As a copy editor, I have come across the term “EU horizontal agreement” several times in my work. This type of agreement, also known as a horizontal cooperation agreement, refers to a collaboration between businesses operating at the same level of the supply chain. In other words, it involves companies that operate in the same industry.

EU horizontal agreements are subject to antitrust scrutiny to ensure that they do not harm competition in the market. These agreements are assessed under Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which prohibits agreements that restrict competition.

An example of an EU horizontal agreement is a collaboration between two pharmaceutical companies to jointly develop a new drug. This type of agreement can benefit both companies as they can share the costs and risks of the research and development process. However, if the collaboration leads to a reduction in competition or results in higher prices for consumers, it may be deemed anticompetitive and be prohibited under EU competition law.

To ensure compliance with EU competition law, businesses must seek guidance from legal professionals and ensure that their agreements do not harm competition. This is especially important as the consequences of violating EU competition law can be severe, including fines and damages claims.

From an SEO standpoint, businesses involved in EU horizontal agreements should ensure that their websites and marketing materials comply with advertising and marketing standards set by the European Commission. This includes being transparent about any collaborations or partnerships and avoiding any misleading or false advertising.

In summary, EU horizontal agreements are collaborations between businesses operating at the same level of the supply chain. They are subject to antitrust scrutiny to ensure they do not harm competition in the market. Businesses involved in these agreements must ensure compliance with EU competition law and advertising standards to avoid fines and damages claims.