WRITTEN QUESTION No. 561/99 by Graham MATHER to the Commission. Competition policy in the retailing sector
15. 10. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 297/159 (1999/C 297/218) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0501/99 by James Nicholson (PPE) to the Commission (5 March 1999) Subject: International Year of the Older Person What measures has the Commission undertaken to give European Union recognition to 1999 as the International Year of the Older Person? Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (24 March 1999) The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question No 0149/99 by Mr Sisó Cruellas (1). (1) See page 147. (1999/C 297/219) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0561/99 by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission (12 March 1999) Subject: Competition policy in the retailing sector Can the Commission please provide details of any initiatives recently taken or shortly to be taken in this sphere? Is the Commission policy in this area being reviewed and if so, on what basis? Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (29 March 1999) In 1997, following the publication of the green paper on vertical restraints (1), the Commission launched a policy review exercise with a view to reconsidering the Community competition rules applicable to distribution agreements, including the retailing sector. In the light of the indications arising from the wide public consultation, the Commission adopted on 30 September 1998 a communication on the application of Community competition rules to vertical restraints (2) which describes the policy the Commission intends to adopt in this field. The main aim of the proposed new policy is a shift to a more economic oriented approach, resulting in a much broader coverage of vertical agreements by one block exemption regulation. Such a policy will lead to a reduced regulatory burden, a simplification of the applicable rules, a reduction of the notification requirements and a more effective control of vertical restraints implemented by companies holding significant market power. The Commission also follows the developments in the retailing sector, with particular reference to the implications that the exercise of buying power may have on the application of Community competition rules. (1) COM(96) 721 final. (2) COM(98) 544 final