The reform of the Merger Regulation in 2004 has made the EU’s merger control regime more efficient and predictable, preserving effective competition in the Single Market for the benefit of businesses and consumers. Nevertheless, the experience of the last ten years has also shown that there is scope for further improving some aspects of EU merger control. In its White Paper "Towards More Effective EU Merger Control" the Commission makes proposals that would allow it to better deal with non-controlling minority shareholdings which may affect competition, and that would make referral procedures simpler and faster. Comments can be submitted until 3 October 2014. In light of the comments received, the Commission may then put forward a legislative proposal to revise the EU Merger Regulation.

Press release and  memo