Chocolate, borders, and the Single Market: Why the Commission’s new raids matter

The European Commission’s announcement about dawn raids in the chocolate confectionery sector on Monday (!!) this week may appear, at first glance, like a normal enforcement move. But there might be more. Once again, it seems as if Brussels is signalling that restrictions on cross‑border trade inside the EU remain politically toxic and legally unforgivable … Continue reading Chocolate, borders, and the Single Market: Why the Commission’s new raids matter →

Does antitrust law set limits to wings?

I must admit I am a huge fan of energy drinks. In case I really need to stay awake and focused, I tend to drink them already for breakfast, which some people in my immediate environment find a little peculiar. However, maybe that is why I took notice when news of a dawn raid at … Continue reading Does antitrust law set limits to wings? →

It ain’t over ‘til it‘s over: Commission wins after 20 years (?)

The fact that antitrust proceedings can take a year or two is not really a surprise. But recently, the General Court of the European Union (i.e. first instance!) had to deal with a case concerning a cartel which had started in 1989 and whose members were already fined (for the first time) in 2002. That … Continue reading It ain’t over ‘til it‘s over: Commission wins after 20 years (?) →