According to Director General Evelin Pärn-Lee, the Competition Authority is an expert organisation that combines the two halves of the market economy: free market competition supervision, and market organisation and supervision of regulated markets. ‘The Authority focused on two strategic objectives in 2024: the systematic transformation of supervisory processes and the enhancing of supervisory capacity. Important areas of work also included market analyses, training of market participants, and general information activities,’ said Pärn-Lee.
For the first time, the annual report introduces the results of the work of the independent economic and data analysis department, which supports the authority’s supervisory activities. The regulatory service focused on developments in the electricity and gas markets, as well as on synchronising the Estonian electricity system with the Continental European Synchronous Area.
The Authority has actively developed technological solutions, including the Price Calculation Information System (HAI) and data analysis supporting competition supervision. Additionally, possibilities for artificial intelligence implementation are being analysed.
‘The Competition Authority continues its work in ensuring fair competition and efficiently functioning markets in the interests of Estonian society,’ said Pärn-Lee.
The annual report also highlights the Competition Authority’s priorities for 2025, focusing on market transparency, ensuring fair pricing, and identifying practices that harm competition. The sectors in focus include healthcare, waste management, and retail trade.
The Competition Authority is responsible for state supervision in the following sectors: competition, electricity, natural gas, district heating, postal services, public water supply and sewerage, railways, aviation and ports. The Authority also prevents unfair commercial practices in the agricultural products and food supply chain. The Authority falls under the area of governance of the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs.
Read more: Annual reports