Brexit and Competition Law: The Future Relationship Between the UK and EU Competition Law Regimes

Abstract

The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union and its impending departure from the latter, place the UK and EU competition law regimes in a situation of great uncertainty. From a well-anchored position in which these two regimes have been intertwined and their key actors – the Competition and Markets Authority and the European Commission – enjoy a strong and close association (principally within the European Competition Network), the two regimes are now supposed to go separate ways. This transition could not be more powerful and its implications could not be more serious. Yet, hardly any proper attention has been given to assessing the future relationship between the two regimes especially from a policy perspective. The present article engages in such assessment. In addressing a number of key issues – notably the relationship between UK and EU competition law and authorities – the article offers a vision and critical analysis of the kind of future relationship the two regimes should have. Brexit, Competition and Markets Authority, European Commission, cooperation, European Competition Network, UK and EU competition law regimes