Here is a link to an article on EU regulators' progress in increasing competition.
http://public.wsj.com/sn/y/SB979256537582399844.html

"After four years of closed-door talks, European competition authorities are closing in on a deal that promises to greatly liberalize air travel inside Europe and across the Atlantic.

Regulators and industry officials involved in the discussions warn that the exact timing isn't certain, but some say a conclusion could come as early as this spring. The talks, which began in 1996 as a European Union review of burgeoning trans-Atlantic airline alliances, cover regulatory changes that could ultimately introduce greater competition into Europe's aviation market."

WSJ Jan 12, 2001