This is certainly not the first case in which a merger approved in one place hasn't gone through in the other. There was a case last year where the merger between two EU companies was approved here and blocked in the U.S.

Reference to the territory and total disregard for the nationality of the companies is of course the best guarantee that competition assessment remain just that and doesn't get affected by trade or other considerations.

I am certain that most Germans have instinctive liking for Italy, just as Italians admire Germans for their many qualities.

I hope that my government can help change Italian mentality.

I believe that in Europe, we have a collective leadership.

It is rather unusual for Italy to be at the forefront of pro-market initiatives.

My aspiration is not to be loved. It is that my government be respected and credible.