Brussels, 24/07/2006 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has requested clarification from Belgium concerning the public service mission and the financing of VTR (Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroep) the public service broadcaster in the Flemish community of Belgium. Having examined allegations from several complainants, the Commission's preliminary view is that the current financing system is no longer in line with EC Treaty state aid rules requiring Member States not to grant subsidies liable to distort competition (Article 87). The Commission welcomes the changes implemented by Belgium in 2005 and 2006, but considers that there still has to be clarification of a number of points, in particular the definition of the public service remit (also in relation to new media services), effective supervision and control and adequate mechanisms to prevent overcompensation for public service activities. Belgium will now have the opportunity to comment on the Commission's preliminary views. The measures were implemented before the date on which the EC treaty came into force, and, therefore, qualify as existing aid, and will not, therefore, have to be repaid.
Several similar investigations concerning public broadcasters in Germany, the Netherlands and Ireland are ongoing. The Commission has closed enquiries concerning broadcasters in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.