MEP David Casa has been appointed the EPP (European People’s Party) spokesman for the Employment and Social Affairs Committee’s Opinion on the Commission’s Annual Report on EU Competition Policy.

Having an effective European competition policy has always been of great importance to the European Union and its internal market. The EU is the world’s largest economic trading block and the creation of the single market was its most unique asset. It brings together 20 million firms and a consumer base of more than half a billion people.

The Commission’s annual report was published on 7 May and reviews action taken by the Commission in 2012. The report looks to the future and aims to establish a more resourceful and effective European Competition Policy that reflects new market realities. This is crucial in preventing private barriers from replacing the public barriers to free movement, which have finally been removed after a long-drawn-out process.

A strong and effective European competition policy will also have a knock-on effect on the completion of the single market, allowing it to reach its true economic potential and this, in turn, will have a positive effect on the EU’s growth potential.

Casa stated, “Free competition is essential in preserving an open market economy. Several of the competition policy tools have become essential components of the Single Market.

“Merge control and antitrust rules protect consumers from companies trying to establish themselves in a dominant position. Furthermore, state aid has played a crucial role in recent years, particularly in relation to the financial sector. Creating a viable, transparent and competitive banking system is essential in completing the Single Market.”

Casa added that an effective EU competition policy ensures that competition rules are applied to all companies in a consistent and fair manner across the board. It guarantees that consumers have access to better quality services at competitive prices.

“It is therefore vital that the internal market runs smoothly without distortion to protect consumers while boosting market competitiveness,” said Casa, expressing his hope that this will be reflected in his Opinion on the report.

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