A group of independent companies working together for the fulfilment of a specific project. Consortia are frequent, e.g., in the construction industry where large projects (buildings, freeways) require close co-operation between engineering, planning and construction companies. The Commission has issued a specific block exemption regulation concerning consortia between shipping companies relating to the joint operation of liner transport services, which are liable to restrict competition within the common market and to affect trade between Member States and would otherwise be prohibited by Article 101(1) of the EC Treaty.
See: Commission Regulation (EC) No 906/2009 of 28 September 2009 on the application of Article 81(3) of the Treaty to certain categories of agreements, decisions and concerted practices between liner shipping companies (consortia) (OJ L 256 of 29.9.2009).