Abuse of dominance, Digital competition, Digital economy, Digital markets, Digital Markets Act, New Competition Tool, Policy, Remedies, Structural competition problems, Technological Development

, (University of Utrecht)/ /Leave a comment

Introduction Big tech platforms possess characteristics that lead to entrenched structural power and a lack of competition. One notable feature is the existence of extreme economies of scale, arising from the minimal marginal costs associated with additional business users or end users. Furthermore, the services offered by these platforms exhibit strong network effects and an…

Competition Law 2024, Peru

(International Center for Law & Economics)/ /Leave a comment

In comparison to the year prior, 2024 may have seemed a quiet time for Peruvian competition law, but it was not without important developments. Heralded worldwide as the “year of elections,” 2024 brought changes to the Peruvian competition agency (the National Institute for the Defense of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property, or INDECOPI,…

China, European Commission, Public procurement

, (White & Case)/ /Leave a comment

On 14 January 2025, the European Commission (“Commission”) published the findings of its first investigation under the EU’s International Procurement Instrument (“IPI”). Findings of the investigation concludes that China unfairly treated EU medical devices and suppliers in its public procurement.[1] The Chinese government did not contest these findings, but noted (accurately) that it had not…

AI, Foreign direct investment, Foreign investment, Foreign subsidies, Technological Development

, , (Simmons & Simmons)/ /Leave a comment

On 15 January 2025, the European Commission (Commission) adopted a recommendation inviting Member States to review investments made by domestic companies into third countries (so-called “outbound investments”). The recommendation aligns with similar mechanisms adopted in other countries, (e.g. the US Department of the Treasury’s Outbound Investment Security Program), and is part of a broader strategy…

Antitrust Writing Award

(University Villanueva, Spain), (University of Vienna, Austria), and (University of Göttingen, Germany)/ /1 Comment

During 2024, we published many insightful, well-written and even hilarious blogposts on the Kluwer Competition Law Blog. In case that was not enough for us (it definitely is!), we are delighted to learn that some of those pieces were shortlisted for the 2025 Antitrust Writing Awards. Congratulations to all of the authors on the great…

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Competition Law 2024, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Western Balkans

(Doklestic Repic & Gajin)/ /Leave a comment

With 2024 behind us, I look back at what were the main competition law developments in the Western Balkans, both when it comes to new legislation and the application of the current rules. A high level of merger control activity seems to be common for most of the region (except for Bosnia and Herzegovina), although…

Competition Law 2024, Hungary

, (Szecskay Attorneys at Law) and (Szecskay Attorneys at Law, Hungary)/ /Leave a comment

Abstract  This report outlines key developments in Hungarian competition law and policy in 2024, including legislative changes, enforcement actions, and market inquiries. Highlights include exemptions for joint venture agreements, stricter de minimis rules, increased fines, and clarified statutes of limitations.   Major enforcement cases targeted unfair commercial practices and procurement cartels, with significant fines imposed on…

Brazil, Competition Law 2024

(Federal University of Paraná) and (University of São Paulo)/ /Leave a comment

In 2024, the new composition of the CADE’s Tribunal—with four new commissioners—worked towards a more intense look at digital markets. In mergers case law, Minerva’s acquisition of assets from Marfrig in the food sector was a case to highlight. Price fixing agreements by professional unions were another relevant topic on CADE´s agenda. Regarding soft law,…

Argentina, Competition Law 2024

(Allende & Brea)/ /Leave a comment

General considerations Competition law in Argentina started 2024 in full speed with the full replacement of all the authorities after a new government took place in December 2023, and with the bill sent to Congress aiming to make significant changes to the existing legal framework. In January 2024, the Argentine government appointed the President and…

Competition Law 2024, Cyprus

, , (Harris Kyriakides)/ /Leave a comment

Overview This year (2024) marked a pivotal year in competition law enforcement and policy in Cyprus. With over 40 applications for concentrations reviewed by the Commission for the Protection of Competition, significant court rulings, and new legislative initiatives, this year showcased robust activity and evolving regulatory frameworks aimed at maintaining effective competition within the market….