p. 49521. State intervention: public undertakings and state aid
- Sandra Marco ColinoSandra Marco ColinoResearch Assistant Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Abstract
Competition law in the EU also exerts some degree of control over the actions of the Member States when they intervene in the market in ways which could harm the competitive process. The Member States commit to complying with these and other obligations the moment they agree to be bound by the acquis unionaire, which is a prerequisite for EU membership. There are two main provisions in this regard: Articles 106 and 107 TFEU. This chapter covers the basic principles underlying the application of Articles 106 and 107 TFEU, and explores the interplay between the general prohibitions they contain and their multiple exceptions. Article 106 ensures that undertakings owned, established, or regulated by the State are not protected or advantaged vis-à-vis private competitors, while Article 107 TFEU contains a general prohibition of state aid.