Does competition law need new instruments?

A new trend has emerged where national competition authorities are given additional tools, alongside the regular prohibitions, to address structural competition problems in certain markets. In the UK, such powers in the form of market inquiries have existed since 2002. Recently, similar tools have been introduced in Germany, and they are being considered in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. In several other countries, including Italy, there is ongoing discussion about whether such tools would be appropriate.

This session describes the development and how these tools are intended to function, what they aim to achieve, and the risks associated with them.