Pomoc publiczna na restrukturyzację górnictwa węgla kamiennego w świetle polityki konkurencji Unii Europejskiej w latach 2002-2010

State aid in the hard coal mining industry reflects the long-term EU policy on balanced support for adaptation and restructuring processes in this sector. The greatest beneficiaries of the restructuring aid in 2002-2010 were mines in Germany, Spain, Poland, France and Romania. The reform of the coal sector in Poland to 2003 was characterized by poor effectiveness due to the recurring problem of rising debt, fear of political consequences and strong industry lobbies. Improvement of a technological innovation degree in Polish mines implies the need to provide increased funds for research and development, training employees and environmental protection. This will ensure more effective management of change, transforming coal mines in modern and profitable companies.