The sustainability guidelines of the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets: an impetus for a modern EU approach to sustainability and competition policy reflecting the principle that the polluter pays?

In October 2020, the European Commission (EC) published a call for contributions on how competition rules could support the Green Deal. With this initiative, the EC followed in the footsteps of several national competition authorities which had already issued guidance on competition policy and sustainability initiatives. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) is, to date, the only authority to publish draft Sustainability Guidelines with progressive, practical guidance. In this paper, we explore the extent to which ACM’s Sustainability Guidelines could serve as a source of inspiration for a modern EU approach to sustainability and competition policy. We will conclude that while these Guidelines constitute a clear compromise, ACM has created an intelligent modus operandi to allow for more cooperative sustainability initiatives under the third paragraph of Articles 6 Dutch Competition Act and 101 TFEU without itself having to take decisions about public policy. Sustainability – Green Deal - fair share - polluter pays – ACM - Netherlands - Article 101 TFEU.