EU Competition and Trade Law

European Union trading regulations

Within the European Union, certain regulations are in place to ensure that the markets remain fair to all those who choose to partake. This involves legislating for potentially anti-competitive practices amidst powerful companies operating in EU countries. Because profit can often trump morality within these situations, it was necessary that these laws be established.

Ensuring fair play

EU competition law is a comprehensive set of rules and regulations designed to prevent any enterprise within the EU from taking advantage of its market position and acting in a way which damages the competitiveness of the market as a whole. The monopoly, merger and cartel law which also exists within the EU serves a similar purpose, ensuring that a group of companies cannot conspire to essentially gain complete control over a particular economic niche.

Of course, it is not merely companies colluding which can cause such catastrophe; the EU also places limits on state aid for corporations, eager to prevent any particular country’s government from surreptitiously propping up a business. It is, of course, permissible for a government to help out a company, but the loans provided must meet certain conditions.

The attempts in these laws and legislation to ensure competition in the EU are part of a plan to ensure the liberalisation of markets, based on a hope that competition will produce better, more agile companies who are more suited to meeting the needs of consumers, rather than simply monopolising industries where there is a paucity of choice.

The European Competition Network is in place to monitor this goal, and it is possible to report anti-competitive behaviour by companies if it is suspected that this target is being obstructed by illicit activities.

There is, likewise, competition law in the UK which seeks to ensure that the markets are kept competitive and that no one corporation can dominate.

A look at EU competition and trade law

EU competition and trade law is a vital consideration for any company wishing to trade in the European market and stay on the right side of the law.

All about international trade regulations

International trade law is the regulation of trade between countries themselves, but also refers to the regulation of private trade across borders.

EU competition and trade law solicitors

If you are thinking of trading within the European Union (EU) you will need to become acquainted with the region's trade and competition laws.