Ryanair, the low-cost airline that now leads the world in number of passengers carried, tried to expand its operations by making an all cash offer for Aer Lingus. But apparently what was OK for Europe's old and stagnant national carriers is not acceptable for a company that satisfies consumers with private funds and low prices. That is how Brussels works!

They are certainly giving me plenty of work. Once again, Brussels has put me in the mood to defend Telefónica, something that makes any web surfer feel more than a little guilty. And it isn't just me. The Association of Internet Users, of which I am a member, got its start years ago as the "Platform for a Flat Rate," holding Internet connection strikes to try to force the monopoly to offer a fixed rate Internet plan. Well, the Association has also had to come out against Brussels and in favor of the dominant telephone company.

Neelie Kroes, European Commissioner for Competition, is determined to organize Europe’s market like her own garden. We all remember her smiling response to the media after a journalist found the report on Gas Natural’s takeover bid of Endesa in the trash: the report had been rejected.

Thomas J. DiLorenzo, professor of economics at Loyola College, wrote a well-known essay based on history titled “The Myth of Natural Monopoly” in which he concludes that in the free market monopolies as such do not exists. Therefore, they are always transitory, just like any other company. Only the state can create monopolies by law.

The project was one of the few good things to come out of the interventionist and bureaucratic capital of Europe. Its essence was to break down barriers to providing any type of service in member states different from the country of origin or residence.