Contacts between DG Competition and market players

Informal Guidance: Contacts between DG Competition and market players

Over and above requests for guidance in the format of a guidance letter, DG Competition receives numerous informal solicitations for guidance, for example: – Undertakings send information about and/or the text of their agreements and solicit a reaction from DG Competition; – Undertakings ask for a meeting to discuss an agreement or practice; – Undertakings ask for specific information or clarification on a competition law issue (in writing / orally).

More about Contacts between DG Competition and market players

Moreover, undertakings may seek informal contacts with a view to discussing the possibility of obtaining a guidance letter. They will want to describe the case and the issue for which they would envisage a request.

More about the Subject

On the part of DG Competition, it should be made clear from the outset that: – DG Competition does not object to an exchange of views about market developments and may provide general indications about its case practice and policy; – No definitive views can be given on a particular agreement, decision or practice; – An informal discussion with DG Competition cannot be construed as the Commission giving any form of 'clearance'; and – The fact of meeting DG Competition does not confer any rights or expectations.

Resources

See Also

References

• Information about Contacts between DG Competition and market players in the Antitrust Manual of Procedures for the application of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU (Internal DG Competition)

Further Reading

• Information about Contacts between DG Competition and market players in EU Competition Procedure, 3rd. Edition, Edited by Luis Ortiz Blanco (Oxford University Press)