The liberalization of state monopolies in the European Union and beyond

Abstract:

This volume reproduces the reports and comments, often revised and updated, presented at the Conference on Competition, Liberalization and State Monopolies, held in Liège in November 1998. In addition it contains several contributions written in the wake and as a result of the conference. The objective of the book is to take a closer look at the complex challenges raised by the liberalization of state monopolies. It attempts to cover both legal and economic issues and contains a comparative dimension.

The volume is divided into three parts. Taking a sectoral approach, the first part is devoted to expert analyses of liberalization measures adopted by the Community in the areas of telecommunications, postal services, energy and air and rail transport. The objective is to provide a detailed and up-to-date review of the most significant developments that have taken place in these key industry sectors. The second part deals with more conceptual issues, such as the impact of the liberalization process on consumer protection and public service obligations. It also analyses the main issues emerging from the creation of 'strategic alliances' in the telecommunications and aviation sectors. The third part takes a comparative and international law perspective examining the extent to which monopolies have been opened to competition in the United States and the lessons which may be drawn from the American experience. It also discusses the liberalization measure negotiated in the framework of the World Trade Organization, with a special reference to the agreement recently concluded in the area of telecommunications.

The papers in the book are authored by leading experts on state monopolies. It takes a pluridisciplinary approach covering not only legal, but also economic and political science issues.

The book is number 23 in Kluwer's European Monographs Series.