EU/PANAMA : CANAL ROW: EUROPEANS NOW 'SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE'.

The European companies in conflict with the Panama Canal Authority over a cost overrun formed a unified front, on 23 January, before entering in crucial talks to settle the dispute. "Panama wanted the European side to speak with one voice, and we have responded to this call," said Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani.

Tajani held a meeting with representatives of the three companies involved in the enlargement of the Panama Canal (Sacyr, Impregilo and Jan de Nul), Italy's Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mario Giro, and Spain's Secretary of State for Infrastructure Rafael Catala. The European Investment Bank (EIB) also participated.

"The aim of the meeting was to clarify objectively the facts, and to identify ways to solve the divergences among the parties," Tajani said. However, neither the commissioner nor the national representatives gave details on how the conflict could be solved. At issue is a cost overrun to the tune of 1.2 billion. The participants did not clarify either whether the EIB would provide...