# Europos Sąjungos C 62/2005

| | ISSN 1725-521X |
| --- | --- |
| Europos Sąjungos
  oficialusis leidinys | C 62 |
| | |
| Leidimas lietuvių kalba | Informacija ir prane_imai | 48 tomas2005m. kovo 12d. |

ISSN 1725-521X

Europos Sąjungos

oficialusis leidinys

C 62

Leidimas lietuvių kalba

Informacija ir prane_imai

48 tomas2005m. kovo 12d.

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| Prane_imo Nr. | Turinys | Puslapis |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Informacija |
| | Taryba |
| 2005/C 062/1 | 2004 m. gruodžio 9 d. Tarybos rezoliucija dėl informacinių ir ryšių technologijų (IRT) ateities | 1 |
| | Komisija |
| 2005/C 062/2 | Euro kursas | 4 |
| 2005/C 062/3 | Išankstinis pranešimas apie koncentraciją (Byla Nr. COMP/M.3745 – Severstal/Lucchini) — Bylą yra numatoma nagrinėti supaprastinta tvarka (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2005/C 062/4 | Leidimas teikti valstybės pagalbą remiantis EB sutarties 87 ir 88 straipsnių nuostatomis — Atvejai, kuriems Komisija neprieštarauja (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2005/C 062/5 | 2005 m. sausio 21 d. Maltos vyriausybės pranešimas dėl 1994 m. gegužės 30 d. Europos Parlamento ir Tarybos direktyvos 94/22/EB dėl leidimų žvalgyti, tirti ir išgauti angliavandenilius išdavimo ir naudojimosi jais sąlygų (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2005/C 062/6 | 2005 m. sausio 21 d. Maltos vyriausybės pranešimas dėl 1994 m. gegužės 30 d. Europos Parlamento ir Tarybos Direktyvos 94/22/EB dėl leidimų žvalgyti, tirti ir išgauti angliavandenilius išdavimo ir naudojimosi jais sąlygų (
  1
  ) | 8 |
| 2005/C 062/7 | Išankstinis pranešimas apie koncentraciją (Byla Nr. COMP/M.3743 – DuPont/DDE) — Bylą yra numatoma nagrinėti supaprastinta tvarka (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| 2005/C 062/8 | Valstybės pagalba – Jungtinė Karalystė — Valstybės pagalba Nr. C 4/2005 (ex NN 57/2004) — Nekilnojamojo turto mokestis už telekomunikacijų infrastruktūrą — Kvietimas pateikti pastabas pagal EB sutarties 88 straipsnio 2 dalį (
  1
  ) | 10 |

Prane_imo Nr.

Turinys

Puslapis

I   Informacija

Taryba

2005/C 062/1

2004 m. gruodžio 9 d. Tarybos rezoliucija dėl informacinių ir ryšių technologijų (IRT) ateities

1

Komisija

2005/C 062/2

Euro kursas

4

2005/C 062/3

Išankstinis pranešimas apie koncentraciją (Byla Nr. COMP/M.3745 – Severstal/Lucchini) — Bylą yra numatoma nagrinėti supaprastinta tvarka (
  1
  )

1

5

2005/C 062/4

Leidimas teikti valstybės pagalbą remiantis EB sutarties 87 ir 88 straipsnių nuostatomis — Atvejai, kuriems Komisija neprieštarauja (
  1
  )

1

6

2005/C 062/5

2005 m. sausio 21 d. Maltos vyriausybės pranešimas dėl 1994 m. gegužės 30 d. Europos Parlamento ir Tarybos direktyvos 94/22/EB dėl leidimų žvalgyti, tirti ir išgauti angliavandenilius išdavimo ir naudojimosi jais sąlygų (
  1
  )

1

7

2005/C 062/6

2005 m. sausio 21 d. Maltos vyriausybės pranešimas dėl 1994 m. gegužės 30 d. Europos Parlamento ir Tarybos Direktyvos 94/22/EB dėl leidimų žvalgyti, tirti ir išgauti angliavandenilius išdavimo ir naudojimosi jais sąlygų (
  1
  )

1

8

2005/C 062/7

Išankstinis pranešimas apie koncentraciją (Byla Nr. COMP/M.3743 – DuPont/DDE) — Bylą yra numatoma nagrinėti supaprastinta tvarka (
  1
  )

1

9

2005/C 062/8

Valstybės pagalba – Jungtinė Karalystė — Valstybės pagalba Nr. C 4/2005 (ex NN 57/2004) — Nekilnojamojo turto mokestis už telekomunikacijų infrastruktūrą — Kvietimas pateikti pastabas pagal EB sutarties 88 straipsnio 2 dalį (
  1
  )

1

10

| | III   Pranešimai |
| --- | --- |
| | Komisija |
| 2005/C 062/9 | UK-Greenock: Reguliariojo oro susisiekimo paslaugos teikimas — Airijos pagal Tarybos reglamento (EEB) Nr. 2408/92 4 straipsnio 1 dalies d punktą reguliarioms oro susisiekimo paslaugoms teikti tarp Galway/Na Minna ir Aran salų paskelbtas viešasis konkursas (
  1
  ) | 19 |

III   Pranešimai

Komisija

2005/C 062/9

UK-Greenock: Reguliariojo oro susisiekimo paslaugos teikimas — Airijos pagal Tarybos reglamento (EEB) Nr. 2408/92 4 straipsnio 1 dalies d punktą reguliarioms oro susisiekimo paslaugoms teikti tarp Galway/Na Minna ir Aran salų paskelbtas viešasis konkursas (
  1
  )

1

19

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| | (1)   Tekstas svarbus EEE |

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(1)   Tekstas svarbus EEE

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LT

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I Informacija

Taryba

| 12.3.2005 | LT | Europos Sąjungos oficialusis leidinys | C 62/1 |
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12.3.2005

LT

Europos Sąjungos oficialusis leidinys

C 62/1

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TARYBOS REZOLIUCIJA

2004 m. gruodžio 9 d.

dėl informacinių ir ryšių technologijų (IRT) ateities

(2005/C 62/01)

EUROPOS SĄJUNGOS TARYBA,

palankiai vertindama Komisijos komunikatą dėl Europos informacinės visuomenės uždavinių po 2005 m. ir Komisijos komunikatą dėl plačiajuosčio mobilaus ryšio paslaugų.

Prisimindama

| 1. | 2000 m. kovo 23–24 d. Lisabonos Europos Vadovų Tarybos pirmininkaujančios valstybės narės išvadas; |
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1.

2000 m. kovo 23–24 d. Lisabonos Europos Vadovų Tarybos pirmininkaujančios valstybės narės išvadas;

| 2. | 2002 m. birželio mėn. Europos Vadovų Tarybos pirmininkaujančios valstybės narės išvadas, patvirtinančias 2005 m. elektroninės Europos veiksmų plano tikslus; |
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2.

2002 m. birželio mėn. Europos Vadovų Tarybos pirmininkaujančios valstybės narės išvadas, patvirtinančias 2005 m. elektroninės Europos veiksmų plano tikslus;

| 3. | 2003 m. vasario 18 d. Tarybos rezoliuciją dėl Elektroninės Europos veiksmų plano įgyvendinimo; |
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3.

2003 m. vasario 18 d. Tarybos rezoliuciją dėl Elektroninės Europos veiksmų plano įgyvendinimo;

| 4. | 2003 m. pavasario Europos Vadovų Tarybos pirmininkaujančios valstybės narės išvadas, raginančias 15 ES valstybių narių parengti nacionalines plačiajuosčio ryšio strategijas iki 2003 m. pabaigos; |
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4.

2003 m. pavasario Europos Vadovų Tarybos pirmininkaujančios valstybės narės išvadas, raginančias 15 ES valstybių narių parengti nacionalines plačiajuosčio ryšio strategijas iki 2003 m. pabaigos;

| 5. | 2003 m. lapkričio 20 d. Tarybos išvadas dėl Elektroninės vyriausybės vaidmens ateities Europoje; |
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5.

2003 m. lapkričio 20 d. Tarybos išvadas dėl Elektroninės vyriausybės vaidmens ateities Europoje;

| 6. | 2004 m. pavasario Europos Vadovų Tarybos pirmininkaujančios valstybės narės išvadas, pabrėžiančias naujų strategijų poreikį elektroninių ryšių srityje; |
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6.

2004 m. pavasario Europos Vadovų Tarybos pirmininkaujančios valstybės narės išvadas, pabrėžiančias naujų strategijų poreikį elektroninių ryšių srityje;

| 7. | 2004 m. kovo 8 d. Tarybos išvadas dėl naujausių pokyčių Europos elektroninių ryšių sektoriuje, patvirtinančių IRT svarbą augimui ir konkurencingumui; |
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7.

2004 m. kovo 8 d. Tarybos išvadas dėl naujausių pokyčių Europos elektroninių ryšių sektoriuje, patvirtinančių IRT svarbą augimui ir konkurencingumui;

| 8. | 2004 m. kovo 8 d. Tarybos išvadas dėl 2005 m. elektroninės Europos veiksmų plano tarpinės peržiūros, patvirtinančias 2005 m. elektroninės Europos uždavinių pagrįstumą plėtros srityje; |
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8.

2004 m. kovo 8 d. Tarybos išvadas dėl 2005 m. elektroninės Europos veiksmų plano tarpinės peržiūros, patvirtinančias 2005 m. elektroninės Europos uždavinių pagrįstumą plėtros srityje;

| 9. | 2004 m. birželio 10 d. Tarybos išvadas dėl 2005 m. elektroninės Europos veiksmų plano ir nacionalinių plačiajuosčio ryšio strategijų peržiūros; |
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9.

2004 m. birželio 10 d. Tarybos išvadas dėl 2005 m. elektroninės Europos veiksmų plano ir nacionalinių plačiajuosčio ryšio strategijų peržiūros;

| 10. | 2004 m. lapkričio 4–5 d. Europos Vadovų Tarybos pirmininkaujančios valstybės narės išvadas, palankiai vertinančias p. Kok vadovaujamos Aukšto lygio grupės ataskaitą; |
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10.

2004 m. lapkričio 4–5 d. Europos Vadovų Tarybos pirmininkaujančios valstybės narės išvadas, palankiai vertinančias p. Kok vadovaujamos Aukšto lygio grupės ataskaitą;

| 11. | 2004 m. rugsėjo 29–30 d. aukšto lygio susitikime numatytas kryptis dėl IRT ateities. |
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11.

2004 m. rugsėjo 29–30 d. aukšto lygio susitikime numatytas kryptis dėl IRT ateities.

Pripažindama

| 1. | kad, padedant įgyvendinti 2000 m. kovo mėn. Lisabonos tikslus, reikia Europos ir nacionaliniu lygiu peržiūrėti ir, jei būtina, patobulinti politikos kryptis, siekiant sustiprinti IRT įsisavinimą ir įdiegimą visoje visuomenėje; |
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1.

kad, padedant įgyvendinti 2000 m. kovo mėn. Lisabonos tikslus, reikia Europos ir nacionaliniu lygiu peržiūrėti ir, jei būtina, patobulinti politikos kryptis, siekiant sustiprinti IRT įsisavinimą ir įdiegimą visoje visuomenėje;

| 2. | kad IRT – tai stambus savarankiškas ūkio sektorius, apimantis informacines technologijas, elektroninius ryšius ir garso bei vaizdo pramonę, turintis dideles tolesnės plėtros galimybes ir įtakojantis beveik visas kitas ūkinės veiklos rūšis; |
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2.

kad IRT – tai stambus savarankiškas ūkio sektorius, apimantis informacines technologijas, elektroninius ryšius ir garso bei vaizdo pramonę, turintis dideles tolesnės plėtros galimybes ir įtakojantis beveik visas kitas ūkinės veiklos rūšis;

| 3. | kad IRT naudojimas daro tiesioginę ir esminę įtaką Europos ekonomikos produktyvumui ir konkurencingumui; |
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3.

kad IRT naudojimas daro tiesioginę ir esminę įtaką Europos ekonomikos produktyvumui ir konkurencingumui;

| 4. | kad IRT yra vertinga priemonė socialinei ir geografinei sanglaudai bei visos Europos pilietiškumui skatinti, kultūriniam savitumui, socialinei integracijai bei daugiakalbystei puoselėti ir skaidrumui bei dalyvavimui viešajame gyvenime stiprinti; |
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4.

kad IRT yra vertinga priemonė socialinei ir geografinei sanglaudai bei visos Europos pilietiškumui skatinti, kultūriniam savitumui, socialinei integracijai bei daugiakalbystei puoselėti ir skaidrumui bei dalyvavimui viešajame gyvenime stiprinti;

| 5. | kad visapusiška ir holistinė IRT politika gali labai prisidėti prie ES augimo, produktyvumo ir konkurencingumo tikslų, sukurdama aukštos darbo kokybės reikalaujančias darbo vietas, gerindama bendrus ekonomikos rezultatus ir modernizuodama viešąsias paslaugas bei skatindama modernizuotus verslo procesus tiek viešajame, tiek privačiame sektoriuje; |
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5.

kad visapusiška ir holistinė IRT politika gali labai prisidėti prie ES augimo, produktyvumo ir konkurencingumo tikslų, sukurdama aukštos darbo kokybės reikalaujančias darbo vietas, gerindama bendrus ekonomikos rezultatus ir modernizuodama viešąsias paslaugas bei skatindama modernizuotus verslo procesus tiek viešajame, tiek privačiame sektoriuje;

| 6. | kad politikos kryptys turėtų būti plėtojamos nuolat tarpusavyje bendradarbiaujant valdžios institucijoms, privačiam sektoriui ir kitiems suinteresuotiems asmenims, kad būtų galima reaguoti į naujus pokyčius IRT srityje; |
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6.

kad politikos kryptys turėtų būti plėtojamos nuolat tarpusavyje bendradarbiaujant valdžios institucijoms, privačiam sektoriui ir kitiems suinteresuotiems asmenims, kad būtų galima reaguoti į naujus pokyčius IRT srityje;

| 7. | kad ES gaus naudos iš novatoriško ir konkurencingo IRT sektoriaus greitai besiplečiančiose ir vis konkurencingesnėmis tampančiose pasaulio rinkose. |
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7.

kad ES gaus naudos iš novatoriško ir konkurencingo IRT sektoriaus greitai besiplečiančiose ir vis konkurencingesnėmis tampančiose pasaulio rinkose.

MANO, kad visapusiškai ir holistinei IRT politikai yra svarbūs šie dalykai:

Aukštos kokybės IRT sektorius ir inovacinės įmonės

| — | tęsti investicijas į informacinių ir ryšių technologijoms skirtą bendrą tyrimų ir taikomosios veiklos sritį tiek viešajame, tiek privačiame sektoriuje, gerinti Europos tyrimų ir taikomosios veiklos kokybę, sukuriant palankią mokslinę, finansinę ir verslo aplinką; |
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tęsti investicijas į informacinių ir ryšių technologijoms skirtą bendrą tyrimų ir taikomosios veiklos sritį tiek viešajame, tiek privačiame sektoriuje, gerinti Europos tyrimų ir taikomosios veiklos kokybę, sukuriant palankią mokslinę, finansinę ir verslo aplinką;

| — | remti palankią aplinką, skatinančią laisvą žinių ir naujovių judėjimą, kurioje mokslinių tyrimų rezultatai pritaikomi pridėtinę vertę turinčioms programoms ir produktams; |
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remti palankią aplinką, skatinančią laisvą žinių ir naujovių judėjimą, kurioje mokslinių tyrimų rezultatai pritaikomi pridėtinę vertę turinčioms programoms ir produktams;

| — | skatinti, ypatingai mažose ir vidutinėse įmonėse, veiksmingą naujų e. verslo procesų įsisavinimą ir naujų verslo modelių įdiegimą, išnaudojant IRT teikiamas galimybes. |
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skatinti, ypatingai mažose ir vidutinėse įmonėse, veiksmingą naujų e. verslo procesų įsisavinimą ir naujų verslo modelių įdiegimą, išnaudojant IRT teikiamas galimybes.

IRT piliečiams ir IRT įgūdžiai

| — | remti galimybę visai visuomenei naudotis IRT paslaugomis ir jas gauti, inter alia, vis labiau įsisąmoninant potencialią IRT naudą ir skatinant nuolatinį patogių naudoti technologijų tobulinimą ir taip, inter alia, toliau sprendžiant skaitmeninės atskirties problemą; |
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remti galimybę visai visuomenei naudotis IRT paslaugomis ir jas gauti, inter alia, vis labiau įsisąmoninant potencialią IRT naudą ir skatinant nuolatinį patogių naudoti technologijų tobulinimą ir taip, inter alia, toliau sprendžiant skaitmeninės atskirties problemą;

| — | skatinti priemones, pavyzdžiui, e. mokymąsi, toliau ugdančias visuomenės e. įgūdžius, visų pirma skirtus senstantiems gyventojams, lytims ir bet kokios etninės ir socialinės kilmės žmonėms, kad jie galėtų visapusiškai pasinaudoti informacinės visuomenės teikiamomis galimybėmis; |
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skatinti priemones, pavyzdžiui, e. mokymąsi, toliau ugdančias visuomenės e. įgūdžius, visų pirma skirtus senstantiems gyventojams, lytims ir bet kokios etninės ir socialinės kilmės žmonėms, kad jie galėtų visapusiškai pasinaudoti informacinės visuomenės teikiamomis galimybėmis;

| — | tęsti IRT integravimą darbo vietose taip, kad didėtų produktyvumas ir darbo kokybė, bei didinti IRT panaudojimą mokymo procesų metu; |
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tęsti IRT integravimą darbo vietose taip, kad didėtų produktyvumas ir darbo kokybė, bei didinti IRT panaudojimą mokymo procesų metu;

| — | rasti strateginius sprendimus dėl darbo jėgos migracijos, be kita ko, remiant darbuotojų bei įmonių prisitaikymą ir lankstumą kartu su saugumu darbo rinkoje. |
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rasti strateginius sprendimus dėl darbo jėgos migracijos, be kita ko, remiant darbuotojų bei įmonių prisitaikymą ir lankstumą kartu su saugumu darbo rinkoje.

IRT viešosioms paslaugoms

| — | patvirtinti ir įgyvendinti, jei reikia Europos lygiu, bendrus požiūrius į e. vyriausybės programų panaudojimą, ypač skatinant bendradarbiavimą ir keitimąsi geriausia praktika; |
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patvirtinti ir įgyvendinti, jei reikia Europos lygiu, bendrus požiūrius į e. vyriausybės programų panaudojimą, ypač skatinant bendradarbiavimą ir keitimąsi geriausia praktika;

| — | atsižvelgiant į poreikį pritaikyti organizacijoms, sukurti visapusišką modelį IRT galimybėms išnaudoti, siekiant geresnių rezultatų ir veiksmingumo viešajame sektoriuje, tuo pat metu pritaikant interneto paslaugas įmonių ir piliečių poreikiams bei mažinant administracinę naštą, ypač atsižvelgiant į Europos tarpvalstybinių paslaugų poreikį; |
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atsižvelgiant į poreikį pritaikyti organizacijoms, sukurti visapusišką modelį IRT galimybėms išnaudoti, siekiant geresnių rezultatų ir veiksmingumo viešajame sektoriuje, tuo pat metu pritaikant interneto paslaugas įmonių ir piliečių poreikiams bei mažinant administracinę naštą, ypač atsižvelgiant į Europos tarpvalstybinių paslaugų poreikį;

| — | sukurti visoje Europoje veikiančias e. sveikatos srities paslaugas, ypatingą dėmesį kreipiant standartizavimo ir sąveikumo klausimams, siekiant kuo geriau teikti ligonių gydymo ir priežiūros paslaugas. |
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sukurti visoje Europoje veikiančias e. sveikatos srities paslaugas, ypatingą dėmesį kreipiant standartizavimo ir sąveikumo klausimams, siekiant kuo geriau teikti ligonių gydymo ir priežiūros paslaugas.

Produktų ir paslaugų turinys ir kūrimas

| — | remti vertingo ir kūrybiško turinio kūrimą ir platinimą, pavyzdžiui, skatinant viešojo sektoriaus informacijos pakartotinį panaudojimą; |
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remti vertingo ir kūrybiško turinio kūrimą ir platinimą, pavyzdžiui, skatinant viešojo sektoriaus informacijos pakartotinį panaudojimą;

| — | tam tikrais atvejais pašalinti kliūtis skirtingų platformų turiniui gauti, pavyzdžiui, skatinant praktinių sprendimų skaitmeninio teisių valdymo srityje paiešką; |
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tam tikrais atvejais pašalinti kliūtis skirtingų platformų turiniui gauti, pavyzdžiui, skatinant praktinių sprendimų skaitmeninio teisių valdymo srityje paiešką;

| — | remti naujų paslaugų atsiradimą išsiplėtusioje vidaus rinkoje, plečiant palankią reguliavimo aplinką, kuri atsižvelgia į naujus pokyčius, pavyzdžiui, technikos naujoves; |
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remti naujų paslaugų atsiradimą išsiplėtusioje vidaus rinkoje, plečiant palankią reguliavimo aplinką, kuri atsižvelgia į naujus pokyčius, pavyzdžiui, technikos naujoves;

| — | reaguojant į didėjantį IRT grindžiamų programų kiekį, sukurti pramonei ir viešajam sektoriui palankią aplinką priimti tiek Europoje, tiek visame pasaulyje veiksmingus ir suderintus sprendimus, ypač susijusius su elektroniniais atsiskaitymais, autentiškumo nustatymu, tapatybės valdymu ir saugumu. |
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reaguojant į didėjantį IRT grindžiamų programų kiekį, sukurti pramonei ir viešajam sektoriui palankią aplinką priimti tiek Europoje, tiek visame pasaulyje veiksmingus ir suderintus sprendimus, ypač susijusius su elektroniniais atsiskaitymais, autentiškumo nustatymu, tapatybės valdymu ir saugumu.

Tinklų kūrimas

| — | užtikrinti nuoseklią ir efektyvią elektroninių ryšių reguliavimo aplinką, skatinančią konkurenciją, investicijas ir naujoves; |
| --- | --- |

—

užtikrinti nuoseklią ir efektyvią elektroninių ryšių reguliavimo aplinką, skatinančią konkurenciją, investicijas ir naujoves;

| — | remti atvirų standartų kūrimą ir naudojimą bei didinti tinklų ir paslaugų tarpusavio sąveiką; |
| --- | --- |

—

remti atvirų standartų kūrimą ir naudojimą bei didinti tinklų ir paslaugų tarpusavio sąveiką;

| — | atsižvelgiant į technologinio neutralumo principą, remti platesnį plačiajuosčio ryšio naudojimą ir prieinamumą, ypač skatinant konkurencingas platformas ir suderintus tinklus; |
| --- | --- |

—

atsižvelgiant į technologinio neutralumo principą, remti platesnį plačiajuosčio ryšio naudojimą ir prieinamumą, ypač skatinant konkurencingas platformas ir suderintus tinklus;

| — | tęsti skirtingų spektro valdymo modelių vertinimą, siekiant lankstesnio ir našesnio spektro panaudojimo Europos ir pasauliniu lygiu, atsižvelgiant į naujų ir inovacinių technologijų bei rinkos mechanizmais besinaudojančių metodikų plėtrą. |
| --- | --- |

—

tęsti skirtingų spektro valdymo modelių vertinimą, siekiant lankstesnio ir našesnio spektro panaudojimo Europos ir pasauliniu lygiu, atsižvelgiant į naujų ir inovacinių technologijų bei rinkos mechanizmais besinaudojančių metodikų plėtrą.

Pasitikėjimas ir saugumas

| — | suformuoti nuoseklų požiūrį visoms svarbioms, su pasitikėjimu susijusioms problemoms spręsti, toliau stiprinti tinklų ir informacijos saugumo kultūrą, siekiant skatinti patikimus ir veiksmingus elektroninius ryšius, prisidedančius prie saugių transeuropinių paslaugų kūrimo; |
| --- | --- |

—

suformuoti nuoseklų požiūrį visoms svarbioms, su pasitikėjimu susijusioms problemoms spręsti, toliau stiprinti tinklų ir informacijos saugumo kultūrą, siekiant skatinti patikimus ir veiksmingus elektroninius ryšius, prisidedančius prie saugių transeuropinių paslaugų kūrimo;

| — | bendradarbiaujant su visais atitinkamais suinteresuotais asmenimis, įskaitant tarptautinį bendradarbiavimą, parengti priemones kovai su nelegaliu, žalingu ir nepageidaujamu interneto turiniu, ypač jei tai susiję su vaikais, taip pat su elektroninio pašto šiukšlėmis; |
| --- | --- |

—

bendradarbiaujant su visais atitinkamais suinteresuotais asmenimis, įskaitant tarptautinį bendradarbiavimą, parengti priemones kovai su nelegaliu, žalingu ir nepageidaujamu interneto turiniu, ypač jei tai susiję su vaikais, taip pat su elektroninio pašto šiukšlėmis;

| — | užtikrinti tinkamą tinklų ir informacijos saugumo lygį naujoms paslaugoms įsisavinti ir naudoti bei užtikrinti tinkamą kitų nuo IRT priklausomų infrastruktūrų veikimą, atsižvelgiant į pasitikėjimo ir privatumo aspektus. |
| --- | --- |

—

užtikrinti tinkamą tinklų ir informacijos saugumo lygį naujoms paslaugoms įsisavinti ir naudoti bei užtikrinti tinkamą kitų nuo IRT priklausomų infrastruktūrų veikimą, atsižvelgiant į pasitikėjimo ir privatumo aspektus.

RAGINA VALSTYBES NARES aktyviai peržiūrėti ir praplėsti savo strategines veiklos kryptis bei įgyvendinimo priemones, siekiant prisidėti prie naujos Informacinės visuomenės darbotvarkės iki 2010 m.

RAGINA KOMISIJĄ

| 1. | tęsti reguliavimo sistemos stebėseną, atsižvelgiant į esamus ir būsimus technologinius ir rinkos pokyčius, ir, jei būtina, teikti pasiūlymus išlaikyti atitinkamą reguliavimo aplinką, sudarančią sąlygas veiksmingai konkurencijai ir skatinančią atsirasti daugiau investicijų, daugiau naujovių, naujoms paslaugoms ir žemesnėms kainoms; |
| --- | --- |

1.

tęsti reguliavimo sistemos stebėseną, atsižvelgiant į esamus ir būsimus technologinius ir rinkos pokyčius, ir, jei būtina, teikti pasiūlymus išlaikyti atitinkamą reguliavimo aplinką, sudarančią sąlygas veiksmingai konkurencijai ir skatinančią atsirasti daugiau investicijų, daugiau naujovių, naujoms paslaugoms ir žemesnėms kainoms;

| 2. | ištirti IRT sektoriaus konkurencingumą ir pradėti parengiamuosius darbus, atsižvelgiant į IRT įtaką Europos ekonomikai, tęsiant 2005 m. elektroninės Europos veiksmų planą, kaip svarbią naujos Informacinės visuomenės darbotvarkės po 2005 m. dalį. |
| --- | --- |

2.

ištirti IRT sektoriaus konkurencingumą ir pradėti parengiamuosius darbus, atsižvelgiant į IRT įtaką Europos ekonomikai, tęsiant 2005 m. elektroninės Europos veiksmų planą, kaip svarbią naujos Informacinės visuomenės darbotvarkės po 2005 m. dalį.

| 3. | pripažinti IRT svarbą būsimame pasiūlyme dėl kitos Pamatinės mokslinių tyrimų programos. |
| --- | --- |

3.

pripažinti IRT svarbą būsimame pasiūlyme dėl kitos Pamatinės mokslinių tyrimų programos.

RAGINA PRAMONĖS ŠAKAS toliau tiekti į rinką naujas, novatoriškas IRT programas ir paslaugas ir kurti naują patrauklų turinį, inter alia, gaunant naudos iš Europos kultūrinės įvairovės ir daugiakalbystės.

RAGINA VISUS SUINTERESUOTUS ASMENIS tęsti IRT integravimą savo atitinkamoje veikloje, siekiant visapusiškai pasinaudoti IRT teikiamomis galimybėmis.

TEIKIA šią rezoliuciją kaip savo indėlį diskusijoms dėl Lisabonos strategijos tarpinės peržiūros iki 2005 m. pavasario Europos Vadovų Tarybos.

---

Komisija

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Euro kursas (1)

2005 m. kovo 11 d.

(2005/C 62/02)

1 euro=

| | Valiuta | Valiutos kursas |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | JAV doleris | 1,3416 |
| JPY | Japonijos jena | 139,67 |
| DKK | Danijos krona | 7,4462 |
| GBP | Svaras šterlingas | 0,69865 |
| SEK | Švedijos krona | 9,0630 |
| CHF | Šveicarijos frankas | 1,5500 |
| ISK | Islandijos krona | 79,27 |
| NOK | Norvegijos krona | 8,177 |
| BGN | Bulgarijos levas | 1,9559 |
| CYP | Kipro svaras | 0,5825 |
| CZK | Čekijos krona | 29,475 |
| EEK | Estijos kronos | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Vengrijos forintas | 243,20 |
| LTL | Lietuvos litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvijos latas | 0,6960 |
| MTL | Maltos lira | 0,4330 |
| PLN | Lenkijos zlotas | 3,9519 |
| ROL | Rumunijos lėja | 35 885 |
| SIT | Slovėnijos tolaras | 239,72 |
| SKK | Slovakijos krona | 37,649 |
| TRY | Turkijos lira | 1,7002 |
| AUD | Australijos doleris | 1,6944 |
| CAD | Kanados doleris | 1,6176 |
| HKD | Honkongo doleris | 10,4638 |
| NZD | Naujosios Zelandijos doleris | 1,8173 |
| SGD | Singapūro doleris | 2,1733 |
| KRW | Pietų Korėjos vonas | 1 342,14 |
| ZAR | Pietų Afrikos randas | 7,8354 |

Valiuta

Valiutos kursas

USD

JAV doleris

1,3416

JPY

Japonijos jena

139,67

DKK

Danijos krona

7,4462

GBP

Svaras šterlingas

0,69865

SEK

Švedijos krona

9,0630

CHF

Šveicarijos frankas

1,5500

ISK

Islandijos krona

79,27

NOK

Norvegijos krona

8,177

BGN

Bulgarijos levas

1,9559

CYP

Kipro svaras

0,5825

CZK

Čekijos krona

29,475

EEK

Estijos kronos

15,6466

HUF

Vengrijos forintas

243,20

LTL

Lietuvos litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvijos latas

0,6960

MTL

Maltos lira

0,4330

PLN

Lenkijos zlotas

3,9519

ROL

Rumunijos lėja

35 885

SIT

Slovėnijos tolaras

239,72

SKK

Slovakijos krona

37,649

TRY

Turkijos lira

1,7002

AUD

Australijos doleris

1,6944

CAD

Kanados doleris

1,6176

HKD

Honkongo doleris

10,4638

NZD

Naujosios Zelandijos doleris

1,8173

SGD

Singapūro doleris

2,1733

KRW

Pietų Korėjos vonas

1 342,14

ZAR

Pietų Afrikos randas

7,8354

---

(1)

Šaltinis: valiutų perskaičiavimo kursai paskelbti ECB.

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Išankstinis pranešimas apie koncentraciją

(Byla Nr. COMP/M.3745 – Severstal/Lucchini)

Bylą yra numatoma nagrinėti supaprastinta tvarka

(2005/C 62/03)

(Tekstas svarbus EEE)

| 1. | 2005 m. kovo 4 d. pagal Tarybos reglamento (EB) Nr. 139/2004 (1) 4 straipsnį Komisija gavo pranešimą apie siūlomą koncentraciją, kai įmonė ZAO Severstal Group („Severstal“, Rusija) įgyja, kaip apibrėžta Tarybos reglamento 3 straipsnio 1 dalies b punkte, visos įmonės Lucchini SpA („Lucchini“, Italija) kontrolę pirkdama akcijas. |
| --- | --- |

1.

2005 m. kovo 4 d. pagal Tarybos reglamento (EB) Nr. 139/2004 (1) 4 straipsnį Komisija gavo pranešimą apie siūlomą koncentraciją, kai įmonė ZAO Severstal Group („Severstal“, Rusija) įgyja, kaip apibrėžta Tarybos reglamento 3 straipsnio 1 dalies b punkte, visos įmonės Lucchini SpA („Lucchini“, Italija) kontrolę pirkdama akcijas.

| 2. | Atitinkamų įmonių verslo veikla yra:






  — | Severstal: pirmiausiai metalurginė gamyba ir pardavimai, taip pat kitos veiklos sritys kaip bankininkystė, draudimas ir kita veikla |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Atitinkamų įmonių verslo veikla yra:

—

Severstal: pirmiausiai metalurginė gamyba ir pardavimai, taip pat kitos veiklos sritys kaip bankininkystė, draudimas ir kita veikla

| — | Lucchini: plieno produktų gamyba ir pardavimas. |
| --- | --- |

—

Lucchini: plieno produktų gamyba ir pardavimas.

| 3. | Remdamasi pradiniu pranešimo nagrinėjimu Komisija mano, kad sandoriui, apie kurį buvo pranešta, galėtų būti taikomas reglamentas (EB) Nr. 139/2004. Komisijai paliekama teisė priimti galutinį sprendimą šiuo klausimu. Remiantis Komisijos Pranešimu dėl supaprastintos tam tikrų koncentracijų nagrinėjimo procedūros pagal Tarybos reglamento (EB) Nr. 139/2004 (2), reikėtų pažymėti, kad šią bylą numatoma nagrinėti Pranešime nurodyta tvarka. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Remdamasi pradiniu pranešimo nagrinėjimu Komisija mano, kad sandoriui, apie kurį buvo pranešta, galėtų būti taikomas reglamentas (EB) Nr. 139/2004. Komisijai paliekama teisė priimti galutinį sprendimą šiuo klausimu. Remiantis Komisijos Pranešimu dėl supaprastintos tam tikrų koncentracijų nagrinėjimo procedūros pagal Tarybos reglamento (EB) Nr. 139/2004 (2), reikėtų pažymėti, kad šią bylą numatoma nagrinėti Pranešime nurodyta tvarka.

| 4. | Komisija kviečia suinteresuotas trečiąsias šalis pateikti savo pastabas dėl siūlyto veiksmo.
  Pastabos Komisijai turi būti pateiktos ne vėliau kaip per 10 dienų nuo šio pranešimo paskelbimo. Pastabas galima siųsti faksu (fakso numeris (32 2) 296 43 01 arba 296 72 44) arba paštu su nuoroda COMP/M.3745 – Severstal/Lucchini adresu:





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

4.

Komisija kviečia suinteresuotas trečiąsias šalis pateikti savo pastabas dėl siūlyto veiksmo.

Pastabos Komisijai turi būti pateiktos ne vėliau kaip per 10 dienų nuo šio pranešimo paskelbimo. Pastabas galima siųsti faksu (fakso numeris (32 2) 296 43 01 arba 296 72 44) arba paštu su nuoroda COMP/M.3745 – Severstal/Lucchini adresu:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition,

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  OL L 24, 2004 1 29, p. 1.

(2)  Pranešimą galima rasti Konkurencijos generalinio direktorato tinklapyje:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/legislation/consultation/simplified_tru.pdf.

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Leidimas teikti valstybės pagalbą remiantis EB sutarties 87 ir 88 straipsnių nuostatomis

Atvejai, kuriems Komisija neprieštarauja

(2005/C 62/04)

(Tekstas svarbus EEE)

Sprendimo priėmimo data:

Valstybė narė [regionas]: Italija

Pagalbos nr.: N 584/2003

Pavadinimas: 2 Ro-Ro TP tipo laivų pristatymo galutinio termino pratęsimas (numeriai C.209 ir C.210)

Tikslas [sektorius]: Laivų statyba

Teisinis pagrindas: Articolo 2 della Legge n. 522 del 1999 12 28

Pagalbos intensyvumas arba suma: 9 %

Kita informacija: Sprendimo tekstą(-us) be konfidencialių duomenų oficialiąja(-iosiomis) kalba(-omis) galima rasti tinklalapyje

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/state_aids

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2005 m. sausio 21 d. Maltos vyriausybės pranešimas dėl 1994 m. gegužės 30 d. Europos Parlamento ir Tarybos direktyvos 94/22/EB dėl leidimų žvalgyti, tirti ir išgauti angliavandenilius išdavimo ir naudojimosi jais sąlygų (1)

(2005/C 62/05)

(Tekstas svarbus EEE)

Remdamasi 1994 m. gegužės 30 d. Europos Parlamento ir Tarybos direktyvos 94/22/EB dėl leidimų žvalgyti, tirti ir išgauti angliavandenilius išdavimo ir naudojimosi jais sąlygų 10 straipsniu, Maltos Respublika praneša Komisijai, kad vienintelė kompetentinga institucija yra Maltos Respublikos Išteklių ir infrastruktūros Ministras (B korpusas, Floriana CMR 02, Malta).

Remdamasis Direktyvos 94/22/EB 5 straipsnio 1 dalimi, Maltos Respublikos Išteklių ir infrastruktūros ministras praneša, kad išduodant leidimus yra vadovaujamasi tokiais kriterijais:

| a) | kandidato finansiniai ištekliai; |
| --- | --- |

a)

kandidato finansiniai ištekliai;

| b) | kandidato techninė kompetencija ir patirtis; |
| --- | --- |

b)

kandidato techninė kompetencija ir patirtis;

| c) | kandidato siūloma darbo programa; |
| --- | --- |

c)

kandidato siūloma darbo programa;

| d) | kai tinka, kandidato pasiekti rezultatai, dirbant pagal anksčiau išduotus leidimus; ir |
| --- | --- |

d)

kai tinka, kandidato pasiekti rezultatai, dirbant pagal anksčiau išduotus leidimus; ir

| e) | jei leidimas yra parduodamas, kandidato siūloma jo įsigijimo kaina. |
| --- | --- |

e)

jei leidimas yra parduodamas, kandidato siūloma jo įsigijimo kaina.

Laikantis Direktyvos 94/22/EB 5 straipsnio 2 dalies informacija apie veiklos įgyvendinimo ir nutraukimo sąlygas bei reikalavimus, taikomus kiekvienos rūšies leidimams yra pateikta pagal ESA (2001) ir pagal PSC (2001) modelius ir paskelbta Išteklių ir infrastruktūros ministerijos Naftos tyrinėjimų departamento, B korpusas, Floriana CMR 02, Malta. Šiai informacijai Direktyvos 94/22/EB 3 straipsnio 2 dalies a punkte numatytų nuostatų taikyti nebūtina.

---

(1)  OL L 164, 1994 6 30, p. 3.

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2005 m. sausio 21 d. Maltos vyriausybės pranešimas dėl 1994 m. gegužės 30 d. Europos Parlamento ir Tarybos Direktyvos 94/22/EB dėl leidimų žvalgyti, tirti ir išgauti angliavandenilius išdavimo ir naudojimosi jais sąlygų (1)

(2005/C 62/06)

(Tekstas svarbus EEE)

Remdamasis 1994 m. gegužės 30 d. Europos Parlamento ir Tarybos direktyvos 94/22/EB dėl leidimų žvalgyti, tirti ir išgauti angliavandenilius išdavimo ir naudojimosi jais sąlygų 3 straipsnio 3 dalimi, Maltos Respublikos Išteklių ir infrastruktūros ministras praneša, kad nuolatinius leidimus pagal tyrimų licenciją arba pagal tyrimų ir gamybos licenciją galima suteikti toliau nurodytoms Maltos pakrančių zonoms (arba jų dalims):

| i) | 1 zona |
| --- | --- |

i)

1 zona

| ii) | 3 zona (išskyrus toliau nurodytas dalis) |
| --- | --- |

ii)

3 zona (išskyrus toliau nurodytas dalis)

| iii) | 4 zona (išskyrus toliau nurodytas dalis) |
| --- | --- |

iii)

4 zona (išskyrus toliau nurodytas dalis)

| iv) | 6 zona |
| --- | --- |

iv)

6 zona

Šioms zonoms (arba jų dalims) leidimai jau yra suteikti prieš 2004 m. gegužės 1 d. ir jos nėra laisvos iki kito pranešimo:

| i) | 2 zona |
| --- | --- |

i)

2 zona

| ii) | 3 zonos 4 ir 5 dalys |
| --- | --- |

ii)

3 zonos 4 ir 5 dalys

| iii) | 4 zonos 3 dalis |
| --- | --- |

iii)

4 zonos 3 dalis

| iv) | 5 zona |
| --- | --- |

iv)

5 zona

| v) | 7 zona |
| --- | --- |

v)

7 zona

Paraiškų teikėjai pateikia informaciją, kurios prašoma formoje, paskelbtoje Petroleum (Production) Regulations, 2001 (2001 m. gruodžio 1 d. 320 teisinis pranešimas).

Informaciją apie geografines koordinates, kuriomis yra apibrėžiamos zonos (arba jų dalys), kurioms gali būti išduoti leidimai, ir zonos (arba jų dalys), kurioms jau yra išduoti leidimai, bei kitą informaciją gali suteikti Išteklių ir infrastruktūros ministerijos Naftos tyrinėjimų departamentas, B korpusas, Floriana CMR 02, Malta, tel. (356) 21 23 79 21.

---

(1)  OL L 164, 1994 6 30, p. 3.

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Išankstinis pranešimas apie koncentraciją

(Byla Nr. COMP/M.3743 – DuPont/DDE)

Bylą yra numatoma nagrinėti supaprastinta tvarka

(2005/C 62/07)

(Tekstas svarbus EEE)

| 1. | 2005 m. kovo 3 d. pagal Tarybos reglamento (EB) Nr. 139/2004 (1), 4 straipsnį ir po bylos perdavimo pagal 4 straipsnio 5 dalį, Komisija gavo pranešimą apie siūlomą koncentraciją, kai įmonė E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company („DuPont“, JAV), įgyja, kaip apibrėžta Tarybos reglamento 3 straipsnio 1 dalies b punkte, dalies įmonės DuPont Dow Elastomers L.L.C. („DDE“, JAV) kontrolę, pirkdama akcijas. |
| --- | --- |

1.

2005 m. kovo 3 d. pagal Tarybos reglamento (EB) Nr. 139/2004 (1), 4 straipsnį ir po bylos perdavimo pagal 4 straipsnio 5 dalį, Komisija gavo pranešimą apie siūlomą koncentraciją, kai įmonė E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company („DuPont“, JAV), įgyja, kaip apibrėžta Tarybos reglamento 3 straipsnio 1 dalies b punkte, dalies įmonės DuPont Dow Elastomers L.L.C. („DDE“, JAV) kontrolę, pirkdama akcijas.

| 2. | Atitinkamų įmonių verslo veikla yra:






  — | DuPont įmonė: įvairia veikla pasauliniu mastu užsiimanti įmonė, aktyvi tokiose rinkose kaip žemės ūkis, mityba, elektronika, komunikacija, saugumas ir apsauga, namų statyba ir transportavimas, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Atitinkamų įmonių verslo veikla yra:

—

DuPont įmonė: įvairia veikla pasauliniu mastu užsiimanti įmonė, aktyvi tokiose rinkose kaip žemės ūkis, mityba, elektronika, komunikacija, saugumas ir apsauga, namų statyba ir transportavimas,

| — | DDE įmonė: elastomerių tyrimų vystymas, gamyba ir marketingas. |
| --- | --- |

—

DDE įmonė: elastomerių tyrimų vystymas, gamyba ir marketingas.

| 3. | Remdamasi pradiniu pranešimo nagrinėjimu Komisija mano, kad sandoriui, apie kurį buvo pranešta, galėtų būti taikomas reglamentas (EB) Nr. 139/2004. Komisijai paliekama teisė priimti galutinį sprendimą šiuo klausimu. Remiantis Komisijos Pranešimu dėl supaprastintos tam tikrų koncentracijų nagrinėjimo procedūros pagal Tarybos reglamento (EB) Nr. 139/2004 (2), reikėtų pažymėti, kad šią bylą numatoma nagrinėti Pranešime nurodyta tvarka. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Remdamasi pradiniu pranešimo nagrinėjimu Komisija mano, kad sandoriui, apie kurį buvo pranešta, galėtų būti taikomas reglamentas (EB) Nr. 139/2004. Komisijai paliekama teisė priimti galutinį sprendimą šiuo klausimu. Remiantis Komisijos Pranešimu dėl supaprastintos tam tikrų koncentracijų nagrinėjimo procedūros pagal Tarybos reglamento (EB) Nr. 139/2004 (2), reikėtų pažymėti, kad šią bylą numatoma nagrinėti Pranešime nurodyta tvarka.

| 4. | Komisija kviečia suinteresuotas trečiąsias šalis pateikti savo pastabas dėl siūlyto veiksmo.
  Pastabos Komisijai turi būti pateiktos ne vėliau kaip per 10 dienų nuo šio pranešimo paskelbimo. Pastabas galima siųsti faksu (fakso numeris (32 2) 296 43 01 arba 296 72 44) arba paštu su nuoroda COMP/M.3743 – DuPont/DDE adresu:





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

4.

Komisija kviečia suinteresuotas trečiąsias šalis pateikti savo pastabas dėl siūlyto veiksmo.

Pastabos Komisijai turi būti pateiktos ne vėliau kaip per 10 dienų nuo šio pranešimo paskelbimo. Pastabas galima siųsti faksu (fakso numeris (32 2) 296 43 01 arba 296 72 44) arba paštu su nuoroda COMP/M.3743 – DuPont/DDE adresu:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition,

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  OL L 24, 2004 1 29, p. 1.

(2)  Pranešimą galima rasti Konkurencijos generalinio direktorato tinklapyje:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/legislation/consultation/simplified_tru.pdf.

---

| 12.3.2005 | LT | Europos Sąjungos oficialusis leidinys | C 62/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.3.2005

LT

Europos Sąjungos oficialusis leidinys

C 62/10

---

VALSTYBĖS PAGALBA – JUNGTINĖ KARALYSTĖ

Valstybės pagalba Nr. C 4/2005 (ex NN 57/2004)

Nekilnojamojo turto mokestis už telekomunikacijų infrastruktūrą

Kvietimas pateikti pastabas pagal EB sutarties 88 straipsnio 2 dalį

(2005/C 62/08)

(Tekstas svarbus EEE)

2005 m. sausio 19 d. raštu, pateiktu po santraukos autentiška kalba, Komisija pranešė Jungtinei Karalystei apie savo sprendimą pradėti EB sutarties 88 straipsnio 2 dalyje nustatytą procedūrą dėl pirmiau minėtos pagalbos (priemonių).

Per vieną mėnesį nuo šios santraukos ir šio rašto paskelbimo dienos suinteresuotos šalys gali pateikti savo pastabas dėl priemonės, dėl kurios Komisija pradeda tyrimo procedūrą, šiuo adresu:

| Commission européenne |
| --- |
| Direction générale de la concurrence |
| Greffe des aides d'État |
| B-1049 Bruxelles |
| Faksas (32 2) 296 12 42 |

Commission européenne

Direction générale de la concurrence

Greffe des aides d'État

B-1049 Bruxelles

Faksas (32 2) 296 12 42

Tos pastabos bus perduotos Jungtinei Karalystei. Pastabas pateikiančios suinteresuotosios šalys gali pateikti pagrįstą raštišką prašymą neatskleisti jų tapatybės.

SANTRAUKOS TEKSTAS

Procedūra

2004 m. vasario mėn. Vtesse Networks Ltd, JK telekomunikacijų operatorius, pateikė skundą dėl tariamos valstybės pagalbos suteikiant mokesčių nuolaidų British Telecom Plc (BT), dabartiniam telekomunikacijų operatoriui. Remdamasi šiuo skundu, Komisija paprašė informacijos iš JK valdžios institucijų ir gavo atsakymą 2004 m. balandžio mėn.

Priemonės, dėl kurios Komisija pradeda procedūrą, aprašymas

Priemonė yra susijusi su JK nekilnomajojo turto mokesčiu už komercinės paskirties nekilnojamąjį turtą, įskaitant telekomunikacijų infrastruktūrą. Pagrindinis įstatymas, reglamentuojantis šio mokesčio režimą Anglijoje ir Velse – 1988 m. Vietinės valdžios finansų įstatymas (Local Government Finance Act). Jame numatomas turto vertės nustatymas, taip sudarant mokestinę bazę, kuria remiantis taikoma mokesčio norma mokėtinam mokesčiui apskaičiuoti. Mokesčio norma nustatoma kasmet ir yra vienoda visiems telekomunikacijų operatoriams. Tačiau mokestinę bazę kiekvienam operatoriui nustato Įvetinimo tarnybos įstaiga (Valuation Office Agency, VOA), vykdomoji centrinės valdžios įstaiga, taikydama įvairius įvertinimo metodus su galimybe paduoti apeliacinį skundą. Ši įstaiga taiko tam tikrą turto įvertinimo metodą BT ir Kingston Communication (dabartinis operatorius Halio regione), tačiau kitokį metodą – pareiškėjui ir kitiems konkuruojantiems telekomunikacijų paslaugų tiekėjams. Atrodo, kad dėl skirtingų metodų taikymo telekomunikacijų rinkoje konkuruojančių įmonių mokesčių našta tampa skirtinga ir neproporcinga.

Įvertinimas

Pagal Komisijos pranešimą dėl valstybės pagalbos taisyklių taikymo su tiesioginiu verslo apmokestinimu susijusioms priemonėms (OL C 384, 1998 12 10, p. 3–9) mokesčių lengvatos, taikomos tik tam tikro tipo įmonėms, gali būti laikomos valstybės pagalba, nes jos suteikia išskirtines sąlygas tam tikroms įmonėms arba tam tikrų prekių gamybai. Mokestinės bazės, taigi kartu ir mokesčių mažinimas BT ir Kingston suteikia joms išskirtinį pranašumą, nes taip sumažinamos sąnaudos, paprastai būdingos jų verslui. JK telekomunikacijų rinka buvo atverta konkurencijai, vadinasi, dėl BT ir Kingston Communications įgyto pranašumo gali būti iškraipyta konkurencija ir padarytas poveikis prekybai. Atrodo, kad yra sąlygos priemonę laikyti valstybės pagalba pagal EB sutarties 87 straipsnio 1 dalį.

Todėl šiame procedūros etape Komisija priėjo prie išvados, kad JK valdžios institucijos galėjo būti suteikusios valstybės pagalbą BT ir Kingston Communications, kaip apibrėžta EB sutarties 87 straipsnio 1 dalyje. Nors pagalbos suteikimą galima atmesti, nes skirtingą tvarką pateisina sistemos esmė ir bendra struktūra, šiuo atveju Komisija abejoja, kad ją galima pateisinti mokesčių sistemos būdingais bruožais ir vidine logika.

Nukrypti leidžiančios nuostatos, numatytos EB sutarties 87 straipsnio 2 ir 3 dalyse, atrodo, netinka. Atsižvegiant į abejones dėl pagalbos suderinamumo su EB sutartimi, Komisija nusprendė pradėti oficialią tyrimo procedūrą pagal EB sutarties 88 straipsnio 2 dalį. Pagal Tarybos reglamento (EB) Nr. 659/1999 14 straipsnį esant bet kokiai neteisėtai pagalbai, ji gali būti išieškota iš gavėjo.

RAŠTO TEKSTAS

| „1. | The Commission wishes to inform the United Kingdom that, having examined the information supplied by your authorities in relation to the measure referred to above, it has decided to initiate the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

„1.

The Commission wishes to inform the United Kingdom that, having examined the information supplied by your authorities in relation to the measure referred to above, it has decided to initiate the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty.

1.   PROCEDURE

| 2. | On 17 February 2004 (A/31115) the Commission registered a complaint from Vtesse Networks Ltd („Vtesse“), a UK telecommunications operator, concerning alleged preferential tax treatment in favour of British Telecom plc („BT“), the incumbent telecommunications operator. Additional information was received from the complainant on 23 March 2004, 29 March 2004, 30 March 2004, 30 June 2004, 1 July 2004, 27 July 2004 and 11 October 2004. A meeting with the complainant was held on 30 June 2004 to further clarify the technical details of the information submitted. |
| --- | --- |

2.

On 17 February 2004 (A/31115) the Commission registered a complaint from Vtesse Networks Ltd („Vtesse“), a UK telecommunications operator, concerning alleged preferential tax treatment in favour of British Telecom plc („BT“), the incumbent telecommunications operator. Additional information was received from the complainant on 23 March 2004, 29 March 2004, 30 March 2004, 30 June 2004, 1 July 2004, 27 July 2004 and 11 October 2004. A meeting with the complainant was held on 30 June 2004 to further clarify the technical details of the information submitted.

| 3. | The Commission also received on 28 April 2004 (A/33044) a letter from the UK Competitive Telecommunications Association („UKCTA“), a trade association representing the interests of fixed-line telecommunications companies competing with BT, substantiating some of the issues brought forward by the complaint. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Commission also received on 28 April 2004 (A/33044) a letter from the UK Competitive Telecommunications Association („UKCTA“), a trade association representing the interests of fixed-line telecommunications companies competing with BT, substantiating some of the issues brought forward by the complaint.

| 4. | On 16 March 2004 (D/51920) the Commission sent a request for information to the UK, which was answered on 23 April 2004 (A/32924). The UK authorities submitted additional information on 11 October 2004 (A/37753). |
| --- | --- |

4.

On 16 March 2004 (D/51920) the Commission sent a request for information to the UK, which was answered on 23 April 2004 (A/32924). The UK authorities submitted additional information on 11 October 2004 (A/37753).

| 5. | Finally, the Commission has received letters dated 19 November 2004 (A/38972) and 30 November 2004 (A/39285) from BT submitting their views on the issue. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Finally, the Commission has received letters dated 19 November 2004 (A/38972) and 30 November 2004 (A/39285) from BT submitting their views on the issue.

2.   BACKGROUND

2.1.   Rating system

| 6. | „Business rates“ are a UK property tax levied on non-domestic property (1). Its aim is to contribute towards the cost of services provided by Local Authorities (2). The primary regulation on non-domestic rating in England and Wales is the Local Government Finance Act („LGFA“) 1988 (3). In addition, a number of statutory instruments govern the implementation of the system. |
| --- | --- |

6.

„Business rates“ are a UK property tax levied on non-domestic property (1). Its aim is to contribute towards the cost of services provided by Local Authorities (2). The primary regulation on non-domestic rating in England and Wales is the Local Government Finance Act („LGFA“) 1988 (3). In addition, a number of statutory instruments govern the implementation of the system.

| 7. | Most properties are entered on so-called „Local Rating Lists“, i.e. the rating lists of the authorities in whose territory the properties are located. However, since properties such as telecommunications infrastructure extend beyond the boundaries of a single local authority, their valuations are typically entered on the so-called „Central Rating List“, which exists for England and Wales (4). The rate payments made are then redistributed to the local authorities in proportion to their populations. |
| --- | --- |

7.

Most properties are entered on so-called „Local Rating Lists“, i.e. the rating lists of the authorities in whose territory the properties are located. However, since properties such as telecommunications infrastructure extend beyond the boundaries of a single local authority, their valuations are typically entered on the so-called „Central Rating List“, which exists for England and Wales (4). The rate payments made are then redistributed to the local authorities in proportion to their populations.

| 8. | The tax rate, the so called „multiplier“, which applies equally to all business properties, is determined annually by the Secretary of State (5) and applies equally to all operators. It was set at 44,4 % of the rateable hereditament (6) for the fiscal year 2003/4 (7). |
| --- | --- |

8.

The tax rate, the so called „multiplier“, which applies equally to all business properties, is determined annually by the Secretary of State (5) and applies equally to all operators. It was set at 44,4 % of the rateable hereditament (6) for the fiscal year 2003/4 (7).

| 9. | The base of this tax, the so called „rateable values“ in England and Wales, are determined by the Valuation Office Agency („VOA“), an executive agency of the Inland Revenue, part of central government (8). The VOA is responsible for valuing the assets and including them on the „Rating Lists“. Revaluations are held every five years, so the rateable values determined on 1 April 1998 (so called „antecedent valuation date“) apply to the current five year period of 2000-05. Valuations completed on 1 April 2003 will apply for the next period of 2005-10 (9). |
| --- | --- |

9.

The base of this tax, the so called „rateable values“ in England and Wales, are determined by the Valuation Office Agency („VOA“), an executive agency of the Inland Revenue, part of central government (8). The VOA is responsible for valuing the assets and including them on the „Rating Lists“. Revaluations are held every five years, so the rateable values determined on 1 April 1998 (so called „antecedent valuation date“) apply to the current five year period of 2000-05. Valuations completed on 1 April 2003 will apply for the next period of 2005-10 (9).

| 10. | The property unit as valued for rating purposes is called the „rateable hereditament“ and includes land, buildings and rateable plant and machinery (10). Liability for the rates falls on the person in occupation of the rateable hereditament, i.e. the person who is in „paramount control“ of the assets. According to the VOA, there has to be an actual, exclusive and non transient occupation, which brings commercial benefits to the occupier (11). According to the complainant, in relation to rateable occupation of buildings, which constitute the majority of UK rateable hereditaments, the test is „he who turns on the lights pays the rates“. |
| --- | --- |

10.

The property unit as valued for rating purposes is called the „rateable hereditament“ and includes land, buildings and rateable plant and machinery (10). Liability for the rates falls on the person in occupation of the rateable hereditament, i.e. the person who is in „paramount control“ of the assets. According to the VOA, there has to be an actual, exclusive and non transient occupation, which brings commercial benefits to the occupier (11). According to the complainant, in relation to rateable occupation of buildings, which constitute the majority of UK rateable hereditaments, the test is „he who turns on the lights pays the rates“.

2.2.   Rating of telecommunications

| 11. | Business rates are also levied on telecommunications infrastructure. The Plant and Machinery Regulation („Regulation“) 2000 (12) stipulates that plant and machinery that are rateable for telecommunications infrastructure are „cables, fibres, wires, conductors or any system of such items, or any part of such items or such system, used or intended to be used in connection with the transmission of communications signals, and which are considered in the equipment of and are situated within premises“ (13). Plants and machinery not specifically described in the Regulation, such as for example telecommunications switching and transmission equipment, are not rateable (14). |
| --- | --- |

11.

Business rates are also levied on telecommunications infrastructure. The Plant and Machinery Regulation („Regulation“) 2000 (12) stipulates that plant and machinery that are rateable for telecommunications infrastructure are „cables, fibres, wires, conductors or any system of such items, or any part of such items or such system, used or intended to be used in connection with the transmission of communications signals, and which are considered in the equipment of and are situated within premises“ (13). Plants and machinery not specifically described in the Regulation, such as for example telecommunications switching and transmission equipment, are not rateable (14).

| 12. | Telecommunications property has been subject to business rates since 1855 when telegraph poles on railways were deemed to be liable for rates (15), to be followed in 1969 by the telephones belonging to the Post Office („PO“) (16). Following the split-up of the PO and the privatisation of BT in 1984, this tax was also levied on the latter's infrastructure, as well as on that of Mercury Communications (17), BT's only competitor during the duopoly situation of the 1980s. Initially, the tax amount payable was determined by applying a prescribed „standard formula“ (18). |
| --- | --- |

12.

Telecommunications property has been subject to business rates since 1855 when telegraph poles on railways were deemed to be liable for rates (15), to be followed in 1969 by the telephones belonging to the Post Office („PO“) (16). Following the split-up of the PO and the privatisation of BT in 1984, this tax was also levied on the latter's infrastructure, as well as on that of Mercury Communications (17), BT's only competitor during the duopoly situation of the 1980s. Initially, the tax amount payable was determined by applying a prescribed „standard formula“ (18).

| 13. | When the telecommunications industry was gradually opened up to competition starting in 1992, the tax was levied on all telecommunications infrastructure, including that belonging to cable television companies, public utilities and other competitive providers entering the telecom market. The LGFA 1988 laid down the legal basis of the system, which foresaw a valuation of rateable hereditament, with a possibility to appeal, to determine the base of the business rates tax (19). |
| --- | --- |

13.

When the telecommunications industry was gradually opened up to competition starting in 1992, the tax was levied on all telecommunications infrastructure, including that belonging to cable television companies, public utilities and other competitive providers entering the telecom market. The LGFA 1988 laid down the legal basis of the system, which foresaw a valuation of rateable hereditament, with a possibility to appeal, to determine the base of the business rates tax (19).

| 14. | As new technological solutions appeared, those too were submitted to the business rates tax regime. For instance, fibre optic long distance and metropolitan area networks were added in the late 1990s (20). Fibre optic services involve three different levels of assets: (i) the duct, (ii) the „dark“ fibre and (iii) the „lit“ fibre. It is the current policy of the VOA to only rate fibres from when they are lit and carry traffic. Ducts are rateable items, but only when used or intended to be used in connection with fibres, wires and cables. Consequently, empty ducts and dark (unlit) fibres are not rated. |
| --- | --- |

14.

As new technological solutions appeared, those too were submitted to the business rates tax regime. For instance, fibre optic long distance and metropolitan area networks were added in the late 1990s (20). Fibre optic services involve three different levels of assets: (i) the duct, (ii) the „dark“ fibre and (iii) the „lit“ fibre. It is the current policy of the VOA to only rate fibres from when they are lit and carry traffic. Ducts are rateable items, but only when used or intended to be used in connection with fibres, wires and cables. Consequently, empty ducts and dark (unlit) fibres are not rated.

2.3.   Valuation

| 15. | The LGFA 1988 laid down the legal basis of the system to be applied in the new market environment. Schedule 6 of the Act foresees a valuation of rateable hereditament to determine the base of the business rates tax. The objective of the valuation is to make a proportionate assessment of the annual rental value for a property if it is available on the market (21). If rental evidence is not available, the objective is to calculate the amount a hypothetical tenant would pay in rent to a hypothetical landlord for the actual hereditament. |
| --- | --- |

15.

The LGFA 1988 laid down the legal basis of the system to be applied in the new market environment. Schedule 6 of the Act foresees a valuation of rateable hereditament to determine the base of the business rates tax. The objective of the valuation is to make a proportionate assessment of the annual rental value for a property if it is available on the market (21). If rental evidence is not available, the objective is to calculate the amount a hypothetical tenant would pay in rent to a hypothetical landlord for the actual hereditament.

| 16. | Since a specific method for valuing telecommunications networks is not prescribed, the VOA has a choice of four methods for calculating the „rateable value“ of assets. According to the VOA, there is an accepted hierarchy between the possible methods depending on the individual circumstances and the evidence available:






  (a) | First, if there is rental evidence of the property then the „Rental“ method is to be used, i.e. the price at which the property is let. |
| --- | --- | --- |

16.

Since a specific method for valuing telecommunications networks is not prescribed, the VOA has a choice of four methods for calculating the „rateable value“ of assets. According to the VOA, there is an accepted hierarchy between the possible methods depending on the individual circumstances and the evidence available:

(a)

First, if there is rental evidence of the property then the „Rental“ method is to be used, i.e. the price at which the property is let.

| (b) | Second, if direct rental evidence is not available, a comparison with the rental evidence of other comparable properties can be made. This method is called „Tone of the List“, basically referring to a benchmarking exercise. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Second, if direct rental evidence is not available, a comparison with the rental evidence of other comparable properties can be made. This method is called „Tone of the List“, basically referring to a benchmarking exercise.

| (c) | Third, a „Receipts and Expenditure“(„R&E“) method is to be applied for properties which are seldom let, typically utilities. It calculates the hypothetical annual rental value by examining the receipts and expenditures to arrive at a net profit, the so called „divisible balance“. The rateable value is determined by deducting the return required by a tenant on his capital („tenant's share“) from the divisible balance to arrive at the hypothetical rent („landlord's share“) (22). |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Third, a „Receipts and Expenditure“(„R&E“) method is to be applied for properties which are seldom let, typically utilities. It calculates the hypothetical annual rental value by examining the receipts and expenditures to arrive at a net profit, the so called „divisible balance“. The rateable value is determined by deducting the return required by a tenant on his capital („tenant's share“) from the divisible balance to arrive at the hypothetical rent („landlord's share“) (22).

| (d) | Fourth, one can resort to the „Contractor's Basis“ method. This method arrives at the rental value by estimating the decapitalised (23) costs of constructing a similar hereditament adjusted for age and obsolescence, by looking at the cost of the capital which would need to be raised to finance the build-out, i.e. the interest that one would need to pay for a loan or the foregone interest if one's own capital is used (24). |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Fourth, one can resort to the „Contractor's Basis“ method. This method arrives at the rental value by estimating the decapitalised (23) costs of constructing a similar hereditament adjusted for age and obsolescence, by looking at the cost of the capital which would need to be raised to finance the build-out, i.e. the interest that one would need to pay for a loan or the foregone interest if one's own capital is used (24).

3.   DESCRIPTION OF THE MEASURE

3.1.   British Telecommunications

Valuations

| 17. | 1995-2000 period: The VOA applied the „Receipts and Expenditure“ method to BT. Accordingly, BT's tax liability for the period of 1995-2000 was determined by a valuation based on the „R&E“ method undertaken by the VOA, as subsequently adjusted following a negotiated settlement with BT who appealed against the original valuation at the Central London Valuation Tribunal, which is a technical tribunal. The case was also due to be heard by the Lands Tribunal, a UK court, when BT and the VOA reached a settlement. |
| --- | --- |

17.

1995-2000 period: The VOA applied the „Receipts and Expenditure“ method to BT. Accordingly, BT's tax liability for the period of 1995-2000 was determined by a valuation based on the „R&E“ method undertaken by the VOA, as subsequently adjusted following a negotiated settlement with BT who appealed against the original valuation at the Central London Valuation Tribunal, which is a technical tribunal. The case was also due to be heard by the Lands Tribunal, a UK court, when BT and the VOA reached a settlement.

| 18. | The detailed inputs into the economic model forming the basis of the original valuation by the VOA using the „R&E“ method and the content of the subsequent adjustments made following the negotiations with BT (who have constructed their own model based on the „Contractor's basis“ method) are at this stage not available to the Commission and their transmission necessitates, according to the UK authorities, BT's consent. The outcome was an agreement between the VOA and BT, which set the rateable value of BT's assets at GBP 470 million for the fiscal year 1995/96 (25). Applying the 1995/96 multiplier of 43,2 % to this rateable value, BT's tax liability is estimated to equal about GBP 203 million for this period, which represented approximately 2 % of BT's relevant annual revenues (26). |
| --- | --- |

18.

The detailed inputs into the economic model forming the basis of the original valuation by the VOA using the „R&E“ method and the content of the subsequent adjustments made following the negotiations with BT (who have constructed their own model based on the „Contractor's basis“ method) are at this stage not available to the Commission and their transmission necessitates, according to the UK authorities, BT's consent. The outcome was an agreement between the VOA and BT, which set the rateable value of BT's assets at GBP 470 million for the fiscal year 1995/96 (25). Applying the 1995/96 multiplier of 43,2 % to this rateable value, BT's tax liability is estimated to equal about GBP 203 million for this period, which represented approximately 2 % of BT's relevant annual revenues (26).

| 19. | 2000-2005 period: For the 2000 revaluation, applicable for the period of 2000-2005, the VOA settled BT's asset valuation at GBP 493 million (27). The 2000 value was based on the principles and values agreed at the same time the 1995 list agreement was concluded (28). |
| --- | --- |

19.

2000-2005 period: For the 2000 revaluation, applicable for the period of 2000-2005, the VOA settled BT's asset valuation at GBP 493 million (27). The 2000 value was based on the principles and values agreed at the same time the 1995 list agreement was concluded (28).

Revisions

| 20. | In principle, a review of the system only takes place every five years. According to the UK authorities, when applying the „R&E“ method to BT, economic modelling was used to estimate the prospects of changes to the level of receipts over a period of five years, and an „equated“ level of receipts and expenditure was estimated as being representative of the five year period. This increased the level of certainty regarding BT's tax liabilities, as highlighted by the fact that the 1995 valuation also served as a basis for determining the 2000 values and as such conferred a de facto 10 year certainty upon BT. |
| --- | --- |

20.

In principle, a review of the system only takes place every five years. According to the UK authorities, when applying the „R&E“ method to BT, economic modelling was used to estimate the prospects of changes to the level of receipts over a period of five years, and an „equated“ level of receipts and expenditure was estimated as being representative of the five year period. This increased the level of certainty regarding BT's tax liabilities, as highlighted by the fact that the 1995 valuation also served as a basis for determining the 2000 values and as such conferred a de facto 10 year certainty upon BT.

| 21. | Moreover, subsequent downward revisions have been made to the 1995 valuation, to reflect the loss of market share of the company in the UK fixed telecommunications market resulting from the physical roll-out of competing telecommunications systems. In practice, these revisions meant for instance a decrease of an estimated 22 % in the value of the rateable hereditament in 1999/00 compared to 1995/96, resulting in a reduction in BT's tax liability over the same period. According to the authorities, such revisions are in line with the LGFA 1988 provisions which allow alterations to reflect changes in the physical state and enjoyment of the network (29). To the Commission's knowledge, no similar upward adjustment has been made to reflect possible extensions or upgrades of the network. |
| --- | --- |

21.

Moreover, subsequent downward revisions have been made to the 1995 valuation, to reflect the loss of market share of the company in the UK fixed telecommunications market resulting from the physical roll-out of competing telecommunications systems. In practice, these revisions meant for instance a decrease of an estimated 22 % in the value of the rateable hereditament in 1999/00 compared to 1995/96, resulting in a reduction in BT's tax liability over the same period. According to the authorities, such revisions are in line with the LGFA 1988 provisions which allow alterations to reflect changes in the physical state and enjoyment of the network (29). To the Commission's knowledge, no similar upward adjustment has been made to reflect possible extensions or upgrades of the network.

3.2.   Kingston Communications

| 22. | Kingston Communications (Hull) plc is the incumbent telecommunications operator in the region of Hull (30). During the privatisation of the telecommunications networks in the UK in the late 1980s, the network in Hull remained State owned and the property of the municipality. Part of it was then sold to the public in 1999 with the Hull City Council remaining the only substantial single shareholder (31). |
| --- | --- |

22.

Kingston Communications (Hull) plc is the incumbent telecommunications operator in the region of Hull (30). During the privatisation of the telecommunications networks in the UK in the late 1980s, the network in Hull remained State owned and the property of the municipality. Part of it was then sold to the public in 1999 with the Hull City Council remaining the only substantial single shareholder (31).

| 23. | The Commission has at this stage no information about the results of its valuation and hence the taxes it has been liable for. However, according to the UK authorities, the only other operator valued by the full „R&E“ method since 1995 is Kingston Communications in Hull. |
| --- | --- |

23.

The Commission has at this stage no information about the results of its valuation and hence the taxes it has been liable for. However, according to the UK authorities, the only other operator valued by the full „R&E“ method since 1995 is Kingston Communications in Hull.

3.3.   Vtesse

Valuations

| 24. | Vtesse is a „fibre to the business“ service provider offering high-capacity retail leased lines, currently ranging from 25Mbits/s to 32Mbits/s, mainly supplied to large corporate users. |
| --- | --- |

24.

Vtesse is a „fibre to the business“ service provider offering high-capacity retail leased lines, currently ranging from 25Mbits/s to 32Mbits/s, mainly supplied to large corporate users.

| 25. | According to Vtesse, these products de facto compete with BT's 10Mbits/s and above leased line offers. In order to connect its customers, Vtesse leases „dark“ fibre from other backbone operators and complements this with their own built infrastructure. The property rented, i.e. the dark fibre, which is then lit, is included in the „rateable hereditament“ of Vtesse. The VOA has decided to rate Vtesse based on the „Tone of the List“ method which establishes the „rateable value“ of a kilometre of fibre route (consisting of a fibre pair), which is then applied each time new fibre is rented and lit. This is the method generally used for other competitive providers as well. |
| --- | --- |

25.

According to Vtesse, these products de facto compete with BT's 10Mbits/s and above leased line offers. In order to connect its customers, Vtesse leases „dark“ fibre from other backbone operators and complements this with their own built infrastructure. The property rented, i.e. the dark fibre, which is then lit, is included in the „rateable hereditament“ of Vtesse. The VOA has decided to rate Vtesse based on the „Tone of the List“ method which establishes the „rateable value“ of a kilometre of fibre route (consisting of a fibre pair), which is then applied each time new fibre is rented and lit. This is the method generally used for other competitive providers as well.

| 26. | Based on benchmarks of actual rates paid, the VOA has set the tone rate for one kilometre route of fibre at GBP 1,200/km for the London metropolitan area and GBP 1,000/km in other parts of the country. In addition, in 2001 a so called „oversupply allowance“ was granted by the VOA to fibre providers assessed by the „Tone of the list“ method (32) equalling a 15 % discount on the rateable value effective as of 1 April 2001 and 25 % as of 1 April 2002 (33). According to the complainant, this was a one-off measure taking into account the chronic over-investment in fibre during the telecommunications boom and the subsequent drastic reduction in value of telecommunications networks. Accordingly, Vtesse's tax liability was around 7 % of its recurring revenues in 2003/04, and is expected to be about 10 % for 2004/05 (34). According to UKCTA, business rates paid by other competitive providers represent a similar percentage of their revenues to that of Vtesse. |
| --- | --- |

26.

Based on benchmarks of actual rates paid, the VOA has set the tone rate for one kilometre route of fibre at GBP 1,200/km for the London metropolitan area and GBP 1,000/km in other parts of the country. In addition, in 2001 a so called „oversupply allowance“ was granted by the VOA to fibre providers assessed by the „Tone of the list“ method (32) equalling a 15 % discount on the rateable value effective as of 1 April 2001 and 25 % as of 1 April 2002 (33). According to the complainant, this was a one-off measure taking into account the chronic over-investment in fibre during the telecommunications boom and the subsequent drastic reduction in value of telecommunications networks. Accordingly, Vtesse's tax liability was around 7 % of its recurring revenues in 2003/04, and is expected to be about 10 % for 2004/05 (34). According to UKCTA, business rates paid by other competitive providers represent a similar percentage of their revenues to that of Vtesse.

Revisions

| 27. | While the tone rate is set at the beginning of the five year period, the tone of a kilometre route of fibre is applied each time new fibre is rented and lit. Vtesse has the obligation to regularly inform the VOA of extension to its network so that the valuation of its hereditament can be adjusted. As a consequence, whenever it procures fibre to provide services to its customers, it is liable for rates that may equal up to 20-30 % of the recurring revenues of a new contract. |
| --- | --- |

27.

While the tone rate is set at the beginning of the five year period, the tone of a kilometre route of fibre is applied each time new fibre is rented and lit. Vtesse has the obligation to regularly inform the VOA of extension to its network so that the valuation of its hereditament can be adjusted. As a consequence, whenever it procures fibre to provide services to its customers, it is liable for rates that may equal up to 20-30 % of the recurring revenues of a new contract.

3.4.   Other operators

| 28. | Mercury Communications (later Cable and Wireless, „C&W“) was the first company to establish a nationwide telecommunications infrastructure to rival BT in the early 1980s, during the so called duopoly period. In May 2000, C&W was divided into two businesses: the residential telephony, cable and internet access part was sold to cable TV operator ntl, while C&W retained the UK corporate internet access business and was renamed C&W UK. With the full liberalisation of the market in the 1990s, C&W UK became an alternative telecoms provider competing with several other players in the market (35). Originally C&W was valued just like BT by a prescribed formulae. However, it is unclear for the Commission which valuation method is currently used for C&W UK. |
| --- | --- |

28.

Mercury Communications (later Cable and Wireless, „C&W“) was the first company to establish a nationwide telecommunications infrastructure to rival BT in the early 1980s, during the so called duopoly period. In May 2000, C&W was divided into two businesses: the residential telephony, cable and internet access part was sold to cable TV operator ntl, while C&W retained the UK corporate internet access business and was renamed C&W UK. With the full liberalisation of the market in the 1990s, C&W UK became an alternative telecoms provider competing with several other players in the market (35). Originally C&W was valued just like BT by a prescribed formulae. However, it is unclear for the Commission which valuation method is currently used for C&W UK.

| 29. | Regarding other operators active on the UK market, it is the Commission's understanding that they are valued based on the „Rental“ or the „Tone of the List“ method (36). According to UKCTA, alternative telecoms operators typically pay two or three times the tax, expressed as a percentage of revenues, than BT. However, the Commission currently is not in possession of exact data concerning business rates tax liabilities and relevant revenues of alternative telecommunications operators. |
| --- | --- |

29.

Regarding other operators active on the UK market, it is the Commission's understanding that they are valued based on the „Rental“ or the „Tone of the List“ method (36). According to UKCTA, alternative telecoms operators typically pay two or three times the tax, expressed as a percentage of revenues, than BT. However, the Commission currently is not in possession of exact data concerning business rates tax liabilities and relevant revenues of alternative telecommunications operators.

4.   COMPLAINT AND COMMENTS

| 30. | The complainant has raised the following specific claims and concerns:






  (a) | Choice of methods:
  If BT was valued using the „Rental“ or „Tone of the List“ methods as is used for Vtesse, it would end-up with a substantially higher and more proportionate tax liability. It questions why the „Rental“ or „Tone of the List“ methods are not used for BT. |
| --- | --- | --- |

30.

The complainant has raised the following specific claims and concerns:

(a)

Choice of methods:
  If BT was valued using the „Rental“ or „Tone of the List“ methods as is used for Vtesse, it would end-up with a substantially higher and more proportionate tax liability. It questions why the „Rental“ or „Tone of the List“ methods are not used for BT.

| (b) | Adjustments:
  In any case, the various methods should in principle yield similar results if appropriate adjustments were made. The complainant doubts whether such adjustments are made in the process of BT's valuations, given the different results. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Adjustments:
  In any case, the various methods should in principle yield similar results if appropriate adjustments were made. The complainant doubts whether such adjustments are made in the process of BT's valuations, given the different results.

| (c) | Downward revisions:
  There is no downward revision in the valuation of competitors similar to that foreseen for BT to account for their eventual loss of market share or change in network topology. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Downward revisions:
  There is no downward revision in the valuation of competitors similar to that foreseen for BT to account for their eventual loss of market share or change in network topology.

| (d) | Upward revisions:
  There does not seem to be a systematic upward revision of BT's valuation either, should the value of its assets increase. At the same time, Vtesse is charged incrementally, which causes an increase in the recurring price it can offer to its customers, whenever it leases new fibre, and lights this fibre to serve them. The complainant claims to have lost several contracts to BT by a small margin due to the incremental tax burden it is obliged to include in its price bid versus BT who has no such incremental burden. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Upward revisions:
  There does not seem to be a systematic upward revision of BT's valuation either, should the value of its assets increase. At the same time, Vtesse is charged incrementally, which causes an increase in the recurring price it can offer to its customers, whenever it leases new fibre, and lights this fibre to serve them. The complainant claims to have lost several contracts to BT by a small margin due to the incremental tax burden it is obliged to include in its price bid versus BT who has no such incremental burden.

| (e) | Discretionary powers
  : The rating values and the valuation methods can be appealed, subject to time limits. Once an appeal has been made, typically negotiations are held to agree on an appropriate value. If no agreement is reached, it is referred to the relevant Valuation Tribunal, and at a second stage to the Lands Tribunal for determination. However, in most cases a negotiated settlement is reached. According to the complainant, the settlement signed with BT in 1995 gives the incumbent preferential treatment. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

Discretionary powers
  : The rating values and the valuation methods can be appealed, subject to time limits. Once an appeal has been made, typically negotiations are held to agree on an appropriate value. If no agreement is reached, it is referred to the relevant Valuation Tribunal, and at a second stage to the Lands Tribunal for determination. However, in most cases a negotiated settlement is reached. According to the complainant, the settlement signed with BT in 1995 gives the incumbent preferential treatment.

| 31. | It should be noted that UKCTA (37), representing various competitive telecom operators, as well as other operators' groupings, (38) have also expressed criticism to the UK authorities concerning, among others:






  — | the inappropriateness of applying a rating system, which was originally designed to assess buildings, to telecommunications infrastructure, including its infrequent revisions; |
| --- | --- | --- |

31.

It should be noted that UKCTA (37), representing various competitive telecom operators, as well as other operators' groupings, (38) have also expressed criticism to the UK authorities concerning, among others:

—

the inappropriateness of applying a rating system, which was originally designed to assess buildings, to telecommunications infrastructure, including its infrequent revisions;

| — | the asymmetry of the valuation, in which different methods are applied to operators involved in the same activity, i.e. delivering telecom services, with special regard to the distinct treatment of the incumbents; |
| --- | --- |

—

the asymmetry of the valuation, in which different methods are applied to operators involved in the same activity, i.e. delivering telecom services, with special regard to the distinct treatment of the incumbents;

| — | the disproportionate results yielded by the use of such differential methods, i.e. BT is estimated to pay about 2-4 % of revenues (39), while its competitors typically pay several times this proportion. |
| --- | --- |

—

the disproportionate results yielded by the use of such differential methods, i.e. BT is estimated to pay about 2-4 % of revenues (39), while its competitors typically pay several times this proportion.

| 32. | In response to the concerns of the industry, the UK Department of Trade and Industry, in association with the Office of the Prime Minister, OFCOM (the sector regulator) and the VOA, has appointed a contractor to review the rating system as it applies to telecommunications companies, including possible effects on competition. The expert was due to report back during the summer of 2004. However, according to the UK authorities, due to last minute unforeseen circumstances, this report has not yet been completed and could not be published. |
| --- | --- |

32.

In response to the concerns of the industry, the UK Department of Trade and Industry, in association with the Office of the Prime Minister, OFCOM (the sector regulator) and the VOA, has appointed a contractor to review the rating system as it applies to telecommunications companies, including possible effects on competition. The expert was due to report back during the summer of 2004. However, according to the UK authorities, due to last minute unforeseen circumstances, this report has not yet been completed and could not be published.

5.   ASSESSMENT

5.1.   Existence of aid

| 33. | According to Article 87(1) of the EC Treaty any State aid granted by a Member State or through State resources in any form whatsoever which distorts competition or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods shall, in so far as it affects trade between Member States, be incompatible with the common market. According to the Commission's notice on the application of the State aid rules to measures relating to direct business taxation, tax benefits restricted to certain types of undertakings, insofar as they favour certain undertakings or the production of certain goods, may constitute State aid (40). |
| --- | --- |

33.

According to Article 87(1) of the EC Treaty any State aid granted by a Member State or through State resources in any form whatsoever which distorts competition or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods shall, in so far as it affects trade between Member States, be incompatible with the common market. According to the Commission's notice on the application of the State aid rules to measures relating to direct business taxation, tax benefits restricted to certain types of undertakings, insofar as they favour certain undertakings or the production of certain goods, may constitute State aid (40).

State resources

| 34. | In applying Community rules, State resources can be in „any form whatsoever“, including tax measures such as a reduction in the tax base. If and when there is a reduction in a tax burden compared to the general system, State resources are at stake. The relative reduction of the business rates tax burden lowers the tax revenues of local authorities and hence is equivalent to the use of State resources in the form of fiscal expenditure. |
| --- | --- |

34.

In applying Community rules, State resources can be in „any form whatsoever“, including tax measures such as a reduction in the tax base. If and when there is a reduction in a tax burden compared to the general system, State resources are at stake. The relative reduction of the business rates tax burden lowers the tax revenues of local authorities and hence is equivalent to the use of State resources in the form of fiscal expenditure.

Selective advantage

| 35. | A reduction in the tax base, and consequently the level of taxation, that a telecommunications operator is liable for, confers an advantage upon that undertaking in that it reduces the costs that that undertaking would normally bear in the course of its business. This seems to be the case for BT and Kingston Communications, which benefit from a reduced tax base compared to other operators. |
| --- | --- |

35.

A reduction in the tax base, and consequently the level of taxation, that a telecommunications operator is liable for, confers an advantage upon that undertaking in that it reduces the costs that that undertaking would normally bear in the course of its business. This seems to be the case for BT and Kingston Communications, which benefit from a reduced tax base compared to other operators.

| 36. | The reasons behind this discriminatory taxation appear to be the application of a particular asset valuation method to BT and Kingston Communications, while applying a different method to other operators. Even if the method applied, including the corresponding revision mechanism, is foreseen in the relevant legislation as one of the possible approaches, the non-uniformity of the system and the discretionary powers given to the VOA to apply the general provisions to specific operators, while deciding to treat other operators differently, may lead to a selective advantage to a certain undertaking, while disadvantaging others who compete on the same market. |
| --- | --- |

36.

The reasons behind this discriminatory taxation appear to be the application of a particular asset valuation method to BT and Kingston Communications, while applying a different method to other operators. Even if the method applied, including the corresponding revision mechanism, is foreseen in the relevant legislation as one of the possible approaches, the non-uniformity of the system and the discretionary powers given to the VOA to apply the general provisions to specific operators, while deciding to treat other operators differently, may lead to a selective advantage to a certain undertaking, while disadvantaging others who compete on the same market.

| 37. | The justifications given by the UK authorities for applying the „Receipt and Expenditure“ method to BT are:






  (a) | Asset ownership:
  BT owns 98 % of its infrastructure and does not pay rent for it which could serve as a basis for the „Rental“ method. |
| --- | --- | --- |

37.

The justifications given by the UK authorities for applying the „Receipt and Expenditure“ method to BT are:

(a)

Asset ownership:
  BT owns 98 % of its infrastructure and does not pay rent for it which could serve as a basis for the „Rental“ method.

| (b) | Size and diversity of infrastructure:
  There is no network as large, or nearly as large, and as diverse as BT's. There are no comparable operators whose rental values could serve as benchmarks. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Size and diversity of infrastructure:
  There is no network as large, or nearly as large, and as diverse as BT's. There are no comparable operators whose rental values could serve as benchmarks.

| (c) | The necessity to value „as a whole“:

  BT's assessment is not made up of valuing many small parts and adding them together, but it has to be valued as a whole. Benchmarks on rental values of particular network elements are irrelevant. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

The necessity to value „as a whole“:

  BT's assessment is not made up of valuing many small parts and adding them together, but it has to be valued as a whole. Benchmarks on rental values of particular network elements are irrelevant.

| (d) | Special obligations:
  The full value of BT's network is „depressed“ by its onerous licence conditions such as its universal service obligations („USO“) and price cap regulations. Vtesse, on the other hand, does not have USO (41). |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Special obligations:
  The full value of BT's network is „depressed“ by its onerous licence conditions such as its universal service obligations („USO“) and price cap regulations. Vtesse, on the other hand, does not have USO (41).

| 38. | As stated in the Commission's abovementioned notice on direct business taxation, the presence of aid may be ruled out where the different nature of the measure is justified by the nature and general scheme of the system. In line with the case-law of the Court of Justice (42), the Commission has continued to take the view that this justification must be based on the intrinsic features and inherent logic of the tax system. In the case at hand, however, the Commission has doubts about the validity of such arguments, and in particular: |
| --- | --- |

38.

As stated in the Commission's abovementioned notice on direct business taxation, the presence of aid may be ruled out where the different nature of the measure is justified by the nature and general scheme of the system. In line with the case-law of the Court of Justice (42), the Commission has continued to take the view that this justification must be based on the intrinsic features and inherent logic of the tax system. In the case at hand, however, the Commission has doubts about the validity of such arguments, and in particular:

| 39. | Asset ownership:
  The UK authorities stated that the „Rental“ method can only apply to lessees (and not lessors). However, the rent received by BT when renting out its own infrastructure could serve as guidance for the value of the network. Moreover, BT's retail business units themselves effectively rent infrastructure and buy network services from BT Wholesale, the business unit that manages BT's infrastructure. The internal transfer prices between BT's retail businesses and BT Wholesale could provide a basis, or at least a benchmark, for estimating the rental value, with appropriate adjustments for network services (provided, of course, that those prices are set at arms length). |
| --- | --- |

39.

Asset ownership:
  The UK authorities stated that the „Rental“ method can only apply to lessees (and not lessors). However, the rent received by BT when renting out its own infrastructure could serve as guidance for the value of the network. Moreover, BT's retail business units themselves effectively rent infrastructure and buy network services from BT Wholesale, the business unit that manages BT's infrastructure. The internal transfer prices between BT's retail businesses and BT Wholesale could provide a basis, or at least a benchmark, for estimating the rental value, with appropriate adjustments for network services (provided, of course, that those prices are set at arms length).

| 40. | Size and diversity of infrastructure:
  Such argumentation tends to suggest that bigger companies deserve reduced or digressive rates of taxation. This statement appears to be incompatible with the Commission's position in previous fiscal aid cases stipulating that nothing justified preferential treatment in favour of large companies (43). Moreover, if the logic of the business rates property tax system is to assess the value of infrastructure, the size of the company should not be taken into consideration during the valuation process. In any case, the cable TV companies in the UK are also active in the telecommunications market, especially residential and, similarly to BT, have both an access and a backbone network. Their taxation level could also serve as a benchmark (44). |
| --- | --- |

40.

Size and diversity of infrastructure:
  Such argumentation tends to suggest that bigger companies deserve reduced or digressive rates of taxation. This statement appears to be incompatible with the Commission's position in previous fiscal aid cases stipulating that nothing justified preferential treatment in favour of large companies (43). Moreover, if the logic of the business rates property tax system is to assess the value of infrastructure, the size of the company should not be taken into consideration during the valuation process. In any case, the cable TV companies in the UK are also active in the telecommunications market, especially residential and, similarly to BT, have both an access and a backbone network. Their taxation level could also serve as a benchmark (44).

| 41. | The necessity to value „as a whole“:
  The UK was a forerunner in telecoms liberalisation, account separation and tariff regulation based on the cost-orientation of BT's tariffs. For these purposes, OFCOM, the UK regulatory authority, and its predecessor OFTEL, have been systematically collecting cost accounting data from BT since the 1980s. BT itself and OFCOM are in possession of detailed cost accounting data for BT's network. This data could be used to determine the taxable value of BT's network, at least to verify the assessment of the tax authorities. Moreover, liberalisation and network element unbundling have resulted in a variety of wholesale products which could serve as benchmarks for valuing the rental value of various infrastructure elements. |
| --- | --- |

41.

The necessity to value „as a whole“:
  The UK was a forerunner in telecoms liberalisation, account separation and tariff regulation based on the cost-orientation of BT's tariffs. For these purposes, OFCOM, the UK regulatory authority, and its predecessor OFTEL, have been systematically collecting cost accounting data from BT since the 1980s. BT itself and OFCOM are in possession of detailed cost accounting data for BT's network. This data could be used to determine the taxable value of BT's network, at least to verify the assessment of the tax authorities. Moreover, liberalisation and network element unbundling have resulted in a variety of wholesale products which could serve as benchmarks for valuing the rental value of various infrastructure elements.

| 42. | Special obligations:
  The Commission is not aware of BT or Kingston Communications being compensated for the provision of universal service under the Universal Service Directive (45). Nor is the Commission aware of any compensation for universal service, or for any other obligation, which could be regarded as a service of general economic interest, specifically being granted through reduced property taxation. As regards to price regulation, while it may limit the returns of the incumbent and as such, the taxation level calculated based on the „R&E“ method, this should not lead to inconsistency between the results of valuations by different methodologies. Finally, being an incumbent in a market tends to bring advantages in terms of asset value, while the arguments brought forward by the VOA tend to focus on disadvantages. |
| --- | --- |

42.

Special obligations:
  The Commission is not aware of BT or Kingston Communications being compensated for the provision of universal service under the Universal Service Directive (45). Nor is the Commission aware of any compensation for universal service, or for any other obligation, which could be regarded as a service of general economic interest, specifically being granted through reduced property taxation. As regards to price regulation, while it may limit the returns of the incumbent and as such, the taxation level calculated based on the „R&E“ method, this should not lead to inconsistency between the results of valuations by different methodologies. Finally, being an incumbent in a market tends to bring advantages in terms of asset value, while the arguments brought forward by the VOA tend to focus on disadvantages.

| 43. | Adjustments:
  The Commission notes that even if the use of different methods could be justified by the logic of the system, these should deliver comparable results. The Commission's initial assessment of the use of various methods in this particular case is that they seem to lead to significantly different results based on similar facts. In particular, the „R&E“ method estimates the rent value of the assets on the basis of revenues from the use of those assets, while the „Rental“ and „Tone of the List“ methods pick up the market values for the rent. Hence, it seems that the „R&E“ method implicitly assumes that assets are used at capacity and profitably, which however may not always be the case. To avoid penalising operators whose assets are valued using a different method, appropriate adjustments would need to be made. The Commission does not question the validity of the methods themselves, but rather has doubts about the way they are applied to different operators. |
| --- | --- |

43.

Adjustments:
  The Commission notes that even if the use of different methods could be justified by the logic of the system, these should deliver comparable results. The Commission's initial assessment of the use of various methods in this particular case is that they seem to lead to significantly different results based on similar facts. In particular, the „R&E“ method estimates the rent value of the assets on the basis of revenues from the use of those assets, while the „Rental“ and „Tone of the List“ methods pick up the market values for the rent. Hence, it seems that the „R&E“ method implicitly assumes that assets are used at capacity and profitably, which however may not always be the case. To avoid penalising operators whose assets are valued using a different method, appropriate adjustments would need to be made. The Commission does not question the validity of the methods themselves, but rather has doubts about the way they are applied to different operators.

| 44. | Revisions:
  There does not seem to be any review mechanism in the system to ensure an equitable and proportionate tax burden among operators when applying the different methods. Scope for revisions within the five year cycle is very limited. While BT does enjoy a downwards revision mechanism, there does not seem to be a similar systematic review of the market conditions faced by competitors. The effect of such adjustment appears to move the tax payable by the incumbent closer to one based on operational performance and revenues, while for other operators it remains a tax based on rent of assets irrespective of performance. In addition, the failure to take into account the increase in the value of BT's infrastructure between two five-year review periods, while charging competitors incrementally as the value of their network increases, seems to further distort competition. |
| --- | --- |

44.

Revisions:
  There does not seem to be any review mechanism in the system to ensure an equitable and proportionate tax burden among operators when applying the different methods. Scope for revisions within the five year cycle is very limited. While BT does enjoy a downwards revision mechanism, there does not seem to be a similar systematic review of the market conditions faced by competitors. The effect of such adjustment appears to move the tax payable by the incumbent closer to one based on operational performance and revenues, while for other operators it remains a tax based on rent of assets irrespective of performance. In addition, the failure to take into account the increase in the value of BT's infrastructure between two five-year review periods, while charging competitors incrementally as the value of their network increases, seems to further distort competition.

| 45. | Discretionary powers:
  The valuation process gives discretionary powers to the VOA and seems to leave considerable scope for negotiation. According to the UK authorities, while there is an established practice, approved by the case law of the Courts of England, of applying a certain hierarchy of methods, there is no requirement in the LGFA 1988 to use any particular method in order to arrive at the rateable value and all methods can be considered (46). In many cases, negotiated settlements are reached. At this point, the Commission is unable to determine whether the reasoning behind adopting a certain rateable value for BT is well reasoned, justified, and documented and does not unduly disadvantage other operators (47). In any case, such a settlement should respect the principle of non-discrimination among operators and the parameters on which the agreement has been reached should be objective and opened for all operators. |
| --- | --- |

45.

Discretionary powers:
  The valuation process gives discretionary powers to the VOA and seems to leave considerable scope for negotiation. According to the UK authorities, while there is an established practice, approved by the case law of the Courts of England, of applying a certain hierarchy of methods, there is no requirement in the LGFA 1988 to use any particular method in order to arrive at the rateable value and all methods can be considered (46). In many cases, negotiated settlements are reached. At this point, the Commission is unable to determine whether the reasoning behind adopting a certain rateable value for BT is well reasoned, justified, and documented and does not unduly disadvantage other operators (47). In any case, such a settlement should respect the principle of non-discrimination among operators and the parameters on which the agreement has been reached should be objective and opened for all operators.

| 46. | Resulting taxation:
  The doubts about the justification of applying different valuation methods are further reinforced by the differences in the resulting taxation. Even if the use of different methods and revision mechanisms would be based on an objective set of criteria, the Commission would expect these different methods to ensure equal treatment by yielding comparable results. In this context, it would be useful to compare the tax levels to an objective measure of the economic use of the assets taxed, such as, for instance, revenues. The tax payable by BT seems to be in the range of 2-4 % of relevant revenues while that payable by Vtesse and other new entrant competitors is said to be two or three times as much, and to reach 20-30 % on an incremental basis. Moreover, the application of different methods seems to structurally produce different results when it comes to the frequency of revisions and adjustments. While some minor discrepancy might be justified in the context of a property tax, it needs to be ensured that such differences are not disproportionate and discriminatory. |
| --- | --- |

46.

Resulting taxation:
  The doubts about the justification of applying different valuation methods are further reinforced by the differences in the resulting taxation. Even if the use of different methods and revision mechanisms would be based on an objective set of criteria, the Commission would expect these different methods to ensure equal treatment by yielding comparable results. In this context, it would be useful to compare the tax levels to an objective measure of the economic use of the assets taxed, such as, for instance, revenues. The tax payable by BT seems to be in the range of 2-4 % of relevant revenues while that payable by Vtesse and other new entrant competitors is said to be two or three times as much, and to reach 20-30 % on an incremental basis. Moreover, the application of different methods seems to structurally produce different results when it comes to the frequency of revisions and adjustments. While some minor discrepancy might be justified in the context of a property tax, it needs to be ensured that such differences are not disproportionate and discriminatory.

Distortion of competition

| 47. | The UK telecommunications market has been opened to competition since 1992 and today is a highly competitive market with numerous operators. BT and Kingston Communications directly compete against Vtesse and other alternative providers active in the telecommunications services market. Hence on the assumption that the difference in business rates taxation among these operators involved State aid and conferred a selective advantage upon certain players, it would alter their competitive position on the market and hence distort competition. |
| --- | --- |

47.

The UK telecommunications market has been opened to competition since 1992 and today is a highly competitive market with numerous operators. BT and Kingston Communications directly compete against Vtesse and other alternative providers active in the telecommunications services market. Hence on the assumption that the difference in business rates taxation among these operators involved State aid and conferred a selective advantage upon certain players, it would alter their competitive position on the market and hence distort competition.

Effect on trade

| 48. | The mere fact that some firms' position is strengthened by the resulting lower rate of taxation compared to that of other firms which are competitors in intra-Community trade demonstrates that Community trade is affected. BT is a company active on a global scale, competing on several community markets in electronic communications services. Hence any advantage conferred upon it affects trade between Member States. This criterion also appears to be fulfilled to the extent that the telecoms companies affected by the measure at stake are able, actually or potentially, to trade with companies located in other Member States. |
| --- | --- |

48.

The mere fact that some firms' position is strengthened by the resulting lower rate of taxation compared to that of other firms which are competitors in intra-Community trade demonstrates that Community trade is affected. BT is a company active on a global scale, competing on several community markets in electronic communications services. Hence any advantage conferred upon it affects trade between Member States. This criterion also appears to be fulfilled to the extent that the telecoms companies affected by the measure at stake are able, actually or potentially, to trade with companies located in other Member States.

Conclusion

| 49. | In conclusion, it would appear that the measure under consideration involves State aid within the meaning of Article 87(1) EC. The Commission would like to emphasize, however, that this conclusion should not be seen as an attempt on its part to impose on the UK authorities the use of a particular valuation method. It is, in fact, for the UK authorities to choose the method they consider most appropriate to value the „rateable hereditament“, provided that any differences between individual undertakings or economic sectors are justified by the intrinsic features and inherent logic of the tax system and that, eventually, all taxable persons are subject to the same objective and non-discriminatory treatment, leading to comparable levels of taxation. |
| --- | --- |

49.

In conclusion, it would appear that the measure under consideration involves State aid within the meaning of Article 87(1) EC. The Commission would like to emphasize, however, that this conclusion should not be seen as an attempt on its part to impose on the UK authorities the use of a particular valuation method. It is, in fact, for the UK authorities to choose the method they consider most appropriate to value the „rateable hereditament“, provided that any differences between individual undertakings or economic sectors are justified by the intrinsic features and inherent logic of the tax system and that, eventually, all taxable persons are subject to the same objective and non-discriminatory treatment, leading to comparable levels of taxation.

5.2.   Nature and amount of the possible aid

| 50. | On the basis of the information provided so far, the Commission tends to believe that the measures constitute new aid and not existing aid. Despite the fact that communications systems have been rated since the middle of the 19th century, it is the Local Government Finance Act (LGFA) 1988 which largely governs the current non-domestic rates system in England and Wales. Prior to the 1988 Act, BT (and most other utilities) were rated by a mandated statutory formula. The LGFA put utilities on the same commercial basis as other enterprises by introducing an independent valuation by various methods and allowing for appeal. The provisions of the Act were implemented at the 1995 valuation when the „Receipt and Expenditure“ method was first applied to BT and Kingston Communications. |
| --- | --- |

50.

On the basis of the information provided so far, the Commission tends to believe that the measures constitute new aid and not existing aid. Despite the fact that communications systems have been rated since the middle of the 19th century, it is the Local Government Finance Act (LGFA) 1988 which largely governs the current non-domestic rates system in England and Wales. Prior to the 1988 Act, BT (and most other utilities) were rated by a mandated statutory formula. The LGFA put utilities on the same commercial basis as other enterprises by introducing an independent valuation by various methods and allowing for appeal. The provisions of the Act were implemented at the 1995 valuation when the „Receipt and Expenditure“ method was first applied to BT and Kingston Communications.

| 51. | Assuming that the measure qualifies as aid, within the meaning of Article 87(1) EC, the aid amount must, according to § 35 of the Commission's abovementioned notice on direct business taxation, be calculated on the basis of a comparison between the tax actually paid and the amount which should have been paid if the generally applicable rule had been applied. However, since, at this point in time the Commission cannot pronounce itself on which method, if any, and, which level of taxation, if any, is deemed to be the standard one in the present case, the amount of aid cannot be determined at this stage, either. |
| --- | --- |

51.

Assuming that the measure qualifies as aid, within the meaning of Article 87(1) EC, the aid amount must, according to § 35 of the Commission's abovementioned notice on direct business taxation, be calculated on the basis of a comparison between the tax actually paid and the amount which should have been paid if the generally applicable rule had been applied. However, since, at this point in time the Commission cannot pronounce itself on which method, if any, and, which level of taxation, if any, is deemed to be the standard one in the present case, the amount of aid cannot be determined at this stage, either.

5.3.   Compatibility

| 52. | At this stage and in view of the above, the Commission cannot exclude that BT, to whom the „Receipt and Expenditure“ method is applied, may benefit from a specific and more favourable tax treatment amounting to State aid as defined under Article 87(1) EC. In addition, the Commission notes that Kingston Communication is likely to benefit from a similar tax treatment than BT. |
| --- | --- |

52.

At this stage and in view of the above, the Commission cannot exclude that BT, to whom the „Receipt and Expenditure“ method is applied, may benefit from a specific and more favourable tax treatment amounting to State aid as defined under Article 87(1) EC. In addition, the Commission notes that Kingston Communication is likely to benefit from a similar tax treatment than BT.

| 53. | It is therefore necessary to determine if such an aid could be considered compatible with the common market under Article 87(2) or (3) of the EC Treaty. It appears that none of the exceptions under Article 87(2) EC Treaty apply in this case, as the measure is not aimed at the objectives listed in these provisions. |
| --- | --- |

53.

It is therefore necessary to determine if such an aid could be considered compatible with the common market under Article 87(2) or (3) of the EC Treaty. It appears that none of the exceptions under Article 87(2) EC Treaty apply in this case, as the measure is not aimed at the objectives listed in these provisions.

| 54. | Under Article 87(3)(a), an aid measure is considered compatible with the common market when it is designed to promote the economic development of areas where the standard of living is abnormally low or where there is serious underemployment. Such areas are defined by the United Kingdom's regional aid map. Since the measures are not limited to such areas, this provision does not apply. |
| --- | --- |

54.

Under Article 87(3)(a), an aid measure is considered compatible with the common market when it is designed to promote the economic development of areas where the standard of living is abnormally low or where there is serious underemployment. Such areas are defined by the United Kingdom's regional aid map. Since the measures are not limited to such areas, this provision does not apply.

| 55. | As regards the exceptions laid down in Article 87(3)(b) and (d), the aid in question is not intended to promote the execution of an important project of common European interest or to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of the United Kingdom, nor is it intended to promote culture or heritage conservation. |
| --- | --- |

55.

As regards the exceptions laid down in Article 87(3)(b) and (d), the aid in question is not intended to promote the execution of an important project of common European interest or to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of the United Kingdom, nor is it intended to promote culture or heritage conservation.

| 56. | Finally, it is necessary to examine if the aid can qualify for the exception laid down in Article 87(3)(c) which states that an aid may be considered compatible with the common market where it facilitates the development of certain economic activities or of certain economic areas and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. |
| --- | --- |

56.

Finally, it is necessary to examine if the aid can qualify for the exception laid down in Article 87(3)(c) which states that an aid may be considered compatible with the common market where it facilitates the development of certain economic activities or of certain economic areas and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest.

| 57. | The preferential tax treatment does not seem to be related to investment or to job creation and constitutes a permanent relief from charges that should be normally met by these companies in the course of their business. The measure could, at this stage, be considered as an operating aid scheme, the benefits of which will cease as soon as it is withdrawn. According to the constant practice of the Commission, such aid cannot be considered to facilitate the development of certain economic activities or of certain economic areas. |
| --- | --- |

57.

The preferential tax treatment does not seem to be related to investment or to job creation and constitutes a permanent relief from charges that should be normally met by these companies in the course of their business. The measure could, at this stage, be considered as an operating aid scheme, the benefits of which will cease as soon as it is withdrawn. According to the constant practice of the Commission, such aid cannot be considered to facilitate the development of certain economic activities or of certain economic areas.

| 58. | Since, assuming that the measure qualifies as State aid, it would not seem to qualify for any of the exceptions provided for in the Treaty, the Commission doubts that it could be considered compatible with the common market. |
| --- | --- |

58.

Since, assuming that the measure qualifies as State aid, it would not seem to qualify for any of the exceptions provided for in the Treaty, the Commission doubts that it could be considered compatible with the common market.

6.   CONCLUSION

| 59. | In the light of the foregoing considerations, the Commission, acting under the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty, requests that the United Kingdom submit its comments and provide all such information as may help to assess the aid/measures to BT and Kingston Communications, within one month of the date of receipt of this letter. |
| --- | --- |

59.

In the light of the foregoing considerations, the Commission, acting under the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty, requests that the United Kingdom submit its comments and provide all such information as may help to assess the aid/measures to BT and Kingston Communications, within one month of the date of receipt of this letter.

| 60. | The Commission is in particular interested to receive the conclusions of the review of the system undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry or details of the ongoing discussions and any working papers on this matter. In addition, it would like to receive the details of the agreement between the VOA and BT, the VOA and Kingston, concluded in 1995, applicable for the 1995-2000 period and especially the economic modelling behind the valuation and the justifications (including data on relevant revenues etc.) for any subsequent concessions made during the settlement. Similarly, the Commission would like to receive the details of BT's and Kingston's 2000 valuation, applicable for the 2000-05 period. Furthermore, the Commission is interested in tax levels and relevant revenue data for Vtesse and other alternative operators, including Cable and Wireless. It also requests that your authorities forward a copy of this letter to the potential recipients of the aid. |
| --- | --- |

60.

The Commission is in particular interested to receive the conclusions of the review of the system undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry or details of the ongoing discussions and any working papers on this matter. In addition, it would like to receive the details of the agreement between the VOA and BT, the VOA and Kingston, concluded in 1995, applicable for the 1995-2000 period and especially the economic modelling behind the valuation and the justifications (including data on relevant revenues etc.) for any subsequent concessions made during the settlement. Similarly, the Commission would like to receive the details of BT's and Kingston's 2000 valuation, applicable for the 2000-05 period. Furthermore, the Commission is interested in tax levels and relevant revenue data for Vtesse and other alternative operators, including Cable and Wireless. It also requests that your authorities forward a copy of this letter to the potential recipients of the aid.

| 61. | The Commission wishes to remind the United Kingdom that Article 88(3) of the EC Treaty has a suspensory effect, and, that Article 14 of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 provides that all unlawful aid may be recovered from the recipient.“ |
| --- | --- |

61.

The Commission wishes to remind the United Kingdom that Article 88(3) of the EC Treaty has a suspensory effect, and, that Article 14 of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 provides that all unlawful aid may be recovered from the recipient.“

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(1)  Property used for business as opposed to residential purposes.

1

(2)  „Business Rates — An Introduction“, Valuation Office Agency.

2

(3)  Local government finance in the UK is a devolved matter. The UK Government is therefore only responsible for the rating system in England. Rates in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Devolved Administrations. Pre-devolution legislation largely applies in England and Wales, where the system is very similar. Therefore the description primarily covers the situation that exists there. However, the situation in Scotland is broadly similar.

3

(4)  For telecommunications properties that are entered on Local Rating Lists, this is done in the area where it is considered by the VOA that the greatest proportion of rateable value resides.

4

(5)  Except in a revaluation year, the multiplier can not increase by more than the rate of increase of the Retail Price Index, South Oxford Council, www.southoxon.gov.uk

5

(6)  The multiplier in percent was 43,2 1995/6, 44,9 1996/97, 45,8 1997/98, 47,4 1998/99, 48,9 1999/00, 41,6 2000/1, 43,0 2001/02, 43,7 2002/03, 44,4 2003/04, 45,6 2004/5.

6

(7)  UK fiscal year 2003/4 covers the period 1 April 2003 — 31 March 2004.

7

(8)  www.voa.gov.uk

8

(9)  Economic circumstances are taken as at the „antecedent valuation date“, while physical factors are taken as at the date of completing the rating list.

9

(10)  Schedule 6 of the Local Government Finance Act on valuation of non-domestic hereditament, www.hmso.gov.uk

10

(11)  Four tests of occupancy as established in John Laing and Son, Ltd. V. Kingswood Assessment Committee and Others [1948] 2 KB 116.

11

(12)  Statutory Instrument 2000/540, Valuation for Rating (Plant and Machinery) (England) Regulations 2000 N.540, Class 3 (4), www.hmso.gov.uk

12

(13)  The main provisions apply to cables, fibres and wires that are outside the building, with those inside excluded from rateability.

13

(14)  Brief Overview of the Telecoms Rating System for the purposes of the Broadband Stakeholders Group, Alan Roy Bradford CEO/VOA, 9 June 2003

14

(15)  Electric Telegraph Co v Salford Overseers, op. cit. footnote 14.

15

(16)  Most of the independent telecom companies were acquired by the General Post Office around 1912, except what is now Kingston Communications, which remained in the control of the local government in Hull.

16

(17)  Later renamed Cable &Wireless, which since has been divided into Cable & Wireless UK and ntl. See also supra paragraph 28.

17

(18)  Telecommunications Cable Networks Rating Review, presentation by Alan Roy Bradford, Valuation Office Agency, 25 June 2004.

18

(19)  The LGFA came into force in 1990, but assets were still valued using the prescribed formulae during 1990-95 since, allegedly, given the tight time frame the valuations could not be ready for this five year valuation period.

19

(20)  Op. cit. footnote 14.

20

(21)  Assuming the tenant undertook to pay the usual tenant's share and to bear the costs of the repairs and insurance and other expenses (if any) necessary to maintain the hereditament in a state to command rent.

21

(22)  The Receipts and Expenditure Method of Valuation of Non-Domestic Properties, A Guidance Note, RICS Books.

22

(23)  At the statutory rate of 5,5 % for the 2000 Rating List.

23

(24)  The Contractor's Basis of Valuation for Rating Purposes, a Guidance Note, RICS Books.

24

(25)  GBP 445 million for England and GBP 25 million for Wales.

25

(26)  Based on Total Receipts of about GBP 10,199 million as stated in the 1995 Central Rating List Assessment for BT, CVO Analysis of Agreed Rateable Value, Equated Figures.

26

(27)  GBP 467 million for England and GBP 26 million for Wales.

27

(28)  Apparently BT's current list valuation, with effect from 1 April 2003, is about GBP 472 million (GBP 447,5 million for England and GBP 24,9 million for Wales) but appeals are outstanding. It is unclear to the Commission whether this is the case, and if it is the case, why there has been a new valuation in April 2003 resulting in lower rateable values than those determined in the 2000 valuation.

28

(29)  Paragraph 2(7) of Schedule 6 to the Local Government Finance Act 1988 allows for alterations to be made to a Rateable List still in force in certain cases, for instance in the case of matters affecting „the physical state or physical enjoyment of the hereditament“ or „the mode or category of occupation of the hereditament“.

29

(30)  Since 1998 it also provides services to business customers in East Yorkshire where it is present on the market as an alternative provider.

30

(31)  Espicom Business Intelligence: UK Telecommunications Market, 09/2003.

31

(32)  BT and Kingston Communications in Hull do not benefit from this allowance, since it is only applied to those assessed by the „Tone of the List“ method.

32

(33)  Letter from VOA to Complainant, 11 March 2004.

33

(34)  Recurring revenues include service revenues but exclude installation revenues. Given that Vtesse's operations only started in 2002, such distinction seems reasonable to allow for comparison with BT. Estimate for fiscal year 2004/05 is based on three quarter figures.

34

(35)  Op. cit. footnote 31.

35

(36)  Except the cable TV companies, which according to the knowledge of the Commission, are valued using a different method (based on „homes passed“) than the four described in this decision to open the formal investigative procedure.

36

(37)  UKCTA submission of 23 October 2003 to the Hearing on Broadband by the Trade and Industry Sub-Committee appointed by the House of Commons.

37

(38)  Effect of Property Rating on Competition in the Market for Fixed Line Telecommunications Services in the UK: Proposed options for the future, paper drafted by alternative telecommunications providers, 12 July 2002.

38

(39)  4 % estimated for England based on 2001 revenues, op. cit. footnote 38.

39

(40)  OJ C 384, 10.12.1998, p. 3-9.

40

(41)  VOA's statement at the Berkshire Valuation Tribunal Hearing, 25 March 2004.

41

(42)  Judgement of the Court of Justice in Case C-308/01 of 29 April 2004 concerning Gil Insurance Ltd and Joint cases T-346/99, T-347/99, T-348/99 point 58 onwards.

42

(43)  Commission Decision of 17 February 2003 No C15/2002 on Belgian Coordination Centres (OJ L 282, 30.10.2003) and No C51/2001 on Dutch international financing activities (OJ L 180, 18.7.2003).

43

(44)  See footnote 36.

44

(45)  Directive 2002/22/EC on Universal Service and Users' Rights relating to electronic communications networks and services.

45

(46)  Op. cit. footnote 14.

46

(47)  According to the UK authorities, the VOA needs to obtain BT's consent to release to the Commission the relevant documentation which served for BT's valuation. In addition, it is said that BT itself arrived at its own valuation by the „Contractor's Basis“method but the VOA is not in possession of this valuation.

47

Contractor's Basis

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III Pranešimai

Komisija

| 12.3.2005 | LT | Europos Sąjungos oficialusis leidinys | C 62/19 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.3.2005

LT

Europos Sąjungos oficialusis leidinys

C 62/19

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UK-Greenock: Reguliariojo oro susisiekimo paslaugos teikimas

Airijos pagal Tarybos reglamento (EEB) Nr. 2408/92 4 straipsnio 1 dalies d punktą reguliarioms oro susisiekimo paslaugoms teikti tarp Galway/Na Minna ir Aran salų paskelbtas viešasis konkursas

(2005/C 62/09)

(Tekstas svarbus EEE)

1.   Įvadas: Laikantis 1992 m. liepos 23 d. Reglamento (EEB) Nr. 2408/92 dėl Bendrijos oro vežėjų patekimo į Bendrijos vidaus oro maršrutus 4 straipsnio 1 dalies a punkto nuostatų, Airija nusprendė nustatyti su viešąja paslauga susijusius įsipareigojimus dėl reguliaraus oro susisiekimo tarp Galway/Na Minna ir Aran salų nuo 2005 m. rugpjūčio 1 d. Su viešąją paslauga susijusiems įsipareigojimams taikomos normos buvo paskelbtos 2001 m. spalio 5 d. Europos Sąjungos oficialiajame leidinyje Nr. C 281/05 su pakeitimais, padarytais 2005 m. kovo 11 d. Europos Sąjungos oficialiajame leidinyje Nr. C 61.

Jeigu nė vienas oro vežėjas nuo 2005 m. liepos 1 d. nepradėtų arba nebūtų pasirengęs pradėti teikti reguliarias oro sussiekimo paslaugas, Airija pagal minėto reglamento 4 straipsnio 1 dalies d punkte nustatytą tvarką nusprendė nuo 2005 m. rugpjūčio 1 d. suteikti galimybę naudotis šiuo maršrutu tik vienam oro vežėjui, išrinktam konkurso tvarka.

2.   Konkurso apibūdinimas: Nuo 2005 m. rugpjūčio 1 d. teikti reguliarias oro susisiekimo paslaugas tarp Galway/Na Minna ir Aran salų pagal su viešąja paslauga susijusius įsipareigojimus, kurie buvo nustatyti maršrutui ir paskelbti 2001 m. spalio 5 d. Europos Sąjungos oficialiajame leidinyje Nr. C 281/05 su pakeitimais, padarytais 2005 m. kovo 11 d. Europos Sąjungos oficialiajame leidinyje Nr. C 61.

3.   Dalyvavimas: Konkurse gali dalyvauti visi oro vežėjai, turintys valstybės narės išduotą galiojančią licenciją vykdyti skrydžius pagal 1992 m. liepos 23 d. Tarybos reglamentą (EEB) Nr. 2407/92 dėl oro vežėjų licencijų. Paslaugos bus teikiamos pagal Airijos aviacijos administracijos (AAA) nustatytą tvarką.

4.   Konkurso tvarka: Šis viešasis konkursas organizuojamas pagal Reglamento (EEB) Nr. 2408/92 4 straipsnio 1 dalies d, e, f, g, h, ir i punktų nuostatas.

5.   Konkurso dokumentai/Sąlygos ir t.t.: Visus konkurso dokumentus, įskaitant sutarties formą, specifikaciją, trumpą informaciją ir originalų su viešąja paslauga susijusių įsipareigojimų tekstą, paskelbtą 2001 m. spalio 5 d. Europos Sąjungos oficialiajame leidinyje Nr. C 281/05 su pakeitimais, padarytais 2005 m. kovo 11 d. Europos Sąjungos oficialiajame leidinyje Nr. C 61, nemokamai galima gauti iš sutartį sudarančios institucijos atstovo, adresu:

Saltire Management Ltd., Victoria House Business Centre, East Blackhall Street, Greenock PA15 1HD.

Oro linijų bendrovių konkursui pateikti dokumentai turės atspindėti jų finansinę būklę (turi būti pateikta metinė ataskaita ir patikrintos paskutinių 3 metų sąskaitos bei nurodoma apyvarta ir paskutinių 3 metų pelnas prieš išskaičiuojant mokesčius), ankstesnę patirtį ir technines galimybes teikti nustatytas paslaugas. Sutartį sudaranti institucija pasilieka teisę prašyti papildomos informacijos apie visų pareiškėjų finansinius, techninius išteklius ir galimybes.

Kainos paraiškose turėtų būti nurodomos eurais ir visi patvirtinamieji dokumentai parengti anglų arba airių kalba. Sutartis bus laikoma sudaryta pagal Airijos įstatymus ir ji priklausys išimtinai Airijos teismų jurisdikcijai.

6.   Finansinė kompensacija: Įteiktose paraiškose turi būti tiksliai nurodoma suma, reikalinga su viešąja paslauga susijusiems įsipareigojimams maršrute vykdyti trejus metus nuo numatytos paslaugos teikimo datos (pateikiama kiekvienų metų analizė). Kompensacija turėtų būti apskaičiuota pagal nustatytus mažiausius standartus.

Tikroji kompensacijos suma, kurią mokės Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Bendrijos, kaimo ir Gaeltacht reikalų departamentas), bus nustatoma ex-post ir neviršys konkursą laimėjusio dalyvio teikiant paslaugą susidariusių tikrųjų nuostolių, atsižvelgiant į faktines išlaidas, pajamas ir, jeigu būtina, pelno maržą bei neviršijant sumos, kuri kiekvieniems metams buvo nurodyta paraiškoje.

Sutartyje numatoma nuostata, kad tik sutartį sudaranti institucija savo nuožiūra sprendžia dėl maksimalios kiekvienų metų kompensacijos didinimo ribos, jeigu netikėtai pasikeistų veiklos sąlygos. Sutartį sudaranti institucija, nepažeisdama sutarties nutraukimo nuostatų, iškilus reikalui gali svarstyti pasiūlymą didinti maksimalią kiekvienų metų kompensacijos ribą, tinkamai atsižvelgdama į visas aplinkybes, turinčias įtakos teikiant paslaugas, kurių konkurso dalyvis nenumatė ar negalėjo numatyti arba kurios atsirado dėl nuo jo nepriklausančių veiksnių.

Sutartį sudaro Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs ministras. Visi sutartimi numatyti mokėjimai vykdomi eurais ir jie vykdomi tik tada, kai sutartį sudaranti institucija gauna privalomais dokumentais pagrįstus prašymus, su kuriais kartu, laikantis sutarties sąlygų, įteikiamas oro vežėjų auditorių parengtas patvirtinimas.

7.   Sutarties galiojimo trukmė, pataisymas ir nutraukimas: Trejų metų trukmės sutartis įsigalioja 2005 m. rugpjūčio 1 d. ir nutraukiama ne vėliau nei 2008 m. liepos 31 d. Nauja konkurso tvarka, jeigu būtina, skelbiama iki 2008 m. liepos 31 d. Visi sutarties pataisymai daromi arba ji nutraukiama pagal sutarties sąlygas. Keisti paslaugas leidžiama tik gavus sudarančios sutartį institucijos sutikimą.

8.   Baudos, jeigu vežėjas nevykdo sutarties sąlygų: Iškilus force majeure aplinkybėms arba jeigu skrydis atšaukiamas dėl su vežėju tiesiogiai sietinų priežasčių, kompensacija mokama tik už išlaidas, jei jos susidarė, tenkinant keleivių reikalavimus dėl neįvykusių skrydžių. Sutartį sudaranti institucija pasilieka teisę įteikti pranešimą apie sutarties nutraukimą, jeigu atsižvelgdama į vežėjo teikiamos paslaugos atitiktį, ypač į dėl tiesiogiai nuo vežėjo priklausančių priežasčių atšauktų skrydžių skaičių, laiko, kai nebuvo arba nėra laikomasi su viešąja paslauga susijusiais įsipareigojimais nustatytų normų reikalavimų.

9.   Galutinis terminas pateikti paraiškas: Mėnuo nuo šio pranešimo paskelbimo Europos Sąjungos oficialiajame leidinyje priede.

10.   Paraiškos pateikimo tvarka: Paraiškos iki 9 dalyje nustatytos dienos 12 valandos (Airijos laiku) turi būti siunčiamos pirmiau minėtoje 5 dalyje nurodytu adresu (paraiškos turi turėti užrašą „EASP Tender“).

11.   Konkurso tvarkos galiojimas: Pagal Reglamento (EEB) Nr. 2408/92 4 straipsnio 1 dalies d punktą, galiojančiai šio konkurso tvarkai taikoma sąlyga, kad joks Bendrijos oro vežėjas iki 2005 m. liepos 1 d. nepateikia programos negaunant finansinės kompensacijos teikti paslaugas minėtame maršrute nuo 2005 m. rugpjūčio 1 d. arba iki šios datos, pagal nustatytus su viešąją paslauga susijusius įsipareigojimus, kurie buvo iš dalies pakeisti.

12.   1997 ir 2003 m. Informacijos laisvės aktai: Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, laikydamasis įstatymo savo pareigų atžvilgiu, įskaitant 1997 m. ir 2003 m. Informacijos laisvės aktus, įsipareigoja imtis visų pastangų dalyvių konkursui pateiktos informacijos slaptumui užtikrinti. Jeigu konkurso dalyviai pageidauja, kad jų paraiškose pateikiama informacija net iš dalies nebūtų skelbiama, nes sudaro komercinę paslaptį, pateikdami informaciją jie turėtų nurodyti ir išvardyti, akcentuodami svarbos priežastis. Departamentas, prieš nuspręsdamas, ar skelbti informaciją pagal Informacijos laisvės akto nuostatas, tarsis su konkurso dalyviais. Jeigu konkursodalyviai laiko, kad jų pateikta informacija nelaikytina svarbia komerciniu požiūriu, jieturėtų pranešti apie tai paskelbdami leidžiantį skelbti informaciją pranešimą, su sąlyga,kad prašymas bus pateiktas pagal Informacijos laisvės aktą.

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