# Eiropas Savienības C 62/2005

| | ISSN 1725-5201 |
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| Eiropas Savienības
  Oficiālais Vēstnesis | C 62 |
| | |
| Izdevums latviešu valodā | Informācija un paziņojumi | 48. sējums2005. gada 12. marts |

ISSN 1725-5201

Eiropas Savienības

Oficiālais Vēstnesis

C 62

Izdevums latviešu valodā

Informācija un paziņojumi

48. sējums2005. gada 12. marts

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| Paziņojums Nr. | Saturs | Lappuse |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Informācija |
| | Padome |
| 2005/C 062/1 | Padomes rezolūcija — 2004. gada 9. decembrī — Par ieskatu informācijas un sakaru tehnoloģiju (IST) nākotnē | 1 |
| | Komisija |
| 2005/C 062/2 | Euro maiņas kurss | 4 |
| 2005/C 062/3 | Iepriekšējs paziņojums par koncentrāciju (Lieta Nr. COMP/M.3745 – Severstal/Lucchini) — Lieta, kas pretendē uz vienkāršotu procedūru (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2005/C 062/4 | Valsts atbalsts ir atļauts saskaņā ar EK Līguma 87. un 88. panta noteikumiem — Gadījumi, pret kuriem Komisijai nav iebildumu (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2005/C 062/5 | Maltas valdības 2005. gada 21. janvāra paziņojums par Eiropas Parlamenta un Padomes 1994. gada 30. maija Direktīvu 94/22/EK par atļauju piešķiršanas un izmantošanas noteikumiem ogļūdeņražu meklēšanai, izpētei un ieguvei (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2005/C 062/6 | Maltas valdības 2005. gada 21. janvāra paziņojums par Eiropas Parlamenta un Padomes 1994. gada 30. maija Direktīvu 94/22/EK par atļauju piešķiršanas un izmantošanas noteikumiem ogļūdeņražu meklēšanai, izpētei un ieguvei (
  1
  ) | 8 |
| 2005/C 062/7 | Iepriekšējs paziņojums par koncentrāciju (Lieta Nr. COMP/M.3743 – DuPont/DDE) — Lieta, kas pretendē uz vienkāršotu procedūru (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| 2005/C 062/8 | Valsts atbalsts – Apvienotā Karaliste — Valsts atbalsts Nr. C 4/2005 (ex N57/2004) Īpašuma nodoklis telekomunikācijas infrastruktūrai — Uzaicinājums iesniegt atsauksmes saskaņā ar EK Līguma 88. panta 2. punktu (
  1
  ) | 10 |

Paziņojums Nr.

Saturs

Lappuse

I   Informācija

Padome

2005/C 062/1

Padomes rezolūcija — 2004. gada 9. decembrī — Par ieskatu informācijas un sakaru tehnoloģiju (IST) nākotnē

1

Komisija

2005/C 062/2

Euro maiņas kurss

4

2005/C 062/3

Iepriekšējs paziņojums par koncentrāciju (Lieta Nr. COMP/M.3745 – Severstal/Lucchini) — Lieta, kas pretendē uz vienkāršotu procedūru (
  1
  )

1

5

2005/C 062/4

Valsts atbalsts ir atļauts saskaņā ar EK Līguma 87. un 88. panta noteikumiem — Gadījumi, pret kuriem Komisijai nav iebildumu (
  1
  )

1

6

2005/C 062/5

Maltas valdības 2005. gada 21. janvāra paziņojums par Eiropas Parlamenta un Padomes 1994. gada 30. maija Direktīvu 94/22/EK par atļauju piešķiršanas un izmantošanas noteikumiem ogļūdeņražu meklēšanai, izpētei un ieguvei (
  1
  )

1

7

2005/C 062/6

Maltas valdības 2005. gada 21. janvāra paziņojums par Eiropas Parlamenta un Padomes 1994. gada 30. maija Direktīvu 94/22/EK par atļauju piešķiršanas un izmantošanas noteikumiem ogļūdeņražu meklēšanai, izpētei un ieguvei (
  1
  )

1

8

2005/C 062/7

Iepriekšējs paziņojums par koncentrāciju (Lieta Nr. COMP/M.3743 – DuPont/DDE) — Lieta, kas pretendē uz vienkāršotu procedūru (
  1
  )

1

9

2005/C 062/8

Valsts atbalsts – Apvienotā Karaliste — Valsts atbalsts Nr. C 4/2005 (ex N57/2004) Īpašuma nodoklis telekomunikācijas infrastruktūrai — Uzaicinājums iesniegt atsauksmes saskaņā ar EK Līguma 88. panta 2. punktu (
  1
  )

1

10

| | III   Paziņojumi |
| --- | --- |
| | Komisija |
| 2005/C 062/9 | UK–Greenock: Regulāro gaisa satiksmes līniju vadīšana — Konkursa uzaicinājums, ko izsludinājusi Īrija saskaņā ar 4. panta 1. punkta d) apakšpunktu Padomes Regulā (EEK) Nr. 2408/92 attiecībā uz regulāro gaisa satiksmes līniju darbību posmā starp Golveju/Naminu un Eranas salām (
  1
  ) | 19 |

III   Paziņojumi

Komisija

2005/C 062/9

UK–Greenock: Regulāro gaisa satiksmes līniju vadīšana — Konkursa uzaicinājums, ko izsludinājusi Īrija saskaņā ar 4. panta 1. punkta d) apakšpunktu Padomes Regulā (EEK) Nr. 2408/92 attiecībā uz regulāro gaisa satiksmes līniju darbību posmā starp Golveju/Naminu un Eranas salām (
  1
  )

1

19

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| | (1)   Dokuments attiecas uz EEZ |

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(1)   Dokuments attiecas uz EEZ

1

| LV | |
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LV

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I Informācija

Padome

| 12.3.2005 | LV | Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis | C 62/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.3.2005

LV

Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis

C 62/1

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PADOMES REZOLŪCIJA

2004. gada 9. decembrī

Par ieskatu informācijas un sakaru tehnoloģiju (IST) nākotnē

(2005/C 62/01)

EIROPAS SAVIENĪBAS PADOME,

Sveicot Komisijas paziņojumu par pārbaudījumiem Eiropas informācijas sabiedrībai pēc 2005. gada un un Komisijas paziņojumu par mobiliem platjoslu pakalpojumiem

Paturot prātā

| 1. | 2000 gada 23. – 24. martā Lisabonā sanākušās Eiropadomes prezidentvalsts secinājumus; |
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1.

2000 gada 23. – 24. martā Lisabonā sanākušās Eiropadomes prezidentvalsts secinājumus;

| 2. | paužot atbalstu 2002. gada jūnijā sanākušās Eiropadomes prezidentvalsts secinājumiem par “e-Eiropas 2005” rīcības plāna mērķiem; |
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2.

paužot atbalstu 2002. gada jūnijā sanākušās Eiropadomes prezidentvalsts secinājumiem par “e-Eiropas 2005” rīcības plāna mērķiem;

| 3. | Padomes 2003. gada 18. februāra rezolūciju e-Eiropas rīcības plāna īstenošanai; |
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3.

Padomes 2003. gada 18. februāra rezolūciju e-Eiropas rīcības plāna īstenošanai;

| 4. | 2003. gada Pavasara Eiropadomes prezidentvalsts secinājumus, aicinot 15 ES dalībvalstis līdz 2003. gada beigām tajās īstenot platjoslu interneta piekļuves stratēģijas; |
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4.

2003. gada Pavasara Eiropadomes prezidentvalsts secinājumus, aicinot 15 ES dalībvalstis līdz 2003. gada beigām tajās īstenot platjoslu interneta piekļuves stratēģijas;

| 5. | Padomes 2003. gada 20. novembra secinājumus par e-valdības lomu nākotnē; |
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5.

Padomes 2003. gada 20. novembra secinājumus par e-valdības lomu nākotnē;

| 6. | 2004. gada Pavasara Eiropadomes prezidentvalsts secinājumus par vajadzību pēc jaunām stratēģijām nepieciešamība elektronisko sakaru jomā; |
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6.

2004. gada Pavasara Eiropadomes prezidentvalsts secinājumus par vajadzību pēc jaunām stratēģijām nepieciešamība elektronisko sakaru jomā;

| 7. | Padomes 2004. gada 8. marta secinājumus par jaunākajām pārmaiņām elektronisko sakaru jomā, apliecinot IST nozīmīgumu izaugsmes un konkurētspējas Eiropas nodrošināšanā; |
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7.

Padomes 2004. gada 8. marta secinājumus par jaunākajām pārmaiņām elektronisko sakaru jomā, apliecinot IST nozīmīgumu izaugsmes un konkurētspējas Eiropas nodrošināšanā;

| 8. | Padomes 2004. gada 8. marta secinājumus par vidusposma pārskatu rīcības plānam “e-Eiropa 2005”, apliecinot “e-Eiropas 2005” mērķu nozīmību saistībā ar paplašināšanos; |
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8.

Padomes 2004. gada 8. marta secinājumus par vidusposma pārskatu rīcības plānam “e-Eiropa 2005”, apliecinot “e-Eiropas 2005” mērķu nozīmību saistībā ar paplašināšanos;

| 9. | Padomes 2004. gada 10. jūnija secinājumus paredzot pārskatīt “e-Eiropas 2005” rīcības plānu un valstu platjoslu interneta piekļuves stratēģijas; |
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9.

Padomes 2004. gada 10. jūnija secinājumus paredzot pārskatīt “e-Eiropas 2005” rīcības plānu un valstu platjoslu interneta piekļuves stratēģijas;

| 10. | 2004. gada 4. – 5. novembra Eiropadomes prezidentvalsts secinājumiem, kuros atzinīgi vērtēts Kok kunga vadītā Augsta līmeņa grupas ziņojums; |
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10.

2004. gada 4. – 5. novembra Eiropadomes prezidentvalsts secinājumiem, kuros atzinīgi vērtēts Kok kunga vadītā Augsta līmeņa grupas ziņojums;

| 11. | 2004. gada 29. un 30. septembra augsta līmeņa sanāksmes dotās ievirzes par ieskatu IST nākotnē. |
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11.

2004. gada 29. un 30. septembra augsta līmeņa sanāksmes dotās ievirzes par ieskatu IST nākotnē.

Apzinoties to, ka

| 1. | Lai palīdzētu sasniegt Lisabonas 2000. gada martā nospraustos mērķus Eiropas un dalībvalstu līmenī noteikti ir jāpārskata un vajadzības gadījumā jāuzlabo politika veicinot IST pārņemšanu un ieviešanu visā sabiedrībā; |
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1.

Lai palīdzētu sasniegt Lisabonas 2000. gada martā nospraustos mērķus Eiropas un dalībvalstu līmenī noteikti ir jāpārskata un vajadzības gadījumā jāuzlabo politika veicinot IST pārņemšanu un ieviešanu visā sabiedrībā;

| 2. | IST joma, arī informācijas tehnoloģijas, elektroniski sakari un audiovizuālā rūpniecība pati par sevi ir nozīmīga ekonomikas nozare ar lielu nākotnes izaugsmes potenciālu, un tā ietekmē gandrīz visas tautsaimniecības nozares; |
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2.

IST joma, arī informācijas tehnoloģijas, elektroniski sakari un audiovizuālā rūpniecība pati par sevi ir nozīmīga ekonomikas nozare ar lielu nākotnes izaugsmes potenciālu, un tā ietekmē gandrīz visas tautsaimniecības nozares;

| 3. | IST izmantošana tieši un būtiski ietekmē uz Eiropas ekonomikas ražīgumu un konkurētspēju; |
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3.

IST izmantošana tieši un būtiski ietekmē uz Eiropas ekonomikas ražīgumu un konkurētspēju;

| 4. | IST ir vērtīgs līdzeklis ar ko stimulē gan sociālo un ģeogrāfisko kohēziju, gan pilsonību integrētā Eiropā, kā arī kultūras identitāti, sabiedrības integrāciju un daudzvalodību, un stiprinātu pārskatāmību un sabiedrības līdzdalību; |
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4.

IST ir vērtīgs līdzeklis ar ko stimulē gan sociālo un ģeogrāfisko kohēziju, gan pilsonību integrētā Eiropā, kā arī kultūras identitāti, sabiedrības integrāciju un daudzvalodību, un stiprinātu pārskatāmību un sabiedrības līdzdalību;

| 5. | pilnīga un vienota IST politika, radot darbavietas, kas prasa augstu kvalifikāciju, uzlabojot vispārējos ekonomiskos sasniegumus, modernizējot sabiedriskos pakalpojumus un sekmējot modernus uzņēmējdarbības procesus tiklab valsts kā privātā sektorā, var būtiski veicināt ES izaugsmi, ražīgumu un konkurētspēju; |
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5.

pilnīga un vienota IST politika, radot darbavietas, kas prasa augstu kvalifikāciju, uzlabojot vispārējos ekonomiskos sasniegumus, modernizējot sabiedriskos pakalpojumus un sekmējot modernus uzņēmējdarbības procesus tiklab valsts kā privātā sektorā, var būtiski veicināt ES izaugsmi, ražīgumu un konkurētspēju;

| 6. | lai spētu apzināt jaunākās attīstības tendences IST jomā, politika būtu jāizstrādā nepārtrauktā valsts iestāžu, privātā sektora un citu iesaistīto pušu dialogā; |
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6.

lai spētu apzināt jaunākās attīstības tendences IST jomā, politika būtu jāizstrādā nepārtrauktā valsts iestāžu, privātā sektora un citu iesaistīto pušu dialogā;

| 7. | strauji augoša un arvien prasīgāka globālā tirgus apstākļos novatoriska un konkurētspējīga IST joma dotu labumu Eiropas Savienībai. |
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7.

strauji augoša un arvien prasīgāka globālā tirgus apstākļos novatoriska un konkurētspējīga IST joma dotu labumu Eiropas Savienībai.

ATZĪST, ka pilnīgai un vienotai IST politikai ir nozīmīgi šādi jautājumi:

Izcila IST joma un novatoriska uzņēmējdarbība

| — | radīt labvēlīgu vidi zinātnei, finansēm un uzņēmējdarbībai, stiprinot Eiropas pārākumu zinātnes pētniecībā un attīstībā, turpināt gan valsts, gan privātā sektorā investēt kvalitatīvā IST pētniecībā un tehnoloģijas attīstībā; |
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—

radīt labvēlīgu vidi zinātnei, finansēm un uzņēmējdarbībai, stiprinot Eiropas pārākumu zinātnes pētniecībā un attīstībā, turpināt gan valsts, gan privātā sektorā investēt kvalitatīvā IST pētniecībā un tehnoloģijas attīstībā;

| — | veicināt labvēlīgu vidi, kas stimulē brīvu zināšanu un jaunievedumu pieplūdi un kurā pētījuma rezultātus pārveidot lietojumprogrammās un ražojumos ar pievienotu vērtību; |
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veicināt labvēlīgu vidi, kas stimulē brīvu zināšanu un jaunievedumu pieplūdi un kurā pētījuma rezultātus pārveidot lietojumprogrammās un ražojumos ar pievienotu vērtību;

| — | lai izmantotu IST potenciālu, īpaši mazos un vidējos uzņēmumos veicināt efektīvu jauno elektronisku darījumu pārņemšanu un jaunu uzņēmējdarbības modeļu ieviešanu. |
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lai izmantotu IST potenciālu, īpaši mazos un vidējos uzņēmumos veicināt efektīvu jauno elektronisku darījumu pārņemšanu un jaunu uzņēmējdarbības modeļu ieviešanu.

IST pilsoņiem un IST iemaņas

| — | Inter alia, vairojot sapratni par IST potenciālajiem labumiem un sekmējot nepārtrauktu lietotājiem draudzīgu tehnoloģiju uzlabošanu un tādējādi inter alia risinot “digitālās” plaisas problēmu, veicināt vispārēju IST pakalpojumu piekļuvi un pieejamību; |
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Inter alia, vairojot sapratni par IST potenciālajiem labumiem un sekmējot nepārtrauktu lietotājiem draudzīgu tehnoloģiju uzlabošanu un tādējādi inter alia risinot “digitālās” plaisas problēmu, veicināt vispārēju IST pakalpojumu piekļuvi un pieejamību;

| — | atbalstīt dažādus pasākumus, piemēram, e-mācības, vispārēju e-iemaņu attīstīšanu, jo īpaši, ņemot vērā sabiedrības novecošanu, dzimuma atšķirības un etniskās un sociālās izcelsmes atšķirības, lai viņi pilnībā varētu izmantot iespējas, ko dod informācijas sabiedrība; |
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—

atbalstīt dažādus pasākumus, piemēram, e-mācības, vispārēju e-iemaņu attīstīšanu, jo īpaši, ņemot vērā sabiedrības novecošanu, dzimuma atšķirības un etniskās un sociālās izcelsmes atšķirības, lai viņi pilnībā varētu izmantot iespējas, ko dod informācijas sabiedrība;

| — | turpināt IST integrēt darbavietās tādējādi, lai celtu darba ražīgumu un kvalitāti, kā arī pastiprināti uzsvērt IST aspektu mācību procesos; |
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turpināt IST integrēt darbavietās tādējādi, lai celtu darba ražīgumu un kvalitāti, kā arī pastiprināti uzsvērt IST aspektu mācību procesos;

| — | rast stratēģiskus risinājumus darba migrācijas jautājumam, arī izmantojot darba ņēmēju un uzņēmumu pielāgošanās spējas apvienojot mobilitāti ar drošību darba tirgū. |
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rast stratēģiskus risinājumus darba migrācijas jautājumam, arī izmantojot darba ņēmēju un uzņēmumu pielāgošanās spējas apvienojot mobilitāti ar drošību darba tirgū.

IST sabiedriskajos pakalpojumos

| — | jo īpaši, stimulējot sadarbību un apmaiņu ar labāko pieredzi, vajadzības gadījumā vienoties Eiropas līmenī par integrētu pieeju e-pārvaldes lietojumprogrammu izmantošanā un īstenot to; |
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jo īpaši, stimulējot sadarbību un apmaiņu ar labāko pieredzi, vajadzības gadījumā vienoties Eiropas līmenī par integrētu pieeju e-pārvaldes lietojumprogrammu izmantošanā un īstenot to;

| — | ņemot vērā vajadzību pēc organizatoriskiem pielāgojumiem izvērst plašu pieeju IST, un izmantot IST potenciālu, lai panāktu labāk funkcionējošu un efektīvāku valsts sektoru, reizē piemērojot tiešsaistes pakalpojumus uzņēmumu un pilsoņu vajadzībām un samazinot administratīvo slogu, kā arī visnotaļ ņemot vērā vajadzību pēc pārrobežu pakalpojumiem Eiropā; |
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ņemot vērā vajadzību pēc organizatoriskiem pielāgojumiem izvērst plašu pieeju IST, un izmantot IST potenciālu, lai panāktu labāk funkcionējošu un efektīvāku valsts sektoru, reizē piemērojot tiešsaistes pakalpojumus uzņēmumu un pilsoņu vajadzībām un samazinot administratīvo slogu, kā arī visnotaļ ņemot vērā vajadzību pēc pārrobežu pakalpojumiem Eiropā;

| — | lai optimizētu slimnieku ārstēšanu un aprūpi un pievēršot īpašu uzmanību standartizācijas un mijdarbības jautājumiem, attīstīt Eiropas mēroga pakalpojumus e-veselības jomā. |
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lai optimizētu slimnieku ārstēšanu un aprūpi un pievēršot īpašu uzmanību standartizācijas un mijdarbības jautājumiem, attīstīt Eiropas mēroga pakalpojumus e-veselības jomā.

Produktu un pakalpojumu saturs un attīstība

| — | Veicināt daudzveidīga un radoša satura attīstību un izplatību, piemēram, sekmējot valsts sektora informācijas vairākkārtēju izmantošanu; |
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Veicināt daudzveidīga un radoša satura attīstību un izplatību, piemēram, sekmējot valsts sektora informācijas vairākkārtēju izmantošanu;

| — | vajadzības gadījumā likvidēt šķēršļus satura pieejamībai dažādās platformās, piemēram, veicinot praktisku risinājumu meklējumus digitālo tiesību pārvaldības jomā; |
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vajadzības gadījumā likvidēt šķēršļus satura pieejamībai dažādās platformās, piemēram, veicinot praktisku risinājumu meklējumus digitālo tiesību pārvaldības jomā;

| — | veicinot tādas labvēlīgas normatīvas vides radīšanu, kas ņemtu vērā jaunākās attīstības tendences, piemēram tehnoloģijas jauninājumus, atbalstīt jaunu pakalpojumu rašanos paplašinātā iekšējā tirgū; |
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—

veicinot tādas labvēlīgas normatīvas vides radīšanu, kas ņemtu vērā jaunākās attīstības tendences, piemēram tehnoloģijas jauninājumus, atbalstīt jaunu pakalpojumu rašanos paplašinātā iekšējā tirgū;

| — | Atbildot uz to, ka pieaug uz IST bāzētu lietojumprogrammu daudzums, radīt nozarei un valsts sektoram labvēlīgu vidi, lai tie gan Eiropā, gan pasaulē izstrādātu efektīvus un savstarpēji izmantojamus risinājumus, jo īpaši elektroniskiem maksājumiem, autenticēšanai, identitātes izmantošanai, kā arī drošībai. |
| --- | --- |

—

Atbildot uz to, ka pieaug uz IST bāzētu lietojumprogrammu daudzums, radīt nozarei un valsts sektoram labvēlīgu vidi, lai tie gan Eiropā, gan pasaulē izstrādātu efektīvus un savstarpēji izmantojamus risinājumus, jo īpaši elektroniskiem maksājumiem, autenticēšanai, identitātes izmantošanai, kā arī drošībai.

Tīklu attīstība

| — | Stimulējot konkurenci, investīcijas un jauninājumus, nodrošināt konsekventu un efektīvu normatīvo vidi elektroniskiem sakariem; |
| --- | --- |

—

Stimulējot konkurenci, investīcijas un jauninājumus, nodrošināt konsekventu un efektīvu normatīvo vidi elektroniskiem sakariem;

| — | atbalstīt atvērtu standartu attīstību un izmantojumu, un stiprināt tīklu un pakalpojumu savietojamību; |
| --- | --- |

—

atbalstīt atvērtu standartu attīstību un izmantojumu, un stiprināt tīklu un pakalpojumu savietojamību;

| — | ņemot vērā tehnoloģiskas neitralitātes principu, atbalstīt plašāku platjoslu izmantošanu un pieejamību, jo īpaši, atbalstot konkurējošas platformas un savietojamus tīklus; |
| --- | --- |

—

ņemot vērā tehnoloģiskas neitralitātes principu, atbalstīt plašāku platjoslu izmantošanu un pieejamību, jo īpaši, atbalstot konkurējošas platformas un savietojamus tīklus;

| — | turpināt vērtēt dažādus modeļus frekvenču pārvaldīšanai, lai arvien elastīgāk un efektīvāk izmantotu frekvences Eiropā un pasaulē, ņemot vērā jaunu un novatorisku tehnoloģiju un tirgus mehānismam piemērojamu metodoloģiju attīstību. |
| --- | --- |

—

turpināt vērtēt dažādus modeļus frekvenču pārvaldīšanai, lai arvien elastīgāk un efektīvāk izmantotu frekvences Eiropā un pasaulē, ņemot vērā jaunu un novatorisku tehnoloģiju un tirgus mehānismam piemērojamu metodoloģiju attīstību.

Uzticamība un drošība

| — | lai vēl vairāk palielinātu tīklu un informācijas drošības kultūru, tādējādi veicinot uzticamus un efektīvus elektroniskos sakarus, kā arī palīdzētu attīstīt drošus Eiropas pakalpojumus, izstrādāt vienotu pieeju visiem būtiskiem ar drošību saistītiem jautājumiem; |
| --- | --- |

—

lai vēl vairāk palielinātu tīklu un informācijas drošības kultūru, tādējādi veicinot uzticamus un efektīvus elektroniskos sakarus, kā arī palīdzētu attīstīt drošus Eiropas pakalpojumus, izstrādāt vienotu pieeju visiem būtiskiem ar drošību saistītiem jautājumiem;

| — | izstrādāt pasākumus nelegāla, kaitnieciska un nelūgta satura apkarošanai internetā, pievēršot uzmanību, jo īpaši, ja runa ir par bērniem, kā arī surogātpastu, sadarbībā ar visām ieinteresētām pusēm, arī starptautiskā līmenī,; |
| --- | --- |

—

izstrādāt pasākumus nelegāla, kaitnieciska un nelūgta satura apkarošanai internetā, pievēršot uzmanību, jo īpaši, ja runa ir par bērniem, kā arī surogātpastu, sadarbībā ar visām ieinteresētām pusēm, arī starptautiskā līmenī,;

| — | nodrošināt pienācīgu tīklu un informācijas drošības līmeni, lai varētu ieviest un izmantot jaunus pakalpojumus, kā arī no IST atkarīgu infrastruktūru pienācīgai funkcionēšanai, ņemot vērā uzticamības un slepenības aspektus. |
| --- | --- |

—

nodrošināt pienācīgu tīklu un informācijas drošības līmeni, lai varētu ieviest un izmantot jaunus pakalpojumus, kā arī no IST atkarīgu infrastruktūru pienācīgai funkcionēšanai, ņemot vērā uzticamības un slepenības aspektus.

AICINA DALĪBVALSTIS aktīvi pārskatīt un papildināt stratēģiskās ievirzes un to ieviešanas pasākumus, lai dotu ieguldījumu jaunā darbakārtībā “Informācijas sabiedrība, gaidot 2010. gadu”.

AICINA KOMISIJU

| 1. | ņemot vērā pašreizējās un paredzamās tehnoloģiju un tirgus attīstības tendences, turpināt uzraudzīt normatīvo struktūru un vajadzības gadījumā nākt klajā ar priekšlikumiem, lai uzturētu pienācīgu normatīvo vidi, kas veicina efektīvu konkurenci un veicina investīciju pieaugumu, jauninājumus, jaunus pakalpojumus un mazākas cenas; |
| --- | --- |

1.

ņemot vērā pašreizējās un paredzamās tehnoloģiju un tirgus attīstības tendences, turpināt uzraudzīt normatīvo struktūru un vajadzības gadījumā nākt klajā ar priekšlikumiem, lai uzturētu pienācīgu normatīvo vidi, kas veicina efektīvu konkurenci un veicina investīciju pieaugumu, jauninājumus, jaunus pakalpojumus un mazākas cenas;

| 2. | analizēt IST jomas konkurētspēju un, ņemot vērā IST ietekmi uz Eiropas ekonomiku, sākt gatavoties darbiem, kas jāveic pēc rīcības plāna “e-Eiropa 2005”, kam būtu jākļūst par būtisku jaunās darbakartības “Informācijas sabiedrība 2010” sastāvdaļu; |
| --- | --- |

2.

analizēt IST jomas konkurētspēju un, ņemot vērā IST ietekmi uz Eiropas ekonomiku, sākt gatavoties darbiem, kas jāveic pēc rīcības plāna “e-Eiropa 2005”, kam būtu jākļūst par būtisku jaunās darbakartības “Informācijas sabiedrība 2010” sastāvdaļu;

| 3. | atzīt IST nozīmīgumu plānotajā priekšlikumā nākamai pētniecības pamatprogrammai. |
| --- | --- |

3.

atzīt IST nozīmīgumu plānotajā priekšlikumā nākamai pētniecības pamatprogrammai.

AICINA NOZARI turpināt ieviest tirgū novatoriskas IST lietojumprogrammas un radīt pievilcīgu, jaunu saturu, inter alia, izmantojot Eiropas kultūru daudzveidību un daudzvalodību.

AICINA VISAS IEIENTERESETĀS PUSES turpināt IST integrāciju savās darbībās, lai pilnvērtīgi izmantotu visas IST priekšrocības.

IESNIEDZ šo rezolūciju kā ieguldījumu diskusijām par Lisabonas stratēģijas vidusposma pārskatu Eiropadomes 2005. gada pavasara sanāksmē.

---

Komisija

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Euro maiņas kurss (1)

2005. gada 11. marts

(2005/C 62/02)

1 euro=

| | Valūta | Maiņas kurss |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | ASV dolārs | 1,3416 |
| JPY | Japānas jēna | 139,67 |
| DKK | Dānijas krona | 7,4462 |
| GBP | Lielbritānijas mārciņa | 0,69865 |
| SEK | Zviedrijas krona | 9,0630 |
| CHF | Šveices franks | 1,5500 |
| ISK | Islandes krona | 79,27 |
| NOK | Norvēģijas krona | 8,177 |
| BGN | Bulgārijas leva | 1,9559 |
| CYP | Kipras mārciņa | 0,5825 |
| CZK | Čehijas krona | 29,475 |
| EEK | Igaunijas krona | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Ungārijas forints | 243,20 |
| LTL | Lietuvas lits | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvijas lats | 0,6960 |
| MTL | Maltas lira | 0,4330 |
| PLN | Polijas zlots | 3,9519 |
| ROL | Rumānijas leja | 35 885 |
| SIT | Slovēnijas tolērs | 239,72 |
| SKK | Slovakijas krona | 37,649 |
| TRY | Turcijas lira | 1,7002 |
| AUD | Austrālijas dolārs | 1,6944 |
| CAD | Kanādas dolārs | 1,6176 |
| HKD | Hongkongas dolārs | 10,4638 |
| NZD | Jaunzēlandes dolārs | 1,8173 |
| SGD | Singapūras dolārs | 2,1733 |
| KRW | Dienvidkorejas vons | 1 342,14 |
| ZAR | Dienvidāfrikas rands | 7,8354 |

Valūta

Maiņas kurss

USD

ASV dolārs

1,3416

JPY

Japānas jēna

139,67

DKK

Dānijas krona

7,4462

GBP

Lielbritānijas mārciņa

0,69865

SEK

Zviedrijas krona

9,0630

CHF

Šveices franks

1,5500

ISK

Islandes krona

79,27

NOK

Norvēģijas krona

8,177

BGN

Bulgārijas leva

1,9559

CYP

Kipras mārciņa

0,5825

CZK

Čehijas krona

29,475

EEK

Igaunijas krona

15,6466

HUF

Ungārijas forints

243,20

LTL

Lietuvas lits

3,4528

LVL

Latvijas lats

0,6960

MTL

Maltas lira

0,4330

PLN

Polijas zlots

3,9519

ROL

Rumānijas leja

35 885

SIT

Slovēnijas tolērs

239,72

SKK

Slovakijas krona

37,649

TRY

Turcijas lira

1,7002

AUD

Austrālijas dolārs

1,6944

CAD

Kanādas dolārs

1,6176

HKD

Hongkongas dolārs

10,4638

NZD

Jaunzēlandes dolārs

1,8173

SGD

Singapūras dolārs

2,1733

KRW

Dienvidkorejas vons

1 342,14

ZAR

Dienvidāfrikas rands

7,8354

---

(1)

Datu avots: atsauces maiņas kursu publicējusi ECB.

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Iepriekšējs paziņojums par koncentrāciju

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

Lieta, kas pretendē uz vienkāršotu procedūru

(2005/C 62/03)

(Dokuments attiecas uz EEZ)

| 1. | Komisija 2005. gada 4. martā. saņēma paziņojumu par ierosinātu koncentrāciju saskaņā ar Padomes Regulas (EK) Nr. 139/2004 (1) 4. pantu, ar kuru uzņēmums ZAO Severstal Group (“Severstal”, Krievija) Padomes Regulas 3. panta 1. punkta b) apakšpunkta nozīmē iegūst pilnu kontroli pār uzņēmumu Lucchini SpA (“Lucchini”, Itālija), iegādājoties tā akcijas. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Komisija 2005. gada 4. martā. saņēma paziņojumu par ierosinātu koncentrāciju saskaņā ar Padomes Regulas (EK) Nr. 139/2004 (1) 4. pantu, ar kuru uzņēmums ZAO Severstal Group (“Severstal”, Krievija) Padomes Regulas 3. panta 1. punkta b) apakšpunkta nozīmē iegūst pilnu kontroli pār uzņēmumu Lucchini SpA (“Lucchini”, Itālija), iegādājoties tā akcijas.

| 2. | Attiecīgie uzņēmumi veic šādu uzņēmējdarbību:






  — | Severstal: pamatā metalurģiskā ražošana un piegāde, kā arī dažādas citas darbības, tādas kā banku pakalpojumi, apdrošināšana un citas jomas; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Attiecīgie uzņēmumi veic šādu uzņēmējdarbību:

—

Severstal: pamatā metalurģiskā ražošana un piegāde, kā arī dažādas citas darbības, tādas kā banku pakalpojumi, apdrošināšana un citas jomas;

| — | Lucchini: metāla produkcijas ražošana un pārdošana. |
| --- | --- |

—

Lucchini: metāla produkcijas ražošana un pārdošana.

| 3. | Iepriekšējā pārbaudē Komisija konstatē, ka Regulas (EK) Nr. 139/2004 darbības joma, iespējams, attiecas uz paziņoto darījumu. Tomēr galīgais lēmums šajā jautājumā vēl nav pieņemts. Ievērojot Komisijas paziņojumu par vienkāršotu procedūru dažu koncentrācijas procesu izskatīšanai saskaņā ar Padomes Regulu (EEK) Nr. 139/2004 (2), jānorāda, ka šī lieta ir nododama izskatīšanai atbilstoši paziņojumā izklāstītajai procedūrai. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Iepriekšējā pārbaudē Komisija konstatē, ka Regulas (EK) Nr. 139/2004 darbības joma, iespējams, attiecas uz paziņoto darījumu. Tomēr galīgais lēmums šajā jautājumā vēl nav pieņemts. Ievērojot Komisijas paziņojumu par vienkāršotu procedūru dažu koncentrācijas procesu izskatīšanai saskaņā ar Padomes Regulu (EEK) Nr. 139/2004 (2), jānorāda, ka šī lieta ir nododama izskatīšanai atbilstoši paziņojumā izklāstītajai procedūrai.

| 4. | Komisija uzaicina ieinteresētās trešās personas iesniegt tai savus iespējamos apsvērumus par ierosināto darbību.
  Apsvērumiem jānonāk Komisijā ne vēlāk kā 10 dienās pēc šīs publikācijas datuma. Apsvērumus Komisijai var nosūtīt pa faksu (fakss: (32-2) 296 43 01 vai 296 72 44) vai pa pastu ar atsauces numuru COMP/M.3745 - Severstal/Lucchini uz šādu adresi:





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

4.

Komisija uzaicina ieinteresētās trešās personas iesniegt tai savus iespējamos apsvērumus par ierosināto darbību.

Apsvērumiem jānonāk Komisijā ne vēlāk kā 10 dienās pēc šīs publikācijas datuma. Apsvērumus Komisijai var nosūtīt pa faksu (fakss: (32-2) 296 43 01 vai 296 72 44) vai pa pastu ar atsauces numuru COMP/M.3745 - Severstal/Lucchini uz šādu adresi:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition,

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  OV L 24, 29.1.2004., 1. lpp.

(2)  Pieejams Konkurences ģenerāldirektorāta tīmekļa vietnē:

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

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| 12.3.2005 | LV | Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis | C 62/6 |
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Valsts atbalsts ir atļauts saskaņā ar EK Līguma 87. un 88. panta noteikumiem

Gadījumi, pret kuriem Komisijai nav iebildumu

(2005/C 62/04)

(Dokuments attiecas uz EEZ)

Lēmuma pieņemšanas datums:

Dalībvalsts [reģions]: Itālija

Atbalsta Nr.: N 584/2003

Nosakums: 2 ro-ro TP kuģu piegādes termiņa pagarināšana (numuri C.209 un C.210)

Mērķis [sektors]: kuģu būve

Juridiskais pamats: Articolo 2 della Legge n. 522 del 28.12.1999

Atbalsta intensitāte vai apjoms: 9 %

Cita informācija: Lēmuma autentiskais (-ie) teksts (-i), no kura (-iem) ir izņemta visa konfidenciālā informācija, atrodams (-i):

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

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| 12.3.2005 | LV | Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis | C 62/7 |
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Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis

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Maltas valdības 2005. gada 21. janvāra paziņojums par Eiropas Parlamenta un Padomes 1994. gada 30. maija Direktīvu 94/22/EK par atļauju piešķiršanas un izmantošanas noteikumiem ogļūdeņražu meklēšanai, izpētei un ieguvei (1)

(2005/C 62/05)

(Dokuments attiecas uz EEZ)

Saskaņā ar 10. pantu Eiropas Parlamenta un Padomes 1994. gada 30. maija Direktīvā 94/22/EK par atļauju piešķiršanas un izmantošanas noteikumiem ogļūdeņražu meklēšanai, izpētei un ieguvei, Maltas Republika paziņo Eiropas Komisijai, ka vienīgā pilnvarotā amatpersona šajos jautājumos ir Maltas Republikas Resursu un infrastruktūras ministrs (Block B, Floriana CMR 02, Malta).

Saskaņā ar 5. panta 1. punktu Direktīvā 94/22/EK Maltas Republikas Resursu un infrastruktūras ministrs paziņo kritērijus, pēc kuriem piešķir atļaujas:

| (a) | pieteikuma iesniedzēja finanšu resursi; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

pieteikuma iesniedzēja finanšu resursi;

| (b) | pieteikuma iesniedzēja tehniskā kompetence un pieredze; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

pieteikuma iesniedzēja tehniskā kompetence un pieredze;

| (c) | pieteikuma iesniedzēja piedāvātā darba programma; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

pieteikuma iesniedzēja piedāvātā darba programma;

| (d) | attiecīgos gadījumos pieteikuma iesniedzēja iepriekšēja pieredze, strādājot ar citām licencēm; un |
| --- | --- |

(d)

attiecīgos gadījumos pieteikuma iesniedzēja iepriekšēja pieredze, strādājot ar citām licencēm; un

| (e) | ja atļauja tiek pārdota, kādu cenu licences pretendents ir gatavs maksāt, lai atļauju saņemtu. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

ja atļauja tiek pārdota, kādu cenu licences pretendents ir gatavs maksāt, lai atļauju saņemtu.

Informācija par darbu veikšanas vai pārtraukšanas nosacījumiem un prasībām, kas attiecas uz visām licencēm saskaņā ar 5. panta 2. punktu Direktīvā 94/22/EK, sniegta Resursu un infrastruktūras ministrijas Naftas izpētes departamenta (Block B, Floriana CMR 02, Malta) publicētajos modeļos Model ESA (2001) and Model PSC (2001). Šī informācija ne vienmēr attiecas uz gadījumiem, kas minēti Direktīvas 94/22/EK 3. panta 2. punktā.

---

(1)  OV L 164, 30.6.1994., 3. lpp.

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Maltas valdības 2005. gada 21. janvāra paziņojums par Eiropas Parlamenta un Padomes 1994. gada 30. maija Direktīvu 94/22/EK par atļauju piešķiršanas un izmantošanas noteikumiem ogļūdeņražu meklēšanai, izpētei un ieguvei (1)

(2005/C 62/06)

(Dokuments attiecas uz EEZ)

Saskaņā ar 3. panta 3. punktu Eiropas Parlamenta un Padomes 1994. gada 30. maija Direktīvā 94/22/EK par atļauju piešķiršanas un izmantošanas noteikumiem ogļūdeņražu meklēšanai, izpētei un ieguvei, Maltas Resursu un infrastruktūras ministrs paziņo, ka šādi apgabali (vai to daļas) Maltas šelfā ir pieejami pastāvīgai atļauju piešķiršanai, saņemot Izpētes atļauju vai Izpētes un ieguves atļauju:

| (i) | 1. laukums |
| --- | --- |

(i)

1. laukums

| (ii) | 3. laukums (izņemot turpmāk norādītos blokus) |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

3. laukums (izņemot turpmāk norādītos blokus)

| (iii) | 4. laukums (izņemot turpmāk norādītos blokus) |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

4. laukums (izņemot turpmāk norādītos blokus)

| (iv) | 6. laukums |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

6. laukums

Attiecībā uz turpmāk norādītajiem laukumiem/blokiem atļaujas jau izsniegtas pirms 2004. gada 1. maija, un tie nav pieejami līdz turpmākam paziņojumam:

| (i) | 2. laukums |
| --- | --- |

(i)

2. laukums

| (ii) | 3. laukuma 4. un 5. bloks |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

3. laukuma 4. un 5. bloks

| (iii) | 4. laukuma 3. bloks |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

4. laukuma 3. bloks

| (iv) | 5. laukums |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

5. laukums

| (v) | 7. laukums |
| --- | --- |

(v)

7. laukums

Pieteikumu iesniedzējiem informācija jāiesniedz 2001. gada naftas (ieguves) noteikumos (2001. gada 1. decembra 320. oficiālais paziņojums) publicētajā formā.

Atļauju piešķiršanai pieejamo laukumu/bloku, kā arī to laukumu/bloku teritoriju, attiecībā uz kuriem atļaujas jau izsniegtas, nosaka ģeogrāfiskas koordinātes, ziņas par kurām var iegūt kopā ar citu informāciju, sazinoties ar Resursu un infrastruktūras ministriju, Block B, Floriana CMR 02, Malta, vai pa tālruni (356) 21 23 79 21.

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(1)  OV L 164, 30.6.1994., 3. lpp.

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| 12.3.2005 | LV | Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis | C 62/9 |
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12.3.2005

LV

Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis

C 62/9

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Iepriekšējs paziņojums par koncentrāciju

(Lieta Nr. COMP/M.3743 – DuPont/DDE)

Lieta, kas pretendē uz vienkāršotu procedūru

(2005/C 62/07)

(Dokuments attiecas uz EEZ)

| 1. | 2005. gada 4. martā Komisija saņēma paziņojumu par ierosinātu koncentrāciju, ievērojot Padomes Regulas (EK) Nr. 139/2004 4. pantu (1) [un 4. panta 5. punktā noteikto], kuras rezultātā uzņēmums E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (“DuPont”, ASV) iegūst Padomes regulas 3. panta 1. punkta b) apakšpunkta izpratnē daļēju kontroli pār uzņēmumu DuPont Dow Elastomers L.L.C. (“DDE”, ASV), iegādājoties akcijas. |
| --- | --- |

1.

2005. gada 4. martā Komisija saņēma paziņojumu par ierosinātu koncentrāciju, ievērojot Padomes Regulas (EK) Nr. 139/2004 4. pantu (1) [un 4. panta 5. punktā noteikto], kuras rezultātā uzņēmums E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (“DuPont”, ASV) iegūst Padomes regulas 3. panta 1. punkta b) apakšpunkta izpratnē daļēju kontroli pār uzņēmumu DuPont Dow Elastomers L.L.C. (“DDE”, ASV), iegādājoties akcijas.

| 2. | Attiecīgie uzņēmumi veic šādu uzņēmējdarbību:






  — | uzņēmums DuPont: pasaules mēroga uzņēmums, kurš darbojas vairākās nozarēs, tādās kā lauksaimniecībā, pārtikas ražošanā, elektrisko iekārtu ražošanā, komunikācijās, drošībā un aizsardzībā, māju būvniecībā un transporta nozarē; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Attiecīgie uzņēmumi veic šādu uzņēmējdarbību:

—

uzņēmums DuPont: pasaules mēroga uzņēmums, kurš darbojas vairākās nozarēs, tādās kā lauksaimniecībā, pārtikas ražošanā, elektrisko iekārtu ražošanā, komunikācijās, drošībā un aizsardzībā, māju būvniecībā un transporta nozarē;

| — | uzņēmums DDE: elastomēru izpēte, attīstība, ražošana un noeja. |
| --- | --- |

—

uzņēmums DDE: elastomēru izpēte, attīstība, ražošana un noeja.

| 3. | Iepriekšēja pārbaudē Komisija konstatē, ka Regulas (EK) Nr. 139/2004 darbības joma attiecas uz paziņoto darījumu. Tomēr galīgais lēmums šajā jautājumā netiek pieņemts. Ievērojot Komisijas paziņojumu par vienkāršotu procedūru noteiktu koncentrācijas procesu izskatīšanai saskaņā ar Padomes Regulu (EK) Nr. 139/2004 (2), jānorāda, ka šī lieta ir nododama izskatīšanai atbilstoši paziņojumā paredzētajai procedūrai. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Iepriekšēja pārbaudē Komisija konstatē, ka Regulas (EK) Nr. 139/2004 darbības joma attiecas uz paziņoto darījumu. Tomēr galīgais lēmums šajā jautājumā netiek pieņemts. Ievērojot Komisijas paziņojumu par vienkāršotu procedūru noteiktu koncentrācijas procesu izskatīšanai saskaņā ar Padomes Regulu (EK) Nr. 139/2004 (2), jānorāda, ka šī lieta ir nododama izskatīšanai atbilstoši paziņojumā paredzētajai procedūrai.

| 4. | Komisija uzaicina ieinteresētās puses iesniegt tai savus iespējamos novērojumus par ierosināto darbību.
  Novērojumiem jānonāk Komisijā ne vēlāk kā 10 dienas pēc šīs publikācijas datuma. Novērojumus Komisijai var nosūtīt pa faksu (faksa numurs (32-2) 296 43 01 vai 296 72 44) vai pa pastu ar atsauces numuru COMP/M.3743 – DuPont/DDE uz šādu adresi:





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

4.

Komisija uzaicina ieinteresētās puses iesniegt tai savus iespējamos novērojumus par ierosināto darbību.

Novērojumiem jānonāk Komisijā ne vēlāk kā 10 dienas pēc šīs publikācijas datuma. Novērojumus Komisijai var nosūtīt pa faksu (faksa numurs (32-2) 296 43 01 vai 296 72 44) vai pa pastu ar atsauces numuru COMP/M.3743 – DuPont/DDE uz šādu adresi:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition,

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

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(1)  OV L 24, 29.1.2004., 1. lpp.

(2)  Tas izlasāms Konkurences ģenerāldirektorāta tīmekļa vietnē:

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

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| 12.3.2005 | LV | Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis | C 62/10 |
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12.3.2005

LV

Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis

C 62/10

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VALSTS ATBALSTS – APVIENOTĀ KARALISTE

Valsts atbalsts Nr. C 4/2005 (ex N57/2004)

Īpašuma nodoklis telekomunikācijas infrastruktūrai

Uzaicinājums iesniegt atsauksmes saskaņā ar EK Līguma 88. panta 2. punktu

(2005/C 62/08)

(Dokuments attiecas uz EEZ)

Ar 2005. gada 19. janvāra vēstuli, kuras atveidojums tās autentiskajā valodā ir pievienots šī kopsavilkuma pielikumā, Komisija paziņojusi Apvienotajai Karalistei par tās lēmumu attiecībā uz minētā atbalsta/pasākuma daļu uzsākt EK Līguma 88. panta 2. punktā paredzēto procedūru.

Viena mēneša laikā pēc šā kopsavilkuma un pievienotās vēstules publicēšanas ieinteresētās personas var iesniegt savas atsauksmes par atbalstu, attiecībā uz kuru Komisija uzsāk procedūru, adresējot to:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| State aid Registry |
| B-1049 Brussels |
| Faksa nr.: (32-2) 296 12 42 |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

State aid Registry

B-1049 Brussels

Faksa nr.: (32-2) 296 12 42

Šīs atsauksmes tiks darītas zināmas Apvienotajai Karalistei. Ieinteresētās personas, kas iesniedz atsauksmes, var rakstveidā lūgt ievērot konfidencialitāti attiecībā uz viņu identitāti, atbilstīgi to motivējot.

KOPSAVILKUMS

Procedūra

Vtesse Networks Ltd, Apvienotās Karalistes telekomunikāciju operators, 2004. gada februārī iesniedza sūdzību par iespējamu valsts atbalstu preferenciāla nodokļa režīma veidā tirgū pārstāvētam telekomunikāciju operatoram British Telecom Plc (“BT”). Pamatojoties uz šo sūdzību, Komisija pieprasīja informāciju Apvienotās Karalistes iestādēm un 2004. gada aprīlī saņēma atbildi.

Pasākums attiecībā uz Komisijas uzsākto procedūru. Apraksts

Pasākums attiecas uz uzņēmumu īpašumam, ieskaitot arī telekomunikācijas infrastruktūru, uzlikto īpašuma nodokli. Pamatnoteikumi attiecībā uz šo nodokļu režīmu Anglijā un Velsā ir 1988. gada pašvaldības finanšu akts. Tas paredz novērtēšanu, lai noteiktu to līdzekļu vērtību, kas veido nodokļu bāzi, kurai piemēro nodokļu likmi nodokļu saistību aprēķināšanai. Nodokļa likmi nosaka reizi gadā un tā attiecas uz visiem telekomunikāciju operatoriem. Tomēr katram operatoram nodokļu bāzi atsevišķi nosaka Vērtēšanas biroja aģentūra (“VOA”), centrālās valdības izpildaģentūra, piemērojot dažādas novērtēšanas metodes ar pārsūdzēšanas iespējām. VOA piemēro noteiktu novērtēšanas metodi attiecībā uz BT un Kingston Communication (tirgū pārstāvētu operatoru Holas reģionā), savukārt attiecībā uz sūdzības iesniedzēju un citiem konkurējošiem telekomunikāciju operatoriem piemēro citu metodi. Šķiet, ka dažādu metožu pielietošana rada dažādu un nesamērīgu nodokļu slogu starp telekomunikāciju tirgū konkurējošiem uzņēmumiem.

Novērtējums

Saskaņā ar Komisijas paziņojumu par valsts atbalsta likumu piemērošanu pasākumiem attiecībā uz tiešiem nodokļiem uzņēmējdarbībai (OV C 384/3-9, 10.12.1998.), nodokļu priekšrocības noteiktu tipu uzņēmumiem, ciktāl tās ir labvēlīgas noteiktiem uzņēmumiem noteiktu preču ražošanai, var veidot valsts atbalstu. Nodokļa bāzes samazinājums un līdz ar to arī nodokļa līmeņa samazinājums attiecībā uz BT un Kingston šiem uzņēmumiem piešķir selektīvu priekšrocību, jo šādi tiek samazinātas izmaksas, kuras tiem parasti būtu jāsedz uzņēmējdarbības gaitā. Apvienotās Karalistes telekomunikāciju tirgus ir atvērts konkurencei un tāpēc BT un Kingston Communications piešķirtās priekšrocības var radīt konkurences traucējumus un ietekmēt tirdzniecību. Uzskatāms, ka pastāv visi nosacījumi, lai šo pasākumu vērtētu kā valsts atbalstu atbilstīgi 87. panta 1. punktam EK.

Tāpēc procedūras pašreizējā posmā Komisija ir secinājusi, ka Apvienotās Karalistes iestādes, iespējams, piešķīrušas valsts atbalstu BT un Kingston Communications 87. panta 1. punkta EK nozīmē. Tā kā atbalsta esamību var izslēgt, ja atšķirīga attieksme ir pamatota ar sistēmas raksturu un vispārējo plānu, šajā gadījumā Komisija apšauba, ka to var pamatot ar nodokļu sistēmai raksturīgām funkcijām un loģiku.

Uzskatāms, ka 87. panta 2. un 3. punktā EK paredzētie izņēmumi nav attiecināmi. Ņemot vērā savas šaubas par atbalsta savietojamību ar EK Līgumu, Komisija ir nolēmusi uzsākt oficiālu izmeklēšanas procedūru, kas paredzēta EK Līguma 88. panta 2. punktā. Saskaņā ar 14. pantu Padomes Regulā (EK) Nr. 659/1999, jebkurš nelikumīgs atbalsts var tikt atprasīts no saņēmēja.

VĒSTULES TEKSTS

| “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. |
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17.

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

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

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

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

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

Revisions

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

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

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

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

3.2.   Kingston Communications

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

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

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

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

3.3.   Vtesse

Valuations

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

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

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

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

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

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

Revisions

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

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

3.4.   Other operators

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

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

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

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

4.   COMPLAINT AND COMMENTS

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






  (a) | Choice of methods:
  If BT was valued using the “Rental” or “Tone of the List” methods as is used for Vtesse, it would end-up with a substantially higher and more proportionate tax liability. It questions why the “Rental” or “Tone of the List” methods are not used for BT. |
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30.

The complainant has raised the following specific claims and concerns:

(a)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. |
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—

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. |
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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). |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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(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. |
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(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). |
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(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: |
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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). |
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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). |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 Paziņojumi

Komisija

| 12.3.2005 | LV | Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis | C 62/19 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.3.2005

LV

Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis

C 62/19

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UK–Greenock: Regulāro gaisa satiksmes līniju vadīšana

Konkursa uzaicinājums, ko izsludinājusi Īrija saskaņā ar 4. panta 1. punkta d) apakšpunktu Padomes Regulā (EEK) Nr. 2408/92 attiecībā uz regulāro gaisa satiksmes līniju darbību posmā starp Golveju/Naminu un Eranas salām

(2005/C 62/09)

(Dokuments attiecas uz EEZ)

1.   Ievads: Saskaņā ar 4. panta 1. punkta a) apakšpunktu 1992. gada 23. jūlija Regulā (EEK) Nr. 2408/92 par Kopienas aviopārvadātaju piekļuvi Kopienas iekšējiem aviācijas maršrutiem Īrija ir uzlikusi sabiedrisko pakalpojumu sniegšanas saistības (PSO) attiecībā uz regulāro gaisa satiksmes līniju posmā starp Golveju/Naminu un Eranas salām, kas stājas spēkā no 2005. gada 1. augustā Šīs sabiedrisko pakalpojumu sniegšanas saistības 2001. gada 5. oktobrī tika publicētas Eiropas Kopienu Oficiālajā Vēstnesī Nr. C 281/05, kura grozījumi publicēti
  Eiropas Kopienu Oficiālajā Vēstnesī Nr. C 61 2005. gada 11. martā.

Ja līdz 2005. gada 1. jūlija neviens aviopārvadātājs nebūs uzsācis šādus gaisa satiksmes pakalpojumus saskaņā ar PSO un bez kompensācijas pieprasījuma, Īrija ir nolēmusi saskaņā ar minētās regulas 4. panta 1. punkta d) apakšpunktu turpināt ierobežot pieeju šim maršrutam vienam aviopārvadātājam un no 2005. gada 1. augustā piedāvāt tiesības sniegt šādus pakalpojumus atklātā konkursā.

2.   Konkursa uzaicinājuma mērķis: Regulārās gaisa satiksmes sniegšana no 2005. gada 1. augustā posmā starp Golveju/Naminu un Eranas salām saskaņā ar sabiedrisko pakalpojumu sniegšanas saistībām šim maršrutam, kas 2001. gada 5. oktobrī publicētas Eiropas Kopienu Oficiālajā Vēstnesī Nr. C 281/05, kuru grozījumi publicēti
  Eiropas Kopienu Oficiālajā Vēstnesī Nr. C 61 2005. gada 11. martā.

3.   Piedalīšanās konkursā: Līdzdalība ir pieejama visiem aviopārvadātajiem, kam ir spēkā esoša darbības licence, ko izdevusi dalībvalsts saskaņā ar Padomes 1992. gada 23. jūlija Regulu (EEK) Nr. 2407/92 par aviopārvadātaju licencēšanu. Pakalpojumus sniedz saskaņā ar Īrijas Aviācijas pārvaldes (1AA) regulatīvo režīmu.

4.   Konkursa kārtība: Šis konkursa uzaicinājums ir saskaņā ar Regulas (EEK) Nr. 2408/92 4. panta l. punkta d), e), f), g), h) apakšpunktu.

5.   Konkursa dokumentācija/kvalifikācijas utt.: Visa konkursa dokumentācija, ieskaitot līguma formu, specifikāciju, īsu informācijas izklāstu, kā arī sabiedrisko pakalpojumu sniegšanas saistību oriģināla tekstu, kas 2001. gada 5. oktobrī publicēts Eiropas Kopienu Oficiālajā Vēstnesī Nr. C 281/05, kura grozījumi publicēti
  Eiropas Kopienu Oficiālajā Vēstnesī Nr. C 61 2005. gada 11. martā, saņemami bez maksas no pasūtītāja organizācijas pārstāvja:

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

Konkursa dokumentos aviosabiedrībām jāietver izziņas par to finansiālo stāvokli (jāiesniedz gada pārskats un pārbaudītā grāmatvedība par pēdējiem 3 gadiem, norādot apgrozījumu un peļņu pirms nodokļu nomaksas par pēdējiem 3 gadiem), iepriekšējo pieredzi un tehniskajām iespējām sniegt aprakstīto pakalpojumu. Pasūtītāja organizācija patur tiesības pieprasīt plašāku informāciju par pieteikuma iesniedzēja finansiālajiem un tehniskajiem resursiem un iespējām

Konkursa piedāvājumu izcenojumiem jābūt eirās, un visiem apliecinošajiem dokumentiem jābūt angļu vai īru valodā. Līgumu noslēdz saskaņā ar Īrijas tiesību aktiem, un tas ir pakļauts tikai Īrijas tiesas jurisdikcijai.

6.   Finanšu kompensācija: Konkursa piedāvājumos skaidri jānorada sabiedrisko pakalpojuma sniegšanas saistību darbībai nepieciešamā summa šajā maršrutā par katru no 3 gadiem, sākot no plānotā darbības sākuma datuma (sniedzot analīzi par katru gadu). Kompensācijai jābūt aprēķinātai saskaņā ar pieprasītajiem obligātajiem standartiem.

Kompensācijas faktisko summu, ko izmaksā Kopienas, lauku un īru valodas lietu departaments, nosaka pēc konkursa un ierobežo saskaņā ar reālajiem zaudējumiem, ņemot vērā faktiskās izmaksas, ieņēmumus un attiecīgos gadījumos peļņas normu, kas izraudzītajam pretendentam radušies, sniedzot pakalpojumu, nepārsniedzot maksimālo konkursā noteikto summu par katru gadu.

Līgumā ietverts noteikums par maksimālās kompensācijas ierobežojuma palielinājumu kādā /-os no gadiem, par ko pasūtītāja organizācija lemj vienpersonīgi jebkādu darbības apstākļu izmaiņu gadījumā. Neskarot līguma izbeigšanas noteikumus, pasūtītāja organizācija, novērtējot jebkuru priekšlikumu par kompensācijas ierobežojuma palielinājumu kādā /-os no gadiem, attiecīgi ņems vērā notikumus, kas ietekmē pakalpojuma sniegšanas darbību, kurus pretendents neparedzēja vai nevarēja paredzēt, vai kas notikuši tādu faktoru dēļ, kas bijuši ārpus pretendenta kontroles.

Līguma slēgšanas tiesības piešķir Kopienas, lauku un īru valodas lietu ministrs. Visi maksājumi saskaņā ar līgumu ir eirās un pamatojas uz pasūtītāja organizācijai iesniegtajiem atbilstoši dokumentētajiem pieprasījumiem, kas saskaņā ar līguma noteikumiem apstiprināti ar pārvadātāja revidenta apliecinājumu.

7.   Līguma darbības laiks, grozījumi un pārtraukšana: Līgums ir spēkā uz laiku līdz 3 gadiem, sākot ar 2005. gada 1. augustā, un beidzas ne vēlāk, kā 2008. gada 31. jūlija Pēc nepieciešamības līdz 2008. gada 31. jūlija izsludina jaunu konkursa uzaicinājumu. Jebkuri līguma grozījumi vai pārtraukšana notiek saskaņā ar līguma noteikumiem. Izmaiņas noteiktajos pakalpojumos atļauj tikai, vienojoties ar pasūtītāju organizāciju.

8.   Līgumsods gadījumā, ja pārvadātājs nepilda līgumu: Nepārvaramas varas gadījumos vai, ja lidojumu atceļ tādu iemeslu dēļ, kas tieši attiecināmi uz pārvadātāju, izmaksājamā kompensācija ir tikai par tām izmaksām, ja tādas ir, kas pārvadātājam faktiski radušās, pārvietojot pasažierus Šādu nenotikušu lidojumu dēļ. Pasūtītāja organizācija patur tiesības paziņot par līguma izbeigšanu, ja, ņemot vērā pārvadātāja sniegta pakalpojuma atbilstību un īpaši lidojumu skaitu, kuru atcelšanas iemesli tieši attiecināmi uz pārvadātāju, tā atzīst, ka sabiedrisko pakalpojuma sniegšanas saistības nav vai netiek apmierinoši ievērotas.

9.   Piedāvājumu iesniegšanas termiņš: Viens mēnesis no šī paziņojuma publicēšanas Eiropas Kopienu Oficiālā Vēstneša pielikumā.

10.   Kandidēšana: Konkursa piedāvājumi jānosūta uz 5. punktā norādīto adresi ar atzīmi “EASP Tender” līdz pulksten 12.00 (pēc Īrijas laika) 9. punktā norādītajā laikā.

11.   Konkursa uzaicinājumu spēkā esamība: Saskaņā ar Regulas (EEK) Nr. 2408/92 4. panta 1. punkta d) apakšpunktu konkursa uzaicinājuma spēkā esamība ir atkarīga no tā, vai līdz 2005. gada 1. jūlija neviens Kopienas aviopārvadātajs neiesniegs programmu darbībai šajā maršrutā no 2005. gada 1. augustā vai pirms šā datuma saskaņā ar PSO, kurā izdarīti grozījumi, bez jebkādas finanšu kompensācijas.

12.   Likumi par informācijas brīvību, 1997. un 2003, gads: Kopienas, lauku un īru valodas lietu departaments apņemas ar vislabākajiem centieniem neizpaust nekādu pretendenta sniegto informāciju, ņemot vērā departamenta tiesību aktos noteiktās saistības, ieskaitot 1997. un 2003. gada likumus par informācijas brīvību (FOI). Ja pretendenti nevēlas, ka jebkāda to konkursa piedāvājumos iesniegtā informācija tiktu izpausta tās komerciālās jutības dēļ, iesniedzot informāciju, tiem attiecīgi jāidentificē un jānorāda šādas jutības iemesli. Departaments apspriežas ar pretendentiem par šo jutīgo informāciju pirms lēmuma pieņemšanas par šādas informācijas atklāšanu saskaņā ar likumu par informācijas brīvību. Ja pretendents uzskata, ka tā iesniegtā informācija nav komerciāli jutīga, viņam tas ir jāpaziņo, un šādu informāciju var izdot pēc FOI pieprasījuma.

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