France: Parliament slams EU competition policy

A report conducted by France’s parliament is attacking EU competition policy, according to reports, adding new tensions between the European Commission and the French government.

According to reports, some French lawmakers have suggested that the Commission needs a lesson in how to enforce competition law, and should look at “companies that have been devastated by [EU] decisions.”

The remarks were published in a report released by France. MP Isabelle Bruneau, who authored the report, added that “numerous aspects need to be improved in EU competition policy.”

”The Commission does not sufficiently take account of globalization when applying competition law.”

The report calls for EU authorities to take into account tax distortions, like indirect state aid, when conducting its investigations, and demands that the Commission publish the financial impact of their rulings, including job losses.

France’s Minister of Economy Arnaud Montebourg had made it one of his priorities to challenge the Commission’s competition regulations and has repeatedly called for reform.

Full content: EurActiv

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