mededingingsbeoordeling

Mededingingsbeoordeling, also known as competition assessment, is a process used to evaluate whether specific legislation, regulations, or policies have a detrimental impact on competition within a market. This assessment is crucial for ensuring a level playing field for businesses and promoting economic efficiency. The primary goal is to identify and address any provisions that could restrict market entry, hinder innovation, or lead to higher prices for consumers.

In many jurisdictions, competition authorities or dedicated bodies are responsible for conducting these assessments. They analyze the proposed or existing measures against established competition principles. This typically involves examining the potential effects on market structure, the behavior of market participants, and the overall performance of the relevant market. The assessment often includes consulting with stakeholders, such as businesses, industry associations, and consumer groups, to gather different perspectives.

The outcome of a mededingingsbeoordeling can lead to several actions. If negative impacts on competition are identified, recommendations can be made to amend or withdraw the measure. In some cases, modifications might be proposed to mitigate the anti-competitive effects while still achieving the original policy objectives. The overarching aim is to foster a competitive environment that benefits both businesses and consumers through greater choice, better quality, and more competitive pricing.