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I Information

Commission

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Euro exchange rates (1)

2 December 2005

(2005/C 307/01)

1 euro= 

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(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

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Notice of initiation of a partial interim review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of synthetic staple fibres of polyester originating in Thailand

(2005/C 307/02)

The Commission has received a request for a partial interim review pursuant to Article 11(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community (‘the basic Regulation’) (1), as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 461/2004 (2).

1.   Request for review

The request was lodged by Tuntex (Thailand) Public Company Limited (‘the applicant’), an exporter from Thailand.

The request is limited in scope to the examination of dumping as far as the applicant is concerned.

2.   Product

The product under review is synthetic staple fibres of polyester, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning originating in Thailand (‘the product concerned’), currently classifiable within CN code 5503 20 00. It is commonly referred to as polyester staple fibres or PSF. This CN code is given only for information.

3.   Existing measures

The measures currently in force are a definitive anti-dumping duty imposed by Council Regulation (EC) No 1522/2000 (3) on imports of synthetic staple fibres of polyester originating in Thailand. On 14 July 2005, a review of the existing measures was initiated on the basis of Article 11(2) of the basic Regulation (4).

4.   Grounds for the review

The request pursuant to Article 11(3) of the basic Regulation is based on the prima facie evidence, provided by the applicant, that the circumstances on the basis of which measures were established have changed and that these changes are of a lasting nature.

The applicant has provided evidence showing that a comparison of normal value based on its own cost/domestic prices and its export prices to a third country market comparable to the EU, would lead to a reduction of dumping significantly below the level of the current measure. Therefore, the continued imposition of measures at the existing levels, which were based on the level of dumping previously established, is no longer necessary to offset dumping.

5.   Procedure for the determination of dumping

Having determined, after consulting the Advisory Committee, that sufficient evidence exists to justify the initiation of a partial interim review, the Commission hereby initiates a review in accordance with Article 11(3) of the basic Regulation.

The investigation will assess the need for the continuation, removal or amendment of the existing measures in respect of the sole applicant.

(a)   Questionnaires

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for its investigation, the Commission will send questionnaires to the applicant and to the authorities of the exporting country concerned. This information and supporting evidence should reach the Commission within the time limit set in point 6(a).

(b)   Collection of information and holding of hearings

All interested parties are hereby invited to make their views known, submit information other than questionnaire replies and to provide supporting evidence. This information and supporting evidence must reach the Commission within the time limit set in point 6(a).

Furthermore, the Commission may hear interested parties, provided that they make a request showing that there are particular reasons why they should be heard. This request must be made within the time limit set in point 6(b).

6.   Time limits

(a)   For parties to make themselves known, to submit questionnaire replies and any other information

All interested parties, if their representations are to be taken into account during the investigation, must make themselves known by contacting the Commission, present their views and submit questionnaire replies or any other information within 40 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, unless otherwise specified. Attention is drawn to the fact that the exercise of most procedural rights set out in the basic Regulation depends on the party's making itself known within the aforementioned period.

(b)   Hearings

All interested parties may also apply to be heard by the Commission within the same 40-day time limit.

7.   Written submissions, questionnaire replies and correspondence

All submissions and requests made by interested parties must be made in writing (not in electronic format, unless otherwise specified) and must indicate the name, address, e-mail address, telephone and fax numbers of the interested party. All written submissions, including the information requested in this notice, questionnaire replies and correspondence provided by interested parties on a confidential basis shall be labelled as ‘Limited’ (5) and, in accordance with Article 19(2) of the basic Regulation, shall be accompanied by a non-confidential version, which will be labelled ‘FOR INSPECTION BY INTERESTED PARTIES’.

Commission address for correspondence:

8.   Non-cooperation

In cases in which any interested party refuses access to or does not provide the necessary information within the time limits, or significantly impedes the investigation, provisional or final findings, affirmative or negative, may be made in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation, on the basis of the facts available.

Where it is found that any interested party has supplied false or misleading information, the information shall be disregarded and use may be made of the facts available. If an interested party does not cooperate or cooperates only partially and findings are therefore based on facts available in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation, the result may be less favourable to that party than if it had cooperated.

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(1)OJ L 56, 6.3.1996, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 461/2004 (OJ L 77, 13.3.2004, p. 12).

(2)OJ L 77, 13.3.2004, p. 12.

(3)OJ L 175, 14.7.2000, p. 10.

(4)OJ C 174, 14.7.2005, p. 15.

(5)  This means that the document is for internal use only. It is protected pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents (OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43). It is a confidential document pursuant to Article 19 of the basic Regulation and Article 6 of the WTO Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti-dumping Agreement).

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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 307/03)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Date of adoption: 

Member State: Spain

Aid No: N 188/2005

Title: Modification of aid schemes for renewable energy and energy efficiency

Objective: To promote renewable energy sources and energy efficiency

Legal basis: «Convenio de financiación ICO-IDEA para el fomento de las inversiones en energías renovables y eficiencia energética»

Budget: EUR 60 million per year

Total budget 2005-2010 is estimated to be EUR 300 million

Intensity or amount: Investments in renewable energy sources: 10-30 %

Investments in energy efficiency: 40 %

Bonuses: 5 % for Article 87(3)(c) regions, 10 % for Article 87(3)(a) regions and 10 % for SMEs

Duration: Until 31.12.2010

Other information: Annual report

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: 

Aid No: N 216/2005

Member State: Denmark [Mons]

Title in original language: Geocentre Møns Klint

Legal basis: Lov nr. 473 af 7. juni 2001

Objectives: Heritage conservation — Aid scheme to promote culture

Overall aid amount granted: DKK 38 600 000

Duration: Unlimited

Other information: Individual aid — Direct grant — Guarantee

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 decision: 

Member State: Germany

Aid No: N 364/2004

Title: EFRE-Wachstumsfonds Sachsen

Objective: The measure intends to address the lack of equity funding for SMEs in Saxony

Legal basis: Sächsische Haushaltsordnung, Beteiligungsgrundsätze des EFRE-Wachstumsfonds Sachsen

Budget: EUR 20 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: 

Member State: Denmark

Aid No: N 448/2003

Title: Market-orientation of CHPs

Objective: To create a more efficient electricity market, while ensuring that combined heat and power capacity remains available

Legal basis: Forslag til ændring af lov om elforsyning (særligt ændringspunkt nr. 16)

Intensity or amount: Price supplement of maximum DKK 0,34/kWh

Duration: 20 years from entering into force of the Act

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 459/01

Title: Aid for thermal solar energy

Objective: The scheme aims to promote the use of thermal solar energy as an alternative source of energy production with considerable advantages for the environment

Legal basis: Proyecto de «Resolución de la Dirección General del Instituto para la Diversificación y Ahorro de la Energía (IDAE) por la que se regula la concesión de ayudas para el apoyo a la energía solar térmica»

Budget: PTA 1 000 million (EUR 6 million) the first year. Between PTA 1 000 million and PTA 1 500 million (EUR 6 million-EUR 9 million) thereafter

Aid intensity or amount: 40 % plus certain SME and regional bonuses

Duration: 31.12.2010 with the requirement to renotify the application after 31 December 2007 (expiry date of the Community guidelines on State aid for environmental protection)

Other information: Annual report to be submitted 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: Spain

Aid No: N 460/01

Title: Aid for photovoltaic solar energy

Objective: The scheme aims to promote the use of photovoltaic solar energy as an alternative source of energy production with considerable advantages for the environment

Legal basis: Proyecto de Resolución de la Dirección General del Instituto para la Diversificación y Ahorro de la Energía (IDAE) por la que se regula la concesión de ayudas para el apoyo a la energía solar fotovoltaica

Budget: PTA 1 000 million (EUR 6 million) the first year. Between PTA 1 000 million and PTA 1 500 million (EUR 6 million-EUR 9 million) thereafter

Aid intensity or amount: 40 % plus certain SME and regional bonuses

Duration: 31.12.2010 with the requirement to renotify the application after 31 December 2007 (expiry date of the Community guidelines on State aid for environmental protection)

Other information: Annual report to be submitted 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: Italy

Aid No: N 615/02

Title: Friuli-Venezia Giulia — aid for the reduction of CO2 emissions from biomass-sourced energy

Objective: to develop the use of energy produced from the biomass available in the region in the form of either natural resources (wood, shrubs) or agricultural, sylvicultural and industrial waste; to increase energy efficiency leading to a reduction of the CO2 emissions through a combination of biomass-powered plant and district heating

Legal basis: Regolamento per la concessione e l'erogazione di cofinanziamenti per la riduzione dell'anidride carbonica nel settore della produzione di energia con biomasse

Budget: EUR 1 496 343,17

Aid intensity or amount: maximum 40 % of eligible costs plus 10 % SME bonus

Duration: until 31.12.2007

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/

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4050 — Goldman Sachs/Cinven/Ahlsell)

(2005/C 307/04)

(Text with EEA relevance)

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

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