L 187/40
(22)
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
14.7.2022
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
Based on the figures from 1 January 2020, these swapped in areas have a total population of 528 360 (16).
3.2.2.5 A s s e s s m e n t o f t h e f l e x i b l e a p p r o a c h (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.
(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.