On April 30, 2025, the Greek Competition Authority (E.A.) carried out a surprise on-site inspection at a company operating in the tutoring services sector. This action is part of a self-initiated investigation into possible violations of Article 1 of Law 3959/2011 and Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), particularly concerning potential vertical agreements.

Tutoring services represent a significant portion of household expenses in Greece. According to recent research, spending on general education tutoring accounts for 16.2% of household expenditures on goods and services related to education, and 0.7% of total consumer spending in 2023. These expenses have reportedly increased significantly, by approximately 35%, from 2021 to 2023.

It is important to note that the execution of on-site inspections is conducted at businesses from which information regarding anti-competitive practices can be collected. However, this does not imply that the businesses involved have engaged in anti-competitive behavior, nor does it pre-judge the outcome of the investigation.

The E.A. is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of the free market and is tasked with enforcing competition rules based on Law 3959/2011 and Articles 101/102 of the TFEU. Article 1 of Law 3959/2011 and Article 101 of the TFEU prohibit agreements between businesses that have the object or effect of restricting competition.

Additionally, Article 1A of Law 3959/2011 prohibits unilateral practices that invite prohibited agreements and the announcement of future pricing intentions to competitors. Articles 2 of Law 3959/2011 and 102 of the TFEU prohibit abusive behavior by companies holding a dominant market position.

The E.A. emphasizes that it will prioritize interventions where necessary and will examine any relevant cases that come to its attention, whether through complaints, leniency applications, or anonymous tips via a secure digital environment. The authority will impose strict administrative penalties on businesses that engage in anti-competitive practices under the provisions of Law 3959/2011 and Articles 101/102 of the TFEU.