CCIA: Major EU Decisions Seen As Fair, Balanced

File Under: News, AntiTrust

Mar 11, 2008

Washington, D.C. --  This is another big week for the technology industry in Europe. This week European Union actions are impacting Intel, AMD, Google, Doubleclick, Yahoo, Microsoft, and others as well as millions of consumers. “Increasingly it is clear that competition issues are central to the evolution of the global technology industry, and that the European Commission is an important and respected venue where these issues will be addressed thoroughly,” said Ed Black, President & CEO of the Computer & Communications Industry Association.

“The EU has received much attention, and some criticism from its targets, for vigorous enforcement in some cases where the US has failed to act with equal vigor.  However, the quality of review and fairness in outcomes is now widely respected, and has highlighted some weaknesses of the US in this area.  The nearly simultaneous approval of the Doubleclick merger, and the hearing on Intel's abuse of competition reflect the even-handedness of the EU,” Black said.

In a procedure somewhat unique to the EU, an antitrust hearing has been held in Brussels today in which Intel was given an opportunity to present its defense- confidentially- to the very serious charges of abusive and anti competitive behavior against AMD and a host of technology companies in an effort to drive AMD out of business.

“Since these accusations over Intel dealings with PC makers are so serious, and if proven, demonstrate conduct, which could seriously retard innovation, CCIA welcomes the European Commission’s decision to continue to investigate this matter,” Black said. “We are not sure whether Intel will be able to rebut the compelling evidence against them at this hearing, but we are gratified that this hearing provides them a fair venue to do so.”

“Because robust competition is very important, and because competition issues in high tech sometimes require extensive evaluation, we are pleased that the EU has stepped up and taken on the  responsibility to act where necessary, especially in those instances where domestic political considerations may have blunted US
action,” Black said.

Black went on to say that the approval of the Google DoubleClick merger without conditions " shows that the European Commission is handling anti-trust issues in a balanced way and that it is not unduly tough on American companies.”