Author: Alla Pozdnakova
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
ISBN: 9041127178
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 494
Book Description
As of October 2008, liner shipping companies lose their privileged status under EU competition law due to withdrawal of the liner conference block exemption, which generously authorized horizontal price-fixing and similar agreements between liner shipping companies. Where the liner consortia block exemption does not apply, all cooperative activity should be carefully and individually assessed under the competition provisions of the EC Treaty. Alla Pozdnakova has taken this opportunity to research and write an in-depth study of competition law problems in the liner shipping context. Her analysis is not only the first to examine the new European regime, and thus the most up-to-date study of the subject; it is in fact the first major independent study of how Articles 81 and 82 EC are construed and applied to the market conduct of liner shipping companies. In particular, the author addresses the following legal questions: * Does cooperation between liner shipping companies infringe Article 81(1) even if it does not entail hard-core restrictions of competition? * Can a cooperative arrangement between liner shipping companies claim that the efficiencies they produce outweigh the negative impact on competition (Article 81(3))? * When do certain market strategies of liner carriers become an abuse of a collective or individual dominant position (Article 82)? * Does parallel pricing behaviour infringe EC Treaty competition rules? Systematically, the author considers various market strategies of liner shipping companies and tests them as to their compatibility with EC Treaty competition provisions. In doing so, she thoroughly analyses European Commission decisions and judgments of the European courts, applying them authoritatively to the liner shipping sector. In this way, her book provides a well-structured account that clearly identifies the legal issues that liner shipping companies are likely to face once the special treatment traditionally allowed them is withdrawn. A summary of current and prospective developments in EU competition regulation and policy in liner shipping rounds up the analysis. Liner Shipping and EU Competition Law will be a unique and powerful resource for practitioners and policymakers as liner shipping companies restructure their agreements and market strategies to accommodate loss of the block exemption. It is also sure to become a definitive analysis of the legal identity of the liner shipping market sector under European competition law.
Liner Shipping and EU Competition Law
Author: Alla Pozdnakova
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
ISBN: 9041127178
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 494
Book Description
As of October 2008, liner shipping companies lose their privileged status under EU competition law due to withdrawal of the liner conference block exemption, which generously authorized horizontal price-fixing and similar agreements between liner shipping companies. Where the liner consortia block exemption does not apply, all cooperative activity should be carefully and individually assessed under the competition provisions of the EC Treaty. Alla Pozdnakova has taken this opportunity to research and write an in-depth study of competition law problems in the liner shipping context. Her analysis is not only the first to examine the new European regime, and thus the most up-to-date study of the subject; it is in fact the first major independent study of how Articles 81 and 82 EC are construed and applied to the market conduct of liner shipping companies. In particular, the author addresses the following legal questions: * Does cooperation between liner shipping companies infringe Article 81(1) even if it does not entail hard-core restrictions of competition? * Can a cooperative arrangement between liner shipping companies claim that the efficiencies they produce outweigh the negative impact on competition (Article 81(3))? * When do certain market strategies of liner carriers become an abuse of a collective or individual dominant position (Article 82)? * Does parallel pricing behaviour infringe EC Treaty competition rules? Systematically, the author considers various market strategies of liner shipping companies and tests them as to their compatibility with EC Treaty competition provisions. In doing so, she thoroughly analyses European Commission decisions and judgments of the European courts, applying them authoritatively to the liner shipping sector. In this way, her book provides a well-structured account that clearly identifies the legal issues that liner shipping companies are likely to face once the special treatment traditionally allowed them is withdrawn. A summary of current and prospective developments in EU competition regulation and policy in liner shipping rounds up the analysis. Liner Shipping and EU Competition Law will be a unique and powerful resource for practitioners and policymakers as liner shipping companies restructure their agreements and market strategies to accommodate loss of the block exemption. It is also sure to become a definitive analysis of the legal identity of the liner shipping market sector under European competition law.
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
ISBN: 9041127178
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 494
Book Description
As of October 2008, liner shipping companies lose their privileged status under EU competition law due to withdrawal of the liner conference block exemption, which generously authorized horizontal price-fixing and similar agreements between liner shipping companies. Where the liner consortia block exemption does not apply, all cooperative activity should be carefully and individually assessed under the competition provisions of the EC Treaty. Alla Pozdnakova has taken this opportunity to research and write an in-depth study of competition law problems in the liner shipping context. Her analysis is not only the first to examine the new European regime, and thus the most up-to-date study of the subject; it is in fact the first major independent study of how Articles 81 and 82 EC are construed and applied to the market conduct of liner shipping companies. In particular, the author addresses the following legal questions: * Does cooperation between liner shipping companies infringe Article 81(1) even if it does not entail hard-core restrictions of competition? * Can a cooperative arrangement between liner shipping companies claim that the efficiencies they produce outweigh the negative impact on competition (Article 81(3))? * When do certain market strategies of liner carriers become an abuse of a collective or individual dominant position (Article 82)? * Does parallel pricing behaviour infringe EC Treaty competition rules? Systematically, the author considers various market strategies of liner shipping companies and tests them as to their compatibility with EC Treaty competition provisions. In doing so, she thoroughly analyses European Commission decisions and judgments of the European courts, applying them authoritatively to the liner shipping sector. In this way, her book provides a well-structured account that clearly identifies the legal issues that liner shipping companies are likely to face once the special treatment traditionally allowed them is withdrawn. A summary of current and prospective developments in EU competition regulation and policy in liner shipping rounds up the analysis. Liner Shipping and EU Competition Law will be a unique and powerful resource for practitioners and policymakers as liner shipping companies restructure their agreements and market strategies to accommodate loss of the block exemption. It is also sure to become a definitive analysis of the legal identity of the liner shipping market sector under European competition law.
Competition and Regulation in Shipping and Shipping Related Industries
Author: Antonis Antapassis
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 9047427416
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 416
Book Description
Maritime competition as an economic phenomenon is currently influenced by a number of factors both at EU and international level. From a legislative point of view, the recent repeal of EC Reg. 4056/1986 affects the treatment of horizontal agreements not only in the liner but also in the bulk sector, which was excluded until recently from the scope of EC secondary competition rules. However, competition distortions are not only a question of private arrangements. They emanate also from measures and practices incompatible with the freedom to provide services, Member states’ protectionism and international mandatory regulation. This volume comparatively and comprehensively examines all these issues, by bringing together contributions from distinguished academics. Particular focus is given on private shipping cartels, the liberalization of cabotage and port services, indirect competition-distorting factors and the latest developments on international regulation of carriage of goods by sea.
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 9047427416
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 416
Book Description
Maritime competition as an economic phenomenon is currently influenced by a number of factors both at EU and international level. From a legislative point of view, the recent repeal of EC Reg. 4056/1986 affects the treatment of horizontal agreements not only in the liner but also in the bulk sector, which was excluded until recently from the scope of EC secondary competition rules. However, competition distortions are not only a question of private arrangements. They emanate also from measures and practices incompatible with the freedom to provide services, Member states’ protectionism and international mandatory regulation. This volume comparatively and comprehensively examines all these issues, by bringing together contributions from distinguished academics. Particular focus is given on private shipping cartels, the liberalization of cabotage and port services, indirect competition-distorting factors and the latest developments on international regulation of carriage of goods by sea.
EU Shipping Law
Author: Vincent Power
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1317234111
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 1996
Book Description
A previous winner of the Comité Maritime International’s Albert Lilar Prize for the best shipping law book worldwide, EU Shipping Law is the foremost reference work for professionals in this area. This third edition has been completely revised to include developments in the competition/antitrust regime, new safety and environmental rules, and rules governing security and ports. It includes detailed commentary and analysis of almost every aspect of EU law as it affects shipping.
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1317234111
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 1996
Book Description
A previous winner of the Comité Maritime International’s Albert Lilar Prize for the best shipping law book worldwide, EU Shipping Law is the foremost reference work for professionals in this area. This third edition has been completely revised to include developments in the competition/antitrust regime, new safety and environmental rules, and rules governing security and ports. It includes detailed commentary and analysis of almost every aspect of EU law as it affects shipping.
EU Competition Law applicable to liner shipping and seaports
Author: Philippe Corruble
Publisher: Bruylant
ISBN: 2802769863
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 151
Book Description
In twenty years, the globalization of trade has led to a change in scale that has upset the balance of power between the players in online containerized maritime transport and the logistics chain passing through European seaports. Three global shipping alliances dominate 90% of online containerized maritime transport, while further integrating port activities. Twelve Asian ports, eight of which are Chinese, are now among the top fifteen in the world. At the same time, Chinese interests, supported by public authorities and resources, are taking control of terminals and port companies in Europe, as part of the geopolitical project of the New Silk Roads. This economic and industrial context is emblematic of the challenges facing European competition law, which has so far accompanied rather than controlled these transformations. European competition rules will have to be mobilized in a global context, alongside the new rules on the control of foreign direct investment. This study takes stock of the new regulatory challenges in this sector of prime importance for the Union.
Publisher: Bruylant
ISBN: 2802769863
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 151
Book Description
In twenty years, the globalization of trade has led to a change in scale that has upset the balance of power between the players in online containerized maritime transport and the logistics chain passing through European seaports. Three global shipping alliances dominate 90% of online containerized maritime transport, while further integrating port activities. Twelve Asian ports, eight of which are Chinese, are now among the top fifteen in the world. At the same time, Chinese interests, supported by public authorities and resources, are taking control of terminals and port companies in Europe, as part of the geopolitical project of the New Silk Roads. This economic and industrial context is emblematic of the challenges facing European competition law, which has so far accompanied rather than controlled these transformations. European competition rules will have to be mobilized in a global context, alongside the new rules on the control of foreign direct investment. This study takes stock of the new regulatory challenges in this sector of prime importance for the Union.
Maritime Alliances and EU Competition Law
Author: Ioannis K. Voudouris
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789606540868
Category : Antitrust law
Languages : en
Pages : 312
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789606540868
Category : Antitrust law
Languages : en
Pages : 312
Book Description
Structure and Effects in EU Competition Law
Author: Basedow
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
ISBN: 9041131744
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 370
Book Description
During the last decade the European Commission has progressively adopted what is called a andmore economic approachand toward competition policy. This approach, which draws on U.S. antitrust policy, puts greater emphasis on possible welfare effects of business practices and is less concerned with competitive market structures. Under this school of thought concentration cannot be said to impede effective competition to the extent that efficiency gains outweigh market distortions. In order to stimulate the debate on this basic reorientation, in January 2009 the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law at Hamburg convened economists, legal scholars, and practitioners for an exchange of views on these andnewand methodological foundations of EU competition policy and competition law. Two especially controversial elements were chosen for in-depth discussion: the prohibition of abuses of dominant positions and the review of State aid. This book reproduces fourteen papers from this conference, representing the considered views of prominent European lawyers, economists, academics, policymakers, and enforcement officials in the competition field on matters such as: the objectives of EU competition law; the current enforcement guidelines of the EU Commission regarding Article 102 TFEU and? measuring market power; abusive low pricing strategies; the economics of competition law enforcemennt; recent developments in EU State aid law; economic justifications for State aid. A critical assessment of the Commissionands State aid action plan by the German Monopolies Commission is appended in English. Applying law and economics theory to competition law, this book shows that the andmore economicand approach is exerting a considerable impact on various sectors of competition law. The authors clearly demonstrate the progress that can be made when lawyers and economists take notice of and respect the characteristics of each otherands discipline. Moreover, the authors show how new insights of economic theory may be integrated into the relevant legal analysis. The book will therefore be appreciated by academics, practitioners, and officials representing both fields.
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
ISBN: 9041131744
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 370
Book Description
During the last decade the European Commission has progressively adopted what is called a andmore economic approachand toward competition policy. This approach, which draws on U.S. antitrust policy, puts greater emphasis on possible welfare effects of business practices and is less concerned with competitive market structures. Under this school of thought concentration cannot be said to impede effective competition to the extent that efficiency gains outweigh market distortions. In order to stimulate the debate on this basic reorientation, in January 2009 the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law at Hamburg convened economists, legal scholars, and practitioners for an exchange of views on these andnewand methodological foundations of EU competition policy and competition law. Two especially controversial elements were chosen for in-depth discussion: the prohibition of abuses of dominant positions and the review of State aid. This book reproduces fourteen papers from this conference, representing the considered views of prominent European lawyers, economists, academics, policymakers, and enforcement officials in the competition field on matters such as: the objectives of EU competition law; the current enforcement guidelines of the EU Commission regarding Article 102 TFEU and? measuring market power; abusive low pricing strategies; the economics of competition law enforcemennt; recent developments in EU State aid law; economic justifications for State aid. A critical assessment of the Commissionands State aid action plan by the German Monopolies Commission is appended in English. Applying law and economics theory to competition law, this book shows that the andmore economicand approach is exerting a considerable impact on various sectors of competition law. The authors clearly demonstrate the progress that can be made when lawyers and economists take notice of and respect the characteristics of each otherands discipline. Moreover, the authors show how new insights of economic theory may be integrated into the relevant legal analysis. The book will therefore be appreciated by academics, practitioners, and officials representing both fields.
Leniency in EU Competition Law
Author: Ingrid Margrethe Halvorsen Barlund
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
ISBN: 9403517255
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 432
Book Description
Leniency has emerged as one of the main enforcement instruments used by competition authorities to combat cartels. Offering immunity from punishment is believed to destabilise already existing cartels and deter undertakings from entering into such arrangements. This book offers the first in-depth analysis of the scope of leniency in European Union (EU) competition law, considering three crucial ramifications – ensuring a leniency applicant can self-report with confidence, retaining the right to compensation of those who have suffered losses due to the cartel and furthering the objective of undistorted competition within the internal market. With thorough insight into the interaction between the Commission’s Leniency Notice and public and private enforcement, the author fully explains such aspects of the subject as the following: who is eligible for leniency; liability of an immunity recipient; the EU fining system; disclosure of leniency evidence; scope of public authorities reaching out to cartel infringers; the immunity recipient and follow-on damages claimants; the immunity recipient and subsequent leniency applicants; effect of the Damages Directive; and the European Economic Area dimension. The author offers cogent suggestions about how the shortcomings of the Commission’s leniency offer can be ameliorated and which regulatory steps should be taken to give the policy greater leverage. The author calls for increased harmonisation at national level in the EU and compares leniency practice in US antitrust law. As a comprehensive analysis of the practical application of current policy and procedure in EU cartel enforcement, the book clearly shows the ways in which the scope of leniency is manifest in the interaction between public and private enforcement, evaluating which interaction is most effective. Its practical character will be recognised and welcomed by competition law practitioners and policymakers, who will strengthen their grasp of leniency procedure and clearly discern implications for competition infringement cases.
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
ISBN: 9403517255
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 432
Book Description
Leniency has emerged as one of the main enforcement instruments used by competition authorities to combat cartels. Offering immunity from punishment is believed to destabilise already existing cartels and deter undertakings from entering into such arrangements. This book offers the first in-depth analysis of the scope of leniency in European Union (EU) competition law, considering three crucial ramifications – ensuring a leniency applicant can self-report with confidence, retaining the right to compensation of those who have suffered losses due to the cartel and furthering the objective of undistorted competition within the internal market. With thorough insight into the interaction between the Commission’s Leniency Notice and public and private enforcement, the author fully explains such aspects of the subject as the following: who is eligible for leniency; liability of an immunity recipient; the EU fining system; disclosure of leniency evidence; scope of public authorities reaching out to cartel infringers; the immunity recipient and follow-on damages claimants; the immunity recipient and subsequent leniency applicants; effect of the Damages Directive; and the European Economic Area dimension. The author offers cogent suggestions about how the shortcomings of the Commission’s leniency offer can be ameliorated and which regulatory steps should be taken to give the policy greater leverage. The author calls for increased harmonisation at national level in the EU and compares leniency practice in US antitrust law. As a comprehensive analysis of the practical application of current policy and procedure in EU cartel enforcement, the book clearly shows the ways in which the scope of leniency is manifest in the interaction between public and private enforcement, evaluating which interaction is most effective. Its practical character will be recognised and welcomed by competition law practitioners and policymakers, who will strengthen their grasp of leniency procedure and clearly discern implications for competition infringement cases.
Blocking Patents in European Competition Law
Author: Angelika S. Murer
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
ISBN: 9403538155
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 386
Book Description
In practice and jurisprudence in European competition law, it is especially difficult to define the boundaries of patent abuse as an offence. In this thoroughly researched book, the author answers the question of when and how an application for a blocking patent can amount to an abuse of a dominant position under Article 102 TFEU. Drawing on legal literature and European Union (EU) case law, the presentation analyses a constellation of blocking patenting strategies and proposes potential remedies where abuse is involved. With detailed descriptions of the characteristics of potentially abusive and non-abusive behaviour regarding applications for blocking patents, the book provides the following and more: a comprehensive analysis of the case law of the EU courts on the abuse of a dominant position in cases which involve intellectual property rights; insights on how patenting strategies affect competition with a particular focus on the application of blocking patents; an overview of the developments in doctrine and practice which led to the current understanding of the seemingly conflictual goals of competition and intellectual property law; and insights on the difficulties of defining relevant markets and establishing whether an undertaking holds a dominant position. The book illustrates the mechanisms of blocking patenting strategies with examples from the pharmaceutical industry because blocking strategies have particular relevance in applying for patents in that context. A test scheme for analysing the application of a blocking patent under Article 102 TFEU is included. Additionally, the book provides an outlook on the topic of patents and shortages of supply in light of the COVID pandemic. Practitioners and policymakers requiring an understanding of the conceptual framework of the abuse concept within EU competition law and how it relates to patent strategies will welcome this invaluable book. They will not only be able to set the conduct of applying for blocking patents into the Article 102 TFEU context but also have decisive tools to approach questions on the intersection of patent law and competition law in the EU.
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
ISBN: 9403538155
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 386
Book Description
In practice and jurisprudence in European competition law, it is especially difficult to define the boundaries of patent abuse as an offence. In this thoroughly researched book, the author answers the question of when and how an application for a blocking patent can amount to an abuse of a dominant position under Article 102 TFEU. Drawing on legal literature and European Union (EU) case law, the presentation analyses a constellation of blocking patenting strategies and proposes potential remedies where abuse is involved. With detailed descriptions of the characteristics of potentially abusive and non-abusive behaviour regarding applications for blocking patents, the book provides the following and more: a comprehensive analysis of the case law of the EU courts on the abuse of a dominant position in cases which involve intellectual property rights; insights on how patenting strategies affect competition with a particular focus on the application of blocking patents; an overview of the developments in doctrine and practice which led to the current understanding of the seemingly conflictual goals of competition and intellectual property law; and insights on the difficulties of defining relevant markets and establishing whether an undertaking holds a dominant position. The book illustrates the mechanisms of blocking patenting strategies with examples from the pharmaceutical industry because blocking strategies have particular relevance in applying for patents in that context. A test scheme for analysing the application of a blocking patent under Article 102 TFEU is included. Additionally, the book provides an outlook on the topic of patents and shortages of supply in light of the COVID pandemic. Practitioners and policymakers requiring an understanding of the conceptual framework of the abuse concept within EU competition law and how it relates to patent strategies will welcome this invaluable book. They will not only be able to set the conduct of applying for blocking patents into the Article 102 TFEU context but also have decisive tools to approach questions on the intersection of patent law and competition law in the EU.
Shipping Conferences under EC Antitrust Law
Author: Luis Ortiz Blanco
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1847313655
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 698
Book Description
Liner conferences are among the oldest surviving cartels in the world. Created in the 1870s they have existed since on all the world's shipping routes. With the approval or tacit acquiescence of governments everywhere, they fix freight rates, control capacity and share markets. The United Nations Code of Conduct for Liner Conferences (1974) granted them global recognition and prompted the European Community to recommend Member States to join the Convention on the Liner Code (1979) and to grant them the most generous and extraordinary block exemption from EC antitrust rules ever (1986). The European Commission's administration of the block exemption has clarified some of its aspects and, to a certain extent, limited its scope; but until very recently, it has not questioned the appropriateness of the exceptionally lenient treatment of liner shipping cartels in the European Union. After a report by the OECD Secretariat (2002) recommending abolition of antitrust immunity for shipping cartels in member countries, the European Commission launched a review of the block exemption (2003) which has led to its repeal (2006). This book studies first the origins, the early history and the regulation of liner conferences in the world and in the European Community, focusing in particular on the Regulation which granted a block exemption to liner conferences. Then, it examines one by one the four conditions for a block exemption to be granted under EC law, and concludes that none of them is fulfilled by shipping cartels. Finally, it proposes some alternative scenarios and solutions for the adequate enforcement of antitrust law in the maritime sector once the block exemption has been repealed.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1847313655
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 698
Book Description
Liner conferences are among the oldest surviving cartels in the world. Created in the 1870s they have existed since on all the world's shipping routes. With the approval or tacit acquiescence of governments everywhere, they fix freight rates, control capacity and share markets. The United Nations Code of Conduct for Liner Conferences (1974) granted them global recognition and prompted the European Community to recommend Member States to join the Convention on the Liner Code (1979) and to grant them the most generous and extraordinary block exemption from EC antitrust rules ever (1986). The European Commission's administration of the block exemption has clarified some of its aspects and, to a certain extent, limited its scope; but until very recently, it has not questioned the appropriateness of the exceptionally lenient treatment of liner shipping cartels in the European Union. After a report by the OECD Secretariat (2002) recommending abolition of antitrust immunity for shipping cartels in member countries, the European Commission launched a review of the block exemption (2003) which has led to its repeal (2006). This book studies first the origins, the early history and the regulation of liner conferences in the world and in the European Community, focusing in particular on the Regulation which granted a block exemption to liner conferences. Then, it examines one by one the four conditions for a block exemption to be granted under EC law, and concludes that none of them is fulfilled by shipping cartels. Finally, it proposes some alternative scenarios and solutions for the adequate enforcement of antitrust law in the maritime sector once the block exemption has been repealed.
Economics and the Enforcement of European Competition Law
Author: Christopher Decker
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN: 1849801967
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 311
Book Description
The book is well written and readable by non economists. The approaches, questions, methodology, and basis for selection of cases/interviewees are clearly explained and justified. This book is a valuable contribution to the literature. Rhonda Smith, Competition and Consumer Law Journal Recent years have seen a trend toward an economics-based approach to the enforcement of European competition law. But what is meant by economics-based , and how does this approach sit with legal and enforcement practice? This book seeks to place in perspective the growing use of economics in European competition law enforcement by examining precisely how economics contributes to the enforcement activity of the European Commission and Courts. Christopher Decker provides unique empirical insights as to how economic theory, thinking, techniques and data have featured in decision-making in the area of co-ordinated effects. The role of economics is examined throughout the entire enforcement process, from the decision to initiate an investigation to the design and implementation of remedies, and its conclusions are of general relevance to all areas of competition law enforcement where economics is used. Utilising a broad and multifaceted conception of economics, this book is essential reading for academics and students interested in European competition law, EC competition lawyers, applied industrial economists and enforcement officials. It will also be an invaluable tool for academic libraries and institutes, government agencies, law firms and economic consultancies.
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN: 1849801967
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 311
Book Description
The book is well written and readable by non economists. The approaches, questions, methodology, and basis for selection of cases/interviewees are clearly explained and justified. This book is a valuable contribution to the literature. Rhonda Smith, Competition and Consumer Law Journal Recent years have seen a trend toward an economics-based approach to the enforcement of European competition law. But what is meant by economics-based , and how does this approach sit with legal and enforcement practice? This book seeks to place in perspective the growing use of economics in European competition law enforcement by examining precisely how economics contributes to the enforcement activity of the European Commission and Courts. Christopher Decker provides unique empirical insights as to how economic theory, thinking, techniques and data have featured in decision-making in the area of co-ordinated effects. The role of economics is examined throughout the entire enforcement process, from the decision to initiate an investigation to the design and implementation of remedies, and its conclusions are of general relevance to all areas of competition law enforcement where economics is used. Utilising a broad and multifaceted conception of economics, this book is essential reading for academics and students interested in European competition law, EC competition lawyers, applied industrial economists and enforcement officials. It will also be an invaluable tool for academic libraries and institutes, government agencies, law firms and economic consultancies.