"The possibility to shake up the European firms by setting up across-the-border companies is a key point to face the challenges of the global markets. Those who deny such freedom also deny the opportunity to adapt to change and to stand up to economic competition". This was the firm position taken today in Strasbourg by the Commissioner for Competition, the Dutch Neelie Kroes, against "those governments that adopt protectionist measures", hindering takeovers between industrial groups. The debate at the EU Parliament had been urged by the political groups, after the recent Enel-Suez, UniCredit-HBV, Eon-Endesa, Mittal-Arcelor affairs. "Europe thrives by pulling down barriers, not by building new ones added Kroes -. The Commission intends to work hard to let capitals flow freely across the whole EU". During the debate, there was concern about "reconciling national interests with the interests of the EU" by aiming at strengthening the competitiveness of the companies, improving "the quality of products and services while keeping prices down", finally, taking into account "the consumers’ needs".” ” ” “
