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Publishers Abstract:
This article covers the major developments and general trends in European Commission competition law and policy in 2006 through a discussion of new legislation adopted, the decisional practice of the Commission of the European Communities and the case law of the Court of Justice and Court of First Instance during the period. In 2006, fines of almost 2 billion were imposed on 41 companies, which were found to have participated in seven cartels in proceedings decided by the Commission, a higher total of penalties than in any previous year. By using its powers to conduct sectoral inquiries, the Commission is proactively identifying markets and practices to which the competition rules must be applied. Given the strains on its resources, however, the encouragement of private enforcement remains a priority for the Commission and the end of 2007 should see the publication of the Commission's White Paper on Damages Actions.
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