The AI workshop, which was held on 19 February, brought more than 80 experts from the participating competition authorities together in the first event of its kind. Following an opening address by AFCA’s Director General Natalie Harsdorf, representatives from various competition authorities gave keynote speeches. The main topics on the agenda were how AI tools are currently being used by competition authorities, how AI applications might develop in future, and the challenges and opportunities that artificial intelligence poses for competition enforcement.
On 20 and 21 February, the heads of the competition authorities from 30 countries met to discuss key issues during half-day sessions.
There was general agreement that international dialogue on current priorities and challenges was key. Current cases of merger control also figured on the agenda, with competition authorities increasingly facing highly complex and often cross-border transactions. Another focus was on market abuse. Many competition authorities reported increasing cases of one-sided conduct during the past few years. Finally, participants exchanged their experiences and current main objectives in sector inquiries, particularly in relation to restrictions or distortions in certain economic sectors.
On the morning of 20 February, Natalie Harsdorf, Director General of the Austrian Federal Competition Authority (AFCA), and Olivier Guersent, European Commission Director-General for Competition, gave a press conference at the House of the European Union in Vienna. They discussed the key role of competition enforcement in promoting competitiveness, growth and innovation, as well as the intrinsic significance of independent national competition authorities. In this context, they also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in supporting effective enforcement.
“In times like these, it is more important than ever that Europe comes together and that we cooperate closely across borders to tackle all of the current challenges. To promote competitiveness and ensure a level playing field, it is vital that we strengthen European cooperation – for the sake of competitiveness, fairness and a common future,“ declared AFCA Director General Natalie Harsdorf.
“European competition policy supports an innovative, decarbonised and secure European economy. It supports our competitiveness in a global context. Our enforcement is based on facts and is grounded in the rule of law. And in today’s interconnected economy, effective enforcement requires cooperation across borders: this is why the work of national competition authorities is so important and should always be safeguarded,“ explained Olivier Guersent, European Commission Director-General for Competition.
