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ARTICLE · 22 JUNE 2011

Commissioner Almunia Rules Out EU Competition Sanctions For Individuals

SJ Berwin LLP
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In a recent written answer to a question posed by two MEPs, Joaquín Almunia, European Competition Commissioner, has stated that he has no plans to introduce sanctions for individuals in cases of competition law infringement at EU level.

European UnionAntitrust/Competition Law
SJ Berwin'S EU & Competition Team
SJ Berwin'S EU & Competition Team

In a recent written answer to a question posed by two MEPs, Joaquín Almunia, European Competition Commissioner, has stated that he has no plans to introduce sanctions for individuals in cases of competition law infringement at EU level. He stressed that the current EU framework of competition law only contemplates actions against companies.

The MEPs who tabled the question, Philippe Juvin and Christine De Veyrac, echoed concerns shared by some observers that individuals have been able to escape punishment for participation in competition infringements. Individuals found to have been personally involved in an infringement could for example be subject to individual civil sanctions such as individual fines or personal disqualifications.

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