# Euroopa Liidu C 62/12.

| | ISSN 1725-5171 |
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| Euroopa Liidu
  Teataja | C 62 |
| | |
| Eestikeelne väljaanne | Teave ja teatised | 48. köide12. märts 2005 |

ISSN 1725-5171

Euroopa Liidu

Teataja

C 62

Eestikeelne väljaanne

Teave ja teatised

48. köide12. märts 2005

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| Teatis nr | Sisukord | Lehekülg |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Teave |
| | Nõukogu |
| 2005/C 062/1 | Nõukogu resolutsioon, — 9. detsember 2004 mis käsitleb info- ja sidetehnoloogia tulevikku | 1 |
| | Komisjon |
| 2005/C 062/2 | Euro vahetuskurss | 4 |
| 2005/C 062/3 | Eelteatis koondumise kohta (Toimik nr COMP/M.3745 — Severstal/Lucchini) — Juhtumi puhul võidakse kohaldada lihtsustatud korda (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2005/C 062/4 | Euroopa Ühenduse asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 raames antava riigiabi lubamine — Juhud, mille suhtes komisjonil ei ole vastuväiteid (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2005/C 062/5 | Malta valitsuse 21. jaanuari 2005. aasta teatis seoses Euroopa Parlamendi ja nõukogu 30. mai 1994. aasta direktiiviga 94/22/EÜ süsivesinike geoloogilise luure, uurimise ja tootmise lubade andmis- ning kasutamistingimuste kohta (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2005/C 062/6 | Malta valitsuse 21. jaanuari 2005. aasta teatis seoses Euroopa Parlamendi ja nõukogu 30. mai 1994. aasta direktiiviga 94/22/EÜ süsivesinike geoloogilise luure, uurimise ja tootmise lubade andmis- ning kasutamistingimuste kohta (
  1
  ) | 8 |
| 2005/C 062/7 | Eelteatis koondumise kohta (Toimik nr COMP/M.3743 — DuPont/DDE) — Juhtumi puhul võidakse kohaldada lihtsustatud korda (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| 2005/C 062/8 | Riigiabi — Ühendkuningriik — Riigiabi nr C 4/2005 (ex NN 57/2004) — Telekommunikatsiooni infrastruktuuri omandimaks — Kutse märkuste esitamiseks vastavalt Euroopa Ühenduse asutamislepingu artikli 88 lõikele 2 (
  1
  ) | 10 |

Teatis nr

Sisukord

Lehekülg

I   Teave

Nõukogu

2005/C 062/1

Nõukogu resolutsioon, — 9. detsember 2004 mis käsitleb info- ja sidetehnoloogia tulevikku

1

Komisjon

2005/C 062/2

Euro vahetuskurss

4

2005/C 062/3

Eelteatis koondumise kohta (Toimik nr COMP/M.3745 — Severstal/Lucchini) — Juhtumi puhul võidakse kohaldada lihtsustatud korda (
  1
  )

1

5

2005/C 062/4

Euroopa Ühenduse asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 raames antava riigiabi lubamine — Juhud, mille suhtes komisjonil ei ole vastuväiteid (
  1
  )

1

6

2005/C 062/5

Malta valitsuse 21. jaanuari 2005. aasta teatis seoses Euroopa Parlamendi ja nõukogu 30. mai 1994. aasta direktiiviga 94/22/EÜ süsivesinike geoloogilise luure, uurimise ja tootmise lubade andmis- ning kasutamistingimuste kohta (
  1
  )

1

7

2005/C 062/6

Malta valitsuse 21. jaanuari 2005. aasta teatis seoses Euroopa Parlamendi ja nõukogu 30. mai 1994. aasta direktiiviga 94/22/EÜ süsivesinike geoloogilise luure, uurimise ja tootmise lubade andmis- ning kasutamistingimuste kohta (
  1
  )

1

8

2005/C 062/7

Eelteatis koondumise kohta (Toimik nr COMP/M.3743 — DuPont/DDE) — Juhtumi puhul võidakse kohaldada lihtsustatud korda (
  1
  )

1

9

2005/C 062/8

Riigiabi — Ühendkuningriik — Riigiabi nr C 4/2005 (ex NN 57/2004) — Telekommunikatsiooni infrastruktuuri omandimaks — Kutse märkuste esitamiseks vastavalt Euroopa Ühenduse asutamislepingu artikli 88 lõikele 2 (
  1
  )

1

10

| | III   Teatised |
| --- | --- |
| | Komisjon |
| 2005/C 062/9 | UK-Greenock: Kavakohase õhuühenduse toimumine — Iirimaa poolt nõukogu määruse (EMÜ) nr 2408/92 4(l)(d) artikli alusel välja antud üleskutse pakkumisteks planeeritud õhuühenduse teostamiseks Galway/Na Minna ja Arani saarte vahel (
  1
  ) | 19 |

III   Teatised

Komisjon

2005/C 062/9

UK-Greenock: Kavakohase õhuühenduse toimumine — Iirimaa poolt nõukogu määruse (EMÜ) nr 2408/92 4(l)(d) artikli alusel välja antud üleskutse pakkumisteks planeeritud õhuühenduse teostamiseks Galway/Na Minna ja Arani saarte vahel (
  1
  )

1

19

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| | (1)   EMPs kohaldatav tekst |

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(1)   EMPs kohaldatav tekst

1

| ET | |
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ET

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I Teave

Nõukogu

| 12.3.2005 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 62/1 |
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12.3.2005

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 62/1

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NÕUKOGU RESOLUTSIOON,

9. detsember 2004

mis käsitleb info- ja sidetehnoloogia tulevikku

(2005/C 62/01)

EUROOPA LIIDU NÕUKOGU,

tervitades komisjoni teatist väljakutsete kohta Euroopa infoühiskonnale pärast 2005. aastat ja komisjoni teatist mobiilsete lairibateenuste kohta,

meenutades

| 1. | 23.-24. märtsi 2000. aasta Lissaboni Euroopa Ülemkogu eesistujariigi järeldusi; |
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1.

23.-24. märtsi 2000. aasta Lissaboni Euroopa Ülemkogu eesistujariigi järeldusi;

| 2. | juunis 2002 toimunud Euroopa Ülemkogu eesistujariigi järeldusi, milles kiideti heaks e-Euroopa 2005 tegevuskava eesmärgid; |
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2.

juunis 2002 toimunud Euroopa Ülemkogu eesistujariigi järeldusi, milles kiideti heaks e-Euroopa 2005 tegevuskava eesmärgid;

| 3. | nõukogu 18. veebruari 2003. aasta resolutsiooni e-Euroopa tegevuskava rakendamise kohta; |
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3.

nõukogu 18. veebruari 2003. aasta resolutsiooni e-Euroopa tegevuskava rakendamise kohta;

| 4. | 2003. aasta kevadise Euroopa Ülemkogu eesistujariigi järeldusi, milles kutsutakse EL-15 liikmesriike üles riiklike lairibastrateegiate juurutamisele 2003. aasta lõpuks; |
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4.

2003. aasta kevadise Euroopa Ülemkogu eesistujariigi järeldusi, milles kutsutakse EL-15 liikmesriike üles riiklike lairibastrateegiate juurutamisele 2003. aasta lõpuks;

| 5. | nõukogu 20. novembri 2003. aasta järeldusi e-valitsuse rolli kohta Euroopa tulevikus; |
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5.

nõukogu 20. novembri 2003. aasta järeldusi e-valitsuse rolli kohta Euroopa tulevikus;

| 6. | 2004. aasta kevadise Euroopa Ülemkogu eesistujariigi järeldusi, mis tõstavad esile vajaduse uute elektroonilise side valdkonna strateegiate järele; |
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6.

2004. aasta kevadise Euroopa Ülemkogu eesistujariigi järeldusi, mis tõstavad esile vajaduse uute elektroonilise side valdkonna strateegiate järele;

| 7. | nõukogu 8. märtsi 2004. aasta järeldusi hiljutiste arengute kohta Euroopa elektroonilise side sektoris, mis kinnitavad info- ja sidetehnoloogia tähtsust majanduskasvule ja konkurentsivõimele; |
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7.

nõukogu 8. märtsi 2004. aasta järeldusi hiljutiste arengute kohta Euroopa elektroonilise side sektoris, mis kinnitavad info- ja sidetehnoloogia tähtsust majanduskasvule ja konkurentsivõimele;

| 8. | nõukogu 8. märtsi 2004. aasta järeldusi e-Euroopa 2005 tegevuskava vahearuande kohta, mis kinnitavad e-Euroopa 2005 sihtide kehtivust laienemise kontekstis; |
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8.

nõukogu 8. märtsi 2004. aasta järeldusi e-Euroopa 2005 tegevuskava vahearuande kohta, mis kinnitavad e-Euroopa 2005 sihtide kehtivust laienemise kontekstis;

| 9. | nõukogu 10. juuni 2004. aasta järeldusi e-Euroopa 2005 tegevuskava täiendamise ja riiklike lairibastrateegiate kohta; |
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9.

nõukogu 10. juuni 2004. aasta järeldusi e-Euroopa 2005 tegevuskava täiendamise ja riiklike lairibastrateegiate kohta;

| 10. | 4.-5. novembri 2004. aasta Euroopa Ülemkogu eesistujariigi järeldusi, mis tervitavad härra Koki juhitud kõrgetasemelise töörühma aruannet; |
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10.

4.-5. novembri 2004. aasta Euroopa Ülemkogu eesistujariigi järeldusi, mis tervitavad härra Koki juhitud kõrgetasemelise töörühma aruannet;

| 11. | info- ja sidetehnoloogia tulevikku käsitleva 29.-30. septembri 2004. aasta kõrgetasemelise kohtumise suundumusi. |
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11.

info- ja sidetehnoloogia tulevikku käsitleva 29.-30. septembri 2004. aasta kõrgetasemelise kohtumise suundumusi.

Tunnistades,

| 1. | et 2000. aasta märtsis seatud Lissaboni eesmärkide saavutamisele kaasaaitamiseks on selge vajadus Euroopa ja riiklikul tasandil poliitika läbi vaadata ja seda vajaduse korral tõhustada, et suurendada info- ja sidetehnoloogia kasutuselevõttu ja levikut ühiskonnas tervikuna; |
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1.

et 2000. aasta märtsis seatud Lissaboni eesmärkide saavutamisele kaasaaitamiseks on selge vajadus Euroopa ja riiklikul tasandil poliitika läbi vaadata ja seda vajaduse korral tõhustada, et suurendada info- ja sidetehnoloogia kasutuselevõttu ja levikut ühiskonnas tervikuna;

| 2. | et info- ja sidetehnoloogia sektor, sealhulgas infotehnoloogia-, elektroonilise side ja audiovisuaaltööstused, on oluline iseseisev majandusharu, millel on märkimisväärsed kasvuvõimalused tulevikus ja mõju peaaegu kõigile muudele majandustegevustele; |
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2.

et info- ja sidetehnoloogia sektor, sealhulgas infotehnoloogia-, elektroonilise side ja audiovisuaaltööstused, on oluline iseseisev majandusharu, millel on märkimisväärsed kasvuvõimalused tulevikus ja mõju peaaegu kõigile muudele majandustegevustele;

| 3. | et info- ja sidetehnoloogia kasutamisel on otsene ja oluline mõju Euroopa majanduse tootlikkusele ja konkurentsivõimele; |
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3.

et info- ja sidetehnoloogia kasutamisel on otsene ja oluline mõju Euroopa majanduse tootlikkusele ja konkurentsivõimele;

| 4. | et info- ja sidetehnoloogia on väärtuslik vahend sotsiaalse ja geograafilise ühtekuuluvuse ning kodakondsuse soodustamiseks osalemist edendavas Euroopas, kultuuriliste identiteetide, sotsiaalse integratsiooni ja mitmekeelsuse toetamiseks ning läbipaistvuse ja ühiskonnaelus osalemise suurendamiseks; |
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4.

et info- ja sidetehnoloogia on väärtuslik vahend sotsiaalse ja geograafilise ühtekuuluvuse ning kodakondsuse soodustamiseks osalemist edendavas Euroopas, kultuuriliste identiteetide, sotsiaalse integratsiooni ja mitmekeelsuse toetamiseks ning läbipaistvuse ja ühiskonnaelus osalemise suurendamiseks;

| 5. | et laiaulatuslik ja terviklik info- ja sidetehnoloogia poliitika võib oluliselt kaasa aidata ELi kasvu, tootlikkuse ja konkurentsivõimega seotud eesmärkidele, luues kvaliteetseid töökohti, parandades üldisi majandustulemusi ning ajakohastades avalikke teenuseid ja soodustades ajakohastatud äriprotsesse nii avalikus kui ka erasektoris; |
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5.

et laiaulatuslik ja terviklik info- ja sidetehnoloogia poliitika võib oluliselt kaasa aidata ELi kasvu, tootlikkuse ja konkurentsivõimega seotud eesmärkidele, luues kvaliteetseid töökohti, parandades üldisi majandustulemusi ning ajakohastades avalikke teenuseid ja soodustades ajakohastatud äriprotsesse nii avalikus kui ka erasektoris;

| 6. | et nimetatud poliitikat peaks arendama jätkuva dialoogina ametiasutuste, erasektori ja muude huvirühmade vahel, et suuta käsitleda info- ja sidetehnoloogia valdkonna uusi arenguid; |
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6.

et nimetatud poliitikat peaks arendama jätkuva dialoogina ametiasutuste, erasektori ja muude huvirühmade vahel, et suuta käsitleda info- ja sidetehnoloogia valdkonna uusi arenguid;

| 7. | et kiiresti laienevatel ja üha suurema konkurentsiga ülemaailmsetel turgudel tooks uuenduslik ja konkurentsivõimeline info- ja sidetehnoloogia sektor Euroopa Liidule kasu. |
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7.

et kiiresti laienevatel ja üha suurema konkurentsiga ülemaailmsetel turgudel tooks uuenduslik ja konkurentsivõimeline info- ja sidetehnoloogia sektor Euroopa Liidule kasu.

LEIAB, et laiaulatusliku ja tervikliku info- ja sidetehnoloogia poliitika teostamiseks on asjakohased järgmised küsimused:

Eeskujulik info- ja sidetehnoloogia sektor ning uuenduslikud ettevõtted

| — | jätkata investeerimist järjekindlasse info- ja sidetehnoloogia uurimis- ja arendustegevusse nii avalikus kui ka erasektoris, tugevdades Euroopa uurimis- ja arendustegevuse kõrget taset soodsa teadus-, finants- ja ettevõtluskeskkonna loomise kaudu; |
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jätkata investeerimist järjekindlasse info- ja sidetehnoloogia uurimis- ja arendustegevusse nii avalikus kui ka erasektoris, tugevdades Euroopa uurimis- ja arendustegevuse kõrget taset soodsa teadus-, finants- ja ettevõtluskeskkonna loomise kaudu;

| — | edendada toetavat keskkonda, mis soodustab teadmiste ja uuenduste vaba liikumist ning kus uurimistulemused arendatakse edasi lisaväärtuslikeks rakendusteks ja toodeteks; |
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edendada toetavat keskkonda, mis soodustab teadmiste ja uuenduste vaba liikumist ning kus uurimistulemused arendatakse edasi lisaväärtuslikeks rakendusteks ja toodeteks;

| — | toetada, eriti väikestes ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetes, uute e-äri protsesside efektiivset kasutuselevõttu ning uute ärimudelite vastuvõtmist, et kasutada ära info- ja sidetehnoloogia võimalused. |
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toetada, eriti väikestes ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetes, uute e-äri protsesside efektiivset kasutuselevõttu ning uute ärimudelite vastuvõtmist, et kasutada ära info- ja sidetehnoloogia võimalused.

Info- ja sidetehnoloogia kodanike jaoks ning info- ja sidetehnoloogia alased oskused

| — | edendada ligipääsu info- ja sidetehnoloogiateenustele ning nende kättesaadavust kõigile kodanikele, muu hulgas info- ja sidetehnoloogia kasutamisest saadava võimaliku tulu parema mõistmise kaudu, ning toetades kasutajasõbralike tehnoloogiate jätkuvat arendamist, seeläbi muu hulgas jätkates tegelemist digitaalse lõhe küsimusega; |
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edendada ligipääsu info- ja sidetehnoloogiateenustele ning nende kättesaadavust kõigile kodanikele, muu hulgas info- ja sidetehnoloogia kasutamisest saadava võimaliku tulu parema mõistmise kaudu, ning toetades kasutajasõbralike tehnoloogiate jätkuvat arendamist, seeläbi muu hulgas jätkates tegelemist digitaalse lõhe küsimusega;

| — | toetada meetmeid nagu e-õpe kõigi kodanike, eriti vananeva elanikkonna, mõlema sugupoole ning mis tahes rahvusliku või ühiskondliku päritoluga inimeste e-oskuste edasiarendamiseks, et võimaldada neil täielikult ära kasutada infoühiskonna pakutavaid võimalusi; |
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toetada meetmeid nagu e-õpe kõigi kodanike, eriti vananeva elanikkonna, mõlema sugupoole ning mis tahes rahvusliku või ühiskondliku päritoluga inimeste e-oskuste edasiarendamiseks, et võimaldada neil täielikult ära kasutada infoühiskonna pakutavaid võimalusi;

| — | jätkata info- ja sidetehnoloogia kasutuselevõttu töökohtadel tootlikkuse ja töö kvaliteedi tõstmiseks ning suurendada info- ja sidetehnoloogia kasutamise osakaalu koolitusprotsessides; |
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jätkata info- ja sidetehnoloogia kasutuselevõttu töökohtadel tootlikkuse ja töö kvaliteedi tõstmiseks ning suurendada info- ja sidetehnoloogia kasutamise osakaalu koolitusprotsessides;

| — | leida strateegilisi lahendusi tööalasele migratsioonile, sealhulgas töötajate ja ettevõtete kohanemise ning paindlikkuse ja turvalisuse ühendamise edendamise kaudu tööturul. |
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leida strateegilisi lahendusi tööalasele migratsioonile, sealhulgas töötajate ja ettevõtete kohanemise ning paindlikkuse ja turvalisuse ühendamise edendamise kaudu tööturul.

Info- ja sidetehnoloogia avaliku teenistuse jaoks

| — | leppida kokku ja rakendada, vajadusel Euroopa tasemel, integreeritud lähenemisviisid e-valitsuse rakenduste kasutamises, eelkõige koostöö ja heade tavade vahetamise soodustamise kaudu; |
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leppida kokku ja rakendada, vajadusel Euroopa tasemel, integreeritud lähenemisviisid e-valitsuse rakenduste kasutamises, eelkõige koostöö ja heade tavade vahetamise soodustamise kaudu;

| — | paremini toimiva ja tõhusama avaliku teenistuse saavutamiseks arendada välja, võttes arvesse organisatsioonilise kohanemise vajadust, terviklik lähenemine info- ja sidetehnoloogia võimaluste ärakasutamiseks, kohandades internetiteenused ettevõtete ja kodanike vajadustele ning vähendades halduskulusid, võttes eelkõige arvesse vajadust üleeuroopaliste teenuste järele; |
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paremini toimiva ja tõhusama avaliku teenistuse saavutamiseks arendada välja, võttes arvesse organisatsioonilise kohanemise vajadust, terviklik lähenemine info- ja sidetehnoloogia võimaluste ärakasutamiseks, kohandades internetiteenused ettevõtete ja kodanike vajadustele ning vähendades halduskulusid, võttes eelkõige arvesse vajadust üleeuroopaliste teenuste järele;

| — | arendada üleeuroopalisi e-tervishoiu teenuseid, pöörates erilist tähelepanu standardimisele ja koostoimimisvõimele, et optimeerida patsientidele ravi- ja hooldusteenuste osutamist. |
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arendada üleeuroopalisi e-tervishoiu teenuseid, pöörates erilist tähelepanu standardimisele ja koostoimimisvõimele, et optimeerida patsientidele ravi- ja hooldusteenuste osutamist.

Toodete ja teenuste sisu ja arendamine

| — | edendada sügava ja loomingulise sisuga materjalide arendamist ja levitamist, näiteks avaliku sektori informatsiooni taaskasutamise toetamise kaudu; |
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edendada sügava ja loomingulise sisuga materjalide arendamist ja levitamist, näiteks avaliku sektori informatsiooni taaskasutamise toetamise kaudu;

| — | vajaduse korral kaotada erinevatel platvormidel oleva infosisuga materjalide kättesaadavuse takistused, toetades näiteks praktiliste lahenduste otsimist digitaalõiguste haldamise valdkonnas; |
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vajaduse korral kaotada erinevatel platvormidel oleva infosisuga materjalide kättesaadavuse takistused, toetades näiteks praktiliste lahenduste otsimist digitaalõiguste haldamise valdkonnas;

| — | toetada uute teenuste tekkimist laienenud siseturul süvendades soodsat regulatiivset keskkonda, mis võtab arvesse uusi arenguid, näiteks tehnilisi uuendusi; |
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toetada uute teenuste tekkimist laienenud siseturul süvendades soodsat regulatiivset keskkonda, mis võtab arvesse uusi arenguid, näiteks tehnilisi uuendusi;

| — | vastates info- ja sidetehnoloogial põhinevate rakenduste kasvavale hulgale, luua tööstusele ja avalikule sektorile soodne keskkond, et nii Euroopas kui ka ülemaailmselt arendada efektiivseid ja koostoimivaid lahendusi, eriti seoses elektrooniliste maksete, dokumentide ehtsuse tõendamise, tunnusandmete haldamise ja turvalisusega. |
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vastates info- ja sidetehnoloogial põhinevate rakenduste kasvavale hulgale, luua tööstusele ja avalikule sektorile soodne keskkond, et nii Euroopas kui ka ülemaailmselt arendada efektiivseid ja koostoimivaid lahendusi, eriti seoses elektrooniliste maksete, dokumentide ehtsuse tõendamise, tunnusandmete haldamise ja turvalisusega.

Võrkude arendamine

| — | tagada järjekindel ja efektiivne regulatiivne keskkond elektroonilisele sidele, soodustades konkurentsi, investeeringuid ja uuendusi; |
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tagada järjekindel ja efektiivne regulatiivne keskkond elektroonilisele sidele, soodustades konkurentsi, investeeringuid ja uuendusi;

| — | toetada avatud standardite väljaarendamist ja kasutamist ning suurendada võrkude ja teenuste koostoimimisvõimet; |
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toetada avatud standardite väljaarendamist ja kasutamist ning suurendada võrkude ja teenuste koostoimimisvõimet;

| — | võttes arvesse tehnoloogia neutraalsuse põhimõtet, toetada lairibasüsteemide laiemat kasutamist ja kättesaadavust, edendades eelkõige konkureerivaid platvorme ja koostoimivaid võrke; |
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—

võttes arvesse tehnoloogia neutraalsuse põhimõtet, toetada lairibasüsteemide laiemat kasutamist ja kättesaadavust, edendades eelkõige konkureerivaid platvorme ja koostoimivaid võrke;

| — | jätkata erinevate spektrihaldusmudelite hindamist, pidades silmas spektri paindlikumat ja tõhusamat kasutamist Euroopa ja ülemaailmsel tasemel, võttes arvesse uute ja uuenduslike tehnoloogiate ning turumehhanismidest lähtuvate metoodikate väljaarendamist. |
| --- | --- |

—

jätkata erinevate spektrihaldusmudelite hindamist, pidades silmas spektri paindlikumat ja tõhusamat kasutamist Euroopa ja ülemaailmsel tasemel, võttes arvesse uute ja uuenduslike tehnoloogiate ning turumehhanismidest lähtuvate metoodikate väljaarendamist.

Usaldus ja turvalisus

| — | arendada välja ühtne lähenemine, mis käsitleb kõiki usaldusega seotud asjakohaseid küsimusi võrgu- ja infoturbekultuuri jätkuvaks tugevdamiseks, et edendada usaldusväärset ja efektiivset elektroonilist sidet ning anda panus turvaliste üleeuroopaliste teenuste väljaarendamisse; |
| --- | --- |

—

arendada välja ühtne lähenemine, mis käsitleb kõiki usaldusega seotud asjakohaseid küsimusi võrgu- ja infoturbekultuuri jätkuvaks tugevdamiseks, et edendada usaldusväärset ja efektiivset elektroonilist sidet ning anda panus turvaliste üleeuroopaliste teenuste väljaarendamisse;

| — | töötada koostöös kõigi asjaomaste ja sealhulgas rahvusvaheliste huvirühmadega välja meetmed võitluseks Internetis leiduva ning eriti lapsi puudutava ebaseadusliku, kahjuliku ja pealesunnitud materjali ning rämpsposti vastu; |
| --- | --- |

—

töötada koostöös kõigi asjaomaste ja sealhulgas rahvusvaheliste huvirühmadega välja meetmed võitluseks Internetis leiduva ning eriti lapsi puudutava ebaseadusliku, kahjuliku ja pealesunnitud materjali ning rämpsposti vastu;

| — | tagada sobiv võrgu- ja infoturbe tase uute teenuste kasutuselevõtmiseks ja kasutamiseks ning muude info- ja sidetehnoloogiast sõltuvate infrastruktuuride nõuetekohane toimimine, võttes arvesse usalduse ja eraelu puutumatuse aspekte. |
| --- | --- |

—

tagada sobiv võrgu- ja infoturbe tase uute teenuste kasutuselevõtmiseks ja kasutamiseks ning muude info- ja sidetehnoloogiast sõltuvate infrastruktuuride nõuetekohane toimimine, võttes arvesse usalduse ja eraelu puutumatuse aspekte.

KUTSUB LIIKMESRIIKE ÜLES oma strateegilisi suundi ja rakendamispüüdlusi aktiivselt läbi vaatama ja tõhustama, et anda panus infoühiskonna uuele tegevuskavale aastani 2010.

KUTSUB KOMISJONI ÜLES

| 1. | jätkama regulatiivse raamistiku järelevalvet, pidades silmas tehnoloogia ja turu praegusi ja tulevasi arenguid, ning tegema vajaduse korral ettepanekuid säilitada sobiv regulatiivne keskkond, mis hõlbustab tõhusat konkurentsi ja toob kaasa rohkem investeeringuid, rohkem uuendusi, uued teenused ja madalamad hinnad; |
| --- | --- |

1.

jätkama regulatiivse raamistiku järelevalvet, pidades silmas tehnoloogia ja turu praegusi ja tulevasi arenguid, ning tegema vajaduse korral ettepanekuid säilitada sobiv regulatiivne keskkond, mis hõlbustab tõhusat konkurentsi ja toob kaasa rohkem investeeringuid, rohkem uuendusi, uued teenused ja madalamad hinnad;

| 2. | analüüsima info- ja sidetehnoloogiasektori konkurentsivõimet ning võttes arvesse info- ja sidetehnoloogia mõju Euroopa majandusele, alustama ettevalmistustööd e-Euroopa 2005 tegevuskava järelevalveks infoühiskonna uue, pärast 2005. aastat rakendatava tegevuskava tähtsa osana; |
| --- | --- |

2.

analüüsima info- ja sidetehnoloogiasektori konkurentsivõimet ning võttes arvesse info- ja sidetehnoloogia mõju Euroopa majandusele, alustama ettevalmistustööd e-Euroopa 2005 tegevuskava järelevalveks infoühiskonna uue, pärast 2005. aastat rakendatava tegevuskava tähtsa osana;

| 3. | eelseisvas ettepanekus järgmise teadustöö raamprogrammi kohta tunnustama info- ja sidetehnoloogia tähtsust. |
| --- | --- |

3.

eelseisvas ettepanekus järgmise teadustöö raamprogrammi kohta tunnustama info- ja sidetehnoloogia tähtsust.

KUTSUB TÖÖSTUSI ÜLES varustama turge uuenduslike info- ja sidetehnoloogia rakenduste ja teenustega ning tootma huvipakkuvat uut materjali, mis muu hulgas kasutaks ära Euroopa kultuurilist mitmekesisust ja mitmekeelsust.

KUTSUB KÕIKI HUVIRÜHMASID ÜLES jätkama info- ja sidetehnoloogia juurutamist oma tegevusalal, et selle kõiki võimalusi ära kasutada.

ESITAB käesoleva resolutsiooni panusena 2005. aasta kevadise Euroopa Ülemkogu arutelusse Lissaboni strateegia vahearuande üle.

---

Komisjon

| 12.3.2005 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 62/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.3.2005

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 62/4

---

Euro vahetuskurss (1)

11. märts 2005

(2005/C 62/02)

1 euro=

| | Valuuta | Kurss |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | USA dollar | 1,3416 |
| JPY | Jaapani jeen | 139,67 |
| DKK | Taani kroon | 7,4462 |
| GBP | Inglise nael | 0,69865 |
| SEK | Rootsi kroon | 9,0630 |
| CHF | Šveitsi frank | 1,5500 |
| ISK | Islandi kroon | 79,27 |
| NOK | Norra kroon | 8,177 |
| BGN | Bulgaaria lev | 1,9559 |
| CYP | Küprose nael | 0,5825 |
| CZK | Tšehhi kroon | 29,475 |
| EEK | Eesti kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Ungari forint | 243,20 |
| LTL | Leedu litt | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Läti latt | 0,6960 |
| MTL | Malta liir | 0,4330 |
| PLN | Poola zlott | 3,9519 |
| ROL | Rumeenia leu | 35 885 |
| SIT | Sloveenia talaar | 239,72 |
| SKK | Slovakkia kroon | 37,649 |
| TRY | Türgi liir | 1,7002 |
| AUD | Austraalia dollar | 1,6944 |
| CAD | Kanada dollar | 1,6176 |
| HKD | Hong Kongi dollar | 10,4638 |
| NZD | Uus-Meremaa dollar | 1,8173 |
| SGD | Singapuri dollar | 2,1733 |
| KRW | Korea won | 1 342,14 |
| ZAR | Lõuna- Aafrika rand | 7,8354 |

Valuuta

Kurss

USD

USA dollar

1,3416

JPY

Jaapani jeen

139,67

DKK

Taani kroon

7,4462

GBP

Inglise nael

0,69865

SEK

Rootsi kroon

9,0630

CHF

Šveitsi frank

1,5500

ISK

Islandi kroon

79,27

NOK

Norra kroon

8,177

BGN

Bulgaaria lev

1,9559

CYP

Küprose nael

0,5825

CZK

Tšehhi kroon

29,475

EEK

Eesti kroon

15,6466

HUF

Ungari forint

243,20

LTL

Leedu litt

3,4528

LVL

Läti latt

0,6960

MTL

Malta liir

0,4330

PLN

Poola zlott

3,9519

ROL

Rumeenia leu

35 885

SIT

Sloveenia talaar

239,72

SKK

Slovakkia kroon

37,649

TRY

Türgi liir

1,7002

AUD

Austraalia dollar

1,6944

CAD

Kanada dollar

1,6176

HKD

Hong Kongi dollar

10,4638

NZD

Uus-Meremaa dollar

1,8173

SGD

Singapuri dollar

2,1733

KRW

Korea won

1 342,14

ZAR

Lõuna- Aafrika rand

7,8354

---

(1)

Allikas: EKP avaldatud viitekurss.

---

| 12.3.2005 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 62/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.3.2005

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 62/5

---

Eelteatis koondumise kohta

(Toimik nr COMP/M.3745 — Severstal/Lucchini)

Juhtumi puhul võidakse kohaldada lihtsustatud korda

(2005/C 62/03)

(EMPs kohaldatav tekst)

| 1. | 4. märtsil 2005 sai komisjon teatise kavandatava koondumise kohta vastavalt nõukogu määruse (EÜ) nr 139/2004 (1) artiklile 4, mille kohaselt ettevõtja ZAO Severstal Group (“Severstal”, Venemaa) omandab täieliku kontrolli nimetatud nõukogu määruse artikli 3 lõike 1 punkti b tähenduses ettevõtja Lucchini SpA (“Lucchini”, Italy) üle aktsiate ostmise kaudu. |
| --- | --- |

1.

4. märtsil 2005 sai komisjon teatise kavandatava koondumise kohta vastavalt nõukogu määruse (EÜ) nr 139/2004 (1) artiklile 4, mille kohaselt ettevõtja ZAO Severstal Group (“Severstal”, Venemaa) omandab täieliku kontrolli nimetatud nõukogu määruse artikli 3 lõike 1 punkti b tähenduses ettevõtja Lucchini SpA (“Lucchini”, Italy) üle aktsiate ostmise kaudu.

| 2. | Asjaomaste ettevõtjate majandustegevus hõlmab järgmist:






  — | Severstal: peamiselt metallurgiatooted ja nende turustamine, aga samuti ka erinevad teised tegevused nagu pangandus, kindlustus ja muu; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Asjaomaste ettevõtjate majandustegevus hõlmab järgmist:

—

Severstal: peamiselt metallurgiatooted ja nende turustamine, aga samuti ka erinevad teised tegevused nagu pangandus, kindlustus ja muu;

| — | Lucchini: terasetooted ning nende müük. |
| --- | --- |

—

Lucchini: terasetooted ning nende müük.

| 3. | Komisjon leiab pärast teatise esialgset läbivaatamist, et tehing, millest teatatakse, võib kuuluda määruse (EÜ) nr 139/2004 reguleerimisalasse. Kuid lõplikku otsust selle kohta ei ole veel tehtud. Vastavalt komisjoni teatisele lihtsustatud korra kohta teatavate ettevõtjate koondumiste käsitlemiseks vastavalt nõukogu määrusele (EÜ) nr 139/2004 (2) tuleb märkida, et käesolevat juhtumit võidakse käsitleda teatises ettenähtud korra kohaselt. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Komisjon leiab pärast teatise esialgset läbivaatamist, et tehing, millest teatatakse, võib kuuluda määruse (EÜ) nr 139/2004 reguleerimisalasse. Kuid lõplikku otsust selle kohta ei ole veel tehtud. Vastavalt komisjoni teatisele lihtsustatud korra kohta teatavate ettevõtjate koondumiste käsitlemiseks vastavalt nõukogu määrusele (EÜ) nr 139/2004 (2) tuleb märkida, et käesolevat juhtumit võidakse käsitleda teatises ettenähtud korra kohaselt.

| 4. | Komisjon kutsub asjast huvitatud kolmandaid isikuid esitama komisjonile oma võimalikke märkusi kavandatava toimingu kohta.
  Komisjon peab märkused kätte saama hiljemalt kümme päeva pärast käesoleva dokumendi avaldamist. Tähelepanekuid võib saata komisjonile faksi teel (faksi nr +32 2 296 43 01 või 296 72 44) või postiga järgmisel aadressil (lisada tuleb viitenumber COMP/M.3745 — Severstal/Lucchini):





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

4.

Komisjon kutsub asjast huvitatud kolmandaid isikuid esitama komisjonile oma võimalikke märkusi kavandatava toimingu kohta.

Komisjon peab märkused kätte saama hiljemalt kümme päeva pärast käesoleva dokumendi avaldamist. Tähelepanekuid võib saata komisjonile faksi teel (faksi nr +32 2 296 43 01 või 296 72 44) või postiga järgmisel aadressil (lisada tuleb viitenumber COMP/M.3745 — Severstal/Lucchini):

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition,

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  ELT L 24, 29.1.2004, lk 1.

(2)  Kättesaadav DG COMP koduleheküljel:

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

---

| 12.3.2005 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 62/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.3.2005

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 62/6

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Euroopa Ühenduse asutamislepingu artiklite 87 ja 88 raames antava riigiabi lubamine

Juhud, mille suhtes komisjonil ei ole vastuväiteid

(2005/C 62/04)

(EMPs kohaldatav tekst)

Otsuse vastuvõtmise kuupäev:

Liikmesriik [Piirkond]: Itaalia

Abi nr: N 584/2003

Nimetus: Ro-ro tüüpi laevade tarnetähtaja pikendamine (numbrid C.209 ja C.210)

Eesmärk [valdkond]: Laevaehitus

Õiguslik alus: Articolo 2 della Legge n. 522 del 28.12.1999

Abi osatähtsus või summa: 9 %

Lisainformatsioon: Otsuse autentne tekst (autentsed tekstid), millest on eemaldatud kogu konfidentsiaalne teave, on kättesaadav(ad) aadressil:

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

---

| 12.3.2005 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 62/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.3.2005

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 62/7

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Malta valitsuse 21. jaanuari 2005. aasta teatis seoses Euroopa Parlamendi ja nõukogu 30. mai 1994. aasta direktiiviga 94/22/EÜ süsivesinike geoloogilise luure, uurimise ja tootmise lubade andmis- ning kasutamistingimuste kohta (1)

(2005/C 62/05)

(EMPs kohaldatav tekst)

Vastavalt Euroopa Parlamendi ja nõukogu 30. mai 1994. aasta direktiivi 94/22/EÜ (süsivesinike geoloogilise luure, uurimise ja tootmise lubade andmis- ning kasutamistingimuste kohta) artiklile 10 teatab Malta Vabariik Euroopa Komisjonile, et ainus pädev asutus on Malta Vabariigi loodusvarade ja infrastruktuuri minister, Block B, Floriana CMR 02, Malta.

Vastavalt direktiivi 94/22/EÜ artikli 5 lõikele 1 teatab Malta Vabariigi loodusvarade ja infrastruktuuri minister, et lubade andmise tingimused on järgmised:

| (a) | taotleja rahalised vahendid; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

taotleja rahalised vahendid;

| (b) | taotleja tehniline pädevus ja kogemused; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

taotleja tehniline pädevus ja kogemused;

| (c) | taotleja esitatud tööprogramm; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

taotleja esitatud tööprogramm;

| (d) | vajaduse korral taotleja eelnev tegevus eelmiste tegevuslubade alusel; ning |
| --- | --- |

(d)

vajaduse korral taotleja eelnev tegevus eelmiste tegevuslubade alusel; ning

| (e) | hind, mida üksus on valmis loa saamiseks maksma, kui luba pannakse müüki. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

hind, mida üksus on valmis loa saamiseks maksma, kui luba pannakse müüki.

Vastavalt direktiivi 94/22/EÜ artikli 5 lõikele 2 on teave toimingu läbiviimise ja lõpetamise tingimuste ja nõuete kohta, mida kohaldatakse kõikide loaliikide suhtes, kättesaadav dokumentides Model ESA (2001) and Model PSC (2001), mille on avaldanud Loodusvarade ja infrastruktuuri ministeeriumi õliluure talitus, Block B, Floriana CMR 02, Malta. Kõnealuseid andmeid ei ole kohustuslik kohaldada direktiivi 94/22/EÜ artikli 3 lõike 2 punktis a sätestatud juhtude puhul.

---

(1)  EÜT L 164, 30.6.1994, lk 3.

---

| 12.3.2005 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 62/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.3.2005

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 62/8

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Malta valitsuse 21. jaanuari 2005. aasta teatis seoses Euroopa Parlamendi ja nõukogu 30. mai 1994. aasta direktiiviga 94/22/EÜ süsivesinike geoloogilise luure, uurimise ja tootmise lubade andmis- ning kasutamistingimuste kohta (1)

(2005/C 62/06)

(EMPs kohaldatav tekst)

Vastavalt Euroopa Parlamendi ja nõukogu 30. mai 1994. aasta direktiivi 94/22/EÜ (süsivesinike geoloogilise luure, uurimise ja tootmise lubade andmis- ning kasutamistingimuste kohta) artikli 3 lõikele 3 teatab Malta Vabariigi loodusvarade ja infrastruktuuri minister, et alalise loa võib anda kas uurimislitsentsi või uurimis- ja tootmislitsentsi alusel järgmistele Malta avamerepiirkondadele (või nende osadele):

| (i) | piirkond 1; |
| --- | --- |

(i)

piirkond 1;

| (ii) | piirkond 3 (välja arvatud allpool esitatud blokid); |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

piirkond 3 (välja arvatud allpool esitatud blokid);

| (iii) | piirkond 4 (välja arvatud allpool esitatud blokk); |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

piirkond 4 (välja arvatud allpool esitatud blokk);

| (iv) | piirkond 6. |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

piirkond 6.

Enne 1. maid 2004 on luba juba antud järgmistele piirkondadele, mis ei ole saadaval edasise teatamiseni:

| (i) | piirkond 2; |
| --- | --- |

(i)

piirkond 2;

| (ii) | piirkonna 3 blokid 4 ja 5; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

piirkonna 3 blokid 4 ja 5;

| (iii) | piirkonna 4 blokk 3; |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

piirkonna 4 blokk 3;

| (iv) | piirkond 5; |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

piirkond 5;

| (v) | piirkond 7. |
| --- | --- |

(v)

piirkond 7.

Taotlejad esitavad nõutavad andmed dokumendis Petroleum (Production) Regulations, 2001 (Legal Notice 320/ 2001, 1. detsember 2001) avaldatud vormis.

Piirkonnad ja blokid, millele võib loa anda või millele on luba juba antud, on piiritletud geograafiliste koordinaatidega, mida koos muude andmetega võib saada Loodusvarade ja infrastruktuuri ministeeriumi õliluure talitusest, Block B, Floriana CMR 02, Malta, helistades telefoninumbril (356) 21 237 921.

---

(1)  EÜT L 164, 30.6.1994, lk 3.

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| 12.3.2005 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 62/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.3.2005

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 62/9

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Eelteatis koondumise kohta

(Toimik nr COMP/M.3743 — DuPont/DDE)

Juhtumi puhul võidakse kohaldada lihtsustatud korda

(2005/C 62/07)

(EMPs kohaldatav tekst)

| 1. | 4. märtsil 2005 sai komisjon teatise kavandatava koondumise kohta vastavalt nõukogu määruse (EÜ) nr 139/2004 (1) artiklile 4 (ja artikli 4 lõike 5 kohaselt tehtud esildisele), mille kohaselt ettevõtja E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (“DuPont”, Ameerika Ühendriigid) omandab osalise kontrolli nimetatud nõukogu määruse artikli 3 lõike 1 punkti b tähenduses ettevõtja DuPont Dow Elastomers L.L.C. (“DDE”, Ameerika Ühendriigid) osade üle aktsiate või osade ostmise kaudu. |
| --- | --- |

1.

4. märtsil 2005 sai komisjon teatise kavandatava koondumise kohta vastavalt nõukogu määruse (EÜ) nr 139/2004 (1) artiklile 4 (ja artikli 4 lõike 5 kohaselt tehtud esildisele), mille kohaselt ettevõtja E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (“DuPont”, Ameerika Ühendriigid) omandab osalise kontrolli nimetatud nõukogu määruse artikli 3 lõike 1 punkti b tähenduses ettevõtja DuPont Dow Elastomers L.L.C. (“DDE”, Ameerika Ühendriigid) osade üle aktsiate või osade ostmise kaudu.

| 2. | Asjaomaste ettevõtjate majandustegevus hõlmab järgmist:






  — | ettevõtja DuPont: ülemaailmne diversifitseeritud ettevõtja, kes tegutseb mitmetes valdkondades, nagu põllumajandus, toidukaup, elektroonika, side, turvalisus ja kaitse, kodu ja ehitus ning transport; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Asjaomaste ettevõtjate majandustegevus hõlmab järgmist:

—

ettevõtja DuPont: ülemaailmne diversifitseeritud ettevõtja, kes tegutseb mitmetes valdkondades, nagu põllumajandus, toidukaup, elektroonika, side, turvalisus ja kaitse, kodu ja ehitus ning transport;

| — | ettevõtja DDE: uurimis-arendustegevus, elastomeeri tootmine ja turustamine. |
| --- | --- |

—

ettevõtja DDE: uurimis-arendustegevus, elastomeeri tootmine ja turustamine.

| 3. | Komisjon leiab pärast teatise esialgset läbivaatamist, et tehing, millest teatatakse, võib kuuluda määruse (EÜ) nr 139/2004 reguleerimisalasse. Kuid lõplikku otsust selle kohta ei ole veel tehtud. Vastavalt komisjoni teatisele lihtsustatud korra kohta teatavate ettevõtjate koondumiste käsitlemiseks vastavalt nõukogu määrusele (EÜ) nr 139/2004 (2) tuleb märkida, et käesolevat juhtumit võidakse käsitleda teatises ettenähtud korra kohaselt. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Komisjon leiab pärast teatise esialgset läbivaatamist, et tehing, millest teatatakse, võib kuuluda määruse (EÜ) nr 139/2004 reguleerimisalasse. Kuid lõplikku otsust selle kohta ei ole veel tehtud. Vastavalt komisjoni teatisele lihtsustatud korra kohta teatavate ettevõtjate koondumiste käsitlemiseks vastavalt nõukogu määrusele (EÜ) nr 139/2004 (2) tuleb märkida, et käesolevat juhtumit võidakse käsitleda teatises ettenähtud korra kohaselt.

| 4. | Komisjon kutsub asjast huvitatud kolmandaid isikuid esitama komisjonile oma võimalikke märkusi kavandatava toimingu kohta.
  Komisjon peab märkused kätte saama hiljemalt kümme päeva pärast käesoleva dokumendi avaldamist. Tähelepanekuid võib saata komisjonile faksi teel (faksi nr +32 2 296 43 01 või 296 72 44) või postiga järgmisel aadressil (lisada tuleb viitenumber COMP/M.3743 — DuPont/DDE):





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

4.

Komisjon kutsub asjast huvitatud kolmandaid isikuid esitama komisjonile oma võimalikke märkusi kavandatava toimingu kohta.

Komisjon peab märkused kätte saama hiljemalt kümme päeva pärast käesoleva dokumendi avaldamist. Tähelepanekuid võib saata komisjonile faksi teel (faksi nr +32 2 296 43 01 või 296 72 44) või postiga järgmisel aadressil (lisada tuleb viitenumber COMP/M.3743 — DuPont/DDE):

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition,

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  ELT L 24, 29.1.2004, lk 1.

(2)  Kättesaadav DG COMP koduleheküljel:

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

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| 12.3.2005 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 62/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.3.2005

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 62/10

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RIIGIABI — ÜHENDKUNINGRIIK

Riigiabi nr C 4/2005 (ex NN 57/2004)

Telekommunikatsiooni infrastruktuuri omandimaks

Kutse märkuste esitamiseks vastavalt Euroopa Ühenduse asutamislepingu artikli 88 lõikele 2

(2005/C 62/08)

(EMPs kohaldatav tekst)

Komisjon teatas 19. jaanuari 2005. aasta kuupäevaga dateeritud, sellele kokkuvõttele järgnevatel lehekülgedel autentses keeles esitatud kirjas Ühendkuningriigile oma otsusest algatada EÜ asutamislepingu artiklis 88 lõikes 2 ettenähtud menetlust eespool mainitud riigiabi/meetmete suhtes.

Huvitatud pooled võivad esitada oma märkused meetmete kohta, mille suhtes komisjon alustab menetlust, ühe kuu jooksul käesoleva kokkuvõtte ja sellele järgneva kirja avaldamisest järgneval aadressil:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| State-Aid Registry |
| B-1049 Brussels |
| Faksi number: +32 2 296 12 42 |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

State-Aid Registry

B-1049 Brussels

Faksi number: +32 2 296 12 42

Märkused tehakse teatavaks Ühendkuningriigile. Märkuseid esitav huvitatud pool võib taotleda kirjalikult, et tema andmeid ei avaldataks, esitades taotluse põhjused.

KOKKUVÕTTE TEKST

Menetlus

2004. aasta veebruaris esitas Ühendkuningriigi telekommunikatsioonioperaator Vtesse Network Ltd kaebuse väidetava riigiabi kohta maksusoodustuste tegemise näol turgu valitsevale telekommunikatsioonioperaatorile British Telecom Plc (edaspidi “BT”). Komisjon taotles kaebuse põhjal Ühendkuningriigi ametiasutustelt teavet ja sai 2004. aasta aprillis vastuse.

Komisjoni menetluse algatamise põhjuseks oleva meetme kirjeldus

Meede on seotud omandimaksuga, mida Ühendkuningriigis tasutakse äriomandilt, sealhulgas telekommunikatsiooni infrastruktuurilt. Kõige olulisem kõnealust maksukorraldust reguleeriv õigusakt Inglismaal ja Walesis on 1988. aasta kohalike omavalitsusüksuste rahastamisseadus (Local Government Finance Act 1988). Viimases nähakse ette varade väärtuse hindamine, mis moodustab maksubaasi, mille suhtes kohaldatakse maksumäära, et arvutada välja maksukohustus. Maksumäär kehtestatakse kord aastas ja on kõigi telekommunikatsioonioperaatorite puhul ühtne. Iga operaatori maksubaasi määrab keskvalitsuse täidesaatev asutus Valuation Office Agency (edaspidi “VOA”), kes kasutab erinevaid väärtushindamismeetodeid ning kelle otsuse saab vaidlustada. VOA kohaldab hageja ja teiste konkureerivate telekommunikatsiooni teenuste pakkujate suhtes teist väärtushindamismeetodit kui BT ja Kingston Communicationsi (turgu valitsev operaator Hulli piirkonnas) suhtes. Erinevate meetodite kasutamine näib põhjustavat telekommunikatsiooniturul konkureerivate äriühingute puhul erineva ja ebaproportsionaalse suurusega makse.

Hinnang

Vastavalt komisjoni 1998. aasta teadaandele riigiabi eeskirjade kohaldamise kohta äriühingute otseste maksude suhtes (EÜT C 384/3-9, 10.12.1998) võib maksusoodustuste tegemist, mis soodustavad teatavat liiki äriühinguid või teatavate kaupade tootmist, käsitleda riigiabina. BT ja Kingston Communicationsi maksubaasi ja sellest tulenevalt ühtlasi nende maksukohustuse vähendamine annab nimetatud äriühingutele valikulise eelise, muutes nende ärikulud tavapärasest väiksemaks. Kuna Ühendkuningriigis on avatud telekommunikatsiooniturg, võivad BT-le ja Kingston Communicationsile tehtud soodustused moonutada konkurentsi ja mõjutada kauplemist. Seega näivad olevat täidetud tingimused, mille puhul meedet võib vastavalt Euroopa Ühenduse asutamislepingu artikli 87 lõikele 1 lugeda riigiabiks.

Seetõttu on komisjon jõudnud käesolevas menetluse etapis järeldusele, et Ühendkuningriigi ametiasutused võivad olla andnud BT-le ja Kingston Communicationsile riigiabi EÜ asutamislepingu artikli 87 lõikes 1 määratletud tähenduses. Kuigi erinevat kohtlemist ei saa lugeda riigiabiks juhul, kui see on tingitud süsteemi olemusest ja üldpõhimõtetest, kahtleb komisjon, kas seda on kõnealusel juhul võimalik põhjendada maksusüsteemi oluliste omaduste ja sisemise loogikaga.

Tundub, et EÜ asutamislepingu artikli 87 lõigetes 2 ja 3 ettenähtud erandeid ei saa kõnealusel juhul kohaldada. Arvestades komisjoni kahtlusi abi vastavuses EÜ asutamislepingule, on komisjon otsustanud alustada EÜ asutamislepingu artikli 88 lõikes 2 sätestatud ametlikku uurimismenetlust. Nõukogu määruse (EÜ) nr 659/1999 artikli 14 kohaselt võib õigusevastaselt määratud abi saajalt tagasi nõuda.

KIRJA TEKST

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

“1.

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

1.   PROCEDURE

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

2.

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

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

3.

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

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

4.

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

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

5.

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

2.   BACKGROUND

2.1.   Rating system

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

6.

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

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

7.

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

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

8.

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

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

9.

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

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

10.

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

2.2.   Rating of telecommunications

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

11.

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

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

12.

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

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

13.

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

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

14.

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

2.3.   Valuation

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

15.

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

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






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

16.

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

(a)

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

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

(b)

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

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

(c)

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

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

(d)

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

3.   DESCRIPTION OF THE MEASURE

3.1.   British Telecommunications

Valuations

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

17.

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

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

18.

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

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

19.

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

Revisions

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

20.

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

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

21.

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

3.2.   Kingston Communications

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

22.

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

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

23.

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

3.3.   Vtesse

Valuations

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

24.

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

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

25.

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

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

26.

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

Revisions

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

27.

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

3.4.   Other operators

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

28.

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

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

29.

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

4.   COMPLAINT AND COMMENTS

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






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

30.

The complainant has raised the following specific claims and concerns:

(a)

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

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

(b)

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

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

(c)

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

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

(d)

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

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

(e)

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

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






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

31.

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

—

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

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

—

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

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

—

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

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

32.

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

5.   ASSESSMENT

5.1.   Existence of aid

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

33.

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

State resources

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

34.

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

Selective advantage

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

35.

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

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

36.

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

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






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

37.

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

(a)

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

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

(b)

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

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

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

(c)

The necessity to value “as a whole”:

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

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

(d)

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

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

38.

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

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

39.

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

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

40.

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

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

41.

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

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

42.

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

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

43.

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

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

44.

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

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

45.

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

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

46.

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

Distortion of competition

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

47.

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

Effect on trade

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

48.

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

Conclusion

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

49.

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

5.2.   Nature and amount of the possible aid

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

50.

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

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

51.

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

5.3.   Compatibility

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

52.

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

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

53.

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

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

54.

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

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

55.

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

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

56.

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

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

57.

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

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

58.

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

6.   CONCLUSION

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

59.

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

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

60.

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

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

61.

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

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

1

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

2

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

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

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

7

(8)  www.voa.gov.uk

8

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

9

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

10

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

11

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

12

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

13

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

14

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

15

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

16

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

17

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

18

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

19

(20)  Op. cit. footnote 14.

20

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

21

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

22

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

23

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

24

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

25

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

26

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

27

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

28

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

29

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

30

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

31

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

32

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

33

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

34

(35)  Op. cit. footnote 31.

35

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

36

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

37

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

38

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

39

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

40

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

41

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

42

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

43

(44)  See footnote 36.

44

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

45

(46)  Op. cit. footnote 14.

46

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

47

Contractor's Basis

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III Teatised

Komisjon

| 12.3.2005 | ET | Euroopa Liidu Teataja | C 62/19 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.3.2005

ET

Euroopa Liidu Teataja

C 62/19

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UK-Greenock: Kavakohase õhuühenduse toimumine

Iirimaa poolt nõukogu määruse (EMÜ) nr 2408/92 4(l)(d) artikli alusel välja antud üleskutse pakkumisteks planeeritud õhuühenduse teostamiseks Galway/Na Minna ja Arani saarte vahel

(2005/C 62/09)

(EMPs kohaldatav tekst)

1.   Sissejuhatus: Iirimaa on kehtestanud vastavalt 23. juuli 1992 määruse (EMÜ) nr 2408/92 4(l)(a) artiklile ühenduse õhusõidukite juurdepääsust ühendusesisestele õhuliinidele, avaliku teenuse kohustuse (PSO) planeeritud õhuteeninduseks Galway/Na Minna ja Arani saarte vahel alates 1. augustist 2005. Nõutavad standardid selleks avaliku teenuse kohustuseks on avaldatud 5.10.2001 Euroopa Ühenduse Teatjas nr C 281/05, muudetud kujul
  Euroopa Ühenduse Teatajas nr C 61/11.3.2005.

Iirimaa on otsustanud juhul, kui seisuga 1. juuli 2005 pole ükski õhusõiduk alustanud ega alustamas nende õhuteenuste osutamist vastavalt kehtestatud PSO-le ning ilma kompensatsiooni nõudmiseta, kooskõlas protseduuriga, mille aluseks on 4(l)(d) artikkel ülalmainitud määruses, jätkata sellele marsruudile juurdepääsu piiramist ühele õhusõidukile ja pakkuda õigust osutada seda teenust 1. augustist 2005 avalikul pakkumisel.

2.   Pakkumiste objekt: Plaanipärane õhuteenindus Galway/Na Minna ja Arani saarte vahel alates 1. augustist 2005 kooskõlas marsruudile kehtestatud avaliku teenuse kohustusele, mis on avaldatud 5.10.2001 Euroopa Ühenduse Teatajas nr C 281/05, muudetuna
  Euroopa Ühenduse Teatajas nr C 61/11.3.2005.

3.   Osavõtt: Osavõtt on avatud kõigile õhusõidukitele, kellel on liikmesriigi poolt välja antud tegutsemislitsents, mis on kooskõlas nõukogu 23. juuli 1992 määrusega (EMÜ) nr 2407/92 õhusõidukite litsentseerimise kohta. Teenust osutatakse Iiri lennunduse Asutuse (IAA) regulatoorse režiimi all.

4.   Pakkumise protseduur: See üleskutse pakkumisteks allub määruse (EMÜ) nr 2408/92 4(1) artikli punktide (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) ja (i) tingimustele.

5.   Pakkumise toimik/kvalifikatsioonid jne.: Täielik pakkumise dokumentatsioon, kaasaarvatud lepingu vorm, spetsifikatsioon, informatsiooni lühikokkuvõte, samuti avaliku teenuse kohustuse originaaltekst, mis on avaldatud 5.10.2001 Euroopa Ühenduse Teatajas nr C 281/05, muudetuna
  Euroopa Ühenduse Teatajas nr C 61/11.3.2005, on tasuta saadaval Andva Asutuse (Awarding Authority) agendilt järgneval aadressil:

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

Teenuse osutajalt nõutakse nende pakkumise dokumentides tõendit nende rahalise seisu kohta (aastaaruanne, viimase kolme aasta auditeeritud arved, käive ja viimase kolme aasta kasum enne maksude mahaarvamist), eelnevat kogemust ja tehnilist võimekust selle teenuse osutamiseks. Andev Asutus jätab endale õiguse nõuda lähemat informatsiooni ükskõik millise kandideerija rahaliste või tehniliste ressursside ja võimekuste kohta.

Pakkumised tuleb teha eurodes ja kõik kaasasolevad dokumendid peavad olema inglise või iiri keeles. Lepingut vaadeldakse kui Iiri seaduse alusel tehtud lepingut ja alluvana ainult Iiri kohtute jurisdiktsioonile.

6.   Rahaline kompensatsioon: Pakkumised peavad selgesõnaliselt väljendama vajalikku summat iga aasta kohta kolme aasta jooksul avaliku teenuse kohustuse teostamiseks marsruudil alates planeeritud kuupäevast (analüüsiga iga aasta kohta).Kompensatsioon tuleb arvutada vastavalt nõutud miinimumstandarditele.

Kogukonna, küla ja Gaeltachti Asjade osakonna poolt makstav tegelik summa määratakse ex-post ja on limiteeritud tegeliku esinenud kahjumiga, arvestades tegelike kulutustega, tuludega ja rakendatavuse korral, tulu varuga, eduka teenust teostava lepingu täitja puhul, maksimumina lepingus kindlaksmääratud summa piirmäärani iga aasta kohta.

Lepingus on ka võimalus kompensatsiooni maksimummäära suurendamiseks igal aastal, seda ainult Andva Asutuse oma äranägemise järgi juhul, kui teenuse osutamise tingimused muutuvad. Andev Asutus peab silmas arenguid, loovutamata õigust lepingu lõpetamist määravatele tingimustele, hinnates iga ettepanekut kompensatsiooni maksimummäära suurendamiseks igal aastal, mis mõjutavad teenuse osutamist, mida lepingu täitja ei näinud ette või ei saanud ette näha või on tingitud lepingu täitja poolt kontrollimatutest faktoritest.

Lepingu sõlmib kogukonna, küla ja Gaeltachti Asjade minister. Kõik lepingu alusel tehtavad maksed on eurodes ja nende aluseks on Andva Asutuse poolt vastu võetud dokumenteeritud nõuded, millel on vastavalt lepingu tingimustele kaasas teenindaja audiitori tõend.

7.   Lepingu kehtivusaeg, muudatused ja lõpetamine: Leping kehtib kuni kolm aastat ajavahemikul alates 1. augustist 2005 ja lõpeb hiljemalt 31. juulil 2008. Iga lepingu muudatus või selle lõpetamine on kooskõlas lepingu tingimustega. Muudatusi teeninduses lubatakse ainult kokkuleppel Andva Asutusega.

8.   Karistused juhul, kui teenindaja ei täida lepingut: Force majeure puhul või juhtudel kui lend tühistatakse teenindajast otseselt olenevatel põhjustel, makstakse kompensatsiooni ainult kulude katteks, mis esinesid reisijate teenindamisel, kes kannatasid nende lendude ärajäämisel. Andev Asutus jätab endale õiguse teatada lepingu lõpetamisest juhul, kui arvestades teenindaja poolt osutatud teenuse vastavust ja eriti teenindajast otseselt olenenud tühistatud lendude arvu, on arvamusel et avaliku teenuse kohustuse standardeid ei täideta rahuldavalt.

9.   Taotluse esitamise tähtaeg: Üks kuu peale selle teate avaldamist Euroopa Ühenduse Teatajas lisas.

10.   Taotlemise viis: Pakkumised tuleb saata 5. punktis mainitud aadressil märkusega “EASP Tender” kella 12 pm (Iiri aja järgi) 9. punktis mainitud kuupäevaks.

11.   Pakkumise kehtivus: Vastavalt määruse (EMÜ) nr 2408/92 4(1)(d) artiklile, on selle pakkumise kehtivus tingitud olukorrast, et ükski ühenduse õhuteenuste osutaja ei esita plaani kuupäevaks 1. juuliks 2005 kõnealuse marsruudi teenindamiseks alates 1. augustist 2005 või enne seda kuupäeva, vastavalt kehtestatud PSO-dele, nagu muudatuses, ilma igasuguse rahalise kompensatsioonita.

12.   Informatsiooniaktide Vabadus, 1997 ja 2003: Kogukonna, küla ja Gaeltachti Asjade osakond kohustub andma endast parima, hoidmaks igasugust pakkumise tegija poolt antud informatsiooni konfidentsiaalsena, see kuulub seaduse järgi osakonna kohustuste hulka, nagu ka Informatsiooniaktide Vabaduse 1997 ja 2003 järgimine. Kui pakkumise tegijad soovivad, et ükskõik milline nende pakkumistes antud informatsiooni ei peaks avaldama selle kommertsiaalse tundlikkuse pärast, peaksid nad informatsiooni andes seda kinnitama ja lähemalt kirjeldama selle tundlikkuse põhjusi. Osakond peab nõu pakkumise tegijatega selle tundliku informatsiooni osas enne otsuse tegemist Informatsiooniakti Vabaduse tingimuste alla käiva informatsiooni välja andmise suhtes. Kui pakkumise tegijate arvates pole nende antud informatsioon kommertsiaalselt tundlik, peaks nad tegema avalduse selle kohta ja seda informatsiooni võidakse välja anda FOI palve alusel.

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