Brussels, 05/12/2001 (Agence Europe) - Meeting in Brussels on Tuesday, the Council of EU energy ministers had an initial policy debate on the Commission's proposal aimed at introducing a new scheme for State aid to the coal industry (see EUROPE of 18 July, p.12 and 27 July, p.12). Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Spain are currently the only coal producers in the EU. At the end of round table talks, confirmation emerged that Germany and Spain wanted aid for the reduction in activity...