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Antitrust law - also known as competition law - seeks to protect free and fair competition by preventing companies from fixing prices, dividing markets, abusing a dominant position, or otherwise restricting competition. In Agia Paraskevi, as in the rest of Greece, antitrust rules operate at two levels - national and European Union - and affect local businesses, public procurements, consumer markets and municipalities. The Hellenic Competition Commission is the national authority that investigates and enforces competition law in Greece. Because Agia Paraskevi is part of the Athens metropolitan area, businesses and residents there are subject to the same Greek and EU rules as elsewhere in the country. Practical consequences can include investigations, administrative fines, civil claims for damages, and requirements to change business practices.
Antitrust matters are often complex, fact-intensive and high-stakes. You may need a lawyer in the following common situations:
- If your business receives a formal notice of investigation or a dawn-raid inspection from the competition authority and you need immediate procedural and tactical advice.
- If you suspect competitors are engaging in illegal agreements such as price-fixing or market sharing and you want to file a complaint.
- If you are considering applying for leniency or a whistleblower program because your company was involved in a cartel and you want to reduce or avoid fines.
- If you face allegations of abusing a dominant position - for example by imposing unfair trading conditions or excluding competitors - and need to defend your conduct.
- If you are planning a merger or acquisition and must assess whether it triggers mandatory merger control notifications or presents competition risks.
- If you want to bring or defend a private damages claim in civil courts after anticompetitive conduct has harmed your business or consumers.
- If you need to design and implement a competition-compliance program or conduct an internal investigation to reduce legal and financial risk.
Key aspects of competition law relevant in Agia Paraskevi include the following:
- Dual legal framework - EU competition rules apply directly across Greece, principally Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Greek competition law - primarily Law 3959/2011 and implementing regulations - transposes and complements EU rules at the national level.
- Prohibited conduct - agreements or concerted practices that restrict competition, such as price-fixing, market allocation, bid-rigging and other cartels, are prohibited. Abuse of a dominant position - conduct that excludes competitors or exploits customers - is also forbidden.
- Merger control - certain mergers and acquisitions must be notified to competition authorities if they meet statutory thresholds. Larger, cross-border transactions may fall under EU merger control rules while smaller transactions may be subject to national review.
- Enforcement and remedies - the Hellenic Competition Commission conducts investigations, imposes fines and orders remedies such as commitments, behavior or structural changes. The Commission cooperates with the European Commission in cross-border cases.
- Procedural rights - investigated parties have procedural rights including the right to be heard, to present evidence, and to appeal adverse decisions to the administrative courts and ultimately to the Council of State.
- Private enforcement - victims of anticompetitive conduct can pursue compensation in Greek civil courts. Follow-on and stand-alone damages claims are possible, but they require careful evidence gathering and legal strategy.
- Criminal liability - while competition enforcement is primarily administrative and civil, aspects of cartel behavior can carry severe consequences in practice. The enforcement landscape evolves, so local legal advice is essential.
Antitrust violations include agreements between competitors that restrict competition - such as price-fixing, market sharing, and bid-rigging - and unilateral conduct by a firm in a dominant position that excludes or exploits competitors or customers. Both Greek law and EU law are relevant when determining whether conduct is unlawful.
The Hellenic Competition Commission is the national authority responsible for enforcing competition law throughout Greece, including Agia Paraskevi. For cases with cross-border or EU-wide effects, the European Commission may also be involved. Administrative courts handle appeals, and civil courts decide private damages claims.
Immediately preserve all documents and electronic records - do not delete or destroy anything. Contact a lawyer with competition law experience before or at the time of the inspection. Your lawyer can help manage the inspection, assert procedural rights, and advise on what to disclose. Cooperation is required, but you have rights such as legal representation and to protect legally privileged communications.
Yes. While large firms and cartels often attract more attention, investigations and enforcement can involve small and medium-sized enterprises, especially if they participate in cartels, bid-rigging, or anticompetitive agreements affecting local markets. Assessing risk and implementing compliance measures is important for businesses of any size.
Penalties may include administrative fines, orders to change business conduct, and remedies such as commitments or structural changes. Aggrieved parties can also bring civil claims for damages. The exact sanctions depend on the nature and severity of the violation, past conduct, and whether the company cooperated with the investigation.
Leniency programs allow companies that disclose cartel participation to the competition authority to receive reduced fines or immunity, provided they fully cooperate and provide evidence that helps the investigation. Timing, completeness and confidentiality of submissions are critical - obtain specialist legal counsel before applying to ensure the best possible outcome.
Yes. Victims of anticompetitive conduct can sue for compensation in Greek civil courts. Claims may be based on national law or EU law where applicable. Private actions require factual proof of the infringement and the harm suffered, and they often follow administrative decisions or coexist with separate investigative proceedings.
Yes - statutes of limitation and specific procedural deadlines apply to administrative complaints, appeals and civil claims. The length and starting point of limitation periods depend on the type of action and the legal basis. Consult a lawyer quickly to avoid missing critical deadlines.
Investigation length varies widely - some cases are resolved in months, others take several years. Factors that influence duration include the complexity of the conduct, number of parties, international cooperation, whether dawn raids are necessary, and whether parties apply for leniency or offer commitments. A lawyer can help set expectations and manage procedural steps.
Look for a lawyer or firm with specific experience in competition law and a track record before the Hellenic Competition Commission and Greek courts. Local knowledge of the Athens market and practical experience handling inspections, leniency applications, merger filings and damages litigation are valuable. Discuss fees, communication language, and strategy in an initial consultation.
Consider these organizations and resources when seeking information or assistance:
- Hellenic Competition Commission - the national competition regulator responsible for investigations and enforcement.
- Directorate-General for Competition, European Commission - for EU-level issues and cross-border matters.
- Greek Administrative and Civil Courts - for appeals of competition authority decisions and private damages claims.
- Athens Bar Association and local bar associations - to locate qualified competition law practitioners in Agia Paraskevi and the Athens region.
- Business associations and chambers of commerce - for sector-specific guidance and compliance support.
- Consumer protection authorities and ombudsmen - for consumer-facing aspects that may intersect with competition concerns.
- International organisations such as the OECD - for comparative information and best practices on competition policy and compliance.
If you believe you need legal assistance with an antitrust matter in Agia Paraskevi, consider the following step-by-step approach:
- Preserve evidence - immediately secure documents, emails and electronic records relevant to the issue. Do not delete or alter files.
- Identify priorities - determine whether the matter is reactive (investigation, inspection, complaint) or proactive (merger filing, compliance review, internal investigation).
- Contact a specialist - schedule an early consultation with a lawyer experienced in Greek and EU competition law. Provide key documents and a concise factual summary ahead of the meeting.
- Manage communications - let your lawyer handle communications with the competition authority, other parties, or complainants. This reduces the risk of inadvertent admissions.
- Consider compliance and remediation - if the matter concerns your business practices, evaluate immediate compliance steps, training, and possible remedial measures to reduce risk and potential penalties.
- Evaluate options - together with your lawyer, weigh options such as using a leniency program, negotiating commitments, pursuing or settling civil claims, or defending before administrative or civil courts.
- Plan for costs and timing - ask your lawyer for a realistic estimate of fees, timelines and likely outcomes to make informed decisions.
Disclaimer - This guide provides general information about antitrust law in Greece and Agia Paraskevi and is not a substitute for legal advice. For advice tailored to your specific situation, consult a qualified competition law lawyer.
