Competition Law at Slovakia
Competition law in Slovakia is harmonized with European Union (EU) competition rules, as Slovakia is an EU member state. The system is designed to ensure fair competition, prevent anti-competitive behavior, and protect consumers.
🏛️ Governing Authority
Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic (Protimonopolný úrad Slovenskej republiky)
The central authority enforcing competition law.
Investigates cartels, abuse of dominance, merger control, and unfair competition.
Courts
Handle appeals against decisions by the Antimonopoly Office and private enforcement cases.
📜 Legal Framework
Act No. 136/2001 Coll. on Protection of Competition
The main national competition law statute.
Aligns closely with EU competition law.
European Union Competition Law
Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) apply directly.
The Antimonopoly Office cooperates with the European Commission and other EU authorities.
🔍 Key Areas of Regulation
Anti-Competitive Agreements
Prohibits cartels, price-fixing, market sharing, and other collusive conduct.
Abuse of Dominant Position
Firms with significant market power are prohibited from abusing that position.
Merger Control
Requires notification and approval for mergers exceeding turnover thresholds.
The Antimonopoly Office reviews mergers that may significantly impede effective competition.
Unfair Competition Practices
Addressed under separate legislation but may intersect with competition law.
⚖️ Sanctions and Enforcement
Administrative fines of up to 10% of the company’s annual turnover.
Issuance of cease-and-desist orders and commitments.
Leniency programs available for cartel participants who cooperate.
Private enforcement and damages claims through courts.
📈 Recent Trends
Active enforcement in sectors such as telecommunications, energy, pharmaceuticals, and digital markets.
Increased cooperation with EU competition authorities under the European Competition Network (ECN).
Emphasis on consumer welfare and innovation.
Summary
| Aspect | Slovakia |
|---|---|
| Main Law | Act on Protection of Competition (No. 136/2001) |
| Authority | Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic |
| Merger Control | Mandatory notification and approval |
| EU Law Applicability | Full (Articles 101 & 102 TFEU) |
| Sanctions | Fines up to 10% turnover, injunctions, damages |
| Enforcement Focus | Cartels, abuse of dominance, digital economy |
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