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Oxford Law Citator
Contents
Expand All
Collapse All
Preliminary Material
Contents
Table of Cases
Table of Treaties and Agreements
Table of Regulations
Table of Directives
Table of National Legislation
Croatia
Europe
Germany
Lithuania
Spain
United Kingdom
United States
Main Text
Part I Antitrust Rules (Articles 101 and 102 TFEU)
1 The Institutional Framework
Preliminary Material
I Sources of Procedure
A Substantive Provisions
1.01
1.02
1.03
1.04
B Procedural Rules
1.05
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
1.06
1 General regime
1.07
1.08
1.09
1.10
1.11
1.12
2 Special regimes
Transport
1.13
1.14
EU Merger Control Regulation
1.15
Other procedures for the application of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU
1.16 Article 104 TFEU
1.17 Article 105 TFEU
Article 4 third paragraph, second subparagraph TFEU [former Article 10, second paragraph EC] in connection with Articles 101 and 102 TFEU
1.18
(1) Article 4 third paragraph, second subparagraph TFEU [former Article 10, second paragraph EC] in connection with Articles 101 and 102 TFEU
(2) Article 4 third paragraph, second subparagraph TFEU [former Article 10, second paragraph EC] in connection with Articles 101 and 102 TFEU
(3) Article 4 third paragraph, second subparagraph TFEU [former Article 10, second paragraph EC] in connection with Articles 101 and 102 TFEU
1.19
1.20
3 Limitation periods
1.21
C General Principles and ECHR Case Law
1.22
1.23
1.24
1.25
1.26
1 The principle of proportionality
1.27
2 The principle of observance of the right to a fair hearing
1.28
1.29
3 The principle of presumption of innocence
1.30
4 The privilege against self-incrimination
1.31
1.32
1.33
5 The principle that administrative measures must be lawful
1.34
6 The principle of sound administration
1.35
1.36
7 The principle that undertakings’ business secrets must be protected
1.37
8 The right to respect for private and family life, home, and correspondence
1.38
9 The principle of the protection of legitimate expectations
1.39
10 The requirement of legal certainty
1.40
II The Authorities Empowered to Apply the Competition Rules
A Antitrust Law and Decentralization
1.41
1.42
1.43
1.44
1.45
B The National Judicial Authorities
1 Role of the national courts
1.46
1.47
1.48
1.49
2 Actions before national courts
1.50
Request to the Court for a preliminary ruling
1.51
Procedure for cooperation between national courts and the Commission
1.52
1.53
C National Authorities for Upholding Competition
1 Substantive powers
1.54
1.55
2 Cooperation between the Commission and NCAs and the European Network of Competition Authorities
1.56
D The Commission
1 The Commission’s monitoring powers
1.57
1.58
1.59
2 The internal procedure for the adoption of decisions
General principles relating to Commission decision making
1.60
1.61
1.62
Oral and written procedure
1.63
1.64
1.65
Measures of (pure) administration
1.66
1.67
Decision-making procedure in antitrust cases
Measures reserved to the College
1.68
1.69
Empowerment of the Competition Commissioner for the application of Regulation 1/2003
1.70
1.71
1.72
1.73
1.74
1.75
1.76
Measures sub-delegated by the Competition Commissioner to the Director-General
1.77
1.78
1.79 Measures of pure administration (‘de pure gestion’)
Involvement of other services
Inter-service consultation prior to the adoption of measures reserved to the College
1.80
1.81
1.82
1.83
1.84
Involvement of other services prior to the adoption of measures under the empowerment and sub-delegation procedures
1.85
1.86
1.87
1.88
1.89 Measures for which prior information of other services is obligatory
Acts for which no provision of prior information to other services is required
1.90
1.91
Special case of rejections of complaints on substantive grounds
1.92
1.93
Consequences of a failure to observe the decision making formalities
1.94
1.95
1.96
3 Commission policy documents
Best Practices and Manual of Procedures
Best Practices
1.97
1.98
1.99
Antitrust Manual of Procedures
1.100
1.101
1.102
1.103
4 Function and terms of reference of the Hearing Officer
1.104
1.105
E The EU Courts
1 The EU judicature
1.106
1.107
1.108
2 Main types of proceedings
Actions in general
1.109
1.110
Direct actions available to undertakings
1.111
1.112
1.113
(1)
(2)
1.114
2 The Role of National Judicial Authorities
Preliminary Material
A Jurisdiction of National Courts
2.01
1 Jurisdiction of national courts under Regulation 44/2001
2.02
2.03
2 Applicable law under Regulation 864/2007
2.04
3 Issues of potential concern
2.05
2.06
4 Actions before national courts
2.07
2.08
2.09
2.10
2.11
2.12
2.13
2.14
2.15
2.16
B The Application of Articles 101 and 102 by National Courts
1 General principles
2.17
2.18
(a)
(b)
(c)
2.19
2 Application of EU and national competition rules by national courts
2.20
2.21
2.22
2.23
2.24
2.25
3 Parallel or subsequent application of the EU competition rules
2.26
Request to the ECJ for a preliminary ruling
2.27
2.28
2.29
2.30
C Cooperation between National Courts and the Commission
2.31
2.32
2.33
2.34
2.35
2.36
1 Transmission of information
2.37
2.38
2.39
2.40
2.41
Requests for transmission of information
2.42
2.43
2 Opinions
2.44
2.45
2.46
2.47
2.48
2.49
2.50
3 Observations
2.51
2.52
2.53
2.54
2.55
2.56
4 Transmission of judgments
2.57
D National Courts’ Assistance to the Commission
2.58
2.59
3 The Role of National Competition Authorities
Preliminary Material
A Introduction
3.01
3.02
3.03
3.04
3.05
3.06
3.07
3.08
3.09
3.10
B Cooperation between the Commission and the NCAs
3.11
3.12
3.13
1 The European Competition Network (ECN)
3.14
3.15
3.16
Principles of case allocation
The competence of the NCAs
3.17
(i) The competence of the NCAs
(ii) The competence of the NCAs
(iii) The competence of the NCAs
3.18
3.19
3.20
3.21
3.22
3.23
3.24
3.25
The competence of the Commission
3.26
3.27
3.28
(i) The competence of the Commission
(ii) The competence of the Commission
(iii) The competence of the Commission
(iv) The competence of the Commission
(v) The competence of the Commission
3.29
3.30
3.31
3.32
3.33
Procedural issues
3.34
3.35
3.36
3.37
3.38
3.39
3.40
3.41
Reallocation
3.42
3.43
3.44
3.45
3.46
3.47
Principle of ne bis in idem
3.48
3.49
3.50
3.51
3.52 Acquittal and convictions in the enforcement system
3.53 Sanctions imposed by third-country authorities
2 The ECN and the cooperation mechanism
3.54
3.55
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
3.56
3.57
3.58
3.59
3.60
3.61
3.62
3.63
Exchange of information
3.64
3.65
3.66
3.67
3.68
3.69
3.70
3.71
3.72
3.73
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
3.74
3.75
3.76
3.77
Professional secrecy
3.78
3.79
Evidence
3.80
3.81
3.82
Sanctions
3.83
3.84
3.85
3.86
3.87
3.88
3.89
3.90
3.91
3.92
Leniency programmes
3.93
3.94
3.95
3.96
3.97
3.98
3.99
3.100
3.101
3.102
3.103
3.104
3.105
3.106
3.107
3.108
3.109
3 Suspension or termination of proceedings (Article 13 of Council Regulation 1/2003)
3.110
3.111
3.112
4 The role and the functioning of the Advisory Committee on Restrictive Practices and Monopolies
3.113
3.114
3.115
3.116
3.117
3.118
3.119
3.120
3.121
3.122
3.123
C Principles and Procedures for Cooperation with Third Countries
3.124
3.125
3.126
3.127
Disclosure to third country public authorities
3.128
Notification to third countries
3.129
3.130
3.131
3.132 Notification from third countries
3.133 Cooperation and coordination
Positive comity requests
3.134
3.135
3.136
4 The Organization of European Commission Proceedings
Preliminary Material
A Outline of the Main Types of Procedure
1 Informal guidance
4.01
4.02
4.03
4.04
2 Infringement proceedings and settlements
Infringement proceedings
4.05
4.06
4.07
Settlement procedure
4.08
4.09
4.10
3 Interim measures
4.11
4.12
4 Rejection of complaints and declarations of inapplicability
Rejection of complaints
4.13
4.14
4.15
4.16
4.17
4.18
Declarations of inapplicability
4.19
4.20
4.21
5 Commitments and informal settlements
4.22
4.23
4.24
4.25
4.26
4.27
Informal settlements
4.28
4.29
B Use of Languages and Calculation of Time Limits
4.30
4.31
4.32
C General Characteristics of Proceedings
1 The nature of the Commission and its proceedings
4.33
4.34
4.35
2 Burden of proof/standard of proof
4.36
4.37
4.38
Standard of proof
4.39
4.40
4.41
4.42
Assessment of evidence in cartel cases
4.43
4.44
4.45
4.46
4.47
Guidance from the Leniency Notice
4.48
4.49
4.50
Reliability of documentary evidence
4.51
Reliability of corporate statements and witness statements
4.52
4.53
4.54
4.55
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
Relying on fragmentary evidence together with inferences from market conduct
4.56
4.57
4.58
Concept and reliability of indirect evidence
4.59
Indirect evidence in the GIS cartel
4.60
4.61
4.62
Indirect evidence in the Aragonesas judgment
4.63
3 Choice of priorities and role of complainants
4.64
4.65
4.66
4.67
D Commission Decisions
1 General characteristics of decisions
4.68
4.69
2 Types of decision
4.70
4.71
3 Notification of decisions and information to the Member States
Notification
4.72
4.73
4.74
Information to Member States concerning adopted decisions
4.75
4 Publication of decisions and other measures
The Official Journal
4.76
4.77
4.78
4.79
4.80
Press releases
4.81
Periodical publications
4.82
Europe Direct, European Documentation Centres, and the Internet
4.83
E Confidentiality
1 Professional secrecy and business secrets
4.84
4.85
4.86
4.87
4.88
2 Use of the information
4.89
4.90
(a)
(b)
(c)
4.91
4.92
4.93
3 Protection of information
4.94
4.95
4.96
4.97
4.98
4.99
4.100
4.101
4.102
4.103
4.104
4.105
4.106
4.107
4.108
4.109
4.110
4.111
4.112
4.113
4.114
4.115
4.116
4.117
4.118
4.119
5 Opening of the File and of Proceedings; Transparency
Preliminary Material
A Action Taken by the Commission before a File is Opened
1 Sources of information
5.01
5.02
5.03
5.04
5.05
5.06
2 Sector inquiries
5.07
5.08
5.09
5.10
5.11
B Complaints
1 Introduction
5.12
5.13
5.14
5.15
2 Informal or unofficial complaints
5.16
3 Formal complaints
5.17
Legitimate interest
5.18
Form C
5.19
5.20 Information regarding the parties
5.21 Details of alleged infringement
5.22 Finding sought from the Commission
5.23 Proceedings before NCAs or national courts
5.24 Other formal requirements
Initial assessment
5.25
5.26
5.27
5.28
5.29
5.30
5.31
5.32
C Initiating Proceedings
5.33
5.34
5.35
5.36
5.37
5.38
5.39
5.40
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
5.41
5.42
5.43
5.44
5.45
5.46
5.47
5.48
5.49
5.50
D Possible Outcomes of the Investigation Phase
5.51
5.52
E Transparency
5.53
1 State of Play meetings
5.54
5.55
5.56
2 Triangular meetings
5.57
5.58
3 Review of key submissions
5.59
5.60
5.61
6 Investigation of Cases (I): Leniency Policy
Preliminary Material
A Policy and Objectives
6.01
6.02
6.03
6.04
6.05
6.06
6.07
6.08
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
6.09
B Procedures
6.10
6.11
1 Conditions for the granting of complete immunity
6.12
(i)
(ii)
6.13
6.14
6.15
6.16
6.17
2 The procedure to obtain immunity
6.18
6.19
(1)
(2)
(3)
6.20
6.21
6.22
6.23
6.24
3 Partial or de facto immunity
6.25
6.26
4 The conditions for the grant of a leniency fine reduction
6.27
6.28
6.29
6.30
6.31
6.32
6.33
6.34
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
6.35
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
6.36
5 The procedure for obtaining a leniency fine reduction
6.37
6.38
6 Reasons for exclusion or loss of provisionally granted immunity or leniency
6.39
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
6.40
6.41
7 Cooperation outside the 2006 Notice
6.42
C Protection from Access to Immunity/Leniency Materials versus Private Enforcement Action
6.43
6.44
6.45
6.46
6.47
6.48
6.49
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
6.50
6.51
6.52
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
6.53
6.54
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
6.55
(i)
(b)
6.56
6.57
D Multijurisdictional Applications
6.58
6.59
6.60
6.61
6.62
6.63
6.64
6.65
(i)
(ii)
(a)
(b)
(c)
6.66
7 Investigation of Cases (II): Formal Investigative Measures in General, Requests for Information, and Interviews
Preliminary Material
A Formal Investigative Measures in General
1 Principles applicable in the initial investigative phase
7.01
7.02
7.03
7.04
2 The obligations of undertakings
7.05
7.06
3 Persons concerned by investigatory measures
7.07
7.08
7.09
7.10
4 Extraterritoriality and cooperation with other competition authorities
7.11
7.12
7.13
7.14
7.15
7.16
5 Retroactivity of the Commission’s investigative powers
7.17
7.18
6 The choice of investigative measures
7.19
7.20
7 Cooperation with Member States’ authorities
7.21
7.22
8 Consequences of non-compliance
7.23
B Requests for Information
1 Introduction
7.24
7.25
7.26
7.27
7.28
7.29
7.30
2 Simple requests
7.31
7.32
7.33
7.34
7.35
3 Requests for information by means of a binding decision
7.36
7.37
C The Reply
1 Persons obliged and authorized to supply information
7.38
7.39
2 Content of the replies
7.40
7.41
7.42
7.43
3 The problem of self-incrimination
7.44
(i)
(ii)
7.45
7.46
7.47
7.48
7.49
7.50
7.51
4 Cooperation with the authorities of the Member States
7.52
D Interviews and Oral Statements
7.53
7.54
7.55
7.56
8 Investigation of Cases (III): Inspections
Preliminary Material
A Overview
8.01
8.02
8.03
8.04
8.05
8.06
8.07
8.08
B Types of Inspections
1 Alternatives
8.09
2 Simple inspections
Reasonable grounds for suspecting an infringement
8.10
Content of the authorization
8.11
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Name or trading name of the undertaking
8.12
Officials authorized to carry out inspections
8.13
Subject matter and purpose of inspections
8.14
Clear details of possible sanctions
8.15
Explanatory note
8.16
Procedure and judicial review
8.17
3 Inspections by decision
Reasonable grounds for suspecting an infringement
8.18
Content of the decision
8.19
8.20
8.21
8.22
Procedure
8.23
Other documents
8.24
4 Surprise inspections
8.25
8.26
8.27
C Representation of Undertakings during Inspections
1 Representatives and members of staff
8.28
2 Oral explanations and rectification
8.29
8.30
8.31
8.32
3 Assistance from a lawyer or legal adviser
8.33
8.34
D The Commission’s Ordinary Powers during Inspections
8.35
8.36
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
8.37
1 Access to premises, land, and means of transport of undertakings or associations of undertakings
8.38
8.39
8.40
2 Examination of books and other business records
Business records in general
8.41
8.42
8.43
8.44
8.45
8.46
Limits to the Commission’s powers, chance findings
8.47
8.48
8.49
8.50
8.51
Correspondence with lawyers
8.52
8.53
8.54
8.55
8.56
8.57
8.58
3 Taking of copies and extracts of records in any form
8.59
8.60
4 Sealing of business premises, books, or records for the period and to the extent necessary for the inspection
8.61
5 Request for oral explanations on facts or documents relating to the subject matter and purpose of the inspection
8.62
8.63
8.64
8.65
E The Commission’s Power to Inspect other Premises
8.66
8.67
8.68
8.69
8.70
F Cooperation between the Commission and the NCAs
1 Involvement of the NCAs
Prior notice or consultation
8.71
Assistance and inspection work by national officials alongside Commission inspectors
8.72
Inspections facilitated by measures of constraint
8.73
8.74
8.75
8.76
2 Inspections carried out pursuant to Article 22 of Regulation 1/2003 and Article 8 of Protocol 23 to the EEA Agreement
8.77
8.78
8.79
G The Conduct of Inspections
1 Arrival of inspectors
8.80
8.81
2 Designated representatives
8.82
3 Identification and documentation
8.83
(1)
(a)
(b)
(2)
(a)
(b)
(c)
8.84
4 Clarifications and legal representation
8.85
8.86
5 Submission to inspections
8.87
6 Enforcement
8.88
8.89
7 Investigative steps
8.90
8.91
8.92
8 Inventory of copies or extracts taken
8.93
9 The completion and other records
8.94
10 Duration and timing of inspections
8.95
9 Procedural Infringements: Fines and Periodic Penalty Payments
Preliminary Material
A Introduction
9.01
9.02
B Fines
9.03
1 In relation to requests for information
9.04
(i)
(ii)
9.05
9.06
2 In relation to inspections
9.07
Failure to submit to an inspection, including opposition
9.08
Production of business records in incomplete form
9.09
9.10
Incorrect, incomplete, or misleading answers
9.11
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
9.12
Breach of seal
9.13
9.14
9.15
General considerations
9.16
9.17
C Periodic Penalty Payments
9.18
9.19
9.20
9.21
1 In relation to requests for information
9.22
2 In relation to inspections
9.23
D Procedure
1 General
9.24
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
9.25
2 Procedure for the imposition of periodic penalty payments
9.26
9.27
9.28
9.29
9.30
E Limitation Period
9.31
9.32
9.33
9.34
10 Procedures to Establish The Existence of an Infringement
Preliminary Material
I Introduction
A The Steps of the Procedure and its Formal Initiation
10.01
10.02
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
10.03
10.04
10.05
10.06
10.07
10.08
B Overview of the Procedural Guarantees
10.09
10.10
10.11
10.12
10.13
C The Role of the Hearing Officer in Ensuring the Respect of Procedural Guarantees
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
II The Inter Partes Stage: Rights of Defence and the Formal Adoption of Decisions
10.18
A The Statement of Objections
1 Introduction
10.19
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
2 Layout and general scheme of the statement of objections
10.24
The statement of objections strictly speaking
10.25
The letter accompanying the statement of objections—time limit for a reply
10.26
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
The annexes to the statement of objections
10.27
3 Formal conditions
10.28
10.29
10.30
4 Substantive conditions—evidential documents
10.31
5 Publicity of the statement of objections
10.32
6 Cases where a financial penalty is envisaged
10.33
10.34
7 New objections and new evidence
10.35
10.36
10.37
B The Granting of Access to the File
1 Introduction
10.38
10.39
2 Limits on access to the file
10.40
10.41
10.42
10.43
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
10.44
10.45
10.46
10.47
10.48
3 Access to the file and confidential documents
10.49
10.50
10.51
10.52
10.53
10.54
4 Forms of access to the file
10.55
10.56
10.57
10.58
5 Access to documents pursuant to Regulation 1049/2001
10.59
10.60
C The Reply to the Statement of Objections
1 Introduction
10.61
10.62
10.63
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
10.64
10.65
10.66
2 Written observations
10.67
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
10.68
10.69
10.70
3 The oral hearing
10.71
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
10.72
Preparation for the hearing
10.73
10.74
10.75
10.76
10.77
10.78
10.79
10.80
10.81
The conduct of the hearing
10.82
10.83
10.84
10.85
10.86
10.87
10.88
Record of the hearings
10.89
The Hearing Officer’s interim report
10.90
10.91
(i)
(ii)
10.92
4 Participation of the complainants and of other third parties
Status of complainants
10.93
10.94
10.95
10.96
Participation of complainants
10.97
10.98
10.99
10.100
10.101
Other third parties
10.102
10.103
Triangular meetings
10.104
D The Remaining Stages of the Procedure until the Adoption of a Decision
10.105
10.106
III Settlement Procedures
A Origin and Context
1 Legislative history
10.107
10.108
2 EU legal framework
10.109
10.110
Settlements and leniency
10.111
10.112
10.113
10.114
10.115
10.116
Settlements and commitments
10.117
10.118
10.119
10.120
B Policy Objectives: Rewards and Advantages
1 Policy objectives
10.121
10.122
10.123
10.124
2 Rewards and advantages
10.125
10.126
10.127
3 Initiation of proceedings
10.128
10.129
10.130
10.131
10.132
C Settlement Discussions
1 Nature and conduct of discussions
10.133
10.134
10.135
10.136
10.137
2 Parties’ procedural rights: access to the file and hearing
10.138
10.139
10.140
10.141
10.142
3 Settlement submission
10.143
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
10.144
10.145
4 Statement of objections and reply
10.146
10.147
10.148
10.149
10.150
5 Commission decision
10.151
10.152
10.153
10.154
D Confidentiality Issues in Settlement Cases
1 Confidentiality issues
10.155
10.156
10.157
2 Private litigation
10.158
10.159
10.160
10.161
E First Cases Decided
10.162
DRAM
10.163
10.164
10.165
Animal Feed Phosphates
First hybrid settlement
10.166
10.167
Fallback onto the ordinary procedure
10.168
10.169
Loss of efficiencies and appeal by CFPR/Timab
10.170
10.171
10.172
10.173
10.174
Consumer Detergents
10.175
10.176
CRT Glass
10.177
Refrigeration Compressors
10.178
Water Management Products
10.179
11 Infringement Decisions and Penalties
Preliminary Material
I General Content of Infringement Decisions
A Layout
11.01
11.02
B Declarations and Orders
11.03
1 Declaratory decisions
11.04
2 Enforcement decisions: remedies
11.05
Order to bring infringement to an end
11.06
Orders to take specific action
11.07
11.08
Additional obligations
11.09
Decision to impose a periodic penalty payment
11.10
II Penalties
A Introduction
11.11
11.12
1 Nature of sanctions
11.13
2 The object of sanctions: undertakings, successors, and accessories
The concept of the undertaking and parental liability
11.14
11.15
11.16
11.17
11.18
Legal and economic succession
11.19
The liability of accessories
11.20
3 The purpose of penalties
11.21
4 Intentional or negligent infringement
11.22
11.23
11.24
11.25
5 Compatibility of fines and periodic penalty payments
11.26
6 Limitation periods
11.27
11.28
11.29
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
11.30
11.31
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
11.32
7 Procedure
11.33
11.34
11.35
B Fines
1 Quantitative limits: the 10 per cent cap
11.36
11.37
11.38
11.39
11.40
2 Calculation: the Commission’s Fining Guidelines
11.41
11.42
The determination of the basic amount
11.43
Value of sales
11.44
11.45
11.46
Gravity factor (percentage value)
11.47
11.48
11.49
11.50
11.51
11.52
11.53
11.54
Duration factor
11.55
11.56
11.57
Additional amount
11.58
11.59
Adjustments to the basic amount
11.60
Aggravating circumstances
11.61
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
11.62
Mitigating circumstances
11.63
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
Deterrence multiplier
11.64
11.65
11.66
Improper gains
11.67
Application of the 10 per cent cap and possible further adjustments: settlements and leniency
11.68
11.69
Inability to pay (‘ITP’)
11.70
11.71
11.72
11.73
11.74
11.75
3 Final amount and judicial review
11.76
The Commission’s policy on fines
11.77
11.78
11.79
Judicial review of the fine
11.80
11.81
11.82
11.83
4 Ne bis in idem
11.84
5 The payment of fines and interim measures
11.85
11.86
11.87
C Periodic Penalty Payments
11.88
11.89
11.90
11.91
12 Rejection of Complaints
Preliminary Material
A Introduction
12.01
12.02
(i)
(ii)
B The Treatment of Complaints
12.03
12.04
12.05
12.06
C Reasons for Rejecting Complaints
12.07
1 Lack of a legitimate interest to lodge a complaint
12.08
12.09
2 Lack of substantiation
12.10
3 Unfounded complaints
12.11
4 Complaints having no connection with Articles 101 and 102 TFEU
12.12
5 Exempt agreements
12.13
6 National competition authority dealing with the same case
12.14
7 Lack of EU interest
12.15
12.16
12.17
12.18
12.19
D Rejection Procedure
1 First stage: informal contacts
12.20
2 Second stage: Article 7(1) letter
12.21
12.22
3 Third stage: Article 7(2) decision
12.23
12.24
13 Voluntary Adjustments, Commitments, Finding of Inapplicability, Informal Guidance
Preliminary Material
I Voluntary Adjustments
A The Administrative Procedure as an Opportunity for Adjustment
13.01
13.02
13.03
13.04
13.05
13.06
B Procedure after Voluntary Adjustment
13.07
II Commitments
A The Purpose and Main Aspects of Commitment Decisions
13.08
13.09
13.10
B The Procedure
1 The initiation of commitment discussions and the first State of Play meeting
13.11
2 The preliminary assessment
13.12
C The Commitments
1 The formal requirements for the timely submission of commitment proposals
13.13
2 The types of commitments to be accepted
13.14
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
3 The proportionality of commitments
13.15
4 The duration of commitments
13.16
13.17
5 The market test of the commitments
13.18
13.19
6 Publicity of the decision-making process
13.20
D The Procedural Rights
1 The distinction between parties and third parties
13.21
13.22
2 The procedural rights granted to parties (‘undertakings concerned’)
13.23
3 The procedural rights granted to complainants and other third parties
13.24
E The Reopening of Proceedings. The Consequences of Non-Compliance
13.25
13.26
13.27
13.28
F Review of Commitment Decisions
1 The scope of judicial review
13.29
13.30
2 Other safeguards
13.31
G Effects of Commitment Decisions
13.32
1 Effects on the undertakings concerned
13.33
2 Effects on national courts
13.34
13.35
3 Effects on national competition authorities
13.36
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
13.37
III Finding of Inapplicability
A Policy Objective
13.38
13.39
B Legal Nature
13.40
13.41
13.42
C The Application of Article 10 of Regulation 1/2003 in Practice
13.43
1 EU public interest justifying intervention
13.44
13.45
13.46
13.47
13.48
13.49
13.50
2 Procedural aspects
13.51
13.52
13.53
13.54
13.55
13.56
3 Effects of Article 10 Decisions
13.57
13.58
4 Content of an Article 10 Decision
13.59
13.60
5 Challenge before EU Courts
13.61
IV Informal Guidance
13.62
13.63
A Guidance Letters
13.64
13.65
1 The three cumulative conditions
13.66
13.67
2 Procedure
13.68
13.69
13.70
13.71
13.72
13.73
13.74
3 Effects of a guidance letter
13.75
4 Publication of the Informal Guidance
13.76
13.77
13.78
14 Other Special Procedures
Preliminary Material
I Interim Measures
A Origin and Legal Basis
14.01
14.02
B Conditions for Granting Interim Measures
14.03
14.04
14.05
1 Prima facie case of an infringement
14.06
2 Urgency due to the risk of serious and irreparable harm to competition
14.07
14.08
14.09
14.10
C Procedure for Rejection or Adoption
14.11
14.12
14.13
D Content of the Decision
1 General features
14.14
2 Limitations
14.15
14.16
14.17
14.18
E Imposition of Financial Penalties
14.19
F Judicial Review
14.20
14.21
14.22
II Withdrawal of the Benefit of a Block Exemption
14.23
A Withdrawal of a Block Exemption by the Commission
14.24
14.25
B Withdrawal of a Block Exemption by a NCA
14.26
15 Steps Following the Adoption of a Formal Decision. Judicial Review
Preliminary Material
I Monitoring of Formal Decisions
15.01
A Infringement Decisions
1 Collection of fines and periodic penalty payments
15.02
15.03
Voluntary payment
15.04
Application for payment facilities
15.05
Inability to pay/requests for reduction
15.06
15.07
15.08
Suspension of payment obligation with and without a bank guarantee
15.09
15.10
15.11
15.12
15.13
15.14
Repeal or modification of the fining decision
15.15
Enforcement procedure
15.16
15.17
15.18
2 Monitoring of compliance with ‘injunctions’
15.19
15.20
15.21
15.22
15.23
15.24
II Closing of the Proceedings and Closing or Shelving of the File
15.25
15.26
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
15.27
15.28
15.29
(i)
(ii)
15.30
III Court Proceedings Concerning the Application of EU Competition Law
15.31
A Application for Annulment
1 Jurisdiction of the EU Courts
Overview
15.32
15.33
15.34
15.35
15.36
Scope of review
15.37
Review of lawfulness
15.38
15.39
15.40
15.41
15.42
15.43
Unlimited jurisdiction
15.44
15.45
15.46
15.47
15.48
15.49
15.50
15.51
15.52
15.53
15.54
2 Measures against which actions may be brought: locus standi
Actionable measures
15.55
15.56
15.57
15.58
15.59
15.60
15.61
15.62
Locus standi
15.63
15.64
15.65
15.66
3 Pleas in law
15.67
Lack of competence
15.68
Infringement of an essential procedural requirement
15.69
15.70
15.71
15.72
15.73
15.74
15.75
15.76
Infringement of the Treaty or of any provision of secondary law
15.77
Misuse of powers
15.78
4 Annulment of the contested measure
Partial nullity
15.79
The Commission’s obligations: claims for compensation
15.80
15.81
15.82
15.83
15.84
5 Enforceability
15.85
B Proceedings for Failure to Act
15.86
1 Actionable omissions
Nature of the action not taken
15.87
15.88
The need for applicants to be direct addressees
15.89
2 Preconditions
15.90
15.91
3 Consequences of the action
15.92
C Applications to the Courts for Interim or Protective Measures
15.93
15.94
15.95
15.96
15.97
15.98
15.99
15.100
15.101
15.102
15.103
15.104
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Part II Control of Concentrations
16 General Issues: Scope of Control
Preliminary Material
A Introduction
16.01
16.02
16.03
B Basic Principles of Procedure under the Merger Control Regulation
1 Prior notification of concentrations
16.04
2 Mandatory suspension
16.05
16.06
16.07
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Public bids and other transactions involving securities
16.08
Derogations: lifting the suspension
16.09
(i)
(ii)
16.10
16.11
16.12
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
Article 22(4) of the Merger Control Regulation
16.13
16.14
3 Exclusive jurisdiction (the ‘one-stop shop’ principle)
16.15
16.16
16.17
16.18
16.19
16.20
16.21
16.22
C Competent Authorities in the Merger Control Area
1 The Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission
16.23
16.24
16.25
16.26
2 National competition authorities
16.27
16.28
16.29
16.30
16.31
D Referral of Concentrations
1 Basic principles
16.32
16.33
16.34
2 Referral in favour of NCAs prior to notification of the operation (Article 4(4) of the Merger Control Regulation)
16.35
16.36
16.37
16.38
16.39
3 Referral in favour of the Commission prior to notification of the operation (Article 4(5) of the Merger Control Regulation)
16.40
16.41
16.42
4 Post-notification referral of the operation in favour of NCAs (Article 9 of the Merger Control Regulation)
16.43
16.44
16.45
16.46
16.47
(i)
(a)
(b)
(ii)
16.48
16.49
16.50
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
Partial referrals
16.51
Referral request
16.52
Effects on the time periods for deciding on the substance of the operation
16.53
Referral decision
16.54
16.55
16.56
16.57
5 Post-notification referrals to the European Commission (Article 22 of the Merger Control Regulation)
16.58
16.59
16.60
16.61
16.62
16.63
16.64
16.65
16.66
E Scope of the Merger Control Regulation: Concentrations with an EU Dimension
16.67
1 ‘Concentration’ as defined in Article 3 of the Merger Control Regulation
16.68
16.69
Merger of two formerly independent entities
16.70
Acquisition of sole control
16.71
16.72
16.73
16.74
16.75
16.76
16.77
Acquisition of joint control over full-function joint ventures
Joint control
16.78
16.79
16.80
16.81
16.82
16.83
16.84
Full function
16.85
16.86
16.87
16.88
Duration
16.89
16.90
The difference between concentrative and cooperative joint ventures
16.91
16.92
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
16.93
16.94
2 EU dimension
16.95
Thresholds in Article 1 of the Merger Control Regulation
16.96
16.97
16.98
16.99
16.100
Thresholds in Article 1(2) of the Merger Control Regulation
16.101
(i) Thresholds in Article 1(2) of the Merger Control Regulation
(ii) Thresholds in Article 1(2) of the Merger Control Regulation
16.102
16.103 Thresholds in Article 1(3) of the Merger Control Regulation
(i) Thresholds in Article 1(3) of the Merger Control Regulation
(ii) Thresholds in Article 1(3) of the Merger Control Regulation
Calculating the level of turnover
General rules
16.104
16.105
16.106
16.107
16.108
16.109
16.110
16.111 Credit institutions
16.112 Insurance companies
17 Procedures
Preliminary Material
A Notification
17.01
1 The notifying parties and their representatives
17.02
17.03
17.04
2 The notification form
Standard notification: the ordinary form or Form CO
17.05
17.06
17.07
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
17.08
17.09
Simplified notification: the short form
17.10
17.11
(i)
(a)
(b)
(ii)
(iii)
(a)
(b)
(iv)
17.12
17.13
17.14
3 Treatment of sensitive or confidential information
17.15
17.16
B Key Procedural Deadlines
17.17
17.18
1 Notification deadlines
17.19
17.20
2 Time periods in the first phase
17.21
3 Time periods in the second phase
17.22
4 ‘Stop the clock’ provisions
17.23
C Pre-Notification and First Phase
1 Pre-notification and waivers
17.24
17.25
17.26
17.27
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
2 The first phase
17.28
17.29
Filing and completeness of the notification
17.30
17.31
17.32
17.33
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
17.34
Appointment of case team
17.35
Market analysis: the ‘market test’
17.36
17.37
17.38
Meetings—State of Play meetings, meetings with competitors, and triangular meetings
17.39
17.40
17.41
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
17.42
17.43
First phase decisions
17.44
17.45 Article 6(1)(a) decision
Article 6(1)(b) decision
17.46
17.47
17.48 Article 6(1)(c) decision
Publication of decisions
17.49
17.50
Revocation or amendment of a first-phase decision
17.51
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Withdrawal of the notification: the right to a new notification
17.52
17.53
D Second Phase
1 Initiating proceedings: Article 6(1)(c) proceedings and fixing the timetable
17.54
17.55
17.56
2 The statement of objections and the parties’ observations
17.57
17.58
17.59
17.60
17.61
17.62
3 Access to the file by the notifying parties
17.63
17.64
17.65
4 Access to the file under Regulation 1049/2001
17.66
17.67
17.68
17.69
17.70
17.71
17.72
17.73
17.74
5 The right to be heard: the formal hearing
17.75
17.76
17.77
17.78
17.79
17.80
17.81
17.82
6 Consultation with the Member States: the Advisory Committee
17.83
17.84
17.85
17.86
17.87
17.88
17.89
7 Decisions at the end of the second phase: publication
Article 8(1) and (2) decisions
17.90
Article 8(3) decisions
17.91
Article 8(4) decisions
17.92
Article 8(5) decisions
17.93
Publication
17.94
17.95
Revocation or amendment of Article 8 decisions
17.96
E Remedies
1 Introduction
17.97
17.98
17.99
17.100
17.101
17.102
2 Notices adopted by the Commission in the field of remedies
17.103
17.104
3 Types of remedies
17.105
17.106
17.107
17.108
4 Formal requirements for the filing of remedies
17.109
17.110
17.111
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
17.112
17.113
17.114
17.115
5 Implementation of divestiture commitments
17.116
17.117
6 Modifications of the commitments
17.118
17.119
17.120
17.121
17.122
7 Consequences of breach of the commitments
17.123
17.124
Decisions adopted in the first phase
17.125
17.126
Decisions adopted in the second phase
17.127
17.128
17.129
17.130
17.131
17.132
F Investigative and Sanctioning Powers of the Commission
17.133
17.134
1 Requests for information
17.135
17.136
17.137
17.138
17.139
2 Inspections
17.140
17.141
17.142
17.143
3 Infringements and sanctions
17.144
17.145
17.146
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Sanctions for procedural infringements
17.147
17.148
Sanctions for substantive infringements
17.149
17.150
Periodic penalty payments
17.151
Limitation periods
17.152
Judicial review
17.153
18 Judicial Review of Commission Decisions Regarding Concentrations
Preliminary Material
A Introduction
18.01
18.02
B Reviewable Acts
18.03
1 Form of the act not relevant
18.04
18.05
2 Article 6 decisions
18.06
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
18.07
18.08
18.09
18.10
3 Decisions imposing sanctions under the Merger Control Regulation
18.11
18.12
4 Referral decisions
18.13
18.14
18.15
5 Article 8 decisions
18.16
18.17
18.18
18.19
6 Acts adopted in the implementation of merger clearance decisions
18.20
18.21
18.22
18.23
7 Article 21 decisions
18.24
8 Investigatory measures (Article 11 and Article 13 decisions)
18.25
C Locus Standi
18.26
18.27
1 The notifying party
18.28
18.29
2 Competitors having actively participated in the procedure
18.30
18.31
18.32
18.33
18.34
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
3 Customers
18.35
18.36
4 Shareholders
18.37
5 Trade unions
18.38
18.39
18.40
6 Interest in bringing proceedings
18.41
18.42
18.43
18.44
D Actions for Damages
18.45
18.46
18.47
E Time-Period to Bring an Action
1 Action for annulment
18.48
18.49
2 Action for failure to act
18.50
F Scope of Revision and Discretion of the Commission
18.51
18.52
18.53
18.54
18.55
18.56
18.57
G Interim Measures
18.58
18.59
18.60
18.61
18.62
18.63
18.64
18.65
18.66
18.67
18.68
18.69
H Procedure before European Courts
18.70
1 Ordinary procedure
18.71
18.72
18.73
18.74
2 The expedited or ‘fast-track’ procedure
18.75
18.76
18.77
18.78
18.79
18.80
18.81
18.82
I Appeals to the European Court of Justice
18.83
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
18.84
18.85
J Consequences of Judicial Review
18.86
18.87
18.88
18.89
18.90
18.91
18.92
18.93
Part III Public Undertakings and Exclusive or Special Rights
19 Procedure on State Measures—Decisions under Article 106(3) TFEU
Preliminary Material
A Introduction
19.01
B Procedures for the Application of the European Union Rules
19.02
1 Procedure regarding the behaviour of undertakings
19.03
2 Procedures regarding State measures
19.04
Application by the national courts and preliminary rulings (Article 267 TFEU)
19.05
Proceedings for failure to fulfil an obligation (Article 258 TFEU)
19.06
19.07
Proceedings for failure to fulfil an obligation of the ECSC Treaty
19.08
19.09
Special procedures of the TFEU
19.10
19.11 Special procedure regarding State aids (Article 108(2) EC)
19.12 Special procedure relating to exclusive rights and other State measures concerning public or privileged undertakings (Article 106(3) TFEU)
C Decisions under Article 106(3) TFEU
1 General points
19.13
Application to the grant or maintenance of exclusive rights
19.14
19.15
Justification for a special procedure
19.16
Procedural sources
19.17
Competent authority
19.18
The discretionary nature of the decision to initiate infringement proceedings
19.19
Optional nature of the procedure under Article 106(3)
19.20
Commencing proceedings ex officio
19.21
2 The processing of complaints and ‘own initiative’ proceedings
Commencing proceedings on the basis of a complaint
19.22
The processing of complaints
19.23
19.24
Processing ‘own initiative’ cases
19.25
Dismissal of complaints or inactivity of the Commission
19.26
19.27
19.28
19.29
19.30
19.31
19.32
19.33
19.34
19.35
3 Infringement proceedings
Commencement of infringement proceedings
19.36
Interim measures
19.37
The letter of formal notice
19.38
19.39
The rights of the Member State, the beneficiary undertaking, and the complainant
19.40
19.41
19.42
The termination of proceedings without a final decision being given
19.43
4 The formal decision and its effects
Formal decisions under Article 106(3)
19.44
The obligatory nature of Article 106(3) decisions
19.45
19.46
Proceedings for annulment against a formal decision under Article 106(3)
19.47
Proceedings in the event of non-compliance with the decision by the Member State
19.48
Liability of Member States for failure to fulfil their obligations under EU law
19.49
20 Directives under Article 106(3)
Preliminary Material
A Functions of Directive under Article 106(3) TFEU
20.01
20.02
20.03
20.04
B Directives Adopted on the Basis of Article 106(3) TFEU
20.05
1 Preventive function of directives under Article 106(3) TFEU
20.06
20.07
The Transparency Directive and the creation of additional accessory obligations through directives under Article 106(3)
20.08
20.09
20.10
20.11
20.12
20.13
20.14
20.15
The Terminals Directive and the specification of Treaty obligations through directives under Article 106(3) TFEU
20.16
20.17
20.18
20.19
20.20
20.21
2 The rules concerning directives under Article 106(3) TFEU
20.22
Preparation of Article 106(3) directives
20.23
20.24
20.25
Adoption of the directive
20.26
Limits on the rule-making power of the Commission
20.27
Article 106(3) directives and the behaviour of undertakings
20.28
20.29
20.30
Clear and obscure acts
20.31
How specific can directives under Article 106(3) be?
20.32
20.33
20.34
20.35
Directives under Article 106(3) are not a repressive instrument of specific infringements
20.36
The principles of ‘necessity’ and ‘proportionality’
20.37
Form of directives under Article 106(3)
20.38
20.39
Reasons for adopting directives under Article 106(3)
20.40
Publication and entering into force of directives under Article 106(3)
20.41
Binding nature of directives under Article 106(3)
20.42
Direct effect of Article 106(3) directives
20.43
20.44
20.45
3 Relations between directives under Article 106(3) TFEU and harmonization directives
20.46
20.47
20.48
20.49
20.50
20.51
20.52
C Regulations under Article 14 TFEU
20.53
20.54
20.55
20.56
20.57
20.58
20.59
20.60
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
1 Generalities on regulations adopted under Article 14 TFEU
20.61
20.62
20.63
Part IV State Aid
21 General Questions on Procedure. Control of State Aid Compatibility. Council’s Decision-Making Power
Preliminary Material
I Introduction
21.01
21.02
21.03
II Classification of Measures as State Aid
21.04
21.05
A Powers of the Commission
1 Characteristics
Principle
21.06
Discretionary power
21.07
21.08
Obligation to give reasoned decisions
21.09
21.10
2 Terms
21.11
Procedure for examining the nature of a measure
21.12
21.13
Prior notification
21.14
21.15
External expertise
21.16
3 Quasi-regulations of the Commission
21.17
21.18
4 Transparency Directive
21.19
21.20
B Powers of the National Courts
21.21
III Control of State Aid Compatibility
A Introduction
21.22
B General Principles
21.23
1 Exclusive powers of the Commission
Exclusivity principle
Competence of the Commission
21.24
21.25
21.26 Exclusivity
Control obligation
21.27
21.28
21.29
21.30
21.31 Control of the EU Courts
Attenuations of the exclusivity principle
Role of the Council and Member States
21.32
21.33
21.34
21.35
21.36
21.37
2 Nature of the examination procedure
The examination procedure is special and administrative in nature
Special nature of the aid examination procedure
21.38
21.39
21.40
21.41 Derogations
21.42 Administrative nature of the examination procedure
3 The Member State concerned as the Commission’s main interlocutor
Principle
21.43 Member State as the addressee of the decision
Bilateral dialogue
21.44
21.45
21.46 The particular situation of infra-State entities
Reduction of the Member State’s role as main interlocutor
21.47
21.48 Role of beneficiary undertakings
21.49 Role of competitor undertakings
21.50 Role of associations of undertakings
Dealing with complaints
Status of complainant
21.51
21.52
Procedural rights of complainants
21.53
21.54
21.55
21.56 Form for the submission of complaints
Power of investigation
21.57
21.58
4 Internal workings of the Commission
21.59
The principle of collegiality
21.60
21.61
Commission limited to dealing only with current business
21.62
Internal organization
21.63
21.64
C Regulatory Framework
21.65
1 Quasi-regulations of the Commission
21.66
21.67
21.68
21.69
Legal certainty and equal treatment
21.70
21.71
Assessment criteria for new aid
21.72
21.73
Appropriate measures vis-à-vis existing aid
21.74
21.75
Horizontal and sectoral regulations
21.76
2 Regulations of the Council
21.77
21.78
Regulation 994/98
21.79
21.80
The de minimis rule
21.81
21.82
21.83
Exemption by category of certain horizontal aid
21.84
21.85
21.86
21.87
21.88
21.89
21.90
21.91
21.92
21.93
Diverse provisions of the regulation
21.94
21.95
21.96
IV Council’s Decision-Making Power
A Principles
21.97
21.98
21.99
21.100
21.101
B Scope of the Council’s Power
21.102
21.103
C Existence of Exceptional Circumstances
21.104
21.105
21.106
D Procedure
21.107
21.108
21.109
21.110
22 Prior Control of New Notified Aid
Preliminary Material
22.01
22.02
A Concept of New Aid
22.03
22.04
22.05
22.06
22.07
22.08
22.09
22.10
22.11
22.12
B Prior Notification Obligation for New Aid
1 Prior notification obligation
22.13
Scope of the notification obligation
22.14
Notification in case of doubt?
22.15
22.16
Notification in cases of presumption of aid
22.17
22.18
22.19
Notification of an individual case of application of aid schemes
22.20
Purpose, contents, and arrangements of the notification
22.21
22.22
22.23
22.24
22.25
22.26
22.27
22.28
Subsequent alterations
22.29
22.30
Publicizing the notification
22.31
Withdrawal of the notification
22.32
Exemption from the notification obligation
22.33
Simplified notification
22.34
2 Suspension obligation
22.35
22.36
22.37
Concept of putting aid into effect
22.38
22.39
22.40
3 The Notice from the Commission on a simplified procedure
22.41
22.42
22.43
4 The Code of Best Practice
22.44
22.45
C Preliminary Examination Procedure for Notified Aid
22.46
22.47
1 Preliminary examination procedure
22.48
22.49
22.50
2 Commission examination deadline
‘Lorenz’ time limit
22.51
22.52
Consequences of inaction by the Commission
22.53
Extension of the Lorenz time limit
22.54
22.55
3 Decision not to raise objections
22.56
Content
22.57
Decisions not to classify the measure as aid
22.58
22.59
Procedural arrangements
22.60
Conditions
22.61
22.62
Appeal procedures
22.63
Publication
22.64
D Formal Examination Procedure for Notified Aid
22.65
1 Opening of the procedure
Doubts about the compatibility of the aid (Article 4 of the Procedural Regulation)
22.66
Doubts about the existence of aid
22.67
Control
22.68
22.69
Purpose of the formal examination procedure
22.70
Contents and scope of the decision to initiate the procedure
22.71
Assessment of the nature of the aid
22.72
Assessment of the nature of new aid
22.73
Assessment of compatibility
22.74
Penalizing the failure to initiate the procedure
22.75
Cases in which the Commission is not empowered to initiate the procedure
22.76
2 Extension of the procedure
22.77
22.78
3 Suspensive effect
22.79
4 Procedural arrangements
Burden of proof
22.80
Participation of the Member State concerned
22.81
22.82
22.83 Penalty for failure to give a Member State a proper hearing
In practice
22.84
22.85
Consultation with the parties concerned
22.86
The notion of ‘parties concerned ’
22.87
22.88
22.89
22.90
22.91
22.92
22.93 Status of the aid recipient
22.94 Status of the Member States other than the granter of the aid
22.95 Method of giving information to parties concerned
Information to be communicated to the parties concerned
22.96
22.97
22.98
22.99
Access to documents
22.100
Processing the information received: the time limit for presenting observations
22.101
22.102
22.103
Deadline for the formal examination procedure
22.104
22.105
22.106
22.107
E Final Decision
22.108
1 General considerations
Form and effect
22.109
Content
22.110
22.111
22.112
Withdrawal
22.113
Information
22.114
22.115
Reasons for the decision
22.116
22.117
22.118
Publication
22.119
Confidential information
22.120
Revocation of decisions
22.121
2 Decision ruling out the existence of aid
22.122
3 Positive final decision
22.123
4 Conditional final decision
Conditional authorization
22.124
22.125
5 (Partially) negative final decision
22.126
6 Implementation of final decision
22.127
22.128
23 Unlawful Aid
Preliminary Material
I General Matters
23.01
23.02
23.03
A Consequences of the Unlawful Implementation of Aid
1 Direct effect of the final sentence of Article 108(3) TFEU
23.04
2 Obligation to examine the compatibility of unlawful aid
23.05
3 Obligation to deal with complaints of unlawful aid
23.06
23.07
B Examination Procedures for Unlawful Aid
1 Preliminary examination procedure
23.08
Action within a reasonable time period
23.09
Request for information
23.10
23.11
Information of third parties
23.12
Voluntary recovery of unlawful aid
23.13
2 Formal examination procedure
23.14
23.15
23.16
3 Applicable rules ratione temporis
23.17
C Final Decision
23.18
1 Positive decision
23.19
2 Negative or conditional decision
23.20
23.21
23.22
Time limit
23.23
23.24
Abolition of aid
23.25
II Recovery of Incompatible Aid Unlawfully put into Effect
A Recovery Principle
1 Principle
23.26
23.27
23.28
23.29
2 Recovery and form of the aid
23.30
23.31
23.32
3 Practice
Evolution of the Commission’s practice
23.33
Difficulties in enforcing aid recovery decisions
23.34
23.35
23.36
23.37
B Exceptions to Recovery
23.38
1 Recovery time limit
Limitation period for the recovery of unlawful aid
23.39
23.40
Article 15 of the Procedural Regulation
23.41
23.42
Transitional provisions
23.43
2 Disappearance of the distortion of competition
23.44
3 General principles of law preventing the recovery of aid
Principle
23.45
Legitimate expectations
23.46
23.47
23.48
23.49
23.50
C Implementation
1 Obligations of the Member State
23.51
23.52
Alternative means of recovery
23.53
Liquidation of the recipient undertaking
23.54
2 Recovery Procedure
Procedural arrangements
23.55
23.56
23.57
Referral to national law
23.58
23.59
23.60
Limits on the referral to national law
23.61
23.62 Administrative procedure
Jurisdictional procedure
23.63
23.64
23.65
23.66
23.67
3 Determination of the person bound to return the aid
23.68
Recovery from third party undertakings
23.69
23.70
23.71
23.72
4 Determination of the body through which the aid-repayment operation is to be effected
23.73
5 Calculation of the sum to be recovered
23.74
23.75
Interest on the sum to be repaid
23.76
Exception to the charging of interest
23.77
Calculation of interest
23.78
III Interim Measures and the Commission’s Power to Grant Injunctions
A Principle
23.79
23.80
B ‘Boussac’ Suspension Injunction
1 Object
23.81
23.82
23.83
2 Form
23.84
3 Preliminary procedure
23.85
4 Simple enabling power
23.86
C Provisional Recovery Injunction
23.87
23.88
D Information Injunction
23.89
23.90
23.91
23.92
1 Italgrani injunction
23.93
2 Pleuger injunction
23.94
23.95
24 Control of Existing Aid Schemes
Preliminary Material
24.01
24.02
I Concept of Existing Aid Scheme
24.03
A Distinction between an Existing Aid Scheme and Existing Individual Aid
24.04
24.05
B Categories of Existing Aid
24.06
1 Approved aid
24.07
24.08
2 Pre-accession aid
24.09
24.10
24.11
Accessions in 2004, 2007, and 2013
24.12
3 Lorenz ’ aid
24.13
4 Aid benefiting from the recovery limitation period
24.14
5 Measures that become aid after coming into force
24.15
24.16
II Determination of whether Aid can be Considered to be Existing Aid
24.17
24.18
A Importance of the Question
24.19
B Procedure
24.20
1 Individual case of application of an existing scheme
24.21
24.22
24.23
24.24
2 Application of individual aid (ad hoc aid)
24.25
3 Procedure to be followed for carrying out this preliminary check: the Italgrani case
24.26
24.27
24.28
24.29
4 Consequences of an error of assessment
24.30
5 Interpretation of the scope of an existing scheme
24.31
24.32
III Permanent Review of the Compatibility of Existing Aid
24.33
24.34
A Permanent Cooperation with Member States
24.35
1 Exchange of information
24.36
2 Appropriate measures
Proposal of appropriate measures
24.37
24.38
24.39
24.40
Lack of direct effect
24.41
Categories of appropriate measures
24.42
24.43
Duration of the appropriate measures
24.44
B Formal Examination Procedure
24.45
24.46
24.47
24.48
C Final Decision
24.49
24.50
24.51
24.52
25 Implementation of the Commission’s Decisions
Preliminary Material
I A Posteriori Control by the Commission
A Annual Reports
25.01
B On-site Monitoring
25.02
25.03
II Remedies if any of the Commission’s Decisions are Breached
25.04
A Bringing the Matter before the European Court of Justice
25.05
25.06
25.07
25.08
B Procedure in the Event of Abusive Application of Existing Aid
25.09
25.10
25.11
25.12
25.13
25.14
C Taking into Account the Non-recovery of Unlawful Aid in the Consideration of New Aid
25.15
25.16
25.17
25.18
26 Role of National Courts
Preliminary Material
I The Enforcement of the Obligation not to Grant Unauthorized Aid
26.01
A Role of the National Judge
1 Direct effect of Article 108(3) TFEU, last sentence
26.02
2 Powers of the national courts
26.03
26.04
Determination of the existence of a breach of Article 108(3) TFEU, last sentence
26.05
26.06
Consequences flowing from the unlawful character of aid
General matters
26.07
26.08
26.09
26.10 Implementation of the aid is rendered void
26.11 Preventing the payment of unlawful aid
Reimbursement of aid
26.12
26.13
26.14
26.15 Recovery of interests
26.16 Liability of the Member State
26.17 Damages claims against the beneficiary
26.18 Provisional jurisdictional protection
26.19 Particular cases: tax-financed aid
26.20 Extension of aid?
Influence of the Commission’s decisions on the obligations of the national judge
26.21
26.22
26.23
Cumulative infringement of the last sentence of Article 108(3) TFEU and of another provision of EU law
26.24
3 Distinction between the role of the national judge and the role of the Commission
26.25
26.26
26.27
26.28
B Cooperation with the European Court of Justice and the Commission
1 Cooperation with the European Court of Justice
26.29
2 Cooperation with the Commission
26.30
26.31
II Other Litigation before the National Courts
26.32
26.33
26.34
26.35
26.36
26.37
A Challenging the Validity of a National Recovery Order
26.38
26.39
26.40
26.41
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
27 State Aid Litigation before the European Union Courts
Preliminary Material
27.01
27.02
27.03
27.04
I Procedures against the Commission
A Scope of the Judicial Review
27.05
27.06
27.07
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
27.08
27.09
27.10
27.11
27.12
(i)
(ii)
B Action for Annulment
1 General principles
Contestable act
27.13
27.14
27.15
27.16
27.17
27.18
27.19
27.20
Locus standi
27.21
27.22
27.23
27.24
27.25
27.26
27.27
27.28
27.29
27.30
27.31
Admissible legal pleas
27.32
27.33
27.34
27.35
27.36
27.37
Burden of proof
27.38
Time limit for bringing the action
27.39
27.40
2 Appeal against a decision not to raise objections/a refusal to initiate the formal examination procedure
Contestable act
27.41
Locus standi
27.42
27.43
27.44
27.45
27.46
27.47
Effects of an annulment
27.48
3 Appeal against a decision considering aid to constitute existing aid
Contestable act
27.49
27.50
Locus standi
27.51
Effects of annulment
27.52
4 Appeal against a final decision
Contestable act
27.53
Eligibility for bringing the action
27.54
Beneficiaries
27.55
27.56
27.57
27.58
27.59
Competitors
27.60
27.61
27.62
27.63
27.64
27.65
Associations
27.66
Effects of an annulment
27.67
27.68
Appeal against a decision to propose appropriate measures or a refusal to adopt such a decision
27.69
Appeal against a refusal to bring an action for failure to fulfil an obligation pursuant to subparagraph 2 of Article 108(2) TFEU
27.70
C Action for Failure to Act
1 General principles
27.71
2 Appeal against a failure to adopt a decision not to raise objections
27.72
3 Appeal against a failure to rule on a complaint and/or to initiate the formal examination procedure
27.73
4 Appeal against a failure to bring an action for failure to fulfil an obligation under the second subparagraph of Article 108(2) TFEU
27.74
5 Appeal against a failure to take the measures involved in the execution of a judgment of the ECJ or the GC
27.75
D Action for Non-Contractual Liability
27.76
27.77
E Application for Interim Measures
1 General principles
27.78
27.79
27.80
2 Interim measures and stay of execution of a decision to initiate the formal examination procedure
27.81
3 Interim measures and stay of execution of a decision to amend or abolish an existing aid scheme
27.82
4 Interim measures and stay of execution of a negative decision
Negative decision on notified aid
27.83
Negative decision on unlawful aid
27.84
27.85
27.86
27.87
27.88
5 Interim measures and stay of execution of a positive decision
27.89
II Procedures against Member States
27.90
A Distinction between the Administrative Aid-Control Procedure and the Infringement Procedure
27.91
27.92
27.93
B Direct Referral to the ECJ
1 General principles
27.94
27.95
27.96
27.97
27.98
27.99
2 Grounds of defence that may be put forward by the Member State
Invalid grounds
27.100 Prohibition of invoking the illegality of the decision
27.101 Prohibition of invoking the legitimate expectations of the beneficiary
27.102 Prohibition on invoking the existence of a parallel action for annulment
Valid grounds
27.103 Indeterminate character of the obligation laid down in the decision
Absolute impossibility of implementing the decision
27.104
27.105
27.106
C Applications for the Adoption of Interim Measures
27.107
III Procedure for Action against Council Decisions Adopted on the Basis of the Third Subparagraph of Article 108(2) TFEU
27.108
IV Reference for a Preliminary Ruling
27.109
Part V Competition Law and Procedure in the European Economic Area
28 European Economic Area Competition Procedure
Preliminary Material
I Introduction to the Agreement on the European Economic Area
28.01
A Formation and General Institutional Framework
28.02
28.03
28.04
28.05
B An Overview of the Competition Provisions of the EEA Agreement
28.06
28.07
28.08
28.09
II The Substantive Competition Rules of the EEA Agreement: A Brief Description
A The Basic Rules
1 Article 53 EEA (Article 101 TFEU)
28.10
2 Article 54 EEA (Article 82 EC)
28.11
3 Article 57 EEA (The Merger Control Regulation)
28.12
4 Article 59 EEA (cf Article 102 TFEU)
28.13
28.14
5 Article 3 EEA (cf Article 10 EC)
28.15
B ‘Acts’ Giving Effect to the Basic Rules
1 Block exemptions
28.16
28.17
28.18
2 Commission Notices and Guidelines
28.19
28.20
III The Procedure for the Application of the EEA Competition Rules
A The Modernization of EU Competition Law
28.21
28.22
28.23
28.24
28.25
28.26
B Division of Responsibility between the EC Commission and the EFTA Surveillance Authority
28.27
28.28
28.29
C Allocation of Cases
1 Article 53 cases
28.30
EU pure cases
28.31
EFTA pure cases
28.32
Mixed cases
28.33
28.34
2 Article 54 cases
28.35
28.36
28.37
(i)
(ii)
28.38
28.39
3 Merger cases
28.40
28.41
28.42
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
4 Public undertakings
28.43
D Cooperation between the EC Commission and the ESA
28.44
28.45
28.46
28.47
28.48
28.49
E Judicial Review
28.50
F Rights of Lawyers
28.51
IV Practical Procedural Aspects in Articles 53 and 54 Cases
A The Former System of Notifications, Applications, and Complaints
28.52
B The Decentralized Enforcement of the EEA Competition Rules
28.53
C The Main Features of the Decentralized Regime
28.54
D Powers of the Competition Authorities and National Courts of EFTA/EEA States
28.55
28.56
28.57
28.58
E Powers of the ESA as a Competent Surveillance Authority under the Modernized Regime
28.59
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
1 The opening of the case file
28.60
Complaints
28.61
28.62
Cases opened on the ESA’s own initiative
28.63
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
28.64
Transfer of cases
28.65
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
28.66
2 Cooperation between the ESA and the Commission in the conduct of the proceedings
28.67
28.68
28.69
28.70
3 Investigations and inquiries conducted by the ESA
28.71
28.72
28.73
28.74
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
28.75
28.76
28.77
4 Formal and informal decisions taken by the ESA
28.78
28.79
5 The nature and extent of any remedies adopted by way of subsequent action
28.80
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
28.81
V Practical Procedural Aspects in Merger Cases
A The Adoption of the Revised Merger Control Regulation
28.82
28.83
B Pre-Notification Procedures
28.84
28.85
28.86
C Notifications of Concentrations
28.87
28.88
D Procedure Once Notified
28.89
28.90
28.91
28.92
E Powers Available to the ESA in Dealing with Merger Cases
28.93
VI An Overview of the EEA Provisions on State Aid
A Introduction
28.94
B The Basic Provisions
28.95
28.96
28.97
28.98
C Powers and Functions of the ESA
28.99
1 Examination of new aid
28.100
28.101
28.102
2 Powers of the ESA to deal with unlawful State aid
28.103
28.104
3 Review of existing aid
28.105
28.106
D Complaints
28.107
E Cooperation between the EU Commission and the ESA
28.108
28.109
VII Adaptation Periods
A Article 53
28.110
1 New agreements
28.111
2 Existing agreements
28.112
General
28.113
28.114
B Article 54
28.115
C The Merger Control Regulation
28.116
VIII Conclusion
28.117
28.118
28.119
Part VI Arbitration
29 EU Competition Arbitration
Preliminary Material
I Introduction
29.01
A General Scope of EU Competition Arbitration
29.02
29.03
29.04
B What is Arbitration?
29.05
29.06
29.07
29.08
29.09
C Modernization and EU Competition Arbitration
29.10
II Some Ontological Preliminaries
29.11
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
A Context
29.12
1 Ordinary EU competition arbitrations
29.13
29.14
2 EU commitment arbitrations
29.15
29.16
3 EU competition-related arbitrations
29.17
29.18
B Antitrust Arbitrability
29.19
29.20
29.21
1 Arbitrability of Article 101 TFEU
29.22
Article 101 TFEU
29.23
29.24
29.25
Article 101(3) TFEU
29.26
29.27
2 Arbitrability of Article 102 TFEU
29.28
29.29
3 Arbitrability of behavioural commitments under Articles 101 and 102 TFEU and in EU merger control
29.30
29.31
29.32
29.33
Behavioural commitments under Articles 101 and 102 TFEU
29.34
Behavioural commitments in EU merger control
29.35
29.36
29.37
4 Arbitrability of questions relating to EU State aids and public undertakings
29.38
Questions relating to EU State aids under Articles 107 and 108 TFEU
29.39
29.40
Questions relating to public undertakings under Article 106 TFEU
29.41
29.42
C The Arbitration Agreement
29.43
1 Scope and construction
29.44
29.45
29.46
29.47
2 Enforceability
29.48
29.49
29.50
III Ordinary EU Competition Arbitrations
29.51
A Scope of Ordinary EU Competition Arbitrations
29.52
B The Arbitrator’s Mandate
29.53
29.54
1 Basis for the application of EU competition law
29.55
29.56
2 Investigations by the arbitrator
29.57
29.58
29.59
3 Production of evidence
29.60
29.61
4 The arbitrator’s decision-making powers
29.62
Powers to award declaratory relief
29.63
29.64
Powers to award other civil law remedies
29.65
5 The arbitrator’s potential liability
29.66
29.67
29.68
C Procedural Conduct of EU Competition Arbitrations
29.69
1 The arbitrator’s ex officio duty to raise competition law issues
29.70
29.71
2 The status of previous EU Commission or NCA decisions
29.72
29.73
29.74
3 The status of parallel proceedings
29.75
29.76
29.77
29.78
4 The arbitrator’s cooperation with the EU Commission and/or the competent NCA
29.79
29.80
29.81
D Supervisory Court Review of EU Competition Law Awards
29.82
1 Supervisory court review in Europe
29.83
29.84
29.85
2 The ‘minimalist’ and ‘maximalist’ schools of review
29.86
29.87
29.88
29.89
3 Consequences of non-compliance
29.90
29.91
IV EU Commitment Arbitrations
29.92
29.93
29.94
A Scope of EU Commitment Arbitrations
29.95
29.96
1 Commitment arbitrations in EU merger control
29.97
(i)
(ii)
29.98
29.99
2 Commitment arbitrations under Article 9 of Regulation 1/2003
29.100
29.101
B Procedural Conduct of EU Commitment Arbitrations
29.102
29.103
29.104
V Other EU Competition-Related Arbitrations
29.105
A Arbitration of Questions Relating to the EU State Aid Regime
29.106
29.107
29.108
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
29.109
B Arbitration of Questions Relating to Public Undertakings and Exclusive or Special Rights
29.110
29.111
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
29.112
VI Conclusion
29.113
Further Material
Index
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Part II Control of Concentrations, 17 Procedures
Marcos Araujo Boyd, Nicolas von Lingen
From:
EU Competition Procedure (3rd Edition)
Edited By: Luis Ortiz Blanco
Content type:
Book content
Product:
Oxford Competition Law [OCL]
Published in print:
01 September 2013
ISBN:
9780199641833
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