On Thursday, 10 July, the Autorité de la concurrence presented its annual report to the press. Benoît Coeuré, President of the Autorité, looked back at the major cases of 2024 and set out the priorities for action for the months ahead. 
                
          
        
            2024, a historic year for the Autorité



In 2024, the Autorité de la concurrence issued 314 opinions and decisions and imposed €1.4 billion in fines. In merger control, the Autorité once again examined a record number of transactions (295), representing a 10% increase on the previous record set in 2021. This high level of activity reflected, in particular, the transformation of the food retail sector, as illustrated by the decisions on the sale of Casino stores.



In enforcement and its advisory role, the Autorité was active in many sectors of the economy – with a particular focus on the digital, retail and consumer goods sectors. For example, it fined Google for non-compliance with its commitments on press-related rights, as well as several anticompetitive agreements in the pre-cast concrete products sector, the low-voltage electrical equipment sector, the household appliances sector and the air passenger transport sector in the French overseas territories.



In 2024, the Autorité fully exercised its advisory role, issuing eight opinions, including two major sector-specific inquiries: one on charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and the other on generative artificial intelligence (AI).



Continuing its commitment to sustainability, the Autorité issued its first ever notice on the provision of informal guidance to companies wanting to verify the compatibility of their sustainability projects with competition rules. To date, the Autorité has issued two informal guidance letters.

Maintaining momentum and going further



In a context marked by budgetary constraints and a reduction in the resources allocated by the French parliament, the Autorité faces a number of challenges: the growth of digital markets and artificial intelligence (AI), the imperative of sustainability, and the preservation of purchasing power in mainland France and the French overseas territories. Its work in the 2025-2026 period will be steered by broad guidelines reflecting those challenges.



For a detailed presentation of the priorities for the period ahead and the actions planned, please see the roadmap.
      
      
      

                
          
        
          
            2024 annual report
      
          
        
                  
            
            See the interactive dedicated version (in French)
      
          
              
      

                
          
        
            2024 annual report
      
        
          


            See the annual report (in French)
      


        
        
          Download - PDF - 9 266.32 ko
        
      
      

                
          
        
            2025-2026 roadmap 
      
        
          


            See the roadmap

      


        
        
          Download - PDF - 5 399.20 ko
        
      
      

                
          
        
            Presentation slides
      
        
          


            See the press conference slides (in French)

      


        
        
          Download - PDF - 12 002.64 ko
        
      
      

                
          
  
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            Nicola Crawford
      
      
            Communication officer
      
    
    
      
            +33155040151
      
      
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            Maxence Lepinoy
      
      
            Chargé de communication, responsable des relations avec les médias
      
    
    
      
            06 21 91 77 11
      
      
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French Competition Authority Unveils 2024 Report and Future Priorities

On July 10, the French competition authority, led by President Benoît Coeuré, presented its annual report detailing a historic year in 2024. The authority issued 314 opinions and decisions, imposing fines totaling €1.4 billion, reflecting its active role in maintaining market competition.

In the realm of merger control, the authority reviewed a record 295 transactions, marking a 10% increase from the previous record in 2021. This surge was particularly evident in the food retail sector, highlighted by decisions regarding the sale of Casino stores.

The authority's enforcement actions spanned various sectors, with notable fines against Google for failing to comply with commitments related to press rights. Additionally, several anticompetitive agreements were addressed in sectors such as pre-cast concrete products, low-voltage electrical equipment, household appliances, and air passenger transport in French overseas territories.

In its advisory capacity, the authority issued eight opinions in 2024, including two significant inquiries focused on electric vehicle charging infrastructure and generative artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the authority took a step towards sustainability by providing informal guidance to companies on aligning their sustainability projects with competition rules.

Looking ahead to 2025-2026, the authority faces challenges such as budget constraints, the growth of digital markets, and the need to support sustainability and purchasing power. The upcoming period will be guided by broad priorities addressing these pressing issues.



French Competition Authority Unveils 2024 Report and Future Priorities

The French competition authority has released its 2024 annual report, highlighting significant enforcement actions and setting priorities for 2025-2026 amidst evolving market challenges.