Competition Law at Serbia
Absolutely! Here’s a detailed overview of Competition Law in Serbia:
Competition Law in Serbia
1. Legal Framework
The key legislation is the Law on Protection of Competition (latest version enacted in 2021, replacing the 2009 law).
This law regulates anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position, and mergers and acquisitions.
It aligns with European Union competition law standards, reflecting Serbia’s EU accession process.
2. Regulatory Authority
The Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) is Serbia’s independent authority responsible for enforcing competition law.
CPC reviews mergers, investigates anti-competitive conduct, and imposes sanctions.
3. Key Provisions
Anti-competitive agreements
Prohibits agreements between undertakings that restrict competition, such as:
Price fixing
Market or customer allocation
Bid rigging
Some agreements may be exempted if they improve production or distribution and benefit consumers.
Abuse of dominant position
Prohibits conduct by one or more undertakings holding a dominant market position if it restricts competition, such as:
Predatory pricing
Exclusive dealing
Refusal to supply
Tying and bundling
Merger control
Mergers and acquisitions that meet specified thresholds must be notified to the CPC.
The CPC assesses whether the merger would significantly impede competition.
Prohibited mergers or those with harmful effects may be blocked or approved with conditions.
4. Sanctions and Remedies
The CPC can impose fines up to 10% of the total turnover of the company in the preceding business year.
It can order the cessation of unlawful conduct, annul contracts, or require structural or behavioral remedies.
Fines can be increased for repeat violations.
5. Recent Trends
Serbia’s competition law enforcement is increasingly active, focusing on cartels and abuse of dominance.
The CPC works closely with the European Commission and follows best practices to prepare for EU membership.
Notable investigations have involved sectors such as telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and energy.
6. International Cooperation
Serbia cooperates with international bodies like the OECD, ICN, and EU competition authorities.
The law encourages cross-border enforcement and information exchange.
RELATED Blog
0 comments