This key analytical commentary on the competition procedures of the EU is completely updated in light of recent developments. Covering the fining practice of the European Commission and the judicial review of this by the Community Courts, it also addresses recent case law in relation to state aid and merger control.

PART ONE: ANTITRUST RULES; 1 The institutional framework; 2 The role of national judicial authorities; 3 The role of national competition authorities; 4 The organization of EC Commission proceedings; 5 Opening of the file; 6 Investigation of cases (I): Leniency policy; 7 Investigation of cases (II): Formal investigative measures in general. Interviews and requests for information; 8 Investigation of cases (III): Inspections; 9 Investigation of cases (IV): Penalties, confidentiality; 10 Infringement procedures; 11 Infringement decisions and penalties; 12 Rejection of complaints; 13 Commitments, voluntary adjustments, conclusion of the procedure without a formal decision; 14 Special procedures; 15 Steps following the adoption of a formal decision. Judicial review; PART TWO: CONTROL OF CONCENTRATIONS; 16 General issues. Scope of control; 17 Procedures; 18 Judicial review of commission decisions regarding concentrations; PART THREE: PUBLIC UNDERTAKINGS AND EXCLUSIVE OR SPECIAL RIGHTS; 19 Procedure on state measures; 20 Directives under article 86(3) EC; PART FOUR: STATE AID; 21 General questions on procedure, control of state aid compatability. Council's decision-making power; 22 Prior control of new notified aid; 23 Unlawful aid; 24 Control of existing aid schemes; 25 Implementation of the Commission's decisions; 26 Role of national courts; 27 State aid litigation before the community courts; PART FIVE: COMPETITION LAW AND PROCEDURE IN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA; 28 European Economic Area competition procedure; PART 6: ARBITRATION; 29 EU Competition Arbitration