Consistency of the application of Article 101 TFEU to price indexation mechanisms in the cast iron sector

Priority question for written answer P-000066/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Paolo Borchia (PfE)

The Italian Competition Authority recently sanctioned a number of companies operating in the country's cast iron sector on the grounds that the use of price adjustment mechanisms indexed to raw material costs, as developed by the industry association, constitutes a restrictive agreement within the meaning of Article 101 TFEU.

Bearing in mind that many companies used the association's indicators merely as a basis for negotiation, the authority's assessment appears to be out of step with current practice in other Member States, where similar tools - used to reflect trends in raw material and energy costs - have not been the focus of sanctions or considered contrary to EU competition law.

This disparity raises questions regarding the principle of equal treatment, legal certainty and the proper functioning of the internal market, as companies operating in comparable economic conditions appear to be subject to different legal regimes.

In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following questions:

• 1.Does it consider conditions in which identical practices are lawful in some Member States and sanctionable in others to be compatible with EU law?
• 2.Will it check that Article 101 TFEU is being applied correctly in this case?
• 3.Does action need to be taken to ensure that antitrust law can be interpreted in a uniform manner, preventing distortion to the detriment of Italian companies?

Submitted: 12.1.2026