08/06/23 (Agence Europe) – The European Commission announced, on Thursday 8 June, that it had carried out unannounced inspections on the premises of companies operating in the synthetic turf sector in several Member States. The Commission officials were accompanied by their counterparts from the national competition authorities. The Commission is investigating possible cartels contrary to Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Such inspections do not prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself, and companies retain the right to be heard as part of the investigation procedure. In addition, the Commission points out that, under its leniency programme, companies that have taken part in a cartel may be granted immunity from fines, or at least substantial reductions, in exchange for coming forward or cooperating with the Commission in the investigation. (EV)