WRITTEN QUESTION E-2681/99 by Luis Berenguer Fuster (PSE) to the Commission. Statements by the Spanish government on the unresolved issue of state aid to the electricity sector.
8. 8. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 225 E/191 against the decisions of a supervisory authority is possible before the courts is left to Member States. The proposed directive does however contain guidance on how to police cross-border take over bids which involve supervisory authorities in more than one Member State. (1) OJ C 378, 13. 12. 1997. (2000/C 225 E/214) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2681/99 by Luis Berenguer Fuster (PSE) to the Commission (12 January 2000) Subject: Statements by the Spanish government on the unresolved issue of state aid to the electricity sector The Spanish government, and in particular the Minister for Industry and government spokesman, Josep PiquØ, have stated on numerous occasions that the Commission is to adopt a decision on state aids to the Spanish electricity sector in respect of the costs of transition to competition by the end of 1999. Can the Commission confirm the Spanish governmentís assertions? Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (8 February 2000) In discussions between the Spanish Minister and the Member of the Commission responsible for competition policy the intention was indeed to reach a decision on this case before the end of 1999. However, the search for an independent consultant and the complexity of the case made it impossible to meet this target. The Commission still hopes to be able to adopt a decision shortly. (2000/C 225 E/215) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2682/99 by Luis Berenguer Fuster (PSE) to the Commission (12 January 2000) Subject: Decision on an unresolved case concerning state aids The Spanish press has published information taken from the Ministry for Industryís Boletín de Energía ElØctrica (electricity newsletter), stating that electricity companies have already received a total of PTA 387 223 m in the form of state aids. Spanish consumers are paying for this through higher electricity bills. In reply to an earlier question of mine, the Commission reported that it had not considered it appropriate to rule that payment of the aid be suspended, given, áthe absence of a pre-existing framework, the complexity of the issue and discussions currently taking placeí. Meanwhile, consumers continue to foot the bill for what is in principle considered unlawful state aid, and companies have received approximately 30 % of the total amount, which will be difficult to recover, should a decision be made to that effect. Does the Commission agree that the time has now come to rule that payments be suspended?