Denmark: Adopted Bill amending the Competition Act including new powers to the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority and new principles for calculating fines

On 21 May 2024, the Danish parliament adopted the Bill amending the Competition Act including new powers regarding competition authority governance and new principles for calculating fines. The Bill gives the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority (KFST) the power to conduct market investigations into behaviours or structures within economic sectors. If harmful conditions to competition are found, the KFST can mandate companies to change their behaviour. In addition, the KFST can require the notification of certain potentially competitive mergers, even if they fall below current thresholds. Furthermore, new principles for calculating fines are established to ensure penalties better reflect the economic damage of violations, aligning with EU Commission practices and those of other EU countries. The Act will enter into force on 1 July 2024.