Wettbewerbsbehörden

Wettbewerbsbehörden, also known as competition authorities, are governmental or independent bodies responsible for enforcing competition law within a jurisdiction. Their primary mission is to protect and promote fair competition in markets, ensuring that businesses do not engage in anti-competitive practices that harm consumers and the wider economy.

These agencies typically have a range of powers, including the ability to investigate suspected breaches of competition law, such as cartels, abuse of dominant market positions, and anti-competitive mergers. They can impose sanctions, including fines, on companies found to have violated these laws. Furthermore, Wettbewerbsbehörden often play a role in reviewing and approving or blocking mergers and acquisitions to prevent excessive market concentration.

The specific structure and mandate of Wettbewerbsbehörden vary by country. In the European Union, for instance, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Competition is the primary enforcer at the EU level, working alongside national competition authorities in each member state. These national bodies are crucial for applying competition law to local markets.

The work of Wettbewerbsbehörden is vital for maintaining dynamic and efficient markets, fostering innovation, and ensuring that consumers benefit from lower prices, better quality, and a wider choice of goods and services. They act as guardians of the marketplace, intervening when necessary to correct market failures caused by anti-competitive behavior.