Soares, António Goucha2023-03-092023-03-092008Soares, António Goucha .(2008). “'National champions' rhetoric in european law : Or the many faces of protectionism”. World Competitition, Vol. 31, No. 3: pp. 353-3681011-4548http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/27437The article aims to debate the issue of national champions regarding merger operations with a Community dimension. It starts with a brief overview of the legal framework for merger review in European Union law, as well as a reference to the division of competences between the Union and the Member States in this field. Then, it analyses the scope of Member State action regarding merger operations with a Community dimension, namely the clause to protect national legitimate interests. After some illustrations of recent cases concerning Member States’ defence of national champions, the article devotes the last part to a reflection of two related issues: the concept of industrial policy and the new challenges raised by sovereign wealth funds-engEuropean Union LawDivision CompetencesMember StatesProtector National Legitime InterestsIndustrial PolicyWealth Fundsjournal article