On 20 April 2021, the European Commission (EC) ruled that the Österreichische Bundesbahnen-Holding Aktiengesellschaft (ÖBB), Deutsche Bahn AG (DB) and the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer belges (SNCB) had unlawfully formed a cartel. In doing so, they coordinated which party would submit an offer to a potential customer and agreed that the other parties would artificially increase their offer, as a result of which the best deal would always come from the lead carrier.[1]

As DB had previously committed a similar violation, its fine was increased by 50%. ÖBB cooperated fully with the investigation and reported itself to the Commission on own initiative. Consequently, it was not required to pay a fine. DB and SNCB also had their fines reduced by virtue of their cooperation in the investigation. The resulting fines totalled €48,324

[1] European Commission decision AT.40330 (Rail Cargo), paras. 30, 34 and 40.