai 2002, C-482/99, précité, considérant 70

(31)  Cf. rapport annuel de la SNCB pour 2002, p. 8.

(32)  Idem, p. 7.

(33)  Arrêt du Tribunal du 15 septembre 1998, T-11/95, points 70 et suivants.

(34)  Arrêt du 21 mars 1991, Italie/Commission, C-305/89, point 19 et 20; cf. aussi Arrêt du Tribunal du 6 mars 2003, affaire T-228/99, WestLB/Commission, point 245.

(35)  Arrêt du 21 mars 1991, Italie/Commission, C-305/89, point 19 et 20.

(36)  Cf. Arrêt du 6 mars 2003, WestLB Girozentrale/Commission, T-228/99 et T-233/99, point 2251.

(37)  Cf. Arrêt du 6 mars 2003, WestLB Girozentrale/Commission, T-228/99 et T-233/99, point 246.

(38)  Pratique constante de la Commission, cf. Décision de la Commission du 30 avril 1996 concernant des aides d'Etat en faveur de La Seda de Barcelona, JO L 298, 22.11.1996, p. 14. Le taux de référence est publié au JOUE, cf. JOUE C 88 du 12 avril 2005, p. 5.

(39)  Arrêt du 21 mars 1991, Italie/Commission, C-305/89, point 19 et 20.

(40)  Arrêt du 21 mars 1991, Italie/Commission, C-305/89, point 19 et 20.

(41)  Cf. Arrêt du 6 mars 2003, WestLB Girozentrale/Commission, T-228/99 et T-233/99, point 2251.

(42)  Cf. Arrêt du 6 mars 2003, WestLB Girozentrale/Commission, T-228/99 et T-233/99, point 246.

(43)  Arrêt du 10 juillet 1986, Belgique/Commission, 234/84, point 14.

(44)  Arrêt du 21 mars 1991, Italie/Commission, C-305/89, point 19 et 20.

(45)  Arrêt de la Cour du 13 mars 1985, affaires jointes 296 et 318/82, Royaume des Pays-Bas et Leeuwarder Papierwarenfabriek/Commission, point 24.

(46)JO C 289 du 9.10.1999, p. 2, et JO C 244 du 1.10.2004, p. 2.

(47)  V., à cet égard, l'arrêt du 14 janvier 2004, Fleuren Compost/Commission (T-109/01, non encore publié au Rec., point 74 ).

(48)  Zakengeheim

(49)  [...]

(50)  [...]

(51)  [...]

(52)  Hoofdzakelijk chemische producten, granulaat, steenkool en algemeen goederenvervoer.

(53)  TEU is de afkorting van twenty foot equivalent unit, d.w.z. een container met een lengte van 20 voet. Een container van die grootte is de standaard om de volumes te beschrijven die via gecombineerd vervoer worden getransporteerd.

(54)  Belgisch Staatsblad van 24 juli 1926.

(55)  Datum van inwerkingtreding van het Koninklijk Besluit van 30 september 1992 houdende goedkeuring van het eerste beheerscontract van de NMBS en vaststelling van de maatregelen betreffende deze maatschappij, Belgisch Staatsblad van 14 oktober 1992.

(56)  Zoals omschreven in de wet van 21 maart 1991 houdende hervorming van sommige economische overheidsbedrijven, Belgisch Staatsblad van 27 maart 1991.

(57)  Belgisch Staatsblad van 4 augustus 1966.

(58)  Ter informatie: deze rentevoet is sinds 1 januari 2004 vastgesteld op 4,43 % op jaarbasis.

(59)  Hetgeen overeenkomt met een jaarrente van minstens [tussen 3,6 en 7,2] %.

(60)  23,9/72,3 = 0,33

(61)  15 miljoen euro (maatregel 2) + 63 miljoen euro (maatregel 3) = 78 miljoen euro, aangezien de 5 miljoen euro (maatregel 1) niet waren gebruikt.

(62)  Hetgeen overeenkomt met een jaarrente van minstens 5,4 %.

(63)  Arrest van het Hof van 16 mei 2002, C-482/99, Frankrijk/Commissie, in de zaak „Stardust Marine”, punt 37.

(64)  Richtlijn 2000/52/EG van de Commissie van 26 juli 2000 (PB L 193 van 29.7.2000) tot wijziging van Richtlijn 80/723/EEG betreffende de doorzichtigheid in de financiële betrekkingen tussen lidstaten en openbare bedrijven (PB L 195 van 29.7.1980).

(65)  Arrest van het Hof van 16 mei 2002, C-482/99, reeds aangehaald, punt 37.

(66)  Arrest van het Hof van 16 mei 2002, C-482/99, reeds aangehaald, punten 52 en 55.

(67)  Arrest van het Hof van 16 mei 2002, C-482/99, reeds aangehaald, punten 53 en 54.

(68)  Arrest van het Hof van 2 februari 1988, C-67, 68 en 70/85.

(69)  Arresten van het Hof van 21 maart 1991, C-303/88 en C-305/89.

(70)  Arrest van het Hof van 30 januari 1985, 290/83.

(71)  Namelijk: de benoeming van de bestuurders door de staat voor de arresten Commissie/Italië; de financiering door een publieke instantie, de toekenningsmodaliteiten die identiek zijn bij gewone staatssteun, het feit dat de regering de steun als onderdeel van een pakket overheidsmaatregelen voostelde voor het arrest Commissie/Frankrijk.

(72)  Beschikking van de Commissie van 17 september 2003 betreffende de staatssteun die Duitsland aan Space Park Development GmbH heeft verleend, PB L 61 van 27.2.2004, blz. 66, overweging 30.

(73)  Berichten in de pers kunnen een aanwijzing voor betrokkenheid vormen, zie de zaken ABX Logistics, PB C 9 van 14.1.2004, blz. 32; Sniace SA, PB L 108 van 30.4.2003, blz. 35.

(74)  „Inter Ferry Boats coupée en 2 branches verdeeld”, op 19/05/2003 op internet gezet op de website www.lalibre.be.

(75)  Conclusies in zaak C-276/2002, Spanje tegen Commissie, 1 april 2004.

(76)  Arrest van het Gerecht van eerste aanleg van 8 juli 2004, T-198/01, Technische Glaswerke Ilmenau, punt 99.

(77)  Arrest van het Hof van 16 mei 2002, C-482/99, reeds aangehaald, punt 70.

(78)  Zie jaarverslag 2002 van de NMBS, blz. 8.

(79)  Idem, blz. 7.

(80)  Arrest van het Gerecht van eerste aanleg van 15 september 1998, T-11/95, punten 70 e.v.

(81)  Arrest van 21 maart 1991, Italië/Commissie, C-305/89, punten 19 en 20; zie ook Arrest van het Gerecht van eerste aanleg van 6 maart 2003, zaak T-228/99, WestLB/Commissie, punt 245.

(82)  Arrest van 21 maart 1991, Italië/Commissie, C-305/89, punten 19 en 20.

(83)  Zie arrest van 6 maart 2003, WestLB Girozentrale/Commissie, T-228/99 en T-233/99, punt 251.

(84)  Zie arrest van 6 maart 2003, WestLB Girozentrale/Commissie, T-228/99 en T-233/99, punt 246.

(85)  Vaste praktijk van de Commissie, zie Beschikking van de Commissie van 30 april 1996 betreffende staatssteun voor La Seda de Barcelona SA, PB L 298 van 22.11.1996, blz. 14. De referentierente wordt gepubliceerd in het PBEU, zie PBEU C 88 van 12.4.2005, blz. 5.

(86)  Arrest van 21 maart 1991, Italië/Commissie, C-305/89, punten 19 en 20.

(87)  Arrest van 21 maart 1991, Italië/Commissie, C-305/89, punten 19 en 20.

(88)  Zie arrest van 6 maart 2003, WestLB Girozentrale/Commissie, T-228/99 en T-233/99, punt 251.

(89)  Zie arrest van 6 maart 2003, WestLB Girozentrale/Commissie, T-228/99 en T-233/99, punt 246.

(90)  Arrest van 10 juli 1986, België/Commissie, 234/84, punt 14.

(91)  Arrest van 21 maart 1991, Italië/Commissie, C-305/89, punten 19 en 20.

(92)  Arrest van het Hof van 13 maart 1985, gevoegde zaken 296 en 318/82, Koninkrijk der Nederlanden en Leeuwarder Papierwarenfabriek/Commissie, punt 24.

(93)PB C 288 van 9.10.1999, blz. 2, en PB C 244 van 1.10.2004, blz. 2.

(94)  Zie in dit verband het arrest van 14 januari 2004, Fleuren Compost/Commissie (T-109/01, nog niet in de Jurisprudentie gepubliceerd, punt 74).

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Publication of decisions by Member States to grant or revoke operating licenses pursuant to Article 13(4) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92 on licensing of air carriers (1) (2)

(2006/C 159/03)

(Text with EEA relevance)

GERMANY

Operating licences revoked

Category B:   Operating licences including the restriction of Article 5(7)(a) of Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92

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(1)OJ L 240, 24.8.1992, p. 1.

(2)  Communicated to the European Commission before 31.8.2005.

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4261 — 3i/ABX)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2006/C 159/04)

(Text with EEA relevance)

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

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

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4304 — GIMA/Synbra Group)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2006/C 159/05)

(Text with EEA relevance)

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

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

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Notice inviting applications for authorisation to prospect for hydrocarbons in block Q10 of the Dutch continental shelf.

(2006/C 159/06)

The Minister for Economic Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands hereby gives notice that an application has been received for authorisation to prospect for hydrocarbons in block Q10 as indicated on the map appended as Annex 3 to the Mining Regulation (Mijnbouwregeling) (Government Gazette (Staatscourant) 2002, No 245).

With reference to Article 3(2) of Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons and the publication required by Article 15 of the Mining Act (Mijnbouwwet) (Bulletin of Acts and Decrees (Staatsblad) 2002, No 542), the Minister for Economic Affairs hereby invites interested parties to submit an application for authorisation to prospect for hydrocarbons in block Q10.

The Minister for Economic Affairs is the competent authority for the granting of authorisations. The criteria, conditions and requirements referred to in Articles 5(1), 5(2) and 6(2) of the Directive are set out in the Mining Act (Bulletin of Acts and Decrees 2002, No 542).

Applications may be submitted during the 13 weeks following the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union and should be sent to the Minister for Economic Affairs, for the attention of the Director for the Energy Market, Prinses Beatrixlaan 5, The Hague, Netherlands, and marked ‘personal’.

Applications submitted after the expiry of this period will not be considered.

A decision on the applications will be taken not later than twelve months after the period has expired.

Further information can be obtained from the following telephone number: (31-70) 379 72 98.

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4308 — BC Partners/Médica)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2006/C 159/07)

(Text with EEA relevance)

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

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

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Summary information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 of 23 December 2003 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production, processing and marketing of agricultural products

(2006/C 159/08)

Aid No: XA 19/2006

Member State: Italy

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Export assistance project, a project to provide assistance to enterprises, pursuant to Article 14 (2)(c) of Regulation 1/2004: short-term consultancy services. Beneficiary: SILVESTRONI SNC of Camerata Picena, Ancona, Italy, active in the production and marketing of wine.

Legal basis: Bando emesso dalla Camera di Commercio di Ancona — Italia

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: Assistance will be provided for six months, excluding the summer break in August 2006, and is estimated at EUR 8 000

Maximum aid intensity: EUR 8 000 per SME selected

Date of implementation: As of 1 April, with the exception of a one-month summer break in August 2006, for an overall total of 18 consultations per enterprise

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Ends 31 October 2006

Objective of aid: To provide assistance and consultancy services to enterprises in the province of Ancona. Consultancy costs are covered.

Sector(s) concerned: SMEs in sectors C and D, category ATECORI 2022 that meet the requirements laid down in Regulation (EC) No 70/2001)

Name and address of granting authority: Ancona Chamber of Commerce

Web-Address: http://new.an.camcom.it/sezioni.php?idservizio=3&idsezione2=157&idsezione1=7

Aid No: XA 21/2006

Member State: Spain

Region: Navarre

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Aid to livestock breeders' associations in Navarre for 2006

Legal basis: Orden foral del consejero de agricultura, ganadería y alimentación, por la que se aprueba la convocatoria y las bases reguladoras de ayudas a las asociaciones de criadores de ganado de Navarra para el año 2006

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: EUR 492 000 for the 2006 financial year

Maximum aid intensity: Aid at a rate of up to 55 % to cover the administrative costs directly linked to the establishment and maintenance of herd books.

Aid at a rate of up to 55 % of the costs of tests performed by or on behalf of third parties, to determine the genetic quality or yield of livestock

Date of implementation: 

Duration of aid scheme or individual aid award: December 2006

Objective of aid: Grants to livestock breeders' associations in Navarre in order to encourage activities relating to the selection, conservation and promotion of livestock breeds. Article 15: Support for the livestock sector. Eligible costs: (a) administrative expenditure on herd books, (b) expenditure to determine the genetic quality or yield of livestock

Sector(s) concerned: Breeders of select livestock breeds in Navarre

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Web address: www.navarra.es

Aid No: XA 22/2006

Member State: Spain

Region: Rioja

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Strategic programme for foreign trade (amendment)

Legal basis: Resolución del Presidente de la Agencia de Desarrollo Económico de la Rioja de 7 de marzo de 2006 (B.O.R. no 37/2006 de 18 de marzo), por la que se modifican las bases reguladoras de la concesión de subvenciones en régimen de concurrencia competitiva del Programa Estratégico de Comercio Exterior, aprobadas por Resolución de 11 de febrero de 2005 (B.O.R. no 24/2005 de 17 de febrero).

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: Budget for the strategic programme for foreign trade: EUR 450 000

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 50 %

Date of implementation: From 18 March 2006

Duration of aid scheme or individual aid award: 2006

Objective of aid: The main objective of the aid is to help enterprises in Rioja adjust to increasing market globalisation by giving them more flexibility, and to promote the capacity of the business sector in the region to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment. In terms of agri-food industries able to benefit from this aid, the objective accords with Article 14 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 of 23 December 2003 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production, processing and marketing of agricultural products

The aid aims to improve the competitiveness of undertakings by supporting activities geared towards improving the design of packaging, the design of catalogues and product information sheets, the creation of web pages and specific specialist advice about marketing abroad, and to support the undertakings' penetration of international markets by promoting displays in trade fairs abroad

Sector(s) concerned: SMEs involved in processing and marketing, where a processing SME has a majority shareholding (agri-food products)

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Web address: www.ader.es

Aid No: XA 23/2006

Member State: Spain

Region: Rioja

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Rules governing the aid scheme relating to the programme ‘New developments in information and communications technology for micro-enterprises’

Legal basis: Resolución del Presidente de la Agencia de Desarrollo Económico de La Rioja de 17 de marzo de 2006 por la que se aprueban las Bases Reguladoras del régimen de ayudas del programa Nuevas Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones para Microempresas

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: EUR 300 000

Maximum aid intensity: 40 % of eligible investment

Date of implementation: From 23 March 2006

Duration of aid scheme or individual aid award: 2006

Objective of aid: The main objective is to grant aid to SMEs. The secondary objective is to help enterprises with fewer than 10 employees gain access to the internet and to the use of electronic mail, as well as to have their own web page

Article 7 has been used: ‘Investment in processing and marketing’

Aid towards promoting the acquisition of computers with an internet connection, plus the availability of electronic mail and a web page

Sector(s) concerned: Micro-enterprises (processing and marketing) with a head office in the Autonomous Community of Rioja or at least having a centre of activity there

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Web address: www.ader.es

XA Number: XA 28-06

Member State: Netherlands

Region: Province of Limburg

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: L.H. and G.M.J. Beumers partnership

Legal basis: Algemene subsidieverordening 2004

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of aid granted to the company: One-off contribution by the Province of EUR 2 120 000

Maximum aid intensity: The abovementioned amount of EUR 21 200 is lower than the authorised aid per beneficiary of EUR 100 000 or 50 % of the eligible costs, whichever is greater, over any three-year period, in conjunction with consultancy services, the costs of services which do not constitute a periodic activity and do not relate to the enterprise's usual operating expenditure, cf. Article 14(1), Article 14(2)(c) and Article 14(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2004.

Date of implementation: Date of decision: 25 April 2006; subject to the usual reservations, the aid will be awarded following notification.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: From 25 April 2006 to 25 July 2007

Objective of aid: The aid relates to the implementation of a feasibility recommendation (support for small and medium-sized enterprises) by the L.H. and G.M.J. Beumers partnership. This recommendation will be used as a basis for determining which of the enterprise's part-products are required by the various market sectors (individuals, clubs, tourists, etc.), and to what extent and during what periods. In this way, specific efforts can be put in place to strengthen the enterprise's existing economic resources and any new resources which it is in the process of developing (vineyard sites, wine tasting, pitch and putt, etc.).

Under Article 14(2)(c) this consultancy service is a service which does not constitute a continuous or periodic activity and does not relate to the enterprise's usual operating expenditure

Sector(s) concerned: The aid is intended for an operator in the productive sector, involving in this instance the cultivation of grapes and the production of wine. The feasibility recommendation looks at how best the product can be marketed

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Website: www.limburg.nl

XA number: XA 29-06

Member State: Netherlands

Region: Province of Fryslân

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Nicolay Fryslam

Legal basis: Algemene wet bestuursrecht, titel 4.2 (loi générale sur les procédures administratives, titre 4.2)

Algemene Subsidieverordening Provincie Fryslân 1998 (règlement général de 1998 sur les subventions de la province de Fryslân)

Provinciewet artikel 145 (article 145 de la loi provinciale)

Verordening met betrekking tot het verlenen van subsidies ten behoeve van het plattelandsbeleid voor de jaren 2005 — 2008 (règlement relatif à l'octroi de subventions en faveur de la politique rurale pour les années 2005 — 2008

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: The total amount of subsidy is EUR 50 000 EUR 40 000 of this will be paid out in 2006

Maximum aid intensity (indicate the maximum aid intensity or the maximum aid amount per eligible item): The maximum aid intensity is 50 % of eligible costs. The maximum amount of aid is EUR 50 000

Date of implementation: Implementation takes place as soon as possible after receipt of the European Commission's covering letter on this notice

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: The beneficiary will receive the decision granting individual aid in 2006, thereby acquiring a legal right to this aid. The final instalment will be paid no later than January 2009.

Objective of aid: The objective of the aid is the provision of external advice to current and future chain partners in setting up a chain for Frisian lamb, and training of sheep farmers

Use is made of Article 14 of Commission Regulation 1/2004

Eligible costs of advice, training and organising fairs, pursuant to Article 14(2)(a), (c) and (d)

Sheep farmers can join the chain project subject to a number of predetermined objective criteria

Sector(s) concerned: The aid applies to production and/or processing and/or marketing of Frisian lamb

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Website: Internet site: www.fryslan.nl

Aid Number: XA 30-06

Member State: Federal Republic of Germany

Region: Schleswig-Holstein

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Aid towards the costs of laboratory examinations on fallen stock (bovine, ovine or caprine animals) and on ovine or caprine animals for slaughter, in the context of the rapid tests for BSE/TSE performed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001, laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies

Beneficiaries are the respective livestock owners who are to be regarded as small or medium-sized enterprises within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No 1/2004

Legal basis: Regelung durch die Erlasse VIII 334 — AZ 7211.480 — vom 05. Februar 2004 (Anlage 1) und VIII 335 — AZ 7211.480 — vom 24. Januar 2005 (Anlage 2) in Verbindung mit der Verordnung des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 22. Mai 2001 mit Vorschriften zur Verhütung, Kontrolle und Tilgung bestimmter transmissibler spongiformer Enzephalopathien (EG) Nr. 999/2001, zuletzt geändert durch die Verordnung (EG) Nr. 2245/2003 sowie die Landesverordnung über das Lebensmittel- und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt des Landes Schleswig-Holstein und die Landesverordnung über die Verwaltungsgebühren für das Lebensmittel- und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt des Landes Schleswig-Holstein

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

Maximum aid intensity: 100 % or

EUR 21,21 per sample for the laboratory examination on fallen bovine animals and

EUR 17,70 per sample for the laboratory examination on fallen and slaughtered ovine and caprine animals

Date of implementation: Implementation is in accordance with the legal basis above, with retroactive effect from 1 January 2001

Notification is delayed as the intention was to file a single aid application for the Federal Republic of Germany (Aid No 373/2003). Since this was not successful and exemption Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 has in the meantime entered into force, a separate request for exemption is being filed for Schleswig-Holstein

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Aid will be granted for as long as the examination is required under Chapter A of Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 999/2001

Objective of aid: Livestock owners in Schleswig-Holstein are obliged in principle to bear the costs of diagnostic measures which need to be performed on their stock under animal health rules

In the Land Schleswig-Holstein, the costs of the TSE examination on fallen bovine animals and on ovine or caprine animals is assumed by the public sector in the interests of robust surveillance

The random examination is conducted on the basis of the principle of equal treatment (financing from public funds)

Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 is used for this purpose

The objective of the measure is to ensure that fallen stock is also monitored for TSE, by settling the fee which owners of fallen bovine, ovine or caprine animals have to pay for the laboratory examination

Under Article 13(2)(e) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 of 23 December 2003, the rapid tests for BSE/TSE serve to implement Community legislation (see above)

Sector(s) concerned: Agriculture. Beneficiaries of the aid are the owners of bovine, ovine or caprine animals at the production stage.

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Web address: http://www.umwelt.schleswig-holstein.de/?67603

Aid number: XA 31/06

Member State: France

Region: Lower Normandy

Title of aid scheme: Aid for investment in on-farm processing of agricultural products

Legal basis: 

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 100 000

Maximum aid intensity: 

Date of implementation: On receipt of an acknowledgement of receipt from the European Commission

Duration of scheme: Two years, renewable

Objective of aid: The aim of the scheme is to promote the diversification of farm activities to include other activities linked to the production, processing and sale of Annex I products. The aim is to boost farmers' income by profits from processing their products. The secondary aims of the aid scheme are to boost farmers' income (by reducing the purchase of livestock feed and fuel costs) and to promote environmental protection (to combat the greenhouse effect)

The scheme covers investments exclusively to permit the on-farm processing of agricultural products produced on that same farm, for at least half of processed products. Eligible costs include investments and equipment needed for the on-farm processing of farmers' products. Priority will be given to processing projects for products carrying quality marks and those involving rape seed processing in order to add value through combined nutritional and energy uses of rape seed (the production of pre-cooked, pressed oilseed cake and oil for farm fuel). In particular, aid will help finance grain storage facilities, oil presses and oilseed cake storage facilities

The secondary aims of the aid scheme are to boost farmers' income (by reducing the purchase of livestock feed and fuel costs) and to promote environmental protection (to combat the greenhouse effect)

Sector(s) concerned: All farms in Lower Normandy

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Web address:: www.region-basse-normandie.fr

Aid number: XA 32/06

Member State: France

Region: Lower Normandy

Title of aid scheme: Aid for investment in the on-farm sale of agricultural products

Legal basis: 

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 40 000

Maximum aid intensity: 20 % of eligible investments

Date of implementation: On receipt of an acknowledgement of receipt from the European Commission

Duration of scheme: Two years, renewable

Objective of aid: This scheme complements the aid scheme for investment in the on-farm processing of agricultural products since the aim is to assist with the specific equipment for selling agricultural products to the local market: investments in product packaging and the facilities needed to present products for sale. As in the above-mentioned scheme, the aim is to support the diversification of farm activities to include other activities linked to the production, processing and sale of Annex I products in order to boost farmers' income by proceeds from the sale of their products

The base of the aid scheme is investment expenditure. Replacement items and second-hand equipment are not eligible for aid. Expenditure on transport equipment is not eligible for aid

Sector(s) concerned: All farms in Lower Normandy active in the sale — with or without processing — of their products to markets in Lower Normandy

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Web address: www.region-basse-normandie.fr

Aid Number: XA 33/06

Member State: France

Region: Lower Normandy

Title of aid scheme: Certification aid for smes in connection with processing organic agricultural products

Legal basis: 

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 30 000

Maximum aid intensity: 60 %, declining by 10 % per year.

Date of implementation:: On receipt of an acknowledgement of receipt from the European Commission.

Duration of scheme: Two years, renewable

Objective of aid: To encourage the processing of organic products by covering part of the compulsory costs of certification carried out by independent bodies. Eligible expenditure covers the cost of certification. Aid is limited to EUR 1 200

Sector(s) concerned: All small and medium-sized enterprises processing organic agricultural products into products listed in Annex I to the EC Treaty

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Web address: http://www.region-basse-normandie.fr

Aid Number: XA 34/06

Member State: France

Region: Lower Normandy

Title of aid scheme: Aid to develop official quality marks

Legal basis: 

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 50 000

Maximum aid intensity: 40 % of eligible expenditure

Date of implementation: On receipt of an acknowledgement of receipt from the European Commission.

Duration of scheme: Two years, renewable

Objective of aid: The aim of the scheme is to promote new initiatives to improve the quality of agricultural production in Lower Normandy, and therefore to develop and consolidate quality procedures for growth products

The scheme covers the costs to prepare and launch the production of quality products under the official EU mark, i.e., depending on the case, products with official certification, quality assurance (HACCP), designation of origin, protected geographical indication, produced organically or with a certificate of special character

According to needs, aid may be used to help fund the costs of market studies, to prepare applications for designation of origin or certificates of special character, technical support, advisors (audits, project management and follow-up) needed to launch quality production projects, the costs of promoting these products and the costs of specific production checks under the conditions authorised in Article 13(2) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004

Sector(s) concerned: All farms in Lower Normandy commencing new quality production under point 13 of the guidelines on agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Web address: www.region-basse-normandie.fr

Aid Number: XA 35/06

Member State: France

Region: Lower Normandy

Title of aid scheme: Aid for certification and monitoring of organic farming (production sector)

Legal basis: 

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 150 000

Maximum aid intensity: 50 % of compulsory certification costs

Date of implementation: On receipt of an acknowledgement of receipt from the European Commission.

Duration of scheme: Two years, renewable

Objective of aid: To support and encourage organic production by covering part of the compulsory costs of certification carried out by independent bodies under Council Regulation (EC) No 2091/91 of 22 July 1991. Eligible expenditure covers the cost of certification up to a ceiling of EUR 300.

Sector(s) concerned: All farms in Lower Normandy active in organic agricultural production

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Web address:: http://www.region-basse-normandie.fr

Aid Number: XA 36/06

Member State: France

Region: Lower Normandy

Title of aid scheme: Aid for investment in organic farms

Legal basis: 

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 200 000

Maximum aid intensity: 

Date of implementation: On receipt of an acknowledgement of receipt from the European Commission.

Duration of scheme: Two years, renewable

Objective of aid: The purpose of the scheme is to improve the costs of organic agricultural production. Environmental protection and improving the quality of the agricultural end products concerned are part of the secondary objectives of this aid scheme

Aid covers investment in new equipment specifically for hay making and land treatment used by farmers to optimise the cost of organic production, such as the purchase of farm machinery for mechanised hoeing, hay harvesting equipment and facilities needed for under-cover drying of these products as well as equipment used for open-field production of vegetables

Examples of eligible investment: barn drying facilities, swath turners, roundballers, hay racks, round bailers, haymakers, mowers, hay turners and hay storage barns

Replacement items and second-hand equipment are not eligible for aid

Sector(s) concerned: All certified organic farms in Lower Normandy

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Web address: www.region-basse-normandie.fr

Aid Number: XA 38/06

Member State: France

Region:: Lower Normandy

Title of aid scheme: Technical support for farms

Legal basis: 

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 50 000

Maximum aid intensity: 50 % of eligible expenditure

Date of implementation: On receipt of an acknowledgement of receipt from the European Commission.

Duration of scheme: Two years, renewable

Objective of aid: The scheme aims to improve the effectiveness and professionalism of the farms concerned by providing technical support or appropriate training. Eligible expenditure covers technical assistance planned for teaching and training farmers and farm workers and the fees for advisors providing these technical services. The general ceiling for individual aid is set at EUR 500

Sector(s) concerned: All farms in Lower Normandy

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Web address: www.region-basse-normandie.fr

Aid Number: XA 39/2006

Member State: Italy

Region: Sardinia

Title of scheme: Measures to support Sardinian craft trades.New investment measures

Legal basis: 

Annual expenditure planned: Overall planned expenditure for the 2006 call for proposals is EUR 15 000 000.

Maximum aid intensity: Capital contributions of 30 % of eligible investment for the whole region and 35 % for the most disadvantaged provinces of Sardinia.

Date of implementation: Starts 1 March 2006, in any case 10 working days after sending this form, in accordance with Article 19(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2004.

Duration of scheme: Ends 31 December 2006.

Objective of aid: To develop regional production by awarding a capital contribution to support SMEs in the craft trade, including those operating in the processing and marketing of agricultural products, for investment programmes designed to launch new initiatives and/or to consolidate existing initiatives, by setting up new facilities or by extending, modernising, restructuring, converting or transferring existing facilities. These objectives are in line with those set out in Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2004. Aid may only be granted for activities undertaken after the introduction and publication of this scheme, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1/2004.

Economic sectors concerned: All SMEs listed in the register of craft trade enterprises in accordance with Law No 443/85 and active in the processing and marketing of agricultural products.

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Website: www.regione.sardegna.it

Other information: Aid granted to SMEs listed in the register of craft trade enterprises in accordance with Law No 443/85 not active in the processing and marketing of agricultural products are governed by Regulation (EC) No 70/2001.

XA Number: XA 41/06

Member State: France

Department: Hérault

Title of aid scheme: Aid for the procurement of new technologies aimed at raising product quality to market levels.

Legal basis: 

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 200 000

Maximum aid intensity: The aid will take the form of a grant at a rate of 40 % of the eligible tangible and intangible investments, exclusive of tax, up to an individual aid ceiling of EUR 20 000.

Subsidised investments must meet the requirements of Article 4(3) to (10) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 of 23 December 2003

Date of implementation and duration of the aid scheme: From the time of registration and acknowledgement of receipt by the Commission until 31 December 2009

Objective of aid: This measure falls within the scope of Article 4(3)(a) and (c) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 of 23 December 2003. Its objective is to improve food quality and safety and the competitiveness of farms by financing the procurement of new technologies, such as:

A decision-making tool to determine the appropriate product assortment on the basis of market demand

A tool to analyse the ripening and ripeness of products

A tool to analyse the water content of plants and control the amount of water administered.

Sector background: Agricultural SMEs having fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 40 million or an annual balance-sheet total not exceeding EUR 27 million, in line with Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001. Moreover, these enterprises must be independent as defined in paragraph 3 of Annex I to Commission Regulation (EC) 70/2001

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Internet address: This aid scheme is published on the website of the Department of Hérault: http:/www.cg34.fr

To go to the relevant page, follow this path:

Economie/agriculture/production/appui au développement/ en savoir plus: transfert de technologie

XA Number: XA 45/05

Member State: Slovenia

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Support for young farmers for taking over agricultural holdings

Legal basis: 11(a) člen Uredbe o programih kmetijske strukturne politike in kmetijske politike razvoja podeželja za leti 2005 in 2006 (UL RS, št. 45/04) in 9. člen Uredbe o spremembah in dopolnitvah Uredbe o programih kmetijske strukturne politike in kmetijske politike razvoja podeželja za leti 2005 in 2006 (UL RS, št. 10/05 in x/05)

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

for 2005: up to SIT 770 000 000 (EUR 3 212 350 (1))

for 2006: up to SIT 570 000 000 (EUR 2 377 970)

Total: SIT 1 340 000 000 (EUR 5 590 320)

Maximum aid intensity: Maximum amount of aid per applicant is SIT 4 000 000 (EUR 16 687)

Date of implementation: Implementation will begin in August 2005.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: The aid may be granted up to 31 December 2006.

Objective of the aid: In accordance with Article 8, the objective of the aid is to award a grant to partly cover the expenses incurred when next-generation young farmers take over ownership of the family agricultural holding, in line with handover or donation agreements.

Providing incentives to take over agricultural holdings will improve the situation regarding the ownership and age of Slovenian agricultural structures. The maximum amount of aid is SIT 4 000 000 per applicant

Sectors concerned: The scheme is applicable to production in all sectors

Name and address of the granting authority: 

Website address: http://www.mkgp.gov.si/

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(1)  2005 Spring Report of the Slovenian macroeconomic analysis and economic development office (EUR/SIT = 239,7)

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4251 — Berkshire/Iscar Metalworking Companies)

(2006/C 159/09)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 30 June 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:

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4213 — CAG/Motorola)

(2006/C 159/10)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 23 June 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:

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4254 — Nordic Capital Fund VI/Dangaard)

(2006/C 159/11)

(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:

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