Article 81 EC and Public Policy

Posted by D. Daniel Sokol

Christopher Townley (King's College, London - Law) has a new book out in print Article 81 EC and Public Policy.  This is an important contribution to Article 81 analysis.

BOOK ABSTRACT: This book discusses the role of public policy in Article 81 of the EC Treaty. The Commission, and recently the Court of First Instance have said that the sole objective of Article 81 EC is consumer welfare. Many competition lawyers support this view. Writing in a crisp, plain style, Townley demonstrates that public policy considerations are still relevant in that provision. He also suggests how and where they should be considered.

The book explains how some of the most complex competition law cases can be understood and offers a framework for those fighting or deciding such cases in the future. As such, it will be of interest to European competition lawyers, both academics and practitioners; as well as students, seeking a deeper understanding of how the European competition rules work and how they interact both with European Union and Member State public policy goals.