Proposed EU rules to make it easier for consumers and other victims of antitrust breaches – such as cartels – to claim damages will be a key element in the discussions between parliamentarians and Jose Manuel Barroso, the European Commission president who is seeking a second term.

The proposals, which have not been formally unveiled, are being pursued by EU competition commissioner Neelie Kroes. Competition officials think that improving the ability to seek damages from cartelists and the like would be fairer for victims, and also act as an additional deterrent to anti-competitive behaviour.