31/01/2019 (Agence Europe) – MEPs meeting in plenary session voted in favour of the own-initiative report prepared by Michel Reimon (Greens/EFA, Austria) on EU competition policy in 2018 (with 468 votes in favour, 66 against, and 66 abstentions). The text takes note of some of the European Commission's decisions on state aid and competition and also addresses comments to the Commission. It should be particularly noted that the own-initiative report refers to the media coverage of the proposed merger between Siemens and Alstom, calling on the Commission to "analyse the potential harmful impact of the proposed Siemens / Alstom merger on the competitiveness of the European rail market and its adverse effects on rail users". The Commission opened an in-depth investigation into the matter last July (see EUROPE 12063) and is expected to issue its decision in the next few days. (LT)