The European Commission approved, on Friday 5 May, further changes to a Polish aid scheme to support the closure of uncompetitive coal mines. The European Commission’s decision will allow three further changes to the already approved aid scheme.
Firstly, the aid scheme was due to expire at the end of 2023. It will be extended until the end of 2027.
Secondly, two additional mines that ceased coal mining activities in 2020 and 2021 will be included in the aid scheme: Ruch Jastrzębie III and Ruch Pokój II.
Finally, the aid budget will be increased by €1 billion. The overall aid budget will therefore amount to €3.7 billion. This budget is intended to provide financial support to workers affected by the closures, to repair environmental damage and to enable the securing and conversion of sites.
The amended aid scheme was found to be compatible with EU State aid rules, in particular with the decision on State aid to facilitate the closure of uncompetitive coal mines (2010/787/EU). (Original version in French by Émilie Vanderhulst)