Piacvédelmet

Piacvédelmet refers to the protection of competitive market mechanisms, aiming to prevent anti-competitive practices and distortions in markets. Its purpose is to preserve fair competition, allocate resources efficiently, and protect consumer welfare by reducing opportunities for cartels, abuse of market power, and misleading or unfair business practices.

The primary authority in Hungary is the Gazdasági Versenyhivatal (GVH), the competition authority. It applies national competition law and EU competition rules, notably Articles 101 and 102 TFEU, and monitors mergers and concentrations to prevent significant impediments to competition. The GVH investigates suspected cartels, abuse of dominant position, and other practices that distort the market, and it can impose fines, cease-and-desist orders, and structural or behavioral remedies. It also runs leniency programs to encourage insiders to reveal cartel activity and may publish market studies or guidance.

Piacvédelmet covers cartels, abuse of dominance, merger control, and related practices affecting competition. It also intersects with broader regulatory objectives such as ensuring transparency, access to essential facilities, and fair trading conditions. Tools include investigations, inspections, economic analyses, penalties, and remedies, sometimes complemented by state-aid controls and consumer protection considerations.

The overarching goal is to maintain a dynamic, efficient, and open market where new entrants can compete, prices reflect true costs, and consumers have better choices. The concept is central to Hungary’s competition policy and aligns with broader European Union rules and objectives.