site.btaCompetition Protection Commission's Approach of Dialogue, Self-regulation in Euro's Introduction Yielding Results - Chairman Karadimov

The approach that the Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) chose when it took office - dialogue and self-regulation rather than ostentatious sanctions - is yielding results. This has also been proven in the sectoral analysis of the food market, CPC Chair Rosen Karadimov commented on Bulgarian National Television on Saturday. Contrary to all the apocalyptic predictions that were circulating, the first days of the euro are passing extremely smoothly, he noted. 

According to him, thanks to the chosen approach and joint work with the executive branch, the CPC, and the National Revenue Agency (NRA), businesses in the food sector are operating under clear market rules with a clear awareness of social responsibility. "Before Christmas, the big food chains started announcing price freezes and major promotional campaigns. And this is the result of the dialogue that took place," Karadimov underscored.

He said that as part of its sectoral analysis of the competitive environment in the markets for basic food products, the CPC has begun to examine the other part of the market, namely small shops. "In their case, the supplier is in a stronger position, as they can change the price of products every week. This may force small shopw to either raise their prices or reduce their margins to the point of survival," said the CPC Chairman.

The Commission has requested detailed information from small shops, focusing on how many times suppliers raised prices in December 2025 and January 2026. "Under the agreement we have signed with the CPC and the NRA, we will provide them with this information, and on this basis, the NRA will be able to carry out checks on suppliers. And if there are indications of unfair commercial practices or abuse of a dominant position, the CPC will take action on its own initiative and exercise its powers to the full," said Karadimov.

He also commented on the on-site inspections that the Commission is conducting as part of an investigation into suspected cartel activity in public procurement for food supplies to hospitals. The Commission launched a large-scale preliminary in-depth study on the subject immediately after the report was filed. "I am convinced that the social and humanitarian impact of this action is extremely significant because it will illustrate to everyone not only the specific problem and the way to solve it, but also how important it is to combat tender manipulation as a form of prohibited agreement," the CPC Chair said.