CINXE.COM
European Competition Network - European Commission
<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <meta name="description" content="The European Competition Network Overview" /> <meta name="keywords" content="application of EU law" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_en" /> <meta http-equiv="content-language" content="en" /> <meta property="og:determiner" content="auto" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Competition Policy" /> <meta property="og:type" content="website" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_en" /> <meta property="og:title" content="European Competition Network" /> <meta property="og:description" content="The European Competition Network Overview" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The European Competition Network Overview" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="European Competition Network" /> <meta name="twitter:url" content="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_en" /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/profiles/contrib/ewcms/modules/ewcms_seo/assets/images/ec-socialmedia-fallback.png" /> <meta property="og:image:alt" content="Competition Policy" /> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/profiles/contrib/ewcms/modules/ewcms_seo/assets/images/ec-socialmedia-fallback.png" /> <meta name="twitter:image:alt" content="Competition Policy" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge,chrome=1" /> <meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 10 (https://www.drupal.org)" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <script type="application/json">{"service":"etrans","renderAs":false,"user":"Competition Policy","exclude":".ecl-site-header__language-item,.ecl-site-header__language-selector,.toolbar","languages":{"source":"en","available":["en"]},"config":{"live":false,"mode":"lc2023","targets":{"receiver":"#webtools-etrans"}}}</script> <script type="application/json">{"service":"preview","position":"before"}</script> <link rel="icon" href="/profiles/contrib/ewcms/themes/ewcms_theme/images/favicons/ec/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" /> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_en" /> <link rel="icon" href="/profiles/contrib/ewcms/themes/ewcms_theme/images/favicons/ec/favicon.svg" type="image/svg+xml" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="/profiles/contrib/ewcms/themes/ewcms_theme/images/favicons/ec/favicon.png" /> <title>European Competition Network - European Commission</title> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_hdY-LjRztASYs4GYLPR7dOQmFxxkEf_e1-p5kuBDZiY.css?delta=0&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJxtjVEKwzAMQy8U2iOFNPVWM8c2tsOW269sLWWwPyE9SQI5NmgwV2kqDByZcLFiI0NNPjygzUtxSHKSasiR4FmbH84NgdYMrwDjQhmr8E9-6KFyt6Lb-BPuldgH-l4n5IcnLVY-tM-rdS00Xc7UWftC6Bus363zQoQC9Q1t6VUQ" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_HpRm1CDvt_4OveKI4H22JJy4AxtOFv2INBQKs8ng6NQ.css?delta=1&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJxtjVEKwzAMQy8U2iOFNPVWM8c2tsOW269sLWWwPyE9SQI5NmgwV2kqDByZcLFiI0NNPjygzUtxSHKSasiR4FmbH84NgdYMrwDjQhmr8E9-6KFyt6Lb-BPuldgH-l4n5IcnLVY-tM-rdS00Xc7UWftC6Bus363zQoQC9Q1t6VUQ" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="print" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_Di6DZlALTpCbeJc2HPwZOaYce6EMp_8aaZ_2evwWD2k.css?delta=2&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJxtjVEKwzAMQy8U2iOFNPVWM8c2tsOW269sLWWwPyE9SQI5NmgwV2kqDByZcLFiI0NNPjygzUtxSHKSasiR4FmbH84NgdYMrwDjQhmr8E9-6KFyt6Lb-BPuldgH-l4n5IcnLVY-tM-rdS00Xc7UWftC6Bus363zQoQC9Q1t6VUQ" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_RycO3txqJ2GhcaUPKPrWT1C-rhaaA5l6mRBeU1Zn1ag.css?delta=3&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJxtjVEKwzAMQy8U2iOFNPVWM8c2tsOW269sLWWwPyE9SQI5NmgwV2kqDByZcLFiI0NNPjygzUtxSHKSasiR4FmbH84NgdYMrwDjQhmr8E9-6KFyt6Lb-BPuldgH-l4n5IcnLVY-tM-rdS00Xc7UWftC6Bus363zQoQC9Q1t6VUQ" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="print" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_d64kfbVv9MpzbPQW7grsKgnSKYFcMDSukDj8KZHQxzE.css?delta=4&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJxtjVEKwzAMQy8U2iOFNPVWM8c2tsOW269sLWWwPyE9SQI5NmgwV2kqDByZcLFiI0NNPjygzUtxSHKSasiR4FmbH84NgdYMrwDjQhmr8E9-6KFyt6Lb-BPuldgH-l4n5IcnLVY-tM-rdS00Xc7UWftC6Bus363zQoQC9Q1t6VUQ" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_KzX-VsDprV-L7_uVmZmi5s0aFbNi4JlT6e-gd54z9SM.css?delta=5&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJxtjVEKwzAMQy8U2iOFNPVWM8c2tsOW269sLWWwPyE9SQI5NmgwV2kqDByZcLFiI0NNPjygzUtxSHKSasiR4FmbH84NgdYMrwDjQhmr8E9-6KFyt6Lb-BPuldgH-l4n5IcnLVY-tM-rdS00Xc7UWftC6Bus363zQoQC9Q1t6VUQ" /> </head> <body class="language-en ecl-typography path-node page-node-type-landing-page"> <a href="#main-content" class="ecl-link ecl-link--primary ecl-skip-link" id="skip-id" >Skip to main content</a> <div id="cck_here"></div> <script type="application/json">{"utility":"globan","theme":"light","logo":true,"link":true,"mode":false}</script> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <header class="ecl-site-header ecl-site-header--has-menu" data-ecl-auto-init="SiteHeader" > <div class="ecl-site-header__header"> <div class="ecl-site-header__background"> <div class="ecl-site-header__header"> <div class="ecl-site-header__container ecl-container"> <div class="ecl-site-header__top" data-ecl-site-header-top> <a class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-site-header__logo-link" href="https://commission.europa.eu/index_en" aria-label="Home - European Commission" data-aria-label-en="Home - European Commission" > <picture class="ecl-picture ecl-site-header__picture" title="European Commission" ><source srcset="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/logo/positive/logo-ec--en.svg" media="(min-width: 996px)" ><img class="ecl-site-header__logo-image" src="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/logo/logo-ec--mute.svg" alt="European Commission logo" ></picture> </a> <div class="ecl-site-header__action"> <div class="ecl-site-header__language"><a class="ecl-button ecl-button--tertiary ecl-site-header__language-selector" href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_en" data-ecl-language-selector role="button" aria-label="Change language, current language is English - en" aria-controls="language-list-overlay" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-icon"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-site-header__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="false" role="img"><title >en</title><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#global"></use></svg></span>en</a><div class="ecl-site-header__language-container" id="language-list-overlay" hidden data-ecl-language-list-overlay aria-labelledby="ecl-site-header__language-title" role="dialog"><div class="ecl-site-header__language-header"><div class="ecl-site-header__language-title" id="ecl-site-header__language-title" >Select your language</div><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--tertiary ecl-site-header__language-close ecl-button--icon-only" type="submit" data-ecl-language-list-close ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Close</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--m ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#close"></use></svg></span></button></div><div class="ecl-site-header__language-content" data-ecl-language-list-content ><div class="ecl-site-header__language-category" data-ecl-language-list-eu><ul class="ecl-site-header__language-list"><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_bg" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="bg" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">bg</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="bg">斜褗谢谐邪褉褋泻懈</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_es" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="es" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">es</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="es">espa帽ol</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_cs" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="cs" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">cs</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="cs">膷e拧tina</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_da" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="da" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">da</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="da">dansk</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_de" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="de" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">de</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="de">Deutsch</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_et" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="et" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">et</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="et">eesti</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_el" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="el" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">el</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="el">蔚位位畏谓喂魏维</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link ecl-site-header__language-link--active" hreflang="en" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">en</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="en">English</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_fr" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="fr" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">fr</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="fr">fran莽ais</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_ga" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="ga" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">ga</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="ga">Gaeilge</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_hr" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="hr" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">hr</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="hr">hrvatski</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_it" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="it" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">it</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="it">italiano</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_lv" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="lv" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">lv</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="lv">latvie拧u</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_lt" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="lt" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">lt</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="lt">lietuvi懦</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_hu" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="hu" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">hu</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="hu">magyar</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_mt" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="mt" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">mt</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="mt">Malti</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_nl" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="nl" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">nl</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="nl">Nederlands</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_pl" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="pl" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">pl</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="pl">polski</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_pt" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="pt" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">pt</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="pt">portugu锚s</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_ro" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="ro" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">ro</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="ro">rom芒n膬</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_sk" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="sk" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">sk</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="sk">sloven膷ina</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_sl" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="sl" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">sl</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="sl">sloven拧膷ina</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_fi" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="fi" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">fi</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="fi">suomi</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_sv" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="sv" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">sv</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="sv">svenska</span></a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> <div class="ecl-site-header__search-container" role="search"> <a class="ecl-button ecl-button--tertiary ecl-site-header__search-toggle" href="" data-ecl-search-toggle="true" aria-controls="oe-search-search-form" aria-expanded="false" ><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-site-header__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" role="img"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#search"></use></svg>Search </a> <form class="ecl-search-form ecl-site-header__search" role="search" action="/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_en" method="post" id="oe-search-search-form" accept-charset="UTF-8" data-ecl-search-form ><div class="ecl-form-group"><label for="edit-keys" id="edit-keys-label" class="ecl-form-label ecl-search-form__label" >Search</label><input id="edit-keys" class="ecl-text-input ecl-text-input--m ecl-search-form__text-input form-search ecl-search-form__text-input" name="keys" type="search" ></div><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-search-form__button ecl-search-form__button" type="submit" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#search"></use></svg><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Search</span></span></button><input data-drupal-selector="form-zoxyo-nuwak-pczzuoxeppdaa3g5abozxmev9fllx3e" type="hidden" name="form_build_id" value="form-ZOxyO-nUwAk-pCzZuoxePPdAA3G5aBoZXMEV9fllX3E" /><input data-drupal-selector="edit-oe-search-search-form" type="hidden" name="form_id" value="oe_search_search_form" /></form> <script type="application/json">{"service":"search","results":"in","form":".ecl-search-form","lang":"en","key":"europa_default"}</script> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-site-header__banner-top"> <div class="ecl-container"> <a href="https://commission.europa.eu/law_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited" data-header-class-link="true" data-header-class-link-label-en="Law">Law</a> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-site-header__banner"> <div class="ecl-container"> <div class="ecl-site-header__site-name">Competition Policy</div> </div> </div> <div id="block-ewcms-theme-horizontal-menu"> <nav class="ecl-menu" data-ecl-menu data-ecl-menu-max-lines="2" data-ecl-auto-init="Menu" data-ecl-menu-label-open="Menu" data-ecl-menu-label-close="Close" aria-expanded="false" role="navigation" aria-label="Site navigation" ><div class="ecl-menu__overlay"></div><div class="ecl-container ecl-menu__container"><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--tertiary ecl-menu__open ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-open aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--m ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#hamburger"></use></svg><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--m ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#close"></use></svg><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Menu</span></span></button><section class="ecl-menu__inner" data-ecl-menu-inner aria-label="Menu"><header class="ecl-menu__inner-header"><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__close ecl-button--icon-only" type="submit" data-ecl-menu-close ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Close</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--m ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#close"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-menu__title">Menu</div><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__back" type="submit" data-ecl-menu-back ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-270 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Back</span></span></button></header><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__items-previous ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-items-previous tabindex="-1" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-icon--rotate-270 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Previous items</span></span></button><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__items-next ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-items-next tabindex="-1" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Next items</span></span></button><ul class="ecl-menu__list" data-ecl-menu-list><li class="ecl-menu__item" data-ecl-menu-item id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-0"><a href="/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__link" data-untranslated-label="Home" data-ecl-menu-link id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-0-link" >Home</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-1"><a href="/about_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__link" data-untranslated-label="About" data-ecl-menu-link id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-1-link" >About</a><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__button-caret ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-caret aria-label="Access item's children" aria-describedby="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-1-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-menu__mega" data-ecl-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/about/news_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="News" >News</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/about/what-competition-policy_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="What is competition policy?" >What is competition policy?</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/competition_en#leadership" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Executive Vice-President Vestager" >Executive Vice-President Vestager</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/competition_en#leadership" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Directorate-General for Competition" >Directorate-General for Competition</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/chief-competition-economist_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Chief Competition Economist" >Chief Competition Economist</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/hearing-officers_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Hearing officers" >Hearing officers</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="European Competition Network (ECN)" >European Competition Network (ECN)</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/international-relations_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="International relations" >International relations</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/about/reaching-out_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Events and Workshops" >Events and Workshops</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/about/single-market-programme-smp_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="The Single Market Programme (SMP)" >The Single Market Programme (SMP)</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/about/competition-policy-fit-new-challenges_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="A competition policy fit for new challenges" >A competition policy fit for new challenges</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem ecl-menu__see-all"><a href="/about_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-menu__sublink" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></div></li><li class="ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__item--current ecl-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-2"><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__link ecl-menu__link--current" data-untranslated-label="Antitrust & Cartels" data-ecl-menu-link id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-2-link" >Antitrust & Cartels</a><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__button-caret ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-caret aria-label="Access item's children" aria-describedby="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-2-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-menu__mega" data-ecl-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels/latest-news_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Latest news" >Latest news</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels/cartels-cases-and-statistics_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Cartels cases and statistics" >Cartels cases and statistics</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels/contact_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Contact" >Contact</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem ecl-menu__subitem--current" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink ecl-menu__sublink--current" data-untranslated-label="European Competition Network" aria-current="page" >European Competition Network</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels/legislation_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Legislation" >Legislation</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels/leniency_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Leniency" >Leniency</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels/procedures_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Procedures" >Procedures</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels/publications_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Publications" >Publications</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/index/whistleblower_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Whistleblower" >Whistleblower</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem ecl-menu__see-all"><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-menu__sublink" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></div></li><li class="ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-3"><a href="/mergers_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__link" data-untranslated-label="Mergers" data-ecl-menu-link id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-3-link" >Mergers</a><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__button-caret ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-caret aria-label="Access item's children" aria-describedby="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-3-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-menu__mega" data-ecl-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/mergers/latest-news_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Latest news" >Latest news</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/search?caseInstrument=M" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Cases" >Cases</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/mergers/contact_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Contact" >Contact</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/mergers/ecn-merger-working-group_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="ECN Merger Working Group" >ECN Merger Working Group</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/mergers/legislation_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Legislation" >Legislation</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/mergers/practical-information_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Practical Information" >Practical Information</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/mergers/procedures_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Procedures" >Procedures</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/mergers/publications_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Publications" >Publications</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/mergers/statistics_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Statistics" >Statistics</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem ecl-menu__see-all"><a href="/mergers_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-menu__sublink" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></div></li><li class="ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-4"><a href="/state-aid_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__link" data-untranslated-label="State aid" data-ecl-menu-link id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-4-link" >State aid</a><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__button-caret ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-caret aria-label="Access item's children" aria-describedby="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-4-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-menu__mega" data-ecl-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/state-aid/latest-news_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Latest news" >Latest news</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/search?caseInstrument=SA" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Cases" >Cases</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/state-aid/complaints_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Complaints" >Complaints</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/state-aid/contact_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Contact" >Contact</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/state-aid/ipcei_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI)" >Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI)</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/state-aid/legislation_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Legislation" >Legislation</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/state-aid/national-courts_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="National Courts" >National Courts</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/state-aid/procedures_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Procedures" >Procedures</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/state-aid/publications_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Publications" >Publications</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/state-aid/scoreboard_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Scoreboard" >Scoreboard</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/state-aid/tax-rulings_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Tax rulings" >Tax rulings</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/state-aid/temporary-crisis-and-transition-framework_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Ukraine" >Ukraine</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem ecl-menu__see-all"><a href="/state-aid_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-menu__sublink" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></div></li><li class="ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-5"><a href="https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__link" data-untranslated-label="Digital Markets Act" data-ecl-menu-link id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-5-link" >Digital Markets Act</a><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__button-caret ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-caret aria-label="Access item's children" aria-describedby="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-5-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-menu__mega" data-ecl-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/latest-news_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Latest news" >Latest news</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="https://digital-markets-act-cases.ec.europa.eu/search" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Cases" >Cases</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/consultations_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Consultations" >Consultations</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/events_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Events" >Events</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/gatekeepers_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Gatekeepers" >Gatekeepers</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/legislation_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Legislation" >Legislation</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem ecl-menu__see-all"><a href="https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-menu__sublink" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></div></li><li class="ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-6"><a href="/foreign-subsidies-regulation_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__link" data-untranslated-label="Foreign Subsidies" data-ecl-menu-link id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-6-link" >Foreign Subsidies</a><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__button-caret ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-caret aria-label="Access item's children" aria-describedby="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-6-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-menu__mega" data-ecl-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/foreign-subsidies-regulation/latest-news_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Latest news" >Latest news</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/search?caseInstrument=InstrumentFS" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Cases" >Cases</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/foreign-subsidies-regulation/about_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="The Foreign Subsidies Regulation in a nutshell" >The Foreign Subsidies Regulation in a nutshell</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/foreign-subsidies-regulation/legislation_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Legislation" >Legislation</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/foreign-subsidies-regulation/practical-information_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Practical Information" >Practical Information</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/foreign-subsidies-regulation/questions-and-answers_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Questions and Answers " >Questions and Answers </a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem ecl-menu__see-all"><a href="/foreign-subsidies-regulation_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-menu__sublink" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></div></li><li class="ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-7"><a href="/sectors_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__link" data-untranslated-label="Sectors" data-ecl-menu-link id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-7-link" >Sectors</a><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__button-caret ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-caret aria-label="Access item's children" aria-describedby="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-1500921940-7-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-menu__mega" data-ecl-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/sectors/agriculture_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Agriculture, Food & Fisheries " >Agriculture, Food & Fisheries </a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/sectors/arts-recreation-education-tourism-sports_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Arts, Recreation, Education, Tourism & Sports" >Arts, Recreation, Education, Tourism & Sports</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/sectors/digital-media_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Digital & Media" >Digital & Media</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/sectors/energy-environment_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Energy & Environment" >Energy & Environment</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/sectors/financial-services_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Financial services " >Financial services </a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/sectors/manufacturing-basic-industries_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Manufacturing & Basic Industries" >Manufacturing & Basic Industries</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/sectors/pharmaceuticals-health-services_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Pharmaceuticals & Health services" >Pharmaceuticals & Health services</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/sectors/services_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Professional and other services" >Professional and other services</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/sectors/transport_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Transport" >Transport</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem ecl-menu__see-all"><a href="/sectors_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-menu__sublink" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></div></li></ul></section></div></nav> </div> </header> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl" id="block-ewcms-theme-page-header"> <div class="ecl-page-header" ><div class="ecl-container"><nav class="ecl-breadcrumb ecl-page-header__breadcrumb" aria-label="You are here:" aria-label="" data-ecl-breadcrumb="true" ><ol class="ecl-breadcrumb__container"><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment" data-ecl-breadcrumb-item="static"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-breadcrumb__link" >Home</a><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--fluid ecl-breadcrumb__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></li><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment" data-ecl-breadcrumb-item="static"><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-breadcrumb__link" >Antitrust & Cartels</a><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--fluid ecl-breadcrumb__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></li><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment ecl-breadcrumb__current-page" data-ecl-breadcrumb-item="static" aria-current="page">European Competition Network</li></ol></nav><div class="ecl-page-header__info"><h1 class="ecl-page-header__title"><span>European Competition Network (ECN)</span></h1></div></div></div> </div> <main class="ecl-u-pb-xl" id="main-content" data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2.ecl-u-type-heading-2, div.ecl-featured-item__heading"> <div class="ecl-container"> <div class="ecl-row"> <div class="ecl-col-s-12 ewcms-top-sidebar"> <div> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-row"> <div class="ecl-col-s-12"> <div id="block-ewcms-theme-main-page-content" data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2, div.ecl-featured-item__heading" class="ecl-u-mb-l"> <article dir="ltr"> <div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_803"></a> <div class="ecl"> <div class="ecl-media-container ecl-media-container--custom-ratio ecl-u-mb-s ewcms-embed-small" data-ecl-media-container="true" data-ecl-auto-init="MediaContainer"><figure class="ecl-media-container__figure"><div class="ecl-media-container__media"><img loading="eager" class="ecl-u-width-100 ecl-u-height-auto ecl-media-container__media--ratio-custom" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/embed_small/public/2020-11/ecn_small.jpg?itok=yKkxXgtR 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/embed_small_2x/public/2020-11/ecn_small.jpg?itok=UIseEKRU 2x" width="150" height="117" src="/sites/default/files/styles/embed_small/public/2020-11/ecn_small.jpg?itok=yKkxXgtR" alt="ECN"></div></figure></div> <p>The European Commission and the national competition authorities in all EU Member States cooperate with each other through the聽<em><strong>European Competition Network (ECN)</strong></em>.</p><p>This creates an effective mechanism to counter companies that engage in cross-border practices restricting competition. All members of the ECN apply European competition rules and the ECN provides a means to ensure their effective and consistent application. Through the ECN, the competition authorities inform each other of proposed decisions and take on board comments from the other competition authorities. In this way, the ECN allows the competition authorities to pool their experience and identify best practices.</p><p>The ECN was established as a forum for discussion and cooperation for European competition authorities in cases where聽Articles聽<a href="http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:12008E101:EN:NOT">101</a>聽and and聽<a href="http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:12008E102:EN:NOT">102</a>聽of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union are applied. The ECN ensures an efficient division of work and an effective and consistent application of EU competition rules. The European Commission and the competition authorities from EU member states cooperate with each other through the ECN by:</p><ul><li>informing each other of new cases and envisaged enforcement decisions;</li><li>coordinating investigations, where necessary;</li><li>helping each other with investigations;</li><li>exchanging evidence and other information; and</li><li>discussing various issues of common interest.</li></ul><p>The objective of the ECN Network is to build an effective legal framework to enforce EC competition law against companies that engage in cross-border business practices that restrict competition and are harmful to consumers.</p><p>Within the ECN, groups of experts in specific sectors discuss competition problems and promote a common approach. In this way, the ECN allows competition authorities to pool their experience and identify best practices.</p><p>The Members of the ECN have also engaged in cooperation and exchange of best practices in the area of merger control by setting up an聽<a href="https://ec.europa.eu/competition-policy/mergers/national-competition-authorities/eu-merger-working-group_en">EU Merger Working Group</a>.</p> <div class="ecl-file ecl-file--thumbnail" data-ecl-file=""> <div class="ecl-file__container"> <div class="ecl-file__detail ecl-u-border-width-0 ecl-u-mv-none ecl-u-pv-none"> <div class="ecl-file__detail-info"> <div class="ecl-file__detail-meta"><span class="ecl-file__detail-meta-item">General publications</span><span class="ecl-file__detail-meta-item">2 September 2024</span></div> <a href="/document/download/e40591c8-bdff-4a56-be25-0b44782c0d85_en?filename=ECN%20Joint%20Statement%20on%20102%20GL%20-%2027_06_2024.pdf"> <div class="ecl-file__title">ECN Joint Statement on Article 102 Guidelines</div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>聽</p><p><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network/ukraine_en" class="ecl-link"><strong>ECN statement on Ukraine</strong></a></p></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_244"></a> <div class="ecl-content-item-block"><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-card" ><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network/background_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Background</a></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-card" ><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network/documents_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Documents</a></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-card" ><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network/statistics_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Statistics</a></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-card" ><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network/national-competition-authorities_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Competition Authorities</a></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-card" ><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/mergers/ecn-merger-working-group_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Cooperation in Mergers</a></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column last-item"><article class="ecl-card" ><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/antitrust-and-cartels/european-competition-network/ecn-directive_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >ECN+ Directive</a></div></div></div></article></div></div></div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-row"> <div class="ecl-col-s-12"> <div> <div id="block-ewcms-theme-socialshare"> <div class="ecl-social-media-share"> <p class="ecl-social-media-share__description"> Share this page </p> <script type="application/json">{"service":"share","version":"2.0","networks":["twitter","facebook","linkedin","email","more"],"display":"icons","stats":true,"selection":true}</script> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> <footer class="ecl-site-footer" data-logo-area-label-en="Home - European Commission" ><div class="ecl-container ecl-site-footer__container"><div class="ecl-site-footer__row"><div class="ecl-site-footer__column"><div class="ecl-site-footer__section ecl-site-footer__section--site-info"><div class="ecl-site-footer__title"><a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-site-footer__title-link" >Competition Policy</a></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__description">This site is managed by:<br />Directorate-General for Competition</div><ul class="ecl-site-footer__list"><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="/accessibility_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-is-accessibility-link="true" >Accessibility</a></li></ul></div></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__column"><div class="ecl-site-footer__section"><div class="ecl-site-footer__title">Follow us</div><ul class="ecl-site-footer__list ecl-site-footer__list--inline"><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dg-competition" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-link--icon ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Follow us" data-footer-link-label="follow DG Competition on Linkedin" ><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--m ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons-social-media/sprites/icons-social-media.svg#linkedin-negative"></use></svg><span class="ecl-link__label">follow DG Competition on Linkedin</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@dgcompetition44" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-link--icon ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Follow us" data-footer-link-label="follow DG Competition on YouTube" ><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--m ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons-social-media/sprites/icons-social-media.svg#youtube-negative"></use></svg><span class="ecl-link__label">follow DG Competition on YouTube</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://twitter.com/EU_Competition" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-link--icon ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Follow us" data-footer-link-label="follow DG Competition on X" ><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--m ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons-social-media/sprites/icons-social-media.svg#twitter-negative"></use></svg><span class="ecl-link__label">follow DG Competition on X</span></a></li></ul></div></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__column"><div class="ecl-site-footer__section"><div class="ecl-site-footer__title">Contact us</div><ul class="ecl-site-footer__list"><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="mailto:comp-web@ec.europa.eu" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Contact us" data-footer-link-label="Contact the webmaster" >Contact the webmaster</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="/index/privacy-policy-competition-investigations_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Contact us" data-footer-link-label="Privacy policy for Competition investigations" >Privacy policy for Competition investigations</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="/index/whistleblower_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Contact us" data-footer-link-label="Whistleblower Communication Tools" >Whistleblower Communication Tools</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__row"><div class="ecl-site-footer__column"><div class="ecl-site-footer__section ecl-footer-class-links"><div class="ecl-site-footer__description">More information on:</div><ul class="ecl-site-footer__list"><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/law_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-footer-class-link-en="Law" >Law</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-footer-class-link-en="Business, Economy, Euro" >Business, Economy, Euro</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__row"><div class="ecl-site-footer__column"><div class="ecl-site-footer__section"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-site-footer__logo-link" ><picture class="ecl-picture ecl-site-footer__picture" title="European Commission" ><source srcset="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/logo/negative/logo-ec--en.svg" media="(min-width: 996px)" ><img class="ecl-site-footer__logo-image" src="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/logo/negative/logo-ec--en.svg" alt="European Commission logo" ></picture></a></div></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__column"><div class="ecl-site-footer__section"><ul class="ecl-site-footer__list"><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="service_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Contact the European Commission" >Contact the European Commission</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://european-union.europa.eu/contact-eu/social-media-channels_en#/search?page=0&institutions=european_commission" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="service_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Follow the European Commission on social media" >Follow the European Commission on social media</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/resources-partners_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="service_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Resources for partners" >Resources for partners</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/legal-notice/vulnerability-disclosure-policy_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="service_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Report an IT vulnerability" >Report an IT vulnerability</a></li></ul></div></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__column"><div class="ecl-site-footer__section"><ul class="ecl-site-footer__list"><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/languages-our-websites_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="legal_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Languages on our websites" >Languages on our websites</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/cookies_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="legal_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Cookies" >Cookies</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/privacy-policy_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="legal_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Privacy policy" >Privacy policy</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/legal-notice_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="legal_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Legal notice" >Legal notice</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div></footer> </div> <script type="application/json">{"utility":"piwik","siteID":"8d32b22f-5d2c-483e-859b-2c596e8339ab","sitePath":["competition-policy.ec.europa.eu"],"instance":"ec","dimensions":[{"id":3,"value":"Landing Page"},{"id":4,"value":"application-of-EU-law"},{"id":5,"value":"Directorate-General-for-Competition"},{"id":6,"value":"European Competition Network (ECN)"},{"id":7,"value":"29ec16d5-44a7-4961-8ee4-f0a25d2ed2f2"},{"id":8,"value":"EC - STANDARDISED"},{"id":9,"value":"application-of-EU-law EU-law"}]}</script> <script type="application/json">{"utility":"cck"}</script> <script type="application/json">{"service":"laco","include":"#block-ewcms-theme-main-page-content .ecl","coverage":{"document":"any","page":"other"},"icon":"dot","exclude":".nolaco, .ecl-file, .ecl-content-item__title","ignore":["filename=([A-Za-z0-9\\-\\_]+)_([A-Za-z]{2}).pdf","filename=([A-Za-z0-9\\-\\_]+)_([A-Za-z]{2}).doc.?",".+\\.zip"]}</script> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/129","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en","urlSuffixes":["bg","cs","da","de","et","el","en","es","fr","ga","hr","it","lv","lt","hu","mt","nl","pl","pt","ro","sk","sl","fi","sv","tr","ar","ca","is","no","uk","ru","zh","lb","sw","he","ja"]},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"ajaxTrustedUrl":{"form_action_p_pvdeGsVG5zNF_XLGPTvYSKCf43t8qZYSwcfZl2uzM":true},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"e4a96085fc1ef476074002d47b377d4b093449a65406556e848e4acdc35ea110"}}</script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_ZAhEmyEemOrsmXwGrpdfhvlQere0Weac_w-Zidw07nE.js?scope=footer&delta=0&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJxVjVEKg0AMRC_U1iOFuA66kE0kyWq9faUopX8zvOGNgXaMaSYxTN5Xltfdn9HYU4wn-MNAuaBhKNZWU2iS1NHZD0L5UbwTriwU2_zAXlrc4Jv5REfWEhdrXbJK1bmzXJPGZal6-pw1hLOaktp5tuFfWCi6bzg-k5hN8w"></script> <script src="https://webtools.europa.eu/load.js" defer></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_1LVjhuAawGZ4HvtWfmr2nvnn8SDWrriYw-ef4KfV97A.js?scope=footer&delta=2&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJxVjVEKg0AMRC_U1iOFuA66kE0kyWq9faUopX8zvOGNgXaMaSYxTN5Xltfdn9HYU4wn-MNAuaBhKNZWU2iS1NHZD0L5UbwTriwU2_zAXlrc4Jv5REfWEhdrXbJK1bmzXJPGZal6-pw1hLOaktp5tuFfWCi6bzg-k5hN8w"></script> <script src="https://ec.europa.eu/wel/surveys/wr_survey01/wr_survey.js" defer></script> </body> </html>