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Competition & European Union

Latest

  • Belgian Competition Authority orders AutoScout24 to restore sellers’ data portability to a competing platform subject to penalty payments
    28 May 2026 4 min read
  • Middle East: European Commission publishes guide on EU law applicable to the aviation sector
    19 May 2026 4 min read
  • European Commission's call for evidence on a new European Aviation and Aerospace Strategy
    19 May 2026 3 min read
  • Draft new European Commission Guidelines on State aid in the aviation sector: stricter constraints and limited access to aid for regional airports
    18 May 2026 10 min read
  • The European Commission adopts a Temporary State aid Framework to support sectors impacted by the situation in the Middle East
    05 May 2026 4 min read
  • Middle East Energy Developments: European Commission proposes a State aid Temporary Crisis Framework
    22 Apr 2026 4 min read
  • Priorities of the Belgian Competition Authority 2026
    09 Apr 2026 5 min read
  • Publication by the European Commission of the Evaluation Support Study for the Revision of the Aviation Guidelines
    08 Apr 2026 9 min read
  • European Commission approves EUR 260 million grant for Air Liquide and BASF for a decarbonisation project in Antwerp
    03 Apr 2026 4 min read
  • Focusing on you
    01 Apr 2026 3 min read
  • Dawn raids by the Belgian Competition Authority in the road signage and street furniture sectors
    25 Mar 2026 3 min read
  • EU/International Trade Outlook 2026 – How to Best Navigate Increasingly Choppy Waters?
    25 Mar 2026 14 min read
  • Belgian Competition Authority’s investigation into AutoScout24
    24 Mar 2026 3 min read
  • New State aid Guidelines and Exemption Regulation in the transport sector
    24 Mar 2026 6 min read
  • EU anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of copper tubes originating in China, Mexico, Vietnam and Uzbekistan
    17 Mar 2026 1 min read

1 specialist practice area in Competition & European Union

Competition and regulatory authorities now possess far-reaching powers to investigate companies and commercial arrangements, prohibit M&A deals, force divestment of merged businesses, review markets and impose penalties or the recovery of illegal aids. There is the additional risk of private enforcement such as substantial (follow-on) antitrust damages claims. Being compliant and implementing effective risk mitigation strategies is key. We focus not only on problem solving but also on how you can avoid problems in the first place.

Our large team of competition lawyers has extensive experience in helping navigate these difficult paths so that you can focus on your business. We have in-depth knowledge of competition rules across different countries and markets.

We act for public and private clients in the following areas among others: competition law (abuses of dominant position, cartels, mergers), state aid, EU Litigation, Liberalisation (Energy, transports, Handling, Telecommunications and Utilities), EU Freedoms, Contracts with the European Institutions and European structural funds.

Our team has unrivalled experience, at both European & national level, in these challenging practice areas through regular notifications or complaints to the European Commission or the Belgian Competition Authority or through litigation before the European Courts.

We have advised clients from a wide variety of sectors on regulatory and competition issues, including:

  • Public authorities and public companies
  • Airports and airlines
  • Retail
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Utility companies (electricity, gas, water)
  • Chemicals and pharmaceuticals
  • Telecommunications
  • Logistics and transports
  • Aerospace
  • European and national associations of undertakings

The CMS Competition Group is one of the largest competition teams in Europe and at the same time one of the most widespread. We offer a one-stop-shop solution to clients for all their competition law needs across Europe and beyond. Our sector approach helps us understand your business environment and get to grips with your issues.

Our specialist practice areas

Awards & Recognitions
01
  • Quote
    "CMS stands out for the quality of its advice, both on a legal and relational level. Its approach is marked by great rigour, excellent analytical skills and a detailed understanding of sectoral issues."
    Feedback from a client about the department, Chambers Europe, 2026
  • Quote
    "CMS' team is responsive, proactive at listening, has knowledge of the client's DNA and offers its client the benefit of experience."
    Feedback from a client about the department, Chambers Europe, 2026
  • Quote
    "CMS has perfect knowledge and mastery of the regulations, the issues and the interlocutors."
    Feedback from a client about the department, Chambers Europe, 2026
  • Quote
    "The team's ability to combine cutting-edge technical expertise with a pragmatic approach adapted to our operational constraints is a real asset."
    Feedback from a client about the department, Chambers Europe, 2026
  • Quote
    "The team at CMS is always very responsive and able to respond to complex matters in a well-balanced approach."
    Feedback from a client about the department, Chambers Europe, 2026
  • Quote
    "The closeness of individuals and the high degree of flexibility are main features that make the individual CMS members stand out. They are specifically agile and efficient."
    Feedback from a client about the department, Legal 500, 2026
  • Quote
    "The practice works in a model of close collaboration with its clients."
    Feedback from a client about the department, Legal 500, 2026
  • Quote
    "Main characteristics of the team is the high level of business acumen, and the ability to translate the business needs into sound legal solutions and products."
    Feedback from a client about the department, Legal 500, 2026
  • Quote
    "Excellent expertise both in competition law and in the telecommunications area."
    Feedback from a client about the department, Legal 500, 2026
  • Quote
    "Outstanding expertise and experience on competition law, including State aid law."
    Feedback from a client about the department, Legal 500, 2026
  • Quote
    "Outstanding expertise and experience, and excellent access to decision makers and public officials."
    Feedback from a client about the department, Legal 500, 2026
  • Quote
    "CMS is a full-service firm with broad expertise in air transport and airports and are noted for 'offering proactive, business-oriented solutions', advising private aircraft manufacturers, public authorities, airport infrastructure owners, ground handlers, and airlines. The firm has a distinct focus on European regulatory and competition law, with specific expertise in complex State aid matters concerning airport financing, commercial contracts with airlines, and compliance with EU regulations on ground handling, airport charges, and security. CMS also offers specific expertise in labour law within the air transport sector. Annabelle Lepièce heads the team and serves as the primary point of contact."
    Legal 500, 2026
  • Quote
    "Rare expertise in airports and in commercial and contractual relationships with airlines."
    Feedback from a client about the department, Legal 500, 2026
  • Quote
    "CMS combines deep legal knowledge with practical aviation insight, translating complex issues into clear, business-focused advice."
    Feedback from a client about the department, Legal 500, 2026
  • Quote
    "CMS provided insightful EU competition law advice on airport ground handling. They were responsive, precise, and met all deadlines."
    Feedback from a client about the department, Legal 500, 2026
  • Quote
    "CMS has unprecedented experience in the airline and airport sector, offering proactive, business-oriented solutions."
    Feedback from a client about the department, Legal 500, 2026
  • Quote
    "The team is a great asset for a company confronted with a competition proceeding."
    Feedback from a client about the department - Legal 500, 2025
  • Quote
    "It's a pleasure and a privilege to work with this close-knit team on sensitive matters! They have this rare skill to make their expertise available even to those who are not lawyers in their client companies, to explain complex situations in a very accessible way without sacrificing nuance or elaborate legal strategy."
    Feedback from a client about the department - Legal 500, 2025

Competition & European Union Insights

Belgian Competition Authority orders AutoScout24 to restore sellers’ data portability to a competing platform subject to penalty payments

28 May 2026 4 min read

Middle East: European Commission publishes guide on EU law applicable to the aviation sector

19 May 2026 4 min read

European Commission's call for evidence on a new European Aviation and Aerospace Strategy

19 May 2026 3 min read

Draft new European Commission Guidelines on State aid in the aviation sector: stricter constraints and limited access to aid for regional airports

18 May 2026 10 min read

The European Commission adopts a Temporary State aid Framework to support sectors impacted by the situation in the Middle East

05 May 2026 4 min read

Middle East Energy Developments: European Commission proposes a State aid Temporary Crisis Framework

22 Apr 2026 4 min read

Priorities of the Belgian Competition Authority 2026

09 Apr 2026 5 min read

Publication by the European Commission of the Evaluation Support Study for the Revision of the Aviation Guidelines

08 Apr 2026 9 min read

Events

  • Belgium
    09 Jun 2026

    UPC Case Law webinar series 2026

  • Belgium
    10 Jun 2026

    Digital Governance Refined - navigating the simplifications of the EU Digital Omnibus

  • Belgium
    30 Jun 2026

    On the Pulse webinar series 2026 - Spring/Summer

Local market knowledge. Global outlook

We provide future-facing legal advice to help your organisation thrive. Combining local market knowledge and a global perspective, and with lawyers in locations worldwide, your organisation benefits from the expertise it needs, even across borders.

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