L 244[32 Official Journal of the European Communities 14.9.2001 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 21 December 2000 on the reduced social contributions aid scheme notified by Sweden (notified under document number C(2000) 4354) (Only the Swedish text is authentic) (Text with EEA relevance) (2001/690/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 on the European Economic Area, and in particular Article 62(1)(a) thereof, Having called on interested parties to submit their comments pursuant to the provisions cited above ('), Whereas: I. PROCEDURE By letter dated 22 October 1999, registered as received by the Commission on 25 October 1999, Sweden noti- fied a modified reduced social contributions aid scheme under Article 88(3) of the EC Treaty. The scheme is a modification and extension of the reduced social contri- butions (Nedsatta socialavgifter) scheme which expired on 31 December 1999. In 1997 the Commission had adopted appropriate measures regarding this scheme under No E 8/96 (Commission letter SG(97) D/6781 of 7 August 1997). By letter D/64905 of 25 November 1999, the Commis- sion requested additional information on the above aid measure. The Swedish authorities submitted the infor- mation requested by letter dated 21 December 1999, which was registered as received by the Commission on 22 December 1999. () O C 184, 1.7.2000, p. 10. () By letter dated 4 April 2000 () the Commission informed the Swedish authorities of its decision to initiate the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty in respect of the reduced social contributions aid scheme. The decision to initiate the procedure was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities (*). The Commission invited interested parties to present comments on the aid scheme concerned. The Commission received comments from one inter- ested party. The official response of the Swedish authorities was received by letter dated 11 May 2000. On 12 and 27 October and 21 November 2000, meet- ings were held between the Commission's departments and the Swedish authorities to discuss the scheme. II. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE AID Object and form of the aid granted The scheme is intended to contribute to the develop- ment of low population density areas in northern Sweden. To this end, social security contributions payable for persons employed in undertakings located in the eligible region and engaged in eligible sectors/activi- ties are reduced by eight percentage points. (3 Reference: SG(2000) D[102835. () O] C 184, 1.7.2000, p. 10.