The need to change towards a sustainable economy has propelled companies
to collaborate in sustainability initiatives. Such initiatives, however,
might be held against European competition law. This poses the question:
can competition law be rebalanced so as to provide room for
sustainability initiatives?
In her inaugural lecture, the author argues that European competition
law cannot remain isolated from broader societal considerations. To
retain its legitimacy, competition law needs to respond to the changed
societal situation. It needs to be ready for the future, so to continue
to be acceptable to the European citizens.
The argument is based on an insightful account of the changing roles of
the State and the market in providing for the public interest. Set
against the backdrop of globalisation and the need for a sustainable
society, it is argued that companies and civil society also have an
important role to play. The author does not shy away from moral
questions of fairness, and shows how European competition law can
balance the interests of well-functioning markets against supporting
sustainability initiatives.
Futureproof Competition Law is essential reading for policy makers,
legal professionals, responsible business conduct-managers, and civil
society organizations. The lecture will also appeal to a broader
audience, including students, interested in developments regarding how
to shape institutions for a sustainable and open society.
