Rome, March 21, 2025 – The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has launched an investigation into Rete Ferroviaria Italiana S.p.A. (RFI) and its parent company Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane S.p.A. (FS) over suspected abuse of their dominant position in the high-speed passenger transport market. The investigation stems from concerns that RFI has been slowing down or hindering the entry of SNCF Voyages Italia S.r.l., a new competitor, into the market, in violation of Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
According to the AGCM, RFI has engaged in exclusionary tactics, particularly in relation to the allocation of infrastructure capacity, which has impeded SNCF Voyages Italia’s access to Italy’s national railway infrastructure. The alleged practices have reportedly slowed the new entrant’s ability to compete effectively in the high-speed rail sector, where Trenitalia S.p.A. and Italo – Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori S.p.A. already hold significant market shares.
In connection with the investigation, AGCM officials, supported by the Special Antitrust Unit of the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza), conducted inspections at the premises of RFI, FS, Trenitalia, and Italo on March 20, 2025. The authorities are gathering documents they believe may be crucial to understanding the practices under scrutiny.
The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for the competitive landscape of Italy’s high-speed rail services, as well as for broader antitrust enforcement in the transport sector. The AGCM has not yet indicated a timeline for the completion of the investigation.
This move signals the Italian competition watchdog’s ongoing commitment to monitoring and addressing anti-competitive practices within key sectors of the economy, ensuring fair market access for all players.
Source: https://en.agcm.it/en/media/press-releases/2025/3/A575
