Negotiating with the Treuhandanstalt: Solvay and the Bernburg Soda Ash Plant (B)

The case describes a protracted conflict between the Competition Directorate-General of the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, and the giant American computer software company Microsoft, which resulted in the Commission imposing heavy fines on Microsoft for anti-competitive behaviour for tying its own Windows Media Player to its PC software and for refusing to disclo

Business has traditionally enjoyed a pre-eminent position in the Swiss political economy. This case looks at political conflicts over chemicals and biotechnology regulation and Swiss entry into the European Economic Area, showing how the growing environmentalist movements have challenged this position and that important changes in the Swiss political economy may be imminent.

The case describes the historical evolution of the European Union and the role and powers of its decision-making organs.