The Concept of Unity in the Competition Law System

Abstract

The paper presents four pillars of competition law that can be recognised in the European Union and Member States, namely EU competition law, national competition law sensu stricto, national competition law sensu largo and competition rules sensu largissimo. In order to demonstrate that this multi-faceted and complex system is able to work in an orderly manner, it is considered in relation to various concepts, particularly unity, uniformity and effectiveness. Nevertheless, the concept of unity serves as a focal point for the observations. The perspective of the EU single market plays a part also, enhancing the call for unity. With regard to discussed threats for unity, possible solutions are proposed in the final part of the article.

Keywords

• unity
• eu competition law
• principle of effectiveness
• uniformity
• national competition rules sensu stricto
• national competition rules sensu largo
• competition rules sensu largissimo