EU competition law has for decades been a guarantee of an efficient and innovative European economy. By breaking up cartels, putting an end to abuses and preventing anti-competitive mergers, it contributes to innovation and the competitiveness of European businesses, creates opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, and ensures fair prices for consumers. The European Commission has now launched a review of key pieces of legislation – the EU Antitrust Procedural Regulation and the Merger Control Guidelines. In doing so, the high standard of competition protection should not be lowered, but maintained.
At a glance
The Monopolies Commission recommends amendments to EU competition law, covering both cartel and abuse proceedings as well as merger control.
- The European Commission’s proceedings concerning competition infringements should be shorter and remedies more effective. Furthermore, stricter national supervision of abuse of a dominant position should remain possible.
- The European Commission should make greater use of dynamic harm theories. It should supplement its merger control guidelines with an analytical framework for digital ecosystems.
