On both sides of the Atlantic, policymakers are confronted with similar problems of balancing longstanding fair competition rules that protect consumers with new policies designed to encourage entrepreneurs. Are Brussels and Washington DC taking the same approach?

In the EU, where the innovation culture arguably needs to be fostered more, the competition watchdogs have been notching up high-profile successes by cracking down on cartels and vetting more and more mergers. Does US experience offer any lessons on getting the balance right, and how significant is the EU's relaxation of the rules on state aid to enable member states to financially support projects promoting risk capital, innovation and small business development?