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Amid the ongoing advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative, the international landscape is undergoing profound and complex transformations. Against this backdrop, private enterprises setting sail overseas inevitably face the imperative of deepening their penetration into the EU market. Given the substantial scale of these companies, gaining a thorough understanding of EU competition law in advance is crucial for Chinese enterprises—particularly large corporations—to navigate international market competition steadily and securely.

To empower Chinese enterprises and lawyers to effectively navigate challenges and seize opportunities in cross-border transactions, and to establish a professional platform for the legal community to deepen their understanding of EU competition law, JAVY Law Firm successfully hosted the “EU Competition Law Explained I” event on September 23, 2025. Attorney Zheng Xiaozhe, Partner at JAVY law firm and Chair of both the Foreign-Related Business Law Committee and the Compliance Risk Law Committee, served as the keynote speaker. Attorney Wei Wei, Partner at JAVY law firm and Chair of both the Commercial Law Committee and the Brand and Cultural Development Committee, moderated the event. The session was simultaneously livestreamed online, attracting over a thousand viewers and garnering nearly ten thousand likes.

In her opening remarks, Attorney Wei Wei extended a warm welcome to all attendees. She emphasized the close interconnection between EU competition law and economic law. Amidst the complex and volatile international landscape, Chinese enterprises expanding overseas now face a new environment and numerous challenges. For large central enterprises, state-owned enterprises, and private conglomerates, regional disparities and the distinct legal systems of different countries present significant constraints in their overseas expansion. For the legal profession, mastering EU competition law—a crucial body of legislation—can effectively enhance professional competence and rigor, enabling practitioners to handle related legal matters with greater ease and proficiency.

During the keynote address, Attorney Zheng Xiaozhe delivered a systematic and in-depth interpretation of EU competition law. He began by outlining the legislative background, types of legislation, and institutional framework of the EU, naturally introducing the concept of the European Economic Area. Using the United Kingdom as an example, Attorney Zheng explained that UK competition law draws heavily from EU law, elaborating in detail on the relationship between EU and national competition laws. He particularly emphasized the significance of the preamble to EU competition law, noting that it encapsulates numerous legislative principles and should be a focal point for study when learning EU law.

Attorney Zheng focused on Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). He specifically highlighted that case law research is crucial when conducting extraterritorial legal studies, as prior rulings often influence subsequent decisions. To clarify the abstract distinction between economic and non-economic activities, Attorney Zheng illustrated the concept using the MasterCard case, rendering complex legal principles accessible. He stressed that EU law prioritizes logical frameworks, meaning any conduct logically constituting a violation may face sanctions.

Additionally, he introduced the identification of agreements, decisions, and concerted practices, citing various agreement scenarios and noting the significant regulatory challenges associated with such cases. China has also adopted the EU's whistleblower system to strengthen oversight, while he outlined the EU's relevant approaches to addressing these issues. Attorney Zheng stated that EU competition law is closely intertwined with economic data and market research. To better serve clients, lawyers must deepen their understanding of international economic knowledge and continuously enhance their comprehensive professional competence.

During the Q&A session, the atmosphere was exceptionally lively. Attorneys actively posed questions on hot topics within the intellectual property field, including antitrust payments, regulatory compliance and litigation, non-litigation services, and advice on cross-border matters. Drawing on their extensive practical experience and professional expertise, the speakers provided patient and detailed responses, offering participants practical insights and actionable recommendations.

JAVY Law Firm remains committed to strengthening its platform for interaction between attorneys and leading law firms, industry luminaries, and experts. This initiative fosters individual professional growth, deepens legal expertise and skills, and empowers attorneys in their practice development.