The Competition Council has initiated an analysis to identify possible barriers hindering the digitalization that affects the free competition of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). "Our goal is to improve the business environment by stimulating competition and, at the same time, aligning with the strategies of the European Commission and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

In this regard, we will collaborate with all stakeholders interested in the improvements generated by digital transformation and who want resilient businesses in the face of challenges," said Bogdan Chirițoiu, the President of the Competition Council.

Thus, the competition authority will identify barriers that hinder the digitalization of SMEs and, consequently, affect their competitiveness compared to large companies, considering that SMEs concentrate half of Romania's value-added, employing two-thirds of the Romanian workforce.

At the end of the analysis, the Competition Council will issue recommendations regarding the streamlining of the digitalization process for SMEs to contribute to both business development and the reduction of the risk of market elimination for those that do not adapt to current digital conditions, considering that Romanian SMEs rank below the European average in this regard.

Additionally, the authority may propose measures for remedying, mitigating, and preventing any negative effects on competition and, implicitly, on consumers. In the event of law violations, it initiates the necessary procedures to sanction them.