27. 9. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 277/29 (Acts -whose publication is not obligatory) - COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 5 July 1989 approving aid from Belgium to the coal industry during 1989 (Only the French and Dutch texts are authentic)’ (89/529/ECSC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Coal-and Steel Community, Having regard to . Commission Decision No 2064/86/ECSC  of 30 June 1986 establishing Community rules for State aid to the coal industry (), Whereas : . In its letter of 21 November 1988 the Belgian Government informed the Commission, pursuant to Article 9 (2) of Decision No 2046/86/ECSC, of the financial measures it intends to - take during 1989 in order to give direct support.to the coal industry. In its letter of -7 April 1989 the Belgian Government sent further information, as requested by the ~ Commission on 23 February 1989. Under. the abovementioned Decision, the Commission must give a ruling on the following financial measures : — aid totalling Bfrs 6 709 200 000 to cover operating losses, pursuant to Article 3-of the said Decision, — aid totalling Bfrs.223'300-000 to sales of coal and coke to the iron and steel industry of the Community, pursuant to Article 4 of the said Decision, - () OJ No L 177, 1. 7. 1986, p. 1. — aid . totalling Bfrs. 2400000 for staff training, pursuant to Article 6 of the said Decision. According. to the- information supplied by the Belgian Government, the measures notified are intended to help implement the restructuring plan for the firm Kempense Steenkolenmijnen. The measures which the Belgian Government intends to take to support the coal”industry comply with the provisions of “Article 1 (1) of the said Decision. The Commission. must therefore glve a rulmg, under Article 10 of this Decision; as to whether they comply with the objectives and criteria set -out: in that Decision and whether they are compatible with the proper functioning of the common market. I Coal production is not economically.viable in the long term, so that a restructuring plan was needed. Since this plan. was introduced in 1987, production - capacity has been halved. At the end of 1988 it amounted to three- million tonnes, following the early closure of three of the five collieries. The amount of aid linked to current production is thus about 45 % down. on the 1986 figure. The decreasing levels. of aid which the Belgian - Government intends to grant, their temporary nature and the implementation of a clearly defined restruc- turing plan.are in accordance with :the conditions laid - down for the application of Decision No 2064/86/ECSC.