The Office for the Protection of Competition in the Czech Republic has released its 2024 Annual Report, detailing its activities in competition protection, public procurement oversight, and market power control. The report emphasizes the Office's commitment to effective market monitoring and transparent communication, particularly in a year marked by diminishing inflationary pressures and ongoing structural challenges in the European economy.

In 2024, the Office concentrated on the agri-food sector, conducting analytical work to monitor competition in specific markets, notably in sugar and butter production. Additionally, a new sector inquiry was initiated into the production and sale of non-alcoholic beverages, reflecting the Office's proactive approach to maintaining competitive environments.

The report also outlines legislative initiatives, including a proposed amendment to the Act on the Protection of Competition. This amendment aims to equip the Office with enhanced tools to address inefficiencies in markets, even when no clear violations of competition rules are present.

Regarding decision-making, the Office issued 11 decisions on prohibited agreements, resulting in fines exceeding CZK 340 million. Notable sanctions were imposed for vertical resale-price maintenance agreements involving distributors of household appliances and pet food. The Office also focused on merger control, issuing 65 decisions, with 50 processed under simplified procedures and 13 under standard procedures, including one case that advanced to Phase II.

Public procurement supervision remained a key area of focus, with over 650 administrative proceedings initiated and more than 1,680 decisions made, including 710 on substantive issues. In the realm of state aid, the Office played a crucial role in managing notifications and negotiating with the European Commission on various support schemes, including those for the Dukovany nuclear power plant and rental housing initiatives.

Lastly, the Office's new agenda concerning access to transport infrastructure saw the stabilization of its expert team, resulting in over 300 decisions, including assessments related to the 2025 Railway Infrastructure Statement and capacity restrictions.