# Gazzetta ufficiale C 245/2011

| | ISSN 1725-2466
  doi:10.3000/17252466.C_2011.245.ita |
| --- | --- |
| Gazzetta ufficiale
  dell'Unione europea | C 245 |
| | |
| Edizione in lingua italiana | Comunicazioni e informazioni | 54o anno24 agosto 2011 |

ISSN 1725-2466

doi:10.3000/17252466.C_2011.245.ita

Gazzetta ufficiale

dell'Unione europea

C 245

Edizione in lingua italiana

Comunicazioni e informazioni

54o anno24 agosto 2011

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| Numero d'informazione | Sommario | pagina |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Comunicazioni |
| | COMUNICAZIONI PROVENIENTI DALLE ISTITUZIONI, DAGLI ORGANI E DAGLI ORGANISMI DELL'UNIONE EUROPEA |
| | Commissione europea |
| 2011/C 245/01 | Non opposizione ad un'operazione di concentrazione notificata (Caso COMP/M.6298 — Schneider Electric/Telvent) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Numero d'informazione

Sommario

pagina

II   Comunicazioni

COMUNICAZIONI PROVENIENTI DALLE ISTITUZIONI, DAGLI ORGANI E DAGLI ORGANISMI DELL'UNIONE EUROPEA

Commissione europea

2011/C 245/01

Non opposizione ad un'operazione di concentrazione notificata (Caso COMP/M.6298 — Schneider Electric/Telvent) (
  1
  )

1

1

| | IV   Informazioni |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMAZIONI PROVENIENTI DALLE ISTITUZIONI, DAGLI ORGANI E DAGLI ORGANISMI DELL'UNIONE EUROPEA |
| | Consiglio |
| 2011/C 245/02 | Avviso all'attenzione delle persone ed entità cui si applicano le misure restrittive previste dalla decisione 2011/273/PESC del Consiglio, attuata dalla decisione di esecuzione 2011/515/PESC del Consiglio, e dal regolamento (UE) n. 442/2011 del Consiglio, attuato dal regolamento di esecuzione (UE) n. 843/2011 del Consiglio concernente misure restrittive nei confronti della Siria | 2 |
| | Commissione europea |
| 2011/C 245/03 | Tassi di cambio dell'euro | 3 |
| | INFORMAZIONI PROVENIENTI DAGLI STATI MEMBRI |
| 2011/C 245/04 | Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri riguardo alla chiusura delle attività di pesca | 4 |
| 2011/C 245/05 | Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri riguardo alla chiusura delle attività di pesca | 5 |
| 2011/C 245/06 | Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri riguardo alla chiusura delle attività di pesca | 6 |
| 2011/C 245/07 | Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri riguardo alla chiusura delle attività di pesca | 7 |

IV   Informazioni

INFORMAZIONI PROVENIENTI DALLE ISTITUZIONI, DAGLI ORGANI E DAGLI ORGANISMI DELL'UNIONE EUROPEA

Consiglio

2011/C 245/02

Avviso all'attenzione delle persone ed entità cui si applicano le misure restrittive previste dalla decisione 2011/273/PESC del Consiglio, attuata dalla decisione di esecuzione 2011/515/PESC del Consiglio, e dal regolamento (UE) n. 442/2011 del Consiglio, attuato dal regolamento di esecuzione (UE) n. 843/2011 del Consiglio concernente misure restrittive nei confronti della Siria

2

Commissione europea

2011/C 245/03

Tassi di cambio dell'euro

3

INFORMAZIONI PROVENIENTI DAGLI STATI MEMBRI

2011/C 245/04

Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri riguardo alla chiusura delle attività di pesca

4

2011/C 245/05

Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri riguardo alla chiusura delle attività di pesca

5

2011/C 245/06

Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri riguardo alla chiusura delle attività di pesca

6

2011/C 245/07

Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri riguardo alla chiusura delle attività di pesca

7

| | V   Avvisi |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDIMENTI AMMINISTRATIVI |
| | Commissione europea |
| 2011/C 245/08 | Invito a presentare proposte — Programma ORATE 2013 | 8 |
| | PROCEDIMENTI RELATIVI ALL'ATTUAZIONE DELLA POLITICA DELLA CONCORRENZA |
| | Commissione europea |
| 2011/C 245/09 | Aiuto di Stato — Regno Unito — Aiuto di Stato SA.18859 — 11/C (ex NN 65/10) — Esenzione da un prelievo sui granulati in Irlanda del Nord (ex N 2/04) — Invito a presentare osservazioni a norma dell'articolo 108, paragrafo 2, del TFUE (
  1
  ) | 10 |
| 2011/C 245/10 | Aiuti di Stato — Germania (Articoli da 107 a 109 del trattato sul funzionamento dell’Unione europea) — Aiuto di Stato MC 15/09 — Cessione delle attività di Deka da parte di LBBW (
  1
  ) | 21 |

V   Avvisi

PROCEDIMENTI AMMINISTRATIVI

Commissione europea

2011/C 245/08

Invito a presentare proposte — Programma ORATE 2013

8

PROCEDIMENTI RELATIVI ALL'ATTUAZIONE DELLA POLITICA DELLA CONCORRENZA

Commissione europea

2011/C 245/09

Aiuto di Stato — Regno Unito — Aiuto di Stato SA.18859 — 11/C (ex NN 65/10) — Esenzione da un prelievo sui granulati in Irlanda del Nord (ex N 2/04) — Invito a presentare osservazioni a norma dell'articolo 108, paragrafo 2, del TFUE (
  1
  )

1

10

2011/C 245/10

Aiuti di Stato — Germania (Articoli da 107 a 109 del trattato sul funzionamento dell’Unione europea) — Aiuto di Stato MC 15/09 — Cessione delle attività di Deka da parte di LBBW (
  1
  )

1

21

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE |

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(1)   Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE

1

| IT | |
| --- | --- |

IT

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II Comunicazioni

COMUNICAZIONI PROVENIENTI DALLE ISTITUZIONI, DAGLI ORGANI E DAGLI ORGANISMI DELL'UNIONE EUROPEA

Commissione europea

| 24.8.2011 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 245/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

24.8.2011

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 245/1

---

Non opposizione ad un'operazione di concentrazione notificata

(Caso COMP/M.6298 — Schneider Electric/Telvent)

(Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE)

2011/C 245/01

In data 9 agosto 2011 la Commissione ha deciso di non opporsi alla suddetta operazione di concentrazione notificata e di dichiararla compatibile con il mercato comune. La presente decisione si basa sull'articolo 6, paragrafo 1, lettera b) del regolamento (CE) n. 139/2004 del Consiglio. Il testo integrale della decisione è disponibile unicamente in lingua inglese e verrà reso pubblico dopo che gli eventuali segreti aziendali in esso contenuti saranno stati espunti. Il testo della decisione sarà disponibile:

| — | sul sito Internet della Commissione europea dedicato alla concorrenza, nella sezione relativa alle concentrazioni (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). Il sito offre varie modalità per la ricerca delle singole decisioni, tra cui indici per impresa, per numero del caso, per data e per settore, |
| --- | --- |

—

sul sito Internet della Commissione europea dedicato alla concorrenza, nella sezione relativa alle concentrazioni (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). Il sito offre varie modalità per la ricerca delle singole decisioni, tra cui indici per impresa, per numero del caso, per data e per settore,

| — | in formato elettronico sul sito EUR-Lex (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/it/index.htm) con il numero di riferimento 32011M6298. EUR-Lex è il sistema di accesso in rete al diritto comunitario. |
| --- | --- |

—

in formato elettronico sul sito EUR-Lex (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/it/index.htm) con il numero di riferimento 32011M6298. EUR-Lex è il sistema di accesso in rete al diritto comunitario.

---

IV Informazioni

INFORMAZIONI PROVENIENTI DALLE ISTITUZIONI, DAGLI ORGANI E DAGLI ORGANISMI DELL'UNIONE EUROPEA

Consiglio

| 24.8.2011 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 245/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

24.8.2011

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 245/2

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Avviso all'attenzione delle persone ed entità cui si applicano le misure restrittive previste dalla decisione 2011/273/PESC del Consiglio, attuata dalla decisione di esecuzione 2011/515/PESC del Consiglio, e dal regolamento (UE) n. 442/2011 del Consiglio, attuato dal regolamento di esecuzione (UE) n. 843/2011 del Consiglio concernente misure restrittive nei confronti della Siria

2011/C 245/02

CONSIGLIO DELL'UNIONE EUROPEA

Le seguenti informazioni sono portate all'attenzione delle persone ed entità che figurano nell'allegato della decisione 2011/273/PESC del Consiglio, attuata dalla decisione di esecuzione 2011/515/PESC (1) del Consiglio, e nell'allegato II del regolamento (UE) n. 442/2011 del Consiglio, attuato dal regolamento di esecuzione (UE) n. 843/2011 (2) del Consiglio concernente misure restrittive nei confronti della Siria.

Il Consiglio dell'Unione europea ha deciso che le persone ed entità che figurano nei suddetti allegati devono essere incluse nell'elenco delle persone ed entità soggette alle misure restrittive previste dalla decisione 2011/273/PESC e dal regolamento (UE) n. 442/2011 concernente misure restrittive nei confronti della Siria. I motivi che hanno determinato l'indicazione di queste persone ed entità sono specificati alle pertinenti voci di tali allegati.

Si richiama l'attenzione delle persone ed entità interessate sulla possibilità di presentare una richiesta alle autorità competenti dello Stato membro o degli Stati membri pertinenti, indicate nei siti web di cui all'allegato III del regolamento (UE) n. 442/2011, al fine di ottenere un'autorizzazione a utilizzare i fondi congelati per soddisfare esigenze di base o per effettuare pagamenti specifici (cfr. articolo 6 del regolamento).

Le persone ed entità interessate possono presentare al Consiglio, unitamente ai documenti giustificativi, una richiesta volta ad ottenere il riesame della decisione che le include nell'elenco summenzionato al seguente indirizzo:

| Consiglio dell'Unione europea |
| --- |
| Segretariato generale |
| Coordinamento DG K |
| Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 |
| 1048 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

Consiglio dell'Unione europea

Segretariato generale

Coordinamento DG K

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Si richiama infine l'attenzione delle persone ed entità interessate sulla possibilità di presentare ricorso contro la decisione del Consiglio dinanzi al Tribunale dell’Unione europea conformemente alle condizioni stabilite all'articolo 275, secondo comma e all’articolo 263, quarto e sesto comma, del trattato sul funzionamento dell'Unione europea.

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(1)  GU L 218 del 24.8.2011.

(2)  GU L 218 del 24.8.2011, pag. 1.

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Commissione europea

| 24.8.2011 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 245/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

24.8.2011

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 245/3

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Tassi di cambio dell'euro (1)

23 agosto 2011

2011/C 245/03

1 euro =

| | Moneta | Tasso di cambio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | dollari USA | 1,4462 |
| JPY | yen giapponesi | 110,72 |
| DKK | corone danesi | 7,4498 |
| GBP | sterline inglesi | 0,87600 |
| SEK | corone svedesi | 9,1046 |
| CHF | franchi svizzeri | 1,1410 |
| ISK | corone islandesi | |
| NOK | corone norvegesi | 7,8080 |
| BGN | lev bulgari | 1,9558 |
| CZK | corone ceche | 24,417 |
| HUF | fiorini ungheresi | 271,78 |
| LTL | litas lituani | 3,4528 |
| LVL | lats lettoni | 0,7095 |
| PLN | zloty polacchi | 4,1499 |
| RON | leu rumeni | 4,2574 |
| TRY | lire turche | 2,5783 |
| AUD | dollari australiani | 1,3771 |
| CAD | dollari canadesi | 1,4260 |
| HKD | dollari di Hong Kong | 11,2766 |
| NZD | dollari neozelandesi | 1,7360 |
| SGD | dollari di Singapore | 1,7414 |
| KRW | won sudcoreani | 1 558,38 |
| ZAR | rand sudafricani | 10,3816 |
| CNY | renminbi Yuan cinese | 9,2513 |
| HRK | kuna croata | 7,4740 |
| IDR | rupia indonesiana | 12 355,53 |
| MYR | ringgit malese | 4,2894 |
| PHP | peso filippino | 61,206 |
| RUB | rublo russo | 41,8255 |
| THB | baht thailandese | 43,140 |
| BRL | real brasiliano | 2,3111 |
| MXN | peso messicano | 17,7768 |
| INR | rupia indiana | 65,9830 |

Moneta

Tasso di cambio

USD

dollari USA

1,4462

JPY

yen giapponesi

110,72

DKK

corone danesi

7,4498

GBP

sterline inglesi

0,87600

SEK

corone svedesi

9,1046

CHF

franchi svizzeri

1,1410

ISK

corone islandesi

NOK

corone norvegesi

7,8080

BGN

lev bulgari

1,9558

CZK

corone ceche

24,417

HUF

fiorini ungheresi

271,78

LTL

litas lituani

3,4528

LVL

lats lettoni

0,7095

PLN

zloty polacchi

4,1499

RON

leu rumeni

4,2574

TRY

lire turche

2,5783

AUD

dollari australiani

1,3771

CAD

dollari canadesi

1,4260

HKD

dollari di Hong Kong

11,2766

NZD

dollari neozelandesi

1,7360

SGD

dollari di Singapore

1,7414

KRW

won sudcoreani

1 558,38

ZAR

rand sudafricani

10,3816

CNY

renminbi Yuan cinese

9,2513

HRK

kuna croata

7,4740

IDR

rupia indonesiana

12 355,53

MYR

ringgit malese

4,2894

PHP

peso filippino

61,206

RUB

rublo russo

41,8255

THB

baht thailandese

43,140

BRL

real brasiliano

2,3111

MXN

peso messicano

17,7768

INR

rupia indiana

65,9830

---

(1)  Fonte: tassi di cambio di riferimento pubblicati dalla Banca centrale europea.

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INFORMAZIONI PROVENIENTI DAGLI STATI MEMBRI

| 24.8.2011 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 245/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

24.8.2011

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 245/4

---

Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri riguardo alla chiusura delle attività di pesca

2011/C 245/04

A norma dell’articolo 35, paragrafo 3, del regolamento (CE) n. 1224/2009 del Consiglio, del 20 novembre 2009, che istituisce un regime di controllo comunitario per garantire il rispetto delle norme della politica comune della pesca (1), è stata presa la decisione di chiudere le attività di pesca indicate nella seguente tabella:

| Data e ora della chiusura | 18.7.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Durata | 18.7.2011-31.12.2011 |
| Stato membro | Paesi Bassi |
| Stock o gruppo di stock | HKE/571214 |
| Specie | Nasello (Merluccius merluccius) |
| Zona | VI e VII; acque UE e acque internazionali della zona Vb; acque internazionali delle zone XII e XIV |
| Tipo(i) di pescherecci | — |
| Numero di riferimento | — |

Data e ora della chiusura

18.7.2011

Durata

18.7.2011-31.12.2011

Stato membro

Paesi Bassi

Stock o gruppo di stock

HKE/571214

Specie

Nasello (Merluccius merluccius)

Zona

VI e VII; acque UE e acque internazionali della zona Vb; acque internazionali delle zone XII e XIV

Tipo(i) di pescherecci

—

Numero di riferimento

—

Link alla pagina web della decisione dello Stato membro:

http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/fishing_rules/tacs/index_it.htm

---

(1)  GU L 343 del 22.12.2009, pag. 1.

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| 24.8.2011 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 245/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

24.8.2011

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 245/5

---

Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri riguardo alla chiusura delle attività di pesca

2011/C 245/05

A norma dell’articolo 35, paragrafo 3, del regolamento (CE) n. 1224/2009 del Consiglio, del 20 novembre 2009, che istituisce un regime di controllo comunitario per garantire il rispetto delle norme della politica comune della pesca (1), è stata presa la decisione di chiudere le attività di pesca indicate nella seguente tabella:

| Data e ora della chiusura | 18.7.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Durata | 18.7.2011-31.12.2011 |
| Stato membro | Paesi Bassi |
| Stock o gruppo di stock | HKE/2AC4-C |
| Specie | Nasello (Merluccius merluccius) |
| Zona | Acque UE delle zone IIa e IV |
| Tipo(i) di pescherecci | — |
| Numero di riferimento | — |

Data e ora della chiusura

18.7.2011

Durata

18.7.2011-31.12.2011

Stato membro

Paesi Bassi

Stock o gruppo di stock

HKE/2AC4-C

Specie

Nasello (Merluccius merluccius)

Zona

Acque UE delle zone IIa e IV

Tipo(i) di pescherecci

—

Numero di riferimento

—

Link alla pagina web della decisione dello Stato membro:

http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/fishing_rules/tacs/index_it.htm

---

(1)  GU L 343 del 22.12.2009, pag. 1.

---

| 24.8.2011 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 245/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

24.8.2011

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 245/6

---

Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri riguardo alla chiusura delle attività di pesca

2011/C 245/06

A norma dell’articolo 35, paragrafo 3, del regolamento (CE) n. 1224/2009 del Consiglio, del 20 novembre 2009, che istituisce un regime di controllo comunitario per garantire il rispetto delle norme della politica comune della pesca (1), è stata presa la decisione di chiudere le attività di pesca indicate nella seguente tabella:

| Data e ora della chiusura | 9.7.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Durata | 9.7.2011-31.12.2011 |
| Stato membro | Francia |
| Stock o gruppo di stock | COD/5BE6A |
| Specie | Merluzzo bianco (Gadus morhua) |
| Zona | VIa; acque UE e acque internazionali della zona Vb ad est di 12° 00′ O |
| Tipo(i) di pescherecci | — |
| Numero di riferimento | 792761 |

Data e ora della chiusura

9.7.2011

Durata

9.7.2011-31.12.2011

Stato membro

Francia

Stock o gruppo di stock

COD/5BE6A

Specie

Merluzzo bianco (Gadus morhua)

Zona

VIa; acque UE e acque internazionali della zona Vb ad est di 12° 00′ O

Tipo(i) di pescherecci

—

Numero di riferimento

792761

Link alla pagina web della decisione dello Stato membro:

http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/fishing_rules/tacs/index_it.htm

---

(1)  GU L 343 del 22.12.2009, pag. 1.

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| 24.8.2011 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 245/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

24.8.2011

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 245/7

---

Informazioni comunicate dagli Stati membri riguardo alla chiusura delle attività di pesca

2011/C 245/07

A norma dell’articolo 35, paragrafo 3, del regolamento (CE) n. 1224/2009 del Consiglio, del 20 novembre 2009, che istituisce un regime di controllo comunitario per garantire il rispetto delle norme della politica comune della pesca (1), è stata presa la decisione di chiudere le attività di pesca indicate nella seguente tabella:

| Data e ora della chiusura | 2.8.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Durata | 2.8.2011-31.12.2011 |
| Stato membro | Portogallo |
| Stock o gruppo di stock | WHB/8C3411 |
| Specie | Melù (Micromesistius poutassou) |
| Zona | VIIIc, IX e X; acque UE della zona COPACE 34.1.1 |
| Tipo(i) di pescherecci | — |
| Numero di riferimento | — |

Data e ora della chiusura

2.8.2011

Durata

2.8.2011-31.12.2011

Stato membro

Portogallo

Stock o gruppo di stock

WHB/8C3411

Specie

Melù (Micromesistius poutassou)

Zona

VIIIc, IX e X; acque UE della zona COPACE 34.1.1

Tipo(i) di pescherecci

—

Numero di riferimento

—

Link alla pagina web della decisione dello Stato membro:

http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/fishing_rules/tacs/index_it.htm

---

(1)  GU L 343 del 22.12.2009, pag. 1.

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V Avvisi

PROCEDIMENTI AMMINISTRATIVI

Commissione europea

| 24.8.2011 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 245/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

24.8.2011

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 245/8

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Invito a presentare proposte — Programma ORATE 2013

2011/C 245/08

ORATE è l'osservatorio in rete sull'assetto del territorio europeo (ESPON). Si tratta di una rete che sostiene la politica di sviluppo collegata alla politica di coesione dell'Unione europea. Il programma ORATE è cofinanziato dal Fondo europeo di sviluppo regionale a titolo dell'obiettivo 3 «Cooperazione territoriale europea» e da 31 paesi (27 Stati membri, l'Islanda, il Lichtenstein, la Norvegia e la Svizzera).

Nel quadro del programma ORATE 2013, sono attualmente aperti inviti a presentare proposte. Gli organismi pubblici e privati dei 31 paesi sopra indicati ne sono i potenziali beneficiari. Ricercatori e istituti di ricerca, università, scienziati, esperti e gruppi universitari sono invitati a presentare la loro candidatura. L'invito a presentare proposte per attività transnazionali di messa in rete si rivolge alle istituzioni designate come punti di contatto (ESPON Contact Points).

| 1. | Invito a presentare proposte per progetti di ricerca applicata:






  — | Regioni vicine europee (bilancio 750 000 EUR) |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

Invito a presentare proposte per progetti di ricerca applicata:

—

Regioni vicine europee (bilancio 750 000 EUR)

| — | Città piccole e medie nel loro contesto territoriale funzionale (bilancio 650 000 EUR) |
| --- | --- |

—

Città piccole e medie nel loro contesto territoriale funzionale (bilancio 650 000 EUR)

| — | La dimensione territoriale della povertà e dell'esclusione sociale in Europa (bilancio 750 000 EUR) |
| --- | --- |

—

La dimensione territoriale della povertà e dell'esclusione sociale in Europa (bilancio 750 000 EUR)

| — | Crisi economica: capacità di recupero delle regioni (bilancio 759 153 EUR) |
| --- | --- |

—

Crisi economica: capacità di recupero delle regioni (bilancio 759 153 EUR)

| 2. | Invito a presentare proposte relative ad analisi mirate sulla base di manifestazioni d'interesse delle parti interessate:






  — | Poli di crescita nell'Europa sudorientale (bilancio 360 000 EUR) |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Invito a presentare proposte relative ad analisi mirate sulla base di manifestazioni d'interesse delle parti interessate:

—

Poli di crescita nell'Europa sudorientale (bilancio 360 000 EUR)

| — | Indicatori fondamentali per la coesione territoriale e la pianificazione dello spazio (bilancio 360 000 EUR) |
| --- | --- |

—

Indicatori fondamentali per la coesione territoriale e la pianificazione dello spazio (bilancio 360 000 EUR)

| — | Paesaggi vivibili per lo sviluppo territoriale sostenibile (bilancio 379 796,09 EUR) |
| --- | --- |

—

Paesaggi vivibili per lo sviluppo territoriale sostenibile (bilancio 379 796,09 EUR)

| — | Politica del paesaggio per un parco comprendente 3 paesi (bilancio 360 000 EUR) |
| --- | --- |

—

Politica del paesaggio per un parco comprendente 3 paesi (bilancio 360 000 EUR)

| — | Il Mare del Nord — diffusione dei risultati transnazionali (bilancio 340 000 EUR) |
| --- | --- |

—

Il Mare del Nord — diffusione dei risultati transnazionali (bilancio 340 000 EUR)

I temi sopra indicati per le analisi mirate saranno inseriti in un invito a condizione che sia firmato un accordo con le parti interessate che sottenda le idee dei progetti. I temi saranno pertanto confermati solo entro il giorno di pubblicazione dell'invito il 24 agosto 2011. I temi inseriti infine nell'invito saranno pubblicati sul sito web EPSON http://www.espon.eu

| 3. | Invito a presentare proposte nell'ambito della piattaforma scientifica ORATE:






  — | Sistema di monitoraggio territoriale e di notifica dell'UE (bilancio 598 000 EUR) |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

Invito a presentare proposte nell'ambito della piattaforma scientifica ORATE:

—

Sistema di monitoraggio territoriale e di notifica dell'UE (bilancio 598 000 EUR)

| — | Atlante ORATE delle strutture e dinamiche territoriali europee (bilancio 150 000 EUR) |
| --- | --- |

—

Atlante ORATE delle strutture e dinamiche territoriali europee (bilancio 150 000 EUR)

| — | Individuazione del potenziale e delle sfide territoriali (bilancio 350 000 EUR) |
| --- | --- |

—

Individuazione del potenziale e delle sfide territoriali (bilancio 350 000 EUR)

| — | Pacchetti di informazione territoriale per i programmi FESR (bilancio 500 000 EUR) |
| --- | --- |

—

Pacchetti di informazione territoriale per i programmi FESR (bilancio 500 000 EUR)

| — | Strumento di mappatura on line ORATE (bilancio 150 000 EUR) |
| --- | --- |

—

Strumento di mappatura on line ORATE (bilancio 150 000 EUR)

| — | Monitoraggio territoriale nella macroregione europea — Un test per la regione del Mar Baltico (bilancio 360 000 EUR) |
| --- | --- |

—

Monitoraggio territoriale nella macroregione europea — Un test per la regione del Mar Baltico (bilancio 360 000 EUR)

| 4. | Invito a presentare proposte per attività transnazionali di messa in rete da parte della rete di punti di contatto ORATE:






  — | Attività di consolidamento dei vantaggi a livello transnazionale da parte della rete di punti di contatto ORATE (bilancio 600 227 EUR) |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.

Invito a presentare proposte per attività transnazionali di messa in rete da parte della rete di punti di contatto ORATE:

—

Attività di consolidamento dei vantaggi a livello transnazionale da parte della rete di punti di contatto ORATE (bilancio 600 227 EUR)

La data limite di presentazione delle proposte è il 20 ottobre 2011.

Un Info Day and Partner Café destinato ai beneficiari potenziali si terrà il 13 settembre 2011 a Bruxelles.

Tutti i documenti relativi agli inviti a presentare proposte possono essere consultati sul sito http://www.espon.eu: procedura e formulari di candidatura, regole di ammissibilità, criteri di valutazione, ecc.

---

PROCEDIMENTI RELATIVI ALL'ATTUAZIONE DELLA POLITICA DELLA CONCORRENZA

Commissione europea

| 24.8.2011 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 245/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

24.8.2011

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 245/10

---

AIUTO DI STATO — REGNO UNITO

Aiuto di Stato SA.18859 — 11/C (ex NN 65/10)

Esenzione da un prelievo sui granulati in Irlanda del Nord (ex N 2/04)

Invito a presentare osservazioni a norma dell'articolo 108, paragrafo 2, del TFUE

(Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE)

2011/C 245/09

Con lettera del 13 luglio 2011, riprodotta nella lingua facente fede dopo la presente sintesi, la Commissione ha comunicato al Regno Unito la propria decisione di avviare il procedimento di cui all'articolo 108, paragrafo 2, del TFUE in relazione all'aiuto in oggetto. Ha inoltre invitato il Regno Unito a presentare osservazioni, a norma dell'articolo 11, paragrafo 1, del regolamento (CE) n. 659/1999, in merito all'intenzione della Commissione di avviare il procedimento d'indagine formale.

La Commissione invita le parti interessate a inviare eventuali osservazioni sulla misura in questione entro un mese dalla data di pubblicazione della presente sintesi e della lettera che segue, a questo indirizzo:

| Commissione europea |
| --- |
| Direzione generale della Concorrenza |
| Protocollo aiuti di Stato |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |
| Fax +32 22951242 |

Commissione europea

Direzione generale della Concorrenza

Protocollo aiuti di Stato

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Fax +32 22951242

Tali osservazioni saranno trasmesse al Regno Unito. Su richiesta scritta e motivata degli autori delle osservazioni, la loro identità non sarà rivelata.

SINTESI INFORMATIVA

PROCEDURA

Con lettera del 5 gennaio 2004, protocollata il 9 gennaio 2004, il Regno Unito ha notificato una misura relativa all'esenzione da un prelievo sui granulati in Irlanda del Nord. La misura è stata notificata come modifica dell'esenzione originaria da un prelievo sui granulati in Irlanda del Nord (introduzione progressiva del prelievo) che la Commissione aveva approvato con decisione N 863/01. Il 7 maggio 2004 la Commissione ha adottato la decisione di non sollevare obiezioni. Il 30 agosto 2004 British Aggregates Association, Healy Bros. Ltd e David K. Trotter & Sons Ltd (in appresso «i ricorrenti») hanno presentato ricorso contro la summenzionata decisione della Commissione di non sollevare obiezioni (causa T-359/04).

Il 9 settembre 2010 il Tribunale ha annullato la suddetta decisione della Commissione. Secondo la sentenza, la Commissione non poteva legittimamente adottare la decisione di non sollevare obiezioni poiché non aveva esaminato la sussistenza di un’eventuale discriminazione fiscale tra i prodotti nazionali in questione ed i prodotti importati dall’Irlanda. La Commissione non ha presentato ricorso contro la sentenza.

Le autorità britanniche hanno sospeso l'attuazione della misura a partire dal 1o dicembre 2010 revocando il regolamento del 2004 relativo al prelievo sui granulati (credito d'imposta a favore dell'Irlanda del Nord).

DESCRIZIONE DELLA MISURA

L'esenzione dell'80 % dal prelievo sugli aggregati («Aggregates Levy»; in prosieguo «l’AGL») si applicava agli aggregati vergini estratti e commercializzati in Irlanda del Nord e ai prodotti trasformati estratti e commercializzati in Irlanda del Nord.

L'AGL è una tassa ambientale che si applica allo sfruttamento commerciale degli aggregati, comprendenti rocce, sabbie e ghiaie. È stata introdotta dal Regno Unito ed è entrata in vigore il 1o aprile 2002 con finalità ambientali: mirava a massimizzare l'uso di aggregati riciclati o di materiali alternativi agli aggregati vergini e a promuovere l'estrazione e l'utilizzo efficienti di aggregati vergini, che sono una risorsa non rinnovabile.

Per conseguire più efficacemente gli obiettivi ambientali prefissati che l'AGL non perseguiva, le autorità britanniche hanno subordinato l'esenzione alla condizione che i richiedenti concludessero, e rispettassero, accordi negoziati con le autorità britanniche in base ai quali si impegnavano a intraprendere un programma di miglioramento degli effetti ambientali per tutta la durata dell'esenzione.

VALUTAZIONE

In primo luogo, alla luce della sentenza del Tribunale, la Commissione ha valutato se c'è un legame intrinseco fra la misura di aiuto, concessa mediante un'esenzione fiscale, e il trattamento fiscale discriminatorio dei prodotti importati. Poiché nel caso in oggetto è stato rilevato tale legame, la Commissione doveva valutare se la misura di aiuto comportava un'imposizione interna discriminatoria in violazione dell'articolo 110 del TFUE (ex articolo 90 del trattato CE). La Commissione ricorda in particolare la giurisprudenza riguardante la legislazione nazionale che accordava vantaggi fiscali ai prodotti nazionali prodotti conformemente a talune norme ambientali: tale imposizione interna è ritenuta compatibile con l'articolo 110 del TFUE se il vantaggio è esteso ai prodotti importati fabbricati conformemente alle stesse norme. Poiché l'esenzione dall'AGL in Irlanda del Nord non aveva tale caratteristica, la Commissione nutre dubbi circa la conformità della modifica dell'esenzione dall'AGL applicabile in Irlanda del Nord con il trattato, in particolare con l'articolo 110 del TFUE.

Tali dubbi circa la conformità con l'articolo 110 del TFUE impediscono in questa fase alla Commissione di ritenere la misura compatibile con il mercato interno. Tenendo presente questi dubbi, per quanto riguarda la conformità della misura con le norme di materia di aiuti di Stato, la Commissione ha valutato la misura in oggetto sulla base della disciplina degli aiuti per la tutela dell’ambiente, in particolare delle loro norme riguardanti gli aiuti sotto forma di esenzioni dalle tasse ambientali o loro riduzione. In considerazione del carattere illegale degli aiuti concessi in base alla modifica dell'esenzione dall'AGL in Irlanda del Nord a causa dell'annullamento da parte del Tribunale della decisione che affermava la compatibilità della misura, la Commissione ha valutato la misura in oggetto in base alla disciplina 2001 degli aiuti per la tutela dell’ambiente e, a partire dal 2 aprile 2008 (vale a dire il giorno della sua entrata in vigore), in base alla disciplina 2008 degli aiuti per la tutela dell'ambiente.

Per quanto riguarda in particolare la valutazione in base alla disciplina 2001 degli aiuti per la tutela dell’ambiente, la Commissione è giunta alla conclusione che le sue condizioni sono soddisfatte, sempre rammentando che le riserve circa la conformità con l'articolo 110 del TFUE impediscono in questa fase alla Commissione di ritenere la misura compatibile con il mercato interno.

Per quanto riguarda in particolare la valutazione in base alla disciplina 2008 degli aiuti per la tutela dell’ambiente, la Commissione ha concluso in via preliminare che dubita che la condizione della necessità dell'aiuto sia rispettata, in particolare che l'aumento sostanziale dei costi di produzione non possa essere trasferito sui consumatori finali senza che si verifichi una contrazione notevole delle vendite. A questo proposito la Commissione osserva che, sebbene le informazioni fornite dalle autorità britanniche indichino un aumento molto significativo dei costi di produzione a causa dell'AGL, per cui non sarebbe probabilmente possibile far gravare sul consumatore l’aumento sostanziale dei costi di produzione senza che si verifichi una contrazione notevole delle vendite, alla luce delle informazioni non sufficientemente dettagliate, non può — in questa fase — concludere che questa condizione di compatibilità sia rispettata.

Di conseguenza, in base all'analisi preliminare, la Commissione nutre dubbi circa la compatibilità della misura «Esenzione dal prelievo sui granulati in Irlanda del Nord (ex N 2/04)» con il trattato e con il mercato interno. A norma dell'articolo 4, paragrafo 4, del regolamento (CE) n. 659/1999, la Commissione ha deciso di avviare il procedimento d'indagine formale e invita i terzi interessati a presentare osservazioni.

TESTO DELLA LETTERA

«The Commission wishes to inform the UK authorities that, having examined the information supplied by them on the aid referred to above, it has decided to open the formal investigation procedure under Article 108(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

1.   PROCEDURE

| 1. | The United Kingdom notified the measure at hand by letter of 5 January 2004, registered on 9 January 2004. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The United Kingdom notified the measure at hand by letter of 5 January 2004, registered on 9 January 2004.

| 2. | The measure was notified as a modification of the original relief from the aggregates levy in the Northern Ireland (1) which was approved by the Commission in its Decision of 24 April 2002 in case N 863/01 (2). |
| --- | --- |

2.

The measure was notified as a modification of the original relief from the aggregates levy in the Northern Ireland (1) which was approved by the Commission in its Decision of 24 April 2002 in case N 863/01 (2).

| 3. | On 7 May 2004, the Commission adopted a no objections decision with respect to this measure (3). |
| --- | --- |

3.

On 7 May 2004, the Commission adopted a no objections decision with respect to this measure (3).

| 4. | On 30 August 2004, the British Aggregates Association, Healy Bros. Ltd and David K. Trotter & Sons Ltd launched an appeal against the abovementioned Commission Decision (the action was registered under Case T-359/04). |
| --- | --- |

4.

On 30 August 2004, the British Aggregates Association, Healy Bros. Ltd and David K. Trotter & Sons Ltd launched an appeal against the abovementioned Commission Decision (the action was registered under Case T-359/04).

| 5. | On 9 September 2010, the General Court annulled the abovementioned Commission Decision (4). According to the judgment, the Commission was not entitled to adopt lawfully the decision not to raise objections as it had not examined the question of a possible tax discrimination between the domestic products in question and imported products originating from Ireland. The Commission did not appeal this judgment. |
| --- | --- |

5.

On 9 September 2010, the General Court annulled the abovementioned Commission Decision (4). According to the judgment, the Commission was not entitled to adopt lawfully the decision not to raise objections as it had not examined the question of a possible tax discrimination between the domestic products in question and imported products originating from Ireland. The Commission did not appeal this judgment.

| 6. | On 15 December 2010 and 21 December 2011, the UK authorities submitted additional information concerning the measure at hand, including documents concerning the suspension of the implementation of the measure as from 1 December 2010 by revoking the Aggregates Levy (Northern Ireland Tax Credit) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1959). |
| --- | --- |

6.

On 15 December 2010 and 21 December 2011, the UK authorities submitted additional information concerning the measure at hand, including documents concerning the suspension of the implementation of the measure as from 1 December 2010 by revoking the Aggregates Levy (Northern Ireland Tax Credit) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1959).

| 7. | The Commission requested additional information by letter of 2 February 2011. The UK authorities submitted further information by letters of 7 March 2011 and 10 June 2011. |
| --- | --- |

7.

The Commission requested additional information by letter of 2 February 2011. The UK authorities submitted further information by letters of 7 March 2011 and 10 June 2011.

2.   DESCRIPTION

2.1.   The aggregates levy

| 8. | The aggregates levy (hereinafter the “AGL”) is an environmental tax on the commercial exploitation of aggregates and is applied to rock, sand or gravel. It was introduced by the United Kingdom with effect from 1 April 2002 for environmental purposes in order to maximise the use of recycled aggregate and other alternatives to virgin aggregate and to promote the efficient extraction and use of virgin aggregate, which is a non-renewable natural resource. The environmental costs of aggregate extraction being addressed through the AGL include noise, dust, damage to biodiversity and to visual amenity. |
| --- | --- |

8.

The aggregates levy (hereinafter the “AGL”) is an environmental tax on the commercial exploitation of aggregates and is applied to rock, sand or gravel. It was introduced by the United Kingdom with effect from 1 April 2002 for environmental purposes in order to maximise the use of recycled aggregate and other alternatives to virgin aggregate and to promote the efficient extraction and use of virgin aggregate, which is a non-renewable natural resource. The environmental costs of aggregate extraction being addressed through the AGL include noise, dust, damage to biodiversity and to visual amenity.

| 9. | The AGL is applied to virgin aggregate extracted in the United Kingdom and to imported virgin aggregate on its first use or sale in the United Kingdom (5). The rate at the time of the original notification was GBP 1,60 per tonne (6). It does not apply to secondary and recycled aggregates and to virgin aggregates exported from the United Kingdom. |
| --- | --- |

9.

The AGL is applied to virgin aggregate extracted in the United Kingdom and to imported virgin aggregate on its first use or sale in the United Kingdom (5). The rate at the time of the original notification was GBP 1,60 per tonne (6). It does not apply to secondary and recycled aggregates and to virgin aggregates exported from the United Kingdom.

2.2.   The original AGL relief in Northern Ireland

| 10. | In its Decision of 24 April 2002 (N 863/01), the Commission considered that the phased introduction of the AGL in Northern Ireland was compatible with Section E.3.2 of the Community Guidelines on State aid for environmental protection (7) (“the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines”). The approved aid took the form of a five-year degressive scheme of tax relief, starting in 2002 and ending in 2007. The original AGL relief in Northern Ireland covered only the commercial exploitation of aggregate used in the manufacture of processed products. |
| --- | --- |

10.

In its Decision of 24 April 2002 (N 863/01), the Commission considered that the phased introduction of the AGL in Northern Ireland was compatible with Section E.3.2 of the Community Guidelines on State aid for environmental protection (7) (“the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines”). The approved aid took the form of a five-year degressive scheme of tax relief, starting in 2002 and ending in 2007. The original AGL relief in Northern Ireland covered only the commercial exploitation of aggregate used in the manufacture of processed products.

2.3.   The modified AGL relief in Northern Ireland

| 11. | The present Decision concerns exclusively the modified AGL relief in Northern Ireland, which was applied to virgin aggregate extracted in Northern Ireland and commercially exploited there and processed products from aggregate extracted in Northern Ireland commercially exploited there. |
| --- | --- |

11.

The present Decision concerns exclusively the modified AGL relief in Northern Ireland, which was applied to virgin aggregate extracted in Northern Ireland and commercially exploited there and processed products from aggregate extracted in Northern Ireland commercially exploited there.

2.3.1.   Background

| 12. | The UK authorities explained that, since the introduction of the scheme in 2002, the levy put firms in the Northern Ireland aggregates industry in a more difficult competitive position than initially anticipated. After the gradual introduction of the levy in Northern Ireland, there has been an increase in illegal quarrying, and an increase in undeclared imports of aggregate into Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland. No aggregates levy was paid in either case. Consequently, the legitimate quarries paying the levy are being undercut by illegal sources operating outside the levy and therefore losing sales to these illegal sources. The findings in a report commissioned by the UK authorities from the Symonds’ Group (specialist consultants in the quarrying/construction sectors) and other evidence available to the UK Customs and Excise authorities, who were responsible for enforcing the levy, confirmed this development. |
| --- | --- |

12.

The UK authorities explained that, since the introduction of the scheme in 2002, the levy put firms in the Northern Ireland aggregates industry in a more difficult competitive position than initially anticipated. After the gradual introduction of the levy in Northern Ireland, there has been an increase in illegal quarrying, and an increase in undeclared imports of aggregate into Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland. No aggregates levy was paid in either case. Consequently, the legitimate quarries paying the levy are being undercut by illegal sources operating outside the levy and therefore losing sales to these illegal sources. The findings in a report commissioned by the UK authorities from the Symonds’ Group (specialist consultants in the quarrying/construction sectors) and other evidence available to the UK Customs and Excise authorities, who were responsible for enforcing the levy, confirmed this development.

| 13. | According to the UK authorities at the time of the original notification, the Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland indicated over 38 quarries which they considered to be operating illegally. There was also evidence, as set out in the Symonds Report, of a significant volume of unrecorded imports of aggregate from the Republic of Ireland, on which the levy was being evaded. |
| --- | --- |

13.

According to the UK authorities at the time of the original notification, the Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland indicated over 38 quarries which they considered to be operating illegally. There was also evidence, as set out in the Symonds Report, of a significant volume of unrecorded imports of aggregate from the Republic of Ireland, on which the levy was being evaded.

| 14. | Furthermore, the UK authorities explained that, while the AGL is having an appreciable positive environmental effect in Great Britain (details below in points 32-36), it has not been working as intended in Northern Ireland, where the availability of levy-free recycled and alternative materials is very limited and localised, and the infrastructure of collecting and processing such materials is almost non-existent. |
| --- | --- |

14.

Furthermore, the UK authorities explained that, while the AGL is having an appreciable positive environmental effect in Great Britain (details below in points 32-36), it has not been working as intended in Northern Ireland, where the availability of levy-free recycled and alternative materials is very limited and localised, and the infrastructure of collecting and processing such materials is almost non-existent.

2.3.2.   Modification

| 15. | In order to provide additional time to the aggregate industry in Northern Ireland to adapt and to achieve the intended environmental effects, the original relief scheme (phased introduction of the AGL) was modified. The relief applied to all types of virgin aggregate, i.e. not only to aggregates used in the manufacturing of processed products, as it was the case for the original relief in case N 863/01, but also to virgin aggregates used directly in the raw state (8). |
| --- | --- |

15.

In order to provide additional time to the aggregate industry in Northern Ireland to adapt and to achieve the intended environmental effects, the original relief scheme (phased introduction of the AGL) was modified. The relief applied to all types of virgin aggregate, i.e. not only to aggregates used in the manufacturing of processed products, as it was the case for the original relief in case N 863/01, but also to virgin aggregates used directly in the raw state (8).

| 16. | The relief was set at 80 % of the AGL level otherwise payable, and was intended to be a transitional arrangement. It came into effect on 1 April 2004 and was supposed to continue until 31 March 2011 (i.e. nine years from the start of the AGL on 1 April 2002) (9). |
| --- | --- |

16.

The relief was set at 80 % of the AGL level otherwise payable, and was intended to be a transitional arrangement. It came into effect on 1 April 2004 and was supposed to continue until 31 March 2011 (i.e. nine years from the start of the AGL on 1 April 2002) (9).

2.3.3.   Environmental agreements

| 17. | In order to more effectively achieve the intended environmental objectives, the UK authorities made the relief conditional upon claimants formally entering into and complying with negotiated agreements with the UK authorities, committing the claimants to a programme of environmental performance improvements over the duration of the relief. |
| --- | --- |

17.

In order to more effectively achieve the intended environmental objectives, the UK authorities made the relief conditional upon claimants formally entering into and complying with negotiated agreements with the UK authorities, committing the claimants to a programme of environmental performance improvements over the duration of the relief.

| 18. | The key criteria for entry into the scheme were that:






  (a) | the requisite planning permission(s) and environmental regulatory permits etc. had to be in place for each eligible site; and |
| --- | --- | --- |

18.

The key criteria for entry into the scheme were that:

(a)

the requisite planning permission(s) and environmental regulatory permits etc. had to be in place for each eligible site; and

| (b) | the site operator was required to “sign-up” to a regime of environmental audits. The first audit had to be commissioned and submitted within 12 months of the date of entry to the scheme and updated every two years thereafter. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the site operator was required to “sign-up” to a regime of environmental audits. The first audit had to be commissioned and submitted within 12 months of the date of entry to the scheme and updated every two years thereafter.

| 19. | Each agreement was individually tailored to the circumstances of the quarry, taking into account, for example, current standards and scope for improvement. The areas of performance covered were: air quality; archaeology and geodiversity; biodiversity; blasting; community responsibility; dust; energy efficiency; groundwater; landscape and visual intrusion; noise; oil and chemical storage and handling; restoration and aftercare; use of alternatives to primary aggregates; surface water; off-site effects of transport; and waste management. |
| --- | --- |

19.

Each agreement was individually tailored to the circumstances of the quarry, taking into account, for example, current standards and scope for improvement. The areas of performance covered were: air quality; archaeology and geodiversity; biodiversity; blasting; community responsibility; dust; energy efficiency; groundwater; landscape and visual intrusion; noise; oil and chemical storage and handling; restoration and aftercare; use of alternatives to primary aggregates; surface water; off-site effects of transport; and waste management.

| 20. | The Department of Environment in Northern Ireland was responsible for monitoring these agreements, and the relief is withdrawn for those firms which have significant shortcomings. |
| --- | --- |

20.

The Department of Environment in Northern Ireland was responsible for monitoring these agreements, and the relief is withdrawn for those firms which have significant shortcomings.

2.3.4.   Aggregates production costs, selling price and price elasticity of demand

| 21. | As regards the aggregates production costs, the UK authorities explained that they vary significantly from quarry to quarry and that the same is valid for the prices (10). The average selling price ex-quarry for different classes of aggregates is summarised in Table 1 below (11). Profit margins are again variable, but the industry estimates that 2 % to 5 % is a typical level.

  Table 1


  Selling price







  Type of rock | Price ex-quarry before tax (GBP/tonne) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basalt | 4,21 |
| Sandstone | 4,37 |
| Limestone | 3,72 |
| Sand and gravel | 4,80 |
| Other | 5,57 |
| Weighted average price | 4,42 |

21.

As regards the aggregates production costs, the UK authorities explained that they vary significantly from quarry to quarry and that the same is valid for the prices (10). The average selling price ex-quarry for different classes of aggregates is summarised in Table 1 below (11). Profit margins are again variable, but the industry estimates that 2 % to 5 % is a typical level.

Table 1

Selling price

Type of rock

Price ex-quarry before tax (GBP/tonne)

Basalt

4,21

Sandstone

4,37

Limestone

3,72

Sand and gravel

4,80

Other

5,57

Weighted average price

4,42

| 22. | As regards in general the difference in price levels between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, the UK authorities explain that suppliers in Northern Ireland have never been able to charge the same price as in Great Britain. The UK authorities illustrated this by the information presented in Table 2 below. The levy at the full rate would therefore represent a much higher proportion of the selling price in an already suppressed market. This inability to pass on costs to customers has been a significant historic factor in the lack of investment in environmental improvement and is explained by economic (fragmentation of the market) and geological factors.

  Table 2 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| NI aggregates cost GBP/tonne | 2,9 | 3,1 | 3,5 | 3,4 | 3,9 | 3,6 | 4,3 | 4,3 |
| GB aggregates cost GBP/tonne | 7,9 | 8,4 | 9,0 | 7,7 | 8,8 | 9,7 | 9,2 | 10,9 |

22.

As regards in general the difference in price levels between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, the UK authorities explain that suppliers in Northern Ireland have never been able to charge the same price as in Great Britain. The UK authorities illustrated this by the information presented in Table 2 below. The levy at the full rate would therefore represent a much higher proportion of the selling price in an already suppressed market. This inability to pass on costs to customers has been a significant historic factor in the lack of investment in environmental improvement and is explained by economic (fragmentation of the market) and geological factors.

Table 2

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

NI aggregates cost GBP/tonne

2,9

3,1

3,5

3,4

3,9

3,6

4,3

4,3

GB aggregates cost GBP/tonne

7,9

8,4

9,0

7,7

8,8

9,7

9,2

10,9

| 23. | As regards the price elasticity of demand, the UK authorities explained, based on a survey of research literature (12), that the price elasticity of demand for aggregates ranges from 0,2 to 0,5. The UK authorities’ examination of aggregates quantity and price data for Great Britain and Northern Ireland suggests that for most types of aggregates the price elasticity ranges from close to zero to about 0,52. The UK authorities could therefore conclude tentatively that the demand for aggregates in Northern Ireland is relatively inelastic. |
| --- | --- |

23.

As regards the price elasticity of demand, the UK authorities explained, based on a survey of research literature (12), that the price elasticity of demand for aggregates ranges from 0,2 to 0,5. The UK authorities’ examination of aggregates quantity and price data for Great Britain and Northern Ireland suggests that for most types of aggregates the price elasticity ranges from close to zero to about 0,52. The UK authorities could therefore conclude tentatively that the demand for aggregates in Northern Ireland is relatively inelastic.

2.3.5.   Pass-on and sales reductions

| 24. | As regards the pass-on of increased production costs to final customers and potential sales reductions, the UK authorities referred to the abovementioned Symonds Report. According to the UK authorities, the report demonstrates that, following the introduction of the levy in 2002, the average price of aggregate in Northern Ireland had increased by much less than would have been expected if the AGL had been passed on in full, and that this was linked to a fall in legitimate sales, which was proportionally much larger than the fall recorded in Great Britain. |
| --- | --- |

24.

As regards the pass-on of increased production costs to final customers and potential sales reductions, the UK authorities referred to the abovementioned Symonds Report. According to the UK authorities, the report demonstrates that, following the introduction of the levy in 2002, the average price of aggregate in Northern Ireland had increased by much less than would have been expected if the AGL had been passed on in full, and that this was linked to a fall in legitimate sales, which was proportionally much larger than the fall recorded in Great Britain.

| 25. | Furthermore, the UK authorities explained that the Symonds Report confirmed that the sales of aggregate, and in particular the sales of low-grade aggregate and fill, fell in the year ending 31 March 2003 compared with the levels experienced in the two pre-AGL years. The Symonds Report showed (see Table 3 below) that the production from legitimate quarries in calendar year 2002 was significantly below the established trend in aggregate sales (generally, over the last 30 years, there had been a rising trend in aggregate sales in Northern Ireland). In Great Britain aggregate production fell in 2002 by 5,7 %, compared with a slight increase the previous year (however, trend analysis showed that in Great Britain the production had generally been in a declining trend over the previous 10 years).

  Table 3


  A summary of Symonds’ assessment of the fall in sales by legitimate quarries in Northern Ireland











  Product | 2000-2001
  (million tonnes) | 2001-2002
  (million tonnes) | 2002-2003
  (million tonnes) | Fall,
  2001-2003
  (%) | Fall,
  2002-2003
  (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sand and gravel | 2,35 | 2,34 | 1,91 | –18,7 | –8,4 |
| Crushed rock | 7,86 | 7,88 | 7,27 | –7,5 | –7,7 |
| Fill material | 3,00 | 3,89 | 1,71 | –43,0 | –56,0 |
| Total | 13,21 | 14,11 | 10,89 | –17,6 | –22,8 |

25.

Furthermore, the UK authorities explained that the Symonds Report confirmed that the sales of aggregate, and in particular the sales of low-grade aggregate and fill, fell in the year ending 31 March 2003 compared with the levels experienced in the two pre-AGL years. The Symonds Report showed (see Table 3 below) that the production from legitimate quarries in calendar year 2002 was significantly below the established trend in aggregate sales (generally, over the last 30 years, there had been a rising trend in aggregate sales in Northern Ireland). In Great Britain aggregate production fell in 2002 by 5,7 %, compared with a slight increase the previous year (however, trend analysis showed that in Great Britain the production had generally been in a declining trend over the previous 10 years).

Table 3

A summary of Symonds’ assessment of the fall in sales by legitimate quarries in Northern Ireland

Product

2000-2001

(million tonnes)

2001-2002

(million tonnes)

2002-2003

(million tonnes)

Fall,

2001-2003

(%)

Fall,

2002-2003

(%)

Sand and gravel

2,35

2,34

1,91

–18,7

–8,4

Crushed rock

7,86

7,88

7,27

–7,5

–7,7

Fill material

3,00

3,89

1,71

–43,0

–56,0

Total

13,21

14,11

10,89

–17,6

–22,8

| 26. | The UK authorities explained in this context that the data provided by Symonds indicated that once the levy had been introduced at GBP/tonne 1,60, the average price of aggregates in Northern Ireland had risen by about 25-30 pence/tonne in 2002 compared with 2001, whereas in Great Britain the price had risen by GBP 1-1,40/tonne. Even allowing for the fact that aggregate used in processed products, which benefited from an 80 % relief under the original 2002 degressive credit scheme in Northern Ireland, is included in that average, that implies that quarry operators in Northern Ireland were having to absorb a substantial proportion of the levy. On the assumption that processed products used half of the aggregate production in Northern Ireland, and that their price was unaffected by the levy in 2002, that still implies according to the UK authorities that, on average, over GBP 1/tonne of the levy had to be absorbed on each tonne of aggregate sold for use in its raw state. |
| --- | --- |

26.

The UK authorities explained in this context that the data provided by Symonds indicated that once the levy had been introduced at GBP/tonne 1,60, the average price of aggregates in Northern Ireland had risen by about 25-30 pence/tonne in 2002 compared with 2001, whereas in Great Britain the price had risen by GBP 1-1,40/tonne. Even allowing for the fact that aggregate used in processed products, which benefited from an 80 % relief under the original 2002 degressive credit scheme in Northern Ireland, is included in that average, that implies that quarry operators in Northern Ireland were having to absorb a substantial proportion of the levy. On the assumption that processed products used half of the aggregate production in Northern Ireland, and that their price was unaffected by the levy in 2002, that still implies according to the UK authorities that, on average, over GBP 1/tonne of the levy had to be absorbed on each tonne of aggregate sold for use in its raw state.

| 27. | As regards specifically the manufacturers using aggregates in their processed products, the UK authorities explained in this context that, because of the original relief for aggregate used in processed products (N 863/01), the additional costs fell very largely on Northern Ireland producers of aggregate for use in its raw state. But importantly the original relief (phased introduction of the AGL) was to be withdrawn by stages. Therefore, if the original relief had not been modified in 2004, the processed products sector too would have begun to suffer from the same economic difficulties of loss of demand and inability to pass on the extra levy costs to its customers. |
| --- | --- |

27.

As regards specifically the manufacturers using aggregates in their processed products, the UK authorities explained in this context that, because of the original relief for aggregate used in processed products (N 863/01), the additional costs fell very largely on Northern Ireland producers of aggregate for use in its raw state. But importantly the original relief (phased introduction of the AGL) was to be withdrawn by stages. Therefore, if the original relief had not been modified in 2004, the processed products sector too would have begun to suffer from the same economic difficulties of loss of demand and inability to pass on the extra levy costs to its customers.

2.3.6.   Other information

| 28. | The estimated annual budget (State resources foregone) varied at the time of the original notification between GBP 15 million (2004-2005) and GBP 35 million (2010-2011). |
| --- | --- |

28.

The estimated annual budget (State resources foregone) varied at the time of the original notification between GBP 15 million (2004-2005) and GBP 35 million (2010-2011).

| 29. | As regards the number of beneficiaries, it was estimated that approximately 170 quarry operators would be eligible. |
| --- | --- |

29.

As regards the number of beneficiaries, it was estimated that approximately 170 quarry operators would be eligible.

| 30. | The granting authority of the AGL relief in Northern Ireland was Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs. |
| --- | --- |

30.

The granting authority of the AGL relief in Northern Ireland was Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs.

2.4.   Position of third parties, appreciable positive effects

| 31. | In the context of the assessment by the Commission of the original notification of the modified AGL relief in Northern Ireland, the British Aggregates Association (BAA), other associations of producers and individual undertakings contested in their letters that the AGL has an appreciable positive impact in terms of environmental protection. The Commission therefore asked the UK authorities to submit additional information concerning this issue. |
| --- | --- |

31.

In the context of the assessment by the Commission of the original notification of the modified AGL relief in Northern Ireland, the British Aggregates Association (BAA), other associations of producers and individual undertakings contested in their letters that the AGL has an appreciable positive impact in terms of environmental protection. The Commission therefore asked the UK authorities to submit additional information concerning this issue.

| 32. | The UK authorities provided in this context empirical information based on the initial assessment of the AGL’s environmental impact using all available data. The submitted information suggested that in Great Britain the aggregates levy had appreciable effects. |
| --- | --- |

32.

The UK authorities provided in this context empirical information based on the initial assessment of the AGL’s environmental impact using all available data. The submitted information suggested that in Great Britain the aggregates levy had appreciable effects.

| 33. | As regards the aggregate production, the UK authorities explained that the amount of virgin material extracted fell significantly in 2002 compared to earlier years and by 5,7 % compared to 2001. In 2002 the production of sand and gravel decreased by 6 % compared to 2001. The production of marine sand and gravel output fell by 5,9 % in 2002 compared to 2001. There was also a gradual decline in the production of crushed rock. |
| --- | --- |

33.

As regards the aggregate production, the UK authorities explained that the amount of virgin material extracted fell significantly in 2002 compared to earlier years and by 5,7 % compared to 2001. In 2002 the production of sand and gravel decreased by 6 % compared to 2001. The production of marine sand and gravel output fell by 5,9 % in 2002 compared to 2001. There was also a gradual decline in the production of crushed rock.

| 34. | As for the aggregate costs, it was explained by the UK authorities that the costs of aggregates subject to the levy were significantly higher than the costs of aggregates that were not subject to the levy — by about GBP 1,40 per tonne for crushed rock and just over GBP 1 per tonne for sand and gravel. It therefore appeared that the environmental costs of the supply of aggregates were passed on, to a large extent, to the consumers. This is consistent with the objective of incorporating the negative environmental externalities of the quarrying the aggregates into the cost of those aggregates. |
| --- | --- |

34.

As for the aggregate costs, it was explained by the UK authorities that the costs of aggregates subject to the levy were significantly higher than the costs of aggregates that were not subject to the levy — by about GBP 1,40 per tonne for crushed rock and just over GBP 1 per tonne for sand and gravel. It therefore appeared that the environmental costs of the supply of aggregates were passed on, to a large extent, to the consumers. This is consistent with the objective of incorporating the negative environmental externalities of the quarrying the aggregates into the cost of those aggregates.

| 35. | With respect to the substitution by recycled and alternative materials, the UK authorities mentioned that the scope of the levy is encouraging the substitution of virgin aggregate by recycled or secondary aggregate products. In particular, the sales of slate waste and china clay waste increased, reducing both the demand for virgin aggregates and the tipping of such alternative materials. Aggregates recycling companies reported sales increases for 2002 and 2003. |
| --- | --- |

35.

With respect to the substitution by recycled and alternative materials, the UK authorities mentioned that the scope of the levy is encouraging the substitution of virgin aggregate by recycled or secondary aggregate products. In particular, the sales of slate waste and china clay waste increased, reducing both the demand for virgin aggregates and the tipping of such alternative materials. Aggregates recycling companies reported sales increases for 2002 and 2003.

| 36. | Finally, as regards the investments in recycling, the UK authorities mentioned that the AGL had an effect in reinforcing and supporting the active considerations by the construction industry of recycled aggregates in the construction market. A new recycling plant was opened in South Yorkshire and an East Midlands road construction company also opened a new recycling facility. |
| --- | --- |

36.

Finally, as regards the investments in recycling, the UK authorities mentioned that the AGL had an effect in reinforcing and supporting the active considerations by the construction industry of recycled aggregates in the construction market. A new recycling plant was opened in South Yorkshire and an East Midlands road construction company also opened a new recycling facility.

3.   ASSESSMENT

3.1.   State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) of the TFEU (ex Article 87(1) EC)
   (13)

| 37. | State aid is defined in Article 107(1) of the TFEU as any aid granted by a Member State or through State resources in any form whatsoever, which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods in so far as it affects trade between Member States. |
| --- | --- |

37.

State aid is defined in Article 107(1) of the TFEU as any aid granted by a Member State or through State resources in any form whatsoever, which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods in so far as it affects trade between Member States.

| 38. | The AGL relief was granted through State resources, in the form of a tax rate reduction, to companies situated in a defined part of the territory of the UK (Northern Ireland), favouring them by reducing the costs that they would normally have to bear. The recipients of the aid are involved in the extraction of aggregates or in the manufacturing of processed products, which are economic activities involving trade between Member States. |
| --- | --- |

38.

The AGL relief was granted through State resources, in the form of a tax rate reduction, to companies situated in a defined part of the territory of the UK (Northern Ireland), favouring them by reducing the costs that they would normally have to bear. The recipients of the aid are involved in the extraction of aggregates or in the manufacturing of processed products, which are economic activities involving trade between Member States.

| 39. | Accordingly, the Commission concludes that the notified measure constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) of the TFEU (ex Article 87(1) EC). |
| --- | --- |

39.

Accordingly, the Commission concludes that the notified measure constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) of the TFEU (ex Article 87(1) EC).

3.2.   Lawfulness of the aid

| 40. | Despite the fact that the measure at hand was notified to the Commission and put into effect only after the Commission adopted a positive decision, the recipients of the aid cannot entertain any legitimate expectations as to the lawfulness of the implementation of the aid, since the Commission’s decision was challenged in due time before the General Court (14). Following the annulment by the General Court of the Commission’s no objections decision, that decision must be considered void with regard to all persons as from the date of its adoption. Since the annulment of the Commission’s decision put a stop, retroactively, to the application of the presumption of lawfulness, the implementation of the aid in question must be regarded as unlawful (15). |
| --- | --- |

40.

Despite the fact that the measure at hand was notified to the Commission and put into effect only after the Commission adopted a positive decision, the recipients of the aid cannot entertain any legitimate expectations as to the lawfulness of the implementation of the aid, since the Commission’s decision was challenged in due time before the General Court (14). Following the annulment by the General Court of the Commission’s no objections decision, that decision must be considered void with regard to all persons as from the date of its adoption. Since the annulment of the Commission’s decision put a stop, retroactively, to the application of the presumption of lawfulness, the implementation of the aid in question must be regarded as unlawful (15).

3.3.   Compatibility of the aid

| 41. | It is a matter of settled case law that although Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU leave a margin of discretion to the Commission for assessing the compatibility of an aid scheme with the requirements of the internal market, this assessment procedure must not produce a result which is contrary to the specific provisions of the TFEU. The Commission is obliged to ensure that Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU are applied consistently with other provisions of the TFEU. This is according to the General Court all the more necessary where those other provisions also pursue the objective of undistorted competition in the internal market (16). |
| --- | --- |

41.

It is a matter of settled case law that although Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU leave a margin of discretion to the Commission for assessing the compatibility of an aid scheme with the requirements of the internal market, this assessment procedure must not produce a result which is contrary to the specific provisions of the TFEU. The Commission is obliged to ensure that Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU are applied consistently with other provisions of the TFEU. This is according to the General Court all the more necessary where those other provisions also pursue the objective of undistorted competition in the internal market (16).

| 42. | Furthermore, the General Court recalled that the power to use certain forms of tax relief, particularly when they are aimed at enabling the maintenance of forms of production or undertakings which, without those specific tax privileges, would not be profitable due to high production costs, is subject to the condition that the Member States using that power extend the benefit thereof in a non-discriminatory and non-protective manner to imported products in the same situation (17). |
| --- | --- |

42.

Furthermore, the General Court recalled that the power to use certain forms of tax relief, particularly when they are aimed at enabling the maintenance of forms of production or undertakings which, without those specific tax privileges, would not be profitable due to high production costs, is subject to the condition that the Member States using that power extend the benefit thereof in a non-discriminatory and non-protective manner to imported products in the same situation (17).

| 43. | The Commission refers in this context to the fact that Article 110 of the TFEU (18)
   (19) ensures the free movement of goods between the Member States in normal conditions of competition by the elimination of all forms of protection that may result from the application of internal taxation that discriminates against products from other Member States. |
| --- | --- |

43.

The Commission refers in this context to the fact that Article 110 of the TFEU (18)
   (19) ensures the free movement of goods between the Member States in normal conditions of competition by the elimination of all forms of protection that may result from the application of internal taxation that discriminates against products from other Member States.

| 44. | As set out above, the aid is provided in the form of a tax rate reduction from an environmental tax, the AGL, to companies established in Northern Ireland which have entered into environmental agreements. This provides these companies with an advantage by reducing the costs that they would normally have to bear. The relief was introduced to provide additional time to the aggregate industry of Northern Ireland to adapt, as the introduction of the AGL had put firms in Northern Ireland in a more difficult competitive situation than initially anticipated. |
| --- | --- |

44.

As set out above, the aid is provided in the form of a tax rate reduction from an environmental tax, the AGL, to companies established in Northern Ireland which have entered into environmental agreements. This provides these companies with an advantage by reducing the costs that they would normally have to bear. The relief was introduced to provide additional time to the aggregate industry of Northern Ireland to adapt, as the introduction of the AGL had put firms in Northern Ireland in a more difficult competitive situation than initially anticipated.

| 45. | Aggregate producers established in Ireland may not, under the United Kingdom legislation, enter into an environmental agreement and are not otherwise eligible to benefit from the AGL exemption scheme by showing, for example, that their activities comply with the environmental agreements which aggregates producers in Northern Ireland may conclude. Since aggregate products imported from Ireland are therefore taxed at the full AGL rate, and this differentiated taxation of the same product results from the AGL scheme itself, there is an intrinsic link between the aid measure, granted by way of a tax relief, and the discriminatory tax treatment of imported products. |
| --- | --- |

45.

Aggregate producers established in Ireland may not, under the United Kingdom legislation, enter into an environmental agreement and are not otherwise eligible to benefit from the AGL exemption scheme by showing, for example, that their activities comply with the environmental agreements which aggregates producers in Northern Ireland may conclude. Since aggregate products imported from Ireland are therefore taxed at the full AGL rate, and this differentiated taxation of the same product results from the AGL scheme itself, there is an intrinsic link between the aid measure, granted by way of a tax relief, and the discriminatory tax treatment of imported products.

| 46. | Therefore, in the present case, the Commission considers that it must also assess whether the aid measure complies with the rule laid down in Article 110 of the TFEU. In these circumstances, a violation of Article 110 of the TFEU would preclude the Commission from finding the measure compatible with the internal market. As the General Court stated in its judgment of 9 September 2010 in relation to the present case, aid cannot be implemented or approved in the form of tax discrimination in respect of products originating from other Member States (20). |
| --- | --- |

46.

Therefore, in the present case, the Commission considers that it must also assess whether the aid measure complies with the rule laid down in Article 110 of the TFEU. In these circumstances, a violation of Article 110 of the TFEU would preclude the Commission from finding the measure compatible with the internal market. As the General Court stated in its judgment of 9 September 2010 in relation to the present case, aid cannot be implemented or approved in the form of tax discrimination in respect of products originating from other Member States (20).

3.3.1.   Compliance with Article 110 of the TFEU

| 47. | According to settled case-law, charges resulting from a general system of internal taxation applied systematically, in accordance with the same objective criteria, to categories of products irrespective of their origin or destination fall within the scope Article 110 of the TFEU. It should therefore be ascertained whether a levy such as the AGL constitutes internal taxation within the meaning of Article 110 of the TFEU. In this respect, the Commission notes that the AGL, which is of a fiscal nature, is levied on virgin aggregate extracted in the United Kingdom and to imported virgin aggregate on its first use or sale in the United Kingdom. It applies to imported aggregates in the same way as it applies to aggregates extracted in the United Kingdom. Consequently, a levy such as the AGL amounts to internal taxation, for the purposes of Article 110 of the TFEU. |
| --- | --- |

47.

According to settled case-law, charges resulting from a general system of internal taxation applied systematically, in accordance with the same objective criteria, to categories of products irrespective of their origin or destination fall within the scope Article 110 of the TFEU. It should therefore be ascertained whether a levy such as the AGL constitutes internal taxation within the meaning of Article 110 of the TFEU. In this respect, the Commission notes that the AGL, which is of a fiscal nature, is levied on virgin aggregate extracted in the United Kingdom and to imported virgin aggregate on its first use or sale in the United Kingdom. It applies to imported aggregates in the same way as it applies to aggregates extracted in the United Kingdom. Consequently, a levy such as the AGL amounts to internal taxation, for the purposes of Article 110 of the TFEU.

| 48. | According to settled case-law, the first paragraph of Article 110 of the TFEU is infringed where the tax levied on the imported product and that levied on the similar domestic product are calculated in a different manner on the basis of different criteria which lead, if only in certain cases, to higher taxation being imposed on the imported product. It follows that a system of taxation is compatible with Article 110 of the TFEU only if it is so arranged as to exclude any possibility of imported products being taxed more heavily than domestic products and, therefore, only if it cannot under any circumstances have a discriminatory effect. |
| --- | --- |

48.

According to settled case-law, the first paragraph of Article 110 of the TFEU is infringed where the tax levied on the imported product and that levied on the similar domestic product are calculated in a different manner on the basis of different criteria which lead, if only in certain cases, to higher taxation being imposed on the imported product. It follows that a system of taxation is compatible with Article 110 of the TFEU only if it is so arranged as to exclude any possibility of imported products being taxed more heavily than domestic products and, therefore, only if it cannot under any circumstances have a discriminatory effect.

| 49. | Under the AGL relief applicable in Northern Ireland, a reduced rate is levied on virgin aggregates extracted there by producers having entered into environmental agreements. |
| --- | --- |

49.

Under the AGL relief applicable in Northern Ireland, a reduced rate is levied on virgin aggregates extracted there by producers having entered into environmental agreements.

| 50. | Virgin aggregates extracted in other Member States are not eligible to benefit from the AGL relief, since aggregate producers established in other Member States may not, under the United Kingdom legislation, enter into an environmental agreement. Producers of such aggregates do not even have the possibility to show, for example, that their activities comply with the environmental agreements that aggregate producers in Northern Ireland may conclude. Accordingly, identical products imported from other Member States are taxed at the full AGL rate. |
| --- | --- |

50.

Virgin aggregates extracted in other Member States are not eligible to benefit from the AGL relief, since aggregate producers established in other Member States may not, under the United Kingdom legislation, enter into an environmental agreement. Producers of such aggregates do not even have the possibility to show, for example, that their activities comply with the environmental agreements that aggregate producers in Northern Ireland may conclude. Accordingly, identical products imported from other Member States are taxed at the full AGL rate.

| 51. | Such distinction cannot in the Commission’s view be justified on the grounds that the UK authorities cannot conclude environmental agreements with producers of aggregates established outside the United Kingdom, because those authorities have jurisdiction in the United Kingdom only. The UK legislation might have for example given importers the opportunity to demonstrate that the aggregates imported into Northern Ireland had been produced in a way that they comply with the environmental requirements imposed on beneficiaries in Northern Ireland in the agreements. |
| --- | --- |

51.

Such distinction cannot in the Commission’s view be justified on the grounds that the UK authorities cannot conclude environmental agreements with producers of aggregates established outside the United Kingdom, because those authorities have jurisdiction in the United Kingdom only. The UK legislation might have for example given importers the opportunity to demonstrate that the aggregates imported into Northern Ireland had been produced in a way that they comply with the environmental requirements imposed on beneficiaries in Northern Ireland in the agreements.

| 52. | Furthermore in this context, the Commission recalls the case-law concerning national legislation providing tax advantages to domestic products in case they are produced under certain environmental standards. Such internal taxation is not considered compatible with Article 110 of the TFEU if the advantage is not extended to imported products manufactured under the same standards (21). |
| --- | --- |

52.

Furthermore in this context, the Commission recalls the case-law concerning national legislation providing tax advantages to domestic products in case they are produced under certain environmental standards. Such internal taxation is not considered compatible with Article 110 of the TFEU if the advantage is not extended to imported products manufactured under the same standards (21).

| 53. | Finally, the Commission points out that Article 110 of the TFEU targets the level of taxation imposed directly or indirectly on the products concerned (22), i.e. the tax burden each of the products has to bear. Thus, the focus is on the fact that the tax forms a cost element relevant to the formation of the price, and thus to the competitive position of the product vis-à-vis similar products (23). It follows that the identity of the taxpayer is not at the core of the assessment. |
| --- | --- |

53.

Finally, the Commission points out that Article 110 of the TFEU targets the level of taxation imposed directly or indirectly on the products concerned (22), i.e. the tax burden each of the products has to bear. Thus, the focus is on the fact that the tax forms a cost element relevant to the formation of the price, and thus to the competitive position of the product vis-à-vis similar products (23). It follows that the identity of the taxpayer is not at the core of the assessment.

| 54. | Accordingly, the Commission doubts whether the modified AGL relief applicable in Northern Ireland complies with the Treaty, in particular Article 110 of the TFEU. These doubts preclude the Commission from finding the measure compatible with the internal market at this stage. |
| --- | --- |

54.

Accordingly, the Commission doubts whether the modified AGL relief applicable in Northern Ireland complies with the Treaty, in particular Article 110 of the TFEU. These doubts preclude the Commission from finding the measure compatible with the internal market at this stage.

3.3.2.   Compatibility of the measure under the Environmental Aid Guidelines

| 55. | Considering the environmental objective of the measure and notwithstanding the doubts expressed above (point 54), the Commission has assessed the compatibility of the measure at hand according to Article 107(3)(c) of the TFEU and in the light of the Guidelines on State Aid for Environmental Protection. |
| --- | --- |

55.

Considering the environmental objective of the measure and notwithstanding the doubts expressed above (point 54), the Commission has assessed the compatibility of the measure at hand according to Article 107(3)(c) of the TFEU and in the light of the Guidelines on State Aid for Environmental Protection.

| 56. | The Commission originally assessed the measure under the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines. In the meantime, the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines have been adopted. As noted in point 40 above, the result of the annulment of the Commission Decision of 7 May 2004 is that the measure as it has been applied since that date (and until its suspension on 1 December 2010) must be considered as being unlawful. The Commission has stated that it will always assess the compatibility of unlawful State aid with the internal market in accordance with the substantive criteria set out in any instrument in force at the time when the aid was granted (24). Nothing in the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines suggests that this rule should not be applied to the present case. Those Guidelines specify, in point 204, that Commission decisions on notifications taken after the publication of the Guidelines in the Official Journal of the European Union will be based exclusively on that text, even if the notification predates that publication. And point 205 simply restates the position set out in the notice as regards aid that has not been notified (and is therefore unlawful). |
| --- | --- |

56.

The Commission originally assessed the measure under the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines. In the meantime, the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines have been adopted. As noted in point 40 above, the result of the annulment of the Commission Decision of 7 May 2004 is that the measure as it has been applied since that date (and until its suspension on 1 December 2010) must be considered as being unlawful. The Commission has stated that it will always assess the compatibility of unlawful State aid with the internal market in accordance with the substantive criteria set out in any instrument in force at the time when the aid was granted (24). Nothing in the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines suggests that this rule should not be applied to the present case. Those Guidelines specify, in point 204, that Commission decisions on notifications taken after the publication of the Guidelines in the Official Journal of the European Union will be based exclusively on that text, even if the notification predates that publication. And point 205 simply restates the position set out in the notice as regards aid that has not been notified (and is therefore unlawful).

| 57. | Considering that the aid was granted during the period covering the applicability of the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines as well as after the publication of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines, the Commission will assess the measure at hand pursuant to:






  (a) | the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines; and |
| --- | --- | --- |

57.

Considering that the aid was granted during the period covering the applicability of the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines as well as after the publication of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines, the Commission will assess the measure at hand pursuant to:

(a)

the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines; and

| (b) | the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines as from 2 April 2008. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines as from 2 April 2008.

Ad (a) Compatibility of the measure under the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines

| 58. | Section E.3.2 of the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines concerns rules applicable to all operating aid in the form of tax reductions or exemptions. |
| --- | --- |

58.

Section E.3.2 of the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines concerns rules applicable to all operating aid in the form of tax reductions or exemptions.

| 59. | The AGL was introduced in April 2002. That the rate effectively applicable was not 100 % for all operators across all of the United Kingdom does not alter this fact or the principle that the new tax should apply to the entire territory. The Commission will therefore treat the AGL as an existing tax in the sense of the distinction made in the abovementioned section between new and existing taxes. Furthermore, there is no harmonisation at EU level of this type of tax. |
| --- | --- |

59.

The AGL was introduced in April 2002. That the rate effectively applicable was not 100 % for all operators across all of the United Kingdom does not alter this fact or the principle that the new tax should apply to the entire territory. The Commission will therefore treat the AGL as an existing tax in the sense of the distinction made in the abovementioned section between new and existing taxes. Furthermore, there is no harmonisation at EU level of this type of tax.

| 60. | Point 51(2) provides that:
  “The provisions in point 51.1 may be applied to existing taxes if the following two conditions are satisfied at the same time:






  (a) | the tax in question must have an appreciable positive impact in terms of environmental protection; |
| --- | --- | --- |

60.

Point 51(2) provides that:

“The provisions in point 51.1 may be applied to existing taxes if the following two conditions are satisfied at the same time:

(a)

the tax in question must have an appreciable positive impact in terms of environmental protection;

| (b) | the derogations for the firms concerned must have been decided on when the tax was adopted or must have become necessary as a result of a significant change in economic conditions that placed the firms in a particularly difficult competitive situation. In the latter instance, the amount of the reduction may not exceed the increase in costs resulting from the change in economic conditions. Once there is no longer any increase in costs, the reduction must no longer apply.”. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the derogations for the firms concerned must have been decided on when the tax was adopted or must have become necessary as a result of a significant change in economic conditions that placed the firms in a particularly difficult competitive situation. In the latter instance, the amount of the reduction may not exceed the increase in costs resulting from the change in economic conditions. Once there is no longer any increase in costs, the reduction must no longer apply.”.

| 61. | Point 51(1) provides that:
  “These exemptions can constitute operating aid which may be authorised on the following conditions:






  1. | When, for environmental reasons, a Member State introduces a new tax in a sector of activity or on products in respect of which no Community tax harmonisation has been carried out or when the tax envisaged by the Member State exceeds that laid down by Community legislation, the Commission takes the view that exemption decisions covering a 10-year period with no degressivity may be justified in two cases:






  (a) | these exemptions are conditional on the conclusion of agreements between the Member State concerned and the recipient firms whereby the firms or associations of firms undertake to achieve environmental protection objectives during the period for which the exemptions apply or when firms conclude voluntary agreements which have the same effect. Such agreements or undertakings may relate, among other things, to a reduction in energy consumption, a reduction in emissions or any other environmental measure. The substance of the agreements must be negotiated by each Member State and will be assessed by the Commission when the aid projects are notified to it. Member States must ensure strict monitoring of the commitments entered into by the firms or associations of firms. The agreements concluded between a Member State and the firms concerned must stipulate the penalty arrangements applicable if the commitments are not met.
  These provisions also apply where a Member State makes a tax reduction subject to conditions that have the same effect as the agreements or commitments referred to above; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

61.

Point 51(1) provides that:

“These exemptions can constitute operating aid which may be authorised on the following conditions:

1.

When, for environmental reasons, a Member State introduces a new tax in a sector of activity or on products in respect of which no Community tax harmonisation has been carried out or when the tax envisaged by the Member State exceeds that laid down by Community legislation, the Commission takes the view that exemption decisions covering a 10-year period with no degressivity may be justified in two cases:

(a)

these exemptions are conditional on the conclusion of agreements between the Member State concerned and the recipient firms whereby the firms or associations of firms undertake to achieve environmental protection objectives during the period for which the exemptions apply or when firms conclude voluntary agreements which have the same effect. Such agreements or undertakings may relate, among other things, to a reduction in energy consumption, a reduction in emissions or any other environmental measure. The substance of the agreements must be negotiated by each Member State and will be assessed by the Commission when the aid projects are notified to it. Member States must ensure strict monitoring of the commitments entered into by the firms or associations of firms. The agreements concluded between a Member State and the firms concerned must stipulate the penalty arrangements applicable if the commitments are not met.

These provisions also apply where a Member State makes a tax reduction subject to conditions that have the same effect as the agreements or commitments referred to above;

| (b) | these exemptions need not be conditional on the conclusion of agreements between the Member State concerned and the recipient firms if the following alternative conditions are satisfied:






  — | where the reduction concerns a Community tax, the amount effectively paid by the firms after the reduction must remain higher than the Community minimum in order to provide the firms with an incentive to improve environmental protection, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

these exemptions need not be conditional on the conclusion of agreements between the Member State concerned and the recipient firms if the following alternative conditions are satisfied:

—

where the reduction concerns a Community tax, the amount effectively paid by the firms after the reduction must remain higher than the Community minimum in order to provide the firms with an incentive to improve environmental protection,

| — | where the reduction concerns a domestic tax imposed in the absence of a Community tax, the firms eligible for the reduction must nevertheless pay a significant proportion of the national tax.”. |
| --- | --- |

—

where the reduction concerns a domestic tax imposed in the absence of a Community tax, the firms eligible for the reduction must nevertheless pay a significant proportion of the national tax.”.

| 62. | With respect, first, to point 51(2), the Commission notes that the tax is levied on activities for reasons of environmental protection. Its aim is to protect the environment by contributing to reducing the extraction of virgin aggregates and encouraging the use of alternative materials (point 51(2)(a)). |
| --- | --- |

62.

With respect, first, to point 51(2), the Commission notes that the tax is levied on activities for reasons of environmental protection. Its aim is to protect the environment by contributing to reducing the extraction of virgin aggregates and encouraging the use of alternative materials (point 51(2)(a)).

| 63. | Given that, at the time of the notification of the amendment in 2004, the measure had already been in operation for two years, the UK was able to provide empirical information on the effects of the AGL (described above in points 32-36). It is therefore clear that the AGL has appreciable positive environmental effects in the majority of the territory of the UK in line with the requirement of point 51(2)(a) of the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines. What is more, the environmental agreements concluded with aggregates companies in Northern Ireland benefiting from 80 % AGL relief clearly have positive environmental effects and do not in any way undermine the objectives pursued by the AGL. On the contrary, they aim to encourage those companies to pay at least a part of the tax and contribute to improving environmental performance, rather than becoming a part of the illegal aggregates market. |
| --- | --- |

63.

Given that, at the time of the notification of the amendment in 2004, the measure had already been in operation for two years, the UK was able to provide empirical information on the effects of the AGL (described above in points 32-36). It is therefore clear that the AGL has appreciable positive environmental effects in the majority of the territory of the UK in line with the requirement of point 51(2)(a) of the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines. What is more, the environmental agreements concluded with aggregates companies in Northern Ireland benefiting from 80 % AGL relief clearly have positive environmental effects and do not in any way undermine the objectives pursued by the AGL. On the contrary, they aim to encourage those companies to pay at least a part of the tax and contribute to improving environmental performance, rather than becoming a part of the illegal aggregates market.

| 64. | The Commission also notes that the fundamental decision to relieve certain firms in Northern Ireland from the AGL was already taken when the tax was introduced on 1 April 2002 (point 51(2)(b), first sentence). |
| --- | --- |

64.

The Commission also notes that the fundamental decision to relieve certain firms in Northern Ireland from the AGL was already taken when the tax was introduced on 1 April 2002 (point 51(2)(b), first sentence).

| 65. | In the light of the above, the Commission considers that the conditions of point 51(2) of the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines have been fulfilled. |
| --- | --- |

65.

In the light of the above, the Commission considers that the conditions of point 51(2) of the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines have been fulfilled.

| 66. | In relation to point 51(1), tax exemption decisions covering a 10-year period with no degressivity may be justified in two cases. The UK authorities submitted that both grounds for justification were fulfilled. That said, despite the introduction of compulsory environmental agreements in 2004 (point 51(1)(a)), the arguments of the UK authorities submit focus on the other scenario: the reduction concerns a domestic tax imposed in the absence of a Community tax and the firms eligible for the reduction nevertheless pay a significant proportion of the national tax (point 51(1)(b), second indent). |
| --- | --- |

66.

In relation to point 51(1), tax exemption decisions covering a 10-year period with no degressivity may be justified in two cases. The UK authorities submitted that both grounds for justification were fulfilled. That said, despite the introduction of compulsory environmental agreements in 2004 (point 51(1)(a)), the arguments of the UK authorities submit focus on the other scenario: the reduction concerns a domestic tax imposed in the absence of a Community tax and the firms eligible for the reduction nevertheless pay a significant proportion of the national tax (point 51(1)(b), second indent).

| 67. | In the present case, the relief does indeed concern a domestic tax imposed in the absence of a Community tax. The UK authorities proposed to maintain the tax at the level of 20 % of the full rate, which the Commission considers significant (25). |
| --- | --- |

67.

In the present case, the relief does indeed concern a domestic tax imposed in the absence of a Community tax. The UK authorities proposed to maintain the tax at the level of 20 % of the full rate, which the Commission considers significant (25).

| 68. | For these reasons, the compatibility conditions laid down in the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines may be considered as being fulfilled. However, it is recalled that in view of the doubts expressed in point 54 in relation to Article 110 of the TFEU, the Commission is precluded from finding the measure compatible with the internal market on the basis of the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines at this stage. |
| --- | --- |

68.

For these reasons, the compatibility conditions laid down in the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines may be considered as being fulfilled. However, it is recalled that in view of the doubts expressed in point 54 in relation to Article 110 of the TFEU, the Commission is precluded from finding the measure compatible with the internal market on the basis of the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines at this stage.

Ad (b) Compatibility of the measure under the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines

| 69. | Considering the form of the aid (tax rate reduction) granted under the measure at hand, the compatibility assessment basis of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines is Chapter 4 regarding “Aid in the form of reductions or of exemptions from environmental taxes” (points 151-159). |
| --- | --- |

69.

Considering the form of the aid (tax rate reduction) granted under the measure at hand, the compatibility assessment basis of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines is Chapter 4 regarding “Aid in the form of reductions or of exemptions from environmental taxes” (points 151-159).

| 70. | As there is no EU harmonisation for taxes such as the AGL, the measure at hand has been assessed pursuant to the rules for non-harmonised environmental taxes. |
| --- | --- |

70.

As there is no EU harmonisation for taxes such as the AGL, the measure at hand has been assessed pursuant to the rules for non-harmonised environmental taxes.

Environmental benefit

| 71. | Pursuant to point 151 of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines, aid in the form of reductions of or exemptions from environmental taxes will be considered compatible with the common market provided that it contributes at least indirectly to an improvement in the level of environmental protection and that the tax reductions and exemptions do not undermine the general objective pursued. |
| --- | --- |

71.

Pursuant to point 151 of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines, aid in the form of reductions of or exemptions from environmental taxes will be considered compatible with the common market provided that it contributes at least indirectly to an improvement in the level of environmental protection and that the tax reductions and exemptions do not undermine the general objective pursued.

| 72. | As regards the direct effect of the AGL, the Commission notes, as in the case of the assessment under the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines, that the tax is levied on activities for reasons of environmental protection. Its aim is to protect the environment by contributing to reducing the extraction of virgin aggregates and encouraging the use of alternative materials. |
| --- | --- |

72.

As regards the direct effect of the AGL, the Commission notes, as in the case of the assessment under the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines, that the tax is levied on activities for reasons of environmental protection. Its aim is to protect the environment by contributing to reducing the extraction of virgin aggregates and encouraging the use of alternative materials.

| 73. | Furthermore, with respect to the presence of at least an indirect contribution of the AGL relief to an improvement in the level of environmental protection, the Commission notes that the UK authorities decided to grant the 80 % AGL relief to companies from the aggregates industry in Northern Ireland as due to several factors described above the AGL failed to deliver the planned environmental benefits in Northern Ireland. The UK authorities therefore opted for an alternative approach for Northern Ireland in the form of the conclusion of environmental agreements with the beneficiaries while the AGL continued to be fully applicable in Great Britain. It can be therefore concluded that the AGL relief in Northern Ireland contributes at least indirectly to an improvement in environmental protection and that it does not undermine the general objective pursued by the AGL. |
| --- | --- |

73.

Furthermore, with respect to the presence of at least an indirect contribution of the AGL relief to an improvement in the level of environmental protection, the Commission notes that the UK authorities decided to grant the 80 % AGL relief to companies from the aggregates industry in Northern Ireland as due to several factors described above the AGL failed to deliver the planned environmental benefits in Northern Ireland. The UK authorities therefore opted for an alternative approach for Northern Ireland in the form of the conclusion of environmental agreements with the beneficiaries while the AGL continued to be fully applicable in Great Britain. It can be therefore concluded that the AGL relief in Northern Ireland contributes at least indirectly to an improvement in environmental protection and that it does not undermine the general objective pursued by the AGL.

Necessity of the aid

| 74. | According to point 158 of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines, the three following cumulative criteria should be fulfilled to ensure that the aid is necessary. |
| --- | --- |

74.

According to point 158 of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines, the three following cumulative criteria should be fulfilled to ensure that the aid is necessary.

(1)   Objective and transparent criteria

| 75. | Firstly, the choice of beneficiaries must be based on objective and transparent criteria and aid should be granted in the same way for all competitors in the same sector if they are in a similar factual situation, in line with point 158(a) of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines. |
| --- | --- |

75.

Firstly, the choice of beneficiaries must be based on objective and transparent criteria and aid should be granted in the same way for all competitors in the same sector if they are in a similar factual situation, in line with point 158(a) of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines.

| 76. | The eligibility for relief is based on certain types of activity (extraction of aggregates and production of processed products from aggregates) and is pre-defined by legislation. The Commission finds that the beneficiaries of the relief are defined using criteria that are objective and transparent. |
| --- | --- |

76.

The eligibility for relief is based on certain types of activity (extraction of aggregates and production of processed products from aggregates) and is pre-defined by legislation. The Commission finds that the beneficiaries of the relief are defined using criteria that are objective and transparent.

(2)   Substantial increase in production costs

| 77. | Secondly, the tax without reduction must lead to a substantial increase in production costs, in line with point 158(b) of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines. |
| --- | --- |

77.

Secondly, the tax without reduction must lead to a substantial increase in production costs, in line with point 158(b) of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines.

| 78. | The UK authorities did not provide information on the production costs, but rather on the levels of the ex-quarry selling price for different types of aggregates. Considering that the levels of profit margin was provided, the Commission is able to make an approximate calculation and conclude that the lowest possible share of the full AGL in relation to the production costs is almost 30 % (26). |
| --- | --- |

78.

The UK authorities did not provide information on the production costs, but rather on the levels of the ex-quarry selling price for different types of aggregates. Considering that the levels of profit margin was provided, the Commission is able to make an approximate calculation and conclude that the lowest possible share of the full AGL in relation to the production costs is almost 30 % (26).

| 79. | Even these approximate calculations allow the Commission to conclude that the tax without reduction leads to the substantial increase in production costs required by point 158(b) of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines. |
| --- | --- |

79.

Even these approximate calculations allow the Commission to conclude that the tax without reduction leads to the substantial increase in production costs required by point 158(b) of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines.

(3)   Impossibility to pass on the substantial increase in production costs

| 80. | Thirdly, according to point 158(c) of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines, compliance with the necessity criteria requires that the abovementioned substantial increase in production costs cannot be passed on to customers without leading to important sales reductions. In this respect, the Member State may provide estimations of inter alia the product price elasticity of the sector concerned in the relevant geographic market, as well as estimates of lost sales and/or reduced profits for the companies in the sector or category concerned. |
| --- | --- |

80.

Thirdly, according to point 158(c) of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines, compliance with the necessity criteria requires that the abovementioned substantial increase in production costs cannot be passed on to customers without leading to important sales reductions. In this respect, the Member State may provide estimations of inter alia the product price elasticity of the sector concerned in the relevant geographic market, as well as estimates of lost sales and/or reduced profits for the companies in the sector or category concerned.

| 81. | The Commission notes in this context that the arguments of the UK authorities that the increase in production costs cannot be passed on without leading to important sales reductions are based on a comparison between the increase in price due to the introduction of the AGL (about 25 to 30 pence/tonne in 2002 compared with 2001 in Northern Ireland, whereas in Great Britain the price had risen by GBP 1-1,40/tonne). As regards the reduction in (legitimate) sales in Northern Ireland, the Commission notes that they varied in total for all types of aggregates between – 17,6 % (2001-2003) and – 22,8 % (2002-2003) and are proportionally much larger that those recorded in Great Britain. The Commission considers that these arguments can be considered as an indication of the difficulties encountered in passing on the increased production costs in Northern Ireland. |
| --- | --- |

81.

The Commission notes in this context that the arguments of the UK authorities that the increase in production costs cannot be passed on without leading to important sales reductions are based on a comparison between the increase in price due to the introduction of the AGL (about 25 to 30 pence/tonne in 2002 compared with 2001 in Northern Ireland, whereas in Great Britain the price had risen by GBP 1-1,40/tonne). As regards the reduction in (legitimate) sales in Northern Ireland, the Commission notes that they varied in total for all types of aggregates between – 17,6 % (2001-2003) and – 22,8 % (2002-2003) and are proportionally much larger that those recorded in Great Britain. The Commission considers that these arguments can be considered as an indication of the difficulties encountered in passing on the increased production costs in Northern Ireland.

| 82. | The Commission nevertheless points out in this context that the UK authorities did not provide sufficiently detailed data demonstrating/quantifying the impact on these arguments of the fact that the manufacturers of processed products from aggregates had never paid the full AGL as its introduction in the Northern Ireland was phased. |
| --- | --- |

82.

The Commission nevertheless points out in this context that the UK authorities did not provide sufficiently detailed data demonstrating/quantifying the impact on these arguments of the fact that the manufacturers of processed products from aggregates had never paid the full AGL as its introduction in the Northern Ireland was phased.

| 83. | Furthermore, with respect to the demonstration of sales reductions, the UK authorities did not provide explanations concerning the development of the aggregates markets in Northern Ireland after 2002. Figure 2 of the QPA Northern Ireland Report to the OFT Market Study into the UK aggregates sector as submitted by the UK authorities shows increase in production as from 2004 to 2007. |
| --- | --- |

83.

Furthermore, with respect to the demonstration of sales reductions, the UK authorities did not provide explanations concerning the development of the aggregates markets in Northern Ireland after 2002. Figure 2 of the QPA Northern Ireland Report to the OFT Market Study into the UK aggregates sector as submitted by the UK authorities shows increase in production as from 2004 to 2007.

| 84. | In this context, the UK authorities also stated in their submission that the “costs increase affected operators’ turnover and reduced their profits”. Nevertheless no data supporting that statement were provided. |
| --- | --- |

84.

In this context, the UK authorities also stated in their submission that the “costs increase affected operators’ turnover and reduced their profits”. Nevertheless no data supporting that statement were provided.

| 85. | With respect to the demonstration of compliance with this compatibility condition, the UK authorities submitted only data on the overall industry level, no representative samples of individual beneficiaries based e.g. on their size were provided. |
| --- | --- |

85.

With respect to the demonstration of compliance with this compatibility condition, the UK authorities submitted only data on the overall industry level, no representative samples of individual beneficiaries based e.g. on their size were provided.

| 86. | Finally, the Commission notes that the UK authorities’ observations suggest that for most types of aggregates the price elasticity ranges from close to zero to about 0,52, i.e. seems to be relatively inelastic, what would in principle mean that the increase in production costs can be passed on to final customers. The UK authorities did not provide any further explanations/calculations concerning specifically the impact of the relative inelasticity as concluded on the arguments provided with respect to (the inability to) pass on the production costs increase to final customers. |
| --- | --- |

86.

Finally, the Commission notes that the UK authorities’ observations suggest that for most types of aggregates the price elasticity ranges from close to zero to about 0,52, i.e. seems to be relatively inelastic, what would in principle mean that the increase in production costs can be passed on to final customers. The UK authorities did not provide any further explanations/calculations concerning specifically the impact of the relative inelasticity as concluded on the arguments provided with respect to (the inability to) pass on the production costs increase to final customers.

| 87. | Although the information provided by the UK authorities shows a very significant increase of the production costs due to the AGL, which would normally make it likely that such increase cannot be passed on without important sales reductions, in the light of the above, in particular the insufficiently detailed information, the Commission at this stage cannot conclude that this compatibility condition is met. |
| --- | --- |

87.

Although the information provided by the UK authorities shows a very significant increase of the production costs due to the AGL, which would normally make it likely that such increase cannot be passed on without important sales reductions, in the light of the above, in particular the insufficiently detailed information, the Commission at this stage cannot conclude that this compatibility condition is met.

Proportionality of the aid

| 88. | With respect to the proportionality of the aid, each beneficiary must according to point 159 of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines fulfil one of the following criteria:






  (a) | it must pay a proportion of the national tax which is broadly equivalent to the environmental performance of each individual beneficiary compared to the performance related to the best performing technique within the EEA. The beneficiaries can benefit at most from a reduction corresponding to the increase in production costs from the tax, using the best performing technique and which cannot be passed on to customers; |
| --- | --- | --- |

88.

With respect to the proportionality of the aid, each beneficiary must according to point 159 of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines fulfil one of the following criteria:

(a)

it must pay a proportion of the national tax which is broadly equivalent to the environmental performance of each individual beneficiary compared to the performance related to the best performing technique within the EEA. The beneficiaries can benefit at most from a reduction corresponding to the increase in production costs from the tax, using the best performing technique and which cannot be passed on to customers;

| (b) | it must pay at least 20 % of the national tax unless a lower rate can be justified; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

it must pay at least 20 % of the national tax unless a lower rate can be justified;

| (c) | it can enter into agreements with the Member State whereby they commit themselves to achieve environmental objectives with the same effect as what would be achieved under points 1 or 2 or if the Community minima were applied. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

it can enter into agreements with the Member State whereby they commit themselves to achieve environmental objectives with the same effect as what would be achieved under points 1 or 2 or if the Community minima were applied.

| 89. | The condition of proportionality of the aid is complied with as the beneficiaries of the AGL relief in Northern Ireland still pay 20 % of the tax. |
| --- | --- |

89.

The condition of proportionality of the aid is complied with as the beneficiaries of the AGL relief in Northern Ireland still pay 20 % of the tax.

3.4.   Conclusions

| 90. | On the basis of this preliminary analysis, the Commission has doubts as to whether the measure “Relief from aggregates levy in Northern Ireland (ex N 2/04)” complies with the Treaty, in particular Article 110 thereof. These doubts preclude the Commission from finding the measure compatible with the internal market. |
| --- | --- |

90.

On the basis of this preliminary analysis, the Commission has doubts as to whether the measure “Relief from aggregates levy in Northern Ireland (ex N 2/04)” complies with the Treaty, in particular Article 110 thereof. These doubts preclude the Commission from finding the measure compatible with the internal market.

| 91. | The Commission also has doubts as to whether the measure complies with the necessity condition of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines, in particular that the substantial increase in production costs cannot be passed on to customers without leading to important sales reductions, as required by point 158. |
| --- | --- |

91.

The Commission also has doubts as to whether the measure complies with the necessity condition of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines, in particular that the substantial increase in production costs cannot be passed on to customers without leading to important sales reductions, as required by point 158.

| 92. | Consequently, in accordance with Article 4(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 (27) the Commission has decided to open the formal investigation procedure and invites the United Kingdom to submit its comments on that decision. |
| --- | --- |

92.

Consequently, in accordance with Article 4(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 (27) the Commission has decided to open the formal investigation procedure and invites the United Kingdom to submit its comments on that decision.

4.   DECISION

| 93. | In the light of the foregoing considerations, the Commission, acting under the procedure laid down in Article 108(2) of the TFEU, requests the United Kingdom to submit their comments and to provide all such information which may help to assess the measure, within one month of the date of receipt of this letter. It requests that your authorities forward a copy of this letter to the potential recipients of the aid immediately. |
| --- | --- |

93.

In the light of the foregoing considerations, the Commission, acting under the procedure laid down in Article 108(2) of the TFEU, requests the United Kingdom to submit their comments and to provide all such information which may help to assess the measure, within one month of the date of receipt of this letter. It requests that your authorities forward a copy of this letter to the potential recipients of the aid immediately.

| 94. | The Commission notes that the United Kingdom has already suspended the implementation of the measure by revoking the Aggregates Levy (Northern Ireland Tax Credit) Regulations 2004. The Commission would draw your attention to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, which provides that all unlawful aid may be recovered from the recipient. |
| --- | --- |

94.

The Commission notes that the United Kingdom has already suspended the implementation of the measure by revoking the Aggregates Levy (Northern Ireland Tax Credit) Regulations 2004. The Commission would draw your attention to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, which provides that all unlawful aid may be recovered from the recipient.

| 95. | The Commission warns the United Kingdom that it will inform interested parties by publishing this letter and a meaningful summary of it in the Official Journal of the European Union. It will also inform interested parties in the EFTA countries which are signatories to the EEA Agreement, by publication of a notice in the EEA Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union and will inform the EFTA Surveillance Authority by sending a copy of this letter. All such interested parties will be invited to submit their comments within one month from the date of such publication.» |
| --- | --- |

95.

The Commission warns the United Kingdom that it will inform interested parties by publishing this letter and a meaningful summary of it in the Official Journal of the European Union. It will also inform interested parties in the EFTA countries which are signatories to the EEA Agreement, by publication of a notice in the EEA Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union and will inform the EFTA Surveillance Authority by sending a copy of this letter. All such interested parties will be invited to submit their comments within one month from the date of such publication.»

---

(1)  The phased introduction of the AGL.

1

(2)  OJ C 133, 5.6.2002, p.11.

2

(3)  OJ C 81, 2.4.2005, p. 4.

3

(4)  Case T-359/04 British Aggregates a. o. v Commission, judgment of 9 September 2010, not yet reported.

4

British Aggregates a. o.

Commission

(5)  The AGL is applied to imported raw aggregate, but not to aggregate contained in imported processed products.

5

(6)  On 2 April 2008, i.e. the day from which the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines were applicable, the level of AGL was GBP 1,95/tonne.

6

(7)  OJ C 37, 3.2.2001, p. 3.

7

(8)  The aggregates extracted in Northern Ireland and shipped to any destination in Great Britain were liable to the AGL at the full rate. This was also the case for aggregate extracted in Northern Ireland that was used in the manufacturing of processed products shipped to Great Britain. This ensured that aggregates and processed products from Northern Ireland did not enjoy a competitive advantage in the market of Great Britain.

8

(9)  As referred to above, the implementation of the AGL relief in Northern Ireland was suspended as from 1 December 2010.

9

(10)  The information was submitted by the UK authorities for the purposes of an assessment of the measure on the basis of the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines. DETI Minerals Statement 2009.

10

(11)  Distribution costs depend on haulage distances, with haulage costs in the range of 15 to 20 pence per tonne per mile, with aggregate being delivered within 10 to 15 miles, depending on local circumstances.

11

(12)  Ecotec (1998) Report; EEA Report (No 2/2008) effectiveness of environmental taxes and charges for managing sand, gravel and rock extraction in selected EU countries; British Geological Survey (2008): The need for indigenous aggregates production in England.

12

(13)  The definition of State aid laid down in Article 107(1) of the TFEU did not change from the one contained in Article 87(1) EC which was in force when the original notification was submitted in 2004.

13

(14)  See Case C-199/06 CELF [2008] ECR I-469, paragraphs 63 and 66 to 68.

14

CELF

(15)  See Case C-199/06 CELF, cited above, paragraphs 61 and 64.

15

CELF

(16)  Case T-359/04 British Aggregates a. o. v Commission, cited above, paragraph 91.

16

British Aggregates a. o.

Commission

(17)  Case T-359/04 British Aggregates a. o. v Commission, cited above, paragraph 93.

17

British Aggregates a. o.

Commission

(18)  “No Member State shall impose, directly or indirectly, on the products of other Member States any internal taxation of any kind in excess of that imposed directly or indirectly on similar domestic products.

18

Furthermore, no Member State shall impose on the products of other Member States any internal taxation of such a nature as to afford indirect protection to other products.”

(19)  The rules for national internal taxation as laid down in Article 110 of the TFEU did not change from those contained in Article 90 EC which was in force when the original notification was submitted in 2004.

19

(20)  Case T-359/04 British Aggregates a. o. v Commission, cited above, paragraph 92.

20

British Aggregates a. o.

Commission

(21)  Case 21/79 Commission v Italy [1980] ECR p. 1, paragraphs 23 to 26; and in particular Case C-213/96 Outukumpu [1998] ECR I-1777, paragraphs 30 et seq.

21

Commission

Italy

Outukumpu

(22)  The identity of the taxpayer as such is therefore of limited importance.

22

(23)  “Thus [Article 110] must guarantee the complete neutrality of internal taxation as regards competition between domestic products and imported products.” (Case 252/86 Bergandi [1988] ECR p. 1343, paragraph 24).

23

[Article 110]

Bergandi

(24)  Commission Notice on the determination of the applicable rules for the assessment of unlawful State aid, OJ C 119, 22.5.2002, p. 22.

24

(25)  See for instance Commission Decision on case N 449/01 (Germany) — Continuation of the ecological tax reform (OJ C 137, 8.6.2002, p. 34). Furthermore, this position was confirmed in the 2008 Environmental Aid Guidelines where the payment of 20 % of the tax was explicitly “codified” as a proportionality condition of the aid granted in the form of exemption or reduction from environmental taxes (point 159(b)).

25

(26)  The highest selling price (GBP 5,57/tonne), the lowest profit margin (2 %) and the level of the AGL as originally notified in 2004 (GBP 1,6/tonne) are assumed. If the AGL level on 1 April 2008 (GBP 1,95/tonne) is applied, the share increases to approximately 36 %. Any other combination of price and profit margin necessarily results in the AGL presenting more then 30 % of the production costs.

26

(27)  OJ L 83, 27.3.1999, p. 1.

27

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| 24.8.2011 | IT | Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea | C 245/21 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

24.8.2011

IT

Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea

C 245/21

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AIUTI DI STATO — GERMANIA

(Articoli da 107 a 109 del trattato sul funzionamento dell’Unione europea)

Aiuto di Stato MC 15/09 — Cessione delle attività di Deka da parte di LBBW

(Testo rilevante ai fini del SEE)

2011/C 245/10

Con lettera del 14 gennaio 2011 la Commissione europea ha notificato alla Germania la propria decisione sui generis in merito all'aiuto MC 15/09.

TESTO DELLA LETTERA

«I.   PROCEDIMENTO

| (1) | Con decisione del 15 dicembre 2009 la Commissione ha approvato un apporto di capitale di 5 miliardi di EUR e un aiuto a fronte di attivi deteriorati pari a 12,7 miliardi di EUR sotto forma di un portafoglio strutturato che copre 35 miliardi di attivi a favore di Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (in appresso: “LBBW”) nel caso C 17/09 (in appresso “decisione LBBW”) (1). L'approvazione era subordinata ad una serie di impegni assunti dalla Germania. Uno degli impegni assunti consisteva nella vendita, da parte di LBBW, della sua partecipazione nel capitale di Deka Bank Deutsche Girozentrale (in appresso: “Deka”) entro il (2) [...]. |
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(1)

Con decisione del 15 dicembre 2009 la Commissione ha approvato un apporto di capitale di 5 miliardi di EUR e un aiuto a fronte di attivi deteriorati pari a 12,7 miliardi di EUR sotto forma di un portafoglio strutturato che copre 35 miliardi di attivi a favore di Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (in appresso: “LBBW”) nel caso C 17/09 (in appresso “decisione LBBW”) (1). L'approvazione era subordinata ad una serie di impegni assunti dalla Germania. Uno degli impegni assunti consisteva nella vendita, da parte di LBBW, della sua partecipazione nel capitale di Deka Bank Deutsche Girozentrale (in appresso: “Deka”) entro il (2) [...].

| (2) | Il 13 dicembre 2010 la Germania ha presentato una lettera di LBBW che faceva presente che Deka non poteva essere dismessa prima del [...]. Il 21 dicembre 2010 la Germania ha reso noto che l'esperto (3) e il ministro delle Finanze del Baden-Württemberg hanno confermato che LBBW aveva fatto tutto il possibile per concludere il processo di vendita entro tale termine. Il 22 dicembre 2010 la Germania ha notificato una domanda di proroga dei termini stabiliti per la dismissione fino al [...]. Il 5 gennaio 2011 la Germania ha fornito ulteriori informazioni. |
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(2)

Il 13 dicembre 2010 la Germania ha presentato una lettera di LBBW che faceva presente che Deka non poteva essere dismessa prima del [...]. Il 21 dicembre 2010 la Germania ha reso noto che l'esperto (3) e il ministro delle Finanze del Baden-Württemberg hanno confermato che LBBW aveva fatto tutto il possibile per concludere il processo di vendita entro tale termine. Il 22 dicembre 2010 la Germania ha notificato una domanda di proroga dei termini stabiliti per la dismissione fino al [...]. Il 5 gennaio 2011 la Germania ha fornito ulteriori informazioni.

| (3) | Il 22 dicembre 2010 le autorità tedesche hanno comunicato alla Commissione che, in considerazione dell’urgenza, accettavano a titolo eccezionale che la presente decisione fosse adottata in lingua inglese. |
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(3)

Il 22 dicembre 2010 le autorità tedesche hanno comunicato alla Commissione che, in considerazione dell’urgenza, accettavano a titolo eccezionale che la presente decisione fosse adottata in lingua inglese.

II.   I FATTI

| (4) | La decisione LBBW è basata su alcuni impegni. Al trattino c) del punto 5 del considerando 38 la Germania si è impegnata a fare in modo che LBBW venda la propria partecipazione in Deka entro il [...]. La decisione non prevede esplicitamente una proroga di tale termine. |
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(4)

La decisione LBBW è basata su alcuni impegni. Al trattino c) del punto 5 del considerando 38 la Germania si è impegnata a fare in modo che LBBW venda la propria partecipazione in Deka entro il [...]. La decisione non prevede esplicitamente una proroga di tale termine.

| (5) | Deka è un istituto di diritto pubblico (Rechtsfähige Anstalt des öffentlichen Rechts) che, mediante le sue controllate, esercita un'attività di gestione dei fondi d'investimento privati delle Casse di risparmio tedesche. Ne sono proprietarie, per una metà, l'Associazione delle Casse di risparmio tedesche (DSGV) e, per la rimanente metà, le Landesbanken mediante una società madre. La partecipazione indiretta di LBBW in Deka è pari al 14,8 %. Le rispettive proprietarie hanno un diritto di prelazione nel caso in cui una delle parti voglia vendere la propria partecipazione. |
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(5)

Deka è un istituto di diritto pubblico (Rechtsfähige Anstalt des öffentlichen Rechts) che, mediante le sue controllate, esercita un'attività di gestione dei fondi d'investimento privati delle Casse di risparmio tedesche. Ne sono proprietarie, per una metà, l'Associazione delle Casse di risparmio tedesche (DSGV) e, per la rimanente metà, le Landesbanken mediante una società madre. La partecipazione indiretta di LBBW in Deka è pari al 14,8 %. Le rispettive proprietarie hanno un diritto di prelazione nel caso in cui una delle parti voglia vendere la propria partecipazione.

| (6) | Inizialmente, DSGV ha fatto un'offerta per la partecipazione di LBBW in Deka valida fino al [...]. Perché la vendita fosse valida, occorreva che essa fosse accettata da tutte le altre Landesbanken che possedevano una partecipazione di Deka nonché dalla stessa Deka e dalla sua assemblea generale. |
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(6)

Inizialmente, DSGV ha fatto un'offerta per la partecipazione di LBBW in Deka valida fino al [...]. Perché la vendita fosse valida, occorreva che essa fosse accettata da tutte le altre Landesbanken che possedevano una partecipazione di Deka nonché dalla stessa Deka e dalla sua assemblea generale.

| (7) | Le autorità tedesche hanno comunicato alla Commissione che tutte le Landesbanken proprietarie della società madre intendono vendere la loro partecipazione a DSGV, circostanza che renderebbe quest'ultima l'unica proprietaria di Deka. E' attesa, entro il [...] una decisione vincolante in merito a tali vendite anche se non può essere esclusa, considerata la complessità del processo decisionale richiesto, una proroga aggiuntiva dei termine fino al [...]. Secondo le autorità tedesche, se le Landesbanken vendessero le loro partecipazioni nella società madre, sarebbe più facile pervenire agli accordi necessari per vendere la partecipazione di LBBW in Deka e ciò agevolerebbe la procedura di vendita. |
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(7)

Le autorità tedesche hanno comunicato alla Commissione che tutte le Landesbanken proprietarie della società madre intendono vendere la loro partecipazione a DSGV, circostanza che renderebbe quest'ultima l'unica proprietaria di Deka. E' attesa, entro il [...] una decisione vincolante in merito a tali vendite anche se non può essere esclusa, considerata la complessità del processo decisionale richiesto, una proroga aggiuntiva dei termine fino al [...]. Secondo le autorità tedesche, se le Landesbanken vendessero le loro partecipazioni nella società madre, sarebbe più facile pervenire agli accordi necessari per vendere la partecipazione di LBBW in Deka e ciò agevolerebbe la procedura di vendita.

| (8) | La Germania ha poi comunicato alla Commissione che DSGV ha prorogato la sua offerta per l'acquisto della partecipazione di LBBW in Deka fino al [...]. |
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(8)

La Germania ha poi comunicato alla Commissione che DSGV ha prorogato la sua offerta per l'acquisto della partecipazione di LBBW in Deka fino al [...].

| (9) | Nonostante la richiesta di una proroga dei termini per la dismissione di Deka, le autorità tedesche sostengono che LBBW ha fatto tutto il possibile per garantire che avvenisse la vendita. L'esperto responsabile del controllo sulle dismissioni di LBBW su cui si è impegnata la Germania ha confermato tale valutazione. |
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(9)

Nonostante la richiesta di una proroga dei termini per la dismissione di Deka, le autorità tedesche sostengono che LBBW ha fatto tutto il possibile per garantire che avvenisse la vendita. L'esperto responsabile del controllo sulle dismissioni di LBBW su cui si è impegnata la Germania ha confermato tale valutazione.

III.   VALUTAZIONE

| (10) | La presente decisione riguarda l'attuazione del piano di ristrutturazione approvato nella decisione LBBW. La Germania ha chiesto, per la cessione di Deka, una proroga di tre mesi [...]. |
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(10)

La presente decisione riguarda l'attuazione del piano di ristrutturazione approvato nella decisione LBBW. La Germania ha chiesto, per la cessione di Deka, una proroga di tre mesi [...].

| (11) | La Commissione può prorogare i termini per le dismissioni. Benché il regolamento (CE) n. 659/1999 non lo preveda esplicitamente, la Commissione ha il potere discrezionale di autorizzare una proroga a condizione che ciò non ostacoli l'attuazione della decisione LBBW (4). |
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(11)

La Commissione può prorogare i termini per le dismissioni. Benché il regolamento (CE) n. 659/1999 non lo preveda esplicitamente, la Commissione ha il potere discrezionale di autorizzare una proroga a condizione che ciò non ostacoli l'attuazione della decisione LBBW (4).

| (12) | La Commissione rileva che LBBW ha già attivato la procedura di cessione di Deka ottenendo un'offerta da DGSW. La Commissione prende nota, a questo proposito, dell'opinione, condivisa dalla Germania e dall'esperto, secondo cui LBBW ha fatto tutto il possibile per far avanzare la procedura di vendita. |
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(12)

La Commissione rileva che LBBW ha già attivato la procedura di cessione di Deka ottenendo un'offerta da DGSW. La Commissione prende nota, a questo proposito, dell'opinione, condivisa dalla Germania e dall'esperto, secondo cui LBBW ha fatto tutto il possibile per far avanzare la procedura di vendita.

| (13) | Inoltre, secondo quando affermano le autorità tedesche, sembrerebbe altamente probabile che le Landesbanken, che hanno una partecipazione nella società madre, possano anche venderla, cosa che agevolerebbe il processo di vendita globale della partecipazione di LBBW in Deka. |
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(13)

Inoltre, secondo quando affermano le autorità tedesche, sembrerebbe altamente probabile che le Landesbanken, che hanno una partecipazione nella società madre, possano anche venderla, cosa che agevolerebbe il processo di vendita globale della partecipazione di LBBW in Deka.

| (14) | Infine, vi sono argomenti convincenti che fanno pensare che il processo di vendita riesca ad essere portato a termine entro i termini previsti, ovverossia entro e non oltre il [...]. In particolare sembra che [...]. La presente decisione consente a LBBW di vendere la sua partecipazione in Deka anche se i processi decisionali delle Landesbanken per quanto riguarda la vendita delle loro partecipazioni in Deka dovessero prendere più tempo del previsto. |
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(14)

Infine, vi sono argomenti convincenti che fanno pensare che il processo di vendita riesca ad essere portato a termine entro i termini previsti, ovverossia entro e non oltre il [...]. In particolare sembra che [...]. La presente decisione consente a LBBW di vendere la sua partecipazione in Deka anche se i processi decisionali delle Landesbanken per quanto riguarda la vendita delle loro partecipazioni in Deka dovessero prendere più tempo del previsto.

| (15) | Una proroga del termine per la vendita di tre mesi non mette in discussione l'attuazione globale del piano di ristrutturazione approvato nella decisione LBBW, che durerà fino al 2014. Essa contribuirà, tra l'altro, a far sì che LBBW ottenga dalle altre Landesbanken l'accordo necessario per agevolare una vendita, congiunta o individuale. Pertanto, la proroga, che è limitata nel tempo, dovrebbe consentire a LBBW di vendere la sua partecipazione in Deka prima del [...]. Pertanto, essa permette a LBBW di superare le difficoltà principalmente di natura esogena di cui sopra e di completare la dismissione di Deka come previsto nella decisione LBBW. La Commissione ritiene quindi che la proroga relativamente breve fino al [...] sia giustificata, soprattutto in considerazione delle peculiarità della struttura giuridica di Deka. Considerate le circostanze specifiche, tale proroga non si configura come un ritardo del calendario inizialmente adottato e non richiede quindi che l'importo dell'aiuto sia ridotto in misura corrispondente (5). |
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(15)

Una proroga del termine per la vendita di tre mesi non mette in discussione l'attuazione globale del piano di ristrutturazione approvato nella decisione LBBW, che durerà fino al 2014. Essa contribuirà, tra l'altro, a far sì che LBBW ottenga dalle altre Landesbanken l'accordo necessario per agevolare una vendita, congiunta o individuale. Pertanto, la proroga, che è limitata nel tempo, dovrebbe consentire a LBBW di vendere la sua partecipazione in Deka prima del [...]. Pertanto, essa permette a LBBW di superare le difficoltà principalmente di natura esogena di cui sopra e di completare la dismissione di Deka come previsto nella decisione LBBW. La Commissione ritiene quindi che la proroga relativamente breve fino al [...] sia giustificata, soprattutto in considerazione delle peculiarità della struttura giuridica di Deka. Considerate le circostanze specifiche, tale proroga non si configura come un ritardo del calendario inizialmente adottato e non richiede quindi che l'importo dell'aiuto sia ridotto in misura corrispondente (5).

IV.   CONCLUSIONE

| (16) | Per i motivi di cui sopra, la Commissione ritiene che, nel caso di Deka, una proroga di tre mesi non comprometta, ma anzi sia necessaria per permettere una corretta attuazione del piano di ristrutturazione di LBBW. |
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(16)

Per i motivi di cui sopra, la Commissione ritiene che, nel caso di Deka, una proroga di tre mesi non comprometta, ma anzi sia necessaria per permettere una corretta attuazione del piano di ristrutturazione di LBBW.

V.   DECISIONE

La Commissione proroga il termine per la vendita di Deka fino al 31 marzo 2011.»

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(1)  GU L 188 del 21.7.2010, pag. 1.

1

(2)  Alcune parti del testo sono state omesse per evitare la divulgazione di informazioni riservate. Le parti omesse sono segnalate da tre puntini tra parentesi quadre e contrassegnate da un asterisco.

2

(3)  Nominato conformemente alla decisione LBBW ai fini del controllo dell'applicazione integrale e corretta degli impegni per quanto riguarda la dismissione.

3

(4)  Si veda la decisione del 21 dicembre 2010 nel caso MC 8/09 WestImmo.

4

WestImmo

(5)  Si vedano gli Orientamenti comunitari sugli aiuti di Stato per il salvataggio e la ristrutturazione di imprese in difficoltà, GU C 244 dell'1.10.2004, pag. 2, punto 52, lettera d).

5

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