In Q4, the Commission issued press releases stating that it was conducting unannounced inspections in several sectors:

1. according to a press release of 12 October 2021, the Commission was conducting inspections in locations in several Member States at the premises of companies active in the wood pulp sector[1], due to concerns about possible cartel violations;[2]
2. according to a press release of 25 October 2021, the Commission was also conducting inspections at the premises of a pharmaceutical company active in animal health in Belgium, due to concerns about possible abuse of a dominant market position;[3] and
3. according to a press release of 23 November 2021, the Commission was also conducting inspections at the premises of company active in the defence sector, due to concerns about infringement of the cartel prohibition.[4]

[1]Wood pulp is a dry fibrous material made of wood, which is used to manufacture various paper products.

[2] Press release European Commission 12 October 2021 ‘Antitrust: Commission carries out unannounced inspections in the wood pulp sector’

[3] Press release European Commission 25 October 2021 ‘Antitrust: commission carries out unannounced inspections in the animal health sector in Belgium’

[4]Press release European Commission 23 November 2021 ‘Antitrust; commission carries out unannounced inspections in the defence sector.’