The European Union expects to finalize its antitrust investigation into Dutch government support for troubled bank ING Group NV (ING) before the end of 2009.

"I hope to finalize the investigation soon, but I expect it will be concluded by the end of the year at the latest," said European Commissioner for Competition Neelie Kroes in a public meeting with lawmakers Tuesday.

In mid-September, the European Commission extended temporary approval for the Dutch government to help ING handle illiquid assets.

-By Robin van Daalen and Archie van Riemsdijk, Dow Jones Newswires; +31 20 571 52 01; robin.vandaalen@dowjones.com