Brussels, 18/05/2005 (Agence Europe) - The spokesperson for Charlie McCreevy, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, confirmed on Wednesday that the Commission's services are preparing a letter to the Italian authorities, to be sent at the end of this week or early next week. He preferred not to comment on the content, the type of procedure, the person or persons it was addressed to or the potential signatories of the letter, as the letter is currently under preparation and is the subject of discussion.
The letter could be jointly sent by Charlie McCreevy and Neelie Kroes, European Competition Commissioner, or separately by both Commissioners. It could call for clarifications from the Banca d'Italia on the possible preferential treatment reserved for the Banca Popolare di Lodi. This bank is in direct competition with the Dutch bank ABN Amro in the battle that opposes them for takeover of the Italian bank, Antonveneta. Infringement procedure is not to be ruled out either. In such a case, the Commission would send its letter to the Italian government (see EUROPE 8940).