The Estonian Competition Authority (Konkurentsiamet) has published its annual report, which provides an overview of its activities for 2024 and outlines its strategic priorities for 2025. According to the agency's director, Evelin Pärn-Lee, the authority serves as an expert organization that bridges the gap between free market competition oversight and the regulation of organized markets.

In 2024, the authority focused on two main strategic goals: the systematic restructuring of oversight processes and enhancing its regulatory capabilities. Key areas of work included market analyses, training for market participants, and general public awareness efforts.

This year's report also introduces the results of a newly established economic and data analysis unit, which supports the authority's oversight activities. The regulatory service concentrated on developments in the electricity and gas markets, as well as the synchronization of Estonia's electricity system with the continental European frequency area.

The authority has actively developed technological solutions, including the Price Calculation Information System (HAI) and data analysis tools to support competition oversight. Additionally, the potential applications of artificial intelligence are being explored.

Pärn-Lee emphasized that the Competition Authority will continue its work to ensure fair competition and effectively functioning markets in the interest of Estonian society. The annual report highlights the authority's priorities for 2025, which will focus on market transparency, ensuring fair pricing, and identifying practices that harm competition. Key sectors of focus include healthcare, waste management, and retail.

The Competition Authority conducts national oversight in various sectors, including competition, electricity, natural gas, district heating, postal services, water supply and sewage, railways, aviation, and ports, while also preventing unfair trading practices in the agricultural and food supply chain. The authority operates under the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs.