Bigger fines, one of the 2016 predictions in Competition by Clifford Chance Badea

For Competition, 2015 was an extremely intense year in Romania, with a very active regulatory authority, a record number of investigations and infringement decisions, as well as important changes in the legislation, according to a press release of law firm Clifford Chance Badea issued to The Diplomat – Bucharest

2016-02-07 16:38:46 - From the Print Edition

In addition, globally and nationwide, 2016 could see fewer infringement decisions, but higher combined fines, as competition authorities are getting more alert and aggressive in investigating cartels and applying sanctions, read the same source. "Investigations are expected to focus on markets that impact a larger number of users," read the press release. "As a result, we may see an increase in related litigation, including claims for compensation from companies that have been sanctioned by competition authorities." The law firm also noted that competition bodies will enhance their focus on possible cartels and illegal practices in industries that have seen major growth recently, as well as in new commercial activities – more investigations are to be expected in online commerce, IT, retail, as well as the management of big data. "Exceptions in national fiscal legislation of EU member states remain under scrutiny when it comes to state-aid rules," read the release.