MADRID, April 2026 — Spain’s CNMC intensified its antitrust enforcement and merger control activities in 2025, launching new investigations, issuing fines and blocking a transaction for the first time, according to its latest annual report.
The authority said it had stepped up efforts to detect and prosecute anti-competitive conduct, while also expanding its use of data analytics and artificial intelligence tools to identify collusion risks.
Surge in enforcement activity
The CNMC opened 21 new investigations and 43 preliminary proceedings into potential competition law infringements during the year, targeting sectors such as insurance, pharmaceutical logistics and sports competitions.
It ultimately resolved 14 cases, including sanctions for two cartels and two abuses of dominance, and carried out inspections across 18 company premises.
Fines for breaches of competition rules and procedural violations—including so-called “gun jumping” in mergers—totalled €23.3 million, the report shows.
The watchdog also processed 295 whistleblower submissions, a 38.5% increase year-on-year, reflecting growing public engagement in detecting anti-competitive conduct.
First-ever merger prohibition
Merger control remained a key pillar of activity, with 123 transactions notified and 131 decisions issued in 2025.
Notably, the CNMC prohibited a transaction for the first time—the Curium/IRAB deal—marking a significant escalation in its enforcement toolkit.
Six other mergers were cleared subject to remedies or conditions, while the authority maintained relatively fast review timelines, with a median decision time of nine days.
Stronger detection tools and AI use
The authority highlighted the growing role of technology in its work, including upgrades to its BRAVA tool for detecting bid rigging in public procurement and the development of ATENEA, an AI-based reasoning system.
A newly created detection unit and an expanded economic intelligence unit have also enhanced the CNMC’s ability to uncover collusion and other anti-competitive practices.
Broader competition advocacy
Beyond enforcement, the CNMC issued 38 reports on public sector actions, many linked to draft legislation, and pursued legal challenges against regulations that restrict competition.
It also continued efforts to promote competition across sectors such as transport, housing and digital services, and received international recognition for its work on rail market liberalisation.
Digital and sectoral oversight
The report underscores the CNMC’s expanding role in digital regulation, including its function as Spain’s Digital Services Coordinator under EU law, handling complaints against online platforms and coordinating with other European regulators.
At the same time, the authority continued extensive oversight in telecoms, energy, transport and postal markets, combining competition enforcement with sector-specific regulation.
Outlook
The CNMC said its 2025 activity reflects a strategy focused on stronger enforcement, faster merger reviews and greater use of data-driven tools, as it seeks to safeguard competitive markets and consumer welfare in Spain.
Source: https://www.cnmc.es/novedad/memoria-2025
