Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Title: Challenges for EU Merger Control
Author-Name: Massimo Motta
Author-Email: 
Author-Name: Martin Peitz
Author-Email: martin.peitz@gmail.com
Classification-JEL: K21, L41, L52 
Keywords: Merger policy, European Union, potential competitor, safe harbour, national champion

Abstract: The proposal to relax EU merger control to allow for anti-competitive 􀇲European
Champions􀇳 may lead policy makers to update current merger control. While we
see little merit in this specific proposal, we recommend a revision that goes into
a different direction and, in particular, addresses mergers of potential
competitors and the burden of proof. Thus, our proposal aims at the EC
addressing problems of under-enforcement and making better-informed
decisions. However, we would find it sensible to introduce in the Merger
Regulation a clause whereby in exceptional and well-defined cases a merger,
which would otherwise pass muster on competition grounds, may be prohibited
due to defence, strategic and security of supply considerations.

Note: 
Length: 12
Creation-Date: 2019-03
Revision-Date: 
File-URL: https://www.crctr224.de/research/discussion-papers/archive/dp077
File-Format: application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:bon:boncrc:CRCTR224_2019_077