15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/1

RECOMMENDATION OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

of 29 November 2007

to the Council of the European Union on the external auditors of the Central Bank of Malta

(ECB/2007/17)

(2007/C 304/01)

THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK,

Having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank (hereinafter the ‘ESCB Statute’), and in particular Article 27.1 thereof,

Whereas:

(1)	The accounts of the European Central Bank (ECB) and of the national central banks of the Eurosystem are audited by independent external auditors recommended by the ECB's Governing Council and approved by the Council of the European Union.

(2)

Pursuant to Article 1 of Council Decision 2007/504/EC of 10 July 2007 in accordance with Article 122(2) of the Treaty on the adoption by Malta of the single currency on 1 January 2008 (1), Malta now fulfils the necessary conditions for the adoption of the euro and the derogation in favour of Malta referred to in Article 4 of the 2003 Act of Accession is abrogated with effect from 1 January 2008.

(3)	Pursuant to Article 20 of the amended Central Bank of Malta Act, which enters into force on 1 January 2008, the annual financial statements of the Central Bank of Malta are audited in accordance with Article 27 of the ESCB Statute.

(4)	The Central Bank of Malta has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young as its joint independent external auditors for the financial year 2008,

HAS ADOPTED THIS RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young should be appointed as the joint external auditors of the Central Bank of Malta for the financial year 2008.

Done at Frankfurt am Main, 29 November 2007.

The President of the ECB

Jean-Claude TRICHET

(1) OJ L 186, 18.7.2007, p. 32.

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/2

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4872 — Eurovia/Compagnie Signature/JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 304/02)

On 21 November 2007, 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 French 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 32007M4872. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/2

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4914 — Carlyle/Sequa)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 304/03)

On 18 October 2007, 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 32007M4914. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/3

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4906 — CPI Europe Fund/Corpus/Real Estate Portfolio)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 304/04)

On 29 October 2007, 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 German 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 32007M4906. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/3

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4953 — Sony Ericsson/Motorola/UIQ)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 304/05)

On 11 December 2007, 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 32007M4953. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/4

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4923 — Avnet/Acal IT Solutions)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 304/06)

—	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 32007M4923. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/5

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

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 304/07)

Date of adoption of the decision

9.11.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 391/06

Member State

Denmark

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Reduktion af afgift på brændsler til fjernvarmeproduktion mod samme niveau som ved kraftvarmeproduktion

Legal basis

L81, vedtaget af Folketinget 16.12.2005: Forslag til lov om ændring af forskellige miljø- og energiafgiftslove; and; L156, 3 vedtaget af Folketinget 0.05.2006: Forslag til lov om ændring af lov om elforsyning, lov om naturgasforsyning, lov om varmeforsyning, lov om Energinet Danmark, lov om planlægning, lov om kommunal udligning og generelle tilskud til kommuner og amtskommuner og lov om kuldioxidafgift af visse energiprodukter

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Environmental protection, Energy saving

Form of aid

Tax rate reduction

Budget

Annual budget: DKK 20 million; Overall budget: DKK 80 million

Intensity

—

Duration

1.7.2006-1.7.2010

Economic sectors

Energy

Name and address of the granting authority

Skatteministeriet

Nikolai Eigtveds Gade 28

DK-1402 København K

Other information

—

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

10.10.2007

Reference number of the aid

N 349/07

Member State

France

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Soutien de l'Agence de l'innovation industrielle en faveur du programme OSIRIS

Legal basis

Régime N 121/06

Type of measure

Individual aid

Objective

Research and development

Form of aid

Direct grant, Reimbursable grant

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 31,259 million

Intensity

45 %

Duration

Until 31.12.2014

Economic sectors

Chemical and pharmaceutical industry

Name and address of the granting authority

Agence de l'innovation industrielle

195, Bd Saint Germain

F-75007 Paris

Other information

—

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/

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/7

Euro exchange rates (1)

14 December 2007

(2007/C 304/08)

1 euro=

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,4509
JPY	Japanese yen	163,99
DKK	Danish krone	7,4622
GBP	Pound sterling	0,7157
SEK	Swedish krona	9,4217
CHF	Swiss franc	1,6668
ISK	Iceland króna	90,75
NOK	Norwegian krone	7,975
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CYP	Cyprus pound	0,585274
CZK	Czech koruna	26,415
EEK	Estonian kroon	15,6466
HUF	Hungarian forint	253,01
LTL	Lithuanian litas	3,4528
LVL	Latvian lats	0,6967
MTL	Maltese lira	0,4293
PLN	Polish zloty	3,6123
RON	Romanian leu	3,5503
SKK	Slovak koruna	33,399
TRY	Turkish lira	1,7142
AUD	Australian dollar	1,6704
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,485
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	11,3143
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,8701
SGD	Singapore dollar	2,0982
KRW	South Korean won	1 349,92
ZAR	South African rand	9,9093
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	10,6953
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,3106
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	13 533,27
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,8155
PHP	Philippine peso	59,777
RUB	Russian rouble	35,702
THB	Thai baht	43,74

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/8

Youth in Action Programme 2007-2013 — Publication of the Programme Guide valid as of 1 January 2008

(2007/C 304/09)

Introduction

On 15 November 2006, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Decision No 1719/2006/EC (1) establishing the Youth in Action programme for the period 2007 to 2013. Guidelines for the implementation of the Programme and for potential beneficiaries to apply for Community grants are included in the Youth in Action Programme Guide.

I. Precautionary clause

The Programme Guide does not legally bind the Commission.

The implementation of the Youth in Action Programme in 2008 as envisaged in the Programme Guide is subject to the adoption of the 2008 budget for the European Union by the budgetary authority.

II. Objectives and priorities

The general objectives stated in the legal basis of the Youth in Action Programme are the following:

—	promote young people's active citizenship in general and their European citizenship in particular,

—	develop solidarity and promote tolerance among young people, in particular in order to foster social cohesion in the European Union,

—	foster mutual understanding between young people in different countries,

—	contribute to developing the quality of support systems for youth activities and the capabilities of civil society organisations in the youth field,

—	promote European cooperation in the youth field.

These general objectives shall be implemented at project level taking into consideration the following permanent priorities:

—	European citizenship,

—	participation of young people,

—	cultural diversity,

—	inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities.

III. Structure of the Youth in Action Programme

In order to achieve its objectives, the Youth in Action Programme foresees five operational Actions.

Action 1 — Youth for Europe

The Programme Guide formulates the support to the following sub-Actions:

—	Sub-Action 1.1 — Youth Exchanges: Youth Exchanges offer an opportunity for groups of young people from different countries to meet and learn about each other's cultures. The groups plan together their Youth Exchange around a theme of mutual interest.

—

Sub-Action 1.2 — Youth Initiatives: Youth Initiatives support group projects designed at local, regional and national level. They also support the networking of similar projects between different countries, in order to strengthen their European aspect and to enhance cooperation and exchanges of experiences between young people.

—	Sub-Action 1.3 — Youth Democracy Projects: Youth Democracy Projects support young people's participation in the democratic life of their local, regional or national community, and at international level.

Action 2 — European Voluntary Service

The Action supports young people's participation in various forms of voluntary activities, both within and outside the European Union. Under this Action, young people take part individually or in groups in non-profit, unpaid voluntary activities abroad.

Action 3 — Youth in the World

The Programme Guide formulates the support to the following sub-Action:

—	Sub-Action 3.1 — Cooperation with the Neighbouring Countries of the European Union: this sub-Action supports projects with Neighbouring Partner Countries, namely Youth Exchanges and Training and Networking Projects in the youth field.

Action 4 — Youth Support Systems

The Programme Guide formulates the support to the following sub-Action:

—	Sub-Action 4.3 — Training and networking of those active in youth work and youth organisations: this sub-Action supports in particular the exchange of experiences, expertise and good practice as well as activities which may lead to long-lasting quality projects, partnerships and networks.

Action 5 — Support for European cooperation in the youth field

The Programme Guide formulates the support to the following sub-Action:

—	Sub-Action 5.1 — Meetings of young people and those responsible for youth policy: this sub-Action supports cooperation, seminars and structured dialogue between young people, those active in youth work and those responsible for youth policy.

IV. Eligible applicants

Applications shall be submitted by:

—	non-profit or non-governmental organisations,

—	local, regional public bodies,

—	informal groups of young people,

—	bodies active at European level in the youth field,

—	international non-profit organisations,

—	profit-making organisations organising an event in the area of youth, sport or culture.

Applicants have to be legally established in one of the Programme or in Neighbouring Partner Countries in the western Balkans.

Some Actions of the Programme are however targeting a more limited range of promoters. The eligibility of applicant promoters is therefore defined in the Programme Guide specifically for each Action/sub-Action.

V. Eligible countries

The Programme is open to the following countries:

(a)	the EU Member States;

(b)	the EFTA States that are party to the EEA Agreement, in accordance with the provisions of that Agreement (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway);

(c)	the candidate countries benefiting from a pre-accession strategy, pursuant to the general principles and the general conditions and arrangements laid down in the framework agreements concluded with these countries for their participation in Community programmes;

(d)	third countries that have signed agreements with the Community relevant to the youth field.

Some Actions of the Programme are however targeting a more limited range of countries. The eligibility of countries is therefore defined in the Programme Guide specifically for each Action/sub-Action.

VI. Budget and duration

The Programme has an overall budget of EUR 885 million for the period 2007-2013. The annual budget is subject to decision of the budgetary authorities.

VII. Further information

Further information, including the details of deadlines for grant applications, may be found in the Youth in Action Programme Guide on the following websites:

http://ec.europa.eu/youth

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/youth/index_en.htm

(1) OJ L 327, 24.11.2006, p. 6.

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/11

Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 429th meeting of 9 July 2007 concerning a draft decision relating to Case COMP/E-2/39.143 — Opel

(2007/C 304/10)

The members of the Advisory Committee agree with the Commission that in the light of the practices described in the draft decision, the agreements entered into between General Motors Europe and its authorised Opel/Vauxhall service partners are liable to raise competition concerns on the motor vehicle aftermarkets.

2.	The members of the Advisory Committee agree with the Commission that the proceedings in this case can be concluded by means of a decision pursuant to Article 9(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 (1).

3.	The members of the Advisory Committee agree with the Commission that in the light of the commitments offered by General Motors Europe, there are no longer grounds for action by the Commission, without prejudice to the provisions of Article 9(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003.

4.	The members of the Advisory Committee agree with the Commission that General Motors Europe should be bound by the commitments until 31 May 2010.

5.	The members of the Advisory Committee ask the Commission to take into account all the other points raised during the discussion.

6.	The members of the Advisory Committee recommend the publication of its opinion in the Official Journal of the European Union.

(1) OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, p. 1.

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/12

Final report of the Hearing Officer in Case COMP/E-2/39.143 — Opel

(Pursuant to Articles 15 and 16 of Commission Decision 2001/462/EC, ECSC of 23 May 2001 on the terms of reference of Hearing Officers in certain competition proceedings — OJ L 162, 19.6.2001, p. 21)

(2007/C 304/11)

The draft Decision presented to the Commission under Article 9 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 (1) relates to the supply of technical information for the repair of General Motors Europe's (GME) Opel and Vauxhall brand vehicles.

The Commission opened an investigation into GME's provision of its technical information to independent repairers on 22 December 2004, following the publication of a study by the German research institute IKA. On 1 December 2006, the Commission opened proceedings under Chapter III of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 and adopted a preliminary assessment as referred to in Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003. This assessment set out the Commission's competition concerns, which were that GME seemed to have excluded all but its authorised repairers from full access to its technical information. The Commission's preliminary assessment was sent to GME on 1 December 2006.

In response to this, GME submitted commitments on 9 February 2007.

On 22 March 2007, the Commission published a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, pursuant to Article 27(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, inviting interested companies to transmit observations on this notification within one month of its publication. The comments received in response to this invitation mainly confirmed the effectiveness of the commitments proposed by GME.

The Commission has now come to the conclusion that, in view of the commitments proposed by GME, and without prejudice to Article 9(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, there are no longer grounds for action.

In a Decision under Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, a breach of the competition rules is not established, but the Parties accept to remedy the concerns expressed by the Commission in a preliminary assessment. There is in this process a willingness on both sides to simplify the administrative and legal requirements which are inherent in a full investigation of a suspected infringement. This is the reason why in several Decisions taken already by the College (2), it has been accepted that due process is satisfied when the Parties inform the Commission that they have received sufficient access to the information they considered necessary to propose commitments in order to meet the concerns expressed by the Commission.

This case has also been dealt with in the same manner, GME having submitted a Declaration to the Commission to this effect on 24 May 2007.

In the light of the above, I consider that the rights to be heard have been respected in this case.

Brussels, 11 July 2007.

Karen WILLIAMS

(1) OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, p. 1.

(2) Cf. decision of 22 June 2005 in Case COMP/39.116 — Coca-Cola and decision of 19 January 2005 in Case COMP/37.214 — DFB.

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/13

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises

(2007/C 304/12)

Aid No

XA 7037/07

Member State

Italy

Region

Marche

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Legge 1329/65 — agevolazioni per l'acquisto o il leasing di nuove macchine utensili o di produzione

Legal basis

Deliberazione di giunta regionale n. 404 del 7.5.2007

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

Overall amount: EUR 2 000 000

Maximum aid intensity

In accordance with Article 4(7) as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006

Yes

Date of implementation

1.6.2007

Duration of the scheme or individual aid award

Until 30.6.2008

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Sectors active in the processing and marketing of agricultural products, Article 2(2)(m) and (n)

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Regione Marche, Servizio Industria, Artigianato, Energia, P.F. Promozione, credito agevolato, finanza innovativa

Via Tiziano, 44

I-60100 Ancona

Tel. (39) 071 806 38 20

http://www.incentivi.mcc.it/html/html/MCC_MARCHE/MCC_MARCHE_LEGGI_SABATINI/section_new_010107.html

Large individual aid grants

In accordance with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

Aid No

XA 7038/07

Member State

Italy

Region

Marche

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Legge 598/94 — art. 11: agevolazioni per investimenti per l'innovazione tecnologica, la tutela ambientale, l'innovazione organizzativa e commerciale, la sicurezza sui luoghi di lavoro

Legal basis

Deliberazione di giunta regionale n. 404 del 7.5.2007

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

EUR 500 000

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(7) as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006

Yes

Date of implementation

1.6.2007

Duration of the scheme or individual aid award

Until 30.6.2008

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

Processing and marketing of agricultural products referred to in Article 2(2)(m) and (n)

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Regione Marche, Servizio Industria, Artigianato, Energia, P.F. Promozione, credito agevolato, finanza innovativa

Via Tiziano, 44

I-60100 Ancona

Tel. (39) 071 806 38 20

http://www.incentivi.mcc.it/html/html/MCC_MARCHE/MCC_MARCHE_LEGGI_598_CLASSICA/section_new_010107.html

Large individual aid grants

In accordance with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/15

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001

(2007/C 304/13)

XA Number: XA 167/07

Member State: Republic of Slovenia

Region: Območje občine Sevnice

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: „Finančna sredstva za ohranjanje in spodbujanje razvoja kmetijstva in podeželja v občini Sevnica“

Legal basis: Pravilnik o ohranjanju in spodbujanju razvoja kmetijstva in podeželja v občini Sevnica programsko obdobje 2007-2013 (Poglavje II.)

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

2007: EUR 138 500

2008: EUR 194 000

2009: EUR 194 000

2010: EUR 194 000

2011: EUR 194 000

2012: EUR 194 000

2013: EUR 194 000

Maximum aid intensity:

Investment in agricultural holdings:

—	50 % of eligible costs in less-favoured areas,

—	40 % of eligible costs in other areas,

—	where the share of aid for investment in farms applies to young farmers within five years of their establishment, the aid is granted 60 % of eligible costs in less-favoured areas or 50 % in other areas.

The purpose of aid is investment to restore farm features, to purchase equipment used for agricultural production, to invest in permanent crops and to improve pastures.

Conservation of traditional landscapes and buildings:

—	for non-productive features up to 100 % of actual costs,

—	for means of agricultural production up to 75 % of actual costs in less-favoured areas or 60 % in other areas (farm buildings: granaries, drying frames, beehives, mills, sawmills), provided the investment does not lead to an increase in production potential,

—	additional aid may be granted up to 100 % to cover the extra costs incurred by using traditional materials necessary to maintain the heritage features of buildings.

Aid towards the payment of insurance premiums:

—

municipal support brings the difference between the amount of co-financing of insurance premiums from the national budget up to 50 % of eligible costs of insurance premiums for insuring crops and products against adverse weather conditions classed as natural disasters and to insure livestock against the risk of destruction due to disease.

Aid for land reparcelling:

—	up to 100 % of eligible costs incurred in legal and administrative procedures.

Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector:

—

aid is granted up to 100 % of costs in the form of subsidised services (which must not involve direct payments of money to producers) for education and training for farmers, consultancy services, for the organisation of forums, competitions, exhibitions, fairs, publications, catalogues, web pages and to disseminate scientific findings.

Date of implementation: July 2007 (or the date on which the Rules enter into force)

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Ends 31 December 2013

Objective of aid: To support SMEs

Reference to Articles in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 and eligible costs: Chapter II of the draft Rules on preserving and promoting agriculture and rural development in the municipality of Sevnica for the period 2007-2013 includes measures constituting State aid in accordance with the following Articles of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 of 15 December 2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 (OJ L 358, 16.12.2006, p. 3):

Article 4: Investment in agricultural holdings,

Article 5: Conservation of traditional landscapes and buildings,

Article 12: Aid towards the payment of insurance premiums,

Article 13: Aid for land reparcelling,

Article 15: Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector.

Economic sector(s) concerned: Agriculture: Arable and livestock farming

Name and address of granting authority:

Občina Sevnica

Glavni trg 19 a

SLO-8290 Sevnica

Web address: http://www.uradni-list.si/1/ulonline.jsp?urlid=200757&dhid=90254

Other information: The measure for the payment of insurance premiums to insure crops and products includes the following adverse weather conditions which may be classed as a natural disaster: spring frost, hail, lightning, fire caused by lightning, hurricanes and floods.

The municipality Rules meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the measures to be adopted by municipalities and the general provisions to be implemented (procedure for allocating aid, accumulation of aid, transparency and monitoring of aid).

XA Number: XA 168/07

Member State: United Kingdom

Region: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (United Kingdom)

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: National Fallen Stock Scheme

Legal basis: The Scheme is non-statutory.

Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 laying down health rules concerning animal by-products not intended for human consumption requires Member States to ensure adequate arrangements are in place to enable animal by-products to be disposed of in accordance with the Regulation.

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

22 November 2007-31 March 2008:	GBP 1,41 million
1 April 2008-21 November 2008:	GBP 1,94 million
Total:	GBP 3,35 million

Maximum aid intensity:

—	The aid intensity for Transport costs of having carcases of fallen stock collected from holdings by an approved contractor is up to 100 % in accordance with Article 16(d) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006.

—	The aid intensity for the Disposal costs of rendering or incineration of carcases by an approved contractor is up to 75 % in accordance with Article 16(d) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006.

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: The Extension will begin on: 22 November 2007. It will close on: 21 November 2008. The last date for applications: 21 November 2008.

Objective of aid: To provide a State-aided voluntary subscription system for collection and disposal of fallen stock in compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002.

Sector(s) concerned: The scheme applies to all businesses active in the production of livestock.

Name and address of the granting authority: The statutory body responsible for the scheme is:

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Food and Farming Group

Area 707, 1A Page Street

London SW1P 4PQ

United Kingdom

The organisation operating the scheme is:

The National Fallen Stock Company Ltd

Stuart House

City Road

Peterborough PE1 1QF

United Kingdom

Web address: http://www.nfsco.co.uk/

Alternatively you can go to the UK's central website for agricultural State aid:

www.defra.gov.uk/farm/policy/state-aid/setup/exist-exempt.htm

Other information: Further and more detailed information relating to eligibility and rules for the scheme can be found in the web links above.

Signed and dated on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK's competent authority)

Neil Marr

Area 8D, 9 Millbank

C/o Nobel House

17 Smith Square

Westminster

London SW1P 3JR

United Kingdom

XA Number: XA 169/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Regione Marche

Title of aid scheme: Legge 1329/65 — agevolazioni per l'acquisto o il leasing di nuove macchine utensili o di produzione

Legal basis: Deliberazione di giunta regionale n. 404 del 7.5.2007

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 2 million

Maximum aid intensity: Interest-rate subsidy for the purchase of new machine tools or new manufacturing equipment, excluding replacement investments.

The amount of financing is 100 % of the reference rate, indicated and updated by a decree of the Ministry of Production Activities (referred to in Article 2(2) of Legislative Decree No 123/98), in force on the date the application is received by MCC, the Region's managing body.

The gross aid intensity must not exceed 40 % of eligible investments or 50 % of eligible investments in less favoured areas or in the areas referred to in Article 36(a)(i), (ii) and (iii) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, as designated by the Member States in accordance with Articles 50 and 94 of that Regulation.

The maximum amount of aid granted to an individual enterprise must not exceed EUR 400 000 over any period of three fiscal years, or EUR 500 000 if the enterprise is situated in a less favoured area or in the areas referred to in Article 36(a)(i), (ii) or (iii) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, as designated by Member States in accordance with Articles 50 and 94 of that Regulation.

Date of implementation: 1 June 2007; in every case the first payment will be awarded when notification of the identification number given by the Commission is sent, which is issued after the summary information is received.

Duration of scheme: Until 30 June 2008

Objective of aid: To facilitate investments pursuing the following objectives: reduction of production costs, improvement and re-deployment of production, improvement in quality, preservation and improvement of the natural environment or the improvement of hygiene conditions or animal welfare standards in accordance with Article 4(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006.

Relevant Articles of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006: Article 4.

Investments for products excluded because of overcapacity or a lack of market outlets are not eligible; ‘replacement investments’, i.e. investment that simply replaces an existing building or machine, or parts of it, by a new up-to date building or machine, without expanding the production capacity by at least 25 % or without fundamentally changing the nature of production or the technology involved are not eligible; aid for investments for the construction of drainage works or irrigation equipment and irrigation works may not be granted, unless such investment leads to a reduction of previous water use of at least 25 %; aid must not be granted in respect of the manufacture of products which imitate or substitute for milk and milk products.

Sector(s) concerned: This aid scheme applies to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the processing and marketing of agricultural products included in Annex I of the EC Treaty as provided in Article 2(2)(m) and (n) of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001.

Name and address of the granting authority:

Regione Marche, Servizio Industria, Artigianato, Energia, P.F. Promozione, credito agevolato, finanza innovativa

Via Tiziano, 44

I-60100 Ancona

tel. (39) 386 07 18 20

Web address: http://www.incentivi.mcc.it/html/html/MCC_MARCHE/MCC_MARCHE_LEGGI_SABATINI/section_new_010107.html

Other information: The annual expenditure indicated herein is cumulative for the two laws cited under the legal basis and also includes annual expenditure forecast under the scheme with the same legal basis targeting SMEs active in the processing and marketing of agricultural products and SMEs active in other economic sectors.

XA Number: XA 170/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Regione Marche

Title of aid scheme: Legge 598/94 — art.11 Agevolazioni per investimenti per l'innovazione tecnologica, la tutela ambientale, l'innovazione organizzativa e commerciale, la sicurezza sui luoghi di lavoro

Legal basis: Deliberazione di giunta regionale n. 404 del 7.5.2007

Planned annual expenditure under the scheme: EUR 4 million

Maximum aid intensity: Interest-rate subsidy

100 % of the reference rate, indicated and updated by a decree of the Ministry of Production Activities (referred to in Article 2(2) of Legislative Decree No 123/98), in force on the date the application is received by MCC, the Region's managing body.

Duration of scheme: Until 30 June 2008

Relevant Articles of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2004: Article 4.

Investments for products excluded from aid because of overcapacity or a lack of market outlets are not eligible; ‘replacement investments’, i.e. investment that simply replaces an existing building or machine, or parts of it, by a new up-to date building or machine, without expanding the production capacity by at least 25 % or without fundamentally changing the nature of production or the technology involved are not eligible; aid for investments for the construction of drainage works or irrigation equipment and irrigation works may not be granted, unless such investment leads to a reduction of previous water use of at least 25 %; aid may not be granted for the manufacture of products which imitate or substitute for milk or milk products.

Sector(s) concerned: The aid scheme applies to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the processing and marketing of agricultural products included in Annex I of the EC Treaty as provided in Article 2(2)(m) and (n) of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001.

Name and address of the granting authority:

Regione Marche, Servizio Industria, Artigianato, Energia, P.F. Promozione, credito agevolato, finanza innovativa

Via Tiziano, 44

I-60100 Ancona

tel. (39) 386 07 18 20

Web address: http://www.incentivi.mcc.it/html/html/MCC_MARCHE/MCC_MARCHE_LEGGI_598_CLASSICA/section_new_010107.html

XA Number: XA 182/07

Member State: United Kingdom

Region: Scotland

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Natural Heritage Grant Scheme

Legal basis: National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006

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

Year	Total Expenditure	Maximum Expenditure per eligible beneficiary
2007/2008	GBP 167 000 (EUR 246 655)	GBP 20 000 (EUR 29 592)
2008/2009	GBP 167 000 (EUR 246 655)	GBP 20 000 (EUR 29 592)
2009/2010	GBP 167 000 (EUR 246 655)	GBP 20 000 (EUR 29 592)

Maximum aid intensity: Aid will only be made available for investments which protect or enhance the natural heritage. Aid may be paid at one of three rates:

Technical support. The aid intensity for the technical support measure will be up to 100 % in accordance with Article 15 Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006.

The maximum aid intensity for the capital works will be up to 100 % where a grant is awarded for the conservation of non-productive heritage features. However, the maximum rate of grant will be reduced in line with the rates set out in Article 5 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 where the aid is productive.

If aid is being paid in line with Article 4, the maximum aid intensity paid will be up to 75 % of the eligible investment in Less Favoured Areas or in areas referred to in Article 36(a)(i).

Date of implementation: The scheme will start on 13 August 2007.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Scheme will close to new applications on 20 January 2010.

Final payment to applicants will be 31 March 2010.

Objective of aid: The Natural Heritage Grant Scheme is a capital grants scheme designed to encourage and provide support for measures that will conserve and enhance the natural heritage, and promote understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park. The statutory National Park Plan for Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park indicates the particular activities that will be regarded as a priority for assistance to deliver the objectives.

Eligible costs: The Natural Heritage Grant Scheme provides payment towards any capital works, equipment, labour and/or professional fees required to develop and implement measures to conserve and enhance the natural heritage of the Park, and/or promote understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park. This complies with Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006. Where capital works to assist in conserving productive heritage features intended to preserve and improve the natural environment require investment in agricultural holdings, aid will be up to 75 % of the costs incurred. This complies with Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006.

For the technical support element of the scheme, the eligible costs will be the training of farmers and farm workers, in particular the costs of organising the training programme, and consultancy services. The aid will be provided in the form of services on preferential terms — in order to comply with Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006, there will be no direct payments of money to producers.

Sector(s) concerned: The scheme applies to the production of agricultural products.

Name and address of the granting authority:

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority

National Park Headquarters

The Old Station

Balloch G83 8BF

United Kingdom

Web address: http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/park/default.asp?p=309&s=3

Alternatively, you can go to the UK's central website for exempted agricultural State aids at:

http://defraweb/farm/policy/state-aid/setup/exist-exempt.htm

Check on the link Loch Lomond.

Signed and dated on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK competent authority).

Neil Marr

Agricultural State Aid

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Area 8D, 9 Millbank

C/o Nobel House

17 Smith Square

Westminster

London SW1P 3JR

United Kingdom

XA Number: XA 196/07

Member State: Republic of Slovenia

Region: Municipality of Ribnica

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: „Državna pomoč za ohranjanje in razvoj kmetijstva, gozdarstva in podeželja v občini Ribnica“

Legal basis: Pravilnik o sofinanciranju ukrepov za ohranjanje in razvoj kmetijstva, gozdarstva in podeželja v občini Ribnica

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

2007: EUR 40 895

2008: EUR 44 985

2009: EUR 49 483

2010: EUR 54 431

2011: EUR 56 064

2012: EUR 57 750

2013: EUR 59 480

Maximum aid intensity: Aid will be awarded in the form of a grant. The maximum intensity of aid per individual measure totals:

—	up to 50 % of eligible costs in less-favoured areas, or 40 % in other areas.

The purpose of the aid is to invest in the restoration of farm features, to purchase equipment to be used for agricultural production, to invest in permanent crops and to improve farmland and pastures.

—	up to 100 % of the real costs as regards investments in non-productive features,

—	up to 60 % of the real costs, or 75 % in less-favoured areas, as regards investments in productive assets on farms, provided that the investment does not entail any increase in the production capacity of the farm,

—	additional aid may be granted at a rate of up to 100 % to cover the extra costs incurred by using traditional materials necessary to maintain the heritage features of buildings.

—	the amount of municipal co-financing is the difference between the amount of co-financing of insurance premiums from the national budget and up to 50 % of the eligible costs of an insurance premium for insuring crops, products and livestock against disease.

—	financial aid will be allocated in the form of grants, up to 100 % of eligible legal and administrative costs.

—	up to 100 % of costs in the form of subsidised services for measures to promote the quality of agricultural products.

—

up to 100 % of eligible costs concerning education and training of farmers, consultancy services, the organisation of forums, competitions, exhibitions and fairs, publications, dissemination of scientific knowledge, catalogues and websites. The aid will be granted in kind by means of subsidised services and must not involve direct payments of money to producers.

Date of implementation: August 2007 (or the date on which the Rules enter into force)

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Until 31 December 2013

Objective of the aid: To support SMEs

Reference to Articles of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 and eligible costs: Chapter II of the draft Rules on co-financing measures for conservation and agricultural, forestry and rural development in the municipality of Ribnica includes measures constituting State aid in accordance with the following Articles of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 of 15 December 2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 (OJ L 358, 16.12.2006, p. 3):

Article 4: Investment in agricultural holdings,

Article 5: Conservation of traditional landscapes and buildings,

Article 12: Aid towards the payment of insurance premiums,

Article 13: Aid for land reparcelling,

Article 14: Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products,

Article 15: Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector.

Economic sector(s) concerned: Agriculture: Arable and livestock production

Name and address of granting authority:

Občina Ribnica

Gorenjska cesta 3

SLO-1310 Ribnica

Web address: http://www.uradni-list.si/1/ulonline.jsp?urlid=200770&dhid=91162

Other information: The measure concerning the payment of insurance premiums to insure crops and fruit includes the following adverse climatic events which can be assimilated to natural disasters: spring frost, hail, lightning, fire caused by lightning, storm and floods.

The municipality's Rules meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 concerning the measures to be adopted by the municipality and the general provisions applicable (steps preceding grant of aid, cumulation, transparency and monitoring of aid).

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/21

(2007/C 304/14)

XA Number: XA 197/07

Member State: Republic of Slovenia

Region: Municipality of Brežice

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: „Finančna sredstva za ohranjanje in spodbujanje razvoja kmetijstva in podeželja v občini Brežice“

Legal basis: Pravilnik o ohranjanju in spodbujanju razvoja kmetijstva in podeželja v občini Brežice za programsko obdobje 2007-2013

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

2007: EUR 85 544,99

2008: EUR 192 000

2009: EUR 192 000

2010: EUR 192 000

2011: EUR 192 000

2012: EUR 192 000

2013: EUR 192 000

Maximum aid intensity:

Investment in farms for primary production:

—	up to 50 % of eligible costs in less-favoured areas and up to 40 % of eligible costs for investment in other areas,

—	where the share of aid for investment in farms applies to young farmers within five years of setting up, the amount of public financing is 10 % higher.

Co-financing of insurance premiums:

—	the amount of municipal co-financing is the difference between the amount of co-financing of insurance premiums from the national budget and up to 50 % of eligible costs of an insurance premium for insuring crops, products and livestock against disease.

Technical support in the agricultural sector:

—

up to 100 % of costs concerning education and training of farmers, consultancy services, the organisation of forums, competitions, exhibitions and fairs, publications, catalogues, websites and of disseminating scientific knowledge. The aid is to be granted in the form of subsidised services and must not involve direct payments of money to producers.

Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products:

—	up to 100 % of actual costs incurred; this is granted in the form of subsidised services and must not involve direct payments of money to producers.

Date of implementation: August 2007 (or the date on which the Rules enter into force)

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Until 31 December 2013

Objective of the aid: To support SMEs

Reference to Articles of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 and eligible costs: Chapter II of the draft Rules on conservation and agricultural and rural development in the municipality of Brežice for the programming period 2007-2013 includes measures constituting State aid in accordance with the following Articles of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 of 15 December 2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 (OJ L 358, 16.12.2006, p. 3):

Article 4: Investment in agricultural holdings,

Article 12: Aid towards the payment of insurance premiums,

Article 14: Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products,

Article 15: Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector.

Economic sector(s) concerned: Agriculture: Arable and livestock farming

Name and address of granting authority:

Občina Brežice

Cesta prvih borcev 18

SLO-8250 Brežice

Web address: http://www.uradni-list.si/1/ulonline.jsp?urlid=200770&dhid=91136

Signature of the person responsible in the Municipality of Brežice:

Mayor

Ivan MOLAN

XA Number: XA 198/07

Member State: Republic of Slovenia

Region: Municipality of Bistrica ob Sotli

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: „Podpora programom razvoja kmetijstva in podeželja v občini Bistrica ob Sotli 2007-2013“

Legal basis: Pravilnik o ohranjanju in spodbujanju razvoja kmetijstva in podeželja v občini Bistrica ob Sotli za izvedbo programov pomoči (Poglavje II.)

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

2007: EUR 16 480

2008: EUR 18 952

2009: EUR 21 795

2010: EUR 25 064

2011: EUR 28 823

2012: EUR 33 147

2013: EUR 38 199

Maximum aid intensity:

Investment in farms for primary production:

—

up to 50 % of eligible costs in less-favoured areas (Commission Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 up to 2010; Commission Regulation (EC) No 1698/2006 after 2010) or in other areas pursuant to Article 36(a)(i), (ii) and (iii) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, designated as such by Member States in accordance with Articles 50 and 94 of that Regulation,

—	up to 40 % of eligible costs in other areas,

—	up to 60 % of eligible costs in less-favoured areas and up to 50 % of eligible costs in other areas where the investment is made by young farmers within five years of setting up.

Conservation of traditional buildings:

—	up to 100 % of the real costs as regards non-productive features,

—	up to 75 % of actual costs as regards productive assets on farms in less-favoured areas, or 60 % in other areas, (farm buildings: granaries, drying frames, beehives), provided that the investment does not entail any increase in the production capacity of the farm.

Aid towards the payment of insurance premiums:

—	the amount of municipal co-financing is the difference between the amount of co-financing of insurance premiums from the national budget and up to 50 % of eligible costs of an insurance premium for insuring crops, products and livestock against disease.

Aid for land reparcelling:

—	up to 100 % of actual legal and administrative costs incurred, including inspection costs.

Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products:

—	up to 100 % of actual costs incurred; this is to be granted in the form of subsidised services and must not involve direct payments of money to producers.

Provision of technical support:

—

up to 100 % of eligible costs concerning education and training of farmers, consultancy services, the organisation of forums, competitions, exhibitions and fairs, the dissemination of scientific knowledge, and publications such as catalogues and websites. The aid is to be granted in the form of subsidised services and must not involve direct payments of money to producers.

Date of implementation: August 2007 (or the date on which the Rules enter into force)

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Until 31 December 2013

Objective of the aid: To support SMEs

Reference to Articles of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 and eligible costs: Chapter II of the draft Rules on conservation and the promotion of agricultural and rural development in the municipality of Bistrica ob Sotli for the implementation of aid programmes includes measures constituting State aid in accordance with the following Articles of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 of 15 December 2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 (OJ L 358, 16.12.2006, p. 3):

Article 4: Investment in agricultural holdings,

Article 5: Conservation of traditional landscapes and buildings,

Article 12: Aid towards the payment of insurance premiums,

Article 13: Aid for land reparcelling,

Article 14: Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products,

Article 15: Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector.

Economic sector(s) concerned: Agriculture: Arable and livestock farming

In the case of investment in agricultural holdings, aid is not granted for the breeding of warm-blooded horses, poultry or rabbits.

Name and address of granting authority:

Občina Bistrica ob Sotli

Bistrica ob Sotli 17

SLO-3256 Bistrica ob Sotli

Web address: http://www.uradni-list.si/1/ulonline.jsp?urlid=200770&dhid=91135

Signature of person responsible:

Mayor of the Municipality of Bistrica ob Sotli

Jožef PREGRAD

XA Number: XA 199/07

Member State: Republic of Slovenia

Region: Municipality of Velenje

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: „Pomoči za ohranjanje in razvoj kmetijstva in podeželja v Mestni občini Velenje za programsko obdobje 2007-2013“

Legal basis: Pravilnik o dodeljevanju pomoči za ohranjanje in razvoj kmetijstva in podeželja v Mestni občini Velenje za programsko obdobje 2007-2013

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

2007: EUR 22 196

2008: EUR 22 771

2009: EUR 23 652

2010: EUR 24 542

2011: EUR 25 438

2012: EUR 26 710

2013: EUR 28 045

Maximum aid intensity:

Investment in farms for primary production:

—	up to 50 % of eligible costs in less-favoured areas,

—	up to 40 % of eligible costs in other areas,

—	up to 50 % of eligible costs in less-favoured areas, and up to 40 % of eligible costs in other areas, where the investment is made by young farmers within five years of setting up.

Conservation of traditional landscapes and buildings:

—	up to 100 % of the real costs as regards non-productive features,

—	up to 75 % of actual costs as regards productive assets on farms in less-favoured areas, or 60 % in other areas, provided that the investment does not entail any increase in the production capacity of the farm,

—	additional aid may be granted at a rate of up to 100 % to cover the extra costs incurred by using traditional materials necessary to maintain the heritage features of buildings.

Relocation of farm buildings in the public interest:

—	up to 100 % of actual costs, where relocation simply consists of the dismantling, removal and re-erection of existing facilities,

—

where the relocation results in the farmer benefiting from more modern facilities, the farmer must contribute at least 60 %, or 50 % in less-favoured areas, of the increase in the value of the facilities concerned after relocation. If the beneficiary is a young farmer, his contribution is at least 55 % or 45 % respectively,

—

where the relocation results in an increase in production capacity, the contribution from the beneficiary must be at least equal to 60 %, or 50 % in less-favoured areas, of the expenses relating to this increase. If the beneficiary is a young farmer, his contribution is at least 55 % or 45 % respectively.

Aid towards the payment of insurance premiums:

—	the amount of municipal support is the difference between the amount of co-financing of insurance premiums from the national budget and up to 50 % of eligible costs of insurance premiums for insuring crops and products and to insure livestock against disease.

Aid for land reparcelling:

—	up to 100 % of eligible legal and administrative costs incurred.

Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products:

—	up to 100 % of actual costs incurred; this is to be provided in the form of subsidised services and must not involve direct payments of money to producers.

Provision of technical support:

—

up to 100 % of the eligible costs concerning education and training of farmers, consultancy services, the organisation of forums, competitions, exhibitions and fairs, publications, catalogues and websites, and farmer replacement services during illness or holidays. The aid is to be granted in the form of subsidised services and must not involve direct payments of money to producers.

Date of implementation: 2007 (or the date on which the Rules enter into force)

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Until 31 December 2013

Objective of the aid: To support SMEs

Reference to Articles in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 and eligible costs: Chapter II of the draft Rules on granting aid for conservation and agricultural and rural development in the municipality of Velenje for the programming period 2007-2013 includes measures constituting State aid in accordance with the following Articles of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 of 15 December 2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 (OJ L 358, 16.12.2006, p. 3):

Article 4: Investment in agricultural holdings,

Article 5: Conservation of traditional landscapes and buildings,

Article 6: Relocation of farm buildings in the public interest,

Article 12: Aid towards the payment of insurance premiums,

Article 13: Aid for land reparcelling,

Article 14: Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products,

Article 15: Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector.

Economic sector(s) concerned: Arable and livestock farming

Name and address of granting authority:

Mestna občina Velenje

Titov trg 1

SLO-3320 Velenje

Web address: http://arhiva.velenje.si/pravilnik %20kmetijstvo %20jul07.doc

Signature of person responsible:

Srečko MEH

Mayor of Velenje

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/25

Notice to economic operators — Imports into the Community of textile and clothing products originating in China for the year 2008

(2007/C 304/15)

By the present notice, Community operators are informed of the following practical issues concerning imports of textile and clothing products originating in China for the year 2008.

The current regime of agreed levels of imports for the product categories listed in Annex V to the Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 of 12 October 1993 on common rules of imports of certain textile products from third countries (1) will expire on 31 December 2007. A double checking surveillance system for eight product categories, specified below, will be put into place from 1 January 2008 until 31 December 2008. To this end, the Commission Regulation (EC) No 1217/2007 (2) amending Annex III to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 has been adopted.

The double checking surveillance system applies to imports originating in China of textile products category 4 (T-shirts), category 5 (pullovers), category 6 (trousers), category 7 (blouses), category 20 (bed-linen), category 26 (dresses), category 31 (bras), and category 115 (flax/ramie yarn). The two remaining categories subject to the above current regime, 2 and 39, are not included in the double checking system.

The double checking surveillance system will apply for goods shipped from China from 1 January 2008. For the release into free circulation of such goods the import licence will be issued upon presentation of a valid export licence.

For goods shipped during 2007, the following rules apply:

—

Imports for which applications for import licences are presented before or on 31 March 2008, will be subject to the agreed level set forth in Annex V to Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93. Such importation will require a valid export licence and the availability of the corresponding amount of goods in the concerned category.

—

Imports for which applications for imports licences are presented from 1 April 2008 will fall under the provisions of the double surveillance regime described above. An import licence will be issued against the corresponding export licence for goods shipped in accordance with the agreed levels set forth in Annex V to Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93.

For goods shipped from 1 January 2008, the outward processing traffic (OPT) procedure and the import of folklore and handloom products will continue to be subject to the regulations in force in the Community.

Specific provisions to distinguish children's T-shirts in sub-category 4C as applicable under the current regime of agreed levels will no longer apply for goods shipped under the double checking surveillance system.

Import authorizations are issued by import licensing authorities of the Member States listed in Annex I.

Additional information can be obtained from:

http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/sectoral/industry/textile/pr091007_en.htm

(1) OJ L 275, 8.11.1993, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1217/2007 (OJ L 275, 19.10.2007, p. 16).

(2) OJ L 275, 19.10.2007, p. 16.

ANNEX I

List of licensing offices

Austria

Belgium

Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Arbeit

Aussenwirtschaftsadministration

Abteilung C2/2

Stubenring 1

A-1011 Wien

Tel.: (43-1) 711 00-0

Fax: (43-1) 711 00-83 86

FOD Economie, KMO, Middenstand en Energie

Economisch Potentieel

KBO-Beheerscel — Vergunningen

Leuvenseweg 44

B-1000 Brussel

Tel: (32-2) 277 67 13

Fax: (32-2) 277 50 63

SPF Économie, PME, Classes moyennes et Énergie

Potentiel économique

Cellule de gestion BCE — Licences

Rue de Louvain 44

B-1000 Bruxelles

Tél: (32-2) 277 67 13

Fax: (32-2) 277 50 63

Bulgaria

Cyprus

Министерство на икономиката и енергетиката

Дирекция „Регистриране, лицензиране и контрол“

ул. „Славянска“ № 8

BG-1052 София

Република България

Тел.: (359) 29 40 70 08/(359) 29 40 76 73/29 40 78 00

Факс: (359) 29 81 5041/(359) 29 80 47 10/29 88 36 54

Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism

Trade Department

6 Andrea Araouzou Str.

CY-1421 Nicosia

Tel: (357) 22 867 100

Fax: (357) 22 375 120

5.	Czech Republic

Denmark

Ministerstvo průmyslu a obchodu

Licenční správa

Na Františku 32

CZ-110 15 Praha 1

Tel: (420) 224 90 71 11

Fax: (420) 224 21 21 33

Erhvervs- og Byggestyrelsen

Økonomi- og Erhvervsministeriet

Langelinje Allé 17

DK-2100 København Ø

Tlf. (45) 35 46 60 30

Fax (45) 35 46 60 29

Estonia

Finland

Majandus- ja Kommunikatsiooniministeerium

Harju 11

EE-15072 Tallinn

Tel.: (372) 625 64 00

Faks: (372) 631 36 60

Tullihallitus

PL 512

FI-00101 Helsinki

Puh. (358-9) 61 41

Faksi (358-20) 492 28 52

Tullstyrelsen

PB 512

FI-00101 Helsingfors

Faksi (358-20) 492 28 52

France

10.

Germany

Ministère de l'économie, des finances et de l'emploi

Direction générale des entreprises

Service des Industries Manufacturières et des Activités Postales (SIMAP)

Bureau Textile-Importations

Le Bervil, 12 rue Villiot

F-75572 Paris Cedex 12

Tél.: (33 1) 53 44 96 60

Fax: (33 1) 53 44 91 81

Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle (BAFA)

Frankfurter Str. 29-35

D-65760 Eschborn

Tel.: (49) 61 96 9 08-0

Fax: (49) 61 96 9 42 26

11.

Greece

12.

Hungary

Υπουργείο Οικονομίας & Οικονομικών

Γενική Διεύθυνση Διεθνούς Οικονομικής Πολιτικής

Διεύθυνση Καθεστώτων Εισαγωγών-Εξαγωγών, Εμπορικής Άμυνας

Κορνάρου 1

GR-105 63 Αθήνα

Τηλ. (30) 210 328 6021-22

Fax: (30) 210 328 60 94

Magyar Kereskedelmi Engedélyezési Hivatal

Margit krt. 85.

H-1024 Budapest.

Postafiók: 1537 Budapest Pf. 345.

Tel: (36-1) 336 7300

Fax: (36-1)336 7302

13.

Ireland

14.

Italy

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Licensing Unit

Block C

Earlsfort Centre

Lower Hatch Street

IRL-Dublin 2

Tel: (353-1) 6312545

Fax: (353-1) 6312562

Ministero del commercio con l'estero

Direzione generale per la politica commerciale e per la gestione del regime degli scambi

DIV. III

Viale America 341

I-00144 Roma

Tel.: (39) 06 59 64 75 17, 59 93 22 02/22 15

Fax: (39) 06 59 93 22 35/22 63

Telex: (39) 06 59 64 75 31

15.

Latvia

16.

Lithuania

Ekonomikas ministrija

Brīvības iela 55

LV-1519 Riga

Tel.: (371) 701 3006

Fax: (371) 728 0882

Lietuvos Respublikos ūkio ministerija

Gedimino pr. 38/2

LT-01104 Vilnius

Tel.: (370) 5 262 87 50/(370) 5 261 94 88

Faks.: (370) 5 262 39 74

17.	Luxembourg

18.

Malta

Ministère des Affaires Etrangères

Office des licences

Boîte postale 113

L-2011 Luxembourg

Tél.: (352) 47 82 371

Fax: (352) 46 61 38

Ministry for Competitiveness and Communication

Commerce Division, Trade Services Directorate

Lascaris

M-Valletta CMR02

Malta

Tel: (356) 21 237 112

Fax: (356) 21 237 900

19.	Netherlands

20.

Poland

Belastingdienst/Douane

Centrale dienst voor in- en uitvoer

Engelse Kamp 2

Postbus 30003

9700 RD Groningen

Nederland

Tel.: (31 50) 523 91 11

Fax: (31 50) 523 22 10

Ministerstwo Gospodarki

Pl. Trzech Krzyzy 3/5

PL-00-950 Warszawa

Tel: (48-22) 693 55 53

Fax: (48-22) 693 40 21

21.

Portugal

22.

Romania

Ministério das Finanças

Direcção Geral das Alfândegas e dos Impostos Especiais sobre o Consumo

Rua Terreiro do Trigo

Edifício da Alfândega

P-1149-060 Lisboa

Tel.: (351) 12 18 814 263

Fax: (351) 12 18 814 261

E-mail: dsl@dgaiec.min-financas.pt

Ministerul Întreprinderilor Mici şi Mijlocii, Comerţ, Turism şi Profesii Liberale

Direcţia Generală Politici Comerciale

Str. Ion Câmpineanu nr. 16

Bucureşti, sector 1

RO-Cod poştal 010036

Tel: (40) 21 315 00 81

Fax: (40) 21 315 04 54

E-mail: clc@dce.gov.ro

23.

Slovakia

24.

Slovenia

Ministerstvo hospodárstva SR

Oddelenie licencií

Mierová 19

SK-827 15 Bratislava

Tel: (421-2) 485 42 021, 485 47 119

Fax: (421-2) 434 23 919

Ministrstvo za finance

Carinska uprava Republike Slovenije

Carinski urad Jesenice

Center za TARIC in kvote

Spodnji Plavž 6c

SLO-4270 Jesenice

Tel.: (386-4) 297 44 70

Faks: (386-4) 297 44 72

E-mail: taric.cuje@gov.si

25.

Spain

26.

Sweden

Ministerio de Industria, Turismo y Comercio

Secretaría General de Comercio Exterior

Paseo de la Castellana no 162

E-28046 Madrid

Tel.: (34) 913 49 38 17, 349 37 48

Fax: (34) 915 63 18 23, 349 38 31

National Board of Trade (Kommerskollegium)

Box 6803

S-113 86 Stockholm

Tel.: (46-8) 690 48 00

Fax: (46-8) 30 67 59

27.	United Kingdom

Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform

Import Licensing Branch

Queensway House

West Precinct

GB-Billingham TS23 2NF

Tel: (44-1642) 36 43 33, 36 43 34

Fax: (44-1642) 36 42 03

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/29

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4765 — Symantec/Huawei/JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 304/16)

On 16 November 2007, 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 Symantec Corporation (‘Symantec’, USA) and Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd (‘Huawei’, PR China) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1) (b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertaking JVCO (‘JVCO’, PR China) by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—	for Symantec: global supplier of software and appliance solutions and related products and services that help individuals and enterprises to assure the security, availability, and integrity of their information,

—	for Huawei: global supplier of telecommunications networking solutions and related services. It is specialized in research and development, production, and marketing of communications equipment, and in providing customized network solutions for telecom carriers,

—	for JVCO: development and sale of storage appliance solutions and security appliance solutions.

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 ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4765 — Symantec/Huawei/JV, 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.

15.12.2007

Official Journal of the European Union

C 304/30

NOTICE

On 15 December 2007, in Official Journal of the European Union C 304 A, the ‘Common catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant species — 26th complete edition’ will be published.

Subscribers to the Official Journal may obtain the same number of copies and language versions of this Official Journal as those to which they subscribe free of charge. They are requested to return the attached order form, duly completed and bearing their subscription registration number (code appearing on the left of each label and beginning with: O/…). This Official Journal will remain available free of charge for one year from the date of its publication.

Non-subscribers can order this Official Journal against payment from one of our sales offices (see: http://publications.europa.eu/others/sales_agents_en.html).

This Official Journal — like all Official Journals (L, C, CA, CE) — can be consulted free of charge online at: http://eur-lex.europa.eu

		ISSN 1725-2423
Official Journal of the European Union		C 304

English edition	Information and Notices	Volume 50 15 December 2007

Notice No	Contents	page
	I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions
	RECOMMENDATIONS
	European Central Bank
2007/C 304/01	Recommendation of the European Central Bank of 29 November 2007 to the Council of the European Union on the external auditors of the Central Bank of Malta (ECB/2007/17)	1

	II Information
	INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES
	Commission
2007/C 304/02	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4872 — Eurovia/Compagnie Signature/JV) ( 1 )	2

2007/C 304/03	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4914 — Carlyle/Sequa) ( 1 )	2

2007/C 304/04	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4906 — CPI Europe Fund/Corpus/Real Estate Portfolio) ( 1 )	3

2007/C 304/05	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4953 — Sony Ericsson/Motorola/UIQ) ( 1 )	3

2007/C 304/06	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.4923 — Avnet/Acal IT Solutions) ( 1 )	4

2007/C 304/07	Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections ( 1 )	5

	IV Notices
	NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES
	Commission
2007/C 304/08	Euro exchange rates	7

2007/C 304/09	Youth in Action Programme 2007-2013 — Publication of the Programme Guide valid as of 1 January 2008	8

2007/C 304/10	Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 429th meeting of 9 July 2007 concerning a draft decision relating to Case COMP/E-2/39.143 — Opel	11

2007/C 304/11	Final report of the Hearing Officer in Case COMP/E-2/39.143 — Opel (Pursuant to Articles 15 and 16 of Commission Decision 2001/462/EC, ECSC of 23 May 2001 on the terms of reference of Hearing Officers in certain competition proceedings — OJ L 162, 19.6.2001, p. 21)	12

	NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES
2007/C 304/12	Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises	13

2007/C 304/13	Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001	15

2007/C 304/14	Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001	21

	V Announcements
	PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY
	Commission
2007/C 304/15	Notice to economic operators — Imports into the Community of textile and clothing products originating in China for the year 2008	25

	PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY
	Commission
2007/C 304/16	Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4765 — Symantec/Huawei/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )	29