EU pushes Gov't to explain itself over bank merger block

The European Commission said it is awaiting a reply until January 23. "We are getting acquainted with all the charges which were put forward by the European Commission. We are analyzing the arguments put forward and we will for sure reply to them," said Barbara Kasprzycka, the spokesperson for the Treasury Ministry. Jonathan Todd reminded that the merger of the banks which belong to the Italian financial institution was approved by the Commission in October. "The EC is of the opinion that the merger will not hurt competition as there are many other entities on the (Polish) market which belong to respected international investors," added Todd. On Thursday, deputy Finance Minister Cezary Mech said that the Banking Supervisory Commission will make a decision on the issue in a month's time at the earliest. (Puls Biznesu, p. 5; Parkiet, p. 1) A.K.