In mid-2023, the Social Science Institute of the University conducted
A survey of Iceland, commissioned by the Competition Authority, on public attitudes towards various matters.
factors related to competition issues. The survey is comparable survey which
The Competition Authority had surveys carried out in 2019 and by the Commission
The EU had carried out in all member states during the years 2022 and 2019. Does she give
for comparison with public opinion over time and with EU Member States.
Main findings of the survey and comparison with previous
A survey here in the country, as well as a recent EU survey, can be found. here .In summary, the results are as follows.
Problems due to a lack of competition widespread here in the country
- About
and over 8 out of every 10 Icelanders have experienced problems due to a lack of
competition in comparison with about 6 out of every 10
in the EU.
- Icelanders
will be most affected by problems due to a lack of competition in the food market (36%),
in financial services (35%) and passenger services (26%). In the EU survey, the other
covering most energy markets, food markets and telephone and internet services.
- High
Price and small price difference are most often mentioned when asked what the main problems are.
in the relevant markets.
Public attitude towards competition policy
- 94%
Respondents believe that effective competition has a positive effect on them as consumers. Attitudes
public opinion on the positive impact of competition is more positive in this country (86%) than in the EU (75%).
- About
8 to 9 out of 10 believe that a government policy which promotes active
competition can have beneficial effects on innovation, economic growth, employment levels and contribute to
Better and cheaper products and services for everyone.
Strong support for measures to increase competition
- Near
All respondents consider it important, in order to encourage increased competition, to bring
to prevent consultation and the abuse of position by powerful parties (97%).
- Higher
the proportion of the public here who agree on the importance of measures to encourage
to increased competition (90%) compared with the EU average (82%).
- About
8 out of 10 respondents consider it important to reduce the lead from
competitors who receive state aid within and outside the European Union
of the economic area.
Public aware of competition issues
- Fewer
Icelanders heard or read about competition issues in 2023 (58%) compared with
2019 (68%). In an EU survey, 5 out of 10 had done so.
- 8
Of every 10, they mentioned the Competition Authority when asked who it was with.
A competition matter that the person concerned had heard or read about was under consideration.
compared with 6 out of 10 in the EU survey.
Background information:
1,247 individuals responded to the survey. The survey was
asked about public attitudes to the following aspects:
- The impact of competition on consumers and the economy.
- Personal experience of problems due to shortages
on competition, categorised by sectors and the manifestation of the problems. Specifically
was asked about competition in telephone and internet services, passenger services, supermarkets,
financial services, pharmaceutical market and energy market.
- Whether and where the person has heard or read about
competition matters and where the matter has been dealt with.
- Wherever the public may look if he becomes aware
about competition problems.
Further information about the survey, comparison with results
a survey conducted in 2019 and the results of a recent EU survey
found in the Competition Authority's publication No. 2/2024 ,Public attitudes to competition policy. The report by the Social Science Institute of the University of Iceland on the survey can then be found. here.
