Competition policy encourages companies to offer consumers goods and services on the most favourable terms. It encourages efficiency and innovation and reduces prices. To be effective, competition requires companies to act independently of each other, and subject to the pressure exerted by their competitors.
Competition Policy Instruments
Antitrust
Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty prohibit agreements which restrict competition and the abuse of dominance on a given market.
Cartels
A cartel is a group of independent companies which join together to fix prices, limit production or share markets or customers between them.
Mergers
Mergers can benefit the economy but some may reduce competition. Proposed mergers are examined to prevent harmful effects on competition.
State aid
A company receiving State aid has an advantage over competitors. State aid is generally prohibited unless compatible with EU rules.
Competition case search
Searches for published decisions can be carried out under policy area, case number, title and date.
Whistle-blower Communication Tools
Knowledge of cartels or other antitrust infringements can be shared anonymously with the Commission to help detect, stop and punish such infringements.
Who's in charge
Executive Vice-President Vestager
Information on the leadership - the Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager
Directorate-General for Competition
Information on the leadership - the Director-General and the organisation chart of the Directorate-General for Competition.
Chief Competition Economist
The Chief Economist is part of the Commission's Directorate General for Competition, and assists in evaluating the economic impact of its actions.
Hearing officers
The main role of the Hearing Officer is to safeguard the effective exercise of procedural rights throughout competition proceedings.
European Competition Network (ECN)
The European Commission and the national competition authorities in all EU Member States cooperate with each other through the ECN.
International
The European Commission cooperates with competition authorities of non-EU countries both on policy and enforcement issues of mutual interest.
Other COMP topics
Audiovisuals & Publications
Competition Reports, Studies, Factsheets and Infographics, Ex-post economic evaluations.
Public Consultations
Open consultations on competition policy. “Have Your Say” on Commission initiatives at key stages in the legislative process.
The Single Market Programme (SMP)
Package to support and strengthen the governance and functioning of the Single Market, Calls for tenders and Calls for proposals.