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 to be provided for until 2010, whereas the Commission's proposal recommends putting an end to it in 2007. France, on the other hand, which is contemplating closing down mines shortly, and the United Kingdom, which is making great efforts at rationalising its coal industry, are against pursuing aid up to 2010. The producer countries are thus split, but the French State Secretary for Industry, Christian Pierret, declared to the press that "France fully understands the social concerns of our German friends on this issue". Remains now to be seen what the British attitude will be when the issue is returned to at the next Council. A decision should be taken before 23 July 2002, date when the current scheme expires.