Article 173: Functions of the Commission

 

  1.         The Commission shall:

(a) apply  the rules of competition in respect of anti-competitive cross-border business conduct;

(b) promote and protect competition in the Community and co-ordinate the implementation of the Community Competition Policy; and

(c)   perform any other function conferred on it by any competent body of the Community.

  1.         In discharging the functions set out in paragraph 1, the Commission shall:

(a) monitor anti-competitive practices of enterprises operating in the CSME, and investigate and arbitrate cross-border disputes;

(b) keep the Community Competition Policy under review and advise and make recommendations to COTED to enhance its effectiveness;

(c) promote  the  establishment  of  institutions  and  the  development  and implementation of harmonised competition laws and practices by the Member States to achieve uniformity in the administration of applicable rules;

(d) review the progress made by the Member States in the implementation of the legal and institutional framework for enforcement;

(e)        co-operate with competent authorities in the Member States;

(f) provide support to the Member States in promoting and protecting consumer welfare;

(g)        facilitate the exchange of relevant information and expertise; and

(h)        develop  and  disseminate  information  about  competition  policy,  and consumer protection policy.

  1.         The Commission may, by directions in writing and subject to such conditions as it thinks fit, delegate any of its functions to one or more of its members.