The area of EU & Competition combines elements of both private and public law, dealing with relations between businesses, relations between public bodies and relations between the two.

We have considerable experience of advising both public and private bodies in this area, on issues that include:

• General EU law and regulation, where our detailed understanding of the fundamental principles of EU law (such as transparency and non-discrimination), and the procedures of the European institutions, can give you a significant advantage. Where necessary, we can help you to ensure that your views are taken into account in the EU legislative process
• state aid, an essential but often overlooked area of EU law, where we provide clear advice to those giving, receiving or wishing to challenge aid
• public and utilities procurement, where we have in-depth experience of guiding public bodies, utilities and contractors through the advertising and award procedures, particularly in the light of the increasing emphasis of the European courts on general principles of EU public law rather than on the strict terms of the relevant directives.

See also EU & Competition.