Antitrust: Joint statement by the European Competition Network (ECN) on application of competition law during the Corona crisis

Companies face many challenges by the COVID-19 outbreak in the EU. The different EU competition instruments have mechanisms to take into account, where appropriate and necessary, market and economic developments.

The ECN understands that this extraordinary situation may trigger the need for companies to cooperate in order to ensure the supply and fair distribution of scarce products to all consumers. In the current circumstances, the ECN will not actively intervene against necessary and temporary measures put in place in order to avoid a shortage of supply.

If companies have doubts about the compatibility of such cooperation initiatives with EU competition law, they can reach out to the Commission or the national competition authority concerned any time for informal guidance.

It is necessary to ensure that products considered essential to protect the health of consumers in the current situation remain available at competitive prices. The ECN will therefore not hesitate to take action against companies taking advantage of the current situation by cartelising or abusing their dominant position.

For more informations : here.