Liberalisation debate under the spotlight

Date: 31/10/1996

THE profound impact of liberalising formerly untouchable industrial monopolies will come under the spotlight next week at a conference organised by

European Voice.

Few issues generate as much soul-searching in the EU as the unleashing of market forces on to what have long been protected species: providers of electricity and gas, telephone and postal services, flag-carrying airlines and the railway companies.

Self-interest plays its part in the debate. Monopolies tend to be highly profitable and either feed tax income into government coffers or, if they are state-owned, allow the diversion of profits into other areas of spending.

But fundamental ideological differences between the anti- and the pro-liberalisers also play a role. While the 'antis' focus on lost jobs in the affected sectors and threats to security of supply, the 'pros' point to the jobs generated throughout the economy and the dynamism injected into previously sluggish public enterprises.

Speakers at the conference will include Competition Commissioner Karel van Miert, a powerful champion of the liberalisers, and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Emma Bonino, who will focus on protecting consumers' interests in a competitive environment.

Anton van der Lande, vice-president of UPS Public Affairs, will present results of a study into whether jobs are lost or gained with liberalisation, and Tony Mary, from Belgacom, will consider the benefits for consumers of a competitive telecoms sector. Reiner Hoffmann, director of the European Trade Union Institute, Gérard Moine of the European Centre of Enterprises with Public Participation, and Jonathan Ornstein, chief executive officer of Virgin Express will also speak.