# Official Journal C 189/2008

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 189 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5126 July 2008 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 189

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5126 July 2008

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2008/C 189/01 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2008/C 189/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5184 — Arcapita/Freightliner) (
  1
  ) | 5 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2008/C 189/01

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

1

1

2008/C 189/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5184 — Arcapita/Freightliner) (
  1
  )

1

5

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | European Parliament |
| 2008/C 189/03 | Conference of Community and European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) — Contribution adopted by the XXXIX COSAC — Brdo pri Kranju, 7-8 May 2008 | 6 |
| | Commission |
| 2008/C 189/04 | Euro exchange rates | 9 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2008/C 189/05 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1628/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to national regional investment aid (
  1
  ) | 10 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

European Parliament

2008/C 189/03

Conference of Community and European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) — Contribution adopted by the XXXIX COSAC — Brdo pri Kranju, 7-8 May 2008

6

Commission

2008/C 189/04

Euro exchange rates

9

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2008/C 189/05

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1628/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to national regional investment aid (
  1
  )

1

10

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2008/C 189/06 | Notice of the impending expiry of certain countervailing measures concerning imports of bedlinen originating in India | 12 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2008/C 189/07 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5229 — OMV/Lehman/Met/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 13 |
| 2008/C 189/08 | State aid — France (Articles 87 to 89 of the Treaty establishing the European Community) — Commission notice pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty — Withdrawal of notification — State aid C 51/07 (ex N 530/07) — Support by the Industrial Innovation Agency in favour of the VHD programme (
  1
  ) | 14 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | Commission |
| 2008/C 189/09 | Notice concerning a request in accordance with Article 30 of Directive 2004/17/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council — Deadline extension — Request made by a Member State | 15 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

Commission

2008/C 189/06

Notice of the impending expiry of certain countervailing measures concerning imports of bedlinen originating in India

12

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

2008/C 189/07

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5229 — OMV/Lehman/Met/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

13

2008/C 189/08

State aid — France (Articles 87 to 89 of the Treaty establishing the European Community) — Commission notice pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty — Withdrawal of notification — State aid C 51/07 (ex N 530/07) — Support by the Industrial Innovation Agency in favour of the VHD programme (
  1
  )

1

14

OTHER ACTS

Commission

2008/C 189/09

Notice concerning a request in accordance with Article 30 of Directive 2004/17/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council — Deadline extension — Request made by a Member State

15

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

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 26.7.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 189/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.7.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 189/1

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

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 189/01)

| Date of adoption of the decision | 20.5.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 598/06 |
| Member State | Spain |
| Region | Andalucía |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Ayudas de finalidad regional a la inversión y al empleo ligado a la inversión, ayudas en favor de las PYMES para consultaría e incentivos a la creación de pequeñas empresas y a la fase inicial de desarrollo de las pequeñas empresas por la Administración de la Junta de Andalucía en el 2007, 2008 y 2009 |
| Legal basis | Decreto no 21/2007 de 30 de enero, por el que se establece el marco regulador de las ayudas de finalidad regional y en favor de las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMES) que se concedan por la Administración de la Junta de Andalucía en los años 2007, 2008 y 2009 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Regional development, Small and medium-sized enterprises, Employment |
| Form of aid | Direct grant, Interest subsidy, Soft loan |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 888 million |
| Intensity | 40 %, 50 %, 60 % |
| Duration | 2008-31.12.2009 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Junta de Andalucía |
| Consejería de la Presidencia |
| Plaza de la Contratación no 3 |
| E-41071 Sevilla |

Date of adoption of the decision

20.5.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 598/06

Member State

Spain

Region

Andalucía

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Ayudas de finalidad regional a la inversión y al empleo ligado a la inversión, ayudas en favor de las PYMES para consultaría e incentivos a la creación de pequeñas empresas y a la fase inicial de desarrollo de las pequeñas empresas por la Administración de la Junta de Andalucía en el 2007, 2008 y 2009

Legal basis

Decreto no 21/2007 de 30 de enero, por el que se establece el marco regulador de las ayudas de finalidad regional y en favor de las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMES) que se concedan por la Administración de la Junta de Andalucía en los años 2007, 2008 y 2009

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Regional development, Small and medium-sized enterprises, Employment

Form of aid

Direct grant, Interest subsidy, Soft loan

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 888 million

Intensity

40 %, 50 %, 60 %

Duration

2008-31.12.2009

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Junta de Andalucía

Consejería de la Presidencia

Plaza de la Contratación no 3

E-41071 Sevilla

Other information

—

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

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

| Date of adoption of the decision | 7.5.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 741/07 |
| Member State | Spain |
| Region | Canarias |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Modificación del régimen de ayudas de Estado
  N 376/06 — Zona Especial Canaria (ZEC) |
| Legal basis | Propuesta de disposición transitoria del Borrador del Proyecto de Real Decreto por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de Desarrollo de la Ley no 19/94 de 6 de julio, de modificación del Régimen Económico y Fiscal de Canarias, en materia de incentivos fiscales en la imposición indirecta, la reserva para inversiones en Canarias y la Zona Especial Canaria.
  Real Decreto-Ley no 12/2006, de 29 de diciembre, por el que se modifican la Ley no 19/1994, de 6 de julio, de modificación del Régimen Económico y Fiscal de Canarias, y el Real Decreto-Ley no 2/2000, de 23 de junio |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Regional development |
| Form of aid | Tax advantage |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 20,8 million
  Overall budget: EUR 104 million |
| Intensity | 40 % |
| Duration | 1.1.2009-31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ministerio de Economía y Hacienda |
| C/ Alcalá no 9 |
| E-28071 Madrid |

Date of adoption of the decision

7.5.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 741/07

Member State

Spain

Region

Canarias

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Modificación del régimen de ayudas de Estado

N 376/06 — Zona Especial Canaria (ZEC)

Legal basis

Propuesta de disposición transitoria del Borrador del Proyecto de Real Decreto por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de Desarrollo de la Ley no 19/94 de 6 de julio, de modificación del Régimen Económico y Fiscal de Canarias, en materia de incentivos fiscales en la imposición indirecta, la reserva para inversiones en Canarias y la Zona Especial Canaria.

Real Decreto-Ley no 12/2006, de 29 de diciembre, por el que se modifican la Ley no 19/1994, de 6 de julio, de modificación del Régimen Económico y Fiscal de Canarias, y el Real Decreto-Ley no 2/2000, de 23 de junio

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Regional development

Form of aid

Tax advantage

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 20,8 million

Overall budget: EUR 104 million

Intensity

40 %

Duration

1.1.2009-31.12.2013

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministerio de Economía y Hacienda

C/ Alcalá no 9

E-28071 Madrid

| Consejería de Economía y Hacienda del Gobierno de Canarias |
| --- |
| Avda. José Manuel Guimerá no 10 |
| E-38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |

Consejería de Economía y Hacienda del Gobierno de Canarias

Avda. José Manuel Guimerá no 10

E-38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Other information

—

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

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

| Date of adoption of the decision | 16.4.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | NN 22/08 |
| Member State | Spain |
| Region | Canarias |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Arbitrio sobre las Importaciones y Entregas de Mercancías en las Islas Canarias (AIEM) |
| Legal basis | Council Decision of 20 June 2002 on the AIEM tax applicable in the Canary Islands
  Ley no 20/1991, de 7 de junio, de modificación de los aspectos fiscales del Régimen Económico y Fiscal de Canarias
  Ley no 24/2001, de 27 de diciembre, de Medidas Fiscales, Administrativas y del Orden Social
  Ley no 38/2003, de 17 de noviembre, General de Subvenciones |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Regional development |
| Form of aid | Tax advantage |
| Budget | Annual budget: EUR 104 million
  Overall budget: EUR 520 million |
| Intensity | 40 % |
| Duration | 1.1.2007-31.12.2011 |
| Economic sectors | Manufacturing industry, Chemical and pharmaceutical industry, Agriculture |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Consejería de Economía y Hacienda del Gobierno de Canarias |
| Avda. José Manuel Guimerá no 10 |
| E-38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |

Date of adoption of the decision

16.4.2008

Reference number of the aid

NN 22/08

Member State

Spain

Region

Canarias

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Arbitrio sobre las Importaciones y Entregas de Mercancías en las Islas Canarias (AIEM)

Legal basis

Council Decision of 20 June 2002 on the AIEM tax applicable in the Canary Islands

Ley no 20/1991, de 7 de junio, de modificación de los aspectos fiscales del Régimen Económico y Fiscal de Canarias

Ley no 24/2001, de 27 de diciembre, de Medidas Fiscales, Administrativas y del Orden Social

Ley no 38/2003, de 17 de noviembre, General de Subvenciones

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Regional development

Form of aid

Tax advantage

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 104 million

Overall budget: EUR 520 million

Intensity

40 %

Duration

1.1.2007-31.12.2011

Economic sectors

Manufacturing industry, Chemical and pharmaceutical industry, Agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Consejería de Economía y Hacienda del Gobierno de Canarias

Avda. José Manuel Guimerá no 10

E-38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Other information

—

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

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

| Date of adoption of the decision | 30.4.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | NN 25/08 |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Nordrhein-Westfalen |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Risikoabschirmung WestLB |
| Legal basis | — |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Objective | Rescue of firms in difficulty |
| Form of aid | Guarantee |
| Budget | Overall budget: EUR 5 000 million |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration | 8.2.2008-8.8.2008 |
| Economic sectors | Financial intermediation |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Land Nordrhein-Westfalen |
| Stadttor 1 |
| D-40219 Düsseldorf |

Date of adoption of the decision

30.4.2008

Reference number of the aid

NN 25/08

Member State

Germany

Region

Nordrhein-Westfalen

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Risikoabschirmung WestLB

Legal basis

—

Type of measure

Individual aid

Objective

Rescue of firms in difficulty

Form of aid

Guarantee

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 5 000 million

Intensity

—

Duration

8.2.2008-8.8.2008

Economic sectors

Financial intermediation

Name and address of the granting authority

Land Nordrhein-Westfalen

Stadttor 1

D-40219 Düsseldorf

Other information

—

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

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

| Date of adoption of the decision | 2.7.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 103/08 |
| Member State | Romania |
| Region | NUTS II |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Schema de ajutor de stat privind dezvoltarea regională prin stimularea investiţiilor |
| Legal basis | Proiectul de Hotărâre de Guvern privind dezvoltarea regională prin stimularea investiţiilor |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Regional development, Employment |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Overall budget: RON 2 070 million |
| Intensity | 50 % |
| Duration | 31.12.2012 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ministerul Economiei și Finanţelor |
| Strada Apolodor nr. 17, sector 5 |
| Bucureşti, România |

Date of adoption of the decision

2.7.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 103/08

Member State

Romania

Region

NUTS II

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Schema de ajutor de stat privind dezvoltarea regională prin stimularea investiţiilor

Legal basis

Proiectul de Hotărâre de Guvern privind dezvoltarea regională prin stimularea investiţiilor

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Regional development, Employment

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Overall budget: RON 2 070 million

Intensity

50 %

Duration

31.12.2012

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministerul Economiei și Finanţelor

Strada Apolodor nr. 17, sector 5

Bucureşti, România

Other information

—

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

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

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| 26.7.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 189/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.7.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 189/5

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.5184 — Arcapita/Freightliner)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 189/02)

On 18 July 2008, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

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

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32008M5184. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu). |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32008M5184. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

European Parliament

| 26.7.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 189/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.7.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 189/6

---

Conference of Community and European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC)

Contribution adopted by the XXXIX COSAC

Brdo pri Kranju, 7-8 May 2008

(2008/C 189/03)

1.   The Role of the Parliaments after the Treaty of Lisbon

| 1.1. | COSAC welcomes the signing of the Treaty of Lisbon and its ratification by thirteen Member States (1) and calls on the parliaments and on the citizens of the other Member States to endorse the Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

COSAC welcomes the signing of the Treaty of Lisbon and its ratification by thirteen Member States (1) and calls on the parliaments and on the citizens of the other Member States to endorse the Treaty.

| 1.2. | COSAC welcomes the strengthened role of national parliaments as laid down in the Treaty of Lisbon, which enables their better involvement in the EU decision-making process. COSAC notes that it is up to national parliaments to develop mechanisms to make use of their extended rights. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

COSAC welcomes the strengthened role of national parliaments as laid down in the Treaty of Lisbon, which enables their better involvement in the EU decision-making process. COSAC notes that it is up to national parliaments to develop mechanisms to make use of their extended rights.

| 1.3. | Noting the 50th anniversary of the European Parliament, COSAC expresses respect for its work aimed at direct involvement of Europe's citizens in the EU decision-making process. Furthermore, COSAC believes that the provisions of the Treaty of Lisbon enhancing the role of the European Parliament as a co-legislator will contribute to a greater legitimacy of decisions taken at the EU level. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

Noting the 50th anniversary of the European Parliament, COSAC expresses respect for its work aimed at direct involvement of Europe's citizens in the EU decision-making process. Furthermore, COSAC believes that the provisions of the Treaty of Lisbon enhancing the role of the European Parliament as a co-legislator will contribute to a greater legitimacy of decisions taken at the EU level.

| 1.4. | COSAC considers that if the new rights of the national parliaments as envisaged in the Treaty of Lisbon are to be exerted, COSAC itself, as well as IPEX and the permanent representatives of national parliaments to the European Union, can play an important role in the dialogue between national parliaments. This also requires the full cooperation of the institutions of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

COSAC considers that if the new rights of the national parliaments as envisaged in the Treaty of Lisbon are to be exerted, COSAC itself, as well as IPEX and the permanent representatives of national parliaments to the European Union, can play an important role in the dialogue between national parliaments. This also requires the full cooperation of the institutions of the European Union.

| 1.5. | COSAC encourages national parliaments and the European Parliament to introduce and promote their communication strategies in order to inform the citizens of the provisions of the Treaty of Lisbon. |
| --- | --- |

1.5.

COSAC encourages national parliaments and the European Parliament to introduce and promote their communication strategies in order to inform the citizens of the provisions of the Treaty of Lisbon.

2.   Cooperation with the Institutions of the European Union

| 2.1. | The mechanism through which the Commission directly transmits all new proposals and consultation papers to national parliaments is considered to be positive. Furthermore, it has contributed to the monitoring of EU affairs by national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

2.1.

The mechanism through which the Commission directly transmits all new proposals and consultation papers to national parliaments is considered to be positive. Furthermore, it has contributed to the monitoring of EU affairs by national parliaments.

| 2.2. | COSAC acknowledges the efforts of the Commission to respond to the reactions submitted by national parliaments. However, COSAC encourages the Commission — in line with the XXXVII COSAC in Berlin and the XXXVIII COSAC in Estoril — to provide the national parliaments with an assessment of the measures it currently has in place, or plans to put in place, to take these reactions into account in further formulation of policy and of its annual Legislative and Work Programme. |
| --- | --- |

2.2.

COSAC acknowledges the efforts of the Commission to respond to the reactions submitted by national parliaments. However, COSAC encourages the Commission — in line with the XXXVII COSAC in Berlin and the XXXVIII COSAC in Estoril — to provide the national parliaments with an assessment of the measures it currently has in place, or plans to put in place, to take these reactions into account in further formulation of policy and of its annual Legislative and Work Programme.

| 2.3. | COSAC invites the Commission:






  (a) | to provide national parliaments directly with information on the content and the exact date of publication of new proposals and consultation papers which it will publish; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.3.

COSAC invites the Commission:

(a)

to provide national parliaments directly with information on the content and the exact date of publication of new proposals and consultation papers which it will publish;

| (b) | to provide its responses to the reactions submitted by national parliaments not only to those national parliaments which sent the reactions, the European Parliament and the Council, but also to all other national parliaments; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

to provide its responses to the reactions submitted by national parliaments not only to those national parliaments which sent the reactions, the European Parliament and the Council, but also to all other national parliaments;

| (c) | to provide national parliaments directly with a weekly list of all new documents it publishes. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

to provide national parliaments directly with a weekly list of all new documents it publishes.

| 2.4. | In the light of the provisions of the Treaty of Lisbon, COSAC also encourages the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament to create a mechanism to inform national parliaments when the final translation of a legislative proposal is transmitted to the relevant national parliament; and to indicate the date when the eight week period to submit a reaction to the proposal expires. COSAC stresses that it would be helpful if the Commission would additionally transmit through a separate channel proposals to which the early warning mechanism is applicable. |
| --- | --- |

2.4.

In the light of the provisions of the Treaty of Lisbon, COSAC also encourages the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament to create a mechanism to inform national parliaments when the final translation of a legislative proposal is transmitted to the relevant national parliament; and to indicate the date when the eight week period to submit a reaction to the proposal expires. COSAC stresses that it would be helpful if the Commission would additionally transmit through a separate channel proposals to which the early warning mechanism is applicable.

| 2.5. | COSAC believes that the dialogue between the Commission and the national parliaments regarding individual proposals should continue after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, as exchange of views on substance between the national parliaments and the Commission brings significant added value to the transparency and democratic legitimacy of the EU legislative process. |
| --- | --- |

2.5.

COSAC believes that the dialogue between the Commission and the national parliaments regarding individual proposals should continue after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, as exchange of views on substance between the national parliaments and the Commission brings significant added value to the transparency and democratic legitimacy of the EU legislative process.

3.   The Lisbon Strategy and National Parliaments

| 3.1. | COSAC welcomes the Conclusions of the European Council on 13 and 14 March 2008 in Brussels. It considers that the new three year cycle of the Strategy for Growth and Jobs, and the time-frame and principles adopted for the energy and climate change package, are of great importance for the economic and social life of Europe's citizens. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.

COSAC welcomes the Conclusions of the European Council on 13 and 14 March 2008 in Brussels. It considers that the new three year cycle of the Strategy for Growth and Jobs, and the time-frame and principles adopted for the energy and climate change package, are of great importance for the economic and social life of Europe's citizens.

| 3.2. | COSAC takes note that the European Council invited the Commission and the Member States to strengthen the involvement of relevant stakeholders in the Lisbon Strategy. In this respect, COSAC encourages national parliaments to play a more active role in the implementation of the renewed Lisbon Strategy. |
| --- | --- |

3.2.

COSAC takes note that the European Council invited the Commission and the Member States to strengthen the involvement of relevant stakeholders in the Lisbon Strategy. In this respect, COSAC encourages national parliaments to play a more active role in the implementation of the renewed Lisbon Strategy.

| 3.3. | COSAC believes that the innovation and creativity as well as gender equality and equal opportunities of Europe's citizens are key factors for future growth. In order to fulfil the ambitions of the European Union in this area COSAC encourages the Member States to invest more and more effectively in innovation and research in pursuit of the 3 % R & D investment target. Taking note of the invitation from the European Council to the Member States, COSAC calls on all national parliaments to monitor how progress towards national R & D investment targets is achieved through the National Reform Programmes. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.

COSAC believes that the innovation and creativity as well as gender equality and equal opportunities of Europe's citizens are key factors for future growth. In order to fulfil the ambitions of the European Union in this area COSAC encourages the Member States to invest more and more effectively in innovation and research in pursuit of the 3 % R & D investment target. Taking note of the invitation from the European Council to the Member States, COSAC calls on all national parliaments to monitor how progress towards national R & D investment targets is achieved through the National Reform Programmes.

| 3.4. | COSAC underlines the opportunities that the free movement of knowledge, known as the fifth freedom, could provide for achieving the objectives of the renewed Lisbon Strategy. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.

COSAC underlines the opportunities that the free movement of knowledge, known as the fifth freedom, could provide for achieving the objectives of the renewed Lisbon Strategy.

| 3.5. | COSAC reminds the institutions of the European Union of the importance of the service sector, where majority of new jobs are created today. Free movement of services is of great importance to achieve this while recognising there are differences in Member States' national labour market models. |
| --- | --- |

3.5.

COSAC reminds the institutions of the European Union of the importance of the service sector, where majority of new jobs are created today. Free movement of services is of great importance to achieve this while recognising there are differences in Member States' national labour market models.

4.   The Area of Freedom, Security and Justice

| 4.1. | COSAC welcomes the accession of nine Member States to the Schengen Area and expects that Bulgaria and Romania will also join the Schengen Area in due time according to the agreed schedule assumed by the two countries. The enlargement of the Schengen Area is a great achievement in support of the free movement of persons, one of the four fundamental freedoms of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

4.1.

COSAC welcomes the accession of nine Member States to the Schengen Area and expects that Bulgaria and Romania will also join the Schengen Area in due time according to the agreed schedule assumed by the two countries. The enlargement of the Schengen Area is a great achievement in support of the free movement of persons, one of the four fundamental freedoms of the European Union.

| 4.2. | At the same time, COSAC stresses that the development and introduction of the second generation of the Schengen Information System (SIS II) remains a priority and is to be established in a timely fashion and according to the agreed deadline of September 2009. |
| --- | --- |

4.2.

At the same time, COSAC stresses that the development and introduction of the second generation of the Schengen Information System (SIS II) remains a priority and is to be established in a timely fashion and according to the agreed deadline of September 2009.

| 4.3. | COSAC attaches a high degree of importance to the cooperation between the European Union and the Western Balkans States in the field of home affairs, since this is one of the most prominent areas of their cooperation. This cooperation leads to better security in the region of the Western Balkans States and consequently in the European Union as a whole. |
| --- | --- |

4.3.

COSAC attaches a high degree of importance to the cooperation between the European Union and the Western Balkans States in the field of home affairs, since this is one of the most prominent areas of their cooperation. This cooperation leads to better security in the region of the Western Balkans States and consequently in the European Union as a whole.

| 4.4. | COSAC believes that current joint activities of the European Union and the Western Balkans States in the field of home affairs, and primarily in the fight against organised crime and corruption, will build cooperation among law enforcement forces in the region of the Western Balkans and aid the transposition of EU security standards to the area. They will provide the Western Balkans States with the means and examples of best practice which are necessary to increase their commitment to developing and operating their own such mechanisms. |
| --- | --- |

4.4.

COSAC believes that current joint activities of the European Union and the Western Balkans States in the field of home affairs, and primarily in the fight against organised crime and corruption, will build cooperation among law enforcement forces in the region of the Western Balkans and aid the transposition of EU security standards to the area. They will provide the Western Balkans States with the means and examples of best practice which are necessary to increase their commitment to developing and operating their own such mechanisms.

| 4.5. | COSAC welcomes the European Commission's opening of a dialogue with the Western Balkans States for the liberalisation of visa policy and calls on the EU institutions, the Member States and the Western Balkans States for further steps to be taken by all those involved in the field. |
| --- | --- |

4.5.

COSAC welcomes the European Commission's opening of a dialogue with the Western Balkans States for the liberalisation of visa policy and calls on the EU institutions, the Member States and the Western Balkans States for further steps to be taken by all those involved in the field.

5.   The European Perspective of the Western Balkans States

| 5.1. | COSAC sees the future of all Western Balkans States in the European Union. In this respect, it welcomes each country's own efforts to meet the criteria that have been set out. |
| --- | --- |

5.1.

COSAC sees the future of all Western Balkans States in the European Union. In this respect, it welcomes each country's own efforts to meet the criteria that have been set out.

| 5.2. | Each applicant country has to fulfil all criteria to achieve membership of the EU and COSAC believes that the vision of reunifying Europe cannot be implemented without the integration of the Western Balkans, so the EU has to continue its efforts to support the Western Balkans States by helping them to meet the membership criteria. |
| --- | --- |

5.2.

Each applicant country has to fulfil all criteria to achieve membership of the EU and COSAC believes that the vision of reunifying Europe cannot be implemented without the integration of the Western Balkans, so the EU has to continue its efforts to support the Western Balkans States by helping them to meet the membership criteria.

---

(1)  As of 8 May 2008.

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Commission

| 26.7.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 189/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.7.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 189/9

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

25 July 2008

(2008/C 189/04)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,5734 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 168,77 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4619 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,78880 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,4610 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,6268 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 127,51 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,0815 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 23,595 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 231,35 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,7032 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,2080 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,5675 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 30,385 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,8966 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6438 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,5968 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 12,2698 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 2,1159 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 2,1407 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 584,41 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 11,9481 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 10,7275 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,2182 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 14 352,55 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 5,1129 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 69,143 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 36,7435 |
| THB | Thai baht | 52,608 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,4808 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 15,7525 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,5734

JPY

Japanese yen

168,77

DKK

Danish krone

7,4619

GBP

Pound sterling

0,78880

SEK

Swedish krona

9,4610

CHF

Swiss franc

1,6268

ISK

Iceland króna

127,51

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,0815

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

23,595

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

231,35

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,7032

PLN

Polish zloty

3,2080

RON

Romanian leu

3,5675

SKK

Slovak koruna

30,385

TRY

Turkish lira

1,8966

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6438

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,5968

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

12,2698

NZD

New Zealand dollar

2,1159

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,1407

KRW

South Korean won

1 584,41

ZAR

South African rand

11,9481

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,7275

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,2182

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

14 352,55

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

5,1129

PHP

Philippine peso

69,143

RUB

Russian rouble

36,7435

THB

Thai baht

52,608

BRL

Brazilian real

2,4808

MXN

Mexican peso

15,7525

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 26.7.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 189/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.7.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 189/10

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1628/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to national regional investment aid

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 189/05)

| Aid No | XR 12/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Ireland |
| Region | Border Midlands and West Region, Southern and Eastern Region |
| Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement | Regional Aid (Industry and Services) Scheme 2007-2013 |
| Legal basis | Industrial Development Acts 1986-2003; Údarás na Gaeltachta Act 1979; Shannon Free Airport Development Company Limited Act, 1959 as amended; Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Annual budget | EUR 85 million |
| Maximum aid intensity | 30 % |
| In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 1.1.2007 |
| Duration | 31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for regional investment aid |
| Name and address of the granting authority | IDA Ireland, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2 |
| Tel. (353-1) 603 40 00, www.idaireland.com |

Aid No

XR 12/07

Member State

Ireland

Region

Border Midlands and West Region, Southern and Eastern Region

Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement

Regional Aid (Industry and Services) Scheme 2007-2013

Legal basis

Industrial Development Acts 1986-2003; Údarás na Gaeltachta Act 1979; Shannon Free Airport Development Company Limited Act, 1959 as amended; Greyhound Industry Act, 1958

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Annual budget

EUR 85 million

Maximum aid intensity

30 %

In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation

Date of implementation

1.1.2007

Duration

31.12.2013

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for regional investment aid

Name and address of the granting authority

IDA Ireland, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2

Tel. (353-1) 603 40 00, www.idaireland.com

| Enterprise Ireland, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 |
| --- |
| Tel. (353-1) 808 20 00, www.enterprise-ireland.com |

Enterprise Ireland, Glasnevin, Dublin 9

Tel. (353-1) 808 20 00, www.enterprise-ireland.com

| Údarás na Gaeltachta, Na Forbacha, Co na Gaillimhe |
| --- |
| Tel. (353-9) 150 31 00, www.udaras.ie |

Údarás na Gaeltachta, Na Forbacha, Co na Gaillimhe

Tel. (353-9) 150 31 00, www.udaras.ie

| Shannon Free Airport Development Company Limited, Shannon Town, Co Clare |
| --- |
| Tel. (353-6) 136 15 55, www.shannonireland.com |

Shannon Free Airport Development Company Limited, Shannon Town, Co Clare

Tel. (353-6) 136 15 55, www.shannonireland.com

| Bord na gCon,104 Henry Street, Limerick, Co Limerick |
| --- |
| Tel. (353-6) 131 67 88, www.igb.ie |

Bord na gCon,104 Henry Street, Limerick, Co Limerick

Tel. (353-6) 131 67 88, www.igb.ie

Internet address of the publication of the aid scheme

www.entemp.ie/enterprise/stateaid/

http://www.entemp.ie/enterprise/stateaid/regionalaidschemedescription.doc

Other information

—

| Aid No | XR 144/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Slovenia |
| Region | Slovenija |
| Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement | Regionalna shema državnih pomoči |
| Legal basis | Uredba o dodeljevanju regionalnih državnih pomoči (Uradni list RS, št. 72/2006 in 70/2007) |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Annual budget | EUR 115,99 million |
| Maximum aid intensity | 30 % |
| In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 4.8.2007 |
| Duration | 31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for regional investment aid |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Služba vlade RS za lokalno samoupravo in regionalno politiko, Kotnikova 28, SLO-1000 Ljubljana |
| Tel. (386-1) 308 31 78 |
| Fax (386-1) 478 36 19 |
| E-mail: gp.svlr@gov.si |

Aid No

XR 144/07

Member State

Slovenia

Region

Slovenija

Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement

Regionalna shema državnih pomoči

Legal basis

Uredba o dodeljevanju regionalnih državnih pomoči (Uradni list RS, št. 72/2006 in 70/2007)

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Annual budget

EUR 115,99 million

Maximum aid intensity

30 %

In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation

Date of implementation

4.8.2007

Duration

31.12.2013

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for regional investment aid

Name and address of the granting authority

Služba vlade RS za lokalno samoupravo in regionalno politiko, Kotnikova 28, SLO-1000 Ljubljana

Tel. (386-1) 308 31 78

Fax (386-1) 478 36 19

E-mail: gp.svlr@gov.si

Internet address of the publication of the aid scheme

http://zakonodaja.gov.si/rpsi/r05/predpis_URED4165.html

Other information

—

| Aid No | XR 49/08 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Lithuania |
| Region | 87(3)(a) |
| Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement | Pramoninių objektų teritorijų inžinerinių tinklų ir susisiekimo komunikacijų įrengimo projektų grupės aprašas |
| Legal basis | 2008 m. vasario 29 d. Lietuvos Respublikos ūkio ministro įsakymo Nr. 4-79 „Dėl Lietuvos Respublikos ūkio ministerijos programų lėšų, teikiamų projektų veiklai ir kapitalui formuoti, administravimo taisyklių patvirtinimo“ 21 priedas „Pramoninių objektų teritorijų inžinerinių tinklų ir susisiekimo komunikacijų įrengimo projektų grupės aprašas“ |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Annual budget | LTL 10 million |
| Maximum aid intensity | 50 % |
| In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 9.3.2008 |
| Duration | 31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for regional investment aid |
| — |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Lietuvos Respublikos ūkio ministerija |
| Gedimino pr. 38/2, LT-01104 Vilnius |

Aid No

XR 49/08

Member State

Lithuania

Region

87(3)(a)

Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement

Pramoninių objektų teritorijų inžinerinių tinklų ir susisiekimo komunikacijų įrengimo projektų grupės aprašas

Legal basis

2008 m. vasario 29 d. Lietuvos Respublikos ūkio ministro įsakymo Nr. 4-79 „Dėl Lietuvos Respublikos ūkio ministerijos programų lėšų, teikiamų projektų veiklai ir kapitalui formuoti, administravimo taisyklių patvirtinimo“ 21 priedas „Pramoninių objektų teritorijų inžinerinių tinklų ir susisiekimo komunikacijų įrengimo projektų grupės aprašas“

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Annual budget

LTL 10 million

Maximum aid intensity

50 %

In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation

Date of implementation

9.3.2008

Duration

31.12.2013

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for regional investment aid

—

Name and address of the granting authority

Lietuvos Respublikos ūkio ministerija

Gedimino pr. 38/2, LT-01104 Vilnius

Internet address of the publication of the aid scheme

http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=315576

http://www3.lrs.lt/c-bin/getgr?C1=bin&c2=315576&c3=26330

Other information

—

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V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

Commission

| 26.7.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 189/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.7.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 189/12

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Notice of the impending expiry of certain countervailing measures concerning imports of bedlinen originating in India

(2008/C 189/06)

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

1.

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

2.   Procedure

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

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

3.   Time limit

Community producers may submit a written request for a review on the above basis, to reach the European Commission, Directorate-General for Trade (Unit H-1), J-79 4/23, B-1049 Brussels (2) at any time from the date of the publication of the present notice but no later than three months before the date mentioned in the table below.

| 4. | This notice is published in accordance with Article 18(4) of Regulation (EC) No 2026/97.









  Product | Country(ies) of origin or exportation | Measures | Reference | Date of expiry |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bedlinen (cotton type) | India | Countervailing duty | Council Regulation (EC) No 74/2004 (OJ L 12, 17.1.2004, p. 1) as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1840/2006 (OJ L 355, 15.12.2006, p. 4) | 18.1.2009 |

4.

This notice is published in accordance with Article 18(4) of Regulation (EC) No 2026/97.

Product

Country(ies) of origin or exportation

Measures

Reference

Date of expiry

Bedlinen (cotton type)

India

Countervailing duty

Council Regulation (EC) No 74/2004 (OJ L 12, 17.1.2004, p. 1) as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1840/2006 (OJ L 355, 15.12.2006, p. 4)

18.1.2009

---

(1)  OJ L 288, 21.10.1997, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 461/2004 (OJ L 77, 13.3.2004, p. 12).

(2)  Fax (32-2) 295 65 05.

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PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

| 26.7.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 189/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.7.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 189/13

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.5229 — OMV/Lehman/Met/JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 189/07)

| 1. | On 15 July 2008, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings OMV Power International GmbH (‘OPI’, Austria) controlled by OMV AG, Austria, Lehman ALI Inc. (‘Lehman’, USA) belonging to the Lehman Brothers Group, and the Met Group (‘Met Group’, Turkey) controlled by Dr Celal Metin acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of Borasco Elektrik Üretim Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. (‘Borasco Elektrik’, Turkey) by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 15 July 2008, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings OMV Power International GmbH (‘OPI’, Austria) controlled by OMV AG, Austria, Lehman ALI Inc. (‘Lehman’, USA) belonging to the Lehman Brothers Group, and the Met Group (‘Met Group’, Turkey) controlled by Dr Celal Metin acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of Borasco Elektrik Üretim Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. (‘Borasco Elektrik’, Turkey) by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture.

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






  — | for OPI: development of power plant projects for gas and renewable energy, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for OPI: development of power plant projects for gas and renewable energy,

| — | for Lehman: financial services, |
| --- | --- |

—

for Lehman: financial services,

| — | for the Met Group: consultancy services focused on energy, telecommunication and consumer sectors, |
| --- | --- |

—

for the Met Group: consultancy services focused on energy, telecommunication and consumer sectors,

| — | for Borasco Elektrik: development and operation of a gas power plant in Turkey. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Borasco Elektrik: development and operation of a gas power plant in Turkey.

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

3.

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

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5229 — OMV/Lehman/Met/JV, to the following address:





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

4.

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

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5229 — OMV/Lehman/Met/JV, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

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

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

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| 26.7.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 189/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.7.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 189/14

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STATE AID — FRANCE

(Articles 87 to 89 of the Treaty establishing the European Community)

Commission notice pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty — Withdrawal of notification

State aid C 51/07 (ex N 530/07) — Support by the Industrial Innovation Agency in favour of the VHD programme

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 189/08)

By decision of 29 January 2008, the Commission decided to close the formal investigation procedure under Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty, initiated on 13 November 2007 in respect of the measure referred to above, recording that France had withdrawn its notification on 29 November 2007.

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OTHER ACTS

Commission

| 26.7.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 189/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.7.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 189/15

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Notice concerning a request in accordance with Article 30 of Directive 2004/17/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council — Deadline extension

Request made by a Member State

(2008/C 189/09)

On 19 May 2008, the Commission received a request in accordance with Article 30(4) of Directive 2004/17/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 coordinating the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors (1).

This request, made by the Republic of Poland, concerns the production and wholesale of electricity in that country. The request was published in OJ C 134 of 31.5.2008, p. 43. The initial deadline was 20 August 2008.

Given that the Commission needs to obtain and examine further information, and in keeping with the provisions contained in the third sentence of Article 30(6), the period in which the Commission must take a decision on this request is extended by one month.

The final deadline is therefore 20 September 2008.

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(1)  OJ L 134, 30.4.2004, p. 1.

---