This anti-competitive action risked ORLEN's market position in the Baltic States. The challenge was to restore access to the Latvian rail network, ensuring ORLEN could maintain its competitive edge and operational efficiency in the region.
From complaint to compliance.
We intervened decisively on behalf of ORLEN Lietuva by filing a formal complaint with the European Commission, prompting an investigation into Lithuanian Railways' dismantlement of the track.
The Commission found Lithuanian Railways had abused its dominant position, imposing a fine of over €20 million and ordering the track's reconstruction. When Lithuanian Railways contested the decision, we acted for ORLEN in support of the Commission, leading to the General Court upholding the decision. Despite a further appeal, we continued to back the Commission, resulting in the Court condemning Lithuanian Railways' actions as predatory.
This landmark ruling enforced one of the most significant remedies in EU competition law, compelling Lithuanian Railways to comply and allowing ORLEN Lietuva to resume exports via the Latvian rail network.
Our strategic legal intervention safeguarded ORLEN's market access and reinforced fair competition in the Baltic region.
