Brussels still against Boeing merger
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The European Commission said it could not approve the $15bn (pounds 9bn) takeover by Boeing of the rival McDonnell Douglas aircraft builder in its current form, despite reports that Boeing had put forward new proposals to clear the logjam. The announcement came in a statement following the commission's weekly meeting in Strasbourg, where competition commissioner Karel van Miert's stance on the merger was said to be fully supported by the other 19 commissioners.
"Unless the legitimate competition concerns of the commission can be met and genuine choice maintained for purchasers of aircraft worldwide, the commission could not approve the merger," the statement read. "Boeing has so far not agreed to measures which would meet these concerns and achieve that objective." Boeing was earlier reported to have tabled new proposals to get round commission concerns, but sources at the commission said its proposed remedies satisfied only one of the three problem areas identified. They also made clear that the commission was not prepared to negotiate beyond a deadline of yesterday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments