Kilpailuvalvonta

Kilpailuvalvonta refers to the monitoring and enforcement of competition law in Finland, aimed at maintaining fair competition in markets and preventing practices that distort price, quality, or choice for consumers and businesses. It covers anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant positions, and the assessment of mergers and other market-concentrating actions that could lessen competition.

In Finland, most competition oversight is carried out by the Kilpailu- ja kuluttajavirasto (KKV), the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority. The agency operates under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and enforces the Competition Act, applying both national rules and EU competition law where relevant. Key duties include investigating suspected cartels and other restrictive agreements, monitoring and addressing abuses of dominance, and reviewing mergers and concentrations to prevent substantial impediments to competition. KKV also conducts market studies, issues guidelines, and can impose remedies or fines as part of its decisions. It administers leniency programs to encourage disclosure of cartel activity and supports compliance by businesses through information and guidance.

Internationally, Finnish competition policy aligns with European Union rules. Finland applies EU antitrust and merger control standards, and KKV cooperates with the European Commission’s DG Competition as well as with other member state authorities on cross-border cases and enforcement.

History-wise, Kilpailuvalvonta is now principally associated with the Kilpailu- ja kuluttajavirasto, established in 2013 to consolidate competition and consumer oversight by merging earlier agencies. The term remains a core description of the activity of maintaining competitive markets in Finland.