European Competition Policy index

8 important questions on European Competition Policy index

What is the aim of competition policy?

To ensure that competition in the market place is not restricted in a way that is detrimental to society. Should focus on eliminating power as it is an important driver for innovation & efficiency

Which two objectives are implied in the EUs internal marketpolicy?

1. maintenance of competitive markets (encourage efficiency, optimal allocation of resources, technical progress & flexibility to adjust to changing environment)
2. single market objective

The existence of a monopolist leads to market power which leads to a loss of economic welfare. What kind of loss is meant and what kind of monopoly can be good?

a deadweight loss: the difference between the total surplus under monopoly & the surplus under MC pricing

A natural monopoly can be good, since it has decreasing average costs (e.g. energy company)
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What is the goal of competition policy and what is often (wrongly) assumed?

goal: a workable competition, e.g. the number of firms should be at least as large as economies of scale permit

wrong:- CP is not concerned with maximizing the # of firms
- CP is concerned with defending competition to increase welfare, NOT defending competitors

Even in the absence of a monopoly, dominant positions can arise due to:

- sunk costs
- switching costs
- network effects

EU competition has 4 objectives. Describe them.

1. eliminating agreements that restrict competition (horizontal&vertical)

2.  the control of M&As between firms

3. liberalization of monopolistic economic sectors > EC plays a key role in opening up markets such as transport, energy, etc.

4. the control of state aid > unless justified by reasons of general economic development, state aid is forbidden   

Competition authorities may examine abuse of dominant positions using an approach consisting of 3 steps. Formulate them

1. identify relevant market, analyze whether firm has dominant position
2. if dominant position, the economic effects of abusive conduct should be examined
3. impose sanctions if necessary

Since 2004, law enforcement became more decentralized with added principles. Name them

- competition authorities of the member states will be well placed to deal with cases that affect the territory of their member state

- when 2 or 3 member states are affected, authorities should work together on a case

- when a very large infringement is suspected, the Commission deals with the case

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