# Euroopa Liidu C 258/2006

| | ISSN 1725-5171 |
| --- | --- |
| Euroopa Liidu
  Teataja | C 258 |
| | |
| Eestikeelne väljaanne | Teave ja teatised | 49. köide26. oktoober 2006 |

ISSN 1725-5171

Euroopa Liidu

Teataja

C 258

Eestikeelne väljaanne

Teave ja teatised

49. köide26. oktoober 2006

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| Teatis nr | Sisukord | Lehekülg |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Teave |
| | Komisjon |
| 2006/C 258/1 | Euro vahetuskurss | 1 |
| 2006/C 258/2 | Liikmesriikide edastatud kokkuvõtlik teave riigiabi kohta, mis on antud kooskõlas komisjoni 23. detsembri 2003. aasta määrusega (EÜ) nr 1/2004, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist riigiabi suhtes, mida antakse põllumajandustoodete tootmise, töötlemise ja turustamisega tegelevatele väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele | 2 |
| 2006/C 258/3 | Liikmesriikide esitatud kokkuvõtlik teave riigiabi kohta, mis on antud kooskõlas komisjoni 23. detsembri 2003. aasta määrusega (EÜ) 1/2004, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist riigiabi suhtes, mida antakse põllumajandustoodete tootmise, töötlemise ja turustamisega tegelevatele väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele | 8 |
| 2006/C 258/4 | Põllumajandustoodete ja toidu päritolunimetuste ja geograafiliste tähiste kaitset käsitleva nõukogu määruse (EÜ) nr 510/2006 artikli 6 lõike 2 kohase taotluse avaldamine | 13 |
| 2006/C 258/5 | Liikmesriikide edastatav teave riigiabi kohta, mida antakse kooskõlas komisjoni 12. jaanuari 2001. aasta määrusega (EÜ) nr 70/2001, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele antava riigiabi suhtes (
  1
  ) | 17 |
| 2006/C 258/6 | Liikmesriikide edastatav teave riigiabi kohta, mida antakse kooskõlas komisjoni 12. detsembri 2002. aasta määrusega (EÜ) nr 2204/2002, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist tööhõivealase riigiabi suhtes (
  1
  ) | 21 |
| 2006/C 258/7 | Komisjoni teatis, mis on seotud nõukogu 3. mai 1988. aasta direktiivi 88/378/EMÜ (mänguasjade ohutust käsitlevate liikmesriikide õigusaktide ühtlustamise kohta) rakendamisega (
  1
  ) | 23 |
| 2006/C 258/8 | Eelteatis koondumise kohta (Juhtum nr COMP/M.4314 — Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer Consumer Healthcare) (
  1
  ) | 25 |
| 2006/C 258/9 | Teatatud koondumise aktsepteering (Toimik nr COMP/M.4405 — Walter Frey Holding/Mitsubishi Motors Europe) (
  1
  ) | 26 |
| 2006/C 258/0 | Teatatud koondumise aktsepteering (Toimik nr COMP/M.4294 — Arcelor/SNCFL/CFL Cargo) (
  1
  ) | 26 |
| | EUROOPA MAJANDUSPIIRKOND |
| | EFTA kohus |
| 2006/C 258/1 | EFTA järelevalveameti 31. juulil 2006 Norra Kuningriigi vastu algatatud hagi (Kohtuasi E-2/06) | 27 |
| | EFTA järelevalveamet |
| 2006/C 258/2 | Kutse märkuste esitamiseks vastavalt järelevalve- ja kohtulepingu 3. protokolli I peatüki artikli 1 lõikele 2 Norra hiljuti esitatud abikava kohta teadus- ja arendustegevuse palgata tööjõu tasustamiseks (teadus- ja arendustegevuse palgata tööjõu abikava). | 28 |
| 2006/C 258/3 | Kutse märkuste esitamiseks vastavalt järelevalve- ja kohtulepingu 3. protokolli I peatüki artikli 1 lõikele 2 riigiabi andmise kohta Norra teadusnõukogu poolt tarkvara Turborouter arendamiseks | 42 |

Teatis nr

Sisukord

Lehekülg

I   Teave

Komisjon

2006/C 258/1

Euro vahetuskurss

1

2006/C 258/2

Liikmesriikide edastatud kokkuvõtlik teave riigiabi kohta, mis on antud kooskõlas komisjoni 23. detsembri 2003. aasta määrusega (EÜ) nr 1/2004, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist riigiabi suhtes, mida antakse põllumajandustoodete tootmise, töötlemise ja turustamisega tegelevatele väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele

2

2006/C 258/3

Liikmesriikide esitatud kokkuvõtlik teave riigiabi kohta, mis on antud kooskõlas komisjoni 23. detsembri 2003. aasta määrusega (EÜ) 1/2004, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist riigiabi suhtes, mida antakse põllumajandustoodete tootmise, töötlemise ja turustamisega tegelevatele väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele

8

2006/C 258/4

Põllumajandustoodete ja toidu päritolunimetuste ja geograafiliste tähiste kaitset käsitleva nõukogu määruse (EÜ) nr 510/2006 artikli 6 lõike 2 kohase taotluse avaldamine

13

2006/C 258/5

Liikmesriikide edastatav teave riigiabi kohta, mida antakse kooskõlas komisjoni 12. jaanuari 2001. aasta määrusega (EÜ) nr 70/2001, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele antava riigiabi suhtes (
  1
  )

1

17

2006/C 258/6

Liikmesriikide edastatav teave riigiabi kohta, mida antakse kooskõlas komisjoni 12. detsembri 2002. aasta määrusega (EÜ) nr 2204/2002, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist tööhõivealase riigiabi suhtes (
  1
  )

1

21

2006/C 258/7

Komisjoni teatis, mis on seotud nõukogu 3. mai 1988. aasta direktiivi 88/378/EMÜ (mänguasjade ohutust käsitlevate liikmesriikide õigusaktide ühtlustamise kohta) rakendamisega (
  1
  )

1

23

2006/C 258/8

Eelteatis koondumise kohta (Juhtum nr COMP/M.4314 — Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer Consumer Healthcare) (
  1
  )

1

25

2006/C 258/9

Teatatud koondumise aktsepteering (Toimik nr COMP/M.4405 — Walter Frey Holding/Mitsubishi Motors Europe) (
  1
  )

1

26

2006/C 258/0

Teatatud koondumise aktsepteering (Toimik nr COMP/M.4294 — Arcelor/SNCFL/CFL Cargo) (
  1
  )

1

26

EUROOPA MAJANDUSPIIRKOND

EFTA kohus

2006/C 258/1

EFTA järelevalveameti 31. juulil 2006 Norra Kuningriigi vastu algatatud hagi (Kohtuasi E-2/06)

(Kohtuasi E-2/06)

27

EFTA järelevalveamet

2006/C 258/2

Kutse märkuste esitamiseks vastavalt järelevalve- ja kohtulepingu 3. protokolli I peatüki artikli 1 lõikele 2 Norra hiljuti esitatud abikava kohta teadus- ja arendustegevuse palgata tööjõu tasustamiseks (teadus- ja arendustegevuse palgata tööjõu abikava).

28

2006/C 258/3

Kutse märkuste esitamiseks vastavalt järelevalve- ja kohtulepingu 3. protokolli I peatüki artikli 1 lõikele 2 riigiabi andmise kohta Norra teadusnõukogu poolt tarkvara Turborouter arendamiseks

42

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| | (1)   EMPs kohaldatav tekst |

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(1)   EMPs kohaldatav tekst

1

| ET | |
| --- | --- |

ET

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I Teave

Komisjon

| 26.10.2006 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 258/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.10.2006

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 258/1

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Euro vahetuskurss (1)

25. oktoober 2006

(2006/C 258/01)

1 euro=

| | Valuuta | Kurss |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | USA dollar | 1,2580 |
| JPY | Jaapani jeen | 149,93 |
| DKK | Taani kroon | 7,4551 |
| GBP | Inglise nael | 0,6702 |
| SEK | Rootsi kroon | 9,2125 |
| CHF | Šveitsi frank | 1,5916 |
| ISK | Islandi kroon | 85,71 |
| NOK | Norra kroon | 8,338 |
| BGN | Bulgaaria lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | Küprose nael | 0,5766 |
| CZK | Tšehhi kroon | 28,383 |
| EEK | Eesti kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Ungari forint | 262,87 |
| LTL | Leedu litt | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Läti latt | 0,6961 |
| MTL | Malta liir | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Poola zlott | 3,8855 |
| RON | Rumeenia leu | 3,5179 |
| SIT | Sloveenia talaar | 239,6 |
| SKK | Slovakkia kroon | 36,576 |
| TRY | Türgi liir | 1,8475 |
| AUD | Austraalia dollar | 1,6561 |
| CAD | Kanada dollar | 1,4191 |
| HKD | Hong Kongi dollar | 9,7905 |
| NZD | Uus-Meremaa dollar | 1,9038 |
| SGD | Singapuri dollar | 1,9784 |
| KRW | Korea won | 1 202,46 |
| ZAR | Lõuna-Aafrika rand | 9,6349 |
| CNY | Hiina jüaan | 9,9407 |
| HRK | Horvaatia kuna | 7,385 |
| IDR | Indoneesia ruupia | 11 485,54 |
| MYR | Malaisia ringit | 4,625 |
| PHP | Filipiini peeso | 62,837 |
| RUB | Vene rubla | 33,83 |
| THB | Tai baht | 46,691 |

Valuuta

Kurss

USD

USA dollar

1,2580

JPY

Jaapani jeen

149,93

DKK

Taani kroon

7,4551

GBP

Inglise nael

0,6702

SEK

Rootsi kroon

9,2125

CHF

Šveitsi frank

1,5916

ISK

Islandi kroon

85,71

NOK

Norra kroon

8,338

BGN

Bulgaaria lev

1,9558

CYP

Küprose nael

0,5766

CZK

Tšehhi kroon

28,383

EEK

Eesti kroon

15,6466

HUF

Ungari forint

262,87

LTL

Leedu litt

3,4528

LVL

Läti latt

0,6961

MTL

Malta liir

0,4293

PLN

Poola zlott

3,8855

RON

Rumeenia leu

3,5179

SIT

Sloveenia talaar

239,6

SKK

Slovakkia kroon

36,576

TRY

Türgi liir

1,8475

AUD

Austraalia dollar

1,6561

CAD

Kanada dollar

1,4191

HKD

Hong Kongi dollar

9,7905

NZD

Uus-Meremaa dollar

1,9038

SGD

Singapuri dollar

1,9784

KRW

Korea won

1 202,46

ZAR

Lõuna-Aafrika rand

9,6349

CNY

Hiina jüaan

9,9407

HRK

Horvaatia kuna

7,385

IDR

Indoneesia ruupia

11 485,54

MYR

Malaisia ringit

4,625

PHP

Filipiini peeso

62,837

RUB

Vene rubla

33,83

THB

Tai baht

46,691

---

(1)

Allikas: EKP avaldatud viitekurss.

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| 26.10.2006 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 258/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.10.2006

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 258/2

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Liikmesriikide edastatud kokkuvõtlik teave riigiabi kohta, mis on antud kooskõlas komisjoni 23. detsembri 2003. aasta määrusega (EÜ) nr 1/2004, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist riigiabi suhtes, mida antakse põllumajandustoodete tootmise, töötlemise ja turustamisega tegelevatele väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele

(2006/C 258/02)

Abi number: XA 42/06

Liikmesriik: Hispaania

Piirkond: Navarra

Abikava või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimetus: Abi Navarra põllumajandus- ja toiduainetööstuse jälgitavuse jaoks 2006. aastaks

Õiguslik alus: Orden foral del Consejero de agricultura, ganadería y alimentación, por la que se establecen las bases reguladoras que regirán la concesión de ayudas a la trazabilidad en la industria agroalimentaria de Navarra y se aprueba la convocatoria de ayudas para el año 2006

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulutused või ettevõttele antud üksiktoetuse üldsumma: 2006. eelarveaastaks 1 800 000 EUR, mis on võetud 2007. aasta kulude eelarve asjaomasest osast

Abi ülemmäär: 50 % tehnilise abi maksumusest jälgitavuse seadmete arendamiseks ja paigaldamiseks, maksimaalselt 6 000 EUR abisaaja kohta.

35 % investeeringute maksumusest registreerimis- ja andmeedastussüsteemide arvutistamiseks ja automatiseerimiseks, maksimaalselt 15 000 EUR abisaaja kohta

Rakendamise kuupäev: August 2006

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus: Käesoleva kava alusel võib abi anda 2006. aasta novembrini (kaasa arvatud)

Abi eesmärk: Käesoleva abi eesmärk on edendada jälgitavussüsteemide kasutuselevõttu Navarra väikestes ja keskmise suurusega põllumajandus- ja toiduainetööstusettevõtetes.

Asjaomased majandusharud: Asjaomane majandusharu on töötlemis- ja turustamissektor. Asjaomased allharud võivad kuuluda mis tahes eespool osutatud sektorisse juhul, kui need on seotud lepingu I lisas loetletud põllumajandustoodetega, välja arvatud piima ja piimatooteid jäljendavate või asendavate toodete valmistamine ja turustamine ning suhkrusektori toodete töötlemine või turustamine

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| Gobierno de Navarra. Departamento de Agricultura, Ganadería y Alimentación. |
| --- |
| c/ Tudela 20 |
| E-31003 Pamplona |

Gobierno de Navarra. Departamento de Agricultura, Ganadería y Alimentación.

c/ Tudela 20

E-31003 Pamplona

Veebileht: www.navarra.es

Muu teave: Pamplona, 24. mai 2006

Abi number: XA 44/06

Liikmesriik: Madalmaad

Piirkond: Friisimaa

Abikava või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimetus: (Perekond) Diever

Õiguslik alus: Algemene wet bestuursrecht, titel 4.2

Algemene Subsidieverordening Provincie Friesland 1998

Provinciewet artikel 145

Verordening met betrekking tot het verlenen van subsidies ten behoeve van het plattelandsbeleid voor de jaren 2005-2008

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulutused või ettevõttele antud üksiktoetuse üldsumma: Ühenduse maksimaalne rahaline toetus on 45 000 EUR. 80 %, st 36 000 EUR makstakse välja 2006. aastal, ülejäänud osad makstakse välja 2007. ja 2008. aastal

Abi ülemmäär: Abi ülemmäär on 40 % abikõlblikest kuludest. Suurim abisumma on 45 000 EUR

Rakendamise kuupäev: Otsus abi andmise kohta saadetakse nelja nädala jooksul pärast ELilt käesoleva teatise vastuvõtuteatise saamist

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus: Viimane väljamakse tehakse 30 kuud pärast otsuse väljasaatmist, seega hiljemalt 2008. aasta lõpuks. Eeldatavalt valmib projekt juba 2007. aastal

Abi eesmärk: Projekti eesmärk on põllumajandusettevõtte territooriumil asuva ajaloolise taluhoone säilitamine pärast kohandamist, nii et see vastab kaasaegse põllumajandusettevõtte nõuetele.

Kohaldatakse määruse (EÜ) 1/2004 artikli 5 lõiget 3

Asjaomased majandusharud: Piimakarjakasvatus

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| Provincie Friesland |
| --- |
| Postbus 20120 |
| 8900 HM Leeuwarden |
| Nederland |

Provincie Friesland

Postbus 20120

8900 HM Leeuwarden

Nederland

Veebileht: www.fryslan.nl

XA number: XA 47/06

Liikmesriik: Prantsusmaa

Abikava nimetus: Abi tehniliseks toeks puu- ja köögivilja ning aiandustoodete kasvatamisel kasvuhoones

Õiguslik alus: Le décret no 83-246 du 18 mars 1983 portant création d'un Office National Interprofessionnel des fruits, des légumes et de l'horticulture et les textes subséquents repris notamment dans la partie réglementaire du code rural (livre 6 “productions et marchés” — articles R 621-120, R 621-134, R 621-140 et R 621-161 à R 621-174)

Abikava raames ettenähtud aastased kulutused: Kavandatavate meetmete üldeelarve on 1 miljon EUR

Abi ülemmäär: Kuni 50 % abikõlblikest kulutustest.

Riikliku toetuse kogusumma ei tohi ületada 100 000 EUR abisaaja kohta kolmeaastase perioodi jooksul või 50 % abikõlblikest kulutustest, olenevalt sellest, kumb summa on suurem

Rakendamise kuupäev: Abikava rakendatakse alates meetme identifitseerimisnumbrit sisaldava vastuvõtuteatise kuupäevast tingimusel, et vastavad assigneeringud võetakse kasutusele ning et meede avaldatakse VINIFLHOR'i veebilehel

Abikava kestus: Üks aasta ning tähtaega võidakse eelarve piires pikendada

Abi eesmärk: Kõnealune abikava on hõlmatud komisjoni 23. detsembri 2003. aasta määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004 artikliga 14.

Abikava on osa kasvuhoonemajanduse struktuurilise kohandumise kavast, mille eesmärk on rahuldada asjaomaste ettevõtete vajadusi seoses suurenevate energiakuludega ning aidata ettevõtteid, kes vajavad toetust oma kohanduste tegemisel.

Kavandatavad tehnilise abi meetmed aitavad eelkõige ettevõtteid, mis kohanduvad kallinenud energiahindadega, aidates neil pärast nende olukorra hindamist valida parim tehniline lahendus ja juhtimisvõimalus.

Kava raames rahastatakse tehnilise toetuse ning tehnilis-majandusliku ja energiaanalüüsi nõustamise kulud 50 % ulatuses:

tehnilis-majanduslik analüüs ettevõtte kulude, eelkõige energiakulu kohta, ja parandusettepanekute väljatöötamine (asjaomane abi on kuni 50 % analüüsi kuludest ja kuni 300 EUR ettevõtte kohta);

energiaaudit, vajadusel hinnang vajalike investeeringute kohta (asjaomane toetus on kuni 50 % auditi kuludest kuni 0,3 EUR köetava pinna ruutmeetri kohta, maksimaalselt 3,5 ha)

Asjaomased majandusharud: puu- ja köögivilja ning ilutaimede kasvatamine kasvuhoones

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| Office National Interprofessionnel des Fruits, des Légumes, des Vins et de l'Horticulture |
| --- |
| 164, rue de Javel |
| F-75739 Paris Cedex 15 |

Office National Interprofessionnel des Fruits, des Légumes, des Vins et de l'Horticulture

164, rue de Javel

F-75739 Paris Cedex 15

Veebileht: www.oniflhor.fr

Abi number: XA 48/06

Liikmesriik: Prantsusmaa

Piirkond: Limousin

Abikava nimetus: Abi mahepõllumajanduse sertifikaadi säilitamiseks (numbri XA/54/05 registreeritud abi jätkamine)

Õiguslik alus:

| — | Article 13 du règlement (CE) no 1/2004 du 23 décembre 2003 de la Commission; |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 13 du règlement (CE) no 1/2004 du 23 décembre 2003 de la Commission;

| — | Articles L. 1511-1 et L. 1511-2 du code général des collectivités territoriales; |
| --- | --- |

—

Articles L. 1511-1 et L. 1511-2 du code général des collectivités territoriales;

| — | Décision du Conseil régional du Limousin du 10 mai 2006 |
| --- | --- |

—

Décision du Conseil régional du Limousin du 10 mai 2006

Abikava raames ettenähtud aastased kulutused: 85 000 EUR

Abi ülemmäär: Piirkondlik omavalitsus kannab ühe osa sertifitseerimiskuludest — see toetus vastab 80 %le sertifitseerimisühiku maksumusest (ilma maksudeta) jäädes 2006. aastal vahemikku 200-800 EUR

Rakendamise kuupäev: Kui Euroopa Komisjon on kättesaamist kinnitanud

Abikava kestus: Kuni 31. detsembrini 2006

Abi eesmärk: Nõukogu määruse (EMÜ) nr 2092/91 kohaselt peavad kõik mahepõllumajandusettevõtjad laskma põllumajandusministeeriumi poolt vastavalt standardile (EN 45011) heakskiidetud sertifitseerimisasutusel oma tegevust kontrollida ja sertifitseerida. Nimetatud abi eesmärk on toetada mahepõllumajanduse arengut põllumajandusettevõtete sertifitseerimiskulude kandmise abil

Asjaomased majandusharud: Iga Limousini piirkonnas mahepõllumajandusega tegelev põllumajandustootja, kelle 2006. aasta teatise kohane tegevus on “mahepõllumajandus” või “üleminek mahepõllumajandusele”, ja kes ei ole saanud 1. juuli 2005. aasta seisuga mahepõllumajandusele ülemineku abi (CTE-CAB1 või CAD2-CAB) või kelle CTE või CAD/CAB (viieks aastaks) abisummad koos taotletava sertifitseerimisabiga ei ületa 15 000 EUR Mahepõllunduse viljelemisesteatis tehakse mahepõllundusameti Agence Bio juures ning selle tegemine on kohustuslik. Nimetatud summa tehakse kindlaks CTE/CAD/CAB lepingu koopia alusel

Vastutava ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| Monsieur le Président du Conseil Régional du Limousin |
| --- |
| 27 boulevard de la Corderie |
| F-87031 Limoges Cedex |

Monsieur le Président du Conseil Régional du Limousin

27 boulevard de la Corderie

F-87031 Limoges Cedex

Veebileht: http://www.cr-limousin.fr rubrique “guide des aides”

XA nr: XA 52/06

Liikmesriik: Ühendkuningriik

Piirkond: Inglismaa

Abikava nimetus või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimi: EBLEX Beef Better Returns Programme

Õiguslik alus: Section 1 of the Agriculture Act 1967

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulutused või ettevõttele antud üksiktoetuse üldsumma: 402 000 GBP aastas

Abi ülemmäär: 100 %

Rakendamise kuupäev:

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus: Kava lõpetatakse 30. juunil 2009. Enne nimetatud kuupäeva võidakse abikava eeskirju vajadusel muuta, et kajastada muudatusi Euroopa riigiabi eeskirjades

Abi eesmärk: Abikava peamine eesmärk on veisekasvatajate haridus ja koolitus, et nad omandaksid areneval turul kohanemiseks vajalikke oskusi. Kokkulepitud meetmed hõlmavad koolitusi, seminare ning Interneti teel antavat teavet. See on kooskõlas artikliga 14 — Tehnilise abi andmine põllumajandussektoris

Asjaomane sektor: Veisekasvatus

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| Meat and Livestock Commission |
| --- |
| PO Box 44 |
| Winterhill House |
| Snowdon Drive |
| Milton Keynes MK6 1AX |
| United Kingdom |

Meat and Livestock Commission

PO Box 44

Winterhill House

Snowdon Drive

Milton Keynes MK6 1AX

United Kingdom

Veebileht: http://www.eblex.org.uk/betterReturns/beef

Muu teave: Liha- ja loomakasvatuse komisjon, kes tegutseb veisesektori täitevkomitee (EBLEX) kaudu, valib ja tasustab tehnilise abi osutajad kooskõlas turu põhimõtetega ning mittediskrimineerival viisil. Abi ei anta abisaajatele otse. Pakkumismenetlust kohaldatakse kooskõlas ühenduse õigusega.

Ühendkuningriigi pädeva asutuse Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs nimel alla kirjutanud ja kuupäevaga varustanud:

Neil Marr

Agricultural State Aid Advisor

Defra

8B 9 Millbank

c/o 17 Smith Square

London SW1P 3JR

United Kingdom

Abi nr: XA 54/06

Liikmesriik: Madalmaad

Abikava või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimetus: Regeling stimulering biologische productiemethode (mahepõllunduse edendamine)

Õiguslik alus: Artikelen 2 en 4 van de Kaderwet LNV-subsidies

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulutused või ettevõttele antud üksiktoetuse üldsumma: Kulutused on seotud kuludega, mis tekivad ettevõtjatel, kes määruse (EMÜ) nr 2092/91 (põllumajandustoodete mahepõllundustootmise ning põllumajandustoodete ja toiduainete puhul sellele viitavate märgiste kohta) artikli 8 lõike 1 kohaselt on allutatud kontrollisüsteemile. Kõnealuse määruse artikli 9 kohaselt jälgib kontrollisüsteem määruse sätete täitmist. Kulud võivad aastati olla erinevad. 2006. aastal on abi suurus 650 EUR ettevõtte kohta (põhitoetus) pluss 150 EUR (kontrollisüsteemiga liitumise tasu). Seda summat võidakse suurendada, kui liitumise tasu suureneb. Arvestades viie aasta keskmist kulu 800 EUR ettevõtte kohta, on abi üldsumma viie aasta jooksul võrdne 24 800 EUR aastas

Abi ülemmäär: Ettevõttele kontrollimiskulude katmiseks antav abi ei tohi ületada 3 000 EUR aastas

Rakendamise kuupäev:

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus: Abi antakse ettevõtetele kontrollisüsteemis osalemise kulude katmiseks viie aasta jooksul

Abi eesmärk: Abistada väikesi ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtteid ja edendada kvaliteetsete põlumajandustoodete tootmist ja turustamist, nagu on ette nähtud ühenduse suunistes riigiabi andmise kohta põllumajandussektoris, artikkel 13. Määruse 2092/91 kohaselt toodetud kaupu loetakse kvaliteettoodeteks. Hüvitis kontrollisüsteemis osalemise kulude katmiseks ettevõtetele, kes peavad selles süsteemis osalema. Määruse 2092/91 artiklis 9 nimetatud kontrollisüsteemis osalemine võib stimuleerida ettevõtteid, kelle toodang vastab kõnealusele määrusele, jätkama tööd määrusega nõutud tootmisviisi kohaselt

Asjaomased majandusharud: Muid kui inimtoiduks ettenähtud põllumajandustooteid (näiteks puuistikuid, taimi, lilli ja lillesibulaid) tootvad ettevõtted

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuur en Voedselkwaliteit, Dienst Regelingen |
| --- |
| Postbus 20401 |
| 2500 ER Den Haag |
| Nederland |

Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuur en Voedselkwaliteit, Dienst Regelingen

Postbus 20401

2500 ER Den Haag

Nederland

Veebileht: www.wetten.nl of www.overheid.nl > officiële publicaties > selecteren departementale regelgeving Staatscourant > invoeren titel regeling: Subsidieregeling voortzetting biologische productiemethode

Muu teave: Abikava Regeling stimulering biologische produktiemethode kohaselt on kõik mahepõllundusega tegelevad ettevõtjad abikõlblikud. Inimtoiduks ettenähtud kaupu tootvatele mahepõllundusettevõtjatele antakse abi nõukogu 17. mai 1999. aasta määruse (EÜ) nr 1257/1999 (Euroopa Põllumajanduse Arendus- ja Tagatisfondi (EAGGF) toetuse kohta maaelu arendamiseks ning teatavate määruste muutmise ja kehtetuks tunnistamise kohta) (EÜT L 160) II jaotise VI peatüki kohaselt. Sellega seoses esitas Madalmaade valitsus 2005. aasta lõpus taotluse Madalmaade maaelu arengu plaani muutmiseks. Kuna kõnealuses muutmistaotluses ei käsitleta abi mahepõllundusettevõtjatele, kes toodavad muid kui inimtoiduks ettenähtud kaupu, siis on nimetatud mahepõllundusettevõtjatele antavat abi käsitletud käesolevas teatises

XA number: XA 58/06

Liikmesriik: Prantsusmaa

Piirkond: Indre-et-Loire'i departemang

Abikava nimetus: Abi tundlike põllukultuuride kindlustamiseks rahe vastu

Õiguslik alus:

| — | Article 11 du règlement (CE) no 1/2004 de la Commission |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 11 du règlement (CE) no 1/2004 de la Commission

| — | Loi 64.706 du 10 juillet 1964 |
| --- | --- |

—

Loi 64.706 du 10 juillet 1964

| — | Article L 361-8 du livre III (nouveau) du code rural |
| --- | --- |

—

Article L 361-8 du livre III (nouveau) du code rural

| — | Article L 122.7 du code des assurances |
| --- | --- |

—

Article L 122.7 du code des assurances

| — | Décret no 2006-370 fixant les modalités d'application de l'article L.361-8 du livre II (nouveau) du code rural en vue de favoriser le développement de l'assurance contre certains risques agricoles et notamment son article 7 |
| --- | --- |

—

Décret no 2006-370 fixant les modalités d'application de l'article L.361-8 du livre II (nouveau) du code rural en vue de favoriser le développement de l'assurance contre certains risques agricoles et notamment son article 7

Abikava raames ettenähtud aastased kulutused: 80 000 EUR

Abi ülemmäär: 10 % puu- ja põõsaspuuviljade, juur- ja lehtköögiviljade kindlustusmaksetest või sissemaksetest 2006. aastal ning 4 % muude tundlike põllukultuuride (viinapuud ja lilled) kindlustusmaksetest või sissemaksetest 2006. aastal

Rakendamise kuupäev: 2006

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus: 1 aasta.

Abi eesmärk: Ergutada põllumajandusettevõtjaid, kellel rahaliselt ei ole võimalik sõlmida kindlustust ilmastikutingimustest põhjustatud paljude riskide vastu ja saada riigi poolt osalist toetust kindlustusmakseteks, sõlmima kindlustust vähemalt rahe vastu

Asjaomased majandusharud: Puu- ja põõsaspuuviljade, leht- ja juurköögiviljade, viinapuude, lillede kasvatamine

Vastutava ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| Conseil Général d'Indre-et-Loire |
| --- |
| Place de la Préfecture |
| F-37927 Tours Cedex 9 |

Conseil Général d'Indre-et-Loire

Place de la Préfecture

F-37927 Tours Cedex 9

Veebileht: www.cg37.fr

Abi number: XA 59/06

Liikmesriik: Madalmaad

Piirkond: Põhja-Brabanti provints

Abikava nimetus: Stuurgroep Landbouw Innovatie Noord-Brabanti (edaspidi “Stuurgroep LIB”) lepingu alusel toetuse andmist käsitlevad eeskirjad

Õiguslik alus: Algemene subsidieverordening Provincie Noord-Brabant.

Määrusega (EÜ) nr 1/2004 ettenähtud nõudeid täitvad taotlused on toetuse saamiseks abikõlblikud

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulud: Põhja-Brabanti provints annab Stuurgroep LIBi lepingu alusel igal aastal põllumajanduse edendamiseks 481 460,81 EUR. Kõnealusest summast antakse 113 445,05 EUR mahepõllumajanduse edendamise jaoks

Abi ülemmäär: Abi ülemmäär riigiabi puhul (abikõlblike investeeringute protsent) on 40 %. Keskkonnakaitset ja selle parandamist hõlmavate investeeringute puhul on võimalik kõnealust protsenti 10 või 20 % võrra suurendada.

Ühe abitaotluse kohta antakse aastas maksimaalselt 35 000 EUR

Rakendamise kuupäev:

Kava kestus: Kuni 1. jaanuarini 2008. Vajaduse korral kohandatakse kava vastavalt määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004 läbivaatamisele. Komisjoni tuleb asjakohastest üksikasjadest teavitada

Abi eesmärk: Abikava on koostatud selleks, et toetada projektipõhise integreeritud innovatsiooni rakendamist põllumajanduses ja aianduses, mille eesmärk on keskkonna ja vee ning piirkondliku ja majandusliku struktuuri kvaliteedi parandamine Põhja-Brabanti provintsis. Põhilised abisaajad on põllumajandustooteid tootvad, töötlevad ja turustavad väikeettevõtted. Tegelikkuses tähendab see väikeseulatuslike projektipõhiste innovatsioonimeetmete toetamist, mille abil põllumajanduse ning aianduse majanduslikud, keskkonnaalased ja sotsiaalkultuurilised aspektid toetavad üksteist kõige tõhusamalt.

Tegevused, mis võivad Stuurgroep LIBi lepingu alusel toetust saada, on järgmised:

turu-uuringud ja kvaliteettoodete arendamine, et edendada nende tootmist ja turustamist (määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004 artikkel 13);

toetus põllumajandustootjate ning põllumajandusettevõtte töötajate oskusteabe arendamiseks ja vahetamiseks tootjate koosolekute, konsultantide palkamise ning teabematerjalide (artiklid, teabelehed, Internet) koostamise ja levitamise kaudu, kui kõnealune tegevus ei ole pidev (määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004 artikkel 14);

investeeringud kinnisomandisse, vahenditesse ja (teostatavus)uuringute jaoks konsultantide palkamisse ning ühistutesse, et vähendada tootmiskulusid, täiustada tootmist ja paigutada see ümber, parandada tootekvaliteeti, loomade heaolu ning looduskeskkonda (määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004 artikkel 4);

investeeringud kinnisomandisse, vahenditesse ja (teostatavus)uuringute jaoks konsultantide palkamisse ning ühistutesse, et täiustada töötlemist ja turustamist ning parandada keskkonna, toidukvaliteedi ja loomade heaoluga seotud tulemuslikkust (määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004 artikkel 7)

Asjaomased majandusharud: Põhimõtteliselt kõik põllumajanduse ja aianduse tootmissektorid (loomakasvatus ja põllukultuuride tootmine). Seosed põllumajandusliku toidutööstusega (tarnijad, ostjad ja jaemüük) kaasatakse üksnes nendesse projektidesse, mille puhul see aitab kaasa primaarsektori tugevdamisele

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| Gedeputeerde Staten van Noord-Brabant |
| --- |
| Brabantlaan 1 |
| Postbus 90151 |
| 5200 MC 's-Hertogenbosch |
| Nederland |

Gedeputeerde Staten van Noord-Brabant

Brabantlaan 1

Postbus 90151

5200 MC 's-Hertogenbosch

Nederland

Veebisait: http://www.brabant.nl/Werken/Landbouw.aspx

Abi number: XA 60/06

Liikmeriik: Ühendkuningriik

Piirkond: 1993. aasta seaduse Crofters (Scotland) Act artiklis 61 sätestatud Šotimaa maakonnad, kus traditsiooniliselt tegeletakse väikesete renditalude pidamisega

Abikava nimetus: Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme

Õiguslik alus: Nimetus: Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993 (sections 42(1), (2) and (3). Also 46 (4)

“Seadus, mille eesmärk on toetada ja arendada väikeses renditalus toimuvat põllumajanduslikku tootmist, võimaldab ministril pärast konsulteerimist komisjoniga ja riigikassa kinnitusel koostada kavasid, mille raames antakse toetusi ning laene väikeste renditalude pidajatele.”

Lisaks sellele koostatakse uus õigusakt, millega antakse volitused asjaomastes kavades sisalduvate sätete kohaldamiseks

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulutused: 2006–2007: 3,16 miljonit GBP

2007–2008: 2,40 miljonit GBP

Kokku: 5,56 miljonit GBP

Abi ülemmäär: 50 % vähemsoodsates piirkondades

40 % kõikides muudes piirkondades

Rakendamise kuupäev:

Kava kestus: Kava hakkab kehtima 21. juulil 2006 ning kestab kuni 31. märtsini 2009. Enne kõnealust tähtaega võib kava käsitlevatesse eeskirjadesse siiski teha muudatusi, et nendes kajastuksid Euroopa riigiabi eeskirjades tehtavad mis tahes muudatused

Abi eesmärk: Väikese renditalu pidamise tava alalhoidmine on elanikkonna säilitamise seisukohast oluline Šotimaa tühjadel ja kaugetel aladel, sest väikest renditalu pidavad perekonnad moodustavad sageli suure osa kohalikust kogukonnast. Väikesele renditalule kuuluv maa ühendab renditalunikke ning elanikkonna säilitamisele aitab kaasa see, kui kõnealust maad innustatakse kasutama põllumajanduslikul otstarbel, et saada kasu. Väikese renditalu pidajad kohtavad kliimast, eraldatusest ja viletsa kvaliteediga maast tingitud raskusi, mida teiste ELi tootjate puhul ei esine. Kõnealuse kava abil püütakse aidata väikese renditalu pidajatel arendada oma ettevõtteid ja täiustada pikaajalist säästlikkust. See on kooskõlas artikliga 4 seoses investeeringutega põllumajandusettevõtetesse, sest tegemist on investeeringuga väikesesse renditallu, mida käsitatakse põllumajandusettevõttena

Asjaomased sektorid: Põllumajandus

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department |
| --- |
| Rural Communities Division |
| Area 1D |
| Pentland House |
| 47 Robbs Loan |
| Edinburgh EH14 1TY |
| United Kingdom |

Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department

Rural Communities Division

Area 1D

Pentland House

47 Robbs Loan

Edinburgh EH14 1TY

United Kingdom

Veebisait: http://www.crofterscommission.org.uk/documents/060508CCAGS_GUIDANCE_NOTES.pdf

Muu teave: Täiendav ja üksikasjalikum teave kava abikõlblikkuse ja eeskirjade kohta on kättesaadav kui klikkida eespool osutatud lingile.

Ühendkuningriigi pädeva asutuse Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs nimel alla kirjutanud ja kuupäevaga varustanud:

Neil Marr

Agricultural State Aid Advisor

Defra

8E 9 Millbank

c/o 17 Smith Square

London SW1P 3JR

United Kingdom

Abi number: XA 61/06

Liikmesriik: Hispaania

Piirkond: Baskimaa

Abikava nimetus või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimi: Abikava, millega toetatakse põllumajandustootjate ühendusi, kes kasvatavad toidu- ja seemnekartulit muuks otstarbeks kui tärklisetööstuse jaoks

Õiguslik alus: Orden del Consejero de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, pendiente de publicación, por la que se procede a la convocatoria de ayudas a las Agrupaciones de Productores Agrarios de Patata de consumo y de siembra, prevista en el Decreto 13/2004, de 20 de enero

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulutused või ettevõttele antud üksiktoetuse üldsumma: Kõigile abisaajatele antava riigiabi üldsumma on 2006. aastal 150 000 EUR

Abi ülemmäär: Abi ülemmäär on esimesel aastal kuni 100 % abikõlblikest kuludest. Seejärel väheneb abisumma järk-järgult nii, et üksikule ühendusele antava abi kogusumma ei ületaks mingil tingimusel 100 000 EUR, nagu on sätestatud määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004 artiklis 10

Rakendamise kuupäev: Alates järgmisest päevast pärast abitaotluste kuulutuse avaldamist Baskimaa Teatajas

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus:

Abi eesmärk:

| — | Kõnealune abi põhineb peamiselt komisjoni 23. detsembri 2003. aasta määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist riigiabi suhtes, mida antakse põllumajandustoodete tootmise, töötlemise ja turustamisega tegelevatele väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele (avaldatud Euroopa Liidu Teatajas 3. jaanuaril 2004), artiklil 10. Abi hõlmab kõnealuse artikli lõikes 3 käsitletud abikõlblikke kulusid. |
| --- | --- |

—

Kõnealune abi põhineb peamiselt komisjoni 23. detsembri 2003. aasta määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist riigiabi suhtes, mida antakse põllumajandustoodete tootmise, töötlemise ja turustamisega tegelevatele väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele (avaldatud Euroopa Liidu Teatajas 3. jaanuaril 2004), artiklil 10. Abi hõlmab kõnealuse artikli lõikes 3 käsitletud abikõlblikke kulusid.

| — | Esmane eesmärk: Toetada kõnealust toodet valmistavate tootjate ühendusi, mille liikmed turustavad kõnesolevat toodet vastavalt oma ühenduse sisereeglitele. |
| --- | --- |

—

Esmane eesmärk: Toetada kõnealust toodet valmistavate tootjate ühendusi, mille liikmed turustavad kõnesolevat toodet vastavalt oma ühenduse sisereeglitele.

| — | Abikõlblikud kulud: Sobivate ruumide rendikulud turuhinnaga, kontoriinventari ostmine, kontoritöötajate kulud, üldkulud ning õigus- ja halduskulud |
| --- | --- |

—

Abikõlblikud kulud: Sobivate ruumide rendikulud turuhinnaga, kontoriinventari ostmine, kontoritöötajate kulud, üldkulud ning õigus- ja halduskulud

Asjaomased majandusharud: Põllumajandus (tootjate ühendused)

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| Dirección de Agricultura y Ganadería |
| --- |
| Departamento de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación del Gobierno Vasco |
| c/ Donostia — San Sebastian, 1 |
| E-01010 Vitoria-Gasteiz |

Dirección de Agricultura y Ganadería

Departamento de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación del Gobierno Vasco

c/ Donostia — San Sebastian, 1

E-01010 Vitoria-Gasteiz

Veebileht: http://www.euskadi.net/bopv

---

| 26.10.2006 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 258/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.10.2006

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 258/8

---

Liikmesriikide esitatud kokkuvõtlik teave riigiabi kohta, mis on antud kooskõlas komisjoni 23. detsembri 2003. aasta määrusega (EÜ) 1/2004, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist riigiabi suhtes, mida antakse põllumajandustoodete tootmise, töötlemise ja turustamisega tegelevatele väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele

(2006/C 258/03)

Abi number: XA 53/06 (b)

Liikmesriik: Madalmaad

Piirkond: Limburgi provints

Abikava või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimetus: Kwekerij Litjens (hüvitis Horst-Meteriki arheoloogiliste uurimistööde ja väljakaevamistega seotud suurte lisakulude eest)

Õiguslik alus: Algemene wet bestuursrecht, artikli 4 lõike 23 punkti 3 alapunkt d. Provintsi kuberneri 16. mai 2006. aasta otsus.

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulutused või ettevõttele antud üksiktoetuse üldsumma: 80 000 EUR

Abi ülemmäär: 80 000 EUR

Rakendamise kuupäev: 16. mai 2006; makse tehakse, arvestades üldise haldusõiguse seaduses (Algemene wet bestuursrecht) ettenähtud vastuväite esitamise võimalust ja kuupäeva, mil Euroopa Komisjon avaldab teatise Euroopa Liidu Teatajas

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus: Makstakse avanss, mis võrdub 50 protsendiga toetusest. Ülejäänud 50 % makstakse välja pärast projekti lõpuleviimist

Abi eesmärk: Ruumilise planeerimise seaduse (Wet op de Ruimtelijke Ordening) artikli 19 ja teiste riiklike ja piirkondlike õigusaktide kohaselt esitati taotlus projekteerimisloa saamiseks, et laiendada kasvuhoonekompleksi Horst-Meterikis. Eelneva uuringu ajal tehti nii tähtis arheoloogiline avastus, et väljakaevamised muutusid möödapääsmatuks. Väljakaevamiste kulud on kaugelt suuremad investeeringu kuludest ja kõnealuse eraalgatuse eeldatavast kasumist.

Lähem uurimine näitas, et maapinna tasandamine ja vundamenditööd tekitaksid nii suuri auke maasse kui arheoloogiamälestiste asupaika, et allesjääva teabe sisemised seosed läheksid kaotsi ja see teave kaotaks oma arheoloogilise väärtuse. Leid on Limburgi provintsis erakordne. Litjensi perekond peab tellima väljakaevamised. Seda arvestades ning võttes arvesse ka seda, et leiu konserveerimine tema asukohas ei ole mõeldav (vt tagapool), on otsustatud korraldada väljakaevamised.

Väljakaevamiste maksumust on esialgu hinnatud 160 000 eurole (käibemaksuta). Tavaliselt ei oleks selline summa projektiarendajale või vallavolikogule ületamatu raskus, kuna kulud oleks võimalik katta maa-ala ja hoonete müügihinna kaudu. Käesoleval juhul on taotleja aga väikeettevõtte omanik (paprikakasvataja), kelle kasum ei ole nii suur, et sellest rahastada väljakaevamiste kulusid (sissetuleku kaotus arheoloogiliste väljakaevamiste tõttu). Arvestades, et leid on Limburgi provintsis erakordne, on Limburgi provintsi omavalitsus ja Horst aan de Maasi vallavolikogu otsustanud väljakaevamisi toetada. Kulud jagunevad järgmiselt:

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| Provincie Limburg |
| --- |
| Postbus 5700 |
| 6202 MA Maastricht |
| Nederland |

Provincie Limburg

Postbus 5700

6202 MA Maastricht

Nederland

Veebileht: http://www.limburg.nl/nl/html/socrates/PSINFO/Openbare %20besluitenlijsten %20GS2006/060323-0235.doc

Abi number: XA 73/06

Liikmesriik: Tšehhi Vabariik

Piirkond: Vysočina

Abikava nimetus või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimi: “Podpora poskytování technické podpory v odvětví zemědělství” (“Tehnilise abi andmine põllumajandussektoris”)

Põllumajandusettevõtja, st füüsiline või juriidiline isik, kelle sissetulek pärineb pidevast ja iseseisvast põllumajandustootmisest, mida tehakse kasusaamise eesmärgil oma nimel ja vastutusel.

Mitteärilisel eesmärgil asutatud juriidilised isikud, st kodanikeühendused, avalikes huvides tegutsevad ühendused või juriidiliste isikute huvigrupid.

Õiguslik alus:

| 1. | Zákon č. 129/ 2000 Sb., o krajích (krajské zřízení), ve znění pozdějších předpisů |
| --- | --- |

1.

Zákon č. 129/ 2000 Sb., o krajích (krajské zřízení), ve znění pozdějších předpisů

| 2. | Zákon č. 250/2000 Sb., o rozpočtových pravidlech územních rozpočtů, ve znění pozdějších předpisů |
| --- | --- |

2.

Zákon č. 250/2000 Sb., o rozpočtových pravidlech územních rozpočtů, ve znění pozdějších předpisů

| 3. | Zákon č. 252/ 1997 Sb., o zemědělství, ve znění pozdějších předpisů |
| --- | --- |

3.

Zákon č. 252/ 1997 Sb., o zemědělství, ve znění pozdějších předpisů

| 4. | Program rozvoje kraje Vysočina |
| --- | --- |

4.

Program rozvoje kraje Vysočina

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulud või äriühingule antava üksiktoetuse üldsumma: Maksimaalsed aastased kulud: 200 000 CZK

Abi ülemmäär: Abi suurus: kuni 100 % abikõlblikest kuludest.

Rahalist toetust saavad abikõlblikud kulud on 5 000 kuni 200 000 CZK iga üksikprojekti kohta.

Rahalise toetuse maksimumsumma abisaaja/projekti läbiviija kohta on 200 000 CZK.

Käesoleva meetme alusel antava rahalise toetuse kogusumma ei tohi ületada 100 000 EUR abisaaja kohta ühegi kolmeaastase perioodi jooksul

Rakendamise kuupäev: Alates 1. septembrist 2006

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus: Kuni 31. detsembrini 2006

Abi eesmärk: Abi eesmärk on tõsta põllumajandussektoris tegutsevate ettevõtjate ametialast pädevust, et suurendada tööefektiivsust ja -viljakust.

Abi vastab üldkohaldatavatele Tšehhi Vabariigi õigusaktidele ning Vysočina maakonna arengukava eesmärkidele ja prioriteetidele. Abi suhtes kohaldatakse komisjoni 23. detsembri 2003. aasta määrust (EÜ) nr 1/2004, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist riigiabi suhtes, mida antakse põllumajandussaaduste tootmise, töötlemise ja turustamisega tegelevatele väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele (artikkel 14 — Tehnilise abi andmine põllumajandussektoris).

Abikõlblike kuludena käsitatakse järgmisi kulusid: põllumajandussektorile suunatud konkursside ja näituste korralduskulud, sealhulgas kulud, mis seonduvad väljapanijate osalusega nendel üritustel; põllumajandussektorile suunatud koolitusürituste (kursused, seminarid või töörühmad) korralduskulud; põllumajandusettevõtjatele antava tehnoloogia- või majandusalase konsultatsiooni kulud

Asjaomane sektor: Põllumajandus

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| Krajský úřad kraje Vysočina |
| --- |
| Žižkova 57 |
| CZ-587 33 Jihlava |

Krajský úřad kraje Vysočina

Žižkova 57

CZ-587 33 Jihlava

Veebileht: http://www.kr-vysocina.cz/

Muu teave: Vysočina maakonna omavalitsus teatab, et komisjoni määruses (EÜ) nr 1/2004 sätestatud tingimused täidetakse, st abi suunatakse väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele ning peetakse kinni määruses sätestatud rahalisest piirist

Abi number: XA 74/06

Liikmesriik: Prantsusmaa

Piirkond: Département de Saône-et-Loire

Abikava nimetus: Säästva keskkonnapoliitika arendamine

Õiguslik alus:

| — | Art. L 3231-2 et subséquents du Code général des collectivités territoriales permettant aux collectivités territoriales d'accorder des aides pour favoriser le développement économique |
| --- | --- |

—

Art. L 3231-2 et subséquents du Code général des collectivités territoriales permettant aux collectivités territoriales d'accorder des aides pour favoriser le développement économique

| — | Art. L. 1511-2 du Code général des collectivités territoriales |
| --- | --- |

—

Art. L. 1511-2 du Code général des collectivités territoriales

| — | Délibération du Conseil général du 15.12.2006 |
| --- | --- |

—

Délibération du Conseil général du 15.12.2006

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulud: kuni 100 000 EUR aastas

Abi suurim osatähtsus:

| Meetme nimetus | Abikõlblike kulutuste laad | Abikõlblike kulutuste maksimumsumma
  eurodes (maksudeta) | Üldeeskirjade kohane abi määr |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Komposteerimine põllumajandusettevõttes | Komposteerimisala ja nõrguva vedeliku kogumissüsteemiga komposti ladustamine | 20 000 | 20 % |
| Biokütuste kasutamise edendamine | Pressid — õlikookide kasutamise seadmed ja paigaldus — põllumajandusmasinate biokütuste kasutamiseks ümberehitamine | 10 000 | 30 % |
| Vihmavee taaskasutamine kasutamine | Materjalid ja uued pumbaga kogumismahutid (ei kehti üksnes pumba soetamise puhul) | 5 000 | 20 % |

Meetme nimetus

Abikõlblike kulutuste laad

Abikõlblike kulutuste maksimumsumma

eurodes (maksudeta)

Üldeeskirjade kohane abi määr

Komposteerimine põllumajandusettevõttes

Komposteerimisala ja nõrguva vedeliku kogumissüsteemiga komposti ladustamine

20 000

20 %

Biokütuste kasutamise edendamine

Pressid — õlikookide kasutamise seadmed ja paigaldus — põllumajandusmasinate biokütuste kasutamiseks ümberehitamine

10 000

30 %

Vihmavee taaskasutamine kasutamine

Materjalid ja uued pumbaga kogumismahutid (ei kehti üksnes pumba soetamise puhul)

5 000

20 %

Rakendamise kuupäev: 2006 aastal, kui Euroopa Komisjon on kättesaamist kinnitanud

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus: Seitse aastat, arvestades Euroopa õiguse sätete muutusi ja eelarveassigneeringute kättesaadavust

Abi eesmärk: Toetada põllumajandusettevõtetes keskkonnasäästlikumate tegevuste tõhustamist:

soodustada põllumajandusettevõtte kääritatavate jäätmete ja maapiirkondades tekkinud aiandusjäätmete komposteerimist põllumajandusettevõttes;

edendada põllumajandusettevõtetes biokütuste tootmist ja kasutamist;

julgustada põllumajandustootjaid kogutud vihmaveega oma veetarbimist vähendama, rahastades abi vahenditest vihmavee taaskasutamiseks ja kasutamiseks vajalike materjalide ja seadmete ning jaotuspumpade paigaldamist (et põllumajandusettevõte saaks kõnealuse süsteemi abil eriti seadmete puhastamisel tasakaalustada oma veetarbimist).

Asjaomane majandusharu (asjaomased majandusharud): Departemangu kõik põllumajandustootmisharud

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| MONSIEUR LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL GÉNÉRAL DE SAÔNE-ET-LOIRE |
| --- |
| Direction de l'Équipement rural et de l'agriculture |
| Service des Affaires Agricoles |
| Espace Duhesme — 18, rue de Flacé |
| F-71026 Macon Cedex 9 |

MONSIEUR LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL GÉNÉRAL DE SAÔNE-ET-LOIRE

Direction de l'Équipement rural et de l'agriculture

Service des Affaires Agricoles

Espace Duhesme — 18, rue de Flacé

F-71026 Macon Cedex 9

Veebileht: http://www.cg71.com

Abi number: XA 75/2006

Liikmesriik: Prantsusmaa

Piirkond: Département de Saône-et-Loire

Abikava nimetus: Ühiselt kasutatavate seadmete ostmine

õiguslik alus:

| — | Art. L 3231-2 et subséquents du Code général des collectivités territoriales permettant aux collectivités territoriales d'accorder des aides pour favoriser le développement économique |
| --- | --- |

—

Art. L 3231-2 et subséquents du Code général des collectivités territoriales permettant aux collectivités territoriales d'accorder des aides pour favoriser le développement économique

| — | Art. L. 1511-2 du Code général des collectivités territoriales |
| --- | --- |

—

Art. L. 1511-2 du Code général des collectivités territoriales

| — | Délibération du Conseil général du 15.12.2006 |
| --- | --- |

—

Délibération du Conseil général du 15.12.2006

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulutused: kuni 60 000 EUR aastas

Abi suurim osatähtsus: Abikõlblikud kulutused: uued seadmed

Sõnnikulaoturid — abikõlblikud kulutused kuni: 22 500 EUR

Komposteerijad — abikõlblikud kulutused kuni: 36 800 EUR

Viinamarjaistandike niidukid — abikõlblikud kulutused kuni: 22 500 EUR

Hekilõikurid — abikõlblikud kulutused kuni: 22 500 EUR

Teisaldatavad puiduhakkurid või puiduveskid — abikõlblikud kulutused kuni: 22 500 EUR

Kõrgkliirenstraktorid — abikõlblikud kulutused kuni 80 000 EUR

Abikõlbmatud kulutused: olemasolevate seadmete asendamiseks ettenähtud seadmed

Abi määr: 20 %, välja arvatud kõrgkliirenstraktorid (abi määr 15 % — abi ülemmäär 40 %, koos muude rahastamisallikatega)

Vähemalt üle kolme aasta kestvate investeerimiskavade puhul suurendatakse abi määra 5 % võrra.

Rakendamise kuupäev: 2006 aastal, kui Euroopa Komisjon on kättesaamist kinnitanud

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus: Seitse aastat, arvestades Euroopa õiguse sätete muutusi ja eelarveassigneeringute kättesaadavust

Abi eesmärk: Kuna hiljutiste kriisiolukordade ajal on põllumajandusühistud osutunud tõhusaks, soovib Saône-et-Loire'i departemang seadmete ühiskasutamise ühistute (CUMA) võimalusi avardada. Lisaks piirkondlikule abile soodustatakse seepärast rahastamise maksimummäära piires ka masinate ostmist. Abikõlblikud seadmed on ette nähtud põllumajandusettevõtete keskkonnasäästlike viljelustingimuste parandamiseks.

Vastavalt komisjoni 23. detsembri 2003. aasta määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004 artiklile 4 on departemangu tasandil abikõlblikud kulutused järgmiste seadmete jaoks: sõnnikulaoturid, komposteerijad, viinamarjaistandike niidukid, hekilõikurid, teisaldatavad puiduhakkurid või puiduveskid, kõrgkliirenstraktorid

Asjaomane majandusharu (asjaomased majandusharud): Departemangu kõik põllumajandustootmisharud

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| MONSIEUR LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL GÉNÉRAL DE SAÔNE-ET-LOIRE |
| --- |
| Direction de l'Équipement rural et de l'agriculture |
| Service des Affaires Agricoles |
| Espace Duhesme — 18, rue de Flacé |
| F-71026 Macon Cedex 9 |

MONSIEUR LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL GÉNÉRAL DE SAÔNE-ET-LOIRE

Direction de l'Équipement rural et de l'agriculture

Service des Affaires Agricoles

Espace Duhesme — 18, rue de Flacé

F-71026 Macon Cedex 9

Veebileht: http://www.cg71.com

Abi number: XA 76/06

Liikmesriik: Slovaki Vabariik

Piirkond: Stredné Slovensko

Abikava või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimetus: Poľnohospodárske družstvo Belá — Dulice

038 11 Belá — Dulice 1; IČO: 00196452

Õiguslik alus:

| — | Ustanovenie § 240 ods. 3 v spojení s ustanovením § 277a zákona č. 461/2003 Z. z. o sociálnom poistení v znení zákona č. 721/2004 Z. z. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ustanovenie § 240 ods. 3 v spojení s ustanovením § 277a zákona č. 461/2003 Z. z. o sociálnom poistení v znení zákona č. 721/2004 Z. z.

| — | Ustanovenie § 5 ods. 2 písm. b) zákona 231/1999 Z. z. o štátnej pomoci |
| --- | --- |

—

Ustanovenie § 5 ods. 2 písm. b) zákona 231/1999 Z. z. o štátnej pomoci

| — | Metodické usmernenie Sociálnej poisťovne č. 30/2005 |
| --- | --- |

—

Metodické usmernenie Sociálnej poisťovne č. 30/2005

| — | Komisjoni määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004 artikli 4 lõike 3 punkt c |
| --- | --- |

—

Komisjoni määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004 artikli 4 lõike 3 punkt c

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulud või äriühingule antava üksiktoetuse üldsumma: 393 226,00 Slovakkia krooni st 10 324,144 EUR (vahetuskurss 3. augustil 2006)

Abi ülemmäär: 13,85 %

Rakendamise kuupäev: 2006

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus: August 2006

Abi eesmärk: VKEd — põllumajandussektor

Asjaomane sektor: Põllumajandus

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| Sociálna poisťovňa, pobočka Martin |
| --- |
| Nám. SNP 4, SK-036 25 Martin |

Sociálna poisťovňa, pobočka Martin

Nám. SNP 4, SK-036 25 Martin

Veebileht: www.socpoist.sk

Abi number: XA 77/06

Liikmesriik: Slovaki Vabariik

Piirkond: Stredné Slovensko

Abikava või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimetus: AFG, s.r.o., Dĺžiny 122/40

039 18 Turčianske Teplice; IČO: 36383422

Õiguslik alus:

| — | Ustanovenie § 240 ods. 3 v spojení s ustanovením § 277a zákona č. 461/2003 Z. z. o sociálnom poistení v znení zákona č. 721/2004 Z. z. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ustanovenie § 240 ods. 3 v spojení s ustanovením § 277a zákona č. 461/2003 Z. z. o sociálnom poistení v znení zákona č. 721/2004 Z. z.

| — | Ustanovenie § 5 ods. 2 písm. b) zákona 231/1999 Z. z. o štátnej pomoci |
| --- | --- |

—

Ustanovenie § 5 ods. 2 písm. b) zákona 231/1999 Z. z. o štátnej pomoci

| — | Metodické usmernenie Sociálnej poisťovne č. 30/2005 |
| --- | --- |

—

Metodické usmernenie Sociálnej poisťovne č. 30/2005

| — | Komisjoni määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004 artikli 4 lõike 3 punkt c |
| --- | --- |

—

Komisjoni määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004 artikli 4 lõike 3 punkt c

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulud või äriühingule antava üksiktoetuse üldsumma: 955 843,00 Slovakkia krooni st 25 095,646 EUR (vahetuskurss 3. augustil 2006)

Abi ülemmäär: 35,5 %

Rakendamise kuupäev: 2006

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus: August 2006

Abi eesmärk: VKEd — põllumajandussektor

Asjaomane majandusharu: Põllumajandus

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress:

| Sociálna poisťovňa, pobočka Martin |
| --- |
| Nám. SNP 4, SK-036 25 Martin |

Sociálna poisťovňa, pobočka Martin

Nám. SNP 4, SK-036 25 Martin

Veebileht: www.socpoist.sk

Abi number: XA 78/06

Liikmesriik: Poola

Abikava või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimetus: Puhtatõuliste ja araabia tõugu hobuste omanikele antav abi hobuste osalemiseks sellistel hobuste võidusõitudel, mis viiakse läbi eesmärgiga liigitada hobuseid kiiruse ning konkurentsivõime järgi hobuste otsesel võrdlusel võistlusrajal

Õiguslik alus:

| 1) | Ustawa z dnia 30 maja 2005 r. o finansach publicznych (Dz.U. z 2005 r., nr 249, poz. 2104, z późn. zm.) |
| --- | --- |

1)

Ustawa z dnia 30 maja 2005 r. o finansach publicznych (Dz.U. z 2005 r., nr 249, poz. 2104, z późn. zm.)

| 2) | Rozporządzenie Ministra Rolnictwa i Rozwoju Wsi z dnia 30 maja 2006 r. w sprawie stawek dotacji przedmiotowych dla różnych podmiotów wykonujących zadania na rzecz rolnictwa (Dz.U. z 2006 r., nr 98, poz. 683, z późn. zm.) |
| --- | --- |

2)

Rozporządzenie Ministra Rolnictwa i Rozwoju Wsi z dnia 30 maja 2006 r. w sprawie stawek dotacji przedmiotowych dla różnych podmiotów wykonujących zadania na rzecz rolnictwa (Dz.U. z 2006 r., nr 98, poz. 683, z późn. zm.)

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulud või ettevõttele antud üksiktoetuse üldsumma: Kavas ettenähtud kulud on 2 000 000 PLN

Abi maksimumsumma (võistlusele registreeritud hobuse kohta): 820 PLN

Rakendamise kuupäev: Pärast identifitseerimisnumbri ja kinnituse vormis teatise saamist, et Euroopa Komisjon on saanud käesoleva kokkuvõtliku teabe kavakohaselt antava toetuse kohta

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus: Alates 2006. aasta augusti viimasest kolmandikust kuni detsembrini 2006

Abi eesmärk: Kooskõlas komisjoni 23. detsembri 2003. aasta määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004 (mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist riigiabi suhtes, mida antakse põllumajandustoodete tootmise, töötlemise ja turustamisega tegelevatele väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele) artikli 14 lõike 2 punkti d alapunktiga i antakse toetust 2006. aasta osalemistasu katmiseks, et tagada piisava arvu hobuste osalemine valikvõistlusel. Käesoleval aastal oli valikvõistluste korraldamine 970 hobusele ohustatud selle tõttu, et Varssavis Służewieci võidusõidurajal ei suudetud leida hobuste võidusõidu läbiviijat, kes oleks volitatud korraldama totalisaatorit. Neid võistlusi, mis on hobuste väärtuse hindamise üheks osaks, korraldatakse teatavasse vanuserühma kuuluvatele hobustele ning need on hobuste kvalifikatsiooni aluseks aretusprotsessis. Hobused, kelle suhtes sellist väärtuse hindamist läbi ei viida, võib tõuaretuse suhtes praktiliselt kadunuks lugeda. Selle vältimiseks püüti Służewieci võidusõidurajal läbiviidavaid hobuste võidusõite korraldada üksnes valikvõistlustena, st publikule pileteid müümata ning kihlvedudeta. Sellisel juhul tuleb tulevase korraldaja põhitulu võistlustele registreeritud hobuste osalemistasudest. Sellel on aga märkimisväärne mõju registreerimistasudele ning tasud võivad osutuda liiga kõrgeks hobuste omanikele, kes registreerisid oma hobused 2006. aasta valikvõistlustele.

Selleks et tagada piisava arvu hobuste osalemine valikvõistlustel ning innustada hobuste omanikke registreerima oma hobuseid võistlustele, otsustas põllumajanduse ja maaelu arengu minister toetada hobuste osalemist võistlustel registreerimistasude toetamise kaudu

Asjaomane (asjaomased) sektor(id): Abi antakse loomakasvatussektoris põllumajanduslike tegevustega seotud abisaajatele

Abi andva asutuse nimi ja aadress:

| Minister Rolnictwa i Rozwoju Wsi |
| --- |
| ul. Wspólna 30, PL-00-930 Warszawa |

Minister Rolnictwa i Rozwoju Wsi

ul. Wspólna 30, PL-00-930 Warszawa

Veebileht: Põllumajanduse ja maaelu arengu ministri määrus, milles on määratletud käesoleva abi põhimõtted

http://isip.sejm.gov.pl/prawo/indez.html

Muu teave:

| — | Hobuse registreerimistasu valikvõistlusele on 870 PLN. |
| --- | --- |

—

Hobuse registreerimistasu valikvõistlusele on 870 PLN.

| — | Abi kogusumma (abi ülemmäär) arvutati kooskõlas komisjoni 23. detsembri 2003. aasta määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004 (mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist riigiabi suhtes, mida antakse põllumajandustoodete tootmise, töötlemise ja turustamisega tegelevatele väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele) artikli 2 lõikes 5 sätestatud määratlusega. Selleks on abi kogusumma ja registreerumistasu suhe, st 820 PLN/870 PLN = 94,25 %. |
| --- | --- |

—

Abi kogusumma (abi ülemmäär) arvutati kooskõlas komisjoni 23. detsembri 2003. aasta määruse (EÜ) nr 1/2004 (mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist riigiabi suhtes, mida antakse põllumajandustoodete tootmise, töötlemise ja turustamisega tegelevatele väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele) artikli 2 lõikes 5 sätestatud määratlusega. Selleks on abi kogusumma ja registreerumistasu suhe, st 820 PLN/870 PLN = 94,25 %.

| — | Abikava eelarve arvutamisel eeldati, et toetust antakse maksimaalselt 2 420 registreerimistasu puhul |
| --- | --- |

—

Abikava eelarve arvutamisel eeldati, et toetust antakse maksimaalselt 2 420 registreerimistasu puhul

---

| 26.10.2006 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 258/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.10.2006

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 258/13

---

Põllumajandustoodete ja toidu päritolunimetuste ja geograafiliste tähiste kaitset käsitleva nõukogu määruse (EÜ) nr 510/2006 artikli 6 lõike 2 kohase taotluse avaldamine

(2006/C 258/04)

Käesoleva dokumendi avaldamine annab õiguse esitada vastuväiteid vastavalt nõukogu määruse(EÜ) nr 510/2006 artiklile 7. Komisjon peab vastuväited kätte saama kuue kuu jooksul alates käesoleva dokumendi avaldamisest.

KOKKUVÕTE

NÕUKOGU MÄÄRUS (EÜ) nr 510/2006

Registreerimistaotlus vastavalt artiklile 5 ja artikli 17 lõikele 2

“ARANCIA DEL GARGANO”

EÜ nr: IT/PGI/005/0296/10.6.2003

KPN ( ) KGT (X)

Käesolev kokkuvõte on koostatud üksnes teavitamiseks. Üksikasjaliku teabe saamiseks palutakse huvitatud isikutel tutvuda tehnospetsifikaadi täieliku variandiga, mille võib saada punktis 1 osutatud riigi ametiasutustest või Euroopa Komisjonist. (1)

1.   Liikmesriigi pädev asutus:

| Nimi: | Ministero delle Politiche Agricole e Forestali |
| --- | --- |
| Aadress: | Via XX Settembre, 20 |
| I-00187 Roma |

Nimi:

Ministero delle Politiche Agricole e Forestali

Aadress:

Via XX Settembre, 20

I-00187 Roma

Tel.:

06 481 99 68

Faks:

06 42 01 31 26

E-post:

qtc3@politicheagricole.it

2.   Rühm:

| Nimi: | Consorzio di tutela e valorizzazione «Gargano Agrumi» |
| --- | --- |
| Aadress: | Via Salita della Bella |
| I-71018 Vico del Gargano (FG) |

Nimi:

Consorzio di tutela e valorizzazione «Gargano Agrumi»

Aadress:

Via Salita della Bella

I-71018 Vico del Gargano (FG)

Tel.:

0884–96 62 29

Faks:

0884–96 63 99

E-post:

—

Koosseis:

tootjad/töötlejad ( ) muu (X)

3.   Toote liik:

Klass 1.6 — looduslikud või töödeldud puu- ja teraviljad

4.   Tehnospetsifikaat (artikli 4 lõikes 2 sätestatud nõuete kokkuvõte)

4.1   Nimi: “Arancia del Gargano”

4.2   Kirjeldus: Värsked puuviljad, mis koosnevad ökosordist Gargano biondo comune ning kohalikust ökosordist Gargano duretta, kohaliku nimega arancia tosta.

Arancia del Gargano peamised omadused:

Biondo Comune del Gargano:

kera- või pirnikujuline;

suhteliselt õhukese, väikesepooriline, intensiivset kuldkollast värvi koorega;

minimaalne läbimõõt on 60 mm;

viljaliha minimaalne sisaldus käsitsi pressitud mahlas on 35 %.

Viljaliha on pehme konsistentsiga ning keskmise kleepuvusega; viljaleht on korrapäratu, keskmise suurusega, pooltäidlane; viljaliha ning mahl on kollakas-oranž, mitte alla 9 %lise suhkrusisaldusega, alla 1,2 %lise happesisaldusega, minimaalselt 10 Brix kraadise suhkrusisaldusega ning valmimisel mitte madalama Brix/veeta sidrunhappe suhtega kui 6.

Arancia duretta:

ümmarguse või ovaalse kujuga, kohalik nimetus vastavalt duretta tonda või viso lungo;

koor on erineva intensiivsusega heleoranži värvi, tugeva variatsiooniga, väga sile ning väikeste papillidega;

viljaliha on peene struktuuriga ning väikeste mullidega, merevaigukollane, krõmpsuva koostisega, väheste või puuduvate seemnetega, alla 1,2 %lise happesisaldusega;

keskmine läbimõõt on 55–60 mm;

viljaliha minimaalne sisaldus käsitsi pressitud mahlas on 35 %;

suhkrusisaldus mitte alla 10 %;

minimaalne suhkrusisaldus Brix kraadides on 11 ning valmimisel Brix/veeta sidrunhappe suhe mitte alla 6,2.

Mõlema kirjeldatud sordi viljad peavad kaaluma vähemalt 100gr, olema ühtlaselt värvunud koorega ning erkrohelist värvi jalakesega.

Arancia del Gargano peab jõudma tarbijani tugevates kinnistes pakendites, mis koosnevad looduslikust materjalist, nagu puu või papp, mahukusega 1kg-25kg: pakend peab tagama, et vähemalt 80 % puuviljadest, paberümbrisega või ilma, kannaksid logot: “Kaitstud geograafiline tähis Arancia del Gargano”. Ka juhul, kui puuvilja müüakse lahtiselt, peaks see kandma eespool nimetatud logo.

4.3   Geograafiline piirkond: Tootmise ja pakendamise geograafiline piirkond asub Apuulia maakonna Foggia provintsis ning hõlmab Vico del Gargano, Ischitella ja Rodi Garganico omavalitsuste territooriume, täpsemalt rannikuala Gargano mägise poolsaare põhjaosast piki Vico del Garganot ja Rodi Garganicot kuni Ischitellani.

4.4   Päritolutõend: Kõiki tootmisprotsessi etappe kajastatakse jooksvalt, kandes tootjad ja pakkijad vastavatesse kontrolliasutuse nimekirjadesse,, millega tagatakse toote jälgitavus.

Toote jälgitavus ning päritolutõend tagatakse ka pärast iga apelsiniistanduse registreerimist vastavas kehtivas nimekirjas, mille koostavad ning mida uuendavad kontrolliasutused, ning mis sisaldab apelsiniistandust kindlaksmääravaid üksikasju ning samuti kontrolliasutuse antud toote koguse tõendit. Kõik vastavalt registreeritud füüsilised või juriidilised isikud alluvad kontrolliasutuse teostatavale kontrollile, mis lähtub tehnospetsifikaadist ja asjaomasest kontrollikavast.

4.5   Tootmismeetod: Tehnospetsifikaadiga nähakse muuhulgas ka ette, et apelsiniistandused peavad olema rajatud lähtuvalt tootmispiirkonna orograafilisest ning pedoloogilisest eripärast. Kallakutega maa-aladel kasutatakse terrassisüsteemi, toestuseks mördita laotud müürid või muldvallid. Tavapäraselt kasutatakse pookealuseks melangolot (citrus mearda), mis on kohaldatavates õigusnormides sellisena kinnitatud.

Apelsinipuule antud kuju on piirkonnale omaselt poolkerajas, kohaliku nimetusega “cupola”, mille alumise osa moodustavad kaks peamist oksa ning kaks kõrvaloksa nii, et puuvõra areneb ringjalt ruudukujulises raamistikus. Kõnealune vorm, mis on seestpoolt avatud, soodustab õhutamist ning saagikoristust.

Puud on istutatud traditsioonilise mustri järgi, viiekaupa ristamisi, tihedusega 250 kuni 400 puud hektari kohta.

Maa-ala niisutatakse maist oktoobrini.

Apelsinitoodang ei tohi ületada Biondo comune del Gargano sordi puhul 30 tonni hektari kohta ning Duretta del Gargano sordi puhul 25 tonni hektari kohta.

Arancia del Gargano saagikorjamisaeg on loomulikust valmimisajast lähtuvalt Biondo comune del Gargano puhul alates 15. aprillist kuni augusti lõpuni ning Duretta del Gargano puhul 1. detsembrist 30. aprillini.

Saagikorjamine toimub kääride abil käsitsi. Keelatud on puuviljade kunstlik valmimine.

Kaitstud geograafilise tähisega toote “Arancia del Gargano” pakkimine võib toimuda vaid punktis 4.3 kirjeldatud tootmispaigas, et tagada toote jälgitavust ning kontrolli.

4.6   Seos: Kaitstud geograafilise tähise registreerimise palve põhineb selle tsitrusvilja laitmatul mainel. Kõnealuse tsitrusevilja kasvatamise piirkonna kliimatingimused tagavad märkimisväärsed kvaliteedieelised. Esiteks ei ole kliima liiga soe ning ei soodusta seega viljade ega taimede suuri väärarenguid. Teine kliimatingimustega seotud aspekt on see, et Gargano tsitrusviljade omaduseks on valmida mitte jaanuaris, veebruaris ega märtsis, vaid aprilli lõpus või mais ning ka augustis ehk mitu kuud peale seda, kui kõik teised Itaalia tsitrusviljad on juba valminud. Viimane ning mitte vähemtähtis aspekt on Gargano apelsini eriliselt pikaajaline säilivus, mis võimaldas minevikus neid 30 ja isegi 40 päeva Chicagosse ja New Yorki transportida. Selle tsitrusvilja tuntuse ning maine aluseks on Gargano apelsini iseloomulikud organoleptilised omadused ning suurus, mis on tootmispiirkonna kliimatingimuste (punalubjakivi maa-alad, peamiselt suure raua- ning magneesiumisisaldusega, valdavalt järskude kallakutega, orunõlvad või orupõhjad, kus puhuvad külmad tuuled, mis põhjustavad äkilisi temperatuurilangusi) ning inimese pideva töö süntees, millest aja jooksul on saanud agronoomiliste teadmiste tähtis pärand.

Juba antiikajast peale on Gargano apelsini kuulsus ületanud provintsi piirid ning seda on mainitud erinevate autorite, sealhulgas Gabriele d'Annunzio teostes. XVIII sajandi lõpus muutusid Gargano tsitrusviljad tänapäevani igal aastal veebruaris toimuva rongkäigu üheks tähtsamaks kangelaseks, mida korraldatakse tsitrusviljade kaitsepühaku Püha Valentino auks ning mille käigus õnnistatakse apelsini- ning sidrunivilju ja -taimi. On säilinud paljud nimekirjad, fotod, plakatid, reklaamid, mis näitavad ainulaadsete Gargano tsitrusviljade erilist kuulsust ka rahvusvahelisel tasandil.

Esimesed ajaloolised viited nendel aladel tsitruspuude kultiveerimisest pärinevad aastast 1 003, mil Melo, Bari prints tahtis näidata normannidele Gargano maa viljakust, saates Normandiasse Gargano “pomi citrini” ehk melangolosid (mõru apelsin). Seitsmeteistkümnendal sajandil suurenes tähelepanuväärselt Vico del Gargano ning Rodi di Gargano provintside ja Veneetsia vaheline tsitrusviljadega kauplemine. Kõnealune intensiivne kauplemine toimus veel ka XIX sajandil ning Gargano apelsini kuulsus jõudis ka teistesse Euroopa riikidesse ning Ameerikasse.

4.7   Kontrolliasutus:

| Nimi: | C.C.I.A.A. di Foggia |
| --- | --- |
| Aadress: | via Dante, 27 |
| I-71100 Foggia |

Nimi:

C.C.I.A.A. di Foggia

Aadress:

via Dante, 27

I-71100 Foggia

Tel.:

0881797111

Faks:

0881726046

E-post:

—

Kontrolliasutus on tunnustatud ametiasutus.

4.8   Märgistus: Pakendid peaksid kandma järgmisi märgistusi:

“Arancia del Gargano”, millele järgneb vastavalt turustatavale ökosordile kas biondo comune või duretta, logo, kirje “kaitstud geograafiline tähis” lahti kirjutatult, viited tootjale, pakkijale ja turustajale ning algsele netokaalule.

Tooted, mille valmistamisel, samuti järgnevate tootmis- ja töötlemisprotsesside käigus, on kasutatud kaitstud geograafilist tähist “Arancia del Gargano”, võivad olla tarbimisse suunatud pakendites, mis kannavad vihjet kõnealusele nimetusele üldlogo lisamata, järgmistel tingimustel:

kaitstud päritolunimetusega toode, mis on sellisena kinnitatud, on vastavas kaubakategoorias ainulaadne;

kaitstud päritolunimetusega toote kasutajad on saanud loa intellektuaalomandi õiguse valdajatelt, kes on õigused omandanud kaitstud geograafilise tähise registreerimisega ja kes kuuluvad põllumajandusministeeriumi poolt tunnustatud ühendusse. Kõnealune ühendus kannab kasutajad ühtlasi asjakohastesse registritesse ja teostab järelevalvet kaitstud päritolunimetuse nõuetekohase kasutamise üle. Tunnustatud ühenduse puudumisel täidab eespool kirjeldatud ülesandeid põllumajandus- ja metsandusministeerium kui määruse (EMÜ) nr 2081/92 rakendamise eest vastutav riigiasutus.

Logo koosneb kahe stiliseeritud apelsini kujutisest ning lehtedega kaetud oksast, mida ümbritseb ellipsikujulise pärg. Pärja kohal on kirje “Arancia del Gargano” ning kirje alla on keskele märgitud “Indicazione Geografica Protetta”.

Kirjeldatud apelsinid on oranži värvi, oranžil taustal valge kirje “Arancia del Gargano”, oks ja lehed on rohelist värvi ning kirje “Indicazione Geografica Protetta” on varjutatud tähtedega, alaspidise kaare kujuline.

4.9   Riiklikud nõuded: —

---

(1)  Euroopa Komisjon, põllumajanduse ja maaelu arengu peadirektoraat, põllumajandustoodete kvaliteedipoliitika osakond, B-1049 Brüssel.

---

| 26.10.2006 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 258/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.10.2006

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 258/17

---

Liikmesriikide edastatav teave riigiabi kohta, mida antakse kooskõlas komisjoni 12. jaanuari 2001. aasta määrusega (EÜ) nr 70/2001, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele antava riigiabi suhtes

(2006/C 258/05)

(EMPs kohaldatav tekst)

| Abi number | XS 14/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Liikmesriik | Saksamaa Liitvabariik |
| Piirkond: | Saksimaa |
| Abikava nimetus | ESF-Mikrolaenud |
| Õiguslik alus | Richtlinie des Sächsischen Staatsministeriums für Wirtschaft und Arbeit zur Förderung von Existenzgründern durch Gewährung von Mikrodarlehen (Richtlinie ESF-Mikrodarlehen) vom 14. Dezember 2005 (SächsABl Heft 52/2005 vom 29.12.2005, S. 1280);
  §§ 23, 44 der Sächsischen Haushaltsordnung;
  Operationelles Programm zur Strukturfondsförderung des Freistaates Sachsen 2000–2006;
  Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1784/1999
  Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1260/1999 |
| Kavas ettenähtud iga-aastased kulud | Abikava | Aastane üldsumma | |
| Tagatud laenud | Fond saab ühekordse toetusena 25 miljonit EUR |
| Abi suurim osatähtsus | Kooskõlas määruse artikli 4 lõigetega 2–6 ning artikliga 5 | Jah |
| Jõustumine | 1.1.2006 |
| Abikava kestus | Mikrolaene antakse SABi juurde loodud ESF-Mikrolaenude fondist. Fondi kestus on 19.12.2005 kuni 31.12.2013. Laene makstakse välja ainult 31. detsembrini 2008 (struktuurifondi programmi aeg). Pärast seda tegeleb olemasolevate laenulepingutega fond. |
| Abi eesmärk: | Abi väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtjatele | Jah |
| Asjaomased majandusharud | Kõik majandusharud, kus võib väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtjatele abi anda | Ei |
| Ainult teatavad majandusharud | Jah |
| — | Mäetööstus |

Abi number

XS 14/06

Liikmesriik

Saksamaa Liitvabariik

Piirkond:

Saksimaa

Abikava nimetus

ESF-Mikrolaenud

Õiguslik alus

Richtlinie des Sächsischen Staatsministeriums für Wirtschaft und Arbeit zur Förderung von Existenzgründern durch Gewährung von Mikrodarlehen (Richtlinie ESF-Mikrodarlehen) vom 14. Dezember 2005 (SächsABl Heft 52/2005 vom 29.12.2005, S. 1280);

§§ 23, 44 der Sächsischen Haushaltsordnung;

Operationelles Programm zur Strukturfondsförderung des Freistaates Sachsen 2000–2006;

Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1784/1999

Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1260/1999

Kavas ettenähtud iga-aastased kulud

Abikava

Aastane üldsumma

Tagatud laenud

Fond saab ühekordse toetusena 25 miljonit EUR

Abi suurim osatähtsus

Kooskõlas määruse artikli 4 lõigetega 2–6 ning artikliga 5

Jah

Jõustumine

1.1.2006

Abikava kestus

Mikrolaene antakse SABi juurde loodud ESF-Mikrolaenude fondist. Fondi kestus on 19.12.2005 kuni 31.12.2013. Laene makstakse välja ainult 31. detsembrini 2008 (struktuurifondi programmi aeg). Pärast seda tegeleb olemasolevate laenulepingutega fond.

Abi eesmärk:

Abi väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtjatele

Jah

Asjaomased majandusharud

Kõik majandusharud, kus võib väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtjatele abi anda

Ei

Ainult teatavad majandusharud

Jah

—

Mäetööstus

| — | Igasugune töötlev tööstus |
| --- | --- |

—

Igasugune töötlev tööstus

Ei

või:

Terasetööstus

Ei

Laevaehitus

Ei

Sünteeskiudude tootmine

Ei

Mootorsõidukid

Ei

Muu töötlev tööstus

Jah

| — | Igasugused teenused |
| --- | --- |

—

Igasugused teenused

Ei

või:

Transport

Ei

Finantsteenused

Ei

Muud teenused

Jah

Abiandva asutuse nimetus ja aadress

Sächsische Aufbaubank — Förderbank

| Pirnaische Straße 9 |
| --- |
| D-01069 Dresden |

Pirnaische Straße 9

D-01069 Dresden

Suured üksiktoetused

Kooskõlas määruse artikliga 6

Jah

Seoses laenudega, mida antakse pärast 31. detsembrit 2006, on Saksa ametiasutused kinnitanud, et peetakse kinni kehtivast VKEde grupierandi määrusest. Seetõttu kohandatakse ESF-Mikrolaenude suuniseid vastavalt 1. jaanuarist 2007 kehtima hakkavale grupierandi määrusele.

| Abi nr | XS 20/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Liikmesriik | Itaalia |
| Piirkond | Campania |
| Abikava nimetus või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimi | “Uus abikava käsitöösektori toetamiseks, II teade” |
| Õiguslik alus | POR Campania 2000-2006 approvato dalla Commissione Europea con decisione C(2000) 2347 dell'8 agosto 2000 e s.m.i.
  Complemento di Programmazione, misura 4.2 b)
  Deliberazione di Giunta Regionale N. 786 del 10.4.2004. |
| Kavas ettenähtud aastakulud või ettevõttele antava üksiktoetuse üldsumma | Abikava | Aastane üldsumma | 15 miljonit EUR |
| Tagatud laenusumma | |
| Üksiktoetus | Abi üldsumma | |
| Tagatud laenusumma | |
| Abi ülemmäär | Kooskõlas määruse artikli 4 lõigetega 2–6 ja artikliga 5 | Jah |
| Rakendamise kuupäev | 30.1.2006 |
| Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus | Kuni 31.12.2006 |
| Abi eesmärk | Abi käsitööettevõtetele, arvestades ja väikeste ja keskmise suurusega ning mikroettevõtete suurust nii, nagu see on sätestatud 6. mai 2003. aasta komisjoni soovituses (2003/361/EÜ) mikro, väike- ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtete määratlemise kohta | Jah |
| Asjaomased majandusharud | Kõik majandusharud, kus võib VKEdele abi anda | Jah |
| Abi andva asutuse nimetus ja aadress | Regione Campania Assessorato Attività Produttive
  Area Generale di Coordinamento n. 12 «Sviluppo Attività Settore Secondario»
  Dirigente del Settore Artigianato Dr.ssa Vittoria Capriglione «Sviluppo e Promozione Attività Artigiane e della Cooperazione». |
| Centro Direzionale |
| I-Isola A6 |
| Telefono 081.7966724, 081.7966725; fax 081.7966718 |
| e-mail: v.capriglione@regione.campania.it |

Abi nr

XS 20/06

Liikmesriik

Itaalia

Piirkond

Campania

Abikava nimetus või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimi

“Uus abikava käsitöösektori toetamiseks, II teade”

Õiguslik alus

POR Campania 2000-2006 approvato dalla Commissione Europea con decisione C(2000) 2347 dell'8 agosto 2000 e s.m.i.

Complemento di Programmazione, misura 4.2 b)

Deliberazione di Giunta Regionale N. 786 del 10.4.2004.

Kavas ettenähtud aastakulud või ettevõttele antava üksiktoetuse üldsumma

Abikava

Aastane üldsumma

15 miljonit EUR

Tagatud laenusumma

Üksiktoetus

Abi üldsumma

Tagatud laenusumma

Abi ülemmäär

Kooskõlas määruse artikli 4 lõigetega 2–6 ja artikliga 5

Jah

Rakendamise kuupäev

30.1.2006

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus

Kuni 31.12.2006

Abi eesmärk

Abi käsitööettevõtetele, arvestades ja väikeste ja keskmise suurusega ning mikroettevõtete suurust nii, nagu see on sätestatud 6. mai 2003. aasta komisjoni soovituses (2003/361/EÜ) mikro, väike- ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtete määratlemise kohta

Jah

Asjaomased majandusharud

Kõik majandusharud, kus võib VKEdele abi anda

Jah

Abi andva asutuse nimetus ja aadress

Regione Campania Assessorato Attività Produttive

Area Generale di Coordinamento n. 12 «Sviluppo Attività Settore Secondario»

Dirigente del Settore Artigianato Dr.ssa Vittoria Capriglione «Sviluppo e Promozione Attività Artigiane e della Cooperazione».

Centro Direzionale

I-Isola A6

Telefono 081.7966724, 081.7966725; fax 081.7966718

e-mail: v.capriglione@regione.campania.it

Suurte üksiktoetuste andmine

Kooskõlas määruse artikliga 6

Jah

| Abi nr | XS 24/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Liikmesriik | Ühendkuningriik |
| Piirkond | West Wales & the Valleys eesmärgile 1 vastav piirkond |
| Abikava nimetus või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimi | Energy Tech Ltd |
| Õiguslik alus | Nõukogu määrus (EÜ) nr 1260/99 |
| The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Regulations 2000 (No/906/2000)
  The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Designation2000 |
| Kavas ette nähtud aastased kulutused või ettevõttele antud üksiktoetuse üldsumma | Toetuskava | Aastane kogusumma | |
| Tagatud laenud | |
| Üksiktoetus | Toetuse üldsumma | 300 300 GBP |
| Tagatud laenud | |
| Abi maksimaalne osatähtsus | Kooskõlas määruse artikli 4 lõigetega 2–6 ning artikliga 5 | jah |
| Rakendamise kuupäev | Alates 17. jaanuarist 2006 |
| Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus | Kuni 31. detsembrini 2006

  Nagu ülalpool märgitud, anti toetus üle enne 31. detsembrit 2006. Sellele kohustusele vastavaid makseid võib teha kuni 30. aprillini 2008 (kooskõlas N+2 reegliga). |
| Abi eesmärk | Abi väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele | jah |
| Asjaomased majandussektorid | Teatav kitsas majandusharu | jah |
| Muud teenused (taastuvenergia) | jah |
| Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress | National Assembly for Wales |
| C/o Welsh European Funding Office |
| Cwm Cynon Business Park |
| Mountain Ash CF45 4ER |
| United Kingdom |

Abi nr

XS 24/06

Liikmesriik

Ühendkuningriik

Piirkond

West Wales & the Valleys eesmärgile 1 vastav piirkond

Abikava nimetus või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimi

Energy Tech Ltd

Õiguslik alus

Nõukogu määrus (EÜ) nr 1260/99

The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Regulations 2000 (No/906/2000)

The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Designation2000

Kavas ette nähtud aastased kulutused või ettevõttele antud üksiktoetuse üldsumma

Toetuskava

Aastane kogusumma

Tagatud laenud

Üksiktoetus

Toetuse üldsumma

300 300 GBP

Tagatud laenud

Abi maksimaalne osatähtsus

Kooskõlas määruse artikli 4 lõigetega 2–6 ning artikliga 5

jah

Rakendamise kuupäev

Alates 17. jaanuarist 2006

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus

Kuni 31. detsembrini 2006

Nagu ülalpool märgitud, anti toetus üle enne 31. detsembrit 2006. Sellele kohustusele vastavaid makseid võib teha kuni 30. aprillini 2008 (kooskõlas N+2 reegliga).

Abi eesmärk

Abi väikestele ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele

jah

Asjaomased majandussektorid

Teatav kitsas majandusharu

jah

Muud teenused (taastuvenergia)

jah

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress

National Assembly for Wales

C/o Welsh European Funding Office

Cwm Cynon Business Park

Mountain Ash CF45 4ER

United Kingdom

Suured üksiktoetused

Kooskõlas määruse artikliga 6

jah

| Abi number | XS 48/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Liikmesriik | Ühendkuningriik |
| Piirkond | West Wales and the Valleys eesmärgile 1 vastav piirkond |
| Abikava nimetus või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimi | Trac Môn Ltd |
| Õiguslik alus | Nõukogu määrus (EÜ) nr 1260/99 |
| The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Regulations 2000 (No 906/2000)
  Local Government Act 2000 |
| Kavas ette nähtud aastased kulutused või ettevõttele antud üksiktoetuse üldsumma: | Abikava | Aastane üldsumma | |
| Tagatud laenud | |
| Üksikabi | Toetuse üldsumma | 1 369 647 GBP |
| Tagatud laenud | |
| Abi ülemmäär | Kooskõlas määruse artikli 4 lõigetega 2 kuni 6 ja artikliga 5. | jah |
| Rakendamise kuupäev | Alates 16. märtsist 2006 |
| Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus | Kuni 31. detsembrini 2006

  NB! Toetus anti enne 31. detsembrit 2006. Sellele kohustusele vastavaid makseid võib teha kuni 31. detsembrini 2007 (kooskõlas N+2 reegliga). |
| Abi eesmärk | Abi VKEdele | jah |
| Asjaomased majandusharud | Ainult teatud majandusharudele | jah |
| Muud teenused (motosport) | jah |
| Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress | National Assembly for Wales |
| C/o Welsh European Funding Office |
| Cwm Cynon Business Park |
| Mountain Ash CF45 4ER |
| United Kingdom |

Abi number

XS 48/06

Liikmesriik

Ühendkuningriik

Piirkond

West Wales and the Valleys eesmärgile 1 vastav piirkond

Abikava nimetus või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimi

Trac Môn Ltd

Õiguslik alus

Nõukogu määrus (EÜ) nr 1260/99

The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Regulations 2000 (No 906/2000)

Local Government Act 2000

Kavas ette nähtud aastased kulutused või ettevõttele antud üksiktoetuse üldsumma:

Abikava

Aastane üldsumma

Tagatud laenud

Üksikabi

Toetuse üldsumma

1 369 647 GBP

Tagatud laenud

Abi ülemmäär

Kooskõlas määruse artikli 4 lõigetega 2 kuni 6 ja artikliga 5.

jah

Rakendamise kuupäev

Alates 16. märtsist 2006

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus

Kuni 31. detsembrini 2006

NB! Toetus anti enne 31. detsembrit 2006. Sellele kohustusele vastavaid makseid võib teha kuni 31. detsembrini 2007 (kooskõlas N+2 reegliga).

Abi eesmärk

Abi VKEdele

jah

Asjaomased majandusharud

Ainult teatud majandusharudele

jah

Muud teenused (motosport)

jah

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress

National Assembly for Wales

C/o Welsh European Funding Office

Cwm Cynon Business Park

Mountain Ash CF45 4ER

United Kingdom

Suurte üksiktoetuste andmine

Kooskõlas määruse artikliga 6

jah

| Abi number | XS 85/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Liikmesriik | Malta |
| Abikava nimetus või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimi | Eureka Programme Scheme |
| Õiguslik alus | Malta Enterprise Corporation Act (CAP 463) |
| Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulud või ettevõttele antud üksiktoetuse üldsumma | Abikava | Aastane üldsumma | 0,2 miljonit EUR |
| Tagatud laenud | |
| Üksikabi | Toetuse üldsumma | |
| Tagatud laenud | |
| Abi ülemmäär | Kooskõlas määruse artikli 4 lõigetega 2 kuni 6 ja artikliga 5. | Jah |
| Rakendamise kuupäev | 8. juuni 2006 |
| Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus | Kuni 30. juuni 2007 |
| Abi eesmärk | Abi VKEdele | Jah |
| Asjaomased majandusharud | Kõik majandusharud, kus võib VKEdele abi anda | jah |
| Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress | Malta Enterprise Corporation |
| Malta Enterprise |
| Enterprise Centre, Industrial Estate, |
| MT-San Gwann SGN 09 |

Abi number

XS 85/06

Liikmesriik

Malta

Abikava nimetus või üksiktoetust saava ettevõtte nimi

Eureka Programme Scheme

Õiguslik alus

Malta Enterprise Corporation Act (CAP 463)

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulud või ettevõttele antud üksiktoetuse üldsumma

Abikava

Aastane üldsumma

0,2 miljonit EUR

Tagatud laenud

Üksikabi

Toetuse üldsumma

Tagatud laenud

Abi ülemmäär

Kooskõlas määruse artikli 4 lõigetega 2 kuni 6 ja artikliga 5.

Jah

Rakendamise kuupäev

8. juuni 2006

Kava või üksiktoetuse kestus

Kuni 30. juuni 2007

Abi eesmärk

Abi VKEdele

Jah

Asjaomased majandusharud

Kõik majandusharud, kus võib VKEdele abi anda

jah

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimi ja aadress

Malta Enterprise Corporation

Malta Enterprise

Enterprise Centre, Industrial Estate,

MT-San Gwann SGN 09

Suurte üksiktoetuste andmine

Kooskõlas määruse artikliga 6

-

---

| 26.10.2006 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 258/21 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.10.2006

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 258/21

---

Liikmesriikide edastatav teave riigiabi kohta, mida antakse kooskõlas komisjoni 12. detsembri 2002. aasta määrusega (EÜ) nr 2204/2002, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist tööhõivealase riigiabi suhtes

(2006/C 258/06)

(EMPs kohaldatav tekst)

| Abi nr | XE 12/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Liikmesriik | Prantsusmaa |
| Piirkond | Limousin |
| Abikava nimetus | Abi ettevõtte juhi abi palkamiseks |
| Õiguslik alus | — | Komisjoni määrus (EÜ) nr 2204/2002, 5. detsember 2002, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist tööhõivealase riigiabi suhtes |

Abi nr

XE 12/06

Liikmesriik

Prantsusmaa

Piirkond

Limousin

Abikava nimetus

Abi ettevõtte juhi abi palkamiseks

Õiguslik alus

—

Komisjoni määrus (EÜ) nr 2204/2002, 5. detsember 2002, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist tööhõivealase riigiabi suhtes

| — | Nõukogu määrus (EÜ) nr 1257/1999, 17. mai 1999, Euroopa Põllumajanduse Arendus- ja Tagatisfondi (EAGGF) toetuse kohta maaelu arendamiseks |
| --- | --- |

—

Nõukogu määrus (EÜ) nr 1257/1999, 17. mai 1999, Euroopa Põllumajanduse Arendus- ja Tagatisfondi (EAGGF) toetuse kohta maaelu arendamiseks

| — | Code rural — Art. R.113-13 à R. 113-17 relatifs à la délimitation des zones agricoles défavorisées [l'ensemble du territoire Limousin est en zone défavorisée, à l'exception de la commune de Limoges] |
| --- | --- |

—

Code rural — Art. R.113-13 à R. 113-17 relatifs à la délimitation des zones agricoles défavorisées [l'ensemble du territoire Limousin est en zone défavorisée, à l'exception de la commune de Limoges]

Kavas ettenähtud aastased kulud:

Aasta üldsumma

0,5 miljonit EUR

Tagatud laenusumma

Abi maksimaalne osatähtsus

Kooskõlas määruse artikli 4 lõigetega 2–5 ning artiklitega 5 ja 6.

| — | 50 % brutopalgast ja tööandja kohustuslikud sotsiaalmaksed 24 kuu jooksul, välja arvatud Limoges'i omavalitsuse territooriumil, kus abi maksimaalne osatähtsus on 15 % |
| --- | --- |

—

50 % brutopalgast ja tööandja kohustuslikud sotsiaalmaksed 24 kuu jooksul, välja arvatud Limoges'i omavalitsuse territooriumil, kus abi maksimaalne osatähtsus on 15 %

Jah

Rakendamise kuupäev

Alates 24.9.2004

Kava kestus

Kuni 31.12.2010

Abi eesmärk

Art. 4: töökohtade loomine

Jah

Art. 5: ebasoodsas olukorras töötajate ja puudega töötajate töölevõtmine

Ei

Art. 6: puudega töötajate töölevõtmine

Ei

Asjaomased majandussektorid

| — | Kõik ühenduse tööhõiveabi-kõlblikud sektorid (1) |
| --- | --- |

—

Kõik ühenduse tööhõiveabi-kõlblikud sektorid (1)

Ei

| — | Igasugune töötlev tööstus (1) |
| --- | --- |

—

Igasugune töötlev tööstus (1)

Ei

| — | Kõik teenused (1) |
| --- | --- |

—

Kõik teenused (1)

Ei

| — | Muu: kõik põllumajandussektorid (I. lisas loetletud toodete tootmine, töötlemine ja turustamine); lähtuvalt eeskirjast 2/99 FRAC on samalaadseid abikavasid juba rakendatud teistes sektorites riigi ja piirkondade vahelise 4. lepingu raames aastateks 2000-2006 |
| --- | --- |

—

Muu: kõik põllumajandussektorid (I. lisas loetletud toodete tootmine, töötlemine ja turustamine); lähtuvalt eeskirjast 2/99 FRAC on samalaadseid abikavasid juba rakendatud teistes sektorites riigi ja piirkondade vahelise 4. lepingu raames aastateks 2000-2006

Jah

Abi andva ametiasutuse nimetus ja aadress

Conseil Régional du Limousin

| 27, Boulevard de la Corderie |
| --- |
| F-87031 Limoges Cedex |

27, Boulevard de la Corderie

F-87031 Limoges Cedex

Muud andmed

Kui abikava kaasrahastatakse ühenduse vahenditest, lisage:

Abikava kaasrahastatakse Euroopa Sotsiaalfondi vahenditest Limousin'i piirkonna ühtse programmdokumendi raames (osameede 2.3.3). “Abi tööle asumiseks ja väljaõppe korraldamiseks põllumajandus- ja metsandussektoris”

Abi, millest tuleb komisjoni eelnevalt teavitada

Kooskõlas määruse artikliga 9

Jah

---

(1)  Välja arvatud laevaehitus- ja muud sektorid, mida reguleeritakse vastava riigiabi kohta kehtivate üldmääruste või -direktiivide erieeskirjadega.

---

| 26.10.2006 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 258/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.10.2006

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 258/23

---

Komisjoni teatis, mis on seotud nõukogu 3. mai 1988. aasta direktiivi 88/378/EMÜ (mänguasjade ohutust käsitlevate liikmesriikide õigusaktide ühtlustamise kohta) rakendamisega

(2006/C 258/07)

(EMPs kohaldatav tekst)

(Direktiivi kohaste ühtlustatud standardite pealkirjade ja viidete avaldamine)

| ESO

   (1) | Ühtlustatud standardi viide ja pealkiri
  (ja viitedokument) | Asendatava standardi viide | Asendatava standardi vastavuseelduse kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  Märkus 1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CEN | EN 71-1:1998 (2)
   (3)

  Mänguasjade ohutus. Osa 1: Mehhaanilised ja füüsikalised omadused | EN 71-1:1998 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  (31.1.2001) |
| EN 71-1:1998/A5:2000 | Märkus 3 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  (31.5.2001) |
| EN 71-1:1998/A1:2001 | Märkus 3 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  (31.7.2001) |
| EN 71-1:1998/A2:2002 | Märkus 3 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  (31.8.2002) |
| EN 71-1:1998/A6:2002 | Märkus 3 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  (30.9.2002) |
| EN 71-1:1998/A7:2002 | Märkus 3 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  (30.11.2002) |
| EN 71-1:1998/A8:2003 (4) | Märkus 3 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  (31.3.2004) |
| EN 71-1:1998/A4:2004 | Märkus 3 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  31.12.2005 |
| EN 71-1:1998/A10:2004 | Märkus 3 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  31.12.2005 |
| EN 71-1:1998/A11:2004 | Märkus 3 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  31.12.2005 |
| CEN | EN 71-2:2006
  Mänguasjade ohutus — Süttivus | EN 71-2:2003 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  31.7.2006 |
| EN 71-2:2006/AC:2006 | | |
| CEN | EN 71-3:1994
  Mänguasjade ohutus. Osa 3: Teatud elementide migratsioon | EN 71-3:1988 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  (30.6.1995) |
| EN 71-3:1994/A1:2000 | Märkus 3 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  (31.10.2000) |
| EN 71-3:1994/A1:2000/AC:2000 | | |
| EN 71-3:1994/AC:2002 | | |
| CEN | EN 71-4:1990
  Mänguasjade ohutus. Osa 4: Katsekomplektid keemiakatseteks ja samalaadseks tegevuseks | — | |
| EN 71-4:1990/A1:1998 | Märkus 3 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  (31.10.1998) |
| EN 71-4:1990/A2:2003 | Märkus 3 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  (31.1.2004) |
| CEN | EN 71-5:1993
  Mänguasjade ohutus. Osa 5: Keemilised mänguasjad (komplektid), välja arvatud katsekomplektid | — | |
| EN 71-5:1993/A1:2006 | Märkus 3 | Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev
  31.7.2006 |
| CEN | EN 71-6:1994
  Mänguasjade ohutus. Osa 6: Vanusepiiri hoiatusmärgistamise graafiline sümbol | — | |
| CEN | EN 71-7:2002
  Mänguasjade ohutus. Osa 7: Sõrmevärvid. Nõuded ja katsemeetodid. | — | |
| CEN | EN 71-8:2003
  Mänguasjade ohutus. Osa 8: Kiiged, liumäed ja teised perekondlikus sise- ja välistegevuses kasutatavad sarnased mänguvahendid | — | |
| EN 71-8:2003/A1:2006 | Märkus 3 | 30.11.2006 |

ESO

(1)

Ühtlustatud standardi viide ja pealkiri

(ja viitedokument)

Asendatava standardi viide

Asendatava standardi vastavuseelduse kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

Märkus 1

CEN

EN 71-1:1998 (2)
   (3)

Mänguasjade ohutus. Osa 1: Mehhaanilised ja füüsikalised omadused

EN 71-1:1998

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

(31.1.2001)

EN 71-1:1998/A5:2000

Märkus 3

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

(31.5.2001)

EN 71-1:1998/A1:2001

Märkus 3

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

(31.7.2001)

EN 71-1:1998/A2:2002

Märkus 3

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

(31.8.2002)

EN 71-1:1998/A6:2002

Märkus 3

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

(30.9.2002)

EN 71-1:1998/A7:2002

Märkus 3

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

(30.11.2002)

EN 71-1:1998/A8:2003 (4)

Märkus 3

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

(31.3.2004)

EN 71-1:1998/A4:2004

Märkus 3

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

31.12.2005

EN 71-1:1998/A10:2004

Märkus 3

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

31.12.2005

EN 71-1:1998/A11:2004

Märkus 3

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

31.12.2005

CEN

EN 71-2:2006

Mänguasjade ohutus — Süttivus

EN 71-2:2003

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

31.7.2006

EN 71-2:2006/AC:2006

CEN

EN 71-3:1994

Mänguasjade ohutus. Osa 3: Teatud elementide migratsioon

EN 71-3:1988

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

(30.6.1995)

EN 71-3:1994/A1:2000

Märkus 3

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

(31.10.2000)

EN 71-3:1994/A1:2000/AC:2000

EN 71-3:1994/AC:2002

CEN

EN 71-4:1990

Mänguasjade ohutus. Osa 4: Katsekomplektid keemiakatseteks ja samalaadseks tegevuseks

—

EN 71-4:1990/A1:1998

Märkus 3

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

(31.10.1998)

EN 71-4:1990/A2:2003

Märkus 3

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

(31.1.2004)

CEN

EN 71-5:1993

Mänguasjade ohutus. Osa 5: Keemilised mänguasjad (komplektid), välja arvatud katsekomplektid

—

EN 71-5:1993/A1:2006

Märkus 3

Kehtivuse lõppkuupäev

31.7.2006

CEN

EN 71-6:1994

Mänguasjade ohutus. Osa 6: Vanusepiiri hoiatusmärgistamise graafiline sümbol

—

CEN

EN 71-7:2002

Mänguasjade ohutus. Osa 7: Sõrmevärvid. Nõuded ja katsemeetodid.

—

CEN

EN 71-8:2003

Mänguasjade ohutus. Osa 8: Kiiged, liumäed ja teised perekondlikus sise- ja välistegevuses kasutatavad sarnased mänguvahendid

—

EN 71-8:2003/A1:2006

Märkus 3

30.11.2006

| Märkus 1 | Tavaliselt on kuupäevaks, mil asendatava standardi vastavuseeldus kehtivuse kaotab, Euroopa standardiorganisatsiooni kehtestatud tühistamiskuupäev, kuid kõnealuste standardite kasutajate tähelepanu juhitakse asjaolule, et teatavatel erandjuhtudel võib olla ka teisiti. |
| --- | --- |

Märkus 1

Tavaliselt on kuupäevaks, mil asendatava standardi vastavuseeldus kehtivuse kaotab, Euroopa standardiorganisatsiooni kehtestatud tühistamiskuupäev, kuid kõnealuste standardite kasutajate tähelepanu juhitakse asjaolule, et teatavatel erandjuhtudel võib olla ka teisiti.

| Märkus 3 | Muudatuste puhul on viitestandard EN CCCCC:YYYY, vajaduse korral selle varasemad muudatused ja osutatud uus muudatus. Asendatav standard (veerg 3) koosneb seega standardist EN CCCCC:YYYY ja vajaduse korral selle varasematest muudatustest, kuid ei hõlma osutatud uut muudatust. Osutatud kuupäevast alates ei loo asendatava standardi järgimine enam eeldust, et toode vastab direktiivi olulistele nõuetele. |
| --- | --- |

Märkus 3

Muudatuste puhul on viitestandard EN CCCCC:YYYY, vajaduse korral selle varasemad muudatused ja osutatud uus muudatus. Asendatav standard (veerg 3) koosneb seega standardist EN CCCCC:YYYY ja vajaduse korral selle varasematest muudatustest, kuid ei hõlma osutatud uut muudatust. Osutatud kuupäevast alates ei loo asendatava standardi järgimine enam eeldust, et toode vastab direktiivi olulistele nõuetele.

Märkus:

| — | Standardite kättesaamisega seotud teavet võib saada Euroopa standardiorganisatsioonidest või riiklikest standardiasutustest, mille nimekiri on lisatud Euroopa Parlamendi ja nõukogu direktiivile 98/34/EÜ (5) (muudetud direktiiviga 98/48/EÜ). (6) |
| --- | --- |

—

Standardite kättesaamisega seotud teavet võib saada Euroopa standardiorganisatsioonidest või riiklikest standardiasutustest, mille nimekiri on lisatud Euroopa Parlamendi ja nõukogu direktiivile 98/34/EÜ (5) (muudetud direktiiviga 98/48/EÜ). (6)

| — | Viidete avaldamine Euroopa Liidu Teatajas ei tähenda, et standardid on olemas kõikides ühenduse keeltes. |
| --- | --- |

—

Viidete avaldamine Euroopa Liidu Teatajas ei tähenda, et standardid on olemas kõikides ühenduse keeltes.

Täpsemat teavet ühtlustatud standardite kohta leiab Interneti-aadressilt:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/newapproach/standardization/harmstds/

---

(1)  ESO: Euroopa standardiorganisatsioon:

| — | CEN: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels, tel. (32-2) 550 08 11; faks (32-2) 550 08 19 (http://www.cenorm.be) |
| --- | --- |

—

CEN: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels, tel. (32-2) 550 08 11; faks (32-2) 550 08 19 (http://www.cenorm.be)

| — | CENELEC: rue de Stassart 35, B-1050 Brussels, tel. (32-2) 519 68 71; faks (32-2) 519 69 19 (http://www.cenelec.org) |
| --- | --- |

—

CENELEC: rue de Stassart 35, B-1050 Brussels, tel. (32-2) 519 68 71; faks (32-2) 519 69 19 (http://www.cenelec.org)

| — | ETSI: 650, route des Lucioles, F-06921 Sophia Antipolis, tel: (33) 492 94 42 00; faks (33) 493 65 47 16 (http://www.etsi.org) |
| --- | --- |

—

ETSI: 650, route des Lucioles, F-06921 Sophia Antipolis, tel: (33) 492 94 42 00; faks (33) 493 65 47 16 (http://www.etsi.org)

(2)

Märkus: vastavalt komisjoni 30. juuli 2001. aasta otsusele kehtib standardi EN 71-1: 1998 punkti 4.20 alapunktis d sätestatud vastavuseeldus C-filtriga korrigeeritud helirõhu tipptaseme kohta, mida tekitab löökkapslitega mänguasi, alles 1. augustist 2001.

(3)

Märkus: komisjoni 9. märtsi 2005. aasta otsuse kohaselt ei hõlma standardi EN 71-1: 1998 punkt 4.6 ja punkt 8.14, kuivõrd selles käsitletakse 24tunnist ajavahemikku, mille jooksul peab mänguasi olema veemahutis vee all, kõiki ohte, mida võivad põhjustada paisuvast materjalist tehtud mänguasjad või nende osad. Selles suhtes ei kinnita standard vastavuseeldust.

(4)

Märkus: standard EN 71-1:1998/A8:2003 käsitleb ainult viskamiseks, löömiseks, veeretamiseks või põrgatamiseks kavandatud või ettenähtud “väikeste pallide” (standardis määratletud kui kerakujulised, munajad või ellipsikujulised esemed), põhjustatud ohtusid. Mänguasjad, mille koostisse kuuluvad sellised väikesed pallid, mida standard ei hõlma, peavad läbima EÜ tüübihindamise ja saama vastava tõendi, enne kui neid tohib turustada.

(5)  EÜT L 204, 21.7.1998, lk 37.

(6)  EÜT L 217, 5.8.1998, lk 18.

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| 26.10.2006 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 258/25 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.10.2006

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Euroopa Liidu Teataja

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Eelteatis koondumise kohta

(Juhtum nr COMP/M.4314 — Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer Consumer Healthcare)

(2006/C 258/08)

(EMPs kohaldatav tekst)

| 1. | 19. oktoobril 2006 sai komisjon nõukogu määruse (EÜ) nr 139/2004 (1) artiklile 4 vastava teatise kavandatava koondumise kohta, mille raames Johnson & Johnson (“J&J”, Ameerika Ühendriigid) omandab aktsiate ja varade ostu teel täieliku kontrolli nimetatud nõukogu määruse artikli 3 lõike 1 punkti b tähenduses ettevõtja Pfizer Inc. (“Pfizer”, USA) inimestele mõeldud tervisetoodetega tegeleva allüksuse Pfizer Consumer Health Care (“PCH”, Ameerika Ühendriigid) üle. |
| --- | --- |

1.

19. oktoobril 2006 sai komisjon nõukogu määruse (EÜ) nr 139/2004 (1) artiklile 4 vastava teatise kavandatava koondumise kohta, mille raames Johnson & Johnson (“J&J”, Ameerika Ühendriigid) omandab aktsiate ja varade ostu teel täieliku kontrolli nimetatud nõukogu määruse artikli 3 lõike 1 punkti b tähenduses ettevõtja Pfizer Inc. (“Pfizer”, USA) inimestele mõeldud tervisetoodetega tegeleva allüksuse Pfizer Consumer Health Care (“PCH”, Ameerika Ühendriigid) üle.

| 2. | Asjaomaste ettevõtjate majandustegevus hõlmab järgmist:






  — | Johnson & Johnson: tervisetooted, farmaatsiatooted, meditsiiniseadmed ja diagnostika; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Asjaomaste ettevõtjate majandustegevus hõlmab järgmist:

—

Johnson & Johnson: tervisetooted, farmaatsiatooted, meditsiiniseadmed ja diagnostika;

| — | Pfizer Consumer Healthcare: inimestele mõeldud tervise- ja hügieenitooted ning käsimüügi farmaatsiatooted. |
| --- | --- |

—

Pfizer Consumer Healthcare: inimestele mõeldud tervise- ja hügieenitooted ning käsimüügi farmaatsiatooted.

| 3. | Komisjon leiab pärast teatise esialgset läbivaatamist, et tehing, millest teatatakse, võib kuuluda määruse (EÜ) nr 139/2004 reguleerimisalasse, kuid lõplikku otsust selle kohta ei ole veel tehtud. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Komisjon leiab pärast teatise esialgset läbivaatamist, et tehing, millest teatatakse, võib kuuluda määruse (EÜ) nr 139/2004 reguleerimisalasse, kuid lõplikku otsust selle kohta ei ole veel tehtud.

| 4. | Komisjon kutsub huvitatud kolmandaid isikuid esitama komisjonile oma võimalikke märkusi kavandatava toimingu kohta.
  Komisjon peab märkused kätte saama kümne päeva jooksul pärast käesoleva dokumendi avaldamist. Märkusi võib saata komisjonile faksi ((32-2) 296 43 01 või 296 72 44) või postiga järgmisel aadressil (lisada viitenumber COMP/M.4314 — Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer Consumer Healthcare):





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

4.

Komisjon kutsub huvitatud kolmandaid isikuid esitama komisjonile oma võimalikke märkusi kavandatava toimingu kohta.

Komisjon peab märkused kätte saama kümne päeva jooksul pärast käesoleva dokumendi avaldamist. Märkusi võib saata komisjonile faksi ((32-2) 296 43 01 või 296 72 44) või postiga järgmisel aadressil (lisada viitenumber COMP/M.4314 — Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer Consumer Healthcare):

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  ELT L 24, 29.1.2004, lk 1.

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| 26.10.2006 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 258/26 |
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26.10.2006

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

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Teatatud koondumise aktsepteering

(Toimik nr COMP/M.4405 — Walter Frey Holding/Mitsubishi Motors Europe)

(2006/C 258/09)

(EMPs kohaldatav tekst)

17 oktoobril 2006 otsustas komisjon mitte vastu seista ülalmainitud koondumisele ning kuulutada see vastavaks ühisturu nõuetega. Käesolev otsus on tehtud nõukogu määruse (EÜ) nr 139/2004 artikli 6(1)(b) alusel. Täielik otsuse tekst on kättesaadav vaid saksa ning avaldatakse peale seda kui dokumendist on kustutatud kõik võimalikud ärisaladused. Otsus on kättesaadav:

| — | Europa konkurentsipoliitika koduleheküljel (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). See kodulehekülg aitab leida ühinemisotsuseid, sealhulgas ärinime, toimiku numbri, kuupäeva ja tööstusharu indeksid; |
| --- | --- |

—

Europa konkurentsipoliitika koduleheküljel (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). See kodulehekülg aitab leida ühinemisotsuseid, sealhulgas ärinime, toimiku numbri, kuupäeva ja tööstusharu indeksid;

| — | elektroonilises formaadis EUR-Lex koduleheküljel, dokumendinumber 32006M4405 alt. EUR-Lex pakub on-line juurdepääsu Euroopa õigusele. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

elektroonilises formaadis EUR-Lex koduleheküljel, dokumendinumber 32006M4405 alt. EUR-Lex pakub on-line juurdepääsu Euroopa õigusele. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 26.10.2006 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 258/26 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.10.2006

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

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Teatatud koondumise aktsepteering

(Toimik nr COMP/M.4294 — Arcelor/SNCFL/CFL Cargo)

(2006/C 258/10)

(EMPs kohaldatav tekst)

9. oktoobril 2006 otsustas komisjon mitte vastu seista ülalmainitud koondumisele ning kuulutada see vastavaks ühisturu nõuetega. Käesolev otsus on tehtud nõukogu määruse (EÜ) nr 139/2004 artikli 6(1)(b) alusel. Täielik otsuse tekst on kättesaadav vaid prantsuse ning avaldatakse peale seda kui dokumendist on kustutatud kõik võimalikud ärisaladused. Otsus on kättesaadav:

| — | Europa konkurentsipoliitika koduleheküljel (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). See kodulehekülg aitab leida ühinemisotsuseid, sealhulgas ärinime, toimiku numbri, kuupäeva ja tööstusharu indeksid; |
| --- | --- |

—

Europa konkurentsipoliitika koduleheküljel (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). See kodulehekülg aitab leida ühinemisotsuseid, sealhulgas ärinime, toimiku numbri, kuupäeva ja tööstusharu indeksid;

| — | elektroonilises formaadis EUR-Lex koduleheküljel, dokumendinumber 32006M4294 alt. EUR-Lex pakub on-line juurdepääsu Euroopa õigusele. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

elektroonilises formaadis EUR-Lex koduleheküljel, dokumendinumber 32006M4294 alt. EUR-Lex pakub on-line juurdepääsu Euroopa õigusele. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex)

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EUROOPA MAJANDUSPIIRKOND

EFTA kohus

| 26.10.2006 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 258/27 |
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26.10.2006

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EFTA järelevalveameti 31. juulil 2006 Norra Kuningriigi vastu algatatud hagi

(Kohtuasi E-2/06)

(2006/C 258/11)

EFTA järelevalveamet, Rue Belliard 35, B-1040 Brüssel, keda esindab Niels Fenger, on algatanud 31. juulil 2006 EFTA kohtus hagi Norra Kuningriigi vastu.

Hageja taotleb, et kohus:

| 1. | otsustaks, et Norra Kuningriik on rikkunud EMP lepingu artikleid 31 ja 40, säilitades soodustuse lõppemisel meetmed, mis on sätestatud 14. detsembri 1917 seaduses nr 16 ja millega eraettevõtjatele ja kõikidele muudele EMP lepingu osapoolte ettevõtjatele antakse ajaliselt piiratud soodustus koskede omandamiseks elektritootmise eesmärgil, ja millega neilt nõutakse soodustuse lõppedes kõigi rajatiste hüvituseta üleandmist Norra riigile, kuid millega tehakse erand Norra riigiosalusega ettevõtjatele, kelle suhtes soodustus kehtib piiramata ajaks,
  ning |
| --- | --- |

1.

otsustaks, et Norra Kuningriik on rikkunud EMP lepingu artikleid 31 ja 40, säilitades soodustuse lõppemisel meetmed, mis on sätestatud 14. detsembri 1917 seaduses nr 16 ja millega eraettevõtjatele ja kõikidele muudele EMP lepingu osapoolte ettevõtjatele antakse ajaliselt piiratud soodustus koskede omandamiseks elektritootmise eesmärgil, ja millega neilt nõutakse soodustuse lõppedes kõigi rajatiste hüvituseta üleandmist Norra riigile, kuid millega tehakse erand Norra riigiosalusega ettevõtjatele, kelle suhtes soodustus kehtib piiramata ajaks,

ning

| 2. | kohustaks Norra Kuningriiki kandma menetluskulusid. |
| --- | --- |

2.

kohustaks Norra Kuningriiki kandma menetluskulusid.

Õiguslik ja faktiline taust ning hagi toetuseks esitatud asjaolud:

| — | Juhtumi puhul on tegemist hüdroelektrijaamade omandiõiguste üleminekuga Norra riigile, ilma et hüvitataks soodustusperioodi lõppemist. Antud üleminekule osutatakse Norra seadustes kui “tagastamisele” (norra keeles “hjemfall”), kuigi riigil pole minevikus ei kose ega hüdroenergiarajatise suhtes mingeid omandiõigusi olnud. |
| --- | --- |

—

Juhtumi puhul on tegemist hüdroelektrijaamade omandiõiguste üleminekuga Norra riigile, ilma et hüvitataks soodustusperioodi lõppemist. Antud üleminekule osutatakse Norra seadustes kui “tagastamisele” (norra keeles “hjemfall”), kuigi riigil pole minevikus ei kose ega hüdroenergiarajatise suhtes mingeid omandiõigusi olnud.

| — | Vastavalt 14. detsembri 1917. aasta seadusele nr 16 (“Tööstusettevõtete litsentsimise seadus”) pole koskede ja hüdroelektrirajatiste kasutamise soodustuse kestus ajaliselt piiratud ettevõtete jaoks, milles Norra riigil, kohalikul omavalitsusel või linnavalitsusel on vähemalt 2/3 osalus. Piiratud on soodustus kõigi teiste puhul, kaasa arvatud kõik ettevõtted, milles üle 1/3 aktsia- või osakapitalist kuulub omanikele teistes EMP riikides, olenemata sellest, kas nad tegutsevad koos Norra eraomanikega või mitte. |
| --- | --- |

—

Vastavalt 14. detsembri 1917. aasta seadusele nr 16 (“Tööstusettevõtete litsentsimise seadus”) pole koskede ja hüdroelektrirajatiste kasutamise soodustuse kestus ajaliselt piiratud ettevõtete jaoks, milles Norra riigil, kohalikul omavalitsusel või linnavalitsusel on vähemalt 2/3 osalus. Piiratud on soodustus kõigi teiste puhul, kaasa arvatud kõik ettevõtted, milles üle 1/3 aktsia- või osakapitalist kuulub omanikele teistes EMP riikides, olenemata sellest, kas nad tegutsevad koos Norra eraomanikega või mitte.

| — | Seetõttu rakendatakse tagastamist ainult viimati mainitud ettevõtete suhtes. |
| --- | --- |

—

Seetõttu rakendatakse tagastamist ainult viimati mainitud ettevõtete suhtes.

| — | EFTA järelevalveameti seisukohast tähendab see, et sellises vormis tagastamine diskrimineerib omanikke teistes EMP riikides ja sellega rikutakse EMP lepingu artikleid 31 ja 40. |
| --- | --- |

—

EFTA järelevalveameti seisukohast tähendab see, et sellises vormis tagastamine diskrimineerib omanikke teistes EMP riikides ja sellega rikutakse EMP lepingu artikleid 31 ja 40.

| — | EFTA järelevalveamet on seisukohal, et selline erinev kohtlemine pole objektiivselt õigustatud ega kuulu EMP lepingu artikli 125 reguleerimisalasse. |
| --- | --- |

—

EFTA järelevalveamet on seisukohal, et selline erinev kohtlemine pole objektiivselt õigustatud ega kuulu EMP lepingu artikli 125 reguleerimisalasse.

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EFTA järelevalveamet

| 26.10.2006 | ET EN | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 258/28 |
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26.10.2006

ET EN

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

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Kutse märkuste esitamiseks vastavalt järelevalve- ja kohtulepingu 3. protokolli I peatüki artikli 1 lõikele 2 Norra hiljuti esitatud abikava kohta teadus- ja arendustegevuse palgata tööjõu tasustamiseks (teadus- ja arendustegevuse palgata tööjõu abikava).

(2006/C 258/12)

Käesoleva kokkuvõtte järel autentses keeles esitatud 8. märtsi 2006. aasta otsusega nr 59/06/COL, algatas EFTA järelevalveamet menetluse kooskõlas EFTA riikide järelevalveameti ja kohtu asutamise lepingu (edaspidi “järelevalve- ja kohtuleping”) 3. protokolli I osa artikli 1 lõikega 2. Norra ametiasutustele edastati otsuse koopia.

EFTA järelevalveamet kutsub EFTA riike, ELi liikmesriike ja huvitatud isikuid üles esitama ühe kuu jooksul alates käesoleva teatise avaldamisest oma märkused asjaomase meetme kohta aadressil:

| EFTA Surveillance Authority |
| --- |
| 35, Rue Belliard |
| B-1040 Brussels |
| Faks: (32-2) 286 18 00 |

EFTA Surveillance Authority

35, Rue Belliard

B-1040 Brussels

Faks: (32-2) 286 18 00

Märkused tehakse teatavaks Norra ametiasutustele. Märkusi esitavad huvitatud isikud võivad kirjalikult taotleda neid käsitlevate andmete konfidentsiaalsust, täpsustades taotluse põhjused.

KOKKUVÕTE

Amet otsustas algatada ametliku uurimenetluse seoses Norra ametiasutuste hiljuti esitatud abikavaga teadus- ja arendustegevuse palgata tööjõu tasustamiseks (teadus- ja arendustegevuse palgata tööjõu abikava), mille eesmärk on ergutada väikeseid äriühinguid (ettevõtjaid ja üksikettevõtjaid) investeerima teadus- ja arendustegevusse.

Teadus- ja arendustegevuse palgata tööjõu abikava esitati seepärast, et Norra ametiasutuste arvamuse kohaselt ei saa palgata tööjõu kasutamist teadus- ja arendustegevuses toetada olemasoleva Skattefunn abikava raames, mille amet oma 25. septembri 2002. aasta otsusega nr 171/02/COL ja 5. veebruari 2003. aasta otsusega nr 16/03/COL heaks kiitis. Skattefunn abikava kohaselt antakse abi maksusoodustuse vormis. Norra ametiasutused on arvamusel, et maksustatava summa vähendamine selle võrra, millises ulatuses palgata tööjõudu kasutati (kulu, mida tegelikult ei tekkinud ning mida ei ole kantud), ei sobi kokku riigi üldiste maksualaste õigusaktidega.

Amet hindas teadus- ja arendustegevuse palgata tööjõu abikava lähtuvalt teadus- ja arendustegevusele antava riigiabi suunistest. Amet on esialgu seisukohal, et teadus- ja arendustegevuse palgata tööjõu abikava kohaselt antud abi ei toeta tõestatavalt teadus- ja arendustegevuse edendamist. Seepärast on amet arvamusel, et teadus- ja arendustegevuses kasutataks palgata tööjõudu ka ilma riigiabita, sest töötajad, kes töö eest tasu ei saa, peavad asjaomase töö igal juhul tasuta ära tegema. Seega tundub, et teadus- ja arendustegevuse jaoks ei ole riigiabi vajalik. Veelgi enam, amet on seisukohal, et palgata tööjõu kulu ei ole teadus- ja arendustegevusele antava riigiabi suuniste kohaselt abikõlblik.

Norra ametiasutused selgitasid seejärel, et mitmed ettevõtjad haldavad projekte, mis on heaks kiidetud Skattefunn abikava raames, kuid mõnedele neist ettevõtjatest ei ole maksusoodustust antud (või on nad pidanud saadud maksusoodustuse summa tagasi maksma), sest nad on kasutanud palgata tööjõudu. Norra ametiasutused töötasid seejärel välja abikava ettevõtjate aastatel 2002–2004 tehtud teadus- ja arendustegevusega seotud kahjumi korvamiseks, sest Skattefunn abikava raames ei ole võimalik katta palgata tööjõu kulusid.

Eespool nimetatud põhjustel makstakse kompensatsiooni vähese tähtsusega abi korras ning abisummat vähendatakse, kui abisaajale kolme aasta jooksul makstud summa on suurem kui 100 000 eurot. Abisaaja peab esitama täieliku aruande alates 1. jaanuarist 2003 saadud vähese tähtsusega abi kohta. Ameti esialgne arvamus on, et abikava puhul järgitakse vähese tähtsusega abi määrusega kehtestatud miinimummäära. (1)

---

(1)  Komisjoni määrus (EÜ) nr 69/2001, mis käsitleb EÜ asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 kohaldamist vähese tähtsusega abi suhtes (EÜT L 10, 13.1.2001, lk 30), mis on inkorporeeritud EMP lepingu XV lisa punkti 1e ühiskomitee otsuse nr. 88/2002 kohaselt (EÜT L 266, 3.10.2002, lk 56 ja EMP kaasanne nr 49, 3.10.2002, lk 42).

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EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY DECISION

No 59/06/COL

of 8 March 2006

to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement with regard to financial support to unpaid labour in research and development activities

(NORWAY)

THE EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY,

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

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

Having regard to the Authority's Guidelines (3) on the application and interpretation of Articles 61 and 62 of the EEA Agreement, and in particular Chapter 14 thereof on aid for research and development,

Whereas:

I.   FACTS

1.   Procedure

By letter dated 14 October 2005 from the Norwegian Mission to the European Union, forwarding a letter from the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry, dated 5 October 2005, both received and registered by the Authority on 17 October 2005 (Event no: 346675), the Norwegian authorities notified, pursuant to Article 1(3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement, a proposal for a new scheme for State aid to support unpaid labour in research and development activities. The newly proposed scheme is referred to in the following as the ‘Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme’.

By letter dated 27 October 2005 (Event no: 348209), the Authority acknowledged receipt of the notification.

By letter dated 13 December 2005 the Authority requested additional information according to Article 5(1) in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement (Event no: 348961). The Norwegian authorities responded by letter dated 10 January 2006, enclosed in a letter from the Norwegian Mission to the European Union, dated 13 January 2006, both received and registered by the Authority on 16 January 2006 (Event no: 358121).

2.   Description of the proposed measures

2.1.   The objective, legal basis and function of the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme

It appears from legislative preparatory works that the overall objective of the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is to stimulate increased investments in research and development activities, particularly by small companies, such as entrepreneur and one-man enterprises (4). More specifically, the objective of the new scheme is to stimulate efforts by individuals in research and development oriented companies which, in the start-up phase, often are dependent on work resources that cannot be paid for. Research and development oriented companies are considered by the Norwegian authorities to be important for purposes of value creation derived from research as well as for innovation.

On a more detailed level, the Norwegian authorities have explained that the introduction of the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme was motivated by the fact that under the existing ‘Skattefunn Scheme’ (5), it is not possible to support unpaid labour in research and development activities undertaken by entrepreneur and one-man enterprises due to the fact that the Skattefunn Scheme is a tax deduction scheme (6). In this respect the authorities have explained that under the Skattefunn Scheme aid is granted to research and development activities in the form of a tax deduction (or tax credit) whereby an amount, corresponding to a percentage of the eligible costs, is deducted from the amount due in tax by the company. However, the Norwegian authorities considered that it would not be in compliance with general tax legislation to deduct, in the amount to be paid in tax, an amount which is not based on actual eligible costs but rather on unpaid labour ‘costs’ which have not been incurred in reality. On this basis it was considered that unpaid labour costs could not qualify as eligible costs under the Skattefunn Scheme.

It is against this background that the Norwegian authorities proposed the establishment of a new Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme under which financial support is to be awarded to unpaid labour in research and development activities in the form of grants which are exempt from tax. As such the Norwegian authorities consider the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme as a mere correction or supplement to the existing Skattefunn Scheme.

The Norwegian authorities have further explained that many companies have been in charge of projects that were approved under the Skattefunn Scheme but that some of these companies were subsequently prevented from receiving the tax deduction (or had to pay an amount corresponding to an already received tax deduction) due to the fact that unpaid labour was involved. As a result the profitability of entrepreneurs and one-man enterprises has been affected negatively. It is against this background that the Norwegian authorities adopted a decision to introduce a compensation scheme (the ‘Compensation Scheme’) for purposes of compensating companies for financial losses caused to their research and development projects during the years between 2002-2004 as a result of the fact that unpaid labour could not be covered by the Skattefunn Scheme (7). However, the Norwegian authorities consider that the Compensation Scheme does not form part of the notification in the present case as it falls under the de minimis threshold in the ‘de minimis Regulation’ (8).

In a proposition on the fiscal budget from the Norwegian Government to the Norwegian Parliament (9), which was followed up by a Recommendation from a Parliamentary Committee to the Parliament (10), the Government proposed to grant a budget of a total amount of NOK 70 million for the establishment of the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme as well as the Compensation Scheme. The budget was approved by the Parliament on 17 June 2005.

In parallel, the Government presented a proposal to the Parliament in order to amend the Norwegian Act on Taxation of wealth and income for purposes of introducing provisions on tax treatment and ceilings in respect of the grants to be awarded under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Tax law on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme’) (11). The proposal was furthered in a Recommendation from the Finance Committee in the Parliament (12). On 17 June 2005 the Norwegian Parliament adopted the Tax law on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme (13).

Aside from the adoption of the budget and the Tax law on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme, the measure intended to govern the new scheme in practice consists of draft guidelines on the implementation of the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Guidelines on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme’).

Finally, as regards the Compensation Scheme, the Norwegian authorities have proposed a Royal Decree on the implementation of the Compensation Scheme as well as the authorities' plan to prepare and issue draft Guidelines on the functioning of the Compensation Scheme (14).

It appears from the Guidelines on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme that eligible projects must involve research and development activities performed by individuals who are not receiving any pay or other compensation for their labour. Individuals who receive payment by means of other public sources are not covered (15).

As regards the type of the projects covered by the scheme, it appears moreover from the Guidelines on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme that eligible projects must be aimed (but also limited to) providing new information, knowledge or experience that is presumed to be of use to the enterprise in connection with the development of new or better products, services or production methods. Moreover, activities where results from industrial research are transferred into a plan, a project or a design for new enhanced products, services or production processes, and the development of a first prototype or pilot project that cannot be commercially exploited are also eligible activities under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme (16). The Norwegian authorities have stated that this definition of eligible research and development projects is identical to the definition of eligible research and development projects under the existing Skattefunn Scheme. In fact, in practice the Norwegian authorities refer to eligible projects under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme as projects which meet the ‘Skattefunn criteria’ or have been approved under the Skattefunn Scheme (17).

The Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is administered and implemented by ‘Norges forskningsråd’. The latter body is also the secretariat and the administering body, assessing whether projects are eligible under the Skattefunn scheme (18). The Norwegian authorities have explained that the fact that the definition of eligible research and development activities are defined in the same manner under both the Skattefunn Scheme and the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme, and that the administering body, assessing whether the projects qualify as eligible, is the same under both schemes, means that for purposes of implementation the two schemes are also closely coordinated. In this regard applicants applying for support to eligible research and development activities must complete one single application form only in which the applicant has had the option to tick off whether support is sought for paid or unpaid labour in the relevant research and development activities (19). Moreover, financial support to be granted under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme will be taken into account when applicants also request support under the Skattefunn Scheme and is also limited by the maximum limit for support under the latter scheme (20). In fact, according to the Norwegian authorities the only difference between the two schemes is the type of eligible costs (i.e., paid as opposed to unpaid labour) and the form in which support is granted (i.e., a tax deduction as opposed to a grant).

2.2.   Recipients

The Norwegian authorities have explained that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is open to all tax payers with tax liability in Norway, including all enterprises, irrespectively of their size and sector (21). Recipients may include undertakings jointly participating in a co-operation project (22).

The Norwegian authorities have explained that the reason that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme includes medium-sized and large companies is to keep it in conformity with the conditions of the Skattefunn Scheme (which is open to all enterprises regardless of size) (23). However, the Norwegian authorities have also made it clear that, in practice, the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is intended to target only entrepreneur firms and one-man enterprises: ‘Even if the scheme includes enterprises of all sizes, the very nature of the scheme (support for unpaid labour) implies that the incentive effect will be most significant for entrepreneur-firms and one-man enterprises.’
   (24) In the same vein the authorities have stated that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is ‘...primarily targeting newly established technology-based companies with no ability to pay salaries to the individuals performing the R&D activity.’ and ‘As the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme shall give support to unpaid labour performed by R&D personnel not receiving salary or other compensation for the labour, the scheme will not be relevant for ordinary medium-sized and large companies.’
   (25)

On this basis the Norwegian authorities have stated that ‘Companies with an annual turnover or an annual balance sheet total corresponding to the ESA definition of medium-sized companies will in practise not receive support for unpaid labour.’ The reason for this is that, according to the Norwegian authorities, ‘Larger companies generally use employed and paid R&D personnel to perform the actual R&D activity in a Skattefunn-project.’ and ‘The costs of paying these employees will be eligible for tax-refund in the Skattefunn Scheme, and such companies will therefore neither have need nor basis for applying for subsidy from the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme.’ (26)

Finally, the Norwegian authorities point out that the maximum limit for support to an eligible project is the same both in case support is granted exclusively in the form of a tax deduction under the Skattefunn Scheme or by a combination of a tax deduction and a grant under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme. There is therefore no incentive for large companies to obtain support from both schemes. By contrast, research and development activities performed by companies which only rely on unpaid labour will not be eligible for support under the Skattefunn Scheme.

2.3.   Eligible costs and aid intensity

Under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme, eligible expenditure consists of the unpaid labour costs in an eligible project (27). In terms of identifying the appropriate wage rate(s) for the unpaid labour, the Norwegian authorities have explained that as formal qualifications of an individual are not always reflected in the ability to carry out research and development projects, it was difficult to identify separate wage rates which correspond to relevant education, experience and field of work. It was therefore decided to use one common rate for the calculation of support under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme.

The hourly rate is based on 1,6 ‰ of the nominal annual industrial worker salary which for the year of 2005 results in an hourly rate of NOK 550. However, as a mark-up for social and overhead/administrative costs for purposes of unpaid labour costs was considered exaggerated, it was decided to use one common hourly rate of NOK 500 for unpaid labour performed in 2005 (28). The hourly rate of NOK 500 may be subject to adjustment by the Ministry of Trade and Industry on the basis of general wage developments.

As regards a ceiling on the eligible costs, it appears from the Guidelines on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme that the unpaid labour costs eligible for financial support is subject to a fixed ceiling of NOK 2 million annually per undertaking (29).

Finally, as regards control measures, the unpaid labour and the rest of the project costs must be certified by an accountant (30). The Norwegian authorities have explained that as there is no evidence of reported hours in unpaid labour, companies are required to record the date, tasks, number of hours spent and the name of the relevant individual. In projects with more than one individual, the records must be signed both by the individual having carried out the unpaid labour and the individual responsible for the project. The reported number of hours may be reduced if it is deemed to be out of proportion of what may be considered as ‘normal’ in comparable projects.

The Guidelines on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme provide that grants awarded under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme are subject to the thresholds set out in Section 16-40 of the Norwegian Act on Taxation of wealth and income (31). The latter provision is the basis for the Skattefunn Scheme and provides that eligible projects may be supported with aid intensities of up to 18 % or alternatively 20 % in the case of small and medium-sized enterprises ‘SMEs’ (that is, the support may amount to 18 % or 20 % of eligible costs).

The Norwegian authorities first stated that this means that the net aid intensities under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme are 18 % and 20 % (for SMEs) which correspond to gross aid intensities of respectively 25 % and 27,8 % (for SMEs) (32). However, the authorities have subsequently explained and confirmed that since the support under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is paid in the form of a grant, 18 % and 20 % (for SMEs) constitute gross aid intensities (33). The grants are exempt from corporate tax, the rate of which is currently 28 %. Finally, the Norwegian authorities have confirmed that in view of the fact that the ceiling for eligible unpaid labour costs is NOK 2 million, and that the aid intensities are 18 % and 20 % (for SMEs), the aid ceilings in absolute figures are NOK 360 000 and NOK 400 000 (for SMEs) on an annual basis (34).

The grants awarded under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme are considered in conjunction with aid received under the Skattefunn Scheme. In this respect it appears from the proposed and adopted Tax law on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme (35) that if, in an eligible project, it can be concluded that the total amount of the tax deduction (under the Skattefunn Scheme) and the grant (under the R&D Labour Scheme) exceeds the limits set forth in the Skattefunn scheme, the tax deduction will be diminished. The Norwegian authorities have explained that under the Skattefunn Scheme the total amount of support may not exceed 18 % or 20 % (for SMEs) of eligible costs, and the eligible costs may not be in excess of NOK 4 million. The Norwegian authorities have also clarified that these limits are, however, without prejudice to the fact that the costs of unpaid labour must still be within the abovementioned ceiling of NOK 2 million. Finally the authorities have explained that in case grants under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme and public support from sources, other than the Skattefunn Scheme, are the cause of exceeding the limit for total support, a reduction in the support granted under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme will be made.

2.4.   De minimis

As stated above, the Norwegian authorities consider that the Compensation Scheme does not form part of the notification as it falls under the de minimis threshold under the ‘de minimis Regulation’ (36).

Section 6 of the Royal Decree on the Compensation Scheme provides that the compensation will be calculated on the basis of an hourly rate of NOK 500 and that it must constitute 18 % or 20 % (for SMEs) of the costs for unpaid labour in eligible projects. The total amount of eligible costs may not exceed NOK 4 million in the relevant financial year where research and development is carried out by the undertaking itself or NOK 8 million in case of research and development activities carried out by research institutions (37).

The Norwegian authorities have stated that Article 3(1) of the de minimis Regulation has been complied with by virtue of a reference to the de minimis character of the compensation in Section 8 of the Royal Decree on the Compensation Scheme. The latter provision provides that compensation will be paid out as de minimis aid in accordance with the ‘de minimis Regulation’; and that if the total amount of de minimis aid to the applicant exceeds Euro 100 000 during a period of three years, the compensation will be reduced. Applicants which cannot receive de minimis aid cannot claim to be entitled to receive compensation under the Royal Decree on the Compensation Scheme (38).

Applicants requesting compensation must submit an overview of the total amount of all tax deductions received under the Skattefunn Scheme during the years for which compensation is sought as well as a complete overview of all de minimis aid received by the applicant as of 1 January 2003 (39). Applicants must request compensation within six weeks of the publication of the Royal Decree on the Compensation Scheme (40). The compensation will be paid out in the form of lump sums during 2006.

2.5.   Budget and duration

It appears from legislative preparatory works on the fiscal budget that out of a total amount of NOK 70 million, financed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry for 2005, NOK 60 million is the budget for the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme (of which NOK 5 million is for administration costs) while NOK 10 million is the budget for the Compensation Scheme (41).

The Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is not limited in time. In this respect the Norwegian authorities have stated that as the objective of the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is to stimulate unpaid research and development activities to the same extent as paid research and development activities are stimulated under the Skattefunn Scheme, the time frame for the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme must be the same as that for the Skattefunn Scheme. In this respect it appears from the Authority's approval of amendments to the Skattefunn Scheme that the Skattefunn Scheme is not limited in time (42). However, just as under the Skattefunn Scheme, the continuation of the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is dependent on the approval of an annual budget each year (43).

II.   APPRECIATION

1.   Procedural requirements

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

By means of a letter dated 5 October 2005, the Norwegian authorities have submitted a notification for purposes of introducing the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme under which financial support may be granted to unpaid labour in research and development activities.

As regards the entry into force of the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme, it appears from legislative preparatory works (on the budget) that entry into force of the scheme is dependent on what would be determined in the context of adopting the Tax law on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme (44). The Norwegian authorities therefore consider the Tax law on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme as the legal measure determining when the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme enters into force. It appears from the adopted Tax law on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme that the Ministry of Finance decides when the law enters into force. It appears, moreover, from the relevant preparatory legislative works that this provision is based on the prerequisite that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme must be notified to, and approved by, the Authority before entering into force (45). Subject to approval by the Authority the original objective was to have the scheme enter into force during the autumn of 2005 (46).

In these circumstances — where the power of the Ministry of Finance to command the entry into force of the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is subject to the condition of obtaining a prior approval by the Authority — the Authority considers that the Norwegian authorities have respected its notification requirement pursuant to Article 1(3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement.

2.   The presence of State aid

2.1.   State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement

Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement reads as follows:

‘Save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any aid granted by EC Member States, EFTA States or through State resources in any form whatsoever which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods shall, in so far as it affects trade between Contracting Parties, be incompatible with the functioning of this Agreement.’

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

2.2.   Economic advantage

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

Under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme the Norwegian authorities will award financial grants to tax payers, including all enterprises. The recipients of such grants therefore receive an economic advantage, i.e., a grant, which they would not have received in their normal course of business.

Moreover, recipients of grants are exempted from paying corporate tax on the grants. The tax exemption relieves recipients from a charge that is normally borne out of their budgets and they therefore receive one further economic advantage in addition to the grant.

2.3.   Presence of State resources

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

The grants awarded under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme are financed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry and are therefore financed by the State.

Moreover, with respect to the exemption of grants from corporate tax, a tax exemption means that the State foregoes tax revenue and a loss of tax revenue is equivalent to consumption of State resources in the form of fiscal expenditure (47).

47

2.4.   Favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods

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

‘certain undertakings or the production of certain goods’.

In its decision (16/03/COL) of 5 February 2003 in which the Authority assessed a notified amendment to the Skattefunn Scheme for purposes of extending the scheme to be open to all undertakings, irrespective of their size and sector, the Authority considered that the bodies administering and implementing the Skattefunn Scheme (i.e., ‘Statens nærings- og distriktsutviklingsfond’ and‘Norges forskningsråd’), enjoyed discretionary powers for purposes of assessing the research character of the projects and the incentive effect of the support measure.

In view of the above and the fact that the criteria for determining the eligibility of projects under the Skattefunn Scheme and the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme are the same and are assessed by the same administering body, i.e., Norges forskningsråd, the Authority takes the view that the latter enjoys discretionary powers also for purposes of implementing the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme. This means that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is, de facto, selective. In this regard the Authority recalls that the European Court of Justice has held that discretionary powers enjoyed by the public authorities, administering a financial support scheme, means that the scheme is, de facto, selective (48).

48

In addition hereto, it is recalled that the Norwegian authorities state that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme will, in practice, only favour one-man enterprises and entrepreneur firms. To the extent that this means that Norges forskningsråd will also implement the R&D Labour Scheme in this manner (i.e., by turning down applications for support from medium-sized or large companies), the Authority considers that this is a mere confirmation of the fact that Norges forskningsråd enjoys discretionary powers and that the scheme is, de facto, selective (in favour of one-man enterprises and entrepreneur firms). Indeed the statement of the Norwegian authorities that ‘...there is no

  formal

  discrimination against larger companies in the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme's definition of beneficiaries.’ (emphasis added) could be an indication that the scheme is to be implemented in the above-stated manner.

‘...there is no

formal

discrimination against larger companies in the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme's definition of beneficiaries.’

Finally, the assessment set out above is equally valid for the exemption from corporate tax enjoyed by recipients of grants under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme.

2.5.   Distortion of competition and effect on trade between Contracting Parties

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

The Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme covers all sectors of the economy established in Norway. In view of the fact that for the year of 2006 exports to the EU will represent about 70 % out of total exports from Norway, whereas imports from the EU will represent approximately 68 % out of total imports to Norway, there is extensive trade between Norway and the EU (49).

49

In such circumstances, the Authority considers that the grant of support and the connected tax exemption in favour of undertakings under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme will strengthen the relative position of recipients compared to other undertakings located in other EEA countries and competing in similar sectors or businesses. Furthermore, in case the administering body of the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme may indeed preclude larger companies from receiving support, the position of one-man enterprises and entrepreneur companies, receiving support under the scheme will be reinforced compared to any larger companies which would be denied support. The Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is therefore to be regarded as affecting trade and distorting or threatening to distort competition.

2.6.   Conclusion

In light of the above, the preliminary conclusion of the Authority is that the grant of support, including the tax exemption under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme, satisfies the test of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement and hence involves State aid.

3.   Compatibility of the aid and de minimis aid

de minimis

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

3.1.   Compatibility with Article 61(2) of the EEA Agreement

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

3.2.   Compatibility with Article 61(3) of the EEA Agreement

A State aid measure is considered compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement under Article 61(3)(a) when it is designed to promote the economic development where the standard of living is abnormally low or where there is serious underemployment. However, as no such areas are defined by the Norwegian regional aid map, this provision does not apply (50).

50

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

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

In the following the Authority considers the compatibility of the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme with the functioning of the EEA Agreement under Article 61(3)(c) by virtue of Chapter 14 in the State Aid Guidelines on aid for research and development.

(i)   Eligible research and development projects and aid intensities

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

‘fundamental research’

‘industrial research’

precompetitive development activity’

It appears from paragraph 2 of Chapter 14.2.1 that by ‘precompetitive development activity’ is meant ‘the shaping of the results of industrial research into a plan, arrangement or design for new, altered or improved products, processes or services, whether they are intended to be sold or used, including the creation of an initial prototype which could not be used commercially. This may also include the conceptual formulation and design of other products, processes or services and initial demonstration projects or pilot projects, provided that such projects cannot be converted or used for industrial applications or commercial exploitation. It does not include the routine or periodic changes made to products, production lines, manufacturing processes, existing services and other operations in progress, even if such changes may represent improvements.’

‘precompetitive development activity’

‘the shaping of the results of industrial research into a plan, arrangement or design for new, altered or improved products, processes or services, whether they are intended to be sold or used, including the creation of an initial prototype which could not be used commercially. This may also include the conceptual formulation and design of other products, processes or services and initial demonstration projects or pilot projects, provided that such projects cannot be converted or used for industrial applications or commercial exploitation. It does not include the routine or periodic changes made to products, production lines, manufacturing processes, existing services and other operations in progress, even if such changes may represent improvements.’

The Authority considers that the description of eligible projects under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme, set out above in Section 2.1 of Part I hereof, seems to be in line with the description given of ‘pre-competitive development activity’ in paragraph 2 of Chapter 14.2.1 of the State Aid Guidelines.

‘pre-competitive development activity’

According to paragraph five of Chapter 14.5.1 of the State Aid Guidelines, the permissible gross aid intensity for pre-competitive development activities is fixed at 25 % of eligible costs. Moreover, according to paragraph one of Chapter 14.5.3 of the State Aid Guidelines, an extra 10 percentage points may be granted where the aid is given to SMEs (as defined in the Annex to the block exemption on aid to SMEs), bringing the aid intensity up to 35 % of eligible costs in the case of pre-competitive activities by SMEs (51).

51

Since the support granted under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is paid in the form of a grant, 18 % and 20 % (for SMEs) constitute gross aid intensities. However, the fact that the grant is tax exempt is a further aid element, the value of which corresponds to the current tax rate of 28 %. In the present case the total gross aid intensity corresponds, therefore, to the combined maximum value of the grant and the tax exemption which is 23,04 % and 25,6 % (for SMEs) (52). The Authority therefore considers that the maximum aid intensities of the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme are currently on an acceptable level by reference to Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines. However, if the corporate tax rate should be increased, the total gross aid intensity may become higher. Therefore, in the absence of any general aid intensity ceilings which ensure that individual aid awards under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme do not exceed the aid intensities set out in Chapter 14.5.1 of the State Aid Guidelines, the Authority cannot be reassured that the aid intensities, which may result from the application of the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme, will be on an acceptable level by reference to Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines also in the future. On this basis the Authority has doubts that the aid intensities resulting from the application of the Unpaid R&D Aid Scheme may be considered as compatible on the basis of Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines.

52

(ii)   Eligible costs and incentive effect

Section 14.6 of the State Aid Guidelines sets out a list of costs which are to be regarded as eligible for purposes of calculating the aid intensity set out in Chapter 14. One of such cost items is personnel costs which cover the costs of researchers, technicians and other supporting staff employed solely for the research activity.

While section 14.6 of the State Aid Guidelines does not elaborate on whether personnel costs may cover costs of unpaid labour, the Authority considers that when the word ‘costs’ has been used without any further explanation it means that the intention was only to cover the situation where costs have actually been incurred and paid. Moreover, for purposes of interpreting Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines, which are based on the research and development guidelines established by the European Commission, (53) the Authority considers it relevant that under the Community Research Framework Programmes, financial support from the Community for unpaid labour costs cannot be obtained (54). In this context the European Commission has adopted the view that if the value of the labour costs cannot be identified and registered in the books of the company it cannot be charged to the Framework Programme either (55).

53

54

55

As regards the incentive effect, it appears from section 14.7 of the State Aid Guidelines that aid for research and development should serve as an incentive for firms to undertake research and development activities in addition to their normal day-to-day operations or it may encourage firms not carrying out research and development to undertake such activities. Where the incentive effect is not evident the Authority may consider such aid less favourably than it usually does.

In the present case the Authority considers that it is doubtful whether the aid awarded under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme may be considered as an evident incentive to carry out research and development activities in line with section 14.7 of the State Aid Guidelines. In this respect the Authority takes the preliminary view that unpaid research and development activities would be carried out in any event, i.e., even without the aid, since the individuals carrying out unpaid labour were apparently prepared to undertake the relevant work without pay in any event. In other words, the Authority considers that the aid appears not to be necessary in order to achieve the aim of having the relevant research and development activities carried out.

Moreover, to the extent that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme would also apply to larger companies, it is clear that such companies could (over time) (re-)organise their research and development activities into basing themselves on using unpaid labour instead of paid labour due to knowledge of the fact that support for unpaid labour may be obtained. In such circumstances it is certain that the support under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is not the incentive for undertaking the relevant research and development activity. In this context the Authority considers that the fact that the company may — for the same project — obtain a tax deduction under the Skattefunn Scheme (by using paid labour) is irrelevant because the reason for using unpaid labour in these cases would precisely be that it is financially more attractive to obtain support for paying the labour than a tax deduction in respect of already paid labour.

On this basis the Authority takes the preliminary view that it is doubtful whether the unpaid labour costs qualify as eligible costs and whether there is any incentive effect under the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme. In light of the comments set out above, the Norwegian authorities are invited to submit reasons as to why it may be considered that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme does create an incentive to carry out research and development activities and on what basis unpaid labour costs should qualify as eligible costs.

3.3.   Conclusions

In view of the fact that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme appears not to qualify for any of the exceptions provided for in the EEA Agreement, the Authority doubts that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme may be considered compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.

3.4.   De minimis aid: The Compensation Scheme

The grant of State aid may qualify as de minimis under the ‘de minimis Regulation’ where the total aid granted to any one enterprise does not exceed Euro 100 000 over any three-year period with the consequence that there is no obligation to notify (56). It appears from Article 3(1) of the de minimis Regulation that the national authorities can only grant de minimis aid after first having verified that the total amount of de minimis aid received by the company is not raised beyond the ceiling by virtue of other de minimis aid having been received during the previous three years. One way of verifying the de minimis threshold is by obtaining full information from the recipient on this matter.

de minimis

de minimis

56

de minimis

de minimis

de minimis

de minimis

de minimis

In the present case compensation under the Compensation Scheme will be paid out as de minimis aid and if the total amount of de minimis aid to an applicant exceeds Euro 100 000during a period of three years, the compensation will be reduced. Moreover, the Norwegian authorities will obtain from the applicants, via their applications requesting compensation, an overview of the total amount of all tax deductions received by the applicant under the Skattefunn Scheme during the years for which compensation is sought, as well as a complete overview of all de minimis aid the applicant has received as of 1 January 2003.

de minimis

de minimis

de minimis

On the basis of the above and on the assumption that the Norwegian authorities will not grant de minimis aid under the Compensation Scheme where it is clear that the de minmis threshold has been or will, as a result of the new grant, be exceeded, the Authority considers that the Compensation Scheme is in compliance with the de minimis Regulation, including the requirement of verifying that the potential recipient has not received other de minimis aid in excess of the relevant ceiling.

de minimis

de minmis

de minimis

de minimis

On the basis of the information available, the Authority therefore takes the preliminary view that the aid granted to undertakings under the Compensation Scheme will qualify as de minimis aid.

de minimis

III.   CONCLUSION

Based on the information submitted by the Norwegian authorities, the Authority cannot exclude that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme constitutes aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. Furthermore, the Authority has doubts that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme can be regarded as complying with Article 61(3)(c) of the EEA Agreement, in combination with the requirements laid down in Chapter 14 of the Authority's State Aid Guidelines. Consequently, the Authority has doubts that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.

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

In light of the foregoing considerations, the Authority, acting under the procedure laid down in Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement, requests the Norwegian authorities to submit its comments and to provide all such information which may help to assess the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme, within one month of the date of receipt of this decision.

one month

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

| 1. | The Authority has decided to open the formal investigation procedure provided for in Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement against Norway with regard to the ‘Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme’. |
| --- | --- |

1.

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

| 2. | The Norwegian authorities are requested, pursuant to Article 6(1) in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement, to submit their comments on the opening of the formal investigation procedure within one month from the notification of this decision and to provide all such information which may help to assess the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme. |
| --- | --- |

2.

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

| 3. | Other EFTA States, EC Member States, and interested parties shall be informed by means of publication of this decision in its authentic language version, accompanied by a meaningful summary in languages other than the authentic language version, in the EEA Section of the Official Journal of the European Union and the EEA Supplement thereto, inviting them to submit comments within one month from the date of publication. |
| --- | --- |

3.

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

Official Journal of the European Union

| 4. | This decision is authentic in the English language. |
| --- | --- |

4.

This decision is authentic in the English language.

| 5. | This decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Norway. |
| --- | --- |

5.

This decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Norway.

Done at Brussels, 8 March 2006

For the EFTA Surveillance Authority

Bjørn T. GRYDELAND

President

Kurt JAEGER

College Member

---

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

1

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

2

(3)  Procedural and Substantive Rules in the Field of State Aid — Guidelines on the application and interpretation of Articles 61 and 62 of the EEA Agreement and Article 1 of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement, adopted and issued by the EFTA Surveillance Authority on 19 January 1994, published in OJ L 231, 3.9.1994, p. 1, EEA Supplement No 32, 3.9.94, p.1, last amended by the Authority's Decision No 329/05/COL of 20 December 2005 on financing of airports and start up aid to airlines (hereinafter referred to as the ‘State Aid Guidelines’).

3

(4)  Section 3.9 of St. prp. No 65 (2004-2005).

4

(5)  The Skattefunn Scheme was approved by the Authority in its Decision No 171/02/COL of 25 September 2002 and amendments to the Skattefunn Scheme were approved by the Authority in its Decision No 16/03/COL of 5 February 2003.

5

(6)  The terms used by the Norwegian authorities for the mentioned company forms are ‘gründerselskaper’ and‘enkeltpersonforetak’.

6

gründerselskaper

‘enkeltpersonforetak’

(7)  The Compensation Scheme is described in section 3.9 of St. prp. No 65 (2004-2005).

7

(8)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 69/2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to de minimis aid (OJ L 10, 13.1.2001, p. 30), incorporated into Annex XV in Section 1(e) to the EEA Agreement by means of Joint Committee Decision No 88/2002 (OJ L 266, 3.10.2002, p. 56 and EEA Supplement No 49, 3.10.2002, p. 42).

8

de minimis

(9)  Section 3.9 of St. prp. No 65 (2004-2005): Chapter 928, item 71 concerns the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme and Chapter 1500, item 73 concerns the Compensation Scheme.

9

(10)  Innst. S. No 240 (2004-2005): Section 10.1.1.2, Chapter 928, item 71 concerns the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme; and Section 16.2.4, Chapter 1500, item 73 concerns the Compensation Scheme.

10

(11)  Section 14.1 of Ot. prp. No 92 (2004-2005) which also refers to the original budget proposition in St. prp. No 65 (2004-2005).

11

(12)  Section 15.1 of Innst. O. No 125 (2004-2005).

12

(13)  ‘Lov 2005-06-17 nr 74: Lov om endringer i lov 26. mars 1999 No 14 om skatt av formue og inntekt (skatteloven).’

13

‘Lov 2005-06-17 nr 74: Lov om endringer i lov 26. mars 1999 No 14 om skatt av formue og inntekt (skatteloven).’

(14)  ‘Forskrift om kompensasjon for ulønnet arbeidsinnsats i Skattefunn-godkjente forsknings- og utviklingsprosjekter for inntektsårene 2002, 2003 og 2004’. The draft Guidelines is intended to be based on ‘Høringsnotat om utkast til forskrift om kompensasjon for ulønnet arbeidsinnsats i Skattefunn-godkjente forsknings- og utviklingsprojsekt for inntektsårene 2002, 2003 og 2004.’ (in the following referred to as ‘Høringsnotat’).

14

‘Forskrift om kompensasjon for ulønnet arbeidsinnsats i Skattefunn-godkjente forsknings- og utviklingsprosjekter for inntektsårene 2002, 2003 og 2004’

‘Høringsnotat om utkast til forskrift om kompensasjon for ulønnet arbeidsinnsats i Skattefunn-godkjente forsknings- og utviklingsprojsekt for inntektsårene 2002, 2003 og 2004.’

Høringsnotat

(15)  Section 6 of Part III.6.A in the Standard Notification Form and Section 3 of the Guidelines on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme.

15

(16)  Section 6 of Part I in the Standard Notification Form and Section 3 of the Guidelines on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme. However, ordinary business oriented product development without having the character of research are not encompassed, such as projects that have a continuing character or include modification of methods without requiring the development of new knowledge or the use of existing knowledge in new ways, are of an organisational character, or consist of inquires, etc.

16

(17)  Section 3 of the Guidelines on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme; and Section IX of the Tax law on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme.

17

(18)  Section 3.9 of St. prp. No 65 (2004-2005), Section 14.1 of Ot. prp. No 92 (2004-2005) and the introduction to the Guidelines on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme.

18

(19)  Section 7 of the Guidelines on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme.

19

(20)  See further Section 2.3 herein below on ‘Eligible costs and aid intensity’.

20

(21)  See also Section 3.9 of St. prp. No 65 (2004-2005) where it is stated that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme is addressed to one-man enterprises, limited companies and other types of companies.

21

(22)  In this case the cost frame of the project is allocated to the participants in proportion to their share of participation.

22

(23)  The Norwegian authorities have in this context stated that ‘This is also why there is no formal discrimination against larger companies in the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme's definition of beneficiaries.’ (emphasis added).

23

‘This is also why there is no formal discrimination against larger companies in the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme's definition of beneficiaries.’

(24)  Section 8.1 in Part III.6.A of the Standard Notification form.

24

(25)  Letter, dated 10 January 2006, from the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry.

25

(26)  Letter dated 10 January 2006, from the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry.

26

(27)  Section 6 of Part III.6.A of the Standard Notification form.

27

(28)  A similar method is applied in the context of the Skattefunn Scheme where the basis for the calculation of support to personnel and indirect costs per hour is 1,6‰ of the nominal salary. However, under the Skattefunn Scheme the nominal salary also includes social and overhead/administrative costs.

28

(29)  Section 3 of the draft Guidelines on Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme. It appears from Section 3.9 of St. prp. No 65 (2004-2005) that the ceiling is a result of the fact that only up to 50 % of the maximum limit for support to projects (carried out by the undertaking itself) under the Skattefunn scheme (of NOK 4 million) may constitute the value of unpaid labour in the project.

29

(30)  Section 4 of the Guidelines on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme.

30

(31)  Section 3 of the Guidelines on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme.

31

(32)  Section 7 of Part III.6.A of the Standard Notification form.

32

(33)  This should be compared to the situation under the Skattefunn Scheme where the Authority considered in its Decision No 171/02/COL of 25 September 2002 (approving the Skattefunn Scheme) that as the aid is granted in the form of a tax deduction, the 18 % is a net grant which corresponds to a gross aid intensity of 25 % (taking into account a tax rate of 28 %).

33

(34)  Section 3 of the Guidelines on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme and Section 6 of Part I in the Standard Notification form.

34

(35)  Section 14.2.1 of Ot. prp. No 92 (2004-2005) and Section IX of the Tax law on the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme.

35

(36)  Article 2(1) of the de minimis Regulation, see reference in footnote 8 above.

36

de minimis

(37)  Section 7 of the Royal Decree on the Compensation Scheme.

37

(38)  It appears from the ‘Høringsnotat’ that this statement refers to Article 1 of the de minimis Regulation which lists sectors and activities excluded from receiving de minimis aid.

38

‘Høringsnotat’

de minimis

de minimis

(39)  Section 9(h) and (i) of the Royal Decree on the Compensation Scheme.

39

(40)  See Section 3 of the Royal Decree on the Compensation Scheme and the second paragraph in the ‘Høringsnotat’.

40

‘Høringsnotat’

(41)  Section 3.9 of St. prp. No 65 (2004-2005) and Section 5 in Part I of the Standard Notification form.

41

(42)  Decision No 16/03/COL adopted by the Authority on 5 February 2003. The Skattefunn Scheme is currently the subject of an evaluation (to be terminated in 2007) for purposes of determining whether the scheme should be continued in its present form, be altered or terminated.

42

(43)  Section 5 in Part I of the Standard Notification form.

43

(44)  Section 3.9 of St. prp. No 65 (2004-2005).

44

(45)  Section 14.3 of Ot. prp. No 92 (2004-2005) which refers to Section 3.9 of St. prp. No 65 (2004-2005).

45

(46)  See Section 7.2 in Part I of the Standard Notification form.

46

(47)  See point 3 of Chapter 17.B.3 of the State Aid Guidelines.

47

(48)  See Case 241/94 France v Commission [1998] ECR I-7907, paragraphs 23 and 24; Case C-295/97 Industrie Aeronautiche e Meccaniche Rinaldo Piaggio SpA v International Factors Italia SpA (Ifitalia), Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH and Ministero della Difesa [1999] ECR I-3735, paragraph 39; Case 200/97 Ecotrade Srl v Altiforni e Ferriere di Servola SpA (AFS) [1998] ECR I-7907, paragraph 40.

48

France

Commission

Industrie Aeronautiche e Meccaniche Rinaldo Piaggio SpA

International Factors Italia SpA (Ifitalia), Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH and Ministero della Difesa

Ecotrade Srl

Altiforni e Ferriere di Servola SpA (AFS

(49)  The relevant statistics have been issued by ‘Statistisk Sentralbyrå’ and are entitled ‘Samhandelen med land og landområder. Januar. 2005 og 2006.’ (Table 3). The statistics are available at:

49

‘Statistisk Sentralbyrå’

‘Samhandelen med land og landområder. Januar. 2005 og 2006.’

http://www.ssb.no/emner/09/05/muh/tab-2006-02-15-03.html

(50)  The Authority's Decision No 110/98/COL of 28 April 1998 on the map of assisted areas (Norway).

50

(51)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises (OJ L 10, 13.1.2001, p. 33), as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 364/2004 of 25 February 2004 (OJ L 63, 28.2.2004, p. 22). Both Regulations have been incorporated into Section 1(f) in Annex XV to the EEA Agreement by Joint Committee Decision No 88/2002 (OJ L 266, 3.10.2002, p. 56 and EEA Suppl. No 49, 3.10.2002, p. 42) and Joint Committee Decision No 131/2004 (OJ L 64, 10.3.2005, p. 67 and EEA Supplement No 12, 10.3.2005, p. 49).

51

(52)  18 % and 5,04 % (corresponding to 28 % of 18 %) is in total 23,04 %. For SMEs 20 % and 5.6 % (corresponding to 28 % of 20 %) is in total 25,6 %.

52

(53)  Community framework for State aid for research and development (OJ C 45, 17.2.1996, p. 5) as amended.

53

(54)  The EU's research Framework Programme is the EU's main instrument for research funding in Europe. In Part B.II.22.3 of Annex II to the general model contract used for purposes of granting support under Framework Programme 6, it appears that ‘Physical persons may not charge any labour cost in relation to their personal involvement in the project.’ and in Part B.II.19.1(a) it appears that eligible costs ‘must be actual, economic and necessary for the implementation for the project.’

54

‘Physical persons may not charge any labour cost in relation to their personal involvement in the project.’

‘must be actual, economic and necessary for the implementation for the project.’

(55)  E.g., the Framework Programme 6.

55

(56)  Article 2 of the de minimis Regulation, see reference in footnote 8.

56

de minimis

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| 26.10.2006 | ET EN | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 258/42 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.10.2006

ET EN

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 258/42

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Kutse märkuste esitamiseks vastavalt järelevalve- ja kohtulepingu 3. protokolli I peatüki artikli 1 lõikele 2 riigiabi andmise kohta Norra teadusnõukogu poolt tarkvara Turborouter arendamiseks

(2006/C 258/13)

Käesoleva kokkuvõtte järel autentses keeles esitatud 8. märtsi 2006. aasta otsusega nr 60/06/COL, algatas EFTA järelevalveamet menetluse kooskõlas EFTA riikide järelevalveameti ja kohtu asutamise lepingu (edaspidi “järelevalve- ja kohtuleping”) protokolli nr 3 I osa artikli 1 lõikega 2. Norra ametiasutustele edastati otsuse koopia.

EFTA järelevalveamet kutsub EFTA riike, ELi liikmesriike ja huvitatud isikuid üles esitama ühe kuu jooksul alates käesoleva teatise avaldamisest oma märkused asjaomase meetme kohta aadressil:

| EFTA Surveillance Authority |
| --- |
| Registry |
| 35, Rue Belliard |
| B-1040 Brussels |
| Faks: (32-2) 286 18 00 |

EFTA Surveillance Authority

Registry

35, Rue Belliard

B-1040 Brussels

Faks: (32-2) 286 18 00

Märkused tehakse teatavaks Norra ametiasutustele. Märkusi esitavad huvitatud isikud võivad kirjalikult taotleda neid käsitlevate andmete konfidentsiaalsust, täpsustades taotluse põhjused.

KOKKUVÕTE

5. märtsi 2002. aasta kirjaga (dokument nr 02-1733-A) sai amet kaebuse Norra teadusnõukogu vahendustel (edaspidi “RCN”) tarkvara Turborouter arendamiseks mitmele uurimisprojektile antud riigiabi kohta.

8. märtsil 2006, pärast põhjalikku kirjavahtust ameti ja Norra ametiasutuste ning kaebuse esitaja vahel, otsustas amet algatada ametliku uurimismenetluse seoses kaebuses viidatud projektiga.

Norra teadusnõukogu andis tööstusliku uurimis- ja arendustegevuse programmi abikava raames abi tarkvara Turborouter arendamisega seotud neljale projektile. Amet hindas asjaomast ja teisi olemasolevaid programme ning võttis 1994. aasta detsembris vastu otsuse nr 217/94/COL, milles esitas Norrale asjakohased meetmed. Norra ametiasutused nõustusid nende meetmetega. Meetmete kohaselt peab igasugune abikava kohase abi andmine toimuma kooskõlas ameti poolt 1994. aastal vastu võetud uurimis- ja arendustegevusele antava riigiabi suunistega.

Olemasolevast teabest lähtuvalt on ametil kahtlus, et abi andmine asjaomastele uurimisprojektidele ei ole kooskõlas uurimis- ja arendustegevusele antava riigiabi suunistega. On küsitav, kas projektid on õigesti klassifitseeritud. See on eriti asjakohane kolme projekti puhul, mis on määratletud konkurentsieelsete uurimisprojektidena, kuid on liiga turulähedased, et olla abikõlblikud.

Ametil on kahtlusi ka seoses projektide rahastamisega. Ei ole selge, kas projektis osalevad ettevõtjad ka tegelikult projektide uurimiskulude katmises osalevad või arvatakse nende tegevuskulud uurimisprojekti kulude hulka. Viimasel juhul tuleb abi osatähtsust kohandada.

Eelnevast lähtudes on ametil kahtlus, et abisaajad on Norra teadusnõukogu abi vääralt kasutanud.

Kui asjaomastele projektidele antud abi ei mahu tööstusliku uurimis- ja arendustegevuse programmi abikava raamidesse, tuleb iga projekti hinnata eraldi lähtuvalt uurimis- ja arendustegevuse raamistikule, mida kohaldati abi andmise ajal, või otse EMP lepingust lähtuvalt.

---

EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY DECISION

No 60/06/COL

of 8 March 2006

on R&D aid granted by the Research Council of Norway in connection with the development of the software programme Turborouter

(NORWAY)

THE EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY (1),

Having regard to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (2), in particular to Articles 61 to 63 and Protocol 26 thereof,

Having regard to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice (3), in particular to Article 24 thereof,

Having regard to Article 1(2) and (3) in Part I and Articles 1, 4, 6, 10, 13, 14, 16 and 20 in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement (4),

Having regard to the Authority's Guidelines (5) on the application and interpretation of Articles 61 and 62 of the EEA Agreement, and in particular Chapter 14 thereof, ‘Aid for Research and Development’,

Having regard to the Authority's Decision of 14 July 2004 on the implementing provisions referred to under Article 27 in Part II of Protocol 3 (6),

Having regard to the Authority's Decision No 217/94/COL of 1 December 1994 to propose appropriate measures to Norway on, amongst others, the aid scheme Industrial R&D Programmes,

Having regard to Norway's acceptance of the proposed appropriate measures by letter dated 19 December 1994,

Whereas:

I.   FACTS

1.   Procedure

By letter dated 5 March 2002 (Doc. No 02-1733-A), the Authority received a complaint alleging that state aid had been granted by Norway through the Research Council of Norway (hereinafter: ‘the RCN’) to various research projects in connection with the development of the software programme Turborouter.

The Authority requested information from the Norwegian authorities by letter dated 26 April 2002 (Doc. No 02-2605-D). The Ministry of Trade and Industry replied by letter dated 3 June 2002 (Doc. No 02-4177-A), which included RCN's comments on the so-called Turborouter project.

In October 2002, a meeting between representatives from the Authority and the Norwegian authorities took place in Oslo in order to clarify some technical aspects.

On 28 February 2003, the Authority requested further clarification and documentation on certain aspects raised during the above-mentioned meeting (Doc. No 03-1159-D). The required information was supplied by the Norwegian authorities by letter dated 11 April 2003 (Doc. No 03-2338 A) and completed by letter of 20 June 2003 (Doc. No 03-4083-A).

Representatives of the Authority and the Norwegian authorities discussed the case at a meeting in the framework of the package meeting which took place in Oslo on 23 September 2004. Some of the issues raised during this meeting were later addressed by the Authority in a letter dated 11 November 2004 (Event No 294194). The Norwegian authorities answered by letter of 31 January 2005 (Event No 307137).

The Authority lastly requested information in a letter dated 7 July 2005 (Event No 323594). The Authority furthermore stated that should the response from the Norwegian authorities not dispel the remaining doubts of the Authority, the formal investigation procedure would have to be opened with respect to the granting of R&D aid in connection with the development of the software programme Turborouter.

The Norwegian authorities replied in a letter dated 22 August 2005 (Event No 331615).

The complainant contacted the Authority on various occasions during the preliminary investigation and submitted additional information.

2.   The complaint

In March 2002, the Authority received a complaint alleging that the RCN had granted R&D aid to ‘projects in the maritime sector that violate the EEA rules. The projects that have received state aid are commercial software programs that are marketed and sold in the international markets. We refer specifically to the software program called TURBOROUTER’.

According to the complainant, the Turborouter programme is distorting the competition with other European or international companies which develop software programmes for the maritime industry. The complainant, who has software products in the same sector, has stated to have invested important sums of money in developing mathematical algorithms, which seem to be similar to the ones used in Turborouter.

The complaint concerns not only the projects that led to the development of a commercial software programme called Turborouter but also its development in several sub-projects. Although the complainant identified Project 136171 Algopt and Project 144214 Optimisation routines, it explicitly stated that the complaint is not limited to these projects but concerns ‘all of these projects that have been targeting the development of a commercial software program called Turborouter’.

The complainant mainly argued that (1) the projects that received aid were too close to the market to be eligible for R&D aid and had been marketed for sale to third companies in Norway and abroad; (2) the research results had not been disseminated but the research institute Marintek, which developed the software programme Turborouter, had received the property rights to sell the programme; (3) the maximum aid intensities had not been respected due to the fact that the own capital contribution from the concerned companies was in reality lower than stated in the application form. The complainant brought forward the following arguments to support the complaint:

| 1) | ‘The RCN has given aid to projects which are very close to the market. Turborouter has for more than two years been actively marketed for sale both domestically in Norway and abroad. This marketing has been done partly by the research institute Marintek and partly by Shipnet, a privately owned commercial vendor of software systems for the maritime industry with which, according to the information submitted by the complainant, Marintek has an agreement. The Turborouter projects cannot be classified into “fundamental research” nor “industrial research” according to the definitions laid down by the EEA. In view of the complainant, the projects are even far beyond pre-competitive development activity. “Turborouter projects are aimed at developing software programs that are developed in close co-operation with a limited number of users, and in parallel is actively marketed towards any maritime company in need of such program”.’ |
| --- | --- |

1)

‘The RCN has given aid to projects which are very close to the market. Turborouter has for more than two years been actively marketed for sale both domestically in Norway and abroad. This marketing has been done partly by the research institute Marintek and partly by Shipnet, a privately owned commercial vendor of software systems for the maritime industry with which, according to the information submitted by the complainant, Marintek has an agreement. The Turborouter projects cannot be classified into “fundamental research” nor “industrial research” according to the definitions laid down by the EEA. In view of the complainant, the projects are even far beyond pre-competitive development activity. “Turborouter projects are aimed at developing software programs that are developed in close co-operation with a limited number of users, and in parallel is actively marketed towards any maritime company in need of such program”.’

| 2) | ‘As the Turborouter projects have received public aid and where in the R&D programs it has been stated that reports will be made available for any party interested, it is a breach of the regulations to give Marintek the proprietary rights to sell and market the program. In view of the complainantthis confirms the argument that Turborouter is a commercial product far beyond any R&D stage.’ |
| --- | --- |

2)

‘As the Turborouter projects have received public aid and where in the R&D programs it has been stated that reports will be made available for any party interested, it is a breach of the regulations to give Marintek the proprietary rights to sell and market the program. In view of the complainantthis confirms the argument that Turborouter is a commercial product far beyond any R&D stage.’

| 3) | ‘In calculating the aid intensities, the RCN has used the pro forma funding assumed in the R&D application to be given by the aid receiving firm.’ The complainant claimed neither to have seen any documentation that the firms actually contributed with their own resources to the alleged funds, nor any audited reports where such contribution is proven. ‘For many projects in the maritime sectors the aid receivers are supposed to chip in their own contribution, but quite often there is in actual fact very little man time hours or any other costs that the receivers chip in.’ |
| --- | --- |

3)

‘In calculating the aid intensities, the RCN has used the pro forma funding assumed in the R&D application to be given by the aid receiving firm.’ The complainant claimed neither to have seen any documentation that the firms actually contributed with their own resources to the alleged funds, nor any audited reports where such contribution is proven. ‘For many projects in the maritime sectors the aid receivers are supposed to chip in their own contribution, but quite often there is in actual fact very little man time hours or any other costs that the receivers chip in.’

3.   The four projects related to the software programme Turborouter supported with RCN funds

a)   Description of the projects

1)   Project 40049 — Strategic activities within maritime transport and logistics (The first version of the software programme Turborouter)

Together with the Centre for International Economy and Shipping (SIØS), which is an integral part of the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration, Marintek applied to the RCN for support for the project ‘Strategic activities within maritime transport and logistics’ under the ‘Strategic Institute Programme’ (SIP) in 1995. SIP was a programme for long term research, characterised by a large proportion of fundamental research, but strategic in its orientation to serve future needs of industry. Under SIP, research projects could receive public financing up to 100 %.

According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, due to limited funds available under this programme, the RCN re-classified the project as a ‘three-year strategic competence development project’ under the sub-programme ‘Short Sea Shipping’ (1995-1998) within the Industrial R&D Programme. The whole project was re-classified as industrial research although some activities constituted fundamental research.

Project 40049 ‘Strategic activities within maritime transport and logistics’ was broad in concept and covered several sub-projects. The first version of the pilot software Turborouter was developed in the first year of research of one of the sub-projects called ‘Methods and analytical tools for design and operation of integrated transport and logistics chains’.

Nowadays, Turborouter is a tool (7) for optimising vessel fleet scheduling, i.e. to decide which vessels to assign different cargoes to. The design philosophy has been to combine the knowledge and experience of the planners with the calculating capabilities of the computer. Optimisation software implemented on a computer can calculate millions of alternatives in only a few seconds but tend to have restricted ability to handle all practical constraints that occur in real life. Turborouter is based on electronic sea charts where scheduling information can be displayed. Other key elements of Turborouter include a database for vessels, ports, cargoes, etc; automatic calculation of port-to-port distances; vessel position reports and automatic update of estimated time of arrival; sophisticated optimisation routines for fleet scheduling; schedule visualisation or schedule calculator for manual planning.

According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, out of the total NOK 10,5 million budget for Project 40049, the RCN contributed NOK 4,6 million, the Norwegian Ship-owners' Association (NSA) NOK 1,4 million and Marintek NOK 4,5 million.

The table below recapitulates the costs of the project and its financing of the project in NOK (8):

| Costs | | | Financing | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Personal and indirect costs | 8 700 000 | | Own financing | 4 500 000 |
| Purchase of R&D | 600 000 | | RCN | 6 000 000 |
| Equipment | 450 000 | | Total | 10 500 000 |
| Other operating costs | 750 000 | | | |
| Total | 10 500 000 | | | |

Costs

Financing

Personal and indirect costs

8 700 000

Own financing

4 500 000

Purchase of R&D

600 000

RCN

6 000 000

Equipment

450 000

Total

10 500 000

Other operating costs

750 000

Total

10 500 000

According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, the project costs for the sub-project ‘Methods and analytical tools for design and operation of integrated transport and logistics chains’ amounted to NOK 5,1 million. The state support for it amounted to NOK 2,24 million.

According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, the RCN selected several projects related to the development of the software package Turborouter for R&D support. According to the RCN, even though they had elements of industrial research, these projects were classified as ‘pre-competitive development activity’. The RCN considered that the results from each of these projects were company specific prototype demonstrators which would need considerable further in-house development to become day-to-day tools in the companies' operations.

2)   Project 138811 — AlgOpt

The aim of this project (9) was to develop and carry out practical tests of algorithms to calculate the optimal utilisation of a fleet of ships, given the obligations to load cargoes for several customers, the requirements as to when cargoes must be loaded and discharged in the destination port, the possibility of carrying joint cargoes of a limited number of bulk goods on each voyage as well as limitations that mean that not all the vessels involved are suitable for serving all customers or all ports.

The overreaching objective of AlgOpt was that the algorithms should be integrated into a software concept that would offer users full control and the possibility of overriding the suggestions made by the algorithms. The software should help decision-makers to combine their own experience with the ability of the numerical processes to test a number of possibilities rapidly and in a manner that offers the best possible basis for making decisions.

The principal activities of the Project AlgOpt were the definition of user dialogues and criteria for good capacity utilisation; the development of algorithms for working out optimal voyage combinations; the testing of algorithms and the follow-up and documentation of benefits.

According to the information submitted by the Norwegian authorities, the Project AlgOpt was only a pre-study defining the user requirements and investigation of the feasibility of using Turborouter for the contract partner, the company Beltship Management AS. Total costs amounted to NOK 925 000. The project was classified as pre-competitive research. The financing was split between the RCN (NOK 300 000) and private funds from participating companies (NOK 625 000). The table below recapitulates the costs of the project as well as its financing (10):

| Costs | | | Financing | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Personal and indirect costs | 545 000 | | Own financing | 625 000 |
| Purchase of R&D | 380 000 | | RCN | 300 000 |
| Other operating costs | | | Total | 925 000 |
| Total | 925 000 | | | |

Costs

Financing

Personal and indirect costs

545 000

Own financing

625 000

Purchase of R&D

380 000

RCN

300 000

Other operating costs

Total

925 000

Total

925 000

3)   Project 144265 — Shiplog II

The Shiplog project mainly dealt with transport at sea. This project (11) should use the results of a previous project called Shiplog (which did not involve the use of Turborouter) to focus on the requirements for door-to-door delivery of goods, when transport at sea is a key element. The objectives of the project were:

| — | to support interaction between parties involved in door-to-door transport. This objective was shared by the EU proposal ‘D2D’, which aimed at demonstrating an integrated management and communication system for door-to-door intermodal freight transport operation, |
| --- | --- |

—

to support interaction between parties involved in door-to-door transport. This objective was shared by the EU proposal ‘D2D’, which aimed at demonstrating an integrated management and communication system for door-to-door intermodal freight transport operation,

| — | to demonstrate the communication of information between software systems by using XML (12) messages, |
| --- | --- |

—

to demonstrate the communication of information between software systems by using XML (12) messages,

| — | to demonstrate how TurboRouter could be integrated in a door-to-door transport service. |
| --- | --- |

—

to demonstrate how TurboRouter could be integrated in a door-to-door transport service.

The project should utilise the results obtained in other projects such as Intermodal Portal, Themis, D2D, INTRA, INFRATRANS, TRANSDATA or INFOLOG.

The activities of the project included:

| 1. | Methodology for modelling business processes which concerned the evaluation of business processes required in door-to-door transport. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Methodology for modelling business processes which concerned the evaluation of business processes required in door-to-door transport.

| 2. | The use of XML messages in system communication, which should specify the requirements for system communication and will implement XML messages supporting the exchange of information. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The use of XML messages in system communication, which should specify the requirements for system communication and will implement XML messages supporting the exchange of information.

| 3. | Development of demonstrator of door-to-door transport, which should implement an Internet application demonstrating a door-to-door transport operation. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Development of demonstrator of door-to-door transport, which should implement an Internet application demonstrating a door-to-door transport operation.

| 4. | Integrating Transport Chain Management System (TCMS) and TurboRouter, which should specify the interface and demonstrate the exchange of information between TurboRouter and the TCMS demonstrator. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Integrating Transport Chain Management System (TCMS) and TurboRouter, which should specify the interface and demonstrate the exchange of information between TurboRouter and the TCMS demonstrator.

According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, this project failed to achieve its objective because TCMS and Turborouter could not be satisfactorily integrated.

The RCN classified this project as pre-competitive development and awarded it state aid for an amount of NOK 2,15 million out of the NOK 6,2 million of the total project costs. The project received funds from the NSA for an amount of NOK 750 000 which were channelled through the RCN. The remainder was financed by the contract partner of this project, the company United European Car Carriers AS (UECC), and other participating companies. The table below recapitulates both the costs and the financing of the project (13):

| Costs | | | Financing | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Personal and indirect costs | 800 000 | | Own financing | 800 000 |
| Purchase of R&D | 2 150 000 | | Other private means | 3 250 000 |
| Equipment | 100 000 | | RCN | 2 150 000 |
| Other operating costs | 3 150 000 | | Total | 6 200 000 |
| Total | 6 200 000 | | | |

Costs

Financing

Personal and indirect costs

800 000

Own financing

800 000

Purchase of R&D

2 150 000

Other private means

3 250 000

Equipment

100 000

RCN

2 150 000

Other operating costs

3 150 000

Total

6 200 000

Total

6 200 000

4)   Project 144214 — Library of optimisation routines for scheduling in shipping

The pre-competitive research project ‘Library of optimisation routines for scheduling in shipping’ aimed at developing algorithms for advanced optimisation and scheduling of very complex shipping operations. The Norwegian authorities have explained that the library of algorithms is very trade and company specific and must thus be company-owned and not part of the standard Turborouter ‘tool kit’. Nevertheless, it may give rise to development of additional Turborouter functionalities demanded by the applications development.

The overall project costs amounted to NOK 7 million, of which NOK 1,5 million were covered by the RCN, NOK 805 000 by the NSA and the remaining amount of NOK 4,7 million by private funds. The company Beltship Management AS was the contract partner of this project.

The table below recapitulates the costs and the financing of the project (14):

| Costs | | | Financing | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Personal and indirect costs | 4 100 000 | | Own financing | 1 950 000 |
| Purchase of R&D | 2 900 000 | | Other private means | 2 750 000 |
| Equipment | | | RCN | 2 300 000 |
| Other operating costs | | | Total | 7 000 000 |
| Total | 7 000 000 | | | |

Costs

Financing

Personal and indirect costs

4 100 000

Own financing

1 950 000

Purchase of R&D

2 900 000

Other private means

2 750 000

Equipment

RCN

2 300 000

Other operating costs

Total

7 000 000

Total

7 000 000

b)   The beneficiaries

The projects addressed in the current Decision have been developed in cooperation between the research institute Marintek and several private companies. Two of the private companies were the contract partners of the concerned projects and are therefore addressed in the following. In this context the other companies involved in the said projects could also be considered as potential beneficiaries for the purposes of this Decision.

1)   Marintek

Marintek is a research institution, 56 % owned by the SINTEF group, a private research foundation, 26 % by the Norwegian Shipowners' Association, 9 % by Det Norske Veritas, an independent foundation, and the rest by several shareholders in the maritime community.

Marintek delivers marine technology research and development services. Together with the Department of Marine Technology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), it constitutes the Marine Technology Centre in Trondheim. The Norwegian Marine Technology Research Institute does research, development and technical consulting in the maritime sector for industry and the public sector. The Institute develops and verifies technological solutions for the shipping and maritime equipment industries and for offshore petroleum production. Marintek's business areas include shipping, shipbuilding, offshore marine industry and marine industry (15).

According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, Marintek has developed several software packages. Most of them are only for ‘internal use’ but others are made available as commercial products through marketing alliances.

2)   United European Car Carriers (UECC)

UECC (16) is a provider of logistics and sea transportation services for the vehicle manufacturing industry in Europe with an extensive route network to transport all sorts of rolling cargo to most destinations in Europe.

According to current figures, UECC is a short sea operator which transports approximately 1,8 million new vehicles a year on behalf of the global automotive industry. As a major logistics provider, UECC is able to offer total management solutions, which encompass the full transport chain, from the manufacturing plant through to the final retail destination. In addition to a fleet of over 20 specially-designed vessels, UECC also operate the own vehicle handling centres and provide full tracking information at unit level using the latest IT-systems.

UECC is owned in equal shares by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) of Tokyo, one of the world's largest shipping companies, and by Wallenius Lines of Stockholm, a Swedish shipping enterprise.

3)   Beltship Management AS

Beltship Management is a company which operates a highly specialised fleet of so-called self-unloading bulk carriers. Beltship Management was established in 1997 as a 50/50 partnership between Jebsens Shipping Company and Heidelberger Zement Group of Germany. The company is located in Bergen, Norway. Beltships has 9 vessels at their disposal, mainly with independently operated belt self-unloaders. Most of the vessels operate in the North Sea basin and in the Mediterranean. Beltship Management has been involved in the development of TurboRouter since 1999, and has used the tool for optimizing fleet scheduling in the North Sea basin since then (17).

4.   Description of the relationship between the four grants of aid and the Norwegian aid scheme for industrial R&D programmes

According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, the four grants of aid covered by the present Decision received aid within the framework of the aid scheme ‘Industrial R&D Programmes’ (brukerstyrte forskningsprogrammer).

a)   The aid scheme Industrial R&D Programmes

Prior to the entry into force of the EEA Agreement, the Norwegian authorities established an aid scheme called ‘Industrial R&D Programmes’ (brukerstyrte forskningsprogrammer) which was administered by the RCN. According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, this scheme covered awards of aid in the form of direct grants to research programmes of 3-5 years duration, either thematic or sector-oriented, implemented through a variable number of projects.

In December 1994, the Authority adopted a Decision on several aid schemes for research and development existing in Norway prior to the entry into force of the EEA Agreement, amongst others, the aid scheme Industrial R&D Programme (brukerstyrte forskningsprogrammer, case no 93-183). In this Decision, the Authority proposed appropriate measures to bring the scheme in line with the state aid rules of the EEA Agreement (18). In this Decision, the Authority noted that:

‘Clear guidelines or specific provisions of a binding nature have not been developed for the scheme. Awards of aid are granted at the discretion of the responsible authorities within the framework of the Research Council's society rules.’

In order to bring the scheme in line with the state aid rules, the Authority proposed to Norway, in particular, the introduction of detailed provisions which would ensure that awards of aid were granted in accordance with the principles laid down in Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines.

The Decision reads as follows:

| ‘1(i) | The Norwegian authorities shall introduce detailed provisions for the schemes listed in Annex I to this decision which ensure that awards of aid are granted in accordance with the principles laid down in Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines. This means that the provisions must





  — | distinguish between the different types of R&D activities by providing definitions for basic industrial research as well as for applied research and development in line with the provisions of paragraph 14.1(2) of the State Aid Guidelines, |
| --- | --- | --- |

‘1(i)

—

distinguish between the different types of R&D activities by providing definitions for basic industrial research as well as for applied research and development in line with the provisions of paragraph 14.1(2) of the State Aid Guidelines,

| — | define the aid intensities in such a way that as a general rule aid for basic industrial research does not exceed 50 % and that aid for applied research and development does not exceed 25 % of the eligible costs. These intensities can, if so desired, be adjusted according to the principles laid down in the State Aid Guidelines and |
| --- | --- |

—

define the aid intensities in such a way that as a general rule aid for basic industrial research does not exceed 50 % and that aid for applied research and development does not exceed 25 % of the eligible costs. These intensities can, if so desired, be adjusted according to the principles laid down in the State Aid Guidelines and

| — | define the eligibility costs for the purpose of calculating the aid intensity in compliance with the definitions in paragraph 14.5(1) of the State Aid Guidelines.’ |
| --- | --- |

—

define the eligibility costs for the purpose of calculating the aid intensity in compliance with the definitions in paragraph 14.5(1) of the State Aid Guidelines.’

Norway accepted the appropriate measures proposed by the Authority by letter dated 19 December 1994. The acceptance of appropriate measures implied that the award of aid under the Industrial R&D Programme would be done in accordance with the provisions of the Authority's R&D Guidelines as they were drafted in 1994. Following the wording of the Authority's Decision No 217/94/COL, this is in particular the case when it concerns the definition of the different types of R&D activities, the aid intensities and the eligible costs.

In the framework of the current preliminary investigation, the Norwegian authorities have stated that, as a follow-up of the acceptance of the appropriate measures, the RCN developed provisions to ensure that aid was awarded in compliance with Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines on R&D aid. This set of rules is called DOKSY, ‘Aid intensities in accordance with EEA rules’. According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, Doksy is a set of provisions adopted by the RCN which correspond mainly to the R&D Guidelines of the Authority. It serves as the basis guidelines for the granting of R&D aid by the RCN.

‘Aid intensities in accordance with EEA rules’

It is regrettable that the Norwegian authorities did not provide the amended version of the scheme Industrial R&D Programmes to the Authority for its review (19). Notwithstanding this, it is the understanding of the Authority that the Norwegian authorities amended the set of rules called Doksy in accordance with the amendments of Chapter 14 of the Authority's State Aid Guidelines.

19

b)   The Research Council of Norway

The aid granted to the undertakings for the four projects was granted by the RCN, which is the responsible body in charge of the aid scheme Industrial R&D Programmes.

According to its own statement (20), the RCN is a national strategic body and funding agency for research and innovation activities. The RCN covers all fields of research and innovation and works together with research institutions as well as the private and public sectors to reach the national financial goals and quality targets set in this area.

20

The RCN plays a vital role in developing and implementing the country's national research strategy. It acts as:

| — | a government adviser, identifying present and future needs for knowledge and research, and recommending national priorities; |
| --- | --- |

—

a government adviser, identifying present and future needs for knowledge and research, and recommending national priorities;

| — | a funding agency for research programmes and independent projects, strategic programmes at research institutions, and Norwegian participation in international research activities. The RCN has an annual budget of some NOK 4,5 billion and utilises specifically-targeted funding schemes to help translate national research policy goals into action; |
| --- | --- |

—

a funding agency for research programmes and independent projects, strategic programmes at research institutions, and Norwegian participation in international research activities. The RCN has an annual budget of some NOK 4,5 billion and utilises specifically-targeted funding schemes to help translate national research policy goals into action;

| — | a co-ordinator, initiating networks and promoting co-operation between research institutions, ministries, business and industry, public agencies and enterprises, other sources of funding, and users of research. |
| --- | --- |

—

a co-ordinator, initiating networks and promoting co-operation between research institutions, ministries, business and industry, public agencies and enterprises, other sources of funding, and users of research.

II.   APPRECIATION

1.   Introduction: the applicable legal framework

According to the information submitted by the Norwegian authorities, the four projects which are assessed in this Decision were granted R&D aid in the framework of the Industrial R&D Programme (brukerstyrte forskningsprogrammer, case no 93-183). As mentioned above, the Industrial R&D Programme was already in place before 1994. Following the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in Norway, the Authority assessed the Industrial R&D Programme together with other existing aid schemes and adopted Decision No 217/94/COL in December 1994. In this Decision, the Authority proposed appropriate measures with respect to the Industrial R&D Programme to mainly require that awards of aid would be granted in accordance with the principles laid down in Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines.

brukerstyrte forskningsprogrammer

The Norwegian authorities accepted the proposed appropriate measures. Thus, thereafter, any grant of aid under the Industrial R&D Programme had to be done in accordance with the R&D rules applicable when the Authority adopted Decision No 217/94/COL.

The R&D rules applicable when the Authority adopted Decision No 217/94/COL were Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines as adopted in 1994 (hereinafter referred to as the R&D Guidelines of 1994 (21)).

21

Hence, by definition, any aid granted under the scheme Industrial R&D Programmes which does not comply with the provisions of the version of the R&D Guidelines applicable in 1994, when the Authority proposed the appropriate measures which Norway accepted, falls outside the scope of application of the scheme. Accordingly, such a measure would constitute new individual aid and would as such need to be notified to the Authority individually.

In this context it is important to note that the present decision only concerns the application of the scheme Industrial R&D Programmes to the four concrete projects identified as relating to the development of the software programme Turborouter on which a complaint was lodged in 2002.

Should the granting of aid to the four questioned projects not be covered by the scheme Industrial R&D Programmes as explained above, each of the projects would need to be assessed individually. In this assessment, the Authority would have to determine whether state aid was granted in each of the projects and whether this aid could have been considered compatible aid on the basis of the provisions of the R&D Guidelines applicable at the time where the grants were given or directly on the basis of the rules of the EEA Agreement.

As far as Project 40049 ‘Strategic activities within maritime transport and logistics’, which led to the development of the first software programme Turborouter, is concerned, the aid was granted by a decision of the RCN of December 1995. The applicable rules governing the granting of R&D aid were Chapter 14 of the Authority's State Aid Guidelines as originally adopted in Decision No 4/94/COL. In other words, the provisions of the scheme Industrial R&D Programmes as amended following the appropriate measures of the Authority should correspond to the provisions of the generally applicable R&D Guidelines in 1995, when aid was granted to Project 40049. Thus, should the granting of aid to this project not have been done in compliance with these rules, the aid will have to be considered incompatible aid, unless its compatibility can be established on the basis of the state aid provisions in Article 61(3) (a), (b) or (c) of the EEA Agreement directly.

‘Strategic activities within maritime transport and logistics’

As far as the other three projects assessed in this Decision are concerned, they received aid on the basis of decisions taken by the RCN in 2000. Prior to that date, the Authority had amended Chapter 14 of the Guidelines with Decision No 53/96/COL adopted on 15.5.1996 to incorporate the amended Community Framework for state aid for research and development (22). Thus, an individual assessment of the granting of aid to Projects 138811 ‘AlgOpt’, 144265 ‘Shiplog II’ and 144214 ‘Library of optimisation routines for scheduling in shipping’ as individual aid should be done in accordance with the provisions of the version of Chapter 14 of the Guidelines existing since May 1996 or directly on the basis of the state aid rules in Article 61(3) (a), (b) or (c) of the EEA Agreement.

22

‘AlgOpt’

‘Shiplog II’

‘Library of optimisation routines for scheduling in shipping’

2.   State aid assessment of the projects

Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement states that:

‘Save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any aid granted by EC Member States, EFTA States or through state resources in any form whatsoever which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods shall, in so far as it affects trade between Contracting Parties, be incompatible with the functioning of this Agreement’.

Thus, in order for a measure to be considered state aid, it must constitute a selective advantage in favour of certain undertakings, be granted through state resources, distort competition and affect trade between the Contracting Parties to the EEA Agreement.

Firstly, the measure must confer on certain undertakings an advantage that reduces the costs they normally bear in the course of business and relieves them of charges that are normally borne from their budgets. By paying grants to support certain R&D projects, the RCN confers an economic advantage only on the promoters of the selected R&D projects.

Secondly, the advantage must be granted by the State or through state resources. The RCN develops and implements the country's national research strategy and specially acts as a funding agency for research. In particular, for the development of the Maritime research programme, the RCN managed funds received from the Ministries of Trade and Industry and of Finance. Thus, the public funds channelled through the RCN and which were obtained from the above-mentioned ministries constitute state resources within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement.

Thirdly, the measure must distort competition. Since there are other Norwegian undertakings which compete with the promoters of the selected R&D projects that may not receive support from the RCN to carry out their R&D projects, the granting of aid has the effect of distorting competition.

Moreover, the beneficiaries of the financing are active in sectors open to competition within the EEA. Therefore, the funds granted by the RCN for the development of R&D projects affect trade between the Contracting Parties to the EEA Agreement.

For these reasons, the grants given by the RCN to the projects related to the development of the software programme Turborouter constitute state aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement.

Whether the four projects fall within the existing aid scheme will be assessed under a).

Under b), the Authority will assess whether the aid grants, if outside the existing aid scheme, nevertheless are in compliance with the state aid rules.

a)   Assessment of the projects on the basis of the aid scheme Industrial R&D Programmes

The RCN granted financing to the above-mentioned projects in the framework of the aid scheme Industrial R&D Programmes, which the Authority classified as state aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement in its Decision No 217/94/COL of 1 December 1994.

As mentioned above, the Norwegian authorities accepted the appropriate measures proposed by the Authority to bring the aid scheme Industrial R&D Programmes in line with the rules of the EEA Agreement in a letter dated 19 December 1994. They accordingly committed to amend the aid scheme Industrial R&D Programmes in accordance with the R&D Guidelines of 1994.

In the following, the Authority will assess whether the granting of aid to the four projects in question falls within the provisions of the scheme Industrial R&D Programmes as amended in accordance with R&D Guidelines of 1994.

As a preliminary remark, the Authority would like to point out that, in general terms, according to the information available to the Authority at this stage, the RCN does not seem to control how the own contributions of the beneficiaries are distributed to various activities and whether they are effectively disbursed. This type of control seems crucial in the determination of whether the beneficiaries receive aid in the amount they are entitled to or whether, on the contrary, they are misusing the RCN's research grants.

1)   The development of the first version of the software programme Turborouter

On the basis of the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, the RCN classified Project 40049 Strategic activities within maritime transport and logistics as industrial research. According to Point 14.1.(2) of the R&D Guidelines of 1994, basic industrial research is defined as ‘original theoretical or experimental work whose objective is to achieve new or better understanding of the laws of science and engineering as they might apply to an industrial sector or the activities of a particular enterprise.’

‘original theoretical or experimental work whose objective is to achieve new or better understanding of the laws of science and engineering as they might apply to an industrial sector or the activities of a particular enterprise.’

Although, according to the information submitted by the RCN, the project consisted of activities which were classified as fundamental research as well as other activities which were classified as industrial research, the project as a whole was considered as industrial research.

The development of the first software programme Turborouter, a tool useful for companies to optimise vessel fleet scheduling, was developed as the result of one of the sub-projects covered by Project 40049. Further, the project was exclusively carried out by the research institute Marintek.

Although Turborouter has become a software tool which seems to be appreciated on the market, the RCN funds allocated to Project 40049 devoted to the sub-project ‘Methods and analytical tools for design and operation of integrated transport and logistics chains’ only led to the development of the first software programme Turborouter, in the application of industrial research. Obviously since the first software was developed in the first phase of the sub-project back in early 1996, the software has been further improved and also marketed. However, it seems that the granting of aid to project 40049 which resulted, amongst others, in the development of the first software Turborouter, cannot by this fact be considered in relation to market proximity to be beyond the stage of industrial research as it was classified by the RCN.

As industrial research, Project 40049 was granted aid from the RCN for an amount corresponding to 43,8 % of the costs of the project. This intensity is below the maximum aid intensity allowed by the Guidelines which read ‘the level of aid for basic industrial research should not be more than 50 % of the gross costs of the project or programme.’

‘the level of aid for basic industrial research should not be more than 50 % of the gross costs of the project or programme.’

For the purpose of calculating the intensity of aid from R&D activities, Section 14.5.1 of R&D Guidelines of 1994 foresaw the following eligible costs:

| — | ‘personnel costs (researchers, technicians, other supporting staff) calculated as a sum of the total amount needed to carry out the project; |
| --- | --- |

—

‘personnel costs (researchers, technicians, other supporting staff) calculated as a sum of the total amount needed to carry out the project;

| — | other running costs calculated in the same way (costs of materials, supplies, etc.); |
| --- | --- |

—

other running costs calculated in the same way (costs of materials, supplies, etc.);

| — | instruments and equipment, land and buildings; |
| --- | --- |

—

instruments and equipment, land and buildings;

| — | consultancy and equivalent services including bought-in research, technical knowledge, patents, etc; |
| --- | --- |

—

consultancy and equivalent services including bought-in research, technical knowledge, patents, etc;

| — | additional overhead costs incurred directly as a result of the R&D project or programme being promoted.’ |
| --- | --- |

—

additional overhead costs incurred directly as a result of the R&D project or programme being promoted.’

It seems that the costs of the projects, as they were taken into account in the determination of the granting of aid, are a priori covered by the definition of eligible costs provided in the R&D Guidelines of 1994.

Therefore, it appears that the RCN had classified Project 40049 as basic industrial research in accordance with the provisions of the R&D Guidelines of 1994.

It is the preliminary opinion of the Authority that the granting of aid to Project 40049 falls within the scheme Industrial R&D Programme as amended on the basis of Chapter 14 of the Authority's R&D Guidelines of 1994. This preliminary opinion is however without prejudice to the Authority's final conclusion.

The complainant has further claimed that the research results had not been disseminated but the research institute Marintek, which developed the software programme Turborouter, had received the property rights to sell the programme.

The Authority would like to point out that under the R&D Guidelines of 1994, and accordingly under the provisions of the aid scheme Industrial R&D Programmes, there was no written obligation to disseminate the results of research as is the case for fundamental research under the currently applicable R&D Guidelines.

2)   The projects relating to the further use of the software programme Turborouter

In 2000, the RCN authorised the granting of R&D aid to three R&D projects which concerned the use and further development of the software programme Turborouter: Project 138811 ‘AlgOpt’, Project 144265 ‘Shiplog II’ and Project 144214 ‘Library of optimisation routines for scheduling in shipping’.

‘AlgOpt’

‘Shiplog II’

‘Library of optimisation routines for scheduling in shipping’

The Norwegian authorities have however indicated that there were other projects which involved the use and further development of the software programme Turborouter which did not receive any support from the RCN (23).

23

The RCN classified all three projects as pre-competitive research.

The complainant has claimed that these projects were far beyond pre-competitive development activities. In his opinion, the so-called Turborouter projects were aimed at developing software programmes developed in close co-operation with a limited number of users while in parallel being marketed towards other maritime companies in need of such programmes.

What in later versions of the R&D Guidelines has been named pre-competitive research largely corresponds to the definition of applied research and development within the meaning of the R&D Guidelines of 1994.

Point 14.1.(2) of the R&D Guidelines of 1994 distinguished between three categories of research: fundamental, basic industrial and applied research and development. According to this provision, applied research ‘covers investigation or experimental work based on the results of basic industrial research to acquire new knowledge to facilitate the attainment of specific practical objectives such as the creation of new products, production processes or services. It could normally be said to end with the creation of a first prototype.’ Development is considered to cover ‘work based on applied research aimed at establishing new or substantially improved products, production processes or services up to but not including industrial application and commercial exploitation.’

‘covers investigation or experimental work based on the results of basic industrial research to acquire new knowledge to facilitate the attainment of specific practical objectives such as the creation of new products, production processes or services. It could normally be said to end with the creation of a first prototype.

‘work based on applied research aimed at establishing new or substantially improved products, production processes or services up to but not including industrial application and commercial exploitation.’

On the basis of the information available to it at this stage of the procedure, the Authority is not in the position of ascertaining whether these projects were correctly classified as applied or pre-competitive research as will be shown below. In the following, the Authority will use the term ‘pre-competitive research’ when referring to applied research and pre-competitive research.

The complainant also claimed that the maximum aid intensities had not been respected due to the fact that the own capital contributions from the concerned companies were in reality lower than stated in the application forms.

The Authority will address these allegations below for each of the projects concerned.

a)   Project 138811 — AlgOpt

—   Doubts concerning the classification of the project

The Norwegian authorities explained that the AlgOpt project was a pre-study defining the user requirements and investigation of the feasibility of using Turborouter for Beltship Management, the contract partner of the project. According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, this project was considered as a sort of ‘pre-project’ to Project 144214, Library of Optimisation routines for scheduling in shipping, which will be addressed below.

On the basis of the information available at Marintek's website, the aim of the project was to develop and carry out practical tests of algorithms to calculate the optimal utilisation of a fleet of ships.

It is questionable whether this project goes beyond the stage of applied or pre-competitive research to constitute a commercial product. This application has been developed on the basis of the software programme Turborouter incorporating algorithms to calculate the optimal utilisation of Beltship Management's fleet. It is not clear to the Authority what would make the difference between the pre-competitive phase of the product and the final commercial product. The Authority has doubts as to what is the borderline between a prototype and a commercial product in the case at hand. It is not clear from the information provided whether the result of the project financed with aid granted by the RCN was developed further before it could be used in the daily operation of the company.

—   Doubts concerning the financing of the project and the aid intensities

The Authority would like to point out that there is a slight discrepancy between the figures provided by the Norwegian authorities in the written information submitted to the Authority concerning the financing of the AlgOpt project and the information presented in the application forms for grant to the RCN also forwarded by the Norwegian authorities as follows:

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

The Norwegian authorities are invited to comment on these figures. They are also invited to provide the correct information concerning the amount of money which the Norwegian Shipowners' Association invested in the AlgOpt project which is included in the amount granted through the RCN in the table above. This information is of the essence when it comes to assessing the aid intensity of the project.

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

Following the arguments of the complainant, there is a doubt as to whether the real research cost of the project corresponded to NOK 380 000 instead of the amount claimed by Beltship Management in its application for a grant from the RCN, i.e. NOK 925 000.

i.e.

This doubt is substantiated by comparing the figures concerning the costs of the project and its financing. Beltship Management contributes with own means amounting to NOK 625 000 to the financing of the project. According to the information contained in the application form to the RCN, this sum is divided as NOK 80 000 in cash and NOK 545 000 as contribution in kind. The later corresponds exactly to the personnel and indirect costs of the project whereas the cash contribution together with the aid granted by the RCN (NOK 300 000) pays the purchase of R&D which costs NOK 380 000.

It seems that it is Marintek, the research institute that developed the first software programme Turborouter, which had the necessary know-how and technological competence to do the project. Therefore, it appears rational to assume that most of the work would have been carried out by its own staff. This would imply, in principle, that the participation of the staff of Beltship Management, which was the final user of the software, would have most probably been related to the definition of the users needs and/or to some degree of testing.

Although it seems questionable to what extent the staff of the company can carry out activities classified as research activities, the R&D Guidelines of 1994 did not require that staff be employed solely on the research activities for these costs to be eligible for aid.

Notwithstanding this, comparison of the costs of the project shows that the total contribution of Beltship Management's staff to the project which amounted to 545 000 NOK is more important and costly than the development of the R&D which was acquired from Marintek for a total of 380 000 NOK. It seems questionable to what extent the staff of the company has carried out research activities or whether these costs rather concerned normal operational activities of the company. The Authority would appreciate documentary evidence which can substantiate that the hours behind these research costs were actually used in the project.

To the extent that Beltship's contribution in kind may not have corresponded to research costs, the overall costs of the research project would be lower and the aid intensities accordingly higher.

b)   Project 144265 — Shiplog II

—   Doubts concerning the classification of the project

According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, the main objective of Shiplog II was to develop a pilot demonstrator of door-to-door logistics management in the shipping of chemicals and cars.

According to Point 14.1.(2) of the R&D Guidelines of 1994, applied research covers investigation or experimental work based on the results of basic industrial research which could normally be said to end with the creation of a first prototype. The Authority has doubts whether the definition of applied research covers cases such as this where the pilot demonstrator or prototype seems to be very close to what the final product would have been. According to the information submitted by the Norwegian authorities, the integration of the Transport Chain Management System (TCMS) and Turborouter, the main objective of this project, failed.

—   Doubts concerning the financing of the project and the aid intensities

A comparison of the figures corresponding to the project costs and its financing shows that the amount granted by the RCN equals the sum necessary to purchase R&D. Further, the contribution of UECC's (own financing), the company in charge of the project, corresponds to the personnel and indirect costs. The rest of the gross costs of the project covers equipment and other operating costs and equals the financing brought by the other companies participating in the project.

The Norwegian authorities have contended in their letter dated 22 August 2005 that ‘in order to promote cooperation [between private companies and public R&D institutions] we may in some calls for proposals for industry-driven projects, state that the application will be evaluated favourably if the external purchases of R&D from research institutes (institutes or universities) are at least as high as the support given by the RCN.’
   (24)

‘in order to promote cooperation [between private companies and public R&D institutions] we may in some calls for proposals for industry-driven projects, state that the application will be evaluated favourably if the external purchases of R&D from research institutes (institutes or universities) are at least as high as the support given by the RCN.’

24

The Authority questions whether the figures for the total project costs have been inflated to seemingly obtain more financing. It is questionable whether this approach has led beneficiaries to include part of their normal operating costs in the R&D costs allocated to the research projects financed with support from the RCN.

Should this be the case and should the R&D project in reality only correspond to the purchased R&D, the intensity of the aid granted would have to be revised. It would then be necessary to assess whether the revised aid intensity falls within the parameters of the Industrial R&D Programme.

c)   Project 144214 — Library of optimisation routines for scheduling in shipping

—   Doubts concerning the classification of the project

According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, in this specific project the requirements of Beltship Management and another company, Iver Ships, were used as an example to gain some more experience from this kind of scheduling software in shipping organisations. This could have been of great value to Marintek's further development of Turborouter. Even if the requirements of these two companies would not be the same as for other shipping companies, it would be possible to build on some main principles in the used algorithms.

The Authority has difficulties in understanding which are the determining features of this project in classifying it as applied research and not as a commercial project.

During the preliminary investigation, the Norwegian authorities have argued that the result of the activities in any of the projects classified as applied or pre-competitive research cannot be exploited commercially and sold to other users because they are company-specific applications. According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, Turborouter will never be an ‘off-the-shelf’ product but will always need, by definition, further adaptations.

The Norwegian authorities acknowledge the difficulty in distinguishing between a commercial and a pre-competitive product where the result of the activity is not a physical product but a new, altered or improved process, service or procedure to be used internally. In their opinion, the activity that has created these results may be classified as a pre-competitive development activity if it is not part of the day-to-day operation of the company and not part of routine or periodic changes or improvements.

The borderline between a pilot project, which could not be used commercially, and a commercial final product seems very diffuse in the case at hand because the software needs to be adapted anew for each new application specific to each final user. The Authority questions to what extent the further development of the software programme Turborouter for use in developing applications which serve concrete needs for the final users can be covered by the definition of applied research. It is not clear to the Authority what would be considered as a commercial product and what would fall under a prototype regarding the concrete application of the software programme Turborouter to the specific needs of a given company.

The Authority doubts whether, due to the specific characteristics of the software programme Turborouter, the development of each new application necessarily goes beyond the stage of pilot project to be a new commercial product or whether, on the contrary, it constitutes applied research.

Furthermore, although the project as such was considered pre-competitive research, the RCN classified certain activities within Project 144214 ‘Library of optimisation routines for scheduling of shipping’ such as map chart status or the writing and publishing of articles as industrial research. The correctness of this classification seems doubtful.

—   Doubts concerning the financing of the project and the aid intensities

As was the case of the previously mentioned projects, the comparison of the figures provided for as the cost and financing of the project raises doubts as to whether the project only concerns research activities or whether it covers part of the operational costs of the company, in this case of Beltship Management and Iver Ships.

From the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, it seems that the object of the project was to allow Marintek to use the two companies as an example to gain some more experience from this kind of scheduling software in shipping organisations. In principle, this would imply that the majority of the research work will be done by Marintek itself. It is the understanding of the Authority that this research done by Marintek is covered by the rubric ‘Purchase of R&D’ in the costs of the project and amounts to NOK 2 900 000. It follows logically that the work of the personnel has an auxiliary function, to provide the researchers with the experiences acquired ‘on the job’ while using the software tool Turborouter. In the understanding of the Authority, this information should serve as a basis for the research of Marintek and should be processed into new algorithms for advanced optimisation and scheduling of shipping operations. It does not seem that the aim of the project was the development of a given prototype or pilot demonstrator. In such a situation, it seems unusual that the costs of personnel and indirect costs are higher than the cost of purchasing R&D.

The Authority welcomes any comment regarding this issue.

3)   The necessity to open the formal investigation procedure

On the basis of the information available at this stage of the procedure, the Authority is not in the position of ascertaining whether these projects were correctly classified as pre-competitive development activities or whether, on the contrary, they were already too close to the market to be eligible for state aid.

Furthermore, the Authority has doubts concerning the financing of the projects, in particular regarding the effective disbursement of the own contributions in kind of the beneficiaries of the projects.

In light of the above, the Authority has doubts both as to whether the above-mentioned projects have received aid in compliance with the R&D Guidelines of 1994 and as to whether the beneficiaries have used the aid in contravention of the accepted appropriate measures on the scheme Industrial R&D Programmes. On the basis of the definition in Article 1(g) in Part II of Protocol 3, aid used by the beneficiary in contravention of a decision taken pursuant to Article 4(3) or Article 7(3) or (4) constitutes misuse of aid. This definition covers, in the Authority's view, individual aid awards within a scheme approved by the Authority by means of appropriate measures.

According to Article 4(4) in Part II of Protocol 3, the Authority shall decide to initiate the formal investigation procedure where, after a preliminary investigation, it finds that doubts are raised as to the compatibility of a measure with the functioning of the EEA Agreement. Furthermore, according to Article 16 in Part II of Protocol 3, the Authority may in cases of misuse of aid open the formal investigation procedure pursuant to Article 4(4) in Part II of Protocol 3.

With regard to the correct classification of the projects and the respective aid intensities, should the Authority find out in the course of this formal investigation that the above-mentioned projects have received aid which was not awarded on the basis of the aid scheme Industrial R&D Programmes, it will consider these projects as individual aid awards which were not notified to the Authority in due time. Any aid which is put into effect in contravention of Article 1(3) in Part I of Protocol 3, i.e. that was not notified and authorised by the Authority prior to being put into effect, is considered unlawful aid by virtue of Article 1(f) in Part II of the same Protocol.

Both in the case of misuse of aid and of the granting of unlawful aid which is incompatible with the state aid rules of the EEA Agreement, the aid will have to be recovered from the beneficiaries.

b)   Assessment of the projects as individual aid grants

1)   Introduction

Should the granting of financial support by the RCN to the projects concerning the development of the software programme Turborouter not be covered by the aid scheme Industrial R&D Programmes, as assessed above, these measures will constitute individual aid and should have been notified in accordance with Article 1(3) in Part I of Protocol 3 and will have to be assessed individually.

2)   Compatibility

At this stage of the procedure, the Authority is not in the position of determining whether the granting of aid to the projects related to the further development of the software programme Turborouter can be considered compatible on the basis of the provisions of the R&D Guidelines as amended by the Authority with Decision No 53/96/COL (25). For this reason, in the following, the Authority will only recall provisions which may seem relevant for a possible assessment of these grants in light of the R&D Guidelines.

25

On the basis of the provisions of Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines ‘Aid for research and development’, aid granted to firms for R&D may be regarded as compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement by virtue of Article 61(3)(c) of the EEA Agreement which provides a derogation for aid that facilitates the development of certain economic activities as long as it does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest.

‘Aid for research and development’

State aid for R&D should serve as an incentive for firms to undertake research activities in addition to their normal day-to-day operations (26). In order to verify that the planned aid will induce firms to pursue research which they would not otherwise have pursued, the Authority takes particular account of quantifiable factors such as changes in R&D spending or in the number of people assigned to R&D activities, market failures, other additional costs connected with cross-border cooperation and other relevant factors.

26

When examining the compatibility of an aid for research and development, under the R&D Guidelines, the Authority pays special attention to the type of research carried out, the beneficiaries, the aid intensity or the accessibility to the results. The closer the aid is to the market, the more significant the distortive effect of the state aid may be.

In order to determine the proximity to the market of the aided R&D, the Authority makes a distinction between fundamental research, industrial research and pre-competitive development activity. By pre-competitive development activity is meant (27)
  ‘the shaping of the results of industrial research into a plan, arrangement or design for new, altered or improved products, processes or services, whether they are intended to be sold or used, including the creation of an initial prototype which could not be used commercially. It may include conceptual formulation and design of other products, processes or services and initial demonstration projects or pilot projects, provided that such projects cannot be converted or used for industrial applications or commercial exploitation’. The permissible gross aid intensity for such activities is fixed at 25 % of the eligible costs.

27

‘the shaping of the results of industrial research into a plan, arrangement or design for new, altered or improved products, processes or services, whether they are intended to be sold or used, including the creation of an initial prototype which could not be used commercially. It may include conceptual formulation and design of other products, processes or services and initial demonstration projects or pilot projects, provided that such projects cannot be converted or used for industrial applications or commercial exploitation’

According to Point 14.5.9 of the R&D Guidelines, in cases of R&D activity spanning industrial research and pre-competitive development activities, the permissible aid intensity will not normally exceed the weighted average of the permissible aid intensities applicable to the two types of research.

However, in the event of failure of the research concerned, the Authority, in line with past practice, may allow a higher level of aid intensity since the project's failure reduces the risk of competition and trade being distorted (28).

28

Under Annex II to Chapter 14, the R&D Guidelines, the Authority revised the concept of eligible costs for the purpose of calculating the aid intensity to cover:

| — | personnel costs (researchers, technicians and other supporting staff employed solely on the research activity) |
| --- | --- |

—

personnel costs (researchers, technicians and other supporting staff employed solely on the research activity)

| — | cost of instruments, equipment, and land and premises used solely and on a continual basis (except where transferred commercially) for the research activity |
| --- | --- |

—

cost of instruments, equipment, and land and premises used solely and on a continual basis (except where transferred commercially) for the research activity

| — | cost of consultancy and equivalent services used exclusively for the research activity, including the research, technical knowledge and patents, etc. bought from outside sources |
| --- | --- |

—

cost of consultancy and equivalent services used exclusively for the research activity, including the research, technical knowledge and patents, etc. bought from outside sources

| — | additional overheads incurred directly as a result of the research activity |
| --- | --- |

—

additional overheads incurred directly as a result of the research activity

| — | other operating expenses (e.g. cost of materials, supplies and similar products) incurred directly as a result of the research activity. |
| --- | --- |

—

other operating expenses (e.g. cost of materials, supplies and similar products) incurred directly as a result of the research activity.

Should the granting of aid to any of these projects not be considered compatible on the basis of the R&D Guidelines of 1996 or on another state aid provision of the EEA Agreement, any illegally granted aid will have to be recovered from the beneficiaries, pursuant to Article 14 of Protocol 3.

3.   Conclusion

In light of the above, the Authority has doubts as to whether all or any of the above-mentioned four projects have received aid in compliance with the R&D State Aid Guidelines.

In particular regarding the projects related to the further development of the software programme Turborouter, on the basis of the information available to it at this stage of the procedure, the Authority is not in the position of ascertaining whether these projects were correctly classified as pre-competitive development activities or whether, on the contrary, they were already too close to the market to be eligible for state aid.

The Authority has doubts regarding the real research costs of the projects. Should the Authority, in the framework of the current investigation, find out that they were lower than alleged in the application for funding to the RCN, the aid intensities will have to be reviewed.

Furthermore, the Authority also has doubts regarding the effective disbursement of all contributions in kind from the beneficiaries.

The two concerns mentioned above with respect to the pre-competitive research projects may lead to the conclusion that aid could have been granted for an amount exceeding 25 % of the real costs of the project. As far as the industrial research project is concerned, this percentage can reach 50 %. Any amount exceeding this figure not covered by the state aid rules on R&D aid might need to be recovered.

The Authority also doubts whether the beneficiaries have used the aid in contravention of the accepted appropriate measures on the scheme Industrial R&D Programmes.

Therefore, in accordance with Articles 4(4), 10 and following and 16 in Part II of Protocol 3, the Authority is obliged to open the formal investigation procedure provided for in Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3. The decision to open proceedings is without prejudice to the final decision of the Authority.

The Norwegian authorities should inform Marintek, Beltship Management, UECC and any other beneficiary of possible state aid by means of a copy of this Decision —

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The EFTA Surveillance Authority has decided to open the formal investigation procedure pursuant to Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement regarding the R&D aid granted by the Research Council of Norway in connection with the development of the software programme Turborouter.

Article 2

The Norwegian Government is invited, pursuant to Article 6(1) in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement to submit its comments on the opening of the formal investigation procedure within one month from the notification of this decision.

Article 3

Other Contracting Parties to the EEA Agreement and interested parties shall be informed by the publishing of a meaningful summary and the full text of this Decision in the EEA Section of the Official Journal of the European Union and the EEA Supplement thereto, inviting them to submit comments within one month from the date of publication of this Decision.

Article 4

The Authority requests the Norwegian authorities to forward a copy of this letter to the recipients of the aid immediately.

Article 5

This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Norway.

Article 6

This Decision is authentic in the English language.

Done at Brussels, 8 March 2006.

For the EFTA Surveillance Authority

Bjørn T. GRYDELAND

President

Kurt JAEGER

College Member

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(1)  Hereinafter referred to as ‘the Authority’.

1

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

2

(3)  Hereinafter referred to as ‘the Surveillance and Court Agreement’.

3

(4)  Hereinafter referred to as ‘Protocol 3’.

4

(5)  Procedural and Substantive Rules in the Field of State Aid, Guidelines on the application and interpretation of Articles 61 and 62 of the EEA Agreement and Article 1 of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement, adopted and issued by the EFTA Surveillance Authority on 19 January 1994, published in OJ 1994 L 231, EEA Supplements 3.9.94 No 32, last amended on 14 December 2005, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Guidelines’.

5

(6)  Not yet published in the OJ or the EEA Supplement. Available at:

6

http://www.eftasurv.int/fieldsofwork/fieldstateaid/legaltexts/ms2decision.DOC. This Decision has been last amended by the Authority's Decision No 329/05/COL of 20.12.2005.

(7)  The following information has been obtained from the brochure TurboRouter Vessel schedule optimizing software, available at the website of Marintek: http://www.marintek.no

7

(8)  These figures have been obtained from the form submitted to the RCN for the application for a grant.

8

(9)  Information obtained from Marintek's website: http://www.marintek.no

9

(10)  These figures have been obtained from the form submitted to the RCN for the application for a grant.

10

(11)  Information obtained from Marintek's website.

11

(12)  XML (Extensible Mark-up Language) is a flexible way to create common information formats and share both the format and the data on the World Wide Web, intranets, and elsewhere. XML is a formal recommendation from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) similar to the language of today's Web pages, the Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML).

12

(13)  These figures have been obtained from the form submitted to the RCN for the application for a grant.

13

(14)  These figures have been obtained from the form submitted to the RCN for the application for a grant.

14

(15)  Information issued from Marintek's website: http://www.sintef.no/Content/page2____690.aspx.

15

(16)  Information issued from UECC's website: www.uecc.com.

16

(17)  Information issued from ‘TurboRouter, Vessel schedule optimizing software’, a publication from Marintek.

17

(18)  Decision of the EFTA Surveillance Authority No 217/94/COL of 1.12.1994. The schemes covered by this decision were: Industrial R&D Contracts (case 93-147) and Public R&D Contracts (case 93-182) granted by the SND and Industrial R&D Projects (case 93-181) and Industrial R&D Programs (case 93-183) granted by the RCN.

18

(19)  According to the Decision, ‘The Norwegian authorities must inform the EFTA Surveillance Authority on the adoption of such provisions [the appropriate measures], insofar as these involve state aid, before they are put into effect’.

19

(20)  Information taken from the website of the RCN at http://www.forskningsradet.no/english/

20

(21)  In January 1994, the Authority had taken Decision No 4/94/COL on the adoption and issuing of the Procedural and Substantive Rules in the Field of State Aid (Guidelines on the application and interpretation of Articles 61 and 62 of the EEA Agreement and Article 1 of Protocol 3). Chapter 14 thereof deals with Aid for research and development, which mainly corresponded to the Community framework for state aid for research and development. This Decision was published on the Official Journal L 231 of 3.9.1994, pages 1 to 84.

21

(22)  Published in the OJ C 45 of 17.2.1996, pages 5 to 16.

22

(23)  See chart ‘Projects involving development of Turborouter’ handed over by the RCN during the meeting with representatives of the Authority held in Oslo in September 2004.

23

(24)  See page 1 in the letter from the Norwegian authorities dated 22.8.2005.

24

(25)  Should the granting of R&D aid to Project 40049 fall outside the scheme Industrial R&D Programmes, its compatibility as individual aid can only be established on the basis of the EEA Agreement directly (see page 12 of this Decision).

25

(26)  See Section 14.7 Incentive effect of R&D aid in Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines, R&D Guidelines, as amended in 1996.

26

(27)  See Annex I to Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines, R&D Guidelines, as amended in 1996.

27

(28)  See Section 14.5.6 in Chapter 14 of the State Aid Guidelines, R&D Guidelines, as amended in 1996.

28

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