Italy: Gov to implement EU directive on damages for breaches of Competition Law

The Italian Government adopted a draft decree implementing Directive EU on antitrust damages actions, which aimed at making easier for victims of antitrust violations to claim compensation for the damages they have suffered due to such infringements (the so-called private enforcement).

Following a preliminary examination, the Council of Ministers approved the text of the Draft Decree proposed by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, the Minister of Justice, Andrea Orlando, and the Minister of Economic Development, Carlo Calenda.

The Draft Decree reproduces the content of the Directive, with some amendments necessary for a correct transposition into national law. Before taking effect, the Draft Decree will be examined by the competent committees of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, which have until 6 December 2016 to issue their opinions.

Although less developed than in other jurisdictions, private enforcement has been steadily growing in recent years in Italy. The new legislation is expected to substantially increase the number of claims for damages for antitrust infringements in the country.

Full Content: National Law Review

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