Brussels, 17/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 17 April, MEPs ratified the draft directive to facilitate action and damages for citizens and companies that have suffered damages or losses due to violation of anti-trust rules (cartels, abuse of dominant position). The text was approved with 545 votes in favour, 25 against, with 12 abstentions.
Victims will have at least five years to present their claim after finding out about the infringement in question. Andreas Schwab (EPP, in Germany), rapporteur on this dossier said the negotiators had found the right balance between consumer interests and the economy. MEPs have ensured that procedures will not lead to overcompensation. Schwab was pleased that “we have strengthened the rights of victims, without losing sight of possible abuses”. The European Commission said that this was an important step forward. MEPs have introduced a voluntary compensation system. On the question of publicising information, they will introduce a blacklist that will include two documents: declarations of clemency and proposals for transactions. A final decision from the national authority in question can be presented at first, as proof, to another national jurisdiction. During the debate, the rapporteur expressed doubts about the provisions on protection of whistleblowers. He said that “this is about ensuring that we have good corporate practices and we do not artificially increase the number of whistleblowers”. He also said that they would have to look at this question again in the next few years. (EL)