		ISSN 1725-2423
Official Journal of the European Union		C 248

English edition	Information and Notices	Volume 49 14 October 2006

Notice No	Contents	page
	I Information
	Commission
2006/C 248/1	Euro exchange rates	1

2006/C 248/2	New national side of euro circulation coins	2

2006/C 248/3	New national side of euro circulation coins	3

2006/C 248/4	Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections	4

2006/C 248/5	Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections	7

2006/C 248/6	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 )	10

2006/C 248/7	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 )	17

2006/C 248/8	Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 2204/2002 of 12 December 2002 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid for employment ( 1 )	18

2006/C 248/9	Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections ( 1 )	20

2006/C 248/0	Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4411 — AXA IMD/Investkredit/Europolis) — Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )	22

2006/C 248/1	Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4303 — Thales/Finmeccanica/AAS and Telespazio) ( 1 )	23

2006/C 248/2	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4382 — TPG/Aleris) ( 1 )	24

2006/C 248/3	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4317 — Aviva/De Agostini/Sopaf/Bipielle Net) ( 1 )	24

2006/C 248/4	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4363 — Yum/Pizza Hut) ( 1 )	25

2006/C 248/5	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4339 — SCOR/Revios) ( 1 )	25

2006/C 248/6	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4357 — Bridgepoint/Dorna) ( 1 )	26

2006/C 248/7	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4386 — Cinven/Aero Invest) ( 1 )	26

	III Notices
	Commission
2006/C 248/8	F-Paris: Exploitation de services aériens réguliers — Invitation to tender issued by France pursuant to Article 4(1)(d) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 for the operation of scheduled air services from Strasbourg	27

2006/C 248/9	UK-Cardiff: operation of scheduled air service — Invitation to tender issued by the United Kingdom under Article 4(1)(d) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 in respect of the operation of a scheduled air service between Cardiff and RAF Valley, Anglesey ( 1 )	29


	(1) Text with EEA relevance

I Information

Commission

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/1

Euro exchange rates (1)

13 October 2006

(2006/C 248/01)

1 euro=

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,2550
JPY	Japanese yen	149,84
DKK	Danish krone	7,4547
GBP	Pound sterling	0,67440
SEK	Swedish krona	9,2564
CHF	Swiss franc	1,5932
ISK	Iceland króna	85,67
NOK	Norwegian krone	8,4285
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CYP	Cyprus pound	0,5767
CZK	Czech koruna	28,256
EEK	Estonian kroon	15,6466
HUF	Hungarian forint	265,35
LTL	Lithuanian litas	3,4528
LVL	Latvian lats	0,6960
MTL	Maltese lira	0,4293
PLN	Polish zloty	3,8844
RON	Romanian leu	3,5070
SIT	Slovenian tolar	239,56
SKK	Slovak koruna	36,853
TRY	Turkish lira	1,8460
AUD	Australian dollar	1,6689
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,4246
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	9,7729
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,9006
SGD	Singapore dollar	1,9868
KRW	South Korean won	1 197,46
ZAR	South African rand	9,3971
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	9,9164
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,4222
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	11 552,90
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,6209
PHP	Philippine peso	62,719
RUB	Russian rouble	33,8090
THB	Thai baht	46,985

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/2

New national side of euro circulation coins

(2006/C 248/02)

Euro circulation coins have legal tender status throughout the euro area. The Commission publishes all new euro coin designs (1) with a view to informing anyone required to handle coins in the course of their work and the public at large. In accordance with the Council conclusions of 8 December 2003 (2), Member States and countries that have concluded a Monetary Agreement with the Community providing for the issuance of euro circulation coins are allowed to issue certain quantities of commemorative euro circulation coins on condition that not more than one new coin design is issued per country per year and that only the 2 euro denomination is used. These coins have the technical features of normal euro circulation coins, but bear a commemorative design on the obverse national side.

Issuing State: Finland

Subject of commemoration: 100th anniversary of the universal and equal suffrage

Factual description of the design: the inner part of the coin shows male and female faces separated by a line. On the left side of the coin, is the date 1 October 1906 and on the right side, is the year with the imbedded country abbreviation 20 FI 06. The mint mark ‘M’ appears at the left of each face. The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the outer ring.

Issuing volume: max 2,5 million coins

Approximate issuing date: October 2006

Edge lettering: ‘SUOMI FINLAND * * *’ where the * stands for a lion's head.

(1) See OJ C 373 of 28.12.2001, p. 1 for a reference to all national sides that were issued in 2002.

(2) See conclusions of the General Affairs Council of 8 December 2003 on changes in the design of national sides of euro coins. See also Commission Recommendation of 29 September 2003 on a common practice for changes to the design of national obverse sides of euro circulation coins (OJ L 264 of 15.10.2003, p. 38).

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/3

New national side of euro circulation coins

(2006/C 248/03)

Issuing State: Republic of San Marino

Subject of commemoration: 500th anniversary of the death of Christopher Columbus

Factual description of the design: portrait of Christopher Columbus and a representation of the three Caravels; above the portrait the inscription ‘SAN MARINO’ and the wind rose; in the middle the mint mark ‘R’; below, the dates ‘1506 — 2006’ in a cartouche and the initials of the author Luciana De Simoni ‘LDS’; on the outer ring, the twelve stars of the European flag surrounding the design.

Issuing volume: 120 000 coins

Approximate issuing date: October 2006

Edge lettering: 2 ★, repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted

(1) See OJ C 373 of 28.12.2001, p. 1 for a reference to all national sides that were issued in 2002.

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/4

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(2006/C 248/04)

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: Italy

Aid No: N 6/06

Title: AR Industrie Alimentare S.p.A — Istituto Sviluppo Agroalimentare S.p.A

Objective: Aid for investment in the processing and marketing of agricultural products

Legal basis:

—	Norme per il risanamento, la ristrutturazione e lo sviluppo del settore bieticolo-saccarifero: Legge 19 dicembre 1983, n. 700.

—	Interventi urgenti a sostegno dell'economia: Legge 7 agosto 1977, n. 266 articolo 23.

—	Delibera quadro su criteri e modalità di intervento di Sviluppo Italia (ex-RIBS S.p.A): Delibera CIPE n. 90 del 4 agosto 2000, come modificata dalla delibera CIPE del 2 agosto 2002.

—	Disposizioni per la formazione del bilancio annuale e pluriennale dello Stato (legge finanziaria 2004): Legge 24 dicembre 2003, n. 350, articolo 4, commi 42, 43 e 44.

—	Decreto del Ministero delle Politiche Agricole e Forestali di concerto con il Ministro dell'Economia e delle Finanze: Decreto n. Seg/1334 del 17 settembre 2004.

—	Conversione in legge, con modificazioni, del decreto-legge 14 marzo 2005, n. 35, recante disposizioni urgenti nell'ambito del Piano di azione per lo sviuppo economico, sociale e territoriale: Legge 14 maggio 2005, n. 80, articolo 10-ter.

—	Conversione in legge, con modificazioni, del decreto-legge 30 settembre 2005, n. 203, recante misure di contrasto all'evasione fiscale e disposizioni urgenti in materia tributaria e finanziaria: Legge 2 dicembre 2005, n. 248, articolo 10-ter

Budget: Overall budget: EUR 10 654 000

Aid intensity or amount: 15,29 %

Duration: 2006-10 (five years)

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: Portugal

Aid No: N 59/06

Title: Compensation for damage caused by drought — Credit line at subsidised rate for certain fruits and vegetables

Objective: To provide support for producers of apples, citrus fruit, peaches, blackberries, raspberries and chestnuts in some municipalities of Trás os Montes, Beira Interior, Beira Litoral and Algarve to compensate for losses due to the drought affecting certain areas of Portugal from November 2004 to 2005

Legal basis: Projecto de alteração do anexo da Portaria n.o 559/2005, de 28 de Junho, com vista a permitir o acesso à linha de crédito estabelecida pelo Decreto-lei n.o 96/2005, de 9 de Junho de 2005, a outras culturas e regiões igualmente afectadas pelos efeitos da seca que persistiu ao longo de todo o ano de 2005

Budget: EUR 1 369 445

Aid intensity or amount: Aid per hectare can reach up to 18,95 % of sustained damage for apple growing contracts in less-favoured areas and up to 10,15 % in other areas. Other crops are all located in less-favoured areas and aid per hectare can reach up to 6.93 % of sustained damage for peaches, 7,45 % for chestnuts and 1,48 % for blackberries and raspberries. Aid intensity for citrus fruits is that of Aid No 375/05

Duration: Ad hoc aid measure scheduled to apply until the end of 2006

Other information: Extension of the scope of Aid No N 375/05

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: Spain

Aid No: N 257/05

Title: Aid for promotion measures to develop knowledge and consumption of foodstuffs

Objective: To develop knowledge and consumption of foodstuffs

Legal basis: Orden APA/…/2005, de 28 de abril, por la que se establecen las bases reguladoras para la concesión de subvenciones para acciones de promoción destinadas a fomentar el conocimiento y el consumo de productos alimentarios

Budget: EUR 2 518 000

Aid intensity or amount: The maximum rate of aid is 50 %

Duration: 1 year

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: The Republic of Latvia

Aid No: N 274/06

Title: Support to stabilisation of sustainable forest functions in private forests

Objective: Support to maintenance and tending activities in sustainable forestry

Legal basis: 2004. gada 23. aprīļa Lauksaimniecības un lauku attīstības likums un noteikumu projekts “Kārtība, kādā 2006. gadā piešķir, administrē un uzrauga valsts atbalstu meža ilglaicīgo funkciju stabilizācijai privātos mežos”

Budget: LVL 100 000 (approximately EUR 143 900)

Aid intensity or amount: 76-95 %

Duration: 2006

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: Germany

Aid No: N 302/06

Title: Dual-purpose Hybrides

Objective: high quality

Legal basis: Zuwendungsbescheid für die Durchführung eines Modell- und Demonstrationsvorhaben im Bereich der biologischen Vielfalt: „Von der partizipatorischen Zuchtzielentwicklung über die Zucht zur Markteinführung freilandtauglicher und mastfähiger Zweinutzungshybriden“

Budget: EUR 37 598

Aid intensity or amount: Max.100 %

Duration: 9 months

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: United Kingdom (Wales)

Aid No: N 346/06

Title: Extension of the Welsh Flock Improvement Scheme (Wales)

Objective: Prolongation of the Welsh Flock Improvement Scheme (Artificial Insemination and Semen Banking for Scrapie Resistance) for 2 months

Legal basis: Government of Wales Act 1998, Sections 40 and 85(2); Agriculture Act 1967, as amended

Budget: GBP 918 000 (EUR 1 351 590)

Aid intensity or amount: 100 %

Duration: 1 October until 30 November 2006

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: United Kingdom (Northern Ireland)

Aid No: N 363/06

Title: Extension of the Access to Information and Communication Technology Scheme (Northern Ireland)

Objective: Prolongation of the Access to Information and Communication Technology Scheme for 2 years

Legal basis: Non-statutory

Budget: GBP 1,5 million (EUR 2,2 million)

Aid intensity or amount: Variable

Duration: 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2008

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: Italy (Emilia-Romagna)

Aid No: N 511/04

Title: Assistance in farming areas affected by natural disasters (hail-storms of 21 August 2004 in the province of Ravenna)

Objective: To compensate for damage to agricultural production and farming structures as a result of bad weather

Legal basis: Decreto legislativo n. 102/2004

Budget: See the approved scheme (NN 54/A/04)

Aid intensity or amount: Up to 100 % for damage to agricultural production and up to 80 % for damage to agricultural structure

Duration: Until the final payment is made

Other information: Measure applying the scheme approved by the Commission under State aid NN 54/A/04 (Commission letter C(2005)1622 final, dated 7 June 2005)

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision:

Member State: France (Loir-et-Cher)

Aid No: N 534/05

Title: Aid to encourage production of certified green asparagus

Objective: To provide investment support to farms wishing to grow certified green asparagus in order to diversify their production and meet changed consumer demand

Legal basis: Articles L 1511-5 et suivants du code général des collectivités territoriales (CGCT)

Budget: EUR 130 000

Aid intensity or amount: 40 % of eligible expenditure

Duration: 5 years

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/7

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(2006/C 248/05)

Date of adoption of the decision

26.7.2006

Aid No

N 58/05

Member State

The Netherlands

Region

Polder van Biesland en Twickel

Title

Boeren voor Natuur

Legal basis

Kaderwet voor subsidies van het ministerie van Landbouw, Natuurbeheer en Voedselveiligheid

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

The aim of this measure is to create a more environmentally friendly and sustainable way of farming in two areas with traditional landscapes

Form of the proposed assistance

Annual payments

Budget

EUR 565 570 per year

Intensity

100%

Duration

10 years

Economic sectors

Agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministerie van landbouw, natuurbeheer en voedselveiligheid

Postbus 20401

2500 EK Den Haag

Nederland

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision

31.8.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 215A/06

Member State

Italy

Region

Friuli Venezia Giulia

Title

Aiuti all'innovazione nel settore agricolo

Legal basis

Legge regionale 10 novembre 2005, n. 26 e la Deliberazione della Giunta regionale 3 marzo 2006, n. 402 relativa al regolamento d'applicazione degli Aiuti all'innovazione nel settore agricolo

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

To promote innovation in the agricultural sector, supporting investments, pilots projects and research in innovative technologies. Public support will take the form of aid for investment (in agricultural holdings and linked to the processing and marketing of agricultural products), research and implementing small-scale pilot projects or demonstration projects pertaining to non-food crops

Form of aid

Grant

Budget

EUR 5 million for the aid scheme

Intensity

See aid number N 26A/04

Duration (period)

Until 12 January 2011

Economic sectors

Agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia

Direzione centrale risorse agricole, naturali, forestali e montagna

Via A. Caccia, 17

I-33100 Udine

Other information

Amendment of aid number N 26A/04

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision

26.7.2006

Aid No

N 386/04

Member State

Italy

Region

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Title

Regulation on the funding of agricultural undertakings in difficulty

Legal basis

Articolo 16, commi 1-2 della legge regionale n. 18/2004 e deliberazione della Giunta regionale n. 1658 dell'8 luglio 2005

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Aid towards the restructuring of small and medium enterprises in the agricultural sector

Form of aid

Interest subsidies

Budget

EUR 20 million

Intensity

15% of subsidised loans

Duration

Six years after approval of the scheme by the Commission

Economic sectors

Agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority

Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia

Direzione centrale risorse agricole, naturali, forestali e montagna

Via A. Caccia, 17

I-33100 Udine

Other information

The regional authorities have undertaken to submit annual reports about the scheme's functioning

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/10

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 248/06)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Aid No

XS 7/06

Member State

Germany

Region

Thüringen

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Guideline for the promotion of research establishments close to business

Legal basis

Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1260/1999 des Rates vom 21.6.1999 (ABl. L 161 vom 26.6.1999, S. 1) mit den allgemeinen Bestimmungen über die Strukturfonds sowie Operationelles Programm Thüringen (EFRE)

Verordnung (EG) Nr. 364/2004 der Kommission vom 25. Februar 2004 (ABl. L 63 vom 28.2.2004, S. 22) zur Änderung der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 70/2001 der Kommission vom 12. Januar 2001 (ABl. L 10 vom 13.1.2001, S. 33)

Mittelstandsförderungsgesetz und Haushaltsgesetz des Freistaates Thüringen (in der jeweils gültigen Fassung)

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

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 10 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In accordance with Article 5a–c of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

Applications can be submitted from 1.1.2006

Duration of the scheme or individual aid award

From 1.1.2006 to 30.6.2007

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

Thüringer Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Technologie und Arbeit (TMWTA)

Max-Reger-Straße 4-8

D-99096 Erfurt

Sonstige Auskünfte: TMWTA

Referatsleiter Technologie und wirtschaftsnahe Infrastruktur

Herr Dr. Walter Möbus

Tel.: (49-361) 379 75 31

Fax: (49-361) 379 75 09

E-Mail: Walter.Moebus@tmwta.thueringen.de

Large individiual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 and 6a of the Regulation

Yes

Aid No

XS 8/06

Member State

Italy

Region

Molise: varying levels of aid depending on the area where the meaure is implemented

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Multiannual programme of measures designed to promote economic recovery in Molise following disasters: open notice concerning the granting of aid for craft firms

Legal basis:

Ordinanza del Presidente del Consiglio dei Ministri n. 3268 del 12 marzo 2003, e successive, che ha nominato il Presidente della Regione Molise, Commissario Delegato per gli eccezionali eventi sismici del 31 ottobre 2002 e per quelli meteorologici del gennaio 2003 ed ha previsto, all'art. 15, la predisposizione di un Programma pluriennale d'interventi diretti a favorire la ripresa produttiva nel territorio della Regione Molise.

Tale Programma è stato approvato dalla Giunta regionale del Molise con Deliberazione n. 841 del 9 giugno 2004 e dal Comitato Interministeriale per la Programmazione Economica, con Deliberazione n. 32 del 29 settembre 2004 (pubblicata nella Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana n. 289 del 10 dicembre 2004).

For the legal basis, see the specific section on the multiannual economic regeneration programme for Molise, on the region's official website (www.regione.molise.it)

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

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

Average over three years

EUR 4 million

of which: loans guaranteed

Average over three years

EUR 0,17 million

Maximum aid intensity

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

Yes

Date of implementation:

6.12.2005

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 30.6.2008

Objective of aid

Aid for craft SMEs, including start-ups, also including cooperatives and services

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

Other manufacturing

Yes

Other services

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Commissario Delegato per l'Attuazione Operativa del Programma ex art. 15

via XXIV Maggio, 130

I-86100 Campobasso

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

Aid No

XS 21/06

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

Yorkshire and Humber

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Country Lanes Ltd

Legal basis

The statutory authority for the DEFRA Sustainable Development Fund is Section 72 of the Environment Act 1995

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 13 688

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

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

Yes

Date of implementation

From .01/.02/2006.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until .31.3.2007

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

Other services

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust

The Old Post Office

Main Street

Clapham

Lancs LA2 8DP

United Kingdom

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

Aid No

XS 23/06

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

West Wales & The Valleys Objective 1 Region

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

TWI Limited

Legal basis

1)	Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Regulations 2000 (SI 2000/906); Structural Funds (National Assembly for Wales) Designation 2000.

2)	Section 5, Science and Technology Act 1965

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 1 113 014

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

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

Yes

Date of implementation

From 27.1.2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2006

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 30th June 2008

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

Other services (R&D)

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

1)	National Assembly for Wales

C/o Welsh European Funding Office

Cwm Cynon Business Park

Mountain Ash CF45 4ER

United Kingdom

2)	Department of Trade and Industry

151, Buckingham Palace Road

London SW1W 9SS

United Kingdom

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

Aid No

XS 47/06

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

West Wales & The Valleys Objective 1 Region

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Carmarthenshire County Council — Llanelli Urban Conversion Grants

Legal basis

Council Regulation (EC) 1260/99

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

Local Government Act 2000

Industrial Development Act 1982

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

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

GBP 1 667 500

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 9th March 2006

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 30th December 2007

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

National Assembly for Wales

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 50/06

Member State

United Kingdom

Region

East Midlands

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Flamstead Investments LLP

Legal basis

Regional Development Act 1998

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 0,45milllion

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

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

Yes

Date of implementation

From 14.3.2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.3.2007

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

Other manufacturing (of plastic extrusions)

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership

PO Box 6512

Town Hall

Ripley

Derbyshire DE5 3YS

United Kingdom

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

Aid No

XS 57/06

Member State

Spain

Region

Comunidad de Madrid

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Grants for transport undertakings and undertakings engaged in ancillary and complementary activities for investments aimed at encouraging the hiring of women

Legal basis

Orden de 7 de abril de 2006 de la Consejería de transportes e infraestructuras

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

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 0,075 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

23.3.2006

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

Transport services

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Consejería de transportes e infraestructuras

C/ Orense 60

E-28020 Madrid

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

Aid No

XS 75/06

Member State

Poland

Region

Miasto Wrocław PL 514

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Aid scheme under the block exemption Regulation for SMEs to promote new investments in industrial estates, technology parks and special economic zones in the Wrocław area

Legal basis

Uchwała nr XLIX/3110/06 Rady Miejskiej Wrocławia z dnia 6 kwietnia 2006 roku. Art. 7 ust. 3 ustawy z dnia 12 stycznia 1991 r. o podatkach i opłatach lokalnych (j.t. Dz.U. z 2002 r., nr 9, poz. 84 ze zm.)

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

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 0,184 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

6.4.2006.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Do 31.12.2006

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

Other manufacturing

Yes

All services

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Prezydent Miasta Wrocławia

Sukiennice 9

PL-50-107 Wrocław

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

Aid No

XS 89/06

Member State

Slovak Republic

Region

Východné Slovensko (Eastern Slovakia)

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

URANPRES, spol. s r.o.

registered office at Fraňa Kráľa 2

SKK-052 80 Spišská Nová Ves

Legal basis

1.	Ust. § 240 ods. 3, § 241, § 277 a § 277a zákona č. 461/2003 Z. z. o sociálnom poistení v znení zákona č. 721/2004 Z. z., internetové spojenie www.socpoist.sk

2.	Ust. § 5 ods. 2 písm. b) zákona 231/1999 Z. z. o štátnej pomoci v znení zák. č. 434/2001 Z. z., internetové spojenie www.finance.gov.sk

3.	Metodické usmernenie Sociálnej poisťovne č. 30/2005

4.	Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001

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

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

EUR 0,225 million

SKK 8 457 370

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

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

Yes

47,25%

Date of implementation

Decision No 1100-600/05-GC13/2006 of 18 May 2006, which entered into force on 18 May 2006.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

May 2006 — one-off aid measure

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

Other manufacturing

Yes

construction

Name and address of the granting authority

Sociálna poisťovňa Bratislava, pobočka Spišská Nová Ves

Elektrárenská 10, SK-052 01 Spišská Nová Ves

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/17

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 248/07)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Aid No

XT 73/04

Member State

Italy

Region

Calabria

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Continuing training and training aimed at employment

Legal basis

Decreto n. 9080 del 1o luglio 2003 — Avviso pubblico per la presentazione di progetti di Formazione Professionale riservati alle imprese della Regione Calabria. Formazione continua e interventi progettuali di formazione professionale finalizzati all'occupazione. Asse III — Risorse Umane (FSE) Complemento di programmazione POR Calabria 2000/2006. Azioni: 3.2 C, 3.3C, 3.4C, 3.9 A, 3.13 C

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

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 18 800 000

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(3) of Regulation (EC) No 68/2001

Yes

Date of implementation

28.6.2004

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2006

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

Function-specific training

Limited to specific sectors

—	Coalmining

—	All manufacturing

Steel

Shipbuilding

Synthetic fibres

Motor vehicles

Other manufacturing

—	All services

Transport services

Financial services

Other services

Name and address of the granting authority

Regione Calabria

Via Massara, n.2

I-88100 Catanzaro

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/18

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 2204/2002 of 12 December 2002 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid for employment

(2006/C 248/08)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Aid No

XE 19/06

Member State

Hungary

Region

Entire country

Title of aid scheme

EQUAL Community Initiative

Legal basis

Az EQUAL Közösségi Kezdeményezés fejezeti kezelésű előirányzat felhasználásával kapcsolatos szabályokról szóló 33/2004. (XII. 23.) FMM rendelet

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme

Annual overall amount

For 2005: EUR 13 649 200 (1)

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

The gross intensity of all aid relating to the employment of the disadvantaged or disabled worker or workers concerned, calculated as a percentage of the wage costs over a period of one year following recruitment, shall not exceed 50% for disadvantaged workers or 60% for disabled workers.

Where the employment of handicapped workers entails additional costs, aid of up to 100% of such additional costs may be granted to the firm employing the disabled person

Date of implementation

Start of the aid programme: 1 January 2005

Duration of scheme

End of the aid programme: 31 December 2006

Objective of aid

The aim of the EQUAL Community Initiative is to develop innovative methods to tackle discrimination and inequalities on the labour market via the Development Partnership and with the help of economic operators, including undertakings. Aid for recruiting and employing disadvantaged and disabled workers has an important role to play in achieving this aim.

EQUAL contributes to the implementation of the European Employment Strategy

Economic sectors concerned

—	All Community sectors (2) eligible for employment aid

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Foglalkoztatáspolitikai és Munkaügyi Minisztérium Humánerőforrás-fejlesztési Operatív Program és EQUAL Program Irányító Hatóság

Alkotmány u. 3

H-1054 Budapest

Aid No

XE 21/06

Member State

Spain

Region

Galicia

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Aid for hiring personnel in farm and food industry businesses

Legal basis

Orden de la Conselleria do Medio Rural por la que se convocan ayudas a empresas para la promoción y mejora de la comercialización de productos agrarios y agroalimentarios gallegos en el año 2006 (DOG 75, 19.4.2006)

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

Annual overall amount

EUR 0,3 million

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

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

Yes

Date of implementation

19.5.2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2006

Objective of aid

Art. 4 Creation of employment

Yes

Art. 5 Recruitment of disadvantaged and disabled workers

Art. 6 Employment of disabled workers

Economic sectors concerned

—	All Community sectors eligible for employment aid (3)

—	All manufacturing (3)

—	All services (3)

—	Other: Agriculture

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Conselleria do Medio Rural

San Caetano s/n

Santiago de Compostela

E-A Coruña

Aid subject to prior notification to the Commission

In conformity with Article 9 of the Regulation

Yes

(1) Data contains the total annual budget for the EQUAL programme for 2005. The budget also contains measures not constituting State aid. (Calculated with exchange rate HUF 250 = EUR 1.)

(2) With the exception of the shipbuilding sector and other sectors subject to special rules in regulations and directives governing all state aid within the sector.

(3) With the exception of the shipbuilding sector and of other sectors subject to special rules in regulations and directives governing all state aid within the sector.

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/20

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(2006/C 248/09)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Date of adoption of the decision

25.8.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 235/06

Member State

Finland

Region

Åland Islands

Title

Investeringsstöd till Mariehamns Bioenergi Ab

Legal basis

Budget för landskapet Åland 2006 / Ahvenanmaan maakuntahallituksen talousarvio 2006

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Environmental protection (energy)

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual expenditure planned: -;

Overall aid amount granted: EUR 2,63 millions

Intensity

40%

Name and address of the granting authority

Ålands landskapsstyrelse

PB 1060

FIN-22111 Mariehamn

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision

8.2.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 254/05

Member State

Portugal

Title

Auxilío à formação à Blaupunkt Auto-Rádio — Portugal Lda

Legal basis

Portaria n.o 1285/2003, DR I-Série B, n.o 266, of 17 November 2003

Type of measure

Individual aid

Objective

Training

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: -;

Overall budget: EUR 2 910 072,50

Duration

2 years

Economic sectors

Electrical and optical equipment

Name and address of the granting authority

API — Agência Portuguesa para o Investimento

E.P.E. Ed. Península

7.a Praça do Bom Sucesso 127/131

7.a Sala 702

P-4150-146 Porto

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision

22.8.2006

Reference number of the aid

N 295/06

Member State

Spain

Region

Madrid

Title

Extensión de la ayuda N 121/2005 — Ayudas a la innovación tecnológica en el sector de la Biotecnología de la Comunidad de Madrid

Legal basis

Orden 84/2006 de 12 de enero de la Consejería de Economía e Innovación Tecnológica, por la que se aprueban las bases reguladores y se convocan ayudas cofinanciadas por el Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional para el fomento de la innovación en el sector de la Biotecnología de la Comunidad de Madrid

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Research and development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: -;

Overall budget: EUR 48 million

Intensity

75%

Duration

1 January 2005 — 31 October 2011

Economic sectors

Chemical and pharmaceutical industry

Name and address of the granting authority

Dirección General de Innovación Tecnológica

Comunidad de Madrid Calle Cardenal Marcelo Spínola

E-14 28016 Madrid

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

Date of adoption of the decision	15.9.2006
Reference number of the aid	N 519/06
Member State	United Kingdom
Title	Climate Change Levy: eligibility of further sectors to Climate change agreements cold storage and glass manufacture
Legal basis	Finance Act 2000
Objective	Two further sectors/associations concluded Climate Change Agreement with the UK government. The achievement of the energy efficiency targets foreseen by the agreements entitles the concerned sectors/companies to a reduction under the Climate Change Levy
Budget	No change in the budget foreseen for all Climate change agreements
Duration	Until 31 March 2011

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/22

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4411 — AXA IMD/Investkredit/Europolis)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2006/C 248/10)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 6 October 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings AXA Investment Managers Deutschland GmbH (‘AXA IMD’, Germany) belonging to the AXA group and Investkredit Bank AG (‘Investkredit’, Austria) belonging to Österreichische Volksbanken-AG (ÖVAG) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertakings Europolis Bitwy Warszawskiej Sp. z o.o., Poland Business Park VII Sp. z o.o., Europolis Saski Point Sp. z o.o., Europolis Sienna Center Sp. z o.o. and Warsaw Towers Sp. z o.o. (‘Europolis’, Poland) by way of purchase of shares.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—	AXA IMD: active in management of assets;

—	Investkredit: a company providing financial services to corporate and real estate partners as well as loans for real estate projects;

—	Europolis: owner of office properties located in Warsaw, Poland.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4411 — AXA IMD/Investkredit/Europolis to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

(1) OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

(2) OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/23

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4303 — Thales/Finmeccanica/AAS and Telespazio)

(2006/C 248/11)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 6 October 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Thales S.A. (‘Thales’, France) and Finmeccanica Societa per Azioni (‘Finmeccanica’, Italy) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertakings Alcatel Alenia Space SAS (‘AAS’, France) and Telespazio Holding srl (‘Telespazio’, Italy) by way of purchase of shares in two existing joint ventures to which additional assets are contributed.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—	for Thales: critical information systems for defense, aerospace, transport and civil security applications;

—	for Finmeccanica: diversified engineering group active in aerospace, defense systems, energy, communications, transportation and automation;

—	for AAS: design, manufacture and supply of ground and space systems, including satellites and subsystems and equipments;

—	for Telespazio: provision of services and end-user applications using or related to satellite-based solutions.

3.	On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4303 — Thales/Finmeccanica/AAS and Telespazio, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

(1) OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/24

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4382 — TPG/Aleris)

(2006/C 248/12)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 6 October 2006, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

—	from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4382. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex)

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/24

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4317 — Aviva/De Agostini/Sopaf/Bipielle Net)

(2006/C 248/13)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 8 September 2006, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in Italian and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

—	from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4317. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex)

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/25

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4363 — Yum/Pizza Hut)

(2006/C 248/14)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 6 September 2006, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

—	from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4363. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex)

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/25

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4339 — SCOR/Revios)

(2006/C 248/15)

(Text with EEA relevance)

—	from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4339. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex)

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/26

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4357 — Bridgepoint/Dorna)

(2006/C 248/16)

(Text with EEA relevance)

—	from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4357. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex)

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/26

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4386 — Cinven/Aero Invest)

(2006/C 248/17)

(Text with EEA relevance)

—	from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32006M4386. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://ec.europa.eu/eur-lex/lex)

III Notices

Commission

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/27

F-Paris: Exploitation de services aériens réguliers

Invitation to tender issued by France pursuant to Article 4(1)(d) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 for the operation of scheduled air services from Strasbourg

(2006/C 248/18)

1. Introduction: Pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes, France has imposed public service obligations on scheduled air services between Strasbourg and Amsterdam, central England, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Madrid, Milan, Prague, Warsaw and Vienna, duly published as required in the ‘Official Journal of the European Union’ No C 246 of 13.10.2006.

Separate invitations to tender are being issued for each of the following routes:

Strasbourg-Amsterdam,

Strasbourg-Centre de l'Angleterre (Manchester ou Liverpool ou Leeds),

Strasbourg-Copenhague,

Strasbourg-Frankfurt,

Strasbourg-Madrid,

Strasbourg-Milan (Malpensa/Linate/Bergame),

Strasbourg-Prague,

Strasbourg-Warsaw,

Strasbourg-Vienna.

If on 25 February 2007 no air carrier has commenced or is about to commence operating the routes in question in accordance with the public service obligation imposed on each of the above routes and without requesting financial compensation, France has decided, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 4(1)(d) of the above-mentioned Regulation, to limit access to each of these routes to a single carrier and, after the invitation to tender, to offer the right to operate such services from 25 March 2007 until the day before the start of the IATA 2010 summer scheduling season, i.e. 27 March 2010.

Tenderers may present bids to operate several of the above-mentioned routes, particularly where this results in a reduction in the overall compensation required. However, they must set out clearly the amount of compensation required in respect of each route, where appropriate specifying different rates depending on which parts of their bid are accepted, in the event that they are awarded a contract for just one of the routes for which they have bid.

2. Subject of the invitations to tender: For each of the routes listed in paragraph 1 above, operation from 25 March 2007 of scheduled air services in accordance with the relevant public service obligation, as published in the ‘Official Journal of the European Union’ No C 246 of 13.10.2006

3. Participation in the tender procedure: Participation is open to all Community air carriers who hold a valid operating licence issued in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92 of 23 July 1992 on licensing of air carriers.

4. Tender procedure: Each invitation to tender is subject to the provisions of Article 4(1)(d), (e), (f), (g), (h) and (i) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92.

5. Tender file: The full tender dossier, including the specific rules for this invitation to tender and the public service delegation agreement and its technical annex (note on demographic and socio-economic features of Strasbourg airport catchment area, note on Strasbourg airport, market study, note on the European Parliament, text of the public service obligation published in the ‘Official Journal of the European Union’), is obtainable free of charge from:

Ministère des affaires étrangères, direction des affaires budgétaires et financières, sous-direction du budget et des interventions financières, bureau des interventions, 23, rue la Pérouse, F-75775 Paris Cedex 16. Tel. (33-1) 43 17 66 42 Fax: (33-1) 43 17 77 69. E-mail: jean-louis.girodet@diplomatie.gouv.fr.

6. Bank guarantee: A bank guarantee payable when the budget item is created totalling 10 % of the amount of compensation requested must be lodged by a bank established in the European Union with a Standard and Poors long-term rating of A+ (or the equivalent). It will ensure that the contract is duly carried out throughout the term of the contract with the successful bidder and will be taken up only when the books are finally closed.

7. Financial compensation: Tenders must explicitly state the amount of compensation required for the operation of each route for the planned duration of the contract, with three breakdowns for the following periods: one statement from 25 March 2007 to 29 March 2008, a second statement from 30 March 2008 to 28 March 2009 and a third statement from 29 March 2009 to 27 March 2010. The exact amount of compensation finally granted will be determined for each period ex-post on the basis of the proven costs and revenue actually generated by the service, within the limits of the amount given in the tender.

8. Fares: Tenders must indicate the proposed fares and the conditions under which changes may be introduced.

9. Duration, amendment and termination of the contract: The contract will begin on 25 March 2007. It will end the day before the start of the IATA 2010 summer scheduling season, i.e. on 27 March 2010. The operation of the contracted services will be the subject of an examination in cooperation with the carrier at the end of each of the three periods specified in Article 7. The amount of the compensation may be revised in the event of unforeseen changes in operating conditions.

The carrier selected must give six months' notice before discontinuing the services, in accordance with the public service obligations published in the ‘Official Journal of the European Union’ No C 246 of 13.10.2006.

10. Penalties: Failure by the carrier to observe the period of notice referred to in point 9 will be subject to a penalty. This is calculated by applying:

in the first period, from the start of the contract to 29 March 2008, a coefficient of three to the average monthly deficit recorded over the first operating months multiplied by the number of months of default;

in the second period from 30 March 2008 to 28 March 2009, a coefficient of three to the average monthly deficit recorded over the previous period multiplied by the number of months of default;

in the following year, a coefficient of three to the average monthly deficit recorded over the previous period multiplied by the number of months of default.

If the carrier should be prevented from operating the service in question by force majeure, the amount of financial compensation may be reduced in proportion to the number of flights not carried out.

In the event that the carrier fails to operate the service in question for reasons other than force majeure, or fails to respect the public service obligations, the Strasbourg Chamber of Commerce and Industry or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may:

reduce the amount of financial compensation in proportion to the number of flights not carried out;

ask the carrier for explanations. If the explanations offered are not satisfactory, the contract may be terminated.

These penalties shall apply without prejudice to the application of Article R.330-20 of the Civil Aviation Code.

11. Presentation of tenders: Tenders must reach the following address before 17:00 (local time):

at the latest five weeks after the date of publication of this invitation to tender in the Official Journal of the European Union, and must be sent by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, date as on the receipt, or delivered by hand with acknowledgement of receipt.

12. Validity of the invitation to tender: In accordance with the first sentence of Article 4(1)(d) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92, the validity of each invitation to tender is subject to the condition that no Community carrier presents by 25 February 2007 a programme for operating the route in question from 25 March 2007 in accordance with the public service obligation imposed, without requesting any financial compensation.

14.10.2006

Official Journal of the European Union

C 248/29

UK-Cardiff: operation of scheduled air service

Invitation to tender issued by the United Kingdom under Article 4(1)(d) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 in respect of the operation of a scheduled air service between Cardiff and RAF Valley, Anglesey

(2006/C 248/19)

(Text with EEA relevance)

1. Introduction: In pursuance of Article 4(1)(a) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes, the United Kingdom has imposed a public service obligation (PSO) in respect of a scheduled air service operated between Cardiff and RAF Valley, Anglesey. The standards required by the public service obligation were published in the Official Journal of the European Union No C 240 of 5.10.2006.

If, by [1 month from the date of publication], no air carrier has commenced or is about to commence a scheduled air service between Cardiff and RAF Valley, Anglesey in accordance with the PSO imposed and without requesting compensation, the United Kingdom has decided, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 4(1)(d) of the above-mentioned Regulation, to limit access to the route to a single air carrier and to offer the right to operate such a service from no earlier than 21 February 2007 by public tender.

The contract will be awarded by the National Assembly for Wales.

2. Object of Invitation to Tender: Operation from no earlier than 21 February 2007 of a scheduled air service between Cardiff and RAF Valley, Anglesey in accordance with the public service obligation imposed on the route and published in the Official Journal of the European Union No C 240 of 5.10.2006.

3. Participation: Participation is open to all air carriers holding a valid operating licence issued by a Member State in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2407/92 of 23 July 1992 on licensing of air carriers. The service will operate under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulatory regime.

4. Tender Procedure: This invitation to tender is subject to the provisions of Article 4(1)(d), (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92.

5. Tender Dossier/Qualifications etc.: The complete tender documentation, including form of tender, specification, conditions of contract/schedule to the conditions of contract, as well as the text of the public service obligation published in the Official Journal of the European Union No C 240 of 5.10.2006, may be obtained free of charge from the National Assembly for Wales as follows:

Procurement Branch 6, Roads and Rail Division, National Assembly for Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ, United Kingdom. Tel: (44-2) 920 82 62 86. Fax: (44-2) 920 82 62 33. (Contact: Richard Osborne, Procurement Unit, or email RNR6@Wales.gsi.gov.uk.)

Airlines will be required to include in their tender documents, evidence of their financial standing (an annual report and audited accounts for the past 3 years must be provided and must include turnover and pre-tax profit for the past 3 years), previous experience and technical capability to provide the service described. The National Assembly for Wales reserves the right to solicit further information about any applicant's financial and technical resources and abilities.

Tenders should be priced in Pounds Sterling and all supporting documents must be in English. The contract will be subject to the law of England and Wales.

6. Financial Compensation: The tenders submitted should indicate the amount required by way of grant for operating the service for 3 years from the scheduled starting date (with an analysis for each year). The grant should be calculated in accordance with the specification. The maximum limit finally granted may be revised only in the event of an unforeseen change in the operating conditions.

All payments under the contract will be in Pounds Sterling.

7. Period of validity, amendment and termination of the contract: A 3-year contract will commence no earlier than 21 February 2007. Any amendment or termination of the contract will be in accordance with the conditions of contract. Variations in the service will be permitted only with the agreement of the National Assembly for Wales.

8. Penalties in the event of the carrier failing to comply with the contract: In the event of the carrier failing to operate a flight for any reason then, subject as aftermentioned, the National Assembly for Wales may reduce the grant on a pro rata basis for each occasion on which a flight is not operated provided that the National Assembly for Wales shall not make any such reduction in the grant where the failure to operate the flight is as a consequence of any of the following, and the appropriate occurrence has not arisen as a consequence of the acts or omissions of the carrier:

weather;

closure of the airports;

security reasons;

strikes;

reasons of safety.

An explanation from the carrier for such non-operation is also required in accordance with the conditions of contract.

The National Assembly for Wales reserves the right to early termination of the contract in the event of persistent or fundamental breaches.

9. Deadline for submission of bids: One month after the date of publication of this notice.

10. Application procedure: Tenders must be sent to the following address:

Head of Procurement, Procurement Branch 6, RNR Division, Room 2-045, National Assembly for Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ, United Kingdom.

Persons admitted to open tenders are designated staff from the Procurement Branch of the Rail and New Roads Division in the National Assembly for Wales. Tenders shall be submitted in accordance with the procedure outlined in the documents sent to bidders.

11. Validity of invitation to tender: In accordance with Article 4(1)(d) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92, the validity of this invitation to tender is subject to the condition that no Community air carrier presents, by 1 month from the date of publication, a programme for operating the route in question from no earlier than February 2007 or before that date, in accordance with the PSO imposed, without receiving any subsidy. The National Assembly for Wales reserves the discretion to refuse to accept any tender if, on appropriate grounds, none is considered suitable for acceptance. Offers made for the undertaking of the service shall remain open for a minimum period of 3 months.