The Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) is focusing on the market behavior of construction companies, as emphasized by its president, Csaba Balázs Rigó, during the annual meeting of the National Association of Construction Contractors (ÉVOSZ) in Budapest. He stated that the GVH is active and effective in uncovering procurement cartels, with ten ongoing cartel investigations involving a total of 70 companies.

GVH experts are examining more than 500 tenders, with several cases related to suspected procurement cartels. Rigó highlighted that these construction cartels often target tenders involving public funds, while illegal market divisions also threaten the effective spending of private funds. The illegal agreements in procurement procedures raise issues of criminal liability and the consequences of exclusion from public procurement.

In his presentation, Rigó noted that the GVH has a long-standing procedural practice regarding the construction economy, particularly concerning cartels. He recounted past construction cartels that resulted in multi-billion fines imposed by the GVH's Competition Council.

Rigó also pointed out that the national competition authority is open to cooperation with companies, even regarding serious competition law violations like procurement cartels. Active cooperation and voluntary disclosure of violations can offer significant advantages for companies, including potential immunity from fines.

Currently, the GVH is conducting ten cartel investigations in the construction sector, with ongoing scrutiny of over 500 tenders. The suspected violations align with previous cases, typically involving illegal market divisions and price-fixing. The GVH has various tools to uncover and address market disruptions, including market analyses and sector investigations.

Regarding the proposed amendments to the competition law, Rigó stated that if approved, it would contribute to fair market competition and protect Hungarian citizens and businesses. The proposed changes, based on international examples, aim to enhance the GVH's effective intervention in cases of structural market distortions.