Jean Monnet Center of Excellence

Competition law is one of the main pillars and one of the main drivers of EU integration. It is one of the main tools that drive innovation and long-term economic growth of the EU. Harmonized application of Competition law is also one of the main perquisites for successful integration of candidate countries in the EU. In post-COVID-19 times, Competition law will be one of the main tools that businesses can employ to recover from a crisis caused by COVID-19. Only consistent enforcement of EU competition rules will boost employment and will ensure post-COVID-19 recovery and vibrant economic activity, not only in the EU Member States but also in candidate countries, throughout Europe and the world.

While in the EU Member States there is a strong (financial and institutional) support, focus and public awareness on the need for the consistent enforcement of Competition law rules, EU candidates and EU partner countries lack systematic support, knowledge, expertise, and resources. Such a situation may have a long-term negative impact on those countries. It may slow down their economic transition and economic development and consequently their integration in the EU.

Therefore, the purpose of the Project is to establish the south and east European center of excellence for the EU Competition and State aid law. Joined under the Project, Project partners will organize and coordinate their resources, lead research activities and promote innovative contributions to the study of the Competition Law topics relevant to EU integration and EU economic interests.