This guide explains how the European Commission, together with national competition authorities, aims to ensure that there is free and fair competition in the European Union. It explains how they:

- take action against business practices which restrict competition;
- examine mergers to see if they reduce competition;
- open up competition in areas previously controlled by State-run monopolies;
- vet financial support given to companies by EU national governments;
- cooperate with other competition authorities around the world.

Each section of the guide ends with a box summarising the relevant legislation. There is a glossary of key terms used in competition policy and a list of useful addresses.

Contents

• Making sure companies play fair
• Examining mergers
• Opening up markets to competition
• Monitoring State aid
• International cooperation
• Legislation
• Contacts and further information
• Glossary