Brussels, 01/02/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has authorised France to prolong beyond 2001 the provision of aid to maritime transport companies. The system, set in place in 1999, consists of reimbursing employers' compulsory social contributions in companies that have to face international competition. The European Commission states in a press release that the system promotes keeping the national flag, contributes to safeguarding the employment of Community seafarers,...