The Competition Authority exercises state supervision over competition, electricity, natural gas, district heating, mail, public water supply and sewerage, as well as railways, aviation and ports, and unfair trading practices. The office belongs to the area of government of the Ministry of Justice.
The functions of the Competition Authority are divided between two divisions. The Competition Division supervises competition, controls concentrations, analyses competition conditions, exercises supervision over unfair commercial practices and raises competition awareness. The Regulatory Division exercises supervision and regulates prices in the areas of electricity, natural gas, district heating and water. The division is also engaged in controlling the rail and postal service markets as well as the markets in the above sectors. In addition, the Competition Authority resolves disputes related to airport and port charges.
The Cooperation and Support Services Department is responsible for the func[1]tioning of support services (including international and public relations, staffing, organisation of training and events, asset and document management), which, in addition to the Competition Authority, also provides services to the Data Protection Inspectorate and the Patent Office.
The majority of staff members have a higher education in economics or law. In addition, there are employees who specialise in fields such as thermal engineering, public administration and materials technology.
As of the end of 2023 the Authority employed:
11 consultants
- 11 senior analysts
- 8 lawyers
- 3 experts
- 2 analysts
- 1 person carrying out proceedings
- 1 investigator
The Competition Authority supports the active and healthy lifestyle of employees through the Stebby programme, paying for the services 75 euros per quarter per person. As has become a tradition, a summer seminar was also organised this year, focusing on the secrets of healthy relationships and communication, and preliminary work was done for creating the Competition Authority’s strategy map.
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