European Union News - Internal Market

On the 10th April, the European Commission (EC) published in the Official Journal of the European union notices from member states including information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1628/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to national regional investment aid. One of the concers from the United Kingdom was the Selective Financial Assistance (SFA) for Northern Ireland aid scheme which has been aloted a budget of 100 million pounds.

On 10 April the Official Journal of the European Union has published the non-opposition to a notified concentration in the Case COMP/M.5024 Tui/Royal Caribbean Cruises/JV, in a decision of the Commission.

On 9 April 2008, it has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union the Commission decision not to oppose the a new concentration of AXA Group in the Case COMP/M.5055 - Axa/Klepierre/Annecy Courier.

European Commission cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of joint control over AvtoVaz of Russia by Renault SA of France and Russian Technology of Russia. After examining the operation, the Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it. Prior notification of a concentration information has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

The European Commission (EC) has released notices from different member states including information regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises. (2008/C 88/05). One of the concerns released was the Wales European Collaboration fund with an annual budget for the aid scheme is set at 200,000 Pounds.

The European Commission cleared last 28th March, under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Aearo Company, a US producer of protective equipment, by the US company 3M, a diversified technology company.

The European Commmision decided on 28 March 2008 to initiate proceedings in the case COMP/M.4942 — Nokia/Navteq. The information has been published in the OJ last 5th April 2008.

The European Commission sent Spain a reasoned opinion on 3rd April, which is the last step before possible referral to the Court of Justice, for providing in its national legislation for discriminatory harbour dues.

The European Commission has presented last 2nd april 2008 a Communication related to the damages actions for breach of the EC antitrust rules in a White paper.

The European Commisison has launched last 1st april 2008 a new comunication related to the Strategy for the evolution of the Customs Union (COM2008 169 Final). The objective is to maintain the pivotal position of Customs as a modern, responsive partner to trade, protecting the fiscal, safety and security interests of the Community and cooperating with other government.