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Ex-ante versus Ex-post in Competition Law Enforcement: Blurred Boundaries and Economic Rationale

Author

Listed:
  • Patrice Bougette

    (Universit C te d'Azur, CNRS, GREDEG, France)

  • Oliver Budzinski

    (Ilmenau University of Technology, Germany)

  • Fr d ric Marty

    (Universit C te d'Azur, CNRS, GREDEG, France)

Abstract

This paper explores the evolving landscape of competition law enforcement, focusing on the dynamic interplay between ex-ante and ex-post approaches. Amidst the digital transformation and regulatory shifts, traditional enforcement mechanisms are being re-evaluated. This study aims to dissect the economic rationale behind these shifts, proposing a hybrid framework that balances legal certainty with the flexibility needed to address contemporary market challenges. In particular, the analysis highlights the emergence of new competition policy approaches that combine regulatory-type interventions with strengthened enforcement strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrice Bougette & Oliver Budzinski & Fr d ric Marty, 2024. "Ex-ante versus Ex-post in Competition Law Enforcement: Blurred Boundaries and Economic Rationale," Working Papers AFED 24-07, Association Francaise d'Economie du Droit (AFED), revised Sep 2024.
  • Handle: RePEc:afd:wpaper:2407
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Budzinski Oliver & Mendelsohn Juliane, 2023. "Regulating Big Tech: From Competition Policy to Sector Regulation?," ORDO. Jahrbuch für die Ordnung von Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft, De Gruyter, vol. 72(1), pages 215-255, December.
    5. Dzmitry Bartalevich, 2016. "The Influence of the Chicago School on the Commission's Guidelines, Notices and Block Exemption Regulations in EU Competition Policy," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 54(2), pages 267-283, March.
    6. John Kwoka & Tommaso Valletti, 2021. "Unscrambling the eggs: breaking up consummated mergers and dominant firms [Too much data: prices and inefficiencies in data markets]," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 30(5), pages 1286-1306.
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    10. Gerhard Wegner, 1997. "Economic Policy From an Evolutionary Perspective: A New Approach," Journal of Institutional and Theoretical Economics (JITE), Mohr Siebeck, Tübingen, vol. 153(3), pages 485-485, September.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Competition Law Enforcement; Ex-ante and Ex-post Approaches; Anticompetitive Practices; Merger Control; Digital Economy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K21 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Antitrust Law
    • L40 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - General
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • D47 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Market Design

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