
Article 1 
The reduction of social security contributions, reduction of financial charges and exemption from State fees granted by France to fish farmers in the departments of Finistère, Morbihan, Loire-Atlantique, Vendée, Charente-Maritime and Gironde are compatible with the common market.
Article 2 
The aid granted by France to fish farmers of departments other than Finistère, Morbihan, Loire-Atlantique, Vendée, Charente-Maritime and Gironde in the form of a reduction of social security contributions for the period 15 April to 15 July 2000 and exemption from State fees for the year 2000 is incompatible with the common market.
Article 3 
The aid granted by France to fishermen in the form of a reduction of social security contributions for the period 15 April to 15 October 2000 is incompatible with the common market.
Article 4 

1. France shall take all necessary measures to recover from the beneficiaries the aid referred to in Articles 2 and 3 and unlawfully made available to the beneficiaries.
2. Recovery shall be effected without delay and in accordance with the procedures of national law provided that they allow the immediate and effective execution of the Decision. The aid to be recovered shall include interest from the date on which it was at the disposal of the beneficiaries until the date of its recovery. The rate of interest shall be calculated and applied in accordance with Chapter V of Commission Regulation (EC) No 794/2004.
Article 5 
France shall inform the Commission, within two months of notification of this decision, of the measures taken to comply with it.
Article 6 
This Decision is addressed to the French Republic.
Done at Brussels, 14 July 2004.
For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER
Member of the Commission