OREANDA-NEWS. February 13, 2014. In accordance with the Memorandum of understanding on cooperation signed between the FAS Russia and the Directorate General for Competition of the European Commission (DG Competition) delegates of the FAS Russia headed by Alexander Kinev, Deputy Head of the FAS Russia had visited DG Competition.

During the visit officers of the FAS Russia met with their colleagues from the Directorate General for Competition of the European Commission.

Alexander Kinev met with Mr. Gert Jan Koopman, Deputy Director General of DG Competition who is in charge of State aid control. The Parties discussed mechanisms and peculiarities of granting state preferences in Russia and the EU.

Mr. Koopman emphasised the importance of bilateral cooperation in State Aid control. The two sides agreed to continue cooperating and review progress made at a future date.

Officers of the FAS Russia also met with Mr. Eric Van Ginderachter, Head of the Cartels Directorate of DG Competition. The Parties shared opinions on different points of the Russian and EU antitrust legislation and in particular conducting anti-cartel investigations, evidence gathering, leniency programs and settlements.

During the meeting, strengthening international cooperation against cartels was also discussed and FAS Russia presented its idea of elaborating an International Anti-Cartel Convention.

One of the most significant questions that had been raised during the FAS Russia visit to the DG Competition became the question of practical cooperation between two Authorities in the frameworks of conducting joint investigations at the EU and Russia markets.

On January 29, Alexander Kinev and Mr. Hubert de Broca, Head of the Antitrust Unit in the field of transport, post and other services held a bilateral meeting.

During the meeting the Parties covered some practical aspects of conducting antitrust investigations. Mr. Hubert de Broca told about the approaches and methodology of the DG Competition in the anti-cartel enforcement. The Parties had also discussed general issues regarding to the investigation being conducted by the DG Competition and the FAS Russia at the same sector of economy and considered possible investigative approaches to such kind of cases.

Alexander Kinev proposed to his colleagues from the DG Competition to consider the possibility of synchronizing the FAS Russia and DG Competition activities in conducting such kind of investigations.

“The meeting with Mr. Hubert de Broca was held in the spirit of openness and mutual understanding. I hope that our interaction with the European Commission in conducting investigations will become a good example for further fruitful cooperation between the FAS Russia and European Competition Authorities” - said Mr. Kinev.

On the whole the Parties expressed the hope that future bilateral consultations will be also very productive.