Market investigations

Competition plays a vital role in ensuring that markets work well for companies and consumers alike. When a market or sector shows signs that competition may not be functioning effectively, the Authority may launch a market investigation under Article 12 of Law 287/1990 to examine the issue in greater depth.

Market investigations enable us to assess how competition operates within a specific sector and to identify potential barriers. They help shed light on market dynamics, business practices and regulatory factors that could be limiting competition or harming consumers.

Depending on the findings, a market investigation may lead to formal proceedings into companies or to recommendations addressed to the Government and Parliament where barriers arise from existing laws or regulations. Where necessary, we may also impose behavioural or structural remedies on companies to restore fair and effective competition, under Article 1(5) of Law Decree 104/2023 (as converted by Law 136/2023).