For the revision of the guidelines, the European Commission commissioned a study on the effects of mergers. The contract went to the economic consulting firm Oxera, which simultaneously advises companies on mergers and represents their interests. This leads to serious conflicts of interest.
On July 15, the Federal Cabinet approved a draft bill for a further reform of competition law. It is aimed at making limited changes and simplifications. The Bundestag will consider the bill after the summer recess. We welcome some specific improvements. In other areas, however, we see a need for further refinement and missed opportunities.
Ursula von der Leyen has halted a previously planned multibillion-euro fine against Google at the last minute. In an open letter released today, more than 30 organizations are calling on the Commission President to impose the fine promptly and thus effectively enforce the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The EU is revising its merger guidelines. In an event in the European Parliament, we argue for stronger rules to curb rising market concentration.
On May 29, the Minister of State for Culture, Wolfram Weimer, proposed a 10% advertising levy based on the Austrian model. We welcome this proposal. After all, digital companies continue to pay significantly lower taxes than other companies (9.5% instead of 23.3% according to a recent CEPS report).
The Monopolies Commission has presented new data on market concentration and price trends in the food sector. Supermarkets and manufacturers are winning, farmers are losing. A problematic development.
Fourteen NGOs from all over Europe are calling for a change of course in EU competition policy in a manifesto published today. The current approach is not effective enough to prevent the concentration of power.
The Monopolies Commission sees signs of competition problems and market power in the food sector. It is strange how dismissive it is of political measures before conducting its own investigation.
Date note: On February 29, 2024, a basic workshop on the topic of monopoly power will take place in Berlin: A lot of power in a few hands – the global and local consequences of corporate power.
The NGO alliance “Initiative Konzernmacht beschränken” is calling on the German government and the Federal Cartel Office to take clear measures against the market power of food retailers.
