The EU Commission extends settlement procedure to abuse of dominance cases (Altstoff Recycling Austria)

The European Commission extends settlement procedure to abuse of dominance cases under Article 102 TFEU - fine imposed on Altstoff Recycling Austria reduced by 30% in exchange for its co-operation with the Commission* On 20 September 2016, the European Commission (“Commission”) issued its first settlement decision under Article 102 TFEU following the introduction of Regulation 1/2003 and reduced the fine of Altstoff Recycling Austria (“ARA“) by 30% in exchange for its cooperation. ARA’s fine was thus reduced to €6 million. In addition to the press release, the Commission also issued a short Note on the reduction of fines for cooperation in antitrust cases other than cartels. Background to the case In July 2011, the Commission opened an investigation for possible foreclosure in the