Brussels, 03/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - At the meeting of the Special Agriculture Committee in Murcia (Spain) on Monday, the EU Member States' representatives were again divided over the proposal for regulations covering ethyl agriculture of agricultural origin. The Spanish Presidency presented the SAC with a compromise text proposing to scrap Article 10 of the European Commission proposal on state aid, to take account of Germany's refusal to give up its monopoly on alcohol (Branntweinmonopol, see EUROPE of 12 March for the details). Supported by the United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands, the European Commission is insisting that Article 10 be kept to avoid leaving a loophole for national aid in the sector. The Commission does not appear willing to make concessions, particularly in view of enlargement. Belgium has suggested gradually phasing out the German aid. The dossier will be sent back to the next SAC meeting and the issue of state aid will be settled at ministerial level at the 27/28 May Agriculture Council.