Modernization of EC Competition Law

Before discussing the future reforms, I shall recall the curious features of the current competition law regime that is likely to last for a year or two longer. I shall then consider the implications of the proposed enforcement reform and the difficulties of predicting how it will work. Then I will turn to the apparent radicalism but concealed caution of the proposed new rules on vertical restraints and whether the proposed new powers of investigation for the Commission of the European Communities (or ‘Commission‘) are compatible with the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (“Human Rights Convention”).