What the EU does The EU’s competition policy is designed to protect the interests of European consumers and businesses. In a competitive market, each company works hard to offer the best products and prices, and to improve both quality and choice. But when markets are not competitive, it can lead to fewer choices, lower quality and higher prices. It can even lead to job losses, lower salaries and more inequality.That is why the European Commission safeguards competition, by monitoringagreements among companies which restrict competition, like cartelsabuses of a dominant position, where a major company tries to push competitors out of the marketmergers, when companies join forces, permanently or temporarilystate aid, when national governments give support in any form to certain companiessubsidies from governments outside the EU to companies active in the EUlarge digital platforms (so-called “gatekeepers”) who may use their market power in a way that harms competition Facts about competition policy €3.5 billionantitrust enforcement fines in 2024400final merger decisions in 2024613state aid decisions in 2024 Source: 2024 at a glance Areas of actionAntitrust and cartelsRules prohibiting abuses of market power and agreements among companies that would restrict competitionMergersEU rules governing business mergersState aidEU rules on state aidForeign Subsidies RegulationAddressing distortions caused by foreign subsidies to companies active in the EUDigital Markets ActKeeping digital markets fair and openClean, Just and Competitive TransitionLearn how EU competition policy helps drive a cleaner and fairer economy Key achievements The EU’s competition rules help keep prices down and product quality high to the benefit of both consumers and businesses. This especially helps lower-income households, who are most affected when prices rise.It also speeds up innovation, as competitive markets push companies to improve and innovate, leading to better products and services that are available to more people - not just to the wealthy, but to everyone.EU competition rules create a level playing field, ensuring that all businesses can compete fairly, regardless of size. This supports broader goals such as income equality, the green and digital transitions, or access to essential services such as social housing. In short, competition rules promote fairness by making markets work for everyone—not just for the strongest players.Through initiatives like Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs) the EU’s competition policy boosts investment in strategic sectors, supporting innovation, green technology, and digital infrastructure. By setting and enforcing clear rules, the EU’s competition policy creates strong incentives for companies to invest and innovate. At the same time, it allows EU firms to scale up across the Single Market, helping them grow in a fair and competitive environment.Actions against anti-competitive behaviour like cartels or against mergers that could distort competition, bring concrete benefits.Based on a methodology developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) it is estimated that between 2012 and 2023, the EU’s competition enforcement saved consumers between €12 billion to €21 billion each year. In focus The Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) empowers the Commission to investigate and address subsidies provided by governments outside the EU which appear to distort the EU’s internal market. Such foreign subsidies give recipients an unfair advantage to acquire companies or win public procurement contracts in the EU. Latest news 15 October 2025Commission seeks input on evaluation of State aid rules for public service broadcasting14 October 2025Commission approves Boeing's acquisition of Spirit, subject to conditionsSee all Events See all the events Related informationDirectorate-General for CompetitionPublic consultations on competition policy
The EU’s competition policy is designed to protect the interests of European consumers and businesses. In a competitive market, each company works hard to offer the best products and prices, and to improve both quality and choice. But when markets are not competitive, it can lead to fewer choices, lower quality and higher prices. It can even lead to job losses, lower salaries and more inequality.That is why the European Commission safeguards competition, by monitoringagreements among companies which restrict competition, like cartelsabuses of a dominant position, where a major company tries to push competitors out of the marketmergers, when companies join forces, permanently or temporarilystate aid, when national governments give support in any form to certain companiessubsidies from governments outside the EU to companies active in the EUlarge digital platforms (so-called “gatekeepers”) who may use their market power in a way that harms competition
Antitrust and cartelsRules prohibiting abuses of market power and agreements among companies that would restrict competition
Foreign Subsidies RegulationAddressing distortions caused by foreign subsidies to companies active in the EU
Clean, Just and Competitive TransitionLearn how EU competition policy helps drive a cleaner and fairer economy
The Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) empowers the Commission to investigate and address subsidies provided by governments outside the EU which appear to distort the EU’s internal market. Such foreign subsidies give recipients an unfair advantage to acquire companies or win public procurement contracts in the EU.
15 October 2025Commission seeks input on evaluation of State aid rules for public service broadcasting
