The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has expressed its support for the recent successful conclusion of technical negotiations between the EU and the UK on a new competition cooperation agreement. This agreement allows for direct cooperation between the EU Commission, national competition authorities of EU Member States, and the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), marking a significant advancement in competition law enforcement.

The cooperation agreement aims to streamline collaboration between the UK and EU Competition Authorities, ensuring efficient and collective resolution of significant competition issues. This cooperative framework benefits businesses and consumers in both Europe and the UK, strengthening the enforcement mechanisms established under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and enabling direct collaboration between EU competition authorities and a non-EU Member State for the first time.

Brian McHugh, Chairperson of the CCPC, welcomed the agreement, emphasizing the importance of promoting fair competition and the potential for enhanced collaboration to enforce competition law effectively. The agreement signifies a positive step towards fostering competitive markets, ensuring fairness in competition, and supporting growth for businesses in Ireland and the EU through cooperative efforts.