Balkan Competition Platform Launched in Istanbul
In a landmark event for regional cooperation, representatives from nine Balkan countries gathered in Istanbul to launch the Balkan Competition Platform. The platform is designed to foster collaboration on competition law and enhance regional competitiveness. The meeting, organized by Turkiye’s Competition Authority (RK) and held at the Dolmabahçe Working Office, marks a pivotal step toward stronger relationships and shared solutions among Balkan countries.
Key Figures and Objectives
The meeting opened with remarks from Turkiye’s Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat and Competition Authority Chairman Birol Küle, who highlighted the significance of this initiative. Küle emphasized that while the countries have diverse histories, they share common ground and face similar challenges. A key objective of the platform is to increase the region’s competitive strength by sharing experiences and knowledge.
“Today, we are not focusing on our differences but on expanding our common ground,” Küle remarked.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
The platform aims to address current challenges in competition law, including the rise of powerful global corporations and the impact of digital markets. Küle stressed the importance of sharing expertise to tackle such issues, noting that cooperation between Balkan nations can strengthen market dynamics and economic stability.
Objectives of the Balkan Competition Platform:
- Enhance cooperation on competition law enforcement.
- Address the effects of globalization and digital market dominance.
- Develop joint projects for economic growth and fair competition.
- Share best practices and case studies for mutual benefit.
Statements from Member Countries
Representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Romania also shared their perspectives on the importance of this collaboration. Each stressed the need for stronger ties and the opportunity to learn from one another’s experiences in competition law enforcement.
Denar Biba, Chair of the Albanian Competition Authority, said, “This platform will enable us to align our efforts in creating fair and competitive markets across the Balkans.” Similarly, Irene Sharpe, Chair of the Greek Competition Commission, spoke about the critical role of legal cooperation in addressing regional competition issues.
Balkan Competition Platform Declaration
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Balkan Competition Platform Declaration was released. The declaration outlines the core objectives of the platform:
- Promote awareness of competition law and its benefits for regional economies.
- Encourage the exchange of knowledge and non-confidential documents related to competition law.
- Organize conferences, workshops, and working visits to increase capacity in competition law enforcement.
- Develop sustainable projects in line with green economy initiatives.
This new initiative highlights the strategic role of the Balkans as a crossroads between East and West, North and South. The platform aims to create open and fair markets that will benefit all participating countries by supporting sustainable, long-term economic growth.
Building a Competitive Future
As the Balkan Competition Platform gains momentum, its members are committed to building stronger economies through cooperation and mutual respect. By working together, the Balkan countries aim to create a future that is competitive, prosperous, and beneficial to all.
The platform’s launch signifies a shared vision of unity, cooperation, and a commitment to upholding the principles of free-market economics. The Balkan Competition Platform is poised to be a driving force for economic development and legal collaboration in the region.
Source: AA