Brussels, 18/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 18 October, the European Commission's Directorate General for Competition published the results of a survey of professional stakeholders and citizens from member states on its work in applying competition rules, drafting policy and defending competition principles within the EU. It will use the information gleaned in its follow-up discussions with these players, to better order its priorities and initiatives and to assess their effectiveness and impact.
The work of the DG and the professionalism of its staff are generally appreciated by the seven target groups surveyed, which are all directly affected by the DG's activities. The views expressed with regard to the DG's respect for procedures, analytical capability, knowledge of the markets, clarity and predictability of decisions were generally positive, though there was some qualification over predictability and scale of fines. There was also general satisfaction with external communication and the DG's sectoral priorities which focus mainly on those sectors which have a considerable impact on markets and on consumers. Some criticism was received, however, for example, on the quality of communication with the parties in the course of an investigation, which, it was felt, should be more structured and targeted. The survey revealed that EU citizens largely share the objectives and values of competition policy. Citizens identified energy (44%), pharmaceutical products (25%) and telecommunications (21%) as the main sectors where they perceive competition problems. The survey also provides detailed information about the perceptions across socio-economic groups. For further information, go to http: //ec/europa.eu/competition/publications/reports/surveys_en.html (F.G./transl.rt)