Regulation

Regulation No 17 in the European Union Law

Concept of Regulation No 17 provided by the “Glossary of terms used in EU competition policy” (Antitrust and control of concentrations, published in 2002): First implementing regulation in the field of EU competition law, setting out the system of () notifications, procedural instruments for the enforcement of antitrust law and vesting the European Commission with far-reaching powers, in particular as regards inves-tigation, penalising of infringements by undertakings and exemption of agreements under Article 81(3) of the EC Treaty.

The ongoing revision of Regulation No 17 aims at increasing involve-ment of national courts and competition authorities in the enforce-ment of EU antitrust law (decentralisation) and would allow the Commission to focus its limited resources on the most serious infringements and on policy development. Adoption of a new basic regulation by the Council is envisaged in the course of year 2002.

(See: Council Regulation (EEC) No 17: First regulation implementing Articles 85 and 86 (now 81 and 82) of the Treaty (OJ 13, 21.2.1962, p. 204).)