Prague, Czech Republic
Although only in its second year, the European Competition Lawyers Association has become a “go to event” for the leading practitioners in competition law from across the European Union. It was created in 2017 as a non-profit and autonomous non-governmental organization and it has won plaudits from the competition law community because it promote a personal interaction in a straightforward and open manner. Many of its participants also connect outside of the conference in order to directly exchange views about multi-jurisdictional competition law topics.
This year 5 “hot topics”, all led by all-star panels:
1. Verticals: The path towards 2022
Until 2022 the EU will be updating its Verticals Block Exemption Regulation. This will trigger interesting discussions about the future of online sales & platforms, etc.
2. Merger Control: What’s hot
This panel will discuss key trends such as the various reforms of/potential changes to jurisdictional thresholds, the increased focus on procedural infringements, the role of ECN+ and cross-border cooperation, etc.
3. Political dimensions of merger control procedures
The political aspects of high profile mergers with political components, such as Siemens Alstom are getting more important. This is also relevant for a new industrial policy in a world of the powerplay US vs EU vs China.
4. Abuse of Dominance
This panel will discuss current issues on the dominance scene, including the trendy GAFA cases, potential modifications of dominance rules, recent excessive pricing cases and the situation of sports rights, based on the position of both EU and national authorities and the courts.
5. Antitrust Compliance
Antitrust compliance programs are being implemented in many companies; what is the value of such programs for competition authorities / national courts in their fine setting practice or when awarding damages?
And, in addition, we’ll have the pleasure of a keynote speech/panel led by Prof. Philip Marsden (College of Europe) on “Digital Competition and Pro-Competitive Regulation”.
For full details on the program please click here.
