This text is the result of a conference held in London in September 1999, jointly organized by Hammond Suddards Solicitors and the Centre for the Law of the European Union of University College, London. This conference addressed the issues surrounding the European Commission's White Paper published in April 1999. In this respect, the conference presented distinguished speakers with an opportunity to air their views in public on this important development in the evolution of competition law in the European Union. The authors have tried to cover as much ground as possible, giving the view of authoritative contributors and competition authorities from most of the major European countries and from the European Commission. The contributors naturally focus on the Commission's White Paper and view their national situation in this light. There is detailed treatment of the situation in the UK and the entry into force of the UK Competition Act.