Competition law is one of the areas of authority of the European Union. It comprises three main policy areas:

Antitrust: control of collusion and other anti-competitive practices which has an effect on the EU (or, since 1994, the European Economic Area). This is covered under Articles 81 and 82 EC respectively.

Mergers: control of proposed mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures involving companies which have a certain, defined amount of turnover in the EU/EEA. This is governed by the Council Regulation 139/2004 EC (the Merger Regulation).

State aid: control of direct and indirect aid given by EU Member States to companies. Covered under Article 87 EC (ex Article 92).