The Bulgarian Competition Protection Commission (CPC) has unveiled its policy priorities for 2024, marking the third consecutive year of such announcements.
Aligned with the European Commission’s strategic agenda, the CPC’s decision outlines the key policies, steps, and actions necessary to achieve its goals in competition law and market regulation.
This disclosure offers valuable insights for companies, enabling them to prepare for potential investigations and regulatory proceedings.
Main Sectors of Focus in 2024
- Pharmaceuticals:
- Tackling anti-competitive behavior leading to medicine shortages.
- Addressing software integration challenges.
- Monitoring issues related to parallel imports..[1]
2. Digital Services and E-commerce:
- Vigilantly monitoring legislative developments related to the EU Digital Markets Act and the EU Digital Services Act.
- Scrutinizing gatekeepers and their practices in the digital economy.
3. Energy Sector
- Special attention to the production and sale of renewable energy.
4. Sustainability and Cooperation Agreements
- Investigating and detecting bid-rigging practices in public procurement procedures.
5. Public Sector and Procurement
- Investigating and detecting bid-rigging practices in public procurement procedures.
6. Fuel Market:
- Addressing market concerns stemming from current political and economic developments.
- Applying recent CPC case-law principles to market practices.
7. Food Sector:
- Strictly monitoring price increases of essential food products.
- Reviewing public statements made by authorities, industry organizations, and market participants.
8. Financial Services:
- Paying particular attention to services offered by fintech companies
Why This Matters for Businesses
The 2024 priorities remain closely aligned with those from the past two years, with slight shifts reflecting the evolving economic landscape, political climate, and legislative initiatives.
Businesses are encouraged to closely monitor CPC updates throughout the year and adjust their compliance strategies accordingly to mitigate regulatory risks.
Learn more about Gabriela Ivanova’s legal services or connect with her via the Ivanova Legal Solutions website to ensure your business is prepared for the latest regulatory challenges.
[1] Recently, the Bulgarian Competition Protection Commission (CPC) has adopted an effect-based approach in addressing an alleged abuse of dominance case related to parallel import. For detailed information on this development, you can refer to CPC Case No. КЗК/458/2022 by visiting the following link: CPC Case No. КЗК/458/2022.
