Public version 48 2009 - European...
21
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 1 No. 48/09, 18.12.2009 11.12.2009 – 17.12.2009 Highlights Commission approves prolongation of nine national support schemes for the financial sector Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said: "Today, the Commission is prolonging nine national crisis support schemes to the financial sector for six months. We consider that state support may still be needed to help the recovery of the banking sector. These decisions show that state aid policy is an effective instrument to coordinate Member States' actions. I would however also invite Member States to start preparing for the phasing-out of these schemes when they are not needed any more, to avoid that banks get addicted to state support." The European Commission has authorised, under EU state aid rules, the prolongation of nine national crisis support schemes to the financial sector that were due to expire at the end of 2009. Read more - Midday express 17.12.2009 Commission approves LBBW restructuring plan and impaired assets relief measure The European Commission has approved under EU state aid rules the impaired asset relief measures and the restructuring plan of German-based financial institution Landesbank Baden Württemberg ("LBBW"). The restructuring plan demonstrates that LBBW is able to restore its viability while undue distortions of competition will be mitigated. Also the bank's own contribution to the restructuring costs is ensured through loss participations by hybrid capital holders. In addition, changes in the bank's corporate governance structure will provide an additional safeguard against excessive risk-taking and ensure that LBBW will be run on a sound commercial basis. The Commission has therefore concluded that the measures are compatible with EU rules on state aid to remedy a serious disturbance in a Member State's economy (Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union - TFEU). Read more Commission approves impaired asset relief measure and restructuring plan of Royal Bank of Scotland The European Commission has approved under EU state aid rules the impaired asset relief measure and the restructuring plan of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). The Commission is satisfied that the measures are in line with its guidelines on impaired asset relief and on restructuring aid for banks (see IP/09/322 and IP/09/1180 ). As such, the state support for RBS is compatible with Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which allows state aid to remedy a serious disturbance in a Member State's economy. In particular, the measures ensure a sustainable future for RBS without continued state support, foresee an appropriate participation of the bank in the costs of restructuring, and include safeguards to limit distortions of competition, notably by reducing the size of the bank. Read more Commission approves Austrian short-term export credit insurance scheme The European Commission has authorised, under EU State aid rules, a measure adopted by Austria to limit the adverse impact of the current financial crisis on exporting firms. Continue on page2 In the issue: • New legislation >> • Decisions to open formal investigation >> • Final Commission decisions >> • Other types of decisions >> • Block exemptions >> • European Court of Justice >> • European Economic Area >> • Additional points of interest >>
Transcript of Public version 48 2009 - European...
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 1
No. 48/09, 18.12.2009 11.12.2009 – 17.12.2009
Highlights Commission approves prolongation of nine national support schemes for the financial sector Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said: "Today, the Commission is prolonging nine national crisis support schemes to the financial sector for six months. We consider that state support may still be needed to help the recovery of the banking sector. These decisions show that state aid policy is an effective instrument to coordinate Member States' actions. I would however also invite Member States to start preparing for the phasing-out of these schemes when they are not needed any more, to avoid that banks get addicted to state support." The European Commission has authorised, under EU state aid rules, the prolongation of nine national crisis support schemes to the financial sector that were due to expire at the end of 2009. Read more - Midday express 17.12.2009 Commission approves LBBW restructuring plan and impaired assets relief measure The European Commission has approved under EU state aid rules the impaired asset relief measures and the restructuring plan of German-based financial institution Landesbank Baden Württemberg ("LBBW"). The restructuring plan demonstrates that LBBW is able to restore its viability while undue distortions of competition will be mitigated. Also the bank's own contribution to the restructuring costs is ensured through loss participations by hybrid capital holders. In addition, changes in the bank's corporate governance structure will provide an additional safeguard against excessive risk-taking and ensure that LBBW will be run on a sound commercial basis. The Commission has therefore concluded that the measures are compatible with EU rules on state aid to remedy a serious disturbance in a Member State's economy (Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union - TFEU). Read more Commission approves impaired asset relief measure and restructuring plan of Royal Bank of Scotland The European Commission has approved under EU state aid rules the impaired asset relief measure and the restructuring plan of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). The Commission is satisfied that the measures are in line with its guidelines on impaired asset relief and on restructuring aid for banks (see IP/09/322 and IP/09/1180). As such, the state support for RBS is compatible with Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which allows state aid to remedy a serious disturbance in a Member State's economy. In particular, the measures ensure a sustainable future for RBS without continued state support, foresee an appropriate participation of the bank in the costs of restructuring, and include safeguards to limit distortions of competition, notably by reducing the size of the bank. Read more Commission approves Austrian short-term export credit insurance scheme The European Commission has authorised, under EU State aid rules, a measure adopted by Austria to limit the adverse impact of the current financial crisis on exporting firms. Continue on page2
In the issue: • New legislation >> • Decisions to open formal investigation >> • Final Commission decisions >> • Other types of decisions >>
• Block exemptions >> • European Court of Justice >> • European Economic Area >> • Additional points of interest >>
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 2
The Commission found the measure to be in line with its Temporary framework for state aid measures to support access to finance in the current financial and economic crisis (see IP/08/1993).In particular, the measure requires a higher remuneration than that offered by the private market and tackles the problem of the current insufficiency of the short-term export credit insurance cover in the private market. The Commission authorised the measure until 31 December 2010. Read more Technical modification to the Temporary Framework to further facilitate access to finance and encourage long term investment The technical modification aims to further facilitate access to finance and encourage long term investment, especially in Member States with low labour costs. Member States will be now able to determine the maximum amount of the investment loan covered by a guarantee either on the basis of the total annual wage bill of the beneficiary or on the basis of the EU 27 average labour costs as established by Eurostat (the last available data). OJ C 303 of 15.12.2009, p. 6 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv State aid: Overview of national measures adopted as a response to the financial/economic crisis Situation as of 16 December 2009 Commission approves public service compensation for Polish Post until 2011, subject to conditions The European Commission has endorsed, under EU state aid rules, a Polish scheme intended to compensate the Polish Post for net losses incurred in discharging its public service obligations between 2006 and2011. The Commission found the compensation mechanism to be compatible with Article 106(2) of the Treaty for the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), provided that certain conditions are fulfilled. In particular, Poland must improve the entrustment act and ensure that any significant changes to the cost allocation method for compensatory payments remain compatible with the cost accounting rules of Article 14 of the EU Postal Directive (97/67/EC). Read more Steel restructuring: Commission finds that restructuring of Bulgarian steelmaker Kremikovtzi failed The European Commission has found that the Bulgarian steel producer Kremikovtzi did not implement the business plan established for its restructuring, which had been agreed by the Commission in 2006 on the basis of a special steel protocol to the Europe Agreement applicable to EU/Bulgaria relations prior to the 2007 accession. Between 1998 and 2005, the company received about €222 million restructuring aid, but failed to modernise its infrastructure and to reduce its production costs. The company went bankrupt in August 2008 and Bulgaria initiated the recovery of the aid plus interest in the context of the ongoing liquidation proceedings. Read more Commission approves changes in Dutch social housing system The European Commission has endorsed commitments from the Dutch authorities to change the existing social housing system to bring it into line with EU state aid rules. In particular, the Dutch authorities will ensure that state funding is not used for commercial activities and that housing is attributed in a transparent manner according to objective criteria. In addition, Commission has approved for the next ten years new aid of €750 million for social housing projects in declining urban areas. The Commission found the aid to be compatible with EU state aid rules on Services of General Economic Interest (SGEI). Read more State aid decisions in the area of transportation and coal since 1999 Situation as of 14.12.2009
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 3
New legislation Communication from the Commission amending the Temporary Community Framework for State aid measures to support access to finance in the current financial and economic crisis OJ C 303 of 15.12.2009, p. 6 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
Decisions to open formal investigation 1. Decisions taken by the Commission
Country Title Case
number Objective
Decision date
DG Competition cases
Finland Rescue aid to Järvi-Suomen Portti Osuuskunta
Extend proceedings
C 12/2009 (ex N 19/2009)
Rescue aid 15.12.2009
DG Transport and Energy cases
Latvia Ventspils Free Port Authority
Part no objection decision/ Part decision to open formal investigation procedure
Press release
C 39/2009 (ex N 385/2009)
Sectoral development aid
15.12.2009
2. Decisions pending OJ publication Click here to see the full list 3. Decisions published in the OJ from 17.11.2009 to 17.12.2009 – Formal comments period running * Where the last day of the public comments period falls on a public holiday in a Member State, the deadline for comments of parties residing in that Member State ends on the following working day.
Country Title/link to documents Case
number Objective
Decision date
DG Competition cases
Germany HSH Nordbank AG
OJ C 281 of 21.11.2009, p. 42 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
Press release
Deadline for comments*: 21.12.2009
C 29/2009 (ex N 503/2009)
Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
22.10.2009
Final Commission decisions 1. Decisions taken by the Commission
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 4
1.1. Decisions to close formal investigation
Country Title Case
number Objective
Decision date
DG Competition cases
Germany Recapitalisation and asset relief for LBBW
Positive decision
Press release
C 17/2009 (ex N 265/2009)
Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
15.12.2009
Netherlands Exemption from environmental taxes for ceramic producers
Negative decision with recovery
Press release
C 5/2009 (ex N 210 /2008)
15.12.2009
Poland State aid for Poczta Polska being the compensation for carrying out universal postal services
Conditional decision
Press release
C 21/2005 (ex PL 45/2004)
Services of general economic interest
15.12.2009
DG Agriculture cases
Germany Animal Health Service (Bayern)
Positive decision
Press release
C 24/2006 (ex NN 75/2000)
15.12.2009
Spain Mesures d'appui au secteur agricole suite de la hausse du coût du carburant
Negative decision with recovery
Press release
C 22/2001 (ex N 681a/200)
15.12.2009
1.2. No objection decisions
Country Title Case
number Objective
Decision date
DG Competition cases
Austria Second prolongation of Austrian bank support scheme
Midday express 17.12.2009
N 663/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
17.12.2009
Austria Short term export credit insurance
Press release
N 434/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
17.12.2009
Belgium Soutien de la recherche, du développement et d l'innovation en faveur de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale
N 566/2009 R&D aid 16.12.2009
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 5
Czech Republic
Security Research Scheme 2010-2015 N 470/2009 R&D aid 16.12.2009
Denmark Second prolongation of the Danish recapitalisation scheme
Midday express 17.12.2009
N 628/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
17.12.2009
Finland Second prolongation of Finnish guarantee scheme
Midday express 17.12.2009
N 674/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
17.12.2009
Finland High-Speed Broadband pilot projects in Finland
N 388/2009 Sectoral development aid
16.12.2009
Germany Second Prolongation of German bank guarantee scheme
Midday express 17.12.2009
N 665/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
17.12.2009
Germany Further recapitalisation of Hypo Real Estate N 557/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
14.12.2009
Germany Gewährung staatlicher Finanzhilfen bei Elementarschäden in Rheinland-Pfalz
N 386a/2009
Compensation of damages caused by natural disaster
14.12.2009
Germany 'Airducts'-project, Diehl Aircabin. Individual aeronautics R&D aid
Press release
N 297/2009 R&D aid 15.12.2009
Germany 'F2F'-project, Diehl Aircabin. Individual aeronautics R&D aid
Press release
N 296/2009 R&D aid 15.12.2009
Hungary Second prolongation of Hungarian bank support scheme
Midday express 17.12.2009
N 662/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
17.12.2009
Ireland Amendment to the Framework Scheme "Limited amounts of compatible aid"
N 473/2009 15.12.2009
Italy Modification of previously approved restructuring aid to Fiem
N 604/2009 Restructuring aid 15.12.2009
Latvia State guarantee in favour of JSC "Liepajas Metalurgs"
Press release
N 670/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
15.12.2009
Latvia Second prolongation of Latvian bank support scheme
Midday express 17.12.2009
N 664/2009 17.12.2009
Luxembourg Régime d'aide à l'innovation N 273/2009 Innovation aid 14.12.2009
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 6
Netherlands Second prolongation of Dutch Guarantee Scheme
Midday express 17.12.2009
N 669/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
17.12.2009
Netherlands Projet d'appui spécifique aux associations de logement pour les approches de district
N 642/2009 Services of general economic interest
15.12.2009
Netherlands National framework for conservation and restoration of protected historical monuments.
N 606/2009 Heritage conservation aid
15.12.2009
Poland Restructuring aid to POLFA
Read more
N 488/2009 Restructuring aid 15.12.2009
Portugal Operating aid scheme for small and micro-enterprises in Madeira
N 584/2009 15.12.2009
Romania Modification of safe-harbour guarantee premium to be applied to FORD Romania in connection with the state guarantee authorised by the European Commission's Decision of 13 November 2009 – C 2009) 8956
N 680/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
17.12.2009
Slovenia Second prolongation of Slovenian bank guarantee scheme
Midday express 17.12.2009
N 651/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
17.12.2009
Spain Aid to fuel switching for Alcoa Galicia N 624/2009 Environmental aid
14.12.2009
Spain Broadband in rural areas of Asturias N 323/2009 Regional development aid
14.12.2009
United Kingdom
Third prolongation of UK Bank support scheme
Midday express 17.12.2009
N 677/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
17.12.2009
United Kingdom
Financial Support Measures for the Royal Bank of Scotland
Press release
N 621/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
14.12.2009
United Kingdom
RBS restructuring plan N 422/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
14.12.2009
DG Agriculture cases
Belgium Prolongation de la mesure agroenvironnementale Engagement de gestion Eau
N 561/2009 Environmental aid
11.12.2009
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 7
France Tempête Klaus du 24 janvier 2009 : Aides complémentaires au transport et à la rupture de charge de bois des forêts sinistrées par la tempête.
N 438/2009 Compensation of damages caused by natural disaster
15.12.2009
Germany Forestry aid N 402/2009 Forestry 11.12.2009
Germany Measures for the protection of the natural biodiversity and the natural rural heritage in Saxony
N 367/2009 Investment in agricultural holdings
11.12.2009
Ireland Compensation Payments for losses or costs incurred by landowners/users arising from designation of land in Natura 2000 network and/or Natural Heritage Area and/or commonages
N 736/2007 14.12.2009
Italy MESURE 2.2.7 PDR 2007 - 2013 Région "Marche" (Italie) - Investissements forestiers non productifs
N 552/2009 Forestry 14.12.2009
Italy MESURE 2.2.6 PDR 2007 - 2013 Région "Marche" (Italie) - Reconstitution du potentiel forestier et adoption de mesures de prévention
N 551/2009 Forestry 14.12.2009
Latvia Aid to compensate farmers for damage caused by unfavorable weather conditions
NN 29/2005 Adverse weather conditions
16.12.2009
Netherlands Investissements dans des étables et des systèmes d'élevage durables
N 569/2009 14.12.2009
Spain Aides destinées à la réparation des dommages causés par l'incendie forestier du 28 juillet 2009 dans la Valle del Tiétar (Ávila)
N 577/2009 Natural disasters or exceptional occurrences
14.12.2009
Spain Aide pour la récupération du potentiel forestier et pour l'application de mesures préventives
N 445/2009 Environmental aid
16.12.2009
Spain Investissements non productifs pour les terres forestières
N 444/2009 Environmental aid
16.12.2009
Spain Aides pour l'implantation de la culture de l'houblon
N 395/2009 Investment in agricultural holdings
11.12.2009
Spain Aid for the promotion of agro-environmental measures in the growing of the seed potato
N 312/2009 Agri-environmental commitments
11.12.2009
DG Transport and Energy cases
Latvia Ventspils Free Port Authority
Part no objection decision/ Part decision to open formal investigation procedure
Press release
N 385/2009 Sectoral development aid
15.12.2009
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 8
2. Public versions of decisions to close formal investigation* ** Since the OJ publication of no objection/no aid decisions follows very shortly their publication on the website, this section of the e-News focuses only on decisions to close formal investigations. For the latest texts of no objection/no aid decisions please look section 3 "Decisions published in the OJ".
- none -
3. Decisions published in the OJ 3.1. Decisions to close formal investigation
Country Title/link to documents Case
number Objective
Decision date
DG Agriculture cases
Italy Exonération d'accises sur les carburants agricoles
Negative decision with recovery
OJ L 327 of 12.12.2009, p. 6 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
C 6/2004 (ex NN 70/2001)
13.07.2009
DG Transport and Energy cases
France RATP - Réforme du financement du régime de retraite
Positive decision
OJ L 327 of 12.12.2009, p. 21 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
C 42/2007 (ex N 428/2006)
13.07.2009
3.2. No objection decisions * Decisions not to raise objections are frequently grouped together in one single document for publication in the Official Journal. Since the link can only be made to the top of the first page of the document, you may have to scroll down in the document to find a particular case.
Country Title/link to documents* Case
number Objective
Decision date
DG Competition cases
Germany Additional risk shield for West LB
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 4 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
Press release
N 531/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
7/10/2009
Greece Limited amounts of compatible aid under the Temporary Framework
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 2 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
Press release
N 304/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
15/07/2009
Italy En Plus Centrale Termoelettrica di San Severo (FG)
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 2 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
N 180/2009 Regional development aid
21/08/2009
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 9
Luxembourg Garantie Dexia - BE – FR – LU
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 3 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
N 583/2009 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
30/10/2009
Netherlands Green Funds
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 1 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
N 249/2008 Environmental aid
14/10/2009
United Kingdom
GKN Aerospace Services Limited (GKN ASL)
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 4 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
Press release
N 357/2009 R&D aid 15/09/2009
DG Agriculture cases
Germany Promotion measures for agricultural products in Rheinland-Palatinate
OJ C 303 of 15.12.2009, p. 3 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
N 381/2009 Advertising aid 12.11.2009
Luxembourg Aide à la restructuration et à la reconversion des vignobles
OJ C 303 of 15.12.2009, p. 2 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
N 492/2008 Investment in agricultural holdings
14.10.2009
Spain Ayudas para el fomento de actividades ganaderas alternativas y para actividades de avicultura alternativa
OJ C 303 of 15.12.2009, p. 3 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
N 134/2009 Investment in agricultural holdings and Sectoral development
25.08.2009
Other types of decisions
Country Title/link to documents* Case
number Objective
Decision date
Decisions taken by the Commission
DG Competition cases
Bulgaria Accession of Bulgaria (Steel)
Decision based on the steel Protocol to the Europe Agreement/Bulgaria (monitoring)
Press release
MC 11/2007 15.12.2009
Netherlands Existing law and financing methods for Dutch Housing Corporations
Appropriate measures – accepted my the Member State
Press release
E 2/2005 Sectoral development and SGEI
15.12.2009
DG Agriculture cases
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 10
Slovakia Forestry management plan
Corrigendum
N 652/2008 Remedy for a serious disturbance in the economy
16.12.2009
Block exemptions Information sheets published in the OJ * Block exemption information sheets are frequently grouped together in one single document for publication in the Official Journal. Since the link can only be made to the top of the first page of the document, you may have to scroll down in the document to find a particular case.
Country Title/links to documents* Case number Objective
Austria Förderung Gewässerökologie für Wettbewerbsteilnehmer - Förderungsrichtlinien 2009
OJ C 301 of 11.12.2009, p. 25 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 265/2009 Aid for environmental studies Investment aid enabling undertakings to go beyond Community standards for environmental protection or increase the level of environmental protection in the absence of Community standards
Belgium Besluit van de Vlaamse Regering tot wijziging van het besluit van de Vlaamse Regering van 16 mei 2007 tot toekenning van steun aan ondernemingen voor ecologie-investeringen in het Vlaamse Gewest
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 15 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 291/2009 See detailed list in the State aid Register
Czech Republic
Operační program Rozvoj lidských zdrojů
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 16 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 339/2009 Training aid
Germany Brandenburg-Kredit für den Ländlichen Raum - Baustein 4: Agrar- und Ernährungswirtschaft „Umwelt- und Verbraucherschutz“
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 19 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 353/2009 SME investment and employment aid
Germany Brandenburg-Kredit für den Ländlichen Raum - Baustein 5: Neue Energien „Energie vom Land“
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 18 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 352/2009 SME investment and employment aid
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 11
Germany Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen zur Förderung von abfallwirtschaftlichen Maßnahmen
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 14 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 290/2009 Regional aid Scheme
Germany Programm "Spitzenforschung und Innovation in den Neuen Ländern"
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 12 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 289/2009 See detailed list in the State aid Register
Germany Richtlinie für Darlehen an mittelständische Unternehmen der gewerblichen Wirtschaft zur Förderung von Umweltschutz- und Energieeinsparungsmaßnahmen (Bayerisches Umweltkreditprogramm)
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 10 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 287/2009 SME investment and employment aid
Germany Mittelstandsrichtlinie
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 9 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 286/2009 Aid for consultancy in favour of SMEs and SME participation in fairs General training Regional aid Scheme
Germany Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen im Rahmen des Niedersächsischen Innovationsförderprogramms
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 8 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 285/2009 Experimental development Industrial research
Germany Richtlinien des Bundesministeriums für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz (BMELV) und des Bundesministeriums für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit (BMU) für ein Bundesprogramm zur Steigerung der Energieeffizienz in der Landwirtschaft und im Gartenbau.
OJ C 303 of 15.12.2009, p. 24 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
XA 230/2009 Agricultural aid
Ireland Training Networks Programme
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 9 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 864/2009 Training aid
Italy Norme di attuazione del Regolamento per la gestione del Fondo Gorizia di cui alla legge n. 26 del 1986
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 24 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 367/2009 See detailed list in the State aid Register
Italy Fondo di rotazione per la promozione e lo sviluppo della cooperazione (FONCOOPER) - Aiuti alle PMI per investimenti concernenti la trasformazione e la commercializzazione dei prodotti agricoli
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 21 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 360/2009 SME investment and employment aid
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 12
Italy Lotta al virus della Tristezza degli agrumi:sviluppo e innovazione in Sicilia
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 17 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 345/2009 Aid for research and development in the agricultural and fisheries sectors
Italy Bando Pubblico per l’aggiornamento e l’adeguamento delle competenze degli occupati nelle aziende dei sistemi produttivi Regionali, “Work in Evolution” - ASSE IV- Misura 4.6 - ASSE III- Misura 3.16 Azione Sviluppare.
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 15 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 333/2009 Training aid
Italy Progetti formativi rivolti a favore delle imprese attive nella produzione di prodotti agricoli
OJ C 303 of 15.12.2009, p. 25 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
XA 231/2009 Agricultural aid
Italy Criteri e modalità per la concessione di contributi a favore delle zone rurali e territorio montano ai sensi degli art. 43 fino 49 della L.P. N° 21/1996
OJ C 303 of 15.12.2009, p. 23 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
XA 33/2009 Agricultural aid
Italy Regolamento per la concessione di aiuti alle imprese ai sensi del Regolamento di esenzione della Commissione Europea n.800/2008
OJ C 301 of 11.12.2009, p. 27 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 854/2009 See detailed list in the State aid Register
Italy Avviso pubblico per la presentazione e gestione di progetti formativi POR FSE 2007/2013 DISTRETTO DELLA MONTAGNA
OJ C 303 of 15.12.2009, p. 30 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 284/2009 Training aid
Italy Aiuti alla formazione. Progetti formativi rivolti alle piccole medie imprese attive nella trasformazione e commercializzazione dei prodotti nel settore agricolo e forestale.
OJ C 301 of 11.12.2009, p. 24 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 264/2009 Regional aid Scheme Training aid
Italy Incentivi per l'innovazione e sviluppo
OJ C 301 of 11.12.2009, p. 23 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 263/2009 Aid for innovation advisory services and for innovation support services Environmental aid for the promotion of energy from renewable energy sources Regional aid Scheme
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 13
Italy Contratto di Programma Regionale
OJ C 301 of 11.12.2009, p. 22 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 262/2009 See detailed list in the State aid Register
Italy Adozione di sistemi informatici per l'innovazione aziendale
OJ C 301 of 11.12.2009, p. 21 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 261/2009 Aid for innovation advisory services and for innovation support services SME investment and employment aid
Latvia Atbalstītās nodarbinātības pasākumi mērķgrupu bezdarbniekiem
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 23 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 364/2009 Aid for the recruitment of disadvantaged workers in the form of wage subsidies
Latvia Aktīvais nodarbinātības pasākums noteiktām personu grupām
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 22 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 363/2009 Aid for the recruitment of disadvantaged workers in the form of wage subsidies
Malta SME Development Grant Scheme
OJ C 303 of 15.12.2009, p. 29 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 282/2009 Aid for consultancy in favour of SMEs Aid for SME participation in fairs
Malta Innovative Start-Up Scheme
OJ C 303 of 15.12.2009, p. 27 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 278/2009 Aid for consultancy in favour of SMEs Regional aid Scheme
Malta Reinvestment Tax Credit Scheme
OJ C 303 of 15.12.2009, p. 26 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 276/2009 Regional aid Scheme
Netherlands Innovatieprestatiecontracten
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 11 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 314/2009 Aid for consultancy in favour of SMEs
Netherlands Kennisexploitatie
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 23 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 313/2009 Aid for consultancy in favour of SMEs SME investment and employment aid
Poland Pomoc finansowa na wspieranie tworzenia i rozwoju gospodarki elektronicznej udzielana przez Polska Agencje Rozwoju Przedsiębiorczości w ramach Programu Operacyjnego Innowacyjna Gospodarka 2007-2013
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 14 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 326/2009 Aid for consultancy in favour of SMEs Regional aid Scheme Specific training
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 14
Poland Pomoc finansowa na badania, usługi doradcze i szkolenia udzielana przez Polska Agencje Rozwoju Przedsiębiorczości w ramach Programu Operacyjnego Innowacyjna Gospodarka 2007-2013
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 12 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 325/2009 Regional aid Scheme Aid for consultancy in favour of SMEs Industrial research Experimental development Aid for industrial property rights costs for SMEs Specific training
Poland Prace interwencyjne - pomoc w formie subsydiów placowych
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 19 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 307/2009 Aid for the employment of disabled workers in the form of wage subsidies Aid for the recruitment of disadvantaged workers in the form of wage subsidies
Poland Pomoc finansowa udzielana przez Polska Agencje Rozwoju Przedsiębiorczości na tworzenie i rozwój infrastruktury turystyki kongresowej i targowej w ramach Programu Operacyjnego Rozwój Polski Wschodniej 2007-2013
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 11 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 288/2009 Regional aid Scheme
Poland Pomoc finansowa udzielana przez Władzę Wdrażającą Programy Europejskie na dostarczenie usługi szerokopasmowego dostępu do Internetu w ramach Programu Operacyjnego Innowacyjna Gospodarka, 2007-2013.
OJ C 303 of 15.12.2009, p. 28 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 280/2009 Regional aid Scheme Specific training
Slovenia Pomoč v o obliki rizičnega kapitala
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 9 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 865/2009 Aid in the form of risk capital
Spain Ayuda al Centro de Calidad Avícola y Alimentación Animal de la Comunidad Valenciana
OJ C 303 of 15.12.2009, p. 24 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
XA 177/2009 Animal diseases
Spain Bases reguladoras de la concesión de subvenciones, en la Estrategia de Ahorro y Eficiencia Energética (E4+): Auditorías Energéticas en la Industria
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 8 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 863/2009 Aid for environmental studies
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 15
Spain Bases reguladoras de la concesión de subvenciones, en la Estrategia de Ahorro y Eficiencia Energética (E4+): Mejora de la eficiencia energética en las instalaciones de ascensores existentes en los edificios
OJ C 301 of 11.12.2009, p. 31 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 862/2009 Environmental aid for investment in energy saving measures
Spain Bases reguladoras de la concesión de subvenciones, en el Plan de Energías Renovables: Biomasa
OJ C 301 of 11.12.2009, p. 30 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 859/2009 Environmental aid for the promotion of energy from renewable energy sources
Spain Bases reguladoras de la concesión de subvenciones, en la Estrategia de Ahorro y Eficiencia Energética (E4+): Mejora eficiencia energética iluminación interior en edificios existentes.
OJ C 301 of 11.12.2009, p. 29 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 858/2009 Aid for environmental studies Environmental aid for investment in energy saving measures
Spain IG168: Ayudas a las Pymes, autónomos y particulares para la renovación de automóviles con achatarramiento de automóviles antiguos (Plan Remóvete Galicia)
OJ C 301 of 11.12.2009, p. 28 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 855/2009 SME investment and employment aid
Spain Subvenciones públicas para la ejecución de acciones de formación para el empleo de trabajadores realizadas por empresas mediante Planes de Formación en las Pyme ubicadas en la Comunidad Foral de Navarra
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 25 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 369/2009 Training aid
Spain Bases reguladoras de la concesión de subvenciones destinadas a la bonificación de intereses de préstamos y contratos de arrendamiento financiero para financiar inversiones empresariales
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 17 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 351/2009 SME investment and employment aid
Spain Fomento de la creación y expansión de empresas innovadoras de base tecnológica
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 11 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 324/2009 SME investment and employment aid
Spain Fomento de la pequeña y mediana industria agroalimentaria
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 22 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 310/2009 SME investment and employment aid
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 16
Spain Bases reguladoras de la concesión de subvenciones destinadas a la elaboración de protocolos familiares de las empresas
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 21 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 309/2009 Aid for consultancy in favour of SMEs
Spain Promoción de la seguridad en el trabajo.
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 20 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 308/2009 SME investment and employment aid
Spain Programa estratégico de comercio exterior (FORMACION)
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 7 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 300/2009 General training
Spain Programa de Diagnóstico Tutelado y Apoyo a la Incorporación del Diseño
OJ C 307 of 17.12.2009, p. 6 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 298/2009 Aid for consultancy in favour of SMEs
Spain Programa estratégico de comercio exterior (PYMES)
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 17 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 297/2009 Aid for consultancy in favour of SMEs and SME participation in fairs
Spain Programa CONNECT, ayudas a proyectos empresariales de jóvenes empresas innovadoras
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 16 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 294/2009 Aid to young innovative enterprises
Spain Promoción de la innovación en la gestión empresarial
OJ C 305 of 16.12.2009, p. 16 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
X 293/2009 SME investment and employment aid
European Court of Justice ** IInn oorrddeerr ttoo ccoonnssuulltt tthhee aavvaaiillaabbllee llaanngguuaaggeess ooff ddooccuummeennttss uuppllooaaddeedd iinn tthhee CCuurriiaa wweebbssiittee,, pplleeaassee cclliicckk oonn tthhee eeaarrtthh ssyymmbbooll oonn tthhee lleefftt ssiiddee ttoooollbbaarr..
1. Court of Justice
- none - 2. General Court
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 17
European Economic Area Based on the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA), the EFTA States participating in the EEA have entrusted the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the EFTA Court with similar decision making powers to that of the Commission and the European Court of Justice, respectively, in the field of state aid for the EFTA States.
1. Decisions of the EFTA Surveillance Authority
Country Title/link to documents* Case
number Objective
Decision date
Newly adopted decisions
Norway EFTA surveillance Authority Decision No. 538/09/COL of 16 December 2009 to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement with regard to the notification of sale of land in the municipality of Asker
Press release
67392 Sale of land 16.12.2009
Norway EFTA surveillance Authority Decision No. 537/09/COL of 16 December 2009 to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement with regard to the financing of the fitness centre at the Kippermoen Leisure Centre
Press release
67385 16.12.2009
Court case* Parties Country Type of
act Date Related case
T-165-04 EDF v France France Judgment 15.12.2009 C 68/2002 (ex E 3/2002 and ex NN 80/2002) - Aid measure in favour of EDF -Ruling-out of insolvency and bankruptcy procedures under EPIC
N 504/2003 - EDF - Réformes retraites IEG
C 25/2003 (ex E 3/2002) - Aid measure in favour of EDF -Ruling-out of insolvency and bankruptcy procedures under EPIC
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 18
Norway EFTA surveillance Authority Decision No. 536/09/COL of 16 December 2009 on budget increases for the Norwegian Energy Fund and the tightening of the rules on eligibility for aid under its wind programme
Press release
66126 Environmental aid
16.12.2009
Liechtenstein EFTA surveillance Authority Decision No. 535/09/COL of 16 December 2009 on alleged state aid in the sector of bus transportation services in favour of Postauto Schweiz
48093 No aid 16.12.2009
Public versions of decisions made available
Norway EFTA surveillance Authority Decision No. 470/09/COL of 25 November 2009 on the sale of “Slaktehustomten” [property 168/321] in Bergen municipality
en
63204 25.11.2009
Decisions published in the OJ
Norway EFTA surveillance Authority Decision No. 191/08/COL of 17 March 2008 on unpaid labour in relation to research and development activities
OJ L 332 of 17.12.2009, p. 23 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv
Press release
59582 R&D aid 17.03.2008
2. EFTA Court
- none - 3. State Aid New Legislation EFTA Surveillance Authority Decision amending Protocol 26 (On the powers and functions of the EFTA Surveillance Authority in the field of State aid) to the EEA Agreement Decision 119/2009 of 22.10.2009 OJ L 334 of 17.12.2009, p. 23 bg es cs da de et el en fr it lv lt hu mt nl pl pt ro sk sl fi sv EFTA surveillance Authority Decision No. amending, for the seventy-eighth time, the procedural and substantive rules in the field of state aid by introducing a new chapter on best practices for the conduct of state aid procedures Decision 534/09/COL of 16 December 2009 Press release
EFTA surveillance Authority Decision amending, for the 77th time, the procedural and substantive rules in the field of state aid by introducing a new chapter on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain types of state aid Decision 533/09/COL of 16 December 2009 Press release
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 19
EFTA Surveillance Authority Decision amending, for the seventy-sixth time, the procedural and substantive rules in the field of state aid by introducing a new chapter on criteria for the analysis of the compatibility of state aid for the employment of disadvantaged and disabled workers subject to individual notification Decision 532/09/COL of 16 December 2009 Press release
4. Other EEA points of interest
- none-
Additional points of interest Brussels European Council 10-11 December 2009 Presidency conclusions Statement of President Barroso at the European Council press conference Your Internet, Your Choice: Microsoft web browsers decision Neelie Kroes, European Commissioner for Competition Policy Opening remarks at press conference Brussels, 16th December 2009 To read the full speech, click here Antitrust: Commission accepts Microsoft commitments to give users browser choice User's guide Frequently asked questions Emissions trading: Commission takes new decisions on Estonian and Polish national allocation plans for 2008-2012 The European Commission today took new decisions on the national allocation plans (NAPs) submitted by Estonia and Poland for distributing carbon dioxide (CO 2) emission allowances for the 2008-2012 trading period of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). It rejected both plans on several grounds, but the principal reason was that the total quantity of allowances that these countries proposed to allocate to their operators was too high. The EU ETS ensures that greenhouse gas emissions from the energy and industry sectors it covers are cut in a cost-efficient manner, thus helping the EU and its Member States to meet their emission commitments. The Commission's previous decisions, which also rejected the plans, were annulled by the Court of First Instance on 23 September 2009. Appeals are pending before the European Court of Justice. Read more
Studies and reports Reviving crisis-hit labour markets Crisis response measures and EU financial support have helped to stem the adverse impacts of the slowdown on EU labour markets in 2009, says a European Commission report issued today. But these measures must be coherent with long-term employment reforms to prepare a successful exit from the crisis. The draft 'Joint Employment Report' will be discussed by employment and social affairs ministers in the Council in March 2010 and will contribute to the EU's new 2020 strategy for growth and jobs, due to be adopted by EU leaders in Spring 2010. Read more For further information, click here First estimate for the third quarter of 2009: Euro area and EU27 employment down by 0.5%, -2.1% and -2.0% respectively compared with the third quarter of 2008 The number of persons employed in the euro area (EA16) fell by 0.5% (712 000 persons) in the third quarter of 2009 compared with the previous quarter, according to national accounts estimates published by Eurostat, the
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 20
Statistical Office of the European Communities. In the same period, the number of persons employed in the EU27 also decreased by 0.5% (1 019 000 persons). In the second quarter of 2009, employment declined by 0.5% in the euro area and by 0.6% in the EU27. These figures are seasonally adjusted. Read more EU and its Member States committed to make life easier for small companies The European Commission reports good progress in the implementation of the Small Business Act (SBA) in 2009. The consensus on the SBA and the adoption of an Action plan to better assist SMEs in coping with the economic and financial crises has triggered impressive progress on the EU level as well as in the Member States. A broad range of measures have been taken to implement the Leitmotiv of the SBA - the "Think Small First" principle. (see MEMO/09/556 ) Read more Examples of national measures taken to implement the Small Business Act (SBA) Europeans cautiously optimistic about the economy, but remain concerned about unemployment – Autumn 2009 Eurobarometer The first results of the latest Eurobarometer survey reveal that for Europeans unemployment is the most important issue facing their own country, while concerns about the economic situation have lessened slightly. However, a majority still believes the worst of the crisis is to come. Now that the G20 and the IMF have given the impetus for economic recovery, people believe that national governments and the European Union are best placed to take action against the effects of the crisis. Read more November 2009: Euro area annual inflation up to 0.5%, EU up to 1.0% Euro area annual inflation was 0.5% in November 2009, up from -0.1% in October. A year earlier the rate was 2.1%. Monthly inflation was 0.1% in November 2009. EU annual inflation was 1.0% in November 2009, up from 0.5% in October. A year earlier the rate was 2.8%. Monthly inflation was 0.2% in November 2009. Read more GDP per inhabitant in purchasing power standards - GDP per inhabitant in the Member States ranged from 41% to 276% of the EU27 average in 2008 In 2008, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per inhabitant in Luxembourg , expressed in purchasing power standards (PPS), was more than two and a half times the EU27 average, while Ireland and the Netherlands recorded levels about one third above average. Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Germany, the United Kingdom and Belgium were between 15% and 25% above the EU27 average. Read more Miscellanea What has the EU done for you over the past year? The European Commission launched its annual multimedia yearbook presenting some of the European Union's most important achievements of the past year. The yearbook provides a collection of success stories where EU action has led to tangible results for citizens, with topics ranging from research into finding new cures for dementia to mitigating the effects of the economic crisis. Read more
Next publication date: Friday 08.01.2010 Previous issues Subscription: If you wish to subscribe to “State Aid Weekly e-News” and receive it every Friday in your Inbox for free, please click here. To unsubscribe, please, use the same link.
State Aid Weekly e-News No 48/09 21
Please, note that the information requested under “Change personal details” is not compulsory. In order to complete the subscription it is sufficient to fill in the data requested under “Add subscription”. About e-News: This e-News is issued every week to present the latest developments in the area of State aid. It features information on new legislative texts and proposals, decisions of the European Commission and the Courts of the European Union and other state aid–related documents and events. A great deal of additional information on State aid matters is available on the Internet. It can be accessed through the Europa server: http://ec.europa.eu/competition/index_en.html Other documents related to the cases, can be found under the link to the State aid Register: http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/register/ Publisher: European Commission DG Competition Unit H-3 – State aid network, Transparency and Fiscal aid Chief Editor: Wolfgang Mederer Editing team: Piotr Papieski, Helga van den Steen, Maria Auxiliadora Valpuesta Contreras, Marek Tóth, Tabita Habina, Alain Lambert, Ulrich Diez. mailto: [email protected] Disclaimer: Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the completeness, accuracy of the information and the use which might be made of the information provided in this document. © European Commission 2009. Reproduction is authorised, provided the source is acknowledged, save where otherwise stated. Where prior permission must be obtained for the reproduction or use of textual and multimedia information, such permission shall cancel the above-mentioned general permission and shall clearly indicate any restrictions on use.
