The Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) will convene on December 28, 2026, to evaluate a Statement of Objections against Booking.com B.V. regarding potential anti-competitive behavior in online intermediation services for hotel accommodations. The proceedings assess whether the platform abused its dominant market position in violation of Article 2 of the Greek Competition Act and Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
Following an investigation prompted by a commercial complaint, the case rapporteur identified preliminary concerns that Booking’s commercial mechanisms act in combination to foreclose rival online travel agencies (OTAs) from entering or expanding in the Greek market. The inquiry focused on the cumulative impact of Booking’s Default Ranking Mechanism, its Preferred Partner Programmes, and its Booking Sponsored Benefit discount scheme.
Regulators found that the ranking criteria and partner status incentives encourage hotel operators to offer superior pricing and terms on Booking’s portal compared to competing sales channels. Furthermore, through the Booking Sponsored Benefit program, the platform unilaterally reduces room rates to maintain guaranteed price advantages. Regulators preliminarily concluded that these combined practices distort price competition and impair rival platforms’ ability to operate effectively.
To address the competition concerns, Booking offered a formal package of commitments following discussions with antitrust officials. The HCC subsequently subjected the proposed remedies to a public market test, which concluded in July 2026.
The case rapporteur’s Statement of Objections indicates that Booking’s proposed commitments appear suitable and sufficient to restore effective competition and resolve the identified market distortion. The upcoming December hearing will formally determine whether the commitments meet the statutory requirements for binding acceptance. The Statement of Objections remains non-binding, and the Commission’s final ruling will depend on the full evidence and arguments submitted by all participating parties.