ABSTRACT
The Community rules surrounding the control of agreements1 have been influenced to a much greater extent by the general goals of the Community than have the rules on control of dominant undertakings. The neo-classical model of competition, discussed in Chapter 1, highlighted the problems which a monopoly can create. It is also possible for undertakings to reach that monopoly position by agreeing with their competitors that they should not compete. In effect, the parties to the agreement, forming what is known as a cartel, will have a monopoly position on what was previously a competitive market. Historically, the existence of cartels was common in European markets and, therefore, their removal was one of the central goals of the Community.2
