The Competition Council (CC) has compiled in its latest annual report the key results of the institution’s work in 2025, as well as the main developments in the application of competition law in Latvia.
Chairwoman of the Competition Council, Ieva Šmite: “Looking back at 2025, the Competition Council’s work has been defined by a focused approach to achieving concrete results, while at the same time developing innovative and proactive solutions for detecting and preventing competition infringements. Data analytics, digitalisation, and closer cooperation with sectors are playing an increasingly important role in the institution’s work, alongside more open and transparent communication with the public. This year demonstrates that competition enforcement is becoming not only more effective, but also more modern.”
The estimated public benefit for the period 2023–2025 exceeded EUR 44 million per year, and on average, each euro allocated to the institution generated more than EUR 9 in benefits to society. Compared to the previous year, when the public benefit amounted to EUR 35.1 million per year, this represents an increase of approximately 25%.
During the reporting period, the CC adopted its first decision for an infringement of the Unfair Trading Practices Prohibition Law, imposing a fine of more than EUR 1.8 million on MAXIMA Latvija SIA.
Another notable case is the engineering communications cartel, in which the CC uncovered a prohibited agreement in 33 public procurements and imposed fines exceeding EUR 500 000 on the cartel participants. Four parties to the case entered into settlement agreements with the CC, acknowledging their participation in the cartel and committing to pay the imposed fines.
The CC also adopted a decision in a case concerning abuse of a dominant position against “Mārupes komunālie pakalpojumi” LLC, finding that the infringement restricted competition in the market for the installation and replacement (including sealing) of additional water consumption meters in Mārupe Municipality. For this violation, the company was fined more than EUR 78 000.
In 2025, 19 mergers were assessed within merger control, alongside 46 pre-notification consultations that supported companies in preparing transactions in compliance with competition rules. In four cases, in-depth investigations (Phase II merger reviews) were conducted, ensuring a thorough assessment of their impact on competition.
Regarding the regulatory framework, 37 opinions containing objections and proposals on amendments to sectoral legislation were issued. In nearly half of the cases (48%), the CC’s views were taken into account, contributing to the development of pro-competitive regulation.
Work on 14 active litigation cases continued throughout the year, while two proceedings were concluded with outcomes fully favourable to the CC, with its decisions upheld in both instances. Additionally, fines amounting to EUR 1.5 million were paid into the state budget.
Cooperation efforts included 110 interinstitutional meetings, as well as 87 engagements with businesses and non-governmental organisations, strengthening dialogue with key stakeholders.
A total of 54 educational events were delivered, complemented by 10 Competition Law School webinars, reaching 1,800 participants overall.
Communication activities comprised 48 interviews, three press conferences, and 120 press releases, ensuring broad public awareness of the CC’s work.
At the same time, the CC highlights that for 2026 it has set the following key priorities: detecting and preventing the most serious competition law infringements, conducting in-depth market monitoring in sectors affecting significant public interests, and advancing the modernisation and digitalisation of its processes.
The CC has also defined specific performance indicators to ensure targeted work and measurable results.