92000E0776

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0776/00

by Christoph Konrad (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 March 2000)

Subject: Subsidised filling station prices in the Dutch border region

1. Is the Commission aware that in the area of the Netherlands bordering Germany there are state subsidies for a two-stage reduction (between 0 and 10 km and between 10 and 20 km from the border) in fuel sales prices?

2. What is the Commission's view of the fact that these subsidies mean that in some cases the fuel sales prices are below the delivered price of wholesalers on the German side of the border?

3. Is it true that these subsidies were abolished on 1 March 2000?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(10 May 2000)

1. The Commission has already taken a decision on the aid referred to by the Honourable Member.

On 3 June 1998 it launched an investigation under Article 88(2) (former Article 93(2)) of the EC Treaty into the state aid granted by the Netherlands to Dutch filling stations in the region bordering on Germany(1). It took its decision on 20 July 1999(2).

The decision stated that the aid provided to 450 filling stations was incompatible with the common market and must be repaid. Subsidies to 183 smaller filling stations were covered by the de minimis rule and did not constitute s aid.

For further details, the Commission would refer you to the published texts.

2. As in the above-mentioned case, the Commission would point out that aid is incompatible with the common market if it distorts competition and affects trade between Member States. It noted the distortions of competition referred to by the Honourable Member in its decision and took them into account.

3. The Dutch Government has informed the Commission that the scheme was abolished on 1 February 2000.

(1) OJ C 307, 7.10.1998, p. 10.

(2) OJ L 280, 30.10.1999, p. 87.