21.10.1999 Official Journal of the European Communities L271/25 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 25 February 1998 concerning aid which Germany intends to grant under the 26th framework plan of the joint scheme for improving regional economic structures with a view to promoting teleworking (26. Rahmenplan der Gemeinschaftsaufgabe ‘Verbesserung der regionalen Wirtschaftsstruktur’) (notified under document number C(1998) 585) (Only the German text is authentic) (Text with EEA relevance) (1999/686/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 92 and 93 thereof, Having regard to the Agreement establishing the European Economic Area, and in particular Article 62(1)(a) thereof, Having given notice to the other Member States and the parties concerned to submit their comments within a stated period, in accordance with Article 93(2) of the EC Treaty, Whereas: On 30 July 1997 the Commission initiated the procedure provided for in Article 93(2) of the EC Treaty with regard to the provisions of the 26th framework plan of the joint Federal Government/Liander scheme for improving regional economic structures concerning the intensities of aid to promote tele- working (section II, point 2.4). Germany was informed of the decision by letter dated 18 August 1997 (SG(97) D/7104). The other Member States and interested parties were invited to submit their comments by way of publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities ('). Germany submitted its observations by letter dated 17 September 1997. The Commission received no comments from third parties or the other Member States. () O] C 341, 11.11.1997, p. 4. II The joint (Federal Government/Linder) scheme for improving regional economic structures (Gemeinschaftsaufgabe Verbes- serung der regionalen Wirtschaftsstruktur’) is the main regional aid scheme in Germany. The relevant provisions implementing this general scheme during certain periods are laid down in so-called framework plans (Rahmenplidne). The 26th frame- work plan, covering the period 1997-2000 (2001), was noti- fied to the Commission on 19 February 1997 pursuant to Article 93(3). The Commission approved all the amendments introduced by this plan, except those relating to the promotion of investment in teleworking. Germany informed the Commis- sion that the plan would not be implemented until the Commission had given its approval. Under the plan, investment in teleworking jobs would be eligible for regional investment aid provided that both the company investing and the place where the teleworker would be located are in an assisted area. The maximum aid intensity would be established according to the region where the investing company to which the teleworking job will be linked is located. Consequently, in cases where a company located in an assisted area falling under Article 92(3)(a) invested in tele- working jobs in an area falling under Article 92(3)(c), the aid intensity for the Article 92(3)(a) region would apply. The maximum aid intensity in the regions of eastern Germany falling under Article 92(3)(a) is 35 % gross (50 % in case of investments by SMEs); in assisted areas of western Germany falling under Article 92(3)(c), the maximum permissible aid intensity is 18 % gross (28 % in case of investment by SMEs).