Agenda Archive | Page 2 of 64

Decarbonising transport: a just transition?

June 2020

In March, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) published ‘Decarbonising Transport: Setting the Challenge’, a policy paper outlining current and planned policies needed to decarbonise the UK’s domestic transport sector. We provide a commentary on some of the DfT’s strategic priorities—the shift to active and public transport, as well as the decarbonisation of the passenger vehicle fleet. We then discuss some of the wider social implications raised by the proposed measures

Engaging the disengaged: why does it matter, and why is it hard?

June 2020

Why do consumers become disengaged from effective decision-making, and how can we improve engagement and market outcomes? Amelia Fletcher, Professor of Competition Policy at the University of East Anglia, UK, looks at the latest developments in this fast-moving area, and discusses a number of insights from her recent paper on disclosure and other tools for enhancing engagement

Platforms at the gate? Initial reactions to the Commission’s digital consultations

June 2020

On 2 June 2020, the European Commission launched a consultation on proposals for a new competition tool (NCT) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) package. If enacted, they would represent a significant change in competition enforcement in the EU, and a major step-up in the regulatory rules and oversight of the digital economy.

Video (conferencing) killed the commuter star?

June 2020

For many of us, workplace communication has moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic. What does this mean for traditional transport infrastructure that is geared towards enabling greater employment density? Have we reached peak agglomeration and, if so, what does this mean for investment priorities?

Living remotely: the value of being connected

June 2020

Prior to early 2020, the idea of living remotely might have triggered visions of moving to the northernmost Scottish island, or to the far edges of Alaska, and becoming self-sufficient—retreating to a more primitive lifestyle, away from the demands of modern life and its reliance on technology and the Internet.

Paying it forward: is COVID-19 accelerating the transition to digital payments in Italy?

June 2020

Is the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the digitalisation of payments? During the lockdown in Italy, many shops turned to innovative payment solutions, enabling them to continue to operate by offering home delivery.

Wastewater: the invisible service

June 2020

What efforts are involved in providing this ‘invisible’ service, and what have the challenges been during the COVID-19 pandemic? Furthermore, could the wastewater service be a key part of efforts to track the path of the virus—and to predict future outbreaks?

COVID-19 and damages quantification: key challenges for the post-pandemic world

May 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused large-scale disruptions to the global economy. One consequence is the emergence of commercial disputes following terminations or breaches of contracts during the pandemic. What challenges are likely to arise when quantifying damages in light of COVID-19 in commercial litigation or arbitration proceedings?

To provide or not to provide access? The Dutch broadband joint SMP case

May 2020

On 17 March 2020, the Dutch Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal (CBb) published its long-awaited verdict on the appeal against the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) 2018 finding of joint dominance in the Dutch retail broadband market. Why did the CBb rule in favour of the appellants, and what are the implications of this finding for the regulation of wholesale broadband access in the telecoms sector?

Calculating the cover charge: business interruption insurance and COVID-19

May 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on businesses across the world. Many have turned to their insurance providers to claim compensation under their business interruption (BI) insurance. However, even if a firm is covered for financial losses caused by the pandemic, determining the compensation amount is far from straightforward. What are the challenges, from an economic and financial perspective, in determining the compensation for these policyholders?

Practical guidance on the new state aid rules on public recapitalisations

May 2020

Under specific conditions, member states can provide aid in the form of subordinated debt, hybrid capital and equity in line with state aid rules to companies facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How quickly will customers revert to pre-pandemic behaviour?

May 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed societies across the world, as governments, businesses and individuals respond to the crisis. Customer behaviour has changed both rapidly and radically, as we adapt to the new circumstances and adopt new ways of living and working.