Recent cartel decisions show the more robust handling of cartel activities by the European Commission (EC). Although long-enabled to investigate and impose fines, the EC has adopted a more aggressive attitude towards cartel participants during the past two years.
In 2001, the number of fines imposed on transgressing companies was higher than the total amount imposed for the period between the creation of the EC in 1967 and the year 2000. In 2001, the Commission fined 56 companies and imposed four of the five largest fines ever. So far this year, some 22 companies have been fined in six decisions, while some 40 cases are currently being investigated, with another four cartel decisions expected before the end of the year. The level and number of fines has created alarm across the business community.
