The role of the Commission for the Protection of Competition in the Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract

The paper examines the role and performance of the Commission for the Protection of Competition (CPC) in the Republic of North Macedonia. It starts by providing context on the evolution of free market economies in developing countries and the importance of competition in order to achieve economic benefits. The paper highlights the necessity of creating a system for the protection of competition and emphasizes the role of national competition agencies. The specific focus is on the Commission for the Protection of Competition within North Macedonia's regulatory landscape. It delves into the history of competition law in the country, its adoption of the EU model of competition law, and the establishment of the Commission for the Protection of Competition. The paper discusses the main areas of focus for the CPC, including abuse of dominant market position, restrictive agreements, and market concentrations. The analysis reveals that while the CPC has been granted extensive powers by the national legislator, its effectiveness is constrained by limited administrative capacity and a small budget. Comparisons with other national competition agencies in the region illustrate the CPC's resource constraints. In conclusion, the paper underscores that the CPC's focus has shifted over the years from tackling abuses of dominant market position to evaluating market concentrations. It sheds light on the challenges and limitations faced by the CPC in fulfilling its mandate and offers insights into areas for potential improvement, such as increased funding, resources, and the promotion of private enforcement of competition law.