Abstract
The antitrust authority was set up in Italy five years ago to guarantee the market and competition. This article reviews its activity since then. The verdict is a substantially favourable one, fears that the authority would intervene excessively on markets having proved unfounded. Only on very rare occasions has the authority actually forbidden mergers and concentrations. In the majority of case, it has deemed them motivated by reasons of economic efficiency. The authority has done much to open up markets in sectors where monopolies used to exist, more or less explicitly created and protected by the state. The authority has played an effective role as an intermediary, helping to enforce Community antitrust legislation in Italy. It also performs an essential function as a legislation monitor, acting as both watchdog and advisor for parliament and government alike. Through its work it has helped to broaden understanding of the significance and value of the market and competition both within institutions and in public opinion as a whole.
