The Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) has carried out a series of unannounced inspections at companies and associations operating in Greece’s public passenger vehicle (PPV) transport sector, including taxi and ride-intermediation services. The raids form part of both an ex officio investigation and a separate inquiry triggered by a complaint.
According to the authority, the investigation focuses on potential horizontal and vertical agreements, concerted practices, or decisions by associations of undertakings that could restrict or distort competition in violation of national and EU antitrust rules. The probe also concerns possible abuse of a dominant position, which would contravene Articles 1 and 2 of Law 3959/2011 on the Protection of Free Competition, and Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
The Commission clarified that such inspections are an investigative measure aimed at gathering evidence and do not indicate that the companies involved have engaged in anti-competitive conduct. The outcome of the inquiry will depend on the assessment of the information collected during the raids.
Under Greek competition law, agreements between competitors that restrict competition, such as price-fixing or market-sharing, are strictly prohibited. The same applies to unilateral practices that amount to an invitation to collude or signal future pricing intentions to rivals. Abuse of dominance, such as predatory pricing or exclusionary practices, also falls within the HCC’s enforcement powers.
The authority stated that it gives priority to cases where intervention is necessary to protect competition and consumers. It investigates potential infringements based on complaints, leniency applications, or anonymous tips submitted through its digital whistleblowing platform. Companies found to have breached antitrust laws face severe administrative penalties under Law 3959/2011 and the TFEU.
The HCC also reminded companies of the benefits of its leniency program, which offers immunity or reductions in fines and other sanctions to firms or individuals that come forward with information about cartel activities. Participation in a cartel—such as fixing prices, dividing markets, or rigging bids—can lead to heavy fines, criminal penalties, and exclusion from public procurement processes for up to three years. However, those who cooperate with the authority may avoid such penalties entirely.
The Commission’s leniency and whistleblower programs are central to its enforcement strategy, designed to encourage early disclosure of collusion and other anti-competitive behavior.
