Five Nations Warn EU on Loosening Merger Laws

Five European Union member states, including Finland, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Latvia, have voiced strong opposition to proposals that would loosen EU merger rules. They argue that the current regulations are sufficient to facilitate pan-European mergers when economic evidence supports them.

These nations emphasized that the primary goal of mergers should be efficiency and innovation, not sheer size. They countered arguments, particularly from the telecommunications sector, suggesting that larger companies spur greater investment, citing inconclusive evidence for such claims.

Furthermore, the countries warned that increased reliance on larger operators for secure supply chains could create dependencies, making Europe less resilient. They proposed that any needs for strengthening supply chains should be addressed through sectoral or industrial policies, not by altering competition legislation.