Transport Authority and Antitrust Authority sign memorandum of understanding - close co-operation for the protection of competition and the consumers joint work planned, also including the finance police
PRESS RELEASE
TRANSPORT AUTHORITY AND ANTITRUST AUTHORITY SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
CLOSE CO-OPERATION FOR THE PROTECTION OF COMPETITION AND THE CONSUMERS
JOINT WORK PLANNED, ALSO INCLUDING THE FINANCE POLICE
The Federal Railway Authority (FRA) and the Italian Competition Authority (ICA) have signed an important Memorandum of Understanding establishing close co-operation between the FRA, the authority which ex ante regulates the different transport sectors, and the Antitrust Authority which ex post monitors on compliance with the rules for the proper functioning of the market.
The Memorandum of Understanding, the first signed by the FRA, will co-ordinate and make more efficient and effective the execution of institutional mandates of the two Authorities, in particular the common interest to develop and maintain adequate levels of competition in the markets and consumer protection.
The collaboration between FRA and ICA will be articulated through the co-ordination of institutional interventions, even at international level, in matters of common interest; the reporting of cases where, in proceedings of their respective competence, there emerge hypothesis of violations on behalf of the operators of rules whose application are the responsibility of the other party; the exchange of opinions and warnings on matters of common interest; collaboration in the preparation of reports to Parliament or to the Government on matters of common interest; collaboration in the context of hearings on matters of common interest; joint initiatives in matters of enforcement, supervision and control of the markets; scientific collaboration.
The ICA will seek the opinion of the FRA in cases of unfair business practices – even in the case of proceedings where commitments are presented – undertaken in regulated areas subject to oversight by the latter.
The FRA and the ICA will exchange information with each other and periodically information on the general outline of the intervention, the proceedings on the case of common interest and on its outcome.
The two Authorities will carry out joint inspections in relation to cases of interest, eventually even making use of the Finance Police.
The Memorandum, entered into force once it is signed, has a duration of three years.
Rome, 31 October 2014