The Competition Council (CC) of Latvia has published its Annual Report 2015, which looks back on the work undertaken during the year and the progress made by the professional, responsible and united work of our colleagues.
During the year 2015, the CC adopted a total of 39 decisions. In 8 cases, violations of the Competition Law were detected. For anti-competitive practices 29 undertakings were imposed fines overall in the amount of 1 042 439.78 euro.
Six of all disclosed infringements during the previous year were severe violations of the Competition Law – five prohibited agreements among market participants and one case of an abuse of dominant position.
During the reporting year, 16 legal proceedings of appealed decisions by the CC were closed. In 15 proceedings, the court did not reverse the decisions of the CC, recognizing them as lawful and justified, while in one case the legal proceeding was completed and the decision of the CC came into force after the conclusion of a settlement agreement.
As for international achievements, it is essential to mention that the CC in cooperation with the Ministry of Economics within the scope of the Latvian presidency of the Council of the European Union, organised the conference of European Competition Day.
Also in 2015 the CC, based on a rotation principle, organised the XII Annual Baltic Competition Conference, gathering experts from the competition authorities of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, as well as Finland, Sweden, Poland, Austria and Germany.
As for the key priority for the year 2016, the CC, in accordance with the operational strategy, focuses its operation in three basic directions - detection of the most severe violations, first of all, detection of cartels and abuse of a dominant position, and imposing of severe penalties on violators; facilitation of fair competition in society, especially among public persons, thus ensuring equal conditions for all market participants; and strengthening the institutional capacity and efficient management of competition protection processes.
Notes for editors
The Competition Council is a direct administrative institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Economics and implements State policy on the matters of development and protection of competition. Independence of the Competition Council in investigations and decision-making is specified by the Competition Law.
For more information see the CC’s homepage on https://kp.gov.lv/.
For the CC updates, follow us on Twitter @KPgovLV.
Enquiries should be directed to Head of the Communication Unit Mr Toms Noviks (toms.noviks@kp.gov.lv, + 371 67365210).