"The United States is not the world's biggest economy. Nor is China, at least not this decade. The European Union is the world's biggest economy and Europe can regain its competitiveness with policies for openness and cross-border movement creating one European economy. Europe can be a leading force in the global economy", said Gunnar Hökmark MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group, as Parliament debated the EU's competition policy this morning.

"Competition is the driving force of the European economy and protectionism is the main hindrance to integration and global competitiveness."

"Competition brings openness for everyone willing to try new solutions and to develop new ideas. It gives an opportunity to choose something better. It creates new products and services. Competition can bring competitiveness to Europe. Never before in the history of the European Union has it been quite so obvious that competition must define the European economy", Gunnar Hökmark said.

For further information:
Gunnar HÖKMARK MEP, Tel: +33-3-88177822
Per Heister, EPP Group Press & Communications Service, Tel: +32-496-645530

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 265 Members.