---
title: "European Law"
id: "2031"
type: "expertise"
slug: "european-law"
published_at: "2026-01-26T08:42:01+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-07-30T12:06:02+00:00"
url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/european-law/"
markdown_url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/european-law.md"
excerpt: "Turning European law into a strategic advantage The European Union continuously produces new regulations that reshape business models, govern innovation, and set unprecedented standards. We assist companies, investment funds, and institutions in navigating this ongoing transformation. In Paris and Brussels,..."
taxonomy_language:
  - "English"
taxonomy_post_translations:
  - "pll_697728d9a2694"
taxonomy_tax_expertise:
  - "European Law"
taxonomy_tax_famille_expertise:
  - "Regulatory"
---

## Turning European law into *a strategic advantage*

The European Union continuously produces new regulations that reshape business models, govern innovation, and set unprecedented standards. We assist companies, investment funds, and institutions in navigating this ongoing transformation.

In Paris and Brussels, our teams combine legal expertise, institutional experience, and litigation practice to anticipate developments, secure decisions, and safeguard our clients’ interests. Every matter calls for an in-depth understanding of regulatory processes, an ability to engage with authorities, and a strategic grasp of sector-specific challenges.

We advise executives, investors, listed companies, and public actors operating in a complex and constantly evolving regulatory landscape. Our approach turns European compliance requirements into drivers of differentiation and long-term performance.

## *our*Capabilities

### (01) Competition and State Aid

We represent clients in European Commission investigations, structure merger notifications, and advise on public aid regimes. Each case requires detailed market analysis, anticipation of procedural risks, and the construction of robust legal and economic arguments. We support companies and public authorities in designing and defending support measures and represent them before EU courts to protect their competitive positions.

### (02) Digital Regulation and Data Protection

We help businesses integrate DSA, DMA, and GDPR requirements into their operational models. Our approach combines regulatory compliance, data governance, and system security. We advise publishers, platforms, and operators on content management, algorithmic moderation, cross-border data transfers, and engagement with supervisory authorities. Each project draws on technical expertise and a deep understanding of institutional dynamics to ensure the resilience and sustainability of digital activities.

### (03) Energy Transition and Sustainable Finance

We assist energy players, industrial groups, and financial institutions in implementing the Green Deal and EU taxonomy. We structure investment projects, assess ESG criteria, and secure green financing mechanisms. Our goal is to transform climate policy into tangible levers for responsible growth. We advise on non-financial reporting obligations, carbon adjustment mechanisms, and decarbonization strategies to align economic performance with environmental ambition.

### (04) European Public Affairs

We help clients understand EU decision-making processes and align their projects with a stable and predictable regulatory framework. Leveraging our institutional expertise, we prepare sound legal positions that inform policy debates and strengthen the credibility of industrial, technological, or financial initiatives. We act upstream of reforms to anticipate their impact, assess regulatory options, and design influence strategies built on expertise and legitimacy.

### (05) International Trade and Sanctions

We advise companies and institutions on EU export controls, embargoes, and restrictive measures. We analyze trade flows, secure cross-border operations, and develop compliance programs. Our approach integrates legal, economic, and geopolitical dimensions to ensure the continuity of international operations. We also represent clients in disputes arising from trade restrictions and asset freezes.

### (06) European Labor Law and Mobility

We assist multinational groups in applying European labor law, managing secondments, and coordinating social security regimes. We structure intra-European mobility policies, advise on social directives, and secure cross-border reorganizations. Each case requires a nuanced understanding of national laws, anticipation of litigation risks, and the ability to balance organizational flexibility, regulatory compliance, and talent retention.

### (07) EU Litigation

We represent clients before the General Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union, as well as before national courts dealing with EU-related disputes. Our litigation strategies combine procedural precision, mastery of substantive law, and awareness of the political and economic context of each case. Every matter demands a tailored approach, close coordination with internal teams, and unwavering rigor and responsiveness in argumentation.

Collective excellence

at the service of the

*highest standards.*

Team

[Olivier Attias ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/olivier-attias/)

[Nicolas Baverez ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/nicolas-baverez/)

[Vincent Brenot ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/vincent-brenot/)

[Bernard Cazeneuve ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/bernard-cazeneuve/)

[Florence Chafiol ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/florence-chafiol/)

[Emmanuelle Mignon ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/emmanuelle-mignon/)

[Mathilde Saltiel ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/mathilde-saltiel/)

[Marc Mossé ( Senior Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/marc-mosse/)

[Pierre Sellal ( Senior Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/pierre-sellal/)

[Ghislain Minaire ( Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/ghislain-minaire/)

[David Zygas ( Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/david-zygas/)

[Charles Maurel ( Senior Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/charles-maurel/)

[Maëva Ammel ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/maeva-ammel/)

[Victoire Le Calvez ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/victoire-le-calvez/)

[Guillaume Sevalle ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/guillaume-sevalle/)

[Clélie Simeoni ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/clelie-simeoni/)

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## Contact Us

## *our*References

European Law

#### International Association – Belgian Constitutional Case

Representation of an international association before the Belgian Constitutional Court, requesting a preliminary ruling from the CJEU on the interpretation of an EU directive.

European Law

#### Defense Group – EU Taxonomy Challenge

Represented a defense sector leader before the General Court of the EU challenging the Commission’s exclusion of business aviation from the EU taxonomy.

European Law

#### Communications Company – CSRD Directive Compliance

Assisted with CSRD implementation, clarifying scope, timing, and applicability to EU subsidiaries issuing bonds on foreign markets.

## *Latest* News

[27/07/26 Legal Article 5 min EU Green Taxonomy: General Court Annuls Exclusion of Business Aircraft Manufacturing The General Court of the European Union annulled the EU Green Taxonomy provisions excluding business aircraft manufacturing from transitional activities, finding that the European Commission had based its decision on an incomplete and flawed assessment. The ruling could have significant implications for financing and sustainability reporting in the aviation sector.](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/eu-green-taxonomy-general-court-annuls-exclusion-of-business-aircraft-manufacturing/)

[27/07/26 Legal Article 9 min The EU’s New Anti-Corruption Directive: A Landmark Reform with Unresolved Tensions Directive (EU) 2026/1021 marks a major step towards harmonising anti-corruption laws across Europe. This article examines its key provisions, remaining limitations, and the changes required to align French law with the new framework.](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/the-eus-new-anti-corruption-directive-a-landmark-reform-with-unresolved-tensions-2/)

[02/09/25 Legal Article 5 min Implementation of the Trade Agreement Between the European Union and the United States: Procedural Steps, Legal Issues, and Political Risks 1. What is the legal scope of the announcements made on July 27 in Scotland? The July 27 agreement between the President of the United States and the Pr](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/implementation-of-the-trade-agreement-between-the-european-union-and-the-united-states-procedural-steps-legal-issues-and-political-risks/)

[28/07/25 Legal Article 4 min Initial questions about the trade deal between President Trump and the President of the European Commission concluded on July 27. 1. Can we talk about an “agreement” between the European Union and the United States? The announcements made in Scotland on July 27 were more of a unila](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/initial-questions-about-the-trade-deal-between-president-trump-and-the-president-of-the-european-commission-concluded-on-july-27/)

[28/02/25 Legal Article 9 min The “Omnibus” package: what are the EU’s new sustainability rules? On February 26, the European Commission presented a series of proposals aimed at simplifying the sustainability rules placed on in-scope companies. As per](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/the-omnibus-package-what-are-the-eus-new-sustainability-rules/)

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News

## *FAQ*

### (01) How does a law firm specializing in EU law advise on competition and state aid?

EU competition and state aid rules directly shape business freedom within the internal market. Article 107(1) TFEU prohibits in principle aid granted by member states through public resources where it distorts or threatens to distort competition, subject to treaty derogations. We advise companies, public authorities and states on the compliance of their support schemes, Commission notifications, recovery procedures and defence in investigations into cartels, abuse of dominant position and merger control.

### (02) What EU obligations govern digital regulation and data protection?

The European digital regulatory framework has expanded significantly: GDPR, DSA, DMA, AI Act, NIS2, Data Act. Each regulation imposes specific obligations regarding transparency, data governance, content moderation or cybersecurity, backed by fines that may reach several percent of worldwide turnover. We help clients assess their exposure under each regulation, design integrated compliance frameworks and engage with national and European supervisory authorities. This cross-cutting approach treats digital regulation as a coherent whole.

### (03) How does EU law shape the energy transition and sustainable finance?

Regulation (EU) 2020/852 (Taxonomy Regulation), in force since 12 July 2020, establishes a classification system for environmentally sustainable economic activities structured around six objectives (climate change mitigation, adaptation, water, circular economy, pollution, biodiversity). Companies in scope have been publishing taxonomy alignment indicators since 1 January 2022. We advise clients on the implications of this framework for their operations, financing and extra-financial reporting, in coordination with the CSRD and CS3D directives.

### (04) What EU public affairs and international trade support can a law firm specializing in EU law provide?

The EU legislative process, from directive proposal to final text adoption, offers strategic windows for affected companies. We support clients in their public affairs activities before EU institutions: regulatory impact analysis, position drafting and dialogue with decision-makers in Brussels. On international trade, we advise on economic sanctions regimes, export controls and customs compliance, coordinating European and extraterritorial obligations applicable to operators.

### (05) How can you anticipate changes in EU social law and secure worker mobility?

EU social law governs worker mobility, posting, social security coordination and cross-border restructurings. Directive (EU) 2018/957 strengthened posting obligations by establishing the principle of equal pay for equal work at the same location, with a posting duration limited to twelve months (extendable by six months). We advise international groups on structuring employee mobility and ensuring their social practices comply with EU law. In the event of disputes, we act before both EU and national courts.

### (06) Why choose August Debouzy as your law firm for EU law?

From Paris and Brussels, our teams combine legal expertise, institutional experience and litigation practice to anticipate developments, secure decisions and defend client interests. Competition, state aid, digital regulation, energy transition, sustainable finance, international trade, social law: we cover every dimension of EU law with an approach that turns regulatory constraints into differentiation opportunities. Executives, investors, listed groups and public entities rely on our ability to navigate a dense and fast-moving regulatory framework.