# Official Journal C 260/2006

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 260 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 4928 October 2006 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 260

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 4928 October 2006

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Information |
| | Council |
| 2006/C 260/1 | Council Opinion of 10 October 2006 on the adjusted convergence programme update of Hungary, 2005-2009 | 1 |
| | Commission |
| 2006/C 260/2 | Euro exchange rates | 6 |
| 2006/C 260/3 | Commission communication concerning the prolongation of the Framework on State aid to shipbuilding (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2006/C 260/4 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4417 — Telecom Italia/AOL German Access Business) (
  1
  ) | 8 |
| 2006/C 260/5 | Imposition of public service obligations imposed in respect of scheduled air services on routes within Greece in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| 2006/C 260/6 | New national side of euro circulation coins | 11 |
| 2006/C 260/7 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001, as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 363/2004 of 25 February 2004, on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid (
  1
  ) | 12 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Information

Council

2006/C 260/1

Council Opinion of 10 October 2006 on the adjusted convergence programme update of Hungary, 2005-2009

1

Commission

2006/C 260/2

Euro exchange rates

6

2006/C 260/3

Commission communication concerning the prolongation of the Framework on State aid to shipbuilding (
  1
  )

1

7

2006/C 260/4

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4417 — Telecom Italia/AOL German Access Business) (
  1
  )

1

8

2006/C 260/5

Imposition of public service obligations imposed in respect of scheduled air services on routes within Greece in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 (
  1
  )

1

9

2006/C 260/6

New national side of euro circulation coins

11

2006/C 260/7

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001, as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 363/2004 of 25 February 2004, on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid (
  1
  )

1

12

| | Corrigenda |
| --- | --- |
| 2006/C 260/8 | Corrigendum to the Explanatory notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Communities (OJ C 50, 28.2.2006) | 18 |

Corrigenda

2006/C 260/8

Corrigendum to the Explanatory notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Communities (OJ C 50, 28.2.2006)

(OJ C 50, 28.2.2006)

18

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

| EN | |
| --- | --- |

EN

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I Information

Council

| 28.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 260/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 260/1

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COUNCIL OPINION

of 10 October 2006

on the adjusted convergence programme update of Hungary, 2005-2009

(2006/C 260/01)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies (1), and in particular Article 9(3) thereof,

Having regard to the opinion of the Council of 24 January 2006 on the updated convergence programme of Hungary, 2005-2008,

Having regard to the recommendation of the Commission,

After consulting the Economic and Financial Committee,

HAS DELIVERED THIS OPINION:

(1)   On 10 October 2006 the Council examined the adjusted convergence programme update of Hungary received on 1 September 2006, which covers the period 2005 to 2009. (2)

(2)   Following the adoption of a comprehensive economic reform package in the mid-nineties, the Hungarian economy enjoyed stable and relatively high rates of growth and a reduction in inflation supported by sound macroeconomic policies and appropriate structural reforms. However, starting from 2001, and more importantly over the recent years, significantly increased public expenditure coupled with tax cuts and generous public wage increases resulted each year in budget deficits well above 5 % of GDP, producing large deviations compared to the original deficit targets. In addition, end-year figures were substantially increased ex-post with virtually every fiscal notification. Instead of the planned deficit targets contained in the May 2004 convergence programme of 4,6 % of GDP in 2004, 4,1 % of GDP in 2005 and 3,6 % of GDP in 2006, the outcome was 6,6 % of GDP in 2004, 7,5 % of GDP in 2005 and is expected by the Government to be around 10,1 % of GDP in 2006, by far the highest level in the EU (all numbers including pension reform burden). A large part of the budgetary slippages stemmed from overoptimistic budgetary planning, large expenditure overruns, tax cuts and the lack of sufficient structural adjustment efforts. This highly expansionary fiscal policy has considerably damaged the credibility of the fiscal policy, and has been weighing increasingly on the economy. In particular, it has contributed to serious external imbalances and to a significant increase in the total foreign debt stock (from below 20 % of GDP in 2001 to close to 30 % of GDP in 2005), and much higher interest rate spreads compared to other recently acceded Member States.

(3)   On 5 July 2004, the Council decided that Hungary was in excessive deficit and issued a first recommendation under Article 104(7) for its correction by 2008, the target year set by the Hungarian authorities in the convergence programme of May 2004. In January 2005 and once again in November 2005, the Council, based on Article 104(8), decided that Hungary did not comply with this first and the follow-up recommendation of 8 March 2005. It notably took into account the substantial deviation from the medium-term adjustment path, namely with respect to the deficit targets in 2005 and 2006.

(4)   On 1 December 2005, the Hungarian authorities presented to the Commission and the Council a convergence programme update which contained a new adjustment path, while retaining the 2008 target year for correction of the excessive deficit. On 24 January 2006, the Council adopted an opinion on this 2005 update, in which it considered that the very large cut in expenditures of 7,5 % of GDP was not backed by concrete measures. Therefore, in accordance with the second paragraph of Art. 9 of section 3 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 as amended, the Council invited Hungary to present as soon as possible, and by 1 September 2006 at the latest, an adjusted convergence programme update identifying concrete and structural measures that are fully consistent with its medium-term adjustment path.

(5)   After a general government deficit outcome of 7,5 % of GDP in 2005 reported in Spring 2006, the Hungarian authorities announced following the April 2006 general elections that there would be very large upward revisions of the 2006 deficit which could reach, in the absence of corrective steps, 11,6 % of GDP (3). The overshoot compared to the deficit target of 6,1 % of GDP set in the budget law and the 2005 convergence programme update took place almost entirely on the expenditure side (around 5 % of GDP). It mainly occurred in the areas of operational costs of central budgetary institutions, pension payments, health-care expenditure, and because of higher-than-expected investment of local governments due to the electoral cycle. Around 1Formula % of GDP of the overshoot was explained on the one hand by the accounting of motorway investment inside the general government (4) (1,1 % of GDP), which was originally planned to be undertaken by PPPs (public private partnerships) to be recorded off budget, and on the other by the costs of military aircraft (0,3 % of GDP) purchased under a financial lease. Both of these outlays were not included originally in the official target figure.

(6)   In June, facing a spiralling budget deficit, the Government — re-appointed following the April 2006 general elections — withdrew the remainder of its five-year tax cut programme which would have further lowered revenues by around 3 % of GDP by 2010 and adopted a corrective fiscal package. A number of the corrective measures, including all those on the revenue side, have already been adopted by Parliament. The tax increases, together with some immediate cuts in health-care expenditure, gas price subsidies, public administration expenditure and the full withdrawal of the 0,3 % of GDP general reserve of the budget, are expected by the Government to reduce the deficit overrun in 2006 by 1,5 % of GDP, in order to achieve the new deficit objective of 10,1 % of GDP. These measures are also expected to produce important effects over the future years.

(7)   The macroeconomic scenario presented in the programme projects real GDP growth to fall back in the coming years from 4,1 % in 2006 to 2,2 % and 2,6 % in 2007 and 2008, respectively, due to the contractionary impact of the fiscal adjustment measures set out in the programme, some of which have already been implemented from July 2006. Growth is expected to recover to pre-adjustment levels by 2009. These developments are also reflected in the implicit cyclical conditions, which show negative output gaps for the years 2007 and 2008 and the return of output to its potential level by 2009. Based on currently available information, and without prejudging the Commission services' Autumn 2006 forecast, this macroeconomic scenario appears broadly plausible although it is somewhat optimistic concerning 2009. The significant improvement of the external balances expected in the programme seems plausible in view of both the direct and the indirect effects of the fiscal adjustment measures. In particular, the current account deficit is expected to decrease from close to 8 % of GDP in 2006 to less than 4 % of GDP in 2009. Inflation is projected to peak at 6,2 % in 2007 after 3,5 % in 2006 and to decrease to 3 % by 2009. The projected pattern can be explained in the light of the VAT increase and of the decreases in price subsidies decided in Summer 2006. However, the level of inflation seems somewhat underestimated over the entire horizon despite the dampening effect of the economic slowdown.

(8)   The programme aims to correct the excessive deficit by 2009. This would be achieved by a steep and front-loaded deficit reduction of 6,9 percentage points of GDP within three years, from the high starting position of 10,1 % of GDP in 2006 to 3,2 % of GDP in 2009. The improvement in the primary balance over the period is of the same magnitude. The programme recognises that the deficit target of 3,2 % of GDP in 2009 would still exceed the 3 % of GDP threshold specified in the Treaty, but assumes that the Council and the Commission, when considering the case for an abrogation of the excessive deficit procedure for Hungary, could take into account a part of the net cost of the pension reform, in line with the revised Stability and Growth Pact. (5) Nearly half of the reduction in the deficit ratio is already to take place in 2007. The planned reduction in the nominal deficit is to be achieved by increasing the revenue-to-GDP ratio by 3 percentage points and by reducing the expenditure-to-GDP ratio by 3,9 percentage points over the programme period. (6) As far as the revenue side is concerned, all revenue increases underpinning the projected rise in the programme's revenue-to-GDP ratio have been adopted. On top of the above-mentioned already adopted expenditure cuts, the Hungarian authorities plan to achieve their targets by implementing strict multi-annual spending caps for most expenditure items and to strengthen budgetary expenditure controls. These plans are expected to be included and fully spelled out in the 2007 budget law, which will be presented to parliament by end-October. Moreover, the programme announces comprehensive structural reforms aimed to ensure the achievement of the deficit targets, especially in the outer years of the programme (such as the introduction of co-payment schemes in the health-care sector, the revamping of price subsidies and a streamlining of the central public administration).

(9)   Over the programme period, the structural balance (in cyclically-adjusted terms and net of one-off and other temporary measures) calculated according to the commonly agreed methodology and based on programme figures is planned to improve on average by around 2Formula % of GDP per year, falling from 9Formula % of GDP in 2006 to 3Formula % in 2009. The programme sets the medium-term objective (hereafter MTO) for the budgetary position as a structural budget deficit between 0,5 % and 1 % of GDP, which it does not aim to achieve within the programme period. The MTO lies within the range indicated in the Stability and Growth Pact and the code of conduct and adequately reflects long-term potential output growth and the debt ratio.

(10)   Regarding the budgetary outcome, there are a number of elements on the positive side. Large part of the measures to back the reduction of the deficit in 2006 and 2007 are either already adopted or planned to be incorporated into the 2007 budget. In addition, in recent months the Government has taken decisions on some initial steps of the planned structural reforms. Moreover, the Hungarian authorities have decided to improve the budgetary process through more transparent accounting and by introducing an expenditure-control rule from 2007 onwards and multi-annual expenditure planning for budgetary institutions; they also commit themselves in the programme to report twice a year to the Commission and the Council on budgetary developments and announce corrective steps in case of slippages. However, there are also important risks. There is still some uncertainty about the effective enforcement of the planned expenditure freezes in 2007 and 2008 and about containing expenditure increases in areas not covered by the freezes. Moreover, despite the planned measures, the achievement of the budgetary targets in the outer years could be subject to important risks. Although the risks to the revenue side stemming from the macroeconomic scenario appear on the whole broadly balanced, the expected revenues in the outer years and especially in 2009 are rather optimistic. Moreover, apart from the poor track-record in expenditure control and the lack of precise information about how it will be achieved in the future, the weak institutional control of the budgetary process exposes public finances to substantial slippages. Therefore, the envisaged deficit reduction is contingent on the rigorous implementation of the envisaged structural reforms and expenditure control starting from the early years of the programme.

Finally, it cannot be excluded that the almost 2 % of GDP debt accumulated by the public transport companies since end 2002 will be assumed by the Government (given that this has happened at regular intervals in the past), should the restructuring and partial privatisation plans of the national railway company fail to yield the expected results; this would have a temporary effect on the deficit. Overall, the budgetary outcome could be worse than projected in the programme, both in the short term and the outer years of the programme.

(11)   In view of the risk assessment above, the planned correction of the excessive deficit by 2009 on a sustainable basis requires the Government to strictly achieve the budgetary targets. This hinges upon an effective implementation of all the measures announced in the programme for the years 2006 to 2009, as well as upon a further specification and implementation of structural reforms and expenditure control.

(12)   The debt-to-GDP ratio, according to the programme projections, would significantly increase in 2006 to 68,5 % (from 62.3 % in 2005), above the 60 % of GDP Treaty reference value. The programme projects the debt ratio to increase further to 71,3 % in 2007 and to 72,3 % in 2008. The ratio is expected to start decreasing in 2009 to 70,4 %. Risks to the envisaged debt path mainly stem from higher-than-expected deficits in the primary balance including due to the possible assumption of the debt of the public transport companies. In view of this risk assessment, the debt ratio would not be sufficiently diminishing towards the reference value during the programme period.

(13)   Hungary appears to be at high risk with regard to the sustainability of public finances. The very weak budgetary position, in conjunction with the relatively high and rising debt ratio, constitutes a notable risk to sustainable public finances, even before considering the long-term budgetary impact of an ageing population. Moreover, the long-term budgetary impact of ageing in Hungary is well above the EU average, influenced notably by a significant increase in pension expenditure as a share of GDP over the long-term. Carrying out a large consolidation of the public finances over the medium-term as planned, further strengthening the budgetary position thereafter, and addressing the significant increases in pension expenditure is therefore necessary if these risks are to be reduced.

(14)   While there has been a serious deterioration in public finances in 2006, hampering the correction of the excessive deficit in line with the planned path, the measures envisaged in the programme, if fully specified and implemented, are broadly consistent with the broad economic policy guidelines included in the integrated guidelines. (7) In particular, Hungary plans to take effective actions to correct the excessive deficit and to implement reforms in order to strengthen fiscal discipline and to increase transparency. These measures should also contribute to correcting the high current account deficits. However, they need to be backed up by structural reforms to ensure fiscal sustainability.

(15)   With the Implementation Report to be submitted by mid-October 2006 in the context of the renewed Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs, the Hungarian Government is planning to substantially revise reform plans contained in the October 2005 National Reform Programme (NRP) to reflect the Government's new strategy. The adjusted convergence programme update outlines plans and measures to restructure the public administration, health-care, pension and public education systems. In particular, by 2007, measures are planned to reduce the size of the public administration and improve its efficiency by exploiting economies of scale; to introduce means-testing in subsidies; to restructure pharmaceutical subsidies and to partly liberalise the trade of pharmaceutical products; to introduce co-payments for health-care services. In addition, by 2007, proposals for law amendments are to be submitted to the parliament aiming at increasing the retirement age and decreasing early retirement by improving the incentive schemes and by revamping the disability pension system; at putting health-care services on strict insurance basis and at rationalising the provision and the use of these services; at restructuring public education. These plans are still to be substantiated. The programme complements these plans by envisaged improvements to the institutional features of the public finance framework.

The high and widening budget deficit in Hungary in recent years, and in particular in 2006, has created serious concern and calls for urgent, determined and sustained action. It is therefore to be welcomed that in the adjusted convergence programme update of September 2006 the Hungarian authorities give priority to the reduction of the excessive deficit through a substantial front-loaded effort and commit to reporting to the Commission and Council twice a year on progress and on actions taken to stay on track. While important first steps have been taken to secure additional revenues and cut expenditures with a view to reaching the new 2007 deficit target and plans have been announced to improve expenditure control and undertake structural reforms so as to back the adjustment path, risks with respect to meeting the adjustment path remain in both the short term and the outer years of the programme. The planned deficit reduction is contingent on the rigorous implementation of the envisaged structural reforms, on the enforcement of expenditure controls from the early years of the programme, as well as on a reinforcement of the institutional set-up of public finances in Hungary, all aspects on which the Council urges the Hungarian government to ensure the highest effort.

A recommendation addressed to Hungary to tackle the large budgetary imbalances is adopted by the Council at the same time under Article 104(7) of the Treaty.

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(1)  OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1055/2005 (OJ L 174, 7.7.2005, p. 1). The documents referred to in this text can be found at the following website:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/about/activities/sgp/main_en.htm

(2)  The adjusted convergence programme update (hereafter referred to as the programme), submitted to comply with the Council request of January 2006, broadly follows the model structure and data provision requirements for stability and convergence programmes specified in the new code of conduct. The programme provides all compulsory data prescribed by the new code of conduct. Some optional data are missing. They mainly concern the general government expenditure by function, government debt developments and data on long-term sustainability of public finances.

(3)  Hungary has decided no longer to benefit from the transitory period on the sectoral classification of pension schemes granted by Eurostat on 23 September 2004, that will in any case expire on 1 April 2007. Without the pension reform burden, the deficit outcome in 2005 would have been 6,1 % of GDP and the target for 2006 would have been 4,7 % of GDP.

(4)  Originally this investment was planned to be undertaken by PPPs (public private partnerships) to be recorded off budget.

(5)  According to Council Regulation (EC) No 1056/2005, Article 1 paragraph 7, if the general government deficit ‘...has declined substantially and continuously and has reached a level that comes close to the reference value’, the Council and the Commission should consider degressively the net cost of a pension reform that includes a fully-funded pillar. For Hungary, this would correspond in 2009 to 20 % of the net cost of the pension reform or an estimated 0,3 % of GDP.

(6)  It should be noted in this context that the trajectory of the total revenues and total expenditure ratios includes projected EU transfers which raise both the expenditure and revenue ratios by some 1,7 percentage points over the programme period (by 1,1 percentage point in 2009 alone); thus adjusted for these transfers, the revenue-to-GDP ratio increases by 1,3 percentage points, while the expenditure-to-GDP ratio falls by 5,6 percentage points.

(7)  On July 2005, the broad economic policy guidelines were integrated into the integrated guidelines as part of the Reinforced Lisbon Strategy (OJ L 205, 6.8.2005, p. 28)

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Commission

| 28.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 260/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 260/6

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Euro exchange rates (1)

27 October 2006

(2006/C 260/02)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,2683 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 150,26 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4547 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,67060 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,2215 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,5911 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 86,57 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,3110 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | Cyprus pound | 0,5768 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 28,410 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 261,70 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6961 |
| MTL | Maltese lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,8781 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,5205 |
| SIT | Slovenian tolar | 239,62 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 36,380 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,8403 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6561 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4262 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,8699 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,9279 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,9837 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 201,52 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 9,5450 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 10,0064 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,3660 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 11 547,87 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,6312 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 63,149 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 33,9773 |
| THB | Thai baht | 46,764 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,2683

JPY

Japanese yen

150,26

DKK

Danish krone

7,4547

GBP

Pound sterling

0,67060

SEK

Swedish krona

9,2215

CHF

Swiss franc

1,5911

ISK

Iceland króna

86,57

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,3110

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5768

CZK

Czech koruna

28,410

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

261,70

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6961

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4293

PLN

Polish zloty

3,8781

RON

Romanian leu

3,5205

SIT

Slovenian tolar

239,62

SKK

Slovak koruna

36,380

TRY

Turkish lira

1,8403

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6561

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4262

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,8699

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,9279

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,9837

KRW

South Korean won

1 201,52

ZAR

South African rand

9,5450

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,0064

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,3660

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

11 547,87

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,6312

PHP

Philippine peso

63,149

RUB

Russian rouble

33,9773

THB

Thai baht

46,764

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(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

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| 28.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 260/7 |
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28.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 260/7

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Commission communication concerning the prolongation of the Framework on State aid to shipbuilding

(2006/C 260/03)

(Text with EEA relevance)

The Framework on State aid to shipbuilding (1) (‘the Framework’) will expire on 31 December 2006.

The Framework has been applicable since 1 January 2004, which is a relatively short period of time. Only a few cases have been assessed under the Framework. In particular, the Framework contains provisions on innovation aid, which are unique for this industry and with which the Commission has limited experience.

Accordingly, the Commission has decided to continue to apply the Framework until 31 December 2008. During this period, the Commission expects to be able to assess whether it is appropriate to maintain sector-specific State aid rules for shipbuilding, in the light of the further experience it has acquired.

Since Council Regulation (EC) No 1177/2002 of 27 June 2002 concerning a temporary defensive mechanism to shipbuilding (2) expired on 31 March 2005, the references in the Framework to that Regulation are no longer relevant. Accordingly, point 9 and point 12(e) of the Framework will no longer be applied by the Commission with effect from 1 January 2007.

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(1)  OJ C 317, 30.12.2003, p. 11.

(2)  OJ L 172, 2.7.2002, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 502/2004 (OJ L 81, 19.3.2004, p. 6).

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| 28.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 260/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 260/8

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4417 — Telecom Italia/AOL German Access Business)

(2006/C 260/04)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | On 20 October 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1), by which Telecom Italia S.p.A. (‘Telecom Italia’, Italy) acquires, within the meaning of Article 3(1) (b) of the Council Regulation, sole control of the AOL German Access Business (‘AOL’) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 20 October 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1), by which Telecom Italia S.p.A. (‘Telecom Italia’, Italy) acquires, within the meaning of Article 3(1) (b) of the Council Regulation, sole control of the AOL German Access Business (‘AOL’) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | for Telecom Italia: provision of voice telephone, mobile services and data transmission services; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Telecom Italia: provision of voice telephone, mobile services and data transmission services;

| — | for AOL: provision of internet services. |
| --- | --- |

—

for AOL: provision of internet services.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified concentration could fall within the scope of Regulation (EEC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified concentration could fall within the scope of Regulation (EEC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4417 — Telecom Italia/AOL German Access Business to the following address:





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

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4417 — Telecom Italia/AOL German Access Business to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

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(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

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| 28.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 260/9 |
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28.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 260/9

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Imposition of public service obligations imposed in respect of scheduled air services on routes within Greece in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92

(2006/C 260/05)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | Pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 the Greek Government has decided to impose a public service obligation in respect of scheduled services on the following routes:






  — | Athens — Kalimnos |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

Pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 the Greek Government has decided to impose a public service obligation in respect of scheduled services on the following routes:

—

Athens — Kalimnos

| — | Thessaloniki — Kalamata |
| --- | --- |

—

Thessaloniki — Kalamata

| — | Thessaloniki — Limnos — Ikaria |
| --- | --- |

—

Thessaloniki — Limnos — Ikaria

| 2. | On these routes, the public service obligation is as follows:
  (A)   Minimum frequency of flights and minimum number of seats available each week on each route: | Athens — Kalimnos






  — | Six return flights a week and a total of 120 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.

On these routes, the public service obligation is as follows:

(A)   Minimum frequency of flights and minimum number of seats available each week on each route:

Athens — Kalimnos

—

Six return flights a week and a total of 120 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter;

| — | Eight return flights a week and a total of 160 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer; |
| --- | --- |

—

Eight return flights a week and a total of 160 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer;

| | Thessaloniki — Kalamata






  — | Two return flights a week and a total of 30 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter; |
| --- | --- | --- |

Thessaloniki — Kalamata

—

Two return flights a week and a total of 30 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter;

| — | Three return flights a week and a total of 45 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer; |
| --- | --- |

—

Three return flights a week and a total of 45 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer;

| | Thessaloniki — Limnos — Ikaria






  — | Two return flights a week and a total of 40 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter; |
| --- | --- | --- |

Thessaloniki — Limnos — Ikaria

—

Two return flights a week and a total of 40 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter;

| — | Three return flights a week and a total of 60 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer; |
| --- | --- |

—

Three return flights a week and a total of 60 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer;

The winter and summer periods are as determined by IATA.

If the average occupancy rate of all the flights on one route has exceeded 75 % during the previous period, the minimum weekly frequency or the minimum number of seats provided each week may be increased in proportion to the increase recorded. This increase shall be notified to the carrier operating the service by registered letter six months before it applies, and shall not come into effect until it has been published by the European Commission in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Where the aircraft used do not have the capacity required to cover the minimum weekly seat availability (laid down in paragraph 2(A)), the flight frequencies may be increased accordingly.

If flights are cancelled because of weather conditions, they must be operated on the days immediately afterwards in order to fulfil the weekly requirement, taking into account the minimum number of seats provided pursuant to paragraph 2(A).

(B)   Fares

The single economy fare may not exceed the following rates:

| — | : | Athens–Kalimnos: | : | 60 euros |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| — | : | Thessaloniki—Kalamata: | : | 70 euros |
| — | : | Thessaloniki—Limnos: | : | 60 euros |
| — | : | Thessaloniki—Ikaria: | : | 70 euros |
| — | : | Limnos—Ikaria: | : | 40 euros |

—

:

Athens–Kalimnos:

:

60 euros

—

:

Thessaloniki—Kalamata:

:

70 euros

—

:

Thessaloniki—Limnos:

:

60 euros

—

:

Thessaloniki—Ikaria:

:

70 euros

—

:

Limnos—Ikaria:

:

40 euros

The above amounts may be increased in the event of an unforeseen increase in the costs of operating the service outside the control of the carrier. This increase shall be notified to the carrier operating the service but shall not come into effect until it has been published by the European Commission in the Official Journal of the European Union.

(C)   Minimum frequency of flights

In accordance with Article 4(1)(c) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92, a carrier intending to operate scheduled services on these routes must give a guarantee that it will operate the route for at least twelve months without interruption.

The number of flights cancelled for reasons for which the carrier is responsible may not exceed 2 % of the total annual number of flights, except in cases of force majeure.

Any intention to cease operation of any of the aforementioned routes must be notified by the air carrier to the Civil Aviation Department, Directorate for Air Operations, Section for Bilateral Air Agreements, at least six months before services are interrupted.

| 3. | Useful information
  Operation of flights by a Community carrier who does not fulfil the public service obligations imposed may result in the imposition of administrative or other sanctions.
  As regards the types of aircraft to be used, air carriers are asked to consult Aeronautical Information Publications of Greece (AIP Greece) as regards technical and business data and airport procedures.
  As regards timetables, arrivals and departures of aircraft must be planned within the operating times of airports as determined by decision of the Minister for Transport and Communications.
  If no air carrier has declared to the Civil Aviation Authority, Directorate for Air Operations, an intention to operate scheduled services from 1 May 2007 on one or more of the abovementioned routes without financial compensation, Greece has decided, under the procedure set out in Article 4(1)(d) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92, to limit access to each or several of the abovementioned routes to only one carrier for three years and to grant the right to operate those services from 1 May 2007 following an invitation to tender. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Useful information

Operation of flights by a Community carrier who does not fulfil the public service obligations imposed may result in the imposition of administrative or other sanctions.

As regards the types of aircraft to be used, air carriers are asked to consult Aeronautical Information Publications of Greece (AIP Greece) as regards technical and business data and airport procedures.

As regards timetables, arrivals and departures of aircraft must be planned within the operating times of airports as determined by decision of the Minister for Transport and Communications.

If no air carrier has declared to the Civil Aviation Authority, Directorate for Air Operations, an intention to operate scheduled services from 1 May 2007 on one or more of the abovementioned routes without financial compensation, Greece has decided, under the procedure set out in Article 4(1)(d) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92, to limit access to each or several of the abovementioned routes to only one carrier for three years and to grant the right to operate those services from 1 May 2007 following an invitation to tender.

---

| 28.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 260/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 260/11

---

New national side of euro circulation coins

(2006/C 260/06)

Image

Euro circulation coins have legal tender status throughout the euro area. The Commission publishes all new euro coin designs (1) with a view to informing anyone required to handle coins in the course of their work and the public at large. In accordance with the Council conclusions of 8 December 2003 (2), Member States and countries that have concluded a Monetary Agreement with the Community providing for the issuance of euro circulation coins are allowed to issue certain quantities of commemorative euro circulation coins on condition that not more than one new coin design is issued per country per year and that only the 2-euro denomination is used. These coins have the technical features of normal euro circulation coins, but bear a commemorative design on the obverse national side.

Issuing State: Vatican City State

Subject of commemoration: 5th centenary of the Swiss Pontifical Guard

Factual description of the design: The coin features a Swiss guard taking the solemn oath on the Swiss Guard flag. The inscription ‘GUARDIA SVIZZERA PONTIFICIA’ surrounds the guard, forming a semi-circle which is complemented under the flag by the name of the issuing state ‘CITTÁ DEL VATICANO’. The year 1506 appears on the left side, above the signature of the engraver ‘O. ROSSI’ along the pole of the flag. The year 2006 appears on the upper right side, above the mint mark ‘R’. The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the outer ring.

Issue volume: max 100 000 coins

Approximate issue period: November 2006

Edge lettering: 2 ★, repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.

---

(1)  See OJ C 373 of 28.12.2001, pp. 1-30 for a reference to all national sides that were issued in 2002.

(2)  See conclusions of the General Affairs Council of 8 December 2003 on changes in the design of national sides of euro coins. See also Commission Recommendation of 29 September 2003 on a common practice for changes to the design of national obverse sides of euro circulation coins (OJ L 264 of 15.10.2003, p. 38-39).

---

| 28.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 260/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 260/12

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001, as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 363/2004 of 25 February 2004, on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid

(2006/C 260/07)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| Aid No | XT 27/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Nordrhein-Westfalen |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | ‘Promoting the development of employee skills through training cheques’
  Training cheques serve to improve the employability of workers among firms and are issued to share the costs of general traning schemes that come under further vocational training |
| Legal basis | § 44 Landeshaushaltsordnung des Landes NRW und Durchführungsbestimmungen |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | EUR 10 million |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation | Yes |
| Date of implementation | 2006 |
| Duration of the scheme or individual aid award | Until 31.12.2007 with additional payment period up to 31.3.2008 |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for training aid | Yes |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Versorgungsamt Aachen, Schenkendorfstr. 2-6, D-52066 Aachen
  Versorgungsamt Bielefeld, Stappenhorststr. 62, D-33615 Bielefeld
  Versorgungsamt Dortmund, Rheinische Str. 173, D-44137 Dortmund
  Versorgungsamt Düsseldorf, Erkrather Str. 339, D-40231 Düsseldorf
  Versorgungsamt Duisburg, Ludgeristr.12, D-47057 Duisburg
  Versorgungsamt Essen, Kurfürstenstr. 33, D-45138 Essen
  Versorgungsamt Gelsenkirchen, Vattmannstr. 2-8, D-45879 Gelsenkirschen
  Versorgungsamt Köln, Boltensternstr. 10, D-50735 Köln
  Versorgungsamt Soest, Heinsbergplatz 13, D-59494 Soest |
| Large individual aid grants | In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation | Not applicable, as max. EUR 750 is granted per training cheque |

Aid No

XT 27/06

Member State

Germany

Region

Nordrhein-Westfalen

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

‘Promoting the development of employee skills through training cheques’

Training cheques serve to improve the employability of workers among firms and are issued to share the costs of general traning schemes that come under further vocational training

Legal basis

§ 44 Landeshaushaltsordnung des Landes NRW und Durchführungsbestimmungen

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 10 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

2006

Duration of the scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2007 with additional payment period up to 31.3.2008

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Versorgungsamt Aachen, Schenkendorfstr. 2-6, D-52066 Aachen

Versorgungsamt Bielefeld, Stappenhorststr. 62, D-33615 Bielefeld

Versorgungsamt Dortmund, Rheinische Str. 173, D-44137 Dortmund

Versorgungsamt Düsseldorf, Erkrather Str. 339, D-40231 Düsseldorf

Versorgungsamt Duisburg, Ludgeristr.12, D-47057 Duisburg

Versorgungsamt Essen, Kurfürstenstr. 33, D-45138 Essen

Versorgungsamt Gelsenkirchen, Vattmannstr. 2-8, D-45879 Gelsenkirschen

Versorgungsamt Köln, Boltensternstr. 10, D-50735 Köln

Versorgungsamt Soest, Heinsbergplatz 13, D-59494 Soest

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Not applicable, as max. EUR 750 is granted per training cheque

| Aid No | XT 32/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | United Kingdom (and Republic of Ireland) |
| Region | 32 Counties of the island of Ireland — Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Focus Roll-out |
| Legal basis | British/Irish Agreement Act 1999 Section 2.3 Part 7 of Annex 2 of the Act empowers InterTradeIreland to invest, lend or grant aid for the purpose of its function |
| Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount 2006 | GBP 0,422 million |
| Annual overall amount 2007 | GBP 0,253 million |
| Total | GBP 0,675 million |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation | Yes |
| Date of implementation | June 2006 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | June 2007
  The grant is committed prior to 31 December 2006 then payments against this commitment could continue until 31 December 2007.
  Scheme will run from 2006 to 2007 (Individual companies will be eligible for assistance for up to a maximum of 18 months) |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for training aid | Yes |
| Name and address of the granting authority | InterTradeIreland |
| The Old Gasworks |
| Kilmorey Street |
| Newry |
| Co.Down BT34 2DE |
| United Kingdom |

Aid No

XT 32/06

Member State

United Kingdom (and Republic of Ireland)

Region

32 Counties of the island of Ireland — Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Focus Roll-out

Legal basis

British/Irish Agreement Act 1999 Section 2.3 Part 7 of Annex 2 of the Act empowers InterTradeIreland to invest, lend or grant aid for the purpose of its function

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount 2006

GBP 0,422 million

Annual overall amount 2007

GBP 0,253 million

Total

GBP 0,675 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

June 2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

June 2007

The grant is committed prior to 31 December 2006 then payments against this commitment could continue until 31 December 2007.

Scheme will run from 2006 to 2007 (Individual companies will be eligible for assistance for up to a maximum of 18 months)

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

InterTradeIreland

The Old Gasworks

Kilmorey Street

Newry

Co.Down BT34 2DE

United Kingdom

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Yes

| Aid No | XT 34/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | (United Kingdom and) Republic of Ireland |
| Region | 32 Counties of the island of Ireland — Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Focus Roll-out |
| Legal basis | British/Irish Agreement Act 1999 Section 2.3 Part 7 of Annex 2 of the Act empowers InterTradeIreland to invest, lend or grant aid for the purpose of its function |
| Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount 2006 | GBP 0,422 million |
| Annual overall amount 2007 | GBP 0,253 million |
| Total | GBP 0,675 million |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation | Yes |
| Date of implementation | June 2006 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | June 2007
  The grant is committed prior to 31 December 2006 then payments against this commitment could continue until 31 December 2007.
  Scheme will run from 2006 to 2007 (Individual companies will be eligible for assistance for up to a maximum of 18 months) |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for training aid | Yes |
| Name and address of the granting authority | InterTradeIreland |
| The Old Gasworks |
| Kilmorey Street |
| Newry |
| Co.Down BT34 2DE |
| United Kingdom |

Aid No

XT 34/06

Member State

(United Kingdom and) Republic of Ireland

Region

32 Counties of the island of Ireland — Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Focus Roll-out

Legal basis

British/Irish Agreement Act 1999 Section 2.3 Part 7 of Annex 2 of the Act empowers InterTradeIreland to invest, lend or grant aid for the purpose of its function

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount 2006

GBP 0,422 million

Annual overall amount 2007

GBP 0,253 million

Total

GBP 0,675 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

June 2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

June 2007

The grant is committed prior to 31 December 2006 then payments against this commitment could continue until 31 December 2007.

Scheme will run from 2006 to 2007 (Individual companies will be eligible for assistance for up to a maximum of 18 months)

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

InterTradeIreland

The Old Gasworks

Kilmorey Street

Newry

Co.Down BT34 2DE

United Kingdom

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Yes

| Aid No | XT 36/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Latvia |
| Region | The whole territory of Latvia |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | National program ‘Support for Training, Re-training, and Raising Qualification of Employed’ |
| Legal basis | 1) | Vienotais programmdokuments, 2004.-2006. (www.esfondi.lv); |

Aid No

XT 36/06

Member State

Latvia

Region

The whole territory of Latvia

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

National program ‘Support for Training, Re-training, and Raising Qualification of Employed’

Legal basis

1)

Vienotais programmdokuments, 2004.-2006. (www.esfondi.lv);

| 2) | Vienotā programmdokumenta papildinājums, 2004.-2006. (www.esfondi.lv) |
| --- | --- |

2)

Vienotā programmdokumenta papildinājums, 2004.-2006. (www.esfondi.lv)

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

2006–EUR 802`797

2007–EUR 2`309`031

2008-EUR 427`781

Total: EUR 3`539`609

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

01/07/2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31/07/2008

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

Manufacture of wood and wood products (NACE DD), Forestry and logging (NACE A 02.01)

Yes

Manufacture of basic metals and fabricated metal products (NACE DJ), Manufacture of machinery and equipment n.e.c. (NACE DK)

Yes

Manufacture of electrical and optical equipment (NACE DL), Manufacture of machinery and equipment n.e.c. (NACE DK), Telecommunications (NACE I 64.20)

Yes

Construction (NACE F)

Yes

Computer and related activities (NACE K 72)

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Latvijas Investīciju un attīstības aģentūra

| Pērses iela 2 |
| --- |
| LV-1042 Rīga |

Pērses iela 2

LV-1042 Rīga

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Yes

| Aid No | XT 37/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Italy |
| Region | Provincia Autonoma di Trento |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Financing of employee training activities under Objective 3, Measure D1 of the 2006 European Social Fund |
| Legal basis | Deliberazione della Giunta Provinciale n. 1354 di data 30.6.2006, pubblicata sul Bollettino della Regione Trentino Alto Adige dell'11.7.2006 n. 28 |
| Annual expenditure planned under the scheme | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount 2006 | EUR 4,48 million |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation | Yes |
| Date of implementation | 11.7.2006 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 31.12.2006 |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | Yes |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for training aid | Yes |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Provincia Autonoma di Trento
  Dipartimento Politiche Sociali e del Lavoro
  Ufficio Fondo Sociale Europeo |
| via Giusti, 40 |
| I-38100 Trento |

Aid No

XT 37/06

Member State

Italy

Region

Provincia Autonoma di Trento

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Financing of employee training activities under Objective 3, Measure D1 of the 2006 European Social Fund

Legal basis

Deliberazione della Giunta Provinciale n. 1354 di data 30.6.2006, pubblicata sul Bollettino della Regione Trentino Alto Adige dell'11.7.2006 n. 28

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount 2006

EUR 4,48 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

11.7.2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2006

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Provincia Autonoma di Trento

Dipartimento Politiche Sociali e del Lavoro

Ufficio Fondo Sociale Europeo

via Giusti, 40

I-38100 Trento

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

The measure excludes awards of aid, or requires prior notification to the Commission of awards of aid, if the amount of aid granted to one enterprise for a single training project exceeds EUR 1 million

Yes

| Aid No | XT 61/05 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | INTERREG 111A — Welsh NUTS 111 eligible counties of Gwynedd, Anglesey, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy & Pembrokeshire |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Wales — Ireland Regional E — Business Development (WIRED) |
| Legal basis | Council Regulation (EC) No. 1260/1999 |
| The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Regulations 2000 (No/906/2000) |
| The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Designation 2000 |
| Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | GBP 131 484 |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation | Yes |
| Date of implementation | From 5.10.2005. |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 31.12.2006 |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | No |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for training aid | Yes |
| Name and address of the granting authority | National Assembly for Wales |
| C/o Welsh European Funding Office |
| Cwm Cynon Business Park |
| Mountain Ash CF45 4ER |
| United Kingdom |

Aid No

XT 61/05

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

INTERREG 111A — Welsh NUTS 111 eligible counties of Gwynedd, Anglesey, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy & Pembrokeshire

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Wales — Ireland Regional E — Business Development (WIRED)

Legal basis

Council Regulation (EC) No. 1260/1999

The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Regulations 2000 (No/906/2000)

The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Designation 2000

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

GBP 131 484

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

From 5.10.2005.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2006

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

No

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

National Assembly for Wales

C/o Welsh European Funding Office

Cwm Cynon Business Park

Mountain Ash CF45 4ER

United Kingdom

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Yes

| Aid No | XT 63/05 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Ireland |
| Region | INTERREG 111A — Welsh NUTS 111 eligible counties of Gwynedd, Anglesey, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy & Pembrokeshire |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Wales — Ireland Regional E-Business Development (WIRED) |
| Legal basis | Council Regulation (EC) No.1260/1999 |
| The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Regulations 2000 (No/906/2000) |
| The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Designation 2000 |
| Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | GBP 131 400 |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation | Yes |
| Date of implementation | From 1.4.2005 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 30.9.2006 |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | No |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for training aid | Yes |
| Name and address of the granting authority | National Assembly for Wales |
| C/o Welsh European Funding Office |
| Cwm Cynon Business Park |
| Mountain Ash CF45 4ER |
| United Kingdom |

Aid No

XT 63/05

Member State

Ireland

Region

INTERREG 111A — Welsh NUTS 111 eligible counties of Gwynedd, Anglesey, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy & Pembrokeshire

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Wales — Ireland Regional E-Business Development (WIRED)

Legal basis

Council Regulation (EC) No.1260/1999

The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Regulations 2000 (No/906/2000)

The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Designation 2000

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

GBP 131 400

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

From 1.4.2005

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 30.9.2006

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

No

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

National Assembly for Wales

C/o Welsh European Funding Office

Cwm Cynon Business Park

Mountain Ash CF45 4ER

United Kingdom

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Yes

---

Corrigenda

| 28.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 260/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 260/18

---

Corrigendum to the Explanatory notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Communities

(
  Official Journal of the European Union C 50 of 28 February 2006
  )

(2006/C 260/08)

On page 238, Figure 1 is replaced by the following Figure 1:

Image

On page 253, the illustration at the bottom of the page is replaced by the following illustration:

Image

---