EU Tweaks Antitrust Rulebook to Help Boost Bloc’s ‘Resilience’

The European Commission unveiled plans to give firms enjoying market dominance more leeway if they help boost the bloc’s “resilience,” as supply chains come under increased pressure from overseas threats.

As part of a review of guidelines on the application of strict antitrust dominance rules, EU regulators said companies can rebut claims of abuse — such as overpricing — by arguing their behavior contributes to policy goals such as public health, product safety, or the ability to withstand supply shocks. Firms can also argue that otherwise illegal behavior may contribute to efficiencies, including the EU’s sustainability aims.

EU competition chief Teresa Ribera said in a statement that the guidelines “provide clarity and predictability on the limits of the law for companies operating in Europe.”

The revamp comes just months after regulators overhauled its merger rules, lifting some of the barriers to creating big local firms capable of competing with US and Chinese giants in a bid to boost the scale and size of European companies.

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