Schwab noted that 77 amendments had been tabled, mainly on Services of General Economic Interest (SGEIs), Collective Redress, Alternative Dispute Resolution, the energy sector, credit rating agencies and cooperation with the Commission.
During the exchange of views that followed, most speakers agreed on the existence of a large measure of understanding on collective redress: Ms in 't Veld (ALDE, NL), Mr Eppink (ECR, BE), Mr Lamberts (Greens/EFA, BE) and Mr Sánchez Presedo (S&D, ES).
As regards SGEIs, Mr Lamberts underlined his group's opposition to ALDE's hostility towards a framework Directive.
On State Aid, Mr Lamberts explained that he would have preferred to centre the report on that topic and its impact in the financial sector, whereas Mr Eppink defended the discontinuation of temporary measures and exemptions, and the addition of other antitrust tools. Mr Klute (GUE/NGL, DE) backed the amendments suggested by the Greens/EFA demanding stricter regulation, supervision and conditionality vis-à-vis state aid to the financial sector.
Regarding fines, Mr Eppink supported the enhancement of antitrust fines as long as it was solely based on competition grounds. He opposed using fines as an alternative budget financing mechanism. Mr Mann (EPP, DE) and Mr Sánchez Presedo stressed that fines had to be used as a form of deterrent.
Concerning the energy market, Mr Klute supported the amendments tabled by the S&D group proposing the creation of an open energy market and its continuous monitoring by the Commission in order to prevent cases of monopoly and/or oligopoly.
On competition dialogue, Ms in 't Veld suggested a more structured dialogue between the European Commission and the European Parliament in order to enhance democratic scrutiny.
On credit rating agencies, Mr Mann backed the creation of an independent European credit rating agency.
In his closing remarks, Mr Schwab promised to consider all amendments, reiterated his intention to focus on fines and welcomed suggestions for improving cooperation with the European Commission.
Vote in ECON: 22 November 2011; vote in plenary: December 2011
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