Presidential Decree no. 240/18 of 12 October (the “Regulation”) was published recently and further develops the framework of Law no. 5/18 of 10 May – the Competition Law. The Regulation clarifies and put into effect certain rules and procedures in the context of competition law. In particular, they address the rules on restrictive practices, merger control and procedural rules.

In the context of restrictive practices, the Regulation clarifies the concept of dominant position and make it clear that such a position will exist when the market share is 50% or more. Additionally, if there are significant barriers to the entry of competitors, there may be a dominant position even if the market share is less than 50%. Holding a dominant position does not, in itself, amount to a violation. The restrictive practice will only exist if there is abusive behaviour by a dominant undertaking. Such behaviour occurs when the undertaking commits one of the acts listed for this purpose in the Competition Law.