Brussels, 07/05/2003 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday the European Commission decided to authorise the € 3.3 billion aid package which Germany is proposing to grant to its coal industry for the year 2003. The Commission also approved a restructuring plan for the German coal industry covering the period 2003 to 2007. The € 3,3 million aid package is divided into four sectors: Aid for the reduction of activity : € 390.6 million; Production aid: € 2,163.0 million; Aid to cover exceptional costs: € 769.9 million; pecuniary benefit to miners: € 22 million. The beneficiaries of the aid are the main coal mining companies RAG AG (€ 3,317.3 million), Dr. A. Schaefer Bergbau GmbH (€ 1 million) and Bergwerksgesellschaft Merchweiler mbH (€ 5.2 million). The plan provides for a gradual reduction of financial aid to the German coal mining industry that will lead to a permanent decrease in production. The Commission has come to the conclusion that the two aid measures are compatible with the proper functioning of the common market.