Press release 17/2023
28 December 2023

Today, the AdC published its Competition Policy Priorities for 2024 on its website, with a notable emphasis on maximizing computer forensics tools. This focus will be integrated across the institution's various tasks.
Recognizing that the ongoing digitalization significantly influences competition authorities' operations, the AdC has prioritized equipping itself with the necessary tools and data to implement new, more effective methods. These methods aim to provide robust responses in investigating anti-competitive practices.
"The analysis of digital evidence and an increased understanding of algorithms, among other artificial intelligence mechanisms, are increasingly crucial in the pursuit of activities defending competition," as stated in the document that, according to its Bylaws, the AdC establishes and publishes annually, without any sectoral reference.
The impact of this new digital environment on the economy, particularly the risks and challenges posed to competition due to the growth of Artificial Intelligence, as emphasized in a 2023 Issues Paper published by the AdC, justifies the monitoring of trends and developments in the digital area as another priority for the institution.
As a result, the AdC emphasizes the objective of strengthening international cooperation, especially concerning the implementation of European legislation such as the Digital Markets Regulation (DMA).
In 2024, the AdC will prioritize identifying, investigating, and sanctioning practices of abusing a dominant position, considering the detrimental effects on the competitive dynamic between companies and consumers.
The scrutiny of mergers is also among the primary focuses for 2024. Specifically, investigations will concentrate on failures to notify the AdC beforehand or to comply with a non-opposition decision (gun jumping). Such behaviors hinder the AdC's ability to evaluate the merger's impact on market functioning.
Promoting a competitive market, leading to better prices and economic efficiency, involves not only investigating and penalizing collusive behavior but also initiatives to raise awareness, disseminate good practices, and contribute to enhancing the legal and regulatory framework.
In 2024, the AdC will persist and expand initiatives to raise awareness and promote competition. In this regard, the AdC will launch new outreach initiatives with local business communities and citizens through the "20 Years, 20 Cities - Competition comes to you!" sessions. Furthermore, it will reinforce the campaign against collusion in public procurement and aim to introduce new awareness initiatives, particularly focused on labor markets.
The Competition Policy Priorities for 2024 mark the first set defined by the current president of the AdC, Nuno Cunha Rodrigues, who assumed office in March 2023.