Press Release: Antitrust: Commission welcomes full application of EU antitrust rules by Slovak Competition Authority

The European Commission was satisfied that amendments made to the Slovak Competition Act have brought it into conformity with EU law by ensuring that the Slovak Competition Authority can apply EU antitrust rules to the electronic communications, energy and post sectors and has therefore closed its infringement procedure against Slovakia. A provision of the Slovak Competition Act had previously limited the power of the Slovak Competition Authority to apply EC Treaty rules prohibiting cartels and other restrictive business practices (Article 81) and abuses of a dominant position (Article 82) to these sectors. This provision was repealed after the Commission sent Slovakia a reasoned opinion under EC Treaty infringement procedure requesting the law to be amended. The Slovak Competition Authority was able to apply EU competition rules without restrictions.