Tag: COVID-19

Antitrust and Competition Challenges in the Energy and Utilities Sector

Antón Garcia discusses the key trends and issues shaping the energy and utilities sector, the likely effects of economic volatility stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and recent trends in oil prices, and advises companies on how to evaluate and mitigate the competition and antitrust risks in a Q&A with Financier Worldwide.

Managing Antitrust Risks Amid COVID-19

Expert economists Jorge Padilla, David Sevy, Lorenzo Coppi, Rameet Sangha, and Urs Haegler of Compass Lexecon advise firms on how to manage the antitrust risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in a special feature for Financier Worldwide.

State Aid in the Context of COVID-19

The economic impact of COVID-19 has differed across EU Member States, as some States are able to exploit the European Commission’s Temporary Framework for State aid more easily than others that are limited by their fiscal position. Georges Siotis highlights the variances in policy responses to the crisis and considers whether the scale of public intervention is sustainable in the longer term.

The Implications of COVID-19 for Competition Policy and Economic Growth

Jorge Padilla and Nicolas Petit highlight that recessions often have a pro-competitive “cleansing” effect. They can facilitate the exit of inefficient firms that crowd out growth opportunities for more efficient competitors, and delay the diffusion of technological innovation. A case might thus be made that the current recession is an opportunity for growth and regeneration of the EU economy.