Section outline
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Learning Outcomes
- Student defines the concept, objectives, and legal basis of EU competition law.
- Student applies Articles 101 and 102 TFEU to practical cases involving anti-competitive conduct.
- Student analyzes CJEU judgments on cartels and abuse of dominant position.
- Student assesses the enforcement mechanisms and institutional roles in competition law.
Compulsory EU Law
- TFEU, Articles 3, 101, 102
- EU Regulation 2022/1925: Digital Markets Act
- Case C-41/90 Höfner
- Case T-201/04 Microsoft
- Case C-97/08 Akzo Nobel
Task to Consider
Case-based analytical problem, 900–1,100 words
EU competition law aims to ensure undistorted competition within the internal market. Its rules apply not only to private undertakings but also, under certain conditions, to entities connected to the State, and increasingly interact with sector-specific regulation of digital markets. Using Articles 101 and 102 TFEU, relevant case law of the Court of Justice of the EU and the General Court, and Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 (Digital Markets Act), analyse the following issues:
- Explain the concept, objectives, and legal basis of EU competition law.
- Assess how Articles 101 and 102 TFEU apply to: cartel conduct, and abuse of a dominant position.
- Discuss the notion of an undertaking and its relevance for the personal scope of EU competition law.
- Analyse the enforcement mechanisms of EU competition law and the institutional roles of the Commission and EU courts.
Your answer should refer to and critically engage with relevant case law.