20.9.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 241/1

Resolution of the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council of 16 May 2007 on implementing the common objectives for voluntary activities of young people

(2008/C 241/01)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES, MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL,

WHEREAS:

(1)

In its Resolution of 27 June 2002 (1), the Council adopted the open method of coordination as a new framework for European cooperation in the youth field and endorsed the four thematic priority areas for youth highlighted in the Commission's White Paper of November 2001 entitled ‘A new impetus for youth’, namely participation, information, voluntary activities and a greater understanding and knowledge of youth.

(2)	In its Resolution of 25 November 2003 (2), the Council adopted common objectives for the first two priorities, i.e. participation by and information for young people.

(3)

The European Voluntary Service (EVS) has been an Action of the ‘Youth’ Programme since 1996 and a quality model for transnational voluntary service that allows young people to engage in voluntary service in a variety of areas, thereby encouraging their solidarity, active citizenship and mutual understanding. The current ‘Youth in Action’ Programme reinforced this Action.

(4)	In its Communication of 30 April 2004 (3), the Commission proposed common objectives for voluntary activities of young people, based on the replies of the Member States to a Commission questionnaire and after consulting young people.

(5)	In its Resolution of 15 November 2004 (4), the Council adopted the common objectives for voluntary activities of young people, i.e. to develop, facilitate, promote and recognise voluntary activities, and agreed to report on the implementation of those objectives by the end of 2006.

(6)	In its Resolution of 15 November 2004, the Council adopted common objectives for a greater understanding and knowledge of youth which also tackled voluntary activities. Member States agreed to identify existing knowledge related to voluntary activities at local and national levels.

(7)	In its Resolution of 20 July 2006 (5), the Council recognised the value of non-formal and informal learning within the European youth field.

(8)	In its Resolution of 31 October 2006 (6), on participation by and information for young people, the Council also reinforced the open method of coordination, building on the Commission Communication of 20 July 2006 (7).

(9)	The 2007 Eurobarometer survey on youth (8), indicates that the large majority of young people have a positive view of volunteering programmes as means of increasing their participation in society.

(10)	In its Communication of 5 September 2007 (9), the Commission proposed to confirm the relevance and validity of the common objectives for voluntary activities of young people. The Commission also proposed concrete actions for improved implementation of the common objectives,

EMPHASISE THAT:

in its Communication on proposed common objectives for voluntary activities among young people of 30 April 2004 (3), the Commission defines voluntary activities as all kinds of voluntary engagement. They are characterised by the following aspects: open to all, non-remunerated, undertaken of own free will, educational (non-formal learning aspect) and added social value;

2.	voluntary activities need to be clearly distinguished from employment and should by no means replace it;

3.	it is important to preserve the different forms of voluntary activities that exist in Member States;

4.	the Commission's analysis of the Member State's reports on the implementation of the common objectives for voluntary activities of young people confirms the validity of the adopted common objectives as they have provided an impetus for developing these activities further in a more structured way;

5.	the open method of coordination in the youth field should be reinforced as a means of better implementing the common objectives;

6.	volunteering by young people should be promoted and celebrated. This will demonstrate that many young people do get involved as volunteers in their schools and local communities in ways that help others.

NOTE THAT:

in order to make it easier to carry out voluntary activities by removing existing obstacles, Member States should take the measures they consider appropriate, in accordance with Community law and in the framework of their national law, so that volunteers and their families are not discriminated against because of their mobility with respect to relevant social protection, such as health care and social welfare policies;

2.	it is important that voluntary activities are promoted and recognised as ways of acquiring personal, social and professional skills and competences by various actors, i.e. public and private employers, social partners, civil society, schools, young people themselves and their families;

the skills and competences acquired through voluntary activities at local, regional, national and European levels can contribute to increasing employment opportunities for young people and developing their sense of initiative, their creative and entrepreneurial spirit and, as such, represent an important aspect of the Lisbon Strategy;

voluntary activities play an important role in empowering a young person which leads to his or her more active social participation, inter-generational cooperation, a general feeling of solidarity in society and better social inclusion and cohesion, in particular regarding young people with fewer opportunities; furthermore, voluntary activities can facilitate the transition of young people from education to employment;

all young people should be able to benefit from high quality opportunities in volunteering. The initiatives must reach young people, especially those with fewer opportunities and offer them the possibilities to mix with others and gain a sense of achievement. This is particularly important since for young people and youth workers voluntary activities are means of social recognition and continuous self-development;

6.	in many countries civil-society organisations are the key actors in the voluntary activities of young people;

7.	voluntary activities support the values of democracy and solidarity and can help strengthen intercultural dialogue and active citizenship by reinforcing the mobility of young people. They already play an important role in European policies such as external relations and cooperation policy.

AGREE THAT:

1.	the relevance and validity of the common objectives for voluntary activities of young people adopted in 2004 are confirmed and these objectives need to be further implemented;

2.	the lines of action for voluntary activities of young people as agreed in 2004, will be adapted and reinforced, taking into account recent developments in order to increase their efficiency, as described in the Annex hereto;

3.	improving the image of volunteering would encourage young people to further engage in volunteering;

4.	in order to raise the profile and increase the social recognition of voluntary activities, the means of raising awareness of the public in general, and of young people in particular, of the institutions from the local to European level, and of other relevant stakeholders should be strengthened;

5.	reinforcement of cross-sectoral co-ordination between different policy fields is crucial given the transversal nature of voluntary activities and the positive impact this would have on the involvement of young people in voluntary activities.

INVITE THE MEMBER STATES TO:

establish national strategies for or integrate voluntary activities of young people and youth leaders/workers into their national youth policy plans and develop relevant programmes, where appropriate, in close cooperation with the relevant stakeholders, such as civil-society organisations, youth organisations and voluntary-based organisations;

2.	identify, by September 2008, those lines of action for voluntary activities of young people on which they intend to concentrate and define national strategies and/or concrete measures for their implementation;

3.	set up preparatory and follow-up mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of the common objectives in cooperation with the relevant actors, inter alia young people, youth leaders, workers and their organisations, and voluntary based organisations;

4.	involve youth organisations and voluntary based organisations in the definition, development and implementation of policies on youth volunteering;

5.	promote the common objectives for voluntary activities for young people amongst regional and local authorities, youth organisations and young people and closely cooperate with regional and local authorities;

encourage enterprises to support voluntary youth activities in the framework of their corporate social responsibility schemes including by giving recognition to the skills and competences acquired through voluntary activities in order to facilitate a smooth transition of young people to the labour market;

7.	encourage the participation of young volunteers in major international events, in particular taking into account the Commission's White Paper on Sport and its related action plan;

8.	agree on the guiding values, principles and ethics of voluntary activities and discuss the need for additional instruments for promoting voluntary activities.

NOTE THAT THE COMMISSION INTENDS TO:

Launch a consultation with a view to possible new measures at EU level to promote and recognise voluntary activities of young people.

INVITE THE COMMISSION TO:

1.	in this context make proposals for tools to promote and recognise voluntary activities of young people;

in cooperation with other stakeholders, promote the development and recognition of voluntary activities of young people through information about and by making full use of instruments such as this Resolution, the European Voluntary Service, the European Quality Charter on Mobility, the Europass and the planned European Qualifications Framework;

3.	consider the opportunity to organise a European Year to promote volunteering in order to improve the image of volunteering in society in general and among young people in particular.

INVITE THE MEMBER STATES AND THE COMMISSION TO:

reinforce the open method of coordination for voluntary activities by undertaking exchanges of good practice and peer-learning activities to strengthen the implementation of all the common objectives, including the elimination of obstacles and an enhanced recognition of the skills and competences acquired through volunteering;

2.	broaden the mandate of the working group set up at European level to consider practical means of measuring progress in participation by and information for young people to include voluntary activities of young people;

3.	discuss implementation of the common objectives for voluntary activities of young people at national and European level in the framework of the 2009 evaluation of the open method of co-ordination and the European cooperation in the youth field in general.

(1) OJ C 168, 13.7.2002, p. 2.

(2) OJ C 295, 5.12.2003, p. 6.

(3) Doc. 9182/04 (COM(2004) 337 final).

(4) Resolution of the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council of 15 November 2004 on common objectives for voluntary activities of young people, doc. 13996/04.

(5) OJ C 168, 20.7.2006, p. 1.

(6) OJ C 297, 7.12.2006, p. 6.

(7) COM(2006) 417 final.

(8) http://ec.europa.eu/youth/index_en.html

(9) Doc. 12772/07 (COM(2007) 498 final).

ANNEX

MEASURES TO REINFORCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON OBJECTIVES FOR VOLUNTARY ACTIVITIES OF YOUNG PEOPLE

Depending on the circumstances and priorities of each Member State, and without prejudice to the different responsibilities of the national, regional and local authorities within the Member States, the following non-exhaustive list of lines of action may be pursued.

1. Developing voluntary activities of young people

Encourage the development of voluntary activities of young people with the aim of enhancing awareness of the existing opportunities, enlarging their scope and improving their quality.

At national, regional and local level

Given that there is a variety of traditions and practices of voluntary activities in the different Member States, establish national strategies for, or integrate voluntary activities of young people and youth leaders/workers into their national youth policy plans and develop relevant programmes in close cooperation with the relevant stakeholders, such as civil-society organisations, youth organisations and voluntary organisations.

(a)	With a view to creating a clear and visible picture of voluntary activities available to young people, continue work on identifying existing models of voluntary activities (e.g. voluntary service, occasional voluntary engagement, etc.) and voluntary organisations.

(b)

Enhance existing voluntary activities of young people by:

—	continuing to develop the different categories of these activities, and in particular broaden their range of possibilities,

—	continuing to support activities of particular interest to young people,

—	continuing to support civil-society organisations active in voluntary engagement of young people,

—	continuing to reinforce voluntary services where they already exist and, where appropriate, encouraging the creation of new ones.

(c)	With a view to improving the quality of voluntary activities and their organisational framework, foster training opportunities for young volunteers and those coordinating and managing such activities.

(d)

Strengthen support for voluntary activities at local level involving local organisations, including youth leaders/workers and their organisations, bearing in mind the role they play in the promotion of active citizenship, in the development of entrepreneurship, in social and cultural participation and in empowering young people.

(e)	Develop voluntary activities in third countries as a way of promoting global youth cooperation, enhancing intercultural dialogue and promoting the involvement of young people with fewer opportunities from different cultures and regions.

At European level

(f)

Encourage:

—	a better coordination of the transnational cooperation of civic services, where they exist,

—	an enhanced exchange of young volunteers in various domains,

—	an enhanced exchange of information on national voluntary programmes and their European dimension by elaborating peer-learning activities and ways to exchange best practices, taking into account the diversity of voluntary activities in the different Member States.

(g)	Continue developing and promoting the European Voluntary Service (EVS) further within the framework of the ‘Youth in Action’ Programme.

(h)	Take into consideration the feasibility of extending EVS to a wider range of actions with a view to giving young people the possibility to participate in solidarity-related activities of the European Union.

2. Facilitating voluntary activities of young people

Make it easier for young people to carry out voluntary activities by removing existing obstacles whilst respecting immigration controls, visa and entry requirements of Member States.

At all levels

(a)	Take further measures considered appropriate to remove the legal and administrative obstacles to the mobility of persons undertaking a voluntary activity, as set out in the Recommendation of the European Parliament and the Council on Mobility (1).

(b)	Reinforce cross-sectoral cooperation between the relevant authorities in order to facilitate the issue of visas and residence permits to young volunteers when and where appropriate.

(c)	Enhance the exchange of information, experience and good practice of all relevant actors in the field of voluntary activities of young people with the aim of removing all kinds of obstacles and developing simplified procedures.

(d)	Consider which legal frameworks and instruments can be improved to make it easier for young people to carry out voluntary activities and for organisations to develop quality activities, paying particular attention to young people with fewer opportunities and to the gender balance.

3. Promoting voluntary activities of young people

Promote voluntary activities with a view to reinforcing young people's solidarity and engagement as responsible citizens whilst combating all forms of discrimination and stereotyping, promoting equality, social inclusion, and intergenerational cooperation.

At national, regional and local level

(a)	Disseminate information on volunteering at all appropriate levels, with the aim of raising young people's awareness about volunteering, informing them about concrete possibilities to volunteer, providing advice and support and promoting a positive image of volunteering.

(b)

Make efforts to encourage an enhanced cooperation between all relevant actors (young people, those active in youth work and youth organisations, public authorities, private economic sector, schools, etc.) on the promotion of voluntary activities, by exchanging information, experience and good practice.

(c)

Together with youth and voluntary organisations and other relevant actors analyse more carefully the phenomena that lead to the exclusion of certain groups of young people from voluntary activities and develop specific, targeted and tailor-made approaches focused on encouraging them to participate in voluntary activities, particularly for young people with fewer opportunities.

(d)	Encourage youth organisations and other voluntary organisations to organise and provide information on voluntary activities and to promote them among their peers.

(e)	Encourage enterprises to support voluntary youth activities in their social responsibility schemes.

At European level

(f)	Launch appropriate information actions with a view to promoting voluntary activities of young people and the values of volunteering.

At all levels

(g)	Reinforce the participation of young volunteers in the context of major international events, in particular taking into account the Commission's White Paper on Sport and its related action plan.

4. Recognising voluntary activities of young people

Recognise voluntary activities of young people with a view to acknowledging the value of their personal skills and their engagement with society and the role that voluntary activities play in terms of facilitating the transition from education to work and adult life.

At national, regional and local level

(a)

Acknowledge young people's voluntary involvement, acquired individual skills, knowledge and competences, by supporting measures that lead to an enhanced recognition of voluntary activities at all levels, by various actors, e.g. public and private employers, social partners, civil society and young people themselves, and in the appropriate form, taking into account the needs of young people, including young people with fewer opportunities.

(b)	Acknowledge the added social value that the voluntary sector offers to society by developing actions such as awareness-raising campaigns that lead to an enhanced recognition by society of voluntary activities.

(c)

With a view to enhancing recognition and, where appropriate, developing certification of the competences acquired through voluntary activities, involve the relevant representatives of voluntary and other youth organisations, social partners, educational institutions and national authorities in facilitating this certification.

(d)

Encourage enterprises to support volunteering activities in the framework of their corporate social responsibility schemes including by giving recognition to the skills and competences acquired through voluntary activities in order to facilitate a smooth transition of young people to the labour market.

At European level

(e)

Develop a coherent approach to better recognition at work and in the knowledge-based society of skills, knowledge and competences gained through volunteering in the framework of ongoing processes and by existing means in other policy fields, such as the open method of coordination in the education field, the life-long learning strategy, the social dialogue, corporate social responsibility, and in particular building on the planned Europass-Youth instrument.

(1) OJ L 215, 9.8.2001, p. 30.

20.9.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 241/12

Euro exchange rates (1)

19 September 2008

(2008/C 241/06)

1 euro=

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,4236
JPY	Japanese yen	153,03
DKK	Danish krone	7,4599
GBP	Pound sterling	0,78730
SEK	Swedish krona	9,5383
CHF	Swiss franc	1,5975
ISK	Iceland króna	131,47
NOK	Norwegian krone	8,2580
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	24,242
EEK	Estonian kroon	15,6466
HUF	Hungarian forint	239,96
LTL	Lithuanian litas	3,4528
LVL	Latvian lats	0,7084
PLN	Polish zloty	3,3042
RON	Romanian leu	3,6420
SKK	Slovak koruna	30,275
TRY	Turkish lira	1,7880
AUD	Australian dollar	1,7505
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,5154
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	11,0818
NZD	New Zealand dollar	2,1003
SGD	Singapore dollar	2,0433
KRW	South Korean won	1 605,82
ZAR	South African rand	11,4902
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	9,7303
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,1152
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	13 346,25
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,9278
PHP	Philippine peso	65,980
RUB	Russian rouble	36,3283
THB	Thai baht	48,630
BRL	Brazilian real	2,6280
MXN	Mexican peso	15,2010

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

20.9.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 241/13

Guidelines on national regional aid for 2007-2013

National regional state aid map: France (OJ C 54, 4.3.2006, p. 13)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 241/07)

N 186/08 — FRANCE

Amendment to the national regional aid map 1.1.2007-31.12.2013

(Approved by the Commission on 4.6.2008)

NUTS-II-III	Names of the NUTS-II/NUTS-III regions Names of the eligible municipalities (P: eligible cantons)	Ceiling for regional investment aid (1) (Applicable to large enterprises)
[…]
		1.1.2007-31.12.2013
3. Regions eligible for aid under Article 87(3)(c) of the EC Treaty for the whole period 2007-2013 at a maximum aid intensity of 15 %
[…]
FR22	Picardie
[…]
FR223	Somme
80001 Abbeville; 80002 Ablaincourt-Pressoir; 80004 Acheux-en-Vimeu; 80008 Aigneville; 80009 Ailly-le-Haut-Clocher; 80018 Allenay; 80020 Allonville; 80021 Amiens (P: Amiens Nord-est, Amiens Nord ); 80036 Aubigny; 80039 Ault; 80063 Beauchamps; 80073 Bécordel-Bécourt; 80078 Bellancourt; 80080 Belloy-en-Santerre; 80088 Bernes; 80096 Béthencourt-sur-Mer; 80101 Beuvraignes; 80107 Blangy-Tronville; 80124 Bourseville; 80127 Bouvaincourt-sur-Bresle; 80131 Boves; 80141 Brie; 80147 Buigny-l'Abbé; 80149 Buigny-Saint-Maclou; 80163 Cambron; 80164 Camon; 80176 Carrépuis; 80177 Cartigny; 80186 Chaulnes; 80190 Chépy; 80199 Cléry-sur-Somme; 80204 Combles; 80240 Doingt; 80263 L'Echelle-Saint-Aurin; 80288 Estrées-Deniécourt; 80294 Eterpigny; 80296 L'Etoile; 80302 Faverolles; 80308 Feuquières-en-Vimeu; 80318 Flixecourt; 80360 Fressenneville; 80364 Friaucourt; 80366 Fricourt; 80368 Friville-Escarbotin; 80373 Gamaches; 80379 Glisy; 80393 Gruny; 80412 Hamelet; 80413 Hancourt; 80418 Hardecourt-aux-Bois; 80433 Herly; 80434 Hervilly; 80435 Hesbécourt; 80453 Laboissière-en-Santerre; 80474 Licourt; 80478 Lignières; 80505 Mametz; 80509 Marchélepot; 80517 Marquivillers; 80521 Maurepas; 80523 Méaulte; 80527 Méneslies; 80530 Méricourt-l'Abbé; 80533 Mers-les-Bains; 80536 Mesnil-Bruntel; 80542 Mesnil-Saint-Nicaise; 80546 Miannay; 80557 Estrées-Mons; 80560 Montauban-de-Picardie; 80561 Montdidier; 80574 Mouflers; 80585 Nesle; 80597 Nibas; 80613 Oust-Marest; 80620 Péronne; 80635 Pont-Remy; 80638 Potte; 80669 Rethonvillers; 80674 Rivery; 80677 Roisel; 80685 Roye; 80693 Poulainville; 80694 Sailly-le-Sec; 80714 Saint-Quentin-la-Motte-Croix-au-Bailly; 80769 Treux; 80770 Tully; 80774 Vaire-sous-Corbie; 80779 Vauchelles-les-Quesnoy; 80784 Vaux-sur-Somme; 80795 Ville-le-Marclet; 80799 Villers-Bretonneux; 80801 Villers-Carbonnel; 80803 Villers-lès-Roye; 80804 Villers-sous-Ailly; 80807 Ville-sur-Ancre; 80827 Woincourt.
[…]
FR24	Centre
[…]
FR242	Eure-et-Loir
28001 Abondant; 28007 Anet; 28012 Arrou; 28017 Autheuil; 28018 Authon-du-Perche; 28027 Bazoche-Gouet (La); 28051 Bonneval; 28053 Le Boullay-les-Deux-Eglises; 28061 Brou; 28062 Broué; 28075 Chapelle-du-Noyer (La); 28080 Charbonnières; 28088 Châteaudun; 28089 Châteauneuf-en-Thymerais; 28093 Chatillon-en-Dunois; 28098 Cherisy; 28103 Cloyes-sur-le-Loir; 28111 Coudray-au-Perche; 28132 Donnemain-St-Mames; 28134 Dreux; 28144 Etilleux (Les); 28153 Flacey; 28171 Garnay; 28178 Germainville; 28198 Jallans; 28205 Lanneray; 28219 Luigny; 28233 Marboué; 28236 Margon; 28239 Marville-Moutiers-Brûlé; 28273 Moulhard; 28280 Nogent-le-Rotrou; 28293 Oulins; 28312 Puiseux; 28332 Sainte-Gemme-Moronval; 28334 Saint-Denis-les-Ponts; 28342 Saint-Jean-Pierre-Fixte; 28348 Saint-Lubin-des-Joncherets; 28359 Saint-Rémy-sur-Avre; 28360 Saint-Sauveur-Marville; 28371 Saussay; 28374 Serazereux; 28377 Sorel-Moussel; 28378 Souancé-au-Perche; 28393 Tremblay-les-Villages; 28404 Vernouillet; 28405 Vert-en-Drouais; 28424 Yèvres .
[…]
FR71	Rhône-Alpes
[…]
FR715	Loire
42005 Andrézieux-Bouthéon; 42011 Balbigny; 42022 Bonson; 42032 Cellieu; 42044 Le Chambon-Feugerolles; 42092 L'Etrat; 42097 La Fouillouse; 42127 Mably; 42156 Neulise; 42166 Parigny; 42170 Perreux; 42183 La Ricamarie; 42184 Riorges; 42186 Rive-de-Gier; 42187 Roanne (P: Roanne Nord); 42189 Roche-la-Molière; 42207 Saint-Chamond; 42212 Saint-Cyr-de-Favières; 42218 Saint-Etienne (P: Saint-Etienne Sud Ouest 1 ); 42223 Saint-Genest-Lerpt; 42225 Genilac; 42237 Saint-Jean-Bonnefonds; 42254 Saint-Marcel-de-Félines; 42256 Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez; 42294 Saint-Vincent-de-Boisset; 42304 Sury-le-Comtal; 42305 La Talaudière; 42311 La Tour-en-Jarez; 42325 Vendranges.
[…]

(1) For investment projects with eligible expenditure not exceeding EUR 50 million, this ceiling is increased by 10 percentage points for medium-sized enterprises and 20 percentage points for small enterprises as defined in the Commission Recommendation of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (OJ L 124, 20.5.2003, p. 36). For large investment projects with eligible expenditure exceeding EUR 50 million, this ceiling is subject to adjustment in accordance with paragraph 67 of the guidelines on national regional aid for 2007-2013.

20.9.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 241/15

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

(2008/C 241/08)

Aid No: XA 5/08

Member State: Republic of Slovenia

Region: Območje Občine Vodice

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: Pomoči za ohranjanje in razvoj kmetijstva in podeželja v Občini Vodice za programsko obdobje 2007–2013

Legal basis: Pravilnik o dodeljevanju pomoči za ohranjanje in razvoj kmetijstva ter podeželja v Občini Vodice za programsko obdobje 2007–2013

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

2007: EUR 40 000

2008: EUR 40 000

2009: EUR 40 000

2010: EUR 40 000

2011: EUR 40 000

2012: EUR 40 000

2013: EUR 40 000

Maximum aid intensity:

1. Investment in agricultural holdings for primary production:

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

—	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, in the case of investments made by young farmers within five years of setting up.

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

2. Conservation of traditional landscapes and buildings:

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

—	for investment in productive assets on farms, up to 60 % of actual costs, or 75 % in less-favoured 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 preserve the heritage features of buildings.

3. Relocation of farm buildings in the public interest:

—	up to 100 % of the actual costs where the 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 must be 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 60 %, or 50 % in less-favoured areas, of the expenses relating to this increase. If the beneficiary is a young farmer, this contribution must be at least 55 % or 45 % respectively.

4. 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 insurance premiums for insuring crops and fruit and insuring livestock against disease.

5. Aid for land reparcelling:

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

6. 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.

7. Provision of technical support:

—

up to 100 % of costs concerning education and training, consultancy services provided by third parties and the organization of forums, competitions, exhibitions, fairs, publications 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: December 2007 (the aid will not be granted until a summary has been published on the European Commission's website)

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

Objective of the aid: To support SMEs

Reference to Articles in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 and eligible costs: Chapter II of the draft Rules on granting aid for preserving and developing agriculture and rural areas in the municipality of Vodice 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: Agriculture

Name and address of granting authority:

Občina Vodice

Kopitarjev trg 1

SLO-1217 Vodice

Website: http://www.lex-localis.info/KatalogInformacij/VsebinaDokumenta.aspx?SectionID=58921e3f-8299-4cdf-bd79-62de7dbbd615

Other information: The measure for 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 relating to the measures to be adopted by the municipality and the general provisions applicable (steps preceding grant of aid, cumulation, transparency and monitoring of aid)

Brane Podboršek

Mayor of the municipality of Vodice

Aid No: XA 38/08

Member State: Italy

Region: Provincia autonoma di Trento

Title of aid scheme: Intervento per lo smaltimento di materiale a rischio

Legal basis: L.P. 4 del 28 marzo 2003«Sostegno dell'economia agricola, disciplina dell'agricoltura biologica e della contrassegnazione di prodotti geneticamente non modificati» articolo 43 bis.

Deliberazione della giunta provinciale di Trento n. 3131 del 28 dicembre 2007, modificata con deliberazione n. 515 del 29 febbraio 2008, criteri attuativi dell'articolo 43 bis della L.P.4/2003

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: The annual budget appropriation concerned totals EUR 1 million

Maximum aid intensity: Aid will cover 100 % of the cost of collecting and 75 % of the cost of destroying and disposing of dead animals, subject to the limits set out in the table below:

Date of implementation: The scheme will be applicable from the date of publication of the identification number of the application for exemption on the website of the Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

Duration of scheme: The aid must be granted not later than 31 December 2013

Objective of aid: To provide livestock farmers with compensation in respect of the cost of disposing of carcasses (bovines, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry and rabbits) and removing animals slaughtered for health reasons (slaughter on health grounds by order of the health authorities, with the meat not intended for human consumption).

The reference Article for the application of the aid scheme is Article 16(1)(d) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 (exemption Regulation).

The eligible expenditure consists of the cost of removing (collection and transport) and destroying (storage, processing and permanent disposal) dead animals. The following expenditure is eligible ex post:

transport costs pertaining to the emergency service, based on an average rate per kilometre, less 15 % to take account of possible savings arising, as regards the provision of emergency services, from the marketing activities of the Provincial Livestock Farmers Federation, in particular, in connection with the transport of livestock (Table III), the simultaneous removal of other animals, although this would take place sporadically and to a limited extent only. The rates concerned (including the cost of the means of transport and the staff) would be those specified by the Craftsmen's Association, multiplied by the number of kilometres travelled, and would be as set out in Regional Council Decision No 1433 of 8 October 2001,

the amounts invoiced by specialised undertakings for the collection, transport and disposal of the carcasses,

the costs incurred in organising the service, subject to a limit of 10 % of the costs indicated in the two indents above.

Provided the maximum eligible expenditure is not exceeded, and subject to a limit of 20 % of the individual amounts indicated in the Table above, variations in terms of compensation may be granted ex post

Sector(s) concerned: Animal husbandry (bovines, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry and rabbits)

Name and address of the granting authority:

Provincia autonoma di Trento

Dipartimento agricoltura e alimentazione

Servizio vigilanza e promozione delle attività agricole

Via G.B. Trener, 3

I-38100 Trento

Website: http://www.delibere.provincia.tn.it/scripts/gethtmlDeli.asp?Item=0&Type=FulView

http://www.delibere.provincia.tn.it/scripts/viewAllegatoDeli.asp?Item=0

Other information: Please note that this aid scheme has already been notified (N 200/05) with validity until 31 December 2009

Aid No: XA 45/08

Member State: Italy

Region: Provincia autonoma di Trento

Title of aid scheme: Interventi per la difesa passiva

Legal basis: L.P. 4 del 28 marzo 2003«Sostegno dell'economia agricola, disciplina dell'agricoltura biologica e della contrassegnazione di prodotti geneticamente non modificati» articolo 54.

Deliberazione della giunta provinciale di Trento n. 3127 del 28 dicembre 2007, modificata con deliberazione n. 516 del 29 febbraio 2008, criteri attuativi dell'articolo 54 della L.P.4/2003

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: The total annual budget appropriation concerned is EUR 5 940 000

Maximum aid intensity: Aid of up to 50 % of the cost of insurance premiums, in addition to State aid, for measures planned under Ministerial provisions, and of up to 80 %, including State aid, in the case solely of insurance contracts providing for compensation for losses exceeding 30 % of production.

Where the insurance also covers other losses caused by adverse climatic events other than natural disasters, and/or losses caused by animal or plant diseases, the rate is reduced to 50 % of the amount of State and Provincial aid combined.

Up to 80 % of the cost of insurance premiums for measures at provincial level only, in the case solely of insurance contracts providing for compensation for losses exceeding 30 % of production. Where the insurance also covers other losses caused by adverse climatic events other than natural disasters and/or losses caused by animal or plant diseases, the aid rate is reduced to 50 %

Date of implementation: The scheme will be applicable from the date of publication of the identification number of the application for exemption on the website of the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

Duration of scheme: The aid must be granted not later than 31.12.2013

Objective of aid: To encourage and promote the subscription of insurance policies to cover agricultural and animal production with a view to reducing the cost of insuring against potential losses caused by adverse climatic events.

The reference Article for the application of the aid scheme is Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 (exemption Regulation).

The eligible expenditure consists of the cost of insurance premiums

Sector(s) concerned: Agriculture and animal husbandry

Name and address of the granting authority:

Provincia autonoma di Trento

Dipartimento agricoltura e alimentazione

Servizio vigilanza e promozione delle attività agricole

Via G.B. Trener, 3

I-38100 Trento

Website: http://www.delibere.provincia.tn.it/scripts/gethtmlDeli.asp?Item=2&Type=FulView

http://www.delibere.provincia.tn.it/scripts/viewAllegatoDeli.asp?Item=2

Aid No: XA 47/08

Member State: Republic of Slovenia

Region: Območje Občine Ruše

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: Državne pomoči za ohranjanje in razvoj kmetijstva in podeželja v Ruše 2007–2013

Legal basis: Pravilnik o dodeljevanju državnih pomoči za ohranjanje in razvoj kmetijstva in podeželja v občini Ruše (II.A Poglavje)

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

2007: EUR 6 200

2008: EUR 6 000

2009: EUR 5 650

2010: EUR 5 650

2011: EUR 5 650

2012: EUR 5 650

2013: EUR 5 650

Maximum aid intensity:

1. Investment in agricultural holdings for primary production:

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

The aid is to be granted to primary producers for managing farmland and pastures.

2. Aid for land reparcelling:

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

3. Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products:

—	the aid is granted in the form of subsidised services to cover up to 100 % of costs and must not involve direct payments of money to producers.

4. Aid for providing technical support in the agricultural sector:

—

up to 50 % of costs concerning education and training of farmers, consultancy services, the organisation of forums, competitions, exhibitions and fairs, publications, catalogues and websites, and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. The aid is to be granted in the form of subsidised services and does not involve direct payments of money to producers

Date of implementation: January 2008

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

Objective of the aid: To support SMEs

Reference to Articles in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 and eligible costs: Chapter II.A of the draft Rules on granting State aid for preserving and developing rural areas in the municipality of Ruše 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 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

Name and address of granting authority:

Občina Ruše

Trg vstaje 11

SLO-2342 Ruše

Website: http://www.izit.si/muv/index.php?action=showIzdaja&year=2007&izdajaID=430 (št. predpisa 646, stran 34)

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

Vili Rezman

Mayor of the municipality of Ruše

Aid No: XA 61/08

Member State: Slovenia

Region: Goriška

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: Spodbude javnega sklada malega gospodarstva goriške v kmetijskem sektorju

Legal basis: Splošni pogoji poslovanja Javnega sklada malega gospodarstva Goriške v kmetijskem sektorju

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: Sources of financing: Dedicated funds of the Goriška Public Fund for Small Businesses.

Forecast annual figures:

2007: EUR 300 000

2008: EUR 400 000

2009: EUR 400 000

2010: EUR 500 000

2011: EUR 500 000

2012: EUR 600 000

2013: EUR 700 000

Maximum aid intensity:

—	up to 40 % of eligible costs of investment.

The aid is granted to primary producers for the acquisition, construction or improvement of immovable property (excluding land), the purchase of equipment and the renewal of permanent crops for primary production

Date of implementation: January 2008

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

Objective of aid: To support SMEs

Reference to Articles in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 and eligible costs: Chapter IV of the General operating conditions of the Goriška Public Fund for Small Businesses in the agricultural sector 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

Economic sector(s) concerned: Agriculture

Name and address of granting authority:

Javni sklad malega gospodarstva Goriške

Trg E. Kardelja 1

SLO-5000 Nova Gorica

Website: http://www.uradni-list.si/1/ulonline.jsp?urlid=2007122&dhid=93740

Other information: 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)

Vida Štucin

Acting Director

20.9.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 241/20

Commission notice pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92

Imposition of public service obligations on the air routes between Crotone and Milan Linate and between Crotone and Rome Fiumicino

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 241/09)

Pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes, the Italian Government, in accordance with Article 52(35) of Law No 448 of 28 December 2001, has decided to impose public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services operated on the following routes:

1. Routes concerned

Between Crotone and Rome Fiumicino and vice versa.

Between Crotone and Milan Linate and vice versa.

1.1.

By virtue of Article 9 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 95/93 of 18 January 1993 on common rules for the allocation of slots at Community airports, as amended by Regulation (EC) No 793/2004, the competent authorities may reserve certain slots for the performance of services under the arrangements specified in this notice.

1.2.	With a view to meeting the objectives being pursued through the imposition of the public service obligations, the Italian National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) will check that accepting carriers have the appropriate structure and that they meet the minimum requirements for access to the service.

2. Details of the public service obligations

2.1.

Minimum frequencies:

Between Crotone and Rome Fiumicino and vice versa.

The minimum frequency on the above route is as follows:

—	two daily outward and two daily return flights all year round.

The entire capacity of each aircraft must be offered for sale under the public service obligation arrangements.

Between Crotone and Milan Linate and vice versa.

The minimum frequency on the above route is as follows:

—	one daily outward and one daily return flight all year round.

The entire capacity of each aircraft must be offered for sale under the public service obligation arrangements.

2.2.

Timetables:

Crotone to Rome Fiumicino:

—	1 flight departing between: 6.30 and 8.00,

—	1 flight departing between: 17.00 and 18.00.

Rome Fiumicino to Crotone:

—	1 flight departing between: 9.00 and 10.30,

—	1 flight departing between: 19.00 and 21.00.

Crotone to Milan Linate:

—	1 flight departing between: 6.00 and 9.30.

Milan Linate to Crotone:

—	1 flight departing between: 19.00 and 21.00.

2.3.

Type and capacity of aircraft used:

The services must be operated with pressurised twin-turboprop or twin-jet aircraft with a seating capacity of at least 105 throughout the year.

The carrier which accepts the obligations will, subject to safety considerations which may justify denied boarding, take all necessary measures to facilitate the carriage, on the aircraft in use, of disabled passengers and passengers with reduced mobility.

2.4.

Fares:

(a)

the maximum fares to be charged on each route are as follows:

—	between Crotone and Rome Fiumicino and vice versa (between 1 June and 30 September): EUR 79,00, (between 1 October and 31 May): EUR 60,00,

—	between Crotone and Milan Linate and vice versa (between 1 June and 30 September): EUR 110,00, (between 1 October and 31 May): EUR 90,00.

The above fares are net of VAT and airport taxes and duties; no form of surcharge may be imposed.

At least one form of ticket distribution and sale must be provided which is entirely free of charge and places no additional economic burden on passengers.

All passengers who travel on the routes subject to this public service obligation will be entitled to the above fares;

(b)

each year the competent authorities will adjust the maximum fares in line with the rate of inflation for the previous year calculated on the basis of the general ISTAT/FOI consumer price index. The amount of the adjustment will be notified to all carriers operating on the routes in question and, for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, the European Commission.

As from the first quarter of 2009, if the average cost of fuel and/or the average euro/US dollar exchange rate varies by more than 5 % in any quarter, the fares must be revised in proportion to such variation and to the effect the cost of fuel has on the carrier's operating costs, usually estimated at 30 %. The reference parameter for calculating the variations shall be the price of fuel in August 2008. The price shall be compared against the average value for the preceding month. The Platts jet fuel freight FOB Med assessment, expressed in US dollars per metric tonne, shall be used to establish the price. The resulting figure shall be converted into euro using the rates published by the ECB. Any fare adjustments will be made on a quarterly basis by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport on the basis of a review carried out by ENAC. The adjustment shall be made after consultation with the carriers operating on the routes concerned; in the event of a decrease, the procedure will be triggered automatically. During the above-mentioned examination procedure, the carriers operating on the routes concerned may be given an opportunity to comment. Any fare adjustment shall apply from the quarter following that in which the review took place, and shall apply solely to fares and not to duties and surcharges.

The amount of the adjustment will be notified to all carriers operating on the route and, for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, the European Commission.

2.5.

Continuity of service:

In order to guarantee the correct performance and continuity of the service, carriers which accept these public service obligations must:

—	guarantee the service for at least 12 consecutive months and not suspend it without at least six months' notice,

—

provide a performance security to guarantee the correct performance and continuity of the service. The amount of such security shall be at least EUR 700 000 — for each of the two routes — and must be guaranteed by an insurance or bank surety payable to ENAC (Ente Nazionale dell'Aviazione Civile), which will use it to ensure the continuity of the services concerned,

—	ensure that at least 98 % of the flights scheduled each year are operated with a maximum number of cancellations for reasons directly attributable to the carrier, excluding cases of force majeure, of 2 % or less,

—	pay the regulatory body a penalty of EUR 3 000 for every flight cancelled in excess of the 2 % limit. The proceeds will be allocated to the heading of the Crotone municipal budget dealing with the improvement of transport links to and from the city.

These penalties may be combined with those under Legislative Decree No 69 of 27 January 2006 on penalties for infringing Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights, and with the administrative penalties applicable under Legislative Decree No 172 of 4 October 2007 (on the rules governing penalties in respect of the assignment of take-off and landing slots).

These obligations replace those published in Official Journal of the European Union C 225 of 14.9.2005.

20.9.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 241/23

Commission notice pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92

Imposition of a public service obligation in respect of scheduled air services on the Albenga-Rome Fiumicino route and vice versa

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 241/10)

Pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes and in accordance with the decisions taken at the Interdepartmental Conference hosted by the region of Liguria, the Italian Government has decided to impose public service obligations on scheduled air services on the following route:

1. Routes concerned

Albenga-Rome Fiumicino and vice versa.

1.1.

1.2.	With a view to meeting the objectives being pursued through the imposition of public service obligations, ENAC will check that accepting carriers have the appropriate structure and that they meet the minimum requirements for access to the service.

2. Details of the public service obligation

2.1.	Duration: One year, from the commencement of the service.

2.2.

Minimum frequencies:

Between Albenga and Rome Fiumicino and vice versa.

The minimum frequency on the above route is as follows:

—	two flights per day in each direction on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays throughout the year, using an aircraft with a seating capacity of at least 29,

—	one flight per day in each direction on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year, using an aircraft with a seating capacity of at least 29.

The entire capacity of each aircraft must be offered for sale under the public service obligation terms.

2.3.

Timetables:

On the Albenga-Rome Fiumicino route on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays the timetable must provide for one flight departing between 6.30 and 7.30 and one flight departing between 17.00 and 18.00.

On the Albenga-Rome Fiumicino route the timetable must provide for one flight departing between 6.30 and 7.30 on Saturdays and one flight departing between 17.00 and 18.00 on Sundays.

On the Rome Fiumicino-Albenga route on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays the timetable must provide for one flight departing between 8.30 and 9.30 and one flight departing between 19.00 and 20.00.

On the Rome Fiumicino-Albenga route the timetable must provide for one flight departing between 8.30 and 9.30 on Saturdays and one flight departing between 19.00 and 20.00 on Sundays.

2.4.

Type and capacity of aircraft used:

The Albenga-Rome Fiumicino route and vice versa must be operated throughout the year by pressurised twin turboprop or twin-jet aircraft with at least 29 seats.

Should the market so require, more capacity must be offered by introducing additional flights, which will not give rise to extra compensation or to tariffs different from those specified at 2.5 below.

The carrier which accepts the public service obligations shall, subject to safety considerations which may justify denied boarding, take all necessary measures to facilitate the carriage of disabled passengers and passengers with reduced mobility.

2.5.

Fares:

(a)

the maximum fares to be charged on each route are as follows:

Albenga-Rome Fiumicino: EUR 92,00,

Rome Fiumicino-Albenga: EUR 92,00.

All the above fares exclude VAT and are net of airport taxes and charges; no form of surcharge may be levied.

At least one form of ticket distribution and sale must be provided which is entirely free of charge and places no additional economic burden on passengers.

All passengers who travel on the routes subject to this public service obligation will be entitled to the above fares;

(b)

in January 2009, the competent authorities will adjust the maximum fares in accordance with the rate of inflation in the preceding six-month period, calculated on the basis of the ISTAT/FOI general index of consumer prices. Adjustments will be notified to all carriers operating the services in question and, for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, to the European Commission;

(c)

as from the first quarter of 2009, if the average cost of fuel and/or the average euro/US dollar exchange rate varies by more than 5 % in each quarter, the fares must be revised in proportion to such variation and to the effect the cost of fuel has on the carrier's operating costs, traditionally estimated at 30 %. The reference parameter for calculating the variations will be the monthly average of the price of fuel in July 2008. The price will be compared against the average value for the preceding month. The Platts jet fuel freight FOB Med assessment, expressed in US dollars per metric tonne, will be used to establish the price. The resulting figure will be converted into euro using the rates published by the ECB. Any fare adjustment will be carried out every three months by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport on the basis of a review performed by ENAC. The adjustment in question will be made at the request of the carriers operating the routes concerned; in the event of a decrease, the procedure will be initiated automatically. During the above-mentioned review procedure, the carriers operating the routes concerned may be given an opportunity to comment. Any adjustment to fares will take effect from the quarter following that in which it is decided and will apply solely to the fare and not to the taxes and surcharges.

Adjustments will be notified to all carriers operating the services in question and, for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, to the European Commission.

2.6.

Continuity of service:

For the purpose of ensuring the proper operation and continuation of the service, the carrier which accepts the public service obligation must:

—	undertake to provide the service for at least 12 consecutive months,

—	ensure that its conduct vis-à-vis users conforms to the principles set out in the Charter of Passengers' Rights, so as to comply with the relevant national, Community and international regulations,

—

provide a performance security for the purpose of ensuring the proper operation and continuation of the service. The amount of such security shall be EUR 400 000 and must be guaranteed by an insurance or bank surety payable to ENAC (Italian National Civil Aviation Authority), which may use it to ensure the continuation of the service concerned,

—	ensure that, in any six-month period, at least 98 % of the scheduled flights are operated with a number of cancellations for reasons directly attributable to the carrier, excluding cases of force majeure, of 2 % or less,

—	pay the regulatory body a penalty of EUR 3 000 for every flight cancelled in excess of the 2 % limit. The proceeds will be allocated to the improvement of transport links to and from Albenga.

The penalties referred to in this point may be combined with those under Legislative Decree No 69 of 27 January 2006 on penalties for infringing Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights, and with the administrative penalties applicable under Legislative Decree No 172 of 4 October 2007 on the rules governing penalties in respect of the allocation of slots.

		ISSN 1725-2423
Official Journal of the European Union		C 241

English edition	Information and Notices	Volume 51 20 September 2008

Notice No	Contents	page
	I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions
	RESOLUTIONS
	Council
2008/C 241/01	Resolution of the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council of 16 May 2007 on implementing the common objectives for voluntary activities of young people	1

	OPINIONS
	Commission
2008/C 241/02	Commission opinion of 19 September 2008 concerning the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste from the Flamanville EPR reactor (unit 3), located in France, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty	7

2008/C 241/03	Commission opinion of 19 September 2008 concerning the amended plan for the disposal of radioactive waste from the Flamanville nuclear power plant (units 1 and 2) in France, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty	8

	II Information
	INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES
	Commission
2008/C 241/04	Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections	9

2008/C 241/05	Amendment by France of the public service obligations imposed on scheduled air services between Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Figari, and Marseille, Nice and Paris (Orly) ( 1 )	11

	V Announcements
	PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY
	Commission
2008/C 241/11	Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5299 — Deutsche Bank/Goldman Sachs/Befraco) — Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )	26

	Corrigenda
2008/C 241/12	Corrigendum to Commission communication in the framework of the implementation of the Directive 98/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to machinery (OJ C 215, 22.8.2008)	27

2008/C 241/13	Corrigendum to the invitation to tender issued by Portugal under Article 4(1)(d) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 in the context of the international public tender in respect of the operation of scheduled air services for the route Lisbon-Vila Real-Bragança-Vila Real-Lisbon — P-Lisbon: Operation of scheduled air services (OJ C 219, 28.8.2008)	27

	IV Notices
	NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES
	Commission
2008/C 241/06	Euro exchange rates	12

2008/C 241/07	Guidelines on national regional aid for 2007-2013 — National regional state aid map: France (OJ C 54, 4.3.2006, p. 13) ( 1 )	13

	NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES
2008/C 241/08	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

2008/C 241/09	Commission notice pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 — Imposition of public service obligations on the air routes between Crotone and Milan Linate and between Crotone and Rome Fiumicino ( 1 )	20

2008/C 241/10	Commission notice pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 — Imposition of a public service obligation in respect of scheduled air services on the Albenga-Rome Fiumicino route and vice versa ( 1 )	23

Date of adoption of the decision	14.7.2008
Reference number of the aid	N 255/08
Member State	Romania
Region	—
Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)	Hotărâre privind aprobarea nivelului și a condiţiilor de aplicare a accizei reduse la motorina utilizată în agricultură în anul 2008
Legal basis	Government Decision
Type of measure	Aid scheme
Objective	Reduction in excise duties
Form of aid	Fiscal measure
Budget	EUR 50 270 270
Intensity	63 %
Duration	Until the end of 2008
Economic sectors	Agriculture
Name and address of the granting authority	—
Other information	—