EU: EC issues new guidance to facilitate access to Commission files

The European Commission has published two new guidance documents to facilitate access to the Commission’s files on a case, by companies subject to antitrust proceedings.

Companies’ access to the information that the Commission is looking at during an investigation is a fundamental procedural step in antitrust cases. It allows the companies that receive Statements of Objections to ensure their rights of defense.

The first document published Wednesday, December 12, contains guidance and templates for the use of voluntary “confidentiality rings” for access to file purposes. A confidentiality ring is a negotiated disclosure procedure through which a restricted circle of individuals is given access to confidential information contained in the Commission’s file. Confidentiality rings facilitate the access to file procedure for companies subject to investigation, third parties and the Commission, protecting both the rights of defense and confidential information and speeding up the access to file procedure.

The second document published Wednesday, December 12, is an updated version of the 2012 guidance document on business secrets and other confidential information. It provides up-to-date case law references and improved practical information for companies claiming confidentiality in antitrust proceedings.

These two new documents are part of the Commission’s continued work to increase the transparency of competition procedures and guarantee due pr