AMSTERDAM, 23/10/04 - The Dutch government wants companies themselves to sue other companies if they are the victim of cartels. A type of court could be set up, which would rule only on unfair competition, said the economic affairs ministry's Secretary-General Oosterwijk at a congress in Amsterdam Friday.

The threshold for going to court should come down, according to Oosterwijk. The Secretary-General believes strict cartel legislation promotes sharper competition and thus better performances by companies. Competition watchdog (NMa) director-general Kalbfleisch said the ministry's initiative is new for Europe.

Companies can take cases to the NMa, both this involves administrative law proceedings and not a civil case. Kalbfleisch believes that not only companies but also organisations that defend the interests of consumers could sue companies.

Outgoing European Commissioner Mario Monti (competition policy) sees strict competition rules not just as an engine to drive the economy, but also as a good way to protect the interests of consumers. He illustrated this in his farewell speech by referring to big EU cartel cases such as those involving Nintendo and Microsoft. Monti is passing his baton to Dutchwoman Neelie Kroes. ?