Antikiertosäädökset

Antikiertosäädökset are a set of regulations or legal provisions designed to prevent or counteract cartels. A cartel is an agreement between competing firms to fix prices, limit output, or divide markets, thereby reducing competition and harming consumers. Antikiertosäädökset aim to ensure that markets remain competitive and that businesses operate independently.

These regulations typically involve prohibiting explicit or implicit agreements between competitors that restrict competition. They often define what constitutes a cartel and outline the penalties for engaging in such practices. These penalties can include significant fines, legal sanctions, and in some jurisdictions, even criminal charges for individuals involved.

Enforcement of antikiertosäädökset is usually carried out by competition authorities, such as national competition commissions or the European Commission in the European Union. These authorities investigate suspected cartel activities, gather evidence, and can impose sanctions if violations are found. Leniency programs are often part of antikiertosäädökset, offering reduced penalties to cartel members who cooperate with authorities and report the cartel. The ultimate goal of these regulations is to protect the functioning of the market, promote consumer welfare, and foster economic efficiency by preventing anti-competitive behavior.