Annual competition policy report 2019

Key points

The EESC:

• Considers an effective and principled competition policy to be one of the pillars of the European Union and an essential tool in achieving the internal market, pursuant to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the construction of a social market economy and the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights;
• Agrees that the Commission should take measures to boost fair competition in markets that are important to EU citizens and businesses, such as the digital and telecommunications sectors, energy and the environment, manufacturing, financial services, taxation, agriculture, food and transport. These measures should provide confidence to consumers and clearly define the proper conditions for companies to operate;
• Supports the coordinated measures put in place by the Commission for the manufacturing sector but would like the EU to go further and propose a permanent solution to boost a level playing field in close cooperation with the Member States;
• Stresses that transport remains one of the most difficult service sectors regarding competition among Member States in the internal market. Clear rules and the need for balance must be a constant priority not only for the companies but also for the end users.

For more information please contact the INT Section Secretariat.