Brussels, 25/02/2005 (Agence Europe) - In principle, the European Commission is expected to approve, on 2 March, the restructuring plan for the freight division of the Société national des chemins de fer français (SNCF). The plan provides for an allocation of EUR 1.5 billion to the sector: 800 million from the French State and 700 million from the SNCF. The Commission's go-ahead will be accompanied by several conditions, including: early opening of the French cabotage market for freight on 31 March 2006 (instead of 1 January 2007 as planned in the second rail package), and operating and organisational autonomy forthe SNCF freight branch. The financial allocation of EUR 1.5 billion will be paid in instalments, with the last 100 million being paid out only if needed.