National security considerations are becoming increasingly prominent in economic policymaking, extending beyond defence to include economic security, supply chain resilience, technological capability and strategic autonomy. As these concerns affect a growing range of sectors, they are also intersecting more frequently with competition enforcement.
Because some national security concerns may have implications for market structure, competitive dynamics or remedies, competition authorities may need to assess them within the limits of their mandate. At the same time, not all security-related considerations can be addressed through competition law. Where such concerns fall outside established competition analysis, they may require assessment by governments or specialised bodies. It is therefore crucial to preserve analytical discipline, legal certainty and predictable enforcement, while ensuring appropriate co-ordination with broader public policy objectives.
In June 2026, the OECD will hold a roundtable on the topic to examine how national security considerations arise in competition analysis, including in merger control, co-ordinated conduct, unilateral conduct and remedy design. It will also explore how competition authorities can contribute through advocacy and co-ordination while maintaining effective and principled enforcement.
This page contains all session information and materials.
