Kilpailuvääristymät

Kilpailuvääristymät refer to situations where competition in a market is hindered or distorted, preventing it from functioning efficiently and fairly. This can arise from various factors, including anticompetitive agreements between businesses, abuse of dominant market positions, or state aid that unfairly benefits certain companies.

Anticompetitive agreements, such as cartels or price-fixing arrangements, directly limit competition by reducing the number of independent decision-makers in the market. Abuse of a dominant position occurs when a company with significant market power exploits its position to disadvantage competitors or consumers, for example, through predatory pricing or refusing to supply. State aid, while sometimes justifiable for public interest reasons, can create distortions if it gives a particular company an economic advantage it would not otherwise have, thereby undermining a level playing field.

The consequences of kilpailuvääristymät can be detrimental. They often lead to higher prices for consumers, reduced choice, lower quality of goods and services, and stifled innovation. Businesses that are not party to anticompetitive practices may struggle to compete, leading to market concentration and potential job losses.

Regulatory bodies, such as competition authorities, are tasked with identifying and addressing kilpailuvääristymät. They investigate suspected breaches of competition law, impose fines on infringing companies, and order remedies to restore fair competition. Promoting and protecting competition is seen as crucial for economic welfare, as it encourages efficiency, drives innovation, and benefits consumers through competitive pricing and product variety.