Bucharest, February 2, 2026 — The Romanian Competition Council reported a sharp increase in enforcement activity in 2025, approving a record 119 mergers and imposing fines totaling RON 347.4 million ($80.5 million) amid what it described as a challenging economic and geopolitical environment.
The authority said merger control activity reached its highest level in more than two decades, with 119 transactions cleared during the year. Two deals were cleared with conditions — Digi România and Vodafone România’s takeover of Telekom Romania Mobile Communications, and Mehiläinen Oy’s acquisition of the Regina Maria medical services group. In a separate case, the authority opened an in-depth investigation into the Schwarz Group’s proposed acquisition of La Cocoș stores, marking the first merger investigation of its kind in eight years.
For the first time, the authority also carried out an unannounced inspection as part of a merger compatibility review.
Enforcement activity remained robust, with 18 investigations completed in 2025, resulting in fines of RON 347.4 million. Cartel cases accounted for approximately 56% of the total fines. A total of 68 entities were sanctioned, and around 70% admitted to breaching competition rules.
Landmark No-Poach Agreement Fine
Among the most significant penalties was a RON 163.71 million fine imposed on eight companies for participating in a labor market agreement that restricted employee mobility and suppressed wage competition. The case marked the Competition Council’s first investigation into anticompetitive conduct in the labor market.
Other major fines included RON 135.2 million against Philip Morris Trading, Interbrands Orbico, and Mediaposte Hit Mail for anticompetitive agreements in the heated tobacco products market, and RON 14.73 million against auto service companies and insurers for collusion in vehicle repair services.
The authority said it completed nine cases involving potential infringements of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU in 2025 — the highest number among EU competition authorities, ahead of Italy, France, and Germany.
Dawn Raids on Rise
Unannounced inspections also reached a recent high, with 21 dawn raids conducted across 52 locations, including at major retail chains as part of investigations into unfair trading practices in the agri-food supply chain.
In state aid oversight, the Competition Council reviewed and supported approval of measures exceeding RON 50.6 billion, including schemes funded through national budgets and EU financing.
Competition Council President Bogdan Chirițoiu said the authority strengthened its institutional capacity while managing complex cases and ensuring compliance with EU competition and state aid rules.
Source: https://www.consiliulconcurentei.ro/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ENG-CC-activity-in-2025.pdf
