The European Commission is carrying out unannounced inspections in one Member State, at the premises of companies active in the construction of networks and treatment plants for drinking water and wastewater, the institution announced on Tuesday 14 June.
The Commission is concerned that some companies may have violated EU rules prohibiting cartels and restrictive business practices (Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union). The Commission officials were accompanied by their counterparts from the relevant national competition authority.
The inspections concern an alleged case of bid-rigging in tenders involving EU funds for the construction of networks and treatment plants for drinking water and wastewater.
The fact that the Commission carries out such inspections does not mean that companies are guilty of anti-competitive behaviour and does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself. The duration of investigations depend on a number of factors, including the complexity of each case, the degree of cooperation of the companies and associations concerned with the Commission and the exercise of the rights of defence. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)