Memo: Antitrust: Commission initiates proceedings against RWE Group concerning suspected foreclosure of German gas supply markets

The European Commission has decided to open antitrust proceedings against the German energy company RWE. The case arises out of information obtained during inspections carried out in 2006 on RWE premises in Germany (see MEMO/06/205). The Commission proceedings focus on possible exclusion of potential competitors from the market (i.e. so-called market foreclosure) by RWE Group through the putting in place of artificial obstacles to access by other companies (so-called 'third party access') to its gas transport network in its core area, North Rhine-Westphalia.