Verheugen denies rift with Kroes

Industry Commissioner Günter Verheugen on Wednesday (2 February) went out of his way to play down talk of division between himself and his competition colleague, Neelie Kroes.

Mr Verheugen insisted that he and Mrs Kroes, who appeared to have fallen out over 'European industrial champions' and whether they should be encouraged or not, were in complete agreement.

"We are not against European champions. On the contrary, we want them. We want European companies that are strong enough ...