# Gazzetta ufficiale C 62/12 m

| | ISSN 1725-2466 |
| --- | --- |
| Gazzetta ufficiale
  dell'Unione europea | C 62 |
| | |
| Edizione in lingua italiana | Comunicazioni e informazioni | 48o anno12 marzo 2005 |

ISSN 1725-2466

Gazzetta ufficiale

dell'Unione europea

C 62

Edizione in lingua italiana

Comunicazioni e informazioni

48o anno12 marzo 2005

---

| Numero d'informazione | Sommario | pagina |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Comunicazioni |
| | Consiglio |
| 2005/C 062/1 | Risoluzione del Consiglio, del 9 dicembre 2004, sull'avvenire delle tecnologie dell'informazione e della comunicazione (TIC) | 1 |
| | Commissione |
| 2005/C 062/2 | Tassi di cambio dell'euro | 4 |
| 2005/C 062/3 | Notifica preventiva di una concentrazione (Caso n. COMP/M.3745 — Severstal/Lucchini) — Caso ammissibile alla procedura semplificata (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2005/C 062/4 | Autorizzazione degli aiuti di Stato sulla base degli articoli 87 e 88 del Trattato CE — Casi contro i quali la Commissione non solleva obiezioni (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2005/C 062/5 | Comunicazione del 21 gennaio 2005 del governo maltese concernente la direttiva 94/22/CE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, del 30 maggio 1994, relativa alle condizioni di rilascio e di esercizio delle autorizzazioni alla prospezione, ricerca e coltivazione di idrocarburi (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2005/C 062/6 | Comunicazione del 21 gennaio 2005 del governo maltese concernente la direttiva 94/22/CE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, del 30 maggio 1994, relativa alle condizioni di rilascio e di esercizio delle autorizzazioni alla prospezione, ricerca e coltivazione di idrocarburi (
  1
  ) | 8 |
| 2005/C 062/7 | Notifica preventiva di una concentrazione (Caso n. COMP/M.3743 — DuPont/DDE) — Caso ammissibile alla procedura semplificata (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| 2005/C 062/8 | Aiuti di Stato — Regno Unito — Aiuto di Stato n. C 4/2005 (ex NN 57/2004) — Imposta patrimoniale sulle infrastrutture di telecomunicazione — Invito a presentare osservazioni a norma dell'articolo 88, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE (
  1
  ) | 10 |

Numero d'informazione

Sommario

pagina

I   Comunicazioni

Consiglio

2005/C 062/1

Risoluzione del Consiglio, del 9 dicembre 2004, sull'avvenire delle tecnologie dell'informazione e della comunicazione (TIC)

1

Commissione

2005/C 062/2

Tassi di cambio dell'euro

4

2005/C 062/3

Notifica preventiva di una concentrazione (Caso n. COMP/M.3745 — Severstal/Lucchini) — Caso ammissibile alla procedura semplificata (
  1
  )

1

5

2005/C 062/4

Autorizzazione degli aiuti di Stato sulla base degli articoli 87 e 88 del Trattato CE — Casi contro i quali la Commissione non solleva obiezioni (
  1
  )

1

6

2005/C 062/5

Comunicazione del 21 gennaio 2005 del governo maltese concernente la direttiva 94/22/CE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, del 30 maggio 1994, relativa alle condizioni di rilascio e di esercizio delle autorizzazioni alla prospezione, ricerca e coltivazione di idrocarburi (
  1
  )

1

7

2005/C 062/6

Comunicazione del 21 gennaio 2005 del governo maltese concernente la direttiva 94/22/CE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, del 30 maggio 1994, relativa alle condizioni di rilascio e di esercizio delle autorizzazioni alla prospezione, ricerca e coltivazione di idrocarburi (
  1
  )

1

8

2005/C 062/7

Notifica preventiva di una concentrazione (Caso n. COMP/M.3743 — DuPont/DDE) — Caso ammissibile alla procedura semplificata (
  1
  )

1

9

2005/C 062/8

Aiuti di Stato — Regno Unito — Aiuto di Stato n. C 4/2005 (ex NN 57/2004) — Imposta patrimoniale sulle infrastrutture di telecomunicazione — Invito a presentare osservazioni a norma dell'articolo 88, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE (
  1
  )

1

10

| | III   Informazioni |
| --- | --- |
| | Commissione |
| 2005/C 062/9 | UK-Greenock: Effettuazione di servizi aerei di linea — Bando di gara pubblicato dall'Irlanda ai sensi dell'articolo 4, paragrafo 1, lettera d) del regolamento (CEE) n. 2408/92 del Consiglio per l'esercizio di servizi aerei di linea tra Galway/Na Minna e le Isole Aran (
  1
  ) | 19 |

III   Informazioni

Commissione

2005/C 062/9

UK-Greenock: Effettuazione di servizi aerei di linea — Bando di gara pubblicato dall'Irlanda ai sensi dell'articolo 4, paragrafo 1, lettera d) del regolamento (CEE) n. 2408/92 del Consiglio per l'esercizio di servizi aerei di linea tra Galway/Na Minna e le Isole Aran (
  1
  )

1

19

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| | (1)   Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE |

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(1)   Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE

1

| IT | |
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IT

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I Comunicazioni

Consiglio

| 12.3.2005 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 62/1 |
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12.3.2005

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 62/1

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RISOLUZIONE DEL CONSIGLIO

del 9 dicembre 2004

sull'avvenire delle tecnologie dell'informazione e della comunicazione (TIC)

(2005/C 62/01)

IL CONSIGLIO DELL'UNIONE EUROPEA,

accogliendo con favore la comunicazione della Commissione sulle sfide per la società dell'informazione europea oltre il 2005 e la comunicazione della Commissione sui servizi mobili a banda larga,

rammentando

| 1. | le conclusioni della Presidenza del Consiglio europeo di Lisbona del 23-24 marzo 2000; |
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1.

le conclusioni della Presidenza del Consiglio europeo di Lisbona del 23-24 marzo 2000;

| 2. | le conclusioni della Presidenza del Consiglio europeo del giugno 2002, in cui si approvano gli obiettivi del piano d'azione eEurope 2005; |
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2.

le conclusioni della Presidenza del Consiglio europeo del giugno 2002, in cui si approvano gli obiettivi del piano d'azione eEurope 2005;

| 3. | la risoluzione del Consiglio del 18 febbraio 2003 relativa all'attuazione del piano d'azione eEurope 2005; |
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3.

la risoluzione del Consiglio del 18 febbraio 2003 relativa all'attuazione del piano d'azione eEurope 2005;

| 4. | le conclusioni della Presidenza del Consiglio europeo di primavera del 2003, in cui si esortano gli Stati membri dell'UE a 15 ad attuare strategie nazionali in materia di banda larga entro la fine del 2003; |
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4.

le conclusioni della Presidenza del Consiglio europeo di primavera del 2003, in cui si esortano gli Stati membri dell'UE a 15 ad attuare strategie nazionali in materia di banda larga entro la fine del 2003;

| 5. | le conclusioni del Consiglio del 20 novembre 2003 sul ruolo dell'e-government per il futuro dell'Europa; |
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5.

le conclusioni del Consiglio del 20 novembre 2003 sul ruolo dell'e-government per il futuro dell'Europa;

| 6. | le conclusioni della Presidenza del Consiglio europeo di primavera del 2004, in cui si sottolinea la necessità di nuove strategie nel settore delle comunicazioni elettroniche, |
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6.

le conclusioni della Presidenza del Consiglio europeo di primavera del 2004, in cui si sottolinea la necessità di nuove strategie nel settore delle comunicazioni elettroniche,

| 7. | le conclusioni del Consiglio dell'8 marzo 2004 sui recenti sviluppi nel settore delle comunicazioni elettroniche in Europa, che confermano l'importanza delle TIC per la crescita e la competitività; |
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7.

le conclusioni del Consiglio dell'8 marzo 2004 sui recenti sviluppi nel settore delle comunicazioni elettroniche in Europa, che confermano l'importanza delle TIC per la crescita e la competitività;

| 8. | le conclusioni del Consiglio dell'8 marzo 2004 sulla revisione intermedia del piano d'azione eEurope 2005, in cui si conferma la validità degli obiettivi di eEurope 2005 nel contesto dell'allargamento; |
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8.

le conclusioni del Consiglio dell'8 marzo 2004 sulla revisione intermedia del piano d'azione eEurope 2005, in cui si conferma la validità degli obiettivi di eEurope 2005 nel contesto dell'allargamento;

| 9. | le conclusioni del Consiglio del 10 giugno 2004 sulla revisione del piano d'azione eEurope 2005 e delle strategie nazionali in materia di banda larga; |
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9.

le conclusioni del Consiglio del 10 giugno 2004 sulla revisione del piano d'azione eEurope 2005 e delle strategie nazionali in materia di banda larga;

| 10. | le conclusioni della Presidenza del Consiglio europeo del 4-5 novembre 2004, che accolgono con favore la relazione del Gruppo ad alto livello presieduto dal sig. Kok; |
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10.

le conclusioni della Presidenza del Consiglio europeo del 4-5 novembre 2004, che accolgono con favore la relazione del Gruppo ad alto livello presieduto dal sig. Kok;

| 11. | gli orientamenti della riunione ad alto livello del 29-30 settembre 2004 sull'avvenire delle TIC, |
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11.

gli orientamenti della riunione ad alto livello del 29-30 settembre 2004 sull'avvenire delle TIC,

riconoscendo che

| 1. | per contribuire al raggiungimento degli obiettivi di Lisbona del marzo 2000 vi è la chiara esigenza, a livello nazionale e europeo, di rivedere e se necessario migliorare le politiche per aumentare l'introduzione e la diffusione delle TIC nella società nel suo insieme; |
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1.

per contribuire al raggiungimento degli obiettivi di Lisbona del marzo 2000 vi è la chiara esigenza, a livello nazionale e europeo, di rivedere e se necessario migliorare le politiche per aumentare l'introduzione e la diffusione delle TIC nella società nel suo insieme;

| 2. | il settore delle TIC è un importante settore economico in quanto tale, che include le industrie della tecnologia dell'informazione, delle comunicazioni elettroniche e audiovisive, con un considerevole potenziale di crescita futura e con un impatto su quasi tutte le altre attività economiche; |
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2.

il settore delle TIC è un importante settore economico in quanto tale, che include le industrie della tecnologia dell'informazione, delle comunicazioni elettroniche e audiovisive, con un considerevole potenziale di crescita futura e con un impatto su quasi tutte le altre attività economiche;

| 3. | l'uso delle TIC ha un impatto diretto e significativo sulla produttività e la competitività dell'economia europea; |
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3.

l'uso delle TIC ha un impatto diretto e significativo sulla produttività e la competitività dell'economia europea;

| 4. | le TIC sono uno strumento prezioso per stimolare la coesione sociale e geografica nonché la cittadinanza in un'Europa solidale, per promuovere le identità culturali, l'integrazione sociale e il plurilinguismo e per aumentare la trasparenza e la partecipazione alla società; |
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4.

le TIC sono uno strumento prezioso per stimolare la coesione sociale e geografica nonché la cittadinanza in un'Europa solidale, per promuovere le identità culturali, l'integrazione sociale e il plurilinguismo e per aumentare la trasparenza e la partecipazione alla società;

| 5. | politiche delle TIC globali e olistiche possono contribuire fortemente agli obiettivi di crescita, produttività e competitività dell'UE tramite la creazione di posti di lavoro di elevata qualità, il miglioramento dei risultati economici globali e tramite la modernizzazione dei servizi pubblici e l'incoraggiamento dei processi aziendali modernizzati nel settore sia pubblico che privato; |
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5.

politiche delle TIC globali e olistiche possono contribuire fortemente agli obiettivi di crescita, produttività e competitività dell'UE tramite la creazione di posti di lavoro di elevata qualità, il miglioramento dei risultati economici globali e tramite la modernizzazione dei servizi pubblici e l'incoraggiamento dei processi aziendali modernizzati nel settore sia pubblico che privato;

| 6. | le politiche dovrebbero essere sviluppate nel quadro di un dialogo permanente tra le autorità pubbliche, il settore privato e le altre parti interessate in modo da poter affrontare i nuovi sviluppi nel settore delle TIC; |
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6.

le politiche dovrebbero essere sviluppate nel quadro di un dialogo permanente tra le autorità pubbliche, il settore privato e le altre parti interessate in modo da poter affrontare i nuovi sviluppi nel settore delle TIC;

| 7. | l'UE trarrebbe vantaggio da un settore delle TIC innovativo e competitivo in mercati globali in rapida espansione e sempre più competitivi. |
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7.

l'UE trarrebbe vantaggio da un settore delle TIC innovativo e competitivo in mercati globali in rapida espansione e sempre più competitivi.

RITIENE che, per elaborare politiche globali e olistiche in materia di TIC siano rilevanti i punti seguenti:

un eccellente settore delle TIC e imprese innovative

| — | continuare ad investire in una solida area di R & S per le TIC, nel settore sia pubblico che privato, rafforzando l'eccellenza europea nella R & S, tramite la creazione di un contesto scientifico, finanziario e imprenditoriale favorevole; |
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—

continuare ad investire in una solida area di R & S per le TIC, nel settore sia pubblico che privato, rafforzando l'eccellenza europea nella R & S, tramite la creazione di un contesto scientifico, finanziario e imprenditoriale favorevole;

| — | promuovere un contesto propizio che stimoli la libera circolazione delle conoscenze e delle innovazioni e in cui i risultati della ricerca siano tradotti in applicazioni e prodotti con valore aggiunto; |
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—

promuovere un contesto propizio che stimoli la libera circolazione delle conoscenze e delle innovazioni e in cui i risultati della ricerca siano tradotti in applicazioni e prodotti con valore aggiunto;

| — | incoraggiare, segnatamente tra le PMI, l'effettivo utilizzo dei nuovi processi di e-business e l'adozione di nuovi modelli di business per sfruttare il potenziale delle TIC. |
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—

incoraggiare, segnatamente tra le PMI, l'effettivo utilizzo dei nuovi processi di e-business e l'adozione di nuovi modelli di business per sfruttare il potenziale delle TIC.

le TIC per i cittadini e le competenze nel campo delle TIC

| — | promuovere l'accesso e la disponibilità per tutti dei servizi delle TIC, tra l'altro tramite una maggiore comprensione dei benefici potenziali delle TIC e incoraggiando il continuo miglioramento delle tecnologie di facile uso continuando così, tra l'altro, ad affrontare il problema del divario digitale; |
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—

promuovere l'accesso e la disponibilità per tutti dei servizi delle TIC, tra l'altro tramite una maggiore comprensione dei benefici potenziali delle TIC e incoraggiando il continuo miglioramento delle tecnologie di facile uso continuando così, tra l'altro, ad affrontare il problema del divario digitale;

| — | incoraggiare misure, come l'eLearning, per sviluppare ulteriormente le e-competenze di tutti, in particolare tenendo conto dell'invecchiamento della popolazione, della differenza di genere e di tutte le origini etniche e sociali, per permettere a tutte le categorie di beneficiare pienamente delle opportunità presentate dalla società dell'informazione; |
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—

incoraggiare misure, come l'eLearning, per sviluppare ulteriormente le e-competenze di tutti, in particolare tenendo conto dell'invecchiamento della popolazione, della differenza di genere e di tutte le origini etniche e sociali, per permettere a tutte le categorie di beneficiare pienamente delle opportunità presentate dalla società dell'informazione;

| — | integrare ulteriormente le TIC nei luoghi di lavoro in modo che aumentino la produttività e la qualità del lavoro nonché rafforzare la componente delle TIC durante i processi di formazione; |
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—

integrare ulteriormente le TIC nei luoghi di lavoro in modo che aumentino la produttività e la qualità del lavoro nonché rafforzare la componente delle TIC durante i processi di formazione;

| — | trovare risposte strategiche alla migrazione dei posti di lavoro, anche promuovendo l'adattabilità dei lavoratori e delle imprese e la flessibilità combinata con la sicurezza nel mercato del lavoro. |
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—

trovare risposte strategiche alla migrazione dei posti di lavoro, anche promuovendo l'adattabilità dei lavoratori e delle imprese e la flessibilità combinata con la sicurezza nel mercato del lavoro.

TIC per i servizi pubblici

| — | concordare ed attuare strategie integrate, se necessario a livello europeo, per l'uso delle applicazioni di e-government, specie sollecitando la cooperazione e lo scambio delle migliori prassi; |
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—

concordare ed attuare strategie integrate, se necessario a livello europeo, per l'uso delle applicazioni di e-government, specie sollecitando la cooperazione e lo scambio delle migliori prassi;

| — | elaborare una strategia globale che tenga conto della necessità di un adattamento organizzativo, per sfruttare le potenzialità delle TIC al fine di realizzare un settore pubblico a migliore rendimento e maggiore efficienza, che al contempo offra servizi in linea adattati alle esigenze delle imprese e dei cittadini e riduca gli oneri amministrativi tenendo conto soprattutto della necessità di servizi europei transfrontalieri; |
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—

elaborare una strategia globale che tenga conto della necessità di un adattamento organizzativo, per sfruttare le potenzialità delle TIC al fine di realizzare un settore pubblico a migliore rendimento e maggiore efficienza, che al contempo offra servizi in linea adattati alle esigenze delle imprese e dei cittadini e riduca gli oneri amministrativi tenendo conto soprattutto della necessità di servizi europei transfrontalieri;

| — | sviluppare servizi su scala europea nel settore dell'assistenza sanitaria on-line, con particolare attenzione alle questioni della standardizzazione e dell'interoperabilità ai fini di una prestazione ottimale di trattamenti ed assistenza ai pazienti. |
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—

sviluppare servizi su scala europea nel settore dell'assistenza sanitaria on-line, con particolare attenzione alle questioni della standardizzazione e dell'interoperabilità ai fini di una prestazione ottimale di trattamenti ed assistenza ai pazienti.

Contenuto e sviluppo di prodotti e servizi

| — | promuovere la messa a punto e la diffusione di contenuti ricchi e creativi, ad esempio incoraggiando il riutilizzo dell'informazione del settore pubblico; |
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—

promuovere la messa a punto e la diffusione di contenuti ricchi e creativi, ad esempio incoraggiando il riutilizzo dell'informazione del settore pubblico;

| — | rimuovere le eventuali barriere che ostacolano la disponibilità dei contenuti sulle varie piattaforme, ad esempio incoraggiando la ricerca di soluzioni pratiche in materia di gestione dei diritti digitali; |
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—

rimuovere le eventuali barriere che ostacolano la disponibilità dei contenuti sulle varie piattaforme, ad esempio incoraggiando la ricerca di soluzioni pratiche in materia di gestione dei diritti digitali;

| — | sostenere i nuovi servizi emergenti nel mercato interno allargato potenziando un idoneo contesto normativo che tenga conto dei nuovi sviluppi quali l'innovazione tecnica; |
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—

sostenere i nuovi servizi emergenti nel mercato interno allargato potenziando un idoneo contesto normativo che tenga conto dei nuovi sviluppi quali l'innovazione tecnica;

| — | creare, in risposta al crescente numero di applicazioni basate sulle TIC, un contesto favorevole all'industria e al settore pubblico per elaborare, a livello sia europeo che mondiale, soluzioni efficaci ed interoperative, in particolare per i pagamenti elettronici, l'autenticazione, la gestione dell'identità nonché la sicurezza. |
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—

creare, in risposta al crescente numero di applicazioni basate sulle TIC, un contesto favorevole all'industria e al settore pubblico per elaborare, a livello sia europeo che mondiale, soluzioni efficaci ed interoperative, in particolare per i pagamenti elettronici, l'autenticazione, la gestione dell'identità nonché la sicurezza.

Sviluppo delle reti

| — | garantire un contesto normativo coerente ed efficace per le comunicazioni elettroniche che stimoli la concorrenza, gli investimenti e l'innovazione; |
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—

garantire un contesto normativo coerente ed efficace per le comunicazioni elettroniche che stimoli la concorrenza, gli investimenti e l'innovazione;

| — | sostenere la messa a punto e l'utilizzazione di norme aperte e potenziare l'interoperabilità di reti e servizi; |
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sostenere la messa a punto e l'utilizzazione di norme aperte e potenziare l'interoperabilità di reti e servizi;

| — | sostenere, tenuto conto del principio della neutralità tecnologica, un uso più diffuso e la disponibilità della banda larga, specialmente promuovendo piattaforme concorrenziali e reti interoperative; |
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sostenere, tenuto conto del principio della neutralità tecnologica, un uso più diffuso e la disponibilità della banda larga, specialmente promuovendo piattaforme concorrenziali e reti interoperative;

| — | continuare a valutare diversi modelli di gestione dello spettro in vista di un impiego più flessibile ed efficiente del medesimo a livello europeo e mondiale, tenendo conto dello sviluppo di tecnologie nuove e innovative nonché delle metodologie che sfruttano i meccanismi di mercato. |
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continuare a valutare diversi modelli di gestione dello spettro in vista di un impiego più flessibile ed efficiente del medesimo a livello europeo e mondiale, tenendo conto dello sviluppo di tecnologie nuove e innovative nonché delle metodologie che sfruttano i meccanismi di mercato.

Fiducia e sicurezza

| — | Elaborare una strategia coerente che affronti tutte le tematiche rilevanti connesse alla fiducia, potenziare ulteriormente la cultura della sicurezza della rete e delle informazioni allo scopo di promuovere comunicazioni elettroniche affidabili ed efficaci e contribuire allo sviluppo di servizi transeuropei sicuri; |
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Elaborare una strategia coerente che affronti tutte le tematiche rilevanti connesse alla fiducia, potenziare ulteriormente la cultura della sicurezza della rete e delle informazioni allo scopo di promuovere comunicazioni elettroniche affidabili ed efficaci e contribuire allo sviluppo di servizi transeuropei sicuri;

| — | architettare misure per la lotta alle informazioni di contenuto illegale, nocivo e indesiderato presenti in Internet, specie se i destinatari sono i bambini, e agli «spam» in cooperazione con tutte le parti interessate anche a livello internazionale; |
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architettare misure per la lotta alle informazioni di contenuto illegale, nocivo e indesiderato presenti in Internet, specie se i destinatari sono i bambini, e agli «spam» in cooperazione con tutte le parti interessate anche a livello internazionale;

| — | assicurare un livello adeguato di sicurezza della rete e delle informazioni per l'accettazione e l'utilizzazione di nuovi servizi e il corretto funzionamento di altre infrastrutture dipendenti dalle TIC, tenendo conto degli aspetti inerenti alla fiducia e alla privacy. |
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assicurare un livello adeguato di sicurezza della rete e delle informazioni per l'accettazione e l'utilizzazione di nuovi servizi e il corretto funzionamento di altre infrastrutture dipendenti dalle TIC, tenendo conto degli aspetti inerenti alla fiducia e alla privacy.

INVITA GLI STATI MEMBRI a riesaminare attivamente, potenziandoli, i propri orientamenti strategici e i rispettivi sforzi in materia di attuazione per contribuire ad una nuova Agenda per la società dell'informazione intorno al 2010.

INVITA LA COMMISSIONE

| 1. | a continuare a sorvegliare il contesto normativo alla luce degli sviluppi presenti e futuri di carattere tecnologico e di mercato e a presentare proposte, se necessario, per mantenere un contesto normativo appropriato che agevoli una concorrenza efficace e determini più investimenti e più innovazione, servizi nuovi e prezzi più bassi; |
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1.

a continuare a sorvegliare il contesto normativo alla luce degli sviluppi presenti e futuri di carattere tecnologico e di mercato e a presentare proposte, se necessario, per mantenere un contesto normativo appropriato che agevoli una concorrenza efficace e determini più investimenti e più innovazione, servizi nuovi e prezzi più bassi;

| 2. | ad analizzare la competitività del settore TIC ed avviare i preparativi, tenendo conto dell'impatto delle TIC sull'economia europea, per dare un seguito al piano d'azione globale «eEurope 2005» che sia parte rilevante della nuova Agenda per la società dell'informazione aldilà del 2005; |
| --- | --- |

2.

ad analizzare la competitività del settore TIC ed avviare i preparativi, tenendo conto dell'impatto delle TIC sull'economia europea, per dare un seguito al piano d'azione globale «eEurope 2005» che sia parte rilevante della nuova Agenda per la società dell'informazione aldilà del 2005;

| 3. | a riconoscere l'importanza delle TIC nella futura proposta per il prossimo programma quadro di ricerca. |
| --- | --- |

3.

a riconoscere l'importanza delle TIC nella futura proposta per il prossimo programma quadro di ricerca.

INVITA L'INDUSTRIA a continuare ad alimentare il mercato con applicazioni e servizi TIC nuovi ed innovativi e a produrre nuovi contenuti attrattivi traendo beneficio tra l'altro dalla diversità culturale e dal multilinguismo europei.

INVITA TUTTE LE PARTI INTERESSATE ad integrare ulteriormente le TIC nelle rispettive attività allo scopo di trarne il massimo vantaggio.

SOTTOPONE la presente risoluzione quale contributo alla discussione in occasione del riesame intermedio della strategia di Lisbona da parte del Consiglio europeo della primavera 2005.

---

Commissione

| 12.3.2005 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 62/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.3.2005

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 62/4

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Tassi di cambio dell'euro (1)

11 marzo 2005

(2005/C 62/02)

1 euro=

| | Moneta | Tasso di cambio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | dollari USA | 1,3416 |
| JPY | yen giapponesi | 139,67 |
| DKK | corone danesi | 7,4462 |
| GBP | sterline inglesi | 0,69865 |
| SEK | corone svedesi | 9,0630 |
| CHF | franchi svizzeri | 1,5500 |
| ISK | corone islandesi | 79,27 |
| NOK | corone norvegesi | 8,177 |
| BGN | lev bulgari | 1,9559 |
| CYP | sterline cipriote | 0,5825 |
| CZK | corone ceche | 29,475 |
| EEK | corone estoni | 15,6466 |
| HUF | fiorini ungheresi | 243,20 |
| LTL | litas lituani | 3,4528 |
| LVL | lats lettoni | 0,6960 |
| MTL | lire maltesi | 0,4330 |
| PLN | zloty polacchi | 3,9519 |
| ROL | leu rumeni | 35 885 |
| SIT | tolar sloveni | 239,72 |
| SKK | corone slovacche | 37,649 |
| TRY | lire turche | 1,7002 |
| AUD | dollari australiani | 1,6944 |
| CAD | dollari canadesi | 1,6176 |
| HKD | dollari di Hong Kong | 10,4638 |
| NZD | dollari neozelandesi | 1,8173 |
| SGD | dollari di Singapore | 2,1733 |
| KRW | won sudcoreani | 1 342,14 |
| ZAR | rand sudafricani | 7,8354 |

Moneta

Tasso di cambio

USD

dollari USA

1,3416

JPY

yen giapponesi

139,67

DKK

corone danesi

7,4462

GBP

sterline inglesi

0,69865

SEK

corone svedesi

9,0630

CHF

franchi svizzeri

1,5500

ISK

corone islandesi

79,27

NOK

corone norvegesi

8,177

BGN

lev bulgari

1,9559

CYP

sterline cipriote

0,5825

CZK

corone ceche

29,475

EEK

corone estoni

15,6466

HUF

fiorini ungheresi

243,20

LTL

litas lituani

3,4528

LVL

lats lettoni

0,6960

MTL

lire maltesi

0,4330

PLN

zloty polacchi

3,9519

ROL

leu rumeni

35 885

SIT

tolar sloveni

239,72

SKK

corone slovacche

37,649

TRY

lire turche

1,7002

AUD

dollari australiani

1,6944

CAD

dollari canadesi

1,6176

HKD

dollari di Hong Kong

10,4638

NZD

dollari neozelandesi

1,8173

SGD

dollari di Singapore

2,1733

KRW

won sudcoreani

1 342,14

ZAR

rand sudafricani

7,8354

---

(1)

Fonte: tassi di cambio di riferimento pubblicati dalla Banca centrale europea.

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| 12.3.2005 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 62/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.3.2005

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 62/5

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Notifica preventiva di una concentrazione

(Caso n. COMP/M.3745 — Severstal/Lucchini)

Caso ammissibile alla procedura semplificata

(2005/C 62/03)

(Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE)

| 1. | In data 4 marzo 2005 è pervenuta alla Commissione la notifica di un progetto di concentrazione in conformità all'articolo 4 del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004 del Consiglio (1). Con tale operazione il gruppo ZAO Severstal («Severstal», Russia) acquisisce ai sensi dell'articolo 3, paragrafo 1, lettera b), del regolamento del Consiglio il controllo dell'insieme dell'impresa Lucchini SpA («Lucchini», Italia) mediante acquisto di azioni o quote. |
| --- | --- |

1.

In data 4 marzo 2005 è pervenuta alla Commissione la notifica di un progetto di concentrazione in conformità all'articolo 4 del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004 del Consiglio (1). Con tale operazione il gruppo ZAO Severstal («Severstal», Russia) acquisisce ai sensi dell'articolo 3, paragrafo 1, lettera b), del regolamento del Consiglio il controllo dell'insieme dell'impresa Lucchini SpA («Lucchini», Italia) mediante acquisto di azioni o quote.

| 2. | Le attività svolte dalle imprese interessate sono le seguenti:






  — | per Severstal: principalmente produzione e distribuzione di prodotti metallurgici, nonché ulteriori attività quali servizi bancari e assicurativi, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Le attività svolte dalle imprese interessate sono le seguenti:

—

per Severstal: principalmente produzione e distribuzione di prodotti metallurgici, nonché ulteriori attività quali servizi bancari e assicurativi,

| — | per Lucchini: produzione e vendita di prodotti di acciaio. |
| --- | --- |

—

per Lucchini: produzione e vendita di prodotti di acciaio.

| 3. | A seguito di un esame preliminare la Commissione ritiene che la transazione notificata possa rientrare nel campo d'applicazione del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004. Tuttavia si riserva la decisione finale al riguardo. Si rileva che, ai sensi della comunicazione della Commissione concernente una procedura semplificata per l'esame di determinate concentrazioni a norma del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004 del Consiglio (2), il presente caso potrebbe soddisfare le condizioni per l'applicazione della procedura di cui alla comunicazione stessa. |
| --- | --- |

3.

A seguito di un esame preliminare la Commissione ritiene che la transazione notificata possa rientrare nel campo d'applicazione del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004. Tuttavia si riserva la decisione finale al riguardo. Si rileva che, ai sensi della comunicazione della Commissione concernente una procedura semplificata per l'esame di determinate concentrazioni a norma del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004 del Consiglio (2), il presente caso potrebbe soddisfare le condizioni per l'applicazione della procedura di cui alla comunicazione stessa.

| 4. | La Commissione invita i terzi interessati a presentare le loro eventuali osservazioni sulla concentrazione proposta.
  Le osservazioni debbono pervenire alla Commissione non oltre dieci giorni dalla data di pubblicazione della presente comunicazione. Le osservazioni possono essere trasmesse alla Commissione per fax (fax n. (32-2) 296 43 01 o 296 72 44) o per posta, indicando il riferimento COMP/M.3745 — Severstal/Lucchini, al seguente indirizzo:





  Commissione europea |
| --- | --- |
| Direzione generale Concorrenza |
| Protocollo Concentrazioni |
| J-70 |
| B–1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |

4.

La Commissione invita i terzi interessati a presentare le loro eventuali osservazioni sulla concentrazione proposta.

Le osservazioni debbono pervenire alla Commissione non oltre dieci giorni dalla data di pubblicazione della presente comunicazione. Le osservazioni possono essere trasmesse alla Commissione per fax (fax n. (32-2) 296 43 01 o 296 72 44) o per posta, indicando il riferimento COMP/M.3745 — Severstal/Lucchini, al seguente indirizzo:

Commissione europea

Direzione generale Concorrenza

Protocollo Concentrazioni

J-70

B–1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  GU L 24 del 29.1.2004, pag. 1.

(2)  Disponibile al pubblico sul sito della DG Concorrenza:

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

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| 12.3.2005 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 62/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.3.2005

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 62/6

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Autorizzazione degli aiuti di Stato sulla base degli articoli 87 e 88 del Trattato CE

Casi contro i quali la Commissione non solleva obiezioni

(2005/C 62/04)

(Testo rilevante ai fine del SEE)

Data di adozione della decisione:

Stato membro: Italia

N. dell'aiuto: N 584/2003

Titolo: Proroga del termine fissato per la consegna di due navi Ro-Ro (numeri C. 209 e C. 210)

Obiettivo: Costruzione navale

Fondamento giuridico: Articolo 2 della Legge n. 522 del 28.12.1999

Intensità dell'aiuto: 9 %

Altre informazioni: Il testo delle decisioni nelle lingue facenti fede, ad eccezione dei dati riservati, è disponibile sul sito:

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

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| 12.3.2005 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 62/7 |
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12.3.2005

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 62/7

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Comunicazione del 21 gennaio 2005 del governo maltese concernente la direttiva 94/22/CE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, del 30 maggio 1994, relativa alle condizioni di rilascio e di esercizio delle autorizzazioni alla prospezione, ricerca e coltivazione di idrocarburi (1)

(2005/C 62/05)

(Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE)

A norma dell'articolo 10 della direttiva 94/22/CE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, del 30 maggio 1994, relativa alle condizioni di rilascio e di esercizio delle autorizzazioni alla prospezione, ricerca e coltivazione di idrocarburi, la Repubblica di Malta comunica alla Commissione europea che l'unica autorità competente in materia è il ministro delle risorse e dell'infrastruttura della Repubblica di Malta, Block B, Floriana CMR 02, Malta.

A norma dell'articolo 5, paragrafo 1 della direttiva 94/22/CE, il ministro delle risorse e dell'infrastruttura della Repubblica di Malta comunica che i criteri applicati per il rilascio delle autorizzazioni sono i seguenti:

| a) | risorse finanziarie del richiedente; |
| --- | --- |

a)

risorse finanziarie del richiedente;

| b) | capacità tecnica ed esperienza del richiedente; |
| --- | --- |

b)

capacità tecnica ed esperienza del richiedente;

| c) | programma di lavoro proposto dal richiedente; |
| --- | --- |

c)

programma di lavoro proposto dal richiedente;

| d) | se pertinente, precedenti prestazioni del richiedente nell'ambito di autorizzazioni precedenti; e |
| --- | --- |

d)

se pertinente, precedenti prestazioni del richiedente nell'ambito di autorizzazioni precedenti; e

| e) | se l'autorizzazione è offerta in vendita, il prezzo che l'ente è disposto a pagare per ottenere detta autorizzazione. |
| --- | --- |

e)

se l'autorizzazione è offerta in vendita, il prezzo che l'ente è disposto a pagare per ottenere detta autorizzazione.

A norma dell'articolo 5, paragrafo 2 della direttiva 94/22/CE, le informazioni sulle condizioni e i requisiti relativi all'esercizio o alla cessazione dell'attività, applicabili a ogni tipo di autorizzazione sono fornite nel modulo ESA (2001) e PSC (2001), pubblicati dal Dipartimento per la prospezione petrolifera presso il Ministero delle risorse e dell'infrastruttura, Block B, Floriana CMR 02, Malta. Le informazioni di cui trattasi non si applicano necessariamente al caso di cui all'articolo 3, paragrafo 2 della direttiva 94/22/CE.

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(1)  GU L 164 del 30.6.1994, pag. 3

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| 12.3.2005 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 62/8 |
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12.3.2005

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 62/8

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Comunicazione del 21 gennaio 2005 del governo maltese concernente la direttiva 94/22/CE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, del 30 maggio 1994, relativa alle condizioni di rilascio e di esercizio delle autorizzazioni alla prospezione, ricerca e coltivazione di idrocarburi (1)

(2005/C 62/06)

(Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE)

A norma dell'articolo 3, paragrafo 3, della direttiva 94/22/CE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, del 30 maggio 1994, relativa alle condizioni di rilascio e di esercizio delle autorizzazioni alla prospezione, ricerca e coltivazione di idrocarburi, il ministro delle risorse e dell'infrastruttura di Malta comunica che al largo della costa maltese sono disponibili per un'autorizzazione su base permanente nell'ambito di un permesso di esplorazione o di un permesso di esplorazione e produzione le seguenti aree (o parti di aree):

| (i) | Area 1 |
| --- | --- |

(i)

Area 1

| (ii) | Area 3 (ad eccezione dei blocchi sottoindicati) |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

Area 3 (ad eccezione dei blocchi sottoindicati)

| (iii) | Area 4 (ad eccezione dei blocchi sottoindicati) |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

Area 4 (ad eccezione dei blocchi sottoindicati)

| (iv) | Area 6 |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

Area 6

Le aree/i blocchi di seguito elencati sono già oggetto di un'autorizzazione concessa prima del 1o maggio 2004 e non sono disponibili fino a nuova notifica:

| (i) | Area 2 |
| --- | --- |

(i)

Area 2

| (ii) | Blocco 4 e blocco 5 dell'area 3 |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

Blocco 4 e blocco 5 dell'area 3

| (iii) | Blocco 3 della area 4 |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

Blocco 3 della area 4

| (iv) | Area 5 |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

Area 5

| (v) | Area 7 |
| --- | --- |

(v)

Area 7

I richiedenti debbono presentare le informazioni richieste utilizzando il modulo pubblicato nei Petroleum (Production) Regulations, 2001 (Legal Notice 320 del 2001, 1o dicembre 2001).

Le aree/i blocchi disponibili a fini di autorizzazione nonché quelli già oggetto di un'autorizzazione sono delimitati da coordinate geografiche che possono essere richieste, insieme ad altre eventuali informazioni, al Dipartimento per la prospezione petrolifera presso il Ministero delle risorse e dell'infrastruttura, Block B, Floriana CMR 02, Malta, telefono (356) 21 23 79 21.

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(1)  GU L 164 del 30.6.1994, pag. 3

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| 12.3.2005 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 62/9 |
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12.3.2005

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 62/9

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Notifica preventiva di una concentrazione

(Caso n. COMP/M.3743 — DuPont/DDE)

Caso ammissibile alla procedura semplificata

(2005/C 62/07)

(Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE)

| 1. | In data 4 marzo 2005 è pervenuta alla Commissione la notifica di un progetto di concentrazione in conformità all'articolo 4 del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004 del Consiglio (1). Con tale operazione l'impresa E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company («DuPont», USA) acquisisce (acquisiscono) ai sensi dell'articolo 3, paragrafo 1, lettera b), del regolamento del Consiglio il controllo di parti dell'impresa DuPont Dow Elastomers L.L.C. («DDE», USA) mediante acquisto di azioni o quote. |
| --- | --- |

1.

In data 4 marzo 2005 è pervenuta alla Commissione la notifica di un progetto di concentrazione in conformità all'articolo 4 del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004 del Consiglio (1). Con tale operazione l'impresa E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company («DuPont», USA) acquisisce (acquisiscono) ai sensi dell'articolo 3, paragrafo 1, lettera b), del regolamento del Consiglio il controllo di parti dell'impresa DuPont Dow Elastomers L.L.C. («DDE», USA) mediante acquisto di azioni o quote.

| 2. | Le attività svolte dalle imprese interessate sono le seguenti:






  — | per DuPont: compagnia attiva su scala mondiale in diversi settori quali: agricoltura, alimentazione, elettronica, comunicazioni, sicurezza e protezione, edilizia, articoli per la casa e trasporti. |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Le attività svolte dalle imprese interessate sono le seguenti:

—

per DuPont: compagnia attiva su scala mondiale in diversi settori quali: agricoltura, alimentazione, elettronica, comunicazioni, sicurezza e protezione, edilizia, articoli per la casa e trasporti.

| — | per DDE: ricerca, produzione e marketing di elastomeri |
| --- | --- |

—

per DDE: ricerca, produzione e marketing di elastomeri

| 3. | A seguito di un esame preliminare la Commissione ritiene che la transazione notificata possa rientrare nel campo d'applicazione del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004. Tuttavia si riserva la decisione finale al riguardo. Si rileva che, ai sensi della comunicazione della Commissione concernente una procedura semplificata per l'esame di determinate concentrazioni a norma del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004 del Consiglio (2), il presente caso potrebbe soddisfare le condizioni per l'applicazione della procedura di cui alla comunicazione stessa. |
| --- | --- |

3.

A seguito di un esame preliminare la Commissione ritiene che la transazione notificata possa rientrare nel campo d'applicazione del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004. Tuttavia si riserva la decisione finale al riguardo. Si rileva che, ai sensi della comunicazione della Commissione concernente una procedura semplificata per l'esame di determinate concentrazioni a norma del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004 del Consiglio (2), il presente caso potrebbe soddisfare le condizioni per l'applicazione della procedura di cui alla comunicazione stessa.

| 4. | La Commissione invita i terzi interessati a presentare le loro eventuali osservazioni sulla concentrazione proposta.
  Le osservazioni debbono pervenire alla Commissione non oltre dieci giorni dalla data di pubblicazione della presente comunicazione. Le osservazioni possono essere trasmesse alla Commissione per fax (fax n. +32/2/296 43 01 o 296 72 44) o per posta, indicando il riferimento COMP/M.3743 — DuPont/DDE, al seguente indirizzo:





  Commissione europea |
| --- | --- |
| Direzione generale Concorrenza |
| Protocollo Concentrazioni |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |

4.

La Commissione invita i terzi interessati a presentare le loro eventuali osservazioni sulla concentrazione proposta.

Le osservazioni debbono pervenire alla Commissione non oltre dieci giorni dalla data di pubblicazione della presente comunicazione. Le osservazioni possono essere trasmesse alla Commissione per fax (fax n. +32/2/296 43 01 o 296 72 44) o per posta, indicando il riferimento COMP/M.3743 — DuPont/DDE, al seguente indirizzo:

Commissione europea

Direzione generale Concorrenza

Protocollo Concentrazioni

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  GU L 24 del 29.1.2004, pag. 1.

(2)  Disponibile al pubblico sul sito della DG Concorrenza:

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

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| 12.3.2005 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 62/10 |
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12.3.2005

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 62/10

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AIUTI DI STATO — REGNO UNITO

Aiuto di Stato n. C 4/2005 (ex NN 57/2004)

Imposta patrimoniale sulle infrastrutture di telecomunicazione

Invito a presentare osservazioni a norma dell'articolo 88, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE

(2005/C 62/08)

(Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE)

Con lettera del 19 gennaio 2005, riprodotta nella lingua facente fede dopo la presente sintesi, la Commissione ha comunicato al Regno Unito la propria decisione di avviare il procedimento di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE in relazione alla misura in oggetto.

Gli interessati sono invitati a presentare osservazioni sulla misura nei confronti della quale la Commissione avvia il procedimento entro un mese dalla data di pubblicazione della presente sintesi e della lettera che segue, inviandole al seguente indirizzo:

| Commissione europea |
| --- |
| Direzione generale della Concorrenza |
| Protocollo aiuti di Stato |
| B-1049 Bruxelles |
| Fax: (00-32) 2 296 12 42 |

Commissione europea

Direzione generale della Concorrenza

Protocollo aiuti di Stato

B-1049 Bruxelles

Fax: (00-32) 2 296 12 42

Tali osservazioni saranno comunicate al Regno Unito. Su richiesta scritta e motivata degli autori delle osservazioni, la loro identità non sarà rivelata.

TESTO DELLA SINTESI

Procedimento

Nel febbraio 2004 Vtesse Networks Ltd, impresa del Regno Unito operante nel settore delle telecomunicazioni, ha presentato una denuncia in relazione a presunti aiuti di Stato consistenti in un trattamento fiscale più favorevole a beneficio di British Telecom Plc (in appresso «BT»), l'operatore tradizionale delle telecomunicazioni. Sulla base di tale denuncia la Commissione ha richiesto ulteriori informazioni alle autorità del Regno Unito, che le sono state trasmesse nell'aprile 2004.

Descrizione della misura riguardo alla quale la Commissione avvia il procedimento

La misura riguarda un'imposta patrimoniale del Regno Unito sulle proprietà delle imprese, comprese le infrastrutture di telecomunicazione. La normativa primaria che disciplina questo regime fiscale in Inghilterra e Galles è la Local Government Finance Act del 1988, che prevede che sia effettuata una stima dei beni patrimoniali il cui valore costituisca la base imponibile a cui si applica un'aliquota d'imposta per calcolare il debito fiscale. Tale aliquota viene fissata annualmente ed è la stessa per tutti gli operatori delle telecomunicazioni; la base imponibile per ciascun operatore viene tuttavia determinata dalla Valuation Office Agency (in appresso «VOA»), agenzia esecutiva del governo centrale, applicando diversi metodi di valutazione e consentendo la possibilità di ricorso. La VOA applica un determinato metodo di valutazione dei beni patrimoniali a BT e Kingston Communications (l'incumbent della regione di Hull), mentre ne applica uno diverso all'impresa che ha presentato denuncia, Vtesse Networks Ltd, e ad altri operatori concorrenti. Questo sistema di applicare metodi di valutazione diversi determina verosimilmente un onere fiscale differente e sproporzionato per le società operanti sul mercato delle telecomunicazioni.

Valutazione

In base alla comunicazione della Commissione sull'applicazione delle norme relative agli aiuti di Stato alle misure di tassazione diretta delle imprese (GU C 384/3-9 del 10.12.1998), i benefici fiscali limitati a determinati tipi di imprese, ove favoriscano determinate imprese ovvero la produzione di determinati beni, possono costituire aiuto di Stato. Una riduzione della base imponibile, e quindi del livello di imposizione applicabile a BT e Kingston Communications conferisce a tali imprese un vantaggio selettivo, poiché riduce i costi che esse dovrebbero normalmente sostenere nell'esercizio delle proprie attività. Il mercato delle telecomunicazioni del Regno Unito è aperto alla concorrenza, pertanto il vantaggio conferito a BT e Kingston Communications è tale da falsare la concorrenza o incidere sugli scambi. Sembrano sussistere gli elementi per qualificare la misura come aiuto di Stato ai sensi dell'articolo 87, paragrafo 1, del trattato CE.

Allo stadio attuale del procedimento la Commissione giunge pertanto alla conclusione che le autorità del Regno Unito potrebbero aver concesso aiuti di Stato a BT e Kingston Communications ai sensi dell'articolo 87, paragrafo 1, del trattato CE. Se si può escludere l'esistenza di aiuti nei casi in cui il trattamento differenziato sia giustificato dalla natura o dallo schema generale del sistema di cui le imprese in questione fanno parte, nel presente caso la Commissione dubita che ciò possa essere giustificato sulla base degli elementi intrinseci e della logica inerente del sistema fiscale.

Le deroghe di cui all'articolo 87, paragrafi 2 e 3, del trattato CE non sembrerebbero applicabili. Nutrendo dubbi sulla compatibilità degli aiuti alle disposizioni del trattato CE, la Commissione ha deciso di avviare il procedimento d'indagine formale in virtù dell'articolo 88, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE. Conformemente all'articolo 14 del regolamento (CE) n. 659/1999 del Consiglio, ogni aiuto concesso illegalmente può formare oggetto di recupero presso il beneficiario.

TESTO DELLA LETTERA

| «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. |
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«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. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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). |
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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”. |
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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). |
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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). |
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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). |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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(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). |
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(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). |
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(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. |
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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). |
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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). |
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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. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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(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. |
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(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. |
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(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 Informazioni

Commissione

| 12.3.2005 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 62/19 |
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12.3.2005

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 62/19

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UK-Greenock: Effettuazione di servizi aerei di linea

Bando di gara pubblicato dall'Irlanda ai sensi dell'articolo 4, paragrafo 1, lettera d) del regolamento (CEE) n. 2408/92 del Consiglio per l'esercizio di servizi aerei di linea tra Galway/Na Minna e le Isole Aran

(2005/C 62/09)

(Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE)

1.   Introduzione: A norma dell'articolo 4, paragrafo 1, lettera a), del regolamento (CEE) n. 2408/92 del 23.7.1992, sull'accesso dei vettori alle rotte intracomunitarie, l'Irlanda ha deciso di imporre oneri di servizio pubblico sui servizi aerei di linea tra Galway / Na Minna e le Isole Aran a decorrere dall'1.8.2005. Le norme prescritte dai relativi oneri di servizio pubblico sono state pubblicate nella
  Gazzetta ufficiale delle Comunità europee C 281, pag. 5 del 5.10.2001, modificate mediante pubblicazione nella
  Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea C 61 dell'11.3.2005.

Se entro il 1.7.2005 nessun vettore aereo avrà istituito o sarà in procinto di istituire i servizi aerei di linea in oggetto, conformemente agli oneri di servizio pubblico imposti e senza corrispettivo finanziario, l'Irlanda, in applicazione della procedura di cui all'articolo 4, paragrafo 1, lettera d), del regolamento citato, continuerà a limitare l'accesso alla rotta in questione a un unico vettore e indirà una gara per assegnare il diritto di prestare questi servizi dall'1.8.2005.

2.   Oggetto della gara d'appalto: Fornitura, a decorrere dall'1.8.2005 di un servizio aereo di linea tra Galway / Na Minna e le Isole Aran conformemente agli oneri di servizio pubblico imposti sulla rotta in questione e pubblicati nella
  Gazzetta ufficiale delle Comunità europee C 281 pag. 5, del 5.10.2001, modificate mediante pubblicazione nella
  Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea C 61 dell'11.3.2005.

3.   Partecipazione: La gara è aperta a tutti i vettori aerei comunitari titolari di una licenza di esercizio valida rilasciata da uno Stato membro ai sensi del regolamento (CEE) n. 2407/92 del Consiglio, del 23.7.1992, sul rilascio delle licenze ai vettori aerei. I servizi in questione saranno soggetti alle norme dell'Autorità irlandese dell'aviazione civile (CAA).

4.   Procedura: La gara è soggetta alle disposizioni dell'articolo 4, paragrafo 1, lettere d), e), f), g), h) e i) del regolamento (CEE) n. 2408/92.

5.   Capitolato d'oneri/qualifiche ecc.: Il capitolato d'oneri completo, che comprende il formulario della gara, le specifiche tecniche, una lettera d'informazione, nonché il testo degli oneri di servizio pubblico pubblicati nella
  Gazzetta ufficiale delle Comunità europee C 281, pag. 5 del 5.10.2001, modificati mediante pubblicazione nella
  Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea C 61 dell'11.3.2005 possono essere richiesti gratuitamente all'indirizzo dell'autorità aggiudicatrice:

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

I vettori sono invitati a includere nel fascicolo della gara documenti relativi alla loro situazione finanziaria (una relazione annuale, i conti certificati relativi agli ultimi 3 esercizi, nonché il fatturato e i profitti prima delle imposte relativi agli ultimi tre esercizi), alla loro esperienza e alla capacità tecnica di fornire i servizi in questione. L'autorità aggiudicatrice si riserva il diritto di richiedere ulteriori informazioni sulle risorse e sull'idoneità tecnico-finanziaria di qualsiasi offerente.

Le offerte devono essere espresse in euro e i documenti giustificativi devono essere in lingua inglese o irlandese. Il contratto è disciplinato dalla legge irlandese e soggetto alla competenza esclusiva dei tribunali irlandesi.

6.   Compensazione finanziaria: Le offerte devono espressamente indicare l'importo del corrispettivo richiesto per la prestazione dei servizi sulla rotta in questione nei tre anni successivi alla data prevista per l'inizio del servizio (con ripartizione annuale). Tale corrispettivo viene calcolato in base ai requisiti minimi imposti.

L'importo esatto del corrispettivo a carico del ministero competente (Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs — Ministero per gli affari sociali, rurali e per le aree di lingua irlandese) viene determinato retroattivamente nei limiti dell'importo indicato per ogni singolo anno nell'offerta ed è limitato alle perdite effettivamente subite dal vincitore della gara affidatario del servizio, tenendo conto delle spese, delle entrate ed eventualmente un margine di profitto.

Il contratto stabilisce il limite massimo del corrispettivo per ogni singolo anno, il quale può essere aumentato, unicamente a discrezione dell'autorità aggiudicatrice nel caso di mutamento delle condizioni di esercizio. Fatte salve le disposizioni relative alla risoluzione del contratto, l'autorità aggiudicatrice, nella valutazione delle proposte di aumento del corrispettivo massimo, tiene debito conto di tutti gli sviluppi che incidono sulla gestione del servizio che non sono stati o che non avrebbero potuto essere previsti dall'offerente o derivanti da fattori che esulano dal suo controllo.

Il contratto è aggiudicato dal citato Ministero competente. Tutti i pagamenti previsti dal contratto sono effettuati in euro e sono subordinati al ricevimento, da parte dell'autorità aggiudicatrice, di domande debitamente documentate accompagnate da certificati emessi dai revisori dei conti del vettore conformemente alle disposizioni del contratto.

7.   Durata, modifiche e risoluzione del contratto: Il contratto è valido per un periodo massimo di tre anni decorrenti dall'1.8.2005 e avrà termine entro e non oltre il 31.7.2008. Se opportuno, verrà pubblicato un nuovo bando di gara anteriormente al 31.7.2008. Qualsiasi modifica del contratto o recesso dallo stesso deve essere conforme alle disposizioni del contratto. Una modifica delle condizioni di esercizio è ammessa solo con il consenso dell'autorità aggiudicatrice.

8.   Sanzioni in caso di inadempimento del contratto: In caso di forza maggiore, o qualora il volo venga cancellato per motivi direttamente imputabili al vettore, il corrispettivo pagato riguarda esclusivamente le spese effettivamente sostenute dal vettore per la gestione dei passeggeri che hanno subito un pregiudizio in seguito alla non effettuazione di tali voli. L'autorità aggiudicatrice si riserva il diritto di notificare la risoluzione del contratto qualora ritenga che i requisiti imposti dagli oneri di servizio pubblico non siano stati debitamente soddisfatti sotto il profilo dell'adeguatezza del servizio fornito dal vettore ed in particolare del numero di voli annullati per motivi ad esso direttamente imputabili.

9.   Termine per la presentazione delle offerte: 1 mese a decorrere dalla pubblicazione della presente comunicazione nel supplemento alla Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea.

10.   Presentazione delle domande: Le domande devono essere inviate all'indirizzo indicato al punto 5 e recare la dicitura EASP Tender entro le 12 pomeridiane (ora irlandese) del giorno indicato al punto 9.

11.   Validità della gara: Ai sensi dell'articolo 4, paragrafo 1, lettera d), del regolamento (CEE) n. 2408/92, il presente bando vale a condizione che nessun vettore aereo comunitario presenti, entro l'1.7.2005, un programma di esercizio della rotta in questione a decorrere dall'1.8.2005 o prima di tale data, in conformità con gli oneri di servizio pubblico imposti, come modificati, e senza corrispettivo finanziario.

12.   Freedom of Information Acts, 1997 and 2003 (Legge sulla libertà di informazione): Il ministero competente si impegna a fare ogni sforzo per garantire la riservatezza di tutte le informazioni comunicategli dagli offerenti nel rispetto degli obblighi impostigli dalla legge, ivi compresi i Freedom of Information (FOI) Acts 1997 e 2003. Se desiderano che le informazioni contenute nelle loro offerte non vengano divulgate per motivi di riservatezza commerciale, gli offerenti sono tenuti, al momento della comunicazione delle suddette informazioni, ad indicarle e a precisarne le ragioni. Prima di adottare una decisione in merito alla divulgazione delle informazioni ai sensi delle disposizioni della legge sulla libertà di informazione, il ministero si consulta con gli offerenti in merito alla necessità di riservatezza commerciale. Se gli offerenti ritengono che nessuna delle informazioni presentate abbia un carattere riservato, sono tenuti a rilasciare una dichiarazione in merito e tali informazioni possono essere divulgate sulla base di una richiesta ai sensi della legge sulla libertà di informazione.

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