Brussels, 18/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - At the eighth annual conference on competition, in Vilnius from 16 to 18 June, Commissioner Mario Monti spoke of the state of negotiations that the EU is conducting with candidate countries in the matter, while awaiting the Commission's recommendations expected for October. You may recall that only the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia), Slovenia and, only recently, Cyprus have been able to close the chapters on this subject. In the "anti-trust" sector, the Commissioner welcomed progress made, especially in the legislative framework. Several candidate countries have been able to adapt their anti-trust laws to European legislation. Monti also pointed out the increase in the number of mergers involving companies of Western Europe and Ceecs, thereby demonstrating the development of "economic integration between the EU and candidate countries". There is, however, still a problem with State aid, where changes are slow and gradual. Even though most applicant countries have been able to introduce greater transparency, others continue to grant State aid incompatible with the rules. Mr. Monti recalled that only aid approved by the relevant authorities in candidate countries and that has been authorised by the Commission will be eligible as "existing aid" in the sense of Article 88 (1) of the EC Treaty, whereas all other measures will have to be notified as "new aid" following accession. The steel sector, in over-capacity, is especially targeted by the Commissioner, calling for special efforts by applicant countries. Once enlargement achieved, said Monti, the Commission will take great care in examining the legislative frameworks set up by the new members regarding anti-trust, which must prove their effectiveness. In addition, legal surveillance will have to be well organised in order to correctly implement decisions taken.