EU has adopted a Directive to enforce Competition rules in line with digital age and tackle illegal competition practices. It follows an agreement with European Parliament at first reading.

The new rules will strengthen cooperation between National Competition Authorities (NCAs) and European Commission (EC), and ensure no distortion of competition in market.

Currently, the rules are enforced by NCAs of Member States in parallel to EC, together forming European Competition Network. The difference in the application of these rules makes businesses engaged in anti-competitive practices face different outcomes of proceedings.

Under new rules, NCAs will be better equipped to detect agreements, decisions, or concerted practices prohibited by Competition Law and prevent any abuse of dominant position.

Member States will have two years to incorporate new provisions from the enforcement of Directive.

For more: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2018/12/04/eu-adopts-rules-to-enable-national-competition-authorities-to-become-more-effective-enforcers/#