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I Information

Commission

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Euro exchange rates (1)

27 May 2005

(2005/C 131/01)

1 euro= 

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(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.3831 — Oranje-Nassau Group/SHV Holdings/Edinburgh Oil & Gas)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2005/C 131/02)

(Text with EEA relevance)

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

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

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.3817 — Wegener/PCM/JV)

(2005/C 131/03)

(Text with EEA relevance)

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

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

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(2005/C 131/04)

Date of adoption of the decision: 

Member State: Germany

Aid No: N 12/05

Title: Framework plan for joint task ‘Improving agricultural structures and coastal protection’ for the period 2005-08; amendment 2005: promotion of the stability of the forests

Objective: The scheme Framework plan of the joint task ‘improvement of the agrarian structure and the coastal protection’ for the period 2005 — 2008 will be modified with a measures for the promotion of the stability of the forests.

Legal basis: 

Gesetz über die Gemeinschaftsaufgabe ‘Verbesserung der Agrarstruktur und des Küstenschutzes’, Rahmenplan ‘Verbesserung der Agrarstruktur und des Küstenschutzes’

Budget: EUR 1,1 billion per year (co-financed and nationally financed)

Aid intensity or amount: Variable

Duration: 2005-2008

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/

Date of adoption of the decision: 

Member State: Germany

Aid No: N 13/05

Title: Framework plan for joint task ‘Improving agricultural structures and coastal protection’ for the period 2005-08; extension until the year 2008

Objective: The approved scheme Framework plan of the joint task ‘improvement of the agrarian structure and the coastal protection’ for the period 2004 — 2007; amendments 2004 (N 113/04) will be (partly) prolonged for one year.

Legal basis: 

Gesetz über die Gemeinschaftsaufgabe ‘Verbesserung der Agrarstruktur und des Küstenschutzes’, Rahmenplan ‘Verbesserung der Agrarstruktur und des Küstenschutzes’

Budget: EUR 1,195 billion per year (co-financed and nationally financed)

Aid intensity or amount: Variable

Duration: 2005-2008

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/

Date of adoption of the decision: 

Member State: United Kingdom (Northern Ireland)

Aid No: N 35/2005

Title: Extension to the Northern Ireland Beef Quality Initiative

Objective: The approved Northern Ireland Beef Quality Initiative (N 327/2002) will be prolonged by two years.

Legal basis: Administrative scheme, in accordance with the Budget (No 2) Act (Northern Ireland) 2002.

Budget: GBP 8 million (EUR 11,6 million)

Aid intensity or amount: Variable

Duration: Prolongation from 2006/07 to 2008/09 (new duration: 2002/03 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 (Tuscany)

Aid No: N 50/2005

Title: Contributions to farmers taking part in the plan to monitor catarrhal fever in sheep (Blue tongue). Amendment to Regional Law No 25/2003.

Objective: Preventive measure within the framework of the plan to monitor and eradicate the epizootic disease known as Blue tongue.

Legal basis: 

Ordinanza ministeriale 11 maggio 2001‘Programma di vaccinazione per la febbre catarrale degli ovini (Blue tongue)’

Budget: EUR 600 000

Aid intensity or amount: EUR 90 per animal per year.

Duration: 

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: France

Aid No: N 86/2005

Title: Aid for traceability and quality improvement in the cereals sector. Amending and extending Aid N 358/2004.

Objective: To guarantee the quality of French cereal production.

Legal basis: 

Articles L 621-1 et suivants du Code rural

Budget: EUR 1 300 000

Aid intensity or amount: According to eligible costs: 15 %, 30 %

Duration: 1 year.

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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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.3820 — Avnet/Memec)

(2005/C 131/05)

(Text with EEA relevance)

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

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.3770 — Lufthansa/Swiss)

(2005/C 131/06)

(Text with EEA relevance)

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

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.3773 — Lehman Brothers/Europe Realty/IHG Portfolio)

(2005/C 131/07)

(Text with EEA relevance)

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

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/3725 — Cargill/Pagnan)

(2005/C 131/08)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 22 March 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:

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NEW NATIONAL SIDE OF EURO CIRCULATION COINS

(2005/C 131/09)

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

Issuing State: Spain

Subject of commemoration: 4th centenary of the first edition of ‘The ingenious nobleman Don Quixote of La Mancha’

Factual description of the design: The inner part of the coin depicts an image of ‘El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha’, who appears holding a lance, and windmills in the background. To the left, there is a marked sector in which the word ‘ESPAÑA’ appears incused, and underneath this sector the MINT mark ‘M’. On the outer ring of the coin, the twelve stars of the European Union are depicted, with, on the right, four of them (corresponding to the positions 1, 2, 3 and 4 on a clock) incused within an arc. The year of mintage appears at the bottom among three stars.

Issue volume: 8 million coins

Approximate issue period: April 2005

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

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

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

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(2005/C 131/10)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Date of adoption: 

Member State: Germany

Aid No: N 23/2005

Title: Prolongation of Temporary Defensive Measures for Shipbuilding

Objective: Contract related aid

Legal basis: 

Richtlinien des Bundesministeriums für Wirtschaft und Arbeit zu befristeten Schutzmassnahmen für den Schiffbau vom 24. Oktober 2002

Budget: EUR 149 000 000

Aid intensity or amount: 6 % — grant

Duration: 24.10.2002—31.3.2005

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: 

Member State: Finland

Aid No: N 39/2005

Title: Temporary Defensive Mechanism for Shipbuilding

Objective: Contract related aid

Legal basis: 

Valtioneuvoston asetus telakkateollisuuden kilpailuedellytysten turvaamiseen myönnettävästä valtion avustuksesta, 30.12.2004

Budget: EUR 13 660 000

Aid intensity or amount: 6 % — grant

Duration: 1.1.2004—31.3.2005

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: Ireland

Aid No: N 89/04

Title: Guarantee in favour of the Housing Finance Agency (HFA)

Social housing schemes funded by the HFA

Legal basis: Section 17 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002

Objective: The provision of social housing by local authorities, the provision of social housing by bodies authorized under Section 17 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002 (voluntary housing bodies).

Budget: Limit fixed at EUR 6 billion.

Duration: 10 years

Other information: Form of interventions: State guarantees and preferential funding

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: Finland

Aid No: N 179/04

Title: Finnish municipal guarantees

Objective: to safeguard the joint funding of the Finnish municipal sector.

Legal basis: Laki Kuntien takauskeskuksesta N:o 487/1996 (Annettu Helsingissä 28 päivänä kesäkuuta 1996)

Duration: the joint funding system has been operating since 1996.

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: 

Member State: United Kingdom

Aid No: N 213/03

Title: Project ATLAS: broadband infrastructure scheme for business parks

Objective: Promoting access to broadband infrastructure for SME's (telecommunication) [Scotland]

Legal basis: Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act 19990, as amended 1 April 2001 by Scottish Statutory Instrument 2001, No. 126

Budget: GBP 9 700 000 (EUR 15 000 000)

Duration: 25 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: 

Member State: Italy

Aid No: N 346/04

Title: Aid to Altair Chimica

Objective: Environmental protection

Legal basis: 

legge 662/1996 and accordo programma quadro of 23.6.2004

Aid intensity or amount: EUR 4 971 816 — grant

Duration: 2005-2006

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: Ireland (All regions)

Aid No: N 354/04

Title: Company Holding Regime

Objective: Tax relief (All sectors)

Legal basis: Finance Act 2004

Aid intensity or amount: Estimated annual and overall revenue losses EUR 10 million

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: France — Guadeloupe

Aid No: N 385/04

Title: Social aid scheme to benefit certain categories of passengers on air services linking Guadeloupe to mainland France

Objective: Compensation for the handicaps due to Guadeloupe's remoteness — Air transport

Legal basis: 

Article 60 de la loi no 2003-660 du 21 juillet 2003 de programme pour l'outre-mer

Budget: EUR 6 255 810 for the first year

Duration: Indefinite

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: Germany (Sachsen-Anhalt)

Aid No: N 457/2004

Title: Aid in favour of Q-Cells AG

Objective: Regional aid

Legal basis: Gesetz über die Gemeinschaftsaufgabe (GA) ‘Verbesserung der regionalen Wirtschaftsstruktur’ vom 6. Oktober 1969 in Verbindung mit den einschlägigen Bestimmungen von Teil II des 31. Rahmenplan zur GA, zuletzt genehmigt bis zum 31. Dezember 2006 durch den Beschluss der Kommission in der Beihilfesache Nr. N 642/02 vom 1.10.2003 (ABl. C 284 vom 27.11.2003, S. 2)

Aid amount: 15 % (SME bonus) of EUR 49 800 000 eligible costs

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: Spain

Aid No: N 458/04

Title: Public support to Espacio Editorial Andaluza Holding, S.L.

Legal basis: Convenio Marco de Colaboración entre la Consejería de la presidencia y la Entidad ‘Espacio Editorial Andaluza, SL’, firmado el 23 de octubre de 2001

Propuesta de colaboración y proyecto de Convenio Especifico de Colaboración de la Consejería de la presidencia y la Entidad ‘El Correo de Andalucia, SL’ para la ejecución del Proyecto de difusión ‘Biblioteca de Autores Andaluces’

Budget: EUR 69 000

Aid intensity or amount: Measure not constituting aid

Duration: From the signature of the proyecto de Convenio Especifico to 1 January 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: Hungary (All regions)

Aid No: N 504/04

Title: Amendment of the tax development benefit

Objective: Regional development

Legal basis: 

1996. évi LXXXI. Törvény a társasági adóról és az osztalékadóról

Budget: Estimated EUR 73 million for 2005

Aid intensity or amount: Unchanged

Duration: 2005-2006

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

Aid No: N 676/02

Title: Cableways, Valle d'Aosta

Objective: Cableway installations

Legal basis: 

Disegno di legge regionale n. 169/2002

Budget: EUR 15 million per year

Duration: until 2006

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: Germany (Sachsen)

Aid No: NN 15/04

Title: Vallourec & Mannesmann Tubes

Objective: Investment incentives to increase efficiency, reduce costs and increase product quality (Seamless Tubes)

Legal basis: Fördergebietsgesetz von 1993 (genehmigt als Beihilfesache Nr. N 2070/95) und Investitionszulagengesetz in den Neuen Ländern (1996 und 1999 — genehmigt als Beihilfesachen Nr. N 494/A/95 und C72/1998).

Aid intensity or amount: 

Duration: 24 months (1998 to 1999)

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

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(2005/C 131/11)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Date of adoption of the decision: 

Member State: Italy

Aid No: N 83/2004

Title: Financing of structures for the calculation and the management of databases

Objective: Research and development

Legal basis: 

Progetto di avviso pubblico del ministero della Ricerca

Budget: EUR 25 million

Aid intensity or amount: Variable, depending on the stage of the research and the recipients

Duration: 4 years

Other information: Annual implementation report to be sent to the Commission

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: France

Aid No: N 107/2004

Title: Dock dues in the overseas departments

Objective: To compensate for the additional production costs incurred by local producers as a result of the disadvantages associated with remoteness, as recognised by Article 299(2) of the EC Treaty.

Legal basis: 

Projet de loi relatif à l'octroi de mer portant application de la Décision du Conseil [de l'Union européenne] du 10 février 2004 relative au régime de l'octroi de mer dans les départements français d'outre-mer et prorogeant la décision 89/688/CE.

Budget: The planned budget for the scheme is EUR 165 million. This is only an estimation, given the type of aid and the number and variability of factors involved.

Aid intensity or amount: To compensate for the additional costs of the disadvantages associated with remoteness.

Duration: 

Other information: Requirement to submit a detailed annual report on the application of the scheme incorporating the data relating to checks on overcompensation and aid cumulation

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: 

Member State: Spain (Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid)

Aid No: N 133/2004

Title: Scheme to support Research and Technological Development (RTD) projects from SMEs in the Comunidad de Madrid

Objective: Research and Technological Development (all sectors)

Legal basis: 

Orden del Consejero de Educación de la Comunidad de Madrid

Budget: EUR 5 600 000

Intensity or amount: For industrial research, the maximum gross aid intensity is 60 % (including 10 % bonus for SMEs). For pre-competitive development activities, the maximum gross aid intensity is 35 % (including 10 % bonus for SMEs).

Duration: Until 31 December 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: Finland (Southeast Finland)

Aid No: N 188/2004

Title: South East Finland Risk Capital Fund

Objective: Risk Capital

Legal basis: 

Toimenpiteen oikeusperustana ovat laki (1353/1999) ja asetus (1354/1999) rakennerahasto-ohjelmien kansallisesta hallinnoinnista, laki (1068/2000) ja asetus (1200/2000) yritystoiminnan tukemisesta, Kaakkois-Suomen Interreg III A -ohjelma-asiakirja 17.10.2001 ja täydennysosa 25.6.2002 sekä Kaakkois-Suomen Interreg III A -ohjelman hallintokomitean 23. syyskuuta 2003 tekemä päätös, joka perustui Imatran Seudun Kehitysyhtiö Oy:n hankehakemukseen.

Budget: EUR 5 million

Duration: 

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: Belgium

Aid No: N 201/2004

Title: Reduction in excise duty on energy products and electricity

Objective: Energy saving

Legal basis: 

Arrêté Royal du 29.2.2004 publié sur le Moniteur belge le 5 mars 2004/Koninklijk Besluit van 29.2.2004, gepubliceerd in het Belgisch Staatsblad van 5 maart 2004

Aid intensity or amount: Variable, according to the type of firm

Duration: 10 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: Denmark

Aid No: N 389/2004

Title: Amendment to the Regional development aid scheme (Ex N 808/1999)

Objective: Promote regional development

Legal basis: 

Finansloven

Budget: EUR 26,9 million per year

Aid intensity or amount: In accordance with regional aid map 2000-2006

Duration: 1.1.2000—31.12.2006

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

Aid No: N 476/04

Title: Public contribution to cableways of Prada-Costabella

Legal basis: 

Articolo 69 della legge regionale 30 gennaio 2004, n.1.

Budget: EUR 1 million

Aid intensity or amount: measure not constituting aid

Duration: 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: France

Aid No: N 478/03

Title: Individual State aid case relating to the MEDEA+ scheme (T 207)

Objective: Development of a new 65 nm process for producing CMOS integrated circuits on 300 mm silicon wafers

Legal basis: Programme MEDEA+

Budget: EUR 26 million

Aid intensity or amount: max. 30 %

Duration: 3 years

Other information: Type of aid: grants

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: France (Réunion)

Aid No: N 549/2003

Title: Amendment of scheme N 324/2000 — Measure for energy conservation and development of renewable forms of energy — Réunion

Objective: Regional aid — Environmental aid

Legal basis: 

délibération du Conseil Régional de la Réunion

Budget: Between EUR 15 000 000 and EUR 20 000 000

Aid intensity or amount: Variable, from 20 % to 65 % (75 % for SMEs) according to the type of energy

Duration: Until 31 December 2006

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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