When Does the Clock Start Ticking? The Court of Justice’s Judgment in Nissan Iberia (C-21/24)

This article examines the Court of Justice’s judgment in Nissan Iberia (C-21/24), which clarifies the commencement of the limitation period for damages actions under EU competition law. The Court held that the publication of a sufficiently detailed decision by a national competition authority can provide claimants with the knowledge necessary to initiate a claim, without waiting for the decision to become final. The judgment also emphasizes that national courts may suspend proceedings pending appeals, reflecting a careful balance between the effective enforcement of competition law and the principles of procedural fairness.