European Parliament
Mara Bizzotto  (EFD ),
in writing.
(IT)
The report offers an overview of competition policy in the EU, analysed over the period of the current financial crisis. The rapporteur, Mr Schwab, quite rightly emphasises that competition – including and especially in difficult times – offers a way out of the crisis and of economic stagnation. Mr Schwab asks the Commission to facilitate exchanges and contact between the EU institutions and consumer associations on issues related to competition. He also reiterates that cartels are detrimental both to the correct functioning of the market and to consumers – the end users of the goods and services produced. Lastly, Mr Schwab dutifully encourages openness and competition in the crucial and delicate sectors of energy and ratings agencies. I therefore voted in favour of the report.

