The Evolving Governance of EU Competition Law in Time of Disruptions: a Constitutional Perspective
This conference aims at addressing the constitutional implications of the recent transformations of EU competition law, by combining the substantive changes the field is experiencing with the procedural consequences thereof.
EU competition law is faced with rapid and unprecedented changes. While the EU is still recovering from the 2009 economic crisis, climate change, technological innovation, geopolitical turmoil and, more recently, the Covid-19 pandemic are disrupting the way markets operate and people live. In response, the Commission appears to have stretched the scope of competition rules and devised new tools to tackle emerging problems. While EU competition law covers today new markets and areas, social and political dimensions have been added to its original aims. Meanwhile, national governments, companies and EU courts are reacting against this activism to protect their own prerogatives. These new dynamics are challenging the constitutional framework of EU competition law and deserve further attention. The role of actors, division of competences and effectiveness of enforcement and coordination mechanisms are particularly at stake in this changing picture. This conference aims at addressing the constitutional implications of the recent transformations of EU competition law, by focusing on the substantive and institutional changes the field is experiencing.