Effective competition is one of the basic conditions for the normal operation of the market economy. Yet, competition does not happen of its own accord: the level of its effectiveness depends both on the participants in the market and also on those who shape the appropriate competition policy and guarantee its protection, which can be seen as an expression of competition culture.

The state is an important actor in the introduction and protection of competition. This is reflected in the legal rules that in a user-friendly and clear manner regulate participation in the market, in properly qualified authorities entrusted with the care for and protection of competition, and, of course, in the efficient implementation of the rules in practice.

Free economic initiative is not to be limited; still it is reasonable to place it within a certain framework in order to prevent its abuse to the detriment of competition, competitors and consumers. Stronger competition culture and a higher level of effective competition cannot be achieved only through repressive means; very often problems can be overcome through dialogue.

Lately more than ever, competition protection authorities - the Competition Protection Office of the Republic of Slovenia being no exception - also have the role of engaging in the so-called "competition advocacy", i.e. activities aimed at the strengthening of competition culture.