EC: Commission closes investigation of EPC but continues monitoring online payments market

EC has closed an antitrust investigation opened in September 2011 to examine the standardisation process for e-payments carried out by EPC. The EC had concerns that through its work on standards for e-payments, and in particular the e-Payments Framework, EPC could exclude new entrants not linked to a bank from the e-payments market. In the course of the investigation EPC announced its decision to stop the development of the e-Payments Framework and any other standardisation initiatives that would have the same object or effect. As a result, the complainant in this case, Sofort AG, withdrew its complaint. Under these circumstances, the EC has decided to close its investigation, but notes it will monitor the market to ensure a level playing field for all operators and may propose legislation to establish objective and non-discriminatory rules for all players active in the e-payments market.