EU's Barnier: Will examine legality of French decree on foreign takeovers under EU law
- French decree could be a possible limitation on free movement of capital
- France must notify the measures to the EU
- EU rules do permit protection of strategic and essential assets
- National measures must not lead to protectionism
**Note on May 14th (FR) France govt said to have issued decree to prohibit foreign takeover of strategic firms - financial press - France Industry Min Montebourg said the new 'blocking' measures (adding 5 sectors to the current 11) are considered strategic; considers Alstom as strategic - French press interview