Is cooperation amongst competition authorities effective against anticompetitive behaviour?
L.V. : Of course. Cooperation between competition authorities increases the effectiveness of the enforcement when a practice affects different States. It is particularly developed in Europe due to the creation of a European network of competition authorities. However, from the viewpoint of the rights of defence, there a few problems because the various authorities do not offer the same guarantees, particularly where it concerns leniency programs. In those countries with competition legislation, leniency programs are multiplying, allowing participants in restrictive agreements to obtain fine reductions if they help prove that an infringement was committed. Are such programs effective against international restrictive agreements? L.V. : These programs are effective against all restrictive agreements, both national and international. It is true that we are chiefly speaking of international restrictive agreements here because Anglo-Saxon undertakings are less reluctant than their counterpa
