Antitrust damages in EU law and policy

Antitrust damages in EU law and policy

The preparation of the antitrust damages package has taken nearly a decade to complete. Set against a very complicated background, in June 2013 the European Commission finally came up with a package which includes (i) a proposed Directive accompanied by non-binding documents dealing with the quantification of damages, and (ii) non-binding documents on collective redress. Further to exchanges between the European Commission, the Council and the Parliament, the latter adopted a final compromise text on 17 April 2014. The ultimate approval by the Council will is expected by the end of 2014.

This antitrust damages package represents a great step forward. Given the myriad of procedures present in each of the Member States, including processes in relation to access to evidence, efforts to bring uniformity to each jurisdiction in an attempt to avoid forum shopping hâve proven to be particularly difficult.This package brings concrete solutions to a large range of issues despite the fact that some matters will not be completely resolved after adoption of the text.

The purpose of the 9th GCLC Conference held on 7 and 8 November 2013 and of this publication is to give a clear view of what has already been achieved, as well as to provide an opportunity to offer concrete proposals which may help the European institutions and national governments to rapidly agree on solutions to these issues and be able to complete the private enforcement adventure.This book will appeal to judges and lawyers in competition law, European law, business and corporate law ; the study of European competition law, European institutions, national competition authorities and companies.