Globalisation requires a competition law regime since this is an important element of the overall state economic policy. For countries in the developing world that are facing globalisation, a sound framework of competition law is crucial for solving the problems of private restraints on trade, such as boycotts against foreign firms, and of economic concentration. In particular, competition law plays a prominent role in ensuring that the rule of law is followed in a competitive market in modern society. This article discusses the issues arising in the development of the Korean economy and competition law, as an example of success in the progress of competition policy, and suggests proposals for further development.

The Nordic countries have traditionally cooperated in different legislative areas, although lately to a lesser extent. The experience with Nordic company law development illustrates particularly well the problems related to harmonisation. Although the difficulties were alleviated by the fact that the harmonisation programme took place on a small scale, with few countries involved and with large similarities in the cultural, social and political environment, many goals could not be achieved. The EU, with its current 28 Member States and their differences, in similar respects, has faced and will continue to face far greater problems. The Nordic countries, and knowledge of their history in this respect, can provide some guidelines for possible solutions regarding harmonisation.

Despite the cooperation in company law, the Scandinavian countries have adopted different regulatory strategies because of political and other factors. Significant differences can be seen in the extent and type of regulation used, but also between countries that use one law for regulating companies and those that use, or have used, separate laws for the regulation of private and public companies. Small company regulation is a highly topical issue in view of the Commission proposal for the SPE.

In conclusion, knowledge of the Nordic countries and their history in harmonisation and small company regulation can provide valuable information for possible solutions.

This paper focuses critically on European conflicts and insolvency law – examining and evaluating the relationship between the Jurisdiction and Judgments Regulation and the Insolvency Regulation. The Regulations are founded on the notion of judicial cooperation in civil matters linked to maintaining and developing an area of freedom, security and justice. The paper asks whether these high-minded ideals have been achieved in practice. It also asks whether the recent recasting of the Jurisdiction and Judgments Regulation, and the proposals for revision of the Insolvency Regulation will improve the situation. The paper concludes that the ideals have not quite been achieved and the reform proposals provide only a partial solution.