Brussels, 17/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 15 January, the European Commission took a series of decisions on state aid paid to member states for the transport sector.
Ireland. The European Commission has decided to open a formal investigation into the changes Ireland plans to make to its flat-rate tax regime based on the tonnage of maritime ships (tonnage tax). This tax regime enables shipping companies not to pay company tax but to pay a flat-rate tax based on the tonnage of their fleet. In 2002 the Commission approved the Irish tonnage tax scheme until the year 2012. In 2007 the Irish authorities notified their intention to modify the “time charter” rules laid down in that regime. A time-chartered ship is chartered with crew for a period of time. Furthermore, the Irish authorities intend to make the new tonnage tax regime apply retroactively from 1 January 2006.
Czech Republic. Following a complaint which alleges that contracts concluded by the Czech authorities providing public transport compensations to bus carriers in Southern Moravia involve illegal State aid, the European Commission has decided to formally open an investigation procedure. The Commission at this stage cannot exclude that the contracts in question indeed involve state aid, which, however, may be compatible in that they may not involve over-compensation. The decision will give all stakeholders an opportunity to comment before the Commission takes a final view on this case.
Denmark. Commission has decided to launch an investigation into potential state aid involving Aarhus airport in Denmark. This investigation follows a complaint that the operator of Aarhus airport in Denmark, Aarhus Lufthavn A/S, granted state aid to certain airlines, including the low-cost Irish airline Ryanair, through discriminatory rebates on airport charges. This review procedure should allow the Commission to determine whether Aarhus Lufthavn A/S sets its airport charges independently from the public authorities, or whether the arrangements it has concluded with various airlines are in line with the market economy investor principle. The Commission has also adopted an injunction formally requesting from Denmark further information that is necessary to carry out a proper assessment on certain allegations by the complainant.
Italy. The European Commission has approved environmental investment aid to Italian companies that intend to purchase new “clean” heavy-duty vehicles. During the years 2007 and 2008, Italian companies may receive aid to invest in lorries over 11.5 tons that comply with the strict “Euro V” environmental standards. The aid will normally amount to a maximum of 30% of the extra costs incurred for the purchase of a “Eurov V” vehicle as compared to a “Euro IV” vehicle. This percentage may reach 40% for small and medium-sized enterprises and 50% for companies located in a region under priority development objective. (A.By.)