26/01/2004 (Agence Europe) - According to MEP Werner Langen (EPP-ED, Germany), following his discussions with the Commission's competition services, the latter have agreed that the regional monopoly of chimney sweeps in Germany ("Schornsteinfeger") is incompatible with the EU's competition rules since their work is restricted to restricted regions and is therefore not covered by rules on the freedom to supply services in the common market.