ΕΠΙΤΡΟΠH ΑΝΤΑΓΩΝΙΣΜΟΥ
- 30 Apr 2023
- economy
The Competition Commission ("EA") carried out a surprise on-site inspection in the beer and alcoholic beverages production/importation and distribution sector as part of an ex officio investigation and complaint regarding anti-competitive practices based on article 2 of Law 3959/2011 and 102 of the Treaty on Functioning of the European Union (EU).
It is noted that the conduct of such audits is carried out in companies from which evidence of anti-competitive practices in the investigated market can be collected and does not prejudge that the companies have engaged in anti-competitive behavior nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
Legal framework
The EA, guardian of the orderly operation of the free market, is charged with the application of competition rules based on Law 3959/2011 and Articles 101/102 TFEU.
Articles 1 of Law 3959/2011 and 101 TFEU prohibit collusion between businesses (agreements, decisions of associations or concerted practices) that have as their object or effect the restriction of competition.
Articles 2 of Law 3959/2011 and 102 of the TFEU prohibit the abusive behavior of companies with a dominant position in the market.
The EA points out that within the scope of its powers, it will intervene as an immediate priority where deemed necessary and will examine every relevant case that comes to its attention, by submitting a complaint, request for leniency or anonymous relevant information through the secure digital environment (whistleblowing). or otherwise, and will impose very strict administrative sanctions on companies that may engage in anti-competitive practices based on the provisions of Laws 3959/2011 and 101/102 TFEU.
