Competition Policy in Europe [Paperback]

The modern industrial states desperately need more competition in order to generate growth and employment. Although the European Union pushed its member states to open several sectors to competition, there is much left to be done. At the same time powerful interest groups try to avoid or to reduce competition on European labour markets, in the health systems, in the transport and energy sector, in public services, and in many other areas. This book shows that there is much to be gained from intensifying competition and that especially consumers would benefit. One task is to lay a sound basis for the application of competition. The other task is to implement and guarantee competition. The authors cover both issues.

1 by Karel Van Miert Since the early years of the European Community, competition policy has played a decisive role in the creation of a more prosperous, competitive and integrated European economy. Over the last forty years, the action of European competition authorities has provided numerous examples of the benefits of a sound-working competition environment for consumers and for the European economy as a whole. Competition brings lower prices, fosters technical progress and creativity, and prevents the negative effects of a company abusing its dominant or monopoly position. During my mandate as a Commissioner in charge of competition, I have actively encouraged this strengthening of European competition policy as did my predecessors. As a result, there has been growing public awareness in Europe of the need for free and fair competition as well as the consolidation of the competition policy in the acquis communautaire . European competition policy is now at a tuming turning point in its history. In May 2004, ten countries will join a new European Union composed of twenty-five Member States and 450 million people. This massive accession to the EU is of paramount importance to the European integration and will deeply impact on EuropeanlÑ