# Official Journal C 156/28 J

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 156 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 4828 June 2005 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 156

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 4828 June 2005

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Information |
| | Commission |
| 2005/C 156/1 | Euro exchange rates | 1 |
| 2005/C 156/2 | Communication from the Commission on the sugar sector | 2 |
| 2005/C 156/3 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3740 — Barclays Bank/Föreningssparbanken/JV) (
  1
  ) | 3 |
| 2005/C 156/4 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3806 — Telefonica/Cesky Telecom) (
  1
  ) | 3 |
| 2005/C 156/5 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3810 — Investcorp/Polyconcept) (
  1
  ) | 4 |
| 2005/C 156/6 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3807 — Siemens/Hyundai/JV) (
  1
  ) | 4 |
| 2005/C 156/7 | Final report of the Hearing Officer in Case COMP/37.152 — Plasterboard (pursuant to Article 15 of Commission Decision 2001/462/EC, ECSC of 23 May 2001 on the terms of reference of Hearing Officers in certain competition proceedings — OJ L 162, 19.6.2001, p. 21) | 5 |
| 2005/C 156/8 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2005/C 156/9 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises (
  1
  ) | 14 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Information

Commission

2005/C 156/1

Euro exchange rates

1

2005/C 156/2

Communication from the Commission on the sugar sector

2

2005/C 156/3

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3740 — Barclays Bank/Föreningssparbanken/JV) (
  1
  )

1

3

2005/C 156/4

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3806 — Telefonica/Cesky Telecom) (
  1
  )

1

3

2005/C 156/5

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3810 — Investcorp/Polyconcept) (
  1
  )

1

4

2005/C 156/6

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3807 — Siemens/Hyundai/JV) (
  1
  )

1

4

2005/C 156/7

Final report of the Hearing Officer in Case COMP/37.152 — Plasterboard (pursuant to Article 15 of Commission Decision 2001/462/EC, ECSC of 23 May 2001 on the terms of reference of Hearing Officers in certain competition proceedings — OJ L 162, 19.6.2001, p. 21)

5

2005/C 156/8

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

1

7

2005/C 156/9

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises (
  1
  )

1

14

| | III   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | Commission |
| 2005/C 156/0 | F-Grenoble: operation of scheduled air services — Cancellation (Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union S 119 of 22.6.2005, open procedure, 117015-2005) | 22 |
| 2005/C 156/1 | Call for independent experts for the eContentplus and Safer Internet Plus programmes (2005 — 2008) | 23 |

III   Notices

Commission

2005/C 156/0

F-Grenoble: operation of scheduled air services — Cancellation (Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union S 119 of 22.6.2005, open procedure, 117015-2005)

Official Journal of the European Union

22

2005/C 156/1

Call for independent experts for the eContentplus and Safer Internet Plus programmes (2005 — 2008)

23

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

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I Information

Commission

| 28.6.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 156/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.6.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 156/1

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Euro exchange rates (1)

27 June 2005

(2005/C 156/01)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,2164 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 132,91 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4491 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,66510 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,3723 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,5429 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 78,94 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,9390 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9560 |
| CYP | Cyprus pound | 0,5737 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 29,974 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 247,72 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6962 |
| MTL | Maltese lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,0496 |
| ROL | Romanian leu | 36 055 |
| SIT | Slovenian tolar | 239,46 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 38,328 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,6440 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5815 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,5024 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,4528 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,7158 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 2,0382 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 231,42 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 8,1244 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 10,0675 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,3250 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 11 754,07 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,623 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 67,601 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 34,7450 |
| THB | Thai baht | 49,976 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,2164

JPY

Japanese yen

132,91

DKK

Danish krone

7,4491

GBP

Pound sterling

0,66510

SEK

Swedish krona

9,3723

CHF

Swiss franc

1,5429

ISK

Iceland króna

78,94

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,9390

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9560

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5737

CZK

Czech koruna

29,974

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

247,72

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6962

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4293

PLN

Polish zloty

4,0496

ROL

Romanian leu

36 055

SIT

Slovenian tolar

239,46

SKK

Slovak koruna

38,328

TRY

Turkish lira

1,6440

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5815

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,5024

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,4528

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7158

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,0382

KRW

South Korean won

1 231,42

ZAR

South African rand

8,1244

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,0675

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,3250

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

11 754,07

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,623

PHP

Philippine peso

67,601

RUB

Russian rouble

34,7450

THB

Thai baht

49,976

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

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| 28.6.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 156/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.6.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 156/2

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Communication from the Commission on the sugar sector

(2005/C 156/02)

The Commission draws the attention of interested parties to its legislative proposals for:

| — | the reform of the common market organisation (CMO) in the sugar sector, |
| --- | --- |

—

the reform of the common market organisation (CMO) in the sugar sector,

| — | the introduction of a temporary fund for the restructuring of the sugar industry in the Community, and |
| --- | --- |

—

the introduction of a temporary fund for the restructuring of the sugar industry in the Community, and

| — | the inclusion of direct income support to sugar beet growers in the Single Payment Scheme. |
| --- | --- |

—

the inclusion of direct income support to sugar beet growers in the Single Payment Scheme.

The proposals are contained in document COM(2005) 263 that is available on the Commission's website http://europa.eu.int/comm/agriculture/index.htm.

According to the proposal the new sugar CMO and the Regulation on the temporary restructuring fund should be applicable as from the marketing year 2006/07 which is planned to start on 1 July 2006. Regarding direct income support it has been proposed to include the income support to sugar beet growers in the Single Payment Scheme as from the year 2006.

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| 28.6.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 156/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.6.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 156/3

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.3740 — Barclays Bank/Föreningssparbanken/JV)

(2005/C 156/03)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 2 June 2005, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3740. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3740. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex)

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| 28.6.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 156/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.6.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 156/3

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.3806 — Telefonica/Cesky Telecom)

(2005/C 156/04)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 10 June 2005, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in Spanish and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3806. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3806. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex)

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| 28.6.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 156/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.6.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 156/4

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.3810 — Investcorp/Polyconcept)

(2005/C 156/05)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 30 May 2005, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3810. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3810. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 28.6.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 156/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.6.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 156/4

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.3807 — Siemens/Hyundai/JV)

(2005/C 156/06)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 13 June 2005, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3807. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3807. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 28.6.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 156/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.6.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 156/5

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Final report of the Hearing Officer in Case COMP/37.152 — Plasterboard

(pursuant to Article 15 of Commission Decision 2001/462/EC, ECSC of 23 May 2001 on the terms of reference of Hearing Officers in certain competition proceedings — OJ L 162, 19.6.2001, p. 21)

(2005/C 156/07)

A statement of objections was sent to the following four parties (Gebrüder Knauf Westdeutsche Gipswerke KG, Société Lafarge SA, Etex SA, Gyproc Benelux NV) on 20 April 2001 and to the fifth party (BPB PLC) on 23 April 2001. A two-month deadline had initially been set for the parties to reply to the objections stated by the Commission. In response to a request made by BPB on 2 May 2001, the deadline for BPB was extended by two weeks, to 9 July 2001, on the grounds that access to the file had not been granted sufficiently early and that the deadline set by the Commission was objectively too tight for the firm to be able to prepare its defence. So as to ensure equality of treatment for all the parties, the Hearing Officer, Mr H. Schröter, extended the deadline for all the other parties involved in the proceedings.

A hearing took place on 17 July 2001. Three of the parties, and in particular Lafarge, had explicitly requested that the hearing should be postponed to a later date, but the Hearing Officer, in his reasoned reply of 28 June 2001, refused this request.

At the hearing, some of the parties reiterated their objections to the Hearing Officer's refusal to set a later date for the hearing. Since one of the main management representatives could not attend the hearing, he could not provide any evidence, which, in the view of Lafarge in particular, constituted an infringement of the rights of the defence. On this point, the Hearing Officer gave the absent witness the opportunity of submitting his own comments on the case in writing. Lafarge then cited various infringements of the rights of the defence in its letter of 10 August 2001.

Lafarge claimed that it had not been treated on an equal footing, that it had not been properly heard and that it had not been able to make use of the adversarial procedure. The Hearing Officer replied to these objections. He pointed out that it is up to the firms to present their key witnesses on the specified date. The date of the hearing had been notified two months in advance; if an important witness was absent, this was a personal decision and did not justify postponing the hearing.

The Hearing Officer also requested the parties to submit their observations on the comments made after the hearing by a representative of Lafarge and gave them a deadline for doing so. The rights of the defence were therefore fully complied with at this stage of the proceedings. The parties were able to submit their observations in due time both in writing and at the hearing. The principle of the adversarial procedure was observed, particularly as a hearing did in fact take place.

An exchange of correspondence subsequently took place between the new Hearing Officer and Lafarge. On 7 December 2001 I replied to Lafarge's allegations concerning, on the one hand, the parties' access to the various documents in the file and, on the other, the discriminatory treatment which Lafarge claims to have suffered as compared with the other parties. In my reasoned reply, I reaffirmed that there had been no procedural irregularity. By letter dated 13 February 2002, I once again replied to Lafarge pointing out to it that it could argue its case further in an appeal against the Commission's final decision.

Clearly, there comes a point at which exchanges of letters between the parties' lawyers and the Hearing Officer, whose task it is to ensure that the effective exercise of the right to be heard is respected, serve no further purpose, and any disagreements can then be referred to the Court of First Instance in order to obtain a judicial resolution.

On 27 June 2002 I sent Lafarge the five cassettes of the hearing and allowed them an additional two weeks, subsequently extended by ten working days, to submit any further observations. This was done because Lafarge claimed it had never received the hearing minutes or the recording of the hearing. Examination of the file showed that it had never requested them. Lafarge was granted more time so that it could analyse the tapes more closely. Lafarge thus received all the necessary documents and had the opportunity to make all the observations which it deemed appropriate.

Lafarge also alleged twice in its letters that a new objection had been laid before it by Mr Tradacete, Director, in his letter of 12 June 2002.

The alleged objection consisted in specifying the date on which Lafarge is deemed to have acceded to the agreement, on the basis of the other parties' written replies to the statement of objections. I would point out that paragraph 39 of the statement of objections was relatively imprecise as to the exact date on which Lafarge was deemed to be a party to the agreement, such date being said to be ‘after the London meeting’, which is the phrase used in BPB's reply to the statement of objections. The Competition DG informed Lafarge that it intended to take mid-1992 as the date of its entry into the cartel and asked for its comments.

Lafarge is therefore wrong in interpreting this exchange of correspondence as meaning that an additional objection had been laid before it.

It is the Commission's consistent practice in antitrust cases to make its information more explicit during the course of the investigation, notably on the basis of the parties' replies to the statement of objections. Narrowing down the date of an agreement does not constitute an additional objection, and the rights of the defence are not infringed where the relevant undertaking is requested to comment on the statements relating to it.

Furthermore, it may be noted that taking mid-1992 as the relevant date is in fact to the firm's advantage as regards the assessment of the duration of the infringement since the date of the meeting referred to in paragraph 38 of the statement of objections was early 1992.

The draft Commission decision does not comprise any additional objections in respect of the undertakings other than those set out in the statement of objections. On the contrary, the finding that an infringement had been committed is dropped in the case of one undertaking.

In the light of the above, I consider that the right of the parties to be heard has been respected in this case.

Brussels, 19 November 2002

Serge DURANDE

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| 28.6.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 156/7 |
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28.6.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 156/7

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

(2005/C 156/08)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| Aid Number | XT 9/04 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | West Midlands |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid | GKN Hardy-Spicer, Erdington, Birmingham, and to the local supply chain |
| Legal basis | Employment Act 1973, Section 2(1) and 2(2) as substantiated by Section 25 of the Employment and Training Act 1998
  Learning and Skills Act 2000
  Regional Development Agencies Act 1998, Section 5 & 6 |
| 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 169 764 |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(6) of the Regulation | Yes | |
| Date of implementation | From 4.4.2004 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 31.12.2004 |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | Yes |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for training aid | No |
| Limited to specific sectors | Yes |
| — | Agriculture |

Aid Number

XT 9/04

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

West Midlands

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid

GKN Hardy-Spicer, Erdington, Birmingham, and to the local supply chain

Legal basis

Employment Act 1973, Section 2(1) and 2(2) as substantiated by Section 25 of the Employment and Training Act 1998

Learning and Skills Act 2000

Regional Development Agencies Act 1998, Section 5 & 6

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 169 764

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(6) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

From 4.4.2004

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2004

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

No

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

—

Agriculture

| — | Fisheries and aquaculture |
| --- | --- |

—

Fisheries and aquaculture

| — | Coalmining |
| --- | --- |

—

Coalmining

| — | All manufacturing |
| --- | --- |

—

All manufacturing

or

Steel

Shipbuilding

Synthetic fibres

Motor vehicles supply chain

Yes

Other manufacturing

| — | All services |
| --- | --- |

—

All services

or

Maritime transport services

Other transport services

Financial services

Other services

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Patrick Cross

Birmingham and Solihull LSC

Address:

Chaplin Court, 80 Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 4TG

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 1 000 000.

Yes

| Aid Number | XT 13/04 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | West Midlands |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid | LDV Training Pilot |
| Legal basis | Training: Employment Act 1973 Section 2(1) and 2 (2) as substantiated by Section 25 of the Employment and Training Act 1998 and the Industrial Development 1982, Section 11. LSC 2000 Act |
| 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 600 000 |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(6) of the Regulation | Yes | |
| Date of implementation | From 1.4.2004 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 30.9.2005 |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | No |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for training aid | No |
| Limited to specific sectors | Yes |
| — | Agriculture |

Aid Number

XT 13/04

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

West Midlands

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid

LDV Training Pilot

Legal basis

Training: Employment Act 1973 Section 2(1) and 2 (2) as substantiated by Section 25 of the Employment and Training Act 1998 and the Industrial Development 1982, Section 11. LSC 2000 Act

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 600 000

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(6) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

From 1.4.2004

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 30.9.2005

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

No

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

No

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

—

Agriculture

| — | Fisheries and aquaculture |
| --- | --- |

—

Fisheries and aquaculture

| — | Coalmining |
| --- | --- |

—

Coalmining

| — | All manufacturing |
| --- | --- |

—

All manufacturing

or

Steel

Shipbuilding

Synthetic fibres

Motor vehicles

Yes

Other manufacturing

| — | All services |
| --- | --- |

—

All services

or

Maritime transport services

Other transport services

Financial services

Other services

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

The Learning and Skills Council,

Birmingham and Solihull

Address:

| Chaplin House |
| --- |
| 80 Hurst Street |
| Birmingham |
| B5 4TG |

Chaplin House

80 Hurst Street

Birmingham

B5 4TG

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 1 000 000.

Yes

| Aid Number | XT 15/04 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | North East of England |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid | Melinar Productivity Training — Dupont SA (UK) Ltd |
| Legal basis | Regional Development Act 1998 |
| 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 394 000 |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(6) of the Regulation | Yes | |
| Date of implementation | From 30.3.2004 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 31.3.2005 |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | Yes |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for training aid | |
| Limited to specific sectors | Yes |
| — | Agriculture |

Aid Number

XT 15/04

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

North East of England

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid

Melinar Productivity Training — Dupont SA (UK) Ltd

Legal basis

Regional Development Act 1998

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 394 000

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(6) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

From 30.3.2004

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.3.2005

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

—

Agriculture

| — | Fisheries and aquaculture |
| --- | --- |

—

Fisheries and aquaculture

| — | Coalmining |
| --- | --- |

—

Coalmining

| — | All manufacturing |
| --- | --- |

—

All manufacturing

Or

Steel

Shipbuilding

Synthetic fibres

Motor vehicles

Other manufacturing

| — | All services |
| --- | --- |

—

All services

Or

Maritime transport services

Other transport services

Financial services

Other services/Chemicals

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

ONE NorthEast

Address:

| Stella House |
| --- |
| Newburn Riverside |
| Newcastle upon Tyne |
| NE15 8NY |

Stella House

Newburn Riverside

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE15 8NY

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 1 000 000.

Yes

| Aid Number | XT 16/04 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | North East of England |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid | General Management — Dupont SA (UK) Ltd |
| Legal basis | Regional Development Act 1998 |
| 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 667 000 |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(6) of the Regulation | Yes | |
| Date of implementation | From 30.3.2004 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 31.3.2005 |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for training aid | |
| Limited to specific sectors | Yes |
| — | Agriculture |

Aid Number

XT 16/04

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

North East of England

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid

General Management — Dupont SA (UK) Ltd

Legal basis

Regional Development Act 1998

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 667 000

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(6) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

From 30.3.2004

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.3.2005

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

—

Agriculture

| — | Fisheries and aquaculture |
| --- | --- |

—

Fisheries and aquaculture

| — | Coalmining |
| --- | --- |

—

Coalmining

| — | All manufacturing |
| --- | --- |

—

All manufacturing

Or

Steel

Shipbuilding

Synthetic fibres

Motor vehicles

Other manufacturing

| — | All services |
| --- | --- |

—

All services

Or

Maritime transport services

Other transport services

Financial services

Other services/Chemicals

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

ONE NorthEast

Address:

| Stella House |
| --- |
| Newburn Riverside |
| Newcastle upon Tyne |
| NE15 8NY |

Stella House

Newburn Riverside

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE15 8NY

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 1 000 000.

Yes

| Aid No | XT 22/04 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Belgium |
| Region | Flanders |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Pauwels Trafo Belgium NV |
| Antwerpsesteenweg 167 |
| 2800 Mechelen |

Aid No

XT 22/04

Member State

Belgium

Region

Flanders

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Pauwels Trafo Belgium NV

Antwerpsesteenweg 167

2800 Mechelen

Legal basis

Besluit van de Vlaamse regering van 2.4.2004

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

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

EUR 0,8 million

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(6) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

2.4.2004

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2004

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

No

Limited to specific sectors

Ad hoc case

| — | Agriculture |
| --- | --- |

—

Agriculture

| — | Fisheries and aquaculture |
| --- | --- |

—

Fisheries and aquaculture

| — | Coalmining |
| --- | --- |

—

Coalmining

| — | All manufacturing |
| --- | --- |

—

All manufacturing

or

Steel

Shipbuilding

Synthetic fibres

Motor vehicles

Other manufacturing

Construction of transformers

| — | All services |
| --- | --- |

—

All services

or

Maritime transport services

Other transport services

Financial services

Other services

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap

Administratie Economie

Afdeling Economisch Ondersteuningsbeleid

Address:

| Markiesstraat 1 |
| --- |
| 1000 Brussels |

Markiesstraat 1

1000 Brussels

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 43/04 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | United Kingdom |
| Region | United Kingdom |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Automotive Academy |
| Legal basis | Section 5 of Science and Technology Act 1965 |
| Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | GBP 2,4 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 | 24.5.2004 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 30.6.2007 |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | No |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for training aid | no |
| Limited to specific sectors | Yes |
| — | Agriculture |

Aid No

XT 43/04

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

United Kingdom

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Automotive Academy

Legal basis

Section 5 of Science and Technology Act 1965

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

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

GBP 2,4 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

24.5.2004

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 30.6.2007

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

No

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

no

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

—

Agriculture

| — | Fisheries and aquaculture |
| --- | --- |

—

Fisheries and aquaculture

| — | Coalmining |
| --- | --- |

—

Coalmining

| — | All manufacturing |
| --- | --- |

—

All manufacturing

or

Steel

Shipbuilding

Synthetic fibres

Motor vehicles

Inc components

Other manufacturing

| — | All services |
| --- | --- |

—

All services

or

Maritime transport services

Other transport services

Financial services

Other services

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Department of Trade & Industry

Address:

151 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SS

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Yes

---

| 28.6.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 156/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.6.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 156/14

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises

(2005/C 156/09)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Aid No: XS 57/2002

Member State: Germany

Region: Brandenburg

Title of aid scheme: Directive of the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Women on grants for the design and implementation of innovative model solutions to the safe development of jobs and technology. (SiGAT-Teil A (EFRE): Promotion of investment in development of people-friendly technology

Legal basis:

Landeshaushaltsordnung des Landes Brandenburg (LHO) § 44 und die dazugehörigen Verwaltungsvorschriften

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: The aid intensity is max. 50 % (max. 30 % in the Berlin labour market region) of eligible expenditure, subject to a ceiling of EUR 200 000. It also applies to any combination of aid with other public measures.

Expenditure in:

2001-05 (per year):

| — | EUR 920 321 from the ERDF and |
| --- | --- |

—

EUR 920 321 from the ERDF and

| — | EUR 920 320 from Land resources |
| --- | --- |

—

EUR 920 320 from Land resources

2006:

| — | EUR 1 380 488 from the ERDF and |
| --- | --- |

—

EUR 1 380 488 from the ERDF and

| — | EUR 1 380 488 from Land resources |
| --- | --- |

—

EUR 1 380 488 from Land resources

Maximum aid intensity: EUR 200 000

Date of implementation: The Directive was published in the Brandenburg Official Gazette No 19 of 8 May 2002 (p. 506).

Duration of scheme: Until 30 April 2006

Objective: SMEs play a crucial role in job creation and are one of the pillars of social stability and economic dynamism. For these reasons, they should be granted assistance. Owing to a lack of resources, some of them do not possess information on such important matters as new technologies, development of new markets and preventive workplace protection.

The aid is aimed at improving economic efficiency and safeguarding stable, long-term employment by creating safe and healthy working conditions in SMEs in Brandenburg. The conditions necessary for enhanced productivity will be created by investing in measures to maintain and create competitive jobs and, at the same time, by developing people-friendly forms of work. These conditions will stem from efficient work processes, less absenteeism, smooth production processes and a more motivated and more efficient workforce.

Aid will be granted only to measures that go beyond the new labour-protection legislation and take account in an innovative fashion of matters to do with the development of means of work, jobs and work processes conducive to the health of the workforce. The measures can be subsumed under the concepts in Article 2(c) and (d) of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001.

Economic sector(s) concerned: All economic sectors

Aid to firms engaged in the production, processing or marketing of products listed in Annex I to the EC Treaty is excluded, as is the granting of aid for export-related activities and aid contingent upon the use of domestic over imported goods.

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg |
| --- |
| Steinstraße 104 — 106 |
| D-14480 Potsdam |

Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg

Steinstraße 104 — 106

D-14480 Potsdam

Aid No: XS 66/04

Member State: Italy

Region: Lombardy

Title of aid scheme: Aid in favour of transport-sector company Bresciane Artigiane for expenditure incurred for advisory and/or specialist services used to qualify for enrolment in the register of waste-management companies — 2004/05

Legal basis:

Art. 12 L. 7 agosto 1990, n. 241, Deliberazione camerali n. 236 del 18.11.2003 e n. 9 del 9.2.2004 — Determinazione dirigenziale n. 15/AV del 25.2.2004

Annual expenditure planned: EUR 20 000,00

Maximum aid intensity: Expenditure incurred for advisory and specialist services and for the drawing-up of the technical part of the application for enrolment in the register of waste-management companies:

minimum eligible expenditure: EUR 1 400,00 (excluding VAT)

grant: 50 % of expenditure with a maximum of EUR 1 500 per business

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme: Until 28.2.2005

Objective of aid: To help with transport-sector companies' expenditure needed to qualify for enrolment in the register of waste-management companies (art. 30 D. lgs. 22/1997 e art. 8 D.M. dell'Ambiente 406/1998)

Economic sectors concerned: Transport

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Craft and Agriculture of Brescia |
| --- |
| Via Orzinuovi N. 3 |
| 25125 Brescia, Italia |
| Tel: 0303514335 |
| E-mail: buriani@bs.camcom.it |

Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Craft and Agriculture of Brescia

Via Orzinuovi N. 3

25125 Brescia, Italia

Tel: 0303514335

E-mail: buriani@bs.camcom.it

Aid No: XS 67/04

Member State: Italy

Region: Lombardy

Title of aid scheme: Aid in favour of the transport-sector company Bresciane Artigiane to set up links with IT logistical platforms, needed to encourage full use of transport — 2004/05

Legal basis:

Art. 12 L. 7 agosto 1990, n. 241, Deliberazione camerali n. 236 del 18.11.2003 e n. 9 del 9.2.2004 — Determinazione dirigenziale n. 15/AV del 25.2.2004

Annual expenditure planned: EUR 50 000,00

Maximum aid intensity: Purchase and installation of special IT tools (hardware and/or software) needed to set up computer links with logistical platforms and specific databases with a view to encouraging full use of cargo transport, including on return trips:

minimum eligible expenditure: EUR 2 500,00 (excluding VAT)

grant: 15 % of expenditure with a maximum of EUR 800 per business

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme: Until 28.2.2005

Objective of aid: To promote the purchase and installation of special IT tools (hardware and/or software) needed to set up computer links with logistical platforms and specific databases with a view to encouraging full use of cargo transport, including on return trips

Economic sectors concerned: Transport

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Craft and Agriculture of Brescia |
| --- |
| Via Orzinuovi N. 3 |
| 25125 Brescia, Italia |
| Tel: 0303514335 |
| E- mail: buriani@bs.camcom.it |

Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Craft and Agriculture of Brescia

Via Orzinuovi N. 3

25125 Brescia, Italia

Tel: 0303514335

E- mail: buriani@bs.camcom.it

Aid No: XS 69/04

Member State: Italy

Region: Sardinia

Title of aid scheme: Contributions for the construction of photovoltaic facilities in Sardinia as part of the ‘Tetti Fotovoltaici’ programme

Legal basis: Delibera di Giunta. 7/30 del 26.02.2004

Decreti Ministero Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio 24 luglio 2002 e 11 aprile 2003

Annual expenditure planned: EUR 1 406 877,46

Maximum aid intensity: gge(15 %) + nge(<35 %)

(gge + nge) < 50 % Investment cost

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme: Until 17.10.2004

Objective of aid: To combine the development of renewable sources of energy limiting environmental pollution within the region (with particular reference to the overall objectives set out in the Kyoto protocol and in European Union provisions) and the implementation of socio-economic development policy in the areas benefiting from the aid (with particular emphasis on employment levels, growth and the competitiveness of industry) with various opportunities to cover and promote local resources.

Economic sectors concerned: All economic sectors excluding activities relating to the production, processing or marketing of products listed in Annex 1 to the Treaty.

Remarks: Aid is given exclusively to small and medium-sized enterprises, as defined in the Commission Recommendation 96/280/CE, their consortia and companies.

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Regione Autonoma della Sardegna |
| --- |
| Assessorato dell'Industria — Servizio Energia |
| Viale Trento n. 69 — 09123 Gagliari |

Regione Autonoma della Sardegna

Assessorato dell'Industria — Servizio Energia

Viale Trento n. 69 — 09123 Gagliari

Aid No: XS 89/03

Member State: Greece

Region: Whole country

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Aid for SMEs (as defined in the Commission recommendation of 3 April 1996) for the establishment/extension of waste treatment and/or recovery units

Legal basis: ΠΔ 93/97 (ΦΕΚ 92/Α/16-5-97) ‘Όροι και διαδικασίες για την ένταξη και χρηματοδότηση έργων του ιδιωτικού τομέα σε προγράμματα ή τμήματά του Υπουργείου Ανάπτυξης τα οποία αναφέρονται στους τομείς βιομηχανίας, ενέργειας, έρευνας και τεχνολογίας’

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: Total budget (public and private expenditure) EUR 25 385 179 for the period up to 2006. The Action is being announced for the first time in 2003 with a budget (public and private expenditure) of EUR 11 000 000 and is expected to be re-announced in 2004.

Maximum aid intensity: 40 % only grant (this amount does not exceed the regional aid map ceilings approved for Greece plus 15 % for SMEs)

Date of implementation: First call for projects July 2003

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: 2003-2006

Objective of aid: The aim of the Action is to boost entrepreneurship in the waste treatment/recovery sector, to tackle worsening environmental problems at local level and to significantly cover the country's shortage of installations for handling industrial and other waste.

Economic sector(s) concerned: Treatment, processing and recovery of industrial waste

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Ministry of Development |
| --- |
| Secretariat-General for Industry |
| Industrial Siting and Environment Directorate |
| Director: Ioannis Patiris |
| Tel: 210 6969268 |
| Fax: 210 6969243 |

Ministry of Development

Secretariat-General for Industry

Industrial Siting and Environment Directorate

Director: Ioannis Patiris

Tel: 210 6969268

Fax: 210 6969243

Other information: The aid concerns Action 2.9.4 in the Competitiveness Operational Programme, which is jointly financed by the Structural Funds

Aid No: XS 90/03

Member State: United Kingdom

Region: North East of England

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: Hoults Estates Ltd

Legal basis: Section 2 Local Government Act 2000

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

Source of Funds

| Public |
| --- |
| Newcastle City Council-TWEDCO | 2003 | GBP 33 252 |
| 2004 | GBP 9 657 |
| Total | GBP 42 909 |
| Public |
| Newcastle City Council (De minimis Funding) | 2003 | GBP 60 000 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| Total | GBP 60 000 |
| Private |
| Hoults Estates | 2003 | GBP 405 523 |
| 2004 | GBP 135 196 |
| Total | GBP 540 719 |
| ERDF |
| Capital | 2003 | GBP 166 258 |
| 2004 | GBP 48 284 |
| Total | GBP 214 542 |
| Total | 2003 | GBP 665 033 |
| 2004 | GBP 193 137 |
| Total | GBP 858 170 |
| Grand Total | GBP 858 170 |

Public

Newcastle City Council-TWEDCO

2003

GBP 33 252

2004

GBP 9 657

Total

GBP 42 909

Public

Newcastle City Council (De minimis Funding)

2003

GBP 60 000

2004

0

Total

GBP 60 000

Private

Hoults Estates

2003

GBP 405 523

2004

GBP 135 196

Total

GBP 540 719

ERDF

Capital

2003

GBP 166 258

2004

GBP 48 284

Total

GBP 214 542

Total

2003

GBP 665 033

2004

GBP 193 137

Total

GBP 858 170

Grand Total

GBP 858 170

Maximum aid intensity: The maximum aid intensity will be 30 % (Assisted area 20 % for Newcastle upon Tyne under Art 87(3)(c) + 10 % to reach the maximum aid intensity of 30 %)

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme or individual aid award:

Objective of aid: The project involves a major re-adaptation of a 19th century building, which is currently unoccupied. It involves the creation of new modern units for SMEs over 36 months old. The project does not relate to a low level of adaptation to create these units.

The project identifies the demand needed for these incubator units in an area where there is market failure shown by current demand models. The investment in Hoults is a core activity to provide SME business units.

Economic sector(s) concerned: All eligible industry sectors (Without prejudice to special rules concerning State aid in certain sectors — Art. 1(2) of the SME block exemption regulations)

Name and address of granting authority:

| ERDF Contact: |
| --- |
| Ann Beavers |
| European Programme Secretariat |
| Government Office North East |
| Wellbar House |
| Gallowgate |
| Newcastle Upon Tyne |
| NE1 4TD |

ERDF Contact:

Ann Beavers

European Programme Secretariat

Government Office North East

Wellbar House

Gallowgate

Newcastle Upon Tyne

NE1 4TD

| Sponsor Contact: |
| --- |
| Mr Fred Hoult |
| Hoults (Cumberland) Limited |
| Ford Depositories |
| Walker Road |
| Newcastle Upon Tyne |
| NE6 2HL |

Sponsor Contact:

Mr Fred Hoult

Hoults (Cumberland) Limited

Ford Depositories

Walker Road

Newcastle Upon Tyne

NE6 2HL

Aid No: XS 99/03

Member State: United Kingdom

Region: Wales

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: Nurturing Competitive Enterprises

Legal basis: Local Government Act 2000

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company. In the case of an aid scheme: Indicate the annual overall amount of grant proposed by year: GBP 125 000 in total to be made available in small grants each year

2003: GBP 60 000

2004: GBP 125 000

2005: GBP 125 000

2006: GBP 65 000

Total: GBP 375 000

Maximum aid intensity: 50 % grants offered, up to a maximum of GBP 5 000. Two types of grant available:

feasibility grant for the employment of consultants;

marketing grant to help finance expenditure by the firm on its initial participation at fairs and exhibitions.

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Until December 2006

Objective of the aid:

| 1. | To assist SMEs in implementing marketing strategies and new strategic activity for projects aimed at boosting sales within the UK. |
| --- | --- |

1.

To assist SMEs in implementing marketing strategies and new strategic activity for projects aimed at boosting sales within the UK.

| 2. | To assist SMEs in obtaining professional, external advice with a view to raising funds for future expansion projects or in examining the feasibility of new projects. |
| --- | --- |

2.

To assist SMEs in obtaining professional, external advice with a view to raising funds for future expansion projects or in examining the feasibility of new projects.

| 3. | Feasibility grant for the employment of consultants. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Feasibility grant for the employment of consultants.

Economic sectors concerned: All eligible sectors, without prejudice to special rules concerning State aid in certain sectors — Art. 1(2) of the SME Block Exemption Regulation

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Ms Rachel Moxey |
| --- |
| Business Services |
| Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council |
| Business Resource Centre |
| Tafarnaubach Industrial Estate |
| Tredegar NP22 3AA |
| United Kingdom |

Ms Rachel Moxey

Business Services

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

Business Resource Centre

Tafarnaubach Industrial Estate

Tredegar NP22 3AA

United Kingdom

Aid No: XS 104/03

Member State: Netherlands

Region: North Netherlands (Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe)

Name of company receiving individual aid: Stichting Industrie- en handelsgebouwen Groningen (SIG Real Estate)

Legal basis:

Besluitvorming dd 19 juni 2003 van de Bestuurscommissie Economische Zaken van het Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland, zijnde een openbaar lichaam op grond van de Wet Gemeenschappelijke Regelingen. De subsidieverleningsbeschikking is nog niet naar de indiener verstuurd, aangezien deze nog aanvullende informatie aan dient te leveren alvorens een subsidieverleningsbeschikking naar de indiener verstuurd kan worden.

Total amount of individual aid granted to the company: The decision of the day-to-day management of the North Netherlands Cooperation Association concerns a contribution to the project's investment costs of an amount of EUR 233 690 from EZ/Kompas funds (i.e. approximately 3,1 % of the total eligible costs of EUR 7 631 176) and an amount of EUR 996 262 from EFRO/Kompas funds (i.e. approximately 13,1 % of the total eligible costs). The decision was taken under the 2000-06 regional economic development programme for North Netherlands entitled ‘Compass for the North’. The total government contribution to the project's investment costs is EUR 1 229 952 (i.e. approximately 16,1 % of the total eligible costs).

Maximum aid intensity: 16,1 %

Date of implementation: The implementation date still has to be set. The aid award has not yet been notified to the applicant pending the receipt of requested additional information (the applicant must give an undertaking to the effect that it will seek tenants for the Helpmancentrale from among the target group of (young) dynamic commercial SMEs in the field of new media and ICT).

Duration of scheme: Date on which the final instalment will be paid: February 2005

Objective of the aid: The granting of aid for investment in the conversion by SIG Real Estate of a distinctive former power station (‘Helpmancentrale’) into a multiple occupancy building for media- and broadband-related activities. Under the standard conditions attached to the grant, the function served by the premises will have to be maintained for a period of five years after the grant has been definitively established.

Economic sectors concerned: All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland |
| --- |
| c/o Postbus 779 |
| 9700 AT Groningen |

Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland

c/o Postbus 779

9700 AT Groningen

Other information: The measure concerns ad hoc aid for investments in fixed assets by a small, independent enterprise, as defined in Annex I to Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Aid No: XS 109/02

Member State: Italy

Region: Lombardy

Title of aid scheme: Priority 1 ‘Improving the competitiveness of the economic system in Lombardy’

Measure 1.3 ‘Incentives for modernisation and upgrading of tourist accommodation’

Legal basis:

| — | Docup ob. 2 2000/2006 Lombardia |
| --- | --- |

—

Docup ob. 2 2000/2006 Lombardia

| — | Decisione 2001 (CE) 2878 del 10.12.2001 |
| --- | --- |

—

Decisione 2001 (CE) 2878 del 10.12.2001

| — | Regolamento 70/2001 |
| --- | --- |

—

Regolamento 70/2001

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme:

| | Objective 2 | Phasing out |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2002 | EUR 1 000 000,00 | EUR 125 000,00 |
| 2003 | EUR 1 400 000,00 | EUR 125 602,00 |
| 2004 | EUR 2 200 000,00 | EUR 375 000,00 |
| 2005 | EUR 2 400 000,00 | EUR 300 000,00 |
| 2006 | EUR 1 000 000,00 | |

Objective 2

Phasing out

2002

EUR 1 000 000,00

EUR 125 000,00

2003

EUR 1 400 000,00

EUR 125 602,00

2004

EUR 2 200 000,00

EUR 375 000,00

2005

EUR 2 400 000,00

EUR 300 000,00

2006

EUR 1 000 000,00

Maximum aid intensity: for investment:

15 % gge for small businesses (8 % nge + 10 percentage points gge in areas exempted under Article 87(3)(c)

7,5 % gge for medium-sized businesses (8 % nge + 6 percentage points gge in areas exempted under Article 87(3)(c)

for other eligible expenditure (Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001):

50 % gge.

Assistance may not, in any event, exceed 30 % of eligible expenditure.

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme:

Objective of aid: The measure is intended to upgrade, improve and diversify tourist accommodation, with priority given to integrated regional development programmes aimed at making greater use of tourism potential in the area. The measure will provide support for programmes for the construction and reconstruction, extension, modernisation and improvement of hotel and other facilities, the development of installations and ancillary services to support and integrate tourism, the use of network technologies and the introduction of environmental quality certification processes.

Economic sectors concerned: Tourism

Name and address of the granting authority: Regione Lombardia

Aid No: XS 110/03

Member State: United Kingdom

Region: Objective 1 West Wales and the Valleys Programme Area

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: Creating Lean Enterprises

Legal basis: Industrial Development Act 1982, Sections 7 & 11.

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

| 2003 | : | GBP 84 000 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2004 | : | GBP 335 000 |
| 2005 | : | GBP 302 000 |
| 2006 | : | GBP 77 000 |

2003

:

GBP 84 000

2004

:

GBP 335 000

2005

:

GBP 302 000

2006

:

GBP 77 000

Maximum aid intensity: Maximum of 50 % of one-off consultancy costs

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: 3 years

Objective of aid: Many SMEs in the Objective 1 area are not implementing best practice in their production processes. The cost of accessing the relevant expertise can be prohibitive and is a barrier to development. This aid scheme will provide consultancy advice on lean methodologies and so improve SME's efficiency, performance and sustainability.

Economic sectors concerned: All eligible industry sectors without prejudice to special rules concerning State aid in certain sectors. Article 1 paragraph 2 of the SME Block Exemption Regulations.

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Helen Usher |
| --- |
| Welsh European Funding Office |
| Cwm Cynon Business Park |
| Mountain Ash |
| CF45 4ER |

Helen Usher

Welsh European Funding Office

Cwm Cynon Business Park

Mountain Ash

CF45 4ER

Aid No: XS 112/03

Member State: United Kingdom

Region: North West England

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual award: West Lancashire ‘Investing in Business’ regeneration programme

Legal basis: Section 33, Local Government and Housing Act 1989

Section 2, Local Government Act

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

| 2003/04 | : | GBP 233 370 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2004/05 | : | GBP 786 774 |
| 2005/06 | : | GBP 2 323 548 |
| 2006/07 | : | GBP 3 483 548 |
| 2007/08 | : | GBP 1 023 548 |
| 2008/09 | : | GBP 149 212 |
| Total | : | GBP 8 000 000 |

2003/04

:

GBP 233 370

2004/05

:

GBP 786 774

2005/06

:

GBP 2 323 548

2006/07

:

GBP 3 483 548

2007/08

:

GBP 1 023 548

2008/09

:

GBP 149 212

Total

:

GBP 8 000 000

Actual amounts in each year may vary somewhat, but the total is fixed.

Maximum aid intensity: West Lancashire is an Article 87(3)(c) area qualifying for regional investment aid of 20 %. An additional 10 % is available to SMEs, thus totalling a maximum aid intensity of 30 %.

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: To June 2007 in accordance with the current regulations. Following this, the programme will comply with the regulations then in force.

Objective of aid: Aid will be granted to SMEs undertaking projects that will assist in achieving the objectives of the NWDA Regional Economic Strategy 2003 and the West Lancashire Local Strategic Partnership's Community Strategy. These include exploiting business growth potential, improving the competitiveness and productivity of businesses, developing a healthy labour market and securing economic inclusion.

The objective of the aid is to improve the competitiveness, productivity and job creation capabilities of SMEs in West Lancashire through development of new products, new and expanded businesses and improvements to business processes. The objectives will be achieved through capital investment in land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and technology transfer in relation to the extension of an existing business or creation of a new business.

Economic sector(s) concerned: All eligible industry sectors without prejudice to special rules concerning State aid in certain sectors — Article 1 paragraph 2 of the SME block exemption regulation.

Name and address of the granting authority: The granting authority is the West Lancashire Local Strategic Partnership, and the programme is administered on its behalf by West Lancashire District Council. The contact for both of these is:

Gary S. Jones

Regeneration Manager, West Lancashire District Council

Technology Management Centre

White Moss Business Park, Moss Lane View

Skelmersdale, Lancs. WN8 9TN

Aid No: XS 127/03

Member State: Italy

Region: Calabria

Title of aid scheme: Aid for the creation of new high-quality accommodation within local tourist networks and systems offered by small and medium-sized firms — Measure 4.4. Action (b) of the Regional Operational Programme for Calabria for 2000-2006

Legal basis:

| — | L.R. 7/2001 art. 31 quater |
| --- | --- |

—

L.R. 7/2001 art. 31 quater

| — | Decisione C.E. dell'8 agosto 2000 n. 2345 |
| --- | --- |

—

Decisione C.E. dell'8 agosto 2000 n. 2345

| — | D.G.R. n. 398 del 14.05.2002 |
| --- | --- |

—

D.G.R. n. 398 del 14.05.2002

Annual expenditure planned: Overall budget of EUR 83 000 000 divided between:

type 4.4.b.1 (new classified hotel and non-hotel accommodation): EUR 80 000 000;

type 4.4.b.2 (conversion of buildings of special historic and artistic value into high-quality accommodation) EUR 3 000 000.

Planned expenditure 2003: EUR 16 600 000

Planned expenditure 2004: EUR 22 200 000

Planned expenditure 2005: EUR 22 200 000

Planned expenditure 2006: EUR 22 000 000

Maximum aid intensity: Capital contribution of 50 % of eligible expenditure with a maximum grant of up to 75 % of the net value of the investment.

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme:

Objective of aid: The purpose of the aid is to upgrade the tourist facilities of the Region of Calabria by creating new high-quality accommodation, with emphasis on promoting the local architectural heritage.

The initiatives funded are carried out within local networks and systems where there is a real demand that cannot be met in terms of quantity and/or quality.

Measures eligible for aid must consist of comprehensive and operationally independent programmes, capable of achieving the productive, economic and employment objectives on their own.

Economic sectors concerned: Tourism, not including measures in the agritourism and rural tourism sector financed by the EAGGF.

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Regione Calabria (sede legale) |
| --- |
| Via Massara, n. 2 |
| 88100 Catanzaro |

Regione Calabria (sede legale)

Via Massara, n. 2

88100 Catanzaro

Aid No: XS 128/03

Member State: Italy

Region: Calabria

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: Aid for investments carried out by SMEs in the following sectors: information technology and telematics, textiles, and leather and similar products — Measure 4.2 Action (c) of the Calabria Regional Operational Programme for 2000-2006 (‘Attraction of strategic business initiatives for regional development and development of inter-regional production collaboration’).

Legal basis:

| — | Legge regionale n. 7/2001 art. 31 quarter |
| --- | --- |

—

Legge regionale n. 7/2001 art. 31 quarter

| — | Decisione C.E. dell'8 agosto 2000 no 2345 |
| --- | --- |

—

Decisione C.E. dell'8 agosto 2000 no 2345

| — | Deliberazioni di Giunta regionale 23.05.2001, n. 439 e 31.05.2001, n. 470, integrate con Deliberazioni 08.01.2002, n. 14 e 29.01.2002, n. 63. |
| --- | --- |

—

Deliberazioni di Giunta regionale 23.05.2001, n. 439 e 31.05.2001, n. 470, integrate con Deliberazioni 08.01.2002, n. 14 e 29.01.2002, n. 63.

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: Total budget: EUR 54 932 200

Planned expenditure 2003: EUR 10 000 000

Planned expenditure 2004: EUR 13 000 000

Planned expenditure 2005: EUR 13 000 000

Planned expenditure 2006: EUR 18 932 000

Maximum aid intensity: Capital contribution, with a maximum aid intensity of 50 % nge + 15 % gge of the value of the investment.

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme or individual aid award:

Objective of aid: The purpose of the aid is to attract strategic business initiatives for regional development and to develop inter-regional production collaboration, by supporting projects in the relevant sectors.

There will be two types of aid; the first designed to attract strategic business initiatives for regional development, aimed at medium-sized businesses; the second designed to support production collaboration projects between individual businesses or business systems, aimed at small businesses.

Economic sectors concerned: Information technology and telematics; textiles; leather goods and similar.

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Regione Calabria (sede legale) |
| --- |
| Via Massara, n. 2 |
| 88100 Catanzaro |

Regione Calabria (sede legale)

Via Massara, n. 2

88100 Catanzaro

Aid No: XS 129/03

Member State: Italy

Region: Friuli — Venezia Giulia

Title of aid scheme: Financing for craft firms for research, development and technology transfers

Legal basis:

Decreto del Presidente della Regione n. 0362/Pres. Del 10/10/2003

Annual expenditure planned: 2004: EUR 800 000

2005: EUR 800 000

2006: EUR 800 000

Maximum aid intensity: Up to the ceilings laid down in the Community rules on aid to small and medium-sized firms and in the regional aid map:

for the acquisition of patents, trade marks, operating licences for new production cycle technologies, and to improve the quality of products, their distribution and environmental protection: 15 % gge for small firms and 7,5 % gge for medium-sized firms; for investments in areas exempted under Article 87(3)(c) of the EC Treaty: 8 % nge + 10 % gge for small firms; 8 % nge + 6 % gge for medium-sized firms;

for the drawing-up of feasibility studies and research projects for submission to the State or the European Union in order to apply for research and development aid: 50 % of the costs of the services provided by consultants outside the firm, up to a maximum of EUR 5 000,00

Date of implementation: Entry into force of the Regulation: 5 November 2003

Duration of scheme: Until 31 December 2006, and for a possible further adjustment period of not more than six months, as provided for in Article 10 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Objective of aid: Aid to craft SMEs to encourage technological innovation and research and grants for intangible investments and the acquisition of services provided by external consultants.

Recipients: craft firms engaged in production activities and the provision of production services, their consortia and companies set up by their consortia, including cooperatives, falling within the definition of small or medium-sized firms laid down in Annex I to Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises. From 1 January 2005, the new definition of micro, small and medium-sized firms will apply, as provided for in the Commission Recommendation of 6 May 2003, published in
  Official Journal of the European Union L 124 of 20 May 2003

Economic sectors concerned: All sectors with the exception of firms operating in sectors of activity linked to the production, processing or marketing of products listed in Annex I to the Treaty establishing the European Community, as well as firms in sensitive sectors.

Name and address of the granting authority: Direzione regionale dell'artigianato e della cooperazione — Servizio per lo sviluppo dell'artigianato

Via Giulia 75/1

34100 Trieste

Telephone: 040-3774822

Fax: 040-3774810

e-mail: dir.art.coop@regione.fvg.it

Further information: The scheme is in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001.

The Regional authorities undertake to amend the definition of SMEs with effect from 1 January 2005, as proposed by the Commission in its Recommendation of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (OJ L 124, 20.5.2003).

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III Notices

Commission

| 28.6.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 156/22 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.6.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 156/22

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F-Grenoble: operation of scheduled air services

Cancellation

(‘Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union’ S 119 of 22.6.2005, open procedure, 117015-2005)

(2005/C 156/10)

Conseil général de l'Isère, direction des transports, service grands projets, BP 1096, F-38022 Grenoble Cedex. Tel. (33-4) 76 00 60 30, fax (33-4) 76 00 30 36.

This notice has been cancelled.

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| 28.6.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 156/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.6.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 156/23

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Call for independent experts for the eContentplus and Safer Internet Plus programmes (2005 — 2008)

(2005/C 156/11)

Description

The Commission hereby invites applications from individuals wishing to provide expert assistance relating to the eContentplus and Safer Internet Plus programmes. The tasks include assistance to the Commission in evaluating proposals submitted in response to calls for proposals, and in reviewing individual eContentplus and Safer Internet plus projects, as well as legacy projects funded under the eContent programme and under the Safer Internet programme; technical assistance to Commission officials in the context of the evaluations of the programmes; and other tasks in relation with the programmes, where specific expertise might be required.

The objective of the eContentplus programme is to make digital content in Europe more accessible, usable and exploitable, facilitating the creation and diffusion of information in areas of public interest, at Community level, while the Safer Internet plus programme aims at promoting safer use of the Internet and new online technologies, particularly for children, and to fight against illegal content and content unwanted by the end-user.

Further information about the programmes can be found on the respective programme websites:

For the eContentplus Programme at:

europa.eu.int/econtentplus

For the Safer Internet Plus Programme at:

europa.eu.int/saferinternet

Requirements

All applications must comply with the detailed specifications and conditions which are available on the Commission's abovementioned internet sites in English.

These include requirements related to nationality, qualifications, experience and language knowledge.

Deadline for submission of applications

The call is open from the date of publication until 30 June 2009. The list of experts will remain valid until 31 December 2009.

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