Press Release: Commission starts public consultation on the proposed reform of competition rules applicable to horizontal co-operation agreements

The European Commission published 27.4.00 draft rules and guidelines on horizontal co-operation agreements between competitors. The objective of these proposals is to clarify the application of competition rules in this area and to ensure their continuing relevance in the changing economy of today With the publication of the draft Regulations and Guidelines, the Commission invites all interested parties to comment upon the new draft rules. These comments should reach the Commission before 29 May 2000. Afterwards, the Commission will adopt a final version of the Regulations and Guidelines; that should allow these revised competition rules to enter into force in the year 2001.