# Official Journal C 310/8 De

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 310 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 488 December 2005 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 310

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 488 December 2005

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Information |
| | Council |
| 2005/C 310/1 | Notification by Iceland concerning visa reciprocity | 1 |
| 2005/C 310/2 | Notification by the Kingdom of Norway concerning visa reciprocity | 2 |
| | Commission |
| 2005/C 310/3 | Euro exchange rates | 3 |
| 2005/C 310/4 | Values of thresholds under the directives on public procurement applicable from 1 January 2006 | 4 |
| 2005/C 310/5 | Publication of decisions by Member States to grant or revoke operating licenses pursuant to Article 13(4) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92 on licensing of air carriers (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2005/C 310/6 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4036 — TPG IV/Apax/Q-Telecommunications) (
  1
  ) | 8 |
| 2005/C 310/7 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4060 — Endesa Europa/Zedo) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| 2005/C 310/8 | Commission communication concerning the prolongation of the Community Framework for State Aid for Research and Development (
  1
  ) | 10 |
| 2005/C 310/9 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections | 11 |
| 2005/C 310/0 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3983 — Polestar/Prisa/Ibersuizas/Iberian Capital/Dedalo) (
  1
  ) | 16 |
| | EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA |
| | EFTA Surveillance Authority |
| 2005/C 310/1 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Article 61 of the EEA Agreement and Article 1(3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement — EFTA Surveillance Authority decision to propose appropriate measures in relation to State Guarantee in favour of Liechtensteinische Landesbank. The proposal has been accepted by the Principality of Liechtenstein | 17 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Information

Council

2005/C 310/1

Notification by Iceland concerning visa reciprocity

1

2005/C 310/2

Notification by the Kingdom of Norway concerning visa reciprocity

2

Commission

2005/C 310/3

Euro exchange rates

3

2005/C 310/4

Values of thresholds under the directives on public procurement applicable from 1 January 2006

4

2005/C 310/5

Publication of decisions by Member States to grant or revoke operating licenses pursuant to Article 13(4) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92 on licensing of air carriers (
  1
  )

1

7

2005/C 310/6

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4036 — TPG IV/Apax/Q-Telecommunications) (
  1
  )

1

8

2005/C 310/7

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4060 — Endesa Europa/Zedo) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

9

2005/C 310/8

Commission communication concerning the prolongation of the Community Framework for State Aid for Research and Development (
  1
  )

1

10

2005/C 310/9

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

11

2005/C 310/0

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3983 — Polestar/Prisa/Ibersuizas/Iberian Capital/Dedalo) (
  1
  )

1

16

EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA

EFTA Surveillance Authority

2005/C 310/1

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Article 61 of the EEA Agreement and Article 1(3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement — EFTA Surveillance Authority decision to propose appropriate measures in relation to State Guarantee in favour of Liechtensteinische Landesbank. The proposal has been accepted by the Principality of Liechtenstein

17

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

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I Information

Council

| 8.12.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.12.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/1

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Notification by Iceland concerning visa reciprocity (1)

(2005/C 310/01)

I refer to my letter to you today, where I informed you that Iceland accepts the content of a Council Regulation (EC) No 851/2005, amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 as regards the reciprocity mechanism, following your notification to Iceland of the adoption by the Council of the referred act, in accordance with Article 8(2a) of the Agreement concluded by the Council of the European Union and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the latter's association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis.

Please accept the following notification from Iceland.

In accordance with Article 2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 851/2005 of 2 June 2005 amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001, I wish to inform you that nationals of the Republic of Iceland are subject to a visa requirement in the following third countries listed in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 539/2001:

| — | Australia |
| --- | --- |

—

Australia

| — | Brunei Darussalam |
| --- | --- |

—

Brunei Darussalam

| — | Nicaragua |
| --- | --- |

—

Nicaragua

| — | Panama |
| --- | --- |

—

Panama

| — | Paraguay. |
| --- | --- |

—

Paraguay.

---

(1)  This notification is published in conformity with Article 2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 851/2005 of 2 June 2005 (OJ L 141, 4.6.2005, p. 3) amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 (OJ L 81, 21.3.2001, p. 1).

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| 8.12.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.12.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/2

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Notification by the Kingdom of Norway concerning visa reciprocity (1)

(2005/C 310/02)

In accordance with Article 2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 851/2005 of 2 June 2005 amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001, I wish to inform you that as of today nationals of the Kingdom of Norway are subject to a visa requirement in the following third countries listed in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 539/2001:

| — | Australia |
| --- | --- |

—

Australia

| — | Brunei (visa required for stays exceeding 14 days) |
| --- | --- |

—

Brunei (visa required for stays exceeding 14 days)

| — | Panama (visa issued free of charge on arrival). |
| --- | --- |

—

Panama (visa issued free of charge on arrival).

---

(1)  This notification is published in conformity with Article 2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 851/2005 of 2 June 2005 (OJ L 141, 4.6.2005, p. 3) amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 (OJ L 81, 21.3.2001, p. 1).

---

Commission

| 8.12.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.12.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/3

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

7 December 2005

(2005/C 310/03)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,1710 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 141,68 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4493 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,67690 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,3949 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,5401 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 76,04 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,9260 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9556 |
| CYP | Cyprus pound | 0,5733 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 28,986 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 253,45 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6971 |
| MTL | Maltese lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,8384 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,6536 |
| SIT | Slovenian tolar | 239,51 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 37,820 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,5898 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5686 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,3626 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,0806 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6585 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,9757 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 211,52 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 7,3918 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 9,4583 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,3750 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 11 516,79 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,426 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 63,222 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 33,9380 |
| THB | Thai baht | 48,384 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1710

JPY

Japanese yen

141,68

DKK

Danish krone

7,4493

GBP

Pound sterling

0,67690

SEK

Swedish krona

9,3949

CHF

Swiss franc

1,5401

ISK

Iceland króna

76,04

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,9260

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9556

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5733

CZK

Czech koruna

28,986

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

253,45

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6971

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4293

PLN

Polish zloty

3,8384

RON

Romanian leu

3,6536

SIT

Slovenian tolar

239,51

SKK

Slovak koruna

37,820

TRY

Turkish lira

1,5898

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5686

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,3626

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,0806

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6585

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,9757

KRW

South Korean won

1 211,52

ZAR

South African rand

7,3918

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

9,4583

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,3750

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

11 516,79

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,426

PHP

Philippine peso

63,222

RUB

Russian rouble

33,9380

THB

Thai baht

48,384

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

| 8.12.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.12.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/4

---

Values of thresholds under the directives on public procurement applicable from 1 January 2006

(2005/C 310/04)

The values of the thresholds applicable as of 1 January 2006 for public supplies contracts pursuant to Council Directive 93/36/EEC (1) and to the Agreement on Government Procurement (hereinafter referred to as the GPA), as concluded by the Council on behalf of the Community (Decision 94/800/EC of 22 December 1994 (2)), are as follows:

| EUR Euro | 200 000 | 750 000 | 137 234 | 211 129 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SDR Special Drawing Right | — | — | 130 000 | 200 000 |
| CYP Cyprus Pound | 116 225 | 435 844 | 79 750 | 122 693 |
| CZK Czech Koruna | 6 263 288 | 23 487 331 | 4 297 677 | 6 611 811 |
| DKK Danish Krone | 1 488 344 | 5 581 290 | 1 021 256 | 1 571 163 |
| EEK Estonian Kroon | 3 129 320 | 11 734 950 | 2 147 244 | 3 303 452 |
| GBP Sterling Pound | 136 844 | 513 166 | 93 898 | 144 459 |
| HUF Hungarian forint | 50 252 516 | 188 446 933 | 34 481 741 | 53 048 832 |
| LTL Lithuanian Litas | 690 563 | 2 589 612 | 473 843 | 728 990 |
| LVL Latvian Lats | 134 553 | 504 572 | 92 326 | 142 040 |
| MTL Malta lira | 85 748 | 321 554 | 58 837 | 90 519 |
| PLN New Polish Zloty | 877 404 | 3 290 265 | 602 048 | 926 227 |
| SEK Swedish Krona | 1 826 820 | 6 850 575 | 1 253 508 | 1 928 474 |
| SIT Slovenian Tolar | 47 745 432 | 179 045 370 | 32 761 457 | 50 402 241 |
| SKK Slovak Koruna | 7 955 203 | 29 832 010 | 5 458 617 | 8 397 872 |

EUR Euro

200 000

750 000

137 234

211 129

SDR Special Drawing Right

—

—

130 000

200 000

CYP Cyprus Pound

116 225

435 844

79 750

122 693

CZK Czech Koruna

6 263 288

23 487 331

4 297 677

6 611 811

DKK Danish Krone

1 488 344

5 581 290

1 021 256

1 571 163

EEK Estonian Kroon

3 129 320

11 734 950

2 147 244

3 303 452

GBP Sterling Pound

136 844

513 166

93 898

144 459

HUF Hungarian forint

50 252 516

188 446 933

34 481 741

53 048 832

LTL Lithuanian Litas

690 563

2 589 612

473 843

728 990

LVL Latvian Lats

134 553

504 572

92 326

142 040

MTL Malta lira

85 748

321 554

58 837

90 519

PLN New Polish Zloty

877 404

3 290 265

602 048

926 227

SEK Swedish Krona

1 826 820

6 850 575

1 253 508

1 928 474

SIT Slovenian Tolar

47 745 432

179 045 370

32 761 457

50 402 241

SKK Slovak Koruna

7 955 203

29 832 010

5 458 617

8 397 872

The values of the thresholds applicable as of 1 January 2006 for works contracts pursuant to Council Directive 93/37/EEC (3) and to the GPA, as concluded by the Council on behalf of the Community (Decision 94/800/EC), are as follows:

| EUR Euro | 1 000 000 | 5 000 000 | 5 278 227 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SDR Special Drawing Right | - | | 5 000 000 |
| CYP Cyprus Pound | 581 126 | 2 905 628 | 3 067 313 |
| CZK Czech Koruna | 31 316 442 | 156 582 209 | 165 295 275 |
| DKK Danish Krone | 7 441 721 | 37 208 603 | 39 279 087 |
| EEK Estonian Kroon | 15 646 600 | 78 233 000 | 82 586 300 |
| GBP Sterling Pound | 684 221 | 3 421 105 | 3 611 474 |
| HUF Hungarian forint | 251 262 578 | 1 256 312 888 | 1 326 220 810 |
| LTL Lithuanian Litas | 3 452 816 | 17 264 078 | 18 224 744 |
| LVL Latvian Lats | 672 763 | 3 363 816 | 3 550 996 |
| MTL Malta lira | 428 739 | 2 143 694 | 2 262 980 |
| PLN New Polish Zloty | 4 387 020 | 21 935 101 | 23 155 686 |
| SEK Swedish Krona | 9 134 099 | 45 670 497 | 48 211 846 |
| SIT Slovenian Tolar | 238 727 159 | 1 193 635 797 | 1 260 056 034 |
| SKK Slovak Koruna | 39 776 014 | 198 880 068 | 209 946 811 |

EUR Euro

1 000 000

5 000 000

5 278 227

SDR Special Drawing Right

-

5 000 000

CYP Cyprus Pound

581 126

2 905 628

3 067 313

CZK Czech Koruna

31 316 442

156 582 209

165 295 275

DKK Danish Krone

7 441 721

37 208 603

39 279 087

EEK Estonian Kroon

15 646 600

78 233 000

82 586 300

GBP Sterling Pound

684 221

3 421 105

3 611 474

HUF Hungarian forint

251 262 578

1 256 312 888

1 326 220 810

LTL Lithuanian Litas

3 452 816

17 264 078

18 224 744

LVL Latvian Lats

672 763

3 363 816

3 550 996

MTL Malta lira

428 739

2 143 694

2 262 980

PLN New Polish Zloty

4 387 020

21 935 101

23 155 686

SEK Swedish Krona

9 134 099

45 670 497

48 211 846

SIT Slovenian Tolar

238 727 159

1 193 635 797

1 260 056 034

SKK Slovak Koruna

39 776 014

198 880 068

209 946 811

The values of the thresholds applicable as of 1 January 2006 for public service contracts pursuant to Council Directive 92/50/EEC (4) and to the GPA, as concluded by the Council on behalf of the Community (Decision 94/800/EC), are as follows:

| EUR Euro | 80 000 | 750 000 | 200 000 | 137 234 | 211 129 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SDR Special Drawing Right | - | - | - | 130 000 | 200 000 |
| CYP Cyprus Pound | 46 490 | 435 844 | 116 225 | 79 750 | 122 693 |
| CZK Czech Koruna | 2 505 315 | 23 487 331 | 6 263 288 | 4 297 677 | 6 611 811 |
| DKK Danish Krone | 595 338 | 5 581 290 | 1 488 344 | 1 021 256 | 1 571 163 |
| EEK Estonian Kroon | 1 251 728 | 11 734 950 | 3 129 320 | 2 147 244 | 3 303 452 |
| GBP Sterling Pound | 54 738 | 513 166 | 136 844 | 93 898 | 144 459 |
| HUF Hungarian forint | 20 101 006 | 188 446 933 | 50 252 516 | 34 481 741 | 53 048 832 |
| LTL Lithuanian Litas | 276 225 | 2 589 612 | 690 563 | 473 843 | 728 990 |
| LVL Latvian Lats | 53 821 | 504 572 | 134 553 | 92 326 | 142 040 |
| MTL Malta lira | 34 299 | 321 554 | 85 748 | 58 837 | 90 519 |
| PLN New Polish Zloty | 350 962 | 3 290 265 | 877 404 | 602 048 | 926 227 |
| SEK Swedish Krona | 730 728 | 6 850 575 | 1 826 820 | 1 253 508 | 1 928 474 |
| SIT Slovenian Tolar | 19 098 173 | 179 045 370 | 47 745 432 | 32 761 457 | 50 402 241 |
| SKK Slovak Koruna | 3 182 081 | 29 832 010 | 7 955 203 | 5 458 617 | 8 397 872 |

EUR Euro

80 000

750 000

200 000

137 234

211 129

SDR Special Drawing Right

-

-

-

130 000

200 000

CYP Cyprus Pound

46 490

435 844

116 225

79 750

122 693

CZK Czech Koruna

2 505 315

23 487 331

6 263 288

4 297 677

6 611 811

DKK Danish Krone

595 338

5 581 290

1 488 344

1 021 256

1 571 163

EEK Estonian Kroon

1 251 728

11 734 950

3 129 320

2 147 244

3 303 452

GBP Sterling Pound

54 738

513 166

136 844

93 898

144 459

HUF Hungarian forint

20 101 006

188 446 933

50 252 516

34 481 741

53 048 832

LTL Lithuanian Litas

276 225

2 589 612

690 563

473 843

728 990

LVL Latvian Lats

53 821

504 572

134 553

92 326

142 040

MTL Malta lira

34 299

321 554

85 748

58 837

90 519

PLN New Polish Zloty

350 962

3 290 265

877 404

602 048

926 227

SEK Swedish Krona

730 728

6 850 575

1 826 820

1 253 508

1 928 474

SIT Slovenian Tolar

19 098 173

179 045 370

47 745 432

32 761 457

50 402 241

SKK Slovak Koruna

3 182 081

29 832 010

7 955 203

5 458 617

8 397 872

The values of the thresholds applicable as of 1 January 2006 for supplies contracts and service contracts and for works contracts pursuant to Council Directive 93/38/EEC (5) and to the GPA, as concluded by the Council on behalf of the Community (Decision 94/800/EC), are as follows:

| EUR Euro | 400 000 | 600 000 | 750 000 | 1 000 000 | 5 000 000 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SDR Special Drawing Right | - | - | - | - | |
| CYP Cyprus Pound | 232 450 | 348 675 | 435 844 | 581 126 | 2 905 628 |
| CZK Czech Koruna | 12 526 577 | 18 789 865 | 23 487 331 | 31 316 442 | 156 582 209 |
| DKK Danish Krone | 2 976 688 | 4 465 032 | 5 581 290 | 7 441 721 | 37 208 603 |
| EEK Estonian Kroon | 6 258 640 | 9 387 960 | 11 734 950 | 15 646 600 | 78 233 000 |
| GBP Sterling Pound | 273 688 | 410 533 | 513 166 | 684 221 | 3 421 105 |
| HUF Hungarian forint | 100 505 031 | 150 757 547 | 188 446 933 | 251 262 578 | 1 256 312 888 |
| LTL Lithuanian Litas | 1 381 126 | 2 071 689 | 2 589 612 | 3 452 816 | 17 264 078 |
| LVL Latvian Lats | 269 105 | 403 658 | 504 572 | 672 763 | 3 363 816 |
| MTL Malta lira | 171 496 | 257 243 | 321 554 | 428 739 | 2 143 694 |
| PLN New Polish Zloty | 1 754 808 | 2 632 212 | 3 290 265 | 4 387 020 | 21 935 101 |
| SEK Swedish Krona | 3 653 640 | 5 480 460 | 6 850 575 | 9 134 099 | 45 670 497 |
| SIT Slovenian Tolar | 95 490 864 | 143 236 296 | 179 045 370 | 238 727 159 | 1 193 635 797 |
| SKK Slovak Koruna | 15 910 405 | 23 865 608 | 29 832 010 | 39 776 014 | 198 880 068 |

EUR Euro

400 000

600 000

750 000

1 000 000

5 000 000

SDR Special Drawing Right

-

-

-

-

CYP Cyprus Pound

232 450

348 675

435 844

581 126

2 905 628

CZK Czech Koruna

12 526 577

18 789 865

23 487 331

31 316 442

156 582 209

DKK Danish Krone

2 976 688

4 465 032

5 581 290

7 441 721

37 208 603

EEK Estonian Kroon

6 258 640

9 387 960

11 734 950

15 646 600

78 233 000

GBP Sterling Pound

273 688

410 533

513 166

684 221

3 421 105

HUF Hungarian forint

100 505 031

150 757 547

188 446 933

251 262 578

1 256 312 888

LTL Lithuanian Litas

1 381 126

2 071 689

2 589 612

3 452 816

17 264 078

LVL Latvian Lats

269 105

403 658

504 572

672 763

3 363 816

MTL Malta lira

171 496

257 243

321 554

428 739

2 143 694

PLN New Polish Zloty

1 754 808

2 632 212

3 290 265

4 387 020

21 935 101

SEK Swedish Krona

3 653 640

5 480 460

6 850 575

9 134 099

45 670 497

SIT Slovenian Tolar

95 490 864

143 236 296

179 045 370

238 727 159

1 193 635 797

SKK Slovak Koruna

15 910 405

23 865 608

29 832 010

39 776 014

198 880 068

| EUR Euro | 422 258 | 5 278 227 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SDR Special Drawing Right | 400 000 | 5 000 000 |
| CYP Cyprus Pound | 245 385 | 3 067 313 |
| CZK Czech Koruna | 13 223 622 | 165 295 275 |
| DKK Danish Krone | 3 142 327 | 39 279 087 |
| EEK Estonian Kroon | 6 606 904 | 82 586 300 |
| GBP Sterling Pound | 288 918 | 3 611 474 |
| HUF Hungarian forint | 106 097 665 | 1 326 220 810 |
| LTL Lithuanian Litas | 1 457 979 | 18 224 744 |
| LVL Latvian Lats | 284 080 | 3 550 996 |
| MTL Malta lira | 181 038 | 2 262 980 |
| PLN New Polish Zloty | 1 852 455 | 23 155 686 |
| SEK Swedish Krona | 3 856 948 | 48 211 846 |
| SIT Slovenian Tolar | 100 804 483 | 1 260 056 034 |
| SKK Slovak Koruna | 16 795 745 | 209 946 811 |

EUR Euro

422 258

5 278 227

SDR Special Drawing Right

400 000

5 000 000

CYP Cyprus Pound

245 385

3 067 313

CZK Czech Koruna

13 223 622

165 295 275

DKK Danish Krone

3 142 327

39 279 087

EEK Estonian Kroon

6 606 904

82 586 300

GBP Sterling Pound

288 918

3 611 474

HUF Hungarian forint

106 097 665

1 326 220 810

LTL Lithuanian Litas

1 457 979

18 224 744

LVL Latvian Lats

284 080

3 550 996

MTL Malta lira

181 038

2 262 980

PLN New Polish Zloty

1 852 455

23 155 686

SEK Swedish Krona

3 856 948

48 211 846

SIT Slovenian Tolar

100 804 483

1 260 056 034

SKK Slovak Koruna

16 795 745

209 946 811

The value of thresholds in national currencies will not change during the reference period.

---

(1)  OJ L 199, 9.8.1993, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 336, 23.12.1994, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 199, 9.8.1993, p. 54.

(4)  OJ L 209, 24.7. 1992, p. 1.

(5)  OJ L 199, 9.8.1993, p. 84.

---

| 8.12.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.12.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/7

---

Publication of decisions by Member States to grant or revoke operating licenses pursuant to Article 13(4) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92 on licensing of air carriers (1)
   (2)

(2005/C 310/05)

(Text with EEA relevance)

GREECE

Operating licences revoked

Category A:   Operating licences without the restriction of Article 5(7)(a) of Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92

| Name of air carrier | Address of air carrier | Permitted to carry | Decision effective since |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GEE BEE AIR | Vouliagmenis Street 602A |
| GR-16452 Argyroupolis |

Name of air carrier

Address of air carrier

Permitted to carry

Decision effective since

GEE BEE AIR

Vouliagmenis Street 602A

GR-16452 Argyroupolis

passengers, mail, cargo

21.11.2005

---

(1)  OJ L 240, 24.8.1992, p. 1.

(2)  Communicated to the European Commission before 31.8.2005.

---

| 8.12.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.12.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/8

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4036 — TPG IV/Apax/Q-Telecommunications)

(2005/C 310/06)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | On 1 December 2005 the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings TPG Advisors IV Inc. (‘TPG IV’, USA) and Apax Partners Holdings Ltd (‘Apax’, UK) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the whole of the undertaking Q-Telecommunications S.A. (‘Q-Telecommunications’, Greece) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 1 December 2005 the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings TPG Advisors IV Inc. (‘TPG IV’, USA) and Apax Partners Holdings Ltd (‘Apax’, UK) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the whole of the undertaking Q-Telecommunications S.A. (‘Q-Telecommunications’, Greece) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for TPG IV: private equity fund; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for TPG IV: private equity fund;

| — | for Apax: pan-European investment fund; |
| --- | --- |

—

for Apax: pan-European investment fund;

| — | for Q-Telecommunications: retail mobile telephony services in Greece. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Q-Telecommunications: retail mobile telephony services in Greece.

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

3.

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

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4036 — TPG/Apax/Q-Telecommunications, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Competition DG |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Brussels |

4.

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

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4036 — TPG/Apax/Q-Telecommunications, to the following address:

European Commission

Competition DG

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Brussels

---

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

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| 8.12.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.12.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/9

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4060 — Endesa Europa/Zedo)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2005/C 310/07)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | On 30 November 2005, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Endesa Europa S.L., belonging to the group Endesa S.A. (‘Endesa’, Spain), acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Zespół Elektrowni Dolna Odra Spółka Akcyjna in Nowe Czarnowo S.A. (‘Zedo’, Poland) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 30 November 2005, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Endesa Europa S.L., belonging to the group Endesa S.A. (‘Endesa’, Spain), acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Zespół Elektrowni Dolna Odra Spółka Akcyjna in Nowe Czarnowo S.A. (‘Zedo’, Poland) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for undertaking Endesa: Spanish electricity operator also active in the gas sector. Endesa is also active in the electricity sector in other European countries, especially Portugal, France, Italy and Germany and to limited extent in the Netherlands and Poland as well as in South America and North Africa; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for undertaking Endesa: Spanish electricity operator also active in the gas sector. Endesa is also active in the electricity sector in other European countries, especially Portugal, France, Italy and Germany and to limited extent in the Netherlands and Poland as well as in South America and North Africa;

| — | for undertaking Zedo: Polish state owned company mainly active in the electricity and district heat markets in Poland. |
| --- | --- |

—

for undertaking Zedo: Polish state owned company mainly active in the electricity and district heat markets in Poland.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4060 — Endesa Europa/Zedo, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Competition DG |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Brussels |

4.

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

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4060 — Endesa Europa/Zedo, to the following address:

European Commission

Competition DG

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Brussels

---

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

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.

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| 8.12.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.12.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/10

---

Commission communication concerning the prolongation of the Community Framework for State Aid for Research and Development

(2005/C 310/08)

(Text with EEA relevance)

The Community Framework for State Aid for Research and Development (1) will expire on 31 December 2005 (2).

On 7 June 2005, the Commission adopted the State Aid Action Plan (3), where it decided ‘to consider if the scope of the Framework for Research and Development should be extended to cover types of aid in favour of certain innovative activities, not already covered by existing guidelines or regulations thereby creating a Framework for R&D and Innovation’ (4).

On 21 September 2005, the Commission adopted a ‘Communication on Innovation’. This communication is a consultative document, inviting all interested parties to submit comments by 21 November 2005, which will then be carefully assessed by the Commission. It follows that it will not be possible to have a common framework for R&D and Innovation in place before the end of 2005.

Accordingly, the Commission has now decided to apply the existing R&D-framework until the entry into force of such a document, at the most until 31 December 2006.

The Commission wants to clarify that in addition to the consultation on the ‘Communication on Innovation’ mentioned above, all interested parties will also receive an opportunity to submit comments with regard to the revision of the R&D-rules.

---

(1)  OJ C 45 of 17.2.1996, p. 5, as amended by the Commission communication amending the Community Framework for State Aid for Research and Development, OJ C 48 of 13.2.1998, p. 2.

(2)  OJ C 111, 8.5.2002, p. 3.

(3)  COM/2005/107/final.

(4)  Paragraph 28 of the State Aid Action Plan.

---

| 8.12.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.12.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/11

---

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

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(2005/C 310/09)

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: The United Kingdom (England and Northern Ireland)

No of the aid: NN 48/2005 (ex N191/2005)

Title: Organic Farming Scheme

Alteration notification to Aid No N 628/1999

Objective: Aid for the provision of technical support in the form of lump sum payments which will partly cover the professional consultants' costs

Legal basis: Regulation 8 of the Organic Farming (England Rural Development Programme) Regulations 2001 and Regulation 8 of the Organic Farming (England Rural Development Programme) Regulations 2003, which have replaced Regulations 2001. Enforcement of the conditions of the aid is provided by the above-referred Regulations, as read jointly with Regulations 4 and 6 of the England Rural Development Programme Enforcement Regulations 2000

Budget:

| — | Annual: GBP 820 000 (approximately EUR 1 211 000) |
| --- | --- |

—

Annual: GBP 820 000 (approximately EUR 1 211 000)

| — | Total: GBP 988 000 (approximately EUR 1 459 000) |
| --- | --- |

—

Total: GBP 988 000 (approximately EUR 1 459 000)

Aid intensity or amount: Up to 100 % of eligible costs

Duration: February 2005 — February 2007

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

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

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: United Kingdom (Scotland)

Aid No: N 439/2005

Title: Extension to the Scottish Farm Business Advice and Skills Service

Objective: The approved Scottish Farm Business Advice and Skills Service scheme (State aid scheme No N 363/2003) will be prolonged by three years

Legal basis: Non-statutory scheme

Budget: Increase of the budget: GBP 7,5 million (EUR 11 million)

Aid intensity or amount: Up to 100 % of the costs

Duration: Prolongation from 2006/07 to 2008/09

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

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

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: Italy (Marche)

Aid No: N 440/2005

Title: Assistance in agricultural areas affected by natural disasters (excessive snow in the provinces of Pesaro, Urbino, Macerata, Fermo and Ascoli Piceno, and excessive snow, persistent rain and hoarfrost in the province of Ancona during the period from 23 January until 4 March 2005)

Objective: To compensate for damage to farming structures as a result of bad weather (excessive snow in the provinces of Pesaro, Urbino, Macerata, Fermo and Ascoli Piceno, and excessive snow, persistent rain and hoarfrost in the province of Ancona during the period from 23 January until 4 March 2005)

Legal basis: Decreto legislativo n. 102/2004 «Nuova disciplina del Fondo di solidarietà nazionale»

Budget: The aid will be funded from the budget allocated to the approved scheme (NN 54/A/04), on the basis of an application from the regional authorities for assistance of EUR 173 220 491

Aid intensity or amount: Up to 100 %

Duration: Measure applying an aid scheme approved by the Commission

Other details: Measure applying the scheme approved by the Commission under State aid NN 54/A/2004 (Commission letter C(2005)1622 final, dated 7 June 2005)

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

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

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: Italy (Abruzzi)

Aid No: N 442/2004

Title: Assistance in agricultural areas having suffered damage (hail of 11 and 12 July 2004, province of Chieti)

Objective: To compensate for damage to agricultural production as a result of bad weather

Legal basis: Decreto legislativo n. 102/2004

Budget: The aid will be paid to the Region by the central authorities from the budget approved in the context of scheme NN 54/A/04, the amount being decided on by the Ministry of Agricultural Policy on the basis of an aid application for EUR 10 688 750

Aid intensity or amount: 80 % of the losses

Duration: Measure applying an aid scheme approved by the Commission

Other details: Measure applying the scheme approved by the Commission under State aid NN 54/A/2004 (Commission letter C(2005) 1622 final, dated 7 June 2005)

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

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

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: Greece.

Aid No: N 456/05

Title: Continuation of the FROST aid programme

Objective: To compensate losses caused by bad weather

Legal basis: Πρόγραμμα ενισχύσεων FROST (Φυτικό Kεφάλαιο, Φυτική Παραγωγή) — σχέδιο κοινής υπουργικής απόφασης

Budget: EUR 280 000 000

Aid intensity or amount: From 50 to 100 %

Duration: Maximum 5 years.

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

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

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: Italy (Emilia Romagna)

Aid No: N 489/2004

Title: Assistance in agricultural areas having suffered damage (hail during the period April to May 2004 in the provinces of Bologna and Ferrara)

Objective: To compensate farmers for damage to agricultural production and farming structures caused by bad weather (hail in the provinces of Bologna on 24 April 2004 and Ferrara on 1 May 2004)

Legal basis: Decreto legislativo n. 102/2004

Budget: EUR 28 646 560, to be financed from the budget approved under Aid No NN 54/A/04

Aid intensity or amount: Up to 100 % of the damage

Duration: Measure applying an aid scheme approved by the Commission

Other information: Measure applying an aid scheme approved by the Commission under State Aid NN 54/A/2004 (Commission Letter C(2005)1622 final of 7 June 2005)

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

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

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: Italy (Lombardy).

Aid No: N 514/2004.

Title: Assistance in affected agricultural areas (hail storm and violent winds in the province of Mantua on 20 June 2004)

Objective: To compensate farmers for damage to agricultural production as a result of bad weather

Legal basis: Decreto legislativo n. 102/2004

Budget: See the approved scheme (NN 54/A/04)

Aid intensity or amount: Up to 100 % of the damage

Duration: Measure applying an aid scheme approved by the Commission

Other information: Measure applying the scheme approved by the Commission under state aid NN 54/A/2004 (Commission letter C(2005) 1622 final, dated 7 June 2005).

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

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

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: The Republic of Latvia

Aid No: N 566/2004

Title: Aid for improvement of agricultural land

Objective: Public contribution to financing the agrochemical research of the soil

Legal basis:

| — | Lauksaimniecības un lauku attīstības likums, 2004. gada 23. aprīlis; |
| --- | --- |

—

Lauksaimniecības un lauku attīstības likums, 2004. gada 23. aprīlis;

| — | Latvijas Republikas Ministru kabineta 2004. gada 12. decembra noteikumi Nr. 351 ‘Noteikumi par ūdens un augsnes aizsardzību no lauksaimnieciskas darbības izraisītā piesārņojuma ar nitrātiem’; |
| --- | --- |

—

Latvijas Republikas Ministru kabineta 2004. gada 12. decembra noteikumi Nr. 351 ‘Noteikumi par ūdens un augsnes aizsardzību no lauksaimnieciskas darbības izraisītā piesārņojuma ar nitrātiem’;

| — | Noteikumu projekts Nr. 1 ‘Lauksaimniecības zemes uzlabošana’ |
| --- | --- |

—

Noteikumu projekts Nr. 1 ‘Lauksaimniecības zemes uzlabošana’

Budget:

| — | Annual: LVL 200 000 (approximately EUR 288 000) |
| --- | --- |

—

Annual: LVL 200 000 (approximately EUR 288 000)

| — | Total: LVL 1 200 000 (approximately EUR 1 728 500) |
| --- | --- |

—

Total: LVL 1 200 000 (approximately EUR 1 728 500)

Aid intensity or amount: Up to 50 % of eligible costs

Duration: 2005-2010

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

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

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: United Kingdom

Aid No: NN 17/2004 and 6/2004 (ex N 362/03 and N 361/03)

Title: Long term scheme for BSE testing of cattle slaughtered for human consumption aged over 30 months and casualties aged 24-30 months slaughtered for human consumption; interim measure for BSE testing of 30-42 months Beef Assurance Scheme cattle and casualties aged 24-30 months slaughtered for human consumption

Objective: The aim of the scheme is to monitor the prevalence and epidemiological spread of BSE within UK cattle destined for human consumption by testing all animals aged over 30 months destined for human consumption and 24-30 months casualties slaughtered for human consumption. Until abolishment of the Over Thirty Months rule, an interim measure provides for testing of animals aged over 30 months and destined for human consumption from herds approved under the Beef Assurance Scheme and 24-30 months casualties slaughtered for human consumption

Legal basis: Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies as amended

National implementing provisions of Regulation (EC) No 999/2001:

The TSE (England) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/843)

The TSE (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/1353)

The TSE (England) (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2860)

The TSE (Wales) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/1416)

The TSE (Scotland) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/255)

The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002 (SR 2002/225)

Budget: BSE testing of cattle slaughtered for human consumption aged over 30 months and casualties aged 24-30 months slaughtered for human consumption:

For training of abattoir operators: GBP 132 000/EUR 188 571 in Great Britain and GBP 1 000/EUR 1 428 in Northern Ireland

Aid intensity or amount: 100 %

Duration: Until December 2008

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

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

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| 8.12.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.12.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/16

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.3983 — Polestar/Prisa/Ibersuizas/Iberian Capital/Dedalo)

(2005/C 310/10)

(Text with EEA relevance)

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

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

—

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

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3983. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3983. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex)

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EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA

EFTA Surveillance Authority

| 8.12.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 310/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.12.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 310/17

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Article 61 of the EEA Agreement and Article 1(3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement

EFTA Surveillance Authority decision to propose appropriate measures in relation to State Guarantee in favour of Liechtensteinische Landesbank. The proposal has been accepted by the Principality of Liechtenstein

(2005/C 310/11)

| Title | State guarantee in favour of Liechtensteinische Landesbank — Decision to propose appropriate measures to the Principality of Liechtenstein |
| --- | --- |
| EFTA State | Liechtenstein |
| Date of adoption of the decision | 15 July 2005 |
| Acceptance of the appropriate measures by the EFTA State | 29 July 2005 |
| Number of aid | Case 48084 |
| Objective | State Guarantee on savings deposits and medium term notes of Liechtensteinische Landesbank |
| Legal basis | Article 5 of the Act on Liechtensteinische Landesbank (Gesetz über die Liechtensteinische Landesbank, LLBG) |
| Duration | 15 years as of 1 August 2005 |
| Decision | The State Guarantee constituted existing aid within the meaning of Article 1(b) in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement
  The amended proposal for appropriate measures consists of the following:
  The Liechtenstein authorities shall take, without delay, any legislative, administrative and other measures necessary to eliminate any incompatible aid resulting from Article 5 LLBG. Any such aid should be abolished with effect from 1 August 2005.
  The State guarantee will only be granted in favour of LLB's savings deposits and medium term notes, whose average yearly amount (based on quarterly figures) is to be established by 1 June of each year for the previous year. An adequate premium as established in an expert study submitted to the Authority and referred to in the Decision, will be paid for the so established guaranteed amount of savings deposits and medium term notes.
  The State guarantee will be limited to a period of 15 years calculated from 1 August 2005.
  For the year 2005, the premium will be paid pro rata. |
| On 1 June of each year the Liechtenstein authorities will report to the Authority the annual report of LLB of the previous year, the average amount of savings deposits and medium term notes of the previous year (including the documentation of the average, based on quarterly figures) as well as the premium calculated on the basis of this amount. The Liechtenstein authorities will further document to the Authority that the premium payment has been effectuated. |

Title

State guarantee in favour of Liechtensteinische Landesbank — Decision to propose appropriate measures to the Principality of Liechtenstein

EFTA State

Liechtenstein

Date of adoption of the decision

15 July 2005

Acceptance of the appropriate measures by the EFTA State

29 July 2005

Number of aid

Case 48084

Objective

State Guarantee on savings deposits and medium term notes of Liechtensteinische Landesbank

Legal basis

Article 5 of the Act on Liechtensteinische Landesbank (Gesetz über die Liechtensteinische Landesbank, LLBG)

Duration

15 years as of 1 August 2005

Decision

The State Guarantee constituted existing aid within the meaning of Article 1(b) in Part II of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement

The amended proposal for appropriate measures consists of the following:

The Liechtenstein authorities shall take, without delay, any legislative, administrative and other measures necessary to eliminate any incompatible aid resulting from Article 5 LLBG. Any such aid should be abolished with effect from 1 August 2005.

The State guarantee will only be granted in favour of LLB's savings deposits and medium term notes, whose average yearly amount (based on quarterly figures) is to be established by 1 June of each year for the previous year. An adequate premium as established in an expert study submitted to the Authority and referred to in the Decision, will be paid for the so established guaranteed amount of savings deposits and medium term notes.

The State guarantee will be limited to a period of 15 years calculated from 1 August 2005.

For the year 2005, the premium will be paid pro rata.

On 1 June of each year the Liechtenstein authorities will report to the Authority the annual report of LLB of the previous year, the average amount of savings deposits and medium term notes of the previous year (including the documentation of the average, based on quarterly figures) as well as the premium calculated on the basis of this amount. The Liechtenstein authorities will further document to the Authority that the premium payment has been effectuated.

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

http://www.eftasurv.int/fieldsofwork/fieldstateaid/stateaidregistry/

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