Brussels, 24/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission decided to close its formal investigation into the planned Dutch investment subsidy to NV Huisvuilcentrale Noord-Holland (HVC) with a positive decision. The Commission had doubts about the necessity and proportionality of the aid for this project which aims to promote household waste transport by inland waterways rather than by road transport, by the construction of a container terminal at Alkmaar. It also feared there would be a negative effect on the existing terminals as well as on the markets for waste disposal and waste recovery. On the basis of information provided and thanks to a detailed examination of the characteristics of the project, the Commission was able to ascertain that the subsidy envisaged was needed for implementation of the project. Furthermore, the environmental advantages of the project will largely offset any potential negative impact on competition.