Press Release: Commission reports on the application of state aid rules to the coal industry in the EU

The European Commission adopted a report on state aid for the coal industry on 21 May 2007. The coal industry has been subject to special state aid rules since the expiration of the European Coal and Steel treaty in 2002. In order to allow for the continued restructuring of the coal industry, which has been unprofitable for many years in most Member States, these rules provide an exception to the general prohibition of state aid. They will expire at the end of 2010. The report was adopted following a consultation with Member States and stakeholders and concludes that there is no need to amend the existing rules.