Among other topics, the links between competitiveness and artificial intelligence were discussed at the 50th European Competition Day in Budapest
Budapest, 22 October 2024 – "The widespread and correct adoption of artificial intelligence can have a significant positive impact on the productivity and competitiveness of Hungarian businesses." - said Csaba Balázs Rigó, President of the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) at the 50th European Competition Day in Budapest. During the one-day conference, prominent experts from the continent's competition law community discussed the most burning issues, including the relationship between sustainability and competition policy and the future opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence. The GVH also presented the results of its market analysis on artificial intelligence to the international community during the conference.
"The challenges facing the European Union are greater than ever before. Real progress can only be achieved through joint professional efforts and mutually beneficial cooperation." - emphasised in his opening speech Csaba Balázs Rigó, President of the GVH.
European Competition Day has been held every six months since 2000, traditionally organised by the competition authority of the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The 50th iteration of the conference was organised by the GVH in Budapest as an official programme of the Hungarian EU Presidency. The international conference was attended by some 200 experts and decision-makers from nearly 30 countries, including renowned speakers such as Natalie Harsdorf, Director General of the Austrian Competition Authority, and Benoît Cœuré, President of the French Competition Authority.
Csaba Balázs Rigó, President of the GVH, underlined: "Strengthening the competitiveness of the European Union and its Member States is a key issue for the economic and social prospects of our continent, because the EU is lagging behind its major rivals." He added: "Proactive action by the competition authorities will also play an important role in addressing this challenge in the future."
In support of a revitalized enlargement policy, an important priority of the Hungarian EU Presidency, the GVH invited the competition authorities of 8 countries at various stages of EU accession to the 50th European Competition Day, in addition to the 27 EU Member States.
The three main topics of the international event were the link between competitiveness, sustainability and competition policy, the experiences gained from the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the opportunities and challenges arising from the emergence of artificial intelligence. The GVH published its market analysis on artificial intelligence on the 21st of October, in conjunction with the conference, looking at the impact of the technology on competition and consumers. Commenting on artificial intelligence, Csaba Balázs Rigó underlined: "Artificial intelligence can also contribute to economic growth in the long term. It is crucial that small and medium-sized enterprises learn about the potential of AI as soon as possible and prepare for its adoption. This will prevent the development of AI technology from leading to a concentration of markets." - underlined the President of the GVH.
In the framework of the opening panel discussion of the conference, the Hungarian Competition Authority presented its latest book entitled "Twenty Years of EU Competition Law in Hungary". The English publication offers a comprehensive examination of the evolution of European competition law and policy in the country, and their impact on national legislation and enforcement.
The agenda of the 50th European Competition Day is available here.
The book "Twenty Years of EU Competition Law in Hungary" is available here.
GVH Public Service Communications Section
Further information:
Bálint Horváth, Head of Communication +36 20 238 6939
Katalin Gondolovics, Spokesperson +36 30 603 1170