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.

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

Europe has to avoid old prejudices and new ones. That means north versus south, rich versus poor.

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

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

A lot of the American press at the time was saying 'just watch what happens when Bertelsmann tries to buy EMI, that will be a moment of truth that will show the Commission's true colors.' Well, that deal never happened either.

The Italian economy has been held back for decades.