The Bundeskartellamt's President, Andreas Mundt, stresses the critical role of competition in driving innovation and ensuring consumer benefits in the digital economy and AI era. The authority is actively involved in proceedings against major tech companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft, with a focus on preventing market concentration and increasing power in digital markets.

In the area of cartel prosecution, the Bundeskartellamt imposed fines in industrial construction services and collected significant amounts from previous cases. The authority conducts dawn raids, utilizes modern IT for market monitoring, and encourages whistleblowers to report potential violations.

Regarding merger control, the Bundeskartellamt scrutinized numerous merger projects in 2023, with some cases requiring divestitures or subject to conditions for approval. The authority also addresses consumer protection issues, such as uncovering problems with scoring practices in online retail, emphasizing the need for stronger enforcement powers.

In the energy sector, the Bundeskartellamt is conducting proceedings against district heating providers to ensure compliance with price adjustment clauses. The authority also oversees energy price relief measures to prevent unjustified charges to consumers and industrial customers, with ongoing examination proceedings.

The Competition Register for Public Procurement, a digital tool aiding in assessing companies' eligibility for public contracts, has been operational for over two years. It serves as a crucial resource for public authorities and entities to exclude companies with economic offences from procurement procedures.