Modernising EU competition policy: from guidelines to outcomes

Oxera Brussels conference 2026

Tuesday 12 May 2026

15.00 - 19.00 CET, followed by a cocktail reception

Sparks, Rue Ravenstein 60, Brussels

EU competition enforcement is under pressure, in a challenging and unpredictable geopolitical environment. From a policy perspective, 2026 is set to be a landmark year with the adoption of the first ever Guidelines on Article 102, and updated Guidelines on Merger Control. These guidelines will set the course for enforcement for the years to come.

This conference brings together senior decision-makers and practitioners to examine what these trends mean in practice, and how policy ambitions may translate into outcomes.

Programme:

15:00: Registration and welcome coffee

15:30 – 15:35: Welcome remarks

Helen Jenkins, Partner, Oxera

15:35 – 16:10: Keynote address

Linsey McCallum, Deputy Director General for Antitrust, DG Competition

Q&A hosted by Sir Philip Lowe, Oxera

16:10 – 17:05: Updating the EU Merger Rulebook

Speakers:

- Daniele Calisti, Head of Unit, Mergers Case Support and Policy, DG Competition

- Griet Jans, Chief Economist, Belgian Competition Authority

- Volker Nocke, Professor of Economics, University of Mannheim

- Anna Lyle-Smythe, Partner and Head of Brussels Office, Slaughter and May  

Moderator:

Stéphane Dewulf, Partner, Oxera  

17:05 – 17:35: Coffee break

17:35 – 18:30: National Authorities at the Frontier of enforcement

Speakers:

- Damien Gérard, Prosecutor General, Belgian Competition Authority

- Martijn Snoep, Chairman, Dutch Competition Authority

- Elisabetta Iossa, Commissioner, Italian Antitrust Authority

- Thibaud Vergé, Vice-President, French Competition Authority

Moderator:

Nicholas Hirst, Chief Correspondent, EU Competition, MLex

18:30 – 19:00: Economics at DG COMP: insights and future challenges

A conversation with Emanuele Tarantino, Chief Economist, DG Competition

Moderator:

Giulio Federico, Partner, Oxera

19:00: Cocktail reception  

Register below to secure your place:

This event is being run by Oxera Consulting LLP (‘Oxera’). Oxera will act as the sole data controller and will store and use your data in accordance with our privacy policy. If you have any questions contact [email protected].