Hungary

The GVH is an independent authority with investigative, decision-making, and sanctioning powers. It also handles unfair commercial practices. Appeals go to the Budapest Administrative Court.

Section 11 prohibits horizontal cartels including price-fixing, market allocation, and bid-rigging. Major cases in construction, pharmaceutical distribution, and financial services.

Vertical restraints are prohibited under Section 11. Active enforcement against resale price maintenance in consumer electronics, food, and automotive parts.

Section 21 prohibits abuse of dominant position. Significant cases in energy, waste management, and telecoms. The GVH applies both exploitative and exclusionary abuse standards.

Mandatory pre-notification for concentrations exceeding turnover thresholds (combined Hungarian turnover of HUF 15 billion and individual Hungarian turnover of HUF 1 billion). Phase I/II review.

Full immunity or reduced fines under the GVH leniency programme. Well-established and aligned with the ECN Model Leniency Programme.

Settlement procedure allows fine reductions. Commitment decisions under Section 75 are actively used by the GVH to resolve cases efficiently.

Fines up to 10% of worldwide turnover. Individual fines for managers who facilitated infringements. No criminal sanctions for antitrust under competition law.

Hungary applies the EU Digital Markets Act. The GVH has investigated digital platforms and published guidance on online marketplace competition issues.

NMHH (telecoms and media), MEKH (energy), and the Hungarian National Bank exercise concurrent regulatory powers. GVH retains primary competition jurisdiction.

The GVH conducts dawn raids with court authorisation. Powers include access to premises, seizure of documents, and forensic imaging of electronic devices.

Private damages actions available following transposition of the EU Damages Directive. Civil courts have jurisdiction. Growing body of private enforcement case law.

Active member of the ECN, ICN, and OECD Competition Committee. Close cooperation with other Visegrad Group (V4) competition authorities.

Focus on retail sector competition, pharmaceutical distribution cartels, digital platform conduct, and unfair commercial practices. Active use of commitment decisions.