COMPETITION LAW

The course is a core educational activity in the Master's Degree in Economics and Finance - ECONOMICS-QEM. This course aims to provide in-depth knowledge of the main aspects of European Competition law. After this course you will be able to apply this field of law to a given set of concrete facts by solving complex competition law cases which closely resemble actual cases in competition practice. In this course competition law is placed the context of the economics-based application of competition law. Attention is given to the wider debate on the role of competition and competition regulation in society. Principles relating to the concept of competition and the market principle are studied and discussed. The concepts that are central to competition law such as the concept of undertaking, the cartel prohibition, the prohibition on the abuse of a dominant position and merger control are examined and applied to concrete sets of facts. The case law of the relevant Courts is discussed and procedures, enforcement mechanisms and issues relating to proof in competition cases are presented. The course focuses primarily on European competition law, but the relationship between European competition law and national competition law is touched upon.

1. Knowledge and understanding
1.1 Knowledge of the legal framework relating to EU competition law
1.2 Knowledge and analysis of agreements, concerted practices and decisions by association of undertakings.
1.3 Knowledge and analysis of abuse of dominance
1.4 Knowledge and analysis of mergers.

2. Applied skills of knowledge and understanding
2.1 Ability to understand the goals of competition law.
2.2 Ability to identify the practices that hinder competition.
2.3 Ability to understand how the EC assesses the behavior of the undertakings.

3. Evaluation
3.1 Understanding of the text of the law.
3.2 Ability to appraise complex circumstances and their legal consequences.
3.3 Capability of balancing the different interests concerning the competition and business practices.

4. Communication skills
4.1 Ability to express using the legal terms properly.
4.2 Critical and dialogical interaction with the examiners during the examination.

The course requires the knowledge of business law.

- Introduction (free market and monopolies)
- Ban on anti-competitive agreements
- Abuse of dominant market position
- Merger control procedure
- State aid discipline

P.J. Slot and M. Farley, An Introduction to Competition Law, Hart, 2017.

Written examination (mutiple choice test). Further information will be provided during the lecture.

Lectures and seminars (analysis of judicial cases).

English

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development