# Journal officiel C 118/2013

| | ISSN 1977-0936
  doi:10.3000/19770936.C_2013.118.fra |
| --- | --- |
| Journal officiel
  de l'Union européenne | C 118 |
| | |
| Édition de langue française | Communications et informations | 56e année25 avril 2013 |

ISSN 1977-0936

doi:10.3000/19770936.C_2013.118.fra

Journal officiel

de l'Union européenne

C 118

Édition de langue française

Communications et informations

56e année25 avril 2013

---

| Numéro d'information | Sommaire | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Communications |
| | COMMUNICATIONS PROVENANT DES INSTITUTIONS, ORGANES ET ORGANISMES DE L'UNION EUROPÉENNE |
| | Commission européenne |
| 2013/C 118/01 | Non-opposition à une concentration notifiée (Affaire COMP/M.6879 — Mitsui Group/Gestamp Automoción/Target Companies) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2013/C 118/02 | Non-opposition à une concentration notifiée (Affaire COMP/M.6782 — HIG Capital/Petrochem Carless Holdings) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2013/C 118/03 | Non-opposition à une concentration notifiée (Affaire COMP/M.6753 — Orkla/Rieber & Son) (
  1
  ) | 2 |

Numéro d'information

Sommaire

page

II   Communications

COMMUNICATIONS PROVENANT DES INSTITUTIONS, ORGANES ET ORGANISMES DE L'UNION EUROPÉENNE

Commission européenne

2013/C 118/01

Non-opposition à une concentration notifiée (Affaire COMP/M.6879 — Mitsui Group/Gestamp Automoción/Target Companies) (
  1
  )

1

1

2013/C 118/02

Non-opposition à une concentration notifiée (Affaire COMP/M.6782 — HIG Capital/Petrochem Carless Holdings) (
  1
  )

1

1

2013/C 118/03

Non-opposition à une concentration notifiée (Affaire COMP/M.6753 — Orkla/Rieber & Son) (
  1
  )

1

2

| | IV   Informations |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMATIONS PROVENANT DES INSTITUTIONS, ORGANES ET ORGANISMES DE L'UNION EUROPÉENNE |
| | Commission européenne |
| 2013/C 118/04 | Taux de change de l'euro | 3 |
| | INFORMATIONS RELATIVES À L’ESPACE ÉCONOMIQUE EUROPÉEN |
| | Autorité de surveillance AELE |
| 2013/C 118/05 | Invitation à présenter des observations, en application de l'article 1er, paragraphe 2, de la partie I du protocole 3 de l'accord entre les États de l'AELE relatif à l'institution d'une Autorité de surveillance et d'une Cour de justice, concernant des questions d’aides d'État relatives à des versements potentiels en faveur de cinq prestataires de services de transport public par autobus du comté d’Aust Agder | 4 |
| 2013/C 118/06 | Renseignements communiqués par les États membres de l'AELE sur les aides d'État accordées conformément à l'acte visé au point 1j de l'annexe XV de l'accord EEE [règlement (CE) no 800/2008 de la Commission déclarant certaines catégories d'aides compatibles avec le marché commun en application des articles 87 et 88 du traité (règlement général d'exemption par catégorie)] | 26 |

IV   Informations

INFORMATIONS PROVENANT DES INSTITUTIONS, ORGANES ET ORGANISMES DE L'UNION EUROPÉENNE

Commission européenne

2013/C 118/04

Taux de change de l'euro

3

INFORMATIONS RELATIVES À L’ESPACE ÉCONOMIQUE EUROPÉEN

Autorité de surveillance AELE

2013/C 118/05

Invitation à présenter des observations, en application de l'article 1er, paragraphe 2, de la partie I du protocole 3 de l'accord entre les États de l'AELE relatif à l'institution d'une Autorité de surveillance et d'une Cour de justice, concernant des questions d’aides d'État relatives à des versements potentiels en faveur de cinq prestataires de services de transport public par autobus du comté d’Aust Agder

er

4

2013/C 118/06

Renseignements communiqués par les États membres de l'AELE sur les aides d'État accordées conformément à l'acte visé au point 1j de l'annexe XV de l'accord EEE [règlement (CE) no 800/2008 de la Commission déclarant certaines catégories d'aides compatibles avec le marché commun en application des articles 87 et 88 du traité (règlement général d'exemption par catégorie)]

o

26

| | V   Avis |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCÉDURES ADMINISTRATIVES |
| | Commission européenne |
| 2013/C 118/07 | Appel à propositions — EACEA/04/13 — Dans le cadre du programme éducation et formation tout au long de la vie — Réalisation des objectifs stratégiques européens dans le domaine de l’éducation et de la formation (Éducation et formation 2020) (coopération des parties prenantes, expérimentation et innovation) | 27 |
| | Office européen de sélection du personnel (EPSO) |
| 2013/C 118/08 | Avis de concours généraux | 32 |
| | PROCÉDURES JURIDICTIONNELLES |
| | Cour AELE |
| 2013/C 118/09 | Arrêt de la Cour du 11 décembre 2012 dans l’affaire E-2/12 — HOB-vín ehf. contre The State Alcohol and Tobacco Company of Iceland (ÁTVR) (Libre circulation des marchandises — Directive 2000/13/CE — Produits visés — Étiquetage des denrées alimentaires — Étiquetage trompeur — Absence de notification d’une mesure nationale à l’Autorité de surveillance AELE — Justification — Responsabilité de l'État) | 33 |
| 2013/C 118/10 | Arrêt de la Cour du 21 décembre 2012 dans l'affaire E-14/11 — Schenker Nord AB, Schenker Privpak AB et Schenker Privpak AS contre Autorité de surveillance AELE (Recours en annulation d’une décision de l’Autorité de surveillance AELE — Accès aux documents — Recevabilité — Mesures d’organisation de la procédure — Réouverture de la procédure orale) | 35 |
| 2013/C 118/11 | Demande d'avis consultatif de la Cour AELE, présentée par Hæstiréttur Íslands, le 6 décembre 2012, dans l'affaire Jan Anfinn Wahl contre État islandais (Affaire E-15/12) | 36 |
| | PROCÉDURES RELATIVES À LA MISE EN ŒUVRE DE LA POLITIQUE DE CONCURRENCE |
| | Commission européenne |
| 2013/C 118/12 | Notification préalable d'une concentration (Affaire COMP/M.6919 — KKR/Bregal Fund/Avenia/Cognita) — Cas susceptible d'être traité selon la procédure simplifiée (
  1
  ) | 37 |

V   Avis

PROCÉDURES ADMINISTRATIVES

Commission européenne

2013/C 118/07

Appel à propositions — EACEA/04/13 — Dans le cadre du programme éducation et formation tout au long de la vie — Réalisation des objectifs stratégiques européens dans le domaine de l’éducation et de la formation (Éducation et formation 2020) (coopération des parties prenantes, expérimentation et innovation)

27

Office européen de sélection du personnel (EPSO)

2013/C 118/08

Avis de concours généraux

32

PROCÉDURES JURIDICTIONNELLES

Cour AELE

2013/C 118/09

Arrêt de la Cour du 11 décembre 2012 dans l’affaire E-2/12 — HOB-vín ehf. contre The State Alcohol and Tobacco Company of Iceland (ÁTVR) (Libre circulation des marchandises — Directive 2000/13/CE — Produits visés — Étiquetage des denrées alimentaires — Étiquetage trompeur — Absence de notification d’une mesure nationale à l’Autorité de surveillance AELE — Justification — Responsabilité de l'État)

(Libre circulation des marchandises — Directive 2000/13/CE — Produits visés — Étiquetage des denrées alimentaires — Étiquetage trompeur — Absence de notification d’une mesure nationale à l’Autorité de surveillance AELE — Justification — Responsabilité de l'État)

33

2013/C 118/10

Arrêt de la Cour du 21 décembre 2012 dans l'affaire E-14/11 — Schenker Nord AB, Schenker Privpak AB et Schenker Privpak AS contre Autorité de surveillance AELE (Recours en annulation d’une décision de l’Autorité de surveillance AELE — Accès aux documents — Recevabilité — Mesures d’organisation de la procédure — Réouverture de la procédure orale)

(Recours en annulation d’une décision de l’Autorité de surveillance AELE — Accès aux documents — Recevabilité — Mesures d’organisation de la procédure — Réouverture de la procédure orale)

35

2013/C 118/11

Demande d'avis consultatif de la Cour AELE, présentée par Hæstiréttur Íslands, le 6 décembre 2012, dans l'affaire Jan Anfinn Wahl contre État islandais (Affaire E-15/12)

36

PROCÉDURES RELATIVES À LA MISE EN ŒUVRE DE LA POLITIQUE DE CONCURRENCE

Commission européenne

2013/C 118/12

Notification préalable d'une concentration (Affaire COMP/M.6919 — KKR/Bregal Fund/Avenia/Cognita) — Cas susceptible d'être traité selon la procédure simplifiée (
  1
  )

1

37

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Texte présentant de l'intérêt pour l'EEE |

---

(1)   Texte présentant de l'intérêt pour l'EEE

1

| FR | |
| --- | --- |

FR

---

II Communications

COMMUNICATIONS PROVENANT DES INSTITUTIONS, ORGANES ET ORGANISMES DE L'UNION EUROPÉENNE

Commission européenne

| 25.4.2013 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 118/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

25.4.2013

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 118/1

---

Non-opposition à une concentration notifiée

(Affaire COMP/M.6879 — Mitsui Group/Gestamp Automoción/Target Companies)

(Texte présentant de l'intérêt pour l'EEE)

2013/C 118/01

Le 17 avril 2013, la Commission a décidé de ne pas s'opposer à la concentration notifiée susmentionnée et de la déclarer compatible avec le marché commun. Cette décision se fonde sur l'article 6, paragraphe 1, point b) du règlement (CE) no 139/2004 du Conseil. Le texte intégral de la décision n'est disponible qu'en anglais et sera rendu public après suppression des secrets d'affaires qu'il pourrait contenir. Il pourra être consulté:

| — | dans la section consacrée aux concentrations, sur le site internet de la DG concurrence de la Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). Ce site permet de rechercher des décisions concernant des opérations de concentration à partir du nom de l'entreprise, du numéro de l'affaire, de la date ou du secteur d'activité, |
| --- | --- |

—

dans la section consacrée aux concentrations, sur le site internet de la DG concurrence de la Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). Ce site permet de rechercher des décisions concernant des opérations de concentration à partir du nom de l'entreprise, du numéro de l'affaire, de la date ou du secteur d'activité,

| — | sur le site internet EUR-Lex (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/fr/index.htm), qui offre un accès en ligne au droit communautaire, sous le numéro de document 32013M6879. |
| --- | --- |

—

sur le site internet EUR-Lex (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/fr/index.htm), qui offre un accès en ligne au droit communautaire, sous le numéro de document 32013M6879.

---

| 25.4.2013 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 118/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

25.4.2013

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 118/1

---

Non-opposition à une concentration notifiée

(Affaire COMP/M.6782 — HIG Capital/Petrochem Carless Holdings)

(Texte présentant de l'intérêt pour l'EEE)

2013/C 118/02

Le 26 mars 2013, la Commission a décidé de ne pas s'opposer à la concentration notifiée susmentionnée et de la déclarer compatible avec le marché commun. Cette décision se fonde sur l'article 6, paragraphe 1, point b) du règlement (CE) no 139/2004 du Conseil. Le texte intégral de la décision n'est disponible qu'en anglais et sera rendu public après suppression des secrets d'affaires qu'il pourrait contenir. Il pourra être consulté:

| — | dans la section consacrée aux concentrations, sur le site internet de la DG concurrence de la Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). Ce site permet de rechercher des décisions concernant des opérations de concentration à partir du nom de l'entreprise, du numéro de l'affaire, de la date ou du secteur d'activité, |
| --- | --- |

—

dans la section consacrée aux concentrations, sur le site internet de la DG concurrence de la Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). Ce site permet de rechercher des décisions concernant des opérations de concentration à partir du nom de l'entreprise, du numéro de l'affaire, de la date ou du secteur d'activité,

| — | sur le site internet EUR-Lex (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/fr/index.htm), qui offre un accès en ligne au droit communautaire, sous le numéro de document 32013M6782. |
| --- | --- |

—

sur le site internet EUR-Lex (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/fr/index.htm), qui offre un accès en ligne au droit communautaire, sous le numéro de document 32013M6782.

---

| 25.4.2013 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 118/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

25.4.2013

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 118/2

---

Non-opposition à une concentration notifiée

(Affaire COMP/M.6753 — Orkla/Rieber & Son)

(Texte présentant de l'intérêt pour l'EEE)

2013/C 118/03

Le 4 mars 2013, la Commission a décidé de ne pas s'opposer à la concentration notifiée susmentionnée et de la déclarer compatible avec le marché commun. Cette décision se fonde sur l'article 6, paragraphe 1, point b) du règlement (CE) no 139/2004 du Conseil. Le texte intégral de la décision n'est disponible qu'en anglais et sera rendu public après suppression des secrets d'affaires qu'il pourrait contenir. Il pourra être consulté:

| — | dans la section consacrée aux concentrations, sur le site internet de la DG concurrence de la Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). Ce site permet de rechercher des décisions concernant des opérations de concentration à partir du nom de l'entreprise, du numéro de l'affaire, de la date ou du secteur d'activité, |
| --- | --- |

—

dans la section consacrée aux concentrations, sur le site internet de la DG concurrence de la Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). Ce site permet de rechercher des décisions concernant des opérations de concentration à partir du nom de l'entreprise, du numéro de l'affaire, de la date ou du secteur d'activité,

| — | sur le site internet EUR-Lex (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/fr/index.htm), qui offre un accès en ligne au droit communautaire, sous le numéro de document 32013M6753. |
| --- | --- |

—

sur le site internet EUR-Lex (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/fr/index.htm), qui offre un accès en ligne au droit communautaire, sous le numéro de document 32013M6753.

---

IV Informations

INFORMATIONS PROVENANT DES INSTITUTIONS, ORGANES ET ORGANISMES DE L'UNION EUROPÉENNE

Commission européenne

| 25.4.2013 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 118/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

25.4.2013

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 118/3

---

Taux de change de l'euro (1)

24 avril 2013

2013/C 118/04

1 euro =

| | Monnaie | Taux de change |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | dollar des États-Unis | 1,3006 |
| JPY | yen japonais | 129,46 |
| DKK | couronne danoise | 7,4553 |
| GBP | livre sterling | 0,85250 |
| SEK | couronne suédoise | 8,5885 |
| CHF | franc suisse | 1,2302 |
| ISK | couronne islandaise | |
| NOK | couronne norvégienne | 7,6780 |
| BGN | lev bulgare | 1,9558 |
| CZK | couronne tchèque | 25,909 |
| HUF | forint hongrois | 299,55 |
| LTL | litas lituanien | 3,4528 |
| LVL | lats letton | 0,7001 |
| PLN | zloty polonais | 4,1367 |
| RON | leu roumain | 4,3495 |
| TRY | lire turque | 2,3476 |
| AUD | dollar australien | 1,2659 |
| CAD | dollar canadien | 1,3345 |
| HKD | dollar de Hong Kong | 10,0980 |
| NZD | dollar néo-zélandais | 1,5366 |
| SGD | dollar de Singapour | 1,6147 |
| KRW | won sud-coréen | 1 453,80 |
| ZAR | rand sud-africain | 11,9395 |
| CNY | yuan ren-min-bi chinois | 8,0352 |
| HRK | kuna croate | 7,6065 |
| IDR | rupiah indonésien | 12 637,76 |
| MYR | ringgit malais | 3,9644 |
| PHP | peso philippin | 53,657 |
| RUB | rouble russe | 40,9583 |
| THB | baht thaïlandais | 37,626 |
| BRL | real brésilien | 2,6318 |
| MXN | peso mexicain | 15,9395 |
| INR | roupie indienne | 70,5190 |

Monnaie

Taux de change

USD

dollar des États-Unis

1,3006

JPY

yen japonais

129,46

DKK

couronne danoise

7,4553

GBP

livre sterling

0,85250

SEK

couronne suédoise

8,5885

CHF

franc suisse

1,2302

ISK

couronne islandaise

NOK

couronne norvégienne

7,6780

BGN

lev bulgare

1,9558

CZK

couronne tchèque

25,909

HUF

forint hongrois

299,55

LTL

litas lituanien

3,4528

LVL

lats letton

0,7001

PLN

zloty polonais

4,1367

RON

leu roumain

4,3495

TRY

lire turque

2,3476

AUD

dollar australien

1,2659

CAD

dollar canadien

1,3345

HKD

dollar de Hong Kong

10,0980

NZD

dollar néo-zélandais

1,5366

SGD

dollar de Singapour

1,6147

KRW

won sud-coréen

1 453,80

ZAR

rand sud-africain

11,9395

CNY

yuan ren-min-bi chinois

8,0352

HRK

kuna croate

7,6065

IDR

rupiah indonésien

12 637,76

MYR

ringgit malais

3,9644

PHP

peso philippin

53,657

RUB

rouble russe

40,9583

THB

baht thaïlandais

37,626

BRL

real brésilien

2,6318

MXN

peso mexicain

15,9395

INR

roupie indienne

70,5190

---

(1)  Source: taux de change de référence publié par la Banque centrale européenne.

---

INFORMATIONS RELATIVES À L’ESPACE ÉCONOMIQUE EUROPÉEN

Autorité de surveillance AELE

| 25.4.2013 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 118/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

25.4.2013

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 118/4

---

Invitation à présenter des observations, en application de l'article 1er, paragraphe 2, de la partie I du protocole 3 de l'accord entre les États de l'AELE relatif à l'institution d'une Autorité de surveillance et d'une Cour de justice, concernant des questions d’aides d'État relatives à des versements potentiels en faveur de cinq prestataires de services de transport public par autobus du comté d’Aust Agder

2013/C 118/05

Par décision no 60/13/COL du 6 février 2013 reproduite dans la langue faisant foi dans les pages qui suivent le présent résumé, l'Autorité de surveillance AELE a ouvert la procédure prévue à l'article 1er, paragraphe 2, de la partie I du protocole 3 de l'accord entre les États de l'AELE relatif à l'institution d'une Autorité de surveillance et d'une Cour de justice. Les autorités norvégiennes ont reçu copie de la décision.

Par la présente, l'Autorité de surveillance AELE invite les États de l'AELE, les États membres de l'UE et les parties intéressées à soumettre leurs observations sur la mesure en cause dans un délai d'un mois à compter de la publication de la présente communication, à l'adresse suivante:

| Autorité de surveillance AELE |
| --- |
| Greffe |
| Rue Belliard 35 |
| 1040 Bruxelles |
| BELGIQUE |

Autorité de surveillance AELE

Greffe

Rue Belliard 35

1040 Bruxelles

BELGIQUE

Ces observations seront communiquées aux autorités norvégiennes. L'identité des parties intéressées qui présentent des observations peut faire l'objet d'un traitement confidentiel sur demande écrite et motivée.

RÉSUMÉ

Historique

En Norvège, le secteur des transports locaux par autobus est régi par la loi sur le transport commercial de 2002 et le règlement sur le transport commercial de 2003. Les textes précités abrogent les dispositions législatives préexistantes qui étaient substantiellement similaires. Ce cadre législatif prévoit notamment un système de concessions dont doivent être titulaires les entreprises pour pouvoir être chargées de missions de transport public par autobus. Il confère également aux comtés, tels que celui d’Aust Agder, la responsabilité d'octroyer une compensation aux entreprises exploitant les lignes peu rentables. Cette compensation peut être versée afin de couvrir la différence entre les recettes provenant de la vente des titres de transport et le coût d'exploitation du service.

À Aust Agder, dès avant l’entrée en vigueur de l’accord EEE, des contrats pour la fourniture de services locaux réguliers de transport par autobus et de services de transport scolaire par autobus ont été attribués directement à cinq exploitants (sept avant 2009); sur la base de ces contrats, une compensation annuelle a été accordée aux concessionnaires pour les lignes peu rentables conformément à la procédure budgétaire de la ville. Cette compensation était forfaitaire, calculée sur la base des dépenses encourues au cours des années précédentes, en tenant compte de toute une série de facteurs de correction. Depuis 2004, une nouvelle méthode pour le calcul des compensations de service public s’applique.

Aust-Agder a conclu des contrats pour la fourniture de services locaux réguliers de transport par autobus et de services de transport scolaire par autobus avec les entreprises suivantes: Birkeland Busser AS, Frolandsruta Frode Oland, Høyvågruta AS — jusqu’à sa fusion avec Nettbuss Sør AS en 2009, Nettbuss Sør AS, Risør et Tvedestrand Bilruter AS («RTB») — jusqu’à sa fusion avec Nettbuss Sør AS en 2009, Setesdal Bilruter L/L et Telemark Bilruter.

Tous ces exploitants exercent des activités commerciales en dehors de leur mission de service public. Celles-ci consistent en des services de transport de fret, d’excursion en autobus, de taxi et de lignes de bus rapides. Ces exploitants toutefois n’ont pas systématiquement, tout au long de la période considérée, tenu des comptes séparés pour les activités à caractère commercial et celles à caractère public.

En outre, selon les informations communiquées par les autorités norvégiennes, plusieurs municipalités, conjointement avec les comtés de Vest-Agder et d’Aust-Agder, ont mis au point un projet de coopération (le «projet ATP»), qui vise à maintenir des services de transport par autobus de meilleure qualité. Depuis 2004, seule l’entreprise Nettbuss Sør AS a reçu des subventions directes d’environ 1 000 000 NOK (2 000 000 NOK depuis 2010) sur la base de ce projet.

Appréciation de la mesure de compensation annuelle

Existence d’une aide d’État

Les doutes de l’Autorité concernent la question de savoir si la compensation annuelle de service public versée aux concessionnaires représente une aide d’État. Cette compensation annuelle n’a pas été déterminée par une procédure de marché public. La question est de savoir si elle correspond aux coûts qu’une entreprise bien gérée et dûment équipée aurait encourus. Il semble que la jurisprudence Altmark ne soit pas respectée et il y a des risques de ce fait que cette compensation représente une aide d’État au sens de l’article 61, paragraphe 1, de l’accord EEE.

Nature de l’aide

L’Autorité a conclu que les aides en cause ont été pour l’essentiel versées en vertu d’un régime d’aides existant qui se fonderait sur la loi sur le transport commercial, le règlement sur le transport commercial et la loi sur l’éducation, tels qu’appliqués à Aust Agder dès avant l’entrée en vigueur de l’accord EEE. Elle n'est actuellement pas en mesure de déterminer si toutes les aides octroyées se fondent sur ce régime. En outre, l’Autorité n’est pas en mesure d’apprécier si la qualification d’aide existante pour ce régime a été modifiée par l’introduction de la méthode ALFA en 2004 et si le régime, à compter de cette date, a représenté un nouveau régime d’aide.

Compatibilité de l’aide

À ce stade, il semblerait que les versements effectués dans le cadre des concessions attribuées directement puissent constituer une compensation de service public compatible au regard de l’article 49 de l’accord EEE. L'appréciation de la compatibilité lors de la décision finale se concentrerait donc en particulier sur le fait de savoir s'il y a eu surcompensation.

Appréciation de la mesure relative à l’octroi de subventions annuelles à Nettbuss Sør AS

Existence d’une aide d’État

En outre, l’entreprise Nettbuss Sør AS a reçu des subventions directes d’environ 1 000 000 NOK (2 000 000 NOK depuis 2010) sur la base du projet ATP. Il semble que cette mesure dite sélective confère à l’entreprise précitée un avantage économique qu’elle aurait eu peu de chances d’obtenir dans des conditions normales de marché. L’Autorité n’a toutefois pas reçu d’informations appropriées qui lui permettraient d’apprécier correctement si les versements annuels constituent une aide d’État.

Compatibilité de l’aide

S’agissant du projet ATP, en l’absence d’informations suffisantes, l’Autorité ne saurait apprécier actuellement la compatibilité de la mesure en cause avec l’accord EEE sur la base de son article 49 ou de toute autre disposition de cet accord.

Conclusion

À la lumière des considérations qui précèdent, l'Autorité a décidé d'ouvrir la procédure formelle d'examen conformément à l'article 1er, paragraphe 2, de la partie I du protocole 3 de l'accord entre les États de l'AELE relatif à l’institution d’une Autorité de surveillance et d’une Cour de justice. Les parties intéressées sont invitées à présenter leurs observations dans un délai d'un mois à compter de la publication de la présente notification au Journal officiel de l'Union européenne.

EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY DECISION

No 60/13/COL

of 6 February 2013

opening the formal investigation procedure concerning potential aid to public bus transport providers in Aust-Agder County

(Norway)

THE EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY (‘THE AUTHORITY’),

HAVING REGARD to:

The Agreement on the European Economic Area (‘the EEA Agreement’), in particular to Articles 49, 61 to 63 and Protocol 26,

The Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice (‘SCA’), in particular to Article 24,

Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement (‘Protocol 3’), in particular to Article 1 of Part I and Articles 4(4), 6 and 13 of Part II,

Whereas:

I.   FACTS

1.   Procedure

| (1) | By letter dated 23 March 2011 (Event No 591767) the Authority received a complaint (‘the complaint’) from the Norwegian bus company Konkurrenten.no (‘the complainant’) alleging that unlawful State aid is involved in the contracts awarded by Aust-Agder County, Norway (‘Aust-Agder’) to several bus operators for the supply of local bus transport services in Aust-Agder. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

By letter dated 23 March 2011 (Event No 591767) the Authority received a complaint (‘the complaint’) from the Norwegian bus company Konkurrenten.no (‘the complainant’) alleging that unlawful State aid is involved in the contracts awarded by Aust-Agder County, Norway (‘Aust-Agder’) to several bus operators for the supply of local bus transport services in Aust-Agder.

| (2) | Furthermore, the complaint alleges breaches of the EEA procurement rules. That aspect of the complaint is dealt with by the Authority’s Internal Market Affairs Directorate as Cases No 69656 and 69548. On 12 October 2011, the Authority issued a letter of formal notice to Norway for failure to comply with the principles of non-discrimination and transparency laid down in Articles 4 and 48 of the EEA Agreement by allowing Aust-Agder to award, and prolong bus transport concessions without any form of publication (Event No 607316). On the same grounds, on 22 June 2012, the Authority delivered a reasoned opinion to Norway (Event No 620449). |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Furthermore, the complaint alleges breaches of the EEA procurement rules. That aspect of the complaint is dealt with by the Authority’s Internal Market Affairs Directorate as Cases No 69656 and 69548. On 12 October 2011, the Authority issued a letter of formal notice to Norway for failure to comply with the principles of non-discrimination and transparency laid down in Articles 4 and 48 of the EEA Agreement by allowing Aust-Agder to award, and prolong bus transport concessions without any form of publication (Event No 607316). On the same grounds, on 22 June 2012, the Authority delivered a reasoned opinion to Norway (Event No 620449).

| (3) | The present decision only covers the State aid part of the complaint which has been investigated by the Authority’s Competition and State aid Directorate. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The present decision only covers the State aid part of the complaint which has been investigated by the Authority’s Competition and State aid Directorate.

| (4) | By letter dated 10 November 2011 (Events Nos 612071 and 614791), the Authority informed the Norwegian authorities that the complainant also alleges that unlawful State aid is involved in the award of the contracts for local bus transport services, and sent a request for information. By letter dated 9 December 2011 (Event No 618202), the Norwegian authorities replied to the Authority’s request. Additional requests for information were sent to the Norwegian authorities on 13 March 2012 (Event No 624061) and on 17 October 2012 (Event No 648686), to which the Norwegian authorities replied by letters dated 10, 11 May 2012 (Events Nos 634034 and 634269) and 15 November 2012 (Event No 653639), respectively. By email dated 15 January 2013 (Event No 659645), the Authority asked for additional information, to which it received replies by emails dated 17, 22, 23, 24 January and 30 January 2013 (Events Nos 660036, 660348, 660467, 660486, 660960, 661258 and 661576). |
| --- | --- |

(4)

By letter dated 10 November 2011 (Events Nos 612071 and 614791), the Authority informed the Norwegian authorities that the complainant also alleges that unlawful State aid is involved in the award of the contracts for local bus transport services, and sent a request for information. By letter dated 9 December 2011 (Event No 618202), the Norwegian authorities replied to the Authority’s request. Additional requests for information were sent to the Norwegian authorities on 13 March 2012 (Event No 624061) and on 17 October 2012 (Event No 648686), to which the Norwegian authorities replied by letters dated 10, 11 May 2012 (Events Nos 634034 and 634269) and 15 November 2012 (Event No 653639), respectively. By email dated 15 January 2013 (Event No 659645), the Authority asked for additional information, to which it received replies by emails dated 17, 22, 23, 24 January and 30 January 2013 (Events Nos 660036, 660348, 660467, 660486, 660960, 661258 and 661576).

| (5) | On 19 December 2012 the Authority adopted its Decision closing the formal investigation into potential aid to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene. This case concerned an existing aid scheme in local public transport that was governed by the same legislative framework as the present case. In the view of the Authority, it was necessary to conclude on that case before adopting an opening decision for the contracts awarded by Aust-Agder. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

On 19 December 2012 the Authority adopted its Decision closing the formal investigation into potential aid to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene. This case concerned an existing aid scheme in local public transport that was governed by the same legislative framework as the present case. In the view of the Authority, it was necessary to conclude on that case before adopting an opening decision for the contracts awarded by Aust-Agder.

2.   The complaint

| (6) | The complainant ‘Konkurrenten.no’ is a privately owned Norwegian bus transport operator. It claims that the award of contracts by Aust-Agder without any form of competition has favoured Nettbus Sør AS and several other the complainant’s competitors during the period 2004-2016, as well as before that period. The complainant takes the view that the compensation paid according to these contracts involves unlawful State aid. It refers in particular to the Authority’s Decision No 254/10/COL of 21 June 2010 (AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene) submitting that the contracts in this present case also constitute unlawful State aid. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The complainant ‘Konkurrenten.no’ is a privately owned Norwegian bus transport operator. It claims that the award of contracts by Aust-Agder without any form of competition has favoured Nettbus Sør AS and several other the complainant’s competitors during the period 2004-2016, as well as before that period. The complainant takes the view that the compensation paid according to these contracts involves unlawful State aid. It refers in particular to the Authority’s Decision No 254/10/COL of 21 June 2010 (AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene) submitting that the contracts in this present case also constitute unlawful State aid.

| (7) | The complainant furthermore submits that Aust-Agder has for many years granted substantial State aid under the contracts. In particular, Nettbuss Sør AS is claimed to have received significant advantages. The complainant argues that in 2009, Aust-Agder increased the compensation to Nettbuss Sør AS by as much as 37 % without any corresponding increase in the production level. According to the complainant, this shows that the compensation that Aust-Agder has been paying out is above the market price. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The complainant furthermore submits that Aust-Agder has for many years granted substantial State aid under the contracts. In particular, Nettbuss Sør AS is claimed to have received significant advantages. The complainant argues that in 2009, Aust-Agder increased the compensation to Nettbuss Sør AS by as much as 37 % without any corresponding increase in the production level. According to the complainant, this shows that the compensation that Aust-Agder has been paying out is above the market price.

| (8) | The complainant alleges that in 2010 Nettbuss Sør AS received more than 70 % of the annual compensation that Aust-Agder paid to the bus transport operators and that this has led to a serious distortion in the local bus transport market, as well as in the express bus market. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The complainant alleges that in 2010 Nettbuss Sør AS received more than 70 % of the annual compensation that Aust-Agder paid to the bus transport operators and that this has led to a serious distortion in the local bus transport market, as well as in the express bus market.

| (9) | The complainant argues that the compensation paid by Aust-Agder represents as much as 68,5 % to 88,4 % of the expected costs of the bus operators for performing local transport services. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The complainant argues that the compensation paid by Aust-Agder represents as much as 68,5 % to 88,4 % of the expected costs of the bus operators for performing local transport services.

| (10) | Furthermore, the complainant refers to the compensation mechanisms in the contracts between Aust-Agder and the bus operators. These mechanisms set out: (1) that the parties can adjust productions and compensation annually and that the bus operators have a right to propose ‘production changes’; (2) that the compensation automatically increases in response to higher labour costs, higher fuel costs and any increase in the general consumer price index; (3) that the bus operator can also renegotiate the compensation in response to ‘changes in public levies or laws and regulations’. Such negotiations can lead to ‘extraordinary adjustments of the compensation, changes in production or other measures’; and finally, (4) that Aust-Agder must allocate NOK 1 million per year for ‘research and environmental measures’ to the bus operators. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

Furthermore, the complainant refers to the compensation mechanisms in the contracts between Aust-Agder and the bus operators. These mechanisms set out: (1) that the parties can adjust productions and compensation annually and that the bus operators have a right to propose ‘production changes’; (2) that the compensation automatically increases in response to higher labour costs, higher fuel costs and any increase in the general consumer price index; (3) that the bus operator can also renegotiate the compensation in response to ‘changes in public levies or laws and regulations’. Such negotiations can lead to ‘extraordinary adjustments of the compensation, changes in production or other measures’; and finally, (4) that Aust-Agder must allocate NOK 1 million per year for ‘research and environmental measures’ to the bus operators.

| (11) | The complainant alleges that the compensation has been increased due to these mechanisms and that Aust-Agder has displayed a lack of interest in holding the operators to the terms of the contracts. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

The complainant alleges that the compensation has been increased due to these mechanisms and that Aust-Agder has displayed a lack of interest in holding the operators to the terms of the contracts.

3.   Background — the legislation on local scheduled and school bus transport

3.1.   
  Local scheduled bus transport

   (1)

3.1.1.   Centralised State responsibility

| (12) | At the time of the entry into force of the Transport Act of 1976 (2), the Norwegian State (the Ministry of Transport) was responsible for local scheduled transport services. State transport agencies managed the local scheduled transport in each county. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

At the time of the entry into force of the Transport Act of 1976 (2), the Norwegian State (the Ministry of Transport) was responsible for local scheduled transport services. State transport agencies managed the local scheduled transport in each county.

3.1.2.   De-centralisation process

3.1.2.1.   Introduction

| (13) | Shortly after the entry into force of the Transport Act of 1976, a de-centralisation process was initiated. From 1 January 1979, the powers of the Ministry of Transport could be delegated to county level. At the same time, the State transport agencies were turned into county administrative bodies. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Shortly after the entry into force of the Transport Act of 1976, a de-centralisation process was initiated. From 1 January 1979, the powers of the Ministry of Transport could be delegated to county level. At the same time, the State transport agencies were turned into county administrative bodies.

| (14) | In 1981, with the introduction of Article 24a to the Transport Act of 1976, by providing funding to the counties, the State could confer the responsibility for financing local scheduled transport to the counties (3). |
| --- | --- |

(14)

In 1981, with the introduction of Article 24a to the Transport Act of 1976, by providing funding to the counties, the State could confer the responsibility for financing local scheduled transport to the counties (3).

3.1.2.2.   The 1980 Regulation

| (15) | Another important element of the de-centralisation process was the Regulation of 19 December 1980 on compensation for providing local scheduled transport (‘the 1980 Regulation’). Its Article 1 stated that the county has the responsibility to finance local scheduled transport. Pursuant to Article 3, the amount of the compensation should be decided on an annual basis, based on the difference between estimated income according to the decided tariffs and discounts, and reasonable costs. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

Another important element of the de-centralisation process was the Regulation of 19 December 1980 on compensation for providing local scheduled transport (‘the 1980 Regulation’). Its Article 1 stated that the county has the responsibility to finance local scheduled transport. Pursuant to Article 3, the amount of the compensation should be decided on an annual basis, based on the difference between estimated income according to the decided tariffs and discounts, and reasonable costs.

| (16) | The 1980 Regulation also contained rules on control and access to information and clarified the roles of, on the one hand, the Ministry of Transport and, on the other, the counties. Its Article 7 provided the legal basis for the Ministry to issue further rules and guidelines for the compensation of local scheduled transport. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

The 1980 Regulation also contained rules on control and access to information and clarified the roles of, on the one hand, the Ministry of Transport and, on the other, the counties. Its Article 7 provided the legal basis for the Ministry to issue further rules and guidelines for the compensation of local scheduled transport.

3.1.2.3.   The 1982 Regulation and the KS and NABC Standard Main Agreement

| (17) | On 1 January 1983, the 1980 Regulation was replaced by the Regulation of 2 December 1982 on compensation for providing local scheduled transport (‘the 1982 Regulation’). Its Article 4 of the 1982 Regulation imposed an obligation on the counties to enter into agreements with the concessionaires on the compensation for the provision of the scheduled public transport. On this basis, the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (‘KS’) and the Norwegian Association of Bus Companies (‘NABC’) (4), concluded a standard main agreement (‘the KS and NABC Standard Main Agreement’) and a standard yearly compensation agreement to be used by each county when concluding agreements for the provision of local scheduled bus transport. As regards the calculation of the compensation, the standard agreement was based on the same principles as Article 3 of the 1980 Regulation. The standard main agreement also provided for a separation of costs between the local bus transport services and other commercial services. |
| --- | --- |

(17)

On 1 January 1983, the 1980 Regulation was replaced by the Regulation of 2 December 1982 on compensation for providing local scheduled transport (‘the 1982 Regulation’). Its Article 4 of the 1982 Regulation imposed an obligation on the counties to enter into agreements with the concessionaires on the compensation for the provision of the scheduled public transport. On this basis, the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (‘KS’) and the Norwegian Association of Bus Companies (‘NABC’) (4), concluded a standard main agreement (‘the KS and NABC Standard Main Agreement’) and a standard yearly compensation agreement to be used by each county when concluding agreements for the provision of local scheduled bus transport. As regards the calculation of the compensation, the standard agreement was based on the same principles as Article 3 of the 1980 Regulation. The standard main agreement also provided for a separation of costs between the local bus transport services and other commercial services.

3.1.2.4.   The 1985 Regulation

| (18) | With the adoption of a new income system for the counties, a new Regulation on Compensation for Local Transport was adopted in 1985 (‘the 1985 Regulation’). The new income system for the counties (and municipalities) entailed that the central contribution for local transport was given as a lump sum. The main focus of the 1985 Regulation was the relationship between the Ministry of Transport and the counties. The 1985 Regulation was repealed on 1 January 1987 by a new regulation (5) which remained in force until 30 April 2003 when it, in turn, was replaced by the Commercial Transport Regulation (see below). |
| --- | --- |

(18)

With the adoption of a new income system for the counties, a new Regulation on Compensation for Local Transport was adopted in 1985 (‘the 1985 Regulation’). The new income system for the counties (and municipalities) entailed that the central contribution for local transport was given as a lump sum. The main focus of the 1985 Regulation was the relationship between the Ministry of Transport and the counties. The 1985 Regulation was repealed on 1 January 1987 by a new regulation (5) which remained in force until 30 April 2003 when it, in turn, was replaced by the Commercial Transport Regulation (see below).

3.1.3.   Commercial Transport Act 2002 and Commercial Transport Regulation 2003

| (19) | At present, the local scheduled bus transport sector is regulated by the Commercial Transport Act of 2002 (‘CTA’) (6) and the Commercial Transport Regulation of 2003 (‘CTR’) (7). The CTA repealed and replaced the Transport Act of 1976 (8). The CTR repealed and replaced two regulations (9). |
| --- | --- |

(19)

At present, the local scheduled bus transport sector is regulated by the Commercial Transport Act of 2002 (‘CTA’) (6) and the Commercial Transport Regulation of 2003 (‘CTR’) (7). The CTA repealed and replaced the Transport Act of 1976 (8). The CTR repealed and replaced two regulations (9).

| (20) | Further, the Norwegian authorities submit that the relevant provisions have not been significantly altered since the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in 1994. |
| --- | --- |

(20)

Further, the Norwegian authorities submit that the relevant provisions have not been significantly altered since the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in 1994.

3.1.4.   Administrative responsibility of the counties

| (21) | In Norway, the responsibility for providing local public transport services is conferred on the counties. However, the counties are not under any obligation to offer such services. |
| --- | --- |

(21)

In Norway, the responsibility for providing local public transport services is conferred on the counties. However, the counties are not under any obligation to offer such services.

| (22) | The counties can either administer local bus transport services through their own organisation or through an administrative company (10) set up by the county. The CTA provides that when the county sets up an administrative company, the funds intended for the financing of the local bus transport services will be allocated to that company (11). The administrative companies can either obtain the bus transport services from a third party, or provide the services themselves. |
| --- | --- |

(22)

The counties can either administer local bus transport services through their own organisation or through an administrative company (10) set up by the county. The CTA provides that when the county sets up an administrative company, the funds intended for the financing of the local bus transport services will be allocated to that company (11). The administrative companies can either obtain the bus transport services from a third party, or provide the services themselves.

3.1.5.   Co-financing of local transport services by the State and counties

| (23) | The counties partly finance the local transport services with tax revenue. In addition, under the CTA the counties receive State funding by way of annual block grants (12). The amount of the grants is determined on the basis of the extent to which the counties need contributions from the State. Therefore, the counties have to provide the Ministry of Transport with budgets, accounts and other relevant information necessary to assess the need for contributions (13). The Norwegian authorities have stated that if a county reduces the amount of the block grant used for the financing of local scheduled transport costs, this would have consequences for future grants. |
| --- | --- |

(23)

The counties partly finance the local transport services with tax revenue. In addition, under the CTA the counties receive State funding by way of annual block grants (12). The amount of the grants is determined on the basis of the extent to which the counties need contributions from the State. Therefore, the counties have to provide the Ministry of Transport with budgets, accounts and other relevant information necessary to assess the need for contributions (13). The Norwegian authorities have stated that if a county reduces the amount of the block grant used for the financing of local scheduled transport costs, this would have consequences for future grants.

3.1.6.   Concessions

3.1.6.1.   Introduction

| (24) | Under the CTA, concessions are required to carry out scheduled passenger transport services by bus for remuneration (i.e. for payment by the users (the passengers) of the transport services) (14). |
| --- | --- |

(24)

Under the CTA, concessions are required to carry out scheduled passenger transport services by bus for remuneration (i.e. for payment by the users (the passengers) of the transport services) (14).

| (25) | Both a general and a special concession are required for operators of scheduled passenger transport services by bus for remuneration. |
| --- | --- |

(25)

Both a general and a special concession are required for operators of scheduled passenger transport services by bus for remuneration.

3.1.6.2.   General concession for passenger transport

| (26) | Undertakings providing passenger transport services for remuneration must have a general concession (15). In order to obtain a general concession, the applicant must (i) provide a certificate of good conduct, (ii) have satisfactory financial means and abilities, and (iii) have satisfactory professional qualifications (16). General concessions are not time limited (17). |
| --- | --- |

(26)

Undertakings providing passenger transport services for remuneration must have a general concession (15). In order to obtain a general concession, the applicant must (i) provide a certificate of good conduct, (ii) have satisfactory financial means and abilities, and (iii) have satisfactory professional qualifications (16). General concessions are not time limited (17).

3.1.6.3.   Special concessions for scheduled passenger transport

| (27) | In addition to the general concession, any undertaking wishing to carry out scheduled passenger transport for remuneration must have a special concession (18). There are two types of special concessions: (i) area concessions, and (ii) route specific concessions. The area concession is of a residual nature, in that it permits its holder to operate scheduled bus transport services in the entire area covered, in so far as other route specific concessions have not been granted in the area. The holder of a route specific concession is the sole entity entitled to operate scheduled bus transport on that route. |
| --- | --- |

(27)

In addition to the general concession, any undertaking wishing to carry out scheduled passenger transport for remuneration must have a special concession (18). There are two types of special concessions: (i) area concessions, and (ii) route specific concessions. The area concession is of a residual nature, in that it permits its holder to operate scheduled bus transport services in the entire area covered, in so far as other route specific concessions have not been granted in the area. The holder of a route specific concession is the sole entity entitled to operate scheduled bus transport on that route.

| (28) | The special concession confers upon the concessionaire both a right and a duty to carry out the transport service as set out in the concession (19). When applying for a special concession, a proposal for a transportation schedule and tariffs must be submitted (20). Schedules and tariffs are subject to the control of the counties (21). The counties can order changes in the schedules and tariffs (22). |
| --- | --- |

(28)

The special concession confers upon the concessionaire both a right and a duty to carry out the transport service as set out in the concession (19). When applying for a special concession, a proposal for a transportation schedule and tariffs must be submitted (20). Schedules and tariffs are subject to the control of the counties (21). The counties can order changes in the schedules and tariffs (22).

| (29) | Special concession can either be awarded for periods of up to 10 years (i) through tender procedures and granted for the period determined in the tender procedure (23), which in any event will not be for a longer period than 10 years (24), or (ii) directly, i.e. outside any tender procedure for a 10 year period (25). |
| --- | --- |

(29)

Special concession can either be awarded for periods of up to 10 years (i) through tender procedures and granted for the period determined in the tender procedure (23), which in any event will not be for a longer period than 10 years (24), or (ii) directly, i.e. outside any tender procedure for a 10 year period (25).

3.1.6.4.   Ticketing systems

| (30) | The concessionaires must deploy ticketing systems approved by the counties (26). |
| --- | --- |

(30)

The concessionaires must deploy ticketing systems approved by the counties (26).

3.1.6.5.   Contracts

| (31) | To complement the concessions, the counties may enter into contracts with the concessionaires about the provision of public services. The counties are free to determine the form of these contracts (27). |
| --- | --- |

(31)

To complement the concessions, the counties may enter into contracts with the concessionaires about the provision of public services. The counties are free to determine the form of these contracts (27).

3.1.6.6.   Compensation

| (32) | The counties are responsible for compensating the concessionaires (28). Compensation is only granted to undertakings that operate unprofitable routes (i.e. where the revenue generated from the sale of tickets does not cover the cost of operating the service). |
| --- | --- |

(32)

The counties are responsible for compensating the concessionaires (28). Compensation is only granted to undertakings that operate unprofitable routes (i.e. where the revenue generated from the sale of tickets does not cover the cost of operating the service).

| (33) | Under Article 22 CTA, counties have to compensate operators for the provision of the transport service on unprofitable routes that the counties seek to establish, or to maintain within their territories (29). The counties are free to determine the manner in which the concessionaires are to be compensated; the CTA and the CTR do not forsee any particular rules on how compensation is to be provided. |
| --- | --- |

(33)

Under Article 22 CTA, counties have to compensate operators for the provision of the transport service on unprofitable routes that the counties seek to establish, or to maintain within their territories (29). The counties are free to determine the manner in which the concessionaires are to be compensated; the CTA and the CTR do not forsee any particular rules on how compensation is to be provided.

| (34) | The Authority understands that Article 22 CTA allows for compensation to cover the cost of the public service minus the ticket revenues but including a reasonable profit, and that any compensation beyond that could not be based on the CTA. |
| --- | --- |

(34)

The Authority understands that Article 22 CTA allows for compensation to cover the cost of the public service minus the ticket revenues but including a reasonable profit, and that any compensation beyond that could not be based on the CTA.

3.2.   
  School Transport

| (35) | Since before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in Norway on 1 January 1994, the Norwegian counties have been responsible for providing primary and high school transportation of children residing in a certain distance from the school (normally four kilometres). At present, this responsibility is laid down in the Act on Education of 1998 (30). This Act was preceded by the Act on Primary Schools of 1969 (31) and the Act on Secondary Schools of 1974 (32). In the mid-1980s, on the basis of an act amending the Act on Primary Schools and the Act on Secondary Schools (33), the counties became responsible for providing school transportation. For the sake of clarity, in this Decision the term ‘Education Act’ will be used throughout the text to refer also to the relevant legal provisions in force in the period prior to 1999. |
| --- | --- |

(35)

Since before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in Norway on 1 January 1994, the Norwegian counties have been responsible for providing primary and high school transportation of children residing in a certain distance from the school (normally four kilometres). At present, this responsibility is laid down in the Act on Education of 1998 (30). This Act was preceded by the Act on Primary Schools of 1969 (31) and the Act on Secondary Schools of 1974 (32). In the mid-1980s, on the basis of an act amending the Act on Primary Schools and the Act on Secondary Schools (33), the counties became responsible for providing school transportation. For the sake of clarity, in this Decision the term ‘Education Act’ will be used throughout the text to refer also to the relevant legal provisions in force in the period prior to 1999.

| (36) | According to the Education Act, for primary school transportation, the municipalities are obliged to pay a tariff to the county. The county, thereafter, pays the bus operator for providing the service. For high school transportation, the counties pay for monthly tickets for the students, pursuant to contracts concluded with the bus operators. |
| --- | --- |

(36)

According to the Education Act, for primary school transportation, the municipalities are obliged to pay a tariff to the county. The county, thereafter, pays the bus operator for providing the service. For high school transportation, the counties pay for monthly tickets for the students, pursuant to contracts concluded with the bus operators.

4.   The award of contracts and compensation in Aust-Agder

| (37) | Point 1 of the contracts entered into between Aust-Agder and the bus operators provides that ‘the contract commits the parties to ensure that the residents of Aust-Agder receive the best possible local scheduled and school transport services (...)’. |
| --- | --- |

(37)

Point 1 of the contracts entered into between Aust-Agder and the bus operators provides that ‘the contract commits the parties to ensure that the residents of Aust-Agder receive the best possible local scheduled and school transport services (...)’.

4.1.   
  Potential aid recipients

| (38) | Aust-Agder has concluded contracts for local scheduled and school bus transport services with the following companies:






  — | Birkeland Busser AS, owned by Setesdal Bilruter L/L. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(38)

Aust-Agder has concluded contracts for local scheduled and school bus transport services with the following companies:

—

Birkeland Busser AS, owned by Setesdal Bilruter L/L.

| — | Frolandsruta Frode Oland, owned by Frode Stoltenberg Oland. |
| --- | --- |

—

Frolandsruta Frode Oland, owned by Frode Stoltenberg Oland.

| — | Høyvågruta AS, until its merger with Nettbuss Sør AS in 2009. |
| --- | --- |

—

Høyvågruta AS, until its merger with Nettbuss Sør AS in 2009.

| — | Nettbuss Sør AS, which is part of the Nettbuss-group and owned by the bus transport company Nettbuss AS, which is owned by Norges Statsbaner AS (34). |
| --- | --- |

—

Nettbuss Sør AS, which is part of the Nettbuss-group and owned by the bus transport company Nettbuss AS, which is owned by Norges Statsbaner AS (34).

| — | Risør and Tvedestrand Bilruter AS (‘RTB’), until its merger with Nettbuss Sør AS since 2009. |
| --- | --- |

—

Risør and Tvedestrand Bilruter AS (‘RTB’), until its merger with Nettbuss Sør AS since 2009.

| — | Setesdal Bilruter L/L whose three main shareholders are Sigmund Aune, Brøvig Holding AS and Bykle Municipality. Additionally, several other municipalities within Aust-Agder and some in Vest-Agder are shareholders; and |
| --- | --- |

—

Setesdal Bilruter L/L whose three main shareholders are Sigmund Aune, Brøvig Holding AS and Bykle Municipality. Additionally, several other municipalities within Aust-Agder and some in Vest-Agder are shareholders; and

| — | Telemark Bilruter whose main shareholders are Vinje Municipality, Seljord Municipality and Seljord Sparebank; in addition, several municipalities in the Telemark County own shares in the company. |
| --- | --- |

—

Telemark Bilruter whose main shareholders are Vinje Municipality, Seljord Municipality and Seljord Sparebank; in addition, several municipalities in the Telemark County own shares in the company.

| (39) | These companies have been operating scheduled and school bus transport in Aust-Agder since before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in Norway on 1 January 1994. As from 2009, and following the merger of Nettbuss Sør AS with Høyvågruta AS and RTB, five operators have remained to carry out the transport services under the Aust-Agder contracts (35). |
| --- | --- |

(39)

These companies have been operating scheduled and school bus transport in Aust-Agder since before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in Norway on 1 January 1994. As from 2009, and following the merger of Nettbuss Sør AS with Høyvågruta AS and RTB, five operators have remained to carry out the transport services under the Aust-Agder contracts (35).

| (40) | The right and the obligation to provide local scheduled and school bus transport has been awarded through concessions, as well as, at a later stage, in combination with the award of separate contracts to the bus transport operators. The two most recent awards of concessions covered periods of 10 years (1993-2003 and 2003-2013). The awards of concessions and contracts have routinely been extended to the same bus transport operators during the two concession periods. |
| --- | --- |

(40)

The right and the obligation to provide local scheduled and school bus transport has been awarded through concessions, as well as, at a later stage, in combination with the award of separate contracts to the bus transport operators. The two most recent awards of concessions covered periods of 10 years (1993-2003 and 2003-2013). The awards of concessions and contracts have routinely been extended to the same bus transport operators during the two concession periods.

| (41) | All the operators carry out commercial activities outside the public service remit. These activities consist of freight transport, tour buses, taxi services and express bus routes. |
| --- | --- |

(41)

All the operators carry out commercial activities outside the public service remit. These activities consist of freight transport, tour buses, taxi services and express bus routes.

| (42) | The Norwegian authorities have stated that Telemark Bilruter AS has kept separate accounts for the public service and the commercial activities since 2000. Since 1 January 2012, the Norwegian authorities have confirmed that Telemark Bilruter has kept separate accounts for the contracts between the County of Telemark on the one hand and the County of Aust-Agder on the other. Frolandsruta Frode Oland has not kept separate accounts. Nettbuss Sør AS, L/L Setesdal Bilruter and Birkeland Busser AS introduced account separation in 2009. As for Høyvågruta AS and RTB, the Norwegian authorities have not been able to provide information whether the companies have kept separate accounts. As from their merger with Nettbuss Sør AS in 2009, their accounts have been incorporated to those of Nettbuss Sør AS. |
| --- | --- |

(42)

The Norwegian authorities have stated that Telemark Bilruter AS has kept separate accounts for the public service and the commercial activities since 2000. Since 1 January 2012, the Norwegian authorities have confirmed that Telemark Bilruter has kept separate accounts for the contracts between the County of Telemark on the one hand and the County of Aust-Agder on the other. Frolandsruta Frode Oland has not kept separate accounts. Nettbuss Sør AS, L/L Setesdal Bilruter and Birkeland Busser AS introduced account separation in 2009. As for Høyvågruta AS and RTB, the Norwegian authorities have not been able to provide information whether the companies have kept separate accounts. As from their merger with Nettbuss Sør AS in 2009, their accounts have been incorporated to those of Nettbuss Sør AS.

4.2.   
  The award of contracts have been linked to the award of concession

| (43) | With the exception of Birkeland Busser AS, all bus companies referred to above have been operating scheduled and school bus transport in the area for decades. In fact, most of them were awarded concessions shortly after the concession system was introduced in 1947. Birkeland Busser AS was established in the late 1980s and has since been operating local bus routes. |
| --- | --- |

(43)

With the exception of Birkeland Busser AS, all bus companies referred to above have been operating scheduled and school bus transport in the area for decades. In fact, most of them were awarded concessions shortly after the concession system was introduced in 1947. Birkeland Busser AS was established in the late 1980s and has since been operating local bus routes.

4.3.   
  The award of contracts between 1988 and 2003

| (44) | From 1988, Aust-Agder concluded agreements with each bus operator holding a concession. The duration of these agreements was for one year with the possibility of automatic renewal for a year at a time. |
| --- | --- |

(44)

From 1988, Aust-Agder concluded agreements with each bus operator holding a concession. The duration of these agreements was for one year with the possibility of automatic renewal for a year at a time.

| (45) | These agreements did not provide a formula on how to calculate the public service compensation. The compensation was based on negotiations. However, the contracts provided an obligation upon each bus company holding a concession to prepare a production plan and a budget proposal indicating their expected income and costs. This proposal should, as far as possible, be based on the accounts, statistics and also on prognosis of predictable costs and income plus the traffic evolution. Further, the proposed production costs should correspond to the costs for a normal and well run operator. This constituted the basis for the negotiations. |
| --- | --- |

(45)

These agreements did not provide a formula on how to calculate the public service compensation. The compensation was based on negotiations. However, the contracts provided an obligation upon each bus company holding a concession to prepare a production plan and a budget proposal indicating their expected income and costs. This proposal should, as far as possible, be based on the accounts, statistics and also on prognosis of predictable costs and income plus the traffic evolution. Further, the proposed production costs should correspond to the costs for a normal and well run operator. This constituted the basis for the negotiations.

4.4.   
  The award of contracts between 2004 and 2008

| (46) | Following a decision by its County Council of December 2002, Aust-Agder concluded a new form of individual contracts. |
| --- | --- |

(46)

Following a decision by its County Council of December 2002, Aust-Agder concluded a new form of individual contracts.

| (47) | According to the Norwegian authorities, the introduction of these contracts did not entail any fundamental change compared to the prior system. All contracts continued to be awarded directly to the existing operators. However, the negotiation-based compensation system was replaced by the so-called ALFA method. As of 2004, this ALFA method, which is explained in more detail below under 4.6 and 4.7, was used as a basis to calculate the compensation for the public service obligations. |
| --- | --- |

(47)

According to the Norwegian authorities, the introduction of these contracts did not entail any fundamental change compared to the prior system. All contracts continued to be awarded directly to the existing operators. However, the negotiation-based compensation system was replaced by the so-called ALFA method. As of 2004, this ALFA method, which is explained in more detail below under 4.6 and 4.7, was used as a basis to calculate the compensation for the public service obligations.

| (48) | The new individual contracts were initially in force from 1 January 2004 until 31 December 2006 and were prolonged by two years until 31 December 2008. |
| --- | --- |

(48)

The new individual contracts were initially in force from 1 January 2004 until 31 December 2006 and were prolonged by two years until 31 December 2008.

4.5.   
  The award of contracts since 2009

| (49) | On 12 June 2007, the Aust-Agder County Council decided to award new contracts directly to the existing bus companies for the next period 2009 to 2012. Following negotiations with the bus transport companies, it approved the new contracts on 9 December 2008. |
| --- | --- |

(49)

On 12 June 2007, the Aust-Agder County Council decided to award new contracts directly to the existing bus companies for the next period 2009 to 2012. Following negotiations with the bus transport companies, it approved the new contracts on 9 December 2008.

| (50) | The previous contracts remained largely unchanged. However, the ALFA method was supplemented by a new indexation system. |
| --- | --- |

(50)

The previous contracts remained largely unchanged. However, the ALFA method was supplemented by a new indexation system.

| (51) | The new contracts initially ran from 1 January 2009 until 31 December 2012 and were prolonged until the end of 2016, except for the contract with Nettbuss Sør AS which was extended by two years, until 31 December 2014. |
| --- | --- |

(51)

The new contracts initially ran from 1 January 2009 until 31 December 2012 and were prolonged until the end of 2016, except for the contract with Nettbuss Sør AS which was extended by two years, until 31 December 2014.

4.6.   
  The ALFA-method to calculate the compensation for local scheduled and school bus transport (2004-2008)

| (52) | As from 2004, the level of compensation continued to be concluded on negotiations between the county and the bus companies, but the basis for the negotiations changed with the introduction of a new system on how to calculate the compensation, the so-called ‘ALFA method’ (36). |
| --- | --- |

(52)

As from 2004, the level of compensation continued to be concluded on negotiations between the county and the bus companies, but the basis for the negotiations changed with the introduction of a new system on how to calculate the compensation, the so-called ‘ALFA method’ (36).

| (53) | According to the Norwegian authorities, the ALFA method was developed as an objective and transparent calculation model for costs connected to bus transport. A fundamental principle has been that the transport companies shall not have their remuneration calculated based on their own, actual costs, but according to representative assumptions for their type of enterprises. That said, the ALFA method provides for a basis for the assumption that costs shall correspond to a lower threshold. For example, normalised consumption of fuel for a certain number of operations shall correspond to a level which will mean that 33 % of measured values will lie below the norm and 67 % higher than the norm. This means that the system is not based on average cost, but on the cost of the 33 % best run companies. |
| --- | --- |

(53)

According to the Norwegian authorities, the ALFA method was developed as an objective and transparent calculation model for costs connected to bus transport. A fundamental principle has been that the transport companies shall not have their remuneration calculated based on their own, actual costs, but according to representative assumptions for their type of enterprises. That said, the ALFA method provides for a basis for the assumption that costs shall correspond to a lower threshold. For example, normalised consumption of fuel for a certain number of operations shall correspond to a level which will mean that 33 % of measured values will lie below the norm and 67 % higher than the norm. This means that the system is not based on average cost, but on the cost of the 33 % best run companies.

| (54) | According to the Norwegian authorities, this method simulates the costs of a well-run bus company. The normalised cost calculation of bus operations under the ALFA model includes the following core elements:






  (a) | Calculation of production: number of kilometres per production period per vehicle; each scheduled route is registered by distance driven, time consumed, number of days per period and type of bus used. The calculation of the number of kilometres per vehicle and hours in traffic is included, as well as the average speed per period; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(54)

According to the Norwegian authorities, this method simulates the costs of a well-run bus company. The normalised cost calculation of bus operations under the ALFA model includes the following core elements:

(a)

Calculation of production: number of kilometres per production period per vehicle; each scheduled route is registered by distance driven, time consumed, number of days per period and type of bus used. The calculation of the number of kilometres per vehicle and hours in traffic is included, as well as the average speed per period;

| (b) | Calculation of costs: unit costs x numbers of kilometres per vehicle; the ALFA-method takes into account costs such as fuel, tires, spare parts, service, maintenance, carwash, costs of vehicle, cost of personnel (drivers), budgets costs (traffic costs such as ferries, toll etc.), administration costs and other shared cost. The cost of each items is partially calculated on the basis of prices for input factors multiplied by their consumption per km, which give the normalised figure per km; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Calculation of costs: unit costs x numbers of kilometres per vehicle; the ALFA-method takes into account costs such as fuel, tires, spare parts, service, maintenance, carwash, costs of vehicle, cost of personnel (drivers), budgets costs (traffic costs such as ferries, toll etc.), administration costs and other shared cost. The cost of each items is partially calculated on the basis of prices for input factors multiplied by their consumption per km, which give the normalised figure per km;

| (c) | Revenue from traffic operations in the production period; and |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Revenue from traffic operations in the production period; and

| (d) | Calculation of the need for subsidies. The calculation of subsidies is built on the normalised calculation plus budget costs minus traffic revenue. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Calculation of the need for subsidies. The calculation of subsidies is built on the normalised calculation plus budget costs minus traffic revenue.

| (55) | The calculation has been based on the production of transport services (i.e. the number of kilometres driven by vehicles carried out in the various vehicle groups and scheduled service groups) by each of the companies; then on the ALFA-method’s average costs for the various cost items; and finally on some adjustments based on costs that are specific to the individual company due to: geographical and topographical consitions, traffic conditions and legislation, as well as tariff cited conditions. |
| --- | --- |

(55)

The calculation has been based on the production of transport services (i.e. the number of kilometres driven by vehicles carried out in the various vehicle groups and scheduled service groups) by each of the companies; then on the ALFA-method’s average costs for the various cost items; and finally on some adjustments based on costs that are specific to the individual company due to: geographical and topographical consitions, traffic conditions and legislation, as well as tariff cited conditions.

4.7.   
  The indexation of the ALFA-method (2009-2014/2016)

| (56) | As from 2009, the ALFA method was complemented by a system of indexation linked to certain cost relevant input factors. |
| --- | --- |

(56)

As from 2009, the ALFA method was complemented by a system of indexation linked to certain cost relevant input factors.

| (57) | From then on, the costs were indexed annually according to the following formula:










  L | = | change in wage cost (Statistics Norway, statistics of wages within transport) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| K | = | change in the Consumer price index (Statistics Norway) |
| D | = | change in fuel cost (Platts Oilgram index in NOR). |

(57)

From then on, the costs were indexed annually according to the following formula:

Formula

L

=

change in wage cost (Statistics Norway, statistics of wages within transport)

K

=

change in the Consumer price index (Statistics Norway)

D

=

change in fuel cost (Platts Oilgram index in NOR).

| (58) | The final amount of compensation continued, however to be set based on negotiations. These negotiations were concluded taking into account the calculations made the previous years by using the ALFA-method, increased costs of the bus operators and finally, the general increase of costs by the new system of indexation. |
| --- | --- |

(58)

The final amount of compensation continued, however to be set based on negotiations. These negotiations were concluded taking into account the calculations made the previous years by using the ALFA-method, increased costs of the bus operators and finally, the general increase of costs by the new system of indexation.

5.   Financing project for ATP Kristiansand area

| (59) | The complainant alleges that Aust-Agder has allocated NOK 1 million annually for ‘research and environmental measures’ to the bus operators. |
| --- | --- |

(59)

The complainant alleges that Aust-Agder has allocated NOK 1 million annually for ‘research and environmental measures’ to the bus operators.

| (60) | According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, the municipalities of Kristiansand, Sognadalen, Søgne, Vennesla, Lillesand, Birkenes and Iveland and the counties of Vest-Agder and Aust-Agder have established a cooperation project referred to as the ATP project. |
| --- | --- |

(60)

According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, the municipalities of Kristiansand, Sognadalen, Søgne, Vennesla, Lillesand, Birkenes and Iveland and the counties of Vest-Agder and Aust-Agder have established a cooperation project referred to as the ATP project.

| (61) | On the basis of the ATP project, as from 2004, only Nettbuss Sør AS was granted directly by the project an annual amount of NOK 1 million. As from 2010, that amount was increased to NOK 2 million and was granted to Nettbuss Sør AS directly from Aust-Agder as part of their contract on local scheduled and school bus transport. |
| --- | --- |

(61)

On the basis of the ATP project, as from 2004, only Nettbuss Sør AS was granted directly by the project an annual amount of NOK 1 million. As from 2010, that amount was increased to NOK 2 million and was granted to Nettbuss Sør AS directly from Aust-Agder as part of their contract on local scheduled and school bus transport.

6.   Comments by the Norwegian authorities

| (62) | The Norwegian authorities submit that the complaint, without further elaboration, mainly refers to an Authority Decision that concerned an entirely different case, i.e. bus transport in Oslo (37). The complainant, according to the Norwegian authorities, has not substantiated how Aust-Agder has violated the State aid rules, nor has it explained how the bus companies concerned have been overcompensated. Further, the Norwegian authorities reject as incorrect the complainant’s allegation that Aust-Agder has displayed a lack of interest in holding the companies to the terms of the contracts. |
| --- | --- |

(62)

The Norwegian authorities submit that the complaint, without further elaboration, mainly refers to an Authority Decision that concerned an entirely different case, i.e. bus transport in Oslo (37). The complainant, according to the Norwegian authorities, has not substantiated how Aust-Agder has violated the State aid rules, nor has it explained how the bus companies concerned have been overcompensated. Further, the Norwegian authorities reject as incorrect the complainant’s allegation that Aust-Agder has displayed a lack of interest in holding the companies to the terms of the contracts.

| (63) | The Norwegian authorities further take the view that the present compensation scheme in Aust-Agder does not entail State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement because it fulfils the criteria laid down in the Altmark judgment (38). |
| --- | --- |

(63)

The Norwegian authorities further take the view that the present compensation scheme in Aust-Agder does not entail State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement because it fulfils the criteria laid down in the Altmark judgment (38).

| (64) | As regard the first Altmark criterion, the Norwegian authorities consider the public bus transport service obligations to be clearly defined as a service of general economic interest. In that context, the Norwegian authorities point to Article 1(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 (39), arguing that the obligations at issue have been defined and entrusted by way of both law, concessions/licences and in the contracts concluded with the companies. |
| --- | --- |

(64)

As regard the first Altmark criterion, the Norwegian authorities consider the public bus transport service obligations to be clearly defined as a service of general economic interest. In that context, the Norwegian authorities point to Article 1(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 (39), arguing that the obligations at issue have been defined and entrusted by way of both law, concessions/licences and in the contracts concluded with the companies.

| (65) | According to the second Altmark condition, the parameters that serve as a basis for calculating compensation must be established in advance in an objective and transparent manner in order to ensure that they do not confer an economic advantage that could favour the recipient undertakings. The Norwegian authorities submit that the introduction of the ALFA-method as from 2004, complies with the second condition. The costs, revenues and the compensation from Aust-Agder are determined in advance in an objective and transparent manner indicating all the different elements of the formula that relevant for the calculation. |
| --- | --- |

(65)

According to the second Altmark condition, the parameters that serve as a basis for calculating compensation must be established in advance in an objective and transparent manner in order to ensure that they do not confer an economic advantage that could favour the recipient undertakings. The Norwegian authorities submit that the introduction of the ALFA-method as from 2004, complies with the second condition. The costs, revenues and the compensation from Aust-Agder are determined in advance in an objective and transparent manner indicating all the different elements of the formula that relevant for the calculation.

| (66) | With regard to the third Altmark condition, the Norwegian authorities argue that the calculation of the compensation according to the ALFA-method and its indexation does not exceed what is necessary to cover the costs of the discharge of the public service obligations, taking into account relevant income and a reasonable profit. They point out that the compensation in this case is calculated to cover the difference between estimated income and estimated costs of the company, being applied in an objective and transparent manner. The operating profit is also relatively low and limited for most of the companies. |
| --- | --- |

(66)

With regard to the third Altmark condition, the Norwegian authorities argue that the calculation of the compensation according to the ALFA-method and its indexation does not exceed what is necessary to cover the costs of the discharge of the public service obligations, taking into account relevant income and a reasonable profit. They point out that the compensation in this case is calculated to cover the difference between estimated income and estimated costs of the company, being applied in an objective and transparent manner. The operating profit is also relatively low and limited for most of the companies.

| (67) | Based on figures made available to the Authority, the Norwegian authorities further submit that the accounts of the companies operating the public service do not reveal any overcompensation. |
| --- | --- |

(67)

Based on figures made available to the Authority, the Norwegian authorities further submit that the accounts of the companies operating the public service do not reveal any overcompensation.

| (68) | With regard to the fourth Altmark condition, the Norwegian authorities submit that the ALFA method and the later system of indexation (see above paragraphs 52-58) are both based on a benchmarking exercise as provided in the Altmark judgment. Thus, the compensation is calculated on the basis of the costs and incomes of a well run undertaking and not only the average in the sector concerned. |
| --- | --- |

(68)

With regard to the fourth Altmark condition, the Norwegian authorities submit that the ALFA method and the later system of indexation (see above paragraphs 52-58) are both based on a benchmarking exercise as provided in the Altmark judgment. Thus, the compensation is calculated on the basis of the costs and incomes of a well run undertaking and not only the average in the sector concerned.

| (69) | The Norwegian authorities also submit that the scheme of compensation for public service bus transport would in any event comply with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007. |
| --- | --- |

(69)

The Norwegian authorities also submit that the scheme of compensation for public service bus transport would in any event comply with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007.

| (70) | In particular, the Norwegian authorities argue that two of the five contracts meet the requirements of Article 5(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007, which provides for thresholds below which public service contracts can be awarded directly (40). It is also submitted that due to the limited number of kilometres driven, the low contract value and the relatively short duration of the contracts, these have no direct or potential interest to an undertaking located in other EEA States than Norway. |
| --- | --- |

(70)

In particular, the Norwegian authorities argue that two of the five contracts meet the requirements of Article 5(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007, which provides for thresholds below which public service contracts can be awarded directly (40). It is also submitted that due to the limited number of kilometres driven, the low contract value and the relatively short duration of the contracts, these have no direct or potential interest to an undertaking located in other EEA States than Norway.

| (71) | If the Authority were to conclude that State aid was present in this case, the Norwegian authorities argue that such aid would in any event have to be classified as existing aid. In their view, the financing has been carried out on the basis of a scheme that has existed before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in Norway in 1994. |
| --- | --- |

(71)

If the Authority were to conclude that State aid was present in this case, the Norwegian authorities argue that such aid would in any event have to be classified as existing aid. In their view, the financing has been carried out on the basis of a scheme that has existed before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in Norway in 1994.

| (72) | It is further submitted that no significant changes have been made; neither to the basic features of the basis for the aid, nor to the source of financing, nor to the aims pursued by the aid. The aim of the scheme has always been to provide public passenger transport. Consequently, any aid granted in accordance with the present scheme must, the Norwegian authorities contend, be considered as existing aid. |
| --- | --- |

(72)

It is further submitted that no significant changes have been made; neither to the basic features of the basis for the aid, nor to the source of financing, nor to the aims pursued by the aid. The aim of the scheme has always been to provide public passenger transport. Consequently, any aid granted in accordance with the present scheme must, the Norwegian authorities contend, be considered as existing aid.

| (73) | As regards the ATP project, the Norwegian authorities have stated that the amount paid annually to Nettbuss Sør AS aims at maintaining improved bus transport services. |
| --- | --- |

(73)

As regards the ATP project, the Norwegian authorities have stated that the amount paid annually to Nettbuss Sør AS aims at maintaining improved bus transport services.

II.   ASSESSMENT

1.   The presence of State aid

1.1.   
  State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement

| (74) | Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement reads as follows:
  ‘Save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any aid granted by EC Member States, EFTA States or through State resources in any form whatsoever which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods shall, in so far as it affects trade between Contracting Parties, be incompatible with the functioning of this Agreement.’ |
| --- | --- |

(74)

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

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

1.2.   
  The presence of State resources

| (75) | The Authority notes that the compensation for both local scheduled and school bus transport is paid from the public budget of Aust-Agder. In the context of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement, both local and regional authorities are considered to be equivalent to the State (41). Hence, Aust-Agder is equivalent to the State for the purposes of the EEA State aid rules. On this basis, the Authority concludes that the compensation measure implies the use of State resources. |
| --- | --- |

(75)

The Authority notes that the compensation for both local scheduled and school bus transport is paid from the public budget of Aust-Agder. In the context of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement, both local and regional authorities are considered to be equivalent to the State (41). Hence, Aust-Agder is equivalent to the State for the purposes of the EEA State aid rules. On this basis, the Authority concludes that the compensation measure implies the use of State resources.

| (76) | Equally, the Authority notes that the ATP project is paid from the budget of municipalities and Aust-Agder. Therefore, the Authority finds that State resources are involved. |
| --- | --- |

(76)

Equally, the Authority notes that the ATP project is paid from the budget of municipalities and Aust-Agder. Therefore, the Authority finds that State resources are involved.

1.3.   
  Undertaking

| (77) | As provided by Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement, it must also be established whether the public service compensation to the five operators (seven operators before 2009), as well as the financing from the ATP project, grant a selective economic advantage in favour of certain undertakings or the production of certain goods. |
| --- | --- |

(77)

As provided by Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement, it must also be established whether the public service compensation to the five operators (seven operators before 2009), as well as the financing from the ATP project, grant a selective economic advantage in favour of certain undertakings or the production of certain goods.

| (78) | The beneficiaries in the present case are bus operators that engage in economic activities, inter alia scheduled and school bus transport against remuneration (see para. (41) above). Thus, they all constitute undertakings within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(78)

The beneficiaries in the present case are bus operators that engage in economic activities, inter alia scheduled and school bus transport against remuneration (see para. (41) above). Thus, they all constitute undertakings within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement.

1.4.   
  Selectivity

| (79) | In order to determine whether a measure is selective, the question is whether the undertaking(s) in question are in a legal and factual situation that is comparable to other undertakings in light of the objective of the measure (42). |
| --- | --- |

(79)

In order to determine whether a measure is selective, the question is whether the undertaking(s) in question are in a legal and factual situation that is comparable to other undertakings in light of the objective of the measure (42).

| (80) | In the present case, the public service compensation has been limited to five (seven before 2009) companies. Other undertakings engaging in transport activities in Norway or elsewhere in the EEA, that have been in a similar legal and factual situation, have not received public service compensation. Therefore, the Authority concludes that the award of public service compensation is selective. |
| --- | --- |

(80)

In the present case, the public service compensation has been limited to five (seven before 2009) companies. Other undertakings engaging in transport activities in Norway or elsewhere in the EEA, that have been in a similar legal and factual situation, have not received public service compensation. Therefore, the Authority concludes that the award of public service compensation is selective.

| (81) | Furthermore, the financing of NOK 1 million (NOK 2 million as from 2010) from the ATP project has only been granted to Nettbuss Sør AS. It is, thus, a selective measure. |
| --- | --- |

(81)

Furthermore, the financing of NOK 1 million (NOK 2 million as from 2010) from the ATP project has only been granted to Nettbuss Sør AS. It is, thus, a selective measure.

1.5.   
  Advantage — Compensation for a public service obligation for local scheduled and school bus transport

1.5.1.   Altmark criteria

| (82) | In order to constitute State aid, the measure must also confer an advantage that relieves an undertaking of charges that are normally borne from its budgets. |
| --- | --- |

(82)

In order to constitute State aid, the measure must also confer an advantage that relieves an undertaking of charges that are normally borne from its budgets.

| (83) | As regard the grant of a selective economic advantage, it follows from the Altmark judgment that where a State measure must be regarded as compensation for services provided by the recipient undertakings in order to discharge public service obligations, such a measure is not caught by Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. In the Altmark judgment, the Court of Justice held that compensation for public service obligations does not constitute State aid when four cumulative criteria are met:






  — | First, the recipient undertaking must actually have public service obligations to discharge and such obligations must be clearly defined. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(83)

As regard the grant of a selective economic advantage, it follows from the Altmark judgment that where a State measure must be regarded as compensation for services provided by the recipient undertakings in order to discharge public service obligations, such a measure is not caught by Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. In the Altmark judgment, the Court of Justice held that compensation for public service obligations does not constitute State aid when four cumulative criteria are met:

—

First, the recipient undertaking must actually have public service obligations to discharge and such obligations must be clearly defined.

| — | Second, the parameters on the basis of which the compensation is calculated must be established in advance in an objective and transparent manner. |
| --- | --- |

—

Second, the parameters on the basis of which the compensation is calculated must be established in advance in an objective and transparent manner.

| — | Third, the compensation cannot exceed what is necessary to cover all or part of the costs incurred in the discharge of the public service obligations, taking into account the relevant receipts and a reasonable profit. |
| --- | --- |

—

Third, the compensation cannot exceed what is necessary to cover all or part of the costs incurred in the discharge of the public service obligations, taking into account the relevant receipts and a reasonable profit.

| — | Fourth, and finally, where the undertaking which is to discharge public service obligations is not chosen pursuant to a public procurement procedure which would allow for the selection of the tender capable of providing those services at the least cost, the level of compensation needed must be determined on the basis of analysis of the costs which a typical undertaking, well run and adequately equipped, would have incurred (43). |
| --- | --- |

—

Fourth, and finally, where the undertaking which is to discharge public service obligations is not chosen pursuant to a public procurement procedure which would allow for the selection of the tender capable of providing those services at the least cost, the level of compensation needed must be determined on the basis of analysis of the costs which a typical undertaking, well run and adequately equipped, would have incurred (43).

1.5.2.   1994-2003

| (84) | According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, from 1994 to 2003, no objective and transparent parameters for the calculation of the compensation existed (2nd Altmark criterion). The compensation was in principle based on negotiations between the individual operators and Aust-Agder, which cannot exclude overcompensation, even though, according to the agreements, each operator should, prior to these negotiations, have presented a plan of the relevant route production and also provided a budget proposal of its costs and income (3rd Altmark criterion). In addition no method determining the level of compensation in relation to the costs of an efficient operator (4th Altmark criterion) was in place. |
| --- | --- |

(84)

According to the information provided by the Norwegian authorities, from 1994 to 2003, no objective and transparent parameters for the calculation of the compensation existed (2nd Altmark criterion). The compensation was in principle based on negotiations between the individual operators and Aust-Agder, which cannot exclude overcompensation, even though, according to the agreements, each operator should, prior to these negotiations, have presented a plan of the relevant route production and also provided a budget proposal of its costs and income (3rd Altmark criterion). In addition no method determining the level of compensation in relation to the costs of an efficient operator (4th Altmark criterion) was in place.

| (85) | As a result, the Authority concludes that before 2004, the Altmark criteria were not cumulatively met. |
| --- | --- |

(85)

As a result, the Authority concludes that before 2004, the Altmark criteria were not cumulatively met.

1.5.3.   Since 2004

1.5.3.1.   The first Altmark condition

| (86) | The relevant bus operators have been under public service obligations to provide local scheduled and school bus transport services in Aust-Agder. |
| --- | --- |

(86)

The relevant bus operators have been under public service obligations to provide local scheduled and school bus transport services in Aust-Agder.

| (87) | The public service obligations have been based on (1) the CTA and the CTR, and on provisions in the Education Act, all stating that the grant of concession involves an obligation to carry out the transport services stipulated in the concession; (2) the concessions granted to the relevant operators, which cover the provision of local scheduled and school bus transport services in Aust-Agder; and (3) the individual contracts between Aust-Agder and the operators. |
| --- | --- |

(87)

The public service obligations have been based on (1) the CTA and the CTR, and on provisions in the Education Act, all stating that the grant of concession involves an obligation to carry out the transport services stipulated in the concession; (2) the concessions granted to the relevant operators, which cover the provision of local scheduled and school bus transport services in Aust-Agder; and (3) the individual contracts between Aust-Agder and the operators.

| (88) | Further, it is possible to identify in the relevant contracts the service providers, the duration of the service period, the nature of the public service obligations of operating collective transport services in the local network. Hence, the Authority takes the preliminary view that the first condition of the Altmark judgement has been fulfilled since 2004. |
| --- | --- |

(88)

Further, it is possible to identify in the relevant contracts the service providers, the duration of the service period, the nature of the public service obligations of operating collective transport services in the local network. Hence, the Authority takes the preliminary view that the first condition of the Altmark judgement has been fulfilled since 2004.

1.5.3.2.   The second Altmark condition

| (89) | As regards the second condition, the Authority observes that the parameters for calculating the compensation changed with the introduction of the ALFA model as from 2004. |
| --- | --- |

(89)

As regards the second condition, the Authority observes that the parameters for calculating the compensation changed with the introduction of the ALFA model as from 2004.

| (90) | As it is presented by the Norwegian authorities, the ALFA method appears to contain parameters on how to calculate the compensation that are established beforehand in an objective and transparent manner, e.g. calculation of production on the basis of the number of kilometres per production period per vehicle or calculation of costs on the basis of unit costs multiplied by the number of kilometres per vehicle. That being said, negotiations about the exact amount of the compensation to be granted take place after the ALFA method has been applied. This begs the question whether the systematic use of such negotiations, ex post, entails that the calculation of compensation in practice leaves room for discretionary adjustment (44). As a result, the Authority, based on the information before it, has doubts as to whether the second condition of Altmark has been met since 2004. |
| --- | --- |

(90)

As it is presented by the Norwegian authorities, the ALFA method appears to contain parameters on how to calculate the compensation that are established beforehand in an objective and transparent manner, e.g. calculation of production on the basis of the number of kilometres per production period per vehicle or calculation of costs on the basis of unit costs multiplied by the number of kilometres per vehicle. That being said, negotiations about the exact amount of the compensation to be granted take place after the ALFA method has been applied. This begs the question whether the systematic use of such negotiations, ex post, entails that the calculation of compensation in practice leaves room for discretionary adjustment (44). As a result, the Authority, based on the information before it, has doubts as to whether the second condition of Altmark has been met since 2004.

1.5.3.3.   The third Altmark condition

| (91) | The third condition is that the compensation shall not exceed what is necessary to cover all — or part of — the costs incurred in discharging the public service obligations, taking into account relevant receipts and a reasonable profit for discharging those obligations. |
| --- | --- |

(91)

The third condition is that the compensation shall not exceed what is necessary to cover all — or part of — the costs incurred in discharging the public service obligations, taking into account relevant receipts and a reasonable profit for discharging those obligations.

| (92) | In that regard, the EFTA Court already held in Joined Cases E-10/11 and E-11/11:
  ‘If it is shown that the compensation paid to the undertakings operating the public service does not reflect the costs actually incurred by that undertaking for the purposes of that service, such a system does not satisfy the requirement that compensation cannot exceed what is necessary to cover all or part of the costs incurred in the discharge of public service obligations, taking into account the relevant receipts and a reasonable profit for discharging those obligations’ (45). |
| --- | --- |

(92)

In that regard, the EFTA Court already held in Joined Cases E-10/11 and E-11/11:

‘If it is shown that the compensation paid to the undertakings operating the public service does not reflect the costs actually incurred by that undertaking for the purposes of that service, such a system does not satisfy the requirement that compensation cannot exceed what is necessary to cover all or part of the costs incurred in the discharge of public service obligations, taking into account the relevant receipts and a reasonable profit for discharging those obligations’ (45).

| (93) | It is evident from the information submitted that all operators involved carry out activities outside the public remit. However, concerning Telemark Bilruter AS, the company has not kept separate accounts for the public service contracts in Aust-Agder and its public service contracts with the county of Telemark until the end of 2011, although it has kept separate accounts for the public service and the commercial activities since 2000; concerning Nettbuss Sør AS (including the two companies that were merged with Nettbuss Sør AS in 2009: RTB and Høvågruta AS) no complete figures showing the full accounts from 2004 onwards have been submitted and Nettbuss Sør AS has not kept separate accounts before 2009; as for RTB and Høvågruta AS there has been no information submitted for the period until they ceased to exist with the merger of 2009; L/L Setesdal Bilruter and Birkeland Busser AS have not kept separate accounts before 2009; finally, as to Frolandsruta, the Norwegian authorities have not been able to provide information whether the company has kept separate accounts. |
| --- | --- |

(93)

It is evident from the information submitted that all operators involved carry out activities outside the public remit. However, concerning Telemark Bilruter AS, the company has not kept separate accounts for the public service contracts in Aust-Agder and its public service contracts with the county of Telemark until the end of 2011, although it has kept separate accounts for the public service and the commercial activities since 2000; concerning Nettbuss Sør AS (including the two companies that were merged with Nettbuss Sør AS in 2009: RTB and Høvågruta AS) no complete figures showing the full accounts from 2004 onwards have been submitted and Nettbuss Sør AS has not kept separate accounts before 2009; as for RTB and Høvågruta AS there has been no information submitted for the period until they ceased to exist with the merger of 2009; L/L Setesdal Bilruter and Birkeland Busser AS have not kept separate accounts before 2009; finally, as to Frolandsruta, the Norwegian authorities have not been able to provide information whether the company has kept separate accounts.

| (94) | Consequently, at this stage, the Authority considers that there has been no complete, transparent and objective information available as to the costs and revenues of the public service operations as opposed to those of other commercial activities. Even though for some companies the accounts have been kept separate, it is not clear whether there are common costs between the public service provided in Aust-Agder and the activities outside the public service remit in Aust-Agder. Furthermore, it is not clear how these potential common costs have been allocated to avoid cross-subsidization. |
| --- | --- |

(94)

Consequently, at this stage, the Authority considers that there has been no complete, transparent and objective information available as to the costs and revenues of the public service operations as opposed to those of other commercial activities. Even though for some companies the accounts have been kept separate, it is not clear whether there are common costs between the public service provided in Aust-Agder and the activities outside the public service remit in Aust-Agder. Furthermore, it is not clear how these potential common costs have been allocated to avoid cross-subsidization.

| (95) | Further, the Authority recalls that the calculattion of the final compensation was not only based on the application of the ALFA method, but also on subsequent negotiations. In principle, the use of negotiations cannot guarantee that the amount of compensation finally granted does not exceed what is necessary for the discharge of public service obligations. |
| --- | --- |

(95)

Further, the Authority recalls that the calculattion of the final compensation was not only based on the application of the ALFA method, but also on subsequent negotiations. In principle, the use of negotiations cannot guarantee that the amount of compensation finally granted does not exceed what is necessary for the discharge of public service obligations.

| (96) | In view of the above, the Authority cannot exclude that any of the companies have been overcompensated for the provision of the public services since 2004. Given that separate accounts have not been consistently kept by the companies since 2004, and that no proper allocation of common costs has been reported, it is not clear at this stage whether the final compensation agreed on the basis of negotiations covers solely the cost of the public service (46). As a result, the Authority doubts whether the third Altmark condition has been fulfilled since 2004. |
| --- | --- |

(96)

In view of the above, the Authority cannot exclude that any of the companies have been overcompensated for the provision of the public services since 2004. Given that separate accounts have not been consistently kept by the companies since 2004, and that no proper allocation of common costs has been reported, it is not clear at this stage whether the final compensation agreed on the basis of negotiations covers solely the cost of the public service (46). As a result, the Authority doubts whether the third Altmark condition has been fulfilled since 2004.

1.5.3.4.   The fourth Altmark condition

| (97) | In this case, the bus operators’ compensation has not been determined on the basis of a public procurement procedure. Rather, the Norwegian authorities submit that the compensation scheme in Aust-Agder was based on a benchmarking exercise that ensures that the compensation granted covers but the cost of a well run operator (as compensation calculated under the ALFA model is based on the costs of the 33 % best run bus companies). |
| --- | --- |

(97)

In this case, the bus operators’ compensation has not been determined on the basis of a public procurement procedure. Rather, the Norwegian authorities submit that the compensation scheme in Aust-Agder was based on a benchmarking exercise that ensures that the compensation granted covers but the cost of a well run operator (as compensation calculated under the ALFA model is based on the costs of the 33 % best run bus companies).

| (98) | The Authority acknowledges the measures taken by the Norwegian authorities to increase the efficiency of the operators concerned. However, at this stage, the Authority cannot conclude on the applicability of the fourth Altmark criterion, due to the fact that the ALFA method does not specify in detail the sample of undertakings that were taken into account for benchmarking purposes. In addition, no analytical ratios representative of productivity (such as turnover to capital employed, total cost to turnover, turnover per employee, value added per employee or staff costs to value added) or quality of supply have been submitted (47). The Authority also entertains doubts as to whether all relevant costs for the discharge of the public service correspond to the lower threshold as envisaged by the ALFA method, or only a sample (e.g. fuel consumption), and only for a certain number of operations. |
| --- | --- |

(98)

The Authority acknowledges the measures taken by the Norwegian authorities to increase the efficiency of the operators concerned. However, at this stage, the Authority cannot conclude on the applicability of the fourth Altmark criterion, due to the fact that the ALFA method does not specify in detail the sample of undertakings that were taken into account for benchmarking purposes. In addition, no analytical ratios representative of productivity (such as turnover to capital employed, total cost to turnover, turnover per employee, value added per employee or staff costs to value added) or quality of supply have been submitted (47). The Authority also entertains doubts as to whether all relevant costs for the discharge of the public service correspond to the lower threshold as envisaged by the ALFA method, or only a sample (e.g. fuel consumption), and only for a certain number of operations.

| (99) | Therefore, it is not clear at this stage whether the ALFA method applies a cost analysis that corresponds to the totality of the costs of an efficient undertaking — and in such a case the fourth criterion would be met — or a cost analysis that provides incentives to companies to become more efficient than before on the basis of selective cost factors — and in such a case the fourth criterion could not be met. In addition, the fact that the final compensation is set on the basis of negotiations may be held to allow for discretionary cost adjustments that cannot reflect the costs of an efficient operator. |
| --- | --- |

(99)

Therefore, it is not clear at this stage whether the ALFA method applies a cost analysis that corresponds to the totality of the costs of an efficient undertaking — and in such a case the fourth criterion would be met — or a cost analysis that provides incentives to companies to become more efficient than before on the basis of selective cost factors — and in such a case the fourth criterion could not be met. In addition, the fact that the final compensation is set on the basis of negotiations may be held to allow for discretionary cost adjustments that cannot reflect the costs of an efficient operator.

| (100) | As a result, the Authority doubts whether the fourth Altmark condition has been fulfilled since 2004. |
| --- | --- |

(100)

As a result, the Authority doubts whether the fourth Altmark condition has been fulfilled since 2004.

1.5.3.5.   Conclusion on the Altmark test

| (101) | Based on the information submitted, the Authority cannot, at this stage, conclude that the compensation awarded since 2004 for the local scheduled and school bus transport service obligations in Aust-Agder complies with all the four criteria in the Altmark judgement. The presence of an advantage granted to an undertaking for performing public service obligations in the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA agreement cannot thus be excluded. |
| --- | --- |

(101)

Based on the information submitted, the Authority cannot, at this stage, conclude that the compensation awarded since 2004 for the local scheduled and school bus transport service obligations in Aust-Agder complies with all the four criteria in the Altmark judgement. The presence of an advantage granted to an undertaking for performing public service obligations in the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA agreement cannot thus be excluded.

1.6.   
  Advantage — ATP Project

| (102) | If a recipient undertaking receives an economic advantage from the State, which it would not have obtained under normal market condition, such an advantage would normally involve State aid. |
| --- | --- |

(102)

If a recipient undertaking receives an economic advantage from the State, which it would not have obtained under normal market condition, such an advantage would normally involve State aid.

| (103) | Since 2004, Nettbuss Sør AS has received NOK 1 million from the ATP project on an annual basis. In 2010 the amount was increased to NOK 2 million. This would appear to constitute an economic advantage that Nettbuss Sør AS is unlikely to have obtained under normal market conditions. However, the Authority has not received adequate information that would enable it to make a proper assessment of whether the annual payments constitute State aid. |
| --- | --- |

(103)

Since 2004, Nettbuss Sør AS has received NOK 1 million from the ATP project on an annual basis. In 2010 the amount was increased to NOK 2 million. This would appear to constitute an economic advantage that Nettbuss Sør AS is unlikely to have obtained under normal market conditions. However, the Authority has not received adequate information that would enable it to make a proper assessment of whether the annual payments constitute State aid.

| (104) | Due to the absence of such information, the Authority cannot presently assess whether these amounts are connected to the award of compensation by Aust-Agder, or whether they constitute, or form part of, a separate scheme. |
| --- | --- |

(104)

Due to the absence of such information, the Authority cannot presently assess whether these amounts are connected to the award of compensation by Aust-Agder, or whether they constitute, or form part of, a separate scheme.

| (105) | Therefore, based on the information before it, the Authority cannot exclude that the ATP project provides an advantage to Nettbuss Sør AS that may entail State aid in the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(105)

Therefore, based on the information before it, the Authority cannot exclude that the ATP project provides an advantage to Nettbuss Sør AS that may entail State aid in the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement.

1.7.   
  Distortion of competition and effect on trade between Contracting Parties

| (106) | Next, the Authority must examine whether the measures are liable to affect trade and to distort competition (48). |
| --- | --- |

(106)

Next, the Authority must examine whether the measures are liable to affect trade and to distort competition (48).

| (107) | Since before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in Norway, several undertakings have been providing scheduled bus services in Aust-Agder. The Authority thus concludes that the annual compensation has been liable to distort competition since then (49). |
| --- | --- |

(107)

Since before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in Norway, several undertakings have been providing scheduled bus services in Aust-Agder. The Authority thus concludes that the annual compensation has been liable to distort competition since then (49).

| (108) | With respect to the effect on trade and the fact that the present case concerns a local market for bus transport in Aust-Agder, the Authority recalls that in the Altmark judgment, which also concerned regional bus transport services, the Court of Justice held that:
  ‘a public subsidy granted to an undertaking which provides only local or regional transport services and does not provide any transport services outside its State of origin may none the less have an effect on trade between Member States ... The second condition for the application of Article 92(1) of the Treaty, namely that the aid must be capable of affecting trade between Member States, does not therefore depend on the local or regional character of the transport services supplied or on the scale of the field of activity concerned’ (50). |
| --- | --- |

(108)

With respect to the effect on trade and the fact that the present case concerns a local market for bus transport in Aust-Agder, the Authority recalls that in the Altmark judgment, which also concerned regional bus transport services, the Court of Justice held that:

‘a public subsidy granted to an undertaking which provides only local or regional transport services and does not provide any transport services outside its State of origin may none the less have an effect on trade between Member States ... The second condition for the application of Article 92(1) of the Treaty, namely that the aid must be capable of affecting trade between Member States, does not therefore depend on the local or regional character of the transport services supplied or on the scale of the field of activity concerned’ (50).

| (109) | This means that even if — as in the present case — only a local or regional bus transport market (Aust-Agder) may be concerned, public funding made available to one operator in that market is still liable to affect trade between Contracting Parties (51). Consequently, the Authority considers that the annual compensation is liable to affect trade between Contracting Parties. |
| --- | --- |

(109)

This means that even if — as in the present case — only a local or regional bus transport market (Aust-Agder) may be concerned, public funding made available to one operator in that market is still liable to affect trade between Contracting Parties (51). Consequently, the Authority considers that the annual compensation is liable to affect trade between Contracting Parties.

| (110) | Moreover, the Authority takes the preliminary view that the same considerations apply, mutatis mutandis, both to the school transport activities (52) and to the ATP project. |
| --- | --- |

(110)

Moreover, the Authority takes the preliminary view that the same considerations apply, mutatis mutandis, both to the school transport activities (52) and to the ATP project.

1.8.   
  Conclusion

| (111) | The Authority considers that the compensation awarded by Aust-Agder to the seven bus operators for local scheduled and school bus transport prior to 2004 constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(111)

The Authority considers that the compensation awarded by Aust-Agder to the seven bus operators for local scheduled and school bus transport prior to 2004 constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement.

| (112) | Furthermore, the Authority has doubts as to whether the compensation awarded by Aust-Agder to the seven bus operators for local scheduled and school bus transport from 2004 until today constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(112)

Furthermore, the Authority has doubts as to whether the compensation awarded by Aust-Agder to the seven bus operators for local scheduled and school bus transport from 2004 until today constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA agreement.

| (113) | Finally, the Authority takes the preliminary view that the financing of Nettbuss Sør AS on the basis of the ATP project may entail State aid in the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(113)

Finally, the Authority takes the preliminary view that the financing of Nettbuss Sør AS on the basis of the ATP project may entail State aid in the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA agreement.

2.   The classification of new and existing aid

2.1.   
  The legal provisions — the EFTA Court’s Judgement in Case E-14/10

| (114) | According to Article 1(c) of part II of Protocol 3 SCA; ‘new aid’ shall mean:
  ‘all aid, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid, which is not existing aid, including alterations to existing aid.’ |
| --- | --- |

(114)

According to Article 1(c) of part II of Protocol 3 SCA; ‘new aid’ shall mean:

‘all aid, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid, which is not existing aid, including alterations to existing aid.’

| (115) | The relevant provisions, Article 1(b)(i) and (v) of Part II of Protocol 3 SCA provide that ‘existing aid’ shall mean:
  ‘all aid which existed prior to the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in the respective EFTA States, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid which were put into effect before, and are still applicable after, the entry into force of the EEA Agreement; (...)’
  and
  ‘aid which is deemed to be an existing aid because it can be established that at the time it was put into effect it did not constitute an aid, and subsequently became an aid due to the evolution of the European Economic Area and without having been altered by the EFTA State (...)’ |
| --- | --- |

(115)

The relevant provisions, Article 1(b)(i) and (v) of Part II of Protocol 3 SCA provide that ‘existing aid’ shall mean:

‘all aid which existed prior to the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in the respective EFTA States, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid which were put into effect before, and are still applicable after, the entry into force of the EEA Agreement; (...)’

and

‘aid which is deemed to be an existing aid because it can be established that at the time it was put into effect it did not constitute an aid, and subsequently became an aid due to the evolution of the European Economic Area and without having been altered by the EFTA State (...)’

| (116) | In its judgment in Case E-14/10, the EFTA Court held:
  ‘Whether the aid granted (...) constitutes “existing aid” (...) depends upon the interpretation of the provisions of Protocol 3 SCA (...)’
  ‘(...) to qualify as an “existing aid measure” under the EEA State aid rules, it must be part of an aid scheme that was put into effect before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement’ (53). |
| --- | --- |

(116)

In its judgment in Case E-14/10, the EFTA Court held:

‘Whether the aid granted (...) constitutes “existing aid” (...) depends upon the interpretation of the provisions of Protocol 3 SCA (...)’

‘(...) to qualify as an “existing aid measure” under the EEA State aid rules, it must be part of an aid scheme that was put into effect before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement’ (53).

2.2.   
  Definition of an aid scheme

| (117) | Article 1(d) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that an ‘aid scheme’:
  ‘shall mean any act on the basis of which, without further implementing measures being required, individual aid awards may be made to undertakings defined within the act in a general and abstract manner and any act on the basis of which aid which is not linked to a specific project may be awarded to one or several undertakings for an indefinite period of time and/or for an indefinite amount;’ |
| --- | --- |

(117)

Article 1(d) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that an ‘aid scheme’:

‘shall mean any act on the basis of which, without further implementing measures being required, individual aid awards may be made to undertakings defined within the act in a general and abstract manner and any act on the basis of which aid which is not linked to a specific project may be awarded to one or several undertakings for an indefinite period of time and/or for an indefinite amount;’

| (118) | Article 1(e) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that ‘individual aid’:
  ‘shall mean aid that is not awarded on the basis of an aid scheme and notifiable awards of aid on the basis of an aid scheme;’ |
| --- | --- |

(118)

Article 1(e) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that ‘individual aid’:

‘shall mean aid that is not awarded on the basis of an aid scheme and notifiable awards of aid on the basis of an aid scheme;’

| (119) | This distinction is of particular importance in the context of existing aid, as Protocol 3 provides the Authority with the competence to keep under constant review existing systems of aid (54). Likewise, Section V of Part II of Protocol 3 applies only to existing aid schemes (55). |
| --- | --- |

(119)

This distinction is of particular importance in the context of existing aid, as Protocol 3 provides the Authority with the competence to keep under constant review existing systems of aid (54). Likewise, Section V of Part II of Protocol 3 applies only to existing aid schemes (55).

| (120) | The Authority notes that this definition entered the EEA Agreement in 2001 when the Procedural Regulation was incorporated as Part II of its Protocol 3 (56). Prior to 2001, there was no similarly precise EEA law definition of an aid scheme. Moreover, the rationale for the concept of existing aid must be borne in mind, i.e. to provide both beneficiaries of State aid and the EFTA States with legal certainty regarding arrangements that predate the entry into force of State aid control in their legal systems, whilst empowering the Authority to bring such systems in line with EEA law. |
| --- | --- |

(120)

The Authority notes that this definition entered the EEA Agreement in 2001 when the Procedural Regulation was incorporated as Part II of its Protocol 3 (56). Prior to 2001, there was no similarly precise EEA law definition of an aid scheme. Moreover, the rationale for the concept of existing aid must be borne in mind, i.e. to provide both beneficiaries of State aid and the EFTA States with legal certainty regarding arrangements that predate the entry into force of State aid control in their legal systems, whilst empowering the Authority to bring such systems in line with EEA law.

| (121) | Furthermore the Authority notes that the case-law of the European Courts does not provide for detailed guidance as regards the interpretation of this definition. While not bound by either, the Authority has found it useful to review its own case practice and that of the European Commission and found that existing ‘aid schemes’ have been held to encompass non-statutory customary law (57) and administrative practice related to the application of statutory (58) and non-statutory law (59). In one case, the European Commission found that an aid scheme relating to Anstaltslast and Gewährträgerhaftung was based on the combination of an unwritten old legal principle combined with widespread practice across Germany (60). |
| --- | --- |

(121)

Furthermore the Authority notes that the case-law of the European Courts does not provide for detailed guidance as regards the interpretation of this definition. While not bound by either, the Authority has found it useful to review its own case practice and that of the European Commission and found that existing ‘aid schemes’ have been held to encompass non-statutory customary law (57) and administrative practice related to the application of statutory (58) and non-statutory law (59). In one case, the European Commission found that an aid scheme relating to Anstaltslast and Gewährträgerhaftung was based on the combination of an unwritten old legal principle combined with widespread practice across Germany (60).

| (122) | The Authority observes that the compensation for carrying out bus transport in Aust-Agder has from before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in Norway on 1 January 1994, been provided on the basis of the CTA and the CTR (and the relevant legislation preceding them). Furthermore, since before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement, compensation for the provision of school transport services has been awarded on the basis of the Act on Education (and the relevant legislation preceding it). |
| --- | --- |

(122)

The Authority observes that the compensation for carrying out bus transport in Aust-Agder has from before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in Norway on 1 January 1994, been provided on the basis of the CTA and the CTR (and the relevant legislation preceding them). Furthermore, since before the entry into force of the EEA Agreement, compensation for the provision of school transport services has been awarded on the basis of the Act on Education (and the relevant legislation preceding it).

| (123) | Further, in order to conclude on the existence of an aid scheme, it is necessary to examine whether the legal framework for the financing of scheduled and school bus transport in Aust-Agder meets the three criteria of Article 1(d) of Part II of Protocol 3: (i) an act on the basis of which aid can be awarded, (ii) an act that shall not require any further implementing measures, and (iii) an act that shall define the potential aid beneficiaries in a general and abstract manner. |
| --- | --- |

(123)

Further, in order to conclude on the existence of an aid scheme, it is necessary to examine whether the legal framework for the financing of scheduled and school bus transport in Aust-Agder meets the three criteria of Article 1(d) of Part II of Protocol 3: (i) an act on the basis of which aid can be awarded, (ii) an act that shall not require any further implementing measures, and (iii) an act that shall define the potential aid beneficiaries in a general and abstract manner.

| (124) | As for the first criterion, the Authority notes that the CTA, the CTR and the Education Act are acts on the basis of which Aust-Agder awarded the compensation. |
| --- | --- |

(124)

As for the first criterion, the Authority notes that the CTA, the CTR and the Education Act are acts on the basis of which Aust-Agder awarded the compensation.

| (125) | As for the second criterion, it is noted that the administration of any aid scheme requires a certain decision-making process that allows for individual awards of aid without the adoption of further implementing measures. |
| --- | --- |

(125)

As for the second criterion, it is noted that the administration of any aid scheme requires a certain decision-making process that allows for individual awards of aid without the adoption of further implementing measures.

| (126) | In turn, a mere ‘technical application’, as indicated above, of the provisions providing for the scheme would thus not be an implementing measure (61). Moreover, the mere fact that a decision awarding aid under an aid scheme has implications for the budget of the authority administering that scheme, cannot, in the Authority’s view, mean that such decisions are to be regarded as implementing measures (62). |
| --- | --- |

(126)

In turn, a mere ‘technical application’, as indicated above, of the provisions providing for the scheme would thus not be an implementing measure (61). Moreover, the mere fact that a decision awarding aid under an aid scheme has implications for the budget of the authority administering that scheme, cannot, in the Authority’s view, mean that such decisions are to be regarded as implementing measures (62).

| (127) | In a similar vein, considering acts of entrustment, such as the award of a concession, this, as any entrustment, specifies one particular undertaking, and cannot by definition thus relate to a group of undertakings ‘defined in a general and abstract manner’ (compare the third criterion). |
| --- | --- |

(127)

In a similar vein, considering acts of entrustment, such as the award of a concession, this, as any entrustment, specifies one particular undertaking, and cannot by definition thus relate to a group of undertakings ‘defined in a general and abstract manner’ (compare the third criterion).

| (128) | In contrast, the Authority is of the view that ‘implementing measures’ should be understood to entail a certain degree of discretion, that would influence to a significant degree the amount, characteristics or conditions under which the aid is granted. In particular, it would seem that every scheme determines the purpose which aid can be awarded for. Thus, where a public body, for example, is empowered to use different instruments to promote the local economy and grants several capital injections, this implies the use of considerable discretion as to the amount, characteristics or conditions and purpose for which the aid is granted, and is hence not to be regarded as an aid scheme (63). |
| --- | --- |

(128)

In contrast, the Authority is of the view that ‘implementing measures’ should be understood to entail a certain degree of discretion, that would influence to a significant degree the amount, characteristics or conditions under which the aid is granted. In particular, it would seem that every scheme determines the purpose which aid can be awarded for. Thus, where a public body, for example, is empowered to use different instruments to promote the local economy and grants several capital injections, this implies the use of considerable discretion as to the amount, characteristics or conditions and purpose for which the aid is granted, and is hence not to be regarded as an aid scheme (63).

| (129) | In the case at hand, Aust-Agder was responsible for the management and funding of the local scheduled and school bus transport within its territory (64). It is clear that no further legislative measures needed to be adopted for the compensation payments to the undertakings involved. The Authority, thus, is of the opinion that the CTA, the CTR and the Education Act limit the discretion of Aust-Agder, in the sense that the county is bound by that legal framework when taking decisions on the amount of compensation, the characteristics, conditions and purpose for which the aid is granted. |
| --- | --- |

(129)

In the case at hand, Aust-Agder was responsible for the management and funding of the local scheduled and school bus transport within its territory (64). It is clear that no further legislative measures needed to be adopted for the compensation payments to the undertakings involved. The Authority, thus, is of the opinion that the CTA, the CTR and the Education Act limit the discretion of Aust-Agder, in the sense that the county is bound by that legal framework when taking decisions on the amount of compensation, the characteristics, conditions and purpose for which the aid is granted.

| (130) | The compensation can only be granted for the purpose of financing local scheduled and school bus transport in the areas concerned. Aust-Agder is not entitled to award aid for different purposes on the basis of the provisions described above. |
| --- | --- |

(130)

The compensation can only be granted for the purpose of financing local scheduled and school bus transport in the areas concerned. Aust-Agder is not entitled to award aid for different purposes on the basis of the provisions described above.

| (131) | Also, the State is responsible for the coordination and development of public transport in Norway and exercises this prerogative in a way that restricts the counties’ powers. |
| --- | --- |

(131)

Also, the State is responsible for the coordination and development of public transport in Norway and exercises this prerogative in a way that restricts the counties’ powers.

| (132) | As for the third criterion, the same compensation systems in Aust-Agder have applied and still apply to all concessionaires that are entrusted with the provision of bus services on unprofitable routes. |
| --- | --- |

(132)

As for the third criterion, the same compensation systems in Aust-Agder have applied and still apply to all concessionaires that are entrusted with the provision of bus services on unprofitable routes.

| (133) | Accordingly, the Authority considers that an aid scheme has been and still is in place in Aust-Agder. The provisions providing for that aid scheme are the CTA, the CTR, the Education Act and the relevant administrative practice in Aust-Agder. |
| --- | --- |

(133)

Accordingly, the Authority considers that an aid scheme has been and still is in place in Aust-Agder. The provisions providing for that aid scheme are the CTA, the CTR, the Education Act and the relevant administrative practice in Aust-Agder.

2.3.   
  Definition of existing aid

| (134) | Article 1(b)(i) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that existing aid encompasses all aid which existed prior to the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in the respective EFTA States, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid which were put into effect before, and are still applicable after the entry into force of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(134)

Article 1(b)(i) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that existing aid encompasses all aid which existed prior to the entry into force of the EEA Agreement in the respective EFTA States, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid which were put into effect before, and are still applicable after the entry into force of the EEA Agreement.

| (135) | Here, the provisions providing for the scheme have been in place since before the EEA Agreement entered into force in Norway on 1 January 1994. As the market for local bus transport was already exposed to some competition on that date, the Authority is of the view that the financing of local scheduled and school bus transport on the basis of the CTA, the CTR and the Education Act constitutes an existing aid scheme that existed before January 1994 and remained applicable thereafter. |
| --- | --- |

(135)

Here, the provisions providing for the scheme have been in place since before the EEA Agreement entered into force in Norway on 1 January 1994. As the market for local bus transport was already exposed to some competition on that date, the Authority is of the view that the financing of local scheduled and school bus transport on the basis of the CTA, the CTR and the Education Act constitutes an existing aid scheme that existed before January 1994 and remained applicable thereafter.

| (136) | Further, Article 1(c) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that ‘new aid’ is:
  ‘all aid, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid, which is not existing aid, including alterations to existing aid;’ |
| --- | --- |

(136)

Further, Article 1(c) of Part II of Protocol 3 provides that ‘new aid’ is:

‘all aid, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid, which is not existing aid, including alterations to existing aid;’

| (137) | In its judgment Namur, the Court of Justice stated the following:
  ‘(...) the emergence of new aid or the alteration of existing aid cannot be assessed according to the scale of the aid or, in particular, its amounts in financial terms at any moment in the life of the undertaking if the aid is provided under earlier statutory provisions which remain unaltered. Whether aid may be classified as new aid or as alteration of existing aid must be determined by reference to the provisions providing for it’ (65). |
| --- | --- |

(137)

In its judgment Namur, the Court of Justice stated the following:

‘(...) the emergence of new aid or the alteration of existing aid cannot be assessed according to the scale of the aid or, in particular, its amounts in financial terms at any moment in the life of the undertaking if the aid is provided under earlier statutory provisions which remain unaltered. Whether aid may be classified as new aid or as alteration of existing aid must be determined by reference to the provisions providing for it’ (65).

| (138) | Moreover, as Advocate-General Trabucchi pointed out in his Opinion in Van der Hulst, modifications are substantial if the main elements of the system have been changed, such as the nature of the advantage, the purpose pursued with the measure, the legal basis, the beneficiaries or the source of the financing (66). |
| --- | --- |

(138)

Moreover, as Advocate-General Trabucchi pointed out in his Opinion in Van der Hulst, modifications are substantial if the main elements of the system have been changed, such as the nature of the advantage, the purpose pursued with the measure, the legal basis, the beneficiaries or the source of the financing (66).

| (139) | Purely formal or administrative changes to an aid scheme do not lead to the reclassification of existing aid as new (67). |
| --- | --- |

(139)

Purely formal or administrative changes to an aid scheme do not lead to the reclassification of existing aid as new (67).

| (140) | As shown above, the financing of bus transport services in Aust-Agder has been provided on the basis of an aid scheme consisting of the CTA, the CTR, the Education Act and the administrative practice in Aust-Agder. In 2004 the administrative practice was amended with the introduction of the ALFA method, on the basis of which new contracts were concluded for the period 2004-2008. This ALFA method was supplemented by the introduction of a new indexation system, on the basis of which new contracts with the same operators were signed to cover the period 2009-2012 with the possibility of prolongation for up to additional four years. The question is whether the introduction in 2004 of a new financing system though the ALFA method and its later indexation can be considered as features that change the existing aid scheme to new aid. |
| --- | --- |

(140)

As shown above, the financing of bus transport services in Aust-Agder has been provided on the basis of an aid scheme consisting of the CTA, the CTR, the Education Act and the administrative practice in Aust-Agder. In 2004 the administrative practice was amended with the introduction of the ALFA method, on the basis of which new contracts were concluded for the period 2004-2008. This ALFA method was supplemented by the introduction of a new indexation system, on the basis of which new contracts with the same operators were signed to cover the period 2009-2012 with the possibility of prolongation for up to additional four years. The question is whether the introduction in 2004 of a new financing system though the ALFA method and its later indexation can be considered as features that change the existing aid scheme to new aid.

| (141) | The ALFA method, as explained above in Part I, Sections I, 4.6 and 4.7, is a system used to calculate the costs connected to bus transportation. Its later indexation introduced several cost relevant parameters, such as fuel costs or wage costs, on the basis of which the compensation is to be calculated. The introduction of this system does not appear to have changed the legal basis and the aim for awarding the compensation or the beneficiaries involved. Nevertheless, the Authority doubts whether the substance of the scheme remained unaffected. Before 2004, the compensation was determined on the basis of negotiations and the compensation so agreed might simply have covered the difference that could not be covered by revenues, including a reasonable profit. As a result, the Authority doubts whether the basic features on how to calculate the compensation have been significantly altered by the introduction of the ALFA method. |
| --- | --- |

(141)

The ALFA method, as explained above in Part I, Sections I, 4.6 and 4.7, is a system used to calculate the costs connected to bus transportation. Its later indexation introduced several cost relevant parameters, such as fuel costs or wage costs, on the basis of which the compensation is to be calculated. The introduction of this system does not appear to have changed the legal basis and the aim for awarding the compensation or the beneficiaries involved. Nevertheless, the Authority doubts whether the substance of the scheme remained unaffected. Before 2004, the compensation was determined on the basis of negotiations and the compensation so agreed might simply have covered the difference that could not be covered by revenues, including a reasonable profit. As a result, the Authority doubts whether the basic features on how to calculate the compensation have been significantly altered by the introduction of the ALFA method.

| (142) | The Authority recalls that if an alteration affects the substance of an existing aid scheme and it is not clearly severable from it, then the whole scheme is transformed into new aid (68). |
| --- | --- |

(142)

The Authority recalls that if an alteration affects the substance of an existing aid scheme and it is not clearly severable from it, then the whole scheme is transformed into new aid (68).

| (143) | Therefore, the Authority doubts whether the change introduced with the ALFA method and its indexation has substantially altered the existing aid scheme. In case the Authority would come to the conclusion that this change is substantial, and not severable from it, the scheme, in its entirety, would have turned into new aid as of 1 January 2004. |
| --- | --- |

(143)

Therefore, the Authority doubts whether the change introduced with the ALFA method and its indexation has substantially altered the existing aid scheme. In case the Authority would come to the conclusion that this change is substantial, and not severable from it, the scheme, in its entirety, would have turned into new aid as of 1 January 2004.

2.4.   
  Conclusion

| (144) | The Authority concludes that there is an aid scheme in place in Aust-Agder based on the CTA, the CTR, the Act on Education and the administrative practice. The Authority is of the view that scheme was existing in nature at least until the end of 2003, but has doubts as to whether the scheme may have turned into new aid with the introduction of the ALFA method on 1 January 2004. |
| --- | --- |

(144)

The Authority concludes that there is an aid scheme in place in Aust-Agder based on the CTA, the CTR, the Act on Education and the administrative practice. The Authority is of the view that scheme was existing in nature at least until the end of 2003, but has doubts as to whether the scheme may have turned into new aid with the introduction of the ALFA method on 1 January 2004.

3.   Whether the aid was granted on the basis of an existing aid scheme

| (145) | In its judgment in Case E-14/10, the EFTA Court stated the following on the question of the existing or new nature of the aid:
  ‘(...) in so far as the compensation payments were indeed used to finance the operation of non-profitable scheduled bus services, the (Authority) may correctly have classified those payments as existing aid.
  However, (...) any aid granted to Oslo Sporveier in excess of the losses actually incurred in connection with the services in question cannot be regarded to constitute, on the basis of that aid scheme, existing aid (...)’ (69) |
| --- | --- |

(145)

In its judgment in Case E-14/10, the EFTA Court stated the following on the question of the existing or new nature of the aid:

‘(...) in so far as the compensation payments were indeed used to finance the operation of non-profitable scheduled bus services, the (Authority) may correctly have classified those payments as existing aid.

However, (...) any aid granted to Oslo Sporveier in excess of the losses actually incurred in connection with the services in question cannot be regarded to constitute, on the basis of that aid scheme, existing aid (...)’ (69)

| (146) | It follows from the judgment of the EFTA Court that only payments made on the basis of the existing aid scheme can be considered as existing aid disbursed under that scheme. Conversely, payments not made on the basis of the provisions providing for the scheme cannot be protected by the existing aid nature of that scheme (70). |
| --- | --- |

(146)

It follows from the judgment of the EFTA Court that only payments made on the basis of the existing aid scheme can be considered as existing aid disbursed under that scheme. Conversely, payments not made on the basis of the provisions providing for the scheme cannot be protected by the existing aid nature of that scheme (70).

| (147) | The Authority doubts at this stage whether the aid, in its entirety, has been granted on the basis of an existing aid scheme, which entitled concessionaires that provided public scheduled bus services in Aust-Agder to a compensation which would cover the difference between ticket revenue and cost for discharging the public service, including a reasonable profit. It is recalled that, the bus operators have not consistently kept separate accounts for public service activities and the activities outside the public service remit (71). Nor can the Authority determine whether common costs have been properly (or at all) allocated between these two kinds of activities. |
| --- | --- |

(147)

The Authority doubts at this stage whether the aid, in its entirety, has been granted on the basis of an existing aid scheme, which entitled concessionaires that provided public scheduled bus services in Aust-Agder to a compensation which would cover the difference between ticket revenue and cost for discharging the public service, including a reasonable profit. It is recalled that, the bus operators have not consistently kept separate accounts for public service activities and the activities outside the public service remit (71). Nor can the Authority determine whether common costs have been properly (or at all) allocated between these two kinds of activities.

| (148) | In line with the above cited judgment of the EFTA Court, the Authority is of the view that any aid not granted on the basis of the existing aid scheme would have to be qualified as new aid. |
| --- | --- |

(148)

In line with the above cited judgment of the EFTA Court, the Authority is of the view that any aid not granted on the basis of the existing aid scheme would have to be qualified as new aid.

| (149) | In addition, the Authority at present has not received enough information that would enable it to consider whether the financing of Nettbuss Sør AS on the basis of the ATP project is part of the overall existing aid scheme at place in Aust-Agder. To the extent, thus, that the ATP project is not part of that existing aid scheme, it constitutes new aid. |
| --- | --- |

(149)

In addition, the Authority at present has not received enough information that would enable it to consider whether the financing of Nettbuss Sør AS on the basis of the ATP project is part of the overall existing aid scheme at place in Aust-Agder. To the extent, thus, that the ATP project is not part of that existing aid scheme, it constitutes new aid.

4.   Notification of new aid

| (150) | According to Article 1(3) of Part I of Protocol 3, new aid must be notified to the Authority, and cannot be put into effect before the Authority has taken a decision authorising it (the standstill obligation). |
| --- | --- |

(150)

According to Article 1(3) of Part I of Protocol 3, new aid must be notified to the Authority, and cannot be put into effect before the Authority has taken a decision authorising it (the standstill obligation).

| (151) | Should the Authority conclude that new aid has been granted, there would be a breach of the standstill obligation, given that this aid has been put into effect, whilst not having been notified to, nor approved by, the Authority. |
| --- | --- |

(151)

Should the Authority conclude that new aid has been granted, there would be a breach of the standstill obligation, given that this aid has been put into effect, whilst not having been notified to, nor approved by, the Authority.

5.   Compatibility

5.1.   
  The legal framework

| (152) | The compatibility of public service compensation for transport by road (72) is assessed on the basis of Article 49 of the EEA Agreement. This provision cannot be applied directly, but only by virtue of Council Regulations, i.e. Regulation (EEC) No 1191/69 (73) or Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 (74). An essential element under both regulations is to verify that aid in the form of public service compensation only covers the cost of the public service (including a reasonable profit) and does not lead to overcompensation. |
| --- | --- |

(152)

The compatibility of public service compensation for transport by road (72) is assessed on the basis of Article 49 of the EEA Agreement. This provision cannot be applied directly, but only by virtue of Council Regulations, i.e. Regulation (EEC) No 1191/69 (73) or Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 (74). An essential element under both regulations is to verify that aid in the form of public service compensation only covers the cost of the public service (including a reasonable profit) and does not lead to overcompensation.

5.2.   
  Potential aid granted outside an existing aid scheme

| (153) | In case the compensation for local scheduled and school bus transport services was granted in excess of what was allowed for under the existing aid scheme (until 2004, or alternatively, until today, if the nature of the aid was not altered by the introduction of the ALFA method), this would constitute new aid. It is the Authority’s preliminary view that such new aid, which in practice would represent a form of overcompensation, would likely to be incompatible with the EEA Agreement, in particular its Article 49 and Regulations (EEC) No 1191/69 or (EC) No 1370/2007, as overcompensation by definition exceeds what is necessary for the operation of the public service. |
| --- | --- |

(153)

In case the compensation for local scheduled and school bus transport services was granted in excess of what was allowed for under the existing aid scheme (until 2004, or alternatively, until today, if the nature of the aid was not altered by the introduction of the ALFA method), this would constitute new aid. It is the Authority’s preliminary view that such new aid, which in practice would represent a form of overcompensation, would likely to be incompatible with the EEA Agreement, in particular its Article 49 and Regulations (EEC) No 1191/69 or (EC) No 1370/2007, as overcompensation by definition exceeds what is necessary for the operation of the public service.

5.3.   
  Potential new aid granted after 2004

| (154) | In case the Authority should come to the conclusion that the introduction of the ALFA method entailed that the compensation disbursed from then on constituted new aid, the compatibility of that aid would have to be assessed. |
| --- | --- |

(154)

In case the Authority should come to the conclusion that the introduction of the ALFA method entailed that the compensation disbursed from then on constituted new aid, the compatibility of that aid would have to be assessed.

| (155) | The Authority notes that the Norwegian authorities have submitted some arguments relating to the compatibility of the compensation granted by Aust-Agder, pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 and Article 49 of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(155)

The Authority notes that the Norwegian authorities have submitted some arguments relating to the compatibility of the compensation granted by Aust-Agder, pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 and Article 49 of the EEA Agreement.

| (156) | The Authority concurs that the bus operators have been the subject of genuine and clearly defined public service obligations, pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007. These obligations have been based on: (1) the CTA and the CTR, and the Education Act; (2) concessions granted to the relevant operators, which cover the provision of local scheduled and school bus transport services in Aust-Agder; and (3) individual contracts between Aust-Agder and the operators. |
| --- | --- |

(156)

The Authority concurs that the bus operators have been the subject of genuine and clearly defined public service obligations, pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007. These obligations have been based on: (1) the CTA and the CTR, and the Education Act; (2) concessions granted to the relevant operators, which cover the provision of local scheduled and school bus transport services in Aust-Agder; and (3) individual contracts between Aust-Agder and the operators.

| (157) | Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 requires furthermore that the public service concession establishes in advance, in an objective and transparent manner, the parameters on the basis of which the compensation payment is to be calculated in a way that prevents overcompensation. Moreover, the arrangements for allocating costs to the provision of the services should be clear so that only the costs associated with public service obligation is taken into consideration. |
| --- | --- |

(157)

Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 requires furthermore that the public service concession establishes in advance, in an objective and transparent manner, the parameters on the basis of which the compensation payment is to be calculated in a way that prevents overcompensation. Moreover, the arrangements for allocating costs to the provision of the services should be clear so that only the costs associated with public service obligation is taken into consideration.

| (158) | With regard to this provision, the Authority has already expressed doubts as to whether the parameters to calculate the compensation have been established in advance; and whether there is overcompensation (75). Therefore, it cannot be established that the aid in the form of public service compensation only covers the cost of the public service (including a reasonable profit) and does not lead to overcompensation. Thus, as the Authority cannot take a final view on this matter. Therefore, the Authority cannot at this stage conclude that the compensation system at hand complies with the EEA Agreement on the basis of its Article 49 and Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 (or Regulation (EEC) No 1191/69). |
| --- | --- |

(158)

With regard to this provision, the Authority has already expressed doubts as to whether the parameters to calculate the compensation have been established in advance; and whether there is overcompensation (75). Therefore, it cannot be established that the aid in the form of public service compensation only covers the cost of the public service (including a reasonable profit) and does not lead to overcompensation. Thus, as the Authority cannot take a final view on this matter. Therefore, the Authority cannot at this stage conclude that the compensation system at hand complies with the EEA Agreement on the basis of its Article 49 and Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 (or Regulation (EEC) No 1191/69).

| (159) | Concerning the ATP project, in the absence of sufficient information, the Authority cannot presently appraise the compatibility of that measure with the EEA Agreement on the basis of its Article 49 and Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 (or Regulation (EEC) No 1191/69) or any other provision of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(159)

Concerning the ATP project, in the absence of sufficient information, the Authority cannot presently appraise the compatibility of that measure with the EEA Agreement on the basis of its Article 49 and Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 (or Regulation (EEC) No 1191/69) or any other provision of the EEA Agreement.

6.   Conclusion

| (160) | Based on the information submitted by the complainant and by the Norwegian authorities, and having carried out a preliminary assessment, the Authority considers that the compensation to local scheduled and school bus transport operators in Aust-Agder prior to 2004 constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(160)

Based on the information submitted by the complainant and by the Norwegian authorities, and having carried out a preliminary assessment, the Authority considers that the compensation to local scheduled and school bus transport operators in Aust-Agder prior to 2004 constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement.

| (161) | Moreover, it is the Authority’s preliminary view that compensation to local scheduled and school bus transport operators in Aust-Agder since 2004 may entail State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(161)

Moreover, it is the Authority’s preliminary view that compensation to local scheduled and school bus transport operators in Aust-Agder since 2004 may entail State aid within the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement.

| (162) | The Authority is of the view that there is an existing aid scheme at place in Aust-Agder until the end of 2003 based on the CTA, the CTR, the Act on Education and the administrative practice. The Authority, however, has doubts as to whether that scheme has been materially altered as from 2004. |
| --- | --- |

(162)

The Authority is of the view that there is an existing aid scheme at place in Aust-Agder until the end of 2003 based on the CTA, the CTR, the Act on Education and the administrative practice. The Authority, however, has doubts as to whether that scheme has been materially altered as from 2004.

| (163) | In case new aid has been granted as from 2004, the Authority doubts, on the basis of the information provided, whether such aid would be compatible with Article 49 of the EEA Agreement and Regulations (EEC) No 1191/69 or (EC) No 1370/2007. |
| --- | --- |

(163)

In case new aid has been granted as from 2004, the Authority doubts, on the basis of the information provided, whether such aid would be compatible with Article 49 of the EEA Agreement and Regulations (EEC) No 1191/69 or (EC) No 1370/2007.

| (164) | The Authority has further doubts as to whether there is overcompensation that is not based on the existing aid scheme, and is thus considered as new aid, and whether such potential new aid is compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(164)

The Authority has further doubts as to whether there is overcompensation that is not based on the existing aid scheme, and is thus considered as new aid, and whether such potential new aid is compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.

| (165) | It is the Authority’s preliminary view that the financing of Nettbuss Sør AS on the basis of the ATP project may entail State aid in the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. To the extent that the ATP project is not part of the existing aid scheme in Aust-Agder, it constitutes new aid. |
| --- | --- |

(165)

It is the Authority’s preliminary view that the financing of Nettbuss Sør AS on the basis of the ATP project may entail State aid in the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. To the extent that the ATP project is not part of the existing aid scheme in Aust-Agder, it constitutes new aid.

| (166) | However, the Authority does not presently have sufficient information that would enable it to consider whether the ATP project would be compatible with Article 49 of the EEA Agreement and Regulations (EEC) No 1191/69 or (EC) No 1370/2007, or any other provisions of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(166)

However, the Authority does not presently have sufficient information that would enable it to consider whether the ATP project would be compatible with Article 49 of the EEA Agreement and Regulations (EEC) No 1191/69 or (EC) No 1370/2007, or any other provisions of the EEA Agreement.

| (167) | Therefore, and in accordance with Article 4(4) of Part II of Protocol 3 SCA, the Authority is obliged to open the procedure provided for in Article 1(2) of Part I of Protocol 3 SCA. This decision to open a formal procedure is without prejudice to the final assessment of the case by the Authority. |
| --- | --- |

(167)

Therefore, and in accordance with Article 4(4) of Part II of Protocol 3 SCA, the Authority is obliged to open the procedure provided for in Article 1(2) of Part I of Protocol 3 SCA. This decision to open a formal procedure is without prejudice to the final assessment of the case by the Authority.

| (168) | In light of the foregoing considerations, the Authority, acting under the procedure laid down in Article 1(2) of Part I of Protocol 3 SCA, invites the Norwegian authorities, within one month of the date of receipt of this Decision, to submit their comments, as well as all documents, information and data needed to address the doubts of the Authority outlined above, as well as all relevant information that will enable the Authority in consolidating its preliminary views expressed in this decision. |
| --- | --- |

(168)

In light of the foregoing considerations, the Authority, acting under the procedure laid down in Article 1(2) of Part I of Protocol 3 SCA, invites the Norwegian authorities, within one month of the date of receipt of this Decision, to submit their comments, as well as all documents, information and data needed to address the doubts of the Authority outlined above, as well as all relevant information that will enable the Authority in consolidating its preliminary views expressed in this decision.

| (169) | Further, the Authority invites the Norwegian authorities to forward a copy of this Decision to the potential recipients of the aid immediately. |
| --- | --- |

(169)

Further, the Authority invites the Norwegian authorities to forward a copy of this Decision to the potential recipients of the aid immediately.

| (170) | The Authority would like to remind the Norwegian authorities that, according to Article 14 of Part II of Protocol 3, any incompatible aid unlawfully put at the disposal of the beneficiaries will have to be recovered, unless this recovery would be contrary to a general principle of EEA law. Moreover, according to Article 15 Part II of Protocol 3, the powers of the Authority to order the recovery of aid are subject to a limitation period of 10 years. This period begins on the day on which the unlawful aid is awarded. Any action taken by the Authority with regard to this unlawful aid shall interrupt the limitation period, |
| --- | --- |

(170)

The Authority would like to remind the Norwegian authorities that, according to Article 14 of Part II of Protocol 3, any incompatible aid unlawfully put at the disposal of the beneficiaries will have to be recovered, unless this recovery would be contrary to a general principle of EEA law. Moreover, according to Article 15 Part II of Protocol 3, the powers of the Authority to order the recovery of aid are subject to a limitation period of 10 years. This period begins on the day on which the unlawful aid is awarded. Any action taken by the Authority with regard to this unlawful aid shall interrupt the limitation period,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The formal investigation procedure, provided for in Article 1(2) of part I of Protocol 3 is opened regarding the potential aid to the five (seven before 2009) local scheduled and school bus operators in Aust-Agder, Norway, in the form of (i) potential new aid not granted on the basis of the scheme for local scheduled and school bus transport services since 1994 until today, and (ii) potential new aid granted on the basis of the scheme for local scheduled and school bus transport services since 2004.

Article 2

The formal investigation procedure, provided for in Article 1(2) of part I of Protocol 3 is opened regarding direct grants made available to Nettbuss Sør AS on the basis of the ATP project since 2004.

Article 3

The Norwegian authorities are invited, pursuant to Article 6(1) of Part II of Protocol 3, to submit their comments on the opening of the formal investigation procedure within one month of the notification of this Decision.

Article 4

The Norwegian authorities are requested to provide within one month from notification of this Decision, all documents, information and data needed for assessment of the nature and compatibility of the aid measure.

Article 5

This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Norway.

Article 6

Only the English version of this Decision is authentic.

Done at Brussels, 6 February 2013.

For the EFTA Surveillance Authority

Oda Helen SLETNES

President

Sabine MONAUNI-TÖMÖRDY

College Member

---

(1)  This section is an extract from the recent decision of the Authority 519/12/COL of 19.12.2012 (not yet published), closing the formal investigation into potential aid to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene.

1

(2)  Act of 4.6.1976 No 63 (e.i.f. 1.7.1977). Repealed and replaced by the CTA on 1.1.2003.

2

(3)  See the preparatory works to the amendment of the Transport Act of 1976 — Ot.prp. nr. 16 (1980-81) at page 2.

3

(4)  In Norwegian: Norsk Rutebileierforbund.

4

(5)  Regulation of 12.8.1986 No 2170 (e.i.f. 1.1.1987).

5

(6)  Act of 21.6.2002 No 45 (e.i.f. 1.1.2003).

6

(7)  Regulation of 26.3.2003 No 401 (e.i.f. 1.4.2003).

7

(8)  See footnote 2.

8

(9)  Regulation of 12.8.1986 No 2170 (e.i.f. 1.1.1987) and Regulation of 4.12.1992 No 1013 (e.i.f. 1.1.1994). Both repealed and replaced by the CTR on 1.4.2003.

9

(10)  In Norwegian: Administrasjonsselskap.

10

Administrasjonsselskap

(11)  Article 23 CTA.

11

(12)  Article 22(3) CTA.

12

(13)  Article 22(4) CTA.

13

(14)  Articles 4 and 6 CTA.

14

(15)  Article 4(1) CTA.

15

(16)  Article 4(2) CTA and Chapter I of the CTR.

16

(17)  Article 27(1) CTA.

17

(18)  Article 6(1) CTA.

18

(19)  Article 25 CTR.

19

(20)  Articles 28 and 29 CTR. These are the requirements the Authority considers to be the most relevant for the purposes of describing the national scheme, however, a number of other detailed requirements for a special concession are set out in the CTR.

20

(21)  The Ministry of Transport has delegated its competence for setting the tariffs to the counties. However, some rebates are determined on the national level. In practice, the Ministry has instructed all the counties to ensure that local scheduled bus transport operators carrying out a public service offer a 50 % price reduction to children, senior and disabled citizens.

21

(22)  Articles 28 and 29(2) CTR. On the basis of Article 28(3) CTR, the Ministry of Transport has the competence to give guidelines on the content and publication of the transportation schedules. The Ministry of Transport’s Circular Letter N-1/2006 contains supplementary guidelines on the publication of route schedules. Before 2006, Article 28 CTR regulated certain aspects of the publication of route schedules. These aspects were taken out in 2006. In practice, the Circular Letter N-1/2006 refers to the old provision (Article 28 CTR) as it was before the amendment, and states that the requirements of the old provision, until further notice, shall be considered as a guideline for the content of the route schedule.

22

(23)  Article 27(2) CTR.

23

(24)  As stated in the preparatory works, chapter 10.1 of Prop. 113 L (2009-2010).

24

(25)  Article 8 CTA. The possibility to tender the concessions was introduced by an amendment of the Transport Act of 1976 by Act of 11.6.1993 No 85 (e.i.f. 1.1.1994).

25

(26)  Article 30(1) CTR. The Ministry of Transport has powers to give general guidelines for the use of electronic ticketing systems (Article 30(2) CTR). The Ministry has given such guidelines in the form of its Circular Letter N-1/2006. In that Circular Letter the Ministry has decided that the following document should serve as a standard for electronic ticketing systems — Part 3 of Handbook 206 by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (in Norwegian: Statens Vegvesen).

26

Statens Vegvesen

(27)  Article 22(5) CTA.

27

(28)  Article 22(1) CTA.

28

(29)  The Norwegian authorities, in their comments to the opening decision in case 71524 concerning alleged aid to AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene, have confirmed this and explained, with reference to legal literature (Norsk Lovkommentar), that the preceding provision — Article 24a of the Transport Act of 1976 — was interpreted in the same way. In that regard, Norsk Lovkommentar to the Transport Act of 1976 (available on http://www.rettsdata.no/ (access requires a paid subscription)) on the issue of compensation states the following in note 43 (in Norwegian): ‘I rutetransporten vil det dog ofte være aktuelt å pålegge utøver en større rutetjeneste som sammenholdt med de takster som godkjennes, ikke gir et forsvarlig økonomisk grunnlag. I slike tilfeller kan plikten bare opprettholdes dersom det ytes tilskudd, jf. § 24 a’. Translation by the Authority: ‘For scheduled transport it will, however, frequently be appropriate to require the transport operator to provide a more comprehensive service that, in light of the set maximum prices, would not be of sound financial interest. Under such circumstances, the public service obligation can only be maintained against compensation, cf. Article 24a.’

29

Norsk Lovkommentar

Norsk Lovkommentar

(30)  Act of 17.7.1998 No 61 (e.i.f. 1.8.1999).

30

(31)  Act of 13.7.1969 No 24.

31

(32)  Act of 21.6.1974 No 55.

32

(33)  Act of 31.5.1985 No 41.

33

(34)  Norges Statsbaner AS (NSB) is train operator for passengers in Norway. It is owned by the Ministry of Transport and Communications. In addition to provide transport services by train or by bus, the company is also engaged in cargo trains, foreign train transport and real estate activity.

34

(35)  The merger was notified to the Norwegian company registry on 10 and 11 June 2009 and the companies Høyvågruta AS and RTB were removed from the registry on 3 and 5 September 2009.

35

(36)  There has been two parallel systems for calculation compensation for bus transport services in Norway, which share many of the same features. One system is called ALFA, as applied by Aust-Agder, while the alternative is called BUSSKOST. Both systems are based on the same core elements but the BUSSKOST is developed and exclusively managed (for a fee) by the consultancy company Asplan-VIAK.

36

(37)  Decision No 254/10/COL dated 21.6.2010 (AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene).

37

AS Oslo Sporveier and AS Sporveisbussene

(38)  Case C-280/00 Altmark Trans GmbH and Regierungspräsidium Magdeburg v Nahverkehrsgesellshaft (2003) ECR I-7747 (‘the Altmark judgment’).

38

Altmark Trans GmbH and Regierungspräsidium Magdeburg

Nahverkehrsgesellshaft

(39)  Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 of the European Parliament and the Council of 23.10.2007 on the public passenger transport services by rail and by road and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) Nos 1191/69 and 1107/70 (OJ L 315, 3.12.2007, p. 1), incorporated in the EEA Agreement by means of section 4(a) of Annex XIII to the EEA Agreement.

39

(40)  Frolandsruta Frode Oland provides a total annual amount of 120 000 kilometer with a value of service concession at NOK 2 779 000 in 2010. Also, Telemark Birluter AS provides an annual amount of 220 000 kilometer with a value of service concession at NOK 7 144 000 in 2010.

40

(41)  Article 2 of Commission Directive 2006/111/EC on the transparency of financial relations between Member States and public undertakings (OJ L 318, 17.11.2006, p. 17), incorporated at point 1a of Annex XV to the EEA Agreement.

41

(42)  C-143/99 Adria-Wien Pipeline and Wietersdorfer & Peggauer Zementwerke ECR (2001) I-8365, paragraph 41.

42

Adria-Wien Pipeline and Wietersdorfer & Peggauer Zementwerke

(43)  The Altmark judgment, paragraphs 87-93.

43

Altmark

(44)  Commission Decision of 23.2.2011 on State aid C 58/06 (ex NN 98/05) implemented by Germany for Bahnen der Stadt Monheim (BSM) and Rheinische Bahngesellschaft (RBG) in the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (OJ L 210, 17.8.2011, p. 1).

44

(45)  Paragraph 170. See for comparison, Joined Cases C-34/01 to C-38/01 Enirisorse (2003) ECR I-14243, paragraphs 37-40.

45

Enirisorse

(46)  See in this respect the Judgment of the EFTA Court of 8.10.2012 in Joined Cases E-10/11 and E-11/11, paragraph 175.

46

(47)  See the Authority’s Guidelines on the application of the State aid rules to compensation granted for the provision of services of general economic interest (not yet published), paragraphs 72 and 73.

47

(48)  See Joined Cases E-5/04, E-6/04 and E-7/04, Fesil and Finnfjord and Others v EFTA Surveillance Authority (2005) EFTA Court Report 117 at paragraph 93.

48

Fesil and Finnfjord and Others

EFTA Surveillance Authority

(49)  Moreover, the Court of Justice observed in its Altmark judgment that since 1995, several EU Member States had voluntarily opened up certain urban, suburban or regional transport markets to competition from undertakings established in other EU Member States. The risk to inter-Member State trade was thus not hypothetical but real, as the market was open to competition (paragraphs 69 and 79).

49

Altmark

(50)  Paragraphs 77 and 82 of the Altmark judgment.

50

Altmark

(51)  See also Case 102/87 France v Commission (1988) ECR 4067, paragraph 19; Case C-305/89 Italy v Commission (1991) ECR I-1603, paragraph 26.

51

France

Commission

Italy

Commission

(52)  See Commission Decision to open the investigation in case C-54/07 (Germany) State aid to Emsländische Eisenbahn GmbH (OJ C 174, 9.7.2008, p. 13), paragraph 119.

52

State aid to Emsländische Eisenbahn GmbH

(53)  Paragraphs 50 and 53.

53

(54)  Cf. Article 1.1 of Part I of Protocol 3.

54

(55)  The Authority considers that the terms ‘aid schemes’ and ‘systems of aid’ are synonyms

55

(56)  Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 93 of the EC Treaty (OJ L 83, 27.3.1999, p. 1).

56

(57)  See the Authority’s Decision No 405/08/COL, HFF (OJ L 79, 25.3.2010, p. 40, EEA Supplement No 14, 25.3.2010, p. 20), Chapter II.2.3.1, p. 23: ‘The State guarantee on all State institutions for all their obligations follows from general unwritten rules of Icelandic public law predating the entry into force of the EEA Agreement. The guarantee is applicable to all State institutions, regardless of when they are established, or of their activities, or changes in those activities. This possible aid measure must be regarded as a scheme falling within the definition in Article 1(d) in part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement.’

57

(58)  See Commission Decision in Case E-45/00 (Netherlands) Fiscal exemption in favour of Schiphol Group (OJ C 37, 11.2.2004, p. 13).

58

Fiscal exemption in favour of Schiphol Group

(59)  From the Authority’s Decision No 491/09/COL Norsk Film group (OJ C 174, 1.7.2010, p. 3, EEA Supplement No 34, 1.7.2010, p. 1), Chapter II.2 p. 8: ‘the yearly payments made by the Norwegian State since the 1970s to Norsk FilmStudio AS/Filmparken AS for the production of feature films and to maintain an infrastructure necessary for the production of films were based on an existing system of aid. The Authority considers that in this case, where regular payments were consistently made over a very long period of time, the practice shows that state support was an essential element in the financing of the company. The Authority considers on that basis that the annual grants were made under an existing system of State aid within the meaning of Article 62 EEA.’ In that case, the Authority opened the formal investigation into a payment of NOK 36 million that had been made in addition to the regular payments and an alleged preferential tax measure. With Decision No 204/11/COL (OJ L 287, 18.10.2012, p. 14, EEA Supplement No 58, 18.10.2012, p. 1.) the Authority closed the procedure on the basis that the NOK 36 million payment was made on the basis of the existing aid scheme and that the tax measure did not constitute State aid.

59

(60)  See Commission Decision in Case E-10/00 (Germany) State guarantees for public banks in Germany (OJ C 150, 22.6.2002, p. 6).

60

State guarantees for public banks in Germany

(61)  See Commission Decision in Case E-4/07 (France) Charges aéroportuaires (OJ C 83, 7.4.2009, p. 16), paragraph 56.

61

Charges aéroportuaires

(62)  See to that effect, the judgment of the EFTA Court in Case E-14/10 Konkurrenten, at paragraphs 74-75, where the EFTA Court states as follows:

62

Konkurrenten

‘In the case at hand, the City of Oslo was entitled, under the provisions of the 1976 Transport Act and the implementing regulations, to provide financial support in order to enable the operation of non-profitable scheduled bus services. The fact that the level of the compensation was “negotiated” does not, as such, entail that the payments did not cover actual losses incurred in the operation of those services and were per se not covered by the scheme. The Court considers that in so far as the compensation payments were indeed used to finance the operation of non-profitable scheduled bus services, the defendant may correctly have classified those payments as existing aid.

The argument that the aid must be considered as new aid because it was granted on an annual and discretionary basis under the city budget must (...) be rejected.’

(63)  Cf. Case SA.21654 (ex NN-69/07 and C-6/08) Public Commercial Property Åland Industrihus (OJ L 125, 12.5.2012, p. 33), paragraphs 107-109 in particular.

63

Public Commercial Property Åland Industrihus

(64)  With the exception of primary school transportation, for which the municipalities are obliged to pay a tariff.

64

(65)  Case C-44/93 Namur-Les Assurances du Crédit (1994) ECR I-3829, paragraph 28.

65

Namur-Les Assurances du Crédit

(66)  Opinion of Advocate General Trabucchi in Case 51/74 Van der Hulst (1975) ECR 79.

66

Van der Hulst

(67)  See Article 4(1) of the consolidated version of the Authority’s Decision No 195/04/COL of 14.7.2004 on the implementing provisions referred to under Article 27 of Part II of Protocol 3 (available at: http://www.eftasurv.int/media/decisions/195-04-COL.pdf). See also the opinion of Advocate General Lenz in Namur.

67

Namur

(68)  Case T-195/01 Gibraltar v Commission ECR (2002) II-2309, paragraphs 109 ff.

68

Gibraltar

Commission

(69)  See paragraphs 74 and 76.

69

(70)  The same logic applies for schemes that have been approved by the Authority or the European Commission. See for example Case C-47/91 Italy v Commission (1994) ECR-4635, paragraphs 25-26.

70

Italy

Commission

(71)  See paragraph (42) of this Decision.

71

(72)  Cf. Article 47 of the EEA Agreement.

72

(73)  Regulation (EEC) No 1191/69 on public service in transport by rail, road and inland waterway (OJ L 156, 8.6.1969, p. 8), incorporated into the EEA Agreement by means of Annex XIII to the EEA Agreement.

73

(74)  Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23.10.2007 on public passenger transport services by rail and by road and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 1191/69 and (EC) No 1107/70 (OJ L 315, 3.12.2007, p. 1), incorporated in the EEA Agreement by means of Annex XIII to the EEA Agreement. Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 entered into force in Norway on 1 January 2011, see Regulation of 17.12.2010 No 1673.

74

(75)  See paragraphs 89-96 above.

75

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| 25.4.2013 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 118/26 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

25.4.2013

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 118/26

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Renseignements communiqués par les États membres de l'AELE sur les aides d'État accordées conformément à l'acte visé au point 1j de l'annexe XV de l'accord EEE [règlement (CE) no 800/2008 de la Commission déclarant certaines catégories d'aides compatibles avec le marché commun en application des articles 87 et 88 du traité (règlement général d'exemption par catégorie)]

2013/C 118/06

PARTIE I

| Aide no | GBER 2/13/EMP |
| --- | --- |
| État de l’AELE | Norvège |
| Autorité octroyant l’aide | Nom | Arbeids- og velferdsetaten (administration norvégienne du travail et de la protection sociale) |
| Adresse | Postbox 8019 Dep |
| 0030 Oslo |
| NORWAY |

Aide no

GBER 2/13/EMP

État de l’AELE

Norvège

Autorité octroyant l’aide

Nom

Arbeids- og velferdsetaten (administration norvégienne du travail et de la protection sociale)

Adresse

Postbox 8019 Dep

0030 Oslo

NORWAY

Site internet

http://www.nav.no

Titre de la mesure d'aide

Forsøk med arbeidsavklaringspenger som lønnstilskudd (Projet pilote — Utilisation des indemnités mi-temps thérapeutique à titre de subventions salariales)

Base juridique nationale (référence à la publication officielle nationale concernée)

Forskrift av 21. desember 2012 nr. 1418 om forsøk med arbeidsavklaringspenger som lønnstilskudd — Lovdata Hl-2012-1184

Règlement norvégien no 1418 du 21 décembre 2012 sur l'utilisation des indemnités mi-temps thérapeutique à titre de subventions salariales

Lien internet vers le texte intégral de la mesure d’aide

http://lovdata.no/for/sf/ad/xd-20121221-1418.html

Type de mesure

Régime d’aide

X

Durée

Régime d’aide

1.1.2013 au 31.12.2017

Secteur(s) économique(s) concerné(s)

Tous les secteurs économiques admissibles au bénéfice de l'aide

X

Type de bénéficiaire

PME

X

Grandes entreprises

X

Budget

Montant annuel total du budget prévu au titre du régime

25,2 millions de NOK

Instrument d’aide (article 5)

Subvention

X

PARTIE II

| Objectifs généraux (liste) | Objectifs (liste) | Intensité maximale de l’aide en % ou montant maximal de l’aide en NOK | Suppléments pour PME en % |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Aides à l'emploi de travailleurs handicapés sous forme de subventions salariales
  (article 41) | 40 % | |

Objectifs généraux (liste)

Objectifs (liste)

Intensité maximale de l’aide en % ou montant maximal de l’aide en NOK

Suppléments pour PME en %

Aides à l'emploi de travailleurs handicapés sous forme de subventions salariales

(article 41)

40 %

---

V Avis

PROCÉDURES ADMINISTRATIVES

Commission européenne

| 25.4.2013 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 118/27 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

25.4.2013

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 118/27

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APPEL À PROPOSITIONS — EACEA/04/13

Dans le cadre du programme éducation et formation tout au long de la vie

Réalisation des objectifs stratégiques européens dans le domaine de l’éducation et de la formation («Éducation et formation 2020») (coopération des parties prenantes, expérimentation et innovation)

2013/C 118/07

| Partie A — | Soutien à la réalisation nationale des objectifs de coopération européenne dans le domaine de l’éducation et de la formation («Éducation et formation 2020» (1)) et sensibilisation nationale à ces objectifs. |
| --- | --- |

Partie A —

Soutien à la réalisation nationale des objectifs de coopération européenne dans le domaine de l’éducation et de la formation («Éducation et formation 2020» (1)) et sensibilisation nationale à ces objectifs.

| Partie B — | Soutien à la mise en œuvre de solutions politiques novatrices au niveau institutionnel en vue de réduire le décrochage scolaire, conformément aux priorités fixées dans les initiatives «Europe 2020» et «Éducation et formation 2020». |
| --- | --- |

Partie B —

Soutien à la mise en œuvre de solutions politiques novatrices au niveau institutionnel en vue de réduire le décrochage scolaire, conformément aux priorités fixées dans les initiatives «Europe 2020» et «Éducation et formation 2020».

1.   Objectifs et description

L’objectif général du présent appel à propositions consiste à:

Encourager la coopération politique européenne à soutenir — par l’initiative «Éducation et formation 2020» — les efforts consentis par les pays en vue d’atteindre les objectifs de la stratégie Europe 2020, tels qu’énoncés dans l’examen annuel de la croissance 2013 et la communication «Repenser l’éducation», notamment les objectifs suivants: développer les compétences pour améliorer la croissance et la compétitivité, renforcer l’employabilité des jeunes et réduire les niveaux de décrochage scolaire, dans un cadre accordant un degré de priorité élevé à l’investissement efficace dans l’éducation et la formation. Ces activités comprendront deux volets:

| — | soutenir la sensibilisation du public et l’engagement, la coordination et les partenariats institutionnels avec toutes les parties prenantes, pour promouvoir en particulier les compétences en vue d’améliorer la croissance, la compétitivité et l’employabilité des jeunes (partie A), |
| --- | --- |

—

soutenir la sensibilisation du public et l’engagement, la coordination et les partenariats institutionnels avec toutes les parties prenantes, pour promouvoir en particulier les compétences en vue d’améliorer la croissance, la compétitivité et l’employabilité des jeunes (partie A),

| — | soutenir le développement, l’expérimentation et l’évaluation, par des essais sur le terrain, de solutions politiques novatrices visant à réduire le décrochage scolaire (partie B). |
| --- | --- |

—

soutenir le développement, l’expérimentation et l’évaluation, par des essais sur le terrain, de solutions politiques novatrices visant à réduire le décrochage scolaire (partie B).

L’appel à propositions permettra également aux ministres et aux parties prenantes de tester — dans des situations de la vie réelle — la mise en œuvre de politiques novatrices (expérimentations politiques) visant des objectifs européens.

2.   Organismes éligibles

Les organismes (y compris tous les organismes partenaires) établis dans les pays participant au programme d’éducation et de formation tout au long de la vie (EFTLV) peuvent présenter une demande:

| — | les 27 États membres de l’Union européenne, |
| --- | --- |

—

les 27 États membres de l’Union européenne,

| — | les pays de l’EEE/AELE: Islande, Liechtenstein et Norvège, |
| --- | --- |

—

les pays de l’EEE/AELE: Islande, Liechtenstein et Norvège,

| — | les pays candidats: Croatie, Turquie, |
| --- | --- |

—

les pays candidats: Croatie, Turquie,

| — | la Suisse, |
| --- | --- |

—

la Suisse,

| — | la Serbie, l’ancienne République yougoslave de Macédoine, la Bosnie-Herzégovine, l’Albanie et le Monténégro (2). |
| --- | --- |

—

la Serbie, l’ancienne République yougoslave de Macédoine, la Bosnie-Herzégovine, l’Albanie et le Monténégro (2).

Les pays tiers ne sont pas autorisés à participer à cette action.

Au moins l’un des pays du partenariat doit être un État membre de l’UE (disposition applicable uniquement à la partie B du présent appel à propositions).

Les candidatures seront soumises par des personnes morales dotées de la capacité juridique. Les personnes physiques ne peuvent prétendre à une subvention.

Les bénéficiaires peuvent être des ministères nationaux ou régionaux chargés des politiques d’enseignement, de formation et d’EFTLV, ainsi que d’autres autorités/organismes et organisations de parties prenantes actifs dans le domaine de l’élaboration et de l’application des politiques d’EFTLV. Les organisations de parties prenantes incluent les associations ou organisations régionales, nationales et européennes dont les principales activités ou responsabilités sont directement liées à l’un ou l’autre domaine de l’éducation et de la formation. Il s’agit notamment d’organisations de partenaires sociaux et autres associations nationales ou régionales représentant les intérêts d’un groupe sociétal dans le contexte de l’élaboration et de l’application des politiques d’EFTLV.

Partie A —   Soutien à la réalisation nationale des objectifs de coopération européenne dans le domaine de l’éducation et de la formation («Éducation et formation 2020» (3)) et sensibilisation nationale à ces objectifs.

Les demandes de financement peuvent être introduites uniquement par des partenariats nationaux composés d’au moins trois organisations impliquant au moins une autorité nationale ou régionale chargée des politiques d’enseignement, de formation et d’EFTLV (enseignements préscolaire et scolaire, enseignement et formation professionnels, enseignement supérieur et enseignement pour adultes) et par d’autres organismes et organisations de parties prenantes directement associés à l’élaboration et à l’application de ces politiques.

Partie B —   Soutien à la mise en œuvre de solutions politiques novatrices au niveau institutionnel en vue de réduire le décrochage scolaire, conformément aux priorités fixées dans les initiatives «Europe 2020» et «Éducation et formation 2020».

Les demandes de financement peuvent être introduites uniquement par des partenariats transnationaux de ministères nationaux ou régionaux chargés de l’élaboration et de l’application des politiques d’enseignement, de formation et d’EFTLV ou d’autres organisations désignées par ces ministères pour répondre à l’appel à propositions.

Les partenariats doivent être composés d’au moins cinq organisations comprenant trois pays éligibles ou plus. Au moins un partenaire par pays doit être un ministère national ou régional chargé de l’élaboration et de l’application des politiques d’enseignement, de formation et d’EFTLV, ou une autre organisation désignée par ce ministère pour répondre à l’appel à propositions, et au moins un partenaire doit être un organisme d’évaluation. Les partenariats doivent également comprendre d’autres parties prenantes pertinentes, le cas échéant.

La ou les lettre(s) de désignation signée(s) du ou des ministère(s) délégué(s) doit(doivent) être jointe(s) à la version papier de la proposition.

Aux fins du présent appel, tous les établissements d’enseignement supérieur reconnus par les États membres (pays participants) et tous les établissements ou organismes présentant des offres d’éducation et de formation dont les recettes annuelles provenaient pour plus de la moitié de fonds publics au cours de ces deux dernières années (autres subventions européennes exclues) ou étant contrôlés par des organismes publics ou leurs représentants sont considérés comme des organismes publics. Ces organismes sont tenus d’indiquer dans la déclaration sur l’honneur signée (incluse dans le dossier de candidature) que leur organisation répond à la définition d’un organisme public énoncée ci-dessus. L’Agence se réserve le droit d’exiger des justificatifs attestant la véracité de cette déclaration.

3.   Activités éligibles

Partie A —   Soutien à la réalisation nationale des objectifs de coopération européenne dans le domaine de l’éducation et de la formation («Éducation et formation 2020» (4)) et sensibilisation nationale à ces objectifs.

Les activités pouvant être financées au titre de cette partie du présent appel sont les suivantes:

| — | activités de sensibilisation stimulant le dialogue et les débats nationaux sur la réalisation des quatre objectifs stratégiques de l’initiative «Éducation et formation 2020» en vue de soutenir la stratégie «Europe 2020», |
| --- | --- |

—

activités de sensibilisation stimulant le dialogue et les débats nationaux sur la réalisation des quatre objectifs stratégiques de l’initiative «Éducation et formation 2020» en vue de soutenir la stratégie «Europe 2020»,

| — | organisation de forums de parties prenantes sur les stratégies nationales d’EFTLV visant à lutter contre le chômage des jeunes et à promouvoir la croissance, |
| --- | --- |

—

organisation de forums de parties prenantes sur les stratégies nationales d’EFTLV visant à lutter contre le chômage des jeunes et à promouvoir la croissance,

| — | activités de diffusion et de sensibilisation, dans le contexte de la stratégie «Éducation et formation 2020», visant à améliorer les perspectives d’apprentisage par des filières alternatives, |
| --- | --- |

—

activités de diffusion et de sensibilisation, dans le contexte de la stratégie «Éducation et formation 2020», visant à améliorer les perspectives d’apprentisage par des filières alternatives,

| — | actions de suivi au niveau national axées sur l’établissement de liens entre les résultats de la méthode ouverte de coordination et les programmes nationaux existants. |
| --- | --- |

—

actions de suivi au niveau national axées sur l’établissement de liens entre les résultats de la méthode ouverte de coordination et les programmes nationaux existants.

Partie B —   Soutien à la mise en œuvre de solutions politiques novatrices au niveau institutionnel en vue de réduire le décrochage scolaire, conformément aux priorités fixées dans les initiatives «Europe 2020» et «Éducation et formation 2020».

Les activités pouvant être financées au titre de cette partie du présent appel sont les suivantes:

| — | développement, expérimentation et évaluation de solutions politiques novatrices visant à réduire le décrochage scolaire, par des essais sur le terrain réalisés dans le cadre de partenariats transnationaux, |
| --- | --- |

—

développement, expérimentation et évaluation de solutions politiques novatrices visant à réduire le décrochage scolaire, par des essais sur le terrain réalisés dans le cadre de partenariats transnationaux,

| — | conception et expérimentation conjointes d’actions politiques novatrices impliquant un nombre suffisamment élevé d’établissements d’enseignement, |
| --- | --- |

—

conception et expérimentation conjointes d’actions politiques novatrices impliquant un nombre suffisamment élevé d’établissements d’enseignement,

| — | analyse, sur le plan politique, de l’efficacité, de l’efficience et des conditions de l’évolutivité des résultats de l’expérimentation politique et du transfert transnational des bonnes pratiques, |
| --- | --- |

—

analyse, sur le plan politique, de l’efficacité, de l’efficience et des conditions de l’évolutivité des résultats de l’expérimentation politique et du transfert transnational des bonnes pratiques,

| — | diffusion systématique des réformes aux plans national et européen, facilitant la transférabilité entre les divers systèmes et politiques d’enseignement et de formation. |
| --- | --- |

—

diffusion systématique des réformes aux plans national et européen, facilitant la transférabilité entre les divers systèmes et politiques d’enseignement et de formation.

Parties A et B:

Les activités doivent débuter entre le 1er mars 2014 et le 31 mai 2014.

La durée obligatoire des projets sera de 12 mois pour la partie A et de 36 mois pour la partie B. Les demandes portant sur des projets d’une durée différente de celle prévue dans le présent appel à propositions ne seront pas acceptées.

4.   Critères d’attribution

Les demandes éligibles feront l’objet d’une évaluation au regard des critères suivants:

Partie A —   Soutien à la réalisation nationale des objectifs de coopération européenne dans le domaine de l’éducation et de la formation («Éducation et formation 2020») et sensibilisation nationale à ces objectifs.

| 1) | Pertinence (30 %). |
| --- | --- |

1)

Pertinence (30 %).

| 2) | Qualité du plan d’action (10 %). |
| --- | --- |

2)

Qualité du plan d’action (10 %).

| 3) | Qualité de la méthodologie (10 %). |
| --- | --- |

3)

Qualité de la méthodologie (10 %).

| 4) | Qualité du consortium (10 %). |
| --- | --- |

4)

Qualité du consortium (10 %).

| 5) | Ratio coûts-bénéfices (10 %). |
| --- | --- |

5)

Ratio coûts-bénéfices (10 %).

| 6) | Impact (20 %). |
| --- | --- |

6)

Impact (20 %).

| 7) | Qualité du plan de valorisation [diffusion et exploitation des résultats (10 %)]. |
| --- | --- |

7)

Qualité du plan de valorisation [diffusion et exploitation des résultats (10 %)].

Partie B —   Soutien à la mise en œuvre de solutions politiques novatrices au niveau institutionnel en vue de réduire le décrochage scolaire, conformément aux priorités fixées dans les initiatives «Europe 2020» et «Éducation et formation 2020».

| 1) | Pertinence (30 %). |
| --- | --- |

1)

Pertinence (30 %).

| 2) | Qualité du plan d’action (10 %). |
| --- | --- |

2)

Qualité du plan d’action (10 %).

| 3) | Qualité de la méthodologie (10 %). |
| --- | --- |

3)

Qualité de la méthodologie (10 %).

| 4) | Qualité du consortium (10 %). |
| --- | --- |

4)

Qualité du consortium (10 %).

| 5) | Ratio coûts-bénéfices (10 %). |
| --- | --- |

5)

Ratio coûts-bénéfices (10 %).

| 6) | Impact et valeur ajoutée européenne (20 %). |
| --- | --- |

6)

Impact et valeur ajoutée européenne (20 %).

| 7) | Qualité du plan de valorisation [diffusion et exploitation des résultats (10 %)]. |
| --- | --- |

7)

Qualité du plan de valorisation [diffusion et exploitation des résultats (10 %)].

5.   Budget

Le budget total alloué au cofinancement des projets s’élève à 4 millions d’EUR.

Le concours financier de l’Union européenne ne peut excéder 75 % du total des coûts éligibles.

Le montant maximal de la subvention accordée par projet est de 120 000 EUR pour la partie A et de 800 000 EUR pour la partie B.

L’Agence compte attribuer le montant disponible selon la proportion indicative suivante: 1 200 000 EUR pour la partie A et 2 800 000 EUR pour la partie B. Toutefois, l’allocation finale dépendra du nombre et de la qualité des propositions reçues pour les parties A et B.

L’Agence se réserve le droit de ne pas attribuer la totalité des fonds disponibles.

6.   Date limite de la soumission

Seules les demandes présentées sur le formulaire adapté, dûment complétées, datées, incluant un budget équilibré (recettes et dépenses), soumises en ligne (original) et signées par la personne habilitée à engager juridiquement l’organisme demandeur, seront acceptées.

Date limite: lundi 16 septembre 2013, à 12 heures (heure d’Europe centrale)

Les demandes qui ne contiennent pas tous les documents indiqués et qui ne sont pas soumises dans les délais ne seront pas prises en considération.

Une demande complète est constituée des éléments suivants:

| — | un dossier de candidature original (formulaire en ligne et ses quatre pièces jointes) à soumettre en ligne en suivant les consignes données dans le guide d’utilisation du formulaire en ligne. Cette version, y compris ses pièces jointes, est considérée comme la version de base; |
| --- | --- |

—

un dossier de candidature original (formulaire en ligne et ses quatre pièces jointes) à soumettre en ligne en suivant les consignes données dans le guide d’utilisation du formulaire en ligne. Cette version, y compris ses pièces jointes, est considérée comme la version de base;

| — | une version papier à envoyer par courrier ordinaire ou recommandé, immédiatement après la soumission en ligne, à l’adresse suivante:





  Agence exécutive «Éducation, audiovisuel et culture» |
| --- | --- |
| Unité P9 — Éducation et formation tout au long de la vie: Eurydice et soutien aux politiques |
| Activité clé 1 — ECET (Éducation et formation 2020) |
| Appel à propositions EACEA/04/13 — Partie A/Partie B (veuillez préciser) |
| BOU2 01/055 |
| Avenue du Bourget 1 |
| 1140 Bruxelles |
| BELGIQUE |

—

une version papier à envoyer par courrier ordinaire ou recommandé, immédiatement après la soumission en ligne, à l’adresse suivante:

Agence exécutive «Éducation, audiovisuel et culture»

Unité P9 — Éducation et formation tout au long de la vie: Eurydice et soutien aux politiques

Activité clé 1 — ECET (Éducation et formation 2020)

Appel à propositions EACEA/04/13 — Partie A/Partie B (veuillez préciser)

BOU2 01/055

Avenue du Bourget 1

1140 Bruxelles

BELGIQUE

Les candidatures envoyées après la date limite ne seront pas prises en considération.

Les demandes transmises par télécopie ou uniquement par courrier électronique ne seront pas acceptées.

Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez vous référer aux orientations générales de l’appel à propositions.

7.   Informations complémentaires

Les orientations générales détaillées de l’appel à propositions et le dossier de candidature complet peuvent être obtenus à l’adresse internet suivante:

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/llp/funding/2013/call_ecet_2013_en.php

Les candidatures doivent être introduites à l’aide des formulaires fournis et contenir toutes les pièces jointes, annexes et informations demandées dans les orientations détaillées.

---

(1)  http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/policy-framework_fr.htm

(2)  La participation de l’Albanie, de la Bosnie-Herzégovine et du Monténégro au présent appel à propositions est sujette à la signature d’un protocole d’accord entre la Commission et les autorités compétentes de chacun de ces pays. Si, au premier jour du mois au cours duquel la décision d’octroi de la subvention a été prise, le protocole d’accord n’est pas signé, les participants du pays en question ne bénéficieront pas d’un financement et ne seront pas pris en compte pour ce qui est de la taille minimale des consortiums/partenariats.

(3)  Cf. note 1.

(4)  Cf. note 1.

---

Office européen de sélection du personnel (EPSO)

| 25.4.2013 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 118/32 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

25.4.2013

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 118/32

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AVIS DE CONCOURS GÉNÉRAUX

2013/C 118/08

L’Office européen de sélection du personnel (EPSO) organise les concours généraux:

| — | EPSO/AD/252/13 (AD 9) et EPSO/AD/253/13 (AD 12) — Chefs d'unité de citoyenneté croate (HR) |
| --- | --- |

—

EPSO/AD/252/13 (AD 9) et EPSO/AD/253/13 (AD 12) — Chefs d'unité de citoyenneté croate (HR)

dans les domaines suivants:

| 1. | Droit |
| --- | --- |

1.

Droit

| 2. | Économie |
| --- | --- |

2.

Économie

| 3. | Administration publique européenne |
| --- | --- |

3.

Administration publique européenne

L'avis de concours est publié en 23 langues au Journal officiel C 118 A du 25 avril 2013.

Des informations complémentaires se trouvent sur le site de l'EPSO http://blogs.ec.europa.eu/eu-careers.info/

---

PROCÉDURES JURIDICTIONNELLES

Cour AELE

| 25.4.2013 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 118/33 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

25.4.2013

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 118/33

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ARRÊT DE LA COUR

du 11 décembre 2012

dans l’affaire E-2/12

HOB-vín ehf. contre The State Alcohol and Tobacco Company of Iceland (ÁTVR)

(Libre circulation des marchandises — Directive 2000/13/CE — Produits visés — Étiquetage des denrées alimentaires — Étiquetage trompeur — Absence de notification d’une mesure nationale à l’Autorité de surveillance AELE — Justification — Responsabilité de l'État)

2013/C 118/09

Dans l’affaire E-2/12 HOB-vín ehf. contre The State Alcohol and Tobacco Company of Iceland (ÁTVR) — DEMANDE D'AVIS CONSULTATIF adressée à la Cour, en application de l'article 34 de l'accord entre les États membres de l'AELE relatif à l'institution d'une Autorité de surveillance et d'une Cour de justice, présentée par le Héraðsdómur Reykjavíkur (tribunal régional de Reykjavik), concernant la compatibilité avec l'accord EEE de règles nationales selon lesquelles une entreprise d’État qui détient le monopole de la vente au détail d’alcool peut refuser, dans certaines conditions, de vendre des boissons alcoolisées produites et commercialisées en toute légalité dans un autre État membre de l'EEE, la Cour, composée de M. Carl Baudenbacher, président, M. Per Christiansen, juge rapporteur, et M. Páll Hreinsson, juge, a rendu, le 11 décembre 2012, un arrêt dont le dispositif est le suivant:

| 1) | L'article 18 de la directive 2000/13/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 20 mars 2000 relative au rapprochement des législations des États membres concernant l'étiquetage et la présentation des denrées alimentaires ainsi que la publicité faite à leur égard s'oppose à une règle telle que l'article 5, paragraphe 10, des règles de sélection des produits en application desquelles ÁTVR refuse de vendre des boissons alcoolisées qui sont produites et commercialisées en toute légalité dans un autre État membre de l’EEE, au motif que l'étiquetage des produits comporte des informations tendancieuses ou non pertinentes.
  Il est sans importance que les règles de sélection des produits s'appliquent de la même façon aux produits nationaux et aux produits d'origine étrangère. |
| --- | --- |

1)

L'article 18 de la directive 2000/13/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 20 mars 2000 relative au rapprochement des législations des États membres concernant l'étiquetage et la présentation des denrées alimentaires ainsi que la publicité faite à leur égard s'oppose à une règle telle que l'article 5, paragraphe 10, des règles de sélection des produits en application desquelles ÁTVR refuse de vendre des boissons alcoolisées qui sont produites et commercialisées en toute légalité dans un autre État membre de l’EEE, au motif que l'étiquetage des produits comporte des informations tendancieuses ou non pertinentes.

Il est sans importance que les règles de sélection des produits s'appliquent de la même façon aux produits nationaux et aux produits d'origine étrangère.

| 2) | Une règle nationale telle que l'article 8 du règlement islandais no 828/2005 sur la production commerciale, l'importation et la vente en gros d'alcool, qui impose d'indiquer, sur les emballages de boissons contenant plus de 1,2 % d'alcool, qu'elles sont alcoolisées, autrement que par la mention de leur titre alcoométrique volumique acquis, ne saurait être considérée comme valable et ne peut pas imposer de charges à des particuliers ou à des opérateurs économiques si elle a été adoptée sans tenir compte de la procédure prévue à l’article 19 de la directive 2000/13/CE. |
| --- | --- |

2)

Une règle nationale telle que l'article 8 du règlement islandais no 828/2005 sur la production commerciale, l'importation et la vente en gros d'alcool, qui impose d'indiquer, sur les emballages de boissons contenant plus de 1,2 % d'alcool, qu'elles sont alcoolisées, autrement que par la mention de leur titre alcoométrique volumique acquis, ne saurait être considérée comme valable et ne peut pas imposer de charges à des particuliers ou à des opérateurs économiques si elle a été adoptée sans tenir compte de la procédure prévue à l’article 19 de la directive 2000/13/CE.

| 3) | Les particuliers et les opérateurs économiques qui ont été lésés par l’application incorrecte de la directive 2000/13/CE peuvent se prévaloir de la libre circulation des marchandises afin de pouvoir engager la responsabilité de l’État pour violation du droit de l’EEE.
  Le préjudice causé par une mesure nationale telle que celle décrite dans la première question implique la responsabilité de l'État si la juridiction nationale constate que l'application des dispositions législatives, réglementaires ou administratives nationales constitue une violation suffisamment caractérisée du droit de l’EEE et qu’il existe un lien de causalité direct entre la violation de l'obligation qui incombe à l'État et le préjudice subi par la partie lésée.
  Une violation du droit de l’EEE est suffisamment caractérisée lorsqu’un préjudice résulte d'une mesure nationale telle que celle décrite dans la deuxième question si les dispositions législatives, réglementaires ou administratives nationales ne peuvent pas être considérées comme valables du fait qu'elles n'ont pas été notifiées conformément à l’article 19 de la directive 2000/13/CE. Une telle violation implique la responsabilité de l'État si la juridiction nationale constate l'existence d'un lien de causalité direct entre la violation de l’obligation qui incombe à l'État et le préjudice subi par la partie lésée. |
| --- | --- |

3)

Les particuliers et les opérateurs économiques qui ont été lésés par l’application incorrecte de la directive 2000/13/CE peuvent se prévaloir de la libre circulation des marchandises afin de pouvoir engager la responsabilité de l’État pour violation du droit de l’EEE.

Le préjudice causé par une mesure nationale telle que celle décrite dans la première question implique la responsabilité de l'État si la juridiction nationale constate que l'application des dispositions législatives, réglementaires ou administratives nationales constitue une violation suffisamment caractérisée du droit de l’EEE et qu’il existe un lien de causalité direct entre la violation de l'obligation qui incombe à l'État et le préjudice subi par la partie lésée.

Une violation du droit de l’EEE est suffisamment caractérisée lorsqu’un préjudice résulte d'une mesure nationale telle que celle décrite dans la deuxième question si les dispositions législatives, réglementaires ou administratives nationales ne peuvent pas être considérées comme valables du fait qu'elles n'ont pas été notifiées conformément à l’article 19 de la directive 2000/13/CE. Une telle violation implique la responsabilité de l'État si la juridiction nationale constate l'existence d'un lien de causalité direct entre la violation de l’obligation qui incombe à l'État et le préjudice subi par la partie lésée.

---

| 25.4.2013 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 118/35 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

25.4.2013

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 118/35

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ARRÊT DE LA COUR

du 21 décembre 2012

dans l'affaire E-14/11

Schenker Nord AB, Schenker Privpak AB et Schenker Privpak AS contre Autorité de surveillance AELE

(Recours en annulation d’une décision de l’Autorité de surveillance AELE — Accès aux documents — Recevabilité — Mesures d’organisation de la procédure — Réouverture de la procédure orale)

2013/C 118/10

Dans l'affaire E-14/11, Schenker Nord AB, Schenker Privpak AB et Schenker Privpak AS contre Autorité de surveillance AELE — RECOURS en annulation de la décision de l'Autorité de surveillance AELE dans l'affaire no 68736, du 16 août 2011, de ne pas autoriser les requérantes à accéder à certains documents relatifs à l'affaire no 34250 Posten Norge AS/Privpak sur la base des règles sur l’accès aux documents établies par le Collège de l'Autorité de surveillance AELE le 27 juin 2008, la Cour, composée de M. Carl Baudenbacher, président et juge rapporteur, et de MM. Per Christiansen et Páll Hreinsson, juges, a rendu, le 21 décembre 2012, un arrêt dont le dispositif est le suivant:

La Cour:

| 1) | annule la décision de l’Autorité de surveillance AELE du 16 août 2011«Posten Norge AS/Privpak — Accès aux documents» dans la mesure où elle interdit l'accès total ou partiel aux documents d'inspection afférents à l’affaire no 34250 (Posten Norge AS/Privpak); |
| --- | --- |

1)

annule la décision de l’Autorité de surveillance AELE du 16 août 2011«Posten Norge AS/Privpak — Accès aux documents» dans la mesure où elle interdit l'accès total ou partiel aux documents d'inspection afférents à l’affaire no 34250 (Posten Norge AS/Privpak);

| 2) | rejette le recours pour le surplus; |
| --- | --- |

2)

rejette le recours pour le surplus;

| 3) | condamne l'Autorité de surveillance AELE à supporter ses propres dépens ainsi que ceux exposés par les requérantes; |
| --- | --- |

3)

condamne l'Autorité de surveillance AELE à supporter ses propres dépens ainsi que ceux exposés par les requérantes;

| 4) | condamne Posten Norge AS à supporter ses propres dépens. |
| --- | --- |

4)

condamne Posten Norge AS à supporter ses propres dépens.

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| 25.4.2013 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 118/36 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

25.4.2013

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 118/36

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Demande d'avis consultatif de la Cour AELE, présentée par Hæstiréttur Íslands, le 6 décembre 2012, dans l'affaire Jan Anfinn Wahl contre État islandais

(Affaire E-15/12)

2013/C 118/11

La Cour de justice de l'AELE a été saisie d'une demande d'avis consultatif présentée, par lettre du 6 décembre 2012, par la Hæstiréttur Íslands (Cour suprême d'Islande), reçue au greffe de la Cour le 6 décembre 2012. Cette demande, présentée dans le cadre de l'affaire Jan Anfinn Wahl contre État islandais, portait sur les questions suivantes:

| 1) | Les États membres qui sont parties à l'accord sur l'Espace économique européen ont-ils, en ce qui concerne l'article 7 de l'accord, la compétence quant à la forme et aux moyens de mise en œuvre lorsqu'ils transposent en droit interne les dispositions de la directive 2004/38/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 29 avril 2004 relative au droit des citoyens de l'Union et des membres de leurs familles de circuler et de séjourner librement sur le territoire des États membres? |
| --- | --- |

1)

Les États membres qui sont parties à l'accord sur l'Espace économique européen ont-ils, en ce qui concerne l'article 7 de l'accord, la compétence quant à la forme et aux moyens de mise en œuvre lorsqu'ils transposent en droit interne les dispositions de la directive 2004/38/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 29 avril 2004 relative au droit des citoyens de l'Union et des membres de leurs familles de circuler et de séjourner librement sur le territoire des États membres?

| 2) | L'article 27, paragraphe 1, de la directive 2004/38/CE doit-il être interprété en ce sens que le simple fait que les autorités compétentes dans un État membre de l'EEE considèrent, sur la base d’une évaluation du danger encouru, qu’une organisation à laquelle appartient la personne concernée est liée à la criminalité organisée et que cette évaluation se fonde sur l'idée que là où ces organisations criminelles ont réussi à s'établir, la criminalité a augmenté et s'est organisée, est suffisant en soi pour considérer qu'un citoyen de l'Union constitue une menace pour l'ordre public et la sécurité publique dans l'État en question? |
| --- | --- |

2)

L'article 27, paragraphe 1, de la directive 2004/38/CE doit-il être interprété en ce sens que le simple fait que les autorités compétentes dans un État membre de l'EEE considèrent, sur la base d’une évaluation du danger encouru, qu’une organisation à laquelle appartient la personne concernée est liée à la criminalité organisée et que cette évaluation se fonde sur l'idée que là où ces organisations criminelles ont réussi à s'établir, la criminalité a augmenté et s'est organisée, est suffisant en soi pour considérer qu'un citoyen de l'Union constitue une menace pour l'ordre public et la sécurité publique dans l'État en question?

| 3) | Pour répondre à la deuxième question, est-il important que l’État membre ait interdit l'organisation dont la personne concernée est membre et que l’appartenance à cette organisation soit interdite dans l'État en question? |
| --- | --- |

3)

Pour répondre à la deuxième question, est-il important que l’État membre ait interdit l'organisation dont la personne concernée est membre et que l’appartenance à cette organisation soit interdite dans l'État en question?

| 4) | Le fait qu'un État membre de l'EEE, qui est partie à l'accord sur l'Espace économique européen, ait défini comme punissable, dans sa législation, tout comportement de connivence avec une autre personne dans la commission d’un acte qui s'inscrit dans le cadre des activités d'une organisation criminelle suffit-il pour considérer que l'ordre public et la sécurité publique sont menacés au sens de l'article 27, paragraphe 1, de la directive 2004/38/CE, ou cette législation doit-elle être considérée comme motivée par des raisons de prévention générale au sens de l’article 27, paragraphe 2, de la directive? Cette question se fonde sur le fait que la notion de «criminalité organisée» en droit interne islandais fait référence à une association de trois personnes ou plus, ayant pour principal objectif, à des fins lucratives, de commettre délibérément des délits, directement ou indirectement, ou dont une part importante des activités consiste à commettre des délits. |
| --- | --- |

4)

Le fait qu'un État membre de l'EEE, qui est partie à l'accord sur l'Espace économique européen, ait défini comme punissable, dans sa législation, tout comportement de connivence avec une autre personne dans la commission d’un acte qui s'inscrit dans le cadre des activités d'une organisation criminelle suffit-il pour considérer que l'ordre public et la sécurité publique sont menacés au sens de l'article 27, paragraphe 1, de la directive 2004/38/CE, ou cette législation doit-elle être considérée comme motivée par des raisons de prévention générale au sens de l’article 27, paragraphe 2, de la directive? Cette question se fonde sur le fait que la notion de «criminalité organisée» en droit interne islandais fait référence à une association de trois personnes ou plus, ayant pour principal objectif, à des fins lucratives, de commettre délibérément des délits, directement ou indirectement, ou dont une part importante des activités consiste à commettre des délits.

| 5) | L’article 27, paragraphe 2, de la directive 2004/38/CE doit-il être interprété en ce sens qu'une condition préalable à l'application des mesures visées à l'article 27, paragraphe 1, de cette même directive à l'encontre d'une personne spécifique est que l'État membre concerné doit établir qu'il est probable que la personne en question a l'intention de s'adonner à des activités comportant un ou plusieurs actes donnés, ou de s’abstenir d'un ou plusieurs actes donnés, afin que le comportement de cette personne puisse être considéré comme représentant une menace réelle, actuelle et suffisamment grave pour un intérêt fondamental de la société? |
| --- | --- |

5)

L’article 27, paragraphe 2, de la directive 2004/38/CE doit-il être interprété en ce sens qu'une condition préalable à l'application des mesures visées à l'article 27, paragraphe 1, de cette même directive à l'encontre d'une personne spécifique est que l'État membre concerné doit établir qu'il est probable que la personne en question a l'intention de s'adonner à des activités comportant un ou plusieurs actes donnés, ou de s’abstenir d'un ou plusieurs actes donnés, afin que le comportement de cette personne puisse être considéré comme représentant une menace réelle, actuelle et suffisamment grave pour un intérêt fondamental de la société?

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PROCÉDURES RELATIVES À LA MISE EN ŒUVRE DE LA POLITIQUE DE CONCURRENCE

Commission européenne

| 25.4.2013 | FR | Journal officiel de l'Union européenne | C 118/37 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

25.4.2013

FR

Journal officiel de l'Union européenne

C 118/37

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Notification préalable d'une concentration

(Affaire COMP/M.6919 — KKR/Bregal Fund/Avenia/Cognita)

Cas susceptible d'être traité selon la procédure simplifiée

(Texte présentant de l'intérêt pour l'EEE)

2013/C 118/12

| 1. | Le 16 avril 2013, la Commission a reçu notification, conformément à l'article 4 du règlement (CE) no 139/2004 du Conseil (1), d'un projet de concentration par lequel les entreprises KKR & Co. LP («KKR», États-Unis) et Bregal Fund III LP («Bregal Fund III», Jersey), contrôlée en dernier ressort par Avenia AG (Suisse), acquièrent, au sens de l'article 3, paragraphe 1, point b), du règlement CE sur les concentrations, le contrôle en commun de l’entreprise Cognita Holdings Limited («Cognita», Royaume-Uni) par achat d’actions. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Le 16 avril 2013, la Commission a reçu notification, conformément à l'article 4 du règlement (CE) no 139/2004 du Conseil (1), d'un projet de concentration par lequel les entreprises KKR & Co. LP («KKR», États-Unis) et Bregal Fund III LP («Bregal Fund III», Jersey), contrôlée en dernier ressort par Avenia AG (Suisse), acquièrent, au sens de l'article 3, paragraphe 1, point b), du règlement CE sur les concentrations, le contrôle en commun de l’entreprise Cognita Holdings Limited («Cognita», Royaume-Uni) par achat d’actions.

| 2. | Les activités des entreprises considérées sont les suivantes:






  — | KKR: fourniture d'un large éventail de services de gestion d'actifs non conventionnels à des investisseurs publics et privés et de solutions sur les marchés des capitaux à l'entreprise, aux sociétés qu'elle détient et à ses clients, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Les activités des entreprises considérées sont les suivantes:

—

KKR: fourniture d'un large éventail de services de gestion d'actifs non conventionnels à des investisseurs publics et privés et de solutions sur les marchés des capitaux à l'entreprise, aux sociétés qu'elle détient et à ses clients,

| — | Avenia: société holding d’un groupe de sociétés opérant dans divers secteurs (commerce de détail, immobilier, services éducatifs, énergies renouvelables et assurances) et de fonds de capital-investissement, |
| --- | --- |

—

Avenia: société holding d’un groupe de sociétés opérant dans divers secteurs (commerce de détail, immobilier, services éducatifs, énergies renouvelables et assurances) et de fonds de capital-investissement,

| — | Bregal Fund III: capital-investissement, |
| --- | --- |

—

Bregal Fund III: capital-investissement,

| — | Cognita: gestion, à l'échelle internationale, d'écoles privées payantes, de la maternelle au lycée. |
| --- | --- |

—

Cognita: gestion, à l'échelle internationale, d'écoles privées payantes, de la maternelle au lycée.

| 3. | Après examen préliminaire et sans préjudice de sa décision définitive sur ce point, la Commission estime que l'opération notifiée pourrait entrer dans le champ d'application du règlement CE sur les concentrations. Conformément à la communication de la Commission relative à une procédure simplifiée de traitement de certaines opérations de concentration en application du règlement CE sur les concentrations (2), il convient de noter que ce cas est susceptible d'être traité selon la procédure définie par ladite communication. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Après examen préliminaire et sans préjudice de sa décision définitive sur ce point, la Commission estime que l'opération notifiée pourrait entrer dans le champ d'application du règlement CE sur les concentrations. Conformément à la communication de la Commission relative à une procédure simplifiée de traitement de certaines opérations de concentration en application du règlement CE sur les concentrations (2), il convient de noter que ce cas est susceptible d'être traité selon la procédure définie par ladite communication.

| 4. | La Commission invite les tiers intéressés à lui présenter leurs observations éventuelles sur le projet de concentration.
  Ces observations devront lui parvenir au plus tard dans un délai de dix jours à compter de la date de la présente publication. Elles peuvent être envoyées par télécopie (+32 22964301), par courrier électronique à l’adresse COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu ou par courrier postal, sous la référence COMP/M.6919 — KKR/Bregal Fund/Avenia/Cognita, à l'adresse suivante:





  Commission européenne |
| --- | --- |
| Direction générale de la concurrence |
| Greffe des concentrations |
| 1049 Bruxelles |
| BELGIQUE |

4.

La Commission invite les tiers intéressés à lui présenter leurs observations éventuelles sur le projet de concentration.

Ces observations devront lui parvenir au plus tard dans un délai de dix jours à compter de la date de la présente publication. Elles peuvent être envoyées par télécopie (+32 22964301), par courrier électronique à l’adresse COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu ou par courrier postal, sous la référence COMP/M.6919 — KKR/Bregal Fund/Avenia/Cognita, à l'adresse suivante:

Commission européenne

Direction générale de la concurrence

Greffe des concentrations

1049 Bruxelles

BELGIQUE

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(1)  JO L 24 du 29.1.2004, p. 1 (le «règlement CE sur les concentrations»).

(2)  JO C 56 du 5.3.2005, p. 32 (la «communication sur une procédure simplifiée»).

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