Brussels, 19/09/2002 (Agence Europe) - In its report devoted to implementation in 2001 of agreements the European Community concluded with the United States and Canada in matters of competition, report made public on 17 September, the Commission states that 2001 saw a further intensification of co-operation between the EU and the United States in all areas of implementing the rules of competition. The number of concentrations notified to both the Commission and American authorities reached a record level. The Commission also underpins the strengthening of co-operation in combating global cartels, as well as a convergence of views between the authorities on both sides of the Atlantic regarding the identification and implementation of corrective measures, as well as post-operation controls, aimed at checking that measures agreed have been carried out. The Commission also states that it continued to have discussions with the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission on general aspects of competition policy, as well as on issues of common interest concerning implementation of their rules in the matter. Regarding Canada, the Commission considers that the agreement allowed for closer relations to be tied with the Canadian Competition Bureau, while providing both parties with the possibility of better understanding each other's policy. With a growing number of cases being examined by the two competition authorities, it seems increasingly important to the Commission to avoid, on the one hand, antagonistic decisions, and, on the other, to co-ordinate implementing measures when that is in the interest of both parties.