The course examines the EU competition law and its most characteristic subsectors, i.e. business partnerships, abuse of a dominant position and merger control in light of the relevant EU case-law. Additionally, the application of competition rules (in particular, the division of powers, the system of legal exemption, the administrative penalties and the leniency program) in accordance with Regulation 1/2003 and the civil liability for infringements of said competition rules in light of Directive 2014/104 are reviewed.

Furthermore, state aid law is examined, also in light of the most pertinent EU case-law. The concept of aid, the criteria for compatibility with the common market and the relevant procedural rules are studied. Specific cases of aid to firms in crisis and Services of General Economic Interest are examined.