# Official Journal C 294/2007

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 294 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 506 December 2007 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 294

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 506 December 2007

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 294/01 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections | 1 |
| 2007/C 294/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4803 — RBS/Sempra) (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2007/C 294/03 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4790 — Entremont Alliance/Sodiaal Industrie/Cofranlait) (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2007/C 294/04 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4888 — Advent International/Domestic & General Group plc) (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2007/C 294/05 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4351 — Wolseley/DT Group) (
  1
  ) | 6 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2007/C 294/01

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

1

2007/C 294/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4803 — RBS/Sempra) (
  1
  )

1

5

2007/C 294/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4790 — Entremont Alliance/Sodiaal Industrie/Cofranlait) (
  1
  )

1

5

2007/C 294/04

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4888 — Advent International/Domestic & General Group plc) (
  1
  )

1

6

2007/C 294/05

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4351 — Wolseley/DT Group) (
  1
  )

1

6

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 294/06 | Euro exchange rates | 7 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2007/C 294/07 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 | 8 |
| 2007/C 294/08 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products | 12 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2007/C 294/06

Euro exchange rates

7

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2007/C 294/07

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001

8

2007/C 294/08

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products

12

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2007/C 294/09 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4814 — AIB/FDC/JV) (
  1
  ) | 19 |
| 2007/C 294/10 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4886 — Petroplus/Shell French Refineries) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 20 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

2007/C 294/09

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4814 — AIB/FDC/JV) (
  1
  )

1

19

2007/C 294/10

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4886 — Petroplus/Shell French Refineries) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

20

| | Corrigenda |
| --- | --- |
| 2007/C 294/11 | Corrigendum to the Notice of Initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of certain welded tubes and pipes of iron or non-alloy steel originating in Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the People's Republic of China and Russia (OJ C 226, 26.9.2007) | 21 |

Corrigenda

2007/C 294/11

Corrigendum to the Notice of Initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of certain welded tubes and pipes of iron or non-alloy steel originating in Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the People's Republic of China and Russia (OJ C 226, 26.9.2007)

(OJ C 226, 26.9.2007)

21

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

---

II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 6.12.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 294/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.12.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 294/1

---

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

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(2007/C 294/01)

| Date of adoption of the decision | 22.5.2007 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 259/06 |
| Member State | Spain |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Aid to promote new technologies for agricultural equipment |
| Legal basis | Orden APA/1127/206, de 7 de abril, por la que se modifica la Orden de 19 de febrero de 1993, sobre medidas de estímulo y apoyo para la promoción de nuevas tecnologías en maquinarias y equipos agrarios |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | To improve agricultural productivity by promoting the use of modern means of production in agriculture and the use of new technologies |
| Form of aid | Investment aid |
| Budget | EUR 8 000 000 |
| Intensity | 15 % of eligible expenditure on average |
| Duration | 2007-2012 |
| Economic sectors | Agriculture |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación |
| Paseo Infanta Isabel 1 |
| E-28014 Madrid |

Date of adoption of the decision

22.5.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 259/06

Member State

Spain

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Aid to promote new technologies for agricultural equipment

Legal basis

Orden APA/1127/206, de 7 de abril, por la que se modifica la Orden de 19 de febrero de 1993, sobre medidas de estímulo y apoyo para la promoción de nuevas tecnologías en maquinarias y equipos agrarios

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

To improve agricultural productivity by promoting the use of modern means of production in agriculture and the use of new technologies

Form of aid

Investment aid

Budget

EUR 8 000 000

Intensity

15 % of eligible expenditure on average

Duration

2007-2012

Economic sectors

Agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación

Paseo Infanta Isabel 1

E-28014 Madrid

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 | 10.10.2007 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 417/06 |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | Friuli Venezia Giulia |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Interventi a favore dell'innovazione nel settore della filiera foresta-legno |
| Legal basis | Legge regionale n. 26 del 10 novembre 2005«Disciplina generale in materia di innovazione, ricerca scientifica e sviluppo tecnologico».
  Delibera di giunta regionale n. 740 del 7 aprile 2006«Approvazione in via preliminare del regolamento previsto dall'art. 16 della legge regionale 26/2005 in materia di innovazione, ricerca scientifica e sviluppo tecnologico» |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Valorisation of the forests and of the products and by-products of the regional forest-based industry by promoting research projects and innovative activities in favour of a sustainable forestry sector |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | Annual expenditure: EUR 300 000
  Overall budget: EUR 900 000 |
| Intensity | Research and development: 100 % of eligible costs.
  Technical assistance: 100 % of eligible costs within the limit of EUR 200 000de minimis aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1998/2006 |
| Duration | Until 30.6.2009 |
| Economic sectors | Forestry |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Regione autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia — Direzione centrale Risorse agricole, naturali, forestali e montagna |
| Via A. Caccia, 17 |
| I-33100 Udine |

Date of adoption of the decision

10.10.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 417/06

Member State

Italy

Region

Friuli Venezia Giulia

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Interventi a favore dell'innovazione nel settore della filiera foresta-legno

Legal basis

Legge regionale n. 26 del 10 novembre 2005«Disciplina generale in materia di innovazione, ricerca scientifica e sviluppo tecnologico».

Delibera di giunta regionale n. 740 del 7 aprile 2006«Approvazione in via preliminare del regolamento previsto dall'art. 16 della legge regionale 26/2005 in materia di innovazione, ricerca scientifica e sviluppo tecnologico»

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Valorisation of the forests and of the products and by-products of the regional forest-based industry by promoting research projects and innovative activities in favour of a sustainable forestry sector

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual expenditure: EUR 300 000

Overall budget: EUR 900 000

Intensity

Research and development: 100 % of eligible costs.

Technical assistance: 100 % of eligible costs within the limit of EUR 200 000de minimis aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1998/2006

Duration

Until 30.6.2009

Economic sectors

Forestry

Name and address of the granting authority

Regione autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia — Direzione centrale Risorse agricole, naturali, forestali e montagna

Via A. Caccia, 17

I-33100 Udine

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 | 12.7.2007 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 172/07 |
| Member State | Belgium |
| Region | Flanders |
| Title | „Verlenging van de agromilieumaatregel perceelsrandenbeheer” |
| Legal basis | — | Besluit van de Vlaamse Regering van 21 oktober 2005 betreffende het sluiten van beheersovereenkomsten in uitvoering van Verordening (EG) nr. 1257/1999 van de Raad van 17 mei 1999 inzake steun voor plattelandsontwikkeling. |

Date of adoption of the decision

12.7.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 172/07

Member State

Belgium

Region

Flanders

Title

„Verlenging van de agromilieumaatregel perceelsrandenbeheer”

Legal basis

—

Besluit van de Vlaamse Regering van 21 oktober 2005 betreffende het sluiten van beheersovereenkomsten in uitvoering van Verordening (EG) nr. 1257/1999 van de Raad van 17 mei 1999 inzake steun voor plattelandsontwikkeling.

| — | Ministerieel besluit van 21 oktober 2005 betreffende het sluiten van beheersovereenkomsten in uitvoering van Verordening (EG) nr. 1257/1999 van de Raad van 17 mei 1999 inzake steun voor plattelandsontwikkeling |
| --- | --- |

—

Ministerieel besluit van 21 oktober 2005 betreffende het sluiten van beheersovereenkomsten in uitvoering van Verordening (EG) nr. 1257/1999 van de Raad van 17 mei 1999 inzake steun voor plattelandsontwikkeling

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

To increase botanic value of farming land

Form of aid

Grant

Budget

EUR 700 000

Intensity

Up to 100 %

Duration

2007-2011

Economic sectors

Agricultural sector

Name and address of the granting authority

| Vlaamse Landmaatschappij |
| --- |
| Gulden Vlieslaan 72 |
| B-1060 Brussel |

Vlaamse Landmaatschappij

Gulden Vlieslaan 72

B-1060 Brussel

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 | 12.7.2007 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 173/2007 |
| Member State | Belgium |
| Region | Flanders |
| Title | „Verlenging van de agromilieumaatregel weidevogelbeheer” |
| Legal basis | — | Besluit van de Vlaamse Regering van 21 oktober 2005 betreffende het sluiten van beheersovereenkomsten in uitvoering van Verordening (EG) nr. 1257/1999 van de Raad van 17 mei 1999 inzake steun voor plattelandsontwikkeling. |

Date of adoption of the decision

12.7.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 173/2007

Member State

Belgium

Region

Flanders

Title

„Verlenging van de agromilieumaatregel weidevogelbeheer”

Legal basis

—

Besluit van de Vlaamse Regering van 21 oktober 2005 betreffende het sluiten van beheersovereenkomsten in uitvoering van Verordening (EG) nr. 1257/1999 van de Raad van 17 mei 1999 inzake steun voor plattelandsontwikkeling.

| — | Ministerieel besluit van 21 oktober 2005 betreffende het sluiten van beheersovereenkomsten in uitvoering van Verordening (EG) nr. 1257/1999 van de Raad van 17 mei 1999 inzake steun voor plattelandsontwikkeling |
| --- | --- |

—

Ministerieel besluit van 21 oktober 2005 betreffende het sluiten van beheersovereenkomsten in uitvoering van Verordening (EG) nr. 1257/1999 van de Raad van 17 mei 1999 inzake steun voor plattelandsontwikkeling

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

An environmentally-favourable farming

Form of aid

Grant

Budget

EUR 100 000

Intensity

Up to 100 %

Duration

2007-2011

Economic sectors

Agricultural sector

Name and address of the granting authority

| Vlaamse Landmaatschappij |
| --- |
| Gulden Vlieslaan 72 |
| B-1060 Brussel |

Vlaamse Landmaatschappij

Gulden Vlieslaan 72

B-1060 Brussel

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 | 12.7.2007 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 174/07 |
| Member State | Belgium |
| Region | Flanders |
| Title | „Verlenging van de agromilieumaatregel herstel, ontwikkeling en onderhoud van kleine landschapselementen” |
| Legal basis | — | Besluit van de Vlaamse Regering van 21 oktober 2005 betreffende het sluiten van beheersovereenkomsten in uitvoering van Verordening (EG) nr. 1257/1999 van de Raad van 17 mei 1999 inzake steun voor plattelandsontwikkeling. |

Date of adoption of the decision

12.7.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 174/07

Member State

Belgium

Region

Flanders

Title

„Verlenging van de agromilieumaatregel herstel, ontwikkeling en onderhoud van kleine landschapselementen”

Legal basis

—

Besluit van de Vlaamse Regering van 21 oktober 2005 betreffende het sluiten van beheersovereenkomsten in uitvoering van Verordening (EG) nr. 1257/1999 van de Raad van 17 mei 1999 inzake steun voor plattelandsontwikkeling.

| — | Ministerieel besluit van 21 oktober 2005 betreffende het sluiten van beheersovereenkomsten in uitvoering van Verordening (EG) nr. 1257/1999 van de Raad van 17 mei 1999 inzake steun voor plattelandsontwikkeling |
| --- | --- |

—

Ministerieel besluit van 21 oktober 2005 betreffende het sluiten van beheersovereenkomsten in uitvoering van Verordening (EG) nr. 1257/1999 van de Raad van 17 mei 1999 inzake steun voor plattelandsontwikkeling

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

The upkeep of the landscape

Form of aid

Grant

Budget

EUR 90 000

Intensity

Up to 100 %

Duration

2007-2011

Economic sectors

Agricultural sector

Name and address of the granting authority

| Vlaamse Landmaatschappij |
| --- |
| Gulden Vlieslaan 72 |
| B-1060 Brussel |

Vlaamse Landmaatschappij

Gulden Vlieslaan 72

B-1060 Brussel

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/

---

| 6.12.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 294/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.12.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 294/5

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4803 — RBS/Sempra)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 294/02)

On 30 November 2007, 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 32007M4803. 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 32007M4803. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

| 6.12.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 294/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.12.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 294/5

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4790 — Entremont Alliance/Sodiaal Industrie/Cofranlait)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 294/03)

On 30 November 2007, 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 French 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 32007M4790. 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 32007M4790. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

| 6.12.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 294/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.12.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 294/6

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4888 — Advent International/Domestic & General Group plc)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 294/04)

On 5 November 2007, 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 32007M4888. 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 32007M4888. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

| 6.12.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 294/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.12.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 294/6

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4351 — Wolseley/DT Group)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 294/05)

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

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

—

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

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4351. 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 32006M4351. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 6.12.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 294/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.12.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 294/7

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

5 December 2007

(2007/C 294/06)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,4720 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 162,33 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4574 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,72240 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,3985 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,6458 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 91,31 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,0700 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | Cyprus pound | 0,5842 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 26,237 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 252,89 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6990 |
| MTL | Maltese lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,6000 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,5474 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 33,260 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,7330 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6950 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4975 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 11,4751 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,9216 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 2,1265 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 359,47 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 10,0165 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 10,8751 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,3265 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 13 638,08 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,9216 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 61,861 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 35,9640 |
| THB | Thai baht | 44,440 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,4720

JPY

Japanese yen

162,33

DKK

Danish krone

7,4574

GBP

Pound sterling

0,72240

SEK

Swedish krona

9,3985

CHF

Swiss franc

1,6458

ISK

Iceland króna

91,31

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,0700

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5842

CZK

Czech koruna

26,237

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

252,89

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6990

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4293

PLN

Polish zloty

3,6000

RON

Romanian leu

3,5474

SKK

Slovak koruna

33,260

TRY

Turkish lira

1,7330

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6950

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4975

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

11,4751

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,9216

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,1265

KRW

South Korean won

1 359,47

ZAR

South African rand

10,0165

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,8751

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,3265

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

13 638,08

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,9216

PHP

Philippine peso

61,861

RUB

Russian rouble

35,9640

THB

Thai baht

44,440

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

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NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 6.12.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 294/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.12.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 294/8

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001

(2007/C 294/07)

Aid No: XA 190/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Provincia autonoma di Bolzano

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Criteri e modalità per la concessione di contributi per polizze assicurative a copertura di perdite subite dalle aziende agricole.

Legal basis: Articolo 4, comma 1, lettera k), della legge provinciale 14 dicembre 1998, n. 11, e successive modifiche.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: EUR 2 million.

Maximum aid intensity: 80 % of the costs of insurance policies covering only damage due to adverse climate events which can be assimilated to natural disasters, such as frost, hail, ice, rain or drought destroying over 30 % of a farmer's mean annual production in the three preceding years; 50 % of costs of insurance policies to cover damage caused by the abovementioned adverse climate events and other damage caused by adverse climate events.

Date of implementation: 1 September 2007.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Until 31 December 2013.

Objective of aid: Article 12, ‘Aid towards the payment of insurance premiums’, of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006.

Sector(s) concerned: Grapes, apples, stone fruit and vegetables.

Name and address of granting authority:

| Provincia autonoma di Bolzano, Ripartizione agricoltura |
| --- |
| Via Brennero, 6 |
| I-39100 Bolzano |

Provincia autonoma di Bolzano, Ripartizione agricoltura

Via Brennero, 6

I-39100 Bolzano

Web address: http.//www.provincia.bz.it/agricoltura/dema/dema_getreso.asp?DRES_ID=2444

Head of Division

Martin Pazeller

Aid No: XA 191/07

Member State: Spain

Region: Comunidad Valenciana.

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Ayudas destinadas al saneamiento de plantaciones de cítricos afectados por el virus de la tristeza de los cítricos.

Legal basis: The implementing legislation on technical matters is the following:

Community guidelines for State aid in the agriculture and forestry sector 2007 to 2013 (OJ C 319, 27.12.2006),

Council Directive 2000/29/EC on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of harmful organisms,

Real Decreto no 58/2005 de 21 de enero por el que se adoptan medidas de protección contra la introducción y difusión en el territorio nacional y de la Comunidad Europea de organismos nocivos para los vegetales o productos vegetales, así como para la exportación y tránsito a países terceros,

Decreto no 2540/1968 de 10 de octubre por el que se dictan las normas de protección de los cultivos citrícolas contra la enfermedad virótica denominada tristeza de los cítricos,

Orden del Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación de 12 de noviembre de 1997 por la que se establecen ayudas para el saneamiento de las plantaciones citrícolas afectadas por el virus de la tristeza.

The basic legislation is as follows:

la Ley no 5/1983, de 30 de diciembre del Consejo,.

el Decreto Legislativo de 26 de junio de 1991 por el que se aprueba el Texto Refundido de la Ley de Hacienda Pública de la Generalitat,

la Ley no 38/2003 de 17 de noviembre, General de Subvenciones y el Real Decreto no 887/2006 de 21 de julio por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de la Ley de Subvenciones.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: The annual expenditure planned for aid to restore citrus groves damaged by the tristeza virus is EUR 480 000 in 2007 and EUR 500 000 in 2008.

Maximum aid intensity: The estimated aid intensity, taking account of the assessment formula laid down in Article 3 of the Order and on the basis of a supporting study, is 21,25 %.

Date of implementation: Two months from publication of the draft Order submitted.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: From publication of the Order in the Diario Oficial de la Comunitat Valenciana (Official Journal of the Community of Valencia) until December 2013.

Objective of aid: The aid is covered by Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 and is intended to compensate farmers for losses caused by plant diseases. The aid is to be granted to restore citrus groves damaged by the tristeza virus and covers the market value of the damaged plants, plus compensation for losses of income caused by replanting.

Sector(s) concerned: Natural or legal persons undertaking to grub up and replant citrus groves damaged by the tristeza virus. The sectors benefiting are the plant production and citrus-growing sectors.

Name and address of the granting authority: Consellería de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación de la Comunidad Valenciana (España).

Web address: http://www.agricultura.gva.es/especiales/ayudas_agrarias/pdf/proyecto_de_orden_saneamiento_citricos_afectados_por_virus_tristeza.pdf

Valencia, 19 July 2007.

Head of the Agricultural Income Protection Department

Ricardo Llácer Escorihuela

Aid No: XA 192/07

Member State: Republic of Slovenia

Region: Municipality of Mirna Peč

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: Podpora ohranjanju in spodbujanju razvoja kmetijstva in podeželja v občini Mirna Peč za programsko obdobje 2007-2013

Legal basis: Pravilnik o ohranjanju in spodbujanju razvoja kmetijstva in podeželja v mestni občini Mirna Peč za programsko obdobje 2007-2013 (Poglavje II.).

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: The annual budget planned for the period 2007-2013 is EUR 50 000.

Maximum aid intensity:

1.   Investment in agricultural holdings:

| — | up to 50 % of eligible costs of investment in less-favoured areas, |
| --- | --- |

—

up to 50 % of eligible costs of investment in less-favoured areas,

| — | up to 40 % of eligible costs of investment in other areas. |
| --- | --- |

—

up to 40 % of eligible costs of investment in other areas.

The purpose of the aid is investment to restore farm features, to purchase equipment to be used for agricultural production, to invest in permanent crops and to improve farmland.

2.   Conservation of traditional landscapes and buildings:

| — | up to 100 % as regards non-productive features, |
| --- | --- |

—

up to 100 % as regards non-productive features,

| — | up to 60 % as regards productive assets on farms, provided that the investment does not entail any increase in the production capacity of the farm, |
| --- | --- |

—

up to 60 % as regards productive assets on farms, provided that the investment does not entail any increase in the production capacity of the farm,

| — | additional aid may be granted at a rate of up to 100 % to cover the extra costs incurred by using traditional materials necessary to maintain the heritage features of buildings. |
| --- | --- |

—

additional aid may be granted at a rate of up to 100 % to cover the extra costs incurred by using traditional materials necessary to maintain the heritage features of buildings.

3.   Aid towards the payment of insurance premiums:

| — | support from the municipality, in line with the Decree on co-financing of insurance premiums for agricultural production for the current year, adopted by the Slovenian Government, brings the balance of aid to up to 50 % of the eligible costs of insuring crops and fruit and livestock against the risk of death owing to disease. |
| --- | --- |

—

support from the municipality, in line with the Decree on co-financing of insurance premiums for agricultural production for the current year, adopted by the Slovenian Government, brings the balance of aid to up to 50 % of the eligible costs of insuring crops and fruit and livestock against the risk of death owing to disease.

4.   Aid for land reparcelling:

| — | up to 100 % eligible legal and administrative costs. |
| --- | --- |

—

up to 100 % eligible legal and administrative costs.

5.   Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products:

| — | up to 100 % of costs incurred in promoting quality agricultural products. The aid is to be granted in the form of subsidised services and must not involve direct payments of money to farms. |
| --- | --- |

—

up to 100 % of costs incurred in promoting quality agricultural products. The aid is to be granted in the form of subsidised services and must not involve direct payments of money to farms.

6.   Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector:

| — | aid is to be granted at a rate of up to 100 % of eligible costs concerning the education and training of farmers and farm workers, replacement services to cover for periods of absence due to holidays or illness, organisation of forums, competitions, exhibitions and fairs, dissemination of scientific knowledge, and publications such as catalogues and websites. The aid is to be granted in the form of subsidised services and does not involve direct payments of money to agricultural holdings. |
| --- | --- |

—

aid is to be granted at a rate of up to 100 % of eligible costs concerning the education and training of farmers and farm workers, replacement services to cover for periods of absence due to holidays or illness, organisation of forums, competitions, exhibitions and fairs, dissemination of scientific knowledge, and publications such as catalogues and websites. The aid is to be granted in the form of subsidised services and does not involve direct payments of money to agricultural holdings.

Date of implementation: July 2007 (or the day that the Rules enter into force).

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Until 31 December 2013.

Objective of aid: To support SMEs.

Reference to Articles in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 and eligible costs: Chapter II of the draft Rules on conservation and promotion of agricultural and rural development in the municipality of Mirna Peč for the programming period 2007-2013 includes measures constituting State aid in accordance with the following Articles of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 of 15 December 2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 (OJ L 358, 16.12.2006, p. 3):

Article 4: Investment in agricultural holdings,

Article 5: Conservation of traditional landscapes and buildings,

Article 12: Aid towards the payment of insurance premiums,

Article 13: Aid for land reparcelling,

Article 14: Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products,

Article 15: Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector.

Economic Sector(s) concerned: Agriculture:

Arable and livestock farming.

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Občina Mirna Peč |
| --- |
| Trg 2 |
| SLO-8216 Mirna Peč |

Občina Mirna Peč

Trg 2

SLO-8216 Mirna Peč

Web address: http://www.uradni-list.si/1/ulonline.jsp?urlid=200767&dhid=90930

Other information: The measure concerning the payment of insurance premiums to insure crops and fruit includes the following adverse climatic events which can be assimilated to natural disasters: spring frost, hail, lightning, fire caused by lightning, storm and floods.

The municipality's Rules meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 relating to the measures to be adopted by the municipality and the general provisions applicable (steps preceding grant of aid, cumulation, transparency and monitoring of aid).

Municipality of Mirna Peč

Mayor

Zvone Lah

Aid No: XA 193/07

Member State: Republic of Slovenia

Region: Municipality of Benedikt

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: Podpora programom razvoja podeželja v Občini Benedikt 2007-2013

Legal basis: Pravilnik o dodeljevanju državnih pomoči za programe kmetijstva v občini Benedikt (Poglavje II.).

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: 2007: EUR 16 692

2008: EUR 16 692

2009: EUR 16 692

2010: EUR 16 692

2011: EUR 16 692

2012: EUR 16 692

2013: EUR 16 692

Maximum aid intensity:

1.   Investment in farms for primary production

| — | up to 50 % of eligible costs in less-favoured areas and up to 40 % of eligible costs for investment in other areas. |
| --- | --- |

—

up to 50 % of eligible costs in less-favoured areas and up to 40 % of eligible costs for investment in other areas.

The purpose of the aid is investment to restore farm features, to purchase equipment to be used for agricultural production and to invest in permanent crops and improvement of pastures.

2.   Conservation of traditional buildings:

| — | up to 100 % of costs of investment in the conservation of non-productive heritage features located on agricultural holdings, |
| --- | --- |

—

up to 100 % of costs of investment in the conservation of non-productive heritage features located on agricultural holdings,

| — | up to 75 % in less-favoured areas or areas under Article 36(a)(i), (ii) and (iii) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, defined as such by Member States in accordance with Articles 50 and 94 of that Regulation, and up to 60 % of eligible costs in other areas, provided that the investment does not entail any increase in the production capacity of the farm. |
| --- | --- |

—

up to 75 % in less-favoured areas or areas under Article 36(a)(i), (ii) and (iii) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, defined as such by Member States in accordance with Articles 50 and 94 of that Regulation, and up to 60 % of eligible costs in other areas, provided that the investment does not entail any increase in the production capacity of the farm.

3.   Aid towards the payment of insurance premiums:

| — | the amount of municipal support is the difference between the amount of co-financing of insurance premiums from the national budget and up to 50 % of eligible costs of insurance premiums for insuring crops and fruit against adverse weather conditions and insuring livestock against the risk of death due to disease. |
| --- | --- |

—

the amount of municipal support is the difference between the amount of co-financing of insurance premiums from the national budget and up to 50 % of eligible costs of insurance premiums for insuring crops and fruit against adverse weather conditions and insuring livestock against the risk of death due to disease.

4.   Aid for land reparcelling:

| — | up to 100 % of actual legal and administrative costs. |
| --- | --- |

—

up to 100 % of actual legal and administrative costs.

5.   Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products:

| — | up to 100 % of the costs of market research activities, product conception and design, including aid granted for the preparation of applications for recognition of designations of origin or certificates of specific character in accordance with the relevant Community regulations. The aid is to be granted in the form of subsidised services and does not involve direct payments of money to producers. |
| --- | --- |

—

up to 100 % of the costs of market research activities, product conception and design, including aid granted for the preparation of applications for recognition of designations of origin or certificates of specific character in accordance with the relevant Community regulations. The aid is to be granted in the form of subsidised services and does not involve direct payments of money to producers.

6.   Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector:

| — | up to 100 % of costs concerning the education and training of farmers, consultancy services, the organisation of forums, competitions, exhibitions and fairs, publications, catalogues and websites. The aid is to be granted in the form of subsidised services and does not involve direct payments of money to producers. |
| --- | --- |

—

up to 100 % of costs concerning the education and training of farmers, consultancy services, the organisation of forums, competitions, exhibitions and fairs, publications, catalogues and websites. The aid is to be granted in the form of subsidised services and does not involve direct payments of money to producers.

Date of implementation: July 2007 (or the date on which the Rules enter into force).

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Until 31 December 2013.

Objective of the aid: To support SMEs.

Reference to Articles in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 and eligible costs: Chapter II of the draft Rules on granting State aid for rural development programmes in the municipality of Benedikt includes measures constituting State aid in accordance with the following Articles of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 of 15 December 2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 (OJ L 358, 16.12.2006, p. 3):

Article 4: Investment in agricultural holdings,

Article 5: Conservation of traditional landscapes and buildings,

Article 12: Aid towards the payment of insurance premiums,

Article 13: Aid for land reparcelling,

Article 14: Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products,

Article 15: Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector.

Economic Sector(s) concerned: Agriculture:

Arable and livestock farming.

Name and address of granting authority:

| Občina Benedikt |
| --- |
| Čolnikov trg 5 |
| SLO-2234 Benedikt |

Občina Benedikt

Čolnikov trg 5

SLO-2234 Benedikt

Web address: http://www.uradni-list.si/1/ulonline.jsp?urlid=200768&dhid=90955

Other information: The measure concerning the payment of insurance premiums to insure crops and fruit includes the following adverse climatic events which can be assimilated to natural disasters: spring frost, hail, lightning, fire caused by lightning, storm and floods.

The municipality's Rules meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 relating to the measures to be adopted by the municipality and the general provisions applicable (steps preceding grant of aid, cumulation, transparency and monitoring of aid).

Mayor

Milan Gumzar

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| 6.12.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 294/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.12.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 294/12

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Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products

(2007/C 294/08)

Aid No: XA 93/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Title of aid scheme: Apicoltura

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the Basilicata region to continue providing separate regional State aid that is additional to the aid part financed under Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to supplying additional financing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This scheme is part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional Decision setting out the programme as described below will be issued following the decision deeming the Basilicata regional development plan for 2007-2013 to be admissible.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 100 000.

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 100 %:

Up to 50 % of eligible investments (60 % of eligible investments in the case of investments made by young farmers within five years of setting up) for the following:

Date of implementation: From the date on which the Basilicata RDP for 2007-2013 was received in admissible form.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Until 31 December 2013.

Objective of aid: In Basilicata, the bee-keeping sector is becoming increasingly important due to the region's natural features and the sector's structural characteristics. In general, the regional objective is to promote the qualitative and quantitative development of the bee-keeping sector while respecting the environment and the health of consumers.

The purpose of this State aid is:

to train and update bee-keepers,

to certify honey as well as to produce and certify organic honey,

to purchase machinery and equipment for honey production,

to structurally adjust honey extraction rooms,

to provide technical support for the following: business management, auxiliary services, services for the dissemination of new techniques through demonstration projects, the organisation of competitions, exhibitions and trade fairs,

to improve the conditions under which pastureland is used.

Eligible costs:

| 1. | market research activities, product conception and design, including aid granted for the preparation of applications for recognition of designations of origin or certificates of specific character in accordance with the relevant Community regulations; |
| --- | --- |

1.

market research activities, product conception and design, including aid granted for the preparation of applications for recognition of designations of origin or certificates of specific character in accordance with the relevant Community regulations;

| 2. | the cost of introducing quality assurance schemes such as the ISO 9000 or 14000 series, HACCP systems, traceability systems, systems to ensure authenticity and compliance with marketing standards or environmental audit systems; |
| --- | --- |

2.

the cost of introducing quality assurance schemes such as the ISO 9000 or 14000 series, HACCP systems, traceability systems, systems to ensure authenticity and compliance with marketing standards or environmental audit systems;

| 3. | the cost of training personnel to apply the standards set out in the previous point; |
| --- | --- |

3.

the cost of training personnel to apply the standards set out in the previous point;

| 4. | charges levied by recognised certifying bodies for the initial certification of quality assurance or similar systems; |
| --- | --- |

4.

charges levied by recognised certifying bodies for the initial certification of quality assurance or similar systems;

| 5. | the purchase or lease-purchase of machinery and equipment, including computer software up to the market value of the asset; |
| --- | --- |

5.

the purchase or lease-purchase of machinery and equipment, including computer software up to the market value of the asset;

| 6. | land investments aimed at reducing production costs, improving productivity conditions and product quality, protecting and improving the livestock's natural environment, hygienic conditions or welfare; |
| --- | --- |

6.

land investments aimed at reducing production costs, improving productivity conditions and product quality, protecting and improving the livestock's natural environment, hygienic conditions or welfare;

| 7. | general costs linked to the expenditure under points 5 and 6 such as professional fees, feasibility studies, purchase of patents or licenses. |
| --- | --- |

7.

general costs linked to the expenditure under points 5 and 6 such as professional fees, feasibility studies, purchase of patents or licenses.

| 8. | costs for the following activities: general education and training of bee-keepers and their workers (expenses related to the organisation of training programmes; travel and subsistence expenses of participants; cost of the provision of replacement services during the absence of the farmer or the farm worker); farm replacement services (the actual costs of the replacement of a farmer, the farmer's partner, or a farm worker, during illness and holidays); consultancy services provided by third parties (fees for services which do not constitute a continuous or periodic activity nor relate to the enterprise's usual operating expenditure, such as routine tax consultancy services, regular legal services, or advertising); the organisation of and participation in forums to share knowledge between businesses, in competitions, exhibitions and fairs (participation fees, travel costs, costs of publications, the rent of exhibition stands, symbolic prizes awarded in the framework of competitions, up to a value of EUR 250 per prize and per winner); publications such as catalogues or websites presenting factual information about producers from a given region or producers of a given product, provided that this information and the presentation are neutral and that all producers concerned are afforded the same opportunity to feature in the publications. |
| --- | --- |

8.

costs for the following activities: general education and training of bee-keepers and their workers (expenses related to the organisation of training programmes; travel and subsistence expenses of participants; cost of the provision of replacement services during the absence of the farmer or the farm worker); farm replacement services (the actual costs of the replacement of a farmer, the farmer's partner, or a farm worker, during illness and holidays); consultancy services provided by third parties (fees for services which do not constitute a continuous or periodic activity nor relate to the enterprise's usual operating expenditure, such as routine tax consultancy services, regular legal services, or advertising); the organisation of and participation in forums to share knowledge between businesses, in competitions, exhibitions and fairs (participation fees, travel costs, costs of publications, the rent of exhibition stands, symbolic prizes awarded in the framework of competitions, up to a value of EUR 250 per prize and per winner); publications such as catalogues or websites presenting factual information about producers from a given region or producers of a given product, provided that this information and the presentation are neutral and that all producers concerned are afforded the same opportunity to feature in the publications.

Relevant Articles: Article 4: ‘Investments in agricultural holdings’.

Article 14: ‘Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products’.

Article 15: ‘Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector’.

Sector(s) concerned: Animal production — Bees.

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura |
| --- |
| Sviluppo Rurale |
| Economia Montana |
| Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12 |
| I-85100 Potenza |
| Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35 |
| Fax: (39) 971 450 74 |

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura

Sviluppo Rurale

Economia Montana

Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12

I-85100 Potenza

Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35

Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website: Internet address (URL): http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagricoltura/

Other information: Although it may not be expressly mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes to meet all the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’ provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for the same duration as the regional operational programme approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends to extend this aid to the 2007-2013 programming period.

Aid No: XA 94/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Title of the aid scheme: Associazioni di Produttori

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the Region of Basilicata to continue providing its own regional State aid in addition to the aid part-financed under Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to ensuring supplementary financing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This scheme forms part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional Decision setting out the programme as described below will be issued following the decision to adopt the regional development plan for Basilicata for the period 2007-2013.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 800 000.

Maximum aid intensity: The total amount of aid that can be granted to a producer organisation or association of producer organisations under this aid scheme cannot exceed EUR 200 000.

Date of implementation: Starts on the date the regional development plan for Basilicata for the period 2007-2013 is adopted.

Duration of the scheme: Ends 31 December 2013.

Objective of the aid: The fact that the supply of agricultural products is fragmented and no quality improvements to it have been made is one of the main obstacles to growth in the primary sector in Basilicata. The Region intends to use this aid to help establish producer organisations and associations of producer organisations that can provide their members with the support and services needed to develop the primary sector. The purpose of the aid is to establish producer associations with a view to aligning their production to market needs, in particular by concentrating supply.

Eligible expenditure includes:

Reference Articles:

Article 9: ‘Aid to producer organisations’.

Sector(s) concerned: Producer organisations and associations of producer organisations active in the production of agricultural products and/or associations of producer organisations responsible for monitoring the use of geographical indications and designations of origin or quality labels in line with EU legislation.

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura |
| --- |
| Sviluppo Rurale |
| Economia Montana |
| Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12 |
| I-85100 Potenza |
| Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35 |
| Fax: (39) 971 450 74 |

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura

Sviluppo Rurale

Economia Montana

Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12

I-85100 Potenza

Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35

Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website: Web address: http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagricoltura/

Other information: Although it may not be expressly mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes to meet all the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’ provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for the same duration as the regional operational programme approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends to continue to provide this aid in the 2007-2013 programming period.

Aid No: XA 95/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid award: Sapori Lucani

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the Region of Basilicata to continue providing separate regional State aid in addition to the aid part-financed under Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to supplying additional financing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This scheme is part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional Decision setting out the programme as described below will be issued following the decision to adopt the Basilicata regional development plan for 2007-2013.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 100 000.

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 100 % of eligible costs for:

This aid scheme also provides for a premium for restaurateurs in Basilicata that will be granted under Regulation (EC) No 1998/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to de minimis aid.

Date of implementation: Starts on the date the Basilicata regional development plan for 2007-2013 was received in admissible form.

Duration of the scheme: Ends 31 December 2013.

Objective of the aid: The objective of this aid scheme is to add value to products and wine and culinary traditions from Basilicata marketed in Italy and worldwide. To reach this objective, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is supporting the compilation of a catalogue of all food products typical of Basilicata to promote them worldwide.

The aim of the catalogue is to promote regional production worldwide. The catalogue will present all products from Basilicata as a basket of goods, indicating the origin of each product. The catalogue will be distributed at fairs, exhibitions and competitive events such as the ‘Sapori Lucani’ prize, where the Region of Basilicata will have its own stand. The catalogue is produced as an accessory to such fairs and exhibitions and will be used only in these environments. Inclusion in the catalogue is open to all agricultural producers and will not contain any incitement to purchase the products.

Eligible expenditure includes:

Costs for:

Reference Articles:

Article 15: ‘Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector’.

Sector(s) concerned: All sectors of agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura |
| --- |
| Sviluppo Rurale |
| Economia Montana |
| Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12 |
| I-85100 Potenza |
| Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35 |
| Fax: (39) 971 450 74 |

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura

Sviluppo Rurale

Economia Montana

Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12

I-85100 Potenza

Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35

Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website: Web address: http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagricoltura/

Other information: Although it may not be expressly mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes to meet all the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’ provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for the same duration as the regional operational programme approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends to extend this aid to the 2007-2013 programming period.

Aid No: XA 96/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Title of aid scheme: Meccanizzazione

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the Basilicata region to continue providing separate regional State aid that is additional to the aid part financed under Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to supplying additional financing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This scheme is part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional Decision setting out the programme as described below will be issued following the decision deeming the Basilicata regional development plan for 2007-2013 to be admissible.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 120 000.

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 50 % of eligible investments (60 % of eligible investments in the case of investments made by young farmers within five years of setting up) for the following:

The overall aid amount granted to an individual business may not exceed EUR 100 000 paid over any period of three financial years.

Date of implementation: From the date on which the Basilicata RDP 2007-2013 was received in admissible form.

Duration of scheme: Up to 31 December 2013.

Objective of aid: The aid is aimed at improving the efficacy and efficiency of regional agricultural holdings to make them modern and competitive on the market. The objective of the aid is:

to reduce production costs and times,

to improve production quality.

The specific objective of the aid is to promote the technological development of the region's agricultural activities by financing the purchase of machinery, equipment and computer programs.

Eligible costs:

Relevant Articles:

Article 4: ‘Investments in agricultural holdings’.

Sector(s) concerned: All.

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura |
| --- |
| Sviluppo Rurale |
| Economia Montana |
| Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12 |
| I-85100 Potenza |
| Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35 |
| Fax: (39) 971 450 74 |

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura

Sviluppo Rurale

Economia Montana

Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12

I-85100 Potenza

Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35

Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website: Internet address (URL): http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagricoltura/

Other information: Although it may not be expressly mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes to meet all the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’ provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for the same duration as the regional operational programme approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends to extend this aid to the 2007-2013 programming period.

Aid No: XA 97/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Title of aid scheme: Ricomposizione fondiaria

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the Basilicata region to continue providing separate regional State aid that is additional to the aid part financed under Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to supplying additional financing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This scheme is part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional Decision setting out the programme as described below will be issued following the decision deeming the Basilicata regional development plan for 2007-2013 to be admissible.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 30 000.

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 100 % of the expenses actually borne in respect of legal and administrative costs linked with the transaction, including the conduct of searches.

Date of implementation: From the date on which the Basilicata RDP 2007-2013 was received in admissible form.

Duration of scheme: Until 31 December 2013.

Objective of aid: With this aid, the Region of Basilicata intends to promote the establishment of more efficient business bases both in technical and economic terms, while revitalising rural areas by favouring generational replacement and helping young people to enter the agricultural sector.

Eligible costs:

Relevant Articles

Article 13: ‘Aid for land reparcelling’.

Sector(s) concerned: The entire agricultural sector.

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura |
| --- |
| Sviluppo Rurale |
| Economia Montana |
| Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12 |
| I-85100 Potenza |
| Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35 |
| Fax: (39) 971 450 74 |

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura

Sviluppo Rurale

Economia Montana

Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12

I-85100 Potenza

Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35

Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website: Internet address (URL): http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagricoltura/

Other information: Although it may not be expressly mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes to meet all the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’ provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for the same duration as the regional operational programme approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends to extend this aid to the 2007-2013 programming period.

Aid No: XA 98/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Title of aid scheme: Zootecnia

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the Basilicata region to continue providing separate regional State aid that is additional to the aid part financed under Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to supplying additional financing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This scheme is part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional Decision setting out the programme as described below will be issued following the decision deeming the Basilicata regional development plan for 2007-2013 to be admissible.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 4,3 million.

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 100 %:

Up to 70 %:

Up to 40 % (until 31 December 2011) for the introduction at farm level of innovative animal breeding techniques or practices, with the exception of costs relating to the introduction or performance of artificial insemination.

Date of implementation: From the date on which the Basilicata RDP 2007-2013 was received in admissible form.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Until 31 December 2013.

Objective of aid: With this aid the Region of Basilicata intends to improve the efficiency and professionalism of the regional livestock sector, so helping to increase its long-term viability. The Region grants financial assistance on submission of special livestock programmes including activities for the protection and the qualitative and quantitative development of the sector and, at the same time, for the genetic improvement of the region's livestock, food safety, the introduction of certified methods and detection and identification systems ensuring race traceability and preservation, whilst combating livestock theft.

Eligible costs:

Relevant Articles:

Article 14: ‘Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products’,

Article 15: ‘Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector’,

Article 16: ‘Support for the livestock sector’.

Sector(s) concerned: Livestock sector.

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura |
| --- |
| Sviluppo Rurale |
| Economia Montana |
| Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12 |
| I-85100 Potenza |
| Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35 |
| Fax: (39) 971 450 74 |

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura

Sviluppo Rurale

Economia Montana

Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12

I-85100 Potenza

Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35

Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website: Internet address (URL): http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagricoltura/

Other information: Although it may not be expressly mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes to meet all the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’ provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for the same duration as the regional operational programme approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends to extend this aid to the 2007-2013 programming period.

---

V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

| 6.12.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 294/19 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.12.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 294/19

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4814 — AIB/FDC/JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 294/09)

| 1. | On 29 November 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which First Data Corporation (‘FDC’, USA) and Allied Irish Banks (‘AIB’, Ireland) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the merchant acquiring business currently owned by AIB by way of a purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 29 November 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which First Data Corporation (‘FDC’, USA) and Allied Irish Banks (‘AIB’, Ireland) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the merchant acquiring business currently owned by AIB by way of a purchase of shares.

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






  — | for AIB: active in banking and insurance products and services, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for AIB: active in banking and insurance products and services,

| — | for FDC: mainly a transaction processing services company. |
| --- | --- |

—

for FDC: mainly a transaction processing services company.

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

3.

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

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4814 — AIB/FDC/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.4814 — AIB/FDC/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.

---

| 6.12.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 294/20 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.12.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 294/20

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4886 — Petroplus/Shell French Refineries)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 294/10)

| 1. | On 28 November 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Petroplus Marketing AG (‘Petroplus’, Switzerland) controlled by Petroplus Holdings AG (‘Petroplus Holding’, Switzerland) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the Petit Couronne and Reichstett Refineries of Shell Sociéte des Pétroles Shell SAS (‘Shell French Refineries’, France) by way of purchase of assets. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 28 November 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Petroplus Marketing AG (‘Petroplus’, Switzerland) controlled by Petroplus Holdings AG (‘Petroplus Holding’, Switzerland) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the Petit Couronne and Reichstett Refineries of Shell Sociéte des Pétroles Shell SAS (‘Shell French Refineries’, France) by way of purchase of assets.

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






  — | for Petroplus: acquisition vehicle, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Petroplus: acquisition vehicle,

| — | for Petroplus Holding: refining, storing, marketing and international trading of crude oil and other petroleum products, |
| --- | --- |

—

for Petroplus Holding: refining, storing, marketing and international trading of crude oil and other petroleum products,

| — | for Shell French Refineries: refinery of crude oil and wholesale marketing of fuels. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Shell French Refineries: refinery of crude oil and wholesale marketing of fuels.

| 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.4886 — Petroplus/Shell French Refineries, 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.4886 — Petroplus/Shell French Refineries, 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.

---

Corrigenda

| 6.12.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 294/21 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.12.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 294/21

---

Corrigendum to the Notice of Initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of certain welded tubes and pipes of iron or non-alloy steel originating in Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the People's Republic of China and Russia

(
  Official Journal of the European Union C 226 of 26 September 2007
  )

(2007/C 294/11)

On page 10, point 5.1(e) first sentence:

for:

‘For those exporters/producers in the People's Republic of China and Belarus who claim ...’,

read:

read:

‘For those exporters/producers in the People's Republic of China who claim ...’;

and third sentence:

for:

for:

‘The Commission will send claim forms to all exporters/producers in Belarus and to those exporters/producers in the People's Republic of China who have been included in the sample and to any association of exporters/producers named in the complaint, as well as to the authorities of the People's Republic of China and Belarus.’,

read:

read:

‘The Commission will send claim forms to those exporters/producers in the People's Republic of China who have been included in the sample and to any association of exporters/producers named in the complaint, as well as to the authorities of the People's Republic of China.’

---