A Return of Protectionism? Internal Deregulation and External Investment Restrictions in the EU

ABSTRACT

Security concerns towards large-scale cross-border takeovers have added to the EU member states’ concerns about intra-EU takeovers that take advantage of deregulation especially in the network industries and energy markets.

The article takes a closer look at the resulting investment restrictions and discretionary interventions towards unwanted takeovers in the EU. This is especially important because the EU has emerged as an important international “de facto” standard setter. Current discussions in the EU will likely affect “international standards” or international investment frameworks that are under strong pressure to increase scrutiny of large-scale foreign investments.