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State Aid Community

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Side effects of DG Comp’s work (and research all lawyers should read)

Source: Chillin'Competition , 27.07.2018

(Official pictured just hours after having clicked “Send”) Competition law enforcement is also a multi-sided industry. Optimal enforcement depends on a complex balancing of incentives between enforcers, Courts, companies, lawyers, economists, politicians, journalists and other stakeholders. This means that we often forget about the implications of certain initiatives on other sides of the market. And […]

New Article Published! The Olympic Charter: A Transnational Constitution Without a State?

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 19.07.2018

My latest article has just been published online by the Journal of Law and Society. It is available open access here. The article stems from a conference organised by Jiri Priban from Cardiff University on Gunther Teubner's idea of societal constitutionalism applied to transnational regimes. My role was to test whether his descriptive and normative framework was readily applicable to the lex sportiva, and in particular its overarching "constitutional" text: the Olympic Charter.As you will see my conclusion is mixed. I find that the Olympic Charter (OC) displays many constitutional features and is even able to regularly defend successfully its autonomy vis-à-vis national states and their laws. However, while I document some inception of limitative constitutional rules, such as the [...]

New Position - Internship in International Sports Law - Deadline 15 August

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 17.07.2018

The T.M.C. Asser Instituut offers post-graduate students the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of international and European sports law.  The T.M.C. Asser Instituut, located in The Hague, is an inter-university research institute specialized in international and European law. Since 2002, it is the home of the ASSER International Sports Law Centre, a pioneer in the field of European and international sports law.   What we offer: The internship will provide a well-rounded experience and insight into the role and functioning of international sports law. Under the direction and guidance of a dedicated supervisor, the intern will be considered a full member of our research team and will be expected to contribute in a variety of projects, [...]

Human Rights Protection and the FIFA World Cup: A Never-Ending Match? - By Daniela Heerdt

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 27.06.2018

Editor’s note: Daniela Heerdt is a PhD candidate at Tilburg Law School in the Netherlands. Her PhD research deals with the establishment of responsibility and accountability for adverse human rights impacts of mega-sporting events, with a focus on FIFA World Cups and Olympic Games. She recently published an article in the International Sports Law Journal that discusses to what extent the revised bidding and hosting regulations by FIFA, the IOC and UEFA strengthen access to remedy for mega-sporting events-related human rights violations. The 21st FIFA World Cup is currently underway. Billions of people around the world follow the matches with much enthusiasm and support. For the time being, it almost seems forgotten that in the final weeks leading up to the events, critical [...]

Discretionalists vs Legalists: the true divide in the competition law community?

Source: Chillin'Competition , 28.05.2018

The big debates about the soul of competition law/antitrust are back. And with these debates, commentators seek to identify what distinguishes the various stances regarding the purpose and intensity of intervention. Most of these discussions relate to the goals of competition law, that is, about whether the discipline should be about the protection of consumer […]

Case C-525/16, Meo – Serviços de Comunicações e Multimédia: a major contribution to Article 102 TFEU case law

Source: Chillin'Competition , 20.04.2018

Love them or hate them, the EU competition law community should be grateful to collecting societies. Their activities have ensured a steady supply of preliminary references since the very early days. It looks like things are unlikely to change soon. Yesterday’s judgment in Meo is the latest – but will certainly not be the last […]

THE Judgment of 2018 (C-179/16 Hoffman-La Roche v AGCM) Fake News as Restrictions by Object, Ancillarity and Unlawful Competitive Constraints

Source: Chillin'Competition , 24.01.2018

We still haven’t commented on some of the major developments that took place in the last days of 2017 (some major ones have gone unnoticed for many -not for the Commission- due to the holiday period). But last things first: Yesterday, the Court of Justice rendered its Preliminary Ruling in the Hoffman-La Roche case. This […]

DG Laitenberger’s CRA Speech (Part II- Implementing Intel, in Theory and in Practice)

Source: Chillin'Competition , 19.12.2017

Part I of this post explained our agreement with the bigger picture issues discussed in DG Laitenberger’s important speech at the CRA conference last week. This second part focuses on more specific, seemingly fine print, issues on where our assessment may diverge or, rather, incorporates some nuances that we believe are important. Accuracy vs Administrability […]

Statement on the European Commission's ISU Decision by Ben Van Rompuy and Antoine Duval

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 08.12.2017

Editor's note: We (Ben Van Rompuy and Antoine Duval) are at the origin of today's decision by the European Commission finding that the International Skating Union's eligibility rules are contrary to EU competition law. In 2014, we were both struck by the news that ISU threatened lifetime ban against speed skaters wishing to participate in the then projected Icederby competitions and convinced that it was running against the most fundamental principles of EU competition law. We got in touch with Mark and Niels and lodged on their behalf a complaint with the European Commission. Three years after we are pleased to see that the European Commission, and Commissioner Vestager in particular, fully embraced our arguments and we believe this decision will shift the tectonic structure of [...]

A Good Governance Approach to Stadium Subsidies in North America - By Ryan Gauthier

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 05.12.2017

Editor's Note: Ryan Gauthier is Assistant Professor at Thompson Rivers University in Canada. Ryan’s research addresses the governance of sports organisations, with a particular focus on international sports organisations. His PhD research examined the accountability of the International Olympic Committee for human rights violations caused by the organisation of the Olympic Games. Publicly Financing a Stadium – Back in the Saddle(dome) Calgary, Canada, held their municipal elections on October 16, 2017, re-electing Naheed Nenshi for a third term as mayor. What makes this local election an interesting issue for sports, and sports law, is the domination of the early days of the campaign by one issue – public funding for a new arena for the Calgary Flames. The [...]

On Case C‑547/16, Gasorba and others v Repsol (and, more importantly, on the nature of commitment decisions)

Source: Chillin'Competition , 01.12.2017

Last week the Court delivered a preliminary ruling in Case C‑547/16, Gasorba. Together with Case C‑248/16, Austria Asphalt (which came out in September) it is a very serious contender for the Most Predictable Ruling Award 2017. In essence, the preliminary reference asked whether a national court can take action under Articles 101 and 102 TFEU […]

Illegally obtained evidence in match-fixing cases: The Turkish perspective - By Oytun Azkanar

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 27.11.2017

Editor’s Note: Oytun Azkanar holds an LLB degree from Anadolu University in Turkey and an LLM degree from the University of Melbourne. He is currently studying Sports Management at the Anadolu University.   Introduction On 19 October 2017, the Turkish Professional Football Disciplinary Committee (Disciplinary Committee) rendered an extraordinary decision regarding the fixing of the game between Manisaspor and Şanlıurfaspor played on 14 May 2017. The case concerned an alleged match-fixing agreement between Elyasa Süme (former Gaziantepspor player), İsmail Haktan Odabaşı and Gökhan Sazdağı (Manisaspor players). The Disciplinary Committee acknowledged that the evidence relevant for proving the match-fixing allegations was obtained illegally and [...]

CMA evidence to House of Lords Internal Market Sub-Committee

Source: UK State Aid Law Association - Blog , 20.09.2017

The House of Lords has published a transcript of the oral evidence given to it by the Competition and Markets Authority here http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/eu-internal-market-subcommittee/brexit-competition/oral/70457.pdf State aid is raised at Question 8.   In summary, the CMA states that it has no position … Continue reading →

The EU Commission publishes its final report on the e-commerce sector inquiry

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 08.06.2017

On 10 May 2017, two years after launching its e-commerce sector inquiry on 6 May 2015, the European Commission published its final report (Final Report) on the inquiry. The inquiry was opened in the framework of the Commission's broader Digital Single Market strategy, which was aimed at facilitating the identification by the Commission of barriers that EU citizens face when accessing goods and services online across borders. The Final Report highlights what the Commission identifies as (...) - May 2017 / Anticompetitive practices, European Union, EU Commission, Report, Agreement (notion), Agreement, Licensing agreement, Distribution agreement, Abuse of dominance, Relevant market, Market power, Geographic market, Distribution/Retail, Internet

Antitrust in the Financial Sector: Hot Issues & Global Perspectives - Press Reports

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 06.06.2017

Reports by PaRR-Global(c) US FTC commissioners diverge on algorithms By Charles McConnell Acting Federal Trade Commission chairman Maureen Ohlhausen said yesterday that the American antitrust agencies are well-equipped to deal with potentially anticompetitive algorithms and said some concerns about their use are “alarmist” – a more relaxed perspective than that offered by Democratic commissioner Terrell McSweeny the day before. Ohlhausen premised her remarks about companies' use of (...) - Conferences

Tax rescripts coping with the prohibition of state aids

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.05.2017

This article is a tribute to the memory of Professor Philippe Neau-Leduc. It suggests that the application of State aid law to tax rulings does not disturb tax law, but reveals a convergence of objectives and gives an impetus to a better and stronger European construction. - Articles / State Aids, State aid compatibility, Tax exemption (State aid), Taxes, State aid illegality

On Excessive Pricing: The Common Ground in AG Wahl’s Opinion and Commissioner Vestager’s Chilling’Competition Speech

Source: Chillin'Competition , 03.05.2017

On 6 April AG Wahl delivered an Opinion in a case that he sees as “an opportunity to clarify he conditions under which the imposition of high prices by a dominant company” might run afoul of the competition rules. The Opinion is timely. It comes a few months after Commissioner Vestager delivered a speech –precisely […]

The EU Court of Justice considers the relationship between Altmark and Article 106(2) TFEU (Viasat Broadcasting)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 30.03.2017

Altmark requires efficiency: Article 106(2) TFEU does not.* Introduction On 8 March 2017, the Court of Justice rendered its judgment in case C‑660/15 P Viasat Broadcasting v European Commission. Viasat Broadcasting appealed against the judgment of the General Court of 24 September 2015 in case T‑125/12 Viasat Broadcasting v Commission. The General Court had dismissed Viasat's action against Commission decision 2011/839. In that decision, the Commission found that State aid granted by (...) - March 2017 - II / State Aids, Denmark, EU Court of Justice, Case law, Service of gn. eco. interest, State aid (notion), State aid compatibility, Entertainment

Competition Enquiries Paris, 27 February 2017

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 28.02.2017

Second edition of the Competition Enquiries Conference, jointly organised by Concurrences Review and Mayer Brown, with Thierry Dahan (Autorité de la concurrence), Laurence Idot (Collège européen de Paris), André Marie (DGCCRF), Nathalie Jalabert Doury (Mayer Brown), Marc Barennes (UE General Court), Elisabeth Avril (Deloitte), Sophie Bresny (Autorité de la concurrence) et Irène Luc (Paris Court of Appeal). - Events / Procedures, Access to information, Access to file, Sector inquiry, Investigations / Inquiries, All business sectors

FIFA's Responsibility for Human Rights Abuses in Qatar - Part I: The Claims Against FIFA - By Tomáš Grell

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 28.02.2017

Editor’s note: Tomáš Grell comes from Slovakia and is currently an LL.M. student in Public International Law at Leiden University. He contributes also to the work of the ASSER International Sports Law Centre as a part-time intern.On 2 December 2010, the FIFA Executive Committee elected Qatar as host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup ('World Cup'), thereby triggering a wave of controversies which underlined, for the most part, the country's modest size, lack of football history, local climate, disproportionate costs or corruption that accompanied the selection procedure. Furthermore, opponents of the decision to award the World Cup to the tiny oil-rich Gulf country also emphasized the country's negative human rights record.More than six years later, on 3 January 2017, the Commercial [...]

The German government intends to exempt cartels in the press sector: bad news for competition law, bad news for free speech

Source: Chillin'Competition , 21.02.2017

Rupprecht Podszun, Professor of Competition Law at the University of Dusseldorf, has recently published two posts outlining the reforms to the German competition law system proposed by the government. You really should take a look at them here and here. As has been widely reported, part of the changes introduced in Germany are intended to capture concentrations […]

Doyen vs. Sporting II: The Bitter End of Sporting’s Fight at the Swiss Federal Supreme Court. By Shervine Nafissi

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 20.02.2017

Editor’s Note: Shervine Nafissi (@SNafissi) is a Phd Student in sports law and teaching assistant in corporate law at University of Lausanne (Switzerland), Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC). IntroductionThe factual backgroundThe dispute concerns a TPO contract entitled “Economic Rights Participation Agreement” (hereinafter “ERPA”) concluded in 2012 between Sporting Lisbon and the investment fund Doyen Sports. The Argentine player was transferred in 2012 by Spartak Moscow to Sporting Lisbon for a transfer fee of €4 million. Actually, Sporting only paid €1 million of the fee while Doyen Sports financed the remaining €3 million. In return, the investment company became the owner of 75% of the economic rights of the player.[1] Thus, in this specific case, the [...]

Doyen vs. Sporting I: Doyen’s Pyrrhic Victory at the CAS

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 17.02.2017

At the end of December 2015, the CAS decided on a very public contractual dispute between Sporting Clube de Portugal Futebol SAD (Sporting) and Doyen Sports Investments Limited (Doyen). The club was claiming that Doyen’s Economic Rights Participation Agreement (ERPA) was invalid and refused to pay Doyen’s due share on the transfer of Marcos Rojo to Manchester United. The dispute made a lot of noise (see the excellent coverage by Tariq Panja from Bloomberg here, here and here) as it was the first TPO case heard by the CAS after FIFA’s ban. Yet, and it has to be clear from the outset, the case does not affect the legality of FIFA’s TPO ban; it concerned only the compatibility of Doyen’s ERPA with Swiss civil law. The hearing took place in June 2015, but the case [...]

Case C-230/16, Coty: a straightforward issue with major implications

Source: Chillin'Competition , 16.02.2017

Among pending cases before the Court, Coty certainly stands out. Its practical implications are difficult to overestimate. The judgment will have important consequences for online commerce and the luxury industry, on the one hand, and major Internet players, on the other. Coty is so sensitive that most practitioners (including my co-blogger extraordinaire) are particularly cautious […]

Pharma and Mergers: An overview of EU and national case law

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 19.01.2017

1. Merger control in perspective E-competition, the private equivalent of the International Competition Network ("INC"), has reported close to 100 pharmaceutical mergers from all over the world since its inception in 2004 . They are included in this Special Issue. Like no other tool, e-competition helps private practitioners to keep pace with the globalization of competition law. It "spreads the word" as novel approaches pop up in different jurisdictions around the globe, and it (...) - Pharma & Mergers / Mergers, Foreword, Negative clearance, Clearance Phase I (merger), Clearance Phase II (merger), Merger (notion), Effect on competition, Notification (mergers), SLC/SRC Test (mergers), Substantive test (mergers), Remedies (mergers), Pharmaceutical

FIFA’s provision on the protection of minors - Part 3: The compatibility of Article 19 with EU law. By Kester Mekenkamp.

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 03.01.2017

Editor’s note: Kester Mekenkamp is an LL.M. student in European Law at Leiden University and an intern at the ASSER International Sports Law Centre. This blog is, to a great extent, an excerpt of his forthcoming thesis, which he shall submit in order to complete his master’s degree.This final blog aims to provide some broader perspective, by sketching first the grander scheme in which Article 19 RSTP – FIFA's provision on the protection of minors – operates. Thereafter, the focus will shift towards testing Article 19 RSTP, thereby keeping in mind the previous blogs (Part 1: The Early Years and Part 2: The 2009 reform and its aftermath), against EU free movement law.   Putting Article 19 RSTP into perspective: The bigger picture After having investigated the nuts and [...]

The implications of today’s Judgment in Cases C-20/15 and C-21/15 P (World Duty Free, Santander and Santusa)

Source: Chillin'Competition , 21.12.2016

This morning the ECJ annulled the General Court’s Judgments which in turn had quashed the Commission’ decisions in the Spanish financial goodwill cases. As some readers may know, my firm represents the parties that prevailed in first instance. We had commented on this case before (most recently here) and Pablo’s statistical analysis predicted the outcome (actually, […]

The General Court annuls for the first time a settlement decision (Case T‑95/15, Printeos v Commission)

Source: Chillin'Competition , 17.12.2016

The (Extended) Fourth Chamber of the General Court annulled on Tuesday, for the first time, a Commission’s cartel settlement decision.The unusually brief Judgment is available here. What happened in the case is essentially that, as if often happens with mono-product companies, the potential fines would have in principle exceeded the 10% turnover cap. In order […]

FIFA’s provision on the protection of minors - Part 2: The 2009 reform and its aftermath. By Kester Mekenkamp.

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 14.12.2016

Editor’s note: Kester Mekenkamp is an LL.M. student in European Law at Leiden University and an intern at the ASSER International Sports Law Centre. This blog is, to a great extent, an excerpt of his forthcoming thesis, which he shall submit in order to complete his master’s degree.This is the second part of a three-piece blog on FIFA’s provision on the protection of minors, Article 19 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players. The contribution in its entirety aims to provide an encompassing overview of the rule’s lifespan since its inception in 2001. The previous (first) part has shed light on the “birth” and “first years” of the provision, and as such illustrated the relevant developments from 2001 till 2009. This second part covers the rule’s [...]

The Italian Supreme Adminstrative Court rules on limitation period in cases of anticompetitive codes of professional ethics

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.12.2016

The Italian Supreme Adminstrative Court rules on limitation period in cases of anticompetitive codes of professional ethics On the 19th of January 2016 the Italian Supreme Administrative Court (Consiglio di Stato), overturned a decision of the National Competition Authority concerning competition in the medical profession. The NCA's decision. On the 4th of September 2014 Italian National Competition Authority found that the code of ethics adopted in 2006 by Federazione Nazionale degli (...) - January 2016 / Italy, Anticompetitive practices, National Court, Case law, Limitation period / Prescription, Services, Professional association, Prices

The EU Commission invites third party comments on proposed acquisition in information technology sector (Microsoft / Linkedin)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 08.12.2016

Microsoft/LinkedIn: could Big Data be a Big Problem?*On 14 October 2016, Microsoft's $26.2 billion acquisition of LinkedIn was notified to the European Commission for merger clearance. The EU regulator's initial deadline to decide whether to approve the deal or refer it for in-depth investigation is 22 November 2016.Having already been approved by competition authorities in the US, Canada and Brazil, the deal might be expected to have an easy passage through the Commission, there being (...) - December 2016 / EU Commission, European Union, Mergers, Press release , Notification (mergers), Thresholds, Essential facility, Market power, Other, Information technology

The entitlement to Training Compensation of “previous” clubs under EU Competition Law. By Josep F. Vandellos Alamilla

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 07.12.2016

Editor’s note: Josep F. Vandellos is an international sports lawyer associated to RH&C (Spain). He is also a member of the Editorial Board of the publication Football Legal and a guest lecturer in the ISDE-FC Barcelona Masters’ Degree in Sports Management and Legal Skills. Article 6 of Annexe IV (Training compensation) of the FIFA-RSTP (Ed. 2016) contains the so-called “Special Provisions for the EU/EEA” applicable to players moving from one association to another inside the territory of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA).The provisions regarding training compensation result from the understanding reached between FIFA and UEFA with the European Union in March 2001[1], and subsequent modifications introduced in the FIFA-RSTP revised version of 2005 [...]

The EU State aid and sport saga: The Real Madrid Decision (part 2)

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 01.12.2016

This is the second and final part of the ‘Real Madrid Saga’. Where the first part outlined the background of the case and the role played by the Spanish national courts, the second part focuses on the EU Commission’s recovery decision of 4 July 2016 and dissects the arguments advanced by the Commission to reach it. As will be shown, the most important question the Commission had to answer was whether the settlement agreement of 29 July 2011 between the Council of Madrid and Real Madrid constituted a selective economic advantage for Real Madrid in the sense of Article 107(1) TFEU.[1] Before delving into that analysis, the blog will commence with the other pending question, namely whether the Commission also scrutinized the legality of the operation Bernabeú-Opañel under EU [...]

What is Trump antitrust?

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 29.11.2016

The contributions below are part of a set of short articles on the future of the antitrust policy in the United States under the upcoming Trump Administration. The two featured contributions are provided free of charge. Access to the other contributions is for Concurrences Review subscribers. See subscriptions price list. A preliminary view, Christopher J. Meyers Fasten your seat belts: Here comes the Trump Administration, John DeQ. Briggs Refections on the next four years of (...) - Review / On-Topic, US Supreme Court, Other National Institutions, Competition policy , International Competition Network, Merger (notion), Cartel, Sherman Antitrust Act, Section I, Hart Scott Rodino Act, Sherman Antitrust Act, Section II, United States of America

The EU State aid and sport saga: The Real Madrid Decision (part 1)

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 15.11.2016

Out of all the State aid investigations of recent years involving professional football clubs, the outcome of the Real Madrid case was probably the most eagerly awaited. Few football clubs have such a global impact as this Spanish giant, and any news item involving the club, whether positive or negative, is bound to make the headlines everywhere around the globe. But for many Spaniards, this case involves more than a simple measure by a public authority scrutinized by the European Commission. For them, it exemplifies the questionable relationship between the private and the public sector in a country sick of never-ending corruption scandals.[1] Moreover, Spain is only starting to recover from its worst financial crisis in decades, a crisis founded on real estate speculation, but [...]

Brexit: Increased scope for intervention in takeovers of UK businesses?

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 09.11.2016

This paper discusses the implications of Brexit on the ability of the UK Government to intervene in cross-border mergers to protect domestic ‘strategic interests' of the kind identified by the Prime Minister in her speech in July (in which she argued that “a proper industrial strategy wouldn't automatically stop the sale of British firms to foreign ones, but it should be capable of stepping in to defend a sector that is as important as pharmaceuticals is to Britain”). In light of the recent consultation by the UK's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the appropriate degree of UK Government intervention in foreign takeovers, the paper considers the scope for the UK Government to intervene on public interest grounds under the UK's existing merger control [...]

Developments on new and existing State aid. Judgment C-590/14, DEI v Alouminion tis Ellados and Commission

Source: EUStateAidBlog , 04.11.2016

The main legal issue of the judgment at hand consists in the definition of «existing aid» as opposed to «new aid». That distinction involves far-reaching implications on the application of EU state aid rules on grants given by Member States to third parties as beneficiaries. While existing aid escapes the scope of the «Standstill Obligation» of Member States prescribed by article 108 par.3 TFEU, on the other hand, new aid bears -from the outset- a negative pre [...]

The ARA “consent decree” – a new enforcement tool for abuse cases ante portas?

Source: Chillin'Competition , 18.10.2016

[When we saw the Commission’s recent attempt to introduce “settlements” in abuse of dominance cases our initial reaction was to gather some info to write a blog post about it. Whilst reviewing other experts’ reactions to this development, we came accross some particularly insightful comments from Peter Thyri, an independent competition practitioner based in Vienna […]

Case note: State aid Decision on the preferential corporate tax treatment of Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna and FC Barcelona

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 13.10.2016

On 28 September 2016, the Commission published the non-confidential version of its negative Decision and recovery order regarding the preferential corporate tax treatment of Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna and FC Barcelona. It is the second-to-last publication of the Commission’s Decisions concerning State aid granted to professional football clubs, all announced on 4 July of this year.[1] Contrary to the other “State aid in football” cases, this Decision concerns State aid and taxation, a very hot topic in today’s State aid landscape. Obviously, this Decision will not have the same impact as other prominent tax decisions, such as the ones concerning Starbucks and Apple. BackgroundThis case dates back to November 2009, when a representative of a number of investors [...]

Special registration for the Chillin’Competition Conference (and Syrian dinner)

Source: Chillin'Competition , 12.10.2016

[UPDATE: All dinner slots announced below were quickly taken; if you’d like to be on the waitlist please write a comment on this post or drop us a line]  As announced yesterday, standard registration for the conference will start on Friday at 10.am. This is the link that you should use: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chillincompetition-conference-neutrality-everywhere-tickets-28496970205 As an exception, […]

Interventions: The Court of Justice of the European Union recognizes a works council the status of interested party for the purpose of submitting to the European Commission observations on social considerations but denies the right to shareholder-employees to intervene in the absence of a sufficiently direct interest in the outcome of the dispute (AEMMELL, Comité d'entreprise SNCM, Cap Actions SNCM)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 06.10.2016

Par trois ordonnances rendues le même jour, le vice-président de la Cour de justice de l'UE a statué sur trois pourvois à l'encontre des décisions du Tribunal rejetant des demandes d'intervention dans le cadre d'affaires en matière d'aides d'État. Pour mémoire, en application de l'article 40, deuxième alinéa, du statut de la Cour de justice, l'intervention devant les juridictions de l'Union européenne n'est possible que si le demandeur en intervention justifie d'un intérêt à la solution du litige soumis à (...) - Chroniques / Case law, Procedures, European Union, Amicus curiae / Assistance, EU Court of Justice

The EU Commission decides that Polish green certificates are compatible State aids

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 15.09.2016

Polish green certificates held by Commission to be compatible State aid: a curious story comes to an end* On 2 August 2016, the Commission issued its long-awaited and precedent-setting decision in a case involving Polish green certificates issued to producers of energy from renewable energy sources (RES), following complaints filed as from 2013 in respect of co-firing and hydropower technologies. The Commission concluded its proceedings, extended since then into all RES technologies, at (...) - September 2016-II / State Aids, EU Commission, Case law, State aid compatibility, State aid (notion), State resources, Electricity, Energy, Art. 107-108 TFEU, Art. 87 (1) EC / Art. 107 (1) TFEU, Art. 88 (2) EC / Art. 108 (2) TFEU, State aid scheme, Others, State ressources

Cartels in the utilities sector: An overview of EU and national case law

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 07.09.2016

I. Introduction A number of years have passed since I was invited to write the Foreword to the predecessor publication in e-Competition publication No. 44484. Since that time, the case-law at EU and Member State level has expanded significantly, with an ever-wider net being drawn over anti-competitive practices such as bid rigging and information sharing, on the one hand, and those problematic commercial practices featuring the active involvement of trade associations, on the other. We (...) - Utilities & Cartels / Anticompetitive practices, Cartel, Exchange of information, Foreword, Joint-venture, Judicial review, Price increase, Sanctions / Fines / Penalties, Utilities

EFTA : The EFTA Court rules that Article 54 of the EEA Agreement (the counterpart of article 102 TFUE) may apply to a boycott initiated by a trade union and implemented by a port administration with a view to bring a forwarding agent to use unloading and loading services offered by workers employed by the port administration (Holship Norge c/ Norsk Transportarbeidforbund)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.09.2016

. Depuis le Brexit, l'accord AELE suscite un intérêt renouvelé. Toutefois, c'est indépendamment du Brexit qu'il convient de rapporter l'arrêt de la Cour AELE dans l'affaire holship. La Cour était saisie à titre préjudiciel par la Cour Suprême de Norvège dans une affaire qui amenait les juridictions nationales à se prononcer sur la légalité d'une action de boycott, tant au regard de l'article 53 AELE (identique à l'article 101 FTEU) que de l'article 54 AELE (équivalent à l'article 102 TFUE). Nous analyserons (...) - Case comments / Norway, Boycott, Unilateral Practices, EFTA, Case law, Abuse of dominance, Transport (sea)

EFTA : The EFTA Court rules that Article 54 of the EEA Agreement (the counterpart of article 102 TFUE) may apply to a boycott initiated by a trade union and implemented by a port administration with a view to bring a forwarding agent to use unloading and loading services offered by workers employed by the port administration (Holship Norge c/ Norsk Transportarbeidforbund)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.09.2016

. Depuis le Brexit, l'accord AELE suscite un intérêt renouvelé. Toutefois, c'est indépendamment du Brexit qu'il convient de rapporter l'arrêt de la Cour AELE dans l'affaire holship. La Cour était saisie à titre préjudiciel par la Cour Suprême de Norvège dans une affaire qui amenait les juridictions nationales à se prononcer sur la légalité d'une action de boycott, tant au regard de l'article 53 AELE (identique à l'article 101 FTEU) que de l'article 54 AELE (équivalent à l'article 102 TFUE). Nous analyserons (...) - Case comments / Norway, Boycott, Unilateral Practices, EFTA, Case law, Abuse of dominance, Transport (sea)

The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine adopts a new merger regulation

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 30.08.2016

On 19 August 2016 the new Merger Regulation became effective in Ukraine. It simplifies the merger review procedure in two ways. First, in most cases, the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMC) reduces the amount of information required from the parties. Second, the AMC takes measures to streamline the so-called ‘simplified' review procedure. The revision (i) aligns the Merger Regulation with the earlier law improving (among others) the notifiability thresholds in mid-May, (ii) reduces the (...) - September 2016 / Ukraine, Mergers, National Competition Authority, Law, decree or regulation, Reform, Notification (mergers), Minority shareholdings, Request for information, All business sectors , National Merger regulations

Bailing out your local football club: The Willem II and MVV State Aid decisions as blueprint for future rescue aid (Part 2)

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 29.08.2016

This is part two of the blog on the Willem II and MVV State Aid decisions. Where part one served as an introduction on the two cases, part two will analyze the compatibility assessment made by the Commission in two decisions.The compatibility of the aid to MVV and Willem II (re-)assessedEven though it was the Netherlands’ task to invoke possible grounds of compatibility and to demonstrate that the conditions for such compatibility were met, the aid granted to both Willem II and MVV was never notified. The Netherland’s failure to fulfill its notification obligation, therefore, appears to be at odds with the Commission’s final decision to declare the aid compatible with EU law. Yet, a closer look at the Commission’s decision of 6 March 2013 to launch the formal investigation [...]

Competition and trade policies: TTIP or the return of the UFOs? (New Frontiers of Antitrust, Paris, 13 June 2016)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 28.08.2016

This first roundtable of the “New frontiers of Antitrust” conference held in Paris on June 13th 2016 was dedicated to the links between competition and trade policies in light of the ongoing negotiation of the TTIP between the European Union and the United States. After an introduction of Johannes Laitenberger, Director General of the DG COMP, describing the changes that occurred in this matter during the last 20 years, Mr. S. J. Evenett, lawyer at Brussels, shares his opinion on how competition law fits within a constantly changing world. In the final contribution, Mr. F.-C. Laprévote and B. Can, also lawyers at Brussels, explain the most recent developments and future challenges that the strong links between competition and trade policy will face. - Articles / Other,

EFTA : The EFTA Court rules that Article 54 of the EEA Agreement (the counterpart of article 102 TFUE) may apply to a boycott initiated by a trade union and implemented by a port administration with a view to bring a forwarding agent to use unloading and loading services offered by workers employed by the port administration (Holship Norge c/ Norsk Transportarbeidforbund)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 25.08.2016

. Depuis le Brexit, l'accord AELE suscite un intérêt renouvelé. Toutefois, c'est indépendamment du Brexit qu'il convient de rapporter l'arrêt de la Cour AELE dans l'affaire holship. La Cour était saisie à titre préjudiciel par la Cour Suprême de Norvège dans une affaire qui amenait les juridictions nationales à se prononcer sur la légalité d'une action de boycott, tant au regard de l'article 53 AELE (identique à l'article 101 FTEU) que de l'article 54 AELE (équivalent à l'article 102 TFUE). Nous analyserons (...) - Case comments / Norway, Boycott, Unilateral Practices, EFTA, Case law, Abuse of dominance, Transport (sea)

State aid to electricity capacity mechanisms: From an uncoordinated patchwork to a harmonised approach?

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 25.08.2016

Against the background of a changing landscape of electricity markets, a number of EU Member States have devised capacity mechanisms in order to address perceived threats to their national security of supply. However, such mechanisms may raise competition concerns, which the European Commission intends to tackle from the angle of State aid law. In that regard, it stems from the ongoing State aid sector inquiry that while certain capacity mechanisms may be necessary, Member States should improve specific design features and facilitate coordination among their respective national mechanisms. The Commission is now expected to intensify its State aid enforcement action in future years, based on the stringent criteria laid down in the Energy and Environmental Aid Guidelines. The [...]

Franchising: An overview of EU and national case law

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 25.08.2016

Franchising is interesting from a competition law point of view because it involves co-ordination between independent undertakings on many aspects of strategic business behaviour, yet it is generally seen as pro-competitive. Franchising systems can have characteristics of different forms of distribution (with selective or exclusive elements) and typically adhere to the principle of uniformity (single business name, design, business methods, etc.) as a key driver for its success. Taking the (...) - Franchising / Franchising, Distribution agreement, Exclusive distribution, Sector inquiry, Anticompetitive practices, All business sectors , National provision prohibiting anticompetitive agreements, Art. 101 TFEU

The EU Commission fines truck producers for cartel (MAN)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 22.08.2016

Antitrust: Commission fines truck producers € 2.93 billion for participating in a cartel* The European Commission has found that MAN, Volvo/Renault, Daimler, Iveco, and DAF broke EU antitrust rules. These truck makers colluded for 14 years on truck pricing and on passing on the costs of compliance with stricter emission rules. The Commission has imposed a record fine of € 2 926 499 000. MAN was not fined as it revealed the existence of the cartel to the Commission. All companies (...) - July 2016 / European Union, Anticompetitive practices, EU Commission, Case law, Manufacturing, Transport (road), Art. 101 TFEU, Sanctions / Fines / Penalties, Cartel, Leniency, Settlement

The EU commission accepts remedies proposed by companies active on the credit default swaps market (ISDA / Markit)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 22.08.2016

Antitrust: Commission accepts commitments by ISDA and Markit on credit default swaps* The European Commission has adopted a decision that renders legally binding commitments to licence inputs for credit default swaps, offered separately by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association Inc. (ISDA) and information service provider Markit. The Commission had competition concerns relating to the licensing of intellectual property that is needed to offer trading services on the market (...) - July 2016 / European Union, Unilateral practices, EU Commission, Case law, Dominance, Remedies (antitrust), Refusal to deal, Financial services, Art. 102 TFEU

Fear and Loathing in Rio de Janeiro – Displacement and the Olympics by Ryan Gauthier (Thompson Rivers University)

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 21.08.2016

‎Editor's Note: Ryan is Assistant Professor at Thompson Rivers University, he defended his PhD at Erasmus University Rotterdam in December 2015. His dissertation examined human rights violations caused by international sporting events, and how international sporting organisations may be held accountable for these violations.Introduction On Sunday, August 21, the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro will end. The spotlight will dim not only on the athletes who return to their home countries to ply their trade in relative obscurity, but also on the country of Brazil.[1] Once the Games have ended, life will go ‘back to normal’, although for many residents of Rio de Janeiro, what is ‘normal’ is anything but. Watching the opening ceremonies from the favelas – [...]

Why we should stop focusing on Caster Semenya by Marjolaine Viret (University of Neuchâtel)

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 19.08.2016

Editor's Note:  Marjolaine is an attorney admitted to the Geneva bar (Switzerland) who specialises in sports and life sciences.  She currently participates as a scientific collaborator at the University of Neuchâtel on a research project to produce the first article-by-article legal commentary of the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code. Over the past days, we have been flooded by media reports discussing the “Caster Semenya-case”, reports rapidly relayed in social networks. Since the debate has a distinct legal component and since almost every report appears to draw significantly from the legal background, I granted myself permission – as compensation so to speak - to publish a somewhat more personal, less legal, post than I usually would. Let me make one thing clear from the [...]

Leniency and competition law: An overview of EU and national case law

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 04.08.2016

Exactly 20 years after the adoption of the first European Commission Leniency Notice , the detection and sanctioning of cartels remains a key feature of the enforcement agenda of the European Commission (the “Commission”) and – the currently still 28 – European Union (“EU”) national competition authorities (“NCAs”) . Leniency programmes are – and continue to be – a crucial tool in uncovering cartels, with a large majority of cartel decisions adopted by European competition authorities based on (...) - Leniency / Procedures, Art. 101 TFEU, Agreement, National provision prohibiting anticompetitive agreements, All business sectors , Sanctions / Fines / Penalties, Leniency, Foreword

AG Opinion in Joined Cases C-20/15 P y C-21/15 P, Santander and World Duty Free Group (ex-Autogrill): Wathelet proposes nothing short of a revolution

Source: Chillin'Competition , 29.07.2016

Nobody doubts that the notion of selectivity is the single most complex issue in EU State Aid Law. There have been many genuinely hard cases in the past few years, and the issues raised by each of them are very different. On the other hand, I had the impression that we were coming close to reaching […]

The Commission accepts Paramount’s commitments: what limits for remedies in EU competition law?

Source: Chillin'Competition , 27.07.2016

The Commission announced yesterday that it has accepted the commitments submitted by Paramount. This is an important landmark in the Pay-TV case [Alfonso, who is representing an interested party, already wrote about Paramount’s commitments here]. It is in any event far from being the last chapter. There are no indications that the other major studios are willing to […]

Brexit and EU law: Beyond the Premier League (Part 2). By Marine Montejo

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 25.07.2016

Editor's note: Marine Montejo is a graduate from the College of Europe in Bruges and is currently an intern at the ASSER International Sports Law Centre. Part 2. EU competition law and sports fundingThe first analysed impact of Brexit on sport was the one regarding EU internal market rules and free movement. However, all sport areas that are of interest to the European Union will be impacted by the result of the future Brexit negotiations. This second part of the blog will focus on EU competition law and the media sector as well as direct funding opportunities keeping in mind that if the UK reaches for an EEA type agreement competition law and state aid rules will remain applicable as much as the funding programs.   A) EU competition law and the media sectorAs for the internal [...]

Endorsements for “Choice - A new standard for competition law analysis?”

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 21.07.2016

"This welcome book combines new and existing works on the consumer choice challenge to prevailing competition law models. It includes the important work of Averitt and Lande, who argue that price choices but especially non-price choices need to be taken seriously as a better way to identify harm to consumers. But prominent critics of the choice model, concerned by the risk of over-enforcement, are also featured in the book, as are more sympathetic essays that reveal the importance of (...) - Books

Brexit and EU law: Beyond the Premier League (Part 1). By Marine Montejo

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 21.07.2016

Editor's note: Marine Montejo is a graduate from the College of Europe in Bruges and is currently an intern at the ASSER International Sports Law Centre.The result of the Brexit referendum on 23 June 2016 took the European Union (almost) by surprise. A lot has been said and written about the impact of the United Kingdom leaving the EU. As in all other areas, the British sport sector will also face the effects of the modification of the relationship between the EU and its (probable) former Member State, the UK. It is nearly impossible to foresee all consequences as the UK has not even triggered article 50 TFEU yet to officially start the exit negotiations. However, as the UK position toward the EU will change in any case, this two-part blog aims to examine the main practical [...]

The General Court’s Judgment in Case T-216/13, Telefónica (Counterfactual reasoning applied to fine calculation?)

Source: Chillin'Competition , 12.07.2016

  A few days ago the General Court issued interesting Judgments in cases T-208/13, Portugal Telecom, and T-216/13, Telefónica that have gone fairly unnoticed (possibly because they are not available in English). For the purpose of this post I will discuss the Telefónica Judgment. The annulment proceedings relate to a Commission decision sanctioning Telefónica and Portugal […]

Postal services and competition law: An overview of EU and national case law

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 12.07.2016

I. Introduction The postal services sector is of vital importance for commercial users and consumers alike. In the context of today's ever widening markets for communication, advertising and electronic commerce, postal services markets seem to be constantly evolving and acquire a new dynamic profile. Understanding these challenges, the EU has developed a dedicated postal services policy whose objective is to accomplish the ideal of the Single Market in the postal sector. To this end, the (...) - Postal services / Anticompetitive practices, Discriminatory practices, Agreement, Predatory pricing, Prices, Tying, Vertical restrictions, Postal services, Rebates, Barriers to entry, Exclusive right (art. 106 TFEU), Foreword, Judicial review, Remedies (mergers), Dominance [...]

The EU Commission clears a merger in the food distributor sector (Sysco / Brakes)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 06.07.2016

Mergers: Commission approves Sysco's acquisition of Brakes* The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Brakes, the largest UK food distributor, by Sysco, the largest US food distributor. The Commission found that the takeover would not adversely affect competition in Europe. Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: "Consumers, hospitals, schools and other food-service customers must be able to rely on (...) - June 2016-II / Distribution/Retail, Case law, Geographic market, Mergers, EC Merger Regulations, European Union, Market definition, Clearance Phase I (merger), EU Commission

The EU Commission welcomes entry into force of new rules concerning card payment transparency

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 06.07.2016

Antitrust: Commission welcomes entry into force of new rules to boost card payment transparency* The European Commission welcomes the entry into force on 9 June 2016 of new rules to make the costs of payments with debit or credit cards more transparent to retailers and consumers and allow them to make efficient choices. All elements of the Interchange Fee Regulation are now fully applicable. Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: "Many consumers use (...) - June 2016-II / Anticompetitive practices, Case law, Art. 101 TFEU, Art. 102 TFEU, Prices, Financial services, European Union, Effect on competition, Consumers protection, EU Commission

The EU State aid and sport saga: The Showdown

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 06.07.2016

It’s been a long wait, but they’re finally here! On Monday, the European Commission released its decisions regarding State aid to seven Spanish professional football clubs (Real Madrid on two occasions) and five Dutch professional football clubs. The decisions mark the end of the formal investigations, which were opened in 2013. The Commission decided as follows: no State aid to PSV Eindhoven (1); compatible aid to the Dutch clubs FC Den Bosch, MVV Maastricht, NEC Nijmegen and Willem II (2); and incompatible aid granted to the Spanish football clubs Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Valencia CF, Athletic Bilbao, Atlético Osasuna, Elche and Hércules (3). The recovery decisions in particular are truly historic. The rules on State aid have existed since the foundation of the [...]

Operación Puerto Strikes Back!

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 20.06.2016

Forget the European Championship currently held in France or the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio. Doping scandals are making the headlines more than ever in 2016. From tennis star Sharapova receiving a two-year ban for her use of the controversial ‘meldonium’, to the seemingly never-ending doping scandals in athletics. As if this was not enough, a new chapter was added on 14 June to one of the most infamous and obscure doping sagas in history: the Operación Puerto. The special criminal appeal chamber,  the Audiencia Provincial, has held that the more than 200 blood bags of professional athletes that have been at the center of the investigations since 2006 can be delivered to the relevant sporting authorities, such as the Spanish Anti-Doping Agency (AEPSAD), WADA, the UCI and [...]

Judicial review in cartel cases: An overview of EU and national case law

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 15.06.2016

Introduction The scope of the present contribution is at the same time relatively narrow – since it focuses on judicial review in cartel cases, and then only on a modest sample of the numerous cases that have arisen in Europe in the last few years – and relatively broad, since the term ‘judicial review' is given a liberal construction and is not limited to the scope and intensity of review of infringement decisions. The term in this context includes the blander meaning of ‘appeals': (...) - Judicial review in cartel cases / Anticompetitive practices, Cartel, All business sectors , Sanctions / Fines / Penalties, Foreword, Judicial review

The Müller case: Revisiting the compatibility of fixed term contracts in football with EU Law. By Kester Mekenkamp

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 13.06.2016

Editor’s note: Kester Mekenkamp is an LL.M. student in European Law at Leiden University and an intern at the ASSER International Sports Law Centre.On 17 February 2016, the Landesarbeitsgericht Rheinland-Pfalz delivered its highly anticipated decision in the appeal proceedings between German goalkeeper Heinz Müller and his former employer, German Bundesliga club Mainz 05.[1] The main legal debate revolved around the question (in general terms) whether the use of a fixed term contract in professional football is compatible with German and EU law. In first instance (see our earlier blog posts, here and here), the Arbeitsgericht Mainz had ruled that the ‘objective reasons’ provided in Section 14 (1) of the German Part-time and Fixed-term Employment Act (Gesetz über [...]

The BGH’s Pechstein Decision: A Surrealist Ruling

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 08.06.2016

The decision of the Bundesgerichtshof (BGH), the Highest Civil Court in Germany, in the Pechstein case was eagerly awaited. At the hearing in March, the Court decided it would pronounce itself on 7 June, and so it did. Let’s cut things short: it is a striking victory for the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and a bitter (provisory?) ending for Claudia Pechstein. The BGH’s press release is abundantly clear that the German judges endorsed the CAS uncritically on the two main legal questions: validity of forced CAS arbitration and the independence of the CAS. The CAS and ISU are surely right to rejoice and celebrate the ruling in their respective press releases that quickly ensued (here and here). At first glance, this ruling will be comforting the CAS’ jurisdiction for [...]

The EU State aid and Sport Saga: Hungary revisited? (Part 2)

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 06.06.2016

On 18 May 2016, the day the first part of this blog was published, the Commission said in response to the Hungarian MEP Péter Niedermüller’s question, that it had “not specifically monitored the tax relief (…) but would consider doing so. The Commission cannot prejudge the steps that it might take following such monitoring. However, the Commission thanks (Niedermüller) for drawing its attention to the report of Transparency International.” With the actual implementation in Hungary appearing to deviate from the original objectives and conditions of the aid scheme, as discussed in part 1 of this blog, a possible monitoring exercise by the Commission of the Hungarian tax [...]

Eric J. Stock: Reflections on His Time as New York's Top Antitrust Enforcer

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 02.06.2016

In this interview, Eric J. Stock, the outgoing Chief of the Antitrust Bureau of the New York Attorney General's office, fields questions about his time in government from Jonathan Jacobson, a partner at Wilson Sonsini and the Vice-Chair of the Antitrust Section of the American Bar Association. Mr. Stock describes several cases that he led for New York during his tenure, including the joint New York/U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit seeking to unwind an allegedly anticompetitive merger of Manhattan tour bus operators. Mr. Stock also discusses the proper role of state antitrust enforcement within the broader U.S. federal system, and his views on how the states can act positively to promote effective antitrust enforcement within that system. On June 1, Mr. Stock becomes a partner in [...]

The Rise and Fall of FC Twente

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 19.05.2016

Yesterday, 18 May 2016, the licensing committee of the Dutch football federation (KNVB) announced its decision to sanction FC Twente with relegation to the Netherland’s second (and lowest) professional league. The press release also included a link to a document outlining the reasons underlying the decision. For those following the saga surrounding Dutch football club FC Twente, an unconditional sanction by the licensing committee appeared to be only a matter of time. Yet, it is the sanction itself, as well as its reasoning, that will be the primary focus of this short blog.BackgroundBy way of reminder, FC Twente is the typical example of a professional football club who had been “punching above its weight” for years. After taking over the club in 2003, president Joop [...]

Concept of state aid: The General Court of the European Union rejects the appeal of Austria against the Commission's decisions qualifying as state aid the guarantee granted by Austria in the context og a bank restructuring programme (Republic of Austria)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 17.05.2016

Cet article a fait l'objet d'une première publication dans la lettre credaconcurrence publiée par la Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris Ile de France. Le 28 janvier 2016, la Tribunal de l'Union a rendu un arrêt dans l'affaire T-427/12 (Autriche / Commission) aux termes duquel il confirme que la garantie accordée par l'Autriche à la BayernLB dans le cadre de sa restructuration en ce qui concerne les lignes de crédit de BayernLB en faveur de Hypo Group Alpe Adria constituait bien une aide (...) - Alerts / Case law, Financial services, State aid (notion), State Aids, Rights of Defence, European Union, Public loan guarantee (State aid), EU General Court

Insurance Block Exemption Regulation: The European Commission has published a report pointing to the non-renewal of the IBER, which will expire on 31 March 2017

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 17.05.2016

Cet article a fait l'objet d'une première publication dans la lettre credaconcurrence publiée par la Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris Ile de France. Le 17 mars 2016, la Commission européenne a rendu public un rapport portant sur le fonctionnement et l'avenir du règlement d'exemption par catégorie dans le secteur des assurances (RECA), lequel adopté en 2010 arrive à échéance le 31 mars 2017. Elle était tenu de présenter ce rapport au plus tard six ans après l'entrée en vigueur du RECA. Le (...) - Alerts / Block Exemption (Regulation), Exchange of information, Insurance, Anticompetitive Practices, European Union, Cooperation agreement, Reform, EU Commission, Report

Concept of State aid: The Court of Justice of the European Union details the conditions in which the Commission may directly apply Article 107(3)(b) TFEU (Hellenic Republic)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 17.05.2016

Cet article a fait l'objet d'une première publication dans la lettre credaconcurrence publiée par la Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris Ile de France. Le 8 mars 2016, la grande chambre de la Cour de justice de l'Union a rendu un arrêt dans l'affaire C-431/14 (Grèce contre Commission). À la faveur de cet arrêt, la Cour vient préciser À la suite de protestations soulevées au mois de janvier 2009 par un grand nombre de producteurs agricoles grecs pour les pertes qu'ils avaient subies au cours de (...) - Alerts / Case law, Burden of proof, Agriculture/Food products , State aid (notion), State Aids, Rights of Defence, European Union, EU Court of Justice, Principle of equal treatment

The EU Commission relieves an undertaking of its obligation to meet commitments decision following market developments (Deutsche Bahn)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 12.05.2016

On 8 April 2016, the Commission announced that it had adopted a decision to relieve Deutsche Bahn of its obligation to comply with a commitments decision made binding on the company in December 2013. According to the Commission, the commitments decision had achieved its “main purpose”, which it identified in its press release of the same date as enabling “electricity providers not belonging to the Deutsche Bahn Group to enter the previously monopolised market for the supply of traction current (...) - May 2016 / Unilateral practices, Case law, Art. 102 TFEU, Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, Remedies (antitrust), European Union, Obligation to supply, Effect on competition, EU Commission, Electricity

The EU Commission sends a statement of objections concerning the imposition of restrictions on smartphone manufacturers and mobile network operators (Google)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 12.05.2016

On 20 April 2016, the European Commission confirmed it issued a Statement of Objections (“SO”) to Google concerning the imposition of restrictions on Android device manufacturers and mobile network operators. The investigation was formally opened in April 2015. Google now has until July 2016 to formally respond to the Commission's concerns. Based on the press release, the Commission's preliminary view is that Google abused its dominance in the markets for (i) general internet search services, (...) - May 2016 / Unilateral practices, Abuse of dominance, Art. 102 TFEU, Investigations / Inquiries, Press release , European Union, Consumers protection, EU Commission, Internet

Hutchison/Telefónica UK blocked: BT wins, all the others lose. What lessons for competition law and regulation?

Source: Chillin'Competition , 11.05.2016

The prohibition of the Hutchison/Telefónica UK deal, which has been made official earlier today (see here), is a bit like Leicester City winning the Premier League. As the months passed, the impossible became likely, up to the point when it was certain that it would actually occur. So no big news today, as the only remaining question was […]

Private enforcement: An overview of EU and national case law

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 04.05.2016

I. Introduction A central aspect of the reform of EU competition law that has been undertaken since the turn of the new millennium has been to encourage private enforcement of EU competition rules. This initiative, as is well-known, is essentially inspired by the Commission's perception that in the EU, as opposed to the U.S., antitrust enforcement has been too much in the hands of public authorities and that competition law was too rarely used by private plaintiffs before national courts. (...) - Private enforcement / Anticompetitive practices, All business sectors , Private enforcement, Foreword, Passing on defence, Class action

The boundaries of the “premium sports rights” category and its competition law implications. By Marine Montejo

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 29.04.2016

Editor’s note: Marine Montejo is a graduate from the College of Europe in Bruges and is currently an Intern at the ASSER International Sports Law Centre.In its decisions regarding the joint selling of football media rights (UEFA, Bundesliga, FA Premier league), the European Commission insisted that premium media rights must be sold through a non-discriminatory and transparent tender procedure, in several packages and for a limited period of time in order to reduce foreclosure effects in the downstream market. These remedies ensure that broadcasters are able to compete for rights that carry high audiences and, for pay TV, a stable number of subscriptions. In line with these precedents, national competition authorities have tried to ensure compliance with remedy packages. The [...]

Guest Blog - Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): Legal Issues by Laura Donnellan

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 26.04.2016

Editor's note: Laura Donnellan is a lecturer at University of Limerick. You can find her latest publications here. Introduction On Tuesday the 12th of April, João Carvalho passed away in the Beaumont Hospital after sustaining serious injuries from a mixed martial arts (MMA) event in Dublin on the previous Saturday. The fighter was knocked out in the third round of a welterweight fight against Charlie Ward. Aside from the tragic loss of life, the death of Carvalho raises a number of interesting legal issues. This opinion piece will discuss the possible civil and criminal liability that may result from the untimely death of the Portuguese fighter. It is important to note at the outset that MMA has few rules and permits wrestling holds, punching, marital [...]

EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager discusses possible ways in which the EU merger control system could be refined

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.04.2016

In a speech delivered in Brussels on 10 March 2016, EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager discussed possible ways in which the EU merger control system could be refined. She addressed three main topics. First, Ms Vestager said it should be examined as to whether the EU notification system can be further simpli ed, in addition to the options for simplification already considered in the European Commission's 2014 White Paper “Towards More Effective Merger Control”. In her words, “if (...) - April 2016 / Notification (mergers), All business sectors , Other, Mergers, EC Merger Regulations, European Union, Thresholds, Reform, EU Commission, Minority shareholdings

The EU Commission presents its initial findings on geo-blocking with respect to consumer goods in e-commerce sector inquiry

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.04.2016

On 18 March 2016, the European Commission published its initial findings of its sector inquiry into the e-commerce sector in relation to geo-blocking practices. The Commission de nes geo-blocking as commercial practices whereby online providers prevent users from accessing and purchasing consumer goods or digital content services o ered on their website based on the geographical location of the users (i.e., in a Member State di ering from that of the provider). The Commission's findings, (...) - April 2016 / Anticompetitive practices, Art. 101 TFEU, Agreement, Vertical restrictions, Other, European Union, Sector inquiry, EU Commission, Market inquiry, Internet

The EU Commission publishes report on functioning of Insurance Block Exemption Regulation

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.04.2016

On 17 March 2016, the European Commission published a report on the functioning of the Insurance Block Exemption Regulation (IBER). The current block exemption, which provides for an exemption from Article 101 TFEU for agreements between insurers relating to joint compilations, tables and studies, as well as co-(re)insurance pools, expires on 31 March 2017. The rationale for the exemption of the joint production of statistical information is that only the largest insurers are likely to have (...) - April 2016 / Anticompetitive practices, Art. 101 TFEU, Agreement, Block Exemption (Regulation), Vertical restrictions, Insurance, Other, European Union, EU Commission

Book Review: Despina Mavromati & Matthieu Reeb, The Code of the Court of Arbitration for Sport—Commentary, Cases, and Materials (Wolters Kluwer International 2015). By Professor Matthew Mitten

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 24.03.2016

Editor’s note: Professor Mitten is the Director of the National Sports Law Institute and the LL.M. in Sports Law program for foreign lawyers at Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He currently teaches courses in Amateur Sports Law, Professional Sports Law, Sports Sponsorship Legal and Business Issues Workshop, and Torts. Professor Mitten is a member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and has served on the ad hoc Division for the XXI Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.This Book Review is published at 26 Marquette Sports Law Review 247 (2015). This comprehensive treatise of more than 700 pages on the Code of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) (the Code) is an excellent resource that is useful to a wide audience, including attorneys [...]

The EU Commission clears a merger, subject to remedies, in the pharmaceutical market (Allergan Generics / Teva)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 23.03.2016

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Allergan Generics by Teva, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the generics business of Allergan of Ireland, by Teva of Israel, subject to conditions. Both companies are among the top four generic pharmaceutical manufacturers worldwide. The decision is conditional upon the divestment of a number of assets, including the great majority of Allergan Generics' business (...) - March 2016 / Case law, Pharmaceutical, Mergers, Remedies (mergers), EC Merger Regulations, European Union, Market definition, Clearance Phase I (merger), EU Commission

The EU Commission clears a merger, subject to remedies, on the market of consumable dental products for the professional dental (Dentsply /Sirona)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 23.03.2016

Mergers: Commission approves Dentsply acquisition of dental equipment supplier Sirona, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of dental equipment supplier Sirona by Dentsply, both of the US, subject to conditions. The decision is conditional in particular upon the extension of licensing agreements between Sirona and its current suppliers of CAD/CAM ("computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing") blocks (...) - March 2016 / Case law, Healthcare, Geographic market, Mergers, EC Merger Regulations, European Union, Market definition, Clearance Phase I (merger), EU Commission

The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation concerning a merger in the satellite and launch service markets (Arianespace / Airbus Safran Launchers)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 23.03.2016

Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into ASL's acquisition of Arianespace* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Arianespace by Airbus Safran Launchers (ASL) under the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission has concerns that the proposed transaction may result in less innovation and higher prices in the satellite and launch service markets. Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: "A (...) - March 2016 / Case law, Investigations / Inquiries, Geographic market, Mergers, European Union, Market definition, National Merger regulations, EU Commission, Transport (air)

The EU Commission adopts a decision declaring a merger compatible with the internal market and the functioning of the EEA (Hutchison 3G Austria / Orange Austria)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 23.03.2016

H3G/Orange Austria – Commission starts using UPP* On 24 July, the Commission published the non-confidential version of the decision in the Hutchison 3G Austria/Orange Austria case. The case, cleared subject to commitments following a Phase II investigation, represents a significant development in the Commission's merger enforcement policy because, for the first time, the Commission has applied an Upward Pricing Pressure (UPP)-analysis as part of its competitive assessment. The case is (...) - Telecom & Access to facilities / Case law, Telecommunications, Access to facilities, Mergers, Remedies (mergers), EC Merger Regulations, European Union, Coordinated effects, EU Commission, Unilateral effects (mergers)

The ECJ annuls the General Court’s Judgments and the Commission’s decisions in the cement case (on the limits of information requests)

Source: Chillin'Competition , 10.03.2016

The European Court of Justice rendered this morning its Judgments in the cement case, concerning the Commission’s decisions requesting information to companies with a view to finding enough evidence to establish an infringement. See Cases C-247/14 P HeidelbergCement/Comission, C-248/14 P Schwenk Zement/Comission, C-267/14 P Buzzi Unicem/Comission and C-268/14 P Italmobiliare/Commission. The Judgments have annulled the General Court’s previous […]

Access to facilities in the telecommunications sector: An overview of EU and national case law

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 08.03.2016

Introduction – The Landscape Ensuring third-party access to facilities in the telecommunications sector is a challenge for EU competition law and regulation, which must continuously adapt in a fast-evolving environment. Following the sector liberalization, telephone operators have needed access to public switched copper networks, owned by national incumbents and built at a time when they enjoyed legal monopolies over the provision of telephone services. In principle, each operator should (...) - Telecom & Access to facilities / Unilateral practices, Abuse of dominance, Essential facility, Refusal to deal, Tying, Telecommunication, Access to facilities, Remedies (antitrust), Margin squeeze, Foreword, Judicial review, Market power

The European Commission conditionally approves a merger between two incumbent postal operators (Posten/Post Danmark)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 08.03.2016

Article originally published in DG Competition's Competition Policy Newsletter, as Competition Policy Newsletter 2009-2, p. 55 (click here), under the title "Mergers: main developments between 1 January and 30 April 2009". Please note that all articles published in the CPN are subject to a disclaimer: "The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission. Responsibility for the information and views expressed lies entirely with the authors. Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use which might be made of the following information." © European Union. - Postal services / Case law, Postal services, Barriers to entry, Mergers, Remedies (mergers), EC Merger [...]

Facebook, Privacy and Article 102- a first comment on the Bundeskartellamt’s investigation

Source: Chillin'Competition , 02.03.2016

The German Competition Authority announced this morning that it has opened an abuse of dominance investigation on Facebook “on suspicion of having abused its market power by infringing data protection rules”. According to its Press Release, the theory of harm is that Facebook may have exploited its arguable dominant position in “the market for social […]

Aide illégale : Le Tribunal de l'Union européenne estime que la condition tenant la sélectivité des mesures concernées n'était pas remplie et annule en conséquence la décision de la Commission dans l'affaire du régime espagnol de leasing fiscal (Espagne/Lico Leasing/Pequeños y Medianos Astilleros Sociedad de Reconversión)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 11.02.2016

Cet article a fait l'objet d'une première publication dans la lettre credaconcurrence publiée par la Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris Ile de France. Tribunal, 17 décembre 2015, arrêts T-515/13 (Espagne) et T-719/13 (Lico Leasing/Pequeños y Medianos Astilleros Sociedad de Reconversión À la faveur d'un arrêt rendu le 17 décembre 2015 dans les affaires jointes T-515/13 (Espagne / Commission) et T-719/13 (Lico Leasing, SA et Pequeños y Medianos Astilleros Sociedad de Reconversión, SA / (...) - Alertes / Jurisprudence, Aides d'Etat , Remboursement (Aide d'Etat), Union Européenne, Aide d'Etat illégale, Tribunal (UE), Taxes/Impôts, Transport (maritime)

The Spanish Competition Commission fines company for failing to notify a concentration and executing it before receiving clearance, but admits that it would not have noticed the infringement if the company had not warned it (Essilor/Polycore)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 10.02.2016

On July 31, 2014, the Spanish National Commission for Markets and Competition (Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia or “CNMC”) fined ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE) S.A. for failing to notify a merger agreement and breaching the obligation to suspend its execution until it had obtained legal authorization. Background On June 11, 2013, OSA INVESTMENTS HOLDINGS PTE. LTD. (OSA), a wholly owned subsidiary of ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE) (...) - EUCLH / Espagne, Autorité nationale de concurrence, Jurisprudence, Santé, Notification (concentrations), Concentrations, National Merger regulations

The Hungarian Competition Authority interprets the notion of a “direct participant” and confirms that non-competition obligation clauses which benefit the vendor are unlikely to qualify as ancillary restraints (Ringier Axel Springer / Central Médiacsoport)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 10.02.2016

On 29 October 2014 the Hungarian Competition Authority cleared the acquisition of two employment websites by Ringier Axel Springer Media AG(“RASMAG”), but warned that the restrictions imposed on the purchaser in the sale and purchase agreement may not qualify as ancillary restraints. It also made important remarks regarding the calculation of turnover in cases where a joint venture acquires part of an undertaking. 1. The transaction The notified concentration consisted of RASMAG acquiring (...) - EUCLH / Hongrie, Autorité nationale de concurrence, Jurisprudence, Presse, Notification (concentrations), Services, Concentrations, National Merger regulations, Restriction accessoire, Autorisation Phase I (concentrations)

The German Federal Court of Justice upholds the judgement of the Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf dismissing an administrative fine imposed for alleged participation in anti-competitive arrangements due to corporate restructuring (Maxit)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 10.02.2016

I. The Facts In 2009, the German Federal Cartel Office (FCO) imposed fines on several companies in the mortar sector (FCO, 24 March 2009, B 1-40/06-U 21). The companies were accused of having participated in anti-competitive agreements on set-up fees for dry mortar silos. Among the companies that received the fine notice was Maxit Deutschland GmbH (Maxit). In July 2009 Maxit merged with Saint Gobain Weber GmbH (SGW) and the question arose whether the fine imposed on Maxit could now be (...) - EUCLH / Ententes, Allemagne, Juridiction nationale, Jurisprudence, National provision prohibiting anticompetitive agreements, Industrie lourde, Sanctions/Amendes, Appel/Cassation, Contrôle juridictionnel

The Cyprus Commission for the Protection of Competition decides that because State Educational Institutes do not fall within the definition of an “undertaking”, it lacks the competence to examine a complaint against it (Union of private institutes)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 10.02.2016

Factual Background A complaint was lodged on 05/10/2005 by the Union of Private Institutes, before the Cyprus Commission for the Protection of Competition against the State Educational Institutes concerning antitrust practices. More specifically the Union of Private Institutes complained that the State Educational Institutes implements unacceptable means in order to attract students, by way of advertisement, daily press and leaflets to students attending state schools. The Union of Private (...) - EUCLH / Anticompetitive practices, Cyprus, National Competition Authority, Case law, Undertaking (notion), National provision prohibiting anticompetitive agreements, Services, Unfair competition

Der Einfluss des unionsrechtlichen Beihilfenverbots auf das deutsche Steuerrecht [L'influence de l'interdiction de l'octroi d'aides d'État en droit de l'Union sur le droit fiscal allemand], Friederike GRUBE

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 10.02.2016

Cette rubrique recense et commente les ouvrages et autres publications en droit de la concurrence, droit & économie de la concurrence et en droit de la régulation. Une telle recension ne peut par nature être exhaustive et se limite donc à présenter quelques publications récentes dans ces matières. Auteurs et éditeurs peuvent envoyer les ouvrages à l'intention du responsable de cette rubrique : stephane.rodrigues-domingues@univ-paris1.fr - N° 1-2016 / Aides d'Etat , Livres

The Concept of State Aid under EU Law. From internal market to competition and beyond, Juan Jorge PIERNAS LÓPEZ

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 10.02.2016

Cette rubrique recense et commente les ouvrages et autres publications en droit de la concurrence, droit & économie de la concurrence et en droit de la régulation. Une telle recension ne peut par nature être exhaustive et se limite donc à présenter quelques publications récentes dans ces matières. Auteurs et éditeurs peuvent envoyer les ouvrages à l'intention du responsable de cette rubrique : stephane.rodrigues-domingues@univ-paris1.fr - N° 1-2016 / Aides d'Etat , Livres

Exonération de taxes : Le Tribunal de l'Union européenne rappelle que tout avantage qui allège les charges grevant normalement le budget d'une entreprise, sans être des subventions au sens strict du terme, doit être analysé à la lumière de l'article 107, paragraphe 1, TFUE (Grèce, Ellinikos Chrysos)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 09.02.2016

Suite à la faillite de TVX Hellas Gold en 2003 qui possédait les mines Kassandra, situés dans ou à proximité de la forêt de Skouries, l'État grec a racheté les actifs de la société en faillite avant de revendre rapidement les mines à une société nouvellement créée, appelée Ellinikos Chrysos. Le 23 février 2011, la Commission a constaté que la privatisation constituait une aide d'État illégale en ce que les ventes de mines avaient été réalisées en dessous de la valeur réelle du marché, et qu'elles avaient été (...) - Chroniques / Jurisprudence, Grèce, Aides d'Etat , Union Européenne, Tribunal (UE), Art. 87 (1) EC / Art. 107 (1) TFEU, Public land sales, Private market investor test, State ressources

Allemagne : Le Bundeskartellamt déclenche la 22ème procédure d'autorisation ministérielle pour des raisons d'intérêt général (Edeka Zentrale & KG, Kaiser's Tengelmann)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 09.02.2016

Avec l'autorisation ministérielle, le droit allemand de la concurrence prévoit la possibilité de prendre en compte des aspects d'intérêt général dans le contrôle de la fusion. En 2015 les deux entreprises du secteur de détail alimentaire Edeka et Tengelmann ont recouru à cet instrument. Une procédure formelle L'autorisation ministérielle est réglée au paragraphe 42 de la loi contre les restrictions de concurrence. Après que le Bundeskartellamt a interdit une fusion ou que toutes les voies de recours ont (...) - Chroniques / Allemagne, Intervention étatique, Critère d'appréciation substantielle des concentrations, Autorité de la concurrence, Jurisprudences européenne et étrangère

Antitrust in Emerging and Developing Economies : Press Reports

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 03.02.2016

Reports by PaRR-Global(c) India's Ericsson probe to test innovation agenda - NYU Emerging Antitrust conference By Ryan Lynch An investigation of Ericsson by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) could harm innovation if the agency rules against the company, according to Kirti Gupta, director of economic strategy at Qualcomm. Indian courts have already considered complaints by local firms involving Ericsson's standard-essential patents, but the CCI is also taking up the issue. (...) - Conférences

ECJ’s Judgment in Case C-74/14, Eturas (on the scope of “concerted practices” and on technological collusion)

Source: Chillin'Competition , 22.01.2016

Yesterday the ECJ rendered its awaited Judgment in the Eturas case on the boundaries of the notion of agreement and, specifically, on concerted practices. (An English version was not yet available last night, so what follows uses my own relaxed translation from the French version). The case originates in a preliminary reference from the Lithuanian […]

International Sports Law in 2015: Our Reader

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 20.01.2016

This post offers a basic literature review on publications on international and European sports law in 2015. It does not have the pretence of being complete (our readers are encouraged to add references and links in the comments under this blog), but aims at covering a relatively vast sample of the 2015 academic publications in the field (we have used the comprehensive catalogue of the Peace Palace Library as a baseline for this compilation). When possible we have added hyperlinks to the source.[1] Have a good read. Books Stefano Bastianon (ed.), La sentenza Bosman vent'anni dopo. Aspetti giuridico-economici della sentenza che ha cambiato il calcio professionistico europeo (Giappichelli, Torino 2015) Stefano Bastianon (ed.), L'Europa e lo sport. Profili giuridici, [...]

Goodbye 2015! The Highlights of our International Sports Law Year

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 08.01.2016

2015 was a good year for international sports law. It started early in January with the Pechstein ruling, THE defining sports law case of the year (and probably in years to come) and ended in an apotheosis with the decisions rendered by the FIFA Ethics Committee against Blatter and Platini. This blog will walk you through the important sports law developments of the year and make sure that you did not miss any. The Court of Arbitration for Sport challenged by German Courts  The more discrete SV Wilhelmshaven ruling came first. It was not even decided in 2015, as the ruling was handed out on 30 December 2014. Yet, unless you are a sports law freak, you will not have taken notice of this case before 2015 (and our blog). It is not as well known as the [...]

Art. 267 TFEU preliminary rulings : An overview of EU and national case law

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 07.01.2016

1. Introduction 1.1 Background to the Preliminary Ruling Procedure Article 267 TFEU (ex Art 234 EC) facilitates a dialogue between the national courts and the CJEU (hereinafter referred to as 'the Court') in order to allow national courts to seek guidance on the appropriate interpretation of EU law principles in a particular legal dispute, and from an EU perspective this process should enhance the uniform and consistent interpretation of EU law throughout the national courts. The importance (...) - Preliminary ruling (Art. 267 TFEU) / Ententes, Abus de position dominante, Cartel, Droit exclusif, Echange d'information, Refus de vente, Service d'intérêt général économique, Intervention étatique, Restrictions verticales, Aide d'Etat (notion), Accord de licence,

Unpacking Doyen’s TPO Deals: In defence of the compatibility of FIFA’s TPO ban with EU law

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 18.12.2015

FIFA’s Third-Party Ownership (TPO) ban entered into force on the 1 May 2015[1]. Since then, an academic and practitioner’s debate is raging over its compatibility with EU law, and in particular the EU Free Movement rights and competition rules.  The European Commission, national courts (and probably in the end the Court of Justice of the EU) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will soon have to propose their interpretations of the impact of EU law on FIFA’s TPO ban. Advised by the world-famous Bosman lawyer, Jean-Louis Dupont, Doyen has decided to wage through a proxy (the Belgian club FC Seraing) a legal war against the ban. The first skirmishes have already taken place in front of the Brussels Court of first instance, which denied in July Seraing’s request for [...]

The Montenegrin and Croatian Competition Authorities sign a memorandum on cooperation

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 15.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "Memorandum on Cooperation between Croatian and Montenegrin Competition Agencies". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link [...]

Unpacking Doyen’s TPO Deals – Sporting Lisbon’s rebellion in the Rojo case. By Antoine Duval and Oskar van Maren

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 09.12.2015

In this blog we continue unpacking Doyen’s TPO deals based on the documents obtained via footballleaks. This time we focus on the battle between Doyen and Sporting over the Rojo case, which raises different legal issues as the FC Twente deals dealt with in our first blog.   I.              The context: The free-fall of Sporting Sporting Lisbon, or Sporting Club de Portugal as the club is officially known, is a Portuguese club active in 44 different sports. Although the club has the legal status of Sociedade Anónima Desportiva, a specific form of public limited company, it also has over 130.000 club members, making it one of the biggest sports clubs in the world. The professional football branch of Sporting is by far the most important and famous part of the [...]

The Italian Competition Authority fines two cartels in ready-mix concrete sector (Intermodale / General Beton Triveneta / Calcestruzzi / SuperBeton)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "ICA Fines two Cartels in Ready-Mix Concrete Sector". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link with a party or third party. [...]

The French Competition Authority fines an anti-competitive agreement concerning dairy products sold under retailers' private labels (Yoghurt cartel)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "French Competition Authority Imposes € 192.7 Million in Fines for Anti-competitive Agreement Concerning Dairy Products Sold under Retailers' Private Labels". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you [...]

The Lithuanian Supreme Administrative Court upholds Competition Council's cartel decision in shipping sector (Lithuanian Shipbrokers and Agents Association)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "Court Upholds Competition Council's Cartel Decision in Shipping Sector". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link with a [...]

The Spanish Competition Authority fines exchange of strategic information in the dairy industry (Danone / Lactalis Iberia / Nestlé)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "CNMC Imposes Fines of € 88 000 000 in Dairy Industry". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link with a party or third [...]

The Austrian Cartel Court fines a mineral waters supplier for vertical agreements fixing prices (Vöslauer Mineralwasser)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "Fine for Vertical Agreement in Non-alcoholic Beverages Sector". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link with a party or [...]

The Spanish Competition Authority fines various petrol product operator for anti-competitive agreements (Repsol / CEPSA / BP)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "CNMC Fines Various Petrol Product Operators a Total of € 32 400 000 for Anti-competitive Agreements". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, [...]

The Lithuanian Competition Council fines a cartel in the energy sector (Lukrida / Envija / Manfula)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "Competition Council Hits Cartel in Energy Sector". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link with a party or third party. [...]

The Slovenian Competition Protection Agency holds that the incumbent telecom operator abused its dominant position by refusing access to network (Telekom Slovenije)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "Telekom Slovenije Abuses its Dominant Position by Refusing Access to Network". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link with [...]

The Austrian Cartel Court imposes fines totalling € 17 468 091 on 30 companies active in the freight forwarding market for infringement of Art. 101 TFEU by agreeing on tariffs for domestic combined shipments (SSK)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "Cartel in the Freight Forwarding Market". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link with a party or third party. Your case [...]

The Swedish Competition Authority initiates fines proceedings against a manufacturer of wet tobacco for abusing its dominant position (Swedish Match)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "SCA Initiates Fines Proceedings against Swedish Match for Abusing its Dominant Position". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have [...]

The Austrian Cartel Court fines retailers for vertical price agreements (SPAR / Sutterlüty / MPREIS)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "Fines for Various Food Retailers". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link with a party or third party. Your case summary [...]

The European Commission adopts a decision launching a sector inquiry into e-commerce in all EU Member States

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "E-commerce Sector Inquiry". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link with a party or third party. Your case summary will [...]

The Bulgarian Competition Authority finds that amendments to attorney act are anti-competitive

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "Amendments to Attorney Act Found to Be Anti-competitive". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link with a party or third [...]

The Bulgarian Competition Authority adopts an advocacy opinion on the legal framework regulating "must carry" obligations introduced for the purposes of the switchover from analogue to digital terrestrial television

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "CPC Adopts Advocacy Opinion on Digital Terrestrial Television". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position (...) - ECN 2/2015 / Procédures, Autorité nationale de concurrence, National procedural provisions, Autres, Divertissement, Bulgarie, Protection des consommateurs

The Bulgarian Commission on Protection of Competition considers that minimum and maximum prices in the taxi services sector restrict competition

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "CPC Recommends Discontinuing Price Regulation for Taxi Services". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link with a party or [...]

The Bulgarian Commission on Protection of Competition advocates the removal of unjustified restrictions on collection of household ferrous scrap

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "CPC Advocates for Removing Unjustified Restrictions on Collection of Household Ferrous Scrap". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you [...]

The Hellenic Competition Commission issues notice on concept and treatment of confidential information

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "HCC Issues Notice on Concept and Treatment of Confidential Information". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official (...) - ECN 2/2015 / Procédures, Autorité nationale de concurrence, Secrets commerciaux, Grèce, National procedural provisions, Tous secteurs d'activité , Lignes directrices/Communications, Accès au dossier, Principe de transparence

The Slovakian Antimonopoly Office publishes document on its priority setting with regard to vertical agreements restricting competition by object

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "AMO Publishes Document on its Priority Setting with Regard to Vertical Agreements Restricting Competition by Object ("Hard-Core Restrictions")". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to [...]

The Bulgarian Competition Authority advocates for removing restrictions of competition concerning surveyors and providers of energy efficiency audits

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "CPC Advocates for Removing Restrictions of Competition Concerning Surveyors and Providers of Energy Efficiency Audits". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of [...]

The Slovakian Competition Authority calls for measures to increase banks clients' mobility

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "AMO Calls for Measures to Increase Banks Clients´ Mobility". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link with a party or third [...]

The Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection publishes transparency guidelines

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "UOKiK Publishes Transparency Guidelines". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link with a party or third party. Your case [...]

The French Competition Authority and the UK Competition and Markets Authority adopts joint report on ecosystems in digital economy and their effects on competition

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "Competition Authorities Produce Joint Report on Ecosystems in Digital Economy and their Effects on Competition". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this [...]

The Montenegrin and Croatian Competition Authorities sign a memorandum of cooperation

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 01.12.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 02/2015 (click here), under the title : "Memorandum on Cooperation between Croatian and Montenegrin Competition Agencies". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link [...]

Unpacking Doyen’s TPO deals - Introduction

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 27.11.2015

The football world has been buzzing with Doyen’s name for a few years now. Yet, in practice very little is known about the way Doyen Sports (the Doyen entity involved in the football business) operates. The content of the contracts it signs with clubs was speculative, as they are subjected to strict confidentiality policies. Nonetheless, Doyen became a political (and public) scapegoat and is widely perceived as exemplifying the ‘TPOisation’ of football. This mythical status of Doyen is also entertained by the firm itself, which has multiplied the (until now failed) legal actions against FIFA’s TPO ban (on the ban see our blog symposium here) in a bid to attract attention and to publicly defend its business model. In short, it has become the mysterious [...]

The rule of law and legal certainty in EU competition fines (by Luis Ortiz Blanco)

Source: Chillin'Competition , 26.11.2015

Last week we posted here Wouter Wil’s summary of the main procedural developments in recent times (it has already been downloaded quite a few hundred times…). Today we are publishing the transcript (thanks to Carlos Bobillo) of Luis Ortiz Blanco’s intervention at the Chilling’Competition conference (pictured above). I will do the same unnecessary introduction I […]

The Spanish Supreme Court upholds a judgment of the National Court of Appeal and its assessment of the evidence regarding the definition of the relevant product market (Consenur / Ecotec)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 24.11.2015

In May, 2015, the Spanish Supreme Court issued judgment number 3974/2012 on the appeals submitted by the Administración General del Estado (General State Administration) against the judgment of the Audiencia Nacional (Spanish Court of Appeal, “AN”) of September 19, 2012. The Supreme Court considers that the AN made a correct assessment of the evidence regarding the definition of the relevant product market. Thus, the Supreme Court confirmed that the relevant market was that of management of (...) - November 2015-II / Espagne, Juridiction nationale, Jurisprudence, Marché pertinent, Notification (concentrations), Services, Concentrations, National Merger regulations, Contrôle juridictionnel

The Swedish Supreme Court rejects a claim for annulment of an arbitration award without assessing the formal matter of the legislation on which the award was based (Systembolaget Aktiebolag)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 24.11.2015

The Swedish Supreme Court rejected, on 17 June 2015, a claim for annulment of an arbitration award. The claimant, Systembolaget Aktiebolag (“Systembolaget”) contended that the arbitration panel had misinterpreted the competition rule and that the legal issue of the case did not fall within the competence of the arbitration panel. The background of the dispute was the offer of a bribe by an employee at The Absolut Company (“Absolut”), to an employee at Systembolaget, the company governing the (...) - November 2015-II / Procédures, Suède, Abus de position dominante, Juridiction nationale, Jurisprudence, National provision prohibiting abuses of dominance, National procedural provisions, Arbitrage, Nullité/Caducité, Annulation, Tabac et alcool

Book Review: Questioning the (in)dependence of the Court of Arbitration for Sport

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 20.11.2015

Book Review: Vaitiekunas A (2014) The Court of Arbitration for Sport : Law-Making and the Question of Independence, Stämpfli Verlag, Berne, CHF 89,00 The book under review is the published version of a PhD thesis defended in 2013 by Andrew Vaitiekunas at Melbourne Law School. A PhD is often taking stock of legal developments rather than anticipating or triggering them. This was definitely not the case of this book. Its core subject of interest is the study of the independence of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) – an issue that has risen to prominence with the recent Pechstein ruling of January 2015 of the Oberlandesgericht München. It is difficult to be timelier indeed. The fundamental question underlying Vaitiekunas’ research is: “does CAS have sufficient [...]

Cooperative Agreements between Public Authorities. The influence of CJEU case law on national legal systems, Kris WAUTERS

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 12.11.2015

Cette rubrique recense et commente les ouvrages et autres publications en droit de la concurrence, droit & économie de la concurrence et en droit de la régulation. Une telle recension ne peut par nature être exhaustive et se limite donc à présenter quelques publications récentes dans ces matières. Auteurs et éditeurs peuvent envoyer les ouvrages à l'intention du responsable de cette rubrique : stephane.rodrigues-domingues@univ-paris1.fr - N° 4-2015 / Livres

Competition and Regulation in Energy Markets, Sebastian EYRE et Michael G. POLLITT (dir.)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 12.11.2015

Cette rubrique recense et commente les ouvrages et autres publications en droit de la concurrence, droit & économie de la concurrence et en droit de la régulation. Une telle recension ne peut par nature être exhaustive et se limite donc à présenter quelques publications récentes dans ces matières. Auteurs et éditeurs peuvent envoyer les ouvrages à l'intention du responsable de cette rubrique : stephane.rodrigues-domingues@univ-paris1.fr - N° 4-2015 / Livres

The 2006 World Cup Tax Evasion Affair in Germany: A short guide. By Gesa Kuebek

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 10.11.2015

Editor's note:Gesa Kuebek holds an LLM and graduated from the University of Bologna, Gent and Hamburg as part of the Erasmus Mundus Master Programme in Law and Economics and now work as an intern for the Asser Instituut. On Monday, 9 November, the German Football Association (DFB) announced in a Press Release the resignation of its head, Wolfgang Niersbach, over the 2006 World Cup Affair. In his statement, Niersbach argued that he had “no knowledge whatsoever” about any “payments flows” and is now being confronted with proceedings in which he was “never involved”. However, he is now forced to draw the “political consequences” from the situation. His resignation occurred against the backdrop of last week’s raid of the DFB’s Frankfurt headquarters and the private [...]

A Swedish Court imposes fines on bus company cartel (Ölvemarks and Scandorama)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 26.10.2015

Sweden : The Stockholm City Court imposes Fines on Bus Company Cartel in Package Tour Sector* On 24 February 2012, the Stockholm City Court (the City Court) imposed fines amounting to SEK 11 390 000 (approximately € 1 300 000) on two bus companies - Ölvemarks and Scandorama - for infringing Article 101 TFEU and the equivalent national competition provision. The companies were found to have agreed on prices for package tours on coaches between 2007 and 2009. They had also agreed to restrict (...) - February 2012 / Ententes, Suède, Juridiction nationale, Jurisprudence, Art. 101 TFEU, Accord, Charge de la preuve, Cartel, Transports, National provision prohibiting anticompetitive agreements, Sanctions/Amendes, Appel/Cassation, Individualisation de la sanction

On the Commission’s powers to request information (II)- Opinion of AG Wahl in case C-247/14 P, Heidelberg Cement.

Source: Chillin'Competition , 23.10.2015

On Thursday last week AG Wahl delivered his Opinions (in this post we will only discuss one) in the appeals against the General Court’s Judgments endorsing a Commission’s decision requesting information to a number of cement producers. The case is one of maximum importance on the procedural front, and the ECJ’s Judgment is set to […]

Merger remedies and competition law : An overview of EU and national case law

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 20.10.2015

Remedies are an important tool for competition authorities in merger control. In most jurisdictions, prohibitions can be avoided by crafting remedies able to resolve competition law concerns. The design and implementation of merger remedies have evolved during the last two decades. Merger remedies aim to remove competition law concerns raised by a merger. Remedies are designed on a case by case basis. In order to guide companies, competition authorities have established mainstream (...) - Merger Remedies / Position dominante, Prix excessifs, Entreprise commune, Prix, Vente liée, Tous secteurs d'activité , Barrières à l'entrée, Avant-propos, Appel/Cassation, Concentrations, Engagements (concentrations), Augmentation des prix, Interdiction (concentrations),

Healthcare and competition law : An overview of EU and national case law

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 15.10.2015

I. Introduction The application of competition law to the healthcare industry in a number of European states has expanded significantly in recent years as governments have introduced, or increased the use of, both market-based mechanisms and the private sector to deliver services to patients. Examples of these reforms include the introduction of patient choice of hospital, including both public and private hospitals, for acute elective care in England, the establishment of a competitive (...) - Healthcare / Ententes, Abus de position dominante, Ententes (appel d'offres), Prix, Entreprise (notion), Santé, Avant-propos

The Italian Competition Authority issues an opinion on the potential anticompetitive effect of a draft bill concerning the purchase of biological medicines by public procurement (DDL n. 1875/2011)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 15.10.2015

Italy : The Competition Authority's (ICA's) Opinion on the Public Procurement Discipline for Biopharmaceutical Products* On 16 March 2011, the ICA addressed to the Italian government an opinion on the potential anticompetitive effect of a draft bill concerning the purchase of biological medicines by public procurement (DDL n. 1875/2011). The proposed law would forbid local health units from setting up a tender in which a biological product and its biosimilar are put in the same lot. (...) - Healthcare / Italie, Autorité nationale de concurrence, Loi, décret, règlement, Ententes (appel d'offres), Marché pertinent, Industrie pharmaceutique, National procedural provisions, Définition du marché, Marchés publics

The EU Court of Justice upholds the General Court's decision addressing the issue of the admissibility of action in state aid cases under the Plaumann test (Comitato Venezia vuole vivere)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 15.10.2015

Death in Venice : The end of a Commission's locus standi theory in State aid cases ?* Following my previous post, I would like to briefly refer to another interesting battlefield within the State aid area : the locus standi of the beneficiaries of aid schemes (think, for instance, of tax measures) to challenge negative decisions of the Commission. In contrast with antitrust practice where undertakings are always the addressees of the Commission's decisions, in State aid cases the (...) - Healthcare / Aides d'Etat, Jurisprudence, Charge de la preuve, Santé, Remboursement (Aide d'Etat), Recevabilité (plainte), Droits de la défense, Appel/Cassation, Union Européenne, Plan d'aide d'Etat, Cour de justice (UE)

The Commission approves State aid granted by Sweden to improve the indoor environment in buildings for reasons of public health

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 15.10.2015

Article originally published in DG Competition's Competition Policy Newsletter, as Competition Policy Newsletter 2000-3, p. 80 (click here), under the title "Sweden – Commission approves State aid to improve the indoor environment in buildings for reasons of public health". Please note that all articles published in the CPN are subject to a disclaimer : "The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission. Responsibility for the information and views expressed lies entirely with the authors. Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use which might be made of the following information." © European Union. - Healthcare / Aides d'Etat, Jurisprudence,

The UK Supreme Court clarifies limitation period for follow-on damages actions in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (BCL Old Co / BASF)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.10.2015

The Supreme Court, in its decision in BCL Old Co v BASF, has clarified the limitation period for bringing follow-on action claims for damages in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (the “CAT”). The Supreme Court upheld the Court of Appeal's earlier ruling that : An action for follow-on damages in the CAT must be commenced within two years of the later of either (a) the date following the original decision and the lapsing of any time for an appeal to be lodged, or (b) the final determination of (...) - Healthcare / Procédures, Royaume-Uni, Juridiction nationale, Jurisprudence, Dommages et intérêts, National procedural provisions, Santé, Private enforcement, Appel/Cassation, Prescription

What is the optimum market price standard for State aid purposes?

Source: EUStateAidBlog , 13.10.2015

[Image taken by ​www.lkjl.de] In general, it is well-settled that the concept of aid embraces not only positive benefits, such as subsidies, but in addition other assistance which, in various forms, is capable of mitigating the charges which are regularly borne by undertakings and which, therefore, without constituting subsidies in the strict sense of the word, are similar in nature and have the same effect.[1] Such aid measures often require more complex and thorough economic [...]

The European Commission’s ISU antitrust investigation explained. By Ben Van Rompuy

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 05.10.2015

In June 2014, two prominent Dutch speed skaters, Mark Tuitert (Olympic Champion 1500m) and Niels Kerstholt (World Champion short track), filed a competition law complaint against the International Skating Union (ISU) with the European Commission.ChanceToCompeteTwitter.png (50.4KB) Today, the European Commission announced that it has opened a formal antitrust investigation into International Skating Union (ISU) rules that permanently ban skaters from competitions such as the Winter Olympics and the ISU World and European Championships if they take part in events not organised or promoted by the ISU. The Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager, stated that the Commission "will investigate if such rules are being abused to enforce a monopoly over the organisation of [...]

Interview with Wil van Megen (Legal Director of FIFPro) on FIFPro’s EU Competition Law complaint against the FIFA Transfer System

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 29.09.2015

Editor’s note:  Wil is working as a lawyer since 1980. He started his legal career at Rechtshulp Rotterdam. Later on he worked for the Dutch national trade union FNV and law firm Varrolaan Advocaten. Currently he is participating in the Labour Law Section of lawfirm MHZ-advocaten in Schiedam in the Netherlands. He is also a member of a joint committee advising the government in labour issues. Since 1991 he is dealing with the labour issues of the trade union for professional football players VVCS and cyclists’ union VVBW. Since 2002, he works for FIFPro, the worldwide union for professional football players based in Hoofddorp in the Netherlands. He is involved in many international football cases and provides legal support for FIFPro members all over the world. Wil was also [...]

The Scala reform proposals for FIFA: Old wine in new bottles?

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 29.09.2015

Rien ne va plus at FIFA. The news that FIFA’s Secretary General Jérôme Valcke was put on leave and released from his duties has been quickly overtaken by the opening of a criminal investigation targeting both Blatter and Platini. With FIFA hopping from one scandal to the next, one tends to disregard the fact that it has been attempting (or rather pretending) to improve the governance of the organisation for some years now. In previous blogs (here and here), we discussed the so-called ‘FIFA Governance Reform Project’, a project carried out by the Independent Governance Committee (IGC) under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Mark Pieth of the Basel Institute on Governance. Their third and final report, published on 22 April 2014, listed a set of achievements made by FIFA in the [...]

A Swedish Court of first instance renders judgment in a private enforcement case (Gävle harbour)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 18.09.2015

Introduction Judgment of the Stockholm District Court (the "Court") dated 31 May 2012 in case T 5995-09 regarding Preem Aktiebolag's ("Preem") claim for damages against Gävle Hamn AB (the "Port") for abuse of a dominant position. The Court found that the Port held a dominant position and had applied different prices for similar services without any countervailing economic justification. However, as Preem was not put at a competitive disadvantage, the claim was dismissed and Preem was ordered (...) - May 2012 / Pratiques unilatérales, Suède, Abus de position dominante, Juridiction nationale, Jurisprudence, Dommages et intérêts, Télécommunications, National provision prohibiting abuses of dominance, Private enforcement

A Swedish Court orders a telecoms operator to pay a fine of approximately € 15 000 000 for infringing art. 102 TFEU (Telia Sonera)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 18.09.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 01/2012 (click here), under the title : " Sweden : The Stockholm City Court orders Telia Sonera to pay a Fine of approximately € 15 000 000 for infringing Article 102 TFEU". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a [...]

The Luxembourg Administrative Court dismisses the appeal of the state of Luxembourg and confirms the annulment of the decisions imposing interim measures against national incumbent telecom operator (P&T)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.09.2015

1. Facts Several telecommunications companies introduced a complaint for abuse of dominant position against “Entreprise des Postes et Télécommunications” (hereafter “P&T”) to the Luxembourg Competition Inspectorate. The latter requested the President of the Luxembourg Competition Council (hereafter “the President”) to take interim measures. On 22 January 2008, the President adopted a decision that contained interim measures against P&T and it asked the Competition Council (hereafter “the (...) - July 2010 / Juridiction nationale, Jurisprudence, Mesures provisoires, Luxembourg, Télécommunications, National procedural provisions, Droits de la défense, Appel/Cassation, Annulation

A Luxembourg Commercial Court rules that a de minimis exclusive distribution agreement is not prohibited under Article 85 EC (La Pastourelle/Rolling)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.09.2015

1. Facts On 1 April 1982, "la Pastourelle" (hereafter "the plaintiff"), limited company under Belgian law, and "Maison Rolling" (hereafter "the defendant"), shop located in Luxembourg, concluded an exclusive sale agreement for a duration of 5 years. This agreement was extended for the same duration on 31 March 1987. Under Article 2 of the agreement, the defendant engaged itself that its store in Luxembourg would solely sell clothes provided by the plaintiff, excluding any other supplier. (...) - November 2000 / Ententes, Distribution/Vente, Juridiction nationale, Jurisprudence, Art. 101 TFEU, De minimis, Accord de distribution, Distribution exclusive, Contrat de franchise, Luxembourg, Private enforcement, Appel/Cassation

On the Commissioner’s speech and Cartes Bancaires turning one: are geo-blocking provisions really a restriction by object? Really really?

Source: Chillin'Competition , 14.09.2015

On the first anniversary of Cartes Bancaires (see here for Alfonso’s instant classic on the judgment), Commissioner Vestager gave a speech on Intellectual Property and Competition at the IBA Competition Conference in Florence. There is no trace of the ruling in the speech. There is, on the other hand, a reference to another carte. It […]

Why the CAS #LetDuteeRun: the Proportionality of the Regulation of Hyperandrogenism in Athletics by Piotr Drabik

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 11.09.2015

Editor's note: Piotr is currently an Intern at the ASSER International Sports Law Centre.Introduction On 24 July the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) issued its decision in the proceedings brought by the Indian athlete Ms. Dutee Chand against the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in which she challenged the validity of the IAAF Regulations Governing Eligibility of Female with Hyperandrogenism to Compete in Women’s Competition (Regulations). The Regulations were established in 2011 as a response to the controversies surrounding South African athlete Caster Semenya (see e.g. here, here, and here), and for the purpose of safeguarding fairness in sport by prohibiting women with hyperandrogenism, i.e. those with [...]

Not comfortably satisfied? The upcoming Court of Arbitration for Sport case of the thirty-four current and former players of the Essendon football club. By James Kitching

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 04.09.2015

Editor's note: James Kitching is Legal Counsel and Secretary to the AFC judicial bodies at the Asian Football Confederation. James is an Australian and Italian citizen and one of the few Australians working in international sports law. He is admitted as barrister and solicitor in the Supreme Court of South Australia. James graduated from the International Master in the Management, Law, and Humanities of Sport offered by the Centre International d'Etude du Sport in July 2012. IntroductionOn 12 May 2015, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had filed an appeal against the decision issued by the Australian Football League (AFL) Anti-Doping Tribunal (AADT) that thirty-four current and former players of Essendon Football Club [...]

Summertime developments in EU competition law (tax rulings, cement, Section 5 of the FTC Act and more on Google)

Source: Chillin'Competition , 02.09.2015

Lots of things happened while this blog was closed for holidays; here are a some comments on a selected few of those developments: –The news: On 20 July the European Parliament issues its Draft Report on tax rulings unusually pre-concluding that “without prejudice to the outcome of the Commission’s ongoing state aid investigations” there has […]

The European Court of First Instance refuses to extend the protection of legal privilege in connection with European competition investigations to communications between companies and their in‐house lawyers (Akzo Nobel)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.08.2015

The second‐highest court in Europe ruled recently that attorney‐client privilege does not apply to certain communications between companies and their in‐house counsel. In its ruling in Akzo Nobel Chemicals Limited v. Commission on 17 September 2007, the European Court of First Instance (ʺthe Courtʺ) has refused to extend the protection of legal privilege in connection with European competition investigations to communications between companies and their (...) - Paul hastings / Procédures, Jurisprudence, Art. 101 TFEU, Cartel, Appel/Cassation, Union Européenne, Confidentialité avocat/client, Tribunal (UE), Chemical Industry

The Federal Trade Commission announces significant revisions to the reporting rules under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.08.2015

The Federal Trade Commission recently announced significant revisions to the reporting rules under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR” Act), which will take effect on August 18, 2011. Importantly, the revisions do not alter the rules with regard to whether a particular transaction is HSR reportable or not, but rather change what information needs to be supplied to the federal antitrust enforcement agencies for transactions that are HSR (...) - Paul hastings / National competition authority, Communiqué de presse , Notification (concentrations), Tous secteurs d'activité , Concentrations, National Merger regulations, Seuils, Réforme, Etats Unis d'Amérique

The EU Commission adopts new rules applicable to distribution agreements

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.08.2015

Executive Summary : Earlier this year, the new EU Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (“New Block Exemption Regulation”) and the accompanying new Vertical Restraints Guidelines (“New Guidelines”) entered into force. Their scope of application covers all agreements between economic operators at different economic levels : these are so-called “vertical” agreements entered into between a supplier and a distributor which have an economic effect within the European Union (suppliers from outside (...) - Paul hastings / Ententes, Loi, décret, règlement, Art. 101 TFEU, Exemption (règlement), Prix imposés, Restrictions verticales, Tous secteurs d'activité , Contrats d'agence, Union Européenne, Lignes directrices/Communications, Seuils, Commission (UE)

The US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania holds that a firm which has engaged in fraud on the patent office cannot stand on its patent to defend reverse payment antitrust claims (Cephalon)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.08.2015

Last year in a landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled that pharmaceutical “reverse payment” settlements in Hatch-Waxman Act “Paragraph 4” patent litigation are subject to challenge, departing from the rule that most Circuits had adopted. FTC v. Actavis, 133 S.Ct. 2223 (2013). In these cases, patent owners are compelled to bring patent infringement actions against generic drug makers who file a notice with the FDA indicating their view that any existing patents protecting the branded drug (...) - Paul hastings / Ententes, Abus de position dominante, National jurisdiction, Jurisprudence, Propriété intellectuelle, Industrie pharmaceutique, Etats Unis d'Amérique, Contrôle juridictionnel

EU Law is not enough: Why FIFA's TPO ban survived its first challenge before the Brussels Court

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 25.08.2015

Star Lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont is almost a monopolist as far as high profile EU law and football cases are concerned. This year, besides a mediatised challenge against UEFA’s FFP regulations, he is going after FIFA’s TPO ban on behalf of the Spanish and Portuguese leagues in front of the EU Commission, but also before the Brussels First Instance Court defending the infamous Malta-based football investment firm Doyen Sport. FIFA and UEFA’s archenemy, probably electrified by the 20 years of the Bosman ruling, is emphatically trying to reproduce his world-famous legal prowess. Despite a first spark at a success in the FFP case against UEFA with the Court of first instance of Brussels sending a preliminary reference to the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU), this has proven to be a [...]

OCDE : Le Comité concurrence de l'OCDE sa consacre à la relation entre action publique et action privée et à l'évolution institutionnelle des autorités de concurrence

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 21.08.2015

La relation entre action publique et action privée en droit de la concurrence Pour la 123ème session du comité concurrence de l'OCDE, le groupe coopération et application des règles, réuni le 15 juin et présidé par Bill Baer, chef de la Division antitrust du Département de la justice américain, a choisi pour thème de sa discussion principale la relation entre action publique et action privée. La table ronde a permis de mettre en exergue l'expérience française, en miroir avec l'expérience américaine (...) - Chroniques / Tous secteurs d'activité , Private enforcement, Autres, Politique internationale, Autres institutions étrangères, OCDE, Public Enforcement

Infraction continue : Le Tribunal de l'Union européenne sanctionne la participation d'une entreprise à une infraction continue en se fondant notamment sur des preuves obtenues lors de la procédure transactionnelle qui a pourtant avorté pour cette entreprise, et confirme donc l'amende de près de 60 millions d'euros infligée à ladite entreprise (Timab Industries, CFPR)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 21.08.2015

Par sa décision du 20 juillet 2010 ((2010) 5001 final), la Commission européenne a constaté que les principaux producteurs européens de phosphates pour l'alimentation animale (PAA) étaient convenus de se partager une grande partie du marché européen des PAA en se répartissant des quotas de vente par région et par client. Ils avaient, en outre, coordonné les prix, et, lorsque cela s'avérait nécessaire, les conditions de vente. L'accord original, passé par écrit le 19 mars 1969 entre les cinq principaux (...) - Chroniques / Jurisprudence, Manufacture/Fabrication, Transaction juridique, Sanctions/Amendes, Ententes, Union Européenne, Art. 101 TFUE , Tribunal (UE), Ententes

Jurisprudence de la CJUE 2014. Décisions et commentaires, Fabrice PICOD (dir.)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 21.08.2015

Cette rubrique recense et commente les ouvrages et autres publications en droit de la concurrence, droit & économie de la concurrence et en droit de la régulation. Une telle recension ne peut par nature être exhaustive et se limite donc à présenter quelques publications récentes dans ces matières. Auteurs et éditeurs peuvent envoyer les ouvrages à l'intention du responsable de cette rubrique : stephane.rodrigues-domingues@univ-paris1.fr - N° 3-2015 / Livres

European Public Procurement Law. The Public Sector Procurement Directive 2014/24/EU Explained through 30 Years of Case Law by the Court of Justice of the European Union, Constant DE KONINCK, Thierry RONSE et William TIMMERMANS (dir.)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 21.08.2015

Cette rubrique recense et commente les ouvrages et autres publications en droit de la concurrence, droit & économie de la concurrence et en droit de la régulation. Une telle recension ne peut par nature être exhaustive et se limite donc à présenter quelques publications récentes dans ces matières. Auteurs et éditeurs peuvent envoyer les ouvrages à l'intention du responsable de cette rubrique : stephane.rodrigues-domingues@univ-paris1.fr - N° 3-2015 / Livres

Market & Competition Authorities. Good Agency Principles, Annetje OTTOW

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 21.08.2015

Cette rubrique recense et commente les ouvrages et autres publications en droit de la concurrence, droit & économie de la concurrence et en droit de la régulation. Une telle recension ne peut par nature être exhaustive et se limite donc à présenter quelques publications récentes dans ces matières. Auteurs et éditeurs peuvent envoyer les ouvrages à l'intention du responsable de cette rubrique : stephane.rodrigues-domingues@univ-paris1.fr - N° 3-2015 / Livres

Joint Research and Development under US Antitrust and EU Competition Law, Björn LUNDQVIST

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 21.08.2015

Cette rubrique recense et commente les ouvrages et autres publications en droit de la concurrence, droit & économie de la concurrence et en droit de la régulation. Une telle recension ne peut par nature être exhaustive et se limite donc à présenter quelques publications récentes dans ces matières. Auteurs et éditeurs peuvent envoyer les ouvrages à l'intention du responsable de cette rubrique : stephane.rodrigues-domingues@univ-paris1.fr - N° 3-2015 / Livres

The Polish Competition Authority gives conditional consent for a company operating in the sale and extraction of coal to take over a producer of mine roadway supports used for securing mine shafts and a producer of mining accessories (Kompania Węglowa / Huta Łabędy)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 18.08.2015

The Polish Competition Authority (the OCCP President) gave consent for Kompania Węglowa to take over Huta Łabędy. It was however a conditional consent. The Authority very rarely issues any conditions in relation to the merger decisions, only around 2% of decisions issued by the OCCP President are the so-called conditional decisions. Kompania Węglowa is a company operating mainly in the sector of the sale and extraction of coal. Huta Łabędy is mainly a producer of mine roadway supports used for (...) - Merger Remedies / Pologne, National competition authority, Jurisprudence, Charbon et acier, Concentrations, Engagements (concentrations), National Merger regulations, Concentration (notion), Entreprise publique

The New FIFA Intermediaries Regulations under EU Law Fire in Germany. By Tine Misic

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 12.08.2015

“I'm sure that in 1985, plutonium is available in every corner drugstore, but in 1955, it's a little hard to come by.” (Dr. Emmett L. Brown)[1] Back to the future?Availing oneself of EU law in the ambit of sports in 1995 must have felt a bit like digging for plutonium, but following the landmark ruling of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in the Bosman case[2], 20 years later, with all the buzz surrounding several cases where EU law is being used as an efficient ammunition for shelling various sports governing or organising bodies, one may wonder if in 2015 EU law is to be “found in every drug store” and the recent cases (see inter alia Heinz Müller v 1. FSV Mainz 05, Daniel Striani ao v UEFA, Doyen Sports ao v URBSFA, FIFA, UEFA) [3] cannot but invitingly evoke the [...]

The US Department of Justice awards a company sentencing credit for implementing an effective compliance program after the launch of an investigation in the alleged forex cartel conspiracy (Barclays)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 12.08.2015

As spring gives way to summer, the first “green shoots” signaling the willingness of the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice to credit compliance programs have emerged. For the first time ever, the Division has awarded a company sentencing credit for implementing an effective compliance program after the commencement of an investigation. Barclays PLC is the recipient, earning credit in connection with a plea agreement entered late last week in connection with its (...) - August 2015 / Ententes, National competition authority, Cartel, Services financiers, National procedural provisions, Fixation des prix, Sanctions/Amendes, Autres, Etats Unis d'Amérique

Private Antitrust Litigation in the European Union and Japan, A comparative perspective

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 06.08.2015

La publication de cette thèse appelle l'attention par le regard croisé qu'elle offre sur le Japon et l'Europe. Le thème des actions privées n'étonne guère dans le contexte européen. En revanche, la comparaison avec le Japon peut surprendre dans la mesure où le droit antitrust n'est pas réputé y avoir un fort ancrage. L'habitude est de comparer le droit européen de la concurrence avec celui des États-Unis. Or l'intérêt du Japon est précisément d'être éloigné de la culture juridique américaine, alors même que (...) - Livres / Dommages et intérêts, Tous secteurs d'activité , Private enforcement, Procédures, Union Européenne, Japon, Recours collectif

Copyright reform through competition law? The Commission’s statement of objections in the pay TV investigation

Source: Chillin'Competition , 24.07.2015

The moment of truth for the Pay TV investigation has arrived. Yesterday, the Commission sent a statement of objections to Sky UK and the ‘Big Six’ Hollywood majors. It has come to the preliminary conclusion that the territorial restrictions introduced in the agreements between the pay TV operator and the studios are restrictive of competition, […]

Compatibility of fixed-term contracts in football with Directive 1999/70/EC. Part 2: The Heinz Müller case. By Piotr Drabik

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 23.07.2015

IntroductionThe first part of the present blog article provided a general introduction to the compatibility of fixed-term contracts in football with Directive 1999/70/EC[1] (Directive). However, as the Member States of the European Union enjoy a considerable discretion in the implementation of a directive, grasping the impact of the Directive on the world of football would not be possible without considering the national context. The recent ruling of the Arbeitsgericht Mainz (the lowest German labour court; hereinafter the Court) in proceedings brought by a German footballer Heinz Müller provides an important example in this regard. This second part of the blog on the legality of fixed-term contract in football is devoted to presenting and assessing the Court’s decision.I. [...]

Public procurement : An overview of EU and national case law

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 21.07.2015

Both public procurement and competition law constitute particularly relevant fields of public policy and legislation in the EU. Their relevance throughout the process of construction of the internal market, and their key role in preserving the advances made so far and in pushing European economic integration forward can hardly be overstated. Indeed, both sets of economic regulation directly related to the internal market [art 3(3) and Protocol No 27 TEU, art 3(1)(b) TFEU] are instrumental (...) - Public procurement / Ententes, Ententes (appel d'offres), Cartel, Fixation des prix, Aide d'Etat (notion), Tous secteurs d'activité , Sanctions/Amendes, Sanctions pénales, Avant-propos, Appel/Cassation, Concentration (notion), Soumission d'offre conjointe, Puissance d'achat

Compatibility of Fixed-Term Contracts in Football with Directive 1999/70/EC. Part.1: The General Framework. By Piotr Drabik

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 20.07.2015

IntroductionOn 25 March 2015, the Labour Court of Mainz issued its decision in proceedings brought by a German footballer, Heinz Müller, against his (now former) club 1. FSV Mainz 05 (Mainz 05). The Court sided with the player and ruled that Müller should have been employed by Mainz 05 for an indefinite period following his 2009 three year contract with the club which was subsequently extended in 2011 to run until mid-2014. The judgment was based on national law implementing Directive 1999/70 on fixed-term work[1] (Directive) with the latter being introduced pursuant to art. 155(2) TFEU (ex art. 139(2) TEC). On the basis of this article, European social partners’ may request a framework agreement which they conclude to be implemented on the European Union (EU, Union) level by [...]

Dominance in the pharmaceutical sector : An overview of EU and national case law

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 17.07.2015

1. Introduction In early 2008, the European Commission launched a wide-ranging inquiry into alleged anti-competitive conduct in the pharmaceutical sector. The Sector Inquiry closely investigated, amongst others, certain practices by originator drug companies aimed at delaying the entry into the market of competing generic drugs. It considered whether and, if so, when, practices of so-called life-cycle management of originator drugs may constitute an infringement of EU competition rules, (...) - Pharma & Dominance / Pratiques unilatérales, Abus de position dominante, Prix excessifs, Propriété intellectuelle, Mesures provisoires, Refus de fourniture, Vente liée, Industrie pharmaceutique, Transaction juridique, Importations parallèles, Sanctions/Amendes, Licence [...]

The Hellenic Competition Authority publishes a guide to detect cartels in public procurement tenders

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 16.07.2015

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 01/2015 (click here), under the title : "HCC Helps Public Officials to Detect Cartels in Public Procurement Tenders". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link with a [...]

Policing the (in)dependence of National Federations through the prism of the FIFA Statutes. By Tine Misic

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 10.07.2015

…and everything under the sun is in tune, but the sun is eclipsed by the moon…[1]  The issueRuffling a few feathers, on 30 May 2015 the FIFA Executive Committee rather unsurprisingly, considering the previous warnings,[2] adopted a decision to suspend with immediate effect the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) until such time as PSSI is able to comply with its obligations under Articles 13 and 17 of the FIFA Statutes.[3] Stripping PSSI of its membership rights, the decision results in a prohibition of all Indonesian teams (national or club) from having any international sporting contact. In other words, the decision precludes all Indonesian teams from participating in any competition organised by either FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). In addition, the [...]

The Brussels Court judgment on Financial Fair Play: a futile attempt to pull off a Bosman. By Ben Van Rompuy

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 06.07.2015

On 29 May 2015, the Brussels Court of First Instance delivered its highly anticipated judgment on the challenge brought by football players’ agent Daniel Striani (and others) against UEFA’s Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations (FFP). In media reports,[1] the judgment was generally portrayed as a significant initial victory for the opponents of FFP. The Brussels Court not only made a reference for a preliminary ruling to the European Court of Justice (CJEU) but also imposed an interim order blocking UEFA from implementing the second phase of the FFP that involves reducing the permitted deficit for clubs.A careful reading of the judgment, however, challenges the widespread expectation that the CJEU will now pronounce itself on the compatibility of the FFP with [...]

The European Parliament and the EU Council adopt directive on antitrust damages action

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 30.06.2015

Today, the EU considers that those affected by competition law infringement in some Member States are not able to effectively exercise their right to compensation. New EU legislation seeks to address obstacles to successful damages actions and regulate some key aspects of the interaction between public and private enforcement of EU competition law, but despite good intentions, the risk of unintended consequences is large. According to the Commission, there are many companies (...) - Awards / Procédures, Loi, décret, règlement, Cartel, Dommages et intérêts, Tous secteurs d'activité , Private enforcement, Union Européenne, Parlement (UE), EU Council

The European Parliament and the EU Council adopt directive on antitrust damages action

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 30.06.2015

Today, the EU considers that those affected by competition law infringement in some Member States are not able to effectively exercise their right to compensation. New EU legislation seeks to address obstacles to successful damages actions and regulate some key aspects of the interaction between public and private enforcement of EU competition law, but despite good intentions, the risk of unintended consequences is large. According to the Commission, there are many companies (...) - November 2014 / Procédures, Loi, décret, règlement, Cartel, Dommages et intérêts, Tous secteurs d'activité , Private enforcement, Union Européenne, Parlement (UE), EU Council

The DG Competition of the European Commission published its 5th patent monitoring report

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 30.06.2015

DG Competition of the European Commission just published its 5th patent monitoring report. It covers patent settlements entered into in 2013. Each year, the Commission claims that the report shows a “steady increase” of patent settlements in general, which supposedly would prove that the Commission's threat of vigorous enforcement against so-called reverse patent settlements does not prevent pharmaceutical companies from settling patent disputes. The Commission also claims a steady (...) - Awards / Procédures, Propriété intellectuelle, Accord de licence, Tous secteurs d'activité , Union Européenne, Commission (UE), Rapport

The DG Competition of the European Commission published its 5th patent monitoring report

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 30.06.2015

DG Competition of the European Commission just published its 5th patent monitoring report. It covers patent settlements entered into in 2013. Each year, the Commission claims that the report shows a “steady increase” of patent settlements in general, which supposedly would prove that the Commission's threat of vigorous enforcement against so-called reverse patent settlements does not prevent pharmaceutical companies from settling patent disputes. The Commission also claims a steady (...) - December 2014 / Procédures, Propriété intellectuelle, Accord de licence, Tous secteurs d'activité , Union Européenne, Commission (UE), Rapport

The European Commission announces its adoption of a revised technology transfer block exemption regulation and new accompanying guidelines

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 30.06.2015

Introduction The European Commission has recently announced its adoption of a revised Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation and new accompanying Guidelines, which will come into force on 1 May 2014 and apply for twelve years. This will impact on the risk of including certain clauses in technology transfer agreements and may require parties to amend existing agreements to remain covered by the exemption. On 21 March 2014, the European Commission (the Commission) adopted a new (...) - March 2014 / Ententes, Loi, décret, règlement, Propriété intellectuelle, Accord de licence, Tous secteurs d'activité , Union Européenne, Lignes directrices/Communications, Commission (UE), Transfert de technologie

The EU General Court upholds Commission's decision imposing a fine on a manufacturer for restricting competition and foreclosing competitors by granting exclusivity rebates in the market for computer processors (Intel)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 30.06.2015

The views expressed in this memo are those of the author's, and do not reflect the opinions of other CRA experts, or CRA's clients. A test-case for the effects-based approach In a long-awaited ruling, General Court judgment has confirmed the Commission's 2009 Intel décision. The Commission's decision had found the chip producer to infringe competition rules by granting anti-competitive rebates to computer manufacturers (“OEMs”) in an attempt to exclude its rival AMD from the market. The (...) - June 2014 / Pratiques unilatérales, Abus de position dominante, Jurisprudence, Art. 102 TFEU, Réductions, Manufacture/Fabrication, Barrières à l'entrée, Justification objective, Technologies de l'information, Union Européenne, Tribunal (UE)

The EU Court of Justice holds that a member state may be found to have infringed art. 106(1) TFEU if its measures create a situation in which a public undertaking or an undertaking on which it has conferred special or exclusive rights is led to abuse its dominant position (Greek Lignite case)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 30.06.2015

ECJ held that the legal standard established by the General Court was incorrect, as the Commission was not required to identify or establish that an actual abuse had occurred or a particular abuse could have occurred as a result of the state measure at issue. The ECJ repeated its well established case law, according to which a member state may be found to have infringed article 106(1) TFEU if its measures create a situation in which a public undertaking or an undertaking on which it (...) - July 2014 / Pratiques unilatérales, Abus de position dominante, Jurisprudence, Intervention étatique, Energie, Droit exclusif (Art. 106 TFUE), Union Européenne, Entreprise publique, Cour de justice (UE)

Parallel trade : A synthesis of national and EU case laws

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 04.06.2015

Introduction : parallel trade, national cases and EU law This short paper will try to provide a partial overview of the attitude of EU competition law towards limitations to parallel trade. We will briefly refer, in the relevant section, to 18 national cases published on e-Competitions with the tag “parallel trade”, and try to find their place against the background of the applicable EU case law. As far as possible, given the space constraints, in comparing national and EU case law, we will (...) - Parallel imports / Ententes, Importations parallèles, Avant-propos

De minimis : An overview of EU and national case law

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 28.05.2015

1. Introduction Delimitation of national law and EU law and the proper qualification of ‘purely national situations' has been a consistent source of questioning, leading up to an important body of case-law in all fields of EU law (again recently illustrated by the McCarthy case in relation to movement of EU citizens). Two recurrent questions are where to draw the line and at what level, EU or national, this divide should best be determined. In EU competition law this topic was early on (...) - De minimis / Ententes, De minimis, Effet sur le commerce entre Etats, Tous secteurs d'activité , Avant-propos, Appel/Cassation, Définition du marché, Seuils, Notification (aides d'Etat), Objet/effet anticoncurrentiel

Notion d'aide d'Etat : La Cour de justice de l'Union Européenne dit pour droit que l'autorisation donnée aux taxis londoniens de circuler sur les couloirs de bus mais refuser aux VTC n'implique pas d'aide d'État (Eventech)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 26.05.2015

Cet article a fait l'objet d'une première publication dans la lettre credaconcurrence publié par la Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris Ile de France. CJUE, 14 janvier 2015, affaire C-518/13 (Eventech) Le 14 janvier 2015, la Cour de justice de l'Union européenne a rendu un arrêt dans l'affaire C-518/13 (Eventech) en réponse à une demande de décision préjudicielle introduite par la Court of Appeal (England & Wales) (Civil Division) (Royaume-Uni). Le litige soumis à la Cour de renvoi (...) - Alertes / Jurisprudence, Effet sur le commerce entre Etats, Transports, Aide d'Etat (notion), Aides d'Etat , Union Européenne, Ressources étatiques, Décision préjudicielle (Art. 267 TFUE), Cour de justice (UE)

Investisseur privé en économie de marché : Le Tribunal de l'Union Européenne confirme intégralement l'application faite par la Commission du critère de l'investisseur privé à propos de l'aide d'État accordée concomitamment et de façon indissociable par l'opérateur ferroviaire historique français à sa filiale 100% dans le transport maritime (SNCF/Seafrance)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 26.05.2015

Cet article a fait l'objet d'une première publication dans la lettre credaconcurrence publié par la Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris Ile de France. Tribunal, 15 janvier 2015, affaire T-1/12 (République française contre Commission européenne) À la faveur d'un arrêt rendu le 15 janvier 2015 dans l'affaire T-1/12 (République française contre Commission européenne), le Tribunal de l'Union a intégralement confirmé l'application faite par la Commission du critère de l'investisseur privé à propos de (...) - Alertes / Jurisprudence, Transports, Aide d'Etat (notion), Aides d'Etat , Union Européenne, Aide d'Etat compatibilité, Plan d'aide d'Etat, Investisseur privé en économie de marché, Tribunal (UE)

Obligation de motivation : Le Tribunal de l'Union Européenne estime que la Commission peut rejeter une plainte au motif qu'elle avait déjà été traitée par une autorité nationale de concurrence, quand bien même elle aurait été rejetée par l'ANC pour des raisons de priorité (Easyjet)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 26.05.2015

Cet article a fait l'objet d'une première publication dans la lettre credaconcurrence publié par la Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris Ile de France. Tribunal, 21 janvier 2015, affaire T-355/13 (easyJet Airline Co. Ltd contre Commission européenne) À la faveur d'un arrêt rendu le 21 janvier 2015 dans l'affaire T-355/13 (easyJet Airline Co. Ltd contre Commission européenne), le Tribunal de l'Union européenne est venu rejeter la demande d'annulation formulée par la compagnie aérienne à bas coût (...) - Alertes / Abus de position dominante, Jurisprudence, Taxe, Transports, Procédures, Recevabilité (plainte), Union Européenne, Coopération entre ANC, Tribunal (UE)

Remboursement d'une aide : Le Tribunal de l'Union Européenne rappelle à la Commission que la récupération d'une aide incompatible ne doit pas aller au-delà de la suppression de l'avantage perçu par son bénéficiaire et du rétablissement de la situation antérieure à l'octroi de l'aide (Aer Lingus/Ryanair)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 26.05.2015

Cet article a fait l'objet d'une première publication dans la lettre credaconcurrence publié par la Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris Ile de France. Tribunal, 5 février 2015, affaires T-473/12 (Aer Lingus contre Commission européenne) et T-500/12 (Ryanair contre Commission européenne) À la faveur de deux arrêts rendus le 5 février 2015, dans les affaires T-473/12 (Aer Lingus contre Commission européenne) et T-500/12 (Ryanair contre Commission européenne), le Tribunal de l'Union européenne (...) - Alertes / Jurisprudence, Taxe, Transports, Aide d'Etat (notion), Aides d'Etat , Remboursement (Aide d'Etat), Union Européenne, Aide d'Etat compatibilité, Tribunal (UE), Taxes/Impôts

Aide compatible avec le marché intérieur : Le Tribunal de l'Union Européenne confirme en tous points la décision de la Commission qualifiant d'aide d'État la contribution employeur à caractère libératoire à verser par France Télécom pour la liquidation et le service des pensions de ses fonctionnaires effectués par l'État et exigeant la prise en compte des risques non communs aux salariés privés et aux fonctionnaires publics dans le calcul de cette contribution (France Télécom)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 26.05.2015

Cet article a fait l'objet d'une première publication dans la lettre credaconcurrence publié par la Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris Ile de France. Tribunal, 26 février 2015, affaires T-135/12 (République française) et T-385/12 (France Télécom) Le 26 février 2015, le Tribunal de l'Union européenne a rendu deux arrêts à propos de la contribution employeur à caractère libératoire à verser par France Télécom pour la liquidation et le service des pensions de ses fonctionnaires effectués par l'État (...) - Alertes / Jurisprudence, Télécommunications, Aide d'Etat (notion), Aides d'Etat , Union Européenne, Privatisation, Aide d'Etat compatibilité, Tribunal (UE)

Aides de minimis : Le Tribunal de l'Union Européenne annule partiellement une décision constatant l'absence d'aide d'État, estimant que l'existence de difficultés sérieuses concernant la question de savoir si des garanties publiques pouvaient être qualifiées d'aides de minimis aurait dû conduire la Commission à l'ouverture de la procédure formelle d'examen (Pollmeier Massivholz)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 26.05.2015

Cet article a fait l'objet d'une première publication dans la lettre credaconcurrence publié par la Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris Ile de France. Tribunal, 17 mars 2015, affaire T-89/09 (Pollmeier Massivholz GmbH & Co. KG contre Commission européenne) À la faveur d'un arrêt rendu le 17 mars 2015 dans l'affaire T-89/09 (Pollmeier Massivholz GmbH & Co. KG contre Commission européenne), le Tribunal de l'Union européenne est venu annuler la décision du 21 octobre 2008 (Allemagne, (...) - Alertes / Jurisprudence, De minimis, Aide d'Etat (notion), Manufacture/Fabrication, Aides d'Etat , Union Européenne, Garantie d'Etat, Tribunal (UE)

Conséquences de perquisitions illégales : L'avocat général Wahl suggère à la Cour de Justice de l'Union Européenne de censurer et le Tribunal et la Commission dans l'affaire liée à l'abus de position dominante de l'opérateur ferroviaire allemand historique, estimant que les inspections « incidentes » de la Commission reposaient sur une première perquisition illégale (Deutsche Bahn)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 26.05.2015

Cet article a fait l'objet d'une première publication dans la lettre credaconcurrence publié par la Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris Ile de France. CJUE, Avocat général Nils Wahl, 12 février 2015, affaire C-583/13 (Deutsche Bahn AG e.a. contre Commission) Le 12 février 2015, l'avocat général Nils Wahl a présenté ses conclusions dans l'affaire C-583/13 (Deutsche Bahn AG e.a. contre Commission). Il y suggère à la Cour de censurer, et l'arrêt du Tribunal et les deuxième et troisième décisions (...) - Alertes / Abus de position dominante, Charge de la preuve, Enquêtes, Transports, Procédures, Droits de la défense, Union Européenne, Cour de justice (UE), Conclusions de l'AG, Protection Juridictionnelle Effective

Notion d'aide : L'avocat général Cruz Villalon estime qu'une mesure mise en œuvre dans les nouveaux Länder allemands et visant à lutter contre la spéculation foncière ne peut échapper à la qualification d'aide d'État que pour autant que la valeur de référence des terrains agricoles soit la plus proche possible de la valeur du marché (BVVG)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 26.05.2015

Cet article a fait l'objet d'une première publication dans la lettre credaconcurrence publié par la Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris Ile de France. CJUE, Avocat général Pedro Cruz Villalon, 17 mars 2015, affaire C-39/14 (BVVG e.a. contre Landkreis Jerichower Land) Le 17 mars 2015, l'avocat général Pedro Cruz Villalon a présenté ses conclusions dans l'affaire d'aide d'État C-39/14 (BVVG e.a. contre Landkreis Jerichower Land) concernant une demande de décision préjudicielle formée par le (...) - Alertes / Intervention étatique, Agriculture/Alimentation , Aide d'Etat (notion), Aides d'Etat , Union Européenne, Prérogatives de puissance publique, Investisseur privé en économie de marché, Cour de justice (UE), Conclusions de l'AG

Publication : La Commission européenne met en ligne le premier numéro de sa Competition State aid Brief consacré au bilan des mesures de restructuration en faveur des banques européennes depuis 2007

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 26.05.2015

Cet article a fait l'objet d'une première publication dans la lettre credaconcurrence publié par la Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris Ile de France. Commission européenne, février 2015, Competition State aid Brief n°1 La Commission européenne a mis en ligne le premier numéro de sa Competition State aid Brief. Ce numéro est tout entier consacré au bilan des mesures de restructuration décidées en faveur des banques européennes depuis 2007. En termes de chiffres d'abord, les auteurs de cette (...) - Alertes / Services financiers, Aide d'Etat (notion), Autres, Aides d'Etat , Union Européenne, Garantie d'Etat, Plan d'aide d'Etat, Commission (UE)

Sport and EU Competition Law: New developments and unfinished business. By Ben Van Rompuy

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 22.05.2015

Editor's note: Ben Van Rompuy, Head of the ASSER International Sports Law Centre, was recently interviewed by LexisNexis UK for their in-house adviser service. With kind permission from LexisNexis we reproduce the interview on our blog in its entirety. How does competition law affect the sports sector?  The application of EU competition law to the sports sector is a fairly recent and still unfolding development. It was only in the mid-1990s, due to the growing commercialization of professional sport, that there emerged a need to address competition issues in relation to, for instance, ticketing arrangements or the sale of media rights.  Apart from the evident link between competition law and commercial activities related to sport, competition law also has a vital role to play [...]

Allemagne : La Cour d'appel de Düsseldorf confirme le jugement du Tribunal régional de Düsseldorf rejetant l'action de groupe atypique intentée en qualifiant contraire aux bonnes mœurs et par conséquent nulle la cession des droits aux dommages et intérêts des victimes des ententes sur le ciment (Zement II)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.05.2015

CA Düsseldorf, 18 fév. 2015, Az. : VI U (Kart) 3/14 – Zement II (Cartel Damage Claims) La présente note constitue le prolongement du commentaire consacré à l'arrêt du Tribunal régional de Düsseldorf du 17 décembre 2013 dans l'affaire opposant la société belge spécialisée dans le recouvrement des dommages et intérêts des victimes des ententes illicites (Cartel Damage Claims – CDC) aux producteurs de ciment (cf. Concurrences n° 2-2014, pp. 207-210). Entre temps, la première chambre spécialisée dans les (...) - Chroniques / Allemagne, Jurisprudence, Private enforcement, Construction, Juridictions étrangères, Jurisprudences européenne et étrangère

Professions réglementées : Le Conseil d'État rejette le recours intenté contre le décret relatif à l'exploitation des pharmacies par des sociétés (Collectif des SEL de pharmaciens)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.05.2015

CE, 27 fév. 2015, Collectif des SEL de pharmaciens, n° 369949, ECLI:FR:CESSR:2015:369949.20150227 Dans le contexte juridiquement et politiquement sensible qui caractérise le débat relatif au projet de loi pour la croissance et l'activité, l'arrêt du Conseil d'État, mentionné dans les tables du recueil Lebon, est un exemple topique de la manière dont les requérants peuvent mobiliser les libertés économiques pour contester une mesure visant à réglementer l'exercice d'une profession. En l'espèce, deux (...) - Chroniques / France, Jurisprudence, Santé, Secteur public, Principe de proportionnalité, Conseil d'Etat

Professions réglementées : L'Autorité de la concurrence rend un avis sur les professions juridiques réglementées

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.05.2015

Aut. conc., Avis n° 15-A-02 du 9 janvier 2015 relatif aux questions de concurrence concernant certaines professions juridiques réglementées À la demande du ministre de l'économie, l'Autorité de la concurrence a, le 9 janvier 2015, rendu un avis relatif aux questions de concurrence concernant certaines professions juridiques réglementées dont les conclusions ont nécessairement nourri les travaux parlementaires relatifs au projet de loi pour la croissance, l'activité et l'égalité des chances. L'avis de (...) - Chroniques / France, Jurisprudence, Services régulés, Secteur public, Principe de proportionnalité, Protection des consommateurs, Autorité de la concurrence

UE - OMC : Le Conseil de l'Union européenne rend publiques ses directives adressées à la Commission en pour la négociation d'un accord plurilatéral sur le commerce des services (ACS) en cours de discussion au sein de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.05.2015

Conseil UE, 10 mars 215, Projet de directives pour la négociation d'un accord plurilatéral sur le commerce des services – Document n° 6891/13 Dans le prolongement de ses engagements en faveur de plus de transparence notamment dans les négociations internationales menées pour le compte de l'Union européenne (v. en ce sens déjà la communication de la Commission C(2014)9052 final du 25 novembre 2014, concernant la transparence dans les négociations du TTPI : http://ec.europa.eu/news/2014/docs/...), la (...) - Chroniques / Tous secteurs d'activité , Autres, Secteur public, Union Européenne, Commission (UE), Organisations intn.

Transports : La Commission européenne fixe de nouvelles exigences dans le cadre des procédures d'octroi de licence ferroviaire et de demande de capacités ferroviaires

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.05.2015

Comm. eur., 6 janv. 2015, Règlement d'exécution (UE) 2015/10 concernant les critères applicables aux candidats pour les demandes de capacités de l'infrastructure ferroviaire et abrogeant le règlement (UE) 870/2014 ; Comm. eur., 4 fév. 2015, Règlement d'exécution (UE) 2015/171 sur certains aspects de la procédure d'octroi des licences des entreprises ferroviaires La Commission européenne vient d'adopter deux ensembles de mesures qui devront être respectés par les régulateurs ferroviaires nationaux à (...) - Chroniques / Loi, décret, règlement, Transports, Licence obligatoire, Régulations, Union Européenne, Commission (UE)

Energie : La Commission de régulation de l'énergie publie les règles relatives à la comptabilité des fournisseurs supportant des charges de service public de l'électricité

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.05.2015

CRE, 19 fév. 2015, Délibération relative aux règles de la comptabilité appropriée des fournisseurs supportant des charges de service public de l'électricité Conformément à l'article L. 121-9 du code de l'énergie, avec la délibération du 19 février 2015, la Commission de régulation de l'énergie vient fixer les règles de la comptabilité appropriée pour les fournisseurs qui supportent des charges de service public d'électricité pour les exercices 2014 et suivants. Cette délibération abroge les dispositions de la (...) - Chroniques / France, Jurisprudence, Energie, Régulations, Prix régulés, Commission de régulation de l'énergie

Energie : La Cour de justice de l'Union européenne interprète la directive 2003/55 à la lumière de la Charte des droits fondamentaux sur la question du droit au recours juridictionnel (E.ON Földgáz Trade, Magyar Energetikai és Közmű-szabályozási Hivatal)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.05.2015

CJUE, 19 mars 2015, E.ON Földgáz Trade c/ Magyar Energetikai és Közmű-szabályozási Hivatal, aff., C-510/13 La société E.ON Földgáz, à l'époque des faits encore filiale du groupe E.ON, était titulaire d'une autorisation de transport de gaz. À ce titre, elle a déposé quatre demandes d'attribution de capacité à long terme au point d'entrée d'importation de l'interconnecteur gazier reliant la Hongrie et l'Autriche au gestionnaire de réseau de transport du gaz hongrois, le FGSZ Földgázszállító Zrt. Au regard des (...) - Chroniques / Jurisprudence, Energie, Régulations, Union Européenne, Cour de justice (UE), Protection Juridictionnelle Effective

Services postaux : La Cour de justice de l'Union européenne estime qu'un système de rabais quantitatifs par expéditeur, mis en place par un prestataire de service postal universel, n'est pas contraire à l'obligation de non-discrimination prévue à l'article 12 de la directive 97/67/CE (Bpost)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.05.2015

CJUE, 11 fév. 2015, bpost c/ Institut belge des services postaux et des télécommunications (IBPT), aff. C-340/13 Saisie sur renvoi préjudiciel par la Cour d'appel de Bruxelles dans le cadre d'un litige opposant le prestataire du service postal universel en Belgique (bpost) à l'autorité belge de régulation des services postaux et des télécommunications (IBPT), la Cour de justice était appelée à se prononcer sur l'interprétation de l'article 12 de la directive 97/67/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil (...) - Chroniques / Services postaux, Sanctions/Amendes, Régulations, Union Européenne, Cour de justice (UE)

Communications électroniques : La Cour de justice de l'Union européenne estime qu'une entreprise peut bénéficier d'une droit de recours contre une décision d'une autorité réglementaire nationale susceptible d'affecter la position de l'entreprise en question sur le marché (T-Mobile Austria)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.05.2015

CJUE, 22 janv. 2015, T-Mobile Austria, aff. C-282/13 Dans un arrêt C-282/13 du 22 janvier 2015, la Cour a précisé, en réponse à une question préjudicielle, les droits des entreprises concurrentes dans l'hypothèse d'une procédure de cession de fréquences de télécommunications par une autorité réglementaire nationale (“ARN”). La Commission européenne avait autorisé, en décembre 2012, en application du règlement de l'UE sur les concentrations, l'acquisition de la branche autrichienne de téléphonie mobile (...) - Chroniques / Jurisprudence, Télécommunications, Régulations, Union Européenne, Cour de justice (UE), Protection Juridictionnelle Effective

Responsabilité de la Commission : Le Tribunal de l'Union européenne rejette le recours en réparation du préjudice subi par un membre d'un cartel du fait de l'abstention de la Commission européenne de mettre un terme à la poursuite de cette entente par les autres membres du cartel (Ziegler)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 14.05.2015

Trib. UE, 15 janv. 2015, Ziegler c/ Commission, T-539/12 et T-150/13 Alors que l'Union vient de se doter d'un nouveau cadre pour encourager les actions privées en réparation des préjudices résultant de pratiques anticoncurrentielles, le Tribunal a rejeté un recours de ce type, aux caractéristiques particulièrement originales. Ziegler est une des entreprises ayant participé au cartel des déménageurs belges (décision COMP/38543 du 11 mars 2008, voir également arrêt Ziegler c/ Commission, C-439/11 P, EU (...) - Chroniques / Jurisprudence, Cartel, Services, Procédures, Union Européenne, Responsabilité (individuelle), Tribunal (UE)

Blog Symposium: Why FIFA's TPO ban is justified. By Prof. Dr. Christian Duve

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 30.04.2015

Editor’s note: Finally, the last blog of our TPO ban Symposium has arrived! Due to unforeseen circumstances, FIFA had to reconsider presenting its own views on the matter. However, FIFA advised us to contact Prof. Dr. Christian Duve to author the eagerly awaited blog on their behalf. Prof. Dr. Christian Duve is a lawyer and partner with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP and an honorary professor at the University of Heidelberg. He has been a CAS arbitrator until 2014. Thus, as planned, we will conclude this symposium with a post defending the compatibility of the TPO ban with EU law. Many thanks to Prof. Dr. Duve for having accepted this last-minute challenge! This blog article outlines FIFA’s reasons to introduce Art. 18ter FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of [...]

A quoi sert la concurrence ?, Martine BEHAR-TOUCHAIS, Rafael AMARO, Nicolas CHARBIT (dir.)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 28.04.2015

Cette rubrique recense et commente les ouvrages et autres publications en droit de la concurrence, droit & économie de la concurrence et en droit de la régulation. Une telle recension ne peut par nature être exhaustive et se limite donc à présenter quelques publications récentes dans ces matières. Auteurs et éditeurs peuvent envoyer les ouvrages à l'intention du responsable de cette rubrique : stephane.rodrigues-domingues@univ-paris1.fr Prologue « A quoi sert la concurrence ? » Telle est la (...) - N° 4-2014 / Livres

The General Court of the European Union recalls the principle of the accessory character of the liability of parent companies for the anticompetitive actions of their subsidiaries (Roca Sanitario, Laufen Austria, Roca and Keramag Keramische)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.04.2015

In the context of appeals lodged against the decision of the European Commission (the Commission) in the area of bathroom fittings, the General Court of the European Union (the General Court) took the occasion to recall the principle of the accessory character of the liability of parent companies for the anticompetitive actions of their subsidiaries, particularly in its judgments ‘Roca Sanitario SA' (T-408/10), ‘Laufen Austria AG' (T-411/10), ‘Roca' (T-412/10) and ‘Keramag Keramische (...) - September 2013 / Ententes, Jurisprudence, Art. 101 TFEU, Manufacture/Fabrication, Sanctions/Amendes, Clémence, Responsabilité (groupe), Union Européenne, Tribunal (UE)

The Paris Court of Appeal dismisses the appeals which contested the criteria applied in calculating the fines after having settled the case before the Competition Authority (Nestlé Purina Petcare France and Royal Canin)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.04.2015

By a judgment of October 10, 2013, the Paris Court of Appeal (the Court of Appeal) dismissed the appeals which contested the criteria applied in calculating the fines. Although appeals on such grounds should be permitted for parties who have decided to use the French settlement procedure (‘non-contestation des griefs'), the ability to challenge a fine after settling the case seems to be clearly undermined by this judgment… In March 2012, the French Competition Authority (the FCA) (...) - October 2013 / Procédures, France, National jurisdiction, Jurisprudence, Prix imposés, Agriculture/Alimentation , National provision prohibiting anticompetitive agreements, National procedural provisions, Transaction juridique, Appel/Cassation

The Court of Justice of the European Union recalls that except in the case of ‘absolute impossibility', the provider State of an illegal State aid is obliged to obtain recovery thereof, despite the potentially major economic consequences for the recipient of the aid (Alcoa)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.04.2015

By a judgment dated October 17, 2013, the Court of Justice of the European Union (the CJEU) recalls that except in the case of ‘absolute impossibility', the provider State of an illegal State aid is obliged to obtain recovery thereof, despite the potentially major economic consequences for the recipient of the aid. Beginning in 1996, the Italian company, Alcoa Transformazioni, specialising in the production of primary aluminium in Italy, was granted a preferential electricity tariff (...) - October 2013 / Aides d'Etat, Jurisprudence, Art. 107-108 TFEU, Manufacture/Fabrication, Principe d'effectivité, Appel/Cassation, Union Européenne, Aide d'Etat illégale, Cour de justice (UE)

The Paris Court of Appeal rules on the communication by the Competition Authority of documents held in its own file to a civil court before which a victim of alleged anticompetitive practices had brought a private enforcement claim (Ma liste de courses)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.04.2015

In its judgment dated November 20, 2013, the Paris Court of appeal (the Court of Appeal) ruled on the communication by the French Competition Authority (the FCA) of documents held in its own file to a civil court before which a victim of alleged anticompetitive practices had brought a private enforcement claim. Ma Liste de Courses (MLDC) had referred to the FCA practices allegedly carried out by two companies in the sector of the processing of discount coupons and e-coupons. At the close (...) - November 2013 / Procédures, France, Distribution/Vente, National jurisdiction, Jurisprudence, National procedural provisions, Private enforcement, Droits de la défense, Accès au dossier

The Paris Court of Appeal reduces by almost 99 percent the penalty imposed by the French Competition Authority on a manufacturer for prohibiting the sale of its products online to the members of its selective distribution network (Bang & Olufsen)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.04.2015

In its judgment of March 13, 2014, the Paris Court of appeal (Court of Appeal) reduced by almost 99 per cent the penalty imposed by the French Competition Authority (FCA) on Bang & Olufsen (B&O) in its decision of December 12, 2012 (Decision) for having, since 2001, prohibited the sale of its products online to the members of its selective distribution network. This leniency might indicate that it may be possible to restrict sales on the internet for highly technical (...) - March 2014 / Ententes, France, Distribution/Vente, National jurisdiction, Jurisprudence, Distribution sélective, Restrictions verticales, National provision prohibiting anticompetitive agreements, Sanctions/Amendes

The Paris Court of Appeal dismisses the appeals in the consumer detergents sector rejecting the claim that the Competition Authority sanction violated the prohibition on double jeopardy (Unilever, Henkel, Procter & Gamble and Colgate Palmolive)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.04.2015

On 30 January 2014, the Paris Court of Appeal (Court of Appeal) dismissed the appeals brought against the decision of the French Competition Authority (FCA) in the consumer detergents sector, by confirming that the infringements sanctioned by the European Commission (Commission) and the FCA were different and did not constitute a single, complex and continuous infringement (SCCI) which had been the subject of a prior sanction, thereby rejecting the claim that the FCA sanction violated the (...) - January 2014 / Ententes, France, National jurisdiction, Jurisprudence, National provision prohibiting anticompetitive agreements, Manufacture/Fabrication, Appel/Cassation, Ne bis in idem, Chemical Industry

The General Court of the European Union confirms practice of the Commission regarding requests for information based on simple presumptions (Cementos Portland Valderrivas)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.04.2015

On March 14, 2014, the General Court of the European Union (General Court) has confirmed the practice of the European Commission (Commission) regarding requests for information based on simple presumptions. The judgments demonstrate a bias in favour of the effectiveness of inspections which leaves a bitter aftertaste concerning the rights of defence of companies. Out of the seven judgments of the General Court in this case, the one issued against Cementos Portland Valderrivas (...) - March 2014 / Procédures, Jurisprudence, Enquêtes, Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, Droits de la défense, Principe d'effectivité, Union Européenne, Construction, Principe de proportionnalité, Tribunal (UE)

The Paris Court of Appeal issues a ruling on the communication by the Competition Authority, of documents held in its own file to a civil court before which a victim of alleged anticompetitive practices had brought a private enforcement claim (DKT)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.04.2015

In a decision dated September 24, 2014, the Paris Court of Appeal (Court of Appeal) issuing a ruling on the communication by the French Competition Authority (FCA) of documents held in its own file to a civil court before which a victim of alleged anticompetitive practices had brought a private enforcement claim. Following a judgment of the Paris Commercial Court (Court) issued in an action brought by the company DKT International (DKT) against two other companies, the case was brought (...) - September 2014 / Procédures, France, National jurisdiction, Jurisprudence, Environnement, National procedural provisions, Private enforcement, Appel/Cassation, Accès au dossier

The Paris Court of Appeal orders to compensate companies in an amount of over € 1.6 million due to their damages resulting from an anti-competitive agreement on prices and sales volumes of synthetic lysine prohibited by the European Commission (Ajinomoto Eurolysine)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.04.2015

In a judgment dated February 27, 2014, the Court of Appeal of Paris (Court of Appeal) has, on remand from the Court of Cassation (Court), ordered Ajinomoto Eurolysine (AE) to compensate four companies in the Doux group (Doux) in an amount of over € 1.6 million due to their damages resulting from an anti-competitive agreement on prices and sales volumes of synthetic lysine prohibited by the European Commission (Commission). The Court of Appeal sentenced on February 27, 2014, AE to (...) - February 2014 / Ententes, France, National jurisdiction, Jurisprudence, Charge de la preuve, Agriculture/Alimentation , National provision prohibiting anticompetitive agreements, Private enforcement, Répercussion du préjudice

The France's administrative Supreme Court limits rights of appeal against Competition Authority's opinions (Casino)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.04.2015

It has been held that when the French Competition Authority issues “opinions”, these are not challengeable before the courts in the same way as the authority's formal decisions. On 11 October 2012, France's Administrative Supreme Court rejected two appeals brought by supermarket chains against opinions of the French Competition Authority relating to the state of competition in the market for food retailing. The supermarket chains had alleged that the authority's opinions constituted an abuse of (...) - October 2012 / Procédures, France, Abus de position dominante, Distribution/Vente, National jurisdiction, Jurisprudence, National procedural provisions, Appel/Cassation

The UK Office of Fair Trading investigates a transaction above the EU Merger Regulation turnover thresholds (Ryanair / Aer Lingus)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.04.2015

In June this year, Ryanair, the Irish low-cost airline, launched a full takeover bid for Aer Lingus, the airline which has been the country's national flag carrier. The European Commission is now examining the potential competition effects of that proposed takeover in a full “second-phase” investigation under the EU Merger Regulation, having blocked a previous takeover bid in 2007. At the same time, the UK's Competition Commission is carrying out a detailed second-phase investigation into (...) - June 2012 / Royaume-Uni, National competition authority, Jurisprudence, Transports, Concentrations, National Merger regulations, Seuils, Participations minoritaires

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal rules on the balance between protecting confidentiality and assuring procedural fairness (BMI Healthcare)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.04.2015

The UK Competition Commission, in its final months before being absorbed into the new Competition and Markets Authority, has had a procedural decision overruled by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (Britain's specialist judicial body that oversees decisions by the competition authorities). In the case, BMI Healthcare and others v Competition Commission, the Tribunal held that the Competition Commission had been unfair in the balance it struck between, on the one hand, allowing parties under (...) - October 2013 / Procédures, Royaume-Uni, National jurisdiction, Jurisprudence, Secrets commerciaux, National procedural provisions, Santé, Accès au dossier, Enquête de marché

The COMESA Court of Justice rules that a merger filing notification to COMESA's Competition Commission will remove the need for filings to national authorities in the Member State (Polytol)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.04.2015

In much the same way that, within the European Union, a merger filing (notification) to the European Commission removes the need for filings to national competition authorities in the EU Member States, so too the COMESA. Court of Justice has ruled that a merger filing (notification) to COMESA's Competition Commission will remove the need for filings to national authorities in the COMESA Member State. At the end of August 2013, the COMESA Court of Justice issued a ruling in the case of (...) - August 2013 / National jurisdiction, Jurisprudence, National procedural provisions, Notification (concentrations), Effet direct, Concentrations, COMESA

A quoi sert la concurrence ?, Martine BEHAR-TOUCHAIS, Rafael AMARO, Nicolas CHARBIT (dir.)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 27.04.2015

Cette rubrique recense et commente les ouvrages et autres publications en droit de la concurrence, droit & économie de la concurrence et en droit de la régulation. Une telle recension ne peut par nature être exhaustive et se limite donc à présenter quelques publications récentes dans ces matières. Auteurs et éditeurs peuvent envoyer les ouvrages à l'intention du responsable de cette rubrique : stephane.rodrigues-domingues@univ-paris1.fr 100 contributions pour les 10 ans de la revue Concurrences. (...) - N° 1-2015 / Livres

Blog Symposium: The Impact of the TPO Ban on South American Football. By Ariel N. Reck

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 16.04.2015

Editor’s note: Ariel N. Reck is an Argentine lawyer specialized in the football industry. He is a guest professor at ISDE’s Global Executive Master in International Sports Law, at the FIFA CIES Sports law & Management course (Universidad Católica Argentina) and the Universidad Austral Sports Law diploma (Argentina) among other prestigious courses. He is a regular conference speaker and author in the field of sports law.Being an Argentine lawyer, Ariel will focus on the impact FIFA’s TPO ban will have (and is already having) on South American football.IntroductionBefore discussing the impact of the TPO ban, it is important to highlight that the purposes of TPO in South America are somehow different than in Europe. Here “economic rights” (that’s how we call it) are [...]

2015 Update of the entry: Abuse of Dominant Position (G. Bruzzone – S. Capozzi)

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 03.04.2015

Aggiornamento 2015 della voce: L’abuso di posizione dominante Giurisprudenza europea: il caso Intel Con sentenza del 12 giugno 2014, relativa alla causa T-286/09, il Tribunale UE (“Tribunale”) ha confermato in toto la decisione della Commissione europea del 13 maggio 2010 nel caso Intel. In tale decisione la Commissione ha ritenuto che Intel abbia posto in…

Eu Stateaid – Judgment Estado português v Banco Privado Português SA – #stateaid #competitionlaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 11.03.2015

The CG (Second Chamber) issued on 5 March 2015 his jugment in the stateaid case (C‑667/13) Estado português v Banco Privado Português SA in liquidation, Massa Insolvente do Banco Privado Português SA: here’s the link.… The post Eu Stateaid – Judgment Estado português v Banco Privado Português SA – #stateaid #competitionlaw appeared first on Competition Law

Notion d'aide : Le Tribunal de l'Union européenne annule deux décisions de la Commission européenne ayant qualifié un régime permettant aux entreprises fiscalement domiciliées en Espagne d'amortir la survaleur résultant de prises de participations dans des entreprises fiscalement domiciliées à l'étranger d'aide d'État (Autogrill España)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 16.02.2015

Trib. UE, 7 novembre 2014, Autogrill España c/ Commission et Banco Santander - Stantusa c/ Commission, aff. T-219/10 et T-399/11 Une loi espagnole de 2001 prévoit que dans le cas d'une prise de participation par une entreprise imposable en Espagne dans une société étrangère, la survaleur résultant de cette participation est déductible sous forme d'amortissement de l'assiette imposable de l'impôt sur les sociétés dont l'entreprise est redevable. Cette mesure s'applique à toute prise de participation d'au (...) - Chroniques / Jurisprudence, Aides d'Etat , Union Européenne, Tribunal (UE)

Aide nouvelle : Le Tribunal de l'Union européenne annule une décision de la Commission européenne, qui considérait comme une aide nouvelle la prolongation, par le juge des référés, des effets d'un contrat accordant à une entreprise un tarif préférentiel pour son approvisionnement en électricité (Alouminion)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 16.02.2015

Trib. UE, 8 octobre 2014, Alouminion c/ Commission, aff. T-542/11 Le Tribunal a dû se prononcer sur la qualification d'aide nouvelle d'une mesure de prorogation d'un tarif préférentiel, lui-même constitutif d'une aide existante, avec cette particularité que la prorogation a été décidée de manière temporaire par le juge des référés. Alors que la Commission avait considéré que cette prorogation constituait une aide nouvelle, le Tribunal développe une analyse différente fondée en particulier sur la pérennité de (...) - Chroniques / Jurisprudence, Aides d'Etat , Union Européenne, Tribunal (UE)

Aides publiques aux aéroports : Une analyse économique critique de la position de la Commission européenne

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 16.02.2015

Cet article analyse les dispositions des nouvelles lignes directrices de la Commission européenne concernant les aides publiques en faveur des aéroports et des compagnies aériennes. L'article se focalise sur le cas des aides au fonctionnement. En utilisant les données publiques des aéroports français concernés, il met en évidence que la période de transition accordée par la Commission fait en réalité peser une contrainte de développement très forte et peu crédible sur les aéroports bénéficiant d'aides publiques. La position de la Commission reste la suppression à terme des aides au fonctionnement : l'article montre que cette position sous-estime la potentialité d'externalités positives du trafic aérien, et ne s'appuie pas sur une démonstration suffisante des [...]

State Aid and Sport: does anyone really care about rugby? By Beverley Williamson

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 29.01.2015

There has been a lot of Commission interest in potential state aid to professional football clubs in various Member States.  The huge sums of money involved are arguably an important factor in this interest and conversely, is perhaps the reason why state aid in rugby union is not such a concern. But whilst the sums of money may pale into comparison to those of professional football, the implications for the sport are potentially no less serious. At the end of the 2012/2013 season, Biarritz Olympique (Biarritz) were relegated from the elite of French Rugby Union, the Top 14 to the Pro D2.  By the skin of their teeth, and as a result of an injection of cash from the local council (which amounted to 400,000€), they were spared administrative relegation to the amateur [...]

State aid in Croatia and the Dinamo Zagreb case

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 26.01.2015

IntroductionThe year 2015 promises to be crucial, and possibly revolutionary, for State aid in football. The European Commission is taking its time in concluding its formal investigations into alleged State aid granted to five Dutch clubs and several Spanish clubs, including Valencia CF and Real Madrid, but the final decisions are due for 2015. A few months ago, the Commission also received a set of fresh State aid complaints originating from the EU’s newest Member State Croatia. The complaints were launched by a group of minority shareholders of the Croatian football club Hajduk Split, who call themselves Naš Hajduk. According to Naš Hajduk, Hajduk Split’s eternal rival, GNK Dinamo Zagreb, has received more than 30 million Euros in unlawful aid by the city of Zagreb since [...]

Eu State Aid – Judgment Club Hotel Loutraki AE v European Commission – #stateaid #competitionlaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 23.01.2015

The GC (Seventh Chamber) issued on 8 January 2015 his judgment in the case (T‑58/13) Club Hotel Loutraki AE, Vivere Entertainment AE, Theros International Gaming, Inc., Elliniko Casino Kerkyras, Casino Rodos, Porto Carras AE, Kazino Aigaiou AE, v European Commission, Hellenic Republic, Organismos Prognostikon Agonon Podosfairou AE (OPAP): here’s the link.… The post Eu State Aid – Judgment Club Hotel Loutraki AE v European Commission – #stateaid #competitionlaw appeared first on Competition Law

Eu State Aid – Judgment – Eventech Ltd v The Parking Adjudicator- #stateaid #competitionlaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 22.01.2015

The CG (Second Chamber) issued on 14 January 2015 his judgment in the case (C‑518/13) The Queen, on the application of: Eventech Ltd v The Parking Adjudicator, London Borough of Camden, Transport for London: here’s the link.  … The post Eu State Aid – Judgment – Eventech Ltd v The Parking Adjudicator- #stateaid #competitionlaw appeared first on Competition Law

Eu State Aid – Advocate General Wahl’s Opinion Eventech Ltd v The Parking Adjudicator – #stateaid #competitionlaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 21.01.2015

Advocate General Wahl delivered on 24 September 2014 his Opinion in the case (C‑518/13) The Queen, on the application of Eventech Ltd v The Parking Adjudicator: here’s the link.… The post Eu State Aid – Advocate General Wahl’s Opinion Eventech Ltd v The Parking Adjudicator – #stateaid #competitionlaw appeared first on Competition Law

Eu State Aid – Judgment Banco Privado Português v Commission – #stateaid #competitionlaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 13.01.2015

The GC (First Chamber) issued on 12 December 2014 his state aids judgment (case T‑487/11) Banco Privado Português, SA, Massa Insolvente do Banco Privado Português, SA v Commission: here’s the link (not available in English)… The post Eu State Aid – Judgment Banco Privado Português v Commission – #stateaid #competitionlaw appeared first on Competition Law

Cyprus Airways closes after Commission orders recovery of unlawful State Aid

Source: LinkedIn, State Aid Law Group, 10.01.2015

The Commission is clear that it will pursue the recovery of unlawful State Aid even if it leads to the insolvency or closure of the beneficiary of the aid. This principle was in evidence on Friday 9 January 2015 when the Commission ordered the recovery of €65m plus interest from Cyprus Airways, who announced the closure of their operations with immediate effect. The Commission press release can be read at http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-3121_en.htm.

Eu State Aid – CG Order in the case Carbunión v Council of the European Union – #stateaid #competitionlaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 07.01.2015

The CG (Fifth Chamber) issued on 11 December 2014 (Case C99/14 P)  and Order in the state aid case Federación Nacional de Empresarios de Minas de Carbón (Carbunión) v Council of the European Union: here’s the link.… The post Eu State Aid – CG Order in the case Carbunión v Council of the European Union – #stateaid #competitionlaw appeared first on Competition Law

Autogrill Espana and Banco Santander cases[1]: Fiscal aid and a narrow approach to the notion of selectivity

Source: EUStateAidBlog , 01.01.2015

The State aid measure under examination consists in a tax benefit granted to certain undertakings established in Spain. The very same measure was at hand in a number of other cases, such as the recent and interesting Telefonica case[2], but the dispute therein related to issues of legal standing, legal interest and individual concern of the applicant[3] concerning its right to challenge the recovery provisions of the same Commission decision, namely Decision 2011/05/EC of 28 October 2009. Howeve [...]

Eu State Aid – Judgment Netherlands Maritime Technology Association v Commission – #stateaid #competitionlaw #eulaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 10.12.2014

The GC (Seventh Chamber) issued on 9 December 2014 his state aid judgment in the case Netherlands Maritime Technology Association v Commission (Case T-140/13: here’s the link.  … The post Eu State Aid – Judgment Netherlands Maritime Technology Association v Commission – #stateaid #competitionlaw #eulaw appeared first on Competition Law

Regards sur la modernisation du contrôle des aides d'État

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 24.11.2014

Lancée le 8 mai 2012, la modernisation du contrôle des aides d'État, voulue par le commissaire Almunia et qui aura marqué son mandat, est pratiquement achevée. De nombreux textes, dont le nouveau RGEC, ont été adoptés au début de l'été, une seule communication sur la notion d'aide d'État étant encore attendue. L'article dresse le bilan de cette modernisation qui présente, comme celles du droit antitrust et du contrôle des concentrations, deux volets : un volet processuel, un volet substantiel. - Doctrines

Montant de l'aide : Le Tribunal de l'Union européenne confirme le caractère incompatible des aides versées aux agriculteurs grecs en compensation des pertes dues aux mauvaises conditions climatiques survenues lors de l'été 2007 et de l'automne 2008 et rappelle la jurisprudence relative à la notion d'aide et à l'exception de l'article 107, paragraphe 3, sous b) TFUE (Grèce / Commission)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 22.11.2014

Trib. UE, 16 juillet 2014, Grèce c/ Commission, aff. T-52/12 L'arrêt annoté concerne la compensation versée aux producteurs agricoles grecs en raison de mauvaises conditions climatiques survenues lors de l'été 2007 et de l'automne 2008. Cette compensation, versée par un organisme d'assurance détenu entièrement par l'État grec, l'ELGA, se composait de différents volets et était financée partiellement par les recettes provenant de la contribution spéciale obligatoire d'assurance ainsi que par deux emprunts (...) - Chroniques / Jurisprudence, Aides d'Etat , Union Européenne, Tribunal (UE)

Aide illégale et incompatible : Le Tribunal de l'Union européenne rejette deux recours introduits contre une décision de la Commission qui a déclaré illégale et incompatible une aide versée à une entité publique fournissant des services d'élimination de carcasses d'animaux et de déchets d'abattoirs (Allemagne / Commission, Zweckverband Tierkörperbeseitigung / Commission)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 22.11.2014

Trib. UE, 16 juillet 2014, Allemagne c/ Commission, aff. T-295/12, EU:T:2014:675 ; Trib. UE, 16 juillet 2014, Zweckverband Tierkörperbeseitigung c/ Commission, aff. T-309/12, EU:T:2014:676 La Zweckverband Tierkörperbeseitigung en Rhénanie-Palatinat, en Sarre, dans l'arrondissement Rheingau-Taunus et dans l'arrondissement Limburg-Weilburg (ci-après la “ZT”) est une association de droit public, dont plusieurs collectivités territoriales allemandes sont membres, qui fournit des services d'élimination (...) - Chroniques / Jurisprudence, Aides d'Etat , Union Européenne, Tribunal (UE)

Eu State Aid – Judgment Autogrill España SA contre Commission européenne – #competitionlaw #stateaid #eulaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 20.11.2014

The GC (secondo chamber) issued on 7 November 2014 his judgment in the state aid case (T‑219/10) Autogrill España SA contre Commission européenne: here is the link (not available in English).… The post Eu State Aid – Judgment Autogrill España SA contre Commission européenne – #competitionlaw #stateaid #eulaw appeared first on Competition Law

Eu State Aid – Judgment of the GC Vtesse Networks Ltd v European Commission – #competitionlaw #stateaid #eulaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 19.11.2014

The GC (Ninth Chamber) issued on 5 November 2014 its state aid case (case T‑362/10) Vtesse Networks Ltd v European Commission, Republic of Poland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, British Telecommunications plc: here is the link.… The post Eu State Aid – Judgment of the GC Vtesse Networks Ltd v European Commission – #competitionlaw #stateaid #eulaw appeared first on Competition Law

UEFA’s tax-free Euro 2016 in France: State aid or no State aid?

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 18.11.2014

Last week, the French newspaper Les Echos broke the story that UEFA (or better said its subsidiary) will be exempted from paying taxes in France on revenues derived from Euro 2016. At a time when International Sporting Federations, most notably FIFA, are facing heavy criticisms for their bidding procedures and the special treatment enjoyed by their officials, this tax exemption was not likely to go unnoticed. The French minister for sport, confronted with an angry public opinion, responded by stating that tax exemptions are common practice regarding international sporting events. The former French government agreed to this exemption. In fact, he stressed that without it “France would never have hosted the competition and the Euro 2016 would have gone elsewhere”. This is not [...]

Eu State Aids – Judgment of the GC Banco Santander SA contre Commission européenne – #stateaid #stateaid #eulaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 18.11.2014

The GC (second chamber) issued on 7 September 2014 his state aid case (T‑399/11) Banco Santander SA, Santusa Holding SL contre Commission européenne: here is the link.… The post Eu State Aids – Judgment of the GC Banco Santander SA contre Commission européenne – #stateaid #stateaid #eulaw appeared first on Competition Law

Gramegna "totally astonished" by LuxLeaks

Source: LinkedIn, State Aid Law Group, 17.11.2014

Luxembourg's finance minister Pierre Gramegna is "totally astonished" by LuxLeaks, he said in a press conference on Sunday. Do you think the leaked documents, which show that some corporations based in Luxembourg effectively lowered their tax bill to less than 1 percent of profit, could have contained information that "astonished" Gramegna? Discuss this question, and more, at Lexxion's Autumn Conference on European State Aid Law 2014, 4-5 December in Vienna: http://bit.ly/1wM0hVK

Eu Public Procurement – Judgment of the CG Cartiera dell’Adda SpA v CEM Ambiente SpA #competitionlaw #stateaid #eulaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 17.11.2014

The CG (Tenth Chamber) issued on 6 November 2014 his public procurement judgment (Case C‑42/13) Cartiera dell’Adda SpA v CEM Ambiente SpA: here is the link.… The post Eu Public Procurement – Judgment of the CG Cartiera dell’Adda SpA v CEM Ambiente SpA #competitionlaw #stateaid #eulaw appeared first on Competition Law

Eu State Aid – Judgment of the GC Elcogás, S.A. y Administración del Estado, Iberdrola – #competitionlaw #stateaid #eulaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 14.11.2014

The GC (seventh chamber) issiued on 22 October 2014 his judgment in the state aid case Elcogás, S.A. y Administración del Estado, Iberdrola, S.A.: here’s the link (not available in English).… The post Eu State Aid – Judgment of the GC Elcogás, S.A. y Administración del Estado, Iberdrola – #competitionlaw #stateaid #eulaw appeared first on Competition Law

Eu State Aid – Judgment – British Telecommunications plc, BT Pension Scheme Trustees Ltd v European Commission – #competitionlaw #stateaid #eulaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 12.11.2014

The CG (Second Chamber) issued on 22 October 2014 (Case C-620/13 P) its state aid judgment in the case British Telecommunications plc, BT Pension Scheme Trustees Ltd v European Commission: here the link.… The post Eu State Aid – Judgment – British Telecommunications plc, BT Pension Scheme Trustees Ltd v European Commission – #competitionlaw #stateaid #eulaw appeared first on Competition Law

Eu State Aid – Judgment Alpiq RomIndustries Srl v European Commission – #competitionlaw #antitrust #eulaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 10.11.2014

The GC (Fifth Chamber) issued on 16 October 2014 his judgment in the state aid case Alpiq RomIndustries Srl and Alpiq RomEnergie Srl v European Commission (Case T-129/13): here the link (not available in English).… The post Eu State Aid – Judgment Alpiq RomIndustries Srl v European Commission – #competitionlaw #antitrust #eulaw appeared first on Competition Law

On selectivity and alleged fiscal State aid (today’s Judgments in Cases T-290/10 Autogrill /Commission and T-399/11, Banco Santander/Commission)

Source: Chillin'Competition , 07.11.2014

I’m writing under the influence of a few bottles of Champagne opened to celebrate two landmark Judgments rendered this morning by the General Court annulling the Commission’s decision that ruled the Spanish tax regime allowing for the deduction of shareholdings in foreign companies to be incompatible with the internal market (click here for the Court’s […]

Image Rights in Professional Basketball: The ‘in-n-out rimshot’ of the Basketball Arbitral Tribunal to enforce players’ image rights contracts. By Thalia Diathesopoulou

Source: Asser International Sports Law blog , 07.11.2014

A warning addressed to fans of French teams featuring in the recently launched video game NBA 2K15: Hurry up! The last jump ball for Strasbourg and Nanterre in NBA 2K 15 may occur earlier than expected. The French Labour Union of Basketball (Syndicat National du Basket, SNB) is dissatisfied that Euroleague and 2K Games did not ask (nor paid) for its permission before including the two teams of Pro A in the NBA 2K15 edition. What is at issue? French basketball players’ image rights have been transferred to SNB, which intends to start proceedings before the US Courts against 2K Games requesting 120.000 euros for unauthorized use of the players’ image rights. SNB is clear: it is not about the money, but rather to defend the players’ rights.[1] Strasbourg and Nanterre risk to [...]

EU state aid alert: Statement from Margrethe Vestager - Tax rulings & state aid (06/11/14)

Source: LinkedIn, State Aid Law Group, 06.11.2014

Earlier today (06 November), the new EU Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager, released her first official statement since taking up office on 01 November. The "tax state aid investigations" statement refers to the documents about the allegedly favourable tax deals offered by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and reported on extensively in today's European press. The statement can be found at http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-14-1480_en.htm Best wishes Conor Maguire Brussels Matters www.brusselsmatters.eu

Recovery of Illegal and Incompatible State Aid (2014 Update) #stateaid #competitionlaw #eulaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 04.11.2014

Aggiornamento 2014: Il recupero degli aiuti illegali e incompatibili e le relative controversie dinanzi ai giudici nazionali (Diritto UE) La Corte di giustizia ha chiarito che l’impossibilità assoluta di dare esecuzione alla decisione della Commissione che ordina il recupero di un aiuto può essere anche di natura giuridica, qualora derivi da provvedimenti adottati dai giudici… The post Recovery of Illegal and Incompatible State Aid (2014 Update) #stateaid #competitionlaw #eulaw appeared first on Competition Law

Eu Antitrust Law – Judgement of the GC in the ICF case – #competitionlaw #antitrust #eulaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 03.11.2014

The CG (Tenth Chamber) issued on 9 October 2014 his judgment in the antitrust law case Industries Chimiques du Fluor SA (ICF) v European Commission (Case C-467/13 P): here the link (only available in French).… The post Eu Antitrust Law – Judgement of the GC in the ICF case – #competitionlaw #antitrust #eulaw appeared first on Competition Law

The Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt dismisses action for to be admitted to an authorised network (Man Vertragswerkstatt)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 30.10.2014

In a judgment of 29 July 2014, the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt (“Court”) upheld the decision of the Regional Court of Frankfurt dismissing the action brought by an automotive repair shop to be admitted to the authorised repair network of a passenger vehicle manufacturer. The automotive repair shop had acted as an authorised repairer for the manufacturer concerned for several years before the manufacturer decided to rearrange its service network and to not offer a new contract to the (...) - October 2014-III / Pratiques unilatérales, Allemagne, Abus de position dominante, National jurisdiction, Jurisprudence, Art. 102 TFEU, Marché pertinent, National provision prohibiting abuses of dominance, Automobile, Appel/Cassation

Eu State Aid – Judgement of the CG in the Ministerio de Defensa and Navantia SA case – #stateaid #competitionlaw

Source: Competition-Law.eu , 30.10.2014

The CG (Seventh Chamber) issued on 9 October 2014 his judgment in the State aid case (Case C-522/13) Ministerio de Defensa and Navantia SA v Concello de Ferrol: here the link.… The post Eu State Aid – Judgement of the CG in the Ministerio de Defensa and Navantia SA case – #stateaid #competitionlaw appeared first on Competition Law

The Lithuanian Competition Council approves Parliament's decision to reject amendments to Competition Law

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 30.10.2014

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 04/2014 (click here), under the title : "Lithuania : The Competition Council approves Parliament's Decision to reject Amendments to Competition Law". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, [...]

The Spanish Competition Authority fines association in market for transport of freight by road in port of Alicante for price fixing (Astraco)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 30.10.2014

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 04/2014 (click here), under the title : "Spain : The Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia fines Association in Market for Transport of Freight by Road in Port of Alicante". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome [...]

The Hungarian Competition Authority finds that several importers of car refinishing paints concerted their practices and fixed prices (Alami, Autocolor)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 30.10.2014

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 04/2014 (click here), under the title : "Hungary : Decision adopted in Car Refinishing Paints Case". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you have no link with a party or third [...]

The UK Competition and Markets Authority accepts commitments relating to platform services for automotive sector (Epyx)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 30.10.2014

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 04/2014 (click here), under the title : "United Kingdom : The Competition and Markets Authority accepts Commitments relating to Platform Services for Automotive Sector". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full [...]

The Spanish Competition Authority imposes fine in purebred horses morphological competition sector (Association of Purebred Spanish Horse Breeders of Spain)

Source: Institut de droit de la concurrence , 30.10.2014

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 04/2014 (click here), under the title : "Spain : The Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia imposes Fine in Purebred Horses Morphological Competition Sector". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full [...]

On the application of competition law to State measures and on the apparent inapplicability of Art. 101(3). (ECJ’s Judgment in Joined Cases C‑184/13 to C‑187/13, C‑194/13, C‑195/13 and C‑208/13)

Source: Chillin'Competition , 27.10.2014

Over the weekend I was able to catch up with some readings (notably on two-sided markets in anticipation of this conference), but also on recent case-law that I hadn’t yet had the chance to read. Thanks to this exercise I was able to become aware, among other things, of the content of an ECJ Judgment […]

The German Supreme Court rejects an appeal against an order from a lower court awarding damages because of losses suffered due to an anticompetitive clause in an agreements (Dornbracht)

Source: UK State Aid Law Association - Blog , 16.10.2014

The luxury bathroom fittings manufacturer Dornbracht has lost its appeal to the German Supreme Court against an order from a lower court awarding damages of €820,000 to a retailer because of losses suffered due to an anticompetitive clause in Dornbracht's distribution agreements. The case is one of several recent examples of private enforcement in Germany against competition law infringements concerning internet sales of branded consumer goods [1]. It should also be seen in the context of (...) - November 2013 / Ententes, Allemagne, Distribution/Vente, National jurisdiction, Jurisprudence, Art. 101 TFEU, Dommages et intérêts, Accord de distribution, National provision prohibiting anticompetitive agreements, Appel/Cassation

The Swedish Competition Authority supports reform of court structure for competition cases

Source: UK State Aid Law Association - Blog , 16.10.2014

*Article originally published in ECN Brief 03/2014 (click here), under the title : "Sweden : The Competition Authority supports Reform of Court Structure for Competition Cases". Please note that the ECN is not the actual author of this article and that the articles published in the ECN Brief are subject to a disclaimer. "The information provided by the ECN Brief is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Its content is not binding and does not reflect the official position of any Authority. Neither any Authority nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of information contained in this publication".© European Union. As an author, you are welcome to write a full summary of this case, provided you [...]

The Competition Appeal Tribunal of UK dismisses an appeal against divestiture of minority stake (Ryanair, Aer Lingus)

Source: UK State Aid Law Association - Blog , 16.10.2014

Background of the case Ryanair has been attempting to take over its rival Irish airline Aer Lingus since 2006 when it made its first bid. The COM prohibited the merger but also found it had no power to require Ryanair to divest itself of the minority stake of 25% in Aer Lingus. In the appeal decisions, the GC upheld both COM decisions, and after neither judgment was appealed, the OFT and subsequently the CC started their own investigation into Ryanair's minority stake which had increased to (...) - March 2014 / Royaume-Uni, National jurisdiction, Jurisprudence, Transports, Appel/Cassation, Concentrations, Engagements (concentrations), National Merger regulations, Effet sur la concurrence, Participations minoritaires

The French government adopts the implementing decree of the French class action system

Source: UK State Aid Law Association - Blog , 16.10.2014

The French Consumer Act of 17 March 2014 - the Hamon Law - introduced a class action system into French Law under articles L. 423-1 to L. 423-26 of the Consumer code. Based on an "opt- in" format, consumer associations play a major part in this process. Following the adoption of the implementing decree on 24 September 2014, the French class action system was brought into force on 1 October 2014. This has already given way to a class action being filed by consumer association, "UFC-Que (...) - October 2014-II / Procédures, France, Parliament or Administration, Loi, décret, règlement, Dommages et intérêts, National procedural provisions, Tous secteurs d'activité , Private enforcement, Réforme

The Italian Competition Authority closes its investigation against eight of the biggest Italian insurance companies with a commitment decision (Mono-mandatory Agents)

Source: UK State Aid Law Association - Blog , 16.10.2014

On 20 May 2014, the Italian Competition Authority (“ICA” or “Authority”) closed the investigation it had begun in June 2013 into eight of the biggest Italian insurance companies by issuing a commitment decision . The Authority had opened the investigation to assess whether the vertical agreements between each insurance company and its agents (known as agency agreements) contained anticompetitive provisions in breach of Article 101 of the Treaty of Functioning of the European Union (“TFUE”). (...) - October 2014-II / Ententes, Italie, National competition authority, Jurisprudence, Art. 101 TFEU, Restrictions verticales, Assurance, National provision prohibiting anticompetitive agreements, Engagements (antitrust), Contrats d'agence, Clause de non-concurrence

The ECJ partly upholds an appeal with regard to the calculation of the fine and, as a result, substantially reduced the fine (YKK)

Source: UK State Aid Law Association - Blog , 16.10.2014

On 4 September 2014, the Court of Justice of the European Union (“ECJ”) handed down its judgment on appeals brought by YKK Corporation, YKK Holding Europe BV and YKK Stocko Fasteners (jointly referred to as “YKK”) against a judgment of the General Court (“GC”) dismissing their appeals against the Commission's decision in the fasteners cartel case. In its judgment, the ECJ partly upheld YKK's appeal with regard to the calculation of the fine imposed on YKK Stocko Fasteners and, as a result, (...) - October 2014-II / Ententes, Distribution/Vente, Jurisprudence, Art. 101 TFEU, Cartel, Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, Sanctions/Amendes, Appel/Cassation, Union Européenne, EU Court of Justice

The European Commission finds Ryanair to have received state aid

Source: LinkedIn, State Aid Law Group, 29.07.2014

In the recent cases of Angoulême Airport (Case SA.33963), Pau Pyrénées Airport (Case SA.22614) and Nîmes Airport (Case SA.33961) the European Commission has ruled that the airport service agreements and marketing agreements concluded by the managers of the airports of Angoulême, Pau Pyrénées and Nîmes Airport with Ryanair infringed EC state aid rules. In the Commission's view, the agreements gave Ryanair an undue advantage over its competitors and were unlikely to strengthen the financial conditions of the airports concerned. No market economy operators would have granted such measures to Ryanair in similar circumstances. Therefore, the Commission declared the agreements to be incompatible with the internal market and ordered Ryanair to pay back the aid it received.

Slovenia required to recover capital injenction made to Elan

Source: LinkedIn, State Aid Law Group, 16.07.2014

In an interesting contrast to the Coventry Arena decision, the Commission has found that a capital injection made by Slovenia, a ski and boat manufacturer, is illegal state aid and must be recovered. The Commission appeared to attach significant weight to the fact the aid did not comply with the rescue & restructuring guidelines as Elan was in financial difficulty. The decision also comments on the extent to which the provision of resources from publicly owned undertakings can be considered public resources. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32014D0273&from=EN

Brussels Matters State aid week: revised rescuing and restructuring non-financial undertakings Guidelines adopted (09.07.14)

Source: LinkedIn, State Aid Law Group, 10.07.2014

In addition to the revised Guidelines on State aid for rescuing and restructuring non-financial undertakings in difficulty published yesterday (09 July), DG COMP have also published another ad hoc policy brief. The revised Guidelines will apply 01 1 August 2014 and until 31 December 2020. The unofficial text of the new revised Guidelines can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/legislation/horizontal.html#rescue The standard accompanying Memo is at http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-473_en.htm The Competition policy brief can be found here http://ec.europa.eu/competition/publications/cpb/2014/009_en.pdf Best wishes Conor Maguire Brussels Matters www.brusselsmatters.eu

New Guidelines for Rescue and Restructuring Firms in Difficulty

Source: LinkedIn, State Aid Law Group, 09.07.2014

In one of the final steps of the State Aid Modernisation reforms, new Rescue and Restructuring Guidelines have been introduced. The main changes are a greater onus on shareholders to contribute in rescues, better filters to ensure aid is only provided where needed and temporary restructuring support for SMEs. Press Release http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-795_en.htm Further Explanation http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-473_en.htm Policy Brief http://ec.europa.eu/competition/publications/cpb/2014/009_en.pdf Full text of the Guidelines http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/legislation/rescue_resctructuring_communication_en.pdf

Case E-1/2013[1] EFTA Court: EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) falls short of its expected ‘authority’ in State aid analysis

Source: EUStateAidBlog , 06.07.2014

This is yet another very interesting and well-decided case delivered by the EFTA Court, on alleged State aid granted to the recipient undertaking, which won a tender procedure and was awarded a lease contract. The Court referred to settled case law of the CJEU on private vendor test (PVT) in its attempt to prove that the EFTA Surveillance Authority (EFTA) conducted its preliminary examination in a faulty manner and, therefore, unlawfully upheld in its contested decision that there was no [...]

Commission adopts new Agricultural Block Exemption Regulation (ABER) and Guidelines for Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Areas.

Source: LinkedIn, State Aid Law Group, 25.06.2014

As expected, the Commission has adopted the ABER 2014-2020 and new Guidelines for Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Areas ahead of the introduction date of 1 July 2014. In line with the State Aid Modernisation Agenda, the scope of the ABER has been widened, thresholds increased and the administrative burden reduced. The effect is that greater day to day control in regulating State Aid now rests with the Member State. Under the new "trust and verify" relationship, the Commission will scrutinise schemes and individual awards to ensure that the conditions are being fulfilled. The legislation can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/stateaid/legislation/index_en.htm and the press release at http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-714_en.htm I would be interested to hear [...]

The Commission joins the tax avoidance debate: announcement on Apple, Starbucks and Fiat

Source: UK State Aid Law Association - Blog , 13.06.2014

On Wednesday, Commissioner Almunia announced that the Commission was starting three Article 108(2) investigations into tax rulings by Ireland, the Netherlands and Luxembourg given to, respectively, Apple, Starbucks and Fiat Finance. See http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-14-190_en.htm?locale=en. The tax rulings all relate to transfer … Continue reading →

Applying the Private Investor Test in Judicial Review: R (Sky Blue Sports & Leisure Limited & Ors) v Coventry City Council [2014] EWHC 1747 (admin)

Source: UK State Aid Law Association - Blog , 02.06.2014

This is an important interlocutory judgment, which provides guidance on: (a) the legal test the Court will apply when determining whether a measure is consistent with the Private Investor Test (the “PIT”) in judicial review proceedings; and (b) what evidence … Continue reading →

Brussels Matters week ending 23.05.14 (anticipated): (another) very important week for the future of EU State aid law

Source: LinkedIn, State Aid Law Group, 21.05.2014

Earlier today (21.05.14), the European Commission adopted three of the most important remaining 'pillars' of the State aid modernisation programme launched in 2012: 1. The new General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) - draft version available at http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/legislation/gber_regulation_en.pdf 2. The new Framework for State aid for research, development and innovation (R&D&I Framework) - text available soon at http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/modernisation/index_en.html 3. A new Communication on State aid transparency requirements - for each state aid award above €500,000, EU countries will be required to publish the identity of the beneficiary, the amount and objective & legal basis of the aid - details available soon at [...]

Brussels Matters week ending 23.05.14 (anticipated): (another) very important week for the future of EU State aid law

Source: LinkedIn, State Aid Law Group, 21.05.2014

Earlier today (21.05.14), the European Commission adopted three of the most important remaining 'pillars' of the State aid modernisation programme launched in 2012: 1. The new General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) - draft version available at http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/legislation/gber_regulation_en.pdf 2. The new Framework for State aid for research, development and innovation (R&D&I Framework) - text available soon at http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/modernisation/index_en.html 3. A new Communication on State aid transparency requirements - for each state aid award above €500,000, EU countries will be required to publish the identity of the beneficiary, the amount and objective & legal basis of the aid - details available soon at [...]

Case C-559/12 P: Aid in the form of an implied unlimited State guarantee

Source: EUStateAidBlog , 30.04.2014

The decision at hand deals with the case of granting State aid by means of guaranteeing in favour of certain publicly-owned undertakings. Almost in its entirety contains arguments and respective findings of the Court regarding questions of burden and level of proof. In that respect, the judgment is not such a fascinating piece of case-law but still reaches some firm conclusions in relation to the requisite legal standard for establishing the existence of an unlimited guarantee and classifying th [...]

Case T-319/11[1]: Examining the lawfulness of conditions attached to the approval of a restructuring plan of a Dutch bank (ABN AMRO case)

Source: EUStateAidBlog , 30.04.2014

As the title reveals, the present decision deals with a bundle of recapitalisation measures in favour of a Dutch financial institution, ABN AMRO. Those measures were codified in the form of a Restructuring Plan which was subsequently amended. The Commission issued a decision which declared, subject to conditions, the compatibility of the restructuring plans in the light of the communication on bank restructuring[2]. The only condition whose validity was challenged by the applicant financi [...]

What does severability stand for in the context of EU State aid?

Source: EUStateAidBlog , 21.04.2014

 The concept of severability in EU State aid case law At the outset, it is necessary to make some introductory remarks so that the following analysis can be put, read and grasped within an appropriate and well-defined legal context. First, it should be stressed that there exist two homonymous severability criteria which were shaped in the course of EU law practice. As a result, it is expedient to explain the decisive difference between them and finally turn our attention to the severabilit [...]

Case C‑224/12 P: State aid to ING and the applicability of the private investor test

Source: EUStateAidBlog , 13.04.2014

This case revolves around the question of public funding of financial institutions amid the general financial crisis. However its most interesting aspect has to do with the applicability of the private investor test to the facts of the case, that is to say whether the Commission has to conduct its overall compatibility assessment of the specific state aid measure in the light of the private investor principle or not. The main facts of the case can be summarized as follows. The Dutch State decide [...]

State aid in favour of Dutch social housing companies: legal interest, individual concern and the procedural position of potential beneficiaries of aid 

Source: EUStateAidBlog , 30.03.2014

 Not a long time ago, the CJEU ruled on a couple of cases[1] about the general state aid regime of social housing[2] companies in the Netherlands. They both referred to the compatibility of the terms under which Dutch state support is available to social housing companies (also known under the abbreviation wocos). As a concise introduction to the facts at hand, the Netherlands had in place, on one hand, an existing state aid scheme (aid measure E 2/2005) and, on the other hand, a new stat [...]

The Mediaset judgment[1]: Delineation of the national judge's latitude on recovery of aid and identification of a latent State aid question

Source: EUStateAidBlog , 26.03.2014

Case facts The Italian authorities decided to subsidize the so called “television digital switch over” by granting a fixed sum to consumers (at first place 150 Euros which was later reduced to 70 Euros). The beneficiaries of that State initiative would be only the digital terrestrial broadcasters by virtue of the accrued profits from selling decoders to consumers. The scheme for digital terrestrial broadcasters offering pay-TV services and cable pay-TV operators was regarded by the [...]

Case Note, Case E-1/12, Den norske Forleggerforening v EFTA Surveillance Authority, 11 December 2012, EFTA Court

Source: EUStateAidBlog , 02.11.2013

Keywords: state aid, notion of undertaking, economic activity, initiation of formal investigation procedure, serious difficulties § 1. Introduction On 11 December 2012, the EFTA Court (Court hereinafter) pronounced on an action for annulment of a decision of the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) as regards an alleged aid granted to Nasjonal digital læringsarena (NDLA) by Norwegian authorities. The general contours of the legal dispute before the Court included the grant of St [...]

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