This work investigates the historical origins, institutional framework, and substantive application of European Economic Community (EEC) competition law. D. G. Goyder, a recognized authority in the field, provides a comprehensive analysis of how competition policy functions within the broader social, economic, and political landscape of the European Community. The text utilizes a comparative approach, contrasting EEC regulatory mechanisms with United States antitrust laws to clarify the unique legal evolution of the European market. By examining key decisions from the European Court of Justice, the author establishes a foundational understanding of the regulatory environment governing trade and competition.

Experts and legal scholars frequently cite this monograph as a foundational text for understanding the early development of European competition law. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a rigorous resource for lawyers, government officials, and advanced students of European law.