Updated in January
Due to the ongoing health crisis caused by COVID-19, consumers and business and economic life are facing unprecedented challenges. For this reason, the Competition Authority has opened a special information page where you can find information on the following:
Collaboration between competitors – An exception to the prohibition on illegal collusion
Under competition law, all competition-restricting cooperation between undertakings is prohibited. However, competition law recognises that in certain circumstances, cooperation between undertakings can contribute to, amongst other things, increased economies of scale, efficiency and the promotion of technological progress. For such cooperation to be permitted, its positive effects must outweigh the negative ones. This is the case when it is proven that the conditions of competition law for an exemption from illegal collusion are met.
The competition law exemption regime underwent fundamental changes on 1 January 2021. Previously, the Competition Authority could grant undertakings or their associations an exemption from the prohibition on illegal collusion. The Competition Authority's power to do so was provided for in Article 15 of the Competition Act. However, with the changes that came into effect on 1 January 2021, a so-called self-assessment system was introduced. This means that companies intending to cooperate must now assess for themselves whether such cooperation complies with competition law. Likewise, business associations must assess whether their activities comply with the requirements of competition law. The Competition Authority's power to grant exemptions to companies and business associations from the prohibition on illegal collusion and anti-competitive practices has therefore been abolished.
Article 15(1) of the Competition Act sets out the conditions that must all be met for a restrictive collaboration to be exempt from the Act's prohibition on unlawful collusion. These include that the cooperation contributes to improved production or distribution, promotes technical and economic progress, and ensures that consumers share in the resulting benefits. It is also important that the cooperation does not go beyond what is necessary and does not restrict competition in a substantial part of the market.
The Competition Authority has issued Instructions on exemptions from illegal collusion and the application of Article 15 of the Competition Act, and are intended to make it easier for businesses to comply with the law and to assist in assessing whether a collaboration falls within the scope of the provision.
Under a previous legal provision, the Competition Authority granted several exemptions due to circumstances created by COVID-19. This included, for example, cooperation aimed at ensuring access to essential supplies and ensuring that customers of travel agencies could return home, etc. In granting these, the authority emphasised, among other things, that the competent authorities in the relevant fields, e.g. the Medicines Agency and the Tourist Board, to participate in communications between competitors where appropriate, to have oversight of the relevant cooperation and thereby also an overview of the measures that were taken.
Below is an overview of the collaborations that the Competition Authority authorised with a special exemption due to the circumstances caused by COVID-19. To a certain extent, companies can take into account older decisions of the Competition Authority and, where applicable, rulings of the Competition Appeals Board and the courts when assessing whether a collaboration meets the conditions of Article 15 of the Competition Act. However, it should be borne in mind that the guidance value of older decisions may be affected by the fact that they were taken under a different legal framework to that which came into force on 1 January 2021. Thus, older decisions may have limited guidance value in a self-assessment system with regard to the evidential requirements, and it is therefore important that companies independently assess the relevant collaboration at all times. This is addressed in the Competition Authority's guidelines, see paragraphs 59-61 and 94. It is also important to bear in mind the special circumstances that arose due to the ongoing health crisis caused by COVID-19, at the time the exemptions set out below were granted.
- Cooperation between travel agencies aimed at ensuring their customers can return home and limiting damage caused by COVID-19, pursuant to decision no. 12/2020. The cooperation is subject to the conditions that the Tourist Board deems the cooperation necessary on each occasion and that the Board is a participant in the communications of the competitors. Further information is available here.
- Authorisation for the Tourist Board to convene tourism operators across all sectors to assess how to respond to the impact of COVID-19. This authorisation is included in Decision No. 12/2020, as referred to above. Tourism Board is considering whether it is necessary to request further exemptions in this area.
- Authorisation for the Travel Association (SAF) to take certain measures to facilitate travel operators in responding to the changed circumstances due to COVID-19, pursuant to decision no. 9/2020. Further information is available here.
- Authorisation for cooperation of certain companies operating scheduled flights to and from Keflavik Airport, pursuant to Decision no. 26/2020. Further information is available. here.
- Collaboration between competitors in the importation and distribution of medicines, aimed at ensuring adequate access to medicines, see decision no. 11/2020. The cooperation is subject to the condition that the Medicines Agency assesses the necessity of the cooperation and that the Agency participates in the interactions between the competitors. Further information is available here.
- A collaboration of smaller pharmacies (with 1-2 outlets) intended to counteract the effect of the COVID-19 situation on reducing the number of competitors and lowering competition in the pharmacy retail market, while ensuring necessary access to medicines. The exemption is subject to, among other things, the condition that the Medicines Agency is given the opportunity to participate in communications between competitors and has oversight of the measures. Decision no. 15/2020 can be accessed here.
- Authority for the Office of the Chief Medical Officer to convene competitors in various sectors, with the aim of ensuring the uninterrupted operation of essential services and adequate supplies.
- Cooperation between lenders to temporarily defer the collection of corporate debts. The derogation is, among other things, subject to conditions that ensure the cooperation does not prevent further debt relief measures. Decision No. 13/2020 is available here.Previously, the Association of Financial Institutions (SFF) had been authorised to facilitate and participate in cooperation between its member companies and other parties in the lending market, with the aim of preparing responses to companies' temporary payment difficulties due to COVID-19. The condition for this authorisation was that the Central Bank of Iceland was invited to participate in the communications, and that an external party with expertise in competition law oversaw the communications.
- A defined partnership between Skeljungur and ODR, which aims to ensure access to fuel in all communities. The exemption allows the companies to temporarily assist each other with the distribution of fuel where difficulties arise due to a shortage of staff, illness or other restrictions resulting from COVID-19. Decision No. 14/2020 can be accessed here.
- A limited, one-off collaboration in maritime transport aimed at ensuring the delivery of a specific consignment of medicines to the country.
What can be done if the prices of essential goods and services rise in these circumstances? – Increased monitoring of barriers to competition
The Competition Authority
to ensure that sellers do not take advantage of the current situation during COVID-19
the pandemic is sweeping the globe and prices rise abnormally high or are being charged at a premium
to the detriment of customers or consumers. This is particularly true of
essential goods and then goods that are necessary to ensure
health, e.g. hand sanitiser and protective masks.
From
On this occasion, there are consumers, businesses
and the government was urged to notify the Competition Authority about all
indications of abnormal price increases or price gouging on goods and services. It is possible
to send a tip-off to the Competition Authority by clicking here, in
via the email address samkeppni@samkeppni.is or
by contacting us by phone 585-0700.
The Competition Authority
will, as far as possible, process the incoming suggestions and, among other things, take a position on them.
whether the suggestion calls for any of the following:
- A supplier of the aforementioned essential goods may decide maximum or recommended price í
retail, to counteract abnormal increases at the retail level. Can
The Competition Authority compensated for such precautionary measures with an exemption on
basis of Article 15 in cases where the market share of the relevant
of companies is higher than 30%. If it is lower, however, an exemption is not required.
- Whether possible abuse of
dominant market position, cf. Article 11 of the Competition Act.
- Whether a possible consultation needs to be investigated
competitors, cf. Article 10 of the Competition Act.
- Whether there is cause for action to prevent
because conduct in the market causes damage to the public, cf. c-item of paragraph 1, article 16.
Articles of the Competition Act.
- Whether there is cause to make a decision
provisionally and immediately, for example, intended for usury, cf. 3rd paragraph of Article 16.
competition law.
- Whether the suggestion is more suited to the other
government authorities, e.g. the Consumer Authority, the Medicines Agency or the Central Bank
(financial supervisory authority). The tip will then be forwarded to the relevant government authority.
Important
is to be vigilant that companies do not take advantage of this unprecedented situation
in order to breach competition law and thereby harm the interests of society as a whole. The Competition Authority
urges companies, on the one hand, to ensure they comply with competition law and, on the other
to alert consumers and market operators to be vigilant against breaches of competition law and
to notify the Competition Authority if there is suspicion of a breach of competition law.
Priorities in competition policy – What can we learn from others and how can we apply the experience from the banking collapse to the resolution of current competition issues?
(Updated
5 June): The Competition Authority has in recent weeks and months been expanding
reviews information and viewpoints that may be useful for the formulation of a competitive strategy
amid the changing economic circumstances caused by COVID-19. Among other things, has
The Competition Authority consults domestic experts in the field
competition and economic affairs. Furthermore, the supervision has utilised participation
its participation in the foreign competition authorities' cooperation for this purpose. For example,
For example, the Competition Authority held monthly teleconferences.
the directors of the Nordic competition authorities, where the authorities compared
his books.
The Competition Authority is holding an international online conference on Tuesday, 9 June, where these matters will be discussed. Information about the conference can be accessed. here.
The government
in Iceland and Icelandic companies can in various ways utilise the experience that was gained
to the banking collapse and in resolving the economic difficulties that followed
in its wake. The same applies to competition policy and the resolution of competition issues. Here is
It is worth drawing attention to a few points:
- The experience of other countries with economic crises and
Research by academics shows that measures to Strengthen competition contribute to a faster recovery of the business sector. The same
Evidence shows that measures that limit competition prolong and exacerbate
economic hardship and thereby work against recovery. Competition in business is necessary for
Icelandic business life where it increases the public's welfare and contributes to
Economic efficiency in business. Effective competition creates jobs and promotes
increased productivity and economic growth. The Competition Authority addressed
This is discussed in detail in Chapter II of Report No. 2/2008, 'Robust Development', which
is available here.
- It is very important that careful consideration is given to involvement of banks and governments that
business operational difficulties. In serious operational difficulties of entire
For industries, decisions by banks and governments can be of fundamental importance.
for the competitive conditions in the relevant markets and thereby the interests of consumers to
long-term future. The Competition Authority discussed in detail
this was during the years 2008-2011. It should be mentioned that in the autumn of 2008, the Competition Authority issued
Opinion No. 3/2008, Decisions of banks and
governments on the future of companies in competitive markets. There are 10 to be found there.
guidelines (commandments) which were drawn up in cooperation with the Federation of British Industry.
These principles are well suited to the circumstances that are now arising. The opinion
is accessible here.The supervision also dealt with these in detail.
considerations in report no. 2/2009, Banks and
Business restructuring, which is available here.
- The current discussion is about what needs to be done.
a distinction between liquidity problem and
equity problem corporations. At the same time, the voices of executives from well-established companies can also be heard.
companies that warn that the debts of poorly run companies are
restructured. The Competition Authority discussed this at length.
these issues in connection with the bank collapse, see e.g. report no. 2/2009 which
as previously mentioned, as well as report no. 2/2011, Competition after the crash. In that report
Several negative incentives that had delayed and distorted sound management were identified.
restructuring. One of them was the so-called problem of fairness, which consisted of well-run, cautious companies, which
did not need support, faced competition from companies that were worse
were liquidated but received debt cancellation and restructuring. A similar negative incentive would, for example, exist if the owners
of companies which, among other things, receive or have received dividends from their operations, would not be
full participants in the support their company receives through
of the authorities, but would instead be primarily recipients of support. Work can be done
counter this by, for example, placing restrictions on dividend payments or other measures
owners who are primarily for their own benefit.
- From the above, it is clear that care must be taken.
that support measures at the governmental level do not distort competition. Thus,
The Competition Authority recently pointed out in its review of Bill 683, about actions
to address the economic impact following the coronavirus pandemic, that
The conditions for payment hardship measures may include various doubtful cases.
To
that it is possible for companies to be viable despite not knowing how to
meet the requirement of not having been in arrears for a specified period, cf.
a condition in an agreement between lenders concerning a deferment of debt payments. In this
In this connection, it is also right to point out that the danger of this cannot be ruled out.
Innovative companies that might otherwise have a bright future will be left out in
the humanitarian aid that is currently underway. Unfortunate side effects of support measures would be
thus, for example, that the market-dominant position of certain companies would be strengthened
as smaller companies in the relevant market would be left behind,
even though they could be considered viable in the long term.
- In discussions about the reconstruction of companies following
Following the bank collapse, the Competition Authority advocated for the use of
so-called Competition assessment
Assessment) in the preparation of government actions. The assessment includes
a simple methodology aimed at identifying competitive barriers. If
Such obstacles become apparent when ways are subsequently sought to achieve the set objective.,
which least harm competition. The Competition Authority directed a specific opinion to
the authorities on this matter, cf. opinion
No. 2/2009, Competitive assessment
government authorities.It can be noted that the OECD is currently running a special project here
on land, in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Innovation and
The Competition Authority, with a view to competition barriers in the current
regulation in the tourism and construction sectors. The findings of that can be utilised
to work to accelerate the economic recovery following COVID-19.
- In resolving the financial difficulties of companies and
The Competition Authority made considerable use of the power in Article 15.
competition law to grant exemptions
from a prohibition on unlawful collusion. In this connection, exemptions for may be mentioned.
financial institutions, including in respect of specific debt restructuring and payment arrangements,
cf. decisions no. 23/2010 and 10/2011, and
regarding cooperation following the Supreme Court's judgment in case no. 600/2011 concerning
Foreign currency-denominated loans, see decision no. 4/2012.
Submissions to the Althingi and the government
The Competition Authority
has provided several opinions on the handling of bills by the Althingi and
preparation for other government measures. The following may be mentioned
Reviews:
- Review on the bill on travel gifts, matter 839.
- Review on the bill on state support for the payment of part of wage costs during notice periods, 811th matter.
- Review on measures to address the economic impact following the coronavirus pandemic, item 683.
- Review on cooperation in the procurement of protective equipment.
What emphasis does the Competition Authority place on when investigating mergers in these circumstances?
Previous
Experience shows that in times of economic hardship, the application is often put to the test.
competition law. In this regard, it is important to bear in mind that a difficult situation
The presence of companies in many important competitive markets makes measures to
Strengthening competition is more urgent than ever, see further on the experience from the banking collapse.
This
This, among other things, applies to merger control. In times of economic difficulty, questions often arise about
whether the solution to the problem could be to seek greater corporate mergers.
The Competition Authority's stance on this is clear: There are not
grounds for deviating from the conventional criteria when assessing mergers
Economic difficulties are looming. By allowing mergers that in normal
If the merger were stopped, the Competition Authority would be taking part in delaying
the problem, i.e. creating competitive conditions in a market that would cause harm to consumers
in the future.
Á
On the other hand, it is known that in times of economic hardship, they are relied upon to a greater extent.
the competition law exception rule which permits the approval of mergers, which would otherwise
would have harmful effects on competition, on the assumption that the acquired that the company is on the decline. Quite a lot
This condition was tested in cases related to the banking collapse. In this context
see e.g. decision no. 33/2011, Takeover
Íslandsbanki hf. owns Byr hf. Furthermore, it was recently discussed
the derogation rule in Supervisory Authority Decision No 34/2019, Purchase of Stekkur ehf by Zinkstöðin ehf.
The Competition Authority
however, has a full understanding of the importance of accelerating merger investigations
when economic difficulties arise and will endeavour to resolve matters as they arise.
quickly and as the law allows.
From
Accordingly, the Competition Authority will place emphasis on the following
in the resolution of merger matters:
- To be
flexible handling of urgent merger cases and expedited proceedings
- To
apply the conventional and recognised assessment of the competitive effects of mergers.
What needs to be considered regarding state aid/state grants, and what measures have the governments around us been taking?
To assist the Icelandic authorities in relation to COVID-19, the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has established a working group that will be on hand to advise the authorities on measures that might constitute state aid under the EEA Agreement's competition rules.
The EEA Agreement's state aid rules take account of special circumstances such as COVID-19, and the Agreement provides a legal basis for various measures that can be granted to companies in difficulty. Any state aid or state aid scheme must receive approval from the ESA before it can be implemented. Through the aforementioned working group, the ESA is prepared to take a position on the granting of state aid in a short timeframe.
On the ESA website and homepage of the European Commission Information on state aid rules and COVID-19 can be found, covering the latest developments in the field of state aid due to COVID-19.
The European Commission and the ESA immediately approved a number of measures by Member States aimed at responding to the impact of COVID-19 on their economies. Here is an overview of the measures from 12-26 March:
- 12 March: A 12 million euro state grant from the Danish government for event organisers in Denmark who have suffered losses due to COVID-19. Find out more here.
- 21 March: Measures by the French government resulting in more than €300 billion in liquidity support for businesses affected by COVID-19. Read more here.
- 21 March: Measures by the Danish government providing approximately 130 million euros in support for small and medium-sized enterprises affected by COVID-19. The measures include a state guarantee on operating loans of up to 70%. Read more here.
- 22 March: Measures by the German government to support businesses affected by COVID-19. The measures include a state guarantee on loans of up to 90%. See more details here.
- 22 March: 50 million euros in support from the Italian government for companies that produce, or can switch their production to, medical devices and protective clothing. Find out more here.
- 22 March: Measures by the Portuguese government providing around €3 billion in support for, among others, small and medium-sized enterprises affected by COVID-19. The measures include a state guarantee on operating loans of up to 90%. Read more here.
- 23 March: Measures by the Latvian government involving support for loans totalling €250 million. The measures include, among other things, a state guarantee for operating loans of up to 501 TP 3T. Read more here.
- 24 March: Measures by the Luxembourg government include support for businesses and the liberal professions, totalling €300 million. Read more here.
- 24 March: Further measures by the German government which include support for all businesses. The measures include state guarantees on loans on favourable terms to help companies cover their necessary working capital and investments. See more here.
- 24 March: Further measures by the German government („Bundesregelung Kleinbeihilfen 2020”), which include support aimed at ensuring that businesses are not undermined by the disruptions caused by COVID-19. The measures include, amongst others, direct financial support, repayable support and tax relief. See more details here.
- 25 March: Measures by the Spanish government include a €20 billion guarantee for new loans and refinancing for self-employed, small, medium-sized and large enterprises affected by COVID-19. The measures include a state guarantee on loans of up to 70% for larger companies and up to 80% for the self-employed. See more here.
- 25 March: Measures by the UK government to support small and medium-sized enterprises affected by COVID-19. The measures include a government guarantee on business loans of up to 80% and direct grants. Find out more here.
- 25 March: Measures by the Danish government providing more than €1.3 billion in support for the self-employed affected by COVID-19. The support includes compensation for up to 75% of expected lost income, up to €3,000 per month. Read more here.
- 26 March: Measures by the Italian government to support small and medium-sized enterprises affected by COVID-19. The measures include, among other things, the deferral of payments for overdrafts, mortgages and rent. Read more here.
- 26 March: Measures by the Norwegian government to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises affected by COVID-19. The measures include, among other things, a state guarantee for loans for working capital and investment provided by financial institutions. Read more here.
The International Monetary Fund's website contains a detailed Overview on government actions worldwide regarding COVID-19.
The priorities of competition authorities around us
The Competition Authority
is a participant in a cooperation between competition authorities within the European Economic Area
and in the Nordic context, where information is, among other things, compiled on
government responses to COVID-19 and effects on competition. Some
Competition authorities have announced a shift in focus for the coming weeks and months.,
or made decisions where the COVID-19 pandemic has had a direct impact. Short
A summary can be found below (Last updated 30 March 2020):
- Association
European competition authorities (the European Competition Network) have published
Joint statement on the application of competition law during the COVID-19 period. In
The statement emphasises that competition authorities in the European Union
the economic area will apply competition rules and oversight in accordance with them
the current social and economic conditions. Now more than ever
It is important to use competition rules to ensure a level playing field.
corporations. The objectives of competition law are also important in times of economic hardship.
like those who are now pouring in.
The statement also outlines the unprecedented situation that
The current situation can call for corporate collaboration to secure supplies and
distribution of essential goods to consumers. European competition authorities will remember that
is unlikely to intervene in the necessary cooperation of that kind. (Note that few
The European supervisory authorities can give companies assurance that their cooperation
in accordance with the law, as the Icelandic can under Article 15 of the Competition Act).
at the same time, it is important that the products necessary to ensure
health products, such as face masks and disinfectants, are sold at competitive prices
becomes. Therefore, European competition authorities will not hesitate to act if
A dominant undertaking abuses its position, or if competitors collude.
consultation. It is also suggested that it has been considered for producers to set maximum prices.
on products, which could prove effective in limiting price increases at the distribution stage. Further
Information can be found here.
- British
The competition authorities have published a press release which states, among other things, that
The authority will examine all indications of breaches of competition law in connection with
in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and specifically mentioning price gouging.
Companies and other resellers must act responsibly and take care.
not to sell products at inflated prices. This is according to the CEO
of the regulator, Andrea Coscelli: „We urge
retailers to behave responsibly throughout the coronavirus outbreak and not to
make misleading claims or charge vastly inflated prices. We also remind members
of the public that these obligations may also apply to them if they resell
goods, for example on online marketplaces.” Further information can be found here.
- British
The authorities have also authorised grocery retailers to work together to feed
the British public. The measures allow retailers, among other things, to share information about
stock levels, cooperate to keep shops open and share
distribution of goods. Is this a part of the government's measures, but local
Competition authorities do not have the same powers to grant exemptions from
competition law and the Competition Authority here in the country. Further information
can be found here.
- American
Competition authorities have announced that individuals and companies that have a business relationship
price-fixing of products used in healthcare services, e.g. protective gloves and
Safety helmets could face a criminal investigation due to their conduct. Competitors
Those who share customers for healthcare products could also be prosecuted.
was by William P. Barr, Attorney General, that “The Department of Justice stands ready to make sure that bad actors do
not take advantage of emergency response efforts, healthcare providers, or the
American people during this crucial time,” and “I am committed to ensuring
that the department's resources are available to combat any wrongdoing and
to protect the public.” Further information can be found here.
- Polish
Competition authorities have launched an investigation into alleged anti-competitive conduct.
Wholesaler of protective equipment for healthcare staff. Further information is available.
to find here.
- Greek
Competition authorities have drawn attention to the fact that in guidelines issued
the European Commission's communication on vertical restraints of competition states that
that wholesalers or producers may, subject to certain conditions,
imposes conditions on resellers regarding maximum prices or recommended retail prices. It is suggested
use this as a method to combat the exploitation of essential goods. More detailed
Information about the instructions can be found here and
the press release here.
- Danish
Competition authorities have published their priorities for the application of competition law on
while the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing. Further information can be found here.
- Norwegian
The authorities have authorised competitors in the transport market to cooperate with each other for the next
three months, with the aim of ensuring minimum services for citizens on
while the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing. It should be noted that the Norwegian
The competition authority does not have the authority to grant exemptions to companies.
due to a collaboration that breaches competition law. That authorisation, however,
in Icelandic competition law. Further information can be found here.
Analysis
Decisions by foreign governments on state aid/state grants can be found in
a special section on this topic on this information page.
Changes in the activities of competition authorities worldwide?
Competition authorities
and governments around the world have in recent days and weeks taken various
measures that affect their operations and those of the companies that are
in communications with them. A short summary of the actions announced in the first weeks of the pandemic in Europe can be found below:
- Executive Committee
The European Union has directed recommendations to companies to postpone that
to notify of mergers where applicable. The reasons for this are that
Commission staff will have difficulty in obtaining
information from stakeholders where the Commission's staff are
working from home. Does it also, in some cases, limit their access to
databases and information. In cases where companies report on
In the case of mergers, companies are advised to do so electronically. Further
Information can be found here.
- Finnish
Competition authorities have requested that companies which intend to notify of
Mergers should contact the supervisory authority as soon as possible. Further information can be found here.
- Minister
The Danish competition authority has extended the deadline for merger matters in Denmark.
have 14 days to investigate mergers. Further information can be found here.
- British
The competition authorities intend to continue their investigation and fulfil their statutory duties.
duties that rest on them. However, they will review the timetables and extend
delays where it is necessary. Their staff are now working from home, in them
Wherever possible, all communication takes place through
telephone and video conferencing equipment, in addition to prioritising projects. Further information
Information can be found here.
- American
Competition authorities (the FTC and the DoJ) are now using electronic means exclusively, on a temporary basis.
Data processing, as well as most staff working from home, is entirely unnecessary.
Staff travel has been cancelled and almost all meetings are held via
teleconferencing equipment. Further information can be found here and here.
- French
Competition authorities have recommended that companies postpone
report non-urgent mergers, in addition to staff working from home
and data is only accepted in electronic form. Further information can be found here.
- German
Competition authorities have recommended that companies examine what
on a case-by-case basis whether it is possible to postpone notifying a merger or acquisition
other matters to them. Also, only necessary matters are discussed in
via video conference. Further information can be found here.
- Spanish
The authorities have abolished all deadlines to which the competition authority is bound.
of the state of emergency prevailing in the country. However, companies can request that
Statutory deadlines apply to cases to which they relate. Further information can be found
here.
- Belgian
The competition authorities have closed their offices but all staff are in
The case concerning remote working and processing continues. Attention is drawn to the fact that the above may
has influenced the processing of merger cases. Further information can be found here.
- Irish
Competition authorities have urged companies to postpone submitting
merger notifications and, where necessary, that they are sent
electronically. They will, however, continue to investigate cases and fulfil those statutory
duties that rest upon them. Further information can be found here.
- Greek
The competition authorities have limited their opening hours and requested that the parties
Submit data electronically. Further information can be found here.
Prioritisation and postponement of other matters
The Competition Authority
will in the coming weeks focus on the processing of cases concerning responses to
economic crisis related to COVID-19. For that reason, the supervision will have to postpone
to deal with various matters or otherwise to reassess their handling.
Company
who intend to send a communication to the Competition Authority, e.g. complaints or
merger notifications, which do not require urgent processing due to COVID-19, are requested
to consider whether their dispatch can be delayed while the pandemic
is taking place and other urgent tasks must be prioritised.
Changes to the operations of the Competition Authority
Updated in September 2020:
From 21 September, changes have been made to operations.
of the Competition Authority, in a similar manner to how it was done in March and April this spring. Is
this is done to protect the health of staff and customers and at the same time to
to ensure operational security. The main changes are as follows:
- Meetings at
the offices of the Competition Authority have been closed except in
exceptional circumstances. Instead, remote meetings are used. It is recommended
that clients do not come to the office of the supervisory authority unless
is necessary.
- Part
staff works from home. If it is necessary to contact
Staff are encouraged to send an email. Staff members' email addresses may be
to find here.
- Most letters
and data are only sent electronically. It is recommended that submissions
and that data sent to the supervisory authority is submitted electronically if
It will be fine.
The operation will be returned to its former state once the situation has sufficiently subsided.
infections in the community.
