Slovak Banking Association: A Case that Clarified What is Not an Illegitimate Conduct by Associations of Undertakings with Regard to Lobbying and Self-regulation

摘要

The Slovak banking sector went through a very unpleasant experience that began in November 2013, which ended in November 2016. The Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic (the 'Office') carried out dawn raids in the Slovak Banking Association (the 'SBA') and the four largest Slovak banks, all members of the SBA, for alleged anticompetitive behaviour. This attack eventually ended up well for the Slovak banking sector. Had it not, however, the conclusions of the Office could have had far-reaching negative consequences on all associations of undertakings in Slovakia.