natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
Finally, in their most recent comments and in particular by letter of 3 March 2005, Germany amended the initial notification presented and undertook to apply Article 5 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises [5] in respect of aid for consultancy grants for SMEs using the centres.
V svojih zadnjih pripombah in predvsem v pismu z dne 3. marca 2005 je Nemčija spremenila prvotno priglasitev; zavezala se je, da bo, kar zadeva subvencije za svetovanje v korist uporabnikom centrov MSP, upoštevala člen 5 Uredbe Komisije (ES) št. 70/2001 z dne 12. januarja o uporabi členov 87 in 88 Pogodbe ES pri pomoči za majhna in srednje velika podjetja [5].
It also undertook to apply Regulation (EC) No 69/2001 to any other support measures for SMEs using the centres, and in particular for the renting of premises and laboratories and for the use of research facilities or other items of equipment.
Poleg tega se je Nemčija zavezala, da bo za ostale ukrepe pomoči, namenjene MSP, predvsem najem prostorov in laboratorijev, uporabo raziskovalne opreme ali drugih predmetov opreme, uporabila Uredbo (ES) št. 69/2001.
Although the aid was exempt under the Regulations, Germany requested a definitive Commission decision for reasons of legal certainty.
Četudi je bila pomoč na podlagi navedenih uredb izvzeta, je Nemčija zaradi pravne varnosti Komisijo zaprosila za končno odločbo.
The Commission has assessed the measure in the light of Article 87 et seq. of the EC Treaty and Article 61 et seq. of the EEA Agreement as well as in the light of Regulations (EC) No 69/2001 and (EC) No 70/2001.
Komisija je ukrep preverila na podlagi člena 87 in dalje Pogodbe ES kakor tudi člena 61 in dalje Sporazuma EGP in na podlagi uredb (ES) št. 69/2001 in (ES) št. 70/2001.
Presence of State aid within the meaning of Article 87(1) of the EC Treaty
Obstoj pomoči v smislu člena 87(1) Pogodbe ES
In order to assess the measure under the State aid rules of the EC Treaty, it has to be ascertained first whether it constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 87(1) of the EC Treaty.
Pri presoji ukrepa na podlagi predpisov o državnih pomočeh Pogodbe ES je treba najprej preveriti, ali gre pri ukrepu za državno pomoč v smislu člena 87(1) Pogodbe ES.
According to Article 87(1), any aid granted by a Member State or through State resources in any form whatsoever which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods is, insofar as it affects trade between Member States, incompatible with the common market.
Po členu 87(1) Pogodbe ES je vsaka pomoč, ki jo dodeli država članica, ali kakršna koli vrsta pomoči iz državnih sredstev, ki izkrivlja ali bi lahko izkrivljala konkurenco z dajanjem prednosti posameznim podjetjem ali proizvodnji posameznega blaga, nezdružljiva s skupnim trgom, kolikor prizadene trgovino med državami članicami.
The concept of State aid applies to any direct or indirect advantage financed out of State resources and granted by the State itself or by entities acting by virtue of powers conferred on it by the State.
Pojem pomoči zajema vsako ugodnost, ki je neposredno ali posredno financirana iz državnih sredstev in jo dodeli država sama ali organi, ki delujejo na podlagi državnega mandata.
A measure is deemed to constitute State aid if it meets all the criteria of Article 87(1).
Za državno pomoč velja ukrep, ki izpolnjuje vsa merila člena 87(1) Pogodbe ES.
In the case of measures in the form of a grant or a loan, it is normally obvious which enterprise is potentially the beneficiary for the purpose of assessing whether State aid is involved.
V okviru preverjanja, ali gre za državno pomoč, je pri ukrepih, ki so dodeljeni v obliki subvencije ali posojila, ponavadi razvidno, katero podjetje potencialno uživa ugodnosti.
However, the measure under consideration is more complex as the German authorities create incentives for one group of market participants (the providers) in order to support another group (the users).
Vendar je zadevni ukrep bolj zapleten, saj nemški organi spodbujajo skupino udeležencev na trgu (ustanovitelji), da bi podprla drugo skupino (uporabniki).
In addition, the measure creates a third group of potential market participants (the centres) which exist separately from the providers and users.
Poleg tega ukrep predvideva ustanovitev tretje skupine potencialnih udeležencev na trgu (centri), ki obstaja neodvisno od ustanoviteljev in uporabnikov.
Even if Germany intends only to confer benefits on the users, entities at all three levels may be beneficiaries of State aid.
Četudi Nemčija namerava uporabnikom zgolj priskrbeti ugodnosti, je mogoče, da so podjetja vseh treh ravni prejemniki državne pomoči.
The existence of State aid within the meaning of Article 87(1) EC Treaty should therefore be assessed at the three different levels: the providers, the centres and the users.
Zato je obstoj državne pomoči v smislu člena 87(1) Pogodbe ES treba preveriti na vseh treh ravneh: ustanovitelji, centri in uporabniki.
First level: The providers
Prva raven: ustanovitelji
t is not contested that the measure will be funded out of State resources.
Ukrep je nesporno financiran iz državnih sredstev.
The percentage of State aid depends on whether the provider is a municipality, an association of local authorities or a public or private non-profit body.
Odstotek državne pomoči je odvisen od tega, ali je ustanovitelj občina oz. občinska zveza ali pa javni oz. zasebni neprofitni organ.
In the first case, the centre is built with 100 % financing from State resources (up to 90 % from Federal and Land authorities and at least 10 % from local authorities or local authority associations).
V prvem primeru je izgradnja centra v celoti financirana iz državnih sredstev (do 90 % iz sredstev zvezne vlade in dežel in najmanj 10 % iz sredstev občin oz. občinskih zvez).
However, if a non-profit body is involved, it has to provide at least 10 % of the financing, with the State providing the remaining amount (up to 90 %).
Če je vpleten neprofitni organ, mora le-ta priskrbeti najmanj 10 % financiranja, medtem ko država poravna ostalih 90 %.
However, the actual beneficiaries of the aid are SMEs; the State resources are necessary to cover the eligible costs of the construction of the building and in no way reflect the level of the aid granted to the SMEs.
Vendar so dejanski prejemniki pomoči MSP; državna sredstva so potrebna za kritje upravičenih stroškov izgradnje objekta, vendar ne odražajo višine pomoči, dodeljene MSP.
The providers of the centres fall into two groups: (1) municipalities, local authority associations and public enterprises belonging to them, and (2) public or private non-profit bodies such as universities or research establishments.
Obstajata dve vrsti ustanoviteljev: 1. občine ali občinske zveze oz. javna podjetja, ki jim pripadajo, in 2. javni ali zasebni neprofitni organi, kot so na primer univerze ali raziskovalne institucije.
Irrespective of the legal status of the operators and the fact that they are non-profit bodies, the Commission, as in its Decision 98/353/EC of 16 September 1997 on State aid for Gemeinnützige Abfallverwertung GmbH [6], considers that the providers can be regarded as undertakings within the meaning of Article 87(1) if they carry out an economic activity on the market.
Ne glede na pravno obliko ustanoviteljev in neprofitnost je Komisija, kot že v Odločbi 98/353/ES z dne 16. septembra 1997 o državnih pomočeh v korist podjetju Gemeinnützige Abfallverwertung GmbH [6], mnenja, da je ustanovitelje v smislu člena 87(1) Pogodbe ES treba obravnavati kot podjetja, v kolikor na trgu izvajajo gospodarsko dejavnost.
Admittedly, municipalities and local authority associations are not normally regarded as undertakings.
Sicer občine in občinske zveze ponavadi niso obravnavane kot podjetja.
Under the measure in question, the providers are responsible for constructing and managing a centre.
V okviru obravnavanega ukrepa so ustanovitelji odgovorni za izgradnjo in upravljanje centra.
They are thus creating the possibility that a centre can rent out premises and/or offer other services to SMEs.
S tem je ustvarjena možnost, da center daje prostore v najem MSP in/ali nudi ostale storitve.
Even if they are non-profit bodies, they are performing an economic activity which could be carried out by, for example, private real estate firms or private consultancies.
Tudi če so ustanovitelji neprofitni organi, izvajajo gospodarsko dejavnost, ki jo na primer lahko vršijo zasebna podjetja z nepremičninami ali zasebna svetovalna podjetja.
However, the providers are not supposed to benefit themselves from the measure as the State aid is intended to make premises and services available to SMEs.
Vendar naj ugodnosti ukrepa ne bi uživali sami ustanovitelji, saj je državna pomoč namenjena temu, da se MSP ponudijo prostori in storitve.
Indeed, the State resources granted to the providers are intended to confer an economic advantage solely on the users.
Državna sredstva, ki so ustanoviteljem dana na razpolago, bi morala priskrbeti gospodarske ugodnosti izključno uporabnikom.
Several mechanisms ensure that no advantage will remain at the level of the providers.
Da bi se zagotovilo, da na ravni ustanoviteljev ne bi ostale nobene ugodnosti, so predvideni različni mehanizmi.
A public invitation to tender for the construction or extension of a centre will be organised in compliance with public procurement legislation.
Za izgradnjo ali razširitev centrov bo izveden javni razpis v skladu s predpisi o javnih naročilih.
The providers are obliged to transfer the possession or use of the centre to the users for at least 15 years.
Ustanovitelji so zavezani uporabnikom prepustiti lastnino ali uporabo centra za najmanj 15 let.
To that extent, they do not to receive an advantage over that period of 15 years, during which the buildings have to be used as centres.
V tem pogledu ustanovitelji v tem obdobju 15 let, ko se morajo objekti uporabljati kot centri, ne prejemajo ugodnosti.
However, as the centres will remain in the ownership of the providers after 15 years and as long as no compensation is payable for the residual value, their value could constitute an advantage for the providers (the owners of the building) as they could then be used for other activities or sold.
Vendar po izteku 15 let ostanejo objekti v lasti ustanoviteljev in v kolikor le-tem ni treba plačati izravnave za neodpisano vrednost, lahko vrednost centra, ki ga je potem mogoče uporabljati za druge dejavnosti ali prodati, za ustanovitelje (lastnike objekta) predstavlja ugodnost.
In order to ensure that no advantage remains at the level of the providers after 15 years, the German authorities undertook, in the course of the Commission’s investigation, to ensure that profits will be absorbed after that period.
Da bi zagotovili, da na ravni ustanoviteljev po izteku tega obdobja ne ostane nobena ugodnost, so se nemški organi v času preverjanja Komisije zavezali, da bodo zagotovili, da bo po 15 letih dobiček porabljen.
This will be done either by applying the discounted cash-flow method or, in any case, on the basis of a method corresponding to the method provided for in Article 29(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 of 21 June 1999 laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds [8].
To se lahko izpelje z uporabo metode izračuna vrednosti donosa (metoda discounted-cash-flow) in v vsakem primeru s pomočjo metode, ki odgovarja metodi iz člena 29(4) Uredbe Sveta (ES) št. 1260/1999 z dne 21. junija 1999 o splošnih določbah o Strukturnih skladih [8].
All the revenue earned and losses incurred by the providers during the 15 years will be taken into account, including the residual value of the building.
Pri tem se upoštevajo, poleg neodpisane vrednosti objekta, vsi dobički in izgube, ki so nastali ustanoviteljem v obdobju 15 let delovanja centra.
This suggests that the business activity of the centres should be placed at the level of the providers as it is the latter that will ultimately bear the economic risk attaching to a centre.
To kaže na dejstvo, da bi morala biti podjetniška dejavnost centrov na ravni ustanoviteljev, saj so slednji tisti, ki na koncu nosijo posledice s centrom povezanega gospodarskega tveganja.
Since the providers do not receive any economic advantage, they cannot be regarded as beneficiaries of State aid within the meaning of Article 87(1).
Ker ustanovitelji ne prejemajo nobene gospodarske ugodnosti, jih ni mogoče obravnavati kot prejemnike državne pomoči v smislu člena 87(1) Pogodbe ES.
They can be considered to be only the vehicles for making assistance available to the users via the centres.
Mogoče jih je šteti zgolj za sredstvo, ki skrbi, da je uporabnikom preko centrov zagotovljena podpora.
Second level: The centres and their managers
Druga raven: centri in njihovi upravitelji
The State resources made available under the measure in question are intended to be used for the construction or extension of the centres.
Državna sredstva, zagotovljena v okviru obravnavanega ukrepa, so namenjena izgradnji ali razširitvi centrov.
As only the construction costs of centres are eligible under the measure, the centres’ operating costs are not covered.
Ker so samo stroški izgradnje upravičeni v okviru ukrepa, zadevni ukrep ne krije stroškov obratovanja centrov.
This can be ascertained by a check on the use made of the funds (Verwendungsnachweisprüfung), i.e. the monitoring of the aid by Germany.
To je mogoče zagotoviti s pomočjo preverjanja uporabe sredstev (Verwendungsnachweisprüfung), tj. s pomočjo nadzorovanja pomoči s strani Nemčije.
Therefore, the centres, which are owned by the providers, have no other use but to make available premises and services to users.
Centri, ki so v lasti ustanoviteljev, služijo izključno temu, da uporabnikom nudijo prostore in storitve.
Reference is also made to the absorption of profits that is mentioned in recital 33 and that Germany has promised to apply also at the level of the centres.
Opozoriti je treba tudi na porabo dobička, navedeno v uvodni izjavi (33) in za katero je Nemčija obljubila, da bo uporabna tudi na ravni centrov.
This will ensure that no unjustified benefit will remain for the centres after 15 years.
Takšno ravnanje bo zagotovilo, da po preteku 15 let na ravni centrov ne bo več nobenih neupravičenih ugodnosti.
In addition, Germany has also promised to put out to tender the management of a centre in accordance with public procurement legislation if it is to be taken over by third parties.
Poleg tega je Nemčija obljubila, da bo v skladu s predpisi o javnih naročilih organizirala razpis za upravo centra, če naj bi ga prevzele tretje stranke.
The managers of a centre will receive a normal market remuneration fixed in the invitation to tender.
Upravitelji centra bodo prejeli običajno tržno povračilo, določeno v razpisu.
As a result, neither the centres nor their managers receive an economic advantage and cannot themselves be regarded as aid beneficiaries but only as vehicles for making the assistance available to users.
Na tak način niti centri niti njihova uprava niso deležni gospodarske ugodnosti in sami ne morejo veljati za prejemnike pomoči, temveč zgolj za sredstvo, ki skrbi, da je uporabnikom zagotovljena podpora.
Hence, the measure does not grant aid at the level of the centres and their managers.
Torej v okviru ukrepa na ravni centrov in njihove uprave ni dodeljena nobena pomoč.
Third level: The users
Tretja raven: uporabniki
Through the providers of the centres and through the centres themselves, the SMEs who rent facilities in the centres benefit indirectly from State resources.
Preko ustanoviteljev centrov in preko centrov samih, MSP, ki najemajo prostore v centrih, posredno uživajo ugodnosti državnih sredstev.
However, it should be emphasized that the scheme does not provide for an aid intensity of 90 % to the targeted SMEs.
Vendar je treba poudariti, da za ciljno skupino MSP ni predvidena 90 % intenzivnost pomoči.
The costs financed up to 90 % or even 100 % out of State resources are necessary in order to be able to construct a centre.
Financiranje stroškov do 90 % ali celo 100 % iz državnih sredstev je potrebno za omogočitev izgradnje centra.
The centres offer SMEs a wide range of facilities (premises, equipment, scope for cooperation, laboratories, consultancy and other services).
Centri MSP nudijo obilico ponudb (prostore, opremo, možnost sodelovanja, laboratorije, svetovanje in druge storitve).
The rental paid by the SMEs for the premises and the prices paid by them for other facilities (such as laboratories and specialised equipment) may be below the market price since it would be exceptionally difficult for some SMEs to find such premises and facilities on the market, at least at prices they could afford.
Najemnina, ki jo MSP plačujejo za prostore, kakor tudi cene, ki jih plačujejo za nadaljnje ponudbe (kot so laboratoriji in posebna oprema), so lahko nižje od tržne cene. Nekatera MSP imajo namreč lahko težave z iskanjem takšnih prostorov in ponudb na trgu, vsaj po cenah, ki bi si jih finančno lahko privoščila.
The advantage for the SMEs therefore consists in the use — at low cost compared with market prices — of the centre’s premises, including access to other services.
Ugodnost v korist MSP je torej v uporabi prostorov centra, vključno z uporabo drugih storitev, ki je v primerjavi s tržnimi cenami ugodna.
Accordingly, the Commission assumes that the measure confers an advantage on user SMEs in that the rental and/or the other facilities are below the market price.
Komisija zato domneva, da ukrep uporabnikom MSP daje ugodnost, v kolikor so cene za najemnino in/ali druge ponudbe nižje od tržne cene.
The measure distorts or may distort competition as it targets certain undertakings, with the target group being defined by the type of centre.
Ukrep izkrivlja ali bi lahko izkrivljal konkurenco, saj je namenjen določenim podjetjem, pri čemer ciljno skupino določa vrsta centra.
As mentioned in recitals 6 to 14, business centres are geared mostly to all types of SME, while technology centres target innovative SMEs, with incubator centres targeting start-ups and micro firms.
Kot je navedeno v uvodnih izjavah (6) in (14), so poslovni centri namenjeni vsem vrstam MSP, tehnološki centri so namenjeni inovativnim MSP in ustanovni centri novoustanovljenim malim in mikro podjetjem.
Of course, there are also a large number of hybrid centres since some start-ups may also be innovative firms.
Seveda pa obstaja tudi veliko mešanih oblik centrov, saj so na primer novoustanovljena podjetja lahko tudi inovativna.
Under the measure, the possibility that aid may be granted to firms engaged in economic sectors where intra-Community trade takes place is not ruled out.
V okviru ukrepa ni izključeno, da bi bila pomoč dodeljena podjetjem, ki delujejo na gospodarskih področjih, kjer se vrši promet znotraj Skupnosti.
It must therefore be assumed that the measure affects trade between Member States.
Zato se domneva, da ukrep ovira trgovino med državami članicami.
Accordingly, at the level of the users, the measure constitutes State aid within the meaning of Article 87(1) of the EC Treaty insofar as the de minimis ceiling of EUR 100000 per beneficiary for a period of three years pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 69/2001 is not exceeded.
Potemtakem ukrep na ravni uporabnikov predstavlja državno pomoč v smislu člena 87(1) Pogodbe ES, v kolikor ni presežena zgornja meja de minimis100000 EUR na prejemnika pomoči v obdobju treh let v skladu z Uredbo (ES) št. 69/2001.
As regards application of the de minimis ceiling to the various facilities offered by the centres, the Commission would note the following:
Glede uporabe zgornje meje de minimis za različne ponudbe centrov Komisija ugotavlja naslednje:
As far as the rental of premises is concerned, Germany has undertaken to comply with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 69/2001 at the level of the users of the centres.
Kar zadeva najem prostorov, se je Nemčija zavezala, da bo na ravni uporabnikov centrov upoštevala predpise Uredbe (ES) št. 69/2001.
It undertakes, therefore, to explain to each user of a centre that the use of the centre’s services may contain aid elements that rank as de minimis aid caught by Regulation (EC) No 69/2001.
S tem želi Nemčija zagotoviti, da se bo v obdobju treh let upoštevala zgornja meja de minimis100000 EUR. Nemčija se je torej zavezala, da bo vsakemu uporabniku centra razložila, da lahko uporaba storitev centra vsebuje elemente pomoči, ovrednotene kot pomoči de minimis, ki jih urejajo pogoji Uredbe (ES) št. 69/2001.
As regards the use of laboratories and other specialised equipment (especially in technology centres), Germany commented that any aid elements are reflected in a premium charged on the rental payable by the user.
Kar zadeva uporabo laboratorijev in druge posebne opreme (predvsem v tehnoloških centrih), je Nemčija pojasnila, da se morebitni elementi pomoči odražajo v pribitku na najemnino, ki jo mora plačevati uporabnik.
This can, therefore, be separated from the normal rental.
To je torej mogoče ločiti od običajne najemnine.
It is pointed out that Germany has also promised to comply with Regulation (EC) No 69/2001 also in respect of these premiums for the use of laboratories and specialised equipment.
Opozoriti je treba, da je Nemčija tudi glede teh pribitkov za uporabo laboratorijev in posebne opreme obljubila, da bo upoštevala Uredbo (ES) št. 69/2001.
As regards consultancy services, however, the aid element is not restricted to the de minimis ceiling and must, therefore, be regarded as State aid caught by Article 87(1) of the EC Treaty.
Kar zadeva storitve svetovanja, pa element pomoči ni omejen na zgornjo mejo de minimis in ga je zato treba obravnavati kot državno pomoč iz člena 87(1) Pogodbe ES.
Legality of the measure
Zakonitost ukrepa
Germany has complied with its obligation under Article 88(3) of the EC Treaty.
Nemčija je izpolnila svoje obveznosti v skladu s členom 88(3) Pogodbe ES.
Compatibility of the measure with the EC Treaty
Združljivost ukrepa s Pogodbo ES
Since the measures available under the aid scheme to assist SMEs (e.g. premises, laboratories and specialised equipment), with the exception of consultancy services, are not regarded as State aid insofar as the de minimis ceiling and the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 69/2001 are complied with, only the consultancy services for SMEs remain to be assessed for their compatibility with the common market.
Ker možne ukrepe programa pomoči v korist MSP (kot na primer prostori, laboratoriji in posebna oprema), z izjemo svetovanja, ni mogoče obravnavati kot državno pomoč, v kolikor se upošteva zgornja meja de minimis in predpisi Uredbe (ES) št. 69/2001, je združljivost s skupnim trgom treba preveriti le, kar zadeva svetovanje v korist MSP.
The aid scheme is designed to promote the dissemination and commercial use of new German and international research and development in the field of general management and enterprise development.
Program pomoči naj bi pospeševal širjenje in poslovno uporabo novega nemškega in mednarodnega raziskovanja in razvoja na področju splošnega managementa in razvoja podjetij.
It thus fosters technology transfer and cooperation between enterprises.
Torej pospešuje tehnološki transfer in sodelovanje med podjetji.
Pursuant to Article 157 of the EC Treaty, the promotion of technology transfer and cooperation between enterprises are two of the major objectives of the Community.
Po členu 157 Pogodbe ES je pospeševanje tehnološkega transferja in sodelovanja med podjetji pomemben cilj Skupnosti.
To that extent, the aid scheme contributes to the objectives of Article 157.
V tem pogledu program pomoči ustreza ciljem člena 157 Pogodbe ES.