Antitrust Fines and Limitation Periods After the Implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/1 Throughout Member States: Focus on French and Polish Perspectives

Abstract

The article focuses on the issue of implementation of Directive 2019/1 to empower the competition authorities of the Member States to be more effective enforcers and to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market. It discusses recent developments in competition law with a special focus on fining powers of the national competition authorities (NCAs). The article compares different approaches adopted by EU Members States, with a special focus on Poland and France, to implement provisions of the ECN+ Directive referring to antitrust fines and limitation periods. The article sheds light on the process of implementation and problems encountered by national legislators. This article analyses steps taken towards uniformity in this area of law within the EU. It contributes to the research on how NCAs approach the enforcement of competition law and ensure the deterrent effect of antitrust fines. The conclusions cast doubt on the effectiveness of raising the level of fines as a means of enhancing enforcement if it is not supported by other measures such as a coherent fining policy or sanctions ensuring compliance. The methodology used in the article includes descriptive research based on an analysis of relevant provisions of national law and EU law relating to fining powers of NCAs.