Review of the EU legislation for 10/01/2025

Here’s a concise review of the most significant legal acts from the provided set:
Digital Tools in EU Company Law Directive:
Introduces mandatory controls for company documents, creates an EU Company Certificate, establishes digital power of attorney for cross-border procedures, and expands disclosure requirements through BRIS. Implementation deadline is July 2028.
UN Vehicle Steering Regulation:
Sets technical requirements for vehicle steering systems, including automated driving systems, advanced driver assistance functions, and safety standards for electronic control systems in vehicles of categories M, N and O.
UN Cybersecurity Regulation:
Establishes requirements for vehicle cybersecurity management systems, covering development through post-production phases. Manufacturers must implement certified systems, conduct risk assessments, and monitor cyber threats.
EU Withholding Tax Directive:
Creates digital tax residence certificates, establishes national registers of financial intermediaries, and implements quick refund systems for excess withholding taxes. Takes effect from January 2030.
Anti-dumping Regulations:
Several regulations impose duties on various products:
– S-PVC from Egypt and USA (58-100.1%)
– Titanium dioxide from China (€0.25-0.74 per kg)
– Mobile access equipment from China (20.6-54.9%)
GDPR Judgments:
Two significant rulings:
– Guidelines for handling excessive complaints by data protection authorities
– Requirements for processing gender titles in transport services
Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Origin Rules:
Two amendments introducing electronic movement certificates and transitional provisions for modernized rules, effective January 2025.

Review of each of legal acts published today:

Directive (EU) 2025/25 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 amending Directives 2009/102/EC and (EU) 2017/1132 as regards further expanding and upgrading the use of digital tools and processes in company law (Text with EEA relevance)

This Directive amends EU company law to expand and upgrade the use of digital tools and processes. Here are the key aspects:The Directive introduces several major changes to EU company law:

• Establishes mandatory preventive controls and legality checks for company documents and information before they are entered into business registers
• Creates an EU Company Certificate that will serve as standardized proof of company registration across the EU
• Introduces a digital EU power of attorney for cross-border company procedures
• Expands disclosure requirements to partnerships and makes more company information available through the Business Registers Interconnection System (BRIS)
• Requires disclosure of information about groups of companies and average number of employees

The main provisions include:

• Mandatory preventive administrative, judicial or notarial control of company formation documents
• Creation of standardized EU Company Certificate available in all EU languages
• Digital EU power of attorney template for cross-border procedures
• Expanded disclosure requirements for partnerships
• Requirements to keep company information up-to-date
• Interconnection between business registers, beneficial ownership registers and insolvency registers
• Reduced translation requirements and exemption from legalization formalities

The Directive aims to facilitate cross-border business operations while ensuring reliability of company information. Member States must transpose most provisions by July 31, 2027 and apply them from July 31, 2028. Some provisions on employee numbers and group information have a later deadline of August 2029.

UN Regulation No 79 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to steering equipment [2025/3]

This UN Regulation No. 79 establishes uniform provisions for the approval of vehicle steering equipment. Here are the key points:The regulation covers steering systems for vehicles of categories M, N and O, including advanced driver assistance steering functions and automated driving systems. The main provisions include:1. Requirements for basic steering system construction and performance, including fail-safe provisions, warning systems, and testing procedures.2. Detailed technical requirements for various types of advanced steering functions like Automatically Commanded Steering Function (ACSF), Corrective Steering Function (CSF), Emergency Steering Function (ESF), and Remote Control Manoeuvring (RCM).3. New provisions for vehicles equipped with Automated Driving Systems (ADS), requiring that the ADS complies with relevant national/international regulations and that detected faults are properly transmitted between the ADS and steering equipment.Key changes in this version include:

• Updated requirements for electronic control systems safety
• New provisions for automated driving systems
• Enhanced requirements for advanced driver assistance steering functions
• Additional specifications for data communication between towing vehicles and trailers

The regulation contains detailed technical specifications for testing and approval of steering systems, including test procedures for various steering functions, requirements for electronic systems, and provisions for conformity of production. It aims to ensure safe and reliable operation of vehicle steering systems while enabling the implementation of advanced automated steering technologies.

UN Regulation No. 155 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regards to cyber security and cyber security management system [2025/5]

This UN Regulation No. 155 establishes uniform provisions for vehicle cyber security and cyber security management systems (CSMS). It sets requirements for vehicle manufacturers to implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures throughout a vehicle’s lifecycle – from development through production and post-production phases.The regulation applies to vehicles of categories L, M, N and O that have at least one electronic control unit. It requires manufacturers to obtain a Certificate of Compliance for their Cyber Security Management System and type approval for vehicle cybersecurity measures.The key structural elements include:

• Detailed specifications for the Cyber Security Management System that manufacturers must implement
• Requirements for vehicle type approval regarding cybersecurity
• Comprehensive annexes listing potential threats and corresponding mitigation measures
• Procedures for maintaining compliance and handling modifications

The main provisions require manufacturers to:

• Implement a certified Cyber Security Management System covering development, production and post-production phases
• Conduct thorough risk assessments and implement appropriate mitigation measures
• Protect vehicle systems, interfaces and communication channels against cyber threats
• Monitor cyber threats and vulnerabilities and respond appropriately
• Provide data forensic capabilities for cyber attack analysis
• Ensure secure software updates and protect dedicated environments for aftermarket software
• Report monitoring outcomes to approval authorities at least annually

Council Directive (EU) 2025/50 of 10 December 2024 on faster and safer relief of excess withholding taxes

The Council Directive (EU) 2025/50 establishes a new framework for faster and safer relief of excess withholding taxes on cross-border investments in the EU. The directive aims to make withholding tax procedures more efficient while strengthening protections against tax fraud and abuse.The key elements of the directive include:

• Introduction of a digital tax residence certificate (eTRC) system to standardize proof of tax residency across the EU
• Creation of national registers of certified financial intermediaries who can request tax relief on behalf of investors
• Establishment of common relief-at-source and quick refund systems for excess withholding taxes
• New reporting requirements for financial intermediaries to provide information about dividend/interest payments and payment chains
• Special provisions for indirect investments through collective investment vehicles

The main provisions that will affect implementation include:

• Member States must establish digital systems for issuing eTRCs by December 31, 2028
• Financial intermediaries must register and comply with due diligence and reporting obligations
• Tax authorities must process quick refund requests within 60 days
• Member States can exclude high-risk cases from fast-track relief procedures
• Certified intermediaries can be held liable for tax revenue losses due to non-compliance
• The directive will apply from January 1, 2030

Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/53 of 7 January 2025 reopening the fishery for undulate ray in Union waters of 9 by vessels flying the flag of Spain, by repealing Regulation (EU) 2024/1819

This Regulation concerns the reopening of fishing rights for undulate ray in specific Union waters for Spanish vessels. It amends previous fishing restrictions by allowing Spanish vessels to resume fishing for undulate ray in Union waters of zone 9 from November 15, 2024, after an earlier closure in March 2024.The act consists of two main articles and an annex. Article 1 establishes the reopening of the fishery and repeals the previous restriction (Regulation 2024/1819). Article 2 sets the entry into force and application dates. The Annex provides specific details about the fishing rights, including the species, zone, and relevant dates.Key provisions include:

• The reopening is based on information from Spanish authorities that quota is still available for this stock
• The regulation applies retroactively from November 15, 2024
• The fishing rights specifically concern undulate ray (Raja undulata) in Union waters of zone 9
• The regulation is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/36 of 9 January 2025 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty and definitively collecting the provisional duty imposed on imports of certain polyvinyl chloride originating in Egypt and the United States

This is a Commission Implementing Regulation imposing definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of suspension polyvinyl chloride (S-PVC) originating in Egypt and the United States. The duties aim to protect EU producers from dumped imports that were found to be causing material injury to the EU industry.The regulation establishes definitive anti-dumping duties ranging from 58% to 100.1% on imports of S-PVC from Egypt and the USA. The duties vary by company, with Egyptian companies facing duties of 74.2-100.1% and US companies facing duties of 58-77%. The duties will be applied to the CIF Union border price before customs duties.The key elements of the regulation include:

• Detailed analysis confirming dumping margins of 58-109.5% for the investigated companies
• Evidence of material injury to EU industry shown through declining market share, prices and profitability
• Establishment of company-specific duty rates based on individual dumping margins
• Requirements for valid commercial invoices to apply individual company rates
• Provisions for definitive collection of provisional duties previously imposed

The regulation contains extensive analysis of market conditions, injury factors, causation and Union interest considerations to justify the measures. It addresses multiple arguments raised by interested parties regarding the calculations and methodology used to determine the duties.The measures aim to restore fair competition while maintaining adequate supply in the EU market. The regulation includes provisions to prevent circumvention and ensure proper enforcement of the duties.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/52 of 7 January 2025 reopening the fishery for saithe in Norwegian waters of 1 and 2 by vessels flying the flag of France, by repealing Regulation (EU) 2024/2844

This Regulation reopens the fishery for saithe in Norwegian waters (areas 1 and 2) for vessels flying the flag of France. The act cancels the previous fishing prohibition established by Regulation (EU) 2024/2844 and allows French vessels to resume fishing operations for saithe in the specified areas. The reopening is retroactively effective from November 7, 2024.The Regulation consists of two main articles and an annex. Article 1 establishes the reopening of the fishery and repeals the previous prohibition regulation. Article 2 sets the entry into force and application dates. The Annex provides specific details about the reopening, including the Member State (France), the fish species (saithe), the fishing zone (Norwegian waters 1 and 2), and the relevant dates.Key provisions of the act include:
– The reopening is based on information from French authorities indicating that a fishing quota is still available for France
– The measure applies retroactively from November 7, 2024, to allow fishing of the remaining quota before year-end
– The regulation specifically targets saithe (Pollachius virens) in Norwegian waters areas 1 and 2
– The original closure date was July 26, 2024, with fishing operations now permitted to resume from November 7, 2024

Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/54 of 7 January 2025 reopening the fishery for redfish in Norwegian waters of 1 and 2 by vessels flying the flag of France, by repealing Regulation (EU) 2024/2815

This Commission Regulation reopens the fishery for redfish in Norwegian waters (areas 1 and 2) for vessels flying the flag of France. The regulation cancels the previous fishing prohibition that was established in October 2024 and allows French vessels to resume fishing operations from November 8, 2024.The act consists of two main articles. Article 1 reopens the fishery for redfish and repeals the previous prohibition regulation (EU) 2024/2815. Article 2 establishes the entry into force and retroactive application from November 8, 2024. The Annex provides specific details about the reopening, including the species (Sebastes mentella), fishing zones, and relevant dates.The key provisions include:
– The reopening applies specifically to French vessels fishing for redfish in Norwegian waters of areas 1 and 2
– The reopening is effective from November 8, 2024
– The decision is based on new fishing quota availability following exchanges of fishing opportunities under EU regulations
– The regulation applies retroactively without affecting legal certainty principles

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/4 of 17 December 2024 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty and definitively collecting the provisional duty imposed on imports of titanium dioxide originating in the People’s Republic of China

This is a Commission Implementing Regulation imposing definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of titanium dioxide (TiO2) originating from China. The regulation establishes fixed duties per kg ranging from 0.25 to 0.74 EUR to protect EU producers from dumped Chinese imports that were found to be causing material injury to the EU industry.The regulation has the following key structural elements:- Detailed investigation procedure and findings on dumping, injury and causation- Analysis of Union interest including impact on various user industries- Establishment of definitive duties and collection of provisional duties- Special end-use exemption for TiO2 used in production of white inks for printingThe main provisions include:- Fixed duties per kg ranging from 0.25-0.74 EUR depending on the producer- End-use exemption for TiO2 used in white inks production- Definitive collection of provisional duties imposed earlier- Requirements for commercial invoice declarations- Provisions for new exporting producers to request individual duty ratesKey changes compared to provisional measures:- Change from ad valorem to specific fixed duties per kg- Introduction of end-use exemption for white inks sector- Lower duty rates based on revised dumping margin calculations- Decision not to apply duties retroactively during registration period

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/45 of 8 January 2025 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty and definitely collecting the provisional duty imposed on imports of mobile access equipment originating in the People’s Republic of China

This is a Commission Implementing Regulation imposing definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of mobile access equipment (MAE) originating from China. The regulation establishes duties ranging from 20.6% to 54.9% on different Chinese manufacturers after finding evidence of dumping that caused material injury to the EU industry.The regulation defines MAE as self-propelled equipment designed for lifting persons, with a working height of 6 meters or more, including pre-assembled sections but excluding individual components and equipment mounted on vehicles. The main product types covered are articulated boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts, scissor lifts and vertical masts.Key provisions include:

• Individual duty rates assigned to specific Chinese manufacturers ranging from 20.6% to 54.9%
• A duty rate of 30.1% for other cooperating companies
• A duty rate of 54.9% for all other companies
• Requirements for valid commercial invoices to apply individual duty rates
• Definitive collection of provisional duties previously imposed
• Monthly reporting requirements for Member States on imports
• Provisions for new exporters to request individual duty rates

The regulation is based on findings that Chinese imports were sold at dumped prices and caused material injury to EU producers through price undercutting and suppression, leading to financial losses despite growing market demand. The Commission determined the duties were necessary to restore fair competition while not disproportionately affecting users and importers.

Judgment of the Court (First Chamber) of 9 January 2025.Österreichische Datenschutzbehörde v F R and Bundesministerin für Justiz.Reference for a preliminary ruling – Protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data – Regulation (EU) 2016/679 – Article 57(1)(f) and Article 57(4) – Tasks of the supervisory authority – Concepts of a ‘request’ and ‘excessive requests’ – Charging of a reasonable fee or refusal to act on requests in the event of manifestly unfounded or excessive requests – Criteria which may guide the supervisory authority in making its choice – Article 77(1) – Concept of a ‘complaint’.Case C-416/23.

This judgment concerns the interpretation of provisions of the GDPR regarding handling of complaints by data protection supervisory authorities. The key points are:Essence of the act:
The Court of Justice clarified how supervisory authorities should handle potentially excessive complaints under the GDPR, specifically interpreting Article 57(4) regarding charging fees or refusing to act on requests.Structure and main provisions:
The judgment addresses three key questions:- The concept of ‘request’ in Article 57(4) covers complaints under Article 77(1)- Requests cannot be deemed ‘excessive’ solely based on their number – authorities must prove abusive intent- Authorities can choose between charging fees or refusing requests, but must justify their choice as appropriate and proportionateKey provisions for implementation:
– Supervisory authorities must demonstrate abusive intent to classify requests as excessive- The number of complaints alone cannot justify refusing to handle them- Authorities must consider all circumstances and ensure their response is proportionate- Member States must provide adequate resources to handle legitimate complaints- The choice between charging fees or refusing requests must be justified and reasonable

Judgment of the Court (Third Chamber) of 9 January 2025.Česká republika – Generální finanční ředitelství v Úřad pro ochranu hospodářské soutěže.Reference for a preliminary ruling – Public contracts – Directive 2004/18/EC – Article 31(1)(b) – Negotiated procedure without prior publication of a contract notice – Conditions – Technical reasons – Reasons connected with the protection of exclusive rights – Attributable to the contracting authority – Factual and legal circumstances to be taken into consideration.Case C-578/23.

This judgment concerns the interpretation of Article 31(1)(b) of Directive 2004/18/EC regarding public procurement procedures, specifically the conditions for using a negotiated procedure without prior publication of a contract notice.The Court’s judgment establishes that contracting authorities must meet three key conditions to use this procedure: 1) existence of technical/artistic reasons or exclusive rights protection linked to the contract; 2) these reasons make it absolutely necessary to award the contract to a particular operator; and 3) the situation of exclusivity is not attributable to the contracting authority itself.The main provisions of the judgment focus on the concept of ‘attributability’ of exclusive rights. The Court ruled that a contracting authority cannot invoke protection of exclusive rights if the reason for such protection is attributable to its own actions or inactions. The assessment should consider both the circumstances when the initial contract was concluded and the entire period until the decision to use the negotiated procedure.The Court emphasized that contracting authorities must do everything reasonably possible to avoid using this exceptional procedure and should opt for more competitive procedures. The mere fact of creating exclusivity through a previous contract is not sufficient to establish attributability if EU procurement law wasn’t applicable at that time. However, maintaining such exclusivity when alternatives were available could make the situation attributable to the authority.

Judgment of the Court (Fourth Chamber) of 9 January 2025.Commune de Schaerbeek and Commune de Linkebeek v Holding Communal SA.Reference for a preliminary ruling – Directive 2003/71/EC – Prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading – Article 2(1)(a) – Concept of ‘securities’ – Article 3 – Obligation to publish a prospectus – Securities negotiable on the capital market – Shares in a holding company that may be held only by certain territorial administrative authorities of a Member State – Transfer of shares requiring the approval of the board of directors of the holding company.Case C-627/23.

This judgment concerns the interpretation of the Prospectus Directive regarding whether shares in a holding company that can only be held by municipalities and provinces require a prospectus when offered.The Court analyzed whether shares with restricted ownership and transfer requirements still qualify as ‘securities’ requiring a prospectus under EU law. The key aspects examined were the negotiability of such shares on capital markets and whether offers to municipalities constitute public offers.The main provisions analyzed were Article 2(1)(a) of the Prospectus Directive defining ‘securities’ and Article 3 regarding the obligation to publish a prospectus for public offers. The Court also examined related provisions in MiFID I Directive defining transferable securities.The Court ruled that shares restricted to municipal/provincial ownership and requiring board approval for transfer can still qualify as ‘securities’ requiring a prospectus, as long as:

• The restrictions don’t make trading between offerors and investors impossible or extremely difficult
• The offer constitutes a public offer (not limited to qualified investors)
• No exceptions under Articles 3(2) or 4 apply

The judgment clarifies that municipalities are not considered ‘qualified investors’ exempt from prospectus requirements, and that restricted transferability alone does not exclude shares from being considered securities under EU prospectus rules.

Judgment of the Court (First Chamber) of 9 January 2025.Association Mousse v Commission nationale de l’informatique et des libertés (CNIL) and SNCF Connect.Reference for a preliminary ruling – Protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data – Regulation (EU) 2016/679 – Article 5(1)(c) – Data minimisation – Article 6(1) – Lawfulness of processing – Data relating to title and gender identity – Online sale of travel documents – Article 21 – Right to object.Case C-394/23.

This judgment concerns the interpretation of the GDPR regarding the processing of personal data related to gender titles (Mr/Ms) by a transport company SNCF Connect when selling travel documents online.The Court analyzed whether collecting and processing customers’ gender titles is lawful under two key GDPR provisions:1. Article 6(1)(b) – processing necessary for contract performance:
– The Court found that personalizing communication based on gender titles is not objectively indispensable for providing transport services
– Generic inclusive expressions could be used instead without affecting service delivery2. Article 6(1)(f) – processing necessary for legitimate interests:
– Direct marketing could be a legitimate interest but processing must be strictly necessary
– Three cumulative conditions must be met:
• Customers must be informed of the legitimate interest when data is collected
• Processing must be limited to what’s strictly necessary
• Fundamental rights of customers must not override the legitimate interestThe Court also clarified that the existence of a right to object under Article 21 GDPR cannot be considered when assessing whether processing is necessary and lawful in the first place.The judgment emphasizes that gender title processing must be strictly necessary and proportionate, with special attention to risks of discrimination based on gender identity.

Judgment of the Court (Fourth Chamber) of 9 January 2025.AK v Ministère public.Reference for a preliminary ruling – Judicial cooperation in criminal matters – Directive 2014/41/EU – European Investigation Order in criminal matters – Material scope – Concept of ‘investigative measure’ – Service of an indictment accompanied by an order that the person be remanded in custody pending trial and make a bail payment – Hearing of the accused person.Case C-583/23.

This judgment clarifies the scope and application of the European Investigation Order (EIO) under Directive 2014/41/EU in criminal matters.The Court explains that an EIO is a judicial decision aimed at obtaining evidence through specific investigative measures in another EU Member State. The judgment defines three key aspects of EIOs:The main provisions of the judgment establish that:

• Service of an indictment alone does not constitute grounds for an EIO
• Orders for remanding in custody or bail payments cannot be part of an EIO (except in specific cases under Articles 22 and 23)
• A request to hear a person constitutes valid grounds for an EIO only if it aims to gather evidence, not merely to allow observations on an indictment

The judgment provides detailed guidance on the concept of ‘investigative measures’, stating that these must be aimed at gathering evidence to establish criminal offenses, circumstances, or perpetrator identity. It emphasizes that the ultimate purpose must be the transfer of evidence (objects, documents, or data) between Member States.The Court also clarifies the procedural aspects, noting that partial execution of an EIO is possible after consultation between authorities, and emphasizes the importance of sincere cooperation between Member States in criminal matters.

Decision No 1/2024 of the Joint Committee of the Regional Convention on Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Preferential Rules of Origin of 12 December 2024 amending Decision No 1/2023 of the Joint Committee with respect to the use of movement certificates issued electronically in the framework of that Convention applicable as of 1 January 2025 [2025/16]

This Decision amends the Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin regarding the electronic issuance of movement certificates. It establishes a legal framework for the transition from paper-based to electronic movement certificates in preferential trade between Contracting Parties. The Decision is aimed at maintaining and formalizing the successful digital practices that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.The Decision modifies Article 17 of Appendix I to the Convention by adding detailed provisions for electronic movement certificates. The main change is the replacement of paragraph 4, which now provides a comprehensive framework for electronic certification system implementation. The amendment will enter into force on January 1, 2025.Key provisions of the act include:

• Authorization for Contracting Parties to establish systems for electronic issuance and submission of proofs of origin
• Requirements for electronic movement certificates, including:
  • Conformity with the specimen in Annex IV
  • Secure online verification system availability
  • Unique serial numbers and security features
  • Official publication of implementation dates
• Right of Contracting Parties to suspend acceptance of electronic certificates if requirements are not met
• Obligation to inform other parties about such suspension through the Joint Committee secretariat

Decision No 2/2024 of the Joint Committee of the Regional Convention on Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Preferential Rules of Origin of 12 December 2024 amending Decision No 1/2023 of the Joint Committee in order to include transitional provisions in the amendments of the Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin applicable as of 1 January 2025 [2025/17]

This Decision amends the Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin, introducing transitional provisions for the new set of modernized rules that will come into force on January 1, 2025. The act ensures continuity in trade relations between Contracting Parties during the transition period.The Decision introduces several key changes to the Convention’s structure. It adds Article 42 to Appendix I, which establishes transitional provisions valid until December 31, 2025. It also modifies Article 8 of Appendix I to allow for specific cumulation rules for goods under certain Harmonized System chapters.The main provisions include:

• Previous rules will remain applicable in parallel with new rules until December 31, 2025
• Proofs of origin issued before January 1, 2025, will be accepted for preferential treatment if goods are in transit or under customs control
• Movement certificates EUR.1 must include the statement ‘REVISED RULES’ in box 7
• Contracting Parties must report every four months on their progress in updating bilateral protocols
• Special cumulation provisions for goods classified under Chapters 1, 3, 16, and 25-97 of the Harmonized System

Decision of the Standing Committee of the EFTA States No 3/2024/SC of 11 June 2024 on the allocation of excess emissions premiums collected in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/631 of the European Parliament and of the Council [2025/15]

This Decision establishes the mechanism for distributing excess emissions premiums collected from car manufacturers who fail to meet CO2 emission standards in the European Economic Area (EEA). The premiums are collected in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/631, which sets CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.The Decision consists of three articles that establish the allocation method, publication requirements, and entry into force provisions. The key structural element is the allocation formula described in Article 1, which represents the main operational mechanism of this legal act.The most significant provisions of this Decision are:

• The excess emissions premiums will be distributed among EFTA States proportionally to their share of new vehicle registrations
• The allocation is calculated separately for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles
• The distribution method will continue to apply annually until the Decision is repealed
• The European Commission will collect the premiums from EU-established manufacturers for vehicles registered in EFTA States
• The total premium amount is first split between the EU Commission and EFTA Surveillance Authority based on the respective registration shares in the EU and EFTA States

State aid – Decision to raise no objections

This is a State aid decision by the EFTA Surveillance Authority regarding Norway’s amendments to the Production grant scheme for news and current affairs media for 2023-2029. The scheme provides financial support in the form of grants to news and current affairs media with a total annual budget of NOK 400 million.The decision structure is straightforward and includes key elements such as the legal basis (Act No. 153 and Regulation on production grant), type of measure (scheme), objective (media diversity and pluralism), and implementation details. The scheme is specifically targeted at the newspaper publishing sector (NACE 58.12).The main provisions include:
– Duration of the scheme until January 1, 2029
– Implementation through the Norwegian Media Authority
– Legal foundation in the Act on economic support to the media from December 2020
– Focus on supporting news and current affairs media production
– Annual budget allocation of NOK 400 millionThe key aspects of this decision are the approval of state aid for media diversity support, the substantial budget allocation, and the long-term commitment through 2029. The scheme specifically targets news and current affairs media production, demonstrating Norway’s commitment to maintaining a diverse media landscape.