The competition rules
Competition is restricted if undertakings fix prices, share markets or prevent new companies from entering the market. This is why the competition rules are required.
The rules on public procurement
To ensure that tax monies are used in the best way possible, and to safeguard competition on the market, authorities must observe certain rules when performing procurements.
International role
International cooperation on competition issues is increasingly important. The Swedish Competition Authority has regular contact with competition authorities in other countries, particularly within Europe.
The ability of car owners to choose repair shops is reduced by the insurance companies that decide which garages that may carry out the repairs. The insurance companies steer the repairs towards authorised, brand-name shops. This hampers the ability of independent auto repair shops to compete. These are a few of the findings presented in a new report by the Swedish Competition Authority.
It is not unusual for the Swedish Competition Authority to see signs of suspected corruption in conjunction with an investigation in accordance with the competition and procurement regulations. This is clear from a new report entitled “Competition-limiting corruption”.
More than half of municipalities examined have revealed shortcomings in how they motivate the decision not to divide contracts into lots so that more SMEs can submit bids. According to the procurement regulations, the decision not to subdivide larger procurements must be justified, but the law is often not followed.
Local requirements from municipalities during constructions, problems finding buildable land and a lack of competition in parts of the construction material industry; these are some of the factors that contribute to competition within housing construction being weaker than it ought to be. This is according to a new report from the Swedish Competition Authority carried out on behalf of the government.
