15/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 14 July, the European Commission decided not to raise any objections to the €1.247 billion granted by Spain to support coal production. Following an investigation, the Commission concluded that the aid was compatible with Council Regulation (EC) 1407/2002 on state aid to the coal industry. The measure, to be applied between 2008 and 2010, seeks to support access to and extraction of coal reserves. The Commission has established that the aid to the coal sector only covered the difference between the production costs and revenues of the mining units. In addition, Spain continues to reduce the mining capacity of its coal industry and the relevant state subsidies, key factors in approval for the scheme. (C.D./transl.rt)