A Word from the Host
Adhering to European standards in various aspects, including competition/antitrust is a high priority for all transitional economies. It is crucial for the companies acting locally to recognize the importance of antitrust regulations and practice. A good understanding of this area will help them achieve their business goals. In addition, compliance with competition laws can mitigate risks of huge fines, damage claims, negative publicity as well as other adverse effects to their business.
The Lawyers & Friends international Conference on antitrust laws in the Western Balkans held on 26 May 2010 in Belgrade the first of its kind in the region brought together high level executives, regulators, academics, inhouse counsel, lawyers in private practice and all those involved or interested in antitrust/competition law.
This was an event that included many outstanding speakers, each a leading expert in their field. Their valuable and interesting presentations effectively covered a variety of essential topics, such as:
Cartels and, in particular, price fixing/market sharing;
Abuse of dominance: complainants' and defendants' angles;
Procedural rules including specifics of dawn-raids;
Private enforcement: how can business protect their interests beyond the administrative procedures carried out before the competition authorities;
Case studies.
All in all, 256 registered participants attended the Conference and gained valuable insights from all angles on current developments in competition law throughout the Western Balkans as well as the wider region. Special focus was given to the properly tailored competition compliance program which is unarguably essential.
It is fair to conclude that the Conference was a great success and accomplished its main objective of informing and enlightening all the players in this highly sensitive field of competition law.
We profoundly thank our guest speakers for their excellent contributions and also all of you who participated and made this Conference a truly memorable occasion.
Finally, as one of our distinguished speakers rightfully cited: It is what you learn once you know it all.
Adhering to European standards in various aspects, including competition/antitrust is a high priority for all transitional economies. It is crucial for the companies acting locally to recognize the importance of antitrust regulations and practice. A good understanding of this area will help them achieve their business goals. In addition, compliance with competition laws can mitigate risks of huge fines, damage claims, negative publicity as well as other adverse effects to their business.
The Lawyers & Friends international Conference on antitrust laws in the Western Balkans held on 26 May 2010 in Belgrade the first of its kind in the region brought together high level executives, regulators, academics, inhouse counsel, lawyers in private practice and all those involved or interested in antitrust/competition law.
This was an event that included many outstanding speakers, each a leading expert in their field. Their valuable and interesting presentations effectively covered a variety of essential topics, such as:
Cartels and, in particular, price fixing/market sharing;
Abuse of dominance: complainants' and defendants' angles;
Procedural rules including specifics of dawn-raids;
Private enforcement: how can business protect their interests beyond the administrative procedures carried out before the competition authorities;
Case studies.
All in all, 256 registered participants attended the Conference and gained valuable insights from all angles on current developments in competition law throughout the Western Balkans as well as the wider region. Special focus was given to the properly tailored competition compliance program which is unarguably essential.
It is fair to conclude that the Conference was a great success and accomplished its main objective of informing and enlightening all the players in this highly sensitive field of competition law.
We profoundly thank our guest speakers for their excellent contributions and also all of you who participated and made this Conference a truly memorable occasion.
Finally, as one of our distinguished speakers rightfully cited: It is what you learn once you know it all.