However, there are still a number of other obstacles to be cleared away, for example, those adversely affecting progress in establishing a standard European direct debit system. However, the central banks could take over an active role as coordinator provided the European banking industry were in agreement.
Criticism is sometimes heard to the effect that standardisation and the formation of cartels in payments are undermining competition. I do not think this is true as long as the technical standards do not adversely affect competition with respect to terms and conditions. It is true that standardisation leads to restrictions in operational freedom. A bank can no longer act exactly as it wishes.