ISSN 1725-2423 Official Journal C 161 of the European Union

Volume 51

English edition Information and Notices 25 June 2008

Notice No Contents Page

II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2008/C 161/01 Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5032 — Roxel/Protac) (1) ...... 1

2008/C 161/02 Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5094 — Nokia/Trolltech) (1) ...... 1

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Council

2008/C 161/03 Notification by Romania concerning visa reciprocity ...... 2

2008/C 161/04 Notification by Romania concerning visa reciprocity ...... 3

Commission

2008/C 161/05 Euro exchange rates ...... 4

2008/C 161/06 Final report of the Hearing Officer in Case COMP/M.4781 — Norddeutsche Affinerie/Cumerio (Pursuant to Articles 15 and 16 of Commission Decision 2001/462/EC, ECSC of 23 May 2001 on the terms of reference of Hearing Officers in certain competition proceedings — OJ L 162, 19.6.2001, p. 21) ...... 5

EN (1) Text with EEA relevance (Continued overleaf) 1 Notice No Contents (continued) Page

2008/C 161/07 Opinion of the Advisory Committee on Mergers given at its meeting of 9 January 2008 regarding a draft decision relating to Case COMP/M.4781 — Norddeutsche Affinerie/Cumerio — Rapporteur: Czech Republic ...... 6

2008/C 161/08 Summary of Commission Decision of 23 January 2008 declaring a concentration compatible with the common market and the functioning of the EEA Agreement (Case COMP/M.4781 — Norddeutsche Affinerie/Cumerio) (1) ...... 7

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2008/C 161/09 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 ...... 13

V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Court of Justice

2008/C 161/10 Call for applications — Director-General (Grades AD15-AD16) of the Library, Research and Documentation at the Court of Justice of the European Communities ...... 16

European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

2008/C 161/11 Notice of open competition EPSO/AST/66/08 ...... 18

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

2008/C 161/12 State aid — France — State aid C 24/08 (ex NN 38/07) — Fund for the prevention of risks to fishing: fiscal measures — Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty (1) 19

EN (1) Text with EEA relevance 25.6.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 161/1

II

(Information)

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

COMMISSION

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5032 — Roxel/Protac) (Text with EEA relevance) (2008/C 161/01)

On 21 April 2008, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available: — from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, — in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32008M5032. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5094 — Nokia/Trolltech) (Text with EEA relevance) (2008/C 161/02)

On 4 June 2008, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available: — from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, — in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32008M5094. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu). C 161/2EN Official Journal of the European Union 25.6.2008

IV

(Notices)

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

COUNCIL

Notification by Romania concerning visa reciprocity (1)

(2008/C 161/03)

Brussels, 22 April 2008 Ref. No 3668 The Permanent Representation of Romania to the European Union presents its compliments to the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union and, further to the Permanent Representation's Verbal Note No 1629 of 21 February 2007 and on the basis of Article 2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 851/2005 of 2 June 2005 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 as regards the recipro- city mechanism, has the honour to communicate that, following the decision of the Government of Brunei Darussalam concerning the abolition of the visa obligation, as of 1 February 2008, Romanian citizens are exempt from the visa obligation for a stay of up to 30 days. A similar notification has been sent to the European Commission. The Permanent Representation of Romania takes this opportunity to once again assure the Council of the European Union of its highest consideration.

(1) This notification is published in conformity with Article 2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 851/2005 of 2 June 2005 (OJ L 141, 4.6.2005, p. 3) amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 (OJ L 81, 21.3.2001, p. 1). 25.6.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 161/3

Notification by Romania concerning visa reciprocity (1)

(2008/C 161/04)

Brussels, 9 May 2008 Ref. No 4185 The Permanent Representation of Romania to the European Union presents its compliments to the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union and, further to the Permanent Representation's Verbal Note No 1629 of 21 February 2007 and on the basis of Article 2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 851/2005 of 2 June 2005 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 as regards the recipro- city mechanism, has the honour to communicate that, as of 19 March 2008, the Republic of Singapore has decided to extend the length of stay without visa for Romanian citizens travelling to that State from 30 to 90 days. On arrival in the Republic of Singapore, Romanian citizens will be permitted to enter the territory of that State without a visa for a period of 30 days, which may subsequently be extended by the immigra- tion authorities of the Republic of Singapore to up to 90 days. A similar notification has been sent to the European Commission. The Permanent Representation of Romania takes this opportunity to once again assure the General Secre- tariat of the Council of the European Union of its highest consideration.

(1) This notification is published in conformity with Article 2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 851/2005 of 2 June 2005 (OJ L 141, 4.6.2005, p. 3) amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 (OJ L 81, 21.3.2001, p. 1). C 161/4EN Official Journal of the European Union 25.6.2008

COMMISSION

Euro exchange rates (1) 24 June 2008

(2008/C 161/05)

1 euro =

Currency Exchange rate Currency Exchange rate

USD US dollar 1,5568 TRY Turkish lira 1,9173 JPY Japanese yen 168,00 AUD Australian dollar 1,6326 DKK Danish krone 7,4589 CAD Canadian dollar 1,5823 GBP Pound sterling 0,79095 HKD Hong Kong dollar 12,1544 SEK Swedish krona 9,4026 NZD New Zealand dollar 2,0576 CHF Swiss franc 1,6185 SGD Singapore dollar 2,1305 ISK Iceland króna 131,35 KRW South Korean won 1 609,73 NOK Norwegian krone 7,9745 ZAR South African rand 12,5556 BGN Bulgarian lev 1,9558 CNY Chinese yuan renminbi 10,6951 CZK Czech koruna 24,075 HRK Croatian kuna 7,2473 EEK Estonian kroon 15,6466 IDR Indonesian rupiah 14 420,64 HUF Hungarian forint 239,16 MYR Malaysian ringgit 5,0666 LTL Lithuanian litas 3,4528 PHP Philippine peso 69,200 LVL Latvian lats 0,7025 RUB Russian rouble 36,7520 PLN Polish zloty 3,3663 THB Thai baht 52,200 RON Romanian leu 3,6793 BRL Brazilian real 2,5089 SKK Slovak koruna 30,344 MXN Mexican peso 16,1096

(1) Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB. 25.6.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 161/5

Final report of the Hearing Officer in Case COMP/M.4781 — Norddeutsche Affinerie/Cumerio (Pursuant to Articles 15 and 16 of Commission Decision 2001/462/EC, ECSC of 23 May 2001 on the terms of reference of Hearing Officers in certain competition proceedings — OJ L 162, 19.6.2001, p. 21)

(2008/C 161/06)

On 30 July 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (‘EC Merger Regulation’) by which the undertaking Norddeutsche Affinerie AG (‘NA’, Germany) would acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the EC Merger Regu- lation control of the whole of the undertaking Cumerio SA (‘Cumerio’, Belgium) by way of a public bid announced on 27 June 2007. After a preliminary examination of the notification, the Commission concluded that the proposed transac- tion consists of the acquisition of sole control over Cumerio by NA via a public takeover offer for all outstanding shares, options and warrants and therefore constituted a concentration within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the EC Merger Regulation. In order for the Commission to be able to dismiss any possible serious doubts in Phase I, the parties submitted a remedy proposal on 28 August 2007. The Commission concluded that, after examination of the notification and market testing of the remedy proposal and based on the information available in Phase I, its doubts could not be dismissed and decided on 18 September 2007 to initiate proceedings pursuant to Article 6(1)(c) of the EC Merger Regulation. NA did not request to be given access to key documents in the file in accordance with the Best Practices rules for merger cases. Following an in-depth market investigation, the Commission services concluded that the proposed transac- tion would not significantly impede effective competition in the common market or a substantial part thereof and was therefore compatible with the common market and the EEA Agreement. Accordingly, no Statement of Objections was sent to the notifying party. No queries or submissions have been made to me by the parties or any third party. The case does not call for any particular comments as regards the right to be heard.

Brussels, 8 January 2008.

Karen WILLIAMS C 161/6EN Official Journal of the European Union 25.6.2008

Opinion of the Advisory Committee on Mergers given at its meeting of 9 January 2008 regarding a draft decision relating to Case COMP/M.4781 — Norddeutsche Affinerie/Cumerio Rapporteur: Czech Republic

(2008/C 161/07)

1. The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the notified operation constitutes a concen- tration within the meaning of the Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. 2. The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission's definitions of the relevant markets of: (a) the world-wide market for copper scrap; (b) the world-wide market for copper cathodes; (c) the EEA-wide market for copper rod; (d) the EEA-wide market for copper shapes, whereby a further possible sub-segmentation into oxygen- free copper shapes and other copper shapes can be left open in the present case. 3. The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the definitions of the relevant product markets for the various semi-finished copper products and their geographic scopes can be left open in the present case. 4. The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the proposed concentration does not lead to non-coordinated effects in the world-wide market for copper scrap, as a result of which effective compe- tition would be significantly impeded in the Common Market or in a substantial part of it. 5. The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the proposed concentration does not lead to non-coordinated effects in the EEA-wide market for copper rod, as a result of which effective competi- tion would be significantly impeded in the Common Market or in a substantial part of it. 6. The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the proposed concentration does not lead to non-coordinated effects in the EEA-wide market for copper shapes, as a result of which effective compe- tition would be significantly impeded in the Common Market or in a substantial part of it. One Member State disagrees. 7. The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the proposed concentration does not lead to vertical effects on the markets downstream of copper cathodes, as a result of which effective competi- tion would be significantly impeded in the Common Market or in a substantial part of it. 8. The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the proposed concentration does not lead to vertical effects on the markets downstream of copper shapes, as a result of which effective competition would be significantly impeded in the Common Market or in a substantial part of it. One Member State disagrees. 9. The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the proposed concentration does not lead to coordinated effects on the EEA-wide market for copper shapes, as a result of which effective competi- tion would be significantly impeded in the Common Market or in a substantial part of it. One Member State disagrees. Another Member State abstains. 10. The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the proposed concentration should be declared compatible with the Common Market and with the EEA Agreement. One Member State disagrees. Another Member State abstains. 25.6.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 161/7

Summary of Commission Decision of 23 January 2008 declaring a concentration compatible with the common market and the functioning of the EEA Agreement (Case COMP/M.4781 — Norddeutsche Affinerie/Cumerio) (Only the English version is authentic) (Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 161/08)

On 23 January 2008, the Commission adopted a Decision in a merger case under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 of 20 January 2004 on the control of concentrations between undertakings (1), and in particular Article 8(1) of that Regulation. A non-confidential version of the full Decision can be found in the authentic language of the case and in the working languages of the Commission on the website of the Directorate-General for Competition, at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/index_en.html

I. SUMMARY the production of copper cathodes (Olen, Pirdop), of copper rod (Olen, Avellino) and of copper shapes (both cakes and billets in Olen), and further downstream of the 1. On 30 July 2007, the Commission received a notification copper rod production, to a lesser extent, of copper wires of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Regu- (Avellino) and profiles (Yverdon-les-Bains). Unlike NA, lation (EC) No 139/2004 (‘EC Merger Regulation’) by which further downstream of the shapes and pre-rolled strips the undertaking Norddeutsche Affinerie (‘NA’, Germany) production, Cumerio is not active in the production of acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the EC semi-finished copper products. Merger Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Cumerio SA (‘Cumerio’, Belgium) by way of a public bid announced on 27 June 2007. 4. The Austrian holding A-TEC Industries AG (‘A-TEC’), an international industrial group with operations in drive systems, plant engineering, machine tools and metallurgy, 2. NA is a German public limited company with production has a share of 13,75 % in NA and a share of 25 % plus facilities in Hamburg, Emmerich and Lünen (Germany). NA 1 share in Cumerio. A-TEC holds 100 % of the shares in produces copper cathodes (in Hamburg and Lünen). These Montanwerke Brixlegg AG (‘Brixlegg’) which is the main copper cathodes are then processed into copper rod competitor of NA and Cumerio for copper shapes. (Hamburg and Emmerich) and copper shapes (both cakes and billets in Hamburg). Downstream of the shapes produc- tion, through its subsidiary Prymetall GmbH & Co. KG 5. The proposed transaction consists of the acquisition of sole ‘ ’ ( Prymetall ) in Stolberg (Germany), NA is also active in the control over Cumerio by NA via a public takeover offer for production and sale of semi-finished copper products. all outstanding shares, options and warrants. Downstream of the copper rod production Prymetall produces shaped wires. Moreover, NA holds (indirectly, through Prymetall) 50 % in Schwermetall Halbzeugwerk GmbH & Co. KG (‘Schwermetall’, Germany), which 6. In order for the Commission to be able to dismiss any produces copper shapes and pre-rolled strips. The other possible serious doubts in Phase I, the parties submitted on partner in the JV Schwermetall is Wieland Werke AG 28 August 2007 a remedy proposal offering for sale the (‘Wieland’, Germany), itself a producer of copper shapes entire copper shapes business line of Cumerio. (only for own internal processing), as well as a producer of semi-finished copper products and final copper products. Both Wieland and Prymetall purchase copper shapes and 7. The market test of the remedy proposal was fairly negative. pre-rolled strips from Schwermetall. Finally, NA holds a The Commission concluded, given the information available 60 % share in Deutsche Giessdraht GmbH (‘Deutsche in Phase I, that the doubts as to potential unilateral effects Giessdraht’, Germany), a producer of copper rod jointly in the market(s) for copper shapes could not be dismissed. controlled with Corporacion Nacional del Cobre de Chile The Commission therefore decided on 18 September 2007 (‘Codelco’, Chile), which holds the remaining 40 %. to open a Phase II investigation.

3. Cumerio is a Belgian public limited company with produc- 8. The market investigation in Phase II revealed that the posi- tion facilities in Olen (Belgium), Pirdop (Bulgaria), Avellino tion of the new entity on the EEA merchant market for (Italy) and, through its subsidiary Swiss Advanced Materials copper shapes will remain under the competitive pressure AG, in Yverdon-les-Bains (Switzerland). Cumerio is active in of both in-house producers of copper shapes and purcha- sers of copper shapes that may integrate upstream. Further- (1) OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1. more, on the basis of the characteristics of the market for C 161/8EN Official Journal of the European Union 25.6.2008

copper shapes, its structure, the constraints exercised by the 15. The parties' activities overlap in the production of copper overcapacity and the competitive pressure exercised by the scrap, copper cathodes, by-products stemming from copper downstream markets of semi-finished copper products, it is smelting and electrolysis, copper rod, copper shapes. concluded that the transaction does not threaten to signifi- Although Cumerio is not active as a producer of down- cantly impede effective competition on the market for stream copper products made out of copper shapes, these copper shapes in the EEA. In view of this, the new entity markets will be analysed with respect to both unilateral and will not have the ability to undertake any successful strategy vertical effects on the market for copper shapes. of input foreclosure on the downstream markets for semi- finished copper products. 2. Copper scrap 9. Therefore, a clearance decision pursuant to Article 8(1) of the Merger Regulation is proposed for adoption. Product market definition

16. The Commission has in previous decisions indicated that there is a distinct product market for copper scrap. The II. EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM existence of a distinct product market for copper scrap has been confirmed by the market investigation.

A. THE RELEVANT PRODUCT MARKETS 17. It has been claimed by one respondent to the market inves- tigation that the refining of copper scrap under a so-called tolling arrangement might constitute a product market 10. The sector of activity affected by the proposed transaction which is distinct from the market of copper scrap. is the copper industry.

18. The market investigation has shown that not only copper shapes producers, but all copper refiners, within and outside the EEA, use copper scrap as an input. There is 1. Copper industry significant trade in copper scrap. The market investigation confirmed that scrap tolling is one among several ways to dispose of copper scrap in a profitable way. The Commis- 11. Copper is a natural product that is gained from copper ore. sion therefore concludes that from a demand-side perspec- After extraction from the copper mine, copper ore is tive scrap tolling is substitutable with selling scrap to refi- enriched in processing facilities into copper concentrate. ners and possibly scrap traders. Both copper concentrate and copper scrap are used to produce copper cathodes. To comply with the London Metal Exchange (LME) standard of ‘grade A’ copper cath- odes, the most widely used standard in international trade, Geographic market definition the cathodes must have a copper content of at least 99,9935 % and a defined maximum level of the various impurities such as silver, lead, phosphorous and others 19. The market investigation has confirmed that suppliers and which make up the remaining 0,0065 % or less. Non-LME traders of copper scrap offer their scrap on a world-wide certified cathodes are called off-grade. The LME is the basis, and that many EEA-based buyers of scrap also world's leading trading market for copper. The ‘LME price’ purchase from sources outside the EEA. is thus considered as the ‘world copper price’.

3. Copper cathodes 12. Copper cathodes, are the main inputs to produce both copper rod and copper shapes. Product market definition

13. Copper rod is a thin, long, round piece of copper, mostly produced in diameters of 8 mm. Copper rod is the main 20. As the present transaction does not raise any competition feedstock for power cables, installation cables and commu- concerns on the product market for cathodes, the question nication cables and wires. Copper rod can also be further whether LME-grade and off-grade cathodes constitute a processed into for example drawn and shaped wires, single product market or are rather to be distinguished, can, profiles and nuggets. in line with previous Commission decisions, be left open.

14. There are two different kinds of copper shapes: billets and Geographic market definition cakes. Billets are copper shapes with a circular section, with a diameter varying from 100-800 mm and a length of around 600 mm. Cakes are copper shapes with a rectan- 21. With respect to the geographic market definition, the gular section and weight up to 25 ton per cake. Copper respondents to the Commission's market investigation in billets are further transformed into tubes, bars and profiles, the present transaction confirmed, in line with previous whereas copper cakes are the feedstock for pre-rolled strips Commission decisions, that copper cathodes are traded and other rolled copper materials. world-wide. 25.6.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 161/9

4. Copper rod suppliers can easily switch from the production of billets to the production of cakes and vice versa within a short period of time and without any significant investment. The same Product market definition has been stated on the possibility of switching the produc- tion between the various copper qualities of the shapes. 22. The production of copper rod can be achieved by two different processes: (i) by continuous casting and rolling; or (ii) by direct casting. While copper rod is being produced in 30. Although it may not be possible for every copper various diameters ranging from 8 to 25 mm, 95 % of the producer/processor to switch easily between the production overall European copper rod production relate to only one of cakes and billets on the same production line, the diameter, i.e. 8 mm, which serves as a standard product. market investigation has confirmed that from the point of view of supply-side substitutability, billets and cakes are interchangeable. 23. The notifying party considers that the market for the production and supply of copper rod constitutes a single relevant product market and that no distinction between 31. With respect to the various copper qualities, the market the two production processes or between the various investigation has shown that these can in general be diameters is necessary. This is in line with previous produced on the same production lines, with none or only Commission decisions. minor additional costs. It has been confirmed that from the supply-side substitutability point of view, shapes of different 24. The market investigation shows that the substitutability copper qualities do not constitute distinct product markets, between copper rod (i) by continuous casting and rolling or with the possible exception of OF-Cu shapes. (ii) by direct casting from a demand-side perspective is mainly one-sided. 32. However, since Cumerio does not produce OF-Cu shapes, it can be left open whether OF-Cu shapes constitute a distinct 25. With regard to a potential further subdivision according to relevant product market, as it does not affect the competi- the different diameters of copper rod ranging from 8 to tive assessment of the transaction. 25 mm the market investigation has shown that the different diameters are being used for different applications and most customers purchase copper rod of several different diameters. The market investigation confirmed the high degree of supply-side substitutability. Geographic market definition

Geographic market definition 33. The notifying party submits that the relevant geographic market for shapes is at least EEA-wide. The market investi- gation confirms that transport costs are relatively low 26. In line with previous decisions of the Commission and in compared to the value of copper shapes. More importantly, view of the dispersion of suppliers of copper rod in Europe, the market investigation confirmed that the EEA-based the market investigation has shown that there are overlap- suppliers of the merchant market for copper shapes sell all ping geographical circles around production sites which over the EEA and to some extent outside the EEA, in Asia influence each other's competitive situation. Therefore, the and North-America. geographic market is to be defined as EEA-wide.

5. Copper shapes 6. Markets downstream of copper shapes

Product market definition Product and geographic market definition

27. Copper shapes are copper products cast in a semi-contin- uous or a continuous process into billets or cakes 34. Copper shapes are further processed into semi-finished Depending on the copper content and the content of impu- copper products. The market investigation confirms that rities, the notifying party distinguish copper shapes of there are different applications for copper products down- different qualities such as e.g. oxygen-free (OF-Cu), special- stream of shapes, the most important of which are electrical electrolytic (SE-Cu), electrolytic (E-Cu) and phosphorus- engineering and the electronic industry; the construction bearing (Ph-bearing Cu). industry; telecommunications; automotive industry; machine construction. 28. With respect to demand-side substitutability between billets and cakes, the market investigation indicated that billets and cakes are not interchangeable, and constitute distinct 35. In view of the fact that Cumerio is not active in the produc- product markets from their point of view. tion of downstream semi-finished copper products, it is not necessary for the assessment to precisely define the bound- aries between the different markets for the various semi- 29. With respect to the supply-side substitutability of copper finished copper products, and to decide their exact shapes, the notifying party has submitted that shape geographic extension, either EEA or worldwide. C 161/10EN Official Journal of the European Union 25.6.2008

B. COMPETITIVE ASSESSMENT EEA as well as the potential expansion of the current production by competitors will continue to act as a compe- titive constraint and limit the ability and incentive for the 1. Unilateral effects new entity to raise prices after the transaction.

Non-coordinated effects on the market for copper scrap

Non-coordinated effects on the market for copper shapes 36. During the market investigation, a few customers have expressed concerns that the transaction might lead to the creation of buyer power, whereby the new entity could seek to take advantage of its position as one of the reduced 43. The main characteristic of the consumption of copper number of buyers of copper scrap to lower the price shapes in the EEA is the high proportion of in-house thereof. consumption: in-house consumption of copper shapes is nearly five times higher than merchant sales.

37. As stipulated in the Guidelines on the assessment of horizontal mergers under the Council Regulation on the control of concentra- 44. On the merchant market, the parties are the main supplier tions between undertakings (‘Horizontal Merger Guidelines’), of copper shapes in the EEA. The combined market share increased buyer power, if established, is not in itself suffi- of the parties on the merchant market for copper shapes in cient to conclude that competition may be significantly the EEA is around [50-60] %. In a market for copper impeded. shapes excluding OF-Cu qualities, the combined market share of the parties in the EEA would be around [50-60] %. Montanwerke Brixlegg, which belongs to A-TEC, is the 38. It appears to be very unlikely that significant buyer power main competitor with a market share of around [20-30] %. would be created through the transaction. The aggregate share of demand for copper scrap of the new entity would be around [10-15] %. The new entity will face competitive 45. Overall, the market investigation has shown that the pressure from many rivals, and will not be in a position to production and use of copper shapes in the EEA, either in- enter into anti-competitive behaviour on this market. house or through the merchant market, is driven by dynamics situated both upstream and downstream of the 39. In view of the above, it can be concluded that the proposed copper shapes production. transaction will not lead to unilateral effects as a result of which effective competition will be significantly impeded in the world-wide market for copper scrap. 46. First, the copper price affects the whole value chain of the copper industry since it represents around 95 % of the value (in-house consumption) or sales price (purchases on the merchant market) of copper shapes. Only less than 5 % Non-coordinated effects on the market for copper rod of the value or sales price of copper shapes constitute the value added by the producers of copper shapes (the ‘trans- formation fee’). 40. Following the transaction the new entity would become the largest supplier of copper rod in the EEA. While [80-90] % of the production were sold to third parties, the rest of this 47. Secondly, the competitive dynamics are strongly influenced volume was used by copper rod suppliers internally for by the different degrees of vertical integration of the their own production of wires, cables and profiles. On the various actors and/or their location in the value chain. As merchant market for copper rod, the new entity would the largest customers of the notifying party on the have a combined market share of around [30-40] %. In merchant market for copper shapes have at the same time relation to the total production of copper rod, including an important in-house production of their own, they limit production which is used internally, the new entity's their dependence on the notifying party. Other important combined market share would be around [20-30] %. in-house producers of copper shapes use their entire copper shapes production to produce semi-finished copper products. 41. Although some respondents to the market investigation who purchase copper rod raised concerns that the increased market share of the combined entity might lead to higher prices and less choice, such concerns can be dispelled. First, 48. The Commission has investigated to what extent an increase the new entity will face a number of major competitors of prices on the EEA merchant market for copper shapes active all over the EEA. Secondly, most customers source could be sustainable. The market investigation has copper rod from two to three different suppliers and confirmed that the availability of a considerable amount of consider several other suppliers as an alternative option. spare capacity for the production of shapes will continue to Thirdly, most suppliers of copper rod have spare capacity exert a competitive constraint on the new entity and and could increase sales on the merchant market or expand prevent it from increasing prices of copper shapes. their overall production in case of a price increase for copper rod. 49. In addition, should prices on the merchant market for copper shapes increase, there is a possibility that non-inte- 42. The existence of other strong competitors together with the grated users of copper shapes would integrate upstream and current situation of overcapacity for copper rod within the thus become active as producers of copper shapes. 25.6.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 161/11

50. Furthermore, the market investigation confirmed that the 56. As a consequence, the transaction does not threaten to downstream markets for semi-finished copper products significantly impede effective competition on the markets exercise competitive pressure on the upstream market for for semi-finished copper products. copper shapes. This is the case first because there are more sellers (participants in the merchant market) on the down- stream markets for semi-finished copper products than on the upstream market for shapes; secondly because the inte- grated sellers have excess capacity, as the new entity would 3. Coordinated effects have; thirdly because the sellers on the downstream markets for semi-finished copper products face competition from non-copper products; and fourthly because they face strong 57. The Commission has further investigated whether the fact competition from rivals outside Europe for the semi- that A-TEC, the main competitor of the parties on the EEA finished copper products that serve for electric and elec- market for copper shapes, who is also an important tronic applications. minority shareholder in both NA and Cumerio, could give rise to coordinated effects on this market. The new entity and A-TEC's subsidiary Brixlegg would have a combined 51. On the basis of the characteristics of the market for copper market share of around [70-80] % on the EEA-wide shapes, its structure, the constraints exercised by the overca- merchant market for copper shapes. When excluding pacity and the competitive pressure exercised by the down- OF-Cu shapes, the new entity and Brixlegg would have a stream markets of semi-finished copper products, it is combined market share of around [70-80] %. concluded that the transaction does not threaten to signifi- cantly impede effective competition on the market for copper shapes in the EEA. 58. The Commission currently has no indications that A-TEC and the new entity have the intention to coordinate their market behaviour on the market for copper shapes.

2. Vertical effects 59. For coordination to be sustainable, three conditions as set out in the Airtours judgment and incorporated in the Hori- zontal Merger Guidelines would have to be fulfilled. 52. It has been submitted to the Commission that the new entity would have the ability and the incentive to follow a foreclosure strategy on the markets for semi-finished 60. First, only the credible threat of timely and sufficient retalia- copper products produced on the basis of its position on tion keeps companies away from deviating from terms of the market for copper shapes. These concerns pointed to a coordination. This requires in general that markets are suffi- possible discrimination in favour of the new entity's subsi- ciently transparent to allow coordinating companies to diaries (i.e. Schwermetall and Prymetall) who are present on monitor to a sufficient degree whether companies are the downstream markets for semi-finished copper products. deviating. The result of the market investigation with regard to the transparency of price conditions in this market is mixed. Should the new entity and A-TEC try to coordinate their competitive behaviour, it can indeed not be fully 53. As stipulated in the Non-Horizontal Merger Guidelines, excluded that A-TEC's position as a minority shareholder non-horizontal mergers ‘pose no threat to effective competition might provide A-TEC with access to information on NA unless the merged entity has a significant degree of market power which it would not have if such a shareholder relationship (which does not necessarily amount to dominance) in at least one did not exist. of the markets concerned’.

61. Secondly, coordination is not sustainable unless the conse- 54. As demonstrated above, the position of the new entity on quences of deviation are sufficiently severe to convince the EEA merchant market for copper shapes will remain coordinating companies that it is in their best interest to under the competitive pressure of both in-house producers adhere to the terms of the coordination. In case of detected of copper shapes and purchasers of copper shapes that may deviations of a potential coordination by the new entity or integrate upstream. In view of this, the new entity will not A-TEC, their ability and means of retaliation would seem to have the ability to undertake any successful strategy of be quite different in view of their different capacity and input foreclosure on the downstream markets for semi- market position. The fact that the new entity will have finished copper products. more spare capacity and a market share almost three times as high as A-TEC is likely to give the new entity a higher ability to retaliate than A-TEC. At the same time, the minority shareholding might provide A-TEC with the possi- 55. Furthermore, even if the new entity decided to implement bility to take advantage of its shareholding to retaliate by such a strategy, and some purchasers of copper shapes face, either using information it would not have as a simple as a result, transitional difficulties in sourcing the copper competitor or by opposing the new entity's business policy shapes they need as an input, the markets for semi-finished as a major shareholder. In view of this it cannot be copper products are, as demonstrated above, competitive excluded that the A-TEC and the new entity might consider and at least EEA-wide. Consequently, any concern of a each other as able to react to deviations of a potential reduction of consumer welfare can be dispelled. agreement. C 161/12EN Official Journal of the European Union 25.6.2008

62. Thirdly, for coordination to be successful, the actions of 64. As a consequence, it can be concluded that the proposed non-coordinating companies and potential competitors, as transaction will not lead to coordinated effects as a result of well as customers, should not be able to jeopardise the which effective competition would be significantly impeded outcome expected from coordination. If coordination were on the EEA-wide market for copper shapes. aimed at reducing overall capacity for copper shapes in the market, this would only hurt consumers if non-coordi- nating companies are unable or have no incentive to III. CONCLUSION respond to this decrease by increasing their own capacity sufficiently to prevent a net decrease in capacity, or at least 65. For the reasons mentioned above, the decision concludes to render the coordinated capacity decrease unprofitable. that the proposed concentration will not significantly impede effective competition in the Common Market or in 63. Even if the new entity together with A-TEC managed to a substantial part of it. implement a coordination strategy which would not be fully jeopardised by competitors, the competitive conditions 66. Consequently the concentration should be declared compa- on the downstream markets for copper products would tible with the Common Market and the functioning of the prevent these attempts from having any anti-competitive EEA Agreement, in accordance with Article 2(2) and effects on the downstream markets by raising prices for Article 8(1) of the EC Merger Regulation and Article 57 of copper products to consumers. the EEA Agreement. 25.6.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 161/13

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

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 161/09)

Aid No: XA 120/08 No 19/1995 of 4 July 1995 on the modernisation of agri- cultural holdings and Law No 45/2007 of 13 December Member State: Spain 2007 on the sustainable development of rural areas and, where amended, in accordance with the definitions in any Region: Castilla y León further national and/or Autonomous Community legislation.

Title of aid scheme: Ayudas a los agricultores profesionales, a 2. Aid for joint investments: 50 % of the investment approved las explotaciones asociativas prioritarias, y a las cooperativas for subsidised investments in mountain areas and 40 % for agrarias para la adquisición de maquinaria y equipos destinados less-favoured areas. a la prestación de servicios a terceros en la actividad agraria; Ayudas a las inversiones colectivas The total volume of the investments approved for all benefi- ciaries of the joint investment may not exceed the following Legal basis: limits: Orden de la Consejería de Agricultura y Ganadería, por la que se (a) EUR 300 000 per approved investment; establecen las bases reguladoras de la concesión de las subven- ciones destinadas a la mejora de las estructuras de producción y (b) EUR 1 500 per hectare of pasture or mountain pasture modernización de las explotaciones agrarias. improved or equipped;

Orden de la Consejería de Agricultura y Ganadería, por la que se (c) EUR 15 000 per hectare irrigated or with improved irri- convocan ayudas, cofinanciadas por el Fondo Europeo Agrícola gation de Desarrollo Rural (FEADER), para la mejora de las estructuras de producción de las explotaciones agrarias en aplicación del Date of implementation: The aid scheme will be implemented Reglamento (CE) no 1698/2005 del Consejo y ayudas finan- from 2008 ciadas por la Comunidad Autónoma de Castilla y León, para la realización de otras inversiones en las explotaciones agrarias. Duration of scheme or individual aid award: The scheme may remain in force until 31.12.2013 The information set out in this form refers exclusively to aid provided for in Chapter III Objective of aid:

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall Global objective: To improve the structures and the diversifica- amount of individual aid granted to the company: The tion of the rural economy by means of incentives to invest in subsidy planned for the two Chapter III aid schemes in 2008 is agricultural holdings in Castile-Leon with the aim of reducing EUR 4 500 000 production costs.

Maximum aid intensity: The measure is based on Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006, Investment in agricultural holdings. The two Chapter III aid schemes under the first piece of legisla- tion provide for the following maximum aid: Eligible investments:

1. Aid to professional farmers, priority associated holdings and The aid is intended for: to agricultural cooperatives for the purchase of machinery and equipment intended for the provision of services to third — investment in machinery and new equipment, but not for parties in the agriculture industry: 30 % of the amount of the purchase of tractors or other vehicles, the investment, which may not exceed EUR 50 000 in the case of natural persons, or EUR 200 000 in the case of a — in all the less-favoured areas aid is available for investment priority associated holding or an agricultural cooperative. pursuing any of the following objectives:

The definition of the terms ‘agricultural holding’, ‘priority’ — fodder production, including the storage, conservation and ‘professional farmer’ is to be as laid down in Law and distribution of fodder, C 161/14EN Official Journal of the European Union 25.6.2008

— the improvement and equipping of pastures which are Maximum aid intensity: 70 % farmed jointly, Date of implementation: 1.1.2008 — small-scale fodder-production water supply measures compatible with protection of the environment, Duration of the scheme or the individual aid: Aid can be including small-scale irrigation works, and the construc- requested during the period 1 May 2008 up to and including tion or repair of shelters necessary for transhumance, 30 May 2008. The last payments will be made on 31 December provided it is economically justified, 2008 at the latest

— in all the mountain areas aid is also available for investment Objective of aid: In accordance with Article 11(1) of Regu- pursuing any of the following objectives: lation (EC) No 1857/2006, subsidies can be granted to farmers for losses resulting from adverse climatic events which can be — the construction of water points, including catchments assimilated to natural disasters. By means of this amendment of and related works, Regeling LNV-subsidies the Dutch authorities intend to make a — the construction or improvement of access roads to one-off payment to small and medium-sized farms as compen- pastures or mountain pastures, irrespective of their sation for the damage they sustained as a result of extreme frost exploitation regime, in 2005. The amount of the compensation is calculated in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 11(2) of Regu- — The construction or improvement of livestock housing, lation (EC) No 1857/2006. Further details of the calculation together with their corresponding installations and method are provided in part 2 of the explanatory memorandum services, including for livestock on transhumance to the ‘Amendment of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality subsidy scheme and the Decision inviting applica- Sector(s) concerned: Agriculture tions for subsidies from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality 2008’, Government Gazette 38, Friday 22 February Name and address of the granting authority: 2008, page 10 The aid is to be granted by the Dirección General de Industrializa- ción y Modernización Agraria de la Consejería de Agricultura y Gana- Sector(s) concerned: Fruit sector dería, and the Government of Castile-Leon will be responsible for its management Name and address of the granting authority: Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuur en Voedselkwaliteit C/ Rigoberto Cortejoso, 14 Bezuidenhoutseweg 73 E-47014 Valladolid 2500 EK Den Haag Nederland Website: The full text of the aid scheme is available on the website of the Website: Castile-Leon Government at: www.overheid.nl/op/ http://www.jcyl.es/AyudaEstado20072013 Explanation: on the website: Direct links: http://www.overheid.nl/op/ http://www.jcyl.es/jcyl/ayudasestado/basesReguladoraSubv MejoraEstructurasAgrarias.doc under part 2a, the following should be entered under ‘zinsdeel’: ‘Regeling LNV-subsidies’ or ‘Openstellingsbesluit LNV-subsidies’. http://www.jcyl.es/jcyl/ayudasestado/ConvocatoriaAyudAgric The aid Regulation is the first search result. ProfesionExplotAsociativasCoopAgraInversColectiva.doc www.hetlnvloket.nl/portal Other information: Management of the aid will be subject to the Order and must comply with Article 19 of the Regulation Explanation: on the website: as regards cumulation http://www.hetlnvloket.nl/portal

Click on the tab ‘subsidies’. The aid Regulation is shown in the search results Aid No: XA 122/08 Other information: Member State: The Netherlands In accordance with Article 11(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 any insurance payments and costs received as a Region: — result of factors other than the adverse climatic events are Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving indivi- deducted from the losses taken into consideration for the dual aid: Regeling LNV-subsidies granting of aid.

Legal basis: Artikel 2:68 van de Regeling LNV-subsidies, artikel This condition is fulfilled. At the time this frost damage 71a van het Openstellingsbesluit LNV-subsidies 2008 occurred it was not possible to effect frost damage insurance. This insurance was only made available after approval by the Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall European Commission (aid measure N 124/07). Other costs amount of individual aid granted to the company: resulting from adverse climatic conditions are not taken into EUR 5 625 000 consideration in the granting of aid. 25.6.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 161/15

In accordance with Article 11(4) of Regulation (EC) The Dutch authorities have assimilated the extreme frost No 1857/2006, crop damage is calculated at farm level. damage of 2005 with a natural disaster for the fruit sector. Consequently, it was decided to make a one-off compensation This condition is fulfilled. The compensation is dependent on payment for the sector under this aid measure. For further the assessed crop damage per individual farm. documentation refer to Parliamentary Documents II 2005/06, In accordance with Article 11(7) of Regulation (EC) 30 300, No 20. No 1857/2006, the public authorities officially assimilate the Finally, the Dutch authorities confirm that the other conditions adverse climatic circumstances with a natural disaster. of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 are fulfilled C 161/16EN Official Journal of the European Union 25.6.2008

V

(Announcements)

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

COURT OF JUSTICE

Call for applications — Director-General (Grades AD15-AD16) of the Library, Research and Documentation at the Court of Justice of the European Communities

(2008/C 161/10)

The post of Director-General (Grades AD15-AD16) of the Library, Research and Documentation at the Court of Justice of the European Communities in Luxembourg will soon become vacant. This post will be filled by the application of Article 29(2) of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities.

NATURE OF THE DUTIES

Acting under the direct authority of the Registrar, the holder of the post will be responsible for running, co-ordinating and managing the Library, Research and Documentation Directorate-General.

This Directorate-General, which has nearly 100 members of staff, has a large law library under the responsi- bility of a director and a team of researchers and documentalists currently grouped within four units, one of which is responsible for legal information technology. The team assists the Court of Justice, the Court of First Instance and the Civil Service Tribunal in carrying out their judicial function, in particular by compiling studies and notes on comparative, international and Community law, and assists in disseminating case-law on Community law, in particular by means of legal and documentary analysis of the decisions of the Com- munity courts. Those four research and documentation units are shortly to be grouped together within a single directorate under the responsibility of the Director-General.

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

— have completed legal studies attested by a university qualification and have a detailed knowledge of Com- munity law,

— demonstrate that they are able to direct and co-ordinate the work of a large administrative unit,

— have detailed knowledge and professional experience of the sectors dealt with by the Directorate-General. Particular consideration will be given to experience in a role as director and manager of a legal research and documentation body,

— have a thorough knowledge of one official language of the European Communities and a satisfactory knowledge of another official language of the European Communities. In the interests of the service, a good knowledge of French is necessary. 25.6.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 161/17

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS Applications for this post, by e-mail only, must reach the Court of Justice at the e-mail address: [email protected] at the latest by 13.00 on 31 August 2008. Applications must be accom- panied by a detailed curriculum vitae and any other appropriate documents. Luxembourg, 17 June 2008. C 161/18EN Official Journal of the European Union 25.6.2008

EUROPEAN PERSONNEL SELECTION OFFICE (EPSO)

NOTICE OF OPEN COMPETITION EPSO/AST/66/08

(2008/C 161/11)

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is organising open competition EPSO/AST/66/08 for the recruitment of language editors (AST3) having Slovak as their main language. The competition notice is published in Official Journal C 161 A of 25 June 2008 in English, French and German only. Full details are available on the EPSO website: http://europa.eu/epso 25.6.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 161/19

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

COMMISSION

STATE AID — FRANCE State aid C 24/08 (ex NN 38/07) — Fund for the prevention of risks to fishing: fiscal measures Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 161/12)

By letter dated 20 May 2008, reproduced in the authentic language on the pages following this summary, the Commission notified France of its decision to initiate the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty concerning the above aid scheme. Interested parties may submit their comments within one month of the date of publication of this summary and the following letter, to: European Commission Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Directorate F — Legal matters Rue de la Loi 200 B-1049 Brussels Fax (32-2) 295 19 42 These comments will be communicated to France. Confidential treatment of the identity of the interested party submitting the comments may be requested in writing, stating the reasons for the request.

TEXT OF SUMMARY Since these fiscal arrangements constitute a new element of which the Commission was unaware when it opened the formal The Fund for the prevention of risks to fishing was created in investigation procedure, they were not taken into consideration 2004. in the decision on State aid C-9/2006.

It received advances from the French Government with the aim However, for the same reasons set out in that decision, the of, firstly, acting against fluctuations in oil prices by acquiring Commission takes the view that there are serious doubts about and reselling purchase options on the oil futures markets and, the compatibility of this aid with the common market. secondly, providing partial compensation for the high cost of fuel for the vessels of fisheries undertakings that were members of the Fund when the price of fuel exceeded a certain level. TEXT OF LETTER In its decision of today on State aid C-9/2006, the Commission takes the view that those advances constituted State aid incom- ‘La Commission a l'honneur d'informer le gouvernement de la patible with the common market. France qu'après avoir examiné les informations en sa possession et en complément des aides déjà analysées dans le cadre du During the formal investigation procedure carried out for this dossier C-9/2006 concernant le fonds de prévention des aléas case, the Commission noted that the Fund and the fisheries de la pêche (FPAP), elle a décidé d'ouvrir la procédure formelle undertakings concerned had also benefitted from fiscal arrange- d'examen prévue par l'article 93 [devenu 88], paragraphe 2, du ments under which, on the one hand, the Fund was exempt traité CE et par le règlement du Conseil (CE) no 659/1999 du from corporation tax on income from its activities on the oil 22 mars 1999 portant modalités d'application de cet article (1) futures markets and, on the other, the fisheries undertakings en ce qui concerne les mesures fiscales qui lui sont consenties concerned could deduct from their income membership fees, ainsi qu' à ses adhérents. guarantee payments and other payments not connected with covering risks made to the Fund. (1) JO L 83 du 27.3.1999, p. 1. C 161/20EN Official Journal of the European Union 25.6.2008

1. PROCÉDURE désormais une restitution aux adhérents des cotisations versées et non utilisées au terme de la convention. Par décision adoptée en date de ce jour à l'égard du régime C-9/2006, la Commission a décidé que les aides octroyées au Il indique que: FPAP sous forme d'avances pour l'acquisition d'options sur le marché du pétrole et les aides qui en ont résulté pour les entre- “— les cotisations versées par les adhérents en application prises de pêche en leur permettant, d'une part, de bénéficier de de cette nouvelle convention seront bien déductibles, tarifs préférentiels pour leurs achats de carburant et, d'autre l'année de leur versement, dans la limite de 10 000 part, de bénéficier d'une compensation partielle de leurs coûts euros par an et par adhérent, ce plafond étant majoré de carburant, étaient des aides d'État incompatibles avec le de 25 % de la fraction du bénéfice comprise entre marché commun. 40 000 et 80 000 euros,

Dans le contexte de la procédure formelle d'examen du FPAP (2), — les cotisations versées au-delà des limites précédentes au la Commission a ensuite pris connaissance de l'existence d'un titre d'un projet de garantie mis en place par le fonds régime fiscal spécifique au FPAP et à ses adhérents. En effet, le seront intégralement déductibles du revenu imposable cabinet Ménard, Quimbert et associés, avocats à Nantes, agissant des adhérents l'année de leur versement.” en tant que Conseil du FPAP, a joint à l'un de ses courriers envoyés à la Commission suite à la publication de l'ouverture de Il est précisé au FPAP qu'un “bilan de cette expérimentation” la procédure formelle d'examen au Journal officiel des Commu- devra être dressé fin 2006, et les aménagements éventuellement nautés européennes deux lettres du ministère chargé du budget qui nécessaires étudiés. Il ne s'agit donc pas d'un régime fiscal montrent l'existence d'un régime fiscal spécifique au FPAP et à accordé à titre permanent. ses adhérents. Ce régime fiscal n'a pas été examiné dans la déci- sion C-9/2006, car il s'agissait d'un fait nouveau que la Commis- Par ailleurs, même s'il est prévu, d'après ce courrier du 28 sion ignorait au moment de l'ouverture de la procédure formelle novembre 2004, que les cotisations peuvent êtres déduites du d'examen. revenu imposable l'année de leur versement, rien n'indique que la déduction de celles versées début 2004 (jusqu'à fin mars) sur La Commission considère que les éléments en sa possession les revenus de l'année 2003 soit remise en cause. sont suffisamment explicites pour lui permettre de conclure à l'existence d'aides illégales. Il résulte de ces deux courriers que le régime fiscal accordé par le ministère des finances au FPAP et à ses adhérents comporte Le dossier a ainsi été enregistré sous le numéro NN 38/2007. deux aspects: — d'une part, en faveur du FPAP, une exonération des impôts sur les sociétés, 2. DESCRIPTION — d'autre part, pour les patrons-pêcheurs, la possibilité de Les deux lettres du ministère du budget sont, plus précisément, déduire de leurs résultats imposables leurs contributions au une lettre du Ministre délégué au budget et à la réforme budgét- FPAP. aire signée Alain Lambert et datée du 5 février 2004, et une lettre du secrétaire d'État au budget et à la réforme budgétaire Concernant le FPAP, la Commission suppose que la base juri- signée Dominique Bussereau et datée du 28 novembre 2004, dique lui permettant de bénéficier de l'exemption de cet impôt toutes deux adressées à Monsieur Merabet, président du FPAP. est constituée par l'article 206, paragraphe 1bis, du code général 3 Le premier de ces courriers, du 5 février 2004, s'inscrit dans le des impôts ( ) qui permet d'exonérer dans certaines conditions contexte de la création du FPAP. Il indique que: les syndicats professionnels. Dans ces conditions, il est fort possible qu'il bénéficie aussi de l'exemption de taxe profession- “— le fonds constitué sous la forme d'un syndicat profes- nelle, prévue à l'article 1447 du même code en faveur des orga- sionnel ne sera pas soumis à l'impôt sur les sociétés au nismes bénéficiant de l'exonération prévue à l'article 206, para- titre des cotisations versées par les patrons pêcheurs et graphe 1bis. des produits financiers issus du placement de la trésor- erie, Concernant la mesure fiscale en faveur des patrons-pêcheurs, un — les cotisations versées seront déductibles du résultat autre document communiqué par MQA dans le cadre de la imposable des patrons pêcheurs l'année de leur verse- procédure formelle d'examen du FPAP et intitulé “Mode d'emploi ment. A titre exceptionnel, les premières cotisations détaillé du Fonds de prévention des aléas pêche”, daté du 22 versées au plus tard le 30 mars 2004 seront admises en novembre 2004, confirme quelles sont ces contributions et “ déduction au titre des résultats 2003.” leurs modalités de calcul. Il y est indiqué: l'adhésion au fonds est prévue pour une durée de trois ans. Les cotisations au fonds Il donne également une indication sur les montants qui pour- pourront bénéficier d'une déduction fiscale dès leur versement”. raient faire l'objet de cette déduction: la cotisation annuelle des L'adhésion se concrétise par la signature d'une convention de patrons pêcheurs adhérents serait comprise entre 1 000 et garantie qui est assortie du versement d'une cotisation composée 15 000 euros. de deux éléments: un droit d'adhésion fixe de 150 euros par navire et par an et une contribution annuelle calculée en fonc- Le second courrier, du 28 novembre 2004, se concentre sur la tion du volume de carburant assuré, c'est-à-dire du volume déduction des revenus des cotisations versées par les adhérents. annuel de carburant que l'armateur estime nécessaire à l'exercice Il intervient dans le contexte d'une modification de la conven- de son activité. tion de garantie liant le FPAP à ses adhérents, qui permettrait (3) Disponible à l'adresse électronique suivante: (2) Voir décision d'ouverture formelle de la procédure JO C 91 du http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/WAspad/RechercheSimpleCode? 19.4.2006. commun=CGIMPO&code= 25.6.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 161/21

En ce qui concerne ces cotisations de garantie, la Commission 3. APPRÉCIATION observe que, selon les deux lettres du ministère chargé du budget, “les cotisations versées seront déductibles du résultat La Commission constate que le régime fiscal consenti par les imposable des patrons pêcheurs l'année de leur versement”. De autorités françaises en faveur du FPAP et de ses adhérents doit plus, celle du 28 novembre 2004 prévoit que “… la convention être considéré, au regard des aides d'État, sous l'angle des avan- de garantie serait amendée afin notamment d'autoriser la restitu- tages qu'il représente, d'une part pour le FPAP lui-même et, tion aux adhérents des cotisations versées et non utilisées”). d'autre part, pour les entreprises de pêches adhérentes. Aussi, outre la déduction de leurs cotisations, les armateurs ont- ils probablement été assurés de récupérer le trop-versé de cotisa- tions calculées en fonction d'un besoin de carburant estimé sur 3.1. Existence d'une aide d'État base déclarative. En outre, bien que cette récupération des cotisa- tions versées mais non utilisées au terme de la convention de garantie soit prévue, aucun élément des documents communi- Comme cela est exposé dans la décision C-9/2006, le FPAP doit qués à la Commission dans le cadre du dossier C-9/2006 ne être considéré comme une entreprise au sens du droit commu- montre que la déduction correspondant aux cotisations versées nautaire de la concurrence. Le fait que le FPAP serait sans but en trop devrait être corrigée; la déduction fiscale des cotisations lucratif ou est un syndicat est sans incidence à cet égard. liées à la totalité du volume de carburant assuré par l'armateur Par conséquent, la Commission considère que le régime fiscal semble acquise définitivement dans sa totalité, même si la accordé par les autorités françaises au FPAP lui procure, par consommation a été moindre que prévue. L'interprétation des rapport aux autres investisseurs privés agissant sur les marchés à clauses du Mode d'emploi va dans le même sens: celui-ci terme des produits pétroliers, un double avantage: distingue le volume assuré du volume consommé. — en premier lieu, l'exonération d'impôt sur les bénéfices dont On ne peut donc exclure que le régime fiscal consenti par les bénéficie le FPAP constitue un allégement des charges qui autorités françaises ait pu inciter les armateurs à surestimer leur pèsent normalement sur le budget des entreprises actives besoin de couverture dans le seul but de bénéficier de la déduc- dans ce domaine, tion fiscale. Ainsi, par exemple, la cotisation due pour un chalu- — en second lieu, l'avantage fiscal consenti aux adhérents du tier de 24 mètres, ayant une consommation moyenne de 10 4 FPAP, quel que soit le type d'avantage fiscal considéré, tonnes par semaine ( ) et actif pendant 48 semaines par an constitue une incitation à contribuer aux recettes du FPAP; il serait de 480 × 3,5 euros par tonne soit 1680 euros. Ce permet ainsi au FPAP d'augmenter sa trésorerie alors que les montant, bien que correspondant à un navire qui est déjà gros autres entreprises actives dans ce domaine ne bénéficient pas consommateur de carburant, est à comparer à la fourchette de d'un tel mécanisme. montants, de 1 000 à 15 000 Euros, indiquée dans le courrier du ministre du 5 février 2004, et se situe ainsi dans la partie Par ailleurs, il ressort des deux correspondances du ministère basse de cette fourchette. chargé du budget que l'avantage tiré de l'exonération d'impôts dont bénéficie le FPAP et l'avantage résultant du dispositif d'inci- En plus des cotisations décrites ci-dessus, le “Mode d'emploi” tation fiscale lui permettant d'augmenter ses recettes ont bien mentionne, en page 3, des “cotisations non-affectées à un risque été consentis par l'État. Il n'y a donc pas de doute sur le fait que de garantie versées en vue de bénéficier du traitement fiscal l'utilisation de ces ressources d'État a été non seulement décidée, mais contrôlée par l'État. Dès lors, la Commission considère que agréé par le ministère du budget [qui] devront faire l'objet de 5 chèques distincts”. l'avantage financier en faveur du FPAP est imputable à l'État ( ). Enfin, le FPAP bénéficie grâce, à ces mesures fiscales, d'un avan- On déduit de cette phrase qu'il y a une autre source de finance- tage financier par rapport aux autres sociétés intervenant sur les ment du FPAP, qui est clairement identifiée par un paiement par marchés à terme, qu'il s'agisse de sociétés habituellement actives chèque séparé. Cela doit être interprété dans le sens où les sur ces marchés en France ou dans les autres États membres. adhérents ont aussi la possibilité de verser des cotisations qui n'entrent pas dans le système de garantie et pour lesquelles ils D'autre part, cet avantage financier accordé au FPAP a permis bénéficient d'un traitement fiscal spécifique. aux entreprises de pêche adhérentes d'acheter du carburant à un tarif préférentiel grâce à l'activité menée par le FPAP sur les La Commission estime que l'ensemble de ces déductions fiscales marchés à terme des produits pétroliers. constitue une incitation, pour les propriétaires de navire de pêche, à cotiser à ce fonds. En outre, pour ce qui est de la possibilité accordée aux arma- teurs de déduire de leurs revenus les contributions au FPAP, cette déduction entraîne un allégement des charges pesant Enfin, la Commission relève que les statuts du FPAP prévoient normalement sur les entreprises de pêche bénéficiaires. Cette une possibilité d'adhésion au syndicat pour des personnes dont déduction a été décidée par le ministère chargé du budget et elle l'activité n'est pas impliquée dans la pêche. Etant donné que le est donc imputable à l'État. Les entreprises ayant la possibilité de FPAP a le statut de syndicat professionnel, il est possible que ces procéder à cette déduction bénéficient d'un avantage par cotisations ouvrent droit au bénéfice des dispositions spécifiques rapport aux autres entreprises de pêche communautaires. De la du même code général des impôts en faveur des syndicats, même manière, cet avantage financier affecte les échanges entre notamment la réduction d'impôt prévue à l'article 199 quater C. les États membres et fausse ou menace de fausser la concur- L'application de cette disposition fiscale constitue aussi, cette rence. Pour cette raison, il constitue une aide d'État au sens de fois-ci en faveur des adhérents n'étant pas impliqués dans la l'article 87 du traité CE. pêche, une incitation à cotiser à ce fonds. (5) Affaires C-482/99, France c/. Commission, arrêt de la Cour du 16 mai (4) Montant de consommation fourni par le FPAP; cf. point 55 de la déci- 2002 et C-345/02, Pearle BV, arrêt de la Cour de justice du 15 juillet sion C-9/2006. 2004. C 161/22EN Official Journal of the European Union 25.6.2008

3.2. Compatibilité avec le marché commun l'aide en faveur du FPAP que l'aide en faveur des entreprises de pêche. L'analyse développée dans la décision C-9/2006 conserve ici aussi toute sa pertinence. Il convient de reprendre, pour le compte de la présente décision, l'ensemble du raisonnement et A la lumière des considérations qui précèdent, la Commission, des conclusions de cette décision. agissant dans le cadre de la procédure prévue à l'article 88, para- graphe 2, du Traité CE, demande à la France de lui présenter ses Ainsi, de la même manière, il s'agit d'aides au fonctionnement observations et de lui fournir tous les renseignements néces- dont les bénéficiaires sont le FPAP lui-même et les entreprises de saires pour apprécier l'aide en cause, dans un délai d'un mois à pêche. compter de la réception de la présente lettre. Aucune des dispositions, soit du traité CE, soit d'un instrument adopté par la Commission en matière d'aide d'État (règlement, Par la présente, la Commission avise la France qu'elle informera lignes directrices, …) ne permet de considérer ces aides comme les intéressés par la publication de la présente lettre et d'un étant compatibles avec le marché commun. résumé de celle-ci au Journal officiel de l'Union européenne. Elle informera également les intéressés dans les pays de l'AELE signa- taires de l'accord EEE par la publication d'une communication 4. CONCLUSION dans le supplément EEE du Journal officiel, ainsi que l'autorité En conséquence, il existe, à ce stade de l'évaluation préliminaire de surveillance de l'AELE en leur envoyant une copie de la telle qu'elle est prévue à l'article 6 du règlement (CE) no présente. Tous les intéressés susmentionnés seront invités à 659/1999, des doutes sérieux sur la compatibilité de ces présenter leurs observations à compter d'un mois à compter de mesures d'aide avec le marché commun, tant en ce qui concerne la date de cette publication.’