Sudden on -the -spot inspection in a business operating in the provider of tutoring services, in the context of ex officio research to investigate possible vertical partnerships, carried out on April 30th. Competition committee.
As noted in the Commission’s announcement, “on-the-spot inspections are carried out in companies that can collect information on anti-competitive practices in the researched market and does not predict that businesses have been involved in anti-antagonist behavior, nor does it predict the outcome of the research.”
In more detail the announcement states:
The tutoring services represent a significant proportion of the costs of the Greek family. According to a survey, general education costs account for 16.2% of household spending on education and education services and 0.7% of their total consumer expenditure in 2023. These costs are estimated to have increased significantly (around 35%) in the period 2021-2023.
It is noted that on-the-spot inspections are carried out in businesses, from which information on anti-competitive practices in the researched market can be collected and does not predict that businesses have been involved in anti-antagonistic behavior, nor predicts the outcome of the research.
Legal framework
The Competition Committee, a guardian of the proper functioning of the free market, is tasked with the application of the competition rules under Law 3959/2011 and Articles 101/102 TFEU.
* Articles 1 of Law 3959/2011 and 101 TFEU prohibit partnerships between businesses (agreements, union decisions or harmonized practices) that have the subject or result of restricting competition.
* Article 1A of Law 3959/2011 prohibits unilateral practices that constitute an invitation to a forbidden partnership and announcement of future pricing intentions of products and services to competitors.
* Articles 2 of Law 3959/2011 and 102 TFEU prohibit the abusive behavior of businesses with a dominant market position.
The Commission points out that within its responsibilities, it will interfere with an immediate priority where it is necessary and will consider any relevant case that will be subjected to its perception, by submitting a complaint, request or anonymous information, through the safe digital environment (whistleblowing) or otherwise, They are involved in anti-competitive practices.