L 227/12 Official Journal of the European Union 11.9.2003 I (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 13 May 2003 on the State aid implemented by Germany for Kahla Porzellan GmbH and Kahla/Thiiringen Porzellan GmbH (notified under document number C(2003) 1520) (Only the German text is authentic) (Text with EEA relevance) (2003/643[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 (*) and having regard to their comments, Whereas: I. PROCEDURE On 16 November 1998 and 24 March 1999 the Commission received complaints from competitors alleging misuse of State aid purportedly granted by the Land of Thuringia to Kahla Porzellan GmbH (Kahla I) and Kahla/Thiiringen Porzellan GmbH (Kahla II), both in Thuringia, Germany. After an extensive exchange of correspondence and meetings with representatives of Germany, the Commission initiated the formal investigation procedure on 15 November 2000 in respect of the ad hoc aid granted to the companies. At the same time, Germany was requested to provide sufficient information and data to make it possible to assess whether a number of aid measures complied with the terms of approved aid schemes under which they had allegedly been granted. The Commission's decision to initiate the procedure was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities (*). The Commission invited interested parties to submit comments on the aid. On 31 July 2001 the Commission received comments from Kahla II, which were forwarded to Germany by letter dated 7 August 2001. 23.9.2000, p. 45 and OJ C 26, 30.1.2002, p. 19. 30.6.2001, p. 45. ) )