EUMarktmissbrauchsregime

EUMarktmissbrauch, a German term often translated as EU market abuse, refers to practices that distort competition and harm consumers within the European Union's internal market. This broad category encompasses various activities that violate EU competition law, primarily Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Article 101 prohibits agreements between undertakings that prevent, restrict, or distort competition, such as cartels, price-fixing, and market sharing. Article 102 prohibits the abuse of a dominant market position, which can include predatory pricing, excessive pricing, and discriminatory practices.

The European Commission is the primary body responsible for enforcing EU competition law and investigating cases of EUMarktmissbrauch. National competition authorities also play a crucial role in applying these rules. Penalties for infringements can be severe, including substantial fines, and can also lead to civil claims for damages by affected parties. The aim of combating EUMarktmissbrauch is to ensure a level playing field for businesses, promote innovation, and protect the interests of consumers by ensuring fair prices and a wide choice of goods and services. Monitoring and enforcement are ongoing processes, with new cases and rulings frequently shaping the interpretation and application of these critical market rules.