The Commission suggests AWS and Azure may be subject to Europe’s strictest digital market regulations as cloud infrastructure becomes vital for AI and businesses
The European Commission has moved to potentially classify Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure under the Digital Markets Act, suggesting these cloud platforms might act as gatekeepers in Europe’s digital economy, despite not meeting the act’s usual numerical criteria.
In a preliminary finding released on 25 June, the Commission informed Amazon and Microsoft that their cloud computing services should be recognized as gatekeepers under the DMA. This decision is not final. Both companies have the opportunity to review the case file and respond before Brussels makes a decision on enforcing the full set of obligations.
Cloud becomes central to EU tech policy
The Commission’s preliminary stance on AWS and Azure reflects a change in how Europe perceives digital power. Cloud services are now seen as more than just background infrastructure, becoming fundamental to AI, public administration, finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and many other services used daily by European citizens.
Brussels argues that AWS and Azure serve as key intermediaries between businesses and customers in the EU. This is significant as businesses aligned with one cloud ecosystem may encounter high switching costs, technical dependencies, and barriers to interoperability with competing services.
The Commission initiated cloud market investigations in November 2025 to evaluate whether Amazon and Microsoft should be included under the DMA, even though they fall short of the standard gatekeeper criteria. These investigations also assessed whether current DMA obligations are adequate to address cloud-sector practices like tying, bundling, restricted data access, and interoperability challenges.
A preliminary finding, not a final decision
The legal process is crucial here. Amazon and Microsoft have not been definitively designated as cloud gatekeepers. The Commission’s finding marks the start of the next phase of due process, allowing both companies to challenge the evidence and argue why their services should not be subject to the regime.
If the Commission affirms its position, AWS and Azure would be added to the list of core platform services subject to DMA duties. These rules aim to prevent major digital platforms from exploiting entrenched market positions to the detriment of competitors or business users. In practice, this could entail closer examination of interoperability, self-preferencing, contractual terms, and access conditions for companies relying on cloud infrastructure.
The Brussels Times reported that AWS and Azure are the largest and second-largest cloud providers in the EU, together making up about 60% of the market, while also noting early objections from both companies. Amazon criticized what it referred to as an unnecessary regulatory layer, while Microsoft questioned why Google Cloud was not included in the same study, according to the Brussels-based outlet.
Europe’s AI ambitions depend on the cloud
The case arises at a critical time for Europe’s digital strategy. EU institutions are striving to foster domestic innovation while curbing reliance on a small number of non-European infrastructure providers. This tension is particularly evident in artificial intelligence, where cloud capacity, data access, and computing power can determine which companies scale successfully.
The European Times recently covered how Europe is working to transform research and start-up talent into larger tech companies through new innovation funding and sovereignty-centric support. This broader push for European tech champions will be challenging if smaller firms cannot transfer data, services, or workloads between cloud providers on fair terms.
Comments
7 responses to “Brussels Aims at Cloud Gatekeepers”
-
Looks like Brussels is trying to play gatekeeper with the cloud giants, as if they haven’t got enough on their plate already. 😅 But hey, who needs competition when you can drown in endless regulations, right?
-
So, Brussels thinks AWS and Azure are the new gatekeepers of the digital realm, eh? Next, they’ll be charging us for fresh air and wi-fi at the same time! 😂💶
-
Seems like Brussels has finally decided to put the ‘cloud’ in cloud cuckoo land—great to see them aiming for the skies while the rest of us still struggle to find Wi-Fi 😅. I suppose we’ll just have to keep paying the heavy toll to cross this digital bridge, no?
-
Looks like Brussels is ready to play bouncer for the cloud party, eh? Can’t wait to see how many hoops AWS and Azure will have to jump through just to keep the EU happy – must be quite the dance! 💃🎭
-
Looks like Brussels has decided to play cloud bouncer for AWS and Azure—how quaint! What’s next, a market investigation into the price of croissants? 🥐😏
-
So, Brussels is treating AWS and Azure like the digital equivalent of bouncers at a nightclub, eh? Just what we need—more gatekeepers to keep the riffraff (aka innovation) out of the VIP section! 😂
-
So, Brussels is finally waking up to the fact that AWS and Azure are a bit too cozy with the market? 🤔 It’s like realizing your two best mates are actually gatekeepers to your fridge—good luck getting a snack without their approval! 🍻
-
Isn’t it delightful that Brussels thinks it can rein in AWS and Azure? Who knew cloud computing was just a fancy way for big boys to play gatekeeper while we sit here, sipping our espresso and watching the digital circus unfold? ☕️💼
Last News
FCC Strengthens Security Regulations for US Telecommunications Infrastructure
Washington, D.C., United States, June 25 – Eurotoday Newspaper — US communications infrastructure is set to receive stronger regulatory protection after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to tighten rules governing submarine communication cables that connect the United States to global internet networks. The updated requirements are designed to improve national security, increase
Brussels Aims at Cloud Gatekeepers
The Commission suggests AWS and Azure may be subject to Europe’s strictest digital market regulations as cloud infrastructure becomes vital for AI and businesses
The European Commission has moved to potentially classify Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure under the Digital Markets Act, suggesting these cloud platforms might act as gatekeepers in Europe’s digital economy, despite not meeting
EU Intensifies Anti-Migration Efforts in Somalia
Initially suggested by Brunner, these sanctions are not the EU’s first effort to encourage countries to assist with migrant readmission. Ministers enacted similar measures against Gambia in 2021 and against Ethiopia in 2024. The Ethiop
From Dublin to Brussels: European Newsroom Engages with the Upcoming Irish EU Presidency
During a background briefing for the European Newsroom (enr) at Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the European Union in Brussels, journalists received an early overview of the presidency’s upcoming agenda.
Reporters from various European Newsroom member agencies discussed key issues w
Essential Companies House Filing Deadlines Every Director Should Know
London, UK, June 25 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Company formation services are becoming increasingly important as UK directors face growing pressure to meet Companies House filing deadlines and maintain corporate compliance. Business advisers say missing statutory deadlines can result in financial penalties, damage a company’s reputation, and create unnecessary administrative challenges.
Companies H
US Contributes $1 Billion to UN Child Rights and Food Agencies
The US State Department has announced over $800 million in funding for the World Food Programme (WFP) and more than $218 million in partnership with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
This announcement comes at a crucial time as global hunger hits record levels, humanitarian needs rise, and resources are increasingly strained. This follows nearly $4 billion in US commitments to UN humanitarian ef
French Presidential Candidate Attal Responds to ‘Looksmaxxing’ Criticism from Clavicular
Optimizing Business Profiles Enhances Google Reviews and Local Search Visibility
London, UK, June 25 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Business profile optimization is gaining renewed attention as businesses seek stronger positions in Google’s local search results. Digital marketing experts report that customer reviews remain one of the most influential signals supporting visibility in Google Search and Google Maps. Companies that actively manage their Google Business Profile and enco
EU Agreement Strengthens Safeguards Against Toxic Work Environments
Leave a Reply