There is regulation of the state in competitive markets in the EU.

The regulation of State intervention in the European Union’s liberalised and privatised markets is examined in this book. The traditional role of the State is being challenged by European Union law and the implications for traditional public services are examined. The interaction of the Internal Market and the Competition rules of the European Union are brought together in a book for the first time. Individual chapters examine specific rules which address squarely the permissible role of State activity in competitive markets, for example an examination of the State aid rules, the rules in Article 86 EC regulating State monopolies and the controversial application of Articles 81 and 82 EC to the State. The processes of privatisation and liberalisation are examined with case studies in the postal sector, utilities and telecommunications.