The Ηellenic Competition Commission has announced that it will give priority to the examination and assignment to a competent rapporteur of an ex officio investigation into the markets for the supply, marketing and retail sale of cereals, milk, coffee, jams, beverages and cheese regarding any anti-competitive practices in the cereals sector. 

For the purpose of the ex-officio investigation, the General Directorate of Competition (DG Competition) carried out an on-site inspection on September 9, 2021, at companies operating in the markets concerned (importers and distributors), as well as at retailers and supermarkets nationwide. 

The Competition Commission, the guardian of the proper functioning of the free market, is responsible for the enforcement of competition rules under Law No. 3959/2011 and Articles 101/102 TFEU.  

Articles 1 of Law No. 3959/2011 and 101 TFEU prohibit agreements between undertakings (agreements, decisions by associations or concerted practices) which have as their object or effect the restriction of competition.
Article 1A of Law No. 3959/2011 prohibits unilateral practices that constitute an invitation to a prohibited cartel and announcements of future pricing intentions for products and services to competitors.
Articles 2 of Law No. 3959/2011 and 102 TFEU prohibit the abuse of a dominant position. 

Τhe assignment to an Authorised Rapporteur will trigger the deadlines set out in paras. 4 and 5 of Article 15 of Act No. 15 of the Act. 3959/2011 for taking a decision, but does not prejudge the content of the EA's recommendation and/or decision. The statutory time limit is indicative and the time for the examination of each case depends, inter alia, on its complexity, the volume of the administrative file, as well as the number and degree of cooperation of the undertakings under review.