We advise and litigate in areas of EU law that matter most to authorities as well as companies, such as competition law, state aid law and the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital. We also specialise in Dutch competition law and the Dutch Public Enterprises (Market Activities) Act (Wet Markt en Overheid). Our national and international clients include medium-sized and large companies, public authorities, public-law institutions, foundations and associations, which we assist before domestic courts and the Court of Justice of the EU.
We combine a pragmatic approach with a scientific way of working, providing solution-focused advice whenever a problem arises. In addition, we publish in legal journals, write case notes and closely monitor any relevant developments. This interaction between science and the legal practice gives us a better understanding and mastery of law, which can make the difference between winning and losing a case.
Competition law
Competition law aims to ensure effective competition between companies and therefore prohibits certain practices that restrict competition. The European Commission and the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets impose high fines for violations of competition law. We can advise you on the cartel prohibition and abuse of a dominant position. We also assist clients in merger control filings at the competition authorities and litigate in cases concerning compensation of damages in private enforcement cases.
State aid
State aid concerns those measures of the State that confer a financial advantage on an undertaking. State aid covers direct subsidies as well as indirect measures as part of which public authorities enter into transactions that are not in line with market practices and favour certain undertakings. Our specialists can assess whether a transaction involves state aid and whether it should be notified to the European Commission. We also assist with state aid notifications and in Commission investigations into possibly prohibited state aid.
Free movement
The internal market pivots on the principle that you, as an entrepreneur, should not be restricted by national laws and regulations when conducting cross-border trade between EU Member States. Although EU Member States do enjoy a degree of legislative freedom, any provisions they adopt must pass the tests of proportionality and subsidiarity. If such measures disproportionately affect your company, we can assist you in enforcing your rights.
