Principles of European antitrust enforcement - Wouter P. J Wils

After May 1 2004, the enforcement of European antitrust law entered a new era. At the same time as ten new Member States joined the European Union, Regulation No. 17, which had governed the enforcement of Articles 81 and 82 EC since 1962, was replaced by Regulation No. 1/2003, which has ushered in far-reaching changes. This book brings together six essays which analyze the background and main characteristics of the new enforcement system, as well as a number of outstanding questions and potential areas of further reform, including the question whether private antitrust enforcement should be encouraged, and the question whether the decisional power in antitrust matters should be transferred to the courts. Special attention is given to the problem of the compatibility of the new enforcement system and of the practice of European antitrust enforcement with the requirements of the European Convention of Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, including the principle of ne bis in idem, the privilege against self-incrimination, and the right to an independent and impartial tribunal.