Brussels, 21/08/2007 (Agence Europe) - On 21 August the European Commission confirmed that it had received a response from the Polish authorities to the reprimand over the Gdansk shipyard (EUROPE 9410). A spokesperson speaking on behalf of the Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said that they were still unable to provide precise details about the Polish reply.
It is at a level of how many operational bilges should close where the disagreement arises. Out of the three existing basins, Warsaw only wants to close one of them in order to protect the value of the site in view of its impending privatisation. The Commission, however, is demanding the closing of two bilges and leaving only one of them active. The Polish proposal, according to the Commission, will represent, given the planned technical improvements, an increased final capacity that is incompatible with the Community regulation on State Aid. Asked in the press about this precise point, the Commission spokesperson failed to give any details about the contents of the Polish communication, of which 180 pages are currently being examined by DG Competition officials. She did, however, underline the Commission's good faith in this case and explained, “We are aware of the historical importance of the Gdansk shipyard”. She added that, “It is important to remember that in the restructuring process, which we acknowledge is always painful, there are structural funds and other funds available at the Commission to support during that transition”. The Commission's aim is to ensure “the long-term viability of the company, with a as little negative impact on other companies in the same sector”. (cd)