This working paper examines the conditions under which the European Union (EU) engages externally in competition policy. In addition, it tests the appropriateness of applying a neofunctionalist approach to specify the conditions under which the EU engages externally in this policy area. The...

This working paper examines the conditions under which the European Union (EU) engages externally in competition policy and tests the appropriateness of applying a neofunctionalist approach for specifying the conditions under which the EU engages externally in this policy area. The working paper...

Foundation models (FMs) are the origin of breakthrough innovations in generative artificial intelligence (AI) applications, such as ChatGPT. Only responsible developments in competitive markets can help ensure that FMs deliver their full benefits at minimum risk. FM developers require language...

The transition to climate neutrality requires the reallocation of production factors from polluting activities to non-polluting activities. The main push for this reallocation will come from governmental decarbonisation targets that are translated into stringent climate policy tools, such as...

The paper analyses the extent of and the reasons behind limits to competition policy harmonisation in EU enlargement. Our focus is on vertical restraints. First, we compare the relevant legal regimes towards vertical agreements in the EU and in Eastern Europe. We then describe competition policy...

Our trust in competition policy is based on faith in markets. When markets are oligopolies, already classical economists’ trust in competition busted: Oligopolies carry the seeds of collusion. To develop, collusion needs trust between firms. But new leniency programmes are designed to bust...

We briefly review the rationale behind technological alliances and provide a snapshot of their role in global competition, especially insofar as it is based around intellectual capital. They nicely illustrate the increased importance of horizontal agreements and thus establish the relevance of...