Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

Personal tools
Sections
You are here: Home topics Competition Competition guides
Document Actions

Competition guides

Up one level
Guides on the Competition policy in the EU.
Statement of Objections to Microsoft on non-compliance with browser choice commitments by EUbusiness — last modified 24 October 2012, 13:21 CET
The European Commission has informed Microsoft of its preliminary view that Microsoft has failed to comply with its commitments to offer users a choice screen enabling them to easily choose their preferred web browser. In 2009, the Commission had made these commitments legally binding on Microsoft. The sending of a statement of objections does not prejudge the final outcome of the investigation.
EU anti-dumping investigation into solar panel imports from China by EUbusiness — last modified 06 September 2012, 10:57 CET
The European Commission has aunched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of solar panels and their key components (i.e. solar cells and solar wafers) originating in China. EU Pro Sun, an industry association, claimed in its complaint lodged on 25 July 2012 that solar panels and their key components imported from China enter the European market at prices below market value. In terms of import value affected, this is the most significant anti-dumping complaint the European Commission has received so far: in 2011, China exported solar panels and their key components worth around €21 billion to the EU. The investigation will take 15 months in total, whereas it is possible according to trade defence rules to impose provisional anti-dumping duties within 9 months, provided there is sufficient prima facie evidence of dumping.
Commission decision against Telekomunikacja Polska by EUbusiness — last modified 22 June 2011, 20:30 CET
The European Commission has imposed a fine of €127 554 194 on telecoms operator Telekomunikacja Polska S.A. (TP) for abusing its dominant position in Poland in breach of EU antitrust rules (Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU). As a dominant company TP is under an obligation to allow remunerated access to its network and wholesale broadband services in order to allow the effective entry of alternative operators on downstream telecoms markets. But it consistently refused to do so or made it difficult for more than four years.
Revised EU competition rules for the motor vehicle sector - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 27 May 2010, 12:22 CET
The European Commission has adopted new competition rules for agreements between vehicle manufacturers and their authorised dealers, repairers and spare parts distributors. The new rules will increase competition in the market for repair and maintenance by improving access to technical information needed for the repairs and by making it easier to use alternative spare parts. They will allow the Commission to tackle manufacturers' abuse of warranties when they request that cars are serviced only in authorised garages. The new rules will also reduce distribution costs for new cars by eliminating overly restrictive rules.
Commission decision on Microsoft's new web browser Choice Screen - user's guide by EUbusiness — last modified 16 December 2009, 15:36 CET
The European Commission has resolved a serious competition concern in the market for web browsers. For the first time in over a decade, Internet users in Europe will have an effective and unbiased choice between Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and competing web browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari and Opera.
Application of Articles 81 and 82 of the EC Treaty by Ina Dimireva — last modified 03 December 2009, 16:20 CET
The new arrangements for applying the anti-trust procedures, which were introduced by Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, are designed to ensure more effective enforcement of the European Community competition rules in the interest of consumers and businesses, while easing the administrative burden of firms doing business in Europe. Via decentralised application of the competition rules and by strengthening a posteriori control, the Regulation will lighten the European Commission's workload and increase the part played by national authorities and courts in implementing competition law while guaranteeing its uniform application.
Common Organisation of Agricultural Markets by Ina Dimireva — last modified 22 December 2009, 13:06 CET
The common organisation of agricultural markets in the European Union provides a single legal framework governing the domestic market, trade with third countries and rules regarding competition.
European Industrial Policy by Ina Dimireva — last modified 08 December 2009, 00:55 CET
The European Commission is presenting a new industrial policy to create a more suitable framework for European manufacturing. Establishing a solid and dynamic industrial base contributes to the growth of the European Union and sustains its economic and technological leadership in a context of growing globalisation.
European Industrial Policy by Ina Dimireva — last modified 13 December 2009, 00:23 CET
The European Commission is presenting a new industrial policy to create a more suitable framework for European manufacturing. Establishing a solid and dynamic industrial base contributes to the growth of the European Union and sustains its economic and technological leadership in a context of growing globalisation.
IPA: Regional Competitiveness Operational Programme in Croatia by Ina Dimireva — last modified 06 February 2010, 12:03 CET
The overall objective of the Regional Competitiveness Operational Programme is to achieve higher competitiveness and a balanced regional development by supporting small and medium enterprises' competitiveness, alongside with improving economic conditions in Croatia's lagging areas. IPA funds will therefore support business services rendered for micro and small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), strategic cooperation between companies, strengthening of entrepreneurial skills in the academia, promoting business and investment climate, developing business-related infrastructure.
Commission decisions on KBC, ING and Lloyds - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 19 November 2009, 13:02 CET
The European Commission on 18 October approved the restructuring plan of Lloyds Banking Group, the ING restructuring plan and illiquid asset back-up facility, and the asset relief and restructuring package for KBC.
Competitiveness Council by Ina Dimireva — last modified 25 September 2009, 23:06 CET
The creation of the Competitiveness Council in June 2002, through the merging of three previous configurations (Internal Market, Industry and Research) was a response to the perceived need for a more coherent and better coordinated handling of these matters related to the European Union's competitiveness. Depending on the items on the agenda, this Council is composed of European Affairs Ministers, Industry Ministers, Research Ministers, etc. It meets about five or six times a year.
Sustainability and Competitiveness of EU Tourism by Ina Dimireva — last modified 24 September 2009, 16:04 CET
Sustainability of European tourism calls for pro-active co-operation among tourism enterprises, tourist destinations and national, regional and local authorities in order to address a wide range of challenges whilst at the same time remaining competitive.
Competitiveness in the European Chemical Industry by Ina Dimireva — last modified 22 September 2009, 22:47 CET
Since industrial competitiveness is of central importance for the Commission, on the basis of the Communication "Implementing the Community Lisbon Programme: A policy framework to strengthen EU manufacturing" a High Level Group on the Competitiveness of the European Chemicals Industry in the European Union was set up.
State aid guidelines for broadband networks - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 17 September 2009, 12:20 CET
The European Commission has adopted Guidelines on the application of EC Treaty state aid rules to the public funding of broadband networks. The Guidelines provide a clear and predictable framework for stakeholders and will help EU Member States to accelerate and extend broadband deployment. The Guidelines also contain specific provisions concerning the deployment of Next Generation Access networks, allowing public support to foster investment in this strategic sector without creating undue distortions of competition. The Guidelines take account of comments received during a public consultation.
Competition in transport: Freedom to supply services, competition, unfair pricing practices and free access to ocean trade by Ina Dimireva — last modified 25 August 2009, 07:27 CET
Council Regulation (EEC) No 4055/86 applies the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport between EU Member States and between Member States and third countries. Four Regulations set out to apply the principles of freedom to provide services, competition, and free access to the market in sea transport.
Energy by Ina Dimireva — last modified 20 August 2009, 23:33 CET
Reliable energy supplies at reasonable prices for businesses and consumers and with the minimum environmental impact are crucial to the European economy. The European Union has therefore identified energy as one of its key priorities.
Motor Vehicles by Ina Dimireva — last modified 20 August 2009, 23:34 CET
The European Commission’s work in the motor vehicles sector includes market monitoring, competition advocacy as well as enforcement in individual cases in the merger, state aids and anti-trust fields.
Agriculture by Ina Dimireva — last modified 19 August 2009, 16:23 CET
Europe's agricultural sector, and the behaviour of farmers and associations of farmers - such as cooperatives - is subject to the competition rules of the European Union.
Pharmaceuticals by Ina Dimireva — last modified 19 August 2009, 16:24 CET
The role of the European Commission is to ensure that all players on the pharmaceuticals market (EU Member States, national health services and pharmaceutical companies) respect the Treaty rules on free competition and the free movement of goods and services within the internal market.