Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, said on Tuesday 5 February at the 2019 EU Industry Days that the aim of applying European competition rules is to create a fair and equitable environment for business and consumers.
This intervention is not insignificant, as Margrethe Vestager, the European Commissioner for Competition, is expected to comment on the highly publicised merger project between Siemens and Alstom on Wednesday 6 February, almost seven months after the European Commission opened an in-depth investigation into the matter (see EUROPE 12063).
“We will always allow competition, which is fair for business and ultimately fair for consumers", said Mr Juncker. "We believe in competition - as long as it is fair for all", he added.
While the latest indiscretions suggest that the Commission should take a stand against the merger project proposed by the two companies, Franco-German political and trade union leaders have been particularly active on this issue in recent days.
Paris and Berlin are also considering putting proposals on the table in the coming weeks to revise the competition rules, in particular to take into account the emergence of players from emerging countries. Among other things, it could be suggested that the EU Council be given some power in the context of authorising or refusing merger projects. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)