Date
22-24 May 2025

Venue
Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences (MedILS)

Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića 45, Split, Croatia
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ysda4t9ffqDasBaJ9

Organizing and Programme Committee

Jasminka Pecotić Kaufman, University of Zagreb (chair)
Vlatka Butorac Malnar, University of Rijeka
Dubravka Akšamović, University of Osijek
Siniša Petrović, University of Zagreb
Alexandr Svetlicinii, University of Macau

Conference Organizing Team

Anamarija Oslić, EFZG
Filip Pšenica, Library & Documentation Centre, EFZG

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION

The Šoljan Competition Law and Policy Conference honours the memory of the late Professor Vedran Šoljan (1962-2008), one of Croatia’s competition law pioneers. It traditionally provides a platform for discussing recent developments in EU and national competition law, with a particular focus on the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and South-Eastern Europe. 

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Competition law has always been a dynamic and evolving field. In recent years, technological advancements – such as the rise of digital markets and AI – have spurred heated discussions and led to EU regulatory innovations. We have seen a push for a broader interpretation of antitrust laws, advocating for a shift from focusing solely on consumer welfare. Conversely, there have been calls to consider the dynamic aspects of competition and to embrace digital change. Most recently, boosting competitiveness to counter Europe's economic stagnation, as highlighted in the Draghi Report, brings the complex interplay between industrial policy and competition law to the forefront. Simultaneously, inflationary pressures have pushed many competition authorities, particularly in CEE, to test the boundaries of their competencies. Changes in political landscapes and economic priorities are shaping antitrust as we speak. Being ‘At the Crossroads’ feels very real.

At the 9th Soljan Conference, we will explore some of the most critical issues in today’s competition law and policy, including the role of innovation, the new Article 102 TFEU Guidelines, the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation, and the New Competition Tool. Our distinguished keynote speakers will discuss the importance of assessing the innovation capabilities of merging firms (Prof Petit) and the impact of AI on competition and the cost of living (Prof Gal). The conference will feature panels comprising outstanding experts from the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Commission, the OECD, national competition authorities, practitioners, and academics. The first panel will share enforcement experiences in the context of the European Competition Network and Regulation 1/2003. The second panel will focus on public procurement and bid rigging, while the third panel will address topical issues at the intersection of competition law and sports. The conference's final day will allow the participants to delve deeper into practical discussions at our workshops led by Croatian experts. 

Join us and get inspired.