Home VBB competition team recognised in Lexology Index: Competition 2026 Belgium's Interfederal Screening Committee Issues First-Ever Prohibition of Foreign Direct Investment Foreign Direct Investment Screening in Belgium VBB on Competition Law | February 2024 First Annual Report on Belgian Foreign Direct Investment Screening Published VBB on Competition Law | July 2026 VBB on Belgian Business Law | June 2026 Anonymisation: Key Takeaways from the EDPB’s Draft Guidelines VBB on Belgian Business Law | May 2026 Belgian Competition Authority Makes Policy Statement Regarding Merger Control and Chronicles its Activities in 2025 After Extensive Review Belgian Competition Authority Clears Broad Cooperation between Telecommunications Network Operators for Roll-out of Fibre Networks in Flanders Commission presents Action Plan on Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Belgian Competition Authority Publishes Full Decision in Rossel/IPM Ongoing Disparagement Investigation *–* European Commission Discloses Additional Details of its Case and Sanofi Proposes Commitments European Commission publishes Forced Labour Single Portal and guidelines Chambers Global Practice Guide: Merger Control 2026 now available VBB secures lowest anti-dumping duty for Hankook in EU passenger car tyre investigation Belgian Competition Authority Conditionally Approves Acquisition of Press Activities IPM Presse by Rossel VBB on Competition Law | June 2026 European Commission Opens First Formal Abuse of Dominance Investigation in Medical Devices Sector United Kingdom *-* Competition Appeal Tribunal Upheld CMA's Decision to Fine Advanz and Others for Excessive and Unfair Pricing of Critical Medicine Lithuanian Competition Authority Fines Pharmacy Association and Individual Firms for Collusion while Participating in Margin*-*setting Procedure Court of Justice of European Union Rules that Pay-for-Delay Patent Settlements May Restrict Competition 'by Object' Complaint by Greek Medicine Wholesaler Against Switch to Direct Distribution Dismissed by European Commission European Commission Opens Competition Procedure Against Sanofi Over Communications Campaign Regarding Flu Vaccines European Commission Issues Record-Breaking EUR 432 Million Gun Jumping Fine on Illumina for Acquisition of Grail European Commission Orders Illumina to Divest Grail European Commission Prohibits Acquisition of Grail by Illumina France *-* Supreme Court Allows Follow*-*on Damages Action by Health Insurer in Wake of Sanofi's Denigration Strategy against Generic Rivals European Commission Sends Statement of Objections to Teva over Abusive Patent Filings and Disparagement of Generic Competitors F. Hoffmann*-*La Roche and Novartis (Avastin *-* Lucentis) *–* ECJ Finds Concerted Efforts to Restrict Off*-*label Use of Medicinal Products Likely to Breach Competition Rules Advocate General Recommends to Court of Justice of European Union to Allow Reimbursement of Off Label Use of Medicine for Purely Budgetary Reasons "National Healthcare Insurance Systems Are Allowed To Reimburse Off*-*Label Use of Medicine" Says ECJ French Competition Authority *-* Genentech, Novartis and Roche Fined EUR 444 million in Saga Involving Wet Age*-*Related Macular Degeneration Court of Justice of European Union Rules that Pay*-*for*-*Delay Patent Settlements May Restrict Competition 'by Object' General Court Reviews New Set of Patent Settlement Agreements In Pharmaceutical Sector (Servier and Others) European Commission Opens Investigation into Teva over Suspected Abusive Patent Filings and Disparagement of Generic Competitors French Competition Authority Fines Johnson & Johnson EUR 25 million for Hampering Market Entry of Generic Rivals French Supreme Court rejects appeal and upholds competition law decision against Janssen Cilag for strategies against entry of generic competitors European Commission Starts Competition Investigation against Vifor Pharma regarding Disparaging Statements Made against Rival's Medicine European Commission Proposes Overhaul of Regulatory and Intellectual Property Framework Governing Pharmaceuticals Belgium Launches Public Consultation on Screening Mechanism of Foreign Direct Investment Advocate General Szpunar Makes Questionable Proposal to Relax Language Requirements for Labelling of Parallel*-*Traded Medicinal Products Court of Justice of European Union Defines Limits of Distributors' Due Care Obligations Under Medical Devices Regulation VBB gears up for upcoming LL.M. event Claire Simpson nominated in Women@'s "Advancement to Leadership in Law" category The online withdrawal button: A new mandatory obligation for online traders VBB on Competition Law | May 2026 Michael Clancy and Catherine Longeval speak at EUPL 2026 Fabrizio Di Gianni to speak at the Treviso Antitrust Conference 2026 Alleged Anticompetitive Bundling of MS Treatment & Diagnostic *–* Italian Competition Authority Investigates Biogen USTR Places EU on 2026 Special 301 Watch List for Failure to Give Adequate Protection to Innovative Medicines CJEU Rules that EU Member States Cannot Restrict Online Sale of Non*-*Prescription Medicinal Products to Single Subcategory on Public Health Grounds VBB on Business Law | April 2026 VBB authors Belgium chapter of Chambers Global Practice Guide: Corporate M&A 2026 Deckers v. Up & Running: English Court of Appeal confirms brands’ ability to control online sales without infringing competition law VBB on Competition Law | April 2026 EU Pharmaceutical Package | Part I *–* Regulatory Data & Market Protection, Orphan Market Exclusivity, Bolar Exemption and Antimicrobial Vouchers Technology Transfer Agreements *–* New EU and UK Competition Law Frameworks Belgian Competition Authority Suspends Discriminatory Rules in Second Division Professional Football Commission publishes EUDR Simplification Package Belgian Competition Authority Orders AutoScout24 to Restore Data Portability to Competing Platform Subject to Penalty Payments Belgium *-* Bill Creates New Medicine Rules Belgian Competition Authority Continues Review of Roll-out of High-Speed Fibre Telecommunications Networks in Flanders European Commission issues new draft merger control guidelines, launches public consultation First CMA Consumer Fine Shows Commitment to Enforce New Regime EU circular economy package: short-term measures targeting plastics crisis and market distortions EU Commission disqualifies Chinese supplier in its first FSR procurement decision VBB on Competition Law *-* March 2026 EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR): VBB acts in first challenge to inspections and requests to access digital material Report Calls for Strengthening of Rules Governing Abuse of Economic Dependence VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2026, No. 3 VBB secures zero duty for Taekwang Industrial Co. in EU anti-dumping investigation on imports of PTA from Korea Belgium: Merger control *-* New means and ambitions of the Competition Authority Belgian Competition Authority Publishes Guidelines on Sustainability Agreements VBB's response to the UK DBT consultation VBB in conversation with Global Legal Group VBB on Competition Law *-* February 2026 Court of Justice of European Union Clarifies Scope of Officinal Formula Exemption Under EU Medicinal Product Law UK CMA Concludes Veterinary Sector Market Investigation and Announces Major Reforms European Commission publishes draft Industrial Accelerator Act: What to expect? VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2026, No. 2 Two VBB matters shortlisted for GCR Awards 2026 Belgian Competition Authority Investigates AutoScout24 Platform for Possible Abuse of Dominance EU*-*UK Competition Cooperation Agreement signed VBB competition and life sciences experts published in the Tijdschrift voor Belgisch Handelsrecht EU Pharmaceutical Package Moves Closer to Formal Adoption EU General Court Annuls Anti*-*Circumvention Extension and rejects Commission’s Broad View of “Assembly Operations” Trade partner Fabrizio Di Gianni published in Il Sole 24 Ore Belgium *-* Publication of Rules of Procedure of Committee for Borderline Products for Human Use Belgian Competition Authority Carries out Dawn Raids on Suppliers of Road Signage and Street Furniture Belgian Competition Authority Investigates Google for Possible Abuse of Dominance in Online Advertising Sector Belgian Competition Authority Publishes Enforcement and Policy Priorities for 2026 As Part of its Enforcement Priorities for 2026 Belgian Competition Authority Again Focuses on Healthcare VBB on Competition Law *-* January 2026 Managing U.S. tariff risk: Administrative and judicial remedies for companies UK announces new sanctions package against Russia on fourth anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine Van Bael & Bellis Secures Annulment of European Commission Decision Excluding Swissgrid from Electricity Balancing Platforms European Commission Ends Investigation of Edwards Lifesciences *–* Leaving Many Open Questions Is that a threat? No, We’re just stating a fact *-* When does joint lobbying violate EU competition law? 2026 outlook for EU competition and trade 5 department and 15 individual rankings in Chambers Global Guide 2026 Binding Decisions of European Data Protection Board Can Be Challenged Before EU Courts, CJEU Rules VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2026, No. 1 EU sanctions against Russia *–* what to expect from the forthcoming 20th EU sanctions package Belgian Competition Authority Fines Individuals for First Time in Bid Rigging Case Involving Distribution of Newspapers Hungarian Competition Authority Pursues Several Members of the Supply Chain for Over*-*the*-*Counter Medicines Belgian Competition Authority Accuses Sugar Companies of Abusing State of Economic Dependency of Sugar Beet Growers Van Bael & Bellis ottiene la chiusura dell'indagine antidumping e antisovvenzione avviata dalle autorità australiane in relazione alle importazioni di pomodori conservati dall'Italia Becket McGrath joins Van Bael & Bellis to head UK competition practice VBB secures termination of the Australian anti*-*dumping and countervailing investigation on imports of preserved tomatoes from Italy Belgian Supreme Court Rules that Finding Concerted Practice Necessarily Implies Determining its Duration and Annuls Markets Court Judgment in Tobacco Case VBB promotes Hannelore Matthys to Partner and Gert*-*Jan Fraeyman to Counsel VBB advises Adjuvant Global Health Technologies on investment in Phoenix Biosciences VBB advises Vitol on its acquisition of Drive Systems VBB Head of Digital, data & cyber law Tanguy Van Overstraeten speaks at Drew & Napier seminar on managing legal risk in 2026 VBB partner Claire Simpson and counsel Catherine Gordley speak at Informa Connect's CompLaw Nordic 2026 conference VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2025, No.11*-*12 Belgian Competition Authority Seeks Views on Draft Guidance Regarding Application of Competition Rules to Public Procurement VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2025, No.10 Belgian Competition Authority Informally Authorises Sustainability Agreement to Commercialise Only Compostable Coffee Pods Belgian Competition Authority Accuses IQVIA of Abusive Behaviour Involving Pharmaceutical Data VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2025, No. 11 VBB recognised in GCR 100 2026, with a first*-*time ranking in the UK Belgium Updates Rules on Parallel Distribution and Parallel Imports of Human Medicines EU Commission unveils its plan to clean up the digital rulebook European Commission Adopts Plan to Tackle Medicine Shortages in EU VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2023, No. 10 UK Extension to the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework takes effect Belgium and the Netherlands - Trend towards Closer Competition Scrutiny of Small Transactions Intensifies Open Office Day 2023 The EU Deforestation Regulation – Challenges and opportunities: webinar UK Competition and Markets Authority Removes Competition Law Barriers to Availability of Combination Therapies VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2023, No. 10 Belgium - Royal Decree Reins In Prescriptions for GLP-1 Analogues to Protect Diabetes Patients and Other Patients in Need Navigating Black Friday Deals: Belgian Economic Inspection Cautions Consumers Against Bad Deals Data-based Study Quantifies Adverse Impact on Innovation and Market Access of Key Aspects of EU Pharmaceutical Package VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2023, No. 11 CJEU Reiterates Relative Nature of What Is ‘Personal Data’ In Case on Access to Vehicle Spare Part Information Spain and the Netherlands - Competition Authorities Begin and End Inquiries in Pharmaceutical Industry Key Russian sanctions reporting obligations in the EU, the UK and Switzerland VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2023, No. 11 European Commission Publishes Union List of Critical Medicines to Tackle Shortages Greece - Hellenic Competition Commission Raids Premises of Medical Equipment Suppliers Council and European Parliament Strike Deal on Proposed Regulation on Substances of Human Origin EU political agreement on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive Belgium - EU Public Procurement Threshold Applicable to Medicine and Medical Device Purchases by Hospitals Increases Slightly Best Deal award for Sopra Steria’s public offer for Ordina Belgium - Royal Decree Amends Various Decrees on Medicinal Products and Medical Devices EU Agencies Develop Strategy for Use of Artificial Intelligence in Medicines Regulation The EU and UK sanctions regimes: what Indian businesses need to know VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2023, No. 12 Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority Calls on Diverse Parties to Join Critical Medicines Alliance Van Bael & Bellis appoints Andreas Reindl as Managing Partner Royal Decree Simplifies and Updates Procedural Rules of Belgian Competition Authority Belgian Competition Authority Welcomes FMCG Price Trends but Warns About Territorial Supply Constraints Artificial intelligence and pricing algorithms in the antitrust spotlight: WEBINAR The Court of Justice issues important judgments on the application of EU competition law to sports federations in the ISU and ESL cases Pharmaceuticals – New European Commission Report on Competition Law Enforcement (2018-2022) Competition and Markets Authority Investigates Vifor over Possibly Misleading Claims regarding Rival's Product Van Bael & Bellis announces five counsel promotions VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2023, No. 12 VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2024 No.1 Council of European Union Approves and Publishes Final Compromise Text of Proposed SoHO Regulation VBB launches new guide on the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation Belgian Competition Authority to Secure New Board Member and Amended Procedures but to Lose Competence to Review Hospital Mergers Belgium - Public Health Insurer Clarifies Tendering Rules for Biological Medicines European Economic Security Package: Five Initiatives The proposed Forced Labour Products Ban Regulation ready for trilogue discussions Food Prices Under Scrutiny in Belgium Veterinary Medicinal Products - Guidance to Applicants for Marketing Authorisations Under Regulation (EU) 2019/6 16 VBB lawyers across five practice areas ranked in Chambers Global 2024 Belgian Competition Authority in Fight to Protect its Review Powers over Hospital Mergers VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2024, No. 1 Belgium - Federal Chamber of Representatives Approves New Law governing Raw Materials Used by Pharmacists EU sanctions against Russia – 13th sanctions package and other updates Axel Desmedt Becomes President of Belgian Competition Authority VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2024, No. 2 Van Bael & Bellis assists Lakeland Dairies with important butterfat business acquisition Belgium - Public Health Insurer Reminds Hospitals of Obligations under Tendering Rules for Biological Medicines Court of Justice of European Union Clarifies Rules on Distance Selling of Medicinal Products Not Subject to Medical Prescription Andreas Reindl discusses emerging risks of information exchange at major Nordic conference Spain - Competition Authority Starts Investigation of Loyalty-Inducing Practices towards Pharmacies VBB maintains high rankings in Chambers Europe 2024 VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2024, No. 2 Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive: Update Court of Justice of European Union Clarifies Impartiality Requirements for Experts Consulted by European Medicines Agency According to Advocate General Emiliou, Illumina / Grail Transaction Escapes Competence of European Commission VBB on Green Agreements - PLC features publishes article by Alex Stratakis and Reign Lee European Commission Opens Abuse of Dominance Investigation Against Zoetis UK to launch carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) in 2027 Fundamental Rights Impact Assessment under EU AI Act Belgium - Federal Chamber of Representatives Approves Bill Modifying Competition Rules Provisional Agreement on European Health Data Space VBB in Legal 500 EMEA 2024: 27 lawyers & 11 practices recognised United States Trade Representative Publishes Annual National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers and Also Addresses Life Sciences Industry VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2024 No. 3 Belgian Competition Authority Submits Amicus Curiae Letter in Proximus / EDPnet Case VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2024, No. 3 European Commission Market Tests Commitments Offered by Vifor Regarding Messaging Involving Intravenous Iron Treatment of Rival First EU Commission ex officio FSR investigation European Commission and Belgian Presidency of Council of EU Launch Critical Medicines Alliance Belgian Competition Authority welcomes two new members to its Competition College European Commission opens first investigation under new trade policy tool: the International Procurement Instrument Belgian Competition Authority Concludes Preliminary Review of Batopin Cash Dispenser Network Preparing for compliance with the EU Forced Labour Products Ban Regulation VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2024, No. 4 Belgian Competition Authority Issues Opinion on Bills Seeking to Regulate Agri-Food Sector VBB Transactions Team authors chapter of Chambers Global Practice Guide: Corporate M&A 2024 European Commission Imposes Fine of Nearly EUR 340 Million on Mondelēz in Decision that May Portend Further Competition Scrutiny Continuing rise of the use of unapproved products EU greenlights the use of extraordinary net profits generated by frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia to support Ukraine Belgium at Heart of New Challenge to Territorial Supply Constraints VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2024, No. 4 VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2024, No. 5 Italian Competition Authority Investigates Alleged Effort by Novartis, Samsung Bioepis, Others to Delay Launch of Biosimilar Version of Ranibizumab Belgian Competition Authority Keeps Considering Pharmaceutical Industry As Prime Target for Enforcement Italian Competition Authority Ends Cartel Proceedings against Seven Suppliers of Radiopharmaceutical Medicines European Commission Pursues Alleged Member of Pharmaceuticals Cartel Following Settlement with Other Cartel Members Luxembourg Competition Authority Carries Out Dawn Raids in Life Sciences Industry Belgian Competition Authority Welcomes Idea of Merging with Other Market Regulators Publication of Regulation Revising Variations Framework for Medicines for Human Use VBB competition team authors EU chapter of Chambers 2024 global cartels guide VBB assists Gedeon Richter on its acquisition of all shares in Estetra and Neuralis from Mithra Pharmaceuticals Belgian Competition Authority Launches Public Consultation on Digital Markets Act European Regulators Publish Recommendations to Tackle Shortages of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Belgian Competition Authority Tackles Tendering Cartel but also Penalises No-Poaching Arrangement in Private Security Firms Cartel Case VBB assists Indigo Group on the signing of acquisition of APCOA Belgium VBB team authors Belgian chapter of Chambers Digital Healthcare 2024 Global Practice Guide VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2024, No. 6 Belgian Competition Authority Steps Up Fight Against Bid Rigging and Strikes Down Fire Protection Cartel Fabrizio Di Gianni to speak at the G7 Industry Stakeholders Conference 2024 VBB’s EU and UK merger control experts author key chapters in Chambers global guide 2024 Publication of SoHO Regulation European Commission Accepts Vifor's Commitments Regarding Messaging Involving Rival's Intravenous Iron Treatment and Closes Competition File Parallel Trade – Belgian Courts Ban Rebranding of Generic Medicines as Originator Medicines CJEU Sheds Light on Damages under GDPR European Commission Authorises EUR 2 Billion Aid Package in Support of Nuclear Medicine under European State Aid Rules Belgian Competition Authority Investigates Deal Between Proximus, Fiberklaar, Wyre, and Telenet for Roll-out of Fibre Networks in Flanders VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2024, No. 5 Belgian Competition Authority Publishes Annual Report for 2023 but Also Shows What Lies Ahead Commission Report on Six Years Application of GDPR Belgium - Committees for Borderline Products for Human and Veterinary Use Replace Mixed Committee Webinar | Thompson Hine LLP & Van Bael & Bellis: Regulatory Compliance for Multinationals: ESG Considerations Belgian Competition Authority Concludes Cooperation Agreement with Ombudsman to Handle Whistleblower Reports of Competition Law Infringements European Commission publishes draft Guidelines on exclusionary abuses: lowering the bar for intervention VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2024, No. 6-7 Greek Competition Authority Targets Novartis for Alleged Exclusionary Behaviour on Market for Treatment of Macular Diseases Rules on Price Reduction Announcements in Practice: Necessary or Absurd? Court of Justice of European Union Rejects European Commission’s Broad Interpretation of its Merger Review Powers in Landmark Illumina/Grail Judgment VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2024, No. 8 Draghi Publishes Report on Future of European Competitiveness: EU Pharmaceutical Sector Needs to Bolster Innovation and Improve Intra-EU Coordination Counsel Koen T'Syen elected President of AIJA's Healthcare and Life Sciences Commission European Commission Report on Competition Interim Measures Shows Prominent Role for Belgian Competition Authority Advanz Pharma Succeeds in Obtaining Temporary Reprieve of Revocation of Conditional Marketing Authorisation for Ocaliva® VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2024, No. 7 & 8 Mission Letter for Commissioner-designate for Health and Animal Welfare Várhelyi Shows Ambition despite Criticism VBB assists Bidfood Belgium on its acquisition of the V.D.S.-Food group Decoding the AI Act: Key Elements Belgium | Royal Decree of 1 September 2024 Completes Implementation of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on Veterinary Medicinal products Van Bael & Bellis successfully represents EU birch plywood producers as interveners in three EU General Court cases brought by Russian birch plywood producers VBB Transactions Tournament Vol. 2 – An immersive experience for law students Belgian DPA Guidelines on AI Systems and GDPR Belgium | Royal Decree of 22 September 2024 on Advertising of Veterinary Medicinal Products Is Published First Annual Report on Belgian Foreign Direct Investment Screening Published Belgium - New Royal Decree Establishes Import Regimes for Unlicensed Medicines Approvata la riforma della normativa doganale italiana Italian Customs Agency publishes paper by Aldo Scalini & Alberto Zingariello Swiss Competition Authority and European Commission Terminate Inquiry Into Novartis Patent Litigation Romania - Roche Fails in Attempts to Have Findings of Abusive Behaviour in relation to Oncology Medicines Overturned VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2024, No.9 VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2024 No.9 HTA Regulation - Publication of Implementing Regulation containing Rules for Cooperation involving European Commission and European Medicines Agency New President Belgian Competition Authority Speaks Out on Priorities and Areas of Concern HTA Regulation - European Commission Publishes Implementing Regulation Managing Conflicts of Interest European Commission Imposes Heavy Fine on Teva for Misuse of Patent System and Disparaging Rival's Product Koen T’Syen and Valérie Lefever Author Article on Merger Control in Belgium VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2024, No. 10 VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2024, No. 10 Princess Elisabeth Zone: Certain preliminary considerations relating to investments in the tender for the first offshore wind concession launched on 25 November 2024 New Study Recommends Increased Scrutiny of R&D Collaborations, Licensing Agreements and M&A Transactions in the Pharmaceutical Sector European Commission & UK CMA Address Disparagement Van Bael & Bellis assists Shipit Group with the acquisition of a majority stake in Somef VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2024, No. 11 Belgian Competition Authority Offers Only Qualified Support for Bill Seeking to Prohibit Dynamic Pricing for Cultural and Sporting Events VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2024, No. 11 UK Competition Appeal Tribunal quashes CMA’s excessive pricing decision against Pfizer and Flynn, but still finds abuse EU Forced Labour Products Ban Regulation Enters into Force HTA Regulation - European Commission Publishes Implementing Regulation containing Procedures for Joint Scientific Consultations on Medicinal Products VBB advises on The Rent Company’s acquisition of Edu-Tech VBB EU and Belgian competition law practices recognised in GCR 100 2025 Belgian Competition Authority Publishes Digital Markets Act Guide for Technology Challengers Law on Private Investigations - A Stricter Framework for Internal Investigations VBB advises FrieslandCampina on cross-border merger with Milcobel Brussels Court of Appeal Dismisses European Commission's Follow-on Damages Action in Elevator and Escalator Cartel Case VBB assists Trane Technologies in acquisition of Société Anonyme De Vente Des Equipements Trane SA Romanian Competition Authority Fines Boehringer-Ingelheim on Account of Product Hopping Belgian Competition Authority To Investigate Wholesale and On-Trade Commercial Conditions of AB InBev VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2024, No. 12 Council of the EU Creates European Health Data Space Belgian Competition Authority Pursues Below-Threshold Merger on Basis of Article 101 TFEU HTA Regulation - European Commission Publishes Implementing Regulation containing Procedures for Joint Scientific Consultations on Medical Devices Belgium To Lead Consortium To Assess Health Technologies Under Health Technology Assessment Regulation EU General Court Awards Damages for Breach of Data Transfer Rules TechReg publishes article by VBB data protection experts VBB announces Sara Beutels as Partner Belgian Competition Authority Accepts Commitments and Ends Proceedings Over Potato Price Index European Commission Launches Biotech and Biomanufacturing Hub VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2025, No. 1 Belgium – Federal Governmental Agreement Defines Pharmaceutical Policies for Coming Years Van Bael & Bellis obtained the annulment of Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2390 amending the countervailing duty imposed on imports of rainbow trout originating in Türkiye Belgian Competition Authority Launches First Sector Inquiry into Price Revision and Indexation Mechanisms VBB counsel promotions US “America First Trade Policy” and EU Competitiveness Compass: Key implications for EU trade policy Forthcoming 16th EU Russia sanctions package: What to expect? Swiss Medicines Regulator Issues Position Paper on Decentralised Clinical Trials EU Commission’s first IPI investigation finds unfair treatment for EU medical device makers in China’s procurement market The Netherlands - Leadiant Sees Excessive Pricing Decision Largely Confirmed By Rotterdam Court UK Trade Law Panel RM6183 VBB successfully challenges Swissgrid’s exclusion from electricity balancing platforms before Court of Justice of EU What is the EU's Anti-Coercion Instrument and when will it be used? Third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: new sanctions adopted by the European Union and the United Kingdom VBB assists TURPAZ in the acquisition of DOUCY Chambers Global 2025: VBB maintains strong rankings with 14 lawyers mentioned across 5 practice areas New Belgian Federal Government Envisages Changes to and Intensive Use of Competition Rules VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2025, No. 1 Critical Medicines Alliance Publishes Report on Shortages of Critical Medicines Court of Justice of European Union Clarifies Concept of ‘Advertising of Medicinal Products’ VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2025, No. 2 Android Auto - Does Article 102 make open digital platforms into public utilities? Key Implications of the First Omnibus Package on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive The proposed simplification of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2025, No. 2 Belgian Competition Authority Accuses Roche of Hampering Biosimilar Market Entry in Oncology European Commission Proposes Critical Medicines Act to Bolster Security of Supply of Critical Medicines Belgian Competition Authority Again Stops Below-Threshold Merger on Basis of Antitrust Rules Rather Than Merger Control Provisions The FSR: Key Takeaways and Future Outlook| 8 April 2025 in Brussels Belgian Competition Authority Concludes Inquiry into Batopin Network of Cash Dispensers and Secures Binding Commitments from Banks Belgium - Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health Presents Policy Declaration on Public Health in Parliament Belgian Data Protection Authority Publishes Draft Recommendation on Direct Marketing 18 individual rankings for VBB lawyers across five practice areas in Chambers Europe 2025 Belgium - Patients Given Say in Review of Medicine Reimbursement Files Swiss Competition Authority Fines Pharmaceutical Companies for Participation In Cartel European Commission Publishes Updated Model Contractual Clauses for AI Procurement Belgium – Belgian Competition Authority President Again Advocates for “Call-in” Merger Control Powers VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2025, No. 3 VBB Transactions Team Authors Belgium Chapter of Chambers Global Practice Guide – Corporate M&A 2025 Belgian Competition Authority and Mid-Sized Peers Express Belief in Strong Competition Policy for Europe VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2025, No. 3 Belgian Competition Authority Publishes Policy and Enforcement Priorities for 2025 Legal 500 EMEA 2025: VBB excels with 11 ranked practices, and multiple individual lawyers recognised In “Beevers” Case Court of Justice of EU Explains when Exclusive Distributor Can Benefit from Restrictions on Active Sales into its Territory European Commission Expert Group Publishes Final Report on Data Sharing and Cloud Computing European Commission Publishes Updated Questions and Answers on EU Foreign Direct Investment Screening Regulation – A Belgian Perspective VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2025, No. 4 VBB successfully assists the Great Salt Lake Brine Shrimp Cooperative in first acquisition in Europe & Asia VBB Contributes Belgian Chapter to Lexology In-Depth: Class Actions European Union and United Kingdom Will Conclude Competition Cooperation Agreement that also Involves National Competition Authorities Following European Commission UK CMA Also Concludes Procedure Against Vifor Obtaining Commitments but Not Finding Infringement United Kingdom Decides To Keep UK+ Intellectual Property Exhaustion Regime VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2025, No. 4 European Commission Publishes Draft Guidelines on Protection of Minors Online under Digital Services Act VBB successfully assists Trane Technologies (Thermo King) on the successful acquisition of Gradius EU Member States vote in favour of the first-ever IPI measures Competition compliance alert for companies: Delivery Hero/Glovo VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2025, No. 5 FDI Screening in the EU: Member States adopt common negotiating position on revisions to the EU’s Foreign Direct Investment Screening Regulation Bulgaria - Commission for Protection of Competition Begins Sector Inquiry of Wholesale and Retail Markets for Medicines Belgian Competition Authority Carries Out On-Premise Inspections in Personal Care and Retail Sectors Belgian Competition Authority Publishes New Guidelines for On-Premise Inspections VBB successfully assists Maestrani on the successful acquisition of Delafaille Belgian Competition Authority Penalises Market-Sharing Arrangement in Intraday Electricity Sector Belgium Implements Health Technology Assessment Regulation for Medicines and Publishes related Q&A Competition assessments after the Defence Readiness Omnibus European Commission Imposes Further Fine on Seventh Member of Cartel in Pharmaceutical Industry European Commission Publishes European Union's Life Sciences Strategy to Nearly Universal Applause Blocking Patents - Swiss Competition Authority Publishes 2024 Decision Clearing Novartis VBB Competition Team Authors EU Chapters of Chambers 2025 Global Cartels Guide European Commission Publishes Medical Countermeasures Strategy Amidst Funding Concerns VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2025, No. 5 VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2025, No. 6 VBB contributes four chapters to Chambers Merger Control Global Practice Guide 2025 ACM’s Clearance of DPG Media / RTL Nederland: A Blueprint for Future Media Sector Merger Assessments in Belgium and Elsewhere? Abusive Promotional & Regulatory Activities French Supreme Court Reinstates €444 Million Fines on Novartis, Roche and Genentech European Commission Adopts Rules on Researcher Data Access under the DSA European Commission Updates Rules on Pharmacovigilance Activities for Human Medicines The EU’s latest sanctions on Russia: What the 18th package may mean for your business VBB lawyers author Belgium chapter in the Chambers Digital Healthcare 2025 Global Practice Guide UK Government strengthens sanctions measures against Russian energy and gas sectors AbbVie Scores Major Win Defending its Humira® Pricing in the Netherlands Against Private Excessive Pricing Action Belgian Competition Authority Decides to Investigate Proposed Cooperation Agreement for the roll-out of Fiber Networks in Wallonia Belgian Competition Authority Takes Expansive View of Power to Review Mergers and Acquisitions EU proposal to ban Russian LNG imports The EU Court of Justice holds that awards rendered by the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) must be reviewable by EU national courts to determine whether they are consistent with EU public policy rules Belgian Competition Authority Rules on Two Requests for Interim Measures in Sport Cases European Union and United States Agree on Import Tariffs for Pharmaceutical Products A New Era for UK Data Protection Law: Reform of the UK GDPR and Proposed renewal of EU Adequacy VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2025, No. 6-7 Michelle Linderman and Yuriy Rudyuk appointed as VBB Trade practice co-heads Informal Opinion of Belgian Competition Authority Finds Proposed Fee Regulation of Veterinarians' Association Incompatible with Competition Law Tanguy Van Overstraeten joins Van Bael & Bellis as partner and head of the Digital, Data and Cyber Law practice VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2025, Nos. 7-8 Parallel Trade in Medicines - New Request for Preliminary Ruling before European Court of Justice CJEU Clarifies Concepts of Personal and Pseudonymised Data Belgian Competition Authority Publishes Guidelines Regarding Exchange of Information for Reimbursement of Combination Therapies General Court Confirms Validity of EU-US Data Privacy Framework Second Annual Report on Belgian Foreign Direct Investment Screening Published VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2025, No. 8 Belgian Competition Authority Issues Opinion on Portability of Bank Account Numbers European Court of Auditors Publishes Report on Critical Medicine Shortages European Commission Publishes Updated Guidelines on Variations to Marketing Authorisations for Human Medicinal Products SRAM Files Antitrust Complaint Against International Cyclists' Union with Belgian Competition Authority French Competition Authority Raids Firm in Oncology Sector Disparaging Sanofi Practices Under Fire Belgian Competition Authority Starts Public Consultation on Sustainability Agreements Tim Vermeir joins Van Bael & Bellis as partner in the energy practice Spanish Competition Authority Prohibits Radiopharmaceutical Merger in North-Eastern Spain Long Arm of Belgian Competition Authority Requires International Cyclists' Union to Disapply New Technical Standard in Chinese Race Van Bael & Bellis strengthens EU appellate capabilities with appointment of Claire Simpson as partner in competition team VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2025, No. 9 UK - Provisional Decision of CMA in Veterinary Sector Market Investigation Proposes Major Reforms Belgian Competition Authority Starts Market Test Regarding Telecommunications Infrastructure Joint Venture in Flanders European Commission imposes fines for RPM totalling EUR157 million on three high-end fashion brands Belgian Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products to Fast-track Clinical Trial Evaluations from January 2026 HTA Regulation - European Commission Completes Regulatory Framework by Publishing Rules for Joint Clinical Assessments of Medical Devices Alleged Excessive Pricing of Orphan Medicine - Swedish Competition Authority Closes Investigation Dutch Authorities Propose Framework to Define “Acceptable” Prices for High-Cost Medicines VBB shines in IFLR1000 2025 rankings French Competition Authority Publishes Report on Veterinary Sector VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2025, No. 9 European Commission Publishes Implementing Regulations on Good Manufacturing Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products and Active Substances The European Union’s 19th sanctions package against Russia: key developments Van Bael & Bellis named as supplier on new Legal Panel for Government framework AG Opinion in Imagens Medicas - is prior judicial authorisation required to access personal data in business emails accessed via a competition dawn raid? In Kwizda Pharma II, Court of Justice of European Union Provides Guidance on Application of Directive 2001/83/EC to Borderline Products French Competition Authority Imposes Substantial Fine on Telemedicine Firm on Account of Abusive Conduct UK Trade Panel RM6360 Lot 4b Legal Professional Privilege | European Commission Dashes Hope for Expanded Role for In-house Counsel VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2025, No. 10 In Reviewing Live Nation - Pukkelpop Deal Belgian Competition Authority Again Tackles Merger Not Caught by Merger Control Rules VBB assists Visionaries Club on its successful investment in Introw