On Tuesday, 24 February, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg hosted a breakfast debate with the Head of Unit for International Relations at DG COMP, María Luisa Tierno Centella, who presented the main lines of European cooperation agreements within the framework of competition policy. With these agreements, the EU aims to ensure the convergence of competition policy instruments and practices at both the bilateral and multilateral levels.

The meeting began with an introduction by the president of Competencia España, Cecilio Madero-Villarejo, who outlined the lines of work of the European Union’s competition unit, followed by Tierno Centella’s presentation.

The head of the DG COMP unit explained some of the first and second generation bilateral agreements held by EU, as well as the memoranda of understanding offering assistance to countries with emerging economies, and agreements with neighbouring countries promoting the application of rules similar to those in Europe. She then mentioned the situation of multilateral cooperation agreements that promote mutual knowledge and understanding. In short, Tierno Centella defined the competition policy framework in today’s complex international context.

Finally, those attending the breakfast were able to share their questions and thoughts with the speaker, for example regarding agreements with China or the United States. During the meeting, there was also an opportunity for networking among attendees.