The extent of the fallout from the health crisis on our economies and societies is still unknown. But so far its impact has been dramatic and the recovery unequal. While the new normal emerges, competition law will continue to apply.

Debates about the role of competition law were ongoing before the crisis hit – should it protect consumers as more than mere purchasers of goods and services, and consider broader social (non-price) factors such as the innovation process or environmental protections?

But the crisis has shone blinding spotlights on existing areas of concern (especially our even greater reliance on technology during lockdown) and accelerated attempts by policy makers to find solutions. Competition law is a vital part of the recovery – protecting consumers from abusive practices whilst ensuring that enforcement doesn’t prevent necessary collaboration.

Thankfully, there is no sign of the progress to tackle climate change – the crisis beyond the crisis – getting left behind as had initially been feared. Especially as green investments outperform markets and rescue packages come with “green strings” attached, designed to both stimulate wounded economies and speed up decarbonisation.

The protectionist march towards de-globalisation – already well underway – has become a veritable sprint over the last few months, with governments rapidly strengthening their foreign investment control powers and intervening more often to decide the fate of crisis-hit companies, in many cases with continuing involvement.

But rapid change comes at what cost? Is there a risk of more haste, less speed? What about the unintended consequences of such rapid and potentially long-term interventions to deal with what may be short-term challenges, especially when they are increasingly politically motivated? Read our Summer’s Top Competition Stories to find out more.