Javna agencija za varstvo konkurence (AVK)

The Javna agencija Republike Slovenije za varstvo konkurence (AVK — Slovenian Competition Protection Agency) is Slovenia's independent national competition authority, located at Dunajska cesta 58 in Ljubljana's Bežigrad district north of the city centre. Established under the Zakon o preprečevanju omejevanja konkurence (ZPOmK-2, Prevention of Restriction of Competition Act), AVK is responsible for protecting and promoting effective market competition throughout Slovenia. The agency reviews merger notifications (concentrations), investigates prohibited restrictive agreements (karteli) including price-fixing and market-sharing arrangements in violation of Article 101 TFEU and ZPOmK-2, examines abuse of dominant position (zloraba prevladujočega položaja) under Article 102 TFEU, and assesses state aid compatibility. AVK employs pravniki and economists across enforcement, economic analysis, and legal divisions, handling complex competition cases across all sectors of the Slovenian economy including telecommunications, energy, banking, retail, pharmaceuticals, and digital markets. The agency cooperates closely with the European Commission's Directorate-General for Competition, participates in the European Competition Network (ECN), and applies the ECN+ Directive standards for investigative and decision-making powers. AVK decisions on restrictive practices and mergers are subject to judicial review by the Upravno sodišče Republike Slovenije (Administrative Court) and the Vrhovno sodišče (Supreme Court). The Agency Council (Svet agencije) consists of five members including the Director, who serves as President of the Council.