In an announcement made on 10 September 2014, the President-elect of the next European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker from Luxemburg, unveiled his team and announced that Magrethe Vestager from Denmark will replace Joaquin Almunia as the EU Commissioner for Competition. Ms Vestager is to take office in November, subject to confirmation by the European Parliament.
The new Commissioner and her agenda will have a significant impact on business in the European Union in the upcoming years. The EU Commissioner for Competition is one of the most powerful figures in Europe because this role has the ability to review deals, impose fines for cartel behaviour or abuse of dominance (monopolisation) and order the recovery of illegal subsidies.
The European Commission has launched a Green Paper consultation on credit card, internet, and mobile payments with regard to card-fees and related matters of concern to the competition authorities.
Interested stakeholders have until 11 April 2012 in which to submit their views.