Competition Law at Lithuania
Competition law in Lithuania is governed by a modern framework aligned with European Union (EU) competition rules, as Lithuania is an EU member state. The Lithuanian system aims to ensure fair competition, prevent abuses, and foster consumer protection.
🏛️ Governing Authority
Competition Council of the Republic of Lithuania (Konkuren-cijos taryba)
Independent regulatory authority responsible for enforcing competition law.
Investigates anti-competitive practices, controls mergers, and approves cooperation agreements.
Courts
Review appeals against Competition Council decisions and handle private enforcement.
📜 Legal Framework
Law on Competition (Konkurencijos įstatymas)
The principal national law regulating competition.
Incorporates EU competition law principles.
European Union Competition Law
Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) apply directly.
Lithuanian authorities cooperate with the European Commission.
🔍 Key Areas of Regulation
Anti-Competitive Agreements
Prohibition of cartels, price-fixing, bid-rigging, and market sharing.
Abuse of Dominant Position
Companies holding significant market power are prohibited from engaging in exclusionary or exploitative practices.
Merger Control
Pre-merger notification is mandatory if turnover thresholds are met.
The Competition Council reviews mergers that may significantly reduce competition.
Public Aid Control
Ensures state aid does not distort competition.
⚖️ Sanctions and Enforcement
Administrative fines up to 10% of annual turnover.
Commitments and injunctions to stop anti-competitive conduct.
Leniency programs to encourage cartel participants to self-report.
Private damages claims are possible in Lithuanian courts.
📈 Recent Developments
Increased enforcement in digital economy sectors and energy markets.
Stronger focus on consumer welfare and innovation.
Cooperation with EU and Baltic states’ competition authorities is active.
Summary
| Aspect | Lithuania |
|---|---|
| Main Law | Law on Competition |
| Authority | Competition Council of the Republic of Lithuania |
| Merger Control | Mandatory notification if thresholds met |
| EU Law Applicability | Full (Articles 101 & 102 TFEU) |
| Sanctions | Fines up to 10% turnover, injunctions, damages |
| Enforcement Focus | Cartels, abuse of dominance, digital markets |
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