Courses

A general course is also taught at the Law School on Competition Law. The essential part of the course is devoted to a discussion of rules in force at European level although some comparisons are made with national rules or rules applied in the United States. The concept of competition is first discussed, on the basis of the book written by Paul Nihoul on “La concurrence et le droit”.

We then turn to a discussion on the notion of undertaking, relevant market and market power, which all determine the application of the rules of competition. After this, we systematically analyse the situations which raise concerns for the competition authorities: agreements among undertakings, abuse of dominant position, merger and concentrations, exclusive and special rights, state aids.

Link : iCampus for the general course's website:

http://www.icampus.ucl.ac.be/dr2311/

Consumer law

A general course on consumer law is taught at the Law School. This course provides insight into the economic and legal mechanisms that are used to regulate nowadays the relations between undertakings and consumers.

The course starts with a discussion of the consequences for the consumers, of the European internal market and the liberalization rounds carried out at the WTO. This liberalization movement normally implies a limitation of national measures, which are considered as hindrances for undertakings to sell their products and services in Europe and worldwide.

We then wonder about the limitations that are to be brought to competition and liberalization in order to produce a society where consumers are treated correctly. A significant portion of the course is devoted to a discussion of the principles of food law, health law, safety law and the rules liability. Trade practices are also examined. The method used is Socratic, with students being asked to prepare texts and to submit ideas during discussions on cases.

Link : iCampus for the general course's website:

http://www.icampus.ucl.ac.be/DROI2393/

The laws of electronic communications

The laws of electronic communications are taught for the first time at the Université catholique de Louvain this academic year 2002-2003. These rules concerning this form of communication is analysed in the course on Advanced Competition Law, which is given in the Masters of Economic Law.

During the course, we discuss the main rules applicable in Europe under the New regulatory Framework. Special attention is devoted to the rules concerning access as well as those relating to mergers and joint venture control. Comparisons are made on the two accounts between rules in force in Europe and rules applicable in the United States. 

Institutional issues

Rules may not be studied in their material dimensions only. It is important to analyse the institutional concept in which they take place. Last year, we studied the remedies opened to consumers in the European area to challenge acts adopted by authorities or undertakings.

This year, we will analyse the division of powers which has been introduced between the Member States and the European institutions as regards the provision of essential services. Member States want to continue providing essential services at conditions that are agreeable to all consumers. European institutions want to harmonize the rules in force in the various Member States, to make sure that discrepancy among these rules does not hinder the realization of the internal market. Another motivation is merely to regulate the services of general interest across the European Union.

Here again, the method is Socratic in the American tradition. Students are asked to prepare cases and a discussion is carried out in class. The second part of the course is taught by Prof. M. Wathelet, a Justice at the Court of the European Communities on other themes (enlargement in particular).