In a move to ensure the smooth functioning of Greece’s critical transport infrastructure, the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) has announced the priority examination of a high-stakes case involving the rail freight and rolling stock maintenance sectors. By formally assigning the case to a competent Rapporteur, the Commission is signaling an advanced stage in its investigation into potential anti-competitive behavior by the country’s dominant railway operator.
Focus on Market Dominance and Abuse
The investigation centers on allegations that a major player in the Greek railway market—which currently holds a near-monopoly on rolling stock maintenance and a commanding share of rail freight—has abused its dominant position. Under both Greek law and Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, companies with such significant market power are prohibited from using “pricing and non-pricing practices” to unfairly push out competitors or exploit customers.
The HCC’s action was triggered by a private complaint as well as a referral from the Railway Regulatory Authority (RAS). Specifically, the RAS has asked the Commission to look into whether the company is failing to follow through on legal commitments it made previously. These commitments were designed to ensure that other freight providers have fair access to maintenance facilities and essential rail services.
Surprise Inspections and Regulatory Reach
To gather evidence, the Directorate General of Competition recently carried out “dawn raids”—unannounced on-site inspections—at the company’s headquarters. These surprise searches were accompanied by formal questionnaires sent to other businesses in the sector to map out how the company’s behavior might be affecting the broader logistics and transport economy.
The legal framework being applied is robust. The HCC is acting as the “guardian” of the free market, wielding powers that allow it to punish not just traditional price-fixing, but also unilateral practices like “invitations to collude” or the public announcement of future prices intended to signal competitors.
What Happens Next?
The appointment of a Rapporteur is a critical procedural step. It effectively starts the clock on the legal deadlines for the Commission to reach a final decision. While this step does not guarantee a finding of guilt, it indicates that the HCC believes there is enough evidence to warrant a formal, expedited review.
The final timeline for the decision remains flexible, as it depends on the complexity of the digital and physical evidence collected during the inspections and the degree of cooperation from the companies involved. Given the vital importance of rail freight to Greece’s role as a regional logistics hub, the outcome of this case could reshape how goods move across the country for years to come.