"Competition Enforcement and Consumers" [2006] ELECD 539; in Marsden, Philip (ed), "Handbook of Research in Trans-Atlantic Antitrust" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2006)

Book Title: Handbook of Research in Trans-Atlantic Antitrust

Editor(s): Marsden, Philip

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781845421816

Section: Chapter 22

Section Title: Competition Enforcement and Consumers

Number of pages: 11

Extract:

22 Competition enforcement and consumers
Juan Antonio Rivière y Martí1


Competition policy for the benefit of consumers
Competition Commissioner Mario Monti stated from the beginning of his
mandate that he was giving a central importance to consumers. He said that
competition authorities have a role to play in taking account of input from
consumers. He brought a clear message: `The Commission is committed to
a proactive, modern and effective competition policy. Not only will this
ensure that the market functions in such a way as to maximise benefits for
consumers, but it also gives consumers an unparalleled opportunity to par-
ticipate in the fight against violations of the competition rules.'2
The European Commission develops actions for civil society, bringing
community policies to European citizens. It means facilitating knowledge
and participation of citizens and its organizations in preparation of com-
munity rules, so they may encourage its initiatives. `The Commission has a
long tradition of consulting interested parties from outside when formu-
lating its policies. It incorporates external consultation into the develop-
ment of almost all its policy areas.'3
However not all the issues are considered at a community level; for
example, the Commission Directorate-General for health and consumer
protection depends on the enforcement of national legislations and plays a
coordination and initiative role.

Consumer policy is central to the EU objective of continuously improving the
quality of life of all EU citizens. The aim of promoting the interests, health and
safety of consumers in the ...