Grünes Wettbewerbsrecht?

This study examines the antitrust assessment of sustainability collaborations and the tension between sustainability goals and the protection of competition. It shows that collaborations – for example, those aimed at climate protection, animal welfare or fair working conditions – can be efficient and, in some cases, necessary, but at the same time can have anti-competitive effects and facilitate greenwashing. The study examines various potential solutions, such as a sectoral exemption, a sustainability block exemption regulation and an expanded application of the individual exemption based on Art. 101 TFEU. An international comparison with Austria, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Greece reveals different models.