Polish state aid to coal mines
22.4.2015
Question for written answer E-006434-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Fredrick Federley (ALDE)
It has been reported in the media (Financial Times, 3 March 2015) that the Polish Government is seeking subsidies for unprofitable coal mines belonging to the state-controlled company Kompania Weglowa, which reportedly has been losing PLN 200 million, or USD 54 million a month. According to the article, there are discussions on these plans going on between the Commission and the Polish Government.
1. What is the current state of the discussions between the Commission and the Polish Government regarding the restructuring of Kompania Weglowa and related state aid measures?
2. Will the Commission insist on the requirements of Council Decision 2010/787/EU, which states that coal subsidies are no longer justified considering the EU’s transition to a sustainable low-carbon economy?
3. How will the Commission ensure that the restructuring plan will not have negative implications for fair competition in trade in electricity between Member States and will not hinder the development of the Energy Union, including the EU’s internal energy market?