29.7.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 177/1

List of appointments made by the Council

(April, May and June 2006) (social field)

(2006/C 177/01)

Committee	End of term of office	Publication in OJ	Person replaced	Resignation/Appointment	Member/Alternate	Category	Country	Person appointed	Affiliation	Date of Council Decision
Advisory Committee for Safety and Health at Work	31.12.2006	C 321, 31.12.2003 C 116, 30.4.2004 C 122, 30.4.2004	Mr József ISTVÁN KOVÁCS	Resignation	Member	Employers	Hungary	Mr Géza BOMBERA	—	25.4.2006
Governing Board of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work	—	L 184, 15.7.2005 C 161, 5.7.2002 C 116, 30.4.2004	Ms Renate CZESKLEBA	Resignation	Member	Workers	Austria	Ms Julia LISCHKA	Kammer für Arbeiter und Angestellte	25.4.2006
Governing Board of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work	—	L 184, 15.7.2005 C 161, 5.7.2002 C 116, 30.4.2004	Ms Julia LISCHKA	Resignation	Alternate	Workers	Austria	Ms Renate CZESKLEBA	Österreichischer Gewerkschaftsbund	25.4.2006
Governing Board of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work	—	L 184, 15.7.2005 C 161, 5.7.2002 C 116, 30.4.2004	Mr Marcel WILDERS	Resignation	Member	Workers	Netherlands	Mr Wim VAN VEELEN	FNV Vakcentrale	27.6.2006
Governing Board of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work	—	L 184, 15.7.2005 C 161, 5.7.2002 C 116, 30.4.2004	Mr Bruce M. WARMAN	Resignation	Alternate	Employers	United Kingdom	Mr Keith SEXTON	AMEY PLC	27.6.2006
Governing Board of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions	18.10.2007	C 317, 22.12.2004	Ms Annika MANSNÉRUS	Resignation	Alternate	Government	Sweden	Ms Siw WARSTEDT	Näringsdepartementet Enheten för arbetsrätt och arbetsmiljö	1.6.2006
Governing Board of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions	18.10.2007	C 317, 22.12.2004	Mr Arnout DE KOSTER	Resignation	Member	Employers	Belgium	Mr Paul CLERINX	FEB-VBO	1.6.2006
Governing Board of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions	18.10.2007	C 317, 22.12.2004	Mr Rainer SCHMIDT-RUDLOFF	Resignation	Member	Employers	Germany	Mr Wolfgang GOOS	BAVC	1.6.2006
Governing Board of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions	18.10.2007	C 317, 22.12.2004	Mr Jan Willem VAN DEN BRAAK	Resignation	Member	Employers	Netherlands	Mr Gerard A. M. VAN DER GRIND	LTO Nederland	1.6.2006
Governing Board of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions	18.10.2007	C 317, 22.12.2004	Mr Gerard A. M. VAN DER GRIND	Resignation	Alternate	Employers	Netherlands	Mr J. BOERSMA	—	1.6.2006
Governing Board of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions	18.10.2007	C 317, 22.12.2004	Ms Kate GROUCUTT	Resignation	Member	Employers	United Kingdom	Mr Thomas MORAN	CBI	1.6.2006
Governing Board of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions	18.10.2007	C 317, 22.12.2004	Ms Elena MICHALDOVÁ	Resignation	Member	Government	Slovakia	Ms Mária NÁDAŽDYOVÁ	Ministry of Labour	27.6.2006
Governing Board of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions	18.10.2007	C 317, 22.12.2004	Mr Antony MARTIN	Resignation	Member	Government	United Kingdom	Mr Grant FITZNER	Employment Market Analysis and Research	27.6.2006
Governing Board of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions	18.10.2007	C 317, 22.12.2004	Mr George CLARK	Resignation	Alternate	Government	United Kingdom	Ms Nicola GILPIN	Economy and Labour Market Division	27.6.2006

29.7.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 177/5

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under 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

(2006/C 177/03)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Aid No

XS 14/04

Member State

Italy

Region

Sicily

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Capital contributions and/or interest subsidies for investments by tourism enterprises

Legal basis

L.r n. 32 del 23/12/00, art. 76, 77, 78, 79, 80,81, 82, 83, 84, 13 e 198

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 25 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

1.1.2004

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2006

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

-	Coalmining

-	All manufacturing

Steel

Shipbuilding

Synthetic fibres

Motor vehicles

Other manufacturing

-	All services

Transport services

Financial services

Other services

Services to tourism

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Regione Siciliana Assessorato Turismo Comunicazioni e Trasporti

Indirizzo:

Via Notarbartolo no 9

I-90143 Palermo

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

The measure excludes awards of aid or requires prior notification to the Commission of awards of aid,

if the total eligible costs are at least EUR 25 million; and

—	the gross aid intensity is at least 50 %;

—	in areas which qualify for regional aid, the net aid intensity is at least 50 %; or

b)	if the total gross aid amount is at least EUR 15 million.

Yes

Aid No

XS 23/04

Member State

Germany

Region

Saxony-Anhalt

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Guideline on the granting of aid to encourage recourse to consultancy services by small and medium-sized enterprises in Saxony-Anhalt — consultancy aid scheme: Ministry of Economic Affairs circular (RdErl.) of 19 September 2002 (published MBl. LSA, p. 1163), amended by circular of 23 January 2004 (MBl. LSA, p. 92)

Legal basis

Mittelstandsförderungsgesetz (des Landes Sachsen-Anhalt — MFG) vom 27.6.2001 (GVBl. LSA S. 230);

Verwaltungsvorschriften zu § 44 der Landeshaushaltsordnung des Landes Sachsen-Anhalt (VV — LHO, RdErl. des MF vom 1.2.2001, MBl. LSA S. 241, geändert durch RdErl. des MF vom 4.9.2003, MBl. LSA S. 657)

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 3.4087 million

incl. domestic funding

EUR 0.8522 million

Community funding

EUR 2.5565 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

From 17 February 2004

Duration of the scheme or individual aid award

Until 31 December 2006

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Investitionsbank Sachsen-Anhalt

Address:

Domplatz 12

D-39104 Magdeburg

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

The measure excludes awards of aid or requires prior notification to the Commission of awards of aid

if the total eligible costs are at least EUR 25 million and

—	the gross aid intensity is at least 50 %, or

—	in areas which qualify for regional aid, the net aid intensity is at least 50 %; or

b)	if the total gross aid amount is at least EUR 15 million.

Yes

Aid No

XS29/04

Member State

Spain

Region

La Rioja

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Promotion plan for small and medium-sized enterprises

Legal basis

Resolución del Presidente de la Agencia de Desarrollo económico de La Rioja, de 16 de enero de 2004, por la que se modifican las bases reguladoras de la concesión de ayudas para instrumentar un plan de promoción para la pequeña y mediana empresa (Plan aprobado por Decisión de la Comisión de fecha 17 de julio de 2001, como Régimen de Ayudas de Estado N686/2000. Esta nueva ayuda que se comunica resulta de una modificación efectuada sobre dicho régimen)

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 125 000

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation:

1.1.2004

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2006

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Agencia de Desarrollo economico de La Rioja

Address:

C/. Muro de la Mata 13-14

E-26071 Logroño

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

The measure excludes awards of aid or requires prior notification to the Commission of awards of aid,

if the total eligible costs are at least EUR 25 million and

—	the gross aid intensity is at least 50 %,

—	in areas which qualify for regional aid, the net aid intensity is at least 50 %; or

b)	if the total gross aid amount is at least EUR 15 million.

Yes

Aid number

XS 39/04

Member State

Denmark

Name of aid scheme

150 % deduction with respect to research expenditure

Legal basis

Lov om ændring af ligningsloven vedtaget den 20. april 2004

Planned annual expenditure under the scheme or total individual aid provided to the project

An annual financial framework of DKK 25 million (EUR 2.4 million) has been established for a 3-year period.

Maximum aid intensity

The maximum aid intensity is 15 %, with a maximum of DKK 0.75 million (EUR 0.1 million) per project.

Date of implementation

The law was adopted on 20 April 2004.

Duration of aid scheme or individual aid project

The aid scheme is due to come to an end at the end of 2006.

Purpose of aid

To enhance cooperation between small and medium-sized companies and public research institutions.

Sectors involved

All branches of manufacturing

Name and address of authority providing aid

Name:

Ministry of Science, Technology and Development,

Address:

Bredgade 43

DK-1260 Copenhagen.

Other information

The deduction is conditional on the firm's participating in a co-financed research project in partnership with a public research institution.

Individual projects must first be approved by the authorities.

Aid No

XS 45/04

Member State

Spain

Region

Autonomous community of the Basque Country

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

GAUZATU — foreign establishments

Legal basis

Orden de 16 de abril de 2003, del Consejero de Industria, Comercio, y Turismo, por la que se regula el programa GAUZATU-Implantaciones Exteriores, de impulso a la creación y desarrollo de implantaciones de empresas vascas en el exterior (BOPV no 96 de 19 de mayo de 2003), y Resolución de 31 de marzo de 2004 del Viceconsejero de Innovación y Desarrollo Industrial, por la que se hace pública la convocatoria de concesión de las mencionadas ayudas (BOPV no 72 de 19 de abril de 2004).

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 6,01 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

From 20.4.2004

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Financial year 2004. Deadline for applications: 15.6.2004

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

–	Coalmining

Yes

–	All manufacturing

Yes

Other services

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Sr. José Ignacio Telletxea Fernández

Viceconsejero de Innovación y Desarrollo Industrial

Address:

Departamento de Industria, Comercio y Turismo

Gobierno Vasco

C/ Donostia- San Sebastián, 1

E-01010 Vitoria-Gasteiz

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

The measure excludes awards of aid or requires prior notification to the Commission of awards of aid:

if the total eligible costs are at least EUR 25 million and

—	the gross aid intensity is at least 50 %,

—	in areas which qualify for regional aid, the net aid intensity is at least 50 %; or

b)	if the total gross aid amount is at least EUR 15 million.

Yes

Aid No

XS 87/05

Member State

Federal Republic of Germany

Region

North Rhine-Westphalia

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Measures to promote the sale and use of wood and wood products from small and medium-sized businesses in the timber sector in North Rhine-Westphalia, such as felling companies, forwarding firms and manufacturing and processing firms (see also the attached key issues paper, specifically the measures under point 2.3, status: 7.3.2005)

Legal basis

1.	Mitteilung der Kommission zu Der Stand der Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der holzverarbeitenden Industrie und verwandter Industriezweige in der EU vom 5. Oktober 1999, KOM (1999) 457 endg.

2.	EU-Entschluss 457-C5-0306/2000, Bundesdrucksache 113/01 vom 2.2.2001

3.	Landesforstgesetz für das Land Nordrhein-Westfalen in der Fassung der Bekanntmachung vom 24. April 1980, zuletzt geändert durch Gesetz vom 9. Mai 2000 (§ 60)

4.	Verordnung (EG) Nr. 70/2001 der Kommission vom 12. Januar 2001; Änderungsverordnung VO (EG) Nr. 364/2004 vom 25.2.2004

5.	Empfehlung der Kommission betreffend Definition der Kleinstunternehmen sowie der kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen (2003/361/EG)

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Maximum overall amount per year (covers all measures in the key issues paper)

EUR 1,4 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

EUR 100 000

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

1.9.2004

Duration of the scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2008

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Limited to specific sectors

–	Coalmining

–	All manufacturing

Steel

Shipbuilding

Synthetic fibres

Motor vehicles

Other manufacturing

Wood manufacturing and processing firms

–	All services

Transport services

Financial services

Other services

Felling, skidding, trading and forwarding companies

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Ministerium für Umwelt und Naturschutz, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen

Address

Schwannstr. 3

D-40476 Düsseldorf

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

Other information

We undertake to adapt the aid scheme if necessary following any amendment of Regulation No 70/2001 after 31 December 2006. This also applies to all individual measures granted under the scheme which extend beyond 31 December 2006. The Commission will be informed of any such changes.

Aid No

XS 90/05

Member State

Czech Republic

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Research programmes of the Ministry of Culture for years 2006 –2011

Legal basis

Zákon č. 130/2002 Sb. o podpoře výzkumu a vývoje

Nařízení vlády č. 461/2002 Sb.

Usnesení vlády založené na návrhu ministerstva kultury č. 10561/2004

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Total amount: 148 326 000 CZK ( EUR 4,931 051 million)

EUR/CZK to date 30.3.2005 according to the Czech National Bank:1EUR = 30,08 CZK

Annual expenditure planned:

Year 2006: 8 632 000 CZK: EUR 0,286 968 million

Year 2007: 17 094 000 CZK: EUR 0,568 284 milion

Year 2008: 29 250 000 CZK: EUR 0,972 407 million

Year 2009: 38 700 000 CZK: EUR 1,286 569 million

Year 2010: 36 650 000 CZK: EUR 1,218 418 million

Year 2011: 18 000 000 CZK: EUR 0,598 404 million

only approximately 5 % of total expenditure will be granted to undertakings (SMEs — max 10); i.e. EUR 0,246552 million total amount

Maximum aid intensity

100 % — Fundamental research

Date of implementation

January 1st 2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

6 years (2006-2011) (1)

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs for science and research;

further eligible entities include universities, research organisations, museums, galleries, the National Heritage Institute or libraries (entities that are not enterprises as defined by EC rules for public aid). No large enterprises do take part in the programme.

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

universities, research institutions, contributory organization (Museums and Galleries, specialized Organization of the state care of monuments, Libraries, other Organizations), to 5 % of private subjects (SME),

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Ministerstvo kultury (koordinační centrum pro výzkum vývoj) — Ministry of Culture

Address:

Maltézské nám 1

CZ-118 11 Praha 1

Aid No

XS 163/05

Member State

Italy

Region

Objective 1 regions

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Services and consultancy for PIA Networking

Legal basis

—	Programma Operativo Nazionale Sviluppo Imprenditoriale Locale- QCS Obiettivo 1, 2000-2006. approvato con Decisione C(2000)2342 dell'8 agosto 2000, modificato con Decisione C(2004)5185 del 15 dicembre 2004.

—	Circolare del Ministero delle Attività Produttive n. 946204 del 29 luglio 2005 pubblicata sulla Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana n. 195 del 23.8.2005.

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 3 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

The gross aid represents 50 % of the cost of the services.

Date of implementation

23.8.2005

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2006

Objective of aid

Acquisition of specialist services and consultancy necessary for carrying out investments, not including services and consultancy connected with the normal running of the undertaking (e.g. ordinary tax consultancy, legal consultancy, advertising costs).

Economic sectors concerned

—	The extractive or manufacturing industries covered by Sections C and D of the ISTAT ‘91’ Classification of economic activities;

—	activities relating to the production and distribution of electricity, steam and hot water and construction covered by Sections E and F of the ISTAT Classification;

—	the provision of services;

—	the tourist industry for the management of structures identified and defined in Articles 5 and 6 of Act No 217 of 17 May 1983, (tourist accommodation and travel and tourist agencies.

There are restrictions or exclusions for the sectors governed by Community rules (steel, shipbuilding, synthetic fibres, motor vehicles, food, drinks and tobacco). Specific restrictions are laid down by the Ministry of Production Activities.

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Ministero delle Attività Produttive

Direzione Generale per il Coordinamento degli Incentivi alle Imprese

Centro coordinamento intese istituzionali e selezione contratti programma

Address:

Via Molise, 2

I-00187 Roma

Other information

The aid scheme ‘Services and consultancy for PIA Networking’ is part of PIA Networking (Measure 2.1.c of the Country Operational Programme ‘Local Business Development’- CSF Italy Objective 1, 2000-2006).

PIA Networking is a package of aid measures which SMEs can call upon to carry out joint projects.

Aid No

XS 170/05

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

West Wales & the Valleys Objective 1 Region

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Sirius Business Transformation Limited

Legal basis

Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999

The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Regulations 2000 (No/906/2000)

The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Designation 2000

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

GBP 69 125

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

From 1.10.2005

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2006

N.B as noted above, the grant was committed prior to 31 December 2006. Payments against this commitment will, potentially(in line with N+2), continue until July 2008

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

National Assembly for Wales

Address:

C/o Welsh European Funding Office

Cwm Cynon Business Park

Mountain Ash CF45 4ER

United Kingdom

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

Aid No

XS 171/05

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

Cornwall

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Audio Visual Industry Sector Development Project

Legal basis

Employment and Training Act 1973, Section 2(1) and 2(2) as substantiated by Section 25 of the Employment and Training Act 1998 and Learning and Skills Act 2000

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

GBP 0,914238 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Yes — shall not exceed 50 %

Date of implementation

From 13.09.2005

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2006

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

Other services — SMEs involved in the film, TV and new media sector in Cornwall

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Name

South West Screen — Cornwall Film AVIS-D, a subsidiary company

Address:

South West Screen

St Bartholomew's Court

Lewins Mead

Bristol BS1 5BT

United Kingdom

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

Aid No

XS 174/05

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

West Wales and the Valleys Objective 1 Region

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

The Rhoserchan Project

Legal basis

Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/99

The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Regulations 2000 (No/906/2000)

The Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales)

Designation 2000

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

GBP 550 000

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

From: 10th October 2005

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until: 31st December 2006

NB. As noted above, the grant was committed prior to 31 December 2006. Payments against this commitment will, potentially (in line with N+2) continue until 28th February 2007

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

Other services (Drug Rehabilitation)

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

National Assembly for Wales

Address:

C/o Welsh European Funding Office

Cwm Cynon Business Park

Mountain Ash CF45 4ER

United Kingdom

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

(1) After expiration of Regulation No 70/2001, the public aid provider will apply for examining the ‘Research Programmes of the Ministry of Culture for 2006-2011’ to see whether it still complies with the valid legislation that repealed Regulation No 70/2001. If State aid to SMEs under the current programmes is in contradiction with the Regulation, the provider will exclude SMEs from further enjoyment of the aid by laying down prohibitive conditions to prevent their participation in public tenders for the programmes.

29.7.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 177/16

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid

(2006/C 177/04)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Aid number

XT 28/01

Member State

Italy

Region

Abruzzi

Title of aid scheme

Continuing training — measures to promote training plans

Legal basis

Art. 118 L. statale 23.12.2000 n. 388

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme

Regional Council decision No 376 of 15 May 2001 for EUR 1 881 223.38 and decision DL 2/357 of 20 December 2002 approving further lists of beneficiaries — ‘training aid’ Annex Bbis to decision DL 2/357 of 20 December 2002

Maximum aid intensity

SMEs:

70 % (general training)

35 % (specific training)

Large firms:

50 % (general training)

Date of implementation

Date of call for applications issued under Regional Council decision No 376/01 and subsequent implementing decision DL 2/357 of 20 December 2002

Duration of scheme

Duration of training measure limited to 12 months ending on 31 December 2003

Objective of aid

Training of employees as specified in detail in the operational plan submitted for assessment. The Region will check courses in progress to verify actual implementation of the general or specific training as described in the approved individual plans

Economic sector(s) concerned

All manufacturing industries

Other services

Name and address of granting authority

Name:

Ente Regione Abruzzo — Giunta regionale

Direzione Politiche attive del lavoro, della formazione e dell'istruzione

Servizio implementazione programmi e progetti

Address:

Via Raffaello n. 137

I-65126 Pescara

Aid number

XT 25/03

Member State

Spain

Region

Galicia

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Training of women to develop occupational skills relating to priority sectors and activities in Galicia

Legal basis

Resolución de 30 de diciembre de 2002 por la que se establecen las bases reguladoras a las ayudas que regirán las líneas de actuación y estímulo a la formación de mujeres en aquellas profesiones ligadas a sectores y actividades considerados prioritarios en Galicia y se procede a su convocatoria. (Diario Oficial de Galicia no 5 de 9.1.2003)

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

—	2003 EUR 2 158 000

—	2004 EUR 2 589 600

—	2005 EUR 3 107 520

—	2006 EUR 3 729 024

Maximum aid intensity

The State aid governed by this Order is granted, in principle, for general training. The maximum intensity is that established in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 since Galicia qualifies for regional aid under Article 87(3)(a) of the EC Treaty

Date of implementation

June-November 2003

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2006

Objective of aid

—	Vocational training programmes for women organised by local authorities, associations or companies.

—	Coordination of vocational training activities with vocational guidance activities and plans for the promotion of the social economy and businesses.

—	Programmes to help women enter the labour market by improving their vocational skills in jobs for which there is demand in the market.

—	One-off training projects that add value to the above activities

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Servicio Gallego de Promoción de la igualdad del Hombre y de la Mujer

Address:

Plaza de Europa, 15 A 2o Área Central-Polígono de Fontiñas

E-15781 Santiago de Compostela

Tel: (981) 54 53 60

E-mail: sgpihm@xunta.es

Aid No

XT 60/04

Member State

Belgium

Region

Flanders

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Interbrew NV

Vaartstraat 94

B-3000 Leuven

Legal basis

Besluit van de Vlaamse regering van 11.6.2004

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

EUR 0,9 million

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(6) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

11.6.2004

Duration of scheme or individual aid

Until 31.12.2006

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

Limited to specific sectors

‘Ad hoc’ case

—	Agriculture

—	Fisheries and aquaculture

—	Coalmining

—	All manufacturing

Steel

Shipbuilding

Synthetic fibres

Motor vehicles

Other manufacturing

Brewing

—	All services

Maritime transport services

Other transport services

Financial services

Other services

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap

Administratie Economie

Afdeling Economisch Ondersteuningsbeleid

Address:

Markiesstraat 1

B-1000 Brussel

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation. The measure excludes awards of aid or requires prior notification to the Commission of awards of aid, if the amount of aid granted to one enterprise for a single training project exceeds EUR 1 million

Yes

29.7.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 177/19

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001, as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 363/2004 of 25 February 2004, on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid

(2006/C 177/05)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Aid No

XT 65/05

Member State

Malta

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Deductions and Tax Credits (General and Specific Qualifications) Rules, 2005 — LN 335/2005

Legal basis

Legal Notice under the Income Tax Act (Cap. 123)

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 1 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

Fiscal year 2005.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2008 (1)

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Malta Enterprise Corporation

Address:

Enterprise Centre

Industrial Estate

MT-San Gwann SGN 09

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Yes

Aid No

XT 66/05

Member State

Malta

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Deductions and Tax Credits (Research and Development) Rules, 2005 — LN 330/2005

Legal basis

Legal Notice under the Income Tax Act (Cap. 123)

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 0,9 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

Fiscal year 2005

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2008 (2)

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Malta Enterprise Corporation

Address:

Enterprise Centre

Industrial Estate

MT-San Gwann SGN 09

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Yes

Aid No

XT 73/05

Member State

Estonia

Region

Eesti Vabariik

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Estonian national development plan for implementation of EU structural funds — Single Programming Document for 2004-2006; Measure 2.3 ‘Promotion of research, technology development and innovation’, ‘Business incubator programme’ section

Legal basis

Majandus- ja Kommunikatsiooniministri määrus nr. 132 (2005) 31.10.2005.a.

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

Estonia EUR 0,14 million;

ERDF: EUR 0,41 million;

Total: EUR 0,55 million.

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

13.11.2005

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2006

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Economic sectors concerned

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

-	Agriculture

Yes

-	Fisheries and aquaculture

Yes

-	Coalmining

-	All manufacturing

Yes

-	All services

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Ettevõtluse Arendamise Sihtasutus

Address:

Liivalaia 13/15

ET-10118 Tallinn

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Yes

Aid No

XT 86/04

Member State

Portugal

Region

Continental Portugal, the Azores and Madeira

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Independent vocational training projects not covered by the aid schemes approved by the European Commission as part of the PRIME programme (State aid No 667/99 — SMEs and State aid No 89/2000 — SIVETUR)

Legal basis

Portaria 1285/2003 do 17 Novembro

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

(euros)

Year

Budget

2004

31 633 784

2005

63 638 599

2006

64 727 617

Total

160 000 000

Maximum aid intensity

The basic aid intensities are given in the following table:

Support level

Specific training

General training

Non-SMEs

SMEs

Non-SMEs

SMEs

Basic

25 %

35 %

50 %

70 %

Regional top-up:

—	Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (Article 87(3)(c) region)

30 %

40 %

55 %

75 %

—	Other regions (Article 87(3)(a) regions)

35 %

45 %

60 %

80 %

Disadvantaged workers:

—	Lisboa e Vale do Tejo

40 %

50 %

65 %

80 %

—	Other regions

45 %

55 %

70 %

90 %

Date of implementation

20 September 2004. The scheme formally entered into force on that date, although the legal instrument on which it is based was published earlier.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

2004-06

Objective of aid

The scheme is aimed at boosting the skills levels of businesses' human resources and matching them to their strategic development needs. Aid for vocational training must be shown to be justified by the relevance and appropriateness of the training to the firm's development strategy as a whole.

The aid is to be granted for both general and specific training courses; in the case of training plans that include both types of training, the courses may have to be dissociated for the purpose of calculating the intensity of the aid to be granted.

Economic sectors concerned

Only the sectors specified are eligible.

All manufacturing

All services

Other transport services

Other services

Name and address of the granting authority

Name:

Gabinete de Gestão do PRIME

Address:

Rua Rodrigues Sampaio, 13

P-1169-028 Lisboa

Tel.: 213 11 21 00

Fax: 213 11 21 97

gab@prime.min-economia.pt

http://www.prime.min-economia.pt/

(1) In line with Rule 9 of Legal Notice 335/2005, Deductions and Tax Credits (General and Specific Qualifications) Rules 2005, this scheme will be adapted according to the rules applicable after the review of Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001.

(2) In line with Rule 21 of Legal Notice 330/2005, Deductions and Tax Credits (Research and Development) Rules 2005, this scheme will be adapted according to the rules applicable after the review of Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001.

29.7.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 177/23

GUIDELINES FOR THE ALLOCATION OF LIMITED AIR TRAFFIC RIGHTS

(2006/C 177/06)

These guidelines are based on Regulation (EC) No 847/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the negotiation and implementation of air service agreements between Member States and third countries. They shall apply in cases where more than one air carrier wishes to use air traffic rights which are limited under a bilateral air traffic agreement concluded between Sweden and a third country, and where the extent of the rights does not allow all the interested parties to operate air traffic services in accordance with the agreement. They shall also apply when only one air carrier may be designated (selected) under the agreement, but when more than one have expressed interest in being designated.

2.	Where the limited traffic rights apply to the Scandinavian countries as a whole, the examination must be carried out in accordance with these guidelines if the route in question begins or ends in Sweden. The relevant authorities in Denmark and Norway must be consulted in such cases, however.

3.	For the purposes of these guidelines, an air carrier means an airline established in Sweden with an operating licence issued pursuant to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92.

Information on air traffic rights under bilateral air traffic agreements concluded by Sweden and decisions in accordance with these guidelines concerning the traffic rights granted is provided by the Swedish Civil Aviation Authority and published on its website (www.luftfartsstyrelsen.se). Information is also available on forthcoming air traffic negotiations. The Civil Aviation Authority shall inform the relevant authorities in Denmark and Norway of applications which are to be examined in accordance with these guidelines.

Questions concerning the allocation of traffic rights in accordance with these guidelines shall be examined by the Civil Aviation Authority. Its decisions shall be published. Appeals against decisions by the Civil Aviation Authority may be submitted to the Government (Ministry of Industry, Employment and Communications).

An airline wishing to use limited traffic rights shall apply in writing to the Civil Aviation Authority for a permit. The application shall be written in Swedish or English and contain the following information:

a)	a copy of the air carrier's operating licence, unless it was issued by a Swedish authority;

b)	a description of the planned air traffic (e.g. the type of aircraft, its nationality and registration marks, flight times and routes, and the days when flights will be operated);

c)	information on any wet or dry aircraft leasing planned in connection with the air traffic service;

d)	information on any cooperation with other air carriers and on the nature and extent of any such cooperation;

e)	the planned start date for the air traffic service;

f)	the type of air traffic service (e.g. passenger or freight);

g)	any connecting service;

h)	the pricing policy for the route.

The Civil Aviation Administration may ask applicants to include additional information in their applications.

The Civil Aviation Administration shall inform the relevant authorities in Denmark and Norway of the applications received. Information about the applications received shall also be published on the Civil Aviation Authority's website.

Applications shall be examined in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner. The selection process may give priority to traffic which:

—	provides maximum consumer benefits;

—	promotes the most effective possible competition between Community airlines;

—	provides services to satisfy all the usual transport requirements at the lowest reasonable price;

—	promotes the sound development of the Community air transport industry, trade and tourism, and/or;

—	meets public transport policy objectives, e.g. with regard to regional development.

The following criteria shall be given special consideration in the examination:

—	the services offered;

—	the frequency of flights;

—	the type of aircraft and its configuration;

—	direct or indirect traffic;

—	the start date;

—	the level of traffic during the year;

—	the type of traffic (e.g. passenger or freight);

—	the accessibility of the service to consumers (booking and purchasing tickets);

—	connecting flights;

—

pricing;

—	effect on the environment.

The Civil Aviation Administration may also take other factors into account if these are announced to the applicants before a final decision is taken.

9.	Consideration shall be given to the need for continuity of supply of air services when examining applications.

10.	Decisions on the allocation of traffic rights under these guidelines shall state the reasons on which the decision is based.

11.	Allocated traffic rights may not be transferred without special permission.

12.	An air carrier which had been given permission to use traffic rights in accordance with these guidelines shall start the traffic service in question within the next two programming periods. Failure to do so shall result in the permit being cancelled.

13.

A permit shall also be cancelled if

a)	the traffic is interrupted and not resumed again within six months, unless the interruption is due to circumstances beyond the control of the permit holder;

b)	the permit holder informs the Civil Aviation Authority that he no longer plans to use the permit.

14.

The Civil Aviation Authority may withdraw a permit in full or in part if

a)	the traffic is not operated in accordance with the terms of the permit or the provisions in the bilateral agreement upon which the traffic is based;

b)	the permit holder otherwise fails to observe provisions on air traffic, or;

c)	there are other special reasons for doing so.

15.	When a permit is cancelled or withdrawn in accordance with these guidelines, the Civil Aviation Administration may decide to reconsider the matter.

16.	These guidelines shall not affect traffic rights which are being used effectively and in accordance with Community law and national competition legislation.

29.7.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 177/25

STATE AID — PORTUGAL

State aid C 17/2006 (ex N 3/2006) — Training aid to Auto Europa — Automóveis Lda Portugal

Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty

(2006/C 177/07)

(Text with EEA relevance)

By means of the letter dated 16 May 2006 reproduced in the authentic language on the pages following this summary, the Commission notified Portugal of its decision to initiate the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty concerning the training aid linked with the abovementioned measure.

Interested parties may submit their comments on the training aid in respect of which the Commission is initiating the procedure within one month of the date of publication of this summary and the following letter, to:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

State Aid Greffe

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat, 200

B-1049 Brussels

Fax No (32-2) 296 12 42

These comments will be communicated to Portugal. Confidential treatment of the identity of the interested party submitting the comments may be requested in writing, stating the reasons for the request.

SUMMARY

PROCEDURE

Portugal notified the intended training aid measure by letter dated 27 December 2005. The Commission requested further information by letter dated 31 January 2006, to which Portugal replied by email registered 23 March 2006

DESCRIPTION

The beneficiary of the aid would be Auto-Europa — Automóveis Lda (Auto Europa), a company fully owned by Volkswagen and located in Setubal, Portugal. Auto Europa has planned investments for launching a new car model (Volkswagen Eos) and further adapting production methods to those commonly used by the Volkswagen group in order to produce new models. A training programme related to these activities for the period 2004-2006 has been set up. Portugal plans to provide Auto Europa with a grant of EUR 3 552 423 to help finance this training project.

ASSESSMENT

At this stage, the Commission doubts that the aid measure can be found compatible with the common market pursuant to Article 87(3)(c) of the EC Treaty. These doubts are based on two grounds. First, it seems doubtful that the aid is necessary for the beneficiary to undertake the training activities concerned. In the car industry, the production of new models is a normal and regular feature, necessary to maintain competitiveness. The training expenses associated with the launching of a new model are therefore normally incurred by car makers on the sole basis of the market incentive. Indeed, in order to produce new models, car manufacturers need to train their workforce on the new techniques to be adopted. Consequently, the training activities in question would most probably have been undertaken by Auto Europa in any event, and notably in the absence of aid. Second, the Commission has doubts that the notified eligible costs relating to trainees' personnel costs comply with the relevant rules under Article 4(7)(f) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid (1).

CONCLUSION

In view of the doubts mentioned above, the Commission has decided to initiate the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty.

TEXT OF THE LETTER

‘A Comissão informa o Governo português que após ter examinado as informações prestadas pelas Autoridades portuguesas sobre o auxílio referido em epígrafe, decidiu dar início ao procedimento previsto no n.o 2 do artigo 88.o do Tratado CE.

PROCEDIMENTO

O projecto de auxílio a favor da Auto Europa — Automóveis Lda. foi notificado à Comissão por carta de 27 de Dezembro de 2005 (registada em 4 de Janeiro de 2006). A Comissão solicitou informações adicionais por carta de 31 de Janeiro de 2006, a que Portugal respondeu por correio electrónico registado em 23 de Março de 2006.

DESCRIÇÃO DO PROJECTO

O beneficiário

O beneficiário do auxílio é a Auto Europa — Automóveis, Lda. (“Auto Europa”), uma empresa comum entre a Volkswagen e a Ford, criada em 1991. Em 1999 a Volkswagen adquiriu a totalidade do capital da empresa. A Auto Europa tem uma única unidade de produção em Setúbal (sul de Lisboa), onde emprega actualmente 2 790 trabalhadores. Produz vários modelos — VW Sharan, SEAT Alhambra, Ford Galaxy — e o seu volume de negócios em 2005 foi de 1 210 milhões de euros.

O projecto de formação

A empresa tem previstos investimentos de […] (2) de euros, que têm como objectivo essencialmente adaptar os métodos de produção da Auto Europa aos utilizados em geral pelo grupo Volkswagen e adquirir novos equipamentos e tecnologias para o lançamento de um novo produto, o coupé/cabriolet“Volkswagen Eos”. Uma vez que estas actividades implicam a adopção de novos métodos e técnicas de produção, foi definido um programa de formação a realizar entre 2004 e 2006.

Os custos totais elegíveis do programa de formação ascendem a 10,893 milhões de euros. De acordo com as informações prestadas por Portugal, este programa inclui formação específica no montante de 9,75 milhões de euros e formação geral no montante de 1,13 milhões de euros. Dos 204 cursos programados, 86 % da formação (em volume) corresponde ao curso n.o 181 “Lançamento da produção de um novo modelo”, que consiste na formação (específica) prática no local de trabalho de 960 trabalhadores, a título de preparação para o “Eos”. Aparecem igualmente outros cursos classificados como formação específica para resolver as necessidades especiais decorrentes do lançamento de novos modelos (exemplos destes cursos: “montagem do protótipo”, “características técnicas de novos motores” e “orientações para o cabriolet”).

Por outro lado, os cursos classificados como formação geral referem-se a conceitos que normalmente podem ser utilizados por outras empresas, como tecnologia informática, técnicas de soldadura por laser e métodos universais para melhorar o processo de produção. Salienta-se que a formação geral representa apenas 7 % do volume total da formação, enquanto a formação específica representa 93 %.

O auxílio

Portugal propõe-se conceder à Auto Europa um subsídio de 3 552 423 euros para ajudar a financiar o projecto de formação. Os recursos estatais viriam do Fundo Social Europeu (2 664 317 EUR) e do Fundo da Segurança Social nacional (888 106 EUR). A empresa contribuiria com fundos próprios no montante de 7 340 087 euros. Como Setúbal é uma zona assistida nos termos do n.o 3, alínea c), do artigo 87.o do Tratado, as intensidades máximas de auxílio permitidas são de 30 % para a formação específica e 55 % para a formação geral. O auxílio seria concedido no quadro de um regime nacional para a promoção de projectos de formação (3).

APRECIAÇÃO

Existência de auxílio

A Comissão considera que a medida constitui um auxílio estatal, na acepção do n.o 1 do artigo 87.o do Tratado CE. Assume a forma de uma subvenção financiada por recursos estatais. A medida é selectiva, uma vez que é limitada à Auto Europa. Esta subvenção selectiva é susceptível de distorcer a concorrência, facultando à Auto Europa uma vantagem sobre os outros concorrentes que não recebem auxílios. Por último, o mercado dos veículos a motor caracteriza-se por um extenso comércio entre os Estados-Membros.

Base legal da apreciação

Portugal solicita a aprovação do auxílio com base no Regulamento (CE) n.o 68/2001 da Comissão, de 12 de Janeiro de 2001, relativo à aplicação dos artigos 87.o e 88.o do Tratado CE aos auxílios à formação (4), com a redacção que lhe foi dada pelo Regulamento (CE) n.o 363/2004 da Comissão, de 25 de Fevereiro de 2004 (5) (“Regulamento”).

Segundo o artigo 5.o do Regulamento, quando o montante de auxílio concedido a uma empresa para um único projecto de formação ultrapassa 1 milhão de euros, esse auxílio não beneficia da isenção de notificação prevista no n.o 3 do artigo 88.o do Tratado. A Comissão observa que o projecto de auxílio neste caso ascende a 3 552 423 euros; que será pago a uma empresa; e que o projecto de formação é único. A Comissão considera, por isso, que a exigência de notificação é aplicável a este auxílio e que Portugal respeitou essa condição.

10.	O décimo sexto considerando do Regulamento explica a razão pela qual estes auxílios não podem beneficiar de isenção: “É conveniente que auxílios de montantes elevados continuem sujeitos à apreciação individual da Comissão antes da sua concretização”.

11.

Quando a Comissão aprecia um auxílio individual à formação que não pode beneficiar da isenção estabelecida no Regulamento e cuja compatibilidade tem por isso de ser avaliada directamente com base no n.o 3, alínea c), do artigo 87.o do Tratado, utiliza, por analogia, os mesmos princípios orientadores que são definidos no Regulamento. Estes princípios traduzem-se, nomeadamente, numa verificação do cumprimento dos critérios de compatibilidade estabelecidos no Regulamento. No entanto, a Comissão não está limitada a uma simples verificação do respeito desses critérios.

Compatibilidade com o mercado comum

12.

Com base nas informações fornecidas por Portugal, a Comissão tem dúvidas nesta fase que o auxílio possa ser considerado compatível com o mercado comum nos termos do n.o 3, alínea c), do artigo 87.o do Tratado. Estas dúvidas baseiam-se em dois motivos. Primeiro, a Comissão tem dúvidas de que o auxílio seja necessário para o beneficiário realizar as actividades de formação em causa. Segundo, no que diz respeito aos custos elegíveis, Portugal não demonstrou de forma suficiente que os “custos salariais dos participantes no projecto de formação” estão em conformidade com as condições estabelecidas no n.o 7, alínea f), do artigo 4.o do Regulamento.

Necessidade do auxílio

13.

No que se refere ao primeiro elemento acima referido, a Comissão observa que a necessidade do auxílio constitui um critério geral da compatibilidade. Com efeito, quando o auxílio não conduz à realização de actividades suplementares pelo beneficiário, não se pode considerar que o mesmo tenha um efeito positivo. Ou seja, não se pode considerar, que o auxílio se destine a “facilitar” a actividade económica em causa, na acepção do n.o 3, alínea c), do artigo 87.o do Tratado, se a empresa viesse de qualquer modo a realizar as actividades de formação apoiadas, nomeadamente sem a concessão do auxílio.

14.

O décimo considerando do Regulamento refere que “para a sociedade no seu conjunto, a formação tem normalmente efeitos externos positivos, uma vez que reforça o conjunto de trabalhadores qualificados a que podem recorrer as outras empresas (…). Devido ao facto de em geral o investimento das empresas da Comunidade na formação dos seus trabalhadores ficar aquém do que seria desejável, os auxílios estatais podem contribuir para corrigir esta imperfeição do mercado (…)”. No entanto, o décimo primeiro considerando determina ainda que se deve “assegurar que o auxílio estatal se limita ao mínimo estritamente necessário para atingir o objectivo comunitário que as forças do mercado, por si só, não conseguiriam atingir (…)” (6).

15.

Neste contexto, Portugal declarou que a necessidade do auxílio advém de que, devido ao facto de a formação técnica e experimental não estar suficientemente desenvolvida em Portugal, a empresa tem de desenvolver esforços adicionais em matéria de formação para adaptar os seus trabalhadores às exigências técnicas ligadas à produção de novos modelos Volkswagen.

16.

No presente caso, contudo, a formação parece dizer respeito, em larga medida, ao lançamento de um novo modelo (“Eos”), bem como às novas técnicas de produção para adaptar a fábrica à “plataforma” comum do grupo Volkswagen. A Comissão salienta que estas actividades fazem parte da actividade nuclear da Auto Europa. Em especial, a Comissão observa que na indústria automóvel a produção de novos modelos constitui um elemento normal e regular, necessário para manter a competitividade. Por isso, as despesas de formação associadas ao lançamento de um novo modelo são normalmente suportadas pelos construtores de automóveis, unicamente a partir do incentivo do mercado. De facto, para produzirem novos modelos os construtores de automóveis têm de dar formação aos seus trabalhadores no domínio das novas técnicas a adoptar. Consequentemente, as actividades de formação em questão teriam muito provavelmente sido realizadas de qualquer modo pela Auto Europa, nomeadamente sem a concessão do auxílio. Este parece ser também o comportamento da maior parte dos concorrentes do sector.

17.

Pode aplicar-se um raciocínio idêntico às restantes actividades de formação (também ligadas manifestamente ao lançamento de novos modelos), na medida que são igualmente consideradas como fazendo parte da actividade estratégica de qualquer empresa da indústria automóvel. Assim, nesta fase a Comissão tem dúvidas de que o auxílio seja necessário para incitar a Auto Europa a realizar as actividades de formação em causa.

18.

A Comissão observa ainda que o montante do auxílio neste caso (3 552 423,29 EUR) representa apenas […] (2) do investimento total previsto de […] (2) de euros, o que permite duvidar que o auxílio seja considerado necessário para a empresa concretizar o projecto de formação em questão. Em especial, parece pouco provável que no contexto do esforço global de investimento para a empresa, a reduzida percentagem do financiamento público em questão tenha peso suficiente para constituir um incentivo financeiro eficaz.

19.

A Comissão solicita por isso a Portugal que explique porque é que neste caso específico e ao contrário do que se observa com a maior parte dos construtores de automóveis, considera que o beneficiário não conseguiria cobrir os custos da formação com os benefícios que daí se esperam, sem recurso ao auxílio estatal.

Custos elegíveis

20.

O n.o 7 do artigo 4.o do Regulamento indica a lista de custos elegíveis de um projecto de auxílio à formação. No que se refere aos custos salariais dos participantes nos projectos de formação, a alínea f) deste número determina que “só podem ser tidas em consideração as horas em que os trabalhadores participarem efectivamente na formação, deduzidas as horas de produção ou o seu equivalente”.

21.

A Comissão observa que no presente caso 86 % do volume de formação constitui formação prática no local de trabalho que visa a produção do novo modelo (curso n.o 181). Portugal declarou, a este respeito, que os custos salariais dos participantes resultantes das horas de produção no contexto da formação prática no local de trabalho não tinham sido incluídos no cálculo dos custos elegíveis. Contudo, nesta fase a Comissão tem dúvidas, no que se refere ao curso n.o 181, que os custos elegíveis apresentados por Portugal excluam efectivamente do cálculo dos custos salariais dos participantes a totalidade das “horas de produção ou o seu equivalente”, nos termos do n.o 7, alínea f), do artigo 4.o. A Comissão solicita por isso a Portugal que justifique a forma como procedeu ao cálculo desses custos.

DECISÃO

22.

Tendo em conta as considerações anteriores, a Comissão decidiu dar início ao procedimento previsto no n.o 2 do artigo 88.o do Tratado CE e solicita a Portugal que lhe apresente, no prazo de um mês a contar da recepção da presente carta, todos os documentos, informações e dados necessários para a avaliação da compatibilidade do auxílio. A Comissão solicita igualmente a Portugal que transmita imediatamente uma cópia da presente carta ao beneficiário potencial do auxílio.

23.	A Comissão lembra a Portugal que o n.o 3 do artigo 88.o do Tratado CE tem um efeito suspensivo e remete para o disposto no artigo 14.o do Regulamento (CE) n.o 659/1999 do Conselho, que prevê que qualquer auxílio ilegal poderá ser recuperado junto do beneficiário.

24.

A Comissão comunica a Portugal que informará as partes interessadas através da publicação da presente carta e de um resumo da mesma no Jornal Oficial da União Europeia. Informará igualmente os interessados dos países da EFTA signatários do Acordo EEE mediante publicação de uma comunicação no Suplemento EEE do Jornal Oficial da União Europeia, bem como o Órgão de Fiscalização da EFTA, através do envio de uma cópia da presente carta. Todas as partes interessadas serão convidadas a apresentarem as suas observações no prazo de um mês a contar da data dessa publicação.’

(1) OJ L 10, 13.1.2001, p. 20.

(2) Confidencial.

(3) Portaria n.o 1285/2003, publicada no Diário da República – I Série B, n.o 266, de 17 de Novembro de 2003. Portugal forneceu informações à Comissão sobre este regime por carta de 21 de Outubro de 2004, registada pela Comissão em 26 de Outubro de 2004 — XT 86/2004.

(4) JO L 10 de 13.1.2001, p. 20.

(5) JO L 63 de 28.2.2004, p. 20.

(6) Ver décimo e décimo primeiro considerandos do Regulamento.

		ISSN 1725-2423
Official Journal of the European Union		C 177

English edition	Information and Notices	Volume 49 29 July 2006

Notice No	Contents	page
	I Information
	Council
2006/C 177/1	List of appointments made by the Council (April, May and June 2006) (social field)	1

	Commission
2006/C 177/2	Euro exchange rates	4

2006/C 177/3	Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under 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 ( 1 )	5

2006/C 177/4	Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid ( 1 )	16

2006/C 177/5	Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001, as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 363/2004 of 25 February 2004, on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid ( 1 )	19

2006/C 177/6	Guidelines for the allocation of limited air traffic rights	23

2006/C 177/7	State aid — Portugal — State aid C 17/2006 (ex N 3/2006) — Training aid to Auto Europa — Automóveis Lda Portugal — Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty ( 1 )	25

2006/C 177/8	Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4284 — Axa/Winterthur) ( 1 )	29

2006/C 177/9	Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4265 — Philips/Avent) ( 1 )	30

2006/C 177/0	Amendment of public service obligations imposed in respect of scheduled air services on routes within Greece in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 ( 1 )	31

2006/C 177/1	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4221 — Allianz Capital Partners/Man Roland) ( 1 )	32

2006/C 177/2	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4275 — Charterhouse/Fives-Lille) ( 1 )	32

2006/C 177/3	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4328 — Advent/RWE/RWE Industrial Solutions) ( 1 )	33

2006/C 177/4	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4260 — Advent/RWE Solutions) ( 1 )	33

2006/C 177/5	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4226 — DSGI/Fotovista) ( 1 )	34

2006/C 177/6	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4104 — Aker Yards/Chantiers de l'Atlantique) ( 1 )	34

2006/C 177/7	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4154 — Degussa/DOW (superabsorbent polymers)) ( 1 )	35

2006/C 177/8	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4160 — Thyssenkrupp/EADS/Atlas) ( 1 )	35

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,2664
JPY	Japanese yen	146,57
DKK	Danish krone	7,4619
GBP	Pound sterling	0,68250
SEK	Swedish krona	9,2400
CHF	Swiss franc	1,5725
ISK	Iceland króna	92,69
NOK	Norwegian krone	7,8825
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CYP	Cyprus pound	0,5750
CZK	Czech koruna	28,465
EEK	Estonian kroon	15,6466
HUF	Hungarian forint	271,65
LTL	Lithuanian litas	3,4528
LVL	Latvian lats	0,6960
MTL	Maltese lira	0,4293
PLN	Polish zloty	3,9327
RON	Romanian leu	3,5520
SIT	Slovenian tolar	239,65
SKK	Slovak koruna	38,075
TRY	Turkish lira	1,9045
AUD	Australian dollar	1,6652
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,4387
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	9,8452
NZD	New Zealand dollar	2,0571
SGD	Singapore dollar	2,0073
KRW	South Korean won	1 207,92
ZAR	South African rand	8,7829
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	10,0940
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,2500
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	11 517,91
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,643
PHP	Philippine peso	65,270
RUB	Russian rouble	34,0630
THB	Thai baht	48,064