In May 2004, the enforcement of the EC competition rules changed radically. Under Regulation 1/2003, the national competition authorities (NCAs) of all 27 Member States are called upon to actively participate, together with the European Commission, in the enforcement of Articles 81 and 82 EC. In order to ensure the efficient and consistent application of the law, Regulation 1/2003 provides for a number of co-operation mechanisms at the heart of which lies the European Competition Network (ECN). The ECN acts as a common forum for information exchange, co-ordination and discussion. This book provides an in-depth analysis of the rules governing co-operation within the ECN. It is a valuable source for all working in the field of EC competition law: practitioners, company lawyers, competition authority officials and academics.

The author focuses on horizontal co-operation between the NCAs of different Member States. She starts by looking at the arrangements for case allocation, discusses the rules on information exchange and also deals with the consultation procedure prior to the adoption of final NCA decisions. The existing rules are assessed not only in the light of their purpose, ensuring efficiency and consistency in the application of the law, but also reviewed against the requirements of the EU Charter and the European Convention on Human Rights. Particular attention is devoted to issues arising in the event of parallel procedures by several NCAs. This includes the applicability of the ne bis in idem principle and the question which duties of the NCAs result from the loyalty obligation enshrined in Article 10 EC. Finally, the author explores whether the ECN concept of co-operation and networking could be applied more broadly in the context of European integration.

1 OVERVIEW OF THE DECENTRALISED ENFORCEMENT OF EC COMPETITION LAW
2 CREATING A FRAMEWORK FOR CO-OPERATION BETWEEN COMPETITION AUTHORITIES IN THE EU
3 INFORMATION EXCHANGE AT THE OUTSET-THE ISSUE OF CASE ALLOCATION
4 INFORMATION EXCHANGE AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE IN THE COURSE OF AN INVESTIGATION-THE FREE MOVEMENT OF EVIDENCE
5 CONSULTATION PRIOR TO FINAL DECISION TAKING
6 PARTICULAR ISSUES OF PARALLEL PROCEEDINGS
7 CONCLUSIONS-IS THE ECN A SUPERMODEL OR AN 'ANTI-EXAMPLE'?
EPILOGUE: PERSPECTIVES FOR NETWORK CONVERGENCE AND IUS COMMUNE

“Silke Brammer offers us a study which, without doubt, will become a source of reference. Clear and instructive, the work is accessible to the neophyte; equally containing subtle and strong proposals, it will be a source of information and inspiration for the expert.” –  Caroline Si Bouazza, Concurrences, No 1 – 2010

“Brammer's essay presents advantages for several types of lawyers. Students can definitely find an overview or deep introduction to the entire system...that being said, the study is a good reference for academics and professionals, as it provides an exhaustive list of the various weaknesses of the system and how the latter can be rethought or used.” –  Marie-Charlotte Rouzier, Common Market Law Review, Volume 47, Issue 3