Competitive Edge: Competition & EU Law - July/August 2024

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In Focus

Commission’s response to the cost-of-living crisis in the EU: tackling cross-border trade restrictions

With the cost-of-living crisis in the EU and the consequent shrinkflation of consumer goods, territorial supply constraints are in the spotlight of public discussion. To address the issue of different prices for identical products within the EU, on 23 May 2024, the European Commission informed about its decision to impose a fine of EUR 337.5 million on Mondelēz. This decision is the latest in a series of decisions concerning internal market partitioning.

In this article, counsel Marcin Alberski (Competition & EU) and partner Nicolas Carbonnelle (Regulatory & Administrative) focus on strategies enabling companies to apply marketing strategies in different territories. They discuss how - irrespective of market position - companies can adopt decisions to maximise local market opportunities.

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Webinar recording

You can also watch a 30-minute webinar summarising the authors' thoughts on this topic here

Updates from our jurisdictions

EU

EU's Anti-Subsidy Measures Target Chinese Electric Vehicles

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If you need more information or further guidance in this area, please contact Hein Hobbelen and Aurélie de Amorin.

Competition law enforcement in labour markets: what does it mean for HR and legal departments?

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If you need more information or further guidance in this area, please contact Marcin Alberski, Szymon Golebiowski, Michal Olszewski and Karolina Stawicka. 

Australia

Planting the seed: ACCC releases Draft Guide on sustainability collaborations

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For more information or further guidance in this area, please contact Thomas Jones and Dylan McGirr.

France

Generative artificial intelligence: the French Competition Authority issues its opinion on the competitive functioning of the sector

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If you need more information or further guidance in this area, please contact Elsa Mandel and Mohamed Mamèche.

Netherlands

Guidance on sustainability agreements by ACM: What else (is new?) 

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For more information or further guidance in this area, please contact Pauline Kuipers and Tialda Beetstra.

Poland

Polish Competition Authority’s crusade against vertical price fixing

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If you need more information or further guidance in this area, please contact Marcin Alberski and Szymon Golebiowski.

Singapore

CCCS Note on AI, Data and Competition

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If you need more information or further guidance in this area, please contact Sandra Seah and Jonathan Kao.

Spain

CNMC sanctions abuse on the collective management of IP rights with a fine of €6.4 million 

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If you need more information or further guidance in this area, please contact Candela Sotés.

UK

Paws for Thought: CMA Publishes Issues Statement in Veterinary Market Investigation

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If you need more information or further guidance in this area, please contact Dr Saskia King and Aimee Guzinska-Bowley.

Events and webinars

Conference

CompLaw Summer School

5 - 9 August | Downing College, Cambridge, UK

Two of our partners will be speaking at the 26th edition of Informa's all-inclusive, residential event covering EU and UK competition law and competition economics. This event aims to provide a robust understanding of competition law, offering intensive lectures, practical discussions, indepth Q&As and real-life case studies. Attendees will learn from top minds in competition law and economics, stay updated on developing hot topics and have the chance to network with peers and experts.

Anne Federle will present on Hard Core Cartels & the EU Leniency Programme and Dr. Saskia King will speak on Merger Control, providing a Practical Guide to Merger Proceedings and leading a case study.

Use our VIP code to register for the conference with a 20% discount

Online course

ERA Summer Course on EU Digital and Information Technology Law

9 - 13 September | Online

This course offers legal practitioners a thorough introduction to the the legal and institutional framework of EU digital and IT law, focusing on emerging technologies such as AI and Internet of Things, and EU initiatives on access to data in the digital environment.

Pauline Kuipers will share her knowledge and experience in the session titled Competition law aspects, digital platforms, AI and big data, covering the DMA, competition law in the IT, AI and in the digital sectors.

More information on the course here

Florence Competition Autumn School

Recent Developments in Competition Policy

14-17 October | Fiesole, Italy

If you are a mid-career professional looking to advance your knowledge in competition law and economics, this event will help you to stay at the forefront of this ever-evolving field.

Among a distinguished lineup of instructors is our Brussels-based Counsel Baptist Vleeshouwers, who will be presenting on Leniency and Dawn Raids and leading an interactive Dawn Raid Simulation exercise on 16 October. The event is organised by the Centre for a Digital Society of the EUI (European University Institute).

More information on the event here 

IBA 2024 Conference

15 - 20 September | Mexico City, Mexico

At this year's IBA conference, our Brussels-based partner Hein Hobbelen will be co-chairing, together with Jorge Kargl, a panel entitled “Emerging Digital Regulations: first lessons learned on the DSA, DMA, Data Act, AI Act.”.The panelists will discuss the new EU digital regulations (DSA, DMA, Data Act, AI Act, etc.), their impact on other countries, and the initial lessons learned.

The International Bar Association's annual conference is open to all legal professionals, at any stage in their career. It offers the opportunity to discuss the latest issues in the legal field and build valuable international connections. This year Bird & Bird is also sponsoring the LGBTI Law Committee dinner at the event.

More information on the conference here 

Bird & Bird news and publications

Best Lawyers in France and Spain

Congratulations to our Paris - based associate Elsa Mandel and Madrid-based Senior Associate Candela Sotés, who have been included in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in France and Spain for their expertise in Competition / Antitrust Law.

Using peer review methodology, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognizes lawyers in the early stages of their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice.

Visit our Competition & EU Law Insights page