The Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) is set to release its Annual Report on Markets and Competition 2026, celebrating thirty years of competition policy in Spain and Europe. The presentation will take place on 19 November 2026 at the CNMC headquarters, coinciding with the Annual Conference of the Spanish Association for the Defence of Competition (AEDC).
Three decades of competition policy
Since the mid-1990s, the Annual Report has tracked the evolution of competition policy, becoming a key reference for academics, professionals, and institutions. This year’s edition, titled “Past, present and future of competition policy,” reflects on the significant changes over the past thirty years and the challenges that lie ahead in an ever-evolving economic, technological, and geopolitical landscape.
International perspectives
The report features contributions from international experts, including Fernando Castillo de la Torre from the European Commission, who will discuss future challenges for EU competition policy. Juan David Gutiérrez from the Universidad de los Andes in Colombia will provide insights into the evolution of competition policy in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Key themes and instruments
This edition delves into essential competition defence instruments, including analyses of restrictive agreements and abuses of dominant positions. It also examines the evolution of unfair practices affecting public interest and legal exemptions. The role of regional authorities in competition enforcement and public procurement regulations are also explored.
Focus on promoting competition
Special attention is given to the increasing importance of promoting competition. Experts Juan José Ganuza, Lara Tobías, and Soledad Robles will discuss the evolution and future prospects of this function in Spain. The interaction between competition and industrial policy is another focal point, with Néstor Duch-Brown and Sergio Vela investigating its relevance in the current economic transformation.
Broader regulatory issues
The report also includes a section titled “In open key,” which addresses various regulatory and economic topics. Contributions cover the calculation of universal postal service costs, the evolution of energy regulation, and the Digital Services Act (DSA), which tackles challenges related to digital platforms and services.
Discussion and insights
The presentation event will feature a roundtable discussion with several authors from this year’s edition, providing an opportunity to share perspectives and delve into the challenges facing competition policy.
