EU seeks views on competition overhaul
The European Commission has launched a call for evidence and a public consultation on the future of EU procedures for applying competition rules.
The moves are part of a review of competition legislation that the EU body says is aimed at keeping up with “transformational” changes, such as the digitalisation of the economy.
“After more than 20 years of successful enforcement, it is time to adapt our antitrust toolkit to keep up with today’s challenges,” said competition commissioner Teresa Ribera.
An analysis carried out by the commission last year found that the rules had generally achieved their objectives and remained relevant.
Digitalisation
It identified several areas for improvement, however, including a need for faster investigations and changes to keep up with digitalisation.
The call for evidence will focus on the main areas the commission is currently considering revising in the regulations, such as:
- The commission's investigative powers,
- Certain aspects of its decision-making powers,
- The process for granting access to the commission's file, which it describes as currently “burdensome”,
- The procedure for the participation of complainants and third parties in competition investigations, and
- How to optimise co-enforcement with national competition authorities and national courts.
The public-consultation questionnaire will seek stakeholders' views on the reform options – including detailed feedback on the costs and benefits of such possible reform options.
The deadline for submissions is 2 October 2025.