Intel case: BEUC wants consumer voice to be heard

The producer of computer processors, Intel, which celebrates today its 40th anniversary, is the object of an inquiry by the European Commission to consider whether Intel has abused its dominant position in the market.

The producer of computer processors, Intel, who celebrates today its 40th anniversary, is the object of an inquiry by the European Commission to consider whether Intel has abused its dominant position in the market.
 
The alleged practices, if confirmed, would have a detrimental effect on the variety of products offered to consumers, and, consequently, on the prices consumers have to pay for their personal computers. 
 
As the role of computing increases in consumers' everyday life, this matter is of crucial importance; BEUC and its member organisations consider this as a very serious matter. We have therefore applied to the Commission Hearing Officer to be heard as interested third party in this case. 
 
According to Monique Goyens: "The promotion of consumer choice and of competitive price levels is a fundamental element of the Commission's case against Intel as of the EU competition policy in general; it is therefore important that the consumer voice is heard in this debate".
 

The European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC) was created in 1962 by the consumer organisations of Belgium, Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany. After working together for a number of years, these organisations decided to create a European association, based in Brussels, right at the heart of Community policy. BEUC was a pioneer, one of the first lobbying organisations to set up base in the European capital in a bid to influence the decision-making process.