In the first half of 2024, the Latvian Competition Council (KP) finalized two high-priority antitrust cases, resulting in fines exceeding 142,000 euros imposed on three companies. Additionally, companies paid over 5.3 million euros to the state budget following successful litigations and settlements.

One case involved two construction companies engaging in prohibited agreements related to the insulation of residential buildings, resulting in fines. In another instance, a company was fined for setting resale prices for specific retailers, deemed as a violation of competition laws.

During this period, KP conducted market surveillance, especially in retail, analyzing competition dynamics post the entry of LIDL in Latvia. They identified pricing issues and proposed amendments to unfair trading practices laws to improve the situation in food retail.

KP also delved into other markets such as the district heating market in Riga and scrutinized the actions of educational institutions leasing service hotels to tourists, urging them to reassess the necessity of such operations in the market.

Furthermore, KP monitored 11 merger cases, all of which were approved without objections, indicating a stable trend in merger activities. They also received complaints regarding public sector procurement practices and engaged in discussions with local authorities to ensure compliance with competition laws.

To enhance awareness of competition laws, KP participated in meetings with policymakers, provided opinions on legislative projects' alignment with competition principles, and organized educational seminars for businesses on various competition law topics.

Moreover, the OECD recommended strengthening KP's powers in ensuring competition neutrality in state-owned enterprises and enhancing oversight of the financial system in Latvia. The OECD also advised KP to continue improving its IT capabilities for better ex-post evaluations.

Additionally, KP Council member Kārlis Piģēns was elected to represent Latvia's interests in the OECD Competition Committee Bureau, contributing to shaping international competition policies from 2024 onwards.