EU: Almunia presents last speech as Competition Commissioner

European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia gave his last speech as the EU’s competition chief on Thursday, speaking at a seminar in London.

Almunia reflected upon the Directive on Antitrust Damages Actions, describing the matter as “the most important legal initiative I have launched during my term.” The initiative, which the Commissioner said will be enacted in only a matter of days, facilitates victims of anticompetitive behavior in obtaining damages from antitrust violators.

The speech is fitting for the policymaker, as he noted that the topic of binding legislation for such compensation would be a priority during his confirmation hearings in January of 2010.

”In my view, it was just reasonable and fair that all victims of antitrust infringements, whether citizens or companies, could effectively exercise their rights thanks to the EU legislator,” Almunia said Wednesday.

The new directive marked both the first EU-level legislation in private competition enforcement as well as the first EU competition legislation adopted with full European Parliament participation, the Commissioner said.

Almunia will exit his post at the end of the month, wherein his predecessor, Margrethe Vestager, will take up the duties of competition chief.

Full content: Europa

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