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Karel Bourgeois

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Partner
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Areas of Focus

Overview

Clients turn to Karel Bourgeois to manage their competition risks, and they value his pragmatic approach and commercial understanding. Karel’s practice focuses on EU and Belgian competition law, foreign direct investment screening, and the regulation of state aid and subsidies.

Karel steers clients through merger control, cartel, and abuse proceedings before the European Commission, the Belgian Competition Authority, and other global regulators. Clients also seek his advice on how to realize their projects in compliance with antitrust and competition law.

With his extensive knowledge of state aid, Karel helps clients navigate state aid proceedings before the EC and advises them on strategic state aid and foreign subsidies issues. He regularly represents clients in national and EU courts in competition and state aid cases.

He represents clients in a range of industries, with significant experience in the telecommunications, media, energy, and health care sectors.

Karel is a regular speaker at competition law conferences and is the author of the standard book on Belgian merger control.

Career & Education

    • University of Antwerp, L.B., magna cum laude, 2000
    • Catholic University of Leuven, M.L., magna cum laude, 2003
    • University of Chicago Law School, LL.M., 2004
    • University of Antwerp, L.B., magna cum laude, 2000
    • Catholic University of Leuven, M.L., magna cum laude, 2003
    • University of Chicago Law School, LL.M., 2004

    • Belgium
    • European Court
    • Belgium
    • European Court

    • Dutch
    • English
    • French
    • German
    • Dutch
    • English
    • French
    • German
Karel Bourgeois is top lawyer in every aspect. He is technical, well organised and business-savvy.

— Chambers Global, 2026

Karel's Insights

Client Alert | 4 min read | 05.11.26

New Temporary State Aid Framework Throws A Lifeline To Sectors Hit By The Middle East Crisis

On 29 April 2026, the European Commission adopted the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF), a temporary framework relaxing the conditions under which EU Member States can support companies in sectors particularly affected by fuel, fertilizer, and electricity price surges driven by the Middle East crisis....

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Recognition

  • Chambers Europe: Belgium, Competition: Domestic, Band 4, 2026
  • Chambers Global – Belgium, Competition/European Law: State Aid, Band 3, 2024–present

Karel's Insights

Client Alert | 4 min read | 05.11.26

New Temporary State Aid Framework Throws A Lifeline To Sectors Hit By The Middle East Crisis

On 29 April 2026, the European Commission adopted the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF), a temporary framework relaxing the conditions under which EU Member States can support companies in sectors particularly affected by fuel, fertilizer, and electricity price surges driven by the Middle East crisis....

View All Insights

Insights

Client Alert | 4 min read | 05.11.26

New Temporary State Aid Framework Throws A Lifeline To Sectors Hit By The Middle East Crisis

Firm News | 2 min read | 03.24.26

Chambers Ranks Crowell & Moring Lawyers and Practices in 2026 Europe Guide

Firm News | 2 min read | 02.23.26

Chambers Ranks Crowell & Moring Practices and Lawyers in 2026 Global Guide

Client Alert | 9 min read | 02.12.26

European Commission Publishes Guidelines on Foreign Subsidies Regulation: What Businesses Need to Know

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