EU

EU law has a huge impact on almost all sectors and businesses. In many sectors, fair competition in the internal EU market is ensured through highly detailed and complex regulations relating to market access, production processes and products and services offered on the market.
EU

Houthoff’s EU Team has considerable experience with regulations in a wide range of areas, including REACH, regulations relating to food, biocides, automotives, and regulated sectors such as rail travel. The team also has a thorough knowledge of substantive and institutional EU law and the fundamental freedoms of movement for goods, services, persons and capital. They advise different international manufacturers on highly specific EU regulatory aspects.

Experienced litigation partner in European law and policy

Our EU Team combines its thorough knowledge of EU law with extensive experience in representing clients before the European Commission and litigating in the EU courts (European Court of Justice and the General Court of the European Union). As such, the team’s members regularly advise on presenting EU law arguments in national proceedings. The EU Team was, for example, involved in the national test case by Nationale Nederlanden that resulted in a preliminary ruling procedure before the ECJ.

Clients engage our EU Team when they discover unfair competition resulting from the incorrect application or interpretation of EU law or national protective measures. These could include discriminatory taxes or other obstacles to the free movement of goods, such as branded products or medications.

Our EU Team can be relied on for effective involvement in the decision-making processes of the EU institutions, and the effective exercise of rights arising under EU law in national or EU legal proceedings.

Competition
We advise and assist national and international companies, institutions and governments in procedures before the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, the European Commission, foreign competition authorities, and the relevant (specialised) courts.
EU Litigation
Companies operating in the EU can be confronted with complex issues of EU law such as free movement rules, EU anti-fraud law, State aid, product regulations, sanctions and trade regulations. Overcoming these issues can involve complex interactions with EU institutions and the EU Courts.
EU trade
Companies trading with or operating within the European Union face an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
International & EU Tax
The continuously changing international tax landscape, including cross-border matters and European taxation.

Recent
work

Advised Platinum Equity on the sale of Landal GreenParks, operator of holiday parks in Europe, to Roompot.

Ranked in Band 2

Chambers Europe

Competition/European Law (2025 Edition)

"The Houthoff team brings a wide range of expertise across different areas, and it’s clear it has the right people to handle even the most challenging cases."

Chambers Europe

Competition/European Law (2025 Edition)

"One of the key strengths that distinguishes Houthoff from others in the industry is the depth of knowledge and extensive experience within the team."

Chambers Europe

Competition/European Law (2025 Edition)

Ranked in Tier 2

Legal 500

Competition/European Law (2025 Edition)

"The team at Houthoff stands out for their professionalism and ability to navigate complex, fast-changing dynamic situations. I have worked closely with several lawyers, and each individual was approachable, knowledgeable, and proactive. One of the team’s most impressive strengths is their agility."

Legal 500

Competition/European Law (2025 Edition)

"A sophisticated team that provides practical advice in high-stakes, complex transactions. In my opinion, they have a deeper understanding of the law and of international matters than other Dutch firms. They are flexible and creative and offer practical solutions."

Legal 500

Competition/European Law (2025 Edition)
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Publications

10 April 2026
10 April 2026
Navigating the Tension between State Aid Enforcement and Procedural Autonomy. EStAL.
Greetje van Heezik, Antonia Vegt
15 December 2025
15 December 2025
EU State Aids. 7th edition.
Yvo de Vries,
3 December 2025
3 December 2025
How subsidies from the Emirates further explain the European subsidy legal framework. Tijdschrift voor Staatssteun. (in Dutch)
Felix Geerebaert
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