Brussels, 14/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - In exchange for a few amendments, MEPs gave their approval on Thursday 10 April to the Commission proposal to revise the guidelines for the research programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS). By voting in favour of the Adam Gierek's report (PES, Poland) by a large majority (558 votes for, 61 against, 23 abstentions) MEPs insisted on the need for more efficient conversion of primary energy latent in coal into other energy forms, for example through the use of coal gasification and liquefaction which are considered "clean coal technologies". Products of gasification and liquefaction like hydrogen can be used as motor fuels, helping to reduce CO2 emissions. MEPs also aim to make Community coal more competitive, especially on local energy markets, by cutting the costs of mining production, increasing the quality of products and reducing the risks while at the time guaranteeing an efficient use of local coal reserves. (B.C.)