Press Release: Expiry of the ECSC Treaty : the Commission proposes a new system of State aid to the coal industry

The rules for State aid to the coal industry expire at the same time as the ECSC Treaty, on 23 July 2002. As part of efforts to improve the EU's security of energy supply, on 25 July 2001 the Commission proposed measures which amount to the creation by the Member States of an indigenous base of primary energy sources. A primary energy base of this kind means promoting or maintaining Community sources of energy, especially renewable sources and coal. Accordingly, the proposal for a Council Regulation adopted by the Commission establishes a set of rules to provide a framework for State aid to the Community coal mining industry after expiry of the ECSC Treaty.