Expert Competition Law Workshop for National Judges
Brussels, Belgium
30 March 2005- 31 March 2005
Hosted By: British Institute of International & Comparative Law
NERA Director and European Competition Policy Practice Chair Dr. Mark Williams spoke about market definition, economic issues related to competition law, and the role of competition at the "Expert Competition Law Workshop for National Judges" on 30-31 March 2005 in Brussels, Belgium. The workshop was organized by the British Institute of International & Comparative Law and sponsored by the European Commission's Judicial Training Programme.
While national courts have always applied the competition provisions of the EC Treaty, their role in doing so is now greater than ever before. As a result of modernization in EC competition law, companies no longer have the option of notifying their agreements to the European Commission to obtain an exemption (or comfort letter). They now need to perform a "self assessment" of their agreements or turn to a national court to receive an answer. National courts are also responsible for hearing appeals from national competition authorities.
Dr. Williams introduced the economic principles that underlie competition policy and discussed the role of rivalry between firms and its implications for efficient outcomes and consumer welfare. He set out the historical evolution of competition policy and provided an overview of the main provisions.
The workshop included sessions on Articles 101 and 102 (formerly Articles 81 and 82), the rules on state aid and public procurement, the relationship between national and community institutions, and the interface between competition law and sector-specific regulation.
To contact us about this event, please click here.
