STOCKHOLM, March 17, 2026 — Sweden’s government has proposed sweeping reforms to competition law, including new powers for regulators to intervene in poorly functioning markets and a dedicated law governing public sector commercial activity.
The proposal, submitted to parliament, would expand the authority of the Konkurrensverket to impose competition-enhancing measures across entire markets, rather than targeting only individual companies.
The agency welcomed the reforms, saying they would allow it to address structural competition problems more effectively. “There are competition issues in Swedish markets that cannot be efficiently remedied under current rules,” Director General Marie Östman said in a statement.
Under the proposed changes, the authority could take action where competition is deemed to be weak or distorted, enabling faster and more flexible intervention to remove barriers to effective competition.
New framework for public sector market activity
A central element of the reform is the introduction of a new law on public sales activities, which would replace existing provisions in the competition act.
The new framework is designed to address situations where public entities operate in the same markets as private businesses, with the aim of preventing unfair competitive advantages that could distort market conditions.
According to the authority, the legislation would provide stronger tools to curb public sector activities that unduly hinder private companies’ ability to compete.
If adopted, the law is expected to enter into force on August 1, 2026. Authorities have advised public sector organisations to review their commercial operations in preparation for the new rules.
Expanded merger oversight
The proposal also includes changes to merger control rules, allowing the competition authority to intervene in transactions affecting local or smaller markets—areas that currently fall outside its jurisdiction.
In addition, new notification requirements would extend to certain planned mergers that are not always subject to review under existing thresholds.
The reforms reflect a broader effort to strengthen competition policy in Sweden, with the government aiming to promote productivity, economic growth and consumer welfare through more effective market oversight.
