The EU's competition policy in 2014

SUMMARY OF:

The EU’s competition policy in 2014 — COM(2015) 247 final

SUMMARY:

WHAT DOES THIS REPORT DO?

The annual report on competition policy provides detailed information on the most important policy, laws and decisions adopted by the European Commission on EU competition law during the previous year.

KEY POINTS

—	This report summarises the contribution of competition policy in specific sectors in 2014.

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Competition policy supports a digital single market by ensuring a fair and level playing field (i.e. ensuring the EU's single market is fit for the digital age) in this sector across the EU. Effective enforcement of competition policy makes it easier for small businesses to thrive and gain access to markets in sectors dominated by larger players. The application of State aid rules to the broadband sector helps to provide good coverage at affordable prices. For example, over the past 3 years the European Commission has approved over €10 billion of broadband State aid.

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In the energy sector, enforcement of competition rules helps to ensure fair and non-discriminatory access to energy infrastructure, removes obstacles to market integration, and fosters competition between and within EU countries. During 2014, for example, the Commission launched a State aid sector inquiry into national measures to ensure sufficient electricity supply (so-called ‘capacity mechanisms’) to assess whether certain design features of capacity mechanisms distort competition between electricity suppliers or hinder trade across national borders.

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In the area of taxation, the Commission aims to tackle potential distortions of competition through selective tax advantages for companies. For example, unlawful reductions of the tax burden for selected companies harm not only competitors in the market, but also taxpayers. In this regard, the Commission is to conclude a review of specific tax rulings by EU countries which the Commission will then assess to ensure that no individual company gets a special advantage from paying unfair levels of tax.

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During 2014, the EU adopted Directive 2014/104/EU on damages actions for infringements of competition law. This directive will make it easier for European citizens and companies to receive effective compensation for the harm caused by competition infringements such as cartels and abuses of dominant market positions.

BACKGROUND

Competition policy annual reports

ACT

Report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: Report on Competition Policy 2014 (COM(2015) 247 final of 4.6.2015)

RELATED ACTS

Directive 2014/104/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 November 2014 on certain rules governing actions for damages under national law for infringements of the competition law provisions of the Member States and of the European Union (OJ L 349, 5.12.2014, pp. 1–19)

last update 18.01.2016