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Antitrust law in Greece follows European Union competition principles and is enforced nationwide by the Hellenic Competition Commission. In Peristeri, this means authorities scrutinize agreements between businesses, abuse of market power, and mergers that may lessen competition in local markets. Local buyers, suppliers, and small businesses in Peristeri can be affected by these rules just as larger firms are.
The core aim is to protect consumers and ensure fair competition in areas such as retail, services, and online platforms operating in Peristeri and the wider Athens metropolitan area. Decisions by the Hellenic Competition Commission apply across Greece, including Peristeri, and can influence pricing, supply terms, and market access for local businesses. A competent lawyer can help you understand how these rules apply to your sector and location.
Scenario 1: You run a Peristeri grocery or consumer goods store and suspect a group of suppliers are coordinating to fix wholesale or shelf prices in the Athens market. You need an attorney to assess evidence, advise on a potential complaint to the Hellenic Competition Commission, and guide you through the investigation process.
Scenario 2: A Peristeri chain of convenience stores fears a supplier or distributor is engaging in exclusive dealing that blocks competitors from obtaining essential products. A competition-law lawyer can evaluate the legality of the agreements and help you challenge restraint practices if needed.
Scenario 3: A local Peristeri online marketplace suspects a dominant platform is imposing discriminatory terms or resale restrictions on Peristeri sellers. A lawyer can examine whether such terms breach Greek or EU competition rules and advise on remedies or litigation options.
Scenario 4: Two Peristeri-based retailers plan a merger that could reduce competition in a niche segment. You would need a lawyer to assess market definition, notify the merger if required, and prepare a competition-approval strategy with the Hellenic Competition Commission.
Scenario 5: A Peristeri contractor or public-tender participant suspects bid-rigging among competing bidders for a municipal project. An attorney can help you collect procurement evidence, file a complaint, and coordinate with antitrust authorities.
Scenario 6: You are a consumer in Peristeri who believes a dominant local service provider has abused its position to keep prices high or deter new entrants. A competition-law lawyer can advise on potential remedies, including damages actions where applicable.
This is Greece’s main national statute implementing EU competition rules at the domestic level. It covers agreements between undertakings that may restrict competition, abuses of a dominant market position, and certain types of mergers. The law is enforced by the Hellenic Competition Commission and governs conduct across all sectors in Peristeri and the rest of Greece. It is frequently amended to stay aligned with EU competition policy.
Effective since 2011, Law 3959/2011 provides the framework for sanctioning anti-competitive agreements, abusive practices, and notified mergers that may lessen competition in local markets such as Peristeri. Greek courts and the Hellenic Competition Commission apply these provisions in proceedings and investigations across the country.
This EU regulation empowers national competition authorities and the European Commission to enforce EU competition rules in concert. In Greece, Regulation 1/2003 works with Law 3959/2011 to govern investigations of cartels, abuses of dominance, and merger control that have cross-border or EU-relevant effects. The Greek authorities apply EU law alongside national law in cases arising in Peristeri and Athens at large.
In practice, Regulation 1/2003 allows Greek authorities to apply EU competition principles directly and to cooperate with the European Commission on complex cases. It also shapes how investigations are conducted, evidence is gathered, and penalties are calculated.
The damages directive provides a framework for private plaintiffs to recover harms caused by anti-competitive conduct. When applicable in Peristeri, Greek courts may allow consumers and businesses to seek compensation for losses resulting from cartels, abuse of dominance, or restrictive practices under this framework. The implication is that litigation can accompany or follow Hellenic Competition Commission actions.
Together with national law, EU remedies help local Peristeri victims obtain redress and promote accountability for antitrust violations across Greece.
Fines in antitrust cases can reach up to 10 percent of the average annual turnover in the preceding business year under EU competition enforcement rules.
Source: European Commission - Antitrust Fines guidance and enforcement framework. European Commission - Fines in antitrust cases
The Hellenic Competition Commission is the national authority responsible for enforcing competition law in Greece, including cases arising in Peristeri and wider Greece.
Source: Hellenic Competition Commission overview. Hellenic Competition Commission (epant.gr) - English site
Antitrust law prohibits agreements and conduct that restrict competition. In Peristeri, it matters because local markets for retail, services, and online platforms can be affected. Enforcement is done by the Hellenic Competition Commission and Greek courts.
Filing a complaint can begin online or by submitting documents to the HCC. A lawyer can help you prepare evidence, structure the complaint, and respond to any follow-up questions from authorities.
A cartel is an agreement between competitors to fix prices or allocate markets. Abuse of dominance occurs when a single firm uses its market power to exclude competitors or impose unfair terms.
While you can file certain complaints yourself, a competition-law solicitor or attorney improves evidence gathering, legal strategy, and negotiation with authorities. Greek law requires proper representation for complex investigations.
Fines can be substantial and may reach up to 10 percent of annual turnover in the preceding year, depending on the severity and duration of the violation. Court and HCC penalties vary by case specifics.
Investigations can take several months to over a year, depending on complexity, evidence availability, and the cooperation of involved parties. A lawyer can help manage timelines and communications with authorities.
Large mergers or acquisitions may require notification to the Hellenic Competition Commission before completion. A lawyer can assess thresholds and prepare the notification dossier.
Yes. Affected parties can pursue damages under EU and Greek law, with procedures outlined in the EU damages directive and Greek civil procedure rules. Legal counsel can help quantify losses and pursue remedies.
Official information is available from the Hellenic Competition Commission and EU competition portals. A lawyer can point you to the most relevant sources for your case.
Both are relevant. Greek law implements EU competition rules, and certain cases involve EU-wide issues or cross-border effects. A local lawyer can tailor advice to your situation.
Yes. Antitrust focuses on market competition and business conduct, while consumer protection concerns fair treatment of consumers in markets. Some cases may involve both areas if conduct harms consumers and restricts competition.
Yes. Collect contracts, communications with suppliers or distributors, tender documents, and any pricing data. Clear evidence helps the lawyer assess the strength of a potential case.
Hellenic Competition Commission (Epant) - Official Greek authority enforcing competition law in Greece. Functions include investigating anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position, and mergers.
European Commission - Competition Policy pages on enforcement, fines, and merger control.
OECD - Competition policy resources, guidelines, and best practices that inform national enforcement in Greece and elsewhere. https://www.oecd.org/daf/competition/
Define your objective and timeline. Clarify whether you seek a complaint, defense, or merger strategy in Peristeri. This helps target the right expert scope and pace.
Gather key documents. Collect supplier contracts, correspondence, pricing data, tender papers, and any prior regulatory filings relevant to your issue.
Identify prospective lawyers with competition-law focus. Look for attorneys registered with the Athens Bar Association and with relevant Peristeri or Athens-area experience.
Schedule initial consultations. Request a summary of experience, potential strategies, and fee structures. Aim for consultations within 2-3 weeks of identifying candidates.
Check credentials and track record. Confirm areas of specialization, number of antitrust matters handled, and prior HCC or EU competition experience.
Request a written engagement letter and fee estimate. Ensure scope, milestones, and cancellation terms are clear before commencement.
Plan a practical timetable with your lawyer. Set expectations for evidence gathering, potential negotiations with authorities, and possible court dates.
