A new paradigm in Belgian competition law? More protection, less competition?

Join us for a walk through the changed B2B landscape! 

On May 24, 2019, two new acts in the field of competition law were published in the Belgian Official Gazette. They will soon enter into force.

Inspired by existing rules in other Member States of the EU, the first Act (April 4, 2019) adds two new branches to Belgian market law: a prohibition of abuse of economic dependence (which can be enforced by the Belgian Competition Authority as well as through private actions) and a prohibition of unfair terms in B2B-contracts. This act also extends the existing rules on unfair B2C commercial practices to the B2B-sphere. The second Act (May 2, 2019) brings a large number of non-fundamental, but yet practical and relevant changes to the competition rules (book IV of the Code of Economic Law).

The new laws affect all sectors of economic life. The prohibition on abuse of economic dependence raises major questions relating to its enforcement. The prohibition of unfair terms in B2B-contracts will significantly affect the possibility of commercial partners to freely negotiate contracts.

The focus of this seminar will be on the major practical consequences of these legislative changes.