Competition law enforcement plays a fundamental role in ensuring that markets remain open and competitive to the benefit of consumers and the economy as a whole. Currently, the main intervention mechanisms to make markets work well are tools to prevent the abuse of a dominant position and anticompetitive agreements. However, market failures or market power can also arise in the case of oligopolies who may simply not compete but rather follow each other without needing to form a cartel. Or, where new complex market dynamics can create barriers to effective competition.

This roundtable will discuss whether a new market investigation tool to identify and remedy such problems should be given to the Dutch competition authority, drawing on the experience of other jurisdictions. In this discussion we will count on the participation of representatives from academia, the ACM, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the Consumentenbond, industry representatives as well as representatives from countries where such market investigation powers have been implemented or are under consideration.

The roundtable is co-organised by BEUC, the European Consumer Organisation, and will be moderated by Lewis Croft, Chief Editor, Mlex.

This is an invitation-only event.