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Competition Policy

Block Exemptions - Horizontal Agreements

The Horizontal Block Exemption Regulations define certain research and development and specialisation agreements that can be considered more beneficial than harmful, and are therefore allowed under antitrust rules. 

Council Regulation

Council Regulation No 2821/71 on application of Article 85 (3) [now 81 (3)] of the Treaty to categories of agreements, decisions and concerted practices
Official Journal L 285 , 29.12.1971 p. 46-48
 

Commission Regulations

Commission Regulation No 1217/2010 of 14 December 2010 on the application of Article 101(3) of the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union to categories of research and development agreements
Official Journal L 335, 18.12.2010, p. 36
Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2455 of 8 December 2022 amending Regulation (EU) No 1217/2010 on the application of Article 101(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to certain categories of research and development agreements
Official Journal L 321, 15.12.2022, p. 1

Commission Regulation No 1218/2010 of 14 December 2010 on the application of Article 101(3) of the Treaty to categories of specialisation agreements
Official Journal L 335, 18.12.2010, p. 43
Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2456 of 8 December 2022 amending Regulation (EU) No 1218/2010 on the application of Article 101(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to certain categories of specialisation agreements
Official Journal L 321, 15.12.2022, p. 3
 

Guidelines for the assessment of horizontal cooperation agreements

Communication from the Commission - Guidelines on the applicability of Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to horizontal co-operation agreements
Official Journal C11, 14.1.2011, p. 1
 

Review of the two Horizontal Block Exemption Regulations (HBERS)

The HBERs are currently under review following a public consultation.