Competition law has traditionally been enforced in Europe via a public administrative authority, primarily the European Commission, but also increasingly by Member State National Competition Authorities. However, public enforcement does not compensate victims of competition law infringements. Private enforcement is central to US antitrust law enforcement, and the availability of class actions underscores the importance of consumer rights and redress. Over the last 20 years there has been considerable debate and developments in the EU to facilitate and encourage private enforcement, in particular in relation to consumer redress.
