29 June 2007

Competition 2006 Annual Report

The Commission adopted its 2006 Annual Report on Competition Policy, which gives an overview of the main developments in competition policy in 2006. It summarises changes to competition rules and policy and shows, through specific examples, how the instruments of competition policy were used to build a stronger European economy and to benefit consumers and businesses alike.

In 2006 the Commission adopted decisions against 7 cartels, fining 41 undertakings a total of ԁ 846 million.

The number of mergers notified to the Commission in 2006 reached a record level of 356. In-depth investigations were opened in 13 cases, two concentrations were abandoned by the notifying parties during the in-depth investigation and there were no prohibition decisions.

The Report also discusses how the mix of competition policy and other instruments was used in selected priority sectors such as energy, financial services and telecommunications to improve the functioning of these markets which affect the daily lives of consumers across Europe.

A Commission Staff Working Document annexed to the Report provides substantial additional information. The full texts of the Report and the Commission Staff Working Document are available at:

Press release
Annual report 2006 Part 1, Part 2

© European Commission