THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT MEASURES AND COMPETITION AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORTING COMPETITION ENVIRONMENT IN THE SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE DURING COVID-2019 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Competition policy is one of the most important tools that governments can use to develop resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy. It is also a vital tool to reduce inequality and strengthen societal trust. The COVID-19 crisis has increased the importance of competition policies for all the countries of the world. Without intervention of the state around 38% of the firms in 16 European countries have reported that they would lose liquidity during one-month measures of quarantine isolation. Thus, this paper discusses what measures can the government and competition authorities use to support the competition environment and recovery process in Eastern Europe during the COVID-2019 pandemic.