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Navigation probe
- The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of Tele Atlas by TomTom, citing possible competition concerns. TomTom produces satellite-navigation systems, while Tele Atlas makes digital maps, a crucial component of such systems.
Glass cartel fines
- The Commission announced on Wednesday (28 November) fines totalling €487.9 million for four glass companies. Asahi, Guardian, Pilkington and Saint-Gobain were found to have co-ordinated price increases for flat glass used in windows, doors and mirrors in 2004-05.
Ryanair aid vetted
- The Commission has launched a formal investigation into possible state aid provided by the chamber of commerce of Pau-Béarn, south-west France, through its contracts with the budget airline Ryanair.
Wings unclipped
- The Commission has lifted a ban on Surinam’s Blue Wing Airlines. Operating restrictions were also lifted on Pakistan International Airlines, but the Commission and the Air Safety Committee decided that several other airlines from countries including Angola, Ukraine and Russia still had significant safety problems.
László Kovács, the European commissioner for taxation, will next year present in-depth studies on introducing reverse charging, a measure to combat value-added tax (VAT) fraud, in the full knowledge that the initiative will not fly.
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