Having independent market oversight is something to be treasured. Just take a look at countries where there is no separation (or no longer any separation) between the market authority and the executive branch of the government to see what can happen. Investigations are launched into companies that refuse to do the government’s bidding. Companies with the greatest lobbying power will have their mergers cleared regardless of the harm they inflict. Sanctions are imposed (or deliberately not imposed), depending on political affiliations. Having independent market oversight is critical to liberal democracies and to the rule of law, as well as to the trust in fair and effective market oversight. Yet, who oversees the independent regulator?
Continue reading “[REPOST] Blog Martijn Snoep: Oversight over the regulator: how does it currently work, and what needs to be improved?”Author: Martijn Snoep
Since September 1, 2018, Martijn Snoep has been the Chairman of the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). Mr. Snoep obtained his law degree from Erasmus University Rotterdam. Until his appointment at ACM, he worked at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek for 28 years. Operating from both their Amsterdam and Brussels locations, Mr. Snoep gave advice to businesses about the application of competition law in the Netherlands and abroad. As managing partner, he stood at the helm of the firm between 2010 and 2016.
[REPOST] From coordination to cooperation, a step change in EU competition law enforcement
As markets become increasingly cross-border, the landscape for EU competition enforcement is evolving. The review of Regulation 1/2003 offers a unique chance to take the next step: from coordination to genuine cooperation, through joint investigations and joint decisions.
Continue reading “[REPOST] From coordination to cooperation, a step change in EU competition law enforcement”