| Abstract [eng] |
The thesis is devoted to the challenging object of discussions under EC Competition Law- the methods of abuse of dominant position under EC competition law: new challenges. The thesis concentrates mainly on exclusionary abuses which is the most frequent and important category of abuses. Parallel to the EC law both – the case-law of the Lithuanian Competition Council and relevant national regulation – are considered throughout the paper. After a brief statement of grounds of choosing this topic, its actuality and novelty in EC and Lithuanian competition law in the introduction, the main part of the paper gives analysis of the concept of an exclusionary abuse under Article 82 EC, also certain metods of abuse and there development is analised. The first chapter deals with the exclusionary abuse under Article 82 EC. The Commission and European Court of Justice has provided some examples of the concept of an exclusionary abuse, however these concepts are vague and lacks legal certainty. The most precise concept of an exclusionary abuse is stipulated in the Article 82 (b) EC Treaty: limiting production to the prejudice of consumers. It offers a comprehensive test of all exclusionary abuses, distinguishing between legitimate competition and unlawful conduct. The second chapter concentrates on certain methods of abuse: predatory pricing, price discrimination, refusal to supply, rebates and tying. First, the general practice of Commission and the Court applying each method of abuse is analised. Then is analised the newest economics based proposals of Commission in its discussion paper and various legal authors towards the application of each of these methods of abuse. In the third chapter the case-law of the Lithuanian Competition Council and courts concerning methods of abuse of dominant position is analised. The special attention is paid to the decision of Lithuania Competition Council in the Mažeikiu Nafta case where the Lithuanian Competition Council invoked the Article 82 EC Treaty. |
