EUROPEAN COMMISSION. Brussels, SUBJECT: State aid SA (2014/N) The Netherlands Regional aid map Sir, 1.

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1 EUROPEAN COMMISSION Brussels, C(2014) 6429 final PUBLIC VERSION This document is made available for information purposes only. SUBJECT: State aid SA (2014/N) The Netherlands Regional aid map Sir, 1. PROCEDURE (1) On 28 June 2013 the Commission adopted the Guidelines on regional State aid for (hereinafter "RAG"). Pursuant to paragraph 178 of the RAG, each Member State should notify to the Commission, following the procedure of Article 108(3) of the Treaty for the Functioning of the European Union, a single regional aid map applicable from 1 July 2014 to 31 December In accordance with paragraph 179, the approved regional aid map is to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, and will constitute an integral part of the RAG. (2) By electronic notification dated 18 July 2014, registered at the Commission on the same day, the Dutch authorities duly notified a proposal for the Dutch regional aid map for the period from 1 July 2014 to 31 December DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTIFIED REGIONAL AID MAP (3) In their notification, the Dutch authorities propose to designate seven non-predefined 'c' areas with a total population 2 of 1,254,830 inhabitants, or 7.478% of the national population of 16,779,575, as eligible for regional aid under the derogation provided in Article 107(3)(c) of the TFEU for the period from 1 July 2014 to 31 December All 1 2 OJ C 209, , p.1. All population figures in this document refer to the resident population of the Netherlands of 2013 (source: Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek (CBS)). Zijne Excellentie de Heer Frans TIMMERMANS Minister van Buitenlandse Zaken Bezuidenhoutseweg 67 Postbus NL EB Den Haag Commission européenne, B-1049 Bruxelles Belgique - Europese Commissie, B-1049 Brussel België Tél

2 seven non-predefined 'c' areas are proposed in accordance with Criterion 1 of paragraph 168 of the RAG. The Dutch authorities propose a maximum aid intensity for large undertakings of 10% for all these areas. (4) Table 1 below presents the list of proposed non-predefined 'c' areas for which the Netherlands submits that the conditions of Criterion 1 of paragraph 168 of the RAG are fulfilled, along with the maximum aid intensity for large undertakings proposed for each region. The table also shows the total population of each area proposed. Table 1: List of non-predefined 'c' areas proposed under Criterion 1 Name of area proposed NUTS 3 Code Name of NUTS 3 region concerned Population of the area Maximum aid intensity Groningen NL111 Oost-Groningen (Partly) NL112 Delfzijl en omgeving (Partly) NL113 Overig Groningen (Partly) 405,775 10% Drenthe 1 NL131 Noord-Drenthe (Partly) 130,685 10% Drenthe 2 NL132 Zuidoost-Drenthe (Partly) NL133 Zuidwest-Drenthe (Partly) 197,135 10% Zuidoost-Friesland NL123 Zuidoost-Friesland (Partly) 156,090 10% Flevoland NL230 Flevoland (Partly) 126,210 10% Achterhoek NL225 Achterhoek (Partly) 126,065 10% Groot-Rijnmond NL339 Groot-Rijnmond (Partly) 112,870 10% Total 1,254,830 (5) For four (Groningen, Drenthe 2, Flevoland and Groot-Rijnmond) of the above seven proposed areas, the Netherlands proposed parts of LAU 2 areas in application of footnote 74 of the RAG. In the case of the Netherlands, the LAU 2 level refers to the municipality level. To define the parts of the LAU 2 area, the Netherlands used the administrative territorial section 'Buurtcode'. Table 2 below presents the list of partly proposed LAU 2 areas. Table 2: List of partly proposed municipalites with their total population and the population of the part proposed Name of area proposed NUTS 3 code Name of municipality Total population Population proposed Groningen NL113 Groningen 195,418 50,435 Drenthe 2 NL132 Emmen 108,392 50,010 Flevoland NL230 Almere 195,213 50,435 Groot-Rijnmond NL339 Rotterdam 616, ,870 (6) The Netherlands confirmed that the proposed maximum aid intensities presented in table 1 above are those for investments by large undertakings. Those intensities can be increased by up to 10 percentage points for medium-sized enterprises and by up to 20 percentage points for small enterprises 3. However, the increased maximum aid intensities for for 3 As defined in the Commission Recommendation of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (OJ L 124, , p. 36). 2

3 small and medium-sized enterprises are only applicable to projects with eligible expenditure up to EUR 50 million. 3. ASSESSMENT (7) In accordance with Annex I of the RAG, the Netherlands can designate areas containing up to 7.50% of its total national population as non-predefined areas eligible for regional aid under the derogation in Article 107(3)(c) of the TFEU for the period from 1 July 2014 to 31 December (8) As explained in more detail in the assessment below, the regional map notified by the Netherlands respects all the conditions set out in the RAG Proposed list of non-predefined Article 107(3)(c) areas (9) The non-predefined c areas proposed by the Netherlands have a total population of 1,254,830 inhabitants, which represents 7.478% of the total national population. This percentage does not exceed the maximum population coverage of 7.50% allocated to the Netherlands in Annex I of the RAG. (10) Compliance with the population coverage is determined on the basis of the most recent data (2013) on the total resident population of the areas concerned and available at the relevant geographical levels. This is in line with the requirement set out in paragraph 170 of the RAG. (11) In cases where non-predefined 'c' areas are proposed that are not defined as whole NUTS 3 regions or islands, paragraph 169 of the RAG provides that the notion of contiguous areas normally refers to whole LAU 2 areas or to a group of whole LAU 2 areas which share an administrative border with another LAU 2 area in the group. In the case of the Netherlands, the LAU 2 level refers to the municipality level. According to footnote 74 of the RAG, the Member State may nevertheless designate parts of a LAU 2 area, provided that the population of the LAU area concerned exceeds the minimum population required for contiguous areas under Criterion 1 set out in paragraph 168 of the RAG, and that the population of the parts of that LAU area is at least 50% of the minimum population required. The Netherlands used footnote 74 of the RAG in four cases (see table 2 above). Each of the partly proposed municipalities has a total population that exceeds the minimum population of 100,000 inhabitants required for contiguous areas under Criterion 1 and the part proposed has a population of more than 50% of this minimum population of 100,000 inhabitants (i.e. more than 50,000 inhabitants), which is in line with paragraph 169 and footnote 74 of the RAG. (12) The Netherlands propose seven non-predefined 'c' areas in application of Criterion 1 of paragraph 168 of the RAG. According to paragraph 168 of the RAG, a Member State may designate as non-predefined c areas under Criterion 1 contiguous areas of at least 100,000 inhabitants located in NUTS 2 or NUTS 3 regions that have a GDP per capita below or equal to the EU-27 average or an unemployment rate above or equal to 115% of the national average. (13) Each of the non-predefined c areas proposed by the Dutch authorities satisfies the minimum population size condition applicable for the Member State concerned and the GDP and/or unemployment condition (see table 3 below). Moreover, the Commission has 3

4 been satisfied that each 'c' area proposed consists of contiguous LAU 2 areas as required in paragraph 169 of the RAG (or parts of LAU 2 areas as required in footnote 74). Table 3: List of non-predefined 'c' areas indicating the population, GDP per capita and unemployment rate for each region Name of area proposed NUTS 3 Code Groningen Name of NUTS 3 region concerned Population of the area* GDP EU 27=100 U-Rate NL=100 NL111 Oost-Groningen (Partly) NL112 Delfzijl en omgeving (Partly) 405, ** NL113 Overig Groningen (Partly) Drenthe 1 NL131 Noord-Drenthe (Partly) 130, Drenthe 2 NL132 Zuidoost-Drenthe (Partly) ,135 NL133 Zuidwest-Drenthe (Partly) 100** Zuidoost-Friesland NL123 Zuidoost-Friesland (Partly) 156, Flevoland NL230 Flevoland (Partly) 126, Achterhoek NL225 Achterhoek (Partly) 126, Groot-Rijnmond NL339 Groot-Rijnmond (Partly) 112, Total 1,254,830 *: Total resident population in the proposed c area in 2013 GDP: GDP per capita in NUTS 2 or NUTS 3 region, measured in PPS, three year average for (EU-27 = %), EUROSTAT July 1, 2013 U-Rate: Unemployment rate in NUTS 2 or NUTS 3 region, three year average for (national average = 100.0%) **: at NUTS 2 level Maximum aid intensities (14) Paragraphs of the RAG provide that the aid intensity applicable to investments by large undertakings in 'c' areas should not exceed 10% GGE in non-predefined 'c' areas. (15) The Netherlands proposes to limit the maximum aid intensity in all proposed 'c' areas to 10% GGE. Consequently, the maximum aid intensities for regional investment aid in the 'c' areas notified by the Netherlands for the period from 1 July 2014 to 31 December 2020 are in line with the maximum aid intensities allowed for under the RAG Increased aid intensities for SMEs (16) In accordance with paragraph 177 of the RAG this maximum aid intensity can be increased by up to 20 percentage points for small enterprises or by up to 10 percentage points for medium-sized enterprises. However, the increased maximum aid intensities for SMEs will not apply to aid awarded for large investment projects with eligible expenditure above EUR 50 million Other commitments made by the Dutch authorities (17) The Commission takes note of the following commitments made by the Dutch authorities in the notification: (a) The Dutch authorities confirmed that all intentions to grant regional aid will be notified to the Commission in accordance with Article 108(3) TFEU, either as an aid scheme, or as an individual notification unless a block exemption regulation applies. 4

5 (b) (c) The Dutch authorities confirmed that all regional investment aid will respect the maximum aid intensities of the area concerned as defined in the regional aid map approved by the Commission and published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The Dutch authorities confirmed that for large investment projects (as defined in paragraph 20(l) of the RAG) the aid ceilings of the area concerned as defined in the regional aid map published by the Commission pursuant to this notification will be adjusted according to the formula in paragraph 20(c) of the RAG Conclusion (18) In view of the above, the Commission concludes that the regional aid map for the period from 1 July 2014 to 31 December 2020, as notified by the Netherlands, is in line with the RAG. (19) The Commission recalls that the maximum aid intensities specified in the regional aid map apply only to investments carried out in sectors that fall within the scope of the RAG, as defined in paragraph 10 thereof. In particular, these aid ceilings apply to the processing and marketing of agricultural products only to the extent laid down in the European Union Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas 2014 to , or in any guidelines replacing them. 4. DECISION (20) The Commission has accordingly decided: - to approve the regional aid map of the Netherlands for the period from 1 July 2014 to 31 December 2020 as set out in the Annex, as it fulfils the conditions laid down in the Guidelines on regional State aid for to publish the regional aid map as presented in the Annex to this decision in the Official Journal of the European Union. The full text of this letter in the authentic language will be published on the following Internet site: (21) Any request concerning this letter should be sent by registered letter or fax to: European Commission Directorate-General for Competition State Aid Registry B-1049 Brussels Fax No: Yours faithfully, For the Commission Joaquín ALMUNIA Vice-President 4 OJ C 204, , p

6 ANNEX to the decision on case SA Guidelines on regional State aid for (OJ C 209, , p. 1) The Netherlands - regional aid map applicable from to (Approved by the Commission on ) 1 Regions eligible for aid under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU from until Non-predefined Article 107(3)(c) areas NUTS 3 Code LAU Code Name Maximum aid intensity (applicable to large undertakings) Groningen NL111 Oost-Groningen (Partly) 10% 0003 Appingedam; 0007 Bellingwedde; 0037 Stadskanaal; 0047 Veendam; 0048 Vlagtwedde; 0765 Pekela; 1895 Oldambt; 1987 Menterwolde. NL112 Delfzijl en omgeving (Partly) 10% 0010 Delfzijl; 0024 Loppersum. NL113 Overig Groningen (Partly) 10% 0005 Bedum; 0009 Ten Boer; 0017 Haren; 0018 Hoogezand-Sappemeer; 0022 Leek; 0025 Marum; 0040 Slochteren; 0053 Winsum; 1651 Eemsmond; 1663 De Marne; 0014 Groningen (gemeente): (Partly, only the following sections: BU Peizerweg; BU Hoogkerk-Dorp; BU Euvelgunne; BU Oosterhoogebrug; BU Lewenborg-Noord; BU Beijum-West; BU Vierverlaten; BU Dorkwerd; BU Bovenstreek; BU Ruischerbrug; BU Hoendiep; BU Noorderhoogebrug; BU Damsterbuurt; BU Industriebuurt; BU Roodehaan; BU Woonschepenhaven; BU Leegkerk; BU Beijum-Oost; BU Zuidwending; BU Koningslaagte; BU De Held; BU Ulgersmabuurt; BU Universiteitscomplex; BU Middelbert; BU Engelbert; BU Friesestraatweg; BU West-Indische buurt; BU Gorechtbuurt). Drenthe 1 NL131 Noord-Drenthe (Partly) 10% 0106 Assen; 1699 Noordenveld; 1730 Tynaarlo. Drenthe 2 NL132 Zuidoost-Drenthe (Partly) 10% 0109 Coevorden; 0114 Emmen: (Partly, only the following sections: BU Zuidbarge; BU Foxel; BU Hoofdkanaal; BU Beekweg; BU Zandpol; BU Bargermeer industrieterrein; BU e Kruisdiep; BU e Kruisdiep; BU Verspreide huizen Emmer-Compascuum; BU Emmen Centrum; BU Delftlanden; BU Ermerveen; BU Nieuw-Schoonebeek; BU Verspreide huizen Weiteveen; BU Verspreide huizen Nieuw-Weerdinge; BU Roswinkelerstraat; BU Emmer-Compascuum Centrum; BU Emmer-Erfscheidenveen; BU Barger-Compascuum-Centrum; BU Verlengde Vaart; BU Westerse Bos; BU Scholtenskanaal; BU Langs de Vaart; BU Kloostermanswijk; BU Tuinbouwcentrum Klazienaveen; BU Verspreide huizen Klazienaveen; BU Zwartemeer-Centrum; BU Industrieterrein De Vierslagen; BU Parc Sandur; BU Westelijk Nieuw-Schoonebeek; BU Verspreide huizen Nieuw-Schoonebeek; BU Westenesch; BU Siepelveen; BU Verspreide huizen Barger- Compascuum; BU Nieuw-Dordrecht; BU Amsterdamscheveld; BU Ericasestraat; BU Dordse Dijk; BU Schoonebeek; BU Oostelijk Nieuw-Schoonebeek; BU Oude Schuttingskanaal; BU Oosterdiep; BU Oranjedorp; BU Erica-Centrum; BU Verspreide huizen Erica; BU Barger-Oosterveen; BU Oosterse Bos en Middendorp; BU

7 Weerdinge; BU Achterdiep; BU Weerdingerkanaal; BU Verlengde-Oosterdiep; BU Limietweg; BU Herenstreek; BU Nieuw-Amsterdam-Centrum; BU Barger-Erfscheidenveen; BU Veenoord; BU Weiteveen; BU Verspreide huizen overig dorpsgebied Emmen; BU Tramwijk; BU Roswinkel-Centrum; BU Verspreide huizen Roswinkel; BU Vastenow; BU Verspreide huizen Nieuw-Dordrecht; BU Verspreide huizen Nieuw-Amsterdam; BU Derksweg; BU Kamerlingswijk; BU Verspreide huizen Zwartemeer; BU Verspreide huizen Schoonebeek; BU Verspreide huizen Veenoord; BU Oost- en West-Weiteveen; BU Noordbarge). NL133 Zuidwest-Drenthe (Partly) 10% 1690 De Wolden; 0118 Hoogeveen; 0119 Meppel. Zuidoost-Friesland NL123 Zuidoost-Friesland (Partly) 10% 0086 Opsterland; 0074 Heerenveen; 0090 Smallingerland; 0051 Skarsterlân. Flevoland NL230 Flevoland (Partly) 10% 0995 Lelystad; 0034 Almere: (Partly, only the following sections: BU De Wierden; BU Verspreide Huizen Almere-Haven; BU Centrum Almere-Stad; BU Sallandsekant; BU De Vaart; BU Verspreide huizen Almere-Pampus; BU De Steiger; BU Hollandsekant; BU Stichtsekant; BU Markerkant; BU Almeerderzand; BU Europakwartier West; BU Lagekant; BU Nobelhorst; BU Centrum Almere-Haven; BU De Werven; BU De Gouwen; BU Molenbuurt; BU Poldervlak; BU Middenkant; BU Verspreide huizen Almere-Poort; BU De Hoven; BU De Grienden; BU De Marken; BU Randstad; BU Bouwmeesterbuurt; BU Homeruskwartier; BU Olympiakwartier West; BU Hogekant; BU De Velden; BU Noorderplassen; BU Verspreide huizen Almere-Stad; BU Verspreide huizen Almere-Buiten; BU Twentsekant; BU Verspreide huizen Almere-Hout; BU Gooisekant; BU Europakwartier Oost; BU De Meenten; BU Overgooi; BU Veluwsekant; BU Buitenvaart; BU Columbuskwartier; BU Olympiakwartier Oost; BU Centrum Almere-Buiten). Achterhoek NL225 Achterhoek (Partly) 10% 0222 Doetinchem; 1586 Oost Gelre; 1509 Oude IJsselstreek. Groot-Rijmond NL339 Groot-Rijnmond (Partly) 10% 0599 Rotterdam: (Partly, only the following sections: BU Charlois Zuidrand; BU Tarwewijk; BU Carnisse; BU Zuidwijk; BU Oud-Charlois; BU Wielewaal; BU Zuidplein; BU Pendrecht; BU Zuiderpark; BU Heijplaat; BU Hoogvliet-Noord; BU Hoogvliet-Zuid; BU Waalhaven; BU Eemhaven; BU Waalhaven-Zuid; BU Vondelingenplaat; BU Botlek; BU Europoort; BU Maasvlakte; BU Oud-Mathenesse; BU Spaanse Polder; BU Witte Dorp; BU Nieuw-Mathenesse; BU Katendrecht; BU Kop van Zuid). For investment projects with eligible expenditure not exceeding EUR 50 million this ceiling is increased by 10 percentage points for medium-sized enterprises and 20 percentage points for small enterprises as defined in the Commission Recommendation of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (OJ L 124, , p. 36). For large investment projects with eligible expenditure exceeding EUR 50 million, this ceiling is subject to adjustment in accordance with paragraph 20(c) of the Guidelines on national regional aid for