22/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 22 April, the European Commission reacted strongly to criticism made of it by the governor of the Bundesbank, Axel Weber, who, in an interview with that day's Financial Times, spoke out against the requirements imposed upon the banks which have received public aid. Amongst other things, Mr Weber said that he felt that some of the Commission's demands were designed to push the banks into refocusing their credit and loan operations on a national framework, rather than encouraging their pan-European initiatives. "His comments are misinformed", replied the spokesperson to the competition Commissioner, speaking to the press. He went on to clarify the Commission's approach: "If national governments try to make sure that national state aid is first and foremost for lending to the national economy, the Commission insists that there can be no discrimination and lending is supported in all regions, including Eastern Europe". (A.B./transl.fl)