NMa Consults Public about Priorities for 2006

In relation to the supervision of compliance with the Competition Act and energy and transport legislation, the Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa) intends to pay special attention in 2006 to markets in transition, according to NMa in a consultation document published today. NMa invites the public to respond to the proposed areas of attention and its regulatory strategy for 2006.

By eliminating restrictions on competition and regulating monopolistic markets, NMa aims to increase prosperity. To do this as effectively as possible, NMa has determined a number of priorities for 2006. These are markets in transition and sectors where improvement in the operation of market forces could result in considerable increases in prosperity. The first category includes the energy sector, the healthcare sector, the transport markets and the media & communication markets. The growing dynamism and innovation of these markets may not be obstructed by restrictions on competition. In the second category, the construction sector, the financial sector and the liberal professions are given high priority. The attention to the last-mentioned sectors does not deviate from the areas of attention in 2005. This can be explained by the fact that changes in practices and the embedding of rules take time.

NMa has various instruments at its disposal. In addition to imposing sanctions, it can also monitor a market or issue advice to institutions responsible for formulating policy. In this way, NMa can eliminate obstacles to the proper operation of market forces effectively and efficiently. To benefit from the advantages of markets that work well, the contribution made by companies, branch associations and also consumers is crucial.

In the consultation document, interested parties are invited to respond to the choices which NMa intends to make. The responses to this consultation document can be submitted to NMa at the latest on 28 October 2005. For more information, see the Consultation Document on NMa's Agenda 2006 on NMa's website (www.acm.nl).