Harris Kyriakides
Harris Kyriakides

Expertise

Where legal acumen meets innovative solutions

Competition

The antitrust and competition landscape has evolved significantly in the past decade, leading to a surge in competition disputes and private enforcement through follow-on civil claims for damages. As a member of the European Union, Cyprus has aligned its legal framework with EU standards by adopting “The Protection of Competition Law of 2021” (Law 13(I)/2022), which transposes Directive (EU) 2019/1 into Cyprus law. This legislation replaces the previous competition law framework, strengthens the powers of the Cyprus Commission for the Protection of Competition, and provides clarity on procedural matters.

In this complex legal environment, it is crucial for clients to have the support of highly skilled advocates with a deep understanding of the competition market and legal framework. Recognised by Legal 500 as a top-tier practice in Cyprus, our Competition team is lauded for its creativity, communication, judgement, and analytical skills. We advise on all aspects of national and European competition law, helping clients ensure compliance with antitrust rules and defending them against allegations of anti-competitive behaviour.

Our services in competition law include merger clearances, joint ventures, licensing and distribution agreements, restrictive practices, abuse of dominance cases, cartel investigations, concerted practices, and compliance programmes. We also represent clients in contentious proceedings, such as civil claims for competition law infringements, challenges to decisions by the Cyprus Commission for the Protection of Competition, and complaints against third parties.

We have successfully represented clients across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, transport, and technology. Notably, our team secured a landmark victory for a Cyprus company in the first civil damages claim for competition breaches in Cyprus. The District Court of Larnaka awarded damages to our client in a claim against the Cyprus Grain Commission, creating a significant judicial precedent recognising the right to compensation for competition law infringements.

RELEVANT EXPERTS

LATEST NEWS

Publications & Commentaries
Main Developments in Cyprus Competition Law and Policy 2024
20 January 2025 | 1 min read

Members of the Harris Kyriakides Competition Law Practice discuss how 2024 shaped competition law in Cyprus. From major court rulings to legislative updates, they summarise key developments and their impact on businesses in the evolving - Read More...

News
Major reforms announced in Cyprus public procurement regulations to enhance efficiency
31 December 2024 | 3 mins read

The House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus is reviewing amendments aimed at streamlining the management of public contracts. These changes include enhancing procedures for evaluating contract variations and economic operator exclusions. The reforms - Read More...

News
Harris Kyriakides advises Petrolina on its acquisition of ExxonMobil Cyprus
3 December 2024 | 1 min read

Harris Kyriakides advised Petrolina (Holdings) Public Ltd on its landmark acquisition of 100% of the share capital of ExxonMobil Cyprus Limited, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation. The transaction remains subject to the approval of - Read More...

News
Obstructing the dawn raid: EU competition law expands to digital communications
17 October 2024 | 4 mins read

The European Commission’s €15.9 million fine against IF&F signals an expanded enforcement approach, extending its investigative powers to digital communications like WhatsApp, setting a precedent for future competition law investigations.

News
New developments in European state aid for aviation and the impact on Cyprus
18 September 2024 | 8 mins read

The European aviation sector is undergoing significant regulatory scrutiny, particularly concerning state aid provided to airlines and airport operators. Recent decision by the European Commission has brought to light the complexities that EU member states - Read More...

Publications & Commentaries
Sweet & Maxwell Public Procurement Law Review
23 August 2024 | 1 min read

Harris Kyriakides has recently contributed an article to the Sweet & Maxwell Public Procurement Law Review, discussing the judgment of NCR (Cyprus) Limited v Tender Review Authority and its influence on the rights of audience - Read More...

By Michael Kyriakides, Eleni Neoptolemou

Publications & Commentaries
Compendium of Main Developments on Competition Law and Policy in 2023
2 July 2024 | 1 min read

Harris Kyriakides is proud to contribute to the Cyprus chapter of the 2023 Wolters Kluwer Compendium on Competition Law and Policy, a comprehensive edition delving into significant developments across 30 jurisdictions. The chapter provides a - Read More...

By Eleni Neoptolemou, Maria Afxentiou

News
Commission for the Protection of Competition launches public consultation on priority criteria
13 June 2024 | 4 mins read

The Competition Protection Committee is initiating a public consultation to establish criteria for prioritising its duties and powers as defined by the 2022 Competition Protection Law. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and effectiveness in - Read More...