Not quite settled

The Commission proposes a settlement procedure for cartel cases

by Jonas Koponen and Jan Imgrund*

A European Commission cartel investigation can last as long as five years. And most Commission decisions are then taken to appeal at the Court of First Instance, adding on average a good two years to the process. The Commission has been at pains to cut the lengthy investigation periods, but has so far been swimming against the tide. In October 2007, the Commission proposed a settlement procedure which it hopes will turn that tide.