Brussels, 27/05/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 27 May, the European Commission authorised Spanish plans to grant €2.13 billion for the orderly closure of 26 uncompetitive coal mines, between now and 2018. The aid aims to offset the social and environmental consequences of the closure of the mines, without unduly distorting competition on the single market.
The Commission concluded that the plans were in line with EU rules on state aid, which allow member states to cover production losses and certain exceptional costs arising from the closure of uncompetitive coal mines, in order to alleviate the social and environmental impact. This requires in particular that mine is receiving such aid must be wound down by the end of 2018 of the latest.
The Spanish authorities have undertaken to recover aid from any mines not closed down by then. (Original version in French by Élodie Lamer)