The International Competition Network (ICN), the global body that brings together competition regulators from all over the world, has suspended Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) from participating in all its upcoming events, as announced in a statement.
This move comes after antitrust authorities in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and the Netherlands urged it to take action following the country’s invasion of Ukraine, replicating calls from various other industry associations and individuals.
Related: Baltic Regulators & Ukrainian Scholars Call for Russian Exclusion From ICN
The ICN’s activities are voluntary and rely on a high degree of goodwill and cooperation among members. ICN Members are in continuous contact, working together to improve competition policy and cooperation between authorities. Members of the network regularly meet to develop common standards and exchange views.
Based on Section 3.4 iv (e) of the ICN’s Operational Framework, the Chair is responsible for the “general conduct of the affairs of the ICN where not otherwise specified to be within the responsibility of any Group or Committee.” In light of the current events in Ukraine and their impact on collaboration between ICN members, the Chair made the determination that conditions were not suitable for the cooperation and good relations required.
Russia’s war against Ukraine has greatly increased tensions in Europe and across the world. Among several factors leading up to the war is the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline that takes Russian gas to Germany, bypassing the Ukraine. Germany had threatened to stop Nord Stream 2 if Russia invaded, although this has not yet happened after nearly one week of combat between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
The ICN Chair, at the request of Steering Group members and other ICN members, has reviewed FAS Russia’s participation in the network. After consultation with the members of the Steering Group the Chair decided to suspend the FAS’ participation in ICN activities.
The ICN’s move has already been backed by important members, including the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The ICN has said that, should the situation in Ukraine change, they are willing to revise their position on the matter.
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
Judge Mehta Questions Both Sides in Landmark Google Antitrust Case
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
FCC Urges Urgent Funding for Removal of Chinese Telecom Equipment from U.S. Networks
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Former Pioneer CEO Facing Potential Criminal Charges For Colluding With OPEC
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
South Korea’s Antitrust Regulator Greenlights K-Pop Powerhouse Deal
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Exxon’s Pioneer Purchase Approved, Former CEO Barred from Board
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI