Extended powers provide the Swedish Competition Authority with better conditions to combat illegal direct award of contract

"The strengthened powers mean that the Swedish Competition Authority will have even better conditions to conduct effective and powerful supervision of public procurement," says Rikard Jermsten, Director General of the Swedish Competition Authority.

According to the government's proposal, the Swedish Competition Authority, as the first instance, should be able to decide on procurement fines, something the authority currently has to apply for in court. The limitation period for deciding on procurement fines is extended from one to two years, and the maximum amount for procurement fines is raised from ten to twenty million Swedish kronor.

"I welcome the expanded powers that the Swedish Competition Authority now will get at its disposal. This means that we can further strengthen supervision and intervene against more illegal direct award of contracts. It benefits both individual companies and society as a whole," says Rikard Jermsten.

On March 1, 2021, the Swedish Competition Authority was granted strengthened powers to exercise supervision over compliance with competition rules, including the right to decide on competition fines. The Swedish Competition Authority's expanded powers in procurement supervision will ensure even more effective oversight of broad and important societal interests.

The legislative changes are proposed to come into effect on January 1, 2024.

Read the government's press release (in Swedish)