European competition law annual 1998. Regulating communications markets

Book abstract:

The 1998 volume on the regulation of communications markets is the third in a successful series of European Competition Law Annuals, founded upon open dialogue between technical experts, market analysts and legal practitioners. Gathering together academic papers and edited transcripts of expert discussions from the Third Workshop on European Competition Law, hosted at the Robert Schuman Centre at the European University Institute in Florence in November 1998, it offers readers a lively and informed insight into the topical debate of whether governments, or the European Union, should intervene to prevent powerful firms form abusing their control of critical 'gateways' between consumers and communication information services. The workshop consisted of three panels, each designed to address particular questions: first, how efficient access to existing bottleneck network facilities can be guaranteed, second, how to approach strategic alliances, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions that involve access facilities, and thirdly the problem of who should be responsible for such issues and for making sure the rules of fair play and effective competition are effective. The volume is split into three panels to reflect these discussions.

Claus Ehlermann is Professor of Law at the European University Institute in Florence and a member of the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organisation. He was formerly Director General of the Competition Directorate and the Legal Service of the European Commission. Louisa Gosling is a Research Fellow of the European University Institute.