High-level principles for the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (VBER)
Position Paper
3 Oct 2021
Competition

The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) supports the European Commission’s conclusion, following its consultation on policy options, with respect to the vertical block exemption regulation (VBER) and related guidelines (VGL) and concurs that the VBER and VGL contribute significantly to legal certainty and uniform application of EU competition law to vertical agreements. The AmCham EU position paper offers concrete suggestions as the European Commission finalises the new VBER and VGL. These suggestions relate to four main areas: definition of relevant markets and shares and the treatment of information exchanges in the dual distribution context, resale price maintenance (RPM) and hybrid platforms.

Please dowload the position paper to learn more. 

Related items

Position Paper
11 Feb 2026

An effective, competitive and quality-driven Public Procurement Directive

The revision of the Public Procurement Directive (PPD) is a critical opportunity to unlock the full value of public procurement for European competitiveness and resilience. A simpler, more consistent and quality-driven framework would strengthen market access, attract a wider range of bidders and enable public buyers to select best-in-class solutions. 

The revision should prioritise practical ‘how to buy’ reforms, including digitalisation, standardised templates and reusable documentation, to reduce administrative burdens and increase participation. In parallel, ‘what to buy’ reforms should focus on transparent and verifiable criteria that reward performance, security and life-cycle value while avoiding unnecessary complexity that risks reducing competition. 

Learn how, if designed effectively, the PPD can support innovation, resilience and better outcomes for public buyers across the EU. 

Competition
Read more
Read more about An effective, competitive and quality-driven Public Procurement Directive
Position Paper
9 Dec 2025

Industry urges targeted reform of Foreign Subsidies Regulation to boost EU competitiveness

AmCham EU has joined eight industry associations to propose several ways to increase the Foreign Subsidies Regulation’s (FSR) proportionality and efficiency. Two years after its entry into force, the FSR has proven overly burdensome, impacting investment decisions and creating uncertainty for companies operating in the EU. The current scope requires excessive data collection and complex filings, diverting resources from growth and innovation. The coalition urges the European Commission to refine the FSR to focus on truly distortive subsidies, streamline procedures and strengthen data protection. Learn how targeted adjustments to the FSR can safeguard fair competition while boosting Europe’s competitiveness in the joint industry statement

Competition
Read more
Read more about Industry urges targeted reform of Foreign Subsidies Regulation to boost EU competitiveness
Position Paper
2 Dec 2025

Building a more proportionate Foreign Subsidies Regulation

The Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) is designed to support fair competition in the EU, but after two years of use it has become more complex and demanding than expected. Companies face heavy reporting requirements, unclear procedures and rising compliance costs, which risk slowing investment and creating uncertainty. To keep Europe competitive, the framework needs to be more focused, balanced and easier to apply. Clearer rules and a more proportionate approach would help ensure the system works as intended. Learn how these improvements can strengthen the FSR and support a more predictable business environment.

Competition
Read more
Read more about Building a more proportionate Foreign Subsidies Regulation