The Impact of the Damages Directive on the Enforcement of EU Competition Law: A Law and Economics Analysis

This cutting-edge book provides a thorough analysis of the transposition of the rules of the EU Damages Directive, examining their impact on the enforcement of competition law and the victim’s right to full compensation. It also studies the possible consequences of an anticipated rise in civil damages actions in Europe and how this, in turn, may alter the effectiveness of the enforcement system.

Applying insights from an economic analysis of law, Philipp Kirst investigates the effectiveness of the measures prescribed by the Directive that are intended to overcome the potential negative effects of increased private enforcement of competition law, offering concrete legislative proposals to combat these. Kirst focuses on three aspects that are crucial to achieving the Directive’s main objectives: the EU leniency programme, the sanctioning methodology, and the allocation of civil liability among joint infringers. Furthermore, the book offers policy recommendations to reconcile both an effective enforcement regime and compensation of victims.

Provoking debate on the ways in which a more integrated enforcement regime could be created; this book will be a crucial text for academics in the fields of competition and antitrust law and European law and economics. It will also be a key reference point for practitioners and enforcement agencies.