This session included Opening remarks by the OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann followed by a Keynote Speech by Frédéric Jenny, Chairman of the OECD Competition Committee.

In 2023, the OECD launched the fourth edition of its annual OECD Competition Trends publication, which presents unique insights into global competition trends from around 80 OECD and non-OECD jurisdictions. By analysing multi-year data on a large number of economic and legal indicators from the OECD CompStats database, the report supports informed policymaking and contributes to improving competition law and policy around the world . This session allowed four heads of a competition agency to discuss some of the latest developments in competition enforcement, including from their own jurisdiction. More information available here: https://www.oecd.org/competition/oecd-competition-trends.htm

Interim measures are protective and corrective tools that may be adopted while investigating possible antitrust infringements. Despite having been in the toolbox of many competition authorities for decades, the debate concerning the effectiveness and efficiency of antitrust enforcement in fast-moving markets turned the spotlight on interim measures and it triggered reform proposals in several jurisdictions. This session discussed several aspects related to the application of interim measures. More information available here: oe.cd/imai

The relationship between prices and competition is well established, with low levels of competition contributing to higher price levels. However, the link between competition and price increases (inflation) appears less clear-cut. Further, whether or not competition is an important driver of inflationary pressures, an inflationary environment may have meaningful implications for competition policy. This session discussed a number of issues in relation to competition and inflation. The discussion considered the link between competition and inflation, both in the short-term and long-term. It will also touch on the risks to competition that authorities should be aware of in response to the current inflationary trends. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the roundtable explored how competition authorities should react to the current period, including to pressure they are likely to face from the public and governments. More information available here: oe.cd/cinf

Concluding Remarks were given by Carmine Di Noia, Director of the Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs, OECD.

Georges Marshall & Roger Ockrent rooms, Château de la Muette