Brussels, 20/01/2005 (Agence Europe) - Restructuring negotiations for Spanish shipyards have almost been completed, said a spokesperson for the European Commissioner for Competition on Thursday. Commissioner Neelie Kroes sent the Spanish economics minister, Pedro Solbes, a letter on Wednesday confirming that in the light of the clarifications provided at the end of December, she believes the new arrangements are compatible with Treaty rules. Kroes is pleased that the military shipyards will restrict civilian shipbuilding activity to 20% calculated on a three-year average basis. To conclude the negotiations, the Spanish government must send a formal letter notifying the European Commission that most shipbuilding will be military, which the Commission will take note of. By its recognition of the military nature of the shipbuilding in Spain, the Commission will no longer be able to investigate since normal EU rules to not apply to the military (Article 296 of the Treaty)..