# Official Journal C 140/2008

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 140 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 516 June 2008 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 140

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 516 June 2008

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2008/C 140/01 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2008/C 140/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5125 — Marel/SFS) (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2008/C 140/03 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5083 — Groupama/OTP Garancia) (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2008/C 140/04 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5097 — EADS/Sita France/Tarmac Aerosave) (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2008/C 140/05 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5123 — Autogrill/World Duty Free) (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2008/C 140/06 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5077 — Colony Capital/Morgan Stanley/Colfilm) (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2008/C 140/07 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4952 — Carlsberg/Scottish & Newcastle Assets) (
  1
  ) | 7 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2008/C 140/01

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  )

1

1

2008/C 140/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5125 — Marel/SFS) (
  1
  )

1

5

2008/C 140/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5083 — Groupama/OTP Garancia) (
  1
  )

1

5

2008/C 140/04

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5097 — EADS/Sita France/Tarmac Aerosave) (
  1
  )

1

6

2008/C 140/05

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5123 — Autogrill/World Duty Free) (
  1
  )

1

6

2008/C 140/06

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5077 — Colony Capital/Morgan Stanley/Colfilm) (
  1
  )

1

7

2008/C 140/07

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4952 — Carlsberg/Scottish & Newcastle Assets) (
  1
  )

1

7

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Council |
| 2008/C 140/08 | Council conclusions of 22 May 2008 on a European approach to media literacy in the digital environment | 8 |
| 2008/C 140/09 | Council conclusions of 22 May 2008 on adult learning | 10 |
| 2008/C 140/10 | Council conclusions of 22 May 2008 on multilingualism | 14 |
| | Commission |
| 2008/C 140/11 | Euro exchange rates | 16 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2008/C 140/12 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 | 17 |
| 2008/C 140/13 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1628/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to national regional investment aid (
  1
  ) | 18 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Council

2008/C 140/08

Council conclusions of 22 May 2008 on a European approach to media literacy in the digital environment

8

2008/C 140/09

Council conclusions of 22 May 2008 on adult learning

10

2008/C 140/10

Council conclusions of 22 May 2008 on multilingualism

14

Commission

2008/C 140/11

Euro exchange rates

16

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2008/C 140/12

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001

17

2008/C 140/13

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1628/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to national regional investment aid (
  1
  )

1

18

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2008/C 140/14 | State aid — Italy — State aid C 20/08 (ex N 62/08) — Modification of scheme N 59/04 concerning a Temporary Defence Mechanism to Shipbuilding — Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty (
  1
  ) | 20 |
| 2008/C 140/15 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5162 — AVNET/Horizon Technology) (
  1
  ) | 23 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

2008/C 140/14

State aid — Italy — State aid C 20/08 (ex N 62/08) — Modification of scheme N 59/04 concerning a Temporary Defence Mechanism to Shipbuilding — Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty (
  1
  )

1

20

2008/C 140/15

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5162 — AVNET/Horizon Technology) (
  1
  )

1

23

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

---

II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 6.6.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 140/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.6.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 140/1

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 140/01)

| Date of adoption of the decision | 2.4.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | NN 46B/06 |
| Member State | Slovakia |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Oslobodenie od spotrebnej dane a zníženie sadzby spotrebnej dane uvedené v smernici Rady 2003/96/ES |
| Legal basis | Zákon č. 98/2004 Z. z. o spotrebnej dani z minerálneho oleja |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Aid for co-ordination of transport |
| Form of aid | Excise duty reductions/exemptions |
| Budget | SKK 7,2 billion |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration | May 2004-April 2014 |
| Economic sectors | Railway and inland waterway sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ministerstvo financií SR |
| Štefanovičova 5 |
| SK-817 82 Bratislava |

Date of adoption of the decision

2.4.2008

Reference number of the aid

NN 46B/06

Member State

Slovakia

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Oslobodenie od spotrebnej dane a zníženie sadzby spotrebnej dane uvedené v smernici Rady 2003/96/ES

Legal basis

Zákon č. 98/2004 Z. z. o spotrebnej dani z minerálneho oleja

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Aid for co-ordination of transport

Form of aid

Excise duty reductions/exemptions

Budget

SKK 7,2 billion

Intensity

—

Duration

May 2004-April 2014

Economic sectors

Railway and inland waterway sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministerstvo financií SR

Štefanovičova 5

SK-817 82 Bratislava

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 16.4.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 350/07 |
| Member State | Czech Republic |
| Region | National wide scheme |
| Title | Pořízení autobusů |
| Legal basis | Zákon č. 111/1994 Sb.; zákon č. 218/2000 Sb.; zákon č. 586/1992 Sb.; vyhláška č. 500/2002 Sb.; vyhláška č. 175/2000 Sb.; vyhláška č. 560/2006 Sb.; usnesení vlády České republiky č. 550/2003 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Sectoral development |
| Form of aid | One off direct grant to carriers for the acquisition of new buses operated under a public service contract. This one off grant however proportionally reduces the carrier's annual public service compensation payments |
| Budget | CZK 3 000 million |
| Intensity | Maximum 25 % of acquisition costs paid as investment grant for diesel buses increased by:






  — | 50 % of the difference of investment costs of a diesel bus and a gas-fuelled or electric bus in case of acquisition of the latter, |

Date of adoption of the decision

16.4.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 350/07

Member State

Czech Republic

Region

National wide scheme

Title

Pořízení autobusů

Legal basis

Zákon č. 111/1994 Sb.; zákon č. 218/2000 Sb.; zákon č. 586/1992 Sb.; vyhláška č. 500/2002 Sb.; vyhláška č. 175/2000 Sb.; vyhláška č. 560/2006 Sb.; usnesení vlády České republiky č. 550/2003

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Sectoral development

Form of aid

One off direct grant to carriers for the acquisition of new buses operated under a public service contract. This one off grant however proportionally reduces the carrier's annual public service compensation payments

Budget

CZK 3 000 million

Intensity

Maximum 25 % of acquisition costs paid as investment grant for diesel buses increased by:

—

50 % of the difference of investment costs of a diesel bus and a gas-fuelled or electric bus in case of acquisition of the latter,

| — | 50 % of the difference between the cost of a standard vehicle and a low-floor vehicle in case of acquisition of the latter, |
| --- | --- |

—

50 % of the difference between the cost of a standard vehicle and a low-floor vehicle in case of acquisition of the latter,

| — | 50 % of the cost of a wheelchair access platform if purchased, |
| --- | --- |

—

50 % of the cost of a wheelchair access platform if purchased,

| — | up to 50 % of the acquisition cost of an information system for blind or sight impaired if purchased |
| --- | --- |

—

up to 50 % of the acquisition cost of an information system for blind or sight impaired if purchased

Duration

2008-December 2013

Economic sectors

Bus transport

Name and address of the granting authority

| Ministerstvo dopravy |
| --- |
| nábřeží Ludvíka Svobody 12/222 |
| CZ-110 15 Praha 1 |

Ministerstvo dopravy

nábřeží Ludvíka Svobody 12/222

CZ-110 15 Praha 1

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 2.4.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 506/07 |
| Member State | Poland |
| Region | Mazowiecki |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Przedsiębiorstwo Spedycji Międzynarodowej C. Hartwig Warszawa S.A. |
| Legal basis | Ustawa z dnia 30 sierpnia 1996 r. o komercjalizacji i prywatyzacji |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Objective | Restructuring aid |
| Form of aid | Loan |
| Budget | PLN 13 000 000 (EUR 3 385 416) |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration | Until 31.12.2009 |
| Economic sectors | Transport |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Agencja Rozwoju Przemyslu S.A. |
| ul. Domaniewska 41 |
| PL-02-672 Warszawa |

Date of adoption of the decision

2.4.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 506/07

Member State

Poland

Region

Mazowiecki

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Przedsiębiorstwo Spedycji Międzynarodowej C. Hartwig Warszawa S.A.

Legal basis

Ustawa z dnia 30 sierpnia 1996 r. o komercjalizacji i prywatyzacji

Type of measure

Individual aid

Objective

Restructuring aid

Form of aid

Loan

Budget

PLN 13 000 000 (EUR 3 385 416)

Intensity

—

Duration

Until 31.12.2009

Economic sectors

Transport

Name and address of the granting authority

Agencja Rozwoju Przemyslu S.A.

ul. Domaniewska 41

PL-02-672 Warszawa

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 2.4.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 638/07 |
| Member State | Poland |
| Region | Lódzkie |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Rozbudowa regionalnego portu lotniczego: Port Lotniczy Łódź Sp. z o.o. |
| Legal basis | Dz.U. 2007 nr 15 poz. 90, załącznik II część 83 dotycząca budżetu państwa — Rezerwy celowe |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Objective | Regional development |
| Form of aid | Direct grant |
| Budget | PLN 40 170 000 (the amount of aid is PLN 20 085 000) |
| Intensity | 50 % |
| Duration | The aid will be granted in 2008 |
| Economic sectors | Air transport |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Województwo Łódzkie |
| Al. Piłsudskiego 8 |
| PL-90-051 Łódź |

Date of adoption of the decision

2.4.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 638/07

Member State

Poland

Region

Lódzkie

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Rozbudowa regionalnego portu lotniczego: Port Lotniczy Łódź Sp. z o.o.

Legal basis

Dz.U. 2007 nr 15 poz. 90, załącznik II część 83 dotycząca budżetu państwa — Rezerwy celowe

Type of measure

Individual aid

Objective

Regional development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

PLN 40 170 000 (the amount of aid is PLN 20 085 000)

Intensity

50 %

Duration

The aid will be granted in 2008

Economic sectors

Air transport

Name and address of the granting authority

Województwo Łódzkie

Al. Piłsudskiego 8

PL-90-051 Łódź

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

| Date of adoption of the decision | 30.1.2008 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of the aid | N 685/07 |
| Member State | Czech Republic |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Státní záruka pro potřeby financování nákupu železničních kolejových vozidel společností České dráhy |
| Legal basis | Zákon o poskytnutí státní záruky České republiky na zajištění úvěru určeného na financování nákupu železničních vozů, poskytnutého společností EUROFIMA |
| Type of measure | State guarantee to cover a loan |
| Objective | To facilitate the purchase of new passenger railway rolling stock |
| Form of aid | Guarantee |
| Budget | The State guarantee will be granted to cover a loan up to EUR 30 million, including interest and charges from EUROFIMA |
| Intensity | The amount covered by the guarantee is 95 % of the loan, the remaining 5 % is covered by Czech Railways own resources |
| Duration | The State guarantee will remain valid until 31.12.2018 |
| Economic sectors | Transport |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Ministerstvo dopravy |
| L. Svobody 1222/12 |
| CZ-110 15 Praha 1 |

Date of adoption of the decision

30.1.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 685/07

Member State

Czech Republic

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Státní záruka pro potřeby financování nákupu železničních kolejových vozidel společností České dráhy

Legal basis

Zákon o poskytnutí státní záruky České republiky na zajištění úvěru určeného na financování nákupu železničních vozů, poskytnutého společností EUROFIMA

Type of measure

State guarantee to cover a loan

Objective

To facilitate the purchase of new passenger railway rolling stock

Form of aid

Guarantee

Budget

The State guarantee will be granted to cover a loan up to EUR 30 million, including interest and charges from EUROFIMA

Intensity

The amount covered by the guarantee is 95 % of the loan, the remaining 5 % is covered by Czech Railways own resources

Duration

The State guarantee will remain valid until 31.12.2018

Economic sectors

Transport

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministerstvo dopravy

L. Svobody 1222/12

CZ-110 15 Praha 1

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

---

| 6.6.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 140/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.6.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 140/5

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.5125 — Marel/SFS)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 140/02)

On 21 April 2008, 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 website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website 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 32008M5125. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu). |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32008M5125. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

| 6.6.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 140/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.6.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 140/5

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.5083 — Groupama/OTP Garancia)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 140/03)

On 15 April 2008, 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 website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website 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 32008M5083. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu). |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32008M5083. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

| 6.6.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 140/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.6.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 140/6

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.5097 — EADS/Sita France/Tarmac Aerosave)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 140/04)

On 14 May 2008, 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 French and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website 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 32008M5097. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu). |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32008M5097. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

| 6.6.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 140/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.6.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 140/6

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.5123 — Autogrill/World Duty Free)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 140/05)

On 16 May 2008, 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 website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website 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 32008M5123. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu). |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32008M5123. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

| 6.6.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 140/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.6.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 140/7

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.5077 — Colony Capital/Morgan Stanley/Colfilm)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 140/06)

On 17 April 2008, 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 French and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website 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 32008M5077. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu). |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32008M5077. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

| 6.6.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 140/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.6.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 140/7

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4952 — Carlsberg/Scottish & Newcastle Assets)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 140/07)

On 7 March 2008, 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 website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website 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 32008M4952. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu). |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32008M4952. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Council

| 6.6.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 140/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.6.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 140/8

---

Council conclusions of 22 May 2008 on a European approach to media literacy in the digital environment

(2008/C 140/08)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Considering that:

| — | the new Audiovisual Media Services Directive calls for the ‘development of media literacy in all sections of society’ and for close monitoring of progress in media literacy. It sets out a reporting obligation for the Commission to measure levels of media literacy in all the Member States (1). Criteria for the assessment of levels of media literacy are therefore needed, |
| --- | --- |

—

the new Audiovisual Media Services Directive calls for the ‘development of media literacy in all sections of society’ and for close monitoring of progress in media literacy. It sets out a reporting obligation for the Commission to measure levels of media literacy in all the Member States (1). Criteria for the assessment of levels of media literacy are therefore needed,

| — | the European Parliament has asked the Council and the Commission ‘to develop and to implement media literacy programmes to promote active and aware citizenship in Europe’ (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

the European Parliament has asked the Council and the Commission ‘to develop and to implement media literacy programmes to promote active and aware citizenship in Europe’ (2),

| — | the crucial importance of media literacy has also been highlighted by Unesco, for instance in the ‘Grünwald Declaration on Media Education’ (1982) and in the Paris Agenda — twelve recommendations for media education (2007) and by the Council of Europe in its ‘Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member states on empowering children in the new information and communications environment’ (2006), |
| --- | --- |

—

the crucial importance of media literacy has also been highlighted by Unesco, for instance in the ‘Grünwald Declaration on Media Education’ (1982) and in the Paris Agenda — twelve recommendations for media education (2007) and by the Council of Europe in its ‘Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member states on empowering children in the new information and communications environment’ (2006),

| — | the Commission has undertaken a public consultation on media literacy (3) and a study on ‘Current trends and approaches to media literacy in Europe’ (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

the Commission has undertaken a public consultation on media literacy (3) and a study on ‘Current trends and approaches to media literacy in Europe’ (4),

| — | the Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council on key competences for lifelong learning (2006) identifies the knowledge, skills and attitudes related to digital competence, |
| --- | --- |

—

the Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council on key competences for lifelong learning (2006) identifies the knowledge, skills and attitudes related to digital competence,

| — | the Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on the protection of minors and human dignity and on the right of reply in relation to the competitiveness of the European audiovisual and on-line information services industry (2006) already contains a series of possible measures for promoting media literacy. |
| --- | --- |

—

the Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on the protection of minors and human dignity and on the right of reply in relation to the competitiveness of the European audiovisual and on-line information services industry (2006) already contains a series of possible measures for promoting media literacy.

1.   WELCOMES

| — | the Commission Communication on ‘A European approach to media literacy in the digital environment’ as a further building block to European audiovisual policy. |
| --- | --- |

—

the Commission Communication on ‘A European approach to media literacy in the digital environment’ as a further building block to European audiovisual policy.

2.   ENDORSES

| — | the strategic view proposed by the European Commission of media literacy as an important factor for active citizenship in today's information society which can contribute towards achieving the objectives of the Lisbon agenda. |
| --- | --- |

—

the strategic view proposed by the European Commission of media literacy as an important factor for active citizenship in today's information society which can contribute towards achieving the objectives of the Lisbon agenda.

3.   RECOGNISES

| — | the importance of media literacy and its role to promote citizens' active participation in the economic, cultural and democratic life of society, |
| --- | --- |

—

the importance of media literacy and its role to promote citizens' active participation in the economic, cultural and democratic life of society,

| — | that media literacy, particularly the capacity to critically evaluate content, largely conditions users' confidence in digital technologies and media, and therefore the take-up of ICT and media, which are defined as a priority in the ‘i2010’ strategic policy framework, |
| --- | --- |

—

that media literacy, particularly the capacity to critically evaluate content, largely conditions users' confidence in digital technologies and media, and therefore the take-up of ICT and media, which are defined as a priority in the ‘i2010’ strategic policy framework,

| — | the importance of media literate users for media pluralism and the quality of content, |
| --- | --- |

—

the importance of media literate users for media pluralism and the quality of content,

| — | the variety of efforts ongoing in Member States to improve and promote media literacy even if there are differences in practices and levels between Member States, |
| --- | --- |

—

the variety of efforts ongoing in Member States to improve and promote media literacy even if there are differences in practices and levels between Member States,

| — | the lack of common criteria and indicators for measuring media literacy, |
| --- | --- |

—

the lack of common criteria and indicators for measuring media literacy,

| — | the importance of identifying and promoting good practices for the development of media literacy, |
| --- | --- |

—

the importance of identifying and promoting good practices for the development of media literacy,

| — | the importance of education and training in the development of greater media literacy and the consequent need to improve teacher training and raise awareness among educators at all levels of education and training. |
| --- | --- |

—

the importance of education and training in the development of greater media literacy and the consequent need to improve teacher training and raise awareness among educators at all levels of education and training.

4.   UNDERLINES

| — | the relevance of European programmes and initiatives such as the MEDIA 2007 Programme, the Lifelong Learning Programme 2007-2013 and the Safer Internet plus Programme, |
| --- | --- |

—

the relevance of European programmes and initiatives such as the MEDIA 2007 Programme, the Lifelong Learning Programme 2007-2013 and the Safer Internet plus Programme,

| — | that future work should be based on these and related initiatives, towards the goal of achieving more awareness of the importance of media literacy among citizens, |
| --- | --- |

—

that future work should be based on these and related initiatives, towards the goal of achieving more awareness of the importance of media literacy among citizens,

| — | the need for regular exchange of information, best practices and, in the field of education, pedagogical methods between Member States. |
| --- | --- |

—

the need for regular exchange of information, best practices and, in the field of education, pedagogical methods between Member States.

5.   TAKES NOTE

| — | of the Commission's intention to carry out a further study with the aim of developing criteria and indicators to measure media literacy levels, taking due account of all relevant work ongoing within other international organisations, |
| --- | --- |

—

of the Commission's intention to carry out a further study with the aim of developing criteria and indicators to measure media literacy levels, taking due account of all relevant work ongoing within other international organisations,

| — | of the Commission's intention to continue to promote the development and exchange of good practices on media literacy in the digital environment. |
| --- | --- |

—

of the Commission's intention to continue to promote the development and exchange of good practices on media literacy in the digital environment.

6.   INVITES THE COMMISSION

| — | to monitor developments in this area closely and keep under review the need for a further policy response at European level, |
| --- | --- |

—

to monitor developments in this area closely and keep under review the need for a further policy response at European level,

| — | to use the Contact Committee, established under the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, in an appropriate composition, as a forum for the exchange of information and best practices on media literacy and the provision of input to the development of the policy agenda in this area. Experts from the private sector and other stakeholders should be invited to contribute to this work. |
| --- | --- |

—

to use the Contact Committee, established under the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, in an appropriate composition, as a forum for the exchange of information and best practices on media literacy and the provision of input to the development of the policy agenda in this area. Experts from the private sector and other stakeholders should be invited to contribute to this work.

7.   INVITES THE MEMBERS STATES TO

| — | encourage the appropriate authorities, for example those in charge of audiovisual and electronic communication regulation, to cooperate and to promote the improvement of media literacy, |
| --- | --- |

—

encourage the appropriate authorities, for example those in charge of audiovisual and electronic communication regulation, to cooperate and to promote the improvement of media literacy,

| — | promote and facilitate the development and implementation of codes of conduct and other co-regulatory and self-regulatory initiatives in conjunction with all interested parties at national level, |
| --- | --- |

—

promote and facilitate the development and implementation of codes of conduct and other co-regulatory and self-regulatory initiatives in conjunction with all interested parties at national level,

| — | encourage all stakeholders, in particular within the media and ICT sector, to carry out their own regular research into and observation of the different aspects and dimensions of media literacy, |
| --- | --- |

—

encourage all stakeholders, in particular within the media and ICT sector, to carry out their own regular research into and observation of the different aspects and dimensions of media literacy,

| — | promote awareness-raising initiatives including those focusing specifically on the use of ICTs that are directed to young people and their parents and involve youth organisations as well as the media, |
| --- | --- |

—

promote awareness-raising initiatives including those focusing specifically on the use of ICTs that are directed to young people and their parents and involve youth organisations as well as the media,

| — | promote media literacy in the framework of their lifelong learning strategies and encourage peer learning and the exchange of good practices between teaching professionals on this aspect of education. |
| --- | --- |

—

promote media literacy in the framework of their lifelong learning strategies and encourage peer learning and the exchange of good practices between teaching professionals on this aspect of education.

---

(1)  Article 26: the Commission shall submit ‘a report on the application of this Directive and, if necessary, make further proposals to adapt it to developments in the field of audiovisual media services, in particular in the light of recent technological developments, the competitiveness of the sector and levels of media literacy in all Member States’.

(2)  Resolution of 6 September 2005, on the ‘Television without Frontiers’ Directive (89/552/EEC).

(3)  See Report on the results on the public consultation on Media Literacy:

http://ec.europa.eu/avpolicy/media_literacy/docs/report_on_ml_2007.pdf

(4)  See: http://ec.europa.eu/avpolicy/media_literacy/index_en.htm

---

| 6.6.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 140/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.6.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 140/10

---

Council conclusions of 22 May 2008 on adult learning

(2008/C 140/09)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Whereas:

| (1) | The Spring 2000 Lisbon European Council conclusions (1) called for Europe's education and training systems to be modernised in response to the demands of a knowledge-based economy and the increasing socio-economic and demographic challenges confronting the Union in a globalised world. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The Spring 2000 Lisbon European Council conclusions (1) called for Europe's education and training systems to be modernised in response to the demands of a knowledge-based economy and the increasing socio-economic and demographic challenges confronting the Union in a globalised world.

| (2) | The Spring 2002 Barcelona European Council conclusions (2) urged Member States to ensure that all citizens are equipped with basic qualifications, as well as to increase opportunities for older workers to remain in the labour market, in particular by guaranteeing real access to lifelong learning. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Spring 2002 Barcelona European Council conclusions (2) urged Member States to ensure that all citizens are equipped with basic qualifications, as well as to increase opportunities for older workers to remain in the labour market, in particular by guaranteeing real access to lifelong learning.

| (3) | The Council Resolution of 27 June 2002 on lifelong learning (3) stressed that lifelong learning must cover learning from the pre-school age to that of post-retirement, including the entire spectrum of formal, non-formal and informal learning. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The Council Resolution of 27 June 2002 on lifelong learning (3) stressed that lifelong learning must cover learning from the pre-school age to that of post-retirement, including the entire spectrum of formal, non-formal and informal learning.

| (4) | The Council Resolution of 19 December 2002 on enhanced cooperation in vocational education and training (4) noted that the adaptability and employability of adults, including older workers, depend strongly on opportunities to update and acquire new skills throughout working life. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Council Resolution of 19 December 2002 on enhanced cooperation in vocational education and training (4) noted that the adaptability and employability of adults, including older workers, depend strongly on opportunities to update and acquire new skills throughout working life.

| (5) | The Council Resolution of 28 May 2004 on strengthening policies, systems and practices in the field of guidance (5) stressed that all European citizens should have access to guidance services at all life stages, paying particular attention to individuals and groups at risk. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The Council Resolution of 28 May 2004 on strengthening policies, systems and practices in the field of guidance (5) stressed that all European citizens should have access to guidance services at all life stages, paying particular attention to individuals and groups at risk.

| (6) | The Council conclusions of 28 May 2004 on common European principles for the identification and validation of non-formal and informal learning (6), as established in response to the November 2002 Copenhagen Declaration, called for the development and dissemination of European instruments to recognise non-formal and informal learning. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The Council conclusions of 28 May 2004 on common European principles for the identification and validation of non-formal and informal learning (6), as established in response to the November 2002 Copenhagen Declaration, called for the development and dissemination of European instruments to recognise non-formal and informal learning.

| (7) | The Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning (7) is aimed inter alia at ensuring that adults are able to develop and update their skills throughout their lives and that appropriate infrastructure is in place for the continuing education and training of adults. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning (7) is aimed inter alia at ensuring that adults are able to develop and update their skills throughout their lives and that appropriate infrastructure is in place for the continuing education and training of adults.

| (8) | The Council conclusions of 25 May 2007 on a coherent framework of indicators and benchmarks in education and training (8) called for the development of indicators on adult skills to be pursued. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The Council conclusions of 25 May 2007 on a coherent framework of indicators and benchmarks in education and training (8) called for the development of indicators on adult skills to be pursued.

| (9) | The Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2008 on the establishment of a European Qualifications Framework (9) promotes an approach to the description of qualifications based on learning outcomes, regardless of how or where these are achieved. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2008 on the establishment of a European Qualifications Framework (9) promotes an approach to the description of qualifications based on learning outcomes, regardless of how or where these are achieved.

| (10) | The 2008 joint progress report of the Council and the Commission on the implementation of the ‘Education and Training 2010’ work programme stresses that the low level of participation in adult learning of older workers and the low-skilled remains a major problem. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The 2008 joint progress report of the Council and the Commission on the implementation of the ‘Education and Training 2010’ work programme stresses that the low level of participation in adult learning of older workers and the low-skilled remains a major problem.

| (11) | The European Parliament Resolution of 16 January 2008 on adult learning: It is never too late to learn
   (10) urges Member States to promote the acquisition of knowledge and to develop a culture of lifelong learning, notably by implementing gender equal policies designed to make adult education more attractive, more accessible and more effective, |
| --- | --- |

(11)

The European Parliament Resolution of 16 January 2008 on adult learning: It is never too late to learn
   (10) urges Member States to promote the acquisition of knowledge and to develop a culture of lifelong learning, notably by implementing gender equal policies designed to make adult education more attractive, more accessible and more effective,

WELCOMES the October 2006 Commission communication: It is never too late to learn
   (11) and the September 2007 Commission Action Plan — It is always a good time to learn
   (12), both of which highlight the importance of adult learning as a key component of lifelong learning and call on Member States to remove barriers to participation, to increase overall quality and efficiency in adult learning, to speed up the process of validation and recognition and to ensure sufficient investment in and monitoring of the field.

RECOGNISES the key role which adult learning can play in meeting the goals of the Lisbon Strategy, by fostering social cohesion, providing citizens with the skills required to find new jobs and helping Europe to better respond to the challenges of globalisation. In particular, there is a need to:

| 1. | raise the skills levels of a still significant number of low-skilled workers, with a view to enabling all citizens to adapt to technological change and future skills needs and thereby contributing to improving overall economic performance; |
| --- | --- |

1.

raise the skills levels of a still significant number of low-skilled workers, with a view to enabling all citizens to adapt to technological change and future skills needs and thereby contributing to improving overall economic performance;

| 2. | address the problem of the persistently high number of early school leavers by offering a second chance to those who enter adult age without a qualification, focusing on areas of particular concern, such as basic literacy and numeracy, IT skills and language learning; |
| --- | --- |

2.

address the problem of the persistently high number of early school leavers by offering a second chance to those who enter adult age without a qualification, focusing on areas of particular concern, such as basic literacy and numeracy, IT skills and language learning;

| 3. | combat social exclusion due to circumstances such as low levels of initial education, unemployment and rural isolation, whilst paying more attention — in the face of current demographic and migration trends — to the lifelong learning and training requirements of older workers and migrants; |
| --- | --- |

3.

combat social exclusion due to circumstances such as low levels of initial education, unemployment and rural isolation, whilst paying more attention — in the face of current demographic and migration trends — to the lifelong learning and training requirements of older workers and migrants;

| 4. | ensure the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of adult learning, with the aim of increasing active participation in such learning, especially among disadvantaged groups, of attracting sufficient public and private investment to this area, and of encouraging the private sector to consider such learning as a key component of workplace and business development. |
| --- | --- |

4.

ensure the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of adult learning, with the aim of increasing active participation in such learning, especially among disadvantaged groups, of attracting sufficient public and private investment to this area, and of encouraging the private sector to consider such learning as a key component of workplace and business development.

CONSIDERS that adult learning can make an important contribution to meeting such needs by providing not only economic and social benefits, such as greater employability, access to better-quality jobs, more responsible citizenship and increased civic participation, but also individual benefits such as greater self-fulfilment, improved health and well-being and enhanced self-esteem, and accordingly that:

| 1. | adult learning should be given stronger emphasis and more effective support at national level, as part of overall efforts to develop a culture of lifelong learning; |
| --- | --- |

1.

adult learning should be given stronger emphasis and more effective support at national level, as part of overall efforts to develop a culture of lifelong learning;

| 2. | the specific measures detailed in the Annex to these conclusions could form a coherent framework for future action in this field within the ‘Education and Training 2010’ work programme; |
| --- | --- |

2.

the specific measures detailed in the Annex to these conclusions could form a coherent framework for future action in this field within the ‘Education and Training 2010’ work programme;

| 3. | further development and implementation of such measures should fully respect the responsibility of Member States for the content of teaching and the organisation of education and training systems, and should use the open method of coordination; |
| --- | --- |

3.

further development and implementation of such measures should fully respect the responsibility of Member States for the content of teaching and the organisation of education and training systems, and should use the open method of coordination;

| 4. | progress and monitoring of adult learning should be consistent with the coherent framework of indicators and benchmarks adopted by the Council in May 2007 and be included in future joint progress reports on the ‘Education and Training’ work programme; |
| --- | --- |

4.

progress and monitoring of adult learning should be consistent with the coherent framework of indicators and benchmarks adopted by the Council in May 2007 and be included in future joint progress reports on the ‘Education and Training’ work programme;

| 5. | the cross-sectoral nature, diversity, complexity and richness of adult learning impose the need for an integrated approach involving all stakeholders, including those at local and regional level, the social partners and NGOs. |
| --- | --- |

5.

the cross-sectoral nature, diversity, complexity and richness of adult learning impose the need for an integrated approach involving all stakeholders, including those at local and regional level, the social partners and NGOs.

Accordingly INVITES THE MEMBERS STATES to address the issues relating to adult learning identified in these conclusions, in particular by implementing the measures outlined in the Annex hereto in accordance with the specific context and priorities of the Member States,

and INVITES THE COMMISSION to:

| — | support Member States in further developing and improving adult learning in terms not only of increased opportunities, broader access and greater participation, but also of more relevant, results-oriented learning outcomes, using measures such as those outlined in the Annex to these conclusions, |
| --- | --- |

—

support Member States in further developing and improving adult learning in terms not only of increased opportunities, broader access and greater participation, but also of more relevant, results-oriented learning outcomes, using measures such as those outlined in the Annex to these conclusions,

| — | ensure complementarity and coherence between the follow-up given to any such measures and implementation of the Bologna and Copenhagen processes, insofar as these relate to adult learners, |
| --- | --- |

—

ensure complementarity and coherence between the follow-up given to any such measures and implementation of the Bologna and Copenhagen processes, insofar as these relate to adult learners,

| — | strengthen and use existing research structures for the needs of adult education, |
| --- | --- |

—

strengthen and use existing research structures for the needs of adult education,

| — | pursue and intensify cooperation with the international organisations and relevant non-governmental bodies working in this field, as well as establish links with regional initiatives such as Europe-Asia cooperation and worldwide initiatives such as ‘Education for All’ and the Millennium Development Goals. |
| --- | --- |

—

pursue and intensify cooperation with the international organisations and relevant non-governmental bodies working in this field, as well as establish links with regional initiatives such as Europe-Asia cooperation and worldwide initiatives such as ‘Education for All’ and the Millennium Development Goals.

---

(1)  Doc. SN 100/00 REV 1.

(2)  Doc. SN 100/02 REV 1, paragraphs 32 and 33.

(3)  OJ C 163, 9.7.2002, p. 2.

(4)  OJ C 13, 18.1.2003, p. 2.

(5)  Doc. 9286/04.

(6)  Doc. 9600/04.

(7)  OJ L 394, 30.12.2006, p. 10.

(8)  OJ C 311, 21.12.2007, p. 13.

(9)  OJ reference to be supplied.

(10)  (2007/2114 (INI)) — P6_TA-PROV(2008)0013.

(11)  Doc. 14600/06 — COM(2006) 614 final.

(12)  Doc. 13426/07 — COM(2007) 558 final.

---

ANNEX

SPECIFIC MEASURES FOR THE PERIOD 2008-2010

A.   BY THE COMMISSION, WITH THE COOPERATION OF THE MEMBER STATES

| 1. | Analyse reforms in education and training at national level, especially the development of national qualifications systems in relation to the European Qualifications Framework and credit transfer systems relating to both formal, non-formal and informal learning, with a view to improving adult access to qualifications systems. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Analyse reforms in education and training at national level, especially the development of national qualifications systems in relation to the European Qualifications Framework and credit transfer systems relating to both formal, non-formal and informal learning, with a view to improving adult access to qualifications systems.

| 2. | Analyse the impact of national education and training reforms in terms of the distribution of funding resources across the various age groups, in line with a lifelong learning approach. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Analyse the impact of national education and training reforms in terms of the distribution of funding resources across the various age groups, in line with a lifelong learning approach.

| 3. | Support the development of career opportunities, conditions and resources — based on existing good practice in the Member States — for those working in the field of adult learning, in order to enhance the visibility and status of the profession. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Support the development of career opportunities, conditions and resources — based on existing good practice in the Member States — for those working in the field of adult learning, in order to enhance the visibility and status of the profession.

| 4. | Carry out further research on the development of quality criteria for adult learning providers. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Carry out further research on the development of quality criteria for adult learning providers.

| 5. | Draw up a common inventory of good practice and projects aimed at motivating those groups which are particularly hard to reach, identifying key factors for their reintegration into the labour market and society, and enhancing their self-esteem. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Draw up a common inventory of good practice and projects aimed at motivating those groups which are particularly hard to reach, identifying key factors for their reintegration into the labour market and society, and enhancing their self-esteem.

| 6. | Identify good practice in the assessment of learning outcomes, particularly those of low-skilled and older workers and of migrants acquired mainly outside the formal learning system. |
| --- | --- |

6.

Identify good practice in the assessment of learning outcomes, particularly those of low-skilled and older workers and of migrants acquired mainly outside the formal learning system.

| 7. | Produce a glossary of agreed definitions used in adult learning and, drawing on existing data collections, including those of the OECD, and remaining consistent with the 2008 Regulation on statistics on education and lifelong learning (1), establish a set of European level comparable core data required to facilitate monitoring (The right of participation of all Member States in this work should be ensured). |
| --- | --- |

7.

Produce a glossary of agreed definitions used in adult learning and, drawing on existing data collections, including those of the OECD, and remaining consistent with the 2008 Regulation on statistics on education and lifelong learning (1), establish a set of European level comparable core data required to facilitate monitoring (The right of participation of all Member States in this work should be ensured).

| 8. | Support measures to strengthen the place of adult learning within the context of national lifelong learning strategies. |
| --- | --- |

8.

Support measures to strengthen the place of adult learning within the context of national lifelong learning strategies.

| 9. | Support campaigns aimed at raising awareness and motivation among potential learners and thereby increasing overall participation in adult learning. |
| --- | --- |

9.

Support campaigns aimed at raising awareness and motivation among potential learners and thereby increasing overall participation in adult learning.

B.   BY THE MEMBER STATES, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMISSION

| 1. | Promote and support the exchange of good practice, mutual learning and the development of joint projects in the adult education field between stakeholders in the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Promote and support the exchange of good practice, mutual learning and the development of joint projects in the adult education field between stakeholders in the Member States.

| 2. | As part of the drive towards developing a culture of lifelong learning, closely cooperate in identifying and removing barriers to adult learning, and in establishing demand-driven, high quality provision and facilities for the adult learning field, including e-Learning and distance learning opportunities. |
| --- | --- |

2.

As part of the drive towards developing a culture of lifelong learning, closely cooperate in identifying and removing barriers to adult learning, and in establishing demand-driven, high quality provision and facilities for the adult learning field, including e-Learning and distance learning opportunities.

| 3. | Encourage both higher education and vocational education institutions to reach out more to adult learners, as well as develop partnerships with the business community in order to motivate employers to organise, and employees to engage in, adult learning in the workplace. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Encourage both higher education and vocational education institutions to reach out more to adult learners, as well as develop partnerships with the business community in order to motivate employers to organise, and employees to engage in, adult learning in the workplace.

| 4. | Work towards the objective of facilitating access to and increasing participation in adult learning by all citizens, in particular those who leave initial education and training early and would like a ‘second chance’, those with special needs and those with insufficient basic skills or low educational achievements, with the aim of encouraging them to upgrade their qualifications. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Work towards the objective of facilitating access to and increasing participation in adult learning by all citizens, in particular those who leave initial education and training early and would like a ‘second chance’, those with special needs and those with insufficient basic skills or low educational achievements, with the aim of encouraging them to upgrade their qualifications.

| 5. | Ensure effective and efficient use of the Lifelong Learning Programme, the European Structural Funds and other similar sources of funding, in order to improve the delivery of learning opportunities for adults. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Ensure effective and efficient use of the Lifelong Learning Programme, the European Structural Funds and other similar sources of funding, in order to improve the delivery of learning opportunities for adults.

| 6. | Promote the development and use of lifelong guidance systems which can provide adults with independent information and advice, individual skills analysis and personalised careers guidance. |
| --- | --- |

6.

Promote the development and use of lifelong guidance systems which can provide adults with independent information and advice, individual skills analysis and personalised careers guidance.

| 7. | Consider — from a cost/benefit point of view — the contribution of adult learning to social cohesion and economic development. |
| --- | --- |

7.

Consider — from a cost/benefit point of view — the contribution of adult learning to social cohesion and economic development.

| 8. | Facilitate the development of methodologies and tools needed to assess key skills and competencies — including those acquired mainly outside the formal learning system — and have them validated and defined in terms of learning outcomes, whilst investing in the promotion of validation and recognition procedures. |
| --- | --- |

8.

Facilitate the development of methodologies and tools needed to assess key skills and competencies — including those acquired mainly outside the formal learning system — and have them validated and defined in terms of learning outcomes, whilst investing in the promotion of validation and recognition procedures.

| 9. | Endeavour to ensure an adequate share for adult learning when allocating financial resources across the various educational sectors, in line with a lifelong learning approach. |
| --- | --- |

9.

Endeavour to ensure an adequate share for adult learning when allocating financial resources across the various educational sectors, in line with a lifelong learning approach.

| 10. | Promote the active involvement of the social partners and other stakeholders, including NGOs, in securing high quality learning provision tailored to the needs of the various categories of learners. Special emphasis should be placed on ICT learning approaches and the development of ICT skills. |
| --- | --- |

10.

Promote the active involvement of the social partners and other stakeholders, including NGOs, in securing high quality learning provision tailored to the needs of the various categories of learners. Special emphasis should be placed on ICT learning approaches and the development of ICT skills.

| 11. | Reinforce cooperation with Cedefop and the Unesco Institute for Lifelong Learning, as well as make full use of the research capacities of other international institutions, in the area of adult education and learning. |
| --- | --- |

11.

Reinforce cooperation with Cedefop and the Unesco Institute for Lifelong Learning, as well as make full use of the research capacities of other international institutions, in the area of adult education and learning.

| 12. | Based on the results obtained after implementation of these measures, consider further possible action beyond 2010 in accordance with the follow up to the ‘Education and Training 2010’ work programme. |
| --- | --- |

12.

Based on the results obtained after implementation of these measures, consider further possible action beyond 2010 in accordance with the follow up to the ‘Education and Training 2010’ work programme.

---

(1)  Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2008 concerning the production and development of statistics on education and lifelong learning — Doc. PE-CONS 3659/3/07 REV 3. OJ reference to be supplied.

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| 6.6.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 140/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.6.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 140/14

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Council conclusions of 22 May 2008 on multilingualism

(2008/C 140/10)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

HAVING REGARD to:

| 1. | the conclusions of the Lisbon European Council of 23 and 24 March 2000, which included foreign languages within a European framework for the definition of basic skills to be provided through lifelong learning (1); |
| --- | --- |

1.

the conclusions of the Lisbon European Council of 23 and 24 March 2000, which included foreign languages within a European framework for the definition of basic skills to be provided through lifelong learning (1);

| 2. | Article 22 of the Charter of fundamental rights of the European Union, which recognises the principle that the Union shall respect cultural, religious and linguistic diversity (2); |
| --- | --- |

2.

Article 22 of the Charter of fundamental rights of the European Union, which recognises the principle that the Union shall respect cultural, religious and linguistic diversity (2);

| 3. | the conclusions of the Barcelona European Council of 15 and 16 March 2002, which called for further action to improve the mastery of basic skills, in particular by teaching two foreign languages to all from a very early age (3); |
| --- | --- |

3.

the conclusions of the Barcelona European Council of 15 and 16 March 2002, which called for further action to improve the mastery of basic skills, in particular by teaching two foreign languages to all from a very early age (3);

| 4. | the Commission communication of 24 July 2003‘Promoting Language Learning and Linguistic Diversity: an Action Plan 2004-2006’ (4), and the subsequent Commission report of 25 September 2007 on the implementation of that Action Plan (5); |
| --- | --- |

4.

the Commission communication of 24 July 2003‘Promoting Language Learning and Linguistic Diversity: an Action Plan 2004-2006’ (4), and the subsequent Commission report of 25 September 2007 on the implementation of that Action Plan (5);

| 5. | Decision No 2241/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 2004 on a single Community framework for the transparency of qualifications and competences (Europass) (6); |
| --- | --- |

5.

Decision No 2241/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 2004 on a single Community framework for the transparency of qualifications and competences (Europass) (6);

| 6. | the Commission communication of 22 November 2005‘A new Framework Strategy for Multilingualism’, which encompasses both internal and external action on the promotion of languages and communication with the citizens (7); |
| --- | --- |

6.

the Commission communication of 22 November 2005‘A new Framework Strategy for Multilingualism’, which encompasses both internal and external action on the promotion of languages and communication with the citizens (7);

| 7. | the Council conclusions of 19 May 2006 on the European Indicator of Language Competence (8), which reaffirmed that foreign language skills, as well as helping to foster mutual understanding between peoples, are a prerequisite for a mobile workforce and contribute to the competitiveness of the European Union economy; |
| --- | --- |

7.

the Council conclusions of 19 May 2006 on the European Indicator of Language Competence (8), which reaffirmed that foreign language skills, as well as helping to foster mutual understanding between peoples, are a prerequisite for a mobile workforce and contribute to the competitiveness of the European Union economy;

| 8. | the Recommendation 2006/962/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning (9), one of which is communication in foreign languages; |
| --- | --- |

8.

the Recommendation 2006/962/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning (9), one of which is communication in foreign languages;

| 9. | the Resolution of the Council of 16 November 2007 on a European Agenda for Culture (10), which sets multilingualism as one of the priority areas for action to promote cultural heritage, |
| --- | --- |

9.

the Resolution of the Council of 16 November 2007 on a European Agenda for Culture (10), which sets multilingualism as one of the priority areas for action to promote cultural heritage,

and in the light of the discussions during the Ministerial Conference on Multilingualism held on 15 February 2008,

CONSIDERS that:

| — | linguistic and cultural diversity are distinctive features in the daily lives of an increasing number of European citizens and companies as a result of increased mobility, migration and globalisation, |
| --- | --- |

—

linguistic and cultural diversity are distinctive features in the daily lives of an increasing number of European citizens and companies as a result of increased mobility, migration and globalisation,

| — | linguistic competences are a desirable life-skill for all EU citizens, enabling them to enjoy the economic, social and cultural benefits of free movement within the Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

linguistic competences are a desirable life-skill for all EU citizens, enabling them to enjoy the economic, social and cultural benefits of free movement within the Union,

| — | successive reports and recommendations by various stakeholder groups have shown that insufficient account is still taken of language needs in European society, |
| --- | --- |

—

successive reports and recommendations by various stakeholder groups have shown that insufficient account is still taken of language needs in European society,

| — | the importance attached to multilingualism and other language policy issues in the context of common EU policies imposes the need to pay these matters the attention they deserve, as well as the need for the European institutions to re-emphasise their long-standing commitment to the promotion of language learning and linguistic diversity. |
| --- | --- |

—

the importance attached to multilingualism and other language policy issues in the context of common EU policies imposes the need to pay these matters the attention they deserve, as well as the need for the European institutions to re-emphasise their long-standing commitment to the promotion of language learning and linguistic diversity.

AFFIRMS that:

| 1. | multilingualism policy encompasses the economic, social and cultural aspects of languages in a lifelong learning perspective; |
| --- | --- |

1.

multilingualism policy encompasses the economic, social and cultural aspects of languages in a lifelong learning perspective;

| 2. | the linguistic diversity of Europe should be preserved and parity between languages fully respected. The European Union institutions should play a key role in pursuing these objectives; |
| --- | --- |

2.

the linguistic diversity of Europe should be preserved and parity between languages fully respected. The European Union institutions should play a key role in pursuing these objectives;

| 3. | as well as contributing to personal and cultural enrichment, a knowledge of languages is one of the basic skills European citizens need to acquire in order to play an active part in the European knowledge society, and one that both promotes mobility and facilitates social integration and cohesion; |
| --- | --- |

3.

as well as contributing to personal and cultural enrichment, a knowledge of languages is one of the basic skills European citizens need to acquire in order to play an active part in the European knowledge society, and one that both promotes mobility and facilitates social integration and cohesion;

| 4. | since language needs may vary according to each individual's interests, work and cultural background, the broadest possible range of languages should be available to learners, with the support of new technologies, innovative approaches and networking between educational providers; |
| --- | --- |

4.

since language needs may vary according to each individual's interests, work and cultural background, the broadest possible range of languages should be available to learners, with the support of new technologies, innovative approaches and networking between educational providers;

| 5. | with a view to promoting economic growth and competitiveness, it is important for Europe also to maintain a sufficient knowledge base in non-European languages with a global reach. At the same time, efforts should be made to uphold the position of European languages on the international stage; |
| --- | --- |

5.

with a view to promoting economic growth and competitiveness, it is important for Europe also to maintain a sufficient knowledge base in non-European languages with a global reach. At the same time, efforts should be made to uphold the position of European languages on the international stage;

| 6. | quality teaching is essential for successful learning at any age and efforts should therefore be made to ensure that language teachers have a solid command of the language they teach, have access to high quality initial and continuous training and possess the necessary intercultural skills. As part of language teacher training, exchange programmes between Member States should be actively encouraged and supported; |
| --- | --- |

6.

quality teaching is essential for successful learning at any age and efforts should therefore be made to ensure that language teachers have a solid command of the language they teach, have access to high quality initial and continuous training and possess the necessary intercultural skills. As part of language teacher training, exchange programmes between Member States should be actively encouraged and supported;

| 7. | to help them integrate successfully, sufficient support should be provided to migrants to enable them to learn the language(s) of the host country, while members of the host communities should be encouraged to show an interest in the cultures of newcomers; |
| --- | --- |

7.

to help them integrate successfully, sufficient support should be provided to migrants to enable them to learn the language(s) of the host country, while members of the host communities should be encouraged to show an interest in the cultures of newcomers;

| 8. | linguistic and cultural competences lie at the heart of education. Proficiency in the first language may facilitate the learning of other languages, while early language learning, bilingual education and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) are effective means of improving language learning provision; |
| --- | --- |

8.

linguistic and cultural competences lie at the heart of education. Proficiency in the first language may facilitate the learning of other languages, while early language learning, bilingual education and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) are effective means of improving language learning provision;

| 9. | quality interpretation and translation is needed to ensure efficient communication between speakers of different languages, while greater attention should be paid to linguistic considerations in the marketing and distribution of goods and services, in particular audiovisual media services. |
| --- | --- |

9.

quality interpretation and translation is needed to ensure efficient communication between speakers of different languages, while greater attention should be paid to linguistic considerations in the marketing and distribution of goods and services, in particular audiovisual media services.

INVITES THE MEMBER STATES, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMISSION, TO:

| 1. | work together to enhance European cooperation on multilingualism and — in consultation with the relevant stakeholders — pursue the above-mentioned policy orientations, making use as appropriate of the open method of coordination to facilitate the exchange of experience and good practice; |
| --- | --- |

1.

work together to enhance European cooperation on multilingualism and — in consultation with the relevant stakeholders — pursue the above-mentioned policy orientations, making use as appropriate of the open method of coordination to facilitate the exchange of experience and good practice;

| 2. | take appropriate steps to improve effective language teaching and continuity for language learning in a lifelong learning perspective, including by making existing resources and infrastructure more widely available, accessible and attractive to all, developing resources and increasing the diversity of languages offered; |
| --- | --- |

2.

take appropriate steps to improve effective language teaching and continuity for language learning in a lifelong learning perspective, including by making existing resources and infrastructure more widely available, accessible and attractive to all, developing resources and increasing the diversity of languages offered;

| 3. | promote the learning of their national languages in other Member States, including through greater use of distance learning technologies, and encourage the learning of less widely used EU languages, and non-European languages; |
| --- | --- |

3.

promote the learning of their national languages in other Member States, including through greater use of distance learning technologies, and encourage the learning of less widely used EU languages, and non-European languages;

| 4. | use existing tools to confirm language knowledge, such as the Council of Europe's European Language Portfolio and the Europass Language Portfolio; |
| --- | --- |

4.

use existing tools to confirm language knowledge, such as the Council of Europe's European Language Portfolio and the Europass Language Portfolio;

| 5. | encourage measures to facilitate language learning by people with special needs, as a means of contributing to their social inclusion, better career opportunities and welfare; |
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5.

encourage measures to facilitate language learning by people with special needs, as a means of contributing to their social inclusion, better career opportunities and welfare;

| 6. | cooperate with international organisations working on issues relating to multilingualism, in particular the Council of Europe and Unesco. |
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6.

cooperate with international organisations working on issues relating to multilingualism, in particular the Council of Europe and Unesco.

INVITES THE COMMISSION TO:

| 1. | support the Member States in their efforts to pursue the above priorities; |
| --- | --- |

1.

support the Member States in their efforts to pursue the above priorities;

| 2. | draw up proposals by the end of 2008 for a comprehensive policy framework on multilingualism, which takes due account of the linguistic needs of citizens and institutions, including by respecting their right to communicate with the institutions of the European Union in any one of its official languages. |
| --- | --- |

2.

draw up proposals by the end of 2008 for a comprehensive policy framework on multilingualism, which takes due account of the linguistic needs of citizens and institutions, including by respecting their right to communicate with the institutions of the European Union in any one of its official languages.

---

(1)  Doc. SN 100/00, paragraph 26, p. 9.

(2)  OJ C 364, 18.12.2000, p. 13.

(3)  Doc. SN 100/02, paragraph 44, p. 19.

(4)  Doc. 11834/03.

(5)  Doc. 13346/07.

(6)  OJ L 390, 31.12.2004, p. 6.

(7)  Doc. 14908/05.

(8)  OJ C 172, 25.7.2006, p. 1.

(9)  OJ L 394, 30.12.2006, p. 10.

(10)  OJ C 287, 29.11.2007, p. 1.

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Commission

| 6.6.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 140/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.6.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 140/16

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

5 June 2008

(2008/C 140/11)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,5402 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 163,46 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4589 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,7897 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,3118 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,6147 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 118,72 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,968 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 24,57 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 241,86 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,7009 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,377 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,6229 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 30,325 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,89 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6169 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,5727 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 12,0271 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 2,0168 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 2,1103 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 581,02 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 12,0391 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 10,699 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,2506 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 14 331,56 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 5,0172 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 67,915 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 36,7125 |
| THB | Thai baht | 50,688 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,5048 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 15,8795 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,5402

JPY

Japanese yen

163,46

DKK

Danish krone

7,4589

GBP

Pound sterling

0,7897

SEK

Swedish krona

9,3118

CHF

Swiss franc

1,6147

ISK

Iceland króna

118,72

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,968

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

24,57

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

241,86

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,7009

PLN

Polish zloty

3,377

RON

Romanian leu

3,6229

SKK

Slovak koruna

30,325

TRY

Turkish lira

1,89

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6169

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,5727

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

12,0271

NZD

New Zealand dollar

2,0168

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,1103

KRW

South Korean won

1 581,02

ZAR

South African rand

12,0391

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,699

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,2506

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

14 331,56

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

5,0172

PHP

Philippine peso

67,915

RUB

Russian rouble

36,7125

THB

Thai baht

50,688

BRL

Brazilian real

2,5048

MXN

Mexican peso

15,8795

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 6.6.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 140/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.6.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 140/17

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001

(2008/C 140/12)

Aid No: XA 87/08

Member State: Belgium

Region: Vlaanderen

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: Vlaams Interprovinciaal Verbond Van Fokkers Van Neerhofdieren vzw

Legal basis: Decreet van 21 december 2007 houdende de algemene uitgavenbegroting van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap voor het begrotingsjaar 2008.

Koninklijk besluit van 2 juni 1998 betreffende de zoötechnische en genealogische voorschriften voor de verbetering en de instandhouding van pluimvee- en konijnenrassen.

Ministerieel besluit van 17 maart 2005 houdende de erkenning en subsidiëring van organisaties in het kader van de aanmoediging en de verbetering van de pluimvee- en konijnenfokkerij

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: EUR 7 500

Maximum aid intensity: The maximum aid intensity is 100 % to cover the administrative costs of establishing and maintaining herd books

Date of implementation: Aid may be granted from 1 March and, at the earliest, 15 days after notification.

Aid can be granted by means of an implementing decree. These decrees are drawn up annually. A draft implementing decree has yet to be drawn up, and will include a ‘standstill clause’

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: The grant period will run until 31.12.2008

Objective of aid: The registered association Vlaams Interprovinciaal Verbond van Fokkers van Neerhofdieren vzw (VIVFN) maintains herd books and records for a large number of breeds of rabbits and farmyard animals.

VIVFN has indicated that it will use the aid to cover the costs of the collection, processing, preparation for use and publication of registration data.

The aid is granted under Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 and meets the criteria thereof.

Article 16(1)(a): Aid at a rate of up to 100 % to cover the administrative costs of the establishment and maintenance of herd books

Sector(s) concerned: Livestock sectors

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Departement Landbouw en Visserij |
| --- |
| Duurzame Landbouwontwikkeling |
| Ellips, 6e verdieping |
| Koning Albert II laan 35, bus 40 |
| B-1030 Brussel |

Departement Landbouw en Visserij

Duurzame Landbouwontwikkeling

Ellips, 6e verdieping

Koning Albert II laan 35, bus 40

B-1030 Brussel

Website: http://www2.vlaanderen.be/ned/sites/landbouw/info/steun/eu.html

Other information: —

Jules VAN LIEFFERINGE

Secretaris-generaal

---

| 6.6.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 140/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.6.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 140/18

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1628/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to national regional investment aid

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 140/13)

| Aid No | XR 119/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Portugal |
| Region | — |
| Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement | Regime de Protocolos bancários |
| Legal basis | Protocolo bancário celebrado com Instituições de crédito |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Annual budget | EUR 18,3 million |
| Maximum aid intensity | 13 % |
| In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 6.6.2007 |
| Duration | 6.6.2009 |
| Economic sectors | Limited to specific sectors |
| 55; 63.3; 92 |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Turismo de Portugal, I.P. |
| Rua Ivone Silva, Lote 6 |
| P-1050-124 Lisboa |

Aid No

XR 119/07

Member State

Portugal

Region

—

Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement

Regime de Protocolos bancários

Legal basis

Protocolo bancário celebrado com Instituições de crédito

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Annual budget

EUR 18,3 million

Maximum aid intensity

13 %

In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation

Date of implementation

6.6.2007

Duration

6.6.2009

Economic sectors

Limited to specific sectors

55; 63.3; 92

Name and address of the granting authority

Turismo de Portugal, I.P.

Rua Ivone Silva, Lote 6

P-1050-124 Lisboa

Internet address of the publication of the aid scheme

http://www.turismodeportugal.pt/Portugu%C3%AAs/AreasActividade/investimento/financiamento/produtosedestinos/protocolosbancarios/Pages/ProtocolosBanc%C3%A1rios.aspx

Other information

—

| Aid No | XR 195/07 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Bremen |
| Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement | Landesinvestitionsförderprogramm LIP 2007 |
| Legal basis | Bremen Haushaltsordnung § 23, 44 |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Annual budget | EUR 50 million |
| Overall budget | Paid over: 6 years |
| Maximum aid intensity | 15 % |
| In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation |
| Date of implementation | 23.11.2007 |
| Duration | 31.12.2013 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors eligible for regional investment aid |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Bremer Investitions-Gesellschaft mbH |
| Kontorhaus am Markt |
| Langenstr. 2-4 |
| D-28195 Bremen |
| Tel. (49-421) 96 00 10 |
| E-mail: mail@big-bremen.de |

Aid No

XR 195/07

Member State

Germany

Region

Bremen

Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement

Landesinvestitionsförderprogramm LIP 2007

Legal basis

Bremen Haushaltsordnung § 23, 44

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Annual budget

EUR 50 million

Overall budget

Paid over: 6 years

Maximum aid intensity

15 %

In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation

Date of implementation

23.11.2007

Duration

31.12.2013

Economic sectors

All sectors eligible for regional investment aid

Name and address of the granting authority

Bremer Investitions-Gesellschaft mbH

Kontorhaus am Markt

Langenstr. 2-4

D-28195 Bremen

Tel. (49-421) 96 00 10

E-mail: mail@big-bremen.de

| Bremer Aufbau-Bank GmbH |
| --- |
| Kontorhaus am Markt |
| Langenstr. 2-4 |
| D-28195 Bremen |
| Tel. (49-421) 96 00 40 |
| E-mail: mail@bab-bremen.de |

Bremer Aufbau-Bank GmbH

Kontorhaus am Markt

Langenstr. 2-4

D-28195 Bremen

Tel. (49-421) 96 00 40

E-mail: mail@bab-bremen.de

| BIS Bremerhavener Gesellschaft für Investitionsförderung und Stadtentwicklung mbH |
| --- |
| Am Alten Hafen 118 |
| D-27568 Bremerhaven |
| Tel. (49-471) 94 64 60 |
| E-mail: wirtschaft@bis-bremerhaven.de |

BIS Bremerhavener Gesellschaft für Investitionsförderung und Stadtentwicklung mbH

Am Alten Hafen 118

D-27568 Bremerhaven

Tel. (49-471) 94 64 60

E-mail: wirtschaft@bis-bremerhaven.de

Internet address of the publication of the aid scheme

http://www.wirtschaft.bremen.de/sixcms/media.php/13/LIP2008.pdf

Other information

—

---

V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

| 6.6.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 140/20 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.6.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 140/20

---

STATE AID — ITALY

State aid C 20/08 (ex N 62/08) — Modification of scheme N 59/04 concerning a Temporary Defence Mechanism to Shipbuilding

Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 140/14)

By means of the letter dated 30 April 2008 reproduced in the authentic language on the pages following this summary, the Commission notified Italy of its decision to initiate the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty concerning the abovementioned aid.

Interested parties may submit their comments within one month of the date of publication of this summary and the following letter, to:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| State Aid Registry |
| B-1049 Brussels |
| Fax (32-2) 295 12 42 |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

State Aid Registry

B-1049 Brussels

Fax (32-2) 295 12 42

These comments will be communicated to Italy. Confidential treatment of the identity of the interested party submitting the comments may be requested in writing, stating the reasons for the request.

TEXT OF SUMMARY

On 1 February 2008, Italy notified its intention to increase the budget of a national state aid scheme by EUR 10 million. The scheme was approved by a Commission as Case N 59/04 as it complied with the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No 1177/2002 of 27 June 2002 concerning a temporary defensive mechanism for shipbuilding as amended by Regulation (EC) No 502/2004 (‘the TDM Regulation’).

The notified budget increase constitutes new aid and has to be assessed against the state aid rules that apply today. The TDM Regulation ceased to apply on 31 March 2005 and consequently does not provide a legal basis to approve the aid.

The aid does not appear compatible with the common market under any other relevant state aid provisions.

Consequently, the Commission doubts that the aid is compatible with the common market.

TEXT OF LETTER

| ‘1. | La Commissione informa l'Italia che, dopo aver esaminato le informazioni fornite dalle autorità italiane sull'aiuto in oggetto, ha deciso di avviare il procedimento di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE. |
| --- | --- |

‘1.

La Commissione informa l'Italia che, dopo aver esaminato le informazioni fornite dalle autorità italiane sull'aiuto in oggetto, ha deciso di avviare il procedimento di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE.

1.   PROCEDIMENTO

| 2. | Con notifica presentata il 1o febbraio 2008 e registrata presso la Commissione alla stessa data, l'Italia ha notificato alla Commissione l'aiuto in oggetto. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Con notifica presentata il 1o febbraio 2008 e registrata presso la Commissione alla stessa data, l'Italia ha notificato alla Commissione l'aiuto in oggetto.

| 3. | Con lettera del 15 febbraio 2008, la Commissione ha chiesto ulteriori informazioni necessarie per la valutazione della misura di aiuto notificata. L'Italia ha fornito informazioni con lettera registrata presso la Commissione il 18 marzo 2008. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Con lettera del 15 febbraio 2008, la Commissione ha chiesto ulteriori informazioni necessarie per la valutazione della misura di aiuto notificata. L'Italia ha fornito informazioni con lettera registrata presso la Commissione il 18 marzo 2008.

2.   L'AIUTO DI STATO NOTIFICATO

Il regime di aiuti

| 4. | Con la lettera C(2004) 1807 fin. del 19 maggio 2004 la Commissione aveva deciso di non sollevare obiezioni in relazione a un regime italiano di aiuti di Stato riguardante il meccanismo difensivo temporaneo per la costruzione navale (in appresso “il regime”) (1). La Commissione riteneva il regime compatibile con il mercato comune in quanto era conforme alle disposizioni del regolamento (CE) n. 1177/2002 del Consiglio, del 27 giugno 2002, relativo a un meccanismo difensivo temporaneo per la costruzione navale (2), modificato dal regolamento (CE) n. 502/2004 del Consiglio (3) (in appresso “il regolamento MDT”). |
| --- | --- |

4.

Con la lettera C(2004) 1807 fin. del 19 maggio 2004 la Commissione aveva deciso di non sollevare obiezioni in relazione a un regime italiano di aiuti di Stato riguardante il meccanismo difensivo temporaneo per la costruzione navale (in appresso “il regime”) (1). La Commissione riteneva il regime compatibile con il mercato comune in quanto era conforme alle disposizioni del regolamento (CE) n. 1177/2002 del Consiglio, del 27 giugno 2002, relativo a un meccanismo difensivo temporaneo per la costruzione navale (2), modificato dal regolamento (CE) n. 502/2004 del Consiglio (3) (in appresso “il regolamento MDT”).

| 5. | Il regime in questione, quale come notificato e approvato dalla Commissione, aveva una dotazione di 10 Mio EUR. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Il regime in questione, quale come notificato e approvato dalla Commissione, aveva una dotazione di 10 Mio EUR.

La misura di aiuto

| 6. | L'Italia ha notificato alla Commissione l'intenzione di stanziare altri 10 Mio EUR per la dotazione del regime. |
| --- | --- |

6.

L'Italia ha notificato alla Commissione l'intenzione di stanziare altri 10 Mio EUR per la dotazione del regime.

3.   VALUTAZIONE

Esistenza di aiuto di Stato

| 7. | Poiché la misura è di natura puramente finanziaria, la sua compatibilità con il mercato comune deve essere valutata con riferimento alle misure che intende finanziarie, ossia aiutare nell'ambito del regime. Per le ragioni esposte nella sopramenzionata lettera della Commissione del 19 maggio 2004, il regime costituisce aiuto di Stato ai sensi dell'articolo 87, paragrafo 1, del trattato. In conformità con l'articolo 1 del regolamento (CE) n. 659/1999 (4) e con l'articolo 4 del regolamento (CE) n. 749/2004 (5), gli aumenti della dotazione di un regime di aiuti autorizzato sono considerati come un nuovo aiuto, quando l'aumento sia superiore al 20 % della dotazione originaria. Nel presente caso, l'aumento notificato corrisponde al 100 % della dotazione originaria e di conseguenza deve essere valutato come un nuovo aiuto ai sensi dell'articolo 87 del trattato. |
| --- | --- |

7.

Poiché la misura è di natura puramente finanziaria, la sua compatibilità con il mercato comune deve essere valutata con riferimento alle misure che intende finanziarie, ossia aiutare nell'ambito del regime. Per le ragioni esposte nella sopramenzionata lettera della Commissione del 19 maggio 2004, il regime costituisce aiuto di Stato ai sensi dell'articolo 87, paragrafo 1, del trattato. In conformità con l'articolo 1 del regolamento (CE) n. 659/1999 (4) e con l'articolo 4 del regolamento (CE) n. 749/2004 (5), gli aumenti della dotazione di un regime di aiuti autorizzato sono considerati come un nuovo aiuto, quando l'aumento sia superiore al 20 % della dotazione originaria. Nel presente caso, l'aumento notificato corrisponde al 100 % della dotazione originaria e di conseguenza deve essere valutato come un nuovo aiuto ai sensi dell'articolo 87 del trattato.

Il regolamento MDT non costituisce più una base giuridica ai fini della valutazione del a compatibilità

| 8. | Il regime era stato originariamente considerato compatibile con il mercato comune poiché ottemperava alle disposizioni del regolamento MDT (6). Tuttavia, il regolamento MDT è scaduto il 31 marzo 2005 e non può perciò servire come base giuridica per la valutazione dell'aiuto. |
| --- | --- |

8.

Il regime era stato originariamente considerato compatibile con il mercato comune poiché ottemperava alle disposizioni del regolamento MDT (6). Tuttavia, il regolamento MDT è scaduto il 31 marzo 2005 e non può perciò servire come base giuridica per la valutazione dell'aiuto.

Inesistenza di altre basi giuridiche ai fini della valutazione della compatibilità

| 9. | Il regime riguarda gli aiuti disponibili per i cantieri navali italiani per la costruzione di navi appartenenti alle categorie elencate nell'articolo 1 del regolamento MDT. Questa attività soddisfa la definizione di costruzione navale contenuta nella disciplina degli aiuti di Stato alla costruzione navale (7) (in appresso “la disciplina sulla costruzione navale”). Di conseguenza la Commissione ha anche esaminato la possibilità di valutare l'aiuto in base a tale disciplina. |
| --- | --- |

9.

Il regime riguarda gli aiuti disponibili per i cantieri navali italiani per la costruzione di navi appartenenti alle categorie elencate nell'articolo 1 del regolamento MDT. Questa attività soddisfa la definizione di costruzione navale contenuta nella disciplina degli aiuti di Stato alla costruzione navale (7) (in appresso “la disciplina sulla costruzione navale”). Di conseguenza la Commissione ha anche esaminato la possibilità di valutare l'aiuto in base a tale disciplina.

| 10. | Tuttavia, la Commissione osserva che la disciplina sulla costruzione navale non contiene disposizioni analoghe a quelle del regolamento MDT. L'aiuto non sembra neppure essere compatibile con il mercato comune ai sensi delle disposizioni di cui alle sezioni 3.1 e 3.2 della disciplina sulla costruzione navale. Infatti, nessuna di queste disposizioni permetterebbe la concessione di aiuti di funzionamento alla costruzione navale, previsti invece dal regolamento MDT. Pertanto, la Commissione dubita che l'aiuto notificato sia compatibile con il mercato comune. |
| --- | --- |

10.

Tuttavia, la Commissione osserva che la disciplina sulla costruzione navale non contiene disposizioni analoghe a quelle del regolamento MDT. L'aiuto non sembra neppure essere compatibile con il mercato comune ai sensi delle disposizioni di cui alle sezioni 3.1 e 3.2 della disciplina sulla costruzione navale. Infatti, nessuna di queste disposizioni permetterebbe la concessione di aiuti di funzionamento alla costruzione navale, previsti invece dal regolamento MDT. Pertanto, la Commissione dubita che l'aiuto notificato sia compatibile con il mercato comune.

CONCLUSIONE

Alla luce di quanto sopra, la Commissione, nell'ambito del procedimento di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2, del trattato CE, invita l'Italia a inviare osservazioni e a fornire qualsiasi informazione utile ai fini della valutazione dell'aiuto, entro il termine di un mese dalla data di ricezione della presente. La Commissione invita l'Italia a trasmettere immediatamente copia della presente lettera ai potenziali beneficiari dell'aiuto.

La Commissione fa presente al governo italiano che l'articolo 88, paragrafo 3, del trattato CE ha effetto sospensivo e che in forza dell'articolo 14 del regolamento (CE) n. 659/1999, essa può imporre allo Stato membro di recuperare un aiuto illegalmente concesso presso il beneficiario.

La Commissione avverte l'Italia che informerà gli interessati mediante pubblicazione della presente lettera e di una sintesi della stessa nella Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea nonché l'autorità di vigilanza EFTA tramite invio di copia della presente lettera. Le parti interessate saranno invitate a presentare osservazioni entro un mese dalla data di tale pubblicazione.’

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(1)  Aiuto di Stato N 59/04 (GU C 100 del 26.4.2005, pag. 27). La decisione è disponibile nella lingua facente fede all'indirizzo Internet:

1

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/state_aid/register/ii/by_case_nr_n2004_0030.html#59

(2)  GU L 172 del 2.7.2002, pag. 1.

2

(3)  GU L 8 del 19.3.2004, pag. 6.

3

(4)  Regolamento (CE) n. 659/1999 del Consiglio, del 22 marzo 1999, recante modalità di applicazione dell'articolo 93 del trattato CE (GU L 83 del 27.3.1999, pag. 1).

4

(5)  Regolamento (CE) n. 794/2004 della Commissione, del 21 aprile 2004, recante disposizioni di esecuzione del regolamento (CE) n. 659/1999 del Consiglio recante modalità di applicazione dell'articolo 93 del trattato CE (GU L 140 del 30.4.2004, pag. 1).

5

(6)  L'obiettivo del regolamento MDT era di “consentire effettivamente ai cantieri navali comunitari di superare la concorrenza coreana sleale” (cfr. punto 6 del preambolo). Di conseguenza, potevano essere autorizzati aiuti diretti corrispondenti al massimo al 6 % del valore contrattuale prima dell'aiuto, purché il contratto fosse stato oggetto di concorrenza proveniente da un cantiere coreano che offrisse un prezzo inferiore (articolo 2). Tuttavia, il regolamento MDT doveva essere di breve durata, in attesa di un Panel dell'OMC con la Corea, e pertanto non è stato rinnovato dal Consiglio dopo la sua scadenza il 31 marzo 2005. Il regime italiano era conforme alle predette condizioni.

6

(7)  GU C 317 del 30.12.2003, pag. 11.

7

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| 6.6.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 140/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.6.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 140/23

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.5162 — AVNET/Horizon Technology)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 140/15)

| 1. | On 26 May 2008, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Avnet Inc. (USA) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Horizon Technology Group plc (‘Horizon’, Ireland) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 26 May 2008, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Avnet Inc. (USA) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Horizon Technology Group plc (‘Horizon’, Ireland) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for Avnet Inc.: distribution of IT products and technology services, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Avnet Inc.: distribution of IT products and technology services,

| — | for Horizon: technical integration and distribution of IT products. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Horizon: technical integration and distribution of IT products.

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

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) 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 ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5162 — AVNET/Horizon Technology, 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 ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5162 — AVNET/Horizon Technology, 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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