The European Commission has published a new study titled “Estimating customer savings generated by competition enforcement in the EU,” which, for the first time at the European level, quantifies the economic benefits generated by the actions of competition authorities. The study compiles data from both the European Commission and the national competition authorities participating in the European Competition Network (ECN), including the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC).
Methodology and Concept of Consumer Surplus
Competition authorities, at both the European and international levels, make a systematic effort to quantify, in a clear and concise manner, the consumer benefits expected to result from their interventions.
This assessment is based on the internationally recognized consumer surplus indicator, which serves as the primary tool used by competition authorities and the OECD to estimate the economic benefits reaped by consumers. This indicator reflects the value generated when regulatory interventions prevent anti-competitive practices that would otherwise lead to artificial price increases, a reduction in choice, and a stifling of innovation.
According to the study’s findings, interventions by the European Commission and national competition authorities generate an estimated annual benefit of 18.5 to 29.7 billion , which corresponds to approximately 100 to 155 euros per household in the European Union each year.
It should be noted, however, that consumer surplus reflects only a portion of the total benefits, as the actual figures must also take into account long-term improvements in quality, increased productivity, and, above all, the strong deterrent effect of these interventions.
Results for Greece
The Hellenic Competition Commission actively participated in this European exercise by providing data on its activities.
Total Benefit: Over the past five years (2021–2025), the Competition Commission’s interventions generated a total estimated benefit of 714.27 million euros for consumers and the economy.
Fines & Revenues: During the same period, the Competition Commission imposed fines totaling 128.67 million euros and contributed 15.8 million euros to the state budget.
Contribution to Competitive Markets
The Competition Commission contributes to the Greek economy through its overall work: addressing anti-competitive practices, reviewing business mergers, conducting sectoral investigations, issuing opinions, taking regulatory action, and mapping the market. This contribution is reflected in the openness and transparency that characterize its actions.
These facts confirm that the effective enforcement of competition law is not merely a regulatory or supervisory activity. Rather, it constitutes an investment with tangible and measurable results for consumers, businesses, and the economy as a whole.
Ensuring healthy and competitive markets helps keep prices in check, improve the quality of products and services, foster innovation, and create conditions for sustainable development.
Protecting competition is not merely a matter of enforcing the law.
It is an investment in the smooth functioning of markets, price stability, innovation, and ultimately the well-being of citizens and businesses.
Further details on the Competition Commission’s work, interventions, and results for the year 2025 will be presented in the 2025 Annual Activity Report, which will be published shortly.