This insightful book discusses the interaction of sector-specific regulation and competition policy. In particular, it identifies emerging trends and reflects on the nature of network regulation in the energy and telecom industries. Expert contributors examine the recent European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), as well the relevant regulatory framework in the electricity and pharmaceutical sectors. Chapters consider key topics, such as the recent antitrust investigations concerning the excessive price of off-patent drugs and the impact of digitalization on the future of network industries. The book also assesses several examples of the complex relationship between sector-specific regulation and competition policy; a relationship constantly swinging between complementarity and conflict. Providing a comparative analysis of EU competition policy at both the EU and national levels, this timely book will be a valuable resource for scholars and students of EU competition policy. It will also be beneficial for practitioners, specialising in the regulation of the telecom, energy and pharmaceutical industries.

This insightful book assesses emerging trends in the role of economic analysis in EU competition policy, exploring how it has substantially increased in terms of both theories and methods. Expert contributors examine the jurisprudence of the EU Court of Justice, which has become more supportive of effect-based analysis in EU competition policy. Chapters consider key topics including the role of economic analysis in relation to defining the relevant market, the challenges of competition policy enforcement in the telecom and digital markets, and economic methods to estimate damages in cases of private enforcement of EU competition law. The book also discusses the challenges faced by judges in reviewing the economic evidence relied on by competition agencies in their decisions and how these may be overcome. Providing a comparative analysis of EU competition policy at both the EU and national levels, this book will be a valuable resource for scholars and students of EU competition policy. It will also be beneficial for practitioners specialising in competition law and economics.

This cutting-edge Research Handbook presents a comprehensive overview of the European Union's influence on the regulation of the media sector in the digital age. It explores and compares several areas of European legislation that have an impact on the media sector, defined in a broad sense for its capacity to influence the public opinion at large. Utilising law and policy perspectives, chapters explain EU media policy by successive approximations, moving from the general to the specific. It first examines certain fundamental pillars of EU legal assets that undoubtedly help to characterize the action of the European Union in the industry, then moves to analyse other fields of legislation, where a series of 'sectoral' rules also affect and shape the media. These fields include competition rules, rules on electronic communications, rules on e-Commerce, and data protection regulation, up to the recently revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive. In the final section of the Research Handbook, several authors discuss how the digital disruption is shaping the future of European media policy. The Research Handbook also has a particular focus on the methodology of the Media Pluralism Monitor; a major tool used to specifically assess the risks for media pluralism and freedom in Europe. Innovative and timely, this Research Handbook will be a crucial companion for academics and students in the fields of law, policy and media, who wish to further their understanding of the logic of future developments in the EU digital media sector.

Granting rebates to a customer or refusing to supply a competitor are examples of ordinary commercial practices, which become 'abusive' under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) when carried out by 'dominant' firms. This topical book provides an up-to-date account of the emerging trends in the enforcement and interpretation of this provision at both the EU and national level. Employing a range of case studies, this illuminating book adds a cross-country perspective to the ongoing debate surrounding the scope of application of Article 102 of the TFEU; a debate largely caused by its ambiguous wording. Besides analyzing the case law of the EU Courts and EU Commission that determine what conduct falls in the 'abuse' box, a number of chapters examine the active contribution of national courts and competition authorities in the ongoing process of shaping the meaning of this legal provision. Astute and discerning, this book will appeal to academics and researchers in the areas of EU competition law and policy. Its practical examples will also prove beneficial to practitioners and national competition authorities. Contributors include: M. Botta, R. Karova, M. Marquis, G. Monti, P.L. Parcu, P.A. Perinetto, F. Schuhmacher, H. Schweitzer, M. Siragusa, M.L. Stasi, R. Whish

During the past decade, the use of private enforcement within competition law has gradually increased throughout Europe but major differences still exist among Member States. By harmonizing a number of procedural rules, the implementation of the Damages Directive has established a level playing field among EU Member States. This book represents the first assessment of the implementation of the Damages Directive at the national level. The contributors explore the topic from a cross-cutting perspective as well as via a set of country case studies. Each chapter focuses on a number of procedural aspects harmonized by the Directive, and analyses the impact of the Directive by taking into consideration the national jurisprudence and the existing legal framework at the national level. By using a comparative lens, this timely book thus provides an up-to-date account of the emerging trends in private enforcement of competition law in Europe. Perceptive and engaging, this book will appeal to students and researchers in EU competition law and policy. Practitioners and national competition authorities will also find it informative and beneficial. Contributors include: M. Botta, P. Burke, J. M. Gonzalez, C. Kruger, J. Maillo, P.L. Parcu, S. Peyer, A.R. Pisarkiewicz, M.A. Rossi, T. Schreiber, S. Solidoro, S.V. Walle

Recent years have seen significant evolution in the European Commission's approach to State aid policy. This thought-provoking book analyses the enforcement of State Aid law in the aftermath of the State aid Modernization initiative, identifying a number of emerging trends at both national and EU level. Eminent scholars unpack the recent developments that have contributed to the decentralization of the enforcement of State Aid law, including the General Block Exemption Regulation which allows a larger number of aid schemes to be implemented by national authorities without prior notification to the European Commission. Timely contributions also consider the increasing role of national courts in the enforcement of State aid rules, as well as the Commission's current reliance on State Aid policy to pursue common objectives of EU interest, thus shaping a de facto EU industrial policy. This discerning book is a key resource for students and scholars specializing in both State Aid law and EU law more widely. Containing detailed analysis of the legal and economic consequences of State Aid Modernization, EU State Aid Law will also interest practitioners, economists, and public officials involved in State Aid enforcement. Contributors include: M. Boccaccio, M. Botta, G. Bruzzone, F. Caliento, S. Donzelli, A. Heimler, M. Merola, G. Monti, P.L. Parcu, F, Pastor-Merchante, J.J. Piernas Lopez, M.A. Rossi, A. Scott, J. Weinzierl, B. Willemot-Nieuwenhuys