Commission launches market investigations on cloud computing services under the Digital Markets Act
The European Commission opened three market investigations on cloud computing services under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Two market investigations will assess whether Amazon and Microsoft should be designated as gatekeepers for their cloud computing services, Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, under the DMA, in other words whether they act as important gateways between businesses and consumers, despite not meeting the DMA gatekeeper thresholds for size, user number and market position. The third market investigation will assess if the DMA can effectively tackle practices that may limit competitiveness and fairness in the cloud computing sector in the EU.
Cloud computing is the backbone of many digital services, and it is crucial for AI development. To foster innovation, trust, and Europe’s strategic autonomy, cloud services must be provided in a fair, open and competitive environment.
Market investigations into Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure
Analyses of cloud markets conducted in recent years appear to indicate that the cloud computing services Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services occupy very strong positions in relation to businesses and consumers. Moreover, the Commission will assess if certain features of the cloud sector may further reinforce the position of Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services.
If the Commission’s investigation finds that Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services qualify as important gateways under the DMA, the cloud computing services would be added to the list of core platform services for which Amazon and Microsoft are already designated as gatekeepers.
Market investigation on the DMA’s application to cloud markets
The Commission is also gathering information from relevant market players to assess whether the current obligations under the DMA are effective in addressing practices that limit competitiveness or are unfair in the cloud sector. The investigation will cover, for instance, obstacles to interoperability between cloud computing services, limited or conditioned access for business users to data, tying and bundling services, and potentially imbalanced contractual terms.
Next Steps
The Commission aims to conclude the market investigations on Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services within 12 months.
Should the Commission conclude Microsoft and Amazon fulfil the criteria to be designated as gatekeepers for their cloud computing services under the DMA, Amazon and Microsoft would have six months to ensure full compliance of their designated cloud computing services with the DMA obligations.
The market investigation on the DMA’s application to cloud markets will result in a final report to be published within 18 months, which may propose the update of the DMA obligations in respect to cloud by way of a delegated act pursuant to Article 12 and 49 DMA.
Background
The DMA intends to ensure contestable and fair markets in the digital sector. It identifies large digital platforms, or ‘gatekeepers’, that provide an important gateway between businesses and users, imposing obligations and banning certain unfair practices.
Even if a large digital platform does not meet the quantitative thresholds for size, user number or market position under the DMA, if it controls an important gateway position, the Commission may investigate whether the provider should be designated as a gatekeeper.
When conducting an investigation, the Commission assesses elements such as the provider’s size, the number of users, network effects, scale and scope effects, lock-in and switching costs, and the conglomerate corporate structure or vertical integration of that company.
In these investigations, the Commission is supported by the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), the Dutch competition authority, in the form of a joint investigative team, as provided for in the cooperation rules under the DMA.
Quote(s)
Cloud computing services are vital for Europe’s competitiveness and resilience. We want this strategic sector to grow on fair, open, and competitive terms. That’s why today we are opening investigations into whether Amazon’s and Microsoft’s leading cloud computing services, Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, should be subject to the Digital Markets Act’s (DMA) obligations. We will also look at whether the DMA’s existing rules need to be updated so Europe can keep pace with fast-evolving practices in the cloud sector.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
Cloud computing services power Europe’s digital future – enabling AI development and driving innovation. Such services should be offered in a fair, open and competitive environment that fosters trust and secures Europe’s tech sovereignty. With today’s market investigations we want to assess whether Amazon and Microsoft with their cloud services Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure qualify as gatekeepers – and if yes, how to ensure an effective application of the Digital Markets Act in cloud computing services.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
Video message by President von der Leyen at the EU Enlargement Forum
Dear Commissioner Kos,
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a pleasure to speak to you. From its very foundation, the European Union has been a peace project. It is the thread that has bound our Member States together and guided each step of our integration. But in times of geopolitical uncertainty, enlargement is more than a choice for peace. It is an investment in our collective security and freedom. Because history has taught us that when Europe stands united, we stand stronger.
In February, I travelled to Ukraine, in July to Moldova and in October to the Western Balkans. Each trip filled me with optimism. I met citizens, civil society and business representatives, and leaders. And I saw their hope for a European future. Of course, the way to European membership is challenging. It requires many reforms and alignment with our EU acquis. But the benefits are many. Countries that joined the European Union in the last wave experienced incredible economic growth. Living standards doubled, unemployment almost halved. Life expectancy rose by an average of four years, and six million new jobs were created.
The same will happen with the next enlargement process. But we wanted, to advance already now some of the positive effects. This is the purpose of our Growth Plans. Enlargement countries deliver key reforms to ensure a level playing field with our Union’s Single Market. And in return, Europe opens sectors of the Single Market. All this is combined with substantial investment. We integrate strategic local industries into European supply chains. Together, we create jobs and increase knowledge and expertise. We invest in vital links such as cross-border transport. And cheap, clean and renewable energy, to give reliable local energy supplies. And there are even more benefits. Like abolishing roaming charges for phone calls to the European Union. Or access to SEPA, so that companies can send money to and from the Union at greatly reduced costs. This will save millions of euros a year. And this is how we build a Europe of shared prosperity.
Enlargement is a journey that matters to all of us. Because we all share the same continent, history, culture and challenges. We see the passion of young people – in candidate countries as well as in member states – to live in one European Union. They want to seize the opportunities and enjoy the freedoms that membership provides. They want to live in a stronger, prosperous and united Europe. Because Europe is more than a Union – it is our home.
I wish you a successful conference. Long live Europe!
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will hold its Extraordinary Bureau Meeting on 18-19 November 2025 at the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Cyprus in Nicosia.
All interested journalists are invited to attend the conference session on Wednesday, 19 November (8:30-11:45), featuring:
Opening remarks by EESC President Séamus Boland and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides
Exchange of views with Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna on the upcoming Cypriot EU Presidency
Panel discussion on water resilience with experts from The Cyprus Institute and Water Europe
Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English, Greek, French, and German.
Media representatives may also request an interview with Séamus Boland, newly elected EESC President, to discuss his priorities for the new mandate, cooperation with the Cypriot EU Presidency to the Council of the EU, and the Committee’s work on water resilience.
Please confirm your attendance and get your accreditation via accreditation@cyprus2026eu.gov.cy??
For interview requests, please contact:
EESC – Thomas Kersten
thomas.kersten@eesc.europa.eu
Cyprus Presidency – Stella Michael
smichael@cyprus2026eu.gov.cy
Commission imposes definitive safeguard measures on certain ferroalloys
The European Commission took today an important step to protect the EU’s ferroalloy industry – which employs some 1,800 people in the EU – by imposing definitive safeguard measures on imports of certain ferroalloys into the European Union. This decision brings to a close a 11 month-long legal procedure and investigation.
The definitive measures imposed consist of country-specific tariff rate quotas (TRQs) per type of ferroalloy, limiting the volume of imports to enter the EU duty-free. Imports exceeding these quota volumes may enter duty-free if their price exceeds the established threshold. For imports priced below the established threshold, the applicable duty shall be equivalent to the difference between the net free-at-Union-frontier price and the established price threshold for each product type. While the safeguard measures apply indiscriminately to all third countries – including Norway and Iceland, which are part of the EEA – they have been carefully designed to minimise the impact on the integrated European value chain. The Commission will conduct trimonthly consultations with Norway and Iceland and will carefully review the impact of the measure. The approach aims to reinforce the resilience of wider European supply chains.
Ferroalloys are important for making steel, helping to improve its strength, hardness, and resistance to corrosion. They are crucial in the construction, automotive, aerospace or military industries, for example, improving the quality and performance of steel in sectors where high-performance and durability are vital.
The decision to impose definitive measures follows a safeguard investigation initiated in December 2024, which concluded that an influx of these imports into the EU is causing serious injury to the EU-based ferroalloy industry. The investigation confirmed that imports into the EU of certain alloys have increased because of global overcapacity, import restrictions in place in other major markets, and overall tariff increases.
Imports increased by 17% between 2019 and 2024, causing the market share for EU producers to fall from 38% to 24%.
The Commission has ensured that the measures imposed today are compatible with the EU’s commitments under existing bilateral or regional trade agreements with third countries.
The measures will be in place for a period of three years, expiring on 17 November 2028.
For more information
Commission initiates safeguard investigation into imports of alloys
Safeguards
Trade defence
Quote(s)
The EU cannot afford to let a strategic industry collapse under the weight of rising import pressures. A TRQ-based safeguard – designed in close coordination with our industry – is a necessary and responsible step to defend our industrial resilience.
Maroš Šefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency
Commission will examine European Citizens’ initiative called ‘Ban on conversion practices in the European Union’
The European citizens’ initiative called ‘Ban on conversion practices in the European Union’ has been submitted to the European Commission. The initiative obtained 1,128,063 validated statements of support from EU citizens and reached thresholds in 11 Member States, making it the 13th valid initiative that will be examined by the Commission. According to the ECI Regulation, when the Commission receives a valid initiative with least 1 million certified statements of support, the Commission is required to start an examination process and issue a reply within 6 months.
The organisers of the initiative call on the Commission to propose a binding legal ban on conversion practices targeting LGBTQ+ citizens in the European Union.
The initiative defines these practices as ‘interventions aimed at changing, repressing or suppressing the sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression of LGTBQ+ persons’.
The Commission has until 18 May 2026 to present its official reply, outlining the actions it intends to take, if any. The Commission will meet the organisers to discuss the initiative in detail in the coming weeks. A public hearing will then be organised by the European Parliament.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Antoine Lomba -Tel.: +32 2 299 32 33)
Commission authorises first treatment for serious chronic lung disease
Today, the Commission granted EU marketing authorisation for ‘brensocatib’, a new active substance for the treatment of chronic progressive lung disease (non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, or NCFB) in patients aged 12 years and older. The estimated number of patients with NCFB in the EU ranges from 400,000 to three million. The disease causes damaged airways and severe pulmonary dysfunction, often leading to chronic cough and airflow obstruction. It is driven by repeated infections and inflammation, and can be triggered by several causes such as respiratory infections, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiency disorders.
As there are currently no approved treatments directly addressing this disease, today’s authorisation responds to an important unmet medical need.
The authorisation is based on a positive scientific assessment from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Brensocatib is subject to medical prescription and may cause some side effects which are listed in the product information leaflet. It should not be used in pregnancy.
The Commission decision will be available soon at: Union Register of medicinal products.
(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
European Citizens’ Panel on Intergenerational Fairness hands over its recommendations to the Commission
The European Citizens’ Panel on Intergenerational Fairness has agreed on a final set of recommendations to the European Commission that will shape the first EU Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness.
The final recommendations encourage fair and responsible policy making that focuses on the long-term impact it has on future generations and invite to consider a wide range of policies in order to address a widening gap in opportunities that citizens observe across multiple areas of life.
A key focus area should be promoting life-long learning, bridging nations and celebrating cultures, which is the path to a stronger European identity as well as secure, thriving communities and dignified lives for all ages.
The recommendations were handed over to the Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef. He stated: ‘Now it’s on us to turn the citizens’ recommendations into action. Their ideas will shape the Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness that will map out how we can strengthen communication between generations and ensure that interests of present and future generations are respected throughout our policy and law making. We must make sure that Europe is fit for the future!’
The input gathered from both the panel and the accompanying debate on Citizens’ Engagement Platform will feed into the proposal for the Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness and will be annexed to the initiative. This platform is a permanent channel for the Commission to actively engage with citizens, civil society and other stakeholders and improve the quality of EU policymaking.
On 14-16 November, the third and final session of the European Citizens’ Panel on Intergenerational Fairness took place in Brussels. Since September, a group of 150 randomly selected citizens from all 27 EU Member States has been discussing how to make the future fair to current and future generations. The recommendations will be publicly available on the Citizens’ Engagement Platform.
(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 29 88433; Eirini Zarkadoula-Tel.: +32 2 29 57065)
Statement by Commissioner Várhelyi ahead of European Antibiotic Awareness Day
Yesterday, ahead of European Antibiotic Awareness Day, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi issued the following statement:
‘Every year on 18 November, European Antibiotic Awareness Day reminds us that antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats to public health in Europe and globally. It occurs when infections no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines, often due to the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants.
It endangers the foundation of modern medicine. It risks taking us back to a time when common infections, minor injuries, childbirth, or routine surgeries could once again become life-threatening. The consequences are already visible: harder-to-treat infections, longer hospital stays, and more than 35,000 deaths every year in Europe. Antimicrobial resistance also has a high economic cost, with an estimated pound 11.7 billion lost each year across European countries due to prolonged illness, reduced productivity, and healthcare costs.
Antimicrobial resistance develops when we over-use these life-saving medicines. We need to ensure that antimicrobials are used only when needed, and that antimicrobials of last resort are used as sparingly as possible. Unfortunately, the latest report by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control shows that we are not on track to meet several of our targets to reduce antibiotic consumption and use by 2030. That is why the Commission is acting on all fronts, and with all partners, to curb the rise of antimicrobial resistance. We are investing pound 50 million to support Member States in strengthening infection prevention and control, promoting the prudent use of antibiotics, and improving surveillance. [.]
European Antibiotic Awareness Day is a reminder that safeguarding the effectiveness of antibiotics is not merely a technical challenge – it is a shared responsibility and an urgent political priority.’
The full statement is available online.
(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen joins the Summit on European Digital Sovereignty in Berlin
Today, Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, will participate in the Summit on European Digital Sovereignty in Berlin, hosted by the German Federal Government in cooperation with the French government. Executive Vice-President Virkkunen will participate in the opening of the summit, joining German and French ministers responsible for digital policy.
As one of the key speakers, the Executive Vice-President will also join ‘The Digital Omnibus: Europe’s Fast Track to More Competitiveness’ panel, where she will highlight the Commission’s efforts in this area, in particular the digital omnibus that will be discussed and adopted by the College on 19 November. She will also emphasise the importance of supporting European startups and scale-ups, as well as the deployment of trusted digital services. Executive Vice-President Virkkunen will stress the need to reduce strategic dependencies in key technologies to ensure Europe’s sovereignty and leadership in digital innovation.
Later in the day, the Executive Vice-President will join the business roundtable with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron. She will exchange views with EU leaders and industry stakeholders on how to strengthen secure and interoperable digital infrastructure, fostering a vibrant and competitive digital ecosystem.
The full programme of the summit is available here.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic – Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
Commissioner Serafin visits Portugal for his ‘Tour d’Europe’
As part of the ‘Tour d’Europe’ to consult Member States on the European long-term budget, Commissioner Serafin will travel to Portugal this week. Through meetings with public authorities and beneficiaries of EU funding, the Commissioner will see firsthand how EU-supported initiatives are improving lives and contributing to regional development across Europe.
Tomorrow, the Commissioner will start his visit in Lisbon, where he will meet Paulo Rangel, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Manuel Castro Almeida, Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, and the Secretary of State for European Affairs, Inês Domingos. They will exchange on the next Multiannual Financial Framework, with a focus of the impact on the budget in the Portuguese regions.
The next day, Commissioner Serafin will have a meeting with Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, Minister of Finance, which will be followed by a visit to the Orquestra Geração project. Member of the European Parliament and MFF co-rapporteur Carla Tavares will accompany Commissioner Serafin during this visit. A project, supported by the European Social Fund Plus, helps bringing social and territorial cohesion, by providing quality training opportunities for young minds.
His Portuguese tour will finish with a meeting with members of the Committee on European Affairs at the Assembleia da República.
More information on Commissioner Serafin’s Tour d’Europe is available in its dedicated website.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Emma Marechal – Tel.: +32 2 299 48 18)
Raw Materials Week addresses the future of critical raw materials for Europe
The European Commission is opening today the 10th Raw Materials Week 2025, in Brussels. This annual event brings together EU institutions, Member States, industry, academia and civil society to discuss how to strengthen the sustainability and security of critical raw material supply. Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy Stéphane Séjourné will deliver a keynote on 19 November, while Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela will deliver a keynote on 20 November.
This year’s edition focuses on making Europe more attractive for the raw materials supply chain. Discussions will cover the implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), the development of strategic projects, faster permitting, sustainable investment and stronger international partnerships, all aimed at building more resilient and diversified value chains. The Commission also underlines the need for full stakeholder engagement to reach the 2030 targets set under the CRMA.
At today’s high level kick-off conference, the Commission launched registration for the Raw Materials Mechanism under the EU Energy and Raw Materials Platform. The mechanism will connect buyers, sellers, investors and stockpiling services. Eligible companies, financial institutions and storage providers can now sign up, with the first matchmaking rounds expected in early 2026.
Raw Materials Week runs from 17 to 20 November. More information is available on the official webpage. The Commission also looks ahead to the upcoming announcement of ResourceEU, currently foreseen for 3 December, which will amplify and accelerate the EU’s efforts to secure access to alternative sources of critical raw materials in the short, medium and long term for the European industry.