11/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - In a speech to the Institute of European Affairs in Dublin on 26 May, European Commissioner Monti explained how efficient competition policy was essential for attaining the objectives in the Lisbon Strategy. Mario Monti indicated that the goal of competition policy (getting rid of distortion so that the market can work effectively) compelled companies to find instruments that could enhance their competitiveness and prepare themselves for confronting competition in the global market place. Mr Monti pointed out that ongoing reforms were aimed at adapting legislation to the realities of the enlarged Europe and that he was determined to develop an active policy in the area of State Aid to reduce them and redirect them to specific areas such as research and development and aid environmental objectives.