Coal? No thanks!

Germany has subsidized coal mining for many years now to protect jobs that otherwise would be lost. This program to protect those jobs is now to be down-scaled until it then eventually is to disappear, which is expected to take place in 2018. This step is taken for two reasons for one it will decrease the production of fossil fuels and make it easier for Germany to comply with the EU standard norms. Also this subsidiary system put a great strain on Germany's budget in the form of 2.5bn Euro it can be argued however that maintaining a inefficient production is cheaper then to force thousands out of jobs which would mean that a number of those who lost their jobs will be likely to life off welfare. Also they are less likely to spend money since the amount available is smaller.
If this decision is a good one or not time will show, however this plan is to be checked in 2012, and only if the commission then decides that this plan is good for Germany, will the plan be concluded.

Relevant articles
German plan to close coal mines (BBC)
2018 ist Schicht im Schacht (KSTA)