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European Commission - Press release Commission reaches preliminary position that Amazon's and Microsoft's market leading cloud services should be designated under the DMA Brussels, 25 June 2026 The Commission has informed Amazon and Microsoft of its preliminary view that they should be designated as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) , for their cloud computing services, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Mic...
European Commission - Press release Commission reaches preliminary position that Amazon's and Microsoft's market leading cloud services should be designated under the DMA Brussels, 25 June 2026 The Commission has informed Amazon and Microsoft of its preliminary view that they should be designated as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) , for their cloud computing services, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure (Azure) respectively. In both cases, the Commission preliminarily finds that AWS and Azure, the largest and second largest cloud computing services in the EU respectively, are an important gateway between businesses and their customers in the EU. This is the case despite them not meeting the DMA's quantitative thresholds for designation. Amazon and Microsoft have already been designated as gatekeepers for other services, demonstrating their significant impact on the internal market. Their cloud computing services AWS and Azure have achieved significant turnover, and their operational capacity and investments seem to have significantly outpaced those of competitors. They both have vast and entrenched user bases and appear to benefit from lock-in effects and high switching costs, in addition to a large ecosystem. Furthermore, their portfolio of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and partnerships have become a decisive factor in cloud procurement. Whilst AI is significantly increasing the demand for cloud-related services, AWS and Azure appear to retain a large proportion of this increased demand within their respective ecosystems. Finally, both Amazon and Microsoft appear to hold an entrenched and durable position in the EU cloud computing sector, as is evidenced by AWS's and Azure's leading market position over many years. Background Cloud computing is increasingly important for the European economy and serves as a key resource, not only for digital services but across many industry sectors, such as manufacturing and retail, healthcare, and financial services. It is also the backbone for the development and operation of AI services. To foster innovation, and Europe's strategic autonomy, cloud computing services must be provided in a fair, open and competitive environment. The DMA aims 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, sets out responsibilities, and bans unfair practices. The Commission launched two market investigations on 18 November 2025 to assess whether Amazon and Microsoft should be designated as gatekeepers for their cloud computing services. During these investigations, the Commission gathered insights from business users, competitors, and other stakeholders. Even if a large digital platform does not meet the quantitative thresholds for designation under the DMA based on quantitative thresholds such as user numbers, the Commission can investigate whether the provider should still be designated as a gatekeeper. This can be due to the company's significant impact on the internal market, to the provision of a service that serves as an important gateway for business users to reach end users, as well as to its entrenched and durable position in the market. When carrying out an investigation, the Commission assesses elements such as the provider's size, the number of users, the network effects in a market, scale and scope effects, the lock-in and switching costs, and the conglomerate corporate structure or vertical integration of that company. On 18 November 2025 , the Commission also opened a third investigation to assess whether the current obligations under the DMA are effective in addressing practices that limit competitiveness or are unfair in the cloud sector. In all three investigations, the Commission is supported by the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) in the form of a joint investigative team, as provided for in the cooperation rules under the DMA. Next steps Preliminary findings do not prejudge the outcome of an investigation. Amazon and Microsoft now have the possibility to exercise their rights of defence, including by examining the documents in the Commission's investigation file and replying in writing to these preliminary findings. If the Commission's preliminary findings are confirmed, the Commission will adopt decisions designating Amazon and Microsoft as gatekeepers for their cloud computing services. In that case, Amazon and Microsoft would have six months to ensure full compliance of their designated cloud computing services with the DMA's obligations. IP/26/1444 Quote(s): "In Europe, we are increasingly reliant on cloud computing services. From consumers to business large and small, to public administrations. These services will only continue to grow in importance, which is why it essential that we ensure a well-functioning and competitive market, and a level playing field for all cloud service providers. This will help ensure access to secure, sustainable and interoperable cloud services in Europe. Today, we take the preliminary view that Amazon’s and Microsoft’s respective cloud services, AWS and Azure, should fall under the DMA. Respecting their rights of defence and the rule of law, Amazon and Microsoft now have the opportunity to respond before any final decisions are taken." Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition "Cloud services have become a cornerstone of Europe’s economy - and a prerequisite for AI - with over half of EU businesses now relying on them, combined with record investment in public cloud infrastructure. Given their central role in Europe's digital future, these services must operate in fair, open and competitive markets that foster trust and secure Europe’s tech sovereignty." Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Press contacts: Ricardo CARDOSO (+32 2 29 80100) Thomas REGNIER (+32 2 29 91099) Paula Clara RITTER-MOSCHUTZ (+32 2 29 64083) Patricia POROPAT (+32 2 29 80485) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email
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