Despite developments in the US and Europe, the Netherlands was regarded as a ‘cartel paradise’ well into the 1990s. It was not until 1998 that a new direction was taken with the introduction of the Competition Act and the establishment of the competition regulator, the NMa. At a time when ‘the market’ is increasingly viewed with suspicion, Roy op het Veld uses sharp observations and thought-provoking anecdotes to convincingly demonstrate that market competition has brought many benefits to the world and still has much to offer, but requires strict regulatory oversight. In an inspiring and interactive presentation, he takes his audience through the past, present and future of competition policy and cartel regulation.
Using a series of iconic photographs, Roy op het Veld outlines the key geopolitical events since the Second World War. The ongoing struggle for energy, technology and raw materials runs like a common thread throughout his story. He also explores the role played by the Dutch in establishing the close relationship between Russia and Europe in the natural gas sector. By the end of the talk, the audience will have gained a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of geopolitical developments, as well as the steps countries and businesses can take to reduce their vulnerability.
