Conceptual Structure of EU Competition Law

The Conceptual Structure of EU Competition Law provides a systematic overview of the key theoretical issues of restrictive agreements, by means of doctrinal analysis and comparative law.Engaging in both positivist and evaluative approaches, Csongor Istvan Nagy conceptualizes the case-law in practical terms, outlining its paradigmatic changes and apparent contradictions. Chapters explore the purpose of competition law and the structure of competition analysis; the categories of anticompetitive object; the delimitation of object and non-object agreements; the borderline and recently emerged or emerging categories; the analytical framework of effects-analysis; and the consideration of general societal values. Nagy proposes key amendments, such as a balanced approach to formalism and substantiveness, a consistent concept of anticompetitive object, a sliding scale approach to effects-analysis, and a structuralist construction for exemption.This book is an essential resource for academics and students in competition and antitrust law and European law. Its analysis of critical case-laws is also invaluable to legal professionals and practitioners in the field.