L 57/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 27.2.2001 II (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 19 July 2000 on the State aid implemented by Spain in favour of the maritime transport sector (new maritime public service contract) (notified under document number C(2000) 2447) (Only the Spanish text is authentic) (Text with EEA relevance) (2001/156/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the first subparagraph of Article 88(2) thereof, Having regard to the Agreement establishing the European Economic Area, and in particular Article 62(1)(a) thereof, Having, pursuant to the abovementioned Articles, given notice to the parties concerned to submit their comments (), and having regard to their comments, Whereas: I. PROCEDURE In a complaint received on 8 January 1998, the Commission was informed that Spain had issued an invitation to tender for the performance of maritime services involving public service obligations (hereinafter PSOs) between the Spanish mainland and the Spanish islands. By letter dated 26 January 1998, the Commission informed the Spanish authorities of its concerns regarding the contract and the way it had been awarded. By letter dated 5 March 1998, the Commission informed Spain of its decision to initiate the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the Treaty in respect of the abovementioned contract, concluded between Spain and Compaiifa Trasmediterrdnea (hereinafter ‘Trasmed) on 20 January 1998. The Commission gave the Spanish authorities one month in which to reply to the concerns raised on the basic substantive issues at stake and at the same time requested them to confirm within 10 working days of notification of the letter that State aid payments had been suspended. The Commission's decision to initiate the procedure was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities (%). The Commission invited interested third parties to submit their comments on the contract. () O] C 147, 13.5.1998, p. 10. () See footnote 1.