The European Commission has adopted its long-awaited Directive
on private actions. It explains how citizens and companies can
claim damages when they are victims of infringements of the EU
antitrust rules, such as cartels and abuses of a dominant market
position. The proposal is set to remove a number of practical
difficulties which victims frequently face when they try to receive
a fair compensation for the damages they have suffered. Private
actions in antitrust should significantly help claimants seeking
redress from cartels and reduce disparities between Member
states.
The EU Court of Justice has already recognized the right for all
victims of antitrust infringements to be compensated for the harm
suffered. These victims can obtain compensation by bringing an
action for damages before a national court.
