The recent decision by the European Commission (EC) prohibiting Siemens from taking over Alstom was perceived by their respective German and French governments as a blow to plans to create a “European champion” in the railway sector. Both states declared that they will strive to change the EU competition rules that prevent similar transactions. According to the traditional approach to competition protection, the implementation of most of the proposals would have negative consequences for the EU economy and indirectly for Polish enterprises and consumers.