, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20201113IPR91600/
Europe Food Preservatives Market 2020 Precise Outlook – Kerry Group PLC, Brenntag Holding GmbH, Tate & Lyle PLC, Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Koninklijke DSM N.V., DuPont de Nemours, Inc
The Europe Food Preservatives Market report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides an in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. We analyzed the impact of COVID-19 (Corona Virus) on the product industry chain based on the upstream and downstream markets, on various regions and major countries and on the future development of the industry are pointed out.
Europe food preservatives market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.23% during the forecast period (2020-2025).
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The 100 Pages report presents the market competitive landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the major vendor/key players in the market. Top Companies in the Global Europe Food Preservatives Market: Kerry Group PLC, Brenntag Holding GmbH, Tate & Lyle PLC, Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Koninklijke DSM N.V., DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Corbion NV, Merck KGaA
Market Overview:
– The natural food preservatives segment is expected to record robust growth during the forecast period, particularly in the developed countries of Europe that have a large number of food companies using natural preservatives in their products.
– In addition to maintaining the quality of the food, specialty preservatives, such as sorbic acid, benzoic acid, nisin, and acetic acid, help control contamination. One group of specialty preservatives and antioxidants also prevent food from becoming rancid or developing an off-flavor.
– With the increasing acceptance of the ready-to-eat (RTE) food in Europe, manufacturers of RTE foods are inculcating clean label ingredients, which offer high nutrient and more shelf life.
Beverage Application is driving the Market
The popularity of on-the-go beverages has led to the introduction of highly convenient packaging formats. Additionally, functional beverages are emerging as a preferred class of meal-replacement solutions in the region. Companies are producing a large variety of non-alcoholic ferments as specialty food ingredients for applications in beverages, like soft drinks and malt-based juices. Sorbates and benzoates are often used in combination, especially in highly acidic drinks. Sorbates are very effective preservatives against bacteria, yeasts, and molds. The antimicrobial effectiveness of sorbates depends on the physical and chemical properties of the beverages. Thus, contributing to the preservatives market in Europe. The European marketplace has witnessed significant growth in natural preservatives led by the increasing consumer awareness of the potential negative impact of synthetic preservatives on health, in contrast to the benefits of natural preservatives, has generated interest in the development and use of natural products among the beverage manufacturers._
Germany is Among the Largest Player
Synthetic preservatives still dominate the share of the preservatives market in the country, however, the market experiences the surging demand for natural preservatives. Whereas, under synthetic antimicrobials, lactates hold a prominent share of the Germany market. The availability of ingredients in liquid, powder and crystalline forms further enhance the application in numerous food products. For instance, In Germany, Galactic produces and retails a range of antimicrobials such as Galacid, and Galaflow formulated in liquid, powder and crystalline forms for its extensive application in the food industry. Moreover, the growing demand for food application has insisted players of the market to widely produce additives in the country. For instance, Celanese Corporation manufacture Nutrinova Sorbates in a single-purpose plant in Frankfurt, Germany for its extensive food applications. The plant has accountability given through EU law.
Competitive Landscape
The Europe food preservatives market is dominated by global players, and the market is highly competitive owing to the presence of numerous regional and global players. Players such as Koninklijke DSM N.V. are inclining towards various strategies such as merger and acquisition, product innovation and expansion. Thereby, focusing on all the elements of the market. _For instance, Koninklijke DSM N.V. invested in the launch of two innovative natural antimicrobial additives including DelvoCid+ and other mushroom-based natural preservative to satiate the extensively growing demand for natural and organic food products. Moreover, companies such as Dupont adopted continuous expansion as their strategy to achieve a competitive advantage in the market and expand their geographical presence and customer base.
Influence Of The Europe Food Preservatives Market Report:
-Comprehensive assessment of all opportunities and risk in the Europe Food Preservatives market.
– Europe Food Preservatives market recent innovations and major events.
-A detailed study of business strategies for growth of the Europe Food Preservatives market-leading players.
-Conclusive study about the growth plot of Europe Food Preservatives market for forthcoming years.
-In-depth understanding of Europe Food Preservatives market-particular drivers, constraints and major micro markets.
-Favourable impression inside vital technological and market latest trends striking the Europe Food Preservatives market.
What Are The Market Factors That Are Explained In The Report?
Key Strategic Developments: The study also includes the key strategic developments of the market, comprising R&D, new product launch, M&A, agreements, collaborations, partnerships, joint ventures, and regional growth of the leading competitors operating in the market on regional scale.
Analytical Tools: The Europe Food Preservatives Market Report includes the accurately studied and assessed data of the key industry players and their scope in the market by means of a number of analytical tools. The analytical tools such as Porter’s five forces analysis, SWOT analysis, feasibility study, and investment return analysis have been used to analyze the growth of the key players operating in the market.
Key Market Features: The report evaluated key market features, including revenue, price, capacity, capacity utilization rate, gross, production, production rate, consumption, import/export, supply/demand, cost, market share, CAGR, and gross margin. In addition, the study offers a comprehensive study of the key market dynamics and their latest trends, along with pertinent market segments and sub-segments.
The report has 150 tables and figures browse the report description and TOC:
Customization Of The Report:
MarketInsightsReports provides customization of reports as per your need. This report can be personalized to meet your requirements. Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you to get a report that suits your necessities.
If you have any questions about any of our “Europe Food Preservatives market report” or would like to schedule a personalized free demo of Europe Food Preservatives market report, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
Best wishes,
Irfan Tamboli
Head of Sales Operations
Market Insights Reports
Tel: + 1704 266 3234 | +91-750-707-8687
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
About Us:
MarketInsightsReports provides syndicated market research on industry verticals including Healthcare, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Technology and Media, Chemicals, Materials, Energy, Heavy Industry, etc. MarketInsightsReports provides Global and regional market intelligence coverage, a 360-degree market view which includes statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.
This Press Release has been written with the intention of providing accurate market information which will enable our readers to make informed strategic investment decisions. If you notice any problem with this content, please feel free to reach us on [email protected].
Europe Weight Loss Management Market Emerging Trends and Demands 2020 to 2025 | General Nutrition Centers Inc., Amway Corp., Glanbia PLC, and Herbalife International
The Europe Weight Loss Management Market report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides an in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. We analyzed the impact of COVID-19 (Corona Virus) on the product industry chain based on the upstream and downstream markets, on various regions and major countries and on the future development of the industry are pointed out.
The European weight management market is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.91% during the forecast period, 2020-2025.
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The 116 Pages report presents the market competitive landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the major vendor/key players in the market. Top Companies in the Global Europe Weight Loss Management Market: General Nutrition Centers Inc., Amway Corp., Glanbia PLC, and Herbalife International.
Market Overview:
– The market is primarily driven by factors, such as rising incidence of obesity and chronic diseases, rising awareness about nutrition and healthy lifestyles, an increasing number of fitness centers, and rising disposable income across the region. In addition, an increasing number of health and fitness clubs across the region fueled the market’s growth. Moreover, product innovations by leading players, such as herbal and organic slimming products, are boosting the market’s growth.
– However, the major factor restraining the growth of the market is the high cost of weight loss products, owing to the additional processing required for low-calorie products and additional nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.
Rising Obesity Concerns across the Region
Concerns related to weight and obesity are increasing at a rapid rate in most of the EU member states, particularly among children. In addition to causing various physical disabilities and psychological problems, excess weight drastically increases a person’s risk of developing a number of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, along with the risk of developing more than one of these diseases (co-morbidity) and body weight. The involvement of different governmental sectors and national policies favored the European region significantly. For instance, the WHO European Food and Nutrition Action Plan 2015-2020 has been initiated specifically for the purpose of restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, mainly to curb the obesity epidemic. Also, the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), an authoritative body of the obesity community within Europe, is focusing on developing a universal, evidence-based approach for tackling obesity across disciplines and countries, along with the improvement of quality and availability of care, while supporting the campaign projects and groups across the region. As a result of this trend, the demand for healthier balanced diets is expected to increase. This, in turn, may provide significant growth opportunities for players operating in the weight loss management products market.
Italy to Drive the Regional Market
Italy has been reported to dominate the weight loss management market in the European region, owing to the rising incidences of major health concerns, such as obesity and diabetes, in the region. The significant presence of global players catering to weight management supplement products is driving the market’s growth in this region. The rising popularity of natural and organic ingredients in weight management supplement products is one of the driving factors for the increasing demand for these products in Europe. In terms of distribution channels, weight management products are primarily available in mass-market channels, such as hypermarkets/supermarkets and convenience stores. Also, with the increasing internet penetration, the online market related to weight loss, including food and beverages and supplements, witnessed rapid growth, globally, in the past 3-4 years. This category attracted a few vertical specialists, like Amazon, Walmart, and Carrefour, who are focusing on the growth of e-retailing.
Competitive Landscape
The European weight loss management market is competitive, due to the presence of numerous domestic and multinational players. Companies are focusing on mergers, expansions, acquisitions, and partnerships, along with new product developments, as strategic approaches adopted to boost brand presence. Key players dominating the regional market include General Nutrition Centers Inc., Amway Corp., Glanbia PLC, and Herbalife International.
Influence Of The Europe Weight Loss Management Market Report:
-Comprehensive assessment of all opportunities and risk in the Europe Weight Loss Management market.
– Europe Weight Loss Management market recent innovations and major events.
-A detailed study of business strategies for growth of the Europe Weight Loss Management market-leading players.
-Conclusive study about the growth plot of Europe Weight Loss Management market for forthcoming years.
-In-depth understanding of Europe Weight Loss Management market-particular drivers, constraints and major micro markets.
-Favourable impression inside vital technological and market latest trends striking the Europe Weight Loss Management market.
What Are The Market Factors That Are Explained In The Report?
Key Strategic Developments: The study also includes the key strategic developments of the market, comprising R&D, new product launch, M&A, agreements, collaborations, partnerships, joint ventures, and regional growth of the leading competitors operating in the market on regional scale.
Analytical Tools: The Europe Weight Loss Management Market Report includes the accurately studied and assessed data of the key industry players and their scope in the market by means of a number of analytical tools. The analytical tools such as Porter’s five forces analysis, SWOT analysis, feasibility study, and investment return analysis have been used to analyze the growth of the key players operating in the market.
Key Market Features: The report evaluated key market features, including revenue, price, capacity, capacity utilization rate, gross, production, production rate, consumption, import/export, supply/demand, cost, market share, CAGR, and gross margin. In addition, the study offers a comprehensive study of the key market dynamics and their latest trends, along with pertinent market segments and sub-segments.
The report has 150 tables and figures browse the report description and TOC:
Customization Of The Report:
MarketInsightsReports provides customization of reports as per your need. This report can be personalized to meet your requirements. Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you to get a report that suits your necessities.
If you have any questions about any of our “Europe Weight Loss Management market report” or would like to schedule a personalized free demo of Europe Weight Loss Management market report, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
Best wishes,
Irfan Tamboli
Head of Sales Operations
Market Insights Reports
Tel: + 1704 266 3234 | +91-750-707-8687
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
About Us:
MarketInsightsReports provides syndicated market research on industry verticals including Healthcare, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Technology and Media, Chemicals, Materials, Energy, Heavy Industry, etc. MarketInsightsReports provides Global and regional market intelligence coverage, a 360-degree market view which includes statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.
This Press Release has been written with the intention of providing accurate market information which will enable our readers to make informed strategic investment decisions. If you notice any problem with this content, please feel free to reach us on [email protected].
Ensure safe and hygienic sanitation for all, UN urges, marking World Toilet Day
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the situation “unacceptable” from a moral, economic and health standpoint: “We must ensure everyone, everywhere has access to safe and hygienic sanitation services that provide privacy and dignity.”
World Toilet Day, observed annually on 19 November, was established by the UN General Assembly in 2013, recognizing the importance of sanitation for development and how it impacts the environment.
Safe access to clean toilets is also vital to achieving target 6.2 of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6), on adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all. It calls for an end to open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations, by 2030.
Sanitation and climate change
This year, World Toilet Day is being commemorated under the theme of “Sustainable sanitation and climate change.”
The theme draws attention to the threats to sanitation systems from worsening impacts of climate change, such as floods, droughts and rising sea level. Such events can damage toilets, septic tanks and treatment plants, resulting in contamination of drinking water sources, and spread human waste into communities and croplands, causing deadly diseases.
Ensuring sustainable sanitation that is resilient to climate change, is also vital in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, as toilets, combined with clean water and good hygiene, form a strong defence against COVID-19 and future disease outbreaks.
Water and sanitation – a human right
UN independent human rights experts also issued a joint appeal, calling on governments to ensure that no one is deprived of access to water and other basic supplies, and to prioritize universal access to water and sanitation, as human rights.
The need is even more pressing this year, with the coronavirus pandemic affecting communities everywhere, and the fact that one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is practicing proper personal hygiene by washing hands with soap and water – is out of reach for many.
“We take this occasion to appeal, once again, for the governments around the world to implement or reinstate the policy of prohibiting water cuts as well as other basic supplies and to guarantee a minimum essential amount of water and essential basic supplies to those who face difficulties to pay for those services and supplies”, the experts said in a joint statement.
“We reiterate that the minimum core of the human rights to water and sanitation must be guaranteed at all times and under all circumstances”, highlighted the experts.
The Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. The experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.
Future of an entire generation at risk, as COVID-19 pandemic drags on
In a report, released on Thursday ahead of World Children’s Day, UNICEF outlined “dire and growing” consequences for children as the coronavirus pandemic lurches towards a second year.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a persistent myth that children are barely affected by the disease. Nothing could be further from the truth,” said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director.
“While children can get sick and can spread the disease, this is just the tip of the pandemic iceberg. Disruptions to key services and soaring poverty rates pose the biggest threat to children. The longer the crisis persists, the deeper its impact on children’s education, health, nutrition and well-being. The future of an entire generation is at risk.”
Averting a ‘Lost COVID Generation’
As of 3 November, in 87 countries with age-disaggregated data, children and adolescents under 20 years of age accounted for 1 in 9 of COVID-19 infections, or 11 per cent of infections reported by those countries, UNICEF said in its report Averting a Lost COVID Generation.
While children can transmit the virus to each other and to older age groups, there is strong evidence that, with basic safety measures in place, the net benefits of keeping schools open outweigh the costs of closing them, UNICEF added, noting that schools are not a main driver of community transmission, and children are more likely to get the virus outside of school settings.
Alarming revelations
In addition, using data from surveys across 140 countries, the report found that COVID-related disruptions to critical health and social services for children pose the most serious threat to children, with about a third of the countries witnessing a drop of at least 10 per cent coverage for health services, including routine vaccinations and outpatient visits.
Coverage of nutrition services for women and children, including school meals and vitamin supplementation programmes also saw sharp declines, as did home visits by social workers.
Globally, more than 570 million students – 33 per cent of the enrolled students worldwide –were affected by country-wide school closures in 30 nations (as of November 2020). The number of children living in multidimensional poverty is estimated to have soared by 15 per cent – an additional 150 million children by mid-2020.
‘Prioritize children’s needs’
Against the backdrop of the concerning revelations in the report, UNICEF called on governments and partners to take key actions to respond to the crisis.
The UN agency called for ensuring that all children can learn, including by closing the digital divide. It also urged nations to guarantee access to nutrition, safe drinking water, as well as health, hygiene and sanitation services. Vaccines should also be made affordable and available to every child.
Alongside, children and young people must be provided with mental health support and protected against violence and neglect, and efforts should be stepped up to support children and their families living through conflict, disaster and displacement.
UNICEF also underlined the need to reverse the rise in child poverty and ensure an inclusive recovery from the pandemic for all.
“This World Children’s Day, we are asking governments, partners and the private sector to listen to children and prioritize their needs,” urged Ms. Fore.
“As we all reimagine the future and look ahead toward a post-pandemic world, children must come first.”
Buddhist Times News – China cannot pick the next Dalai Lama, only Tibetan Buddhists can, says US Amb. Brownback
Sam Brownback, Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, speaks during a news conference at the State Department in Washington. Photo/AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool
Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback has opposed China’s intervention in picking the next Dalai Lama saying, “The United States supports – that religious community has the right to pick their own leadership. That certainly includes the next Dalai Lama”.
The 14th Dalai Lama, now 85, had fled Tibet back in 1959 following a Chinese clampdown to the local population, and since then he resides in India. Currently, the Tibetan government-in-exile operates from Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. With over 1,60,000 Tibetans living in India.
Brownback even accused China of one of the worst religious persecution situations in the world. He also mentioned the situation in China’s remote area of Xinjiang. Saying that it “will not help them in a fight on terrorism”, US diplomat said that the answer to extremism is not to lock everyone.
Ambassador Brownback was addressing the 2020 Ministerial to Advance Freedom of Religion or Belief where he answered some pressing religious freedom issues in the world notably China’s persecution of Uyghurs, Tibetan Buddhists, Christians, and Falun Gong, etc.
With respect to the persecution of Uyghurs, Ambassador said it’s one of the worst religious persecution situations in the world today and added that China’s justification in locking up millions of Uyghurs in order to prevent terrorism is a futile effort.
“The answer to terrorism isn’t locking up everybody. The answer to terrorism is religious freedom, allowing people to freely practice their faith, and they won’t fight you as much”, he said adding that If the Chinese weren’t so repressive against the faith they would have a more open society where its citizens will have the freedom to practice their faith in peace.
Ambassador was critical about the use of technology to persecute religious adherence in Tibet which is now being replicated in Xinjiang. He noted that such use of virtual police states to persecute religion must be stopped from spreading to other countries around the world.
On China’s repeated claim over the right to pick the reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama, the US Ambassador at large asserts that the matter of reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama is the concerns of Tibetan Buddhists only and China has no ‘theological basis’ to intervene in that matter.
“The Tibetan Buddhists have successfully picked their leader for hundreds of years, if not longer, and they have the right to do that now” he added and assured that the US will continue to push back China’s claim over the issue of reincarnation.
Last year, Ambassador Brownback visited Dharmashala, the exile seat of Central Tibetan Administration where his presence made a powerful impact of hope upon the Tibetans while sending a tough message to China.
The Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom brings together leaders from around the world to discuss the challenges facing religious freedom, identify means to address religious persecution and discrimination worldwide, and promote greater respect and preservation of religious liberty for all. This event focuses on concrete outcomes that reaffirm international commitments to promote religious freedom and produce real, positive change.
source – cta
Cuomo’s COVID-19 rules discriminate against religion
… with the free exercise of religion. The Court’s decision will … unconstitutional when they discriminate against religion.
Cuomo’s rules clearly fall …
The Pope’s invitation to love the Church – Vatican News
By Sergio Centofanti
“I urge you to love the Church of the Lord.”
This was Pope Francis’ invitation at the conclusion of the General Audience on Wednesday, the feast of the Dedication of the Basilicas of the Apostles Peter and Paul.
“This feast highlights the meaning of the church, a sacred building where the faithful reunite. May it enkindle in us the awareness that each of us is called to be a living temple of God,” working together “with generosity and enthusiasm” to “build up the House of the Lord, the dwelling of the Most High among us.”
Family of God
Loving the Church is an important characteristic of the believer, who belongs to the family of God.
In a catechesis on 29 May 2013, Pope Francis recalled that God’s plan “is to make of us all a single family of his children, in which each person feels that God is close and feels loved by him”. The Church “is not an organization established by an agreement between a few people”, but “she is a work of God”, she is born “from the supreme act of love of the Cross, from the pierced side of Jesus from which flowed blood and water, a symbol of the sacrament of the Eucharist and of Baptism”. The Church “became manifest when the gift of the Holy Spirit filled the heart of the Apostles and spurred them to go out and begin their journey to proclaim the Gospel, spreading God’s love.”
Still today some say: “Christ yes, the Church no”. Like those who say “I believe in God but not in priests”. In response the Pope said, “But it is the Church herself which brings Christ to us and which brings us to God. The Church is the great family of God’s children. Of course, she also has human aspects. In those who make up the Church, pastors and faithful, there are shortcomings, imperfections and sins. The Pope has these too — and many of them; but what is beautiful is that when we realize we are sinners we encounter the mercy of God who always forgives. Never forget it: God always pardons.”
“In the end,” said the Pope, “the Church is our mother because she brings us to new life and leads us to Christ. So we must love her, even when we see her face marred by human frailty and sin, and we must help to make her ever more beautiful and radiant, so that she can bear witness to God’s love in the world” (Message of Pope Francis for the 2019 World Day of Prayer for Vocations).
Love Church like family
Pope Francis is inviting us to love and defend the Church, just as we love and defend our families, even when our parents, brothers, sisters, or children make mistakes or have problems.
As an example of love for the Church, the Pope once pointed to Padre Pio:
“He loved the Church, with the many problems the Church has, with so many adversities, with so many sinners. Because the Church is holy, she is the Bride of Christ, but we, the children of the Church, are all sinners – some big ones! – but he loved the Church as she was, he did not destroy her with the tongue, as it is the fashion to do now. No! He loved her. He who loves the Church knows how to forgive, because he knows that he himself is a sinner and is in need of God’s forgiveness. He knows how to arrange things, because the Lord wants to arrange things well but always with forgiveness: one cannot live an entire life accusing, accusing, accusing the Church. Whose is the office of the accuser! The devil! And those who spend their life accusing, accusing, accusing, are – I will not say children, because the devil does not have any – but friends, cousins, relatives of the devil. And no, this is not good, flaws must be indicated so they can be corrected, but at the moment that flaws are noted, flaws are denounced, one loves the Church. Without love, that is of the devil” (Greeting of Pope Francis to the Archdiocese of Benevento, 20 February 2019).
War fought with prayer, love
The devil works to destroy the unity of a family. Pope Francis has often pointed this out: Satan wants to divide brothers and sisters and divide the Church to drive people from God.
Many times the greatest danger comes not from outside but from within: “Self-destruction, ‘friendly fire’ from our fellow soldiers, is the most insidious danger. It is the evil which strikes from within” (Presentation of the Christmas greetings to the Roman Curia, 22 December 2014).
The devil’s is a “dirty war” and “we who are unaware fall into his game” (Mass at Santa Marta, 12 September 2016).
And again, “the devil seeks to foment an internal war, a sort of civil and spiritual war. A war which is not fought with arms but with the tongue” (Homily for the Vatican Gendarmerie, 28 September 2013).
This war of accusations, hatred, and lies, affirms Pope Francis, can be fought only with prayer and love: Pray for the Church and love her, because “Jesus Christ and the Church are one and the same” (General Audience, 29 May 2013).
Mergers: Commission refers acquisition of newly created joint venture by Telefónica and Liberty Global to the UK competition authority
European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 Nov 2020 The European Commission has referred the proposed acquisition by Telefónica S.A. and Liberty Global PLC of a newly created joint venture to the Consumers…
EU auditors see uphill battle for EU antitrust regulators versus big tech
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – EU antitrust enforcers face an uphill battle in tackling tech giants abusing their dominance because of the difficulty of finding remedies, the EU’s budget watchdog said on Thursday in its first audit of the regulators.
The report by the European Court of Auditors comes as critics of Google GOOGL.O voiced frustration at what they say is ineffective enforcement of a series of EU rulings ordering it to stop favouring its own online services to the disadvantage of competitors.
Besides Google, European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager is also investigating Amazon AMZN.O, Apple AAPL.O and Facebook FB.O.
“Although the Commission has taken a number of case decisions tackling challenges resulting from the digital economy, significant challenges remain to be resolved,” the watchdog said.
“For example, practices in digital markets can cause damage to consumers. However, it is difficult for the Commission to find appropriate remedies to tackle an apparent competition problem as determining consumer harm can be particularly complex.”
The ECA said the issue applies not just to internet companies but also businesses involved in digital innovation such as those in energy, telecommunications, financial services and transport.
It said part of the problem lies in EU antitrust rules which only allow enforcers to act after wrongdoing has been committed.
The Commission “needs to scale up market oversight to be fit for a more global and digital world. It needs to get better at proactively detecting infringements and select its investigations more judiciously,” said ECA’s Alex Brenninkmeijer who was in charge of the report.
EU antitrust officials however have swatted away arguments that they are not able to do their job well in digital cases.
“EU competition rules are flexible enough to deal with digital markets,” Commission Director General for competition Olivier Guersent told an online event on Wednesday.
Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Alexandra Hudson
