Vertical agreements are entered into by undertakings which operate in the production or distribution chain at different levels. Such agreements are generally prohibited, however, the EC Treaty provides for exemptions from the general prohibition. The Commission decides whether or not an exemption is given. In its Block Exemption Regulation (EC) No. 2760/1999 and its Guidelines, the Commission is presenting the conditions according to which an agreement is deemed in line with competition law. Said Regulation expires on 31. May 2010. This summer the Commission has submitted a follow-up Regulation and Draft Guidelines for consultation. The drafts serve to take into account the latest developments of e-commerce.

The Commission wants to stimulate cross-border e-commerce in the EU by improving parcel delivery conditions.

The Commission wants to introduce a EU-wide reporting obligation for securities financing transactions, tighten rules on the rehypothecation of securities and extend the information requirements for investment funds.

The Commission wants to harmonise the protection of trade secrets in the Member States. The proposed Directive contains, in particular, standard definitions of trade secrets and of their unlawful acquisition, use and disclosure as well as possibilities for obtaining redress for any infringement.