Analysis of European Competition authorities’ legal responsibilities in petition and complaint resolution between 2023–2025

This study examines the institutional independence and operational practices of European competition authorities from 2023 to 2025, focusing on how petitions and complaints are managed within diverse national and EU frameworks. It highlights the balance between formal legal mandates and discretionary enforcement shaped by historical, political, and resource factors. The analysis traces the evolution of competition authorities from centralized European Commission control to a decentralized model involving national agencies coordinated through the European Competition Network. Key procedural elements such as petition admissibility, complaint handling, and prioritization reveal both shared legal responsibilities and notable divergences influenced by domestic statutes, institutional structures, and political oversight. The interaction with international competition law and challenges posed by digital markets are explored, emphasizing the need for coordinated cross-border enforcement and adaptation to platform dynamics and data-related concerns. Future reform proposals address priorities including enhanced agency independence, improved cooperation with sector regulators, budget allocation strategies, procedural transparency, and integration of technical expertise to address digital economy issues. The findings underscore a complex governance landscape where harmonization efforts coexist with persistent national differences, shaping how competition enforcement adapts to evolving market conditions and legal environments.