31The preliminary examination phase provided for in Article 88(3) EC is intended merely to allow the Commission a sufficient period of time for reflection and investigation so that it can form a prima facie opinion on the draft plans notified to it, thus enabling it to conclude either that they do not constitute aid, or that they are compatible with the common market or even that any doubts in that regard make a detailed investigation essential (Case 120/73 Lorenz [1973] ECR 1471, paragraph 3, and Case C-204/97 Portugal v Commission [2001] ECR I-3175, paragraph 34). Given the interest of the Member State concerned in being informed of the position quickly, the process is, in principle, of an urgent nature and is, on that basis, subject to a mandatory two-month period that runs from the receipt by the Commission of complete notification (Lorenz, cited above, paragraph 4, and Case C-334/99 Germany v Commission [2003] ECR I-1139, paragraphs 49 and 50).
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