natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
The Commission therefore concludes that the Measure confers an economic advantage within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFUE to private broadcasters.
Komisija je priznala, da je njihova prednost izhajala iz obveznosti elektrarn, da kupujejo njihov premog, za kar je bilo zagotovljeno nadomestilo v obliki subvencij, dodeljenih proizvajalcem elektrike, ki uporabljajo domači premog.
They receive a subsidy which effectively reduces the cost they would normally have to bear.
Lahko trdimo, da so operaterji platforme DTT v podobnem položaju kot lastniki premogovnikov v zadevi španskega premoga, kjer so španski organi naložiti obveznost proizvajalcem (v tem primeru izdajateljem televizijskega programa), da kupujejo premog od španskih premogovnikov (v tem primeru pa, da naročijo storitve sočasnega oddajanja pri operaterjih platforme DTT).
The quantifiable advantage to the direct beneficiaries, private DTT broadcasters, would represent the total amount of the public funds made available for carrying out the simulcast obligation.
Na podlagi navedenega je v Komisija v sklepu o začetku postopka operaterje platforme DTT upoštevala kot potencialne posredne upravičence ukrepa.
Also, with regard to the determination of the beneficiary of a measure, it is established that ‘consideration needs to be given not only to the immediate recipient of the subsidy, but also to the effects of the subsidy extending beyond that relationship’ [65].
Formalna preiskava je potrdila ta položaj, predvsem na podlagi naslednjih premislekov.
This means that the beneficiary of the Measure can be any entity which actually benefited from it [66].
Prvič, zaradi regulativnega posega NTP, ki je zasebne izdajatelje televizijskega programa DTT zavezal k pokrivanju 96 % prebivalstva na podlagi DTT, in v nasprotju s trditvami španskih organov ter družb Abertis in NET TV bodo zasebni izdajatelji televizijskega programa bolj nagnjeni k nadaljnji uporabi te platforme.
In this respect it is worth noting that in the Mediaset case, the Court confirmed that ‘Article 107 of the Treaty prohibits aid granted by a State or through State resources in any form whatsoever, without drawing a distinction as to whether the aid-related advantages are granted directly or indirectly [67]’.
Zasebni izdajatelji televizijskega programa DTT pravzaprav v skladu s svojimi licencami niso pooblaščeni za uporabo alternativnih platform (tj. satelitske, kabelske ali IPTV) za zagotavljanje predpisanega minimalnega geografskega pokritja v območju I [70].
Similarly, in its Spanish Preferential dispatch of indigenous coal plants decision [68], confirmed by the General Court [69], the Commission found that despite the fact that there was a legal obligation to buy from the coal miners and that the compensation was set only after the imposition of the obligation in question, Spanish coal producers were indirect beneficiaries of the aid.
Drugič, operaterji platforme DTT zaradi sočasnega oddajanja prejmejo dodatno prednost v obliki zagotovljenih prihodkov, ki je brez ukrepa ne bi prejeli.
The Commission acknowledged that their advantage stemmed from the obligation on generators to buy their coal which was compensated by the subsidies granted to electricity producers using indigenous coal.
Brez ukrepa bi zasebni izdajatelji televizijskega programa storitev sočasnega oddajanja morda zagotavljali v manjšem obsegu.
It can be argued that the DTT platform operators are in a similar position to that of the coal mines' owners in the Spanish coal case where the Spanish authorities imposed an obligation on generators (here broadcasters) to buy coal from Spanish coal mines (here to contract simulcast services with DTT platform operators).
Zasebni izdajatelji televizijskega programa bi se pravzaprav lahko celo odločili, da storitve sploh ne bodo zagotavljali [71].
Against this background, in the opening decision the Commission considered the DTT platform operators to be potential indirect beneficiaries of the Measure.
Čeprav se ukrep uporablja ne glede na to, ali ima upravičenec prevladujoč položaj ali ne, imajo ukrepi nadomestila v primeru, ko ima upravičenec velik tržni delež ali je prevladujoč, še večji učinek [72].
The formal investigation has confirmed that position, in particular on the basis of the following considerations.
V obravnavanem primeru imajo operaterji platforme DTT prednost zaradi dejstva, da zasebni izdajatelji televizijskega programa prejmejo nadomestilo za zagotavljanje storitve sočasnega oddajanja prek DTT in bodo nadaljevali z uporabo platforme DTT.
First, because of the regulatory intervention of the NTP which obliged private DTT broadcasters to cover 96 % of the population on the basis of DTT, and contrary to what is argued by the Spanish authorities, Abertis and NET TV, private broadcasters will be more inclined to continue using this platform.
Zato vsako nadomestilo izdajateljem televizijskega programa za sočasno oddajanje televizijskega signala povzroči ohranjanje te prednosti, saj izdajatelji televizijskega programa plačajo operaterjem platform DTT za sočasno oddajanje svojih programov v pasovih 800 MHz in 700 MHz v prehodnem obdobju.
In fact, according to their licences, DTT broadcasters are not authorised to use other alternative platforms (i.e. satellite, cable or IPTV) to ensure the prescribed minimum geographical coverage in Area I [70].
Ker ukrep zagotavlja prednosti za izdajatelje televizijskega programa, ki izhajajo iz zagotavljanja storitev sočasnega oddajanja, in glede na dodatno prednost operaterjev platforme DTT v obliki zagotovljenih prihodkov, Komisija zaključuje, da so operaterji platforme DTT posredni upravičenci ukrepa.
Second, as a consequence of the simultaneous broadcasting, the DTT platform operators obtain an additional advantage in the form of guaranteed revenues, which they would not have received without the Measure.
Selektivnost ukrepa
Indeed, absent the Measure, private broadcasters may have provided the simulcast service to a lesser extent.
Da bi ukrep pomenil državno pomoč, mora biti v skladu s členom 107(1) Pogodbe specifičen ali selektiven tako, da daje prednost samo nekaterim podjetjem ali proizvodnji določenega blaga.
In fact, private broadcasters could have even decided not to provide the service at all [71].
Ukrep je selektiven, ker je posebej namenjen zasebnim podjetjem, ki trenutno poslujejo v sektorju storitev prenosa televizijske radiodifuzije prek tehnologije DTT.
Although the Measure applies regardless of whether the beneficiary holds a dominant position or not, when the beneficiary has a strong market share or is dominant, compensatory measures have even a greater impact [72].
Posledično izpodbijani ukrep koristi le podjetjem, ki obratujejo na platformi DTT, ne pa tudi drugim podjetjem, ki obratujejo na alternativnih platformah, kot sta satelitska ali kabelska.
In the present case, the DTT platform operators benefit from the fact that private broadcasters are compensated for the provision of the simulcast service via DTT and that they will continue using the DTT platform.
Zato Komisija ugotavlja, da ukrep zagotavljanja nadomestila za dodatne stroške, nastale zaradi obveznosti sočasnega oddajanja, predstavlja selektivni ukrep v smislu člena 107(1) Pogodbe.
Hence, any compensation to broadcasters for the simulcast TV transmission generates a perpetuation of that advantage since the broadcasters pay the DTT platform operators for simultaneously transmitting their programmes on the 800 MHz and 700 MHz bands during the transition period.
Izkrivljanje konkurence in učinek na trgovino med državami članicami
Because the Measure guarantees the benefits resulting from the provision of the simulcast services to broadcasters, and given the additional advantage for DTT platform operators in the form of guaranteed revenues, the Commission concludes that the DTT platform operators are indirect beneficiaries of the Measure.
Državni ukrepi spadajo v okvir člena 107(1) Pogodbe, če izkrivljajo ali bi lahko izkrivljali konkurenco z dajanjem prednosti določenim podjetjem ali proizvodnji določenega blaga ter učinkujejo na trgovino med državami članicami.
Selectivity of the Measure
Skladno s sodno prakso sodišč Unije je koncept „učinka na trgovino med državami članicami“ povezan s pojmom izkrivljanja konkurence in oboje je pogosto neločljivo povezano.
In accordance with Article 107(1) of the Treaty, to be considered State aid, a measure must be specific or selective in that it favours only certain undertakings or the production of certain goods.
V zvezi s tem je Sodišče navedlo, da „sta dva pogoja za uporabo člena 107(1) Pogodbe, in sicer da morata obstajati učinek na trgovino med državami članicami in izkrivljena konkurenca, praviloma neločljivo povezana.
The Measure is selective since it is specifically aimed at private undertakings that currently operate in the sector of television broadcasting transmission services via the DTT technology.
Natančneje, če državna finančna pomoč okrepi položaj podjetja v primerjavi z drugimi podjetji, ki tekmujejo v trgovini znotraj Skupnosti, je treba slednje upoštevati kot posledico vpliva te pomoči.“ [73]
As a result, the contested Measure only benefits companies operating on the DTT platform as compared to other companies that operate on alternative platforms such as satellite or cable.
Nadalje se v skladu s sodno prakso v zadevi Philip Morris [74] domneva učinek na trgovino, če pomoč, ki jo dodeli država, okrepi položaj podjetja glede na druge konkurente v trgovini znotraj EU.
Hence, the Commission concludes that the Measure providing for the compensation for additional costs incurred due to the simulcast obligation constitutes a selective measure within the meaning of Article 107(1) of the Treaty.
Kot je bilo pojasnjeno zgoraj, ukrep daje prednost izdajateljem televizijskega programa DTT in posredno operaterjem platforme DTT.
Distortion of competition and effect on trade between Member States
Upravičenci izpodbijanega ukrepa tekmujejo z drugimi alternativnimi ponudniki (satelitskimi, kabelskimi, IPTV), ki ne bodo imeli koristi od državnega financiranja.
State measures fall within the scope of Article 107(1) of the Treaty in so far as they distort or threaten to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods and affect trade between Member States.
Zato bo ukrep privedel do izkrivljanja konkurence med izdajatelji televizijskega programa in operaterji platforme.
According to the case law of Union Courts, the concept of ‘effect on trade between Member States’ is linked to the notion of distortion of competition and both are often inextricably linked.
Komisija meni, da so trgi komercialne radiodifuzije in obratovanja televizijskih prenosnih omrežij odprti za konkurenco znotraj EU [75].
In this regard, the Court has stated that ‘the two conditions for the application of Article 107(1) of the Treaty, namely that trade between Member States must be affected and competition distorted, are as a general rule inextricably linked.
Izdajatelji televizijskega programa delujejo na oglaševalskih trgih in čezmejno kupujejo pravice za vsebine, pri čemer tekmujejo s podjetji iz drugih držav članic.
In particular, where State financial aid strengthens the position of an undertaking as compared with other undertakings competing in intra-Community trade, the latter must be regarded as affected by that aid’ [73].
Na španskih trgih radiodifuzije in obratovanja televizijskih omrežij nastopajo tudi tuji udeleženci (npr. ponudniki vsebin in oglaševalci).
Further, in accordance with the Philip Morris [74] case law, the impact on trade is presumed when the State-granted aid strengthens the position of a company in relation to other competitors in intra-EU trade.
Operaterji platforme tekmujejo med seboj na čezmejni ravni in tudi z drugimi operaterji platforme elektronskih komunikacij.
As explained above, the Measure favours the DTT broadcasters and indirectly the DTT platform operators.
Glede na navedeno Komisija sklepa, da ukrep izkrivlja konkurenco in učinkuje na trgovino med državami članicami v smislu člena 107(1) Pogodbe.
The beneficiaries of the contested Measure compete with other alternative providers (satellite, cable, IPTV) that will not benefit from State funding.
Sklepna ugotovitev o prisotnosti pomoči
Therefore, the Measure will result in distortions of competition among broadcasters and among platform operators.
Na podlagi predhodno navedenega Komisija meni, da ukrep izpolnjuje merila, določena v členu 107(1) Pogodbe, in ga je treba šteti za državno pomoč v smislu navedenega člena.
The Commission considers that the markets for commercial broadcasting and the operation of television transmission networks are open to competition within the EU [75].
Ocena združljivosti
Broadcasters operate on the advertising markets and purchase content rights across borders, competing with companies from other Member States.
Splošni premisleki
The Spanish markets for broadcasting and operation of television networks also host foreign players (e.g. content providers and advertisers).
Komisija od leta 2002 aktivno podpira digitalizacijo radiodifuzije v EU.
Platform operators compete on a cross-border level with each other as well as with other platform operators of electronic communications.
„Akcijski načrt eEvropa 2005“ [76], „Pobuda i2010“ [77], Sporočilo o prehodu z analogne na digitalno radiodifuzijo in zavezanost Komisije k dokončanju opuščanja analognega prenosa v EU leta 2012 jasno dokazujejo tovrstno strategijo Komisije.
In light of the above, the Commission concludes that the Measure distorts competition and has an effect on trade between Member States within the meaning of Article 107(1) of the Treaty.
Toda ker se Komisija zaveda tveganj, povezanih s postopkom digitalizacije, je večkrat poudarila, da reguliranje na tem področju ne sme vsiljevati določene digitalne platforme ali diskriminirati v korist njene uporabe, ampak se mora držati načela tehnološke nevtralnosti.
Conclusion on the existence of aid
To pomeni, da mora vsaka platforma tekmovati v skladu s svojimi zmogljivostmi, predvsem možnosti nudenja največjih koristi za potrošnike.
On account of the preceding considerations, the Commission concludes that the Measure fulfils the criteria laid down in Article 107(1) of the Treaty and must be considered State aid within the meaning of that Article.
Skladno s splošnim pristopom k uporabi pomoči za premagovanje specifičnega nedelovanja trga ali za zagotovitev socialne ali regionalne kohezije [78] Sporočilo Komisije o prehodu z analogne na digitalno radiodifuzijo določa, da bi bila na specifičnem področju digitalizacije javna intervencija lahko upravičena pod dvema pogojema: prvič, če gre za splošne interese, in drugič, če gre za nedelovanja trga, tj. da same tržne sile ne dosegajo rezultatov v smislu kolektivne blaginje.
Compatibility assessment
Določa tudi, da mora biti javna intervencija v vsakem primeru podprta z zanesljivo tržno analizo.
General considerations
Sporočilo tudi navaja, da prehod na digitalno radiodifuzijo pomeni velik izziv za panogo, ki jo mora poganjati trg.
Since 2002, the Commission has actively supported the digitisation of broadcasting in the EU.
Načeloma bi moralo vsako omrežje konkurirati po svojih močeh.
The ‘eEurope 2005 Action Plan’ [76], the ‘i2010 initiative’ [77], the Communication on the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, as well as the Commission's commitment to complete the phasing-out of analogue transmissions in the EU in 2012 constitute clear evidence of the Commission's strategy in this respect.
Za zaščito tega načela bi morala biti vsaka javna intervencija tehnološko nevtralna [79].
However, aware of the risks associated with the digitisation process, the Commission has repeatedly stressed that regulation in this area should neither impose nor discriminate in favour of the use of a specific digital platform, but abide by the principle of technological neutrality.
Komisija je v tem sektorju na podlagi Sporočila o digitalnem prehodu v več sklepih uporabila pravila o državni pomoči [80].
This means that each platform should compete according to its capabilities, in particular its ability to offer the maximum benefit to consumers.
V Španiji je centralna vlada koordinirala prehod z analogne na digitalno radiodifuzijo in je dejansko podprla platformo DTT v škodo alternativnih platform [81].
In line with the general approach to the use of aid to overcome a specific market failure or to ensure social or regional cohesion [78], the Commission Communication on the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting provides that, in the specific area of digitisation, public intervention would be justified under two conditions: first, where general interests are at stake and second, in the event of market failure, i.e. market forces alone fail to deliver in terms of collective welfare.
Ocena združljivosti na podlagi člena 107(2)(b) Pogodbe
It also specifies that, in any case, public intervention should be supported by a sound market analysis.
Člen 107(2)(b) Pogodbe določa, da je pomoč za povrnitev škode, ki so jo povzročile naravne nesreče ali izjemni dogodki, združljiva z notranjim trgom.
The Communication also indicates that the transition to digital broadcasting represents a major industrial challenge that must be led by the market.
V obravnavanem primeru španski organi trdijo, da bi bilo treba sprostitev digitalne dividende upoštevati kot izjemen dogodek.
In principle, each network should compete on its own strengths.
Vendar sodišča EU pri obravnavi izjem iz splošnega načela, določenega v členu 107(1) Pogodbe, da državna pomoč ni združljiva s skupnim trgom, menijo, da je treba pojem „izjemnega dogodka“ iz člena 107(2)(b) Pogodbe tolmačiti restriktivno [82].
In order to safeguard this principle, any public intervention should be technologically neutral [79].
Doslej so sodišča EU med izjemne dogodke uvrščala vojne, notranje nemire ali stavke in z zadržki ter odvisno od njihovega obsega večje jedrske ali industrijske nesreče ali požare, ki povzročijo ogromno škodo [83].
The Commission applied the State aid rules in this sector in several decisions, based on the principles of its Communication on the digital switch-over [80].
Nasprotno pa sodišča EU kot takšnih ne upoštevajo predvidljivih ali nepredvidljivih dogodkov, ki spadajo med tveganja, ki jih običajno prevzamejo podjetja [84].
In Spain, the central government has coordinated the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting and has in effect supported the DTT platform to the detriment of alternative platforms [81].
Enako velja za dogodke, ki temeljijo na političnih, podjetniških ali drugih napakah, ali dogodke, ki se pripišejo običajnim podjetniškim ali drugim tveganjem podjetja.
Compatibility assessment under Article 107(2)(b) of the Treaty
Odločitev španskih organov, da sprostijo digitalno dividendo, je povzročila zahtevo po prerazporeditvi spektra, kar vpliva na obveznosti podjetij, ki poslujejo v sektorju radiodifuzije.
Article 107(2)(b) of the Treaty states that aid ‘to make good the damage caused by natural disasters or exceptional occurrences’ is compatible with the internal market.
Ker te obveznosti nedvomno izhajajo iz regulativnih ukrepov, jih ni mogoče upoštevati kot izjemne dogodke.
In the case at hand, the Spanish authorities argue that the release of the Digital Dividend should be considered as an exceptional occurrence.
Kot je analizirano zgoraj, obveznosti in stroške, povezane z zakonskimi obveznostmi, običajno krijejo podjetja, ki poslujejo v določenem sektorju, in so po svoji naravi vključeni v proračune podjetij [85].
However, when considering exceptions from the general principle laid down by Article 107(1) of the Treaty that State aid is incompatible with the common market, the EU Courts hold that the notion of ‘exceptional occurrence’ contained in Article 107(2)(b) of the Treaty must be interpreted restrictively [82].
Zato se Komisija ne strinja z mnenjem, da je ukrep namenjen povrnitvi stroškov, ki nastanejo zaradi izjemnih dogodkov, in zato ukrepa ne upošteva kot združljivega v skladu s členom 107(2)(b) Pogodbe.
Hitherto, the EU Courts have accepted as exceptional occurrences wars, internal disturbances or strikes and, with certain reservations and depending on their extent, major nuclear or industrial accidents and fires which result in widespread loss [83].
Ocena združljivosti na podlagi člena 107(3)(c) Pogodbe
In contrast, the EU Courts do not consider as such any foreseeable or unforeseeable events which come under risks normally borne by undertakings [84].
Člen 107(3)(c) Pogodbe določa, se lahko kot združljiva z notranjim trgom šteje „pomoč za pospeševanje razvoja določenih gospodarskih dejavnosti ali določenih gospodarskih območij, kadar takšna pomoč ne spreminja trgovinskih pogojev v obsegu, ki bi bil v nasprotju s skupnimi interesi“.
The same applies to events based on political, entrepreneurial or other mistakes, or events attributed to normal entrepreneurial or other risks of an undertaking.
Komisija za zagotovitev združljivosti pomoči z notranjim trgom v skladu s členom 107(3)(c) izravna pozitivne in negativne učinke pomoči.
The decision of the Spanish authorities to liberate the Digital Dividend required reallocation of the spectrum with an impact on the obligations of companies active in the broadcasting sector.
Pri uporabi preskusa izravnave Komisija obravnava naslednja vprašanja:
However, as these obligations stem undoubtedly from regulatory measures, they cannot be considered as exceptional events.
Ali je ukrep pomoči namenjen natančno opredeljenemu cilju skupnega interesa (tj. ali predlagana pomoč usmerjena v nedelovanje trga ali drug cilj)?
As analysed above, the obligations and costs bound with legal obligations are normally borne by the undertakings active in the given sector and are included by their nature in the budgets of these undertakings [85].
Ali je pomoč oblikovana za dosego cilja skupnega interesa?
Therefore the Commission does not share the view that the Measure aims to make good costs incurred by exceptional occurrences and therefore it does not consider the Measure compatible under Article 107(2)(b) of the Treaty.
Zlasti:
Compatibility assessment under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty
Ali je ukrep pomoči ustrezen instrument, tj. ali obstajajo drugi, primernejši instrumenti?
Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty states that ‘aid to facilitate the development of certain economic activities or of certain economic areas, where such aid does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest’ may be considered to be compatible with the internal market.
Ali obstaja spodbujevalni učinek, tj. ali pomoč spremeni ravnanje podjetij?
In order for the aid to be compatible with the internal market under Article 107(3)(c), the Commission balances the positive and negative effects of the aid.
Ali je ukrep pomoči sorazmeren, tj. ali bi bilo mogoče enako spremembo v ravnanju doseči z manjšo pomočjo?
In applying the balancing test, the Commission assesses the following questions:
Ali so izkrivljanje konkurence in učinki na trgovino omejeni, tako da je skupno ravnotežje pozitivno?
Is the aid measure aimed at a well-defined objective of common interest (i.e. does the proposed aid address a market failure or other objective)?
Poleg preskusa izravnave so v Sporočilu Komisije o prehodu z analogne na digitalno radiodifuzijo določena merila, ki jih je treba upoštevati pri plačilu subvencij v postopku digitalnega prehoda; zlasti nacionalni ukrepi morajo upoštevati načelo tehnološke nevtralnosti [86].
Is the aid well designed to deliver the objective of common interest?
Upoštevanje načela tehnološke nevtralnosti, kot je določeno v tem Sporočilu Komisije, pri presoji zakonitosti državne pomoči so potrdila tudi sodišča EU [87].
In particular:
Komisija meni, da je načelo tehnološke nevtralnosti pomembno tudi v zvezi s sprostitvijo digitalne dividende.
Is the aid measure an appropriate instrument, i.e. are there other, better placed instruments?
Obravnava tega vprašanja predstavlja del presoje obravnavane zadeve.
Is there an incentive effect, i.e. does the aid change the behaviour of firms?
A. Cilj skupnega interesa