Brussels, 27/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 26 June, the Commissioner with responsibility for Competition, Neelie Kroes, presented the committee on economic and monetary affairs of the European Parliament with the report drafted by her services on competition policy in 2006. After an overview of progress made last year, Ms Kroes laid emphasis on projects and reforms on the agenda for 2007. The Commission also stated that she was not overly concerned by the decision of the Heads of State and Government of the EU to relegate the commitment in favour of “free and non-distorted competition” has an objective of the Constitution to a protocol to the new draft Treaty. “The protocol to the Treaty confirms in a legally binding fashion that the system of non-distorted competition is a constitutive element of the internal market”, she stated.
On the work done in 2006, the Commissioner stressed the reforms in the field of State aid (such as the rules on block exemptions), the fight against illegal cartels (1.8 billion EUR in fines for seven decisions and revision of the clemency procedure) and the handling of 356 merger notifications. Whilst welcoming this progress, Ms Kroes looked to the future, sketching out several projects for this year, including a simplification of the approval procedure for State aid, an examination of the possibility of direct settlements in procedures against cartels, and the report currently being drafted on the investigation into retail banking services.
She then went on to reiterate the strategic objectives for 2008, which are prosperity, solidarity, security and liberty, the role of Europe as a global partner and commitment for better regulation. Commission also called upon the Parliament to continue to support her by commenting on her various initiatives, and by promoting the advantages of free competition among the general public. (cd)