| Riflessioni su non imposizione e riduzione delle ammende nel diritto comunitario antitrust |
| Fascicolo 2002-1 |
| Scritto da Sciaudone Francesco |
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Sommario 1. Premessa. Il procedimento per il calcolo delle ammende per violazione delle regole di concorrenza. – 2. La Comunicazione del 1996. – 3. La prassi applicativa della Comunicazione: i primi casi. – 4. Il forcing applicativo degli ultimi anni. – 5. Considerazioni sulla predetta prassi. – 6. Il Progetto di comunicazione predisposto dalla Commissione. – 7. Osservazioni e riflessioni sul Progetto di nuova comunicazione.
Abstract The article describes the developments of the EC antitrust activity in facing secret cartels, with particular reference to the so-called Leniency Notice of 1996, which has played an instrumental role in uncovering and punishing that form of collusive practice. These are considered as the most damaging violation of antitrust rules, causing clear damage to customers and consumers alike. The present article discusses the five years’application of the Leniency Note of 1996, and presents the European Commission’ proposal to adopt new draft rules aimed at a better detection and eradication of price-fixing and other cartels. The proposed rules, which will replace the Leniency Note of 1996 during the present year, provide for complete immunity from fines for the first company coming forward with information on undetected cartels, which is sufficient to have a spot inspection carried out. The article concludes with a tentative framework of analysis of the future Leniency Note. |