Ins-and-outs of Market Competition in the EU

Description

The principles of market competition have spread over the globe with an extreme speed. From less than 50 jurisdictions having a competition law after World War II, now we have more 150 countries who have adopted the principles of open markets and free competition. All of them have also enacted competition laws. Given the growing importance of these principles, and the leadership position of the EU in enforcing them, this summer school focuses on teaching the ins- and outs- of EU competition law.

Specifically, we will pay in-depth attention to: the prohibition of cartels under Article 101 TFEU and the prohibition of abuse of dominant position under Article 102 TFEU. Finally, we will examine the merger control system of the European Union. This summer course is going to draw on theory as well as practice, with specific examples from the enforcement challenges faced by the European Commission and national competition authorities of the European Union.

Target audience

This is a foundational/basics course, suitable for anyone with an interest in the field of EU competition law. Some pre-existing knowledge of law and/or economics would be seen as an advantage.

Aim of the course

The aim of this summer course is to give participants a broad introduction to the main domains of EU competition law and enforcement (cartels, dominant positions and merger control), which enables further and deeper (self-study) of the topic. Additionally, this course can be seen as a stepping stone to better understanding of more complex/advanced topics where competition concerns play a tangential role - such an example would be the issue of standardization (refer to summer course 'Global Power and Technology: Competition, innovation and technological advancement through standardization in the EU'). 

Last but not least, participants get to socialize with their peers and lecturers through a vibrant social program.

Study load

If taken for credit, the workload of the course is equivalent to 1.5 ECTS (European study credits). This load includes the following components:

• Seven interactive sessions on the topics of cartels, dominant positions and EU merger control, presented by renowned experts in the field. These sessions are spread over the first four days of the summer course, while allowing time for socializing and preparing assignments.
• During the final fifth day, roles are switched and the participants become presenters - this happens through a moot court exercise (a simulation of a case inspired by an actual EU competition law dispute). Participants are expected to present both oral and written pleadings for the purposes of the moot court.

Successful and active participation in the seminars and completion of the moot court exercise cater for the award of 1.5 ECTS.

Tags

• law and economics
• competition law