Competition Law Networks and the Challenge of Transparency

Abstract

Networks of competition agencies are now a central feature of international competition law enforcement and policy. The nature of these networks varies from little more than occasional talking shops, to arrangements for knowledge exchange and technical assistance, through to the European Competition Network which is a highly integrated and institutionalised network of agencies enforcing common rules. One question that emerges is how do these networks and transparency as a tool of good governance intersect? To what extent is there a need for balance between effectiveness and transparency? In order to shed light on the challenge of transparency for competition networks, this chapter draws on insights from the literature on transparency and competition networks.