Rev Ind Organ (2007) 31:139–153 DOI 10.1007/s11151-007-9148-6 Economics at DG Competition 2006–2007 Damien Neven · Svend Albæk Published online: 11 October 2007 © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. 2007 Abstract This paper discusses a number of significant developments in the enforce- ment activities of the Directorate General for Competition at the European Com- mission, during 2006–2007. It covers a selection of investigations as well as policy initiatives that have triggered a debate in terms of the underlying economics. Keywords Antitrust · Mergers · State aids 1 Introduction The present report does not attempt to give an overview of the activities deployed by the Directorate General for Competition (DG Comp) at the European Commission. This can be found in DG Comp’s competition newsletter and its annual report. Neither does it attempt to cover all significant issues and cases in which the Chief Economist Team (CET) has been involved. Instead, the report focuses on a number of develop- ments, cases as well as policy initiatives, which have triggered important debates in terms of the underlying economics. Reporting on some current policy initiatives would also be premature, but they should nevertheless be mentioned as they should trigger significant developments, which may be reported more fully in forthcoming years. In particular, DG Comp has been involved in two major policy initiatives: one regarding application of the EC competition rules on the abuse of a dominant position (Article 82), and one regarding the energy sector. Last year, DG Comp further pursued its effort to develop policy guidelines on Art. 82. The Commission received more than 100 written comments D. Neven · S. Albæk (B ) Chief Economist Team, DG Competition, European Commission, Rue Joseph II/Jozef II-straat 70, 1000 Brussels, Belgium e-mail: svend.albaek@ec.europa.eu