Restrictions of EU Competition Law in the Digital Age

The Meaning of 'Effects' in a Digital Economy

2023
Buch

Verfasst von: Bernadette Zelger
Buchreihe: Studies in European Economic Law and Regulation
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik"; Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

Über dieses Buch

Dieses Buch bietet eine eingehende rechtliche Analyse des Begriffs der Wettbewerbsbeschränkungen, sei es durch Objektbeschränkungen gemäß Artikel 101 AEUV oder prima facie missbräuchliche Praktiken, die nach dem formularbasierten Ansatz gemäß Artikel 102 AEUV behandelt werden. Obwohl umfangreiche Untersuchungen zum Begriff der objektiven Wettbewerbsverstöße durchgeführt wurden, gibt es keine systematische Überprüfung dieses Themas, die beide Wettbewerbsbestimmungen, nämlich Artikel 101 und 102 AEUV, umfasst. Dieses Buch füllt diese Lücke, indem es eine umfassende Analyse der einschlägigen Rechtsprechung liefert und zugleich neue Phänomene behandelt, die sich aus der digitalen Revolution und ihren Auswirkungen auf das Funktionieren traditioneller Märkte ergeben. In dieser Hinsicht wird dem Konzept der Prima-facie-Verletzungen und der Analyse, die für ihre erfolgreiche Etablierung notwendig ist, besondere Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt. Objektbeschränkungen und Objektmissbrauch sind keine Verstöße per se in dem Sinne, dass sie abstrakt und ohne Berücksichtigung des tatsächlichen rechtlichen und wirtschaftlichen Kontextes (Kontextanalyse) festgestellt werden können, innerhalb dessen eine Maßnahme umgesetzt wird. Daher wird die unverzichtbare Kontextanalyse von den potenziellen wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen einer gegebenen Maßnahme beeinflusst. Dieses Buch untersucht die Veränderungen in Bezug auf die wirtschaftliche Realität und die Funktionsweise der Märkte in der digitalen Wirtschaft und leistet einen wertvollen Beitrag zur aktuellen Debatte darüber, ob unser wettbewerbsrechtliches Instrumentarium geeignet ist, die Herausforderungen der Digitalisierung zu bewältigen. Der Verfasser argumentiert, dass es zwar einen kohärenten Rahmen gibt, der beide Wettbewerbsbestimmungen des Vertrages in Bezug auf Wettbewerbsbeschränkungen abdeckt, der verstärkte Einsatz einer Analyse der tatsächlichen Auswirkungen und damit das Konzept einer Beschränkung des effektiven Wettbewerbs jedoch eine unterschätzte (und zu wenig genutzte) Waffe darstellt, um Maßnahmen zu bekämpfen, die aus wettbewerbsrechtlicher Sicht hinsichtlich ihres (wettbewerbswidrigen oder nicht schädlichen) Charakters in einer digitalen Wirtschaft ambivalent sind.

Mit KI übersetzt

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Introduction

Abstract

This chapter sheds light on the monograph's main topic, line of reasoning and arguments. While setting the scene by elaborating on the fundamental role and function of competition law in a democratic society, the underlying conceptual approaches of Article 101 and 102 shall be illustrated.

Bernadette Zelger

Chapter 2. Competition Law, Economics and the ‘More Economic Approach’: The Necessity of a Broader Perspective

Abstract

This chapter sheds light on the normative values and goals of competition law. It will be shown that competition law goals have always been multiple ones not only serving the economy, but rather society as a whole. Put differently, competition law should be seen as a means to serve society and a liberal democracy not being driven by economic objectives only. However, a focus on economic purposes and goals makes sense from a consistency perspective, economic theory serving as the ‘lowest common denominator’. Moreover, this section also aims to illustrate and shed light on the increasing importance of economics, that is, economic theories and thinking by means of the Commission’s commitment to the so-called ‘more economic based approach’.

Bernadette Zelger

Chapter 3. Effects and Article 101 TFEU

Abstract

This chapter will deal with effects in the establishment of Article 101(1) TFEU infringements, thereby especially focussing on the meaning and role of the latter in the context of by object restrictions. Moreover, the respective relevant Article 101 case law with respect to real-world markets, that is, the offline environment will be analysed.

Bernadette Zelger

Chapter 4. Effects and Article 102 TFEU

Abstract

This chapter will deal with effects in the establishment of Article 102 TFEU infringements. In this respect it is worth recognising that a differentiation of a form-based as well as an effect-based approach also exists regarding Article 102 TFEU, notwithstanding the fact, however, that there is no such formal distinction of object and effect infringements within the Treaty provision itself. However, as will be shown in the following, considering the case law of the ECJ and the GC, there are indeed practices that are considered prima facie or per se abusive, that is arguably abuses ‘by object’, and other practices where a proof of anticompetitive effects is required.

Bernadette Zelger

Chapter 5. Particularities of the Digital Economy

Abstract

This chapter illustrates the changes digitisation brought with respect to the digital economy and digital markets. It will be shown why markets online differ from markets offline and why established classical economic theory and models might need to be revised and adapted to the novelties related to digitisation and a digital economy. Whether or not markets function similarly or not is crucial in particular for the context analysis necessary for the establishment of an object infringement of competition. Hence, whether a measure offline is, with respect to its potential detrimental impact on competition, to be assessed equally or differently as the very same practice in an online environment depends a lot on whether we can conclude that the context of digital markets is or is not to be equated with (market) mechanisms known from the analogue world. As mentioned initially, a fact one could arguably doubt. Hence, the changing economic environment, that is, economic trends and phenomena evolving due to digitisation (such as, for example, platforms in any form whatsoever) are particularly interesting and crucial when trying to define a coherent approach for the meaning and role of effects in competition law cases.

Bernadette Zelger

Chapter 6. Competition Cases in the Digital Economy

Abstract

In light of the previous chapter, the question is whether and to what extent the particularities of the digital economy alter the actual contextual backdrop against which practices are to be assessed and, as a consequence, also changes the latter’s qualification. Hence, could it be that a measure that qualifies as object infringement of competition in the analogue world is not, however, to be qualified as such given an online environment? Put differently, to what extent leads the online environment to changes which require, considering the very same conduct offline, a refinement of its assessment from a competition law perspective in the online context? Moreover, are there (new) practices put forth by the digital economy, which do not fit into any of the existing categories developed by the law as illustrated in the Chaps. 3 and 4?

Bernadette Zelger

Chapter 7. Conclusions

Abstract

The debate concerning the differentiation between by object and by effect infringements of competition has existed since the birth of EU competition law, that is, Article 101 and 102 TFEU. Moreover, whether effects or a negative impact on competition play a role also in the context of object infringements, somehow runs in the same vein. Insofar, the debate and controversies surrounding the latter are, arguably, anything but new. However, considering digitisation, recent market developments as well as the particularities of the digital environment and online markets, the debate is arguably to be flared up again. Furthermore, although extensive research exists as regards the notion of by object infringements of competition, also in the context of the analogue world, there is no systematic review of this topic covering both competition provisions, namely Articles 101 and 102 TFEU. This gap is filled by this monograph also covering new phenomena owed to the digital revolution and its impact on and altering of the functioning of traditional markets.

Bernadette Zelger

Titel: Restrictions of EU Competition Law in the Digital Age
Verfasst von: Bernadette Zelger
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-031-31339-4
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-31338-7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-31339-4

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Restrictions of EU Competition Law in the Digital Age

The Meaning of 'Effects' in a Digital Economy

Über dieses Buch

Über dieses Buch

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Competition Law, Economics and the ‘More Economic Approach’: The Necessity of a Broader Perspective

Chapter 3. Effects and Article 101 TFEU

Chapter 4. Effects and Article 102 TFEU

Chapter 5. Particularities of the Digital Economy

Chapter 6. Competition Cases in the Digital Economy

Chapter 7. Conclusions

Backmatter

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