In Memoriam: Heike Schweitzer, Renowned Law Professor and EU Competition Law Expert

The academic and legal communities mourn the loss of Heike Schweitzer, a distinguished law professor at Humboldt University, Berlin, and a leading authority in European competition law. She passed away on June 11, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of profound contributions to the field.

Schweitzer’s career began at the Hamburg Max Planck Institute, where she worked alongside Ernst-Joachim Mestmäcker. She then held professorships at the European University Institute, Mannheim University, Freie Universität Berlin, and finally, Humboldt University. Her academic journey was characterized by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and an unwavering dedication to teaching.

In addition to her academic roles, Schweitzer played a significant part in policy debates on both national and international stages. She was notably appointed as a Special Adviser on digital issues to European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, collaborating with esteemed colleagues Jacques Crémer and Yves-Alexandre de Montjoye. This role highlighted her expertise in navigating the complex intersections of digital technology and competition law.

Colleagues and students remember Heike Schweitzer as a brilliant thinker with a clear moral compass and a wealth of innovative ideas. Her work was deeply rooted in legal doctrine, yet she consistently pushed the boundaries to propel the field of competition law forward. Her contributions to numerous publications, including those at CPI (Competition Policy International), reflect her intellectual rigor and dedication to the discipline.

Here is a list of the work she published with us at CPI:

• COMPETITION POLICY FOR THE DIGITAL ERA
• A NEW COMPETITION FRAMEWORK FOR THE DIGITAL ECONOMY – REPORT BY THE COMMISSION “COMPETITION LAW 4.0”
• MODERNIZING THE LAW ON ABUSE OF MARKET POWER IN THE DIGITAL AGE: A SUMMARY OF THE REPORT FOR THE GERMAN MINISTRY FOR ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND ENERGY

Heike Schweitzer’s passing is a significant loss to the academic community, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of legal scholars and practitioners.