Evaluating the Objectives and Enforcement of Iranian Competition Law in Light of the EU’s “More Economic Approach”

Document Type : Scientific research

Authors

Nasser Alidoosti shahraki ¹

Mostafa Mansourian ²

Mohammadkazem Jamal ³

¹ Assistant Professor, Faculty of Private Law, University of Judicial Sciences and Administrative Services, Tehran, Iran.

² Assistant Professor, Faculty of Public and International Law, University of Judicial Sciences and Administrative Services, Tehran, Iran.

³ MA of Commercial law, Faculty of Law, University of Judicial Sciences and Administrative Services, Tehran, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22067/economlaw.2026.96196.1497

Abstract

Following the integration of the economic analysis of law into the U.S. antitrust framework, the European Union experienced a paradigm shift in the late 1990s, heavily influenced by the Law and Economics movement. This transition, widely recognized as the “more economic approach,” prompted the European Commission to recalibrate its competition law objectives. The findings of this research indicate that through this shift, the Commission prioritized market efficiency and consumer welfare, effectively replacing a formalistic, rule-based enforcement mechanism with an effects-based one.
Furthermore, an examination of Iran’s legal framework reveals that despite ongoing efforts, the Iranian Competition Council continues to demonstrate significant shortcomings in operationalizing economic doctrines and methodologies within its decision-making processes. Consequently, this institution necessitates fundamental reforms in its objectives and procedures, guided by the economic analysis of law. Employing a descriptive-analytical methodology, this study explores the evolution and hallmarks of the EU’s more economic approach. Ultimately, it critically evaluates the enforcement of competition law in Iran, offering structural recommendations tailored to the country’s specific regulatory circumstances.

Keywords

EU&‌‌‌rsquo

s &‌‌‌ldquo

More Economic Approach&‌‌‌rdquo

, Economic Analysis of Competition Law, Antitrust Enforcement, Consumer Welfare, Efficiency

Subjects

• Competition Law

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