•k * 
* -it EUROPEISKA GEMENSKAPERNAS KOMMISSION 
Bryssel den 14.12.1W 
KOM(95) (>5o slutlig 
RAPPORT FRÅN KOMMISSIONEN 
om tillämpningen av gemenskapsregler för 
statligt stdd till kolindustrin under 1993 

Sammanfattning av kommissionens rapport om tillämpningen av gemenskapsregler för 
statligt stöd till kolindustrin under 1993 
Enligt artikel 14 i kommissionens beslut 2064/86/EKSG av den 30 juni 19861 skall 
kommissionen varje år rapportera till rådet, Europaparlamentet och EKSG:s rådgivande kommitté 
om tillämpningen av gemenskapsreglerna för statligt stöd till kolindustrin. Det följande är en 
sammanfattning av rapporten om det finansiella stöd som Belgien, Frankrike, Tyskland, Portugal, 
Spanien och Förenade kungariket har gett till den egna kolsektorn under 1993. 
Enligt villkoren i kommissionens beslut 2064/86/EKSG kan stöd anses Vara förenligt med en väl 
fungerande gemensam marknad endast om det bidrar till att uppnå minst ett av följande mål: 
att konkurrenskraften inom kolindustrin stärks, vilket bidrar till att säkerställa högre 
leveranssäkerhet, 
att ny kapacitet skapas, om den är ekonomiskt livskraftig, 
att sociala och regionala problem som beror på förändringar inom kolindustrin kan lösas. 
Kolproduktionen inom gemenskapen uppgick till 158,6 miljoner ton under 1993, en nedgång på 
26,3 miljoner ton jämfört med föregående år. 107 400 personer vara sysselsatta i gruvor vid 
utgången av 1993, en minskning med 28 100 under året. 
De interna kolleveransema sjönk med 40,9 miljoner ton under 1993 jämfört med 1992, en 
nedgång med 13 %. De största minskningarna stod energiproduktionssektorn och leveranser till 
koksverk för. Importen av kol minskade också med 20,2 miljoner ton till 115,9 miljoner ton. 
De genomsnittliga produktionskostnaderna för kolproducenter inom gemenskapen ökande från 
112 ecu/tce 1992 till 114 ecu/tce 1993. Denna 2-procentiga ökning berodde huvudsakligen på 
de ökningar som noterades i Frankrike och Tyskland och som inte kompenserades fullt ut av 
kostnadsminskningarna i andra producentländer. 
Stöd till löpande produktion som har godkänts av kommissionen under 1993 uppgick till 5 034,4 
miljoner ecu, jämfört med 5 194,6 miljoner ecu 1992. Denna minskning beror huvudsakligen på 
en betydande minskning av stödet i Spanien och Belgien, vilket är ett resultat av omstrukturering 
i det förra landet och stängning av den sista gruvan i det senare och, i Tyskland. 
Fastän den alltsedan 1991 nedåtgående trenden vad avser stöd till löpande produktion bekräftades 
under 1993, har den för perioden 1986—93 faktiskt ökat med 9 %. 
1 EGTnrL 177, 1.7.1986, s. 1. 
Av kommissionen godkänt direkt stöd under 1993 enligt artikel 3—6 i kommissionens beslut 
2064/86/EKSG är fördelat på följande sätt: 
Tyskland: 
Frankrike: 
Spanien. 
Portugal: 
Förenade 
kungariket: 3 639,7 miljoner DEM (1 880 miljoner ecu) eller 56,72 DEM (29,29 
ecu) per ton 
1 262 miljoner FRF (190,2 miljoner ecu) cl 1er 147,15 FRF (22,18 ecu) 
per ton 
53 478 miljoner ESP (358,7 miljoner ecu) eller 2 951 ESP (19,79 ecu) 
per ton 
1 202,8 miljoner PTE (6,4 miljoner ecu) eller 6 106 PTE (32,49 ecu) 
per ton 
1,5 miljoner GBP (1,9 miljoner ecu) eller 0,03 GBP (0,03 ecu) per ton 
Finansiella åtgärder som, fastän de i allmänhet ges till annan ekonomisk verksamhet än 
kolproduktion, kan vara till nytta för kolföretag, betraktas som indirekt stöd Sådana åtgärder 
täcker bl.a. stöd till finansiering av sociala välfärdssystem som är specifika för kolindustrin och 
som finns i vissa medlemsstater, liksom forskning, utveckling och demonstration i de fall där 
dessa bidrar till att främja innovationer inom det företag som mottar stöd. 
Vad gäller indirekt stöd till produktion, godkände kommissionen under 1993 stöd på upp till 120 
miljoner ESP för miljön i spanska gruvområden. 
Av kommissionen godkänt indirekt stöd till konsumtion är fördelat på följande sätt: 
Tyskland: 
Spanien. 5 000 miljoner DEM för att täcka löpande utgifter för 1993 vad avser 
den kompensationsfond som har inrättats enligt den tredje tyska lagen 
om "elektricitet från kol". 
2 059 miljoner ESP för att täcka löpande utgifter för 1993 vad avser 
kompensationsfonden OFICO för elproducenter. 
Finansiellt stöd som inte är förknippat med löpande produktion är uppdelat mellan stöd till 
sociala förmåner och stöd för att täcka skulder som har övertagits 
Finansiellt stöd till sociala förmånssystem som är specifika för kolindustrin kan godkännas enligt 
artikel 7 i kommissionens beslut 2064/86/EKSG. Fördelningen mellan medlemsstaterna för 1993 
är följande: 
Tyskland: 
Frankrike: 
Belgien: 
Spanien: 11 821 miljoner DEM för att täcka underskottet i systemen för 
invaliditets- och ålderspension inom gruvindustrin som helhet. Av detta 
gick 80 % till kolindustrin. 
10 528 miljoner FRF till en blandning av riktade och allmänna sociala 
system. 
28 719,8 miljoner BEF till social förmåner. 
129 857 miljoner ESP till allmänna sociala förmånssystem. 
Finansiellt stod till kostnader som beror på omstrukturering som inte är förbunden med löpande 
produktion kan godkännas enligt artikel 8 i kommissionens beslut 2064/86/EKSG. Fördelningen 
mellan medlemsstaterna för 1993 för sådana skulder som har övertagits är följande: 
Tyskland: 496,1 miljoner DEM 
Belgien. 369,4 miljoner BEF 
Frankrike: 5 427 miljoner FRF 
Portugal: 180 miljoner PTE 
Förenade 
kungariket: 9,6 miljoner GBP 
Sammanfattningsvis sjönk gemenskapens produktion med 70 miljoner ton till 158 miljoner ton 
under den tid kommissionens beslut 2064/86/EKSG (1986 till 1993) var tillämpligt. Det genom­
snittliga priset från gruva för gemenskapens kol är dock fortfarande 114 ecu/tce, vilket skall 
jämföras med drygt 40 ecu/tce för importerat kol. 
Under det att produktionskostnaderna uttryckta i 1986 års fasta priser har sjunkit med 22 % 
under perioden har kostnaden för importerat kol uttryckt i ecu fallit ännu mer, med ungefar 
40 % under samma period. 
Fastän produktiviteten ökade med 52 % har kvoten mellan produktionskostnaderna och 
priset för importerat kol cif försämrats från 2,2 år 1986 till 3,0 år 1993. 
Dessa motstridiga faktorer har inneburit att stödet per ton, uttryckt i reala termer, har ökat med 
c:a 32 % mellan 1986 och 1993. Som en följd av detta står det klart att huvuddelen av 
kolindustrin i Europa även i fortsättningen är beroende av stora stödbelopp för att överleva. 
En mer omfattande version av denna rapport kan fås på alla gemenskapens språk med undantag 
av finska och svenska. 
3^ 
Totala belopp för godkänt stöd under perioden 1986 till 1993 
i miljoner ecu 
till aktuellt 
värde Stöd till 
löpande produktion 
indirekt Stöd som inte är knutet 
till löpande produktion 
socialt skulder 
som har 
övertagits TOTAL, 'roduktion 
Belgien 
Tyskland 
Spanien 
Frank rike 1986 
1987 
1988 
1989 
1990 
1991 
1992 
1993 
1986 
1987 
1988 
1989 
1990 
1991 
1992 
1993 
1986 
1987 
1988 
1989 
1990 
1991 
1992 
1993 
1986 
1987 
1988 
1989 
1990 
1991 
1992 
1993 
1986 
1987 
1988 
1989 
1990 
1991 
1992 
1993 
1986 
1987 
1988 
1989' 
1990 
1991 
1992 
1993 
Gemenskapen 1986 
1987 
1988 
1989' 
1990 
1991 
1992 
1993 Portugal 
Förenade 
kungariket 297,3 
362,5 
202,6 
159,4 
70,3 
53,4 
33,5 
0,0 
1446,0 
1899,6 
1975,3 
1945,5 
2037,0 
1933,1 
2031,0 
1880,0 
259,7 
374,8 
369,6 
406,2 
397,4 
618,9 
446,0 
358,7 
523,1 
428,8 
249,8 
174,6 
166,2 
165,3 
186,9 
190,2 
4,5 
1,8 
1,7 
4,6 
4,6 
4,5 
5,8 
6,4 
460,0 
842,7 
315,2 
6627,5 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
1,9 
2990,6 
3910,2 
3114,2 
9317,8 
2675,5 
2775,2 
2703,2 
2437,2 0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
10,3 
7,8 
7,4 
0,0 
1631,6 
1964,7 
2530,0 
2616,4 
2539,5 
2569,6 
2466,7 
2582,6 
2.5 
86,6 
79,9 
102,5 
101,8 
48,5 
17,3 
14,6 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
1634,1 
2051,3 
2609,9 
2718,9 
2651,6 
2625,9 
2491,4 
2597,2 297,3 
362,5 
202,6 
159,4 
80,6 
61,2 
40,9 
0,0 
3077,6 
3864,3 
4505,3 
4561,9 
4576,5 
4502,7 
4497,7 
4462,6 
262,2 
461,4 
449,5 
508,7 
499,2 
667,4 
463,3 
373,3 
523,1 
428,8 
249,8 
174,6 
166,2 
165,3 
186,9 
190,2 
4,5 
1,8 
1,7 
4,6 
4,6 
4,5 
5,8 
6,4 
460,0 
842,7 
315,2 
6627,5 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
1,9 
4624,7 
5961,5 
5724,1 
12036,7 
5327,1 
5401,1 
5194,6 
5034,4 (15,6)2 
(33,3)2 53,2 
83,2 
81,5 
84,2 
77,8 
96,5 
187,6 
0,0 
35,3 
46,9 
56,8 
58,9 
59,8 
61,9 
62,3 
69,5 
16,5 
23,9 
23,6 
26,5 
25,7 
37,2 
24,9 
20,6 
36,3 
31,3 
20,6 
15,2 
15,8 
16,3 
19,7 
22,2 
21,2 
6,9 
7,4 
17,8 
16,4 
16,7 
26,2 
32,5 
4,4 
8,3 
3,1 
67,4 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
20,3 
26,9 
26,7 
57,7 
27,0 
27,8 
28,1 
31,7 1003,9 
791,9 
883,7 
905,4 
968,3 
698,7 
703,4 
709,7 
3034,2 
3268,4 
3334,9 
3814,5 
4084,0 
4344,1 
4420,3 
4884,7 
490,9 
527,1 
574,1 
660,2 
758,2 
821,0 
862,0 
870,8 
1478,9 
1415,6 
1500,6 
1781,0 
1986,8 
1946,6 
2357,4 
15/7,0 
0,0 
0,0 
. 0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
100,4 
59,3 
60,1 
61,9 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
6108,3 
6062,3 
6353,4 
7223,0 
7797,3 
7810,4 
8343,1 
8052,2 0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
1,2 
1,7 
9,1 
63,4 
110,9 
106,3 
185,8 
200,6 
247,5 
246,7 
256.3 
0,0 
0,0 
0.0 
0,0 
0,0 
267,0 
108,9 
0,0 
474,4 
547,2 
719,5 
774,2 
792,2 
783,2 
774,6 
818,1 
0,0 
0,7 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
1,0 
922,4 
386,6 
221,9 
2940,9 
103,5 
13,7 
13,1 
0,0 
1460,2 
1045,4 
1047,7 
3900,9 
1096,3 
1312,6 
1145,0 
1084,5 1003,9 
791,9 
883,7 
905,4 
968,3 
699,9 
705,1 
718,8 
3097,6 
3379,3 
3441,2 
4000,3 
4284,6 
4591,6 
4667,0 
5141,0 
490,9 
527,1 
574,1 
660,2 
758,2 
1088,0 
970,9 
870,8 
1953,3 
1962,8 
2220,1 
2555,2 
2779,0 
2729,8 
3132,0 
2405,1 
0,0 
0,7 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
0,0 
1,0 
1022,8 
445,9 
282,0 
3002,8 
103,5 
13,7 
13,1 
0,0 
7568,5 
7107,7 
7401,1 
11123,9 
8893,6 
9123,0 
9488,1 
9136,7 1301,2 
1154,4 
1086,3 
1064,8 
1048,9 
761,1 
746,0 
718,8 
6175,2 
7243,6 
7946,5 
8562,2 
8861,1 
9094,3 
9164,7 
9603,6 
753,1 
988,5 
1023,6 
1168,9 
1257,4 
1755,4 
1434,2 
1244,1 
2476,4 
2391,6 
2469,9 
2729,8 
2945,2 
2895,1 
3318,9 
2595,3 
4,5 
2,5 
1,7 
4,6 
4,6 
4,5 
5,8 
7,4 
1482,8 
1288,6 
597,2 
9630,3 
103,5 
13,7 
13,1 
1,9 
12193,2 
13069,2 
13125,2 
23160,6 
14220,7 
14524,1 
14682,7 
14171,1 5589,0 
4357,0 
2487,0 
1893,0 
1036,0 
634,0 
218,0 
0,0 
87126,0 
82380,0 
79319,0 
77451,0 
76553,0 
72744,0 
72153,0 
64175,0 
15895,0 
19326,0 
19011,0 
19176,0 
19440,0 
17922,0 
18620,0 
18124,0 
14394,0 
13690,0 
12142,0 
11470,0 
10487,0 
10127,0 
9478,0 
8576,0 
212,0 
261,0 
230,0 
258,0 
281,0 
270,0 
221,0 
197,0 
104635,0 
101644.0 
1013S'-.;) 
982^:»,0 
89301,0 
92712,0 
84235,0 
67606,0 
227851,0 
221658,0 
214569,0 
208534,0 
197098,0 
194409,0 
184925,0 
158678,0 
Totalt E9923,9 19380,3 49304,2 (27,5)2 30,7 07750,0 12092,6 69842,6 119146,8 1607722,0 
Inkiusive en finansiell åtgärd på 5 089,5 miljoner ecu som återspeglar minskningen av det underliggande värdet av British Coal's 
anläggningstillgångar, stöd for att täcka kompensation för hörselskador och förmånen av koltilldelning till gruvarbetare. 
Stöd per ton (exklusive beloppet i fotnot 1). 
d 
COMMISSION REPORT 
on the Application of the Community Rules for State Aid to the 
Coal Industry in 1993 
1. Introduction 
Article 14 of Commission Decision No 2064/86/ECSC of 30 June 19861 requires the 
Commission to report each year to the Council, the European Parliament and the ECSC 
Consultative Committee on the application of the Community rules for State aid to the 
coal industry. 
This report examines the financial aid granted by Belgium, France, Germany, Portugal, 
Spain and the United Kingdom to their coal industries in 1993. 
All Member States intending to grant aid to coal undertakings in 1993 were obliged to 
present to the Commission by 1 October 1992 (1 January 1993 for the United Kingdom) 
information on all the measures they intended to take to support the coal industry directly 
or indirectly in 1993. 
Such measures may be considered to be compatible with the proper functioning of the 
common market only if they help to achieve at least one of the following objectives: 
improved competitiveness in the coal industry, helping to ensure greater security 
of supply; 
creation of new capacities as long as they are economically viable; 
solution of social and regional problems related to changes in the coal industry. 
OJ No L 177, 1.7.1986, p. 1 et seq. 
In accordance with Article 9 of the Decision, the Commission was notified of the 
measures planned for 1993 by: 
the German Government in letters dated 9 December 1992 and 15 February 1994; 
the Belgian Government in letters dates 9 October and 13 November 1993; 
the Spanish Government in letters dated 10 and 25 February and 
16 November 1993; 
the French Government in a letter dated 12 February 1993, 
the Portuguese Government in a letter dated 15 September 1993; 
the United Kingdom Government in a letters of 17 February 1994. 
The Commission gave a ruling on these measures in Decisions adopted on 
23 December 1992?"3and29 March 19944 for Germany, 24 February 1993 for Belgium,5 
18 May 1993 for France,6 23 December 1992 for Spain,7- 8 7 December 1993 for 
Portugal,9 and 29 March 1994 for the United Kingdom.10 
The amounts of financial aid referred to in this document are the final figures authorized 
by the Commission for 1993 under Decision 2064/86/ECSC. This is the final report 
under Article 14 of this Decision as a result of its expiry on 31 12 1993. 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 OJNoL 58, 11.3.1993. 
OJNoL 59, 12.3.1993. 
OJNo L 147, 14.6.1994. 
OJNo L 85,6.4.1993. 
OJNoL 198, 7.8.1993. 
OJNoL 57, 10.3.1993, p. 26. 
OJNoL 57, 10.3.1993, p. 29. 
OJNo L 23, 28.1.1994. 
OJNoL 147, 14.6.1994. 
2. Coal Industry and Market 
2 1 Production 
In 1993 coal production in the Community amounted to 158.6 million tonnes, a drop of 
26.3 million tonnes from the 1992 figure as a result of the restructuring, rationalization 
and modernization policies implemented by the Member States. Production dropped in 
all the production countries in 1993 from 1992, the largest falls, in absolute terms, being 
registered in the United Kingdom (-16.8 million tonnes) and Germany (-8.0 million 
tonnes). 
The estimate available for 1994 indicate that the trend will probably be similar to 1993, 
production falling by 26.6 million tonnes to some 132.0 million tonnes 
Once again, the largest reductions are likely to be in the United Kingdom (18.9 million 
tonnes), followed by Germany (6.6 million). 
Table 1 
Coal production (*1000 t) 
1990 1991 1992 1993 (2)1994 variation variation 
1993/92 1994/93 
(%) (%) 
Germany 
France 
Belgium 
United Kingdom 
Ireland 
Spain (1) 
Portugal 
Italy 
Community 76553 
10487 
1036 
89301 
46 
19440 
281 
58 72744 
10127 
634 
92712 
6 
17922 
270 
21 
197202 194436 72153 
9478 
218 
84235 
1 
18620 
221 
30 
184956 64174 
8576 
67463 
1 
18183 
197 
20 
158614 57530 
7458 
48600 
1 
18250 
150 
131989 -11.1 
-9.5 
100.0 
-19.9 
-2.3 
-10.9 
-33.3 
-14.2 -10.4 
-13.0 
-28.0 
+0.4 
-23.9 
100.0 
-16.8 
(1) Including "black lignite" 
(2) Estimate 
2.2. Employment 
The continuation of the measures to rationalize and reduce activity in the coal industry 
in most coal-producing countries led to a further drop in employment figures. At the end 
of 1993, 107 400 underground workers, i.e. 28 100 fewer than in 1992, were employed 
in the coal industry. The largest drop in absolute terms was in the United Kingdom 
(17 500), followed by Germany (6 500) and Spain (3 000). 
Table 2 
Underground Staff Employed at the End of the Year (* 1000) 
1990 1991 1992 1993 variation 
1993/92 (%) 
Germany 77.9 73.2 68.5 62 0 -9.5 
France 10.1 8.9 8.3 7.9 -5.7 
Belgium 1.9 1.7 0.7 0.1 -80.0 
United Kingdom 50.7 42.3 30.5 13.0 -57.3 
Spain 30.6 29.8 27.0 24.0 -11.2 
Portugal 0.6 0.5 0.5 04 -19.5 
Community 171.8 156.5 135.5 107.4 -20.7 
2.3. Coal Demand and Trade 
In 1993, total energy demand in the European Union fell by 0.7% over 1992 as a result 
of the negative economic growth, which had a considerable effect on energy demand. 
However, the fall in demand tended to affect solid fuels in the main, and in particular 
coal. 
Overall, internal deliveries of coal within the European Union fell by 40 9 million tonnes 
or 13.0%) in 1993 compared with 1992. This figure is even more striking when it is 
considered that deliveries had already fallen significantly in 1992 compared with 1991. 
This reduction was mainly due to a Icvelling-olT of demand from all see tors The main 
reductions concerned deliveries to the power-generating sector (29.9 million tonnes) and 
deliveries to coking plants (7.6 million tonnes). The Member States registering the 
largest drops were the United Kingdom (19.5 million tonnes), France (8 8 million tonnes), 
Germany (7.0 million tonnes), Italy (2.5 million tonnes) and Spain (2 4 million tonnes) 
Deliveries increased in three countries only, the total figure being limited to 1.5 million 
tonnes. 
In 1994, internal deliveries are likely to have fallen still further, by 14 2 million tonnes, 
to 259.7 million tonnes. This is the lowest tonnage ever recorded in the European Union. 
Deliveries are falling in all sectors. The main reductions concern deliveries to public-
sector power stations (reduction of 10.9 million tonnes), and coking plants (reduction of 
2.1 million tonnes). The largest fall is likely in the United Kingdom (16.1 million 
tonnes). 
Table 3 
Internal deliveries of coal (Million tonnes) 
1990 1991 1992 (1)1993 (2)1994 variation variation 
1993/92 (%)1994/93 (%) 
Belgium 14.9 14.0 13.2 11.9 13.6 
Denmark 10.1 12.8 11.4 12.0 12.7 
Germany (3)80.3 87.0 82.8 75.8 75.4 
Greece 1.4 2.0 1.9 1.5 1.5 
Spain 30.2 31.2 32.9 30.5 30.8 
France 30.4 31.9 31.5 22.7 19.7 
Ireland 3.2 3.1 3.4 3.1 2.8 
Italy 2.1 19.3 17.5 15.0 16.1 
Luxembourg 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 
Netherlands 14.9 13.3 12.7 13.1 14.3 
Portugal 5.0 4.4 4.5 5.0 5.5 
United Kingdom 107.9 112.4 102.7 83.2 67.1 
Community 300.5 331.6 314.8 273.9 259.7 -10.3 
4.8 
-8.4 
-24.2 
-7.4 
-27.9 
-8.8 
-14.1 
-3.9 
3.2 
10.2 
-19.0 
-13.0 14.3 
5.8 
-0.5 
0.6 
0.9 
-13.0 
-9.0 
7.0 
25.7 
9.1 
10.2 
-19.3 
-5.2 
(1) Provisional 
(2) Forecast 
(3) Excluding the new German Länder 
Coal imports from third countries fell by 20.2 million tonnes in 1993 to reach a level of 
115.9 million tonnes. This reduction is the logical result of the low demand for coal and 
the stocks held, even though the drop in coal production over the year is one of the 
largest ever recorded. The fall in imports is mainly in steam coal as a result of the drop 
in demand from power stations. 
Table 4 
Imports of coal from third countries (Million tonnes) 
1990 1991 1992 (1)1993 (2)1994 
Belgium 
Denmark 
Germany 
Greece 
Spain 
France 
Ireland 
Italy 
Luxembourg 
Netherlands 
Portugal 
UK 
Community 13.2 
9.7 
(3)8.6 
1.4 
9.8 
17.3 
2.6 
19.5 
0.2 
16.5 
4.5 
12.7 
115.9 13.3 
12.6 
13.7 
1.4 
12.0 
20.2 
2.7 
19,2 
0.2 
15.2 
4.1 
19.1 
133.6 13.1 
11.8 
14.2 
2.1 
13.7 
21,4 
2.7 
17.6 
0.3 
14.7 
4.4 
20.1 
136.2 11.2 
10.3 
12.6 
1.3 
12.2 
13.9 
2.3 
14.3 
0.2 
14.9 
4.8 
17.9 
115.9 13.0 
11.8 
13.1 
1.4 
12.2 
13.0 
2.5 
15.4 
0.2 
16.0 
5.3 
16.0 
120.0 variation 
1993/92 
(%) 
-14.6 
-12.5 
-11.4 
-37.3 
-11.4 
-35.0 
-16.1 
-18.6 
-3.2 
1.5 
7.1 
-10.7 
-14.8 variation 
1994/93 
(%) 
15.9 
14.8 
3.7 
1.0 
0.4 
-6.5 
9.6 
8.0 
0.4 
7.2 
11.7 
-10.6 
3.5 
(1) Provisional 
(2) Forecast 
(3) Excluding the new German Länder 
For 1994 it is estimated 4.0 million tonnes (3.5%) more will be imported to reach a 
level of 120.0 million tonnes. Lower production and a run on stocks, in conjunction 
with steady demand, have combined to maintain imports at a figure not too far from 
the 1993 level. 
Table 5 
Intra-Communitv Trade in Coal (exports) (*1000 t) 
Year Germany Belgium France UK Sjisyn Nelhri'laniis Other Total 
1990 4906 668 460 1559 2 2335 37 9967 
1991 3188 606 490 1520 - 2363 51 8218 
1992 1510 622 444 840 - 2029 54 5499 
1993 (1) 915 620 426 946 - 2243 28 5178 
1994(2) 1100 680 347 900 - 2100 13 5140 
(1) Provisional 
(2) Forecast 
Trade in coal within the European Union, including internal movements of coal of third-
country origin in free circulation fell by 0.3 million tonnes in 1993; a further very slight 
reduction is expected in 1994. This trend is attributable to a reduction in production in 
the main coal-producing Member States, and the considerable competition from third-
country coal and other substitutable energy resources. 
2.4. Financial situation of Community Coal Producers 
For the European Union as a whole, average production costs, increased from ECU 
112/tce in 1992 to ECU 114/tce in 1993, an increase of 2%, which is mainly due to the 
rises recorded in France and Germany which were not fully compensated for by the cost 
reductions in the other producer countries. 
Table 6 
Financial situation of the coal industry 
Production costs(l) 
ECU/tec Returns 
ECU/tec Difference 
ECU/tec 
1991 1992 1993 1993/92 1991 1992 1993 1993/92 1991 1992 1993 
Germany 
Belgium(4) 
Spain(2) 
France 
Portugal 
UK 
Total 138 143 151 
228 
154 147 131 
91 100 110 
103 (3)121 (3)112 
74 71 62 
109 112 114 (%) 
5 
-11 
10 
-7 
-12 
2 131 136 126 
47 
109 109 97 
60 56 62 
72 (3)78 (3)72 
73 71 60 
97 101 99 (%) 
3 
-11 
11 
-7 
-16 -12 
-181 
-45 
-32 
-31 
-0 
-12 -12 -15 
-39 
-45 
-43 
-0 
-12 
(1) Overall costs, including capital and depreciation costs 
(2) Estimate 
(3) Provisional figure 
(4) Last pit closed at the end of September 1992 
Returns increased by 1% throughout the Community in 1993. 
Given that production costs rose and the average returns fell, it can be stated that the situation 
of the coal industry deteriorated in 1993. 
Mention should be made of the considerable differences in returns between the different 
producer countries. To a great extent these are due to indirect consumption-aid mechanisms 
in certain countries. 
There were (often marked) improvements in productivity in all coal-producing Member States, 
except France, largely due to the restructuring and rationalization of the industry. The least 
productive pits are the first to be closed, and when the decision to close a pit in the relatively 
near future is taken, underground preparation work is reduced to a strict minimum, releasing 
workers for production or reducing the number of underground workers. Productivity 
increases in both cases. -34 
49 
-40 
2 
-15 
Table 7 
Underground Output per Man/hour(kg) 
1990 1991 1992 1993 1993/92(%i 
Germany 
France 
Belgium 
UK 
Spain 
Community 673 
634 
361 
704 
341 
628 681 
727 
383 
801 
315 
665 698 
743 
268 
919 
328 
703 707 
711 
1239 
396 
762 1.3 
-4.3 
34.8 
20.7 
84 
3. Financial aid scheduled for the coal industry 
This document is concerned with the measures set out in Article 1 of the abovementioned 
Decision, namely all aid granted by central, regional or local authorities, which, even if it is 
not always a direct burden on public budgets, is nevertheless financed by charges rendered 
compulsory by the fact of State intervention. It also covers any aid elements contained in the 
financing measures taken by Member States in respect of the coal undertakings which they 
directly or indirectly control and which cannot be regarded as the provision of risk capital 
according to standard company practice in a market economy. 
This Report makes various distinctions. It distinguishes between aid related to current 
production and aid not related to current production, which, in certain cases such as inherited 
liabilities, cannot be interrupted even if coalmining were to stop. 
Where current production is concerned, it is also essential to distinguish between direct aid 
and indirect aid. Under Decision No 2064/86/ECSC any financial aid granted directly to coal 
undertakings is regarded as direct aid. Indirect aid is any aid which, although often granted 
to an economic operator not producing coal, is of indirect benefit to coal undertakings. 
3-1 Financial aid related to current production 
In 1993 aid to current production authorized by the Commission amounted to 
ECU 5 034.4 million, compared with ECU 5 194.6 million in 1992 As emerges from 
Annex 1, this reduction is mainly due to a significant reduction in the level of aid in Spain 
and Belgium as a result of implementation of restructuring or rationalization plans in the 
former and the closing down of the last remaining mines in the latter, and in Germany. 
Table 8 
Financial aid related to current production 
ECU million ECU/tonne 
Directs 1993 1992 1993 1992 
Art. 3 Deficit grant aid 671.4 782.8 4.23 4.23 
Art. 4 Sales aid 1677.8 1787.7 10.57 9.68 
Art. 5 Investment aid 23.5 - 0.15 
Art.6 Aid for underground staff 62.0 65.6 0.39 0.35 
Other 2.5 67.1 0.02 0.36 
Sub-total 2437.2 2703.2 15.36 14.62 
Indirect 2597.2 2491.4 16.37 13.47 
Total 5034.4 5194.6 31.73 28.09 
Although the downward trend in aid for current production which started in 1991 was 
confirmed in 1993, in the period 1986-1993 it has actually risen by 9%. Figures for the 
amount of aid per tonne produced show the increase to be more marked here, exceeding 56% 
for the same period. 
10 
3.1.1. Direct aid 
Direct aid for current production under Decision No 2064/86/1 {CSC11 includes deficit grant 
aid (Article 3), investment aid (Article 5), aid for underground staff (Article 6), and sales aid 
for coking coal and coke (Article 4). Although the latter aid is, in fact, sales aid, it is 
considered to be direct aid since it is granted to the producer and not the consumer. 
3.1.1.1. Germany 
In 1993 direct aid authorized by the Commission amounted to DM 3 639.7 million 
(ECU 1 880.0 million), i.e. DM 56.72 (ECU 29.29) per tonne. 
DM million ECU million 
Art. 3 Aid to cover operating losses 271.5 140.2 
Art. 4 Aid for the sales of coal and coke 
to the Community steel industry 3 248.2 1 677.8 
Art. 6 Miners' bonuses per underground 
shift worked ("Bergmannsprämie") 120.0 62 0 
Total 3 639.7 1 880.0 
The aid to cover operating losses (DM 271.5 million) is granted to undertakings in certain 
mining areas in order to cover part of a revenue shortfall resulting from certain sales of coal 
by the undertakings in question to thermal power stations. The aid is granted in the form of 
financial compensation based on the differences in production costs between mining areas 
(Revierausgleich) and on the use of coal with a low volatile matter content (Ausgleich fur 
niederfluchtige Kohle). 
Since the measure is to be gradually phased out, the aid in question meets the objectives and 
criteria set out in Article 2 of the Decision. 
For more details, the reader is referred to the text of the Decision: 
OJNoL 177, 1.7.1986, pp. 1-9. 
11 
Pursuant to Article 12 of Decision No 2064/86/ECSC, coal undertakings are authorized, where 
necessary, to grant rebates on their list prices or production costs for deliveries of coal and 
coke to European Union steel -industry blast furnaces under long-term contracts. These 
rebates must not cause prices to work out lower than those which would be charged for coal 
from third countries and coke made from third-country coking coal. 
According to the notification from the German Government, this sales aid is to be granted in 
line with the principles underlying a new system of aid for the delivery of coal and coke to 
the European Union steel industry. The system is designed to place a ceiling on aid during 
the period 1992-94. For this purpose the German Government has set a ceiling to the amount 
of aid for this period and has introduced a financial charge on the coal industry. The aid to 
be granted for 1993, including the correction made at the end of the year under that system 
(DM3 248.2 million) covers the difference between the world market price and the 
production costs for a maximum production level of 18.5 million tonnes. The aid is therefore 
compatible with Articles 4 and 12 of the Decision. It helps to provide a temporary solution 
to the social and regional problems by spreading out the closure of loss-making pits in time, 
and also the resuiicturing of the coal industry in accordance with Article 2 of the Decision. 
The DM 120 million of aid intended to finance miner premiums "Bergmannsprämie" (DM 10 
per j'ob performed underground) enables the coal industry to retain its qualified staff. The aid 
is a specific measure that has been applied for several years (tax abatement on miners' 
incomes) which must be notified separately from the aid referred to in Articles 3-5 of the 
Decision. The aid is thus compatible with Article 6 of the Decision. It helps to improve the 
competitiveness of the coal industry in accordance with the first indent of Article 2(1 )(1) of 
the Decision. 
3.1.1.2, Belt 
The closure of the last working pit at the end of September 1992 marked the end of the 
Belgian mining industry's restructuring plan aimed at ceasing coal production as from this 
date. No direct aid was, therefore, granted in 1993. 
12 
3.1.1.3. France 
In 1993 the amount of direct aid authorized by the Commission totalled FF 1 262 million 
(ECU 190.2 million), i.e. FF 147.15 (ECU 22.18) per tonne. 
FF million ECU million 
Art. 3 Aid to cover operating losses 1 262 190.2 
Total 1 262 190.2 
The aid to cover operating losses makes up only 57% of the difference, for each tonne 
produced and for each region, between foreseeable average costs and returns and thus 
complies with Article 3(1) of the Decision. These average returns are closely linked with 
developments in the price of imported coal. 
Since this forms part of a restructuring and rationalizing plan that is intended to improve the 
competitiveness of the industry, the aid meets the aims and criteria set out in Article 2 of the 
Decision. 
3.1.1.4. Spain 
The direct aid authorized by the Commission for 1993 amounted to PTA 53 478 million 
(ECU 358.7 million), i.e. PTA 2 951 (ECU 19.79) per tonne. 
PTA million ECU million 
Art. 3 Aid to cover operating losses 49 978.0 335.2 
Art. 5 Aid to investment 3 500.0 23.5 
Total 53 478.0 358.7 
The aid to cover operating losses (PTA 49 978 million) is granted to the undertakings 
Hunosa, Figaredo and Minero Siderurgica Ponferrada (for the operation by the latter of Mina 
de la Camocha). It is intended to offset part of the difference between average foreseeable 
costs and average foreseeable revenue for each tonne produced. The aid does not exceed the 
foreseeable operating losses and therefore meets the conditions of Article 3(1) of the Decision. 
13 
The aid to cover operating losses facilitates the process of restructuring the undertakings 
receiving the aid, in particular by staggering the closure of certain pits with no prospects of 
economic viability, in the context of regional industrial redevelopment policy The aid thus 
helps to resolve the social and regional problems related to developments in the coal industry, 
in accordance with Article 2 of Decision No 2064/86/ECSC. 
The investment aid of PTA 3 500 million is intended for mining industry investment projects. 
It is meant to facilitate the implementation of the plan for the restructuring, rationalization and 
modernization of the coal industry in Spain. This measure will help to improve the 
competitiveness of the production companies, which will be required to show that their 
financial situation is in balance when the plan comes to an end The aid therefore meets the 
aims and criteria set out in Articles 2 and 5 of Decision N° 2064/86/ECSC. 
3.1.1.5. Portugal 
In 1993 the Commission authorized the granting of aid totalling ESC 1 202.8 million 
(ECU 6.4 million) to cover operating losses, i.e. ESC 6 106 (ECU 32 49) per tonne. 
ESC million ECU million 
Art. 3 Aid to cover operating losses 1094.3 5.8 
Other 
Aid to cover a coal-industry debt 
to the Portuguese Department of 
Social Security 108.5 0.6 
Total 1 202.8 6.4 
This aid is to cover the difference between the foreseeable average costs and returns for a 
total of 0.2 million tonnes. The aid does not exceed foreseeable operating losses and hence 
meets with the conditions laid down in Article 3(1) of Decision 2064/86/ECSC 
This measure is designed to help implement the strategic plan of the undertaking between 
1991 and 1994 when its total closure is planned. It is intended to help resolve the social and 
regional problems related to developments in the coal industry, in accordance with the third 
indent of Article 2 of the Decision. 
14 
Before the date of extraction-capacity closure the ESC 108.5 million of aid is intended to 
cover some of the debts to the Portuguese Department of Social Security entered into in 1993. 
By enabling the mine to be closed down more quickly this aid helps to solve the social 
problems arising from implementation of the restructuring plan in accordance with Article 
2(1), third indent, of Decision 2064/86/ECSC. 
3.1.1.6. United Kingdom 
In 1993, direct aid authorized by the Commission amounted to GBP 1.5 million 
(ECU 1.9 million), i.e. GBP 0.03 (ECU 0.03) per tonne. 
GBP million ECU million 
Other Aid to cover operating 
measures losses in underground 
workings 1.5 1.9 
Total 1.5 
The aid to cover operating losses in underground workings is intended in the short term to 
allow these mines to find outlets for their production in the power station sector. 
It is understood from the UK Government that, for any quality contracted, the amount of aid 
will not exceed the difference between the expected average cost and the average returns per 
tonne, thereby meeting the conditions laid down in Article 3(1) of Decision 2064/86/ECSC 
Its inclusion in a clearly defined restructuring plan aimed at closing down production units 
which have no economically viable prospects and the fact that it is of a temporary nature 
mean that this aid meets the requirements for the application of the Decision. 
The aid will help to improve the competitiveness of the European Union coal mining industry 
and to resolve social and regional problems in accordance with the first and third indents of 
Article 2(1) of the Decision. 
15 
3.1.2. Indirect aid 
In this report, financial measures which, although generally granted to an economic activity 
other than coal production, are of benefit to coal undertakings, are regarded as indirect aid. 
Such measures are included in the definition set out in Annex 2 to Decision 2064/86/ECSC, 
namely, "any other measures linked to the production or marketing of, and external trade in, 
coal even if they do not directly impose a burden on public budgets, which give an economic 
advantage to coal undertakings". 
In this context, the Commission takes the view that several financial mechanisms and types 
of aid must be regarded as indirect aid for current production 
This is the case with the aid to finance systems of social welfare contributions specific to the 
coal industry in force in some Member States where the aid makes the effective social 
security burden of the coal undertaking lower than the costs that the undertakings would 
normally have to bear in comparison with other industries. 
Research, development and demonstration activities are also regarded as indirect aid where 
they help to promote innovations in the undertaking receiving the aid. 
In most coal-producing Member States, coal producers and electricity producers have 
concluded coal-supply agreements or contracts. Some agreements or contracts in force in 
1993 include pricing methods which do not necessarily reflect market realities. The 
Commission has undertaken as complete a study as possible of these agreements and 
contracts, to highlight any financial-aid element detected. The actual agreements and 
contracts covering coal sales are currently being examined in detail by the Commission's 
departments, to assess their compatibility with the rules of the Treaties. 
Where it has a direct influence on the level of domestic prices, a quantitative import 
restriction can also be regarded as indirect aid. In the absence of accurate information on the 
impact of such measures, however, they are not listed here. 
16 
3.1.2.1. Indirect aid to production 
3.1.2.1.1 Spain 
The Commission authorized aid amounting to PTA 120 million for the environment in mining 
areas in Spain. This aid related to work carried out on tips and water treatment. 
The aid will help to improve the environment of the areas involved and to resolve social and 
regional problems connected with the development of the mining industry in accordance with 
the third indent of Article 2(1) of the Decision. 
Authorization has been made in view of the connection of this measure with the Spanish coal 
mining industry's restructuring, rationalization and modernization initiatives 
3.1.2.2. Indirect aid to consumption 
This section described the pricing methods in contracts and agreements between coal 
producers and electricity producers. Where appropriate, the extent of the financial aid is also 
highlighted where it can be quantified. 
3.1.2.2.1. Germany 
In Germany, the financial compensation and price mechanisms for sales of both German and 
Community coal to the electricity industry, including sales provided for in the 
"Jahrhundertvertrag", are governed by the third Electricity-from-Coal Law.12 
In 1992 the German Government provided the Commission with information on a coal mining 
industry restructuring plan (1992-2000) suggesting that by 1997 production of coal for thermal 
power stations will be reduced by 5.9 million tonnes of coal equivalent, the reduction in 
production will be achieved by closing down the production units making the biggest losses. 
In the light of these developments, the Commission adopted a Decision authorizing 
compensatory payments totalling DM 5 000 million on 23 December 1992 to cover current 
expenditure in respect of the compensation fund under the third German Electricity-from-Coal 
Law for 1993. 
In its decision, the Commission made it clear that the authorizations would cease to have legal 
effect beyond the date on which Decision No 2064/86/ECSC expires. 
12 COM(88) 541, 20.10.1988, point 4.1.2.2.1. 
17 
3.1.2.2.2. France 
In France, EDF's purchases of coal and electricity from Charbonnages de France are governed 
by a protocol dating back to the end of 1987 covering the period 1989-93. 
The quantities of national coal and electricity covered by the protocol are on a declining scale, 
as follows: 
Coal Electricity 
1989 = 2.30 million tonnes 7.92 TWh 
1990 = 2.19 million tonnes 7.24 TWh 
1991 = 2.09 million tonnes 6.68 TWh 
1992 = 1.81 million tonnes 6.13 TWh 
1993 = 1.81 million tonnes 5.97 TWh 
The minimum ex-mine price is set some 10% higher than the cost of imported coal. 
The quantities of electricity covered by the contract equate to 3 500 hours of utilization of 
EdF coal-fired power stations a year. The electricity supplied on these terms is subject to the 
same tariffs as EdF applies to private generation. The price charged for any additional 
quantities purchased corresponds to the accounting cost of nuclear power stations in operation. 
The guaranteed supply provided for by the contract and the fact that collieries stockpile coal 
in order to be able to meet EdF demand at very short notice are quid pro quos for the 10% 
surcharge. It does not appear, therefore, from the information at the Commission's disposal, 
that this mechanism contains direct or indirect financial aid to the coal industry. 
3.1.2.2.3. United Kingdom 
Deliveries of national coal are covered by a new five-year agreement signed at the beginning 
of 1993. The contracting parties are the British Coal Corporation, National Power and 
PowerGen. 
Deliveries of coal to the electricity-generating industry covered by the contract will amount 
to 40 million tonnes in 1993/94, and 30 million tonnes for the four following years. 
Deliveries under the contract will be made at a price of GBP 36.24 for 1993/94, reducing 
progressively to GBP 31.92 in 1997/98. 
18 
A similar agreement has been concluded between Scottish Power and the British Coal 
Corporation, the deliveries being made from the Scottish coalfield This agreement covers 
the period from 1990 to March 1995. Deliveries of coal to the Longannet power complex 
amounted to 3.0 million tonnes for the 1992/93 financial year, and will vary between a 
minimum of 2 million tonnes and a maximum of 2.5 million tonnes in 1993/94 and 1994/95. 
These deliveries thus correspond to about 60% of the needs of the power stations in question 
For the 1993/94 financial year, the average price paid by electricity generators was GBP 36.70 
per tonne, compared with GBP 40.10 per tonne for 1992/93. 
3.1.2.2.4. Spain 
A system of awarding contracts for the supply of coal to thermal power stations (NSCCT) 
was concluded in 1986 between CARBUNION, the association of coal producers, and 
UNESA, the electricity producers' association. This agreement stipulates that all producers 
or groups of producers with underground production in excess of 50 000 tonnes a year may 
conclude long-term contracts with the electricity producers at a reference price. 
Mining companies with production costs in excess of the reference price may charge the 
electricity producers a supplement covering the difference between their production costs 
(excluding depreciation) and the reference price. The surcharge paid by the electricity 
producers is reimbursed through the OFICO compensation fund set up by the electricity 
producers. This price supplement only covers coal produced in underground mines. 
As requested by the Commission in Decision 90/198/ECSC,13 in 1991 the Spanish 
Government submitted a plan to reduce the compensatory payments made under the OFICO 
scheme and an outline plan for the restructuring, rationalization and modernization of 
undertakings in the part of the Spanish coal industry covered by the OFICO scheme 
The outline plan provides for a reduction in production capacity of around 1.9 million tonnes 
by 1993. 
After examining the plans, the Commission authorized a compensatory payment to electricity 
producers through the OFICO compensation fund totalling PTA 2 059 million for 1993. In 
its decision the Commission has taken account of the gradually-reducing nature of the 
measure and of the restructuring, rationalization and modernization required by the closure 
or gradual reduction in capacity of the most loss-making pits Authorization does not 
prejudge the compatibility of the new system of awarding contracts for the supply of coal to 
thermal power stations with the provisions of the EEC and the ECSC Treaties. 
OJL 105,25.4.1990. 
19 
3 2. Financial aid not related to current production 
Under Decision No 2064/86/ECSC, aid granted on the basis of Articles 7 and 8 is regarded 
as aid not related to current production. Research, development and demonstration activities 
are also included in this category, provided they do not affect the production costs of the 
industry in the country in question. 
3.2.1. Financial aid for social benefits 
Under Article 7 of the Decision, State aid to finance social benefit schemes specific to the 
coal industry may be considered compatible with the common market provided that, for coal 
undertakings, it brings the ratio between the burden per mincworker in employment and 
benefits per person in receipt of benefit into line with the corresponding ratio in other 
industries. 
3.2.1.1. Germany 
In 1993 DM 11 821 million was allocated to cover the deficit of the disability and old-age 
pension schemes in the mining industry as a whole. Some 80% of this amount, i.e. 
DM 9 457 million, went to the coal industry. The Commission's examination showed that 
the limits laid down in Article 7(1) of the Decision were not exceeded. 
20 
3.2.1.2. France 
According to the French Government's notification, social benefit payments to the French coal 
industry under specific and general social insurance schemes amounted to FF 10 528 million 
in 1993. Details of this aid are given below. 
Origin Amount of Aid 
(in FF million) Purpose 
State 3 226.0 Disability and old-age pension insurance 
Regular contribution amounting to 22% of the 
total wage-bill plus additional State 
adjustment 
General 
system 3 513.0 Disability and old-age pension insurance 
Regular statutory contribution to cover part of 
the "exceptional expenditure" (contribution 
laid down by decree) 
General 1 593.0 Insurance against industrial accidents and 
occupational diseases 
Coverage of inherited liabilities 
General 
system 2 196.0 Sickness insurance 
Treatment henefits 
Total 10 528.0 
The abovementioned aid complies with the provisions of Article 7(1) of the Decision. 
21 
3.2.1.3. Belgium 
As can be seen from the table below, the financial aid granted to the Belgian coal industry 
for social benefits amounts to BF 28 719.8 million. 
Origin 
State 
insurance 
State Amount of Aid 
(in BF million) 
24 473.4 
4 246.4 Purpose 
Old-age pension and survivor's pension 
Regular statutory contribution 
Disability insurance 
Disability pension 
Total 28 719.8 
The abovementioned aid complies with the provisions of Article 7(1) of the Decision. 
3.2.1.4. United Kingdom 
In the United Kingdom nearly all branches of industry have their own insurance scheme (in 
addition to the general social insurance scheme, which also applies to the coal industry) from 
which pensions are paid to retired workers. A supplementary system of this kind also exists 
for the coal industry in the form of a retirement fund. The British Government notified the 
Commission that the system whereby the State topped up the miners' retirement fund had 
been discontinued from the 1990/91 financial year. 
3.2.1.5. Spain 
Notified public financial aid to the Spanish coal industry under general social benefit payment 
schemes amounted to PTA 129 857 million in 1993. 
22 
This figure is broken down as follows: 
Origin Amount of Aid Purpose 
(in PTA million) 
State 108 390 Old-age pension 
State 3 506 Temporary disability 
State 1 353 Temporary invalidity and rehabilitation 
insurance 
State 14 317 Health service 
State 1 330 Miscellaneous (family benefits, social 
services, social welfare, one-off payments, 
prostheses, wheelchairs) 
State 961 Administrative costs 
Total 129 857 
The above financial aid complies with Article 7(1) of the Decision. 
32.2. Financial aid to cover inherited liabilities 
In accordance with Article 8 of the Decision, State aid to undertakings to cover the costs 
arising from restructuring which are not related to current production may be considered 
compatible with the common market provided that it does not exceed such costs. The 
categories of costs regarded as inherited liabilities are set out in Annex 1 to Decision No 
2064/86/ECSC. 
23 
3.2.2.1. Germany 
For 1993 Germany notified the following measures: 
Aid to cover mine drainage DM 221.0 million 
Aid in the form of allocations 
covering the costs of early 
retirement and exceptional 
intrinsic depreciation 
resulting from restructuring DM 275.1 million 
Total DM 496.1 million (= ECU 256.3 million) 
All the above costs constitute inherited liabilities since ihcy aie the icsuli of production 
capacity closures in previous yeais and are thus not related to current production. 
The aid foi uune-draLûage control costs, amounting to DM 221 million, is paid to coal 
undertakings to enable them to cover the inherited liabilities arising from closures since 
31 December 1966. As a result of pit closures, the undertakings were forced to pay 
constandy increasing amounts to the water-management associations. The aid does not 
exceed the real extra costs borne by the undertakings. 
The above measures therefore comply with Artide X(l) of the Decision. 
3 2 2.2. Belgium 
The Belgian Government notified the Commission of aid tomlling BF 3G9.4 million (ECU 9.1 
million) to cover inherited liabilities of the Kcmpcnsc Stcenkoleûmijnen (Campine coalfield). 
This amount is intended to cover the following costs: 
aid mining damage arising from 
the closure of workings FB 141.3 million 
aid for social costs of 
closing the mines, especially 
underground safety work and the 
protection of the environment FB 228.1 million 
Total ' FB 369.4 million 
The. above measures do not exceed the real costs incurred and therefore comply with Article 
8(1) of the Decision. 
24 
3.2.2.3. France 
In 1993 the French Government granted aid totalling FF 5 427 million (ECU 818.1 million) 
to cover the inherited liabilities of Charbonnages de France. This sum is intended to allow 
the following costs to be covered: 
extra cost of early retirement FF 728.0 million 
conversion costs FF 445.0 million 
costs of pit closures or dismantling 
of installations FF 185.0 million 
residual charges/depreciation and 
servicing of loans transferred to 
the Central Office FF 1 124.0 million 
charges due to demographic overload 
caused by restructuring FF 2 930.0 million 
general research FF 15.0 million 
Total FF 5 427.0 million 
The actual costs to Charbonnages de France tally with the amount of aid and are thus 
consistent with Article 8(1) of Decision No 2064/86/ECSC. 
.3.2.2.4. Portugal 
Portugal notified the Commission of the following measure for 1993: 
aid of ESC 1 200 million to cover payments to workers to be made redundant before 
31 December 1994 following measures to implement its plan to close down the coal 
industry in Portugal. 
Given that it is not linked to current production, the Commission concluded that the fund 
should be regarded as an inherited liability, in accordance with Article 8 of Decision No 
2064/86/ECSC and in particular point 1 b) of Annex 1. 
Since Decision No 2064/86/ECSC expired on 31.12.1993, the Commission authorized only 
that amount of aid (ESC 180 million) relating to the social costs of workers made redundant 
in 1993. 
25 
3.2.2.5. United Kingdom 
The United Kingdom notified the following measure for 1993: 
aid for miners losing their jobs 
as a result of restructuring UK£9.6 million 
This is a social measure arising out of pit closures. The aid does not exceed the actual costs 
and therefore meets the criteria of Article 8(1) of the Decision 
4. Conclusions 
Between 1986 and 1994 coal production in the European Union fell by some 100 million 
tonnes, a drop of 42%. Despite major rationalization and restructuring in the coal industiy 
the average pit-head price for Community coal is still ECU 114 per tee as against only just 
over ECU 40 per tee for imported coal. 
Although production costs expressed in fixed 1986 terms have fallen by 22% in this period, 
the price of imported coal expressed in ECU has dropped by an even greater amount (40%) 
in the same period. 
To a certain extent, therefore, this shift in the price of coal on the international market has 
cancelled out the efforts made to restructure the industry in the European Union. Productivity 
has increased by 52%, but the production costs to imported coal cif price ratio has 
deteriorated, increasing from 2.2 in 1986 to 3.0 in 1993. It should also be pointed out that 
outside factors play a part, for example in 1993 the price of imported coal in real terms fell 
to its lowest level since the end of the seventies as a result of the surplus on the international 
market and the appearance of new exporters on the scene and the ECU has continued to rise 
against the dollar throughout almost the whole of the period under consideration. 
These conflicting factors have resulted in aid per tonne, expressed in real terms, being 
increased between 1986 and 1993 by some 32%. 
The significant increase in aid, despite the restructuring carried out in all the Member States, 
can be explained in part by an accelerated mine closure programme in the United Kingdom, 
where production costs were in any case often lower than in mines which are still operating 
in the other Member States. In other words, certain Community mines receiving relatively 
low subsidies have been closed for lack of a market, while other high-cost mines remain 
operational. 
26 
It can, therefore, be stated that the nature of the restructuring process has differed 
considerably from one country to another, depending on the acceptability of the rate at which 
social and regional adaptation schemes are introduced by the national authorities. 
Although Decision No 2064/86/ECSC has of course enable the coal sector to be thoroughly 
restructured, it has to be recognized that the survival of a major part of the coal industry in 
Europe will depend on large amounts of aid. 
27 
Financial aid linked to current production in the coal industry 
Country: Beleium 
Directs 
Article 3 : Deficit grant aid 
Article 4 : Sales aid 
Article 5 : Investment aid 
Article 6 : Aid for underground staff 
Other 
Subtotal 
Indirect 
TOTAL ECU million 
1993 
-
-
-
-1992 
33.5 
33.5 
7.4 
40.9 ECU/tonne 
1993 
-
-
-
-1992 
1,53.67 
153.67 
33.94 
187.61 
28 
Financial aid linked to current production in the coal industry 
Country: Germany 
Directs 
Article 3 
Article 4 
Article 5 
Article 6 
Other Deficit grant aid 
Sales aid 
Investment aid 
Aid for underground staff 
Subtotal 
Indirect 
TOTAL ECU million 
1993 
140.2 
1 677.8 
62.0 
. 1 880.0 
2 582.6 
4 462.6 1992 
177.7 
1 787.7 
65.6 
2 031.0 
2 466.7 
4 497.7 ECU/tonne 
1993 
2.18 
26.14 
0.97 
29.29 
40.24 
69.53 1992 
2.46 
24.78 
0.91 
28.15 
34.19 
62.34 
29 
Financial aid linked to current production in the coal industry 
Country: Spain 
Directs 
Article 3 : Deficit grant aid 
Article 4 : Sales aid 
Article 5 : Investment aid 
Article 6 : Aid for underground staff 
Other 
Subtotal 
Indirect 
TOTAL ECU million 
1993 
335.2 
23.5 
358.7 
14.7 
373.3 1992 
379.7 
66.3 
446.0 
17.3 
463.3 ECU/tonne 
1993 
18.49 
1.30 
19.79 
0.81 
20.60 1992 
20.38 
3.56 
23.94 
0.93 
24.87 
30 
Financial aid linked to current production in the coal industry 
Country: France 
Direct 
Article 3 : Deficit grant aid 
Article 4 : Sales aid 
Article 5 : Investment aid 
Article 6 : Aid for underground staff 
Other 
Subtotal 
Indirect 
TOTAL ECU million 
1993 
190.2 
190.2 
-
190.2 1992 
186.9 
186.9 
-
186.9 ECU/tonne 
1993 
22.18 
22.18 
-
22.18 1992 
19.72 
19.72 
-
19.72 
31 
Financial aid linked to current production in the coal industry 
Country. United Kingdom 
Directs 
Article 3 : Deficit grant aid 
Article 4 : Sales aid 
Article 5 : Investment aid 
Article 6 : Aid for underground staff 
Other 
Subtotal 
Indirect 
TOTAL ECU million 
1993 
1.9 
1.9 
-
1.9 1992 
-
-
-
-ECU/tonne 
1993 
-
0.03 
-
0.03 1992 
-
-
-
-
32 
Financial aid linked to current production in the coal industry 
Country: Portugal 
Directs 
Article 3 : Deficit grant aid 
Article 4 : Sales aid 
Article 5 : Investment aid 
Article 6 : Aid for underground staff 
Other 
Subtotal 
Indirect 
TOTAL ECU million 
1993 
5.8 
0.6 
6.4 
-
6.4 1992 
5.0 
0.8 
5.8 
-
5.8 ECU/tonne 
1993 
29.44 
3.05 
32.49 
-
32.49 1992 
22.72 
3.64 
26.36 
-
26.36 
33 
Financial aid linked to current production in the coal industry 
Country: Community 
Directs 
Article 3 : Deficit grant aid 
Article 4 : Sales aid 
Article 5 : Investment aid 
Article 6 : Aid for underground staff 
Other 
Subtotal 
Indirect 
9 
TOTAL ECU million 
1993 
671.4 
1 677.8 
23.5 
62.0 
2.5 
2 437.2 
2 597.2 
5 034.4 1992 
782.8 
1 787.7 
65.6 
67.1 
2 703.2 
2 491.4 
5 194.6 ECU/tonne 
1993 
4.23 
10.57 
0.15 
0.39 
0.02 
15.36 
16.37 
31.73 1992 
4.24 
9.68 
0.36 
0.36 
14.64 
13.50 
28.14 
34 
Financial aid not linked to current production 
ECU million 
Belgium 
Germany 
Spain 
France 
Portugal 
United Kingdom1 
Community Financing of social benefits in the coal industry 
Total 
1993 
709.7 
4 884.7 
870.8 
1 587.0 
8 052.2 1992 
703.4 
4 420.3 
862.8 
2 357.4 
8 343.9 Excess aid 
1993 
-
-1992 
7.2 
7.2 Inherited liabilities 
Total 
1993 
9.1 
256.3 
818.1 
1.0 
1 084.5 1992 
1.7 
246.7 
108.9 
774.6 
13.1 
1 145.0 Excess aid 
1993 
-
-1992 
-
-
1 The United Kingdom has an integrated social security system. The figures shown above cover only the special miner's pension fund, 
which exists alongside the general social security system. 
35 
Total amount of aid authorized for the years 1986-1993 
in ECU million 
at current prices 
ltelgium 
Germany 
Spain 
France 1986 
1987 
1988 
1989 
1990 
1991 
1992 
1993 
1986 
1987 
1988 
1989 
1990 
1991 
1992 
1993 
1986 
1987 
1988 
1989 
1990 
1991 
1992 
1993 
1986 
1987 
1988 
1989 
1990 
1991 
1992 
1993 
1986 
1987 
1988 
1989 
1990 
1991 
1992 
1993 
1986 
1987 
1989 
1989 1 
1990 
1991 
1992 
1993 
Community 1986 
1987 
1988 
1989 1 
1990 
1991 
1992 
1993 Portugal 
United 
Kingdom Aid linked to production 
direct indirect 
297.3 
362.5 
202.6 
159.4 
70.3 
53.4 
33.5 
0.0 
1 446.0 
1899.6 
1 975.3 
1 945.5 
2 037.0 
1 933.1 
2 031.0 
1 880.0 
259.7 
374.8 
369.6 
406.2 
397.4 
618.9 
446.0 
358 7 
523.1 
428.8 
249.8 
174.6 
166.2 
1653 
186.9 
190.2 
4.5 
1.8 
1.7 
4.6 
46 
4.5 
5.8 
6.4 
460.0 
842.7 
315.2 
6 627.5 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
1.9 
2 990.6 
3 910.2 
3 114.2 
9 317.8 
2 675.5 
2 775.2 
2 703.2 
2 437.2 0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
10.3 
7.8 
7.4 
0.0 
1 631 6 
1 964.7 
2 530.0 
2 616.4 
2 539.5 
2 569.6 
2 466.7 
2 582.6 
2.5 
866 
799 
102.5 
101.8 
48.5 
173 
146 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
00 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
00 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
00 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
1 634.1 
2 051 3 
2 609.9 
2 718.9 
2 651.6 
2 625.9 
2 491.4 
2 597.2 Total 
297.3 
362.5 
202.6 
159.4 
80.6 
61.2 
40.9 
0.0 
3 077.6 
3 864.3 
4 505.3 
4 561.9 
4 576.5 
4 502.7 
4 497.7 
4 462.6 
262.2 
461 4 
449.5 
508.7 
499.2 
667.4 
463.3 
373.3 
523.1 
428.8 
249.8 
174.6 
166.2 
165.3 
186.9 
190.2 
4.5 
18 
1.7 
4.6 
4.6 
4.5 
5.8 
6.4 
460.0 
842.7 
315.2 
6 627.5 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
19 
4 624.7 
5 961.5 
5 724.1 
12 036.7 
5 327.1 
5 401.1 
5 194.6 
5 034.4 ecu/tonne 
(15.6X2) 
(33.3X2) 53.2 
83.2 
81.5 
84.2 
77.8 
96.5 
187.6 
0.0 
35.3 
46.9 
56.8 
58.9 
59.8 
61.9 
62.3 
69.5 
16.5 
23.9 
23.6 
26.5 
25.7 
37.2 
24.9 
20.6 
36.3 
31.3 
20.6 
15.2 
15.8 
16.3 
19.7 
22.2 
21.2 
6.9 
7.4 
17.8 
16.4 
16.7 
26.2 
32.5 
4.4 
8.3 
3.1 
67.4 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
20.3 
26.9 
26.7 
57.7 
27.0 
27.8 
28.1 
31.7 Aid not linked to production 
social inherited 
liability 
1 003.9 
791.9 
883.7 
905.4 
968.3 
698.7 
703.4 
709.7 
3 034.2 
3 268.4 
3 334.9 
3 814.5 
4 084.0 
4 344.1 
4 420 3 
4 884.7 
490.0 
527.1 
574.1 
660.2 
758.2 
821.0 
862.0 
870.8 
1 478.9 
1 415.6 
1 500.6 
1 781 0 
1 986 8 
1 946.6 
2 357.4 
1 587.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
00 
1004 
59.3 
60 1 
61.9 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
6 108.3 
6 062.3 
6 353.4 
7 223.0 
7 797.3 
7 810.4 
8 343.1 
8 052.2 0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
12 
1.7 
9.1 
63.4 
110.9 
106.3 
1858 
200.6 
247.5 
246.7 
256.3 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
00 
267.0 
108 9 
0 0 
474.4 
547.2 
719.5 
774.2 
792.2 
783.2 
774.6 
818.1 
0.0 
0.7 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
00 
1.0 
922.4 
386.6 
221.9 
2 940.9 
103.5 
13.7 
13.1 
0.0 
1 460.2 
1 045.4 
1 047.7 
3 900.9 
1 096.3 
1 312.6 
1 145.0 
1 084.5 Total 
1 003.9 
791.9 
883.7 
905.4 
968.3 
699.9 
705.1 
718.8 
3 097.6 
3 379.3 
3 441.2 
4 000.3 
4 284.6 
4 591.6 
•1 667.0 
5 141 0 
490.9 
527.1 
574.1 
660.2 
758.2 
1 088.0 
970.9 
870.8 
1 953.3 
1 962.8 
2 220.1 
2 555.2 
2 779.0 
2 729.8 
3 1320 
2 405.1 
0.0 
0.7 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
1.0 
1 02.2.8 
445.9 
282.0 
3 002.8 
103.5 
13.7 
13.1 
0.0 
7 568.5 
7 107.7 
7 401.1 
11 123.9 
8 893.6 
9 123.0 
9 488.1 
9 136.7 TOTAL 
I 301.2 
1 154.4 
1 086.3 
1 064 8 
1 048.9 
761.1 
746.0 
71X.8 
6 175.2 
7 243.6 
7 946.5 
8 562.2 
8 861 1 
9 094 3 
9 164.7 
9 603.6 
753.1 
988.5 
1 023.6 
1 168 9 
1 257.4 
1 755.4 
1 434.2 
1 244.1 
2 476.4 
2 391.6 
2 469.9 
2 729.8 
2 945.2 
2 895.1 
3 318.9 
2 595.3 
4.5 
2.5 
1.7 
4.6 
46 
4.5 
5.8 
74 
1 482.8 
1 288.6 
597.2 
9 630.3 
103.5 
13.7 
13.1 
1.9 
12 193.2 
13 069 2 
13 125.2 
23 1606 
14 220.7 
14 524.1 
14 682 1 
14 171.1 Production 
1000 T 
5 589.0 
4 357.0 
2 487.0 
1 893.0 
1 036.0 
634.0 
218.0 
0.0 
87 126 0 
82 380.0 
79 319.0 
77 451.0 
76 553.0 
72 744.0 
72 153.0 
64 175.0 
I 5 895.0 
19 326 0 
19 011.0 
19 176.0 
19 440.0 
17 922.0 
18 620.0 
18 124.0 
14 394.0 
13 690.0 
12 142.0 
II 470.0 
10 487.0 
10 127.0 
9 478.0 
8 576.0 
212.0 
261.0 
230.0 
258.0 
281.0 
270.0 
221.0 
197.0 
104 635.0 
101 644.0 
V-): 330.0 
98 286.0 
89 301.0 
92 712.0 
84 235.0 
67 606.0 
227 851.0 
221 658.0 
214 569.0 
208 534.0 
197 098.0 
194 409.0 
184 925.0 
158 678.0 
Total 29 923.9 19 380.3 49 304.2 (27.5X2) 30.7 57 750.0 12 092.6 69 842 6 119 146.8 1 607 722.0 
(1) Including ECU 5 089.5 million to reflect the capital loss of fixed assets by British Coal, aid for compensation for loss of hearing 
and supplies of coal to workers. 
J2à Aid, personne, for the expenditure in çp not included. __ 1C 

ISSN 1024-4506 
KOM(95) 656 slutlig 
DOKUMENT 
SV 12 
Katalognummer : CB-CO-95-695-SV-C 
ISBN 92-77-97573-3 
Byrån för Europeiska gemenskapernas officiella publikationer 
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