Article 101 (Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union)

Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) prohibits agreements between businesses that prevent, restrict, or distort competition within the EU's internal market. This includes cartels, price-fixing, market-sharing, or collective boycotts. The article aims to ensure companies compete fairly, promoting innovation, lower prices, and choice for consumers. However, some agreements that benefit consumers or improve services may be exempted if they do not harm competition. Enforcement is handled by EU authorities to maintain a level playing field across member states.