Competition: why it matters

Competition is the foundation of a healthy economy. It drives companies to offer better products, higher quality services and fair prices. At its core, competition protects consumers and keeps markets open.

But when companies stop competing and start coordinating instead – by dividing up markets, raising prices, or limiting opportunities for new entrants – consumers lose out.

The Italian Competition Authority works to prevent this. We enforce European and national competition rules, and we fine companies that break them.

We also act when a company holding a dominant position abuses its market power. This may involve blocking market access for potential competitors, driving existing rivals out through unfair practices, or charging consumers excessively high prices.

When two or more companies merge, or when one company acquires another, the Authority reviews the transaction to determine whether it would give the new entity excessive market power or reduce competition. If there is a risk, we can block the merger or impose measures to reduce harmful effects on competition.