Competition law plays a crucial role in addressing power imbalances in supply chains, which must be rectified to ensure producers and workers receive a fair share of trade benefits. Historically, competition law encompassed a broader understanding of public interest objectives, but it has increasingly become a hurdle for advancing sustainability. The currently dominant interpretation prioritises short-term consumer price reductions, neglecting critical social and environmental concerns. As a result, sustainability considerations are excluded from assessments of mergers and exemptions for sectoral collaborations aimed at achieving sustainability. This narrow focus has a chilling effect on supply chain actors' willingness to engage in discussions about issues like farmers’ incomes, due to fear of penalties under competition law.

At the core of the problem is a restrictive view of consumer welfare that fails to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), broader EU treaty provisions, and the long-term interests of EU consumers and citizens. Without reform, competition law risks undermining the EU's ability to achieve sustainable and equitable economic development.