Abstract In July 2001, the European Commission has published its proposal on new labeling requirements for genetically modified food. In order to reduce informational deficits on consumers’ side, the Commission proposes to decidedly strengthen the current labeling requirements. Our paper...

Abstract The liberalization of the German telecommunications sector is widely regarded as a success story, for which the rigorous regulation of essential facilities together with a liberal licensing policy have been responsible. While many telecommunications markets are now highly competitive,...

Abstract The present paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of centralising regulatory competencies in the European telecommunications sector. As we demonstrate, political economy suggests that an over- rather than an under-regulation of telecommunications markets has to be expected....

Abstract A Europeanisation of energy policies is desirable because the three main objectives of energy policy (climate protection, security of supply and competitiveness) have cross-border impacts. Hence, it is good that the European Union has been granted a competence for energy policy in the...

Abstract The Internet is characterized by competition between platforms which bring together potential partners of exchange. The degree of competition between these multi-sided platforms und market concentration are determined through (1) the strength of the direct and indirect network effects,...

Abstract This paper studies competition in the German market for mobile telecommunications, motivated by recent suggestions that T-Mobile and Vodafone possess a position of collective dominance. Allegedly, their position of joint dominance is secured through a combination of first-mover...

Abstract The paper analyses the incidence of the nuclear fuel tax, which has been imposed on operators of nuclear power plants by Germany’s Federal Government in 2011. The incidence of the tax matters not only from a distributional perspective, but also from a legal point of view as...

Abstract This paper argues against the rapid implementation of capacity mechanisms in Germany. There is no systematic, non-temporary market failure in the German wholesale electricity market which could justify such a Government intervention. Neither the low elasticity of demand nor debatable...