Competition Policy in the EU
Latest news on competition policy in the European Union.
EU clears Rolls-Royce acquisition of ITP, subject to conditions
The EU Commission cleared Rolls-Royce's proposed acquisition of Spanish aircraft engine components maker ITP Wednesday, so long as it eliminates a conflict of interest concerning the EPI engine consortium.
EU approves Fox takeover of Sky under Merger Regulation
The EU Commission has given its unconditional approval under the EU Merger Regulation of the proposed acquisition of Sky by U.S. media giant Twenty-First Century Fox.
Online hotel booking under EU scrutiny
The European Commission and ten national competition authorities published a report on competition in the online hotel booking sector Thursday, highlighting the impact of antitrust enforcement measures.
Brussels raises import tariffs on China steel
The EU Commission imposed anti-dumping duties on imports of hot-rolled flat steel products from China Thursday, fixing at higher duties than provisional measures in place since October.
EU probes RBS alternative to Williams & Glyn sale
The EU Commission is to investigate an alternative proposal from the UK to the Royal Bank of Scotland's commitment to sell Williams & Glyn as part of its restructuring plan.
Deutsche Boerse - London Stock Exchange merger blocked by EU
Brussels blocked a proposed merger between Deutsche Boerse and the London Stock Exchange Wednesday, saying it would create a de facto monopoly in the markets for clearing fixed income instruments.
EU looks to boost power of national competition authorities
The European Commission set out new rules Wednesday to deepen partnership with national competition authorities by enabling them to be more effective enforcers of the EU's antitrust rules.
EU re-imposes EUR 776m fines on air cargo cartel
The EU Commission re-imposed a fine of EUR 776 million on 11 air cargo carriers Friday for operating a price–fixing cartel, re-adopting a decision annulled by the EU's top Court on procedural grounds.
New whistleblower tool to help EU fight cartels
A new tool launched Thursday by the European Commission will make it easier for individuals to blow the whistle about secret cartels and other antitrust violations while maintaining their anonymity.
Anonymous Whistleblower Tool
You as an individual can help in the fight against cartels and other anti-competitive practices in the European Union, such as agreeing on prices or procurement bids, keeping products off the market or unfairly excluding rivals. These practices cause immense damage to Europe's economy. They can deny customers access to a wider choice of goods and services at reasonable prices, stifle innovation and put companies out of business. Inside knowledge and assistance can be a powerful tool to help the EU Commission uncover cartels and other anti-competitive practices more swiftly than might otherwise be possible, and can contribute to the success of our investigations. If you are aware of business practices that you think are wrong, you can help the Commission to put things right by voluntarily providing it with information. This information can be facts concerning anti-competitive conduct, its circumstances and the individuals involved, for example, that are not publicly known but are known to you. They can concern past, ongoing or planned anti-competitive behaviour.
2016 State Aid Scoreboard
The 2016 State Aid Scoreboard, published today by the European Commission, shows the benefits of the State Aid Modernisation package taking place. Around 95% of new implemented aid measures fell under the new General Block Exemption Regulation and could be implemented without prior Commission approval.
Gazprom reaches provisional gas deal with EU
The provisional deal reached between Russian gas giant Gazprom and the EU Monday will enable the free flow of gas in Central and Eastern Europe at competitive prices, says the Commission.
Brussels fines six car suppliers EUR 155m over cartels
The EU Commission fined six car suppliers a total of EUR 155m Wednesday for taking part in cartels supplying air conditioning and engine cooling components to manufacturers in Europe.
Court backs EU anti-dumping measures against Chinese solar panels
The EU's top court gave its backing Tuesday to anti-dumping duties imposed by the EU in respect of imports of solar panels and key components originating in and consigned from China.
EU imposes new anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel
The EU Commission imposed anti-dumping duties on imports of heavy steel plates from China Tuesday, the latest in an unprecedented number of trade defence measures against unfair steel imports.
Brussels fines car battery recycling cartel EUR 68m
The European Commission fined Campine, Eco-Bat Technologies and Recylex a total of EUR 68 million Thursday for fixing prices for purchasing scrap automotive batteries, in breach of EU antitrust rules.
Brussels opens probe into geo-blocking in online sales
The EU Commission launched three separate investigations Thursday to assess if certain online sales practices prevent consumers from enjoying cross-border choice, in breach of EU antitrust rules.
EU imposes new import duties on Chinese steel
The European Commission decided Friday to impose definitive anti-dumping measures on two steel products originating in China and Taiwan.
EU antitrust concerns prompt changes to Amazon e-books contracts
The EU Commission is inviting comments on a number of changes Amazon is making to its e-books contracts, in response to a formal antitrust investigation into Amazon's practices started in 2015.
Brussels hails Amazon, Apple audiobooks deal
The European Commission welcomed Thursday an agreement to end all exclusivity obligations concerning audiobook supply and distribution between Amazon's subsidiary Audible and Apple.
