At an event that took place at the European Parliament, Vicky Robertson discussed ways in which the forthcoming Merger Guidelines by the European Commission could better take non-price parameters of competition into account, particularly as they relate to media plurality and digital platforms. Further speakers on the panel, which was moderated by Justine Haekens, were Filippo Lancieri and Ioannis Lianos. Their key takeaways:
- Include all theories of harm based on which mergers may be blocked, and provide possible evidence in a separate section;
- ensure that all sources of wisdom that can contribute to understanding a merger can be relied upon, don’t limit yourself to one strand of economics;
- provide concrete examples of how to make non-price parameters of competition actionable in merger assessments; and
- close gaps in assessing digital mergers with an impact on media pluralism, ensure coherence with the European Media Freedom Act.
A further panel asked what evidence there is for merger efficiencies, and what impact the more economic approach had (and continues to have) on EU merger control. Brought together by moderator James Kanter were panellists Daniele Calisti, Kati Cseres and Annika Stöhr.
The event was hosted by MEP Rasmus Andresen, Rebalance Now and the Open Markets Institute.