Independence of National Competition Authorities – Problem Solved by Directive 2019/1? Example of the Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic

Abstract

This paper analyses the independence of National Competition Authorities under legislation before Directive 2019/1 and after Directive 2019/1. The aim of the paper is to find out whether Directive 2019/1 addresses the problem of independence properly or not. In order to answer the question, it discusses what does the term ‘independence’ actually mean, especially in the view of scholars. Several aspects of independence are identified. Subsequently, this paper zooms in on what are current imperfections when it comes to the independence of National Competition Authorities. The Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic (AMO) is discussed in particular. The paper then finds out what are the requirements set out by Directive 2019/1 and whether these requirements address the imperfection identified above. The paper confirms that these imperfections are covered only partially

Keywords

• independence
• national competition authorities
• antimonopoly office of the slovak republic
• institutional design
• directive 2019/1