Nota Bene Episode 102: Examining European Union State Aid in the Face of COVID and Brexit with Jacques Derenne and Robert Klotz
As European Union State aid rules evolve in their efforts to “level the playing field” among member states, we’re examining the impact of current events like COVID-19 and Brexit on general State aid rules and discussing anticipated future policy changes. Joining Michael for this conversation are two guests, Jacques Derenne and Robert Klotz.
Jacques Derenne is the Co-Leader of Sheppard Mullin’s Antitrust and Competition Group and the head of the EU Competition & Regulatory practice at Sheppard Mullin’s Brussels office. He is a member of the Brussels and Paris bars. He is also a Professor at the University of Liège and at the Brussels School of Competition.
Robert Klotz is a partner in the Antitrust & Competition Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin’s Brussels office. Robert concentrates on all aspects of EU and German competition and regulatory law and represents clients before the European Commission and national authorities, with a particular focus on network industries, such as energy, telecommunications, post and transport.
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What We Discussed in This Episode:
- What is European Union (EU) State aid, and why does it exist?
- How does State aid ensure EU market integration?
- How is EU State aid different than U.S. government incentives?
- Does the European member state populace understand the connection between the linked EU economies and the successful avoidance of war throughout history?
- What is the EU doing to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on State aid?
- Will Brexit affect State aid in any way? If so, how?
- How is the European Commission controlling foreign (non-EU) subsidies and why?
- How are current reform discussions going?
- What are some criticisms of EU controls?
- Will there be added stress on the EU as China emerges as a world economic leader?