Brussels, 01/03/2006 (Agence Europe) - President Barroso took part in Wednesday's discussion on mergers and “counter-mergers” announced or envisaged in the EU energy sector, calling on Member States to think in European terms (see related article). Although the projects most talked about in France, Spain and Italy have been notified, the Commission will be examining them very carefully with respect to EU law, Barroso told the press after the Commission meeting during which the question was briefly discussed. Mr Barroso said (our translation): “We must differentiate between the analysis of concrete cases (after Commission notification), on one hand, and, on the other, the principles. As far as concrete cases are concerned, the Commission must ensure strict compliance with the law. When it receives notification of all the cases being discussed at present, the Commission will make an analysis based on the principles of rigour and equity to ensure that the internal market rules are respected. The response to these problems is therefore a legal response. Our European Union and the international market have always progressed with the law. It is respect of the law that provides a guarantee of progress for the single market. If such decisions were left up to political discretion, then we would enter into a logic of force, or of influence between Member States or other interests. That would not be the right way. The Commission's way is the way of the law, respect of law. Once we have received notification of the various cases announced, we shall make a fully objective and impartial analysis based on Community law. In addition to the legal dimension, there is the political context of the debate. Some declarations that I have listened to recently are not good for Europe. When, in the energy sector, one speaks of the importance of having a common strategy in Europe, the impression that one sometimes has is that Member States are protecting themselves from each other. One must have the courage to say that Europe needs another dimension. We cannot face up to globalisation with 25 mini energy markets. Even the largest Member States are too small in terms of energy competitiveness. I wish to appeal to the European sense of political responsibility in our Member States so that they avoid all use of nationalist rhetoric. It is negative for Europe, but also for their own countries. One cannot win the current challenges with nationalistic logic. Strength lies in being united. Europe moves forward when barriers between Member States fall, not when the barriers are set up between Member States. It is the Commission's duty to remind you of this”.