The methodology to determine the fulfilment of the first condition of Article 7a(1) of EMIR, i.e. whether a counterparty is subject to the clearing obligation, is specified under Articles 4a and 10 of EMIR, respectively. There is therefore no need to perform a new calculation under Article 7a(2) of EMIR to establish whether that condition is met.
The group level calculation method set out in Article 7a(2) of EMIR shall apply to the second condition mentioned in Article 7a(1) of EMIR.

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The answers clarify provisions already contained in the applicable legislation. They do not extend in any way the rights and obligations deriving from such legislation nor do they introduce any additional requirements for the concerned operators and competent authorities. The answers are merely intended to assist natural or legal persons, including competent authorities and Union institutions and bodies in clarifying the application or implementation of the relevant legal provisions. Only the Court of Justice of the European Union is competent to authoritatively interpret Union law. The views expressed in the internal Commission Decision cannot prejudge the position that the European Commission might take before the Union and national courts.