We Say Competition, You Say Antitrust: Can Diverging Policy Objectives be met by Uniform Enforcement Policies?

Walsh, Declan J. (2007) We Say Competition, You Say Antitrust: Can Diverging Policy Objectives be met by Uniform Enforcement Policies?. In European Union Studies Association (EUSA) > Biennial Conference > 2007 (10th), May 17-19, 2007, pages 9, Montreal, Canada.

Abstract

[From the introduction]. The intention of this short paper is to consider the current proposals of the European Commission to formalise and facilitate private party actions for damages in the field of EC competition law. This suggested Americanisation of competition law enforcement arguably goes against the aims and objectives of European Community Competition policy. In excess of 90% of all antitrust actions in the United States are now by way of private party enforcement but it is contended that the specific policy objectives of the European Union are better addressed through a strict model of effective public enforcement.