SUSTAINABILITY AND COMPETITION LAW IN THE AFTERMATH OF COVID-19: TOWARD ETHICAL MARKET PRACTICES

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic not only exposed vulnerabilities within global economies but also illuminated the significance of sustainable practices within competition law frameworks. This paper delves into the post-pandemic landscape, exploring the nexus between sustainability and competition law, envisioning a trajectory toward fostering ethical market practices. As the world grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic, there is a pressing need to recalibrate competition law to integrate sustainability considerations. This involves reassessing traditional notions of competition that primarily focused on efficiency and consumer welfare. The paper scrutinizes the role of competition authorities in promoting sustainability, recognizing that fostering ethical market practices requires a redefined approach. The discourse navigates through the potential synergies between competition law and sustainability goals, emphasizing the need for collaborative endeavours among regulators, businesses, and civil society. It highlights the relevance of addressing environmental concerns, social impacts, and corporate responsibility within the scope of antitrust enforcement. In conclusion, this paper advocates for a paradigm shift in competition law that embraces sustainability as a cornerstone. It envisions a future where antitrust measures not only safeguard market competition but also endorse responsible and ethical conduct among market players. By integrating sustainability principles into competition law, there lies an opportunity to shape a more resilient, equitable, and morally conscious marketplace in the aftermath of the pandemic.