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  • COMPETCompetitiveness (COMPET)

New rules to facilitate damage claims for antitrust law violations

The Committee of Permanent Representatives endorsed (26 March) an agreement between the Greek Presidency of the Council and European Parliament representatives laying down new rules aimed at facilitating damage claims by victims of antitrust violations. The new directive will harmonise and ensure the effective enforcement of antitrust damages rules within the EU, thereby allowing the victims of a cartel to receive full compensation for both the actual loss suffered and for lost profits. While the right to full compensation is guaranteed by the EU treaty, the practical exercise of this right is often rendered difficult or practically impossible because of the applicable rules and procedures. Member states will have two years to incorporate the new rules into national legislation following their entry into force. The agreement (8088/14), still has to be formalised by the European Parliament and the Council separately.