Detalhes do Documento

The impact of digitalization on the global economy has sparked discussions about the transformation of markets in the 21st century. The emergence of digital platforms and the growth of the digital economy have led to the revaluation of competition law, particularly within the European Union. This master’s dissertation explores the applicability of the cost-based test formulated in the AKZO case to potential predatory pricing practices by online platforms operating on zero-price business models in digital markets. It delves into the challenges posed by defining relevant markets, establishing dominance, and adapting existing legal tools to address the unique dynamics of digital platform markets. The study concludes that, despite the absence of EU case law in this area, the current framework of Article 102 TFEU remains largely capable of addressing price-related abuses in the context of online platforms, and the AKZO test can still be applied effectively. The evolving digital landscape necessitates flexibility within EU competition law, and the dissertation suggests that the European Commission is well-positioned to introduce necessary adjustments to address the challenges posed by the digital economy.