Aims of the Austrian Competition Authority

The Austrian Federal Competition Authority (AFCA) was established on July 1, 2002, based on the Competition Act. It is an autonomous and independent authority tasked with detecting and investigating violations of the Cartel Act and European Competition law.

The objectives of the AFCA are structured into the following four thematic areas:

• Competition Safeguarding

The primary goal of the AFCA is to safeguard competition in Austria. The AFCA has various tools at its disposal to ensure the achievement of this goal. In addition to examining corporate mergers and uncovering and prosecuting cartel agreements and abuses of market power, the AFCA can conduct sector inquiries. Relevant information on further competencies of the AFCA can be found here.

• Awareness Building

To prevent competition law violations in advance or to facilitate their detection, a goal is to promote public awareness of competition offenses. This is ensured through competition advocacy and public relations efforts.

• International Exchange

To simplify and expedite processes, facilitate the detection of cartel violations, and raise awareness of cartel law or improve it, the AFCA maintains active exchanges with other European competition authorities and international organizations. In bilateral exchanges, mutual knowledge transfer is of particular importance.

• Efficiency Preservation

Furthermore, efficiency preservation is a key goal of the BWB. This includes ensuring adequate and appropriate personnel resources and necessary infrastructure to effectively and efficiently maintain or enhance competition. Knowledge management, quality control, personnel management, and professional training and development all play significant roles in this endeavor.