The European Commission has weighed in on the "dark pool" trading debate that has engulfed Europe in recent weeks, with the most restrictive proposals for curbing the practice to date, Financial News has learnt.

The Commission presented its view in a paper circulated to European policymakers ahead of a crucial meeting on the second version of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive on November 18. The meeting will tackle a range of rules related to market structure, including transparency across all asset classes and access to market infrastructure.