EU competition rules were proving a tougher nut to crack than US antitrust laws for GE and Honeywell, as the two companies wound up their presentations to the EU Commission following GE’s application for approval of its $41 billion purchase of Honeywell. Opponents of the deal, primarily rival aircraft turbine makers Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce, contend that competition in the avionics industry will be seriously damaged if it goes through, and the EU itself has published objections to the effect that EU competition rules will be compromised if GE is allowed to combine its engine making capacity with Honeywell’s capacity in avionics and non-avionics aeroplane parts. GE argues that improved efficiency will lower its prices to customers, a line of argument that has been found in the past to appeal to the Commission. A decision is expected by July 12, but before that GE will have the opportunity to present solutions to the competitive problems outlined by the Commission.