On Thursday 17 November, the European Commission approved Polish plans to grant public aid of around €1.79 billion to close down uncompetitive coal mines, by 2018, under favourable conditions.
In December 2010, the Council of the EU adopted a decision aiming to facilitate the closure of uncompetitive coal mines. This aid may be used to cover operating losses subject to certain limits and must be based on an appropriate exit plan. The Council's decision requires mines which benefit from...