Steelie shows her mettle INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK Neelie Kroes, the EU

0 Comments | Sunday Herald, The, Jun 21, 2009 | by Steven Vass

Having launched an inquiry into whether UK consumers were denied access to this year's cheaper oil prices at the petrol pumps, the electricity producers are next in her sights.

She says that the commission is keeping an eye on developments, albeit that the market needs to be reviewed over a decent length of time to ensure agreed contracts are not causing distortions.

She also has concerns about the takeover of France-based EDF's takeover of nuclear producer British Energy and subsequent tie-up with Centrica, creating a concentration of electricity power that Scottish and Southern Energy boss Ian Marchant recently said might affect relations in both the retail and wholesale electricity markets.

Kroes says that the commission plans to" give it an eye", although she stresses she is in favour of cross-border activity in principle.

Kroes is also watching the appeal process concerning BAA, the airports owner, which the British Competition Commission has said must sell various airports, including Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Should it reach her desk, it looks like BAA can expect little sympathy.

" It's all about competition," she says.

" The more competition the better." For the sake of the European Union, still struggling to gain legitimacy with business and the public, whoever succeeds her at the commission would do well to follow the path she has set.

FEEL THE STEEL: NEELIE'S BIG DECISIONS

2009: Intel fined 1. 03bn for bribing computer manufacturers

2008: Car glass producers fined 1. 3bn for price- fixing Microsoft fined 899m for disobeying a previous ruling Wax producers fined 676m for price- fixing

2007: Flat glass producers fined 487m for price- fixing Lift and escalator producers fined 990m for acting as a cartel Gas insulated switchgear cartel fined 750m

2006: Synthetic rubber producers and traders fined 519m for price fixing

2004: Microsoft fined 497m for bundling music player and Windows