EFTA Surveillance Authority Decision No 276/21/COL of 8 December 2021 on the Norwegian regional aid map 2022–2027 (Norway) [2022/1213]
Date: 2021-12-08
Institutions: EFTA Surveillance Authority
Subjects: European Economic Area, Norway, State aid, control of State aid, regional aid




L_2022187EN.01003701.xml










14.7.2022   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


L 187/37








            EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY DECISION No 276/21/COL
of 8 December 2021
         
on the Norwegian regional aid map 2022–2027 (Norway) [2022/1213]





1   SUMMARY







(1)


The EFTA Surveillance Authority (‘ESA’) wishes to inform the Norwegian authorities that, having assessed the Norwegian regional aid map 2022–2027, ESA finds it compatible with the principles set out in the Guidelines on regional State aid (‘the RAG’) (1).










(2)


This decision represents ESA’s assessment of the regional aid map under paragraph 190 of the RAG. The approved map constitutes an integral part of the RAG (2). The regional aid map itself does not involve any State aid and does not constitute an authorisation to grant such aid.










(3)


ESA has based its decision on the following considerations.




2   PROCEDURE







(4)


On 1 December 2021, ESA adopted its new RAG by Decision No 269/21/COL. The RAG set out conditions under which notifiable regional aid may be considered compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement (3). They also set out criteria for identifying the areas that fulfil the conditions for compatibility under Article 61(3)(a) and Article 61(3)(c) of the EEA Agreement (4).










(5)


According to paragraph 150 of the RAG, the areas which EEA EFTA States wish to designate as ‘a’ or ‘c’ areas must be identified in a regional aid map. Pursuant to paragraph 189 of the RAG, each EEA EFTA State should notify to ESA a single regional aid map applicable from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027. In keeping with this, the Norwegian authorities notified the Norwegian regional aid map 2022–2027 by letter dated 2 December 2021 (5).




3   ELIGIBLE AREAS DESIGNATED BY THE NORWEGIAN AUTHORITIES

3.1   Background







(6)


The regional aid coverage available for 2022–2027 is set out for each EEA EFTA State in Annex I to the RAG. Norway’s allocation consists of predefined and non-predefined ‘c’ areas.










(7)


The Norwegian authorities can use this allocation to designate predefined and non-predefined ‘c’ areas. The principles governing such designation are found in respectively paragraphs 168 and 169, and paragraph 175, of the RAG.




3.2   Predefined ‘c’ areas

3.2.1   Introduction







(8)


According to paragraph 168 of the RAG, EEA EFTA States may designate as ‘c’ areas the predefined ‘c’ areas referred to in paragraph 166. These areas are identified in Annex I to the RAG.










(9)


Paragraph 169 allows for a flexible approach whereby sparsely and very sparsely populated areas other than those predefined as eligible, can be designated on certain conditions.










(10)


In the Norwegian regional aid map 2014–2020, the Norwegian authorities designated sparsely populated areas. The very sparsely populated areas were not identified (6). Instead, the Norwegian authorities designated very sparsely populated areas in the context of an operating aid scheme which was contingent upon being limited to such areas (7).










(11)


Footnote 65 of the RAG contains a new specification that sparsely populated and very sparsely populated areas should be identified on the regional aid map. On this basis, the Norwegian authorities have in their notification included an identification of the designated very sparsely populated areas equivalent to that previously made in the context of an operating aid scheme.










(12)


Accordingly, ESA will first assess the Norwegian authorities’ designation of sparsely populated areas. Thereafter, ESA will assess the Norwegian authorities’ designation of very sparsely populated areas within these areas. As required by the last sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG, ESA will take account of the population in both the very sparsely and sparsely populated areas when assessing compliance with the population coverage ceiling.










(13)


It follows from the definition in paragraph 19(30) of the RAG that all areas designated on the basis of paragraph 169 are sparsely populated. Accordingly, ESA will only count the population in those areas that are both sparsely and very sparsely populated once when assessing compliance with the population coverage ceiling.




3.2.2   Sparsely populated areas

3.2.2.1   Two counties included in their entirety







(14)


The first and second sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG stipulates that, ‘[f]or sparsely populated areas, EEA EFTA States should in principle designate statistical regions at level 2 with fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2 or statistical regions at level 3 with fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2. However, EEA EFTA States may designate parts of statistical regions at level 3 with fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2 or other contiguous areas adjacent to those statistical regions at level 3, provided that these areas have fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2.’










(15)


In Norway, statistical regions at level 3 consist of counties, whereas statistical regions at level 2 amount to larger regions (8).










(16)


The counties of Troms og Finnmark and Nordland are included in their entirety. Based on figures from 1 January 2020 (9), the population densities in these counties are respectively 3,4 and 6,7 inhabitants per km2 (10). Based on the same population data, the population in these areas amounts to 484 546 inhabitants (11).




3.2.2.2   Partially included regions







(17)


The second sentence of paragraph 169 opens up for designating parts of statistical regions at level 3 with fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2, or other contiguous areas adjacent to those statistical regions at level 3, provided that these areas have fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2. The possibility to include contiguous areas (swap in) is thus mirrored by the possibility to exclude (swap out) areas within the statistical regions at level 3 with fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2.










(18)


Accordingly, parts of the level 3 regions Innlandet and Trøndelag are swapped out of the regional aid map, whereas areas in other level 3 regions are swapped in (12).




3.2.2.3   Smaller areas that are swapped out







(19)


Table 1 below lists the areas in the level 3 regions of Innlandet and Trøndelag that are swapped out (13):

Table 1


Smaller areas that are swapped out








Level 3 region


Areas (municipalities)


Population density




Innlandet


Hamar, Lillehammer, Gjøvik, Ringsaker, Løten, Stange, Elverum, Gran, and Østre Toten


34,5 




Trøndelag


Trondheim, the part of Orkland that was formerly Orkdal municipality, Melhus, Skaun, Malvik, Stjørdal, and Levanger


83,3 














(20)


Based on the population data from 1 January 2020, these swapped out areas have a total population of 504 560 (14).




3.2.2.4   Smaller areas that are swapped in







(21)


Table 2 below provides an overview of the smaller areas with lower population densities than 12,5 inhabitants per km2 that have been swapped in (15):

Table 2


Smaller areas that are swapped in








Level 3 region


Areas (municipalities)


Population density




Viken


Aremark, Marker, Aurskog-Høland, Flå, Nesbyen, Gol, Hemsedal, Ål, Hol, Sigdal, Krødsherad, Flesberg, Rollag, and Nore og Uvdal


4,8 




Vestfold og Telemark


Notodden, Bamble, Kragerø, Drangedal, Nome, Midt-Telemark, Tinn, Hjartdal, Seljord, Kviteseid, Nissedal, Fyresdal, Tokke, and Vinje


6,2 




Agder


The part of Lindesnes that was former Marnardal, the part of Lyngdal that was formerly Audnedal municipality, Risør, Farsund, Flekkefjord, Gjerstad, Vegårshei, Tvedestrand, Åmli, Iveland, Evje og Hornnes, Bygland, Valle, Bykle, Åseral, Hægebostad, Kvinesdal, and Sirdal


5,4 




Rogaland


Sokndal, Lund, Bjerkreim, Hjelmeland, Suldal and Sauda


4,8 




Vestland


Kinn, Etne, Bømlo, Fitjar, Tysnes, Kvinnherad, Ullensvang, Eidfjord, Ulvik, Voss, Kvam, Samnanger, Vaksdal, Modalen, Austrheim, Fedje, Masfjorden, Gulen, Solund, Hyllestad, Høyanger, Vik, Sogndal, Aurland, Lærdal, Årdal, Luster, Askvoll, Fjaler, Sunnfjord, Bremanger, Stad, Gloppen, and Stryn


6,6 




Møre og Romsdal


The parts of Molde that were formerly Nesset and Midsund municipalities, the parts of Ålesund that were formerly Haram and Sandøy municipalities, Vanylven, Sande, Hareid, Ørsta, Stranda, Sykkylven, Vestnes, Rauma, Averøy, Gjemnes, Tingvoll, Sunndal, Surnadal, Smøla, Aure, Volda, Fjord, and Hustadvika


9,5 














(22)


Based on the figures from 1 January 2020, these swapped in areas have a total population of 528 360 (16).




3.2.2.5   Assessment of the flexible approach







(23)


Paragraph 169 of the RAG sets out three requirements, which must be met, in order to swap in smaller areas from a statistical region at level 3 where this region as a whole has a population density above 12,5 inhabitants per km2.










(24)


First, these smaller areas must have fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km2.










(25)


In previous practice, both ESA (17) and the Commission (18) have assessed the population densities for swapped in sparsely populated areas per level 3 region (statistical regions at level 3 / NUTS 3 regions). There is nothing new in the wording of paragraph 169 to require a different interpretation. Consequently, ESA will follow the same approach under the new RAG.










(26)


It follows from the data presented in Table 2 above, that the population densities in the swapped in areas are below 12,5 inhabitants per km2, when assessed together at the level of their statistical region at level 3. The population density requirement is therefore met for the swapped in areas.










(27)


Second, the swapped in smaller areas must be contiguous areas adjacent to the statistical regions at level 3 with a population density of less than 12,5 inhabitants per km2. On the basis of the borders of the concerned areas, as illustrated by the graphic map attached as Annex III(a) to this decision, ESA concludes that this requirement is met.










(28)


Third, the swapping exercise must not result in the specific allocation of ‘c’ coverage referred to in paragraph 167 of the RAG being exceeded. According to the final sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG, the population of the sparsely and very sparsely populated areas must be taken together for the purposes of this assessment. However, as clarified in paragraph (13), the population in those areas that are both sparsely and very sparsely populated, will only be counted once when assessing compliance with the population coverage ceiling.










(29)


According to Annex I to the RAG, the specific allocation of ‘c’ coverage for Norway is 25,14 % of the national population. Both ESA (19) and the Commission (20) have in previous practice accepted the use of recent national population data when assessing compliance with the population coverage ceiling. There is nothing new in the wording of paragraph 169 of the RAG which would entail that this approach is not equally compatible with the new RAG. Accordingly, ESA considers the Norwegian authorities’ use of population data from 1 January 2020 acceptable.










(30)


Based on the figures from 1 January 2020, the population of Norway is 5 368 283 (21). The designated very sparsely and sparsely populated areas can therefore, calculated based on these figures, cover no more than 1 349 586 inhabitants.










(31)


The population within the designated sparsely populated areas amounts to 1 348 649 inhabitants (22). This is below the specific allocation of ‘c’ coverage for Norway.




3.2.3   Very sparsely populated areas

3.2.3.1   Many of the sparsely populated areas qualify as very sparsely populated







(32)


In this section, ESA will assess the Norwegian authorities’ designation of very sparsely populated areas. Due to the geography and population pattern of Norway, many of the sparsely populated areas qualify, and are designated by the Norwegian authorities, as very sparsely populated.




3.2.3.2   The region of Northern Norway is included in its entirety







(33)


The third sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG stipulates that, ‘[f]or very sparsely populated areas, EEA EFTA States may designate statistical regions at level 2 with fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2 or other smaller contiguous areas adjacent to those statistical regions at level 2, provided that these areas have fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2 and that the population of the very sparsely populated areas taken together with the sparsely populated areas does not exceed the specific allocation of “c” coverage referred to in paragraph 167.’










(34)


Two statistical regions at level 2 in Norway satisfy the population density criterion of 8 inhabitants per km2. These are Northern Norway (23) and Innlandet (24). The level 2 region of Northern Norway has a population density of 4,5 inhabitants per km2 (25), whereas the level 2 region of Innlandet has a population density of 7,5 inhabitants per km2 (26).










(35)


The Norwegian authorities have designated the level 2 region Northern Norway as eligible in its entirety. Thus, all areas in Northern Norway are to be regarded as very sparsely populated for the purposes of the RAG.










(36)


As mentioned in paragraph (16) above, based on figures from 1 January 2020, the population in these areas amounts to 484 546 inhabitants.




3.2.3.3   The region of Innlandet is partially included







(37)


The wording of the third sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG allows for designating smaller contiguous areas adjacent to those statistical regions at level 2 with fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2. While this is not stated explicitly, the possibility to include such contiguous areas must logically be mirrored by the possibility to exclude areas within the statistical regions at level 2 with fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2. This interpretation is also in line with previous practice (27).










(38)


In accordance with this, the level 2 region of Innlandet is only partially designated as very sparsely populated. Table 3 below presents the included areas in Innlandet, and the population density in this area (28):

Table 3


Included areas in Innlandet








Level 2 region


Areas (municipalities)


Population density




Innlandet


Kongsvinger, Nord-Odal, Sør-Odal, Eidskog, Grue, Åsnes, Våler, Trysil, Åmot, Stor-Elvdal, Rendalen, Engerdal, Tolga, Tynset, Alvdal, Folldal, Os, Dovre, Lesja, Skjåk, Lom, Vågå, Nord-Fron, Sel, Sør-Fron, Ringebu, Søndre Land, Nordre Land, Sør-Aurdal, Etnedal, Nord-Aurdal, Vestre Slidre, Øystre Slidre, and Vang


3,4 














(39)


Based on population figures from 1 January 2020, the population in these areas is 143 115 inhabitants (29).




3.2.3.4   Parts of Trøndelag are included as smaller contiguous areas to Northern Norway







(40)


The adjacent areas to Northern Norway are all located in the level 3 region of Trøndelag.










(41)


Table 4 below presents the included areas in Trøndelag and the population density in this area (30):

Table 4


Included contiguous areas to Northern Norway








Level 3 region


Areas (municipalities)


Population density




Trøndelag


The part of Steinkjer that was formerly Verran, Namsos, Osen, Snåase-Snåsa, Lierne, Raarvihke–Røyrvik, Namsskogan, Grong, Høylandet, Overhalla, Flatanger, Leka, Inderøy, Indre Fosen, Ørland, Åfjord, and Nærøysund


4,1 














(42)


The population in these areas is 73 683 inhabitants when calculated on the basis of the population figures from 1 January 2020 (31).




3.2.3.5   Smaller contiguous areas to Innlandet in several counties are included







(43)


The adjacent areas to Innlandet are located in the level 3 regions of Trøndelag, Møre og Romsdal, Vestland, Rogaland, Agder, Vestfold og Telemark, and Viken. These areas are presented in the below Table 5 (32).

Table 5


Included contiguous areas to Innlandet








Level 3 region


Areas (municipalities)


Population density




Trøndelag


Hitra, Frøya, Oppdal, Rennebu, Røros, Holtålen, Tydal, Meråker, Heim, Rindal, and the parts of Orkland that were formerly Agdenes, Meldal, and parts of Snillfjord municipality


3,6 




Møre og Romsdal


Vanylven, Sande, Stranda, Sykkylven, Vestnes, Rauma, Tingvoll, Sunndal, Surnadal, Smøla, Aure, Fjord, the part of Volda that was formerly Hornindal municipality, the parts of Molde that were formerly Nesset and Midsund minicipalities, and the part of Ålesund that was formerly Sandøy municipality


6,3 




Vestland


Tysnes, Kvinnherad, Ullensvang, Eidfjord, Ulvik, Modalen, Fedje, Masfjorden, Gulen, Solund, Hyllestad, Høyanger, Vik, Aurland, Lærdal, Årdal, Luster, Askvoll, Fjaler, Bremanger, Stad, Gloppen, Stryn, the part of Voss that was formerly Granvin municipality, the part of Kinn that was formerly Vågsøy municipality, the parts of Sogndal that were formerly Leikanger and Balestrand municipalities, and the parts of Sunnfjord that were formerly Gaular, Jølster and Naustdal municipalities


4,7 




Rogaland


Hjelmeland, Suldal and Sauda


3,6 




Agder


Risør, Gjerstad, Åmli, Evje og Hornnes, Bygland, Valle, Bykle, and Åseral


2,9 




Vestfold og Telemark


Drangedal, Nome, Tinn, Hjartdal, Seljord, Kviteseid, Nissedal, Fyresdal, Tokke, and Vinje


2,9 




Viken


Flå, Nesbyen, Gol, Hemsedal, Ål, Hol, Rollag, and Nore og Uvdal


3,0 














(44)


The population in these areas is 301 848 inhabitants when calculated on the basis of the population figures from 1 January 2020 (33).




3.2.3.6   Assessment of the flexible approach







(45)


Paragraph 169 of the RAG sets out three requirements, which must be met, in order to swap in areas from statistical regions at level 2 with a population density above 8 inhabitants per km2.










(46)


First, these areas must have fewer than 8 inhabitants per km2.










(47)


As established in paragraph (27) above, both ESA (34) and the Commission (35) have previously assessed the population densities for swapped in sparsely populated areas together, per their respective level 3 region (statistical regions at level 3 / NUTS 3 regions). For very sparsely populated areas designated in the context of an operating aid scheme, ESA did not assess the population densities in the concerned areas at a smaller unit level than level 3 (36).










(48)


There is nothing new in the wording of paragraph 169 of the RAG to require a departure from this established practice. Accordingly, ESA will follow the same approach under the new RAG.










(49)


It follows from the data presented in Tables 4 and 5 above that the population densities in the swapped in areas are below 8 inhabitants per km2 when the areas located in the same statistical region at level 3 are assessed together. As the statistical regions at level 3 are part of the larger regions at level 2, this entails that the population densities in the swapped in areas are also below the threshold of 8 inhabitants per km2 if assessed at the level of the included areas in each region at level 2.










(50)


The population density requirement is therefore met for the swapped in areas. As established by Table 3, the population density requirement is also met for the designated areas in Innlandet assessed together.










(51)


Second, the swapped in areas must be contiguous areas adjacent to the statistical regions at level 2 with a population density of less than 8 inhabitants per km2. On the basis of the borders between the concerned areas, as illustrated by the graphic map attached as Annex III(b) to this decision, ESA concludes that this requirement is met.










(52)


Third, the swapping exercise must not result in the specific allocation of ‘c’ coverage referred to in paragraph 167 of the RAG being exceeded. According to the final sentence of paragraph 169 of the RAG, the population of the very sparsely populated areas must, for the purposes of this assessment, be taken together with that of the areas which are only sparsely populated.










(53)


The population within the designated very sparsely populated areas amounts to 1 003 192 inhabitants (37). This population was included when assessing the compliance of the designation of sparsely populated areas with the population coverage ceiling in paragraph (31) above. On this basis, ESA concludes that the population coverage of the Norwegian regional aid map does not exceed the specific allocation of ‘c’ coverage referred to in paragraph 167 of the RAG.




3.2.4   Concluding remarks on the designation of predefined ‘c’ areas







(54)


In the regional aid map 2022–2027, the Norwegian authorities have designated sparsely and very sparsely populated areas eligible for regional aid. On the basis of the above assessment, ESA considers that this designation has been made in accordance with the RAG.




3.3   Non-predefined ‘c’ areas

3.3.1   Introduction







(55)


According to Annex I to the RAG, the allocation of non-predefined ‘c’ coverage for Norway is 6,87 % of the national population. Norway can use this coverage to designate non-predefined ‘c’ areas in accordance with the conditions in paragraph 175 of the RAG.




3.3.2   Included areas







(56)


The areas designated by the Norwegian authorities as non-predefined ‘c’ areas, are presented in the below Table 6 (38).

Table 6


Non-predefined ‘c’ areas








Level 3 region


Municipalities


Population 1 January 2020




Rogaland


Utsira and Kvitsøy


715 




Møre og Romsdal


Aukra


3 509 














(57)


On the basis of the most recent population figures from 1 January 2020, the population in the areas designated as non-predefined ‘c’ areas is therefore 4 224 inhabitants.




3.3.3   Assessment







(58)


According to paragraph 175(3)(iii) of the RAG, EEA EFTA States may designate as non-predefined ‘c’ areas islands that have fewer than 5 000 inhabitants.










(59)


As follows from the figures presented in Table 6 above, the population on each of the islands of Utsira, Kvitsøy and Aukra is less than 5 000 inhabitants. The condition in paragraph 175(3)(iii) of the RAG is therefore met.










(60)


Based on the population data in Table 6 above, the population within these designated areas furthermore amounts to 0,08 % of the total population. This is well below the allocation of non-predefined ‘c’ coverage for Norway of 6,87 % in Annex I to the RAG.










(61)


On this basis, ESA concludes that the designation of non-predefined ‘c’ areas in the Norwegian regional aid map 2022–2027 is in accordance with the RAG.




3.4   Overview of the areas covered by the regional aid map







(62)


A list of the areas included in the regional aid map, including their status as very sparsely populated, sparsely populated, or non-predefined ‘c’ areas, is included as Annex I to this decision. Annex II contains more detailed information on the statistical units in those municipalities that have been split when designating eligible areas.




4   AID INTENSITIES







(63)


It follows from paragraph 151 of the RAG that the regional aid map must also specify maximum aid intensities applicable in the eligible areas during the period of validity of the approved map.










(64)


The maximum aid intensities in the map apply to regional investment aid. The maximum intensities allowed for such aid under the RAG, are set out in its Section 7.4.










(65)


As specified in Table 7 below, the Norwegian authorities have notified maximum aid intensities for large enterprises of 20 % and 10 % in respectively predefined ‘c’ areas and non-predefined ‘c’ areas. These maximum intensities are increased by 20 percentage points for small enterprises and 10 percentage points for medium-sized enterprises (39).

Table 7


Maximum aid intensities









Type of area


Maximum aid intensities for large enterprises


Increase for medium-sized enterprises


Increase for small enterprises




Predefined ‘c’


20  %


10  %


20  %




Non-predefined ‘c’


10  %


10  %


20  %














(66)


With respect to the maximum aid intensities in predefined ‘c’ areas, paragraph 182(1) of the RAG stipulates that the aid intensity for large enterprises must not exceed 20 % in sparsely populated areas. As all of the areas designated under the quota for predefined ‘c’ areas are sparsely populated, the maximum aid intensity stipulated by the Norwegian authorities for these areas is in accordance with the RAG.










(67)


The increases allowed for medium-sized and small enterprises in predefined ‘c’ areas are also in accordance with the RAG. It follows from paragraph 186 of the RAG that the aid intensities may be increased by up to 20 percentage points for small enterprises or up to 10 percentage points for medium-sized enterprises.










(68)


As regards the maximum aid intensities in non-predefined ‘c’ areas, paragraph 182(3) of the RAG stipulates that the aid intensity for large enterprises must not exceed 10 % in non-predefined ‘c’ areas that have a GDP per capita above 100 % of the EEA average and an unemployment rate below 100 % of the EEA average. Since the designated non-predefined ‘c’ areas fall within this category, the Norwegian authorities have set the maximum aid intensity to 10 %.










(69)


The scope under paragraph 186 of the RAG for increasing the aid intensities for small and medium-sized enterprises, however, apply also for non-predefined ‘c’ areas. The increases of the maximum aid intensity in these areas, as presented in Table 7 above, are therefore also in accordance with the RAG.




5   DURATION AND REVIEW







(70)


In accordance with paragraph 189 of the RAG, the Norwegian authorities have notified a single regional aid map applicable for the period 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027.










(71)


It follows from paragraph 194 of the RAG that a mid-term review of the regional aid maps will be carried out in 2023. ESA will communicate the details on the mid-term review by June 2023.




6   CONCLUSION







(72)


On the basis of the foregoing assessment, ESA finds that the Norwegian regional aid map 2022–2027 is compatible with the principles set out in the RAG. The approved map constitutes an integral part of the RAG.










(73)


Annexes I, II, and III(a) and (b), form an integral part of this decision.







          
      





For the EFTA Surveillance Authority,

Bente ANGELL-HANSEN
            

President


Responsible College Member



Högni S. KRISTJÁNSSON
            

College Member




Stefan BARRIGA
               


College Member



Melpo-Menie JOSÉPHIDÈS
            

Countersigning as Director,


Legal and Executive Affairs






(1)  The Guidelines on regional State aid were adopted on 1 December 2021 by ESA Decision No 269/21/COL, not yet published.

(2)  The RAG, paragraph 190.

(3)  The RAG, paragraph 2.

(4)  
            Ibid.

(5)  Document Nos 1252726, 1252724, 1252722, 1252736, 1252734, 1252728, 12527 and 1252732.

(6)  ESA Decision No 91/14/COL of 26 February 2014 on the Norwegian regional aid map 2014–2020 (OJ L 172, 12.6.2014, p. 52, and EEA Supplement No 34, 12.6.2014, p. 18).

(7)  See paragraphs 79–81 of ESA Decision No 225/14/COL of 18 June 2014 on regionally differentiated social security contributions 2014–2020 (OJ C 344, 2.10.2014, p. 14, and EEA Supplement No 55, 2.10.2014, p. 4).

(8)  PDF maps of the statistical regions of Norway are available on Eurostat’s webpages: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/nuts/nuts-maps

(9)  For the purpose of the notification of the regional aid map, the Norwegian authorities have used population figures from 1 January 2020. These figures have been procured from Statistics Norway (SSB). With respect to the land area figures, these are also from 1 January 2020, and have been collected from SSB (Statistikkbanken). In certain instances, however, data have been collected from earlier years to obtain data for former municipalities which have been split or amalgamated. This pertains in particular to land area data.

(10)  Notification, p. 3.

(11)  Table 4 on p. 5 of the notification.

(12)  Notification, pp. 3 and 4.

(13)  The table is based on Table 2 on p. 4 of the notification.

(14)  Table 1 on p. 3 of the notification.

(15)  The table is based on Table 3 on p. 4 of the notification.

(16)  Table 1 on p. 3 of the notification.

(17)  See the Decision on the Norwegian regional aid map 2014–2020, referenced in footnote 6 above, paragraph 18.

(18)  See paragraphs 7 and 15 of the Commission decision of 27 March 2014 on the Swedish regional aid map 2014–2020, SA37985 (2014/N), (OJ C 210, 4.7.2014, p. 20).

(19)  See paragraph 9 of ESA Decision No 170/14/COL of 24 April 2014 on the Icelandic regional aid map 2014–2020 (OJ L 201, 10.7.2014, p. 33).

(20)  See the Commission decision on the Swedish regional aid map 2014–2020, referenced in footnote 18 above, in footnote 2, paragraph 10, and paragraphs 13–15.

(21)  Notification, p. 3.

(22)  Notification, p. 3.

(23)  This region comprises the following statistical regions at level 3: Troms og Finnmark and Nordland.

(24)  Innlandet is also a statistical region at level 3.

(25)  Table 7a on p. 8 of the notification.

(26)  Notification, p. 8.

(27)  See the Decision on regionally differentiated social security contributions 2014–2020, referenced in footnote 7, paragraphs 79 to 81.

(28)  The table is based on Tables 7b and 8b on pp. 8 and 9 of the notification.

(29)  Table 7b on p. 8 of the notification.

(30)  The table is based on Tables 7a and 8a on pp. 8 and 9 of the notification.

(31)  Table 7a on p. 8 of the notification.

(32)  The table is based on Tables 7b and 8b on pp. 8 and 9 of the notification.

(33)  Table 7b on p. 8 of the notification.

(34)  See the Decision on the Norwegian regional aid map 2014–2020, referenced in footnote 6 above, paragraph 18.

(35)  See the Decision on the Swedish regional aid map 2014–2020, referenced in footnote 18 above, paragraphs 7 and 15.

(36)  See paragraphs 79–81 of the Decision on regionally differentiated social security contributions 2014–2020, referenced in footnote 7 above.

(37)  Notification, p. 10.

(38)  The table is based on Table 9 on p. 11 of the notification.

(39)  The table is based on Table 10 on p. 11 of the notification.




ANNEX I
Overview of the areas covered by the regional aid map
1   PREDEFINED ‘C’ AREAS
1.1   Very sparsely populated areas






Level 3 region


Municipalities




Troms og Finnmark


Tromsø, Harstad-Hárstták, Alta, Vardø, Vadsø, Hammerfest, Kvæfjord, Tjeldsund, Ibestad, Gratangen, Loabák-Lavangen, Bardu, Salangen, Målselv, Sørreisa, Dyrøy, Senja, Balsfjord, Karlsøy, Lyngen, Storfjord-Omasvuotna-Omasvuono, Gáivuotna-Kåfjord-Kaivuono, Skjervøy, Nordreisa, Kvænangen, Guovdageaidnu-Kautokeino, Loppa, Hasvik, Måsøy, Nordkapp, Porsanger-Porsáŋgu-Porsanki, Kárášjohka-Karasjok, Lebesby, Gamvik, Berlevåg, Deatnu-Tana, Unjárga-Nesseby, Båtsfjord, and Sør-Varanger




Nordland


Bodø, Narvik, Bindal, Sømna, Brønnøy, Vega, Vevelstad, Herøy, Alstahaug, Leirfjord, Vefsn, Grane, Hattfjelldal, Dønna, Nesna, Hemnes, Rana, Lurøy, Træna, Rødøy, Meløy, Gildeskål, Beiarn, Saltdal, Fauske-Fuossko, Sørfold, Steigen, Lødingen, Evenes, Røst, Værøy, Flakstad, Vestvågøy, Vågan, Hadsel, Bø, Øksnes, Sortland, Andøy, Moskenes, and Hamarøy-Hábmer




Trøndelag


The part of Steinkjer that was formerly Verran, Namsos, Osen, Snåase-Snåsa, Lierne, Raarvihke–Røyrvik, Namsskogan, Grong, Høylandet, Overhalla, Flatanger, Leka, Inderøy, Indre Fosen, Ørland, Åfjord, Nærøysund, Hitra, Frøya, Oppdal, Rennebu, Røros, Holtålen, Tydal, Meråker, Heim, Rindal, and the parts of Orkland that were formerly Agdenes, Meldal and parts of Snillfjord municipality




Møre og Romsdal


Vanylven, Sande, Stranda, Sykkylven, Vestnes, Rauma, Tingvoll, Sunndal, Surnadal, Smøla, Aure, Fjord, the part of Volda that was formerly Hornindal, the parts of Molde that were formerly Nesset and Midsund, and the part of Ålesund that was formerly Sandøy




Vestland


Tysnes, Kvinnherad, Ullensvang, Eidfjord, Ulvik, Modalen, Fedje, Masfjorden, Gulen, Solund, Hyllestad, Høyanger, Vik, Aurland, Lærdal, Årdal, Luster, Askvoll, Fjaler, Bremanger, Stad, Gloppen, Stryn, the part of Voss that was formerly Granvin, the part of Kinn that was formerly Vågsøy, the parts of Sogndal that were formerly Leikanger and Balestrand, and the parts of Sunnfjord that were formerly Gaular, Jølster and Naustdal




Rogaland


Hjelmeland, Suldal and Sauda




Agder


Risør, Gjerstad, Åmli, Evje og Hornnes, Bygland, Valle, Bykle, and Åseral




Vestfold og Telemark


Drangedal, Nome, Tinn, Hjartdal, Seljord, Kviteseid, Nissedal, Fyresdal, Tokke, and Vinje




Innlandet


Kongsvinger, Nord-Odal, Sør-Odal, Eidskog, Grue, Åsnes, Våler, Trysil, Åmot, Stor-Elvdal, Rendalen, Engerdal, Tolga, Tynset, Alvdal, Folldal, Os, Dovre, Lesja, Skjåk, Lom, Vågå, Nord-Fron, Sel, Sør-Fron, Ringebu, Søndre Land, Nordre Land, Sør-Aurdal, Etnedal, Nord-Aurdal, Vestre Slidre, Øystre Slidre, and Vang




Viken


Flå, Nesbyen, Gol, Hemsedal, Ål, Hol, Rollag, and Nore og Uvdal




1.2   Sparsely populated areas






Level 3 region


Municipalities




Trøndelag


The part of Steinkjer that was formerly Steinkjer (i.e. the part that was not Verran), Midtre Gauldal, Selbu, Frosta, and Verdal




Møre og Romsdal


The part of Ålesund that was formerly Haram, Hareid, the part of Volda that was formerly Volda (i.e. the part that was not Hornindal), Ørsta, Averøy, Gjemnes, and Hustadvika




Vestland


The part of Voss that was formerly Voss (i.e. the part that was not Granvin), the part of Kinn that was formerly Flora, the part of Sogndal that was formerly Sogndal (i.e. the part that was not Balestrand and Leikanger), the part of Sunnfjord that was formerly Førde, Etne, Bømlo, Fitjar, Kvam, Samnanger, Vaksdal, and Austrheim




Rogaland


Sokndal, Lund, and Bjerkreim




Agder


The part of Lindesnes that was formerly Marnardal, the part of Lyngdal that was formerly Audnedal, Farsund, Flekkefjord, Vegårshei, Tvedestrand, Iveland, Hægebostad, Kvinesdal, and Sirdal




Vestfold og Telemark


Notodden, Bamble, Kragerø, and Midt-Telemark




Innlandet


Øyer, Gausdal, and Vestre Toten




Viken


Aremark, Marker, Aurskog-Høland, Sigdal, Krødsherad, and Flesberg




2   NON-PREDEFINED ‘C’ AREAS






Level 3 region


Municipalities




Rogaland


Utsira and Kvitsøy




Møre og Romsdal


Aukra









ANNEX II
Eligible Basic Statistical Units (BSUs) in split municipalities









Municipality (LAU) Code


Municipality name


Former municipality


BSU Code


BSU Name




4205 



Lindesnes




Marnardal



42051001


Øyslebø




 


 


 


42051002


Skjævesland




 


 


 


42051003


Birkeland




 


 


 


42051004


Støa




 


 


 


42051005


Gangså




 


 


 


42051006


Finnsdal




 


 


 


42051007


Tjomsland - Lindland




 


 


 


42051008


Laudal Nedre




 


 


 


42051009


Laudal Øvre




 


 


 


42051010


Tisland




 


 


 


42051011


Åkset




 


 


 


42051012


Bruskeland




 


 


 


42051013


Rydlende




 


 


 


42051014


Trygsland




 


 


 


42051015


Stedjan




 


 


 


42051016


Koland




4225



Lyngdal




Audnedal



42250401


Brastad




 


 


 


42250402


Viblemo




 


 


 


42250403


Konsmo




 


 


 


42250404


Audnedal




 


 


 


42250405


Ågedalstø




 


 


 


42250406


Øydna




 


 


 


42250407


Byremo




 


 


 


42250408


Håland - Sveindal




4621



Voss




1234 Granvin



46211001


Lussand - Kvandal




 


 


 


46211002


Folkedal




 


 


 


46211003


Hamre




 


 


 


46211004


Eide




 


 


 


46211005


Selland - Kjerland




 


 


 


46211006


Kyrkjestrandi




 


 


 


46211007


Seim - Nesheim




 


 


 


46211008


Spildo




 


 


 


46211009


Tjoflot




 


 


 


46211010


Djønno




4602 



Kinn




1439 Vågsøy



46020401


Silda




 


 


 


46020402


Vedvik




 


 


 


46020403


Halsør




 


 


 


46020404


Røysa




 


 


 


46020405


Raudeberg




 


 


 


46020406


Kapellneset




 


 


 


46020407


Refvik




 


 


 


46020408


Kvalheim




 


 


 


46020501


Ulvesund




 


 


 


46020502


Degnepoll




 


 


 


46020503


Kulen




 


 


 


46020504


Blålid




 


 


 


46020505


Skavøypoll




 


 


 


46020506


Sørpoll




 


 


 


46020507


Almenning




 


 


 


46020601


Våge - Oppedal




 


 


 


46020602


Holvik




 


 


 


46020603


Sæternes




 


 


 


46020604


Ellingskaret




 


 


 


46020605


Skram Øvre




 


 


 


46020606


Skram Nedre




 


 


 


46020607


Midtgård Søndre




 


 


 


46020608


Midtgård Nordre




 


 


 


46020609


Gotteberg




 


 


 


46020610


Øyane i Sør




4640



Sogndal




1419 Leikanger



46400501


Njøs




 


 


 


46400502


Hermansverk




 


 


 


46400503


Henjum




 


 


 


46400504


Leitet




 


 


 


46400505


Leikanger




 


 


 


46400506


Hamre - Fosse




 


 


 


46400507


Grinde




 


 


 


46400508


Eitorn




4640



Sogndal




1418 Balestrand



46400604


Vetlefjord




 


 


 


46400605


Sværefjorden




 


 


 


46400606


Esefjorden




 


 


 


46400607


Balestrand




 


 


 


46400608


Thue




 


 


 


46400609


Kvamsøy




4647



Sunnfjord




1430 Gaular



46470601


Øvrebotten




 


 


 


46470602


Eldal - Mjell




 


 


 


46470603


Viken




 


 


 


46470604


Hestadgrend




 


 


 


46470605


Skudal




 


 


 


46470606


Senneseth




 


 


 


46470607


Steien




 


 


 


46470608


Sande




 


 


 


46470609


Sygna




 


 


 


46470610


Lunde




 


 


 


46470611


Skilbrei - Hjelmeland




 


 


 


46470612


Lien




 


 


 


46470613


Kvamme




 


 


 


46470614


Osen




 


 


 


46470615


Birkeland




 


 


 


46470616


Kårstad




 


 


 


46470617


Hestad




4647



Sunnfjord




1431 Jølster



46470401


Eikås




 


 


 


46470402


Langhaugane




 


 


 


46470403


Hjellbrekke




 


 


 


46470404


Vassenden Nord




 


 


 


46470405


Vassenden Sør




 


 


 


46470406


Sanddal




 


 


 


46470407


Svidal




 


 


 


46470408


Ålhus




 


 


 


46470501


Myklebost




 


 


 


46470502


Årdal




 


 


 


46470503


Helgheim




 


 


 


46470504


Fugle




 


 


 


46470505


Skei




 


 


 


46470506


Kjøsnesfjorden




 


 


 


46470507


Førde




 


 


 


46470508


Klakegg




 


 


 


46470509


Veiteberg




 


 


 


46470510


Åmot




4647



Sunnfjord




1433 Naustdal



46470701


Kvellestad




 


 


 


46470702


Vevring




 


 


 


46470703


Redal




 


 


 


46470704


Helle




 


 


 


46470705


Frammarsvik




 


 


 


46470706


Naustdal Vest




 


 


 


46470707


Naustdal Aust




 


 


 


46470708


Åse




 


 


 


46470709


Horstad Vest




 


 


 


46470710


Horstad Aust




 


 


 


46470711


Ullaland Nord




 


 


 


46470712


Ullaland Sør




 


 


 


46470713


Fimland




1577



Volda




1444 Hornindal



15770601


Haugen




 


 


 


15770602


Kirkhorn




 


 


 


15770603


Grodås




 


 


 


15770605


Otterdal




 


 


 


15770606


Lødemel




 


 


 


15770607


Rygg




 


 


 


15770608


Kjøs




1506 



Molde




1543 Nesset



15060801


Ranvik




 


 


 


15060802


Tjelle




 


 


 


15060803


Rød




 


 


 


15060804


Høvik




 


 


 


15060805


Hammervoll




 


 


 


15060806


Eidsvåg Sentrum




 


 


 


15060807


Aasen




 


 


 


15060808


Stubø




 


 


 


15060809


Vorpenes




 


 


 


15060810


Raudsand




 


 


 


15060811


Bersås




 


 


 


15060812


Eidsøra




 


 


 


15060813


Meisalstranda




 


 


 


15060814


Bugge




 


 


 


15060901


Myklebostad




 


 


 


15060902


Nerland




 


 


 


15060903


Sira




 


 


 


15060904


Slenes




 


 


 


15060905


Eikesdal




 


 


 


15060906


Aursjøen




 


 



1545 Midsund



15061001


Søre Midøy




 


 


 


15061002


Nordre Midøy




 


 


 


15061003


Midsund Ytre




 


 


 


15061004


Ugelvik




 


 


 


15061005


Nerland




 


 


 


15061006


Raknes




 


 


 


15061007


Rakvåg




 


 


 


15061008


Ræstad




 


 


 


15061009


Nord - Heggdal - Tutra




 


 


 


15061010


Sør - Heggdal




 


 


 


15061011


Midsund Indre




1507 



Ålesund




1534 Haram



15071101


Fjørtoft




 


 


 


15071102


Otterlei




 


 


 


15071103


Rogne




 


 


 


15071104


Longva




 


 


 


15071105


Flem




 


 


 


15071106


Ulla




 


 


 


15071107


Austnes




 


 


 


15071108


Haram




 


 


 


15071109


Kjerstad




 


 


 


15071110


Farstad




 


 


 


15071201


Hurla




 


 


 


15071202


Alvestad




 


 


 


15071203


Brattvåg




 


 


 


15071204


Aksla - Håvik




 


 


 


15071301


Samfjord




 


 


 


15071302


Strand




 


 


 


15071303


Slyngstad




 


 


 


15071304


Tennfjord




 


 


 


15071305


Vatne




 


 


 


15071306


Ulvestad - Vatne




 


 


 


15071307


Hellestranda




 


 


 


15071308


Vestrefjord




 


 


 


15071401


Bjørnøy - Kalvøy




 


 


 


15071402


Søvik - Gamlem




 


 


 


15071403


Grytastrand - Hamsund




 


 



1546 Sandøy



15071701


Myklebost




 


 


 


15071702


Røsok




 


 


 


15071703


Bruvoll - Morsund




 


 


 


15071704


Steinshamn - Harnes




 


 


 


15071705


Huse




 


 


 


15071706


Finnøy




 


 


 


15071708


Sandøy




 


 


 


15071709


Ona - Husøy




5006 



Steinkjer




Verran



50060801


Vada




 


 


 


50060802


Nordberg




 


 


 


50060803


Kirkreit




 


 


 


50060804


Bratreit




 


 


 


50060805


Holdåsen




 


 


 


50060806


Malmo




 


 


 


50060807


Fossdalen




 


 


 


50060808


Ressem




 


 


 


50060809


Sundbygda




 


 


 


50060810


Tverås




 


 


 


50060811


Folladalen - Ystmark




 


 


 


50060812


Holden - Langvatnet




 


 


 


50060901


Sela




 


 


 


50060902


Follafoss Østre




 


 


 


50060903


Follafoss Vestre - Tua




 


 


 


50060904


Skjelstad




 


 


 


50060905


Verrastranda




5059



Orkland




5023 Meldal



50590501


Midtskog




 


 


 


50590502


Løvby




 


 


 


50590503


Løkken Vest




 


 


 


50590504


Bjørnli




 


 


 


50590505


Løkken Øst




 


 


 


50590601


Laksøybygda




 


 


 


50590602


Drogsetmoen




 


 


 


50590603


Lo




 


 


 


50590604


Storås Vest




 


 


 


50590605


Fossen




 


 


 


50590606


Syrstad




 


 


 


50590607


Grefstad




 


 


 


50590608


Grøta




 


 


 


50590609


Hilstad




 


 


 


50590610


Jerpstad




 


 


 


50590611


Ree




 


 


 


50590612


Grut




 


 


 


50590613


Ilfjellet




 


 


 


50590614


Resdalen




 


 



5016 Agdenes



50590801


Selven




 


 


 


50590802


Lysheim




 


 


 


50590803


Sletvik




 


 


 


50590804


Fjorden




 


 


 


50590806


Leksa




 


 


 


50590807


Ingdalen




 


 


 


50590808


Hamna




 


 


 


50590809


Singstad




 


 


 


50590810


Sterten




 


 


 


50590811


Stranda




 


 



Parts of 5012 Snillfjord



50590901


Aa




 


 


 


50590902


Vuttudal - Skårild




 


 


 


50590904


Tannvik




 


 


 


50590905


Åstfjorden




 


 


 


50590906


Heggstad




 


 


 


50590911


Imsterfjorden Indre




 


 


 


50590912


Moldtun









ANNEX III (a) and (b)
Graphic illustrations of the eligible areas