European competition event to champion consumer power

Updated / Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026 00:01

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European competition authorities, academics, and industry leaders are meeting in Dublin today to explore competition policy in the context of a changing European economic landscape for consumers.

The event at the National Botanic Gardens is being co-hosted by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and takes place on European Competition Day.

Teresa Ribera - Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition - will make an address, as will the newly appointed Irish Director-General of the Directorate-General for Competition at the European Commission Anthony Whelan.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke will also make a speech, in which he is expected to say that the European Union "needs to maintain a fair and level playing field for business, while ensuring our policies don't affect their ability to trade and bring economic value to our countries and our communities".

In her address, Ms Ribera will say that "Europe cannot afford to become dependent on a handful of companies for technologies that will shape our economy and our society. Ultimately, it is about ensuring that markets deliver for European citizens.

"At a time when Europeans continue to feel the pressure of inflation and persistent high prices, competition matters for affordability and choice, and indeed for ensuring citizens and their families can live in dignity."

The event will feature panel discussions on the benefits of competition, digital markets enforcement, and the future of merger control.

CCPC Chair Brian McHugh said competition is "one of the most powerful tools governments have to protect consumers. Europe can create more innovative and successful businesses, but competitive pressure must remain at the core of the market.

"Competition is necessary for success, even amongst scaling EU champion companies. The job of competition authorities is not to pick champions, it is to create a level playing field; consumers will pick the winners."