Greek e-commerce giant Skroutz is under fire as the Hellenic Competition Commission prepares to examine whether the company has violated national and EU competition laws by abusing its dominant position in the market for online search and price comparison services.
At the heart of the case is a complaint filed by ten businesses, accusing Skroutz Internet Services S.A. of imposing unfair trading conditions on companies using its platform, www.skroutz.gr. The allegations focus on a range of terms and obligations set by Skroutz that, according to a detailed report from the Commission’s Rapporteur, may amount to exploitative conduct.
The report concludes that these terms—when viewed as a whole—are excessive, unnecessary, and harmful, especially to smaller business partners who depend on the platform for visibility and sales. It also warns that the alleged practices could ultimately harm consumers by reducing competition, limiting choice, and driving up prices. The practices in question are said to have been in place since 2020, continuing into the present day.
Skroutz, widely considered the dominant player in the Greek price comparison market, is accused of leveraging its position to dictate terms that partners have little choice but to accept. The platform serves as a key gateway for consumers searching for products and comparing prices online—giving it enormous influence over digital commerce in Greece.
The Rapporteur has recommended that the Commission confirm a breach of Article 2 of Greek Law 3959/2011 and Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which prohibit the abuse of market dominance. The proposed sanctions include a financial penalty and an order to cease the alleged violations, with the threat of further fines if the conduct continues.
However, the final decision lies with the Competition Commission, which will meet on 23 October 2025. The Commission will assess all evidence, hear arguments from both sides, and decide independently of the Rapporteur’s recommendations.
This case comes amid growing regulatory attention on digital platforms across Europe. If the Commission upholds the allegations, it could mark a big shift in how dominant online players are held accountable for their treatment of business users—and the broader impact on digital competition.
