Spain: EU threatens action over consolidation of antitrust, energy, telecom authorities

The European Union has reportedly warned Spain against its plans to merger the nation’s energy, antitrust and telecommunications authorities, and has threatened to open an infringement procedure if the plan goes ahead as scheduled. According to reports, Spain’s plans to merge the three bodies have resulted in “deep concern” by the European Union, which believes the plans will result in a significant lapse in independence of the CNC, the nation’s antitrust authority. A letter was sent to the Spanish government by EU Commissioner Neelie Kroes concerning the matter, according to the media. Kroes reportedly warned that if Spain were to go-ahead with its plans without significant changes to ensure the independence of the new regulator, the EU will have to open an infringement procedure. Spain’s government approved the plans last year with a timetable of completing the consolidation of the authorities by mid-2013.

Full Content: Total Telecom

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