1.10.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 249/1

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)

(2008/C 249/01)

Date of adoption of the decision

23.6.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 658/07

Member State

Spain

Region

Navarra

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Inversiones en la acuicultura y en la transformación y comercialización de productos de la pesca

Legal basis

Orden foral de la Consejera de desarrollo rural y medio ambiente por la que se establecen las normas reguladoras de las ayudas estatales a la inversión en el sector de la acuicultura, y a la transformación y comercialización de productos de la pesca

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Support of productive investments in aquaculture and in processing and marketing of fishery products

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

EUR 6 000 000

Intensity

Rate of 20 % or 40 % of the eligible cost

Duration

2008-2013

Economic sectors

Fisheries sector

Name and address of the granting authority

Gobierno de Navarra

Cl. Alhóndiga, no 1-1a Planta

E-31002 Pamplona

Other information

Annual report

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

2.7.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 78/08

Member State

Hungary

Region

Az ország egész területe

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Kombinált szállítás (RO-LA) támogatása

Legal basis

„A 2003-2015-ig szóló magyar közlekedéspolitikáról szóló 19/2004. (III. 26.) OGY határozat; az európai kombinált szállítási rendszer magyarországi részhálózatának létesítési és üzemeltetési koncepciójáról szóló 2025/1996. (II. 7.) Korm. határozat”

Type of measure

Operational aid

Objective

Sectorial development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

HUF 2 980 million (EUR 11,92 millions)

Intensity

Max. 30 %

Duration

2008-2011

Economic sectors

Combined transport

Name and address of the granting authority

Gazdasági és Közlekedési Minisztérium

Honvéd u. 13–15.

H-1055 Budapest

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

18.8.2008

Reference number of the aid

N 206/08

Member State

Netherlands

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Scheepswerf Hoekman Cargoships BV

Legal basis

Artikel 3 Kaderwet EZ Subsidies

Type of measure

Individual aid

Objective

Contract-related aid

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

—

Intensity

—

Duration

—

Economic sectors

Shipbuilding

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministerie van Economische Zaken

Postbus 20201

2500 EC Den Haag

Nederland

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/

1.10.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 249/5

Euro exchange rates (1)

30 September 2008

(2008/C 249/03)

1 euro=

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,4303
JPY	Japanese yen	150,47
DKK	Danish krone	7,4611
GBP	Pound sterling	0,7903
SEK	Swedish krona	9,7943
CHF	Swiss franc	1,5774
ISK	Iceland króna	145,91
NOK	Norwegian krone	8,333
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	24,66
EEK	Estonian kroon	15,6466
HUF	Hungarian forint	242,83
LTL	Lithuanian litas	3,4528
LVL	Latvian lats	0,7086
PLN	Polish zloty	3,3967
RON	Romanian leu	3,7413
SKK	Slovak koruna	30,3
TRY	Turkish lira	1,8136
AUD	Australian dollar	1,7739
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,4961
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	11,1124
NZD	New Zealand dollar	2,1143
SGD	Singapore dollar	2,0439
KRW	South Korean won	1 726,3
ZAR	South African rand	11,827
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	9,7954
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,1049
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	13 487,73
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,9238
PHP	Philippine peso	67,3
RUB	Russian rouble	36,4095
THB	Thai baht	48,473
BRL	Brazilian real	2,7525
MXN	Mexican peso	15,7126

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

1.10.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 249/6

Commission notice on current State aid recovery interest rates and reference/discount rates for 27 Member States applicable as from 1 October 2008

(Published in accordance with Article 10 of Commission Regulation (EC) 794/2004 (OJ L 140, 30.4.2004, p. 1))

(2008/C 249/04)

Base rates calculated in accordance with the Communication from the Commission on the revision of the method for setting the reference and discount rates (OJ C 14, 19.1.2008, p. 6). Depending on the use of the reference rate, the appropriate margins have still to be added as defined in this communication. For the discount rate this means that a margin of 100 basispoints has to be added. The Commission Regulation (EC) No 271/2008 of 30 January 2008 amending the implementing Regulation (EC) No 794/2004 foresees that, unless otherwise provided for in a specific decision, the recovery rate will also be calculated by adding 100 basispoints to the base rate.

From	To	AT	BE	BG	CY	CZ	DE	DK	EE	EL	ES	FI	FR	HU	IE	IT	LT	LU	LV	MT	NL	PL	PT	RO	SE	SI	SK	UK
1.10.2008	…	5,36	5,36	6,70	5,36	4,20	5,36	5,55	6,43	5,36	5,36	5,36	5,36	8,58	5,36	5,36	6,10	5,36	9,44	5,36	5,36	6,42	5,36	11,02	5,49	5,36	4,34	5,66
1.9.2008	30.9.2008	4,59	4,59	6,70	4,59	4,20	4,59	5,55	6,43	4,59	4,59	4,59	4,59	8,58	4,59	4,59	6,10	4,59	9,44	4,59	4,59	6,42	4,59	11,02	5,49	4,59	4,34	5,66
1.7.2008	31.8.2008	4,59	4,59	6,70	4,59	4,20	4,59	4,81	6,43	4,59	4,59	4,59	4,59	8,58	4,59	4,59	6,10	4,59	9,44	4,59	4,59	6,42	4,59	11,02	4,75	4,59	4,34	5,66

1.10.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 249/7

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 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 249/05)

Aid No: XA 245/08

Member State: Austria

Region: Tirol

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Richtlinie für die Gewährung eines Zuschusses zu den Versicherungsprämien zum Schutz vor Sturmschäden an Gewächshäusern in der Landwirtschaft

Legal basis: § 9 Tiroler Landwirtschaftsgesetz, LGBl. Nr. 3/1975

und darauf basierende

Richtlinien gemäß den § 9 des Tiroler Landwirtschaftsgesetzes, LGBl. Nr. 3/1975, für die Gewährung eines Zuschusses zu den Versicherungsprämien zum Schutz vor Sturmschäden an Gewächshäusern in der Landwirtschaft nach Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1857/2006 (Gruppenfreistellungsverordnung)

http://www.tirol.gv.at/themen/laendlicher-raum/agrar/foerderung/richtlinien/

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: The annual funding requirement in the Tyrol is approximately EUR 40 000

Maximum aid intensity: A maximum rate of aid of 50 % of the costs of insurance premiums within the meaning of Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 (OJ L 358, 16.12.2006, p. 3).

With reference to Article 12(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006, the aid does not constitute a barrier to the operation of the internal market for insurance services. Also, it is not limited to insurance provided by a single insurance company or group of companies, and is not made subject to the condition that the insurance contract be taken out with a company established in the Member State concerned

Date of implementation: Once the summary information has been published by the Commission

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

Objective of aid: The province of Tyrol is to grant a contribution of a maximum of 50 % of the insurance premiums to cover storm damage and damage caused by climatic events to greenhouses used for agricultural purposes in accordance with Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006.

The aid is intended in particular to provide an incentive for agricultural holdings to take out adequate insurance to cover storm damage to greenhouses, protecting their means of production against damage that could put them out of business, by meeting part of the cost of insurance premiums

Sector(s) concerned: Agriculture, horticulture

Name and address of the granting authority:

Amt der Tiroler Landesregierung

Gruppe Agrar

Heiliggeiststraße 7-9

A-6020 Innsbruck

Website: Internet link to agriculture in the Tyrol:

http://www.tirol.gv.at/agrar

Direct internet link to the legal basis:

http://www.tirol.gv.at/themen/laendlicher-raum/agrar/foerderung/richtlinien/

Reports on Guidelines of the province of Tyrol on the implementation of specific aid schemes in the Tyrol:

Other information: —

For the government of the Land

Alois POPPELLER

Aid No: XA 246/08

Member State: Republic of Slovenia

Region: Občina Grad

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Podpora programom razvoja kmetijstva in podeželja v občini Grad

Legal basis: Pravilnik o dodeljevanju državnih pomoči na področju razvoja kmetijstva in podeželja v občini Grad (II. poglavje)

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

2008: EUR 10 000

2009: EUR 10 000

2010: EUR 10 000

2011: EUR 11 000

2012: EUR 11 000

2013: EUR 11 000

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.

Support is granted for investment in plant and animal production in agricultural holdings for upgrading pastures and developing farmland.

2. Conservation of traditional landscapes and buildings:

—

up to 60 % of eligible costs, or up to 75 % in less-favoured areas, for investments intended to conserve heritage features of productive assets on farms (farm buildings: granaries, drying-frames, barns, pigsties, hives, etc.), provided that the investment does not entail any increase in the production capacity of the farm,

—	up to 100 % of eligible costs for investment for the purpose of conserving non-productive heritage located on agricultural holdings (sites of archaeological or historical interest),

—	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.

3. Aid towards the payment of insurance premiums:

—	total municipal and national co-financing of insurance premiums may not exceed 50 % of the eligible costs of insurance premiums,

—

in line with the Decree on the co-financing of insurance premiums for insuring agricultural production for the current year, the amount of municipal co-financing may not exceed the difference between the amount of co-financing of insurance premiums from the national budget and 50 % of the costs of insurance premiums, including tax on insurance transactions.

4. Aid for land reparcelling:

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

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

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

6. Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector:

—

up to 100 % of costs concerning education and training of farmers and farm workers, consultancy services provided by third parties, the organization of forums, competitions, exhibitions and fairs and participation in them and publications, catalogues and websites; the aid is to take the form of subsidised services and must not include any direct payments of money to producers

Date of implementation: July 2008 (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 aid: To support SMEs

Reference to Articles in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 and eligible costs: Chapter II of the Rules on granting State aid for agricultural and rural development in the municipality of Grad (II. poglavje Pravilnika o dodeljevanju državnih pomoči na področju razvoja kmetijstva in podeželja v občini Grad) 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

Sector(s) concerned: Agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority:

Občina Grad

Grad 172

SLO-9264 Grad

Website: http://www.uradni-list.si/1/objava.jsp?urlid=200815&objava=478

Other information: The aid 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)

Daniel KALAMAR

Mayor

Aid No: XA 247/08

Member State: Czech Republic

Region: Ústecký kraj

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Program podpory směrů rozvoje zemědělské prvovýroby v Ústeckém kraji na rok 2008–2013:

Investiční podpora do zemědělských hospodářství,

Investiční a neinvestiční podpora vedoucí k zachování krajiny a tradičních staveb,

Neinvestiční podpora pro seskupení producentů,

Technická neinvestiční podpora v odvětví zemědělství

Legal basis:

1)	Zákon č. 129/2000 Sb., o krajích, § 36 písm. c) a § 59 odst. 2 písm. a);

2)	Zásady poskytování finančních prostředků z rozpočtu Ústeckého kraje;

3)	Program podpory směrů rozvoje zemědělství a venkova Ústeckého kraje na rok 2008 až 2013

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: CZK 7 000 000

Maximum aid intensity:

Grant heading No 1: Investment aid for agricultural holdings

The gross aid intensity may not exceed 40 % of eligible investments. The maximum amount of aid granted to an individual enterprise may not exceed EUR 400 000 over any period of three financial years.

The aid will be granted to cover the following eligible costs: the construction, acquisition or improvement of immovable property falling outside the scope of routine replacement, the purchase or lease-purchase of machinery and equipment, including computer software up to the market value of the asset, general costs such as architects and other consultation fees, feasibility studies, and the acquisition of patents and licences.

The aid will not be granted to enterprises in difficulty.

The aid is not limited to specific agricultural products and is open to all sectors of agriculture.

The aid may not be granted for the purchase of production rights, animals and annual plants, the planting of annual plants, drainage works or irrigation equipment and irrigation works, unless such investment leads to a reduction of previous water use of at least 25 %, or for simple replacement investments.

The aid may not be granted for the manufacture and marketing of products which imitate or substitute milk and milk products.

Grant heading No 2: Investment and non-investment aid for the conservation of the landscape and traditional buildings

The aid may be granted up to 100 % of the costs actually incurred, subject to an upper limit of EUR 10 000 a year.

The aid will be granted to cover the following eligible costs: costs incurred in respect of investments or works intended for the conservation of non-productive heritage features located on agricultural holdings, such as archaeological or historical features.

Grant heading No 3: Non-investment aid for producer groups

The overall amount may not exceed EUR 400 000. The aid may not be paid in respect of costs incurred after the fifth year, or paid following the seventh year after recognition of the producer organisation.

The aid will be granted to cover the following eligible costs: the rental of suitable premises, the acquisition of office equipment, including computer hardware and software, administrative staff costs, overheads and legal and administrative fees. If premises are purchased, the eligible expenses for premises will be limited to rental costs at market rates.

Start-up aid is granted for the constitution of producer groups or producer associations involved in the production of agricultural products in accordance with Article 9(2)(a) provided that they fulfil the conditions set out in that paragraph.

The aid is not granted to production organisations, such as companies or cooperatives, the objective of which is the management of one or more agricultural holdings and which are therefore in effect single producers.

The aid is not granted to other agricultural associations that undertake tasks at the level of agricultural production, such as mutual support and farm-relief and farm-management services, in the members' holdings without being involved in the joint adaptation of supply to the market.

Grant heading No 4: Technical non-investment aid in the agricultural sector

The aid may cover up to 100 % of eligible expenditure.

The aid will be granted to cover the following eligible costs: the fees for services that do not constitute a continuous or periodic activity or relate to the enterprise's usual operating expenditure, such as routine tax consultancy services, regular legal services, or advertising.

The aid is granted in kind by means of subsidised services and does not involve direct payments of money to producers.

The aid will be accessible to all those eligible in the area concerned, based on objectively defined conditions. Where the provision of technical support is undertaken by producer groups or other organisations, membership of such groups or organisations may not be a condition for access to the service. Any contribution of non-members towards the administrative costs of the group or organisation concerned will be limited to the costs of providing the service

Date of implementation: The programme will be launched on the day on which the summary information is published by the European Commission

Duration of scheme or individual aid award:

Objective of aid: The main objective is to support small and medium-sized enterprises involved in primary agricultural production. The secondary objective is to diversify agricultural production, create new jobs and, by improving the choice of targets set, make rural areas more attractive both to their inhabitants and to visitors.

Articles 4, 5, 9 and 15 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 apply to the expenditure covered by the aid scheme

Sector(s) concerned: The aid recipients are small and medium-sized enterprises active in the agricultural sector. All subsectors are eligible for aid

Name and address of the granting authority: Ústecký kraj

The following body has been given responsibility for managing the aid

Krajský úřad Ústeckého kraje

odbor životního prostředí a zemědělství

Velká Hradební 48

CZ-400 01 Ústí nad Labem

Website: http://www.kr-ustecky.cz/vismo5/zobraz_dok.asp?u=450018&id_org=450018&id_ktg=36563&archiv=0&p1=84858

http://www.kr-ustecky.cz/soubory/450018/bod_30_priloha_1.doc

Other information: Ústí nad Labem Region certifies that it meets all the conditions laid down by Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006.

Further information is available at the above-mentioned web addresses.

Ústí nad Labem, 12 June 2008

Taťána KRYDLOVÁ

Acting Head Environment and Agriculture Department

1.10.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 249/11

Extension and amendment of public service obligations imposed in respect of nine scheduled air services on routes within Greece in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 249/06)

The Greek Government has decided to extend and revise, in part, from 1 April 2009 the public service obligations imposed in respect of nine scheduled air services on routes within Greece 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, which were published in the Official Journal of the European Communities C 164 of 10.7.2002 and extended and revised ( Official Journal of the European Union C 46 of 24.2.2006).

The amendments to the public service obligations are as follows:

A. Minimum frequency of flights and minimum number of seats available each week on each route

Athens-Kithira

Five return flights a week and a total of 200 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Seven return flights a week and a total of 280 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Athens-Naxos

Six return flights a week and a total of 192 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Eight return flights a week and a total of 200 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Athens-Paros

Ten return flights a week and a total of 170 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Nineteen return flights a week and a total of 330 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Athens-Karpathos

Five return flights a week and a total of 250 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Eight return flights a week and a total of 400 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Athens-Sitia

Four return flights a week and a total of 120 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Five return flights a week and a total of 150 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Athens-Skiathos

Two return flights a week and a total of 30 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Seven return flights a week and a total of 280 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Thessaloniki-Corfu

Four return flights a week and a total of 200 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Five return flights a week and a total of 250 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Rhodes-Kos-Leros-Astipalea

Two return flights a week and a total of 30 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Three return flights a week and a total of 45 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Corfu-Aktio-Kefalonia-Zakinthos

Two return flights a week and a total of 30 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Three return flights a week and a total of 45 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

The winter and summer periods are as determined by IATA.

If the average occupancy rate of all the flights on one route has exceeded 75 % during the previous period, the minimum weekly frequency or the minimum number of seats provided each week may be increased in proportion to the increase recorded. This increase shall be notified to the carrier operating the service by registered letter six months before it applies, and shall not come into effect until it has been published by the European Commission in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Where the aircraft used do not have the capacity required to cover the minimum weekly seat availability (laid down in paragraph 2(A)), the flight frequencies may be increased accordingly.

If flights are cancelled because of weather conditions, they must be operated on the days immediately afterwards in order to fulfil the weekly requirement, taking into account the minimum number of seats provided pursuant to paragraph 2(A).

B. Rates

The single economy fare may not exceed the following rates:

—	between Athens and Kithira: EUR 48,

—	between Athens and Naxos: EUR 62,70,

—	between Athens and Paros: EUR 61,70,

—	between Athens and Karpathos: EUR 73,20,

—	between Athens and Sitia: EUR 71,10,

—	between Athens and Skiathos: EUR 53,30,

—	between Thessaloniki and Corfu: EUR 70,

—	between Rhodes and Kos: EUR 46,

—	between Rhodes and Astipalea: EUR 52,20,

—	between Rhodes and Leros: EUR 52,20,

—	between Kos and Astipalea: EUR 52,20,

—	between Κos and Leros: EUR 46,

—	between Astipalea and Leros: EUR 46,

—	between Corfu and Aktio: EUR 40,70,

—	between Corfu and Kefalonia: EUR 40,70,

—	between Corfu and Zakinthos: EUR 52,20,

—	between Aktio and Kefalonia: EUR 35,50,

—	between Aktio and Zakinthos: EUR 40,70,

—	between Kefalonia and Zakinthos: EUR 33,50.

The above amounts may be increased in the event of an unforeseen increase in the costs of operating the service outside the control of the carrier. This increase shall be notified to the carrier operating the service but shall not come into effect until it has been published by the European Commission in the Official Journal of the European Union.

C. Continuity of service

In accordance with Article 4(1)(c) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92, a carrier intending to operate scheduled services on these routes must give a guarantee that it will operate the route for at least twelve months without interruption.

The number of flights cancelled for reasons for which the carrier is responsible may not exceed 2 % of the total annual number of flights, except in cases of force majeure.

Any intention to cease operation of any of the aforementioned routes must be notified by the air carrier to the Civil Aviation Department, Directorate for Air Operations, Section for Bilateral Air Agreements, at least six months before services are interrupted.

D. Because of the special nature of the air routes concerned, air carriers must be able to demonstrate that cabin crew serving passengers on the above routes speak and understand Greek.

3. Useful information

Operation of flights on these routes by a Community carrier who does not fulfil the public service obligations imposed may result in the imposition of administrative or other sanctions.

As regards the types of aircraft to be used, air carriers are asked to consult Aeronautical Information Publications of Greece (AIP Greece) as regards technical and business data and airport procedures.

As regards timetables, arrivals and departures of aircraft must be planned within the operating times of airports as determined by decision of the Minister for Transport and Communications.

It should be noted that if no air carrier has declared to the Civil Aviation Department, Directorate for Air Operations by 28 February 2009 an intention to operate scheduled services from 1 April 2009 on one or more of the abovementioned routes without financial compensation, Greece has decided, under the procedure set out in Article 4(1)(d) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92, to limit access to each or several of the abovementioned routes to only one carrier for three years and to grant the right to operate those services from 1 April 2009 following an invitation to tender.

These public service obligations replace those published in the Official Journal of the European Communities C 164 of 10.7.2002 and Official Journal of the European Union C 46 of 24.2.2006 concerning the above routes.

1.10.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 249/14

Extension and amendment of public service obligations imposed in respect of ten scheduled air services on routes within Greece in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 249/07)

The Greek Government has decided to extend and revise from 1 March 2009 the public service obligations imposed in respect of ten scheduled air services on routes within Greece 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, which were published in the Official Journal of the European Communities C 239 of 25.8.2001 (and Official Journal of the European Communities C 280 of 4.10.2001, concerning the postponement of their entry into force), and subsequently amended ( Official Journal of the European Communities C 164 of 10.7.2002 and Official Journal of the European Union C 312 of 17.12.2004 and Official Journal of the European Union C 177 of 29.7.2006).

The amendments to the public service obligations are as follows:

A. Minimum frequency of flights and minimum number of seats available each week on each route

Athens-Astipalea

Four return flights a week and a total of 120 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Five return flights a week and a total of 150 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Athens-Ikaria

Five return flights a week and a total of 175 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Seven return flights a week and a total of 245 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Athens-Leros

Six return flights a week and a total of 210 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Ten return flights a week and a total of 350 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Athens-Milos

Seven return flights a week and a total of 245 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Eight return flights a week and a total of 280 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Thessaloniki-Samos

Three return flights a week and a total of 90 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Four return flights a week and a total of 120 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Thessaloniki-Hios

Three return flights a week and a total of 90 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Four return flights a week and a total of 120 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Limnos-Mitilini-Hios-Samos-Rhodes

Limnos-Mitilini-Rhodes

Two return flights a week and a total of 40 seats a week in each direction throughout the year.

Limnos-Mitilini-Hios-Rhodes

One return flight a week and a total of 20 seats a week in each direction throughout the year.

Limnos-Mitilini-Samos-Rhodes

One return flight a week and a total of 20 seats a week in each direction throughout the year.

Limnos-Mitilini-Hios-Samos-Rhodes

One return flight a week and a total of 20 seats a week in each direction throughout the year.

Rhodes-Karpathos-Kasos-Sitia

Rhodes-Karpathos

Four return flights a week and a total of 200 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Six return flights a week and a total of 300 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Rhodes-Karpathos-Kasos-Sitia

Four return flights a week and a total of 200 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Six return flights a week and a total of 300 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Alexandroupoli-Sitia

Two return flights a week and a total of 40 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Three return flights a week and a total of 60 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

Aktio-Sitia

Two return flights a week and a total of 40 seats a week in each direction throughout the winter.

Three return flights a week and a total of 60 seats a week in each direction throughout the summer.

The winter and summer periods are as determined by IATA.

Where the aircraft used do not have the capacity required to cover the minimum weekly seat availability (laid down in paragraph 2(A)), the flight frequencies may be increased accordingly.

B. Rates

The single economy fare may not exceed the following rates:

—	Athens-Astipalea: EUR 58,50,

—	Athens-Ikaria: EUR 52,20,

—	Athens-Leros: EUR 59,60,

—	Athens-Milos: EUR 41,70,

—	Thessaloniki-Samos: EUR 76,40,

—	Thessaloniki-Hios: EUR 66,

—	Limnos-Rhodes: EUR 64,80,

—	Limnos-Mitilini: EUR 41,70,

—	Limnos-Hios: EUR 41,70,

—	Limnos-Samos: EUR 41,70,

—	Mitilini-Hios: EUR 33,50,

—	Mitilini-Samos: EUR 41,70,

—	Mitilini-Rhodes: EUR 58,50,

—	Hios-Samos: EUR 33,50,

—	Hios-Rhodes: EUR 46,

—	Samos-Rhodes: EUR 41,70,

—	Rhodes-Kasos: EUR 39,60,

—	Rhodes-Karpathos: EUR 33,50,

—	Rhodes-Sitia: EUR 48,

—	Karpathos-Sitia: EUR 48,

—	Kasos-Sitia: EUR 42,80,

—	Karpathos-Kasos: EUR 27,

—	Alexandroupoli-Sitia: EUR 79,50,

—	Aktio-Sitia: EUR 79,50.

C. Continuity of service

The number of flights cancelled for reasons for which the carrier is responsible may not exceed 2 % of the total annual number of flights, except in cases of force majeure.

D. Because of the special nature of the air routes concerned, air carriers must be able to demonstrate that cabin crew serving passengers on the above routes speak and understand Greek.

3. Useful information

Operation of flights on these routes by a Community carrier who does not fulfil the public service obligations imposed may result in the imposition of administrative or other sanctions.

As regards timetables, arrivals and departures of aircraft must be planned within the operating times of airports as determined by decision of the Minister for Transport and Communications.

It should be noted that if no air carrier has declared by to the Civil Aviation Department, Directorate for Air Operations by 31 January 2009 an intention to operate scheduled services from 1 March 2009 on one or more of the abovementioned routes without financial compensation, Greece has decided, under the procedure set out in Article 4(1)(d) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92, to limit access to each or several of the abovementioned routes to only one carrier for three years and to grant the right to operate those services from 1 March 2009 following an invitation to tender.

These public service obligations replace those published in the Official Journal of the European Communities C 239 of 25.8.2001, Official Journal of the European Communities C 280 of 4.10.2001 and Official Journal of the European Communities C 164 of 10.7.2002 and in the Official Journal of the European Union C 312 of 17.12.2004 and Official Journal of the European Union C 177 of 29.7.2006 concerning the above routes.

1.10.2008

Official Journal of the European Union

C 249/17

CALL FOR PROPOSALS — EACEA/22/08

Support for the transnational distribution of European films

Networking of European distributors — System of ‘selective’ support

(2008/C 249/08)

1. Objectives and description

This call for proposals is based on the decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a single pluriannual programme for Community actions in the audiovisual field for the period 2007-2013 (MEDIA 2007).

The objectives of the MEDIA 2007 programme for the distribution sector are as follows:

(a)	strengthening European distribution by encouraging distributors to invest in the co-production, acquisition and promotion of non-national European films and to set up coordinated marketing strategies; and

(b)	to promote broader transnational dissemination of European films, particularly by encouraging distributors to invest in the suitable promotion and distribution of non-national European films.

2. Eligible applicants

This notice is aimed at European companies specialising in the international distribution of European cinema films.

Applicants must be based in one of the following countries:

—	the 27 countries of the European Union,

—	the EFTA and EEA countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway,

—	the candidate countries: Croatia,

—	Switzerland.

3. Eligible actions

This call for proposals is aimed at European companies whose activities contribute to the circulation of European cinema films, in particular cinema distribution companies.

The duration of the project and the period of eligibility of the costs may not exceed 16 months. The release of the film in cinemas within the territories in question must take place no earlier than the final date for the submission of proposals and no later than 18 months after the final date for submission on which the initial grouping of supported distributors submitted its application for support.

4. Award Criteria

Support shall be granted for the distribution of films with a maximum production budget of EUR 15 million to groupings of at least five distributors in the case of films for which the budget is under EUR 3 million and at least seven distributors in the case of films for which the budget is between EUR 3 million and EUR 15 million.

The award criteria for support shall be as follows: film origin and genre, number of eligible distributors, and first or second work by the director.

Particular attention shall be paid to the development of potential in countries where there is weak production capacity and/or a linguistic/geographical area having a limited coverage.

5. Budget

The maximum budget available under this call for proposals is EUR 12 250 000, subject to the availability of funds for the 2009 financial year.

The financial aid may not exceed 50 % of the total eligible costs.

The Agency reserves the right not to allocate all the available funds.

6. Submission deadline

The deadline for sending applications is 1 December 2008, 1 April 2009 and 1 July 2009. Applications must be sent to the following address:

Agence Exécutive «Éducation, Audiovisuel et Culture»

Programme MEDIA

Appel de propositions EACEA/22/08

Att. M. Constantin Daskalakis

BOUR 03/30

Avenue du Bourget 1

B-1040 Bruxelles

Only applications presented on the appropriate form, duly completed, dated, and signed by the person authorised to enter into legally binding commitments on behalf of the applicant body will be accepted.

Applications sent by fax or e-mail will not be accepted.

7. Full information

The full text of the call for proposals and the application forms can be found at the following address: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/media. Applications must comply with the provisions of the full text and be submitted using the form provided and contain all the annexes and information requested.

		ISSN 1725-2423
Official Journal of the European Union		C 249

English edition	Information and Notices	Volume 51 1 October 2008

Notice No	Contents	page
	II Information
	INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES
	Commission
2008/C 249/01	Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty — Cases where the Commission raises no objections ( 1 )	1

	IV Notices
	NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES
	Council
2008/C 249/02	Council Decision of 25 September 2008 appointing and replacing members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training	4

	Commission
2008/C 249/03	Euro exchange rates	5

2008/C 249/04	Commission notice on current State aid recovery interest rates and reference/discount rates for 27 Member States applicable as from 1 October 2008(Published in accordance with Article 10 of Commission Regulation (EC) 794/2004 (OJ L 140, 30.4.2004, p. 1))	6

	NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES
2008/C 249/05	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 Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001	7

2008/C 249/06	Extension and amendment of public service obligations imposed in respect of nine scheduled air services on routes within Greece in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 ( 1 )	11

2008/C 249/07	Extension and amendment of public service obligations imposed in respect of ten scheduled air services on routes within Greece in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 ( 1 )	14

	V Announcements
	ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
	Commission
2008/C 249/08	Call for proposals — EACEA/22/08 — Support for the transnational distribution of European films — Networking of European distributors — System of selective support	17

REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYEES' ORGANISATIONS
SWEDEN	Ms Ulrika HEKTOR