EUkilpailuoikeuden

EUkilpailuoikeuden, or EU competition law, is a set of regulations within the European Union (EU) aimed at ensuring fair competition and preventing anti-competitive practices. The primary objective of EU competition law is to promote economic efficiency, innovation, and consumer welfare by preventing the abuse of a dominant position in the market. The law is based on the principle of free competition, which encourages businesses to compete on the basis of their merits rather than through illegal practices.

The foundation of EU competition law is the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which includes the Treaty of Rome (1957) and the Treaty of Maastricht (1992). The law is enforced by the European Commission, which has the authority to investigate and prosecute cases of anti-competitive behavior. The Commission can impose fines, order divestitures, or require other corrective measures to restore fair competition.

Key areas covered by EU competition law include:

1. Abuse of a dominant position: This occurs when a company with a significant market share engages in practices that harm competition, such as price fixing, market division, or exclusionary conduct.

2. Cartels: Cartels are agreements between competitors to fix prices, allocate markets, or limit output. EU competition law prohibits cartels and imposes severe penalties on those found guilty.

3. State aid: State aid refers to financial assistance provided by a government to a company or industry. EU competition law regulates state aid to ensure it does not distort competition and does not provide an unfair advantage to the recipient.

EU competition law is an essential tool for maintaining a level playing field and fostering a competitive market within the EU. It helps to protect consumers, promote innovation, and ensure that businesses operate in a transparent and fair environment.