The Czech Office for the Protection of Competition has joined forces with competition authorities from Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Austria to issue a joint statement regarding merger control in the EU. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of maintaining strict regulations on mergers, particularly those involving large companies in the electronic communications sector.

The MIDs, or medium-sized EU Member States, assert that while enhancing Europe’s competitiveness is crucial, it should not lead to a more lenient stance on mergers that could hinder effective competition. They warn that reducing the number of competitors, especially at the infrastructure level, could diminish innovation incentives and compromise market resilience.

Instead, the authorities argue that a robust merger control framework is essential for protecting consumers and fostering a competitive environment. They advocate for regulatory conditions that encourage new entrants into the market, thereby strengthening overall competitiveness without sacrificing market integrity.