Competition Policy in the EU
Latest news on competition policy in the European Union.
EU proposes tax transparency for multinationals
Multi-national companies operating in Europe will be required to publish country-by-country information on the tax they pay, according to new proposals announced by the European Commission on Tuesday.
Report on functioning of Insurance Block Exemption Regulation
The European Commission has published a report focusing on the functioning of the Insurance Block Exemption Regulation, which exempts certain types of cooperation in the insurance sector from EU antitrust rules under certain conditions.
Commission investigation into acquisition of oilfield service provider Baker Hughes by Halliburton
The European Commission opened pm 12 January an in-depth investigation to assess whether the proposed acquisition of oilfield service supplier Baker Hughes by rival Halliburton would impede effective competition in breach of the EU Merger Regulation. Both companies are US-based.
Commission investigation into Luxembourg's tax treatment of McDonald's
The European Commission opened on 3 December a formal probe into Luxembourg's tax treatment of McDonald's. Its preliminary view is that a tax ruling granted by Luxembourg may have granted McDonald's an advantageous tax treatment in breach of EU State aid rules.
Mergers and Acquisitions in Turkey
Mergers and Acquisitions (“M&A”) is defined as the combining of two or more companies or buying-selling or dividing of two or more companies as a part of corporate finance in order to grow rapidly in business field of activity.
MasterCard: Statement of Objections on cross-border rules and inter-regional interchange fees
The European Commission sent on 9 July a Statement of Objections to MasterCard. The Statement of Objections outlines the Commission's preliminary view that MasterCard's rules prevent banks from offering lower interchange fees to retailers based in another Member State of the European Economic Area (EEA), where interchange fees may be higher.
Antitrust: formal Commission investigation into Amazon e-book distribution arrangements
The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation into certain business practices by Amazon in the distribution of electronic books ("e-books").
E-commerce sector inquiry - factsheet
The European Commission has launched a competition inquiry into the e-commerce sector in the European Union in the context of the Digital Single Market Strategy. The sector inquiry will focus on those goods and services in which e-commerce is most widespread such as electronics, clothing and shoes, as well as digital content. It will cover all EU Member States.
Commission sector inquiry into mechanisms to ensure electricity supplies
The European Commission has launched a state aid sector inquiry into national measures to ensure that adequate capacity to produce electricity is available at all times to avoid black-outs (so-called "capacity mechanisms").
Gazprom: European Commission Statement of Objections
The European Commission has sent a Statement of Objections to Gazprom alleging that some of its business practices in Central and Eastern European gas markets constitute an abuse of its dominant market position in breach of EU antitrust rules.
Are EU charges of unfair practices against Google fair?
Internet giant Google again came under EU fire this week when the European Commission formally charged it with abusing the dominance of its search engine, while at the same time launching a sensitive probe into its omnipresent Android mobile phone operating system.
Commission approval for German offshore wind farms
The European Commission has found that German plans to support the building of 20 offshore wind farms are in line with EU state aid rules.
EU investigation against Google in relation to Android mobile operating system
The European Commission has opened formal proceedings against Google to investigate in-depth if the company’s conduct in relation to its Android mobile operating system as well as applications and services for smartphones and tablets has breached EU antitrust rules.
EU investigation into Google comparison shopping service
The European Commission has sent a Statement of Objections to Google outlining the Commission's preliminary view that the company is abusing a dominant position, in breach of EU antitrust rules, by systematically favouring its own comparison shopping product in its general search results pages in the European Economic Area (EEA).
Infringements day at the EC
Wednesday was infringements day at the European Commission, a monthly occasion, when the Commission announces the various infringements proceedings it is setting in motion, and including legal actions it is taking against some Member States for failing to comply properly with their obligations under EU law.
Telecoms: Recommendation on relevant markets
The European Commission – in agreement with Member States - decided on 9 October that two telecom markets should no longer be subject to regulation in Europe, and that two more should be redefined to reflect market and technology developments. The rules take effect immediately.
Revised guidelines for supporting firms in difficulty
The European Commission has revised its rules for assessing Member States' support measures to rescue and restructure companies in difficulty. The new guidelines aim to ensure that public funding is channelled where it is needed most and that investors in failing firms carry their fair share of the costs of restructuring, rather than leaving the burden to taxpayers. The rules adopted apply only to non-financial firms in difficulty; a separate set of rules is in place for banks and other financial institutions. The new guidelines will enter into force on 1 August 2014.
EU merger control rules improvements
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on proposals to improve merger control at EU level outlined in a White Paper.
Enforcement of EU competition rules
The European Commission has adopted a Communication identifying areas for action to enhance the enforcement of EU antitrust rules by national competition authorities (NCAs). Since 2004, both the Commission and NCAs have the power to fully enforce the EU's antitrust rules. Based on ten years of experience, the Commission aims to further strengthen the position and tools of the NCAs. The Communication adopted today sets out priority areas where further progress is necessary. The Commission will then assess which policy initiatives should be taken to best achieve these goals.
Broadband state aid rules explained - handbook for decision-makers
The European Commission has published new guidance to help governments invest in broadband. The handbook is useful for any public authority investing in broadband or looking at co-funding projects with EU structural and investment funds (ESIF).
