Pierre Regibeau: “We will ensure that the routes are not lost after the acquisition of Air Europa by Iberia”

What is your role as head of the competition department? European Commission?

We have three functions. First, to assist teams working on cases, particularly with statistical analysis. Secondly, we have a duty of control to evaluate each stage of the case with an independent assessment and to convey our opinion to the commissioner. Finally, we review the texts about possible abuses in the Competition. We also need to react quickly in situations that occur at a certain time.

in February Iberia announces acquisition of Air Europa for 500 million euros. However, this process is subject to the Competition giving the green light. When will they start reviewing the purchase?

Although it is very early, we have already started.

What exactly will they analyze?

This is not the first time we have seen this case and we already know what we want to study. For example, what will be the routes that the two companies are currently competing on? After the operation on some routes, it can go from three to two airlines. Therefore, we want to make sure that other companies will step in to keep the competition; enter a third airline and commit to staying there for at least three or four years.

Worried about lost routes?

Yes, although it’s a possible scenario that routes won’t disappear, but less competition. There is another problem because now Iberia and Air Europa are located in a hub at Madrid airport. This means that there will be only one hub after the operation, and this could put companies that are not in that situation, such as Ryanair, at a disadvantage.

Inside Majorca Due to our high dependency on aircraft, we are very sensitive about the loss of routes and the increase in ticket prices. Inside Brussels are they aware?

Yes, actually the islands have their own rules. The European Commission would be very worried if there was a risk of losing airways to the islands. If we have to make a choice, we will always prioritize our connection with an island over a continental connection.

What calendar are you running? When will there be a solution?

There is a certain deadline, but in complex cases like this, the process can be stopped to request information or because companies ask for more time. I think a solution can be found within a year.

Brussels fined Google 4 billion 343 million euros for abusing its dominant position in the market. This was the highest fine ever issued by a competition authority, but not too high for a company of this size.

Sometimes fines aren’t enough to change the behavior of companies like Google, but we have rules to set the amounts. One of the reasons why the Digital Market Regulation was recently approved is that it does not impose penalties, but rather clear rules. It tells what can and cannot be done. If they do not, the company will be considered for dissolution. Such solutions are more effective than fines.

Its department also investigated Amazon for alleged misuse of customer data, but in this case Amazon avoided fines by reaching a settlement with the European Commission. Is Big Technology Too Free-Run?

I do not think so. On the one hand, we are investigating these companies ex officio to determine whether they have committed irregularities. On the other hand, other companies report so-called erratic behavior to us for our investigation. So if something goes wrong, we know it.

Are you being pressured to direct the investigation in this or that direction?

No. It is true that there are pressures in Brussels, but not at my level. My department is very, very independent.

in the Balearic Islands Foreigners monopolize housing purchase and local people cannot compete with them because of their high purchasing power. is there no limit

This issue is not the responsibility of our department. But I would say that a hypothetical limitation would discriminate among those residing in the European Union.

do you care presence of large tourist rental platforms like Airbnb In areas like the Balearic Islands?

Local authorities have the power to set limits on the activities of such platforms. Generally, it is not within our jurisdiction to propose an arrangement for platforms such as Airbnb.