Budapest, 2 September 2022 - Csaba Balázs Rigó, President of the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) delivered a presentation on competition law infringements and the benefits of voluntary compliance at the board meeting of the National Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers (VOSZ).

The national competition authority is paying particular attention to promoting compliance by domestic businesses and encouraging voluntary compliance with competition law requirements. In this context, Csaba Balázs Rigó, President of the Hungarian Competition Authority delivered a presentation at the meeting of the National Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers.

The presentation highlighted the characteristics and consequences of cartelling, the most serious type of competition law infringement, and advised businesses on how to respond to the cartel initiatives of competitors. President Rigó also explained the benefits of voluntarily withdrawal from infringements and cooperation with the Hungarian Competition Authority.

"Cartels cause huge social harm, particularly in the current difficult economic environment, and as such, the legal consequences are also severe. They can lead to massive fines, reparation obligations and, in some cases, even criminal sanctions. It is important that entrepreneurs and business managers are able to make the right decision once they find themselves in an unlawful situation. The Hungarian Competition Authority has provided full professional support in this regard and will continue to do so in the future as well. At the same time, we will punish infringers who refuse to cooperate with maximum severity", said Csaba Balázs Rigó, President of the Competition Authority.

The management body of VOSZ considers the development of Hungary's competitive economy to be essential, and the Hungarian Competition Authority takes an important role by guarding the fairness of market competition, cooperating with entrepreneurs, and supporting business activities. It was stressed that even more emphasis should be placed on preventing infringements, informing entrepreneurs and raising awareness, rather than imposing sanctions.

In connection with the meeting between the heads of the GVH and VOSZ, the two organisations have started to prepare a future cooperation agreement which could provide a permanent framework for enhancing the knowledge of domestic entrepreneurs on competition law. The GVH has also agreed to organise similar presentations at a regional level as well, involving entrepreneurs from the surrounding counties to improve knowledge.

GVH Press Office

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