"Competition weekly e-news" Newsletter Issues

Commission opens consultation on draft of new Merger Guidelines (30/04/2026)

The European Commission has launched today a public consultation inviting comments on the draft of the new EU Merger Guidelines. These will replace the current Horizontal Merger Guidelines and the Non-Horizontal Merger Guidelines. This marks the most significant reform in EU merger control of the past two decades.
See also the consultation's form, as well as the corresponding COMP Flash.

Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed joint venture between UPM and Sappi (28/04/2026)

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed creation of a joint venture between UPM-Kymmene Corporation ('UPM') and Sappi Limited ('Sappi'). The Commission is concerned that the transaction may reduce competition in certain markets for the production and supply of communication paper and specialty paper in the European Economic Area ('EEA') and result in higher prices, less choice or reduced quality.

Commission adopts temporary State aid framework to support sectors affected by Middle East crisis (29/04/2026)

The European Commission has adopted a temporary State aid framework to enable Member States to support the EU economy in the context of the Middle East crisis. The Middle East crisis Temporary State aid Framework (METSAF) is a targeted and temporary framework to address the effects of the crisis on some of the most exposed sectors of the economy: agriculture, fishery, transport and energy-intensive industries. The METSAF will be in place until 31 December 2026. During its period of application, the Commission will keep the content, scope and duration of the Framework under review in the light of developments in the Middle East and in the general economic situation.
See also Remarks by Executive Vice-President Ribera at the press conference on the METSAF.

Review highlights Digital Markets Act remains fit for purpose and has positive impact (28/04/2026)

The European Commission's first review of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) found that in the first two years of its application, the DMA remains fit for purpose and has opened up new opportunities for businesses and developers, while giving users more control over their experiences and devices, as well as access to more diverse and innovative digital products and services.

Commission seeks feedback on measures to ensure interoperability with Google's Android under the Digital Markets Act (27/04/2026)

The Commission has sent its preliminary findings to Google as part of the specification proceedings it started on 27 January 2026 under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These preliminary findings outline the draft measures Google should implement to ensure that third parties have effective access and interoperability with key capabilities of Android.

Commission services and EDPB will start joint work on guidance on the interplay between EU competition law and data protection law (28/04/2026)

The Commission services and the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) have agreed to work together to clarify and give guidance on the interplay between EU competition law and data protection law.
This joint work between Commission’ services and the EDPB will focus on selected situations where data protection law is relevant for competition law assessment and conversely to ensure a coherent approach between the two areas of law.

CD Tondela and Others (30/04/2026)

The judgment confirms that the no-poach agreement at issue between professional football clubs constitutes a manifest restriction of a competitive parameter (recruitment of players) which plays an essential role in high-level sport. Such agreements must be categorised, in principle, as having as their object the restriction of competition.
However, the Court notes that the agreement at issue occurred in the very specific context brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the occurrence of the pandemic is not per se such as to justify making an exception to the prohibition of anticompetitive conduct, even in the field of sport where also the stability of the teams is important, the Portuguese court will have to take account of those circumstances for the purpose of determining whether that agreement has as its object the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition.
The Court confirmed that the Wouters and Meca-Medina case law (which under certain conditions exempts agreements that pursue legitimate objectives from Article 101 TFEU) does not apply to agreements that restrict competition by object. Where the agreement in question cannot be categorised as a by object restriction, it can be justified by the pursuit of a legitimate objective in the public interest, in view of which it is appropriate, necessary and proportionate.
See also Curia's press release (in PDF format).

Wenzel Logistics (30/04/2026)

The judgment confirms that the right to compensation for infringements of competition law includes the payment of interest. This right to receive interest existed already before its codification in the Damages Directive.
The payment of interest shall compensate for the adverse effects resulting from the lapse of time since the occurrence of the harm caused by the infringement until the time when compensation is paid.

Consultation on the proposed measures for Google Search data sharing (Article 6(11) of the DMA) (16/04/2026)

Consultation on the proposed measures that Alphabet must implement to ensure effective sharing of Google Search data with third party undertakings providing online search engines, as required by Article 6(11) of the Digital Markets Act ("DMA").
The Commission will carefully assess the feedback provided by interested parties and Alphabet. The input received may result in adjustments to the proposed measures and will feed in the Commission’s decision making the measures legally binding on Alphabet. The Commission will adopt a final decision by 27 July 2026 (within six months of opening the proceedings).

Consultation on the proposed measures for interoperability with Google Android (Article 6(7) of the DMA) (27/04/2026)

The Commission is consulting third parties on the draft measures that Alphabet must implement to ensure effective interoperability with AI services on its Android operating system (Google Android), as required by Article 6(7) of the DMA. The Commission especially welcomes contributions from companies with first-hand experience on issues concerned by these proceedings, such as those providing Artificial Intelligence (AI) services on Android smartphones and tablets or Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) whose mobile devices are powered by Google Android.
See also the Commission's press release.

Draft merger guidelines : public consultation (08/05/2025)

The draft Merger Guidelines will replace the Horizontal Merger Guidelines (published in 2004) and the Non-Horizontal Merger Guidelines (published in 2008) (jointly the “Guidelines”). The goal is to ensure that the revised Guidelines are up-to-date and flexible enough to allow the Commission to protect competition under the Merger Regulation in evolving modern market realities, while always respecting the overarching legal framework and contribute to the competitiveness and resilience on the Internal Market. In addition, the revised Guidelines should provide increased transparency and predictability to the business community as to how the Commission assesses mergers.
The purpose of this consultation is to gather stakeholders' and citizens' views on the draft Merger Guidelines, which will inform the final text of the Merger Guidelines.
See also the Commission's press release, as well as the corresponding COMP Flash.

Antitrust and cartels (28/05/2021)

New Legislation
'What's new?'

Mergers (28/05/2021)

New Legislation
'What's new?'

State aid (28/05/2021)

New Legislation
'What's new?'

Digital Markets Act (11/01/2024)

New Legislation
'What's new?'

Foreign Subsidies (11/01/2024)

New Legislation

Commission approves €411 million Croatian capital injection into development bank HBOR (20/04/2026)

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €411 million capital injection by Croatia's government into the national development bank Hrvatska Banka za Obnovu i Razvitak ('HBOR'). The measure will be funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility ('RRF') and will expand HBOR's remit to support Croatia's sustainable economic growth and competitiveness.

Commission unconditionally approves RTL's acquisition of Sky DACH (22/04/2026)

The European Commission has unconditionally approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition by RTL Deutschland GmbH ('RTL') of Sky German Holdings GmbH ('Sky DACH'). The Commission concluded that the transaction would raise no competition concerns in the European Economic Area ('EEA').

Commission clears Lisbon railway line bid under Foreign Subsidies Regulation, subject to conditions (21/04/2026)

The European Commission has authorised Metropolitano de Lisboa to move forward with awarding the contract for the construction and design of the Lisbon 'Violet' metro line, subject to conditions under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), following a change by the consortium that avoids any distortion caused by foreign subsidies. Metropolitano de Lisboa, as the contracting entity, can now award the contract to the bidder that submitted the most economically advantageous offer. The list of bidders includes a consortium led by Mota-Engil, provided that all commitments by this consortium outlined in the Commission's decision are fully adhered to.

Deutsche Lufthansa v Ryanair and Condor Flugdienst (23/04/2026)

The Commission takes note of today’s judgment, in which the Court of Justice confirmed the annulment of our 2020 decision approving the recapitalisation of Lufthansa in the context of the coronavirus outbreak.
We are currently analysing the judgment. This means it is too preliminary to say anything about what will happen now.
The Commission will continue the in-depth investigation into the recapitalisation measure opened in 2024, following the annulment by the General Court. We cannot prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
See also Curia's press release (in PDF format).

Pescheria Il Granchio Blu (23/04/2026)

The Commission takes note of the preliminary ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning the scope of 2014 Fisheries de minimis Regulation.
In its judgment, in line with the Commission’s position, the Court clarified that the definition of ‘processing and marketing’ in Article 2(1)(c) of the 2014 Fisheries de minimis Regulation includes the activity of retail of fishery products.
The referring court is called to apply that finding in the context of a national proceeding between Pescheria Il Granchio Blu di JC, the appellant, and the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (Ministero delle Imprese e del Made in Italy), the respondent.

Red Bull and Others v Commission (22/04/2026)

The Commission takes note of the judgment of the General Court which dismisses Red Bull’s appeal against the Commission’s decision dated 23.10.2024.
Following the case law developed by the Union Courts (judgement of 16-7-2020, Case C-606/18 P - Nexans France and Nexans v Commission), the Commission had approved Red Bull’s request for reimbursement of additional costs incurred solely as a result of the continuation of the inspection at the Commission’s premises in Brussels (e.g. travel and accommodation costs).
The judgment confirms that the Commission was correct in refusing Red Bull’s request to reimburse all of its legal costs, since legal costs would have been incurred if the inspection had continued at its own premises, instead of being continued at the Commission’s premises in Brussels. The judgment found that the 2024 decision did not encroach Red Bull’s rights of defence.
In addition, the judgment confirms that the reimbursement decision had no bearing on the manner in which inspections were carried out.
See also Curia's press release (in PDF format).

Reality check meeting with National Promotional Banks and State aid rules – ensuring access to finance to support the Clean Industrial Deal (28/04/2026)

DG Competition will hold on a “Reality Check” to identify good practices on the activities of National Promotional Banks and potential bottlenecks caused by State aid rules.
The Reality Check meeting will take place on Tuesday, 28 April 2026. The representatives from Member States’ national promotional banks, international financial institutions implementing InvestEU and relevant EU associations are invited.

Anthony Whelan appointed as Director-General of DG Competition (13/04/2026)

We welcome Anthony Whelan as Director-General of DG Competition. Anthony brings extensive experience across the European Commission, having held several senior roles, including most recently as Deputy Director-General for State Aid and President Von der Leyen’s adviser for competition, digital policy and economic affairs. We congratulate him on his appointment and look forward to working with him in his new capacity.

Commission updates EU competition rules for technology licensing agreements (16/04/2026)

The European Commission has today adopted the revised Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation ('TTBER') and Guidelines on the application of Article 101 of the Treaty to technology transfer agreements ('Guidelines'), following a thorough review of the rules that have been in place since 2014.
See also COMP Flash on Updated EU competition rules for technology licensing agreements.

Commission sends Meta fresh charge sheet on possible interim measures to reverse exclusion of third-party AI assistants from WhatsApp (15/04/2026)

The European Commission has sent a Supplementary Statement of Objections to Meta setting out the Commission's intention to order Meta to reinstate third-party AI assistants' access to WhatsApp under the same conditions as before its policy change of 15 October 2025. This is despite modifications announced by Meta on 4 March 2026.

Commission carries out unannounced antitrust inspections in the chocolate confectionery sector (13/04/2026)

The European Commission is carrying out unannounced antitrust inspections in two Member States at the premises of a company active in the chocolate confectionery sector.

Commission opens in-depth investigation into Romanian State aid to support refurbishment of Cernavoda 1 nuclear reactor (16/04/2026)

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether public support that Romania plans to grant for the refurbishment and lifetime extension of Unit 1 of the Cernavoda nuclear power plant is in line with EU State aid rules.

Commission approves Bulgarian, German and Slovenian State aid schemes providing temporary electricity price relief for energy-intensive companies (16/04/2026)

The European Commission has approved State aid schemes to provide temporary electricity price relief for energy-intensive companies in Bulgaria, Germany and Slovenia in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. Through the condition to reinvest a significant share of the aid received in decarbonisation measures, these schemes will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The schemes were approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025.

Commission approves €3.7 billion Czech State aid scheme for sustainable biomethane production (14/04/2026)

The European Commission has approved a €3.7 billion Czech scheme to support the construction of biomethane production stations in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025.

Commission approves €1.3 billion German State aid scheme for rewetting of farmed peatlands (14/04/2026)

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €1.3 billion German scheme to support landowners and land managers of drained peatlands that commit to rewet their land. The scheme aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing carbon storage in peatlands.

Commission consults Member States on proposal for a Temporary Crisis Framework (13/04/2026)

The European Commission is gathering the views of Member States on a draft proposal for a State aid Temporary Crisis Framework to support the EU economy in the context of the Middle East crisis, as announced on 13 April 2026 by President Ursula von der Leyen. The draft proposal is based on Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which allows aid to develop specific economic sectors also in view of specific unexpected economic risks.

Commission proposes measures to Google on sharing search engine data with third parties under Digital Markets Act (16/04/2026)

The European Commission has sent preliminary findings to Google outlining proposed measures to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Under these proposed measures, Google should allow third party search engines to access search data, such as ranking, query, click and view data, on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms.
To ensure that the proposed measures are effective, the Commission invites interested parties to comment on them through a public consultation.

Commission approves Clarios' acquisition of three lead recycling plants from Ecobat in Germany and Austria (13/04/2026)

The European Commission has approved unconditionally, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition by Clarios of three secondary recycling lead smelters, operated by Ecobat in Germany (Braubach and Freiberg) and Austria (Arnoldstein). The Commission concluded that the transaction would raise no competition concerns in the European Economic Area ('EEA').

Public consultation on the draft for a new General Block Exemption Regulation (25/02/2026)

The Commission is seeking stakeholder views on the draft for a new General Block Exemption Regulation (“GBER”).
Following a broad public consultation and call for evidence in 2025, the Commission has reviewed the GBER with the aim to simplify it, bring it into line with social, market and technological developments and streamline it by addressing inconsistencies and improving readability. The draft for a revised GBER submitted for this public consultation reflects those objectives.

Commission opens formal State aid assessment of French support to new nuclear programme (31/03/2026)

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether public support that France plans to grant for the construction and operation of six new nuclear reactors is in line with EU State aid rules.
The opening of an in-depth State aid investigation is a common step when complex aid packages are involved, such as in the case at hand. It will give France and interested third parties the opportunity to submit comments. It does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.

Commission approves €6 billion Italian State aid scheme for renewable hydrogen (30/03/2026)

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €6 billion Italian scheme to support the production of renewable hydrogen for the transport and industrial sectors. The scheme will contribute to the development of renewable hydrogen production capacity in line with the objectives of the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the Clean Industrial Deal.

Revision of the State aid rules for banks in difficulty : Call for evidence (17/03/2026)

Current State aid rules for banks in difficulty, last updated in 2013, enable State aid to banks in difficulty to ensure financial stability while minimising distortions of competition. The revision of the State aid rules for banks in difficulty is undertaken with the view to bring consistency with the EU resolution (Crisis Management and Deposit Insurance) framework legislation and to bring simplification by replacing the six existing Communications into a single one.

Public Communication and Collusion: New Screening Tools for Competition Authorities : Antitrust Writing Award for Best Academic Article in "Concerted Practices" Category (28/03/2026)

A paper co-authored by DG Competition has been featured among this year’s winners in the academic category “Concerted Practices” at the Concurrences Antitrust Writing Awards. The awarded article, “Public Communication and Collusion: New Screening Tools for Competition Authorities,” explores how innovative analytical tools can help detect collusive behavior in public corporate statements.

Commission approves €500 million Luxembourgish cleantech manufacturing capacity State aid scheme (27/03/2026)

The European Commission has approved a €500 million Luxembourgish scheme to support strategic investments that add clean technology (cleantech) manufacturing capacity, in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025.

Commission approves €144 million French State aid to support HyforSeeds in the production of hydrogen (27/03/2026)

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €144 million French measure to support HyforSeeds to produce renewable and low-carbon hydrogen for the fertiliser sector. The measure will contribute to achieving the targets of the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the Renewable Energy Directive for the use of hydrogen in industry.

Commission approves €5 billion Danish State aid scheme to support offshore wind energy (23/03/2026)

The European Commission has approved a €5 billion (DKK 37.6 billion) Danish scheme to support offshore wind energy in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy and reaching the 2030 renewable energy target set at EU level. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025.

Commission approves French State aid scheme for production of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen (23/03/2026)

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a French scheme to support the production of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen in line with the objectives of the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the Clean Industrial Deal. The scheme will also contribute to the objectives of the REPowerEU Plan to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the clean transition.

Sixth meeting of the Digital Markets Act High-Level Group (20/03/2026)

The High-Level Group on the Digital Markets Act (High-Level Group) successfully concluded its sixth Plenary meeting in Brussels, with a focus on advancing cooperation in EU digital regulations. The High-Level Group invited Professors Vicky Robertson, Orla Lynskey, and Belle Beems, who shared their expertise and insights on the future of digital regulation and the coordination between regulatory authorities. 

Fremoluc et Association de Promotion des Droits Humains et des Minorités (26/03/2026)

The European Commission takes note of today’s judgment of the Court of Justice, in which the Court of Justice considers that the contested Decree of 23 June 2023 does not constitute an aid scheme nor an individual aid measure that should be notified to the Commission.

State aid – Revision of the Commission Notice on guarantees (03/03/2026)

The Guarantee Notice of 2008 describes how the Commission assesses State guarantees, on loans to undertakings for example. The general aim of the Notice is to ensure a clear, predictable and easy-to-apply framework for Member States to establish guarantee premia that are in conformity with what market operators would charge (‘market-conform premia’) and to implement guarantee measures.
The Commission’s recent evaluation of the notice has revealed some areas in need of improvement. This call for evidence is open for feedback. Your input will be taken into account as we further develop and fine-tune this initiative.

Commission adopts new State aid rules to boost the use of more sustainable ways of transport (16/03/2026)

The European Commission adopted today the State aid Land and Multimodal Transport Guidelines (LMT Guidelines) and the State aid Transport Block Exemption Regulation (TBER). These instruments support more sustainable transport modes for both passengers and freight and update the EU State aid framework for land and multimodal transport. They will enter into force on 30 March 2026. The TBER will be in place until 31 December 2034. There is no end date for the LMT Guidelines.
See also COMP Flash | New State aid rules to boost more sustainable ways of transport.

EVH v Commission (19/03/2026)

The Commission takes note of the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union upholding the 2023 judgments of the General Court and thus the 2019 Commission's decision approving, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Innogy by E.ON.
In its judgment, the Court of Justice confirmed that the Commission was correct in assessing the different parts of the asset swap as two separate concentrations.
The Court of Justice confirmed that the Commission and the General Court were correct in assessing the transaction within the boundaries of the EUMR, and not through Regulation 1/2003.
Furthermore, the Court of Justice confirmed that the analytical framework applied by the Commission was sufficiently and adequately explained, and that the General Court did not reverse the burden of proof with respect to submitting evidence on the effects of the transaction.
See also Curia's press release.

Outletico (19/03/2026)

The Commission takes note of the preliminary ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union. In its judgment, the Court clarified the definition of undertaking and the concept of links through natural persons, within the meaning of Annex I to the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER).
In particular, the Court clarified that it is insufficient for a natural person to hold a controlling quantity of shares in an undertaking in order to conclude that such natural person is an undertaking. To this end, the natural person must exercise effective control, by participating directly or indirectly in the management of the company. In addition, the Court confirmed that Article 3(3), fourth paragraph, of Annex I to the GBER applies to natural persons which are not undertakings based on the application of the notion of “linked enterprises”.

Guidelines on the implementation of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation - Shedding light on key concepts (20/03/2026)

On 13 January 2026, the Commission published its first Guidelines under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation. These Guidelines clarify key concepts of the FSR. The present brief provides explanations of the key concepts of the FSR Guidelines, and how the they will apply in investigations. However, the Brief does not address the parts of the Guidelines concerning public procurement.

From Checkout Counters to Negotiation Tables: Bargaining Power in the Mars/Kellanova Deal (18/03/2026)

The Commission unconditionally cleared Mars' USD 36 billion acquisition of Kellanova following an in- depth Phase II investigation.
The investigation focused on a bargaining theory of harm, namely whether combining Mars' brands with Kellanova's salty snacks (Pringles) and cereals (Kellogg's) brands would give the merged entity excessive leverage in negotiations with retailers, potentially leading to higher consumer prices.

State aid – regional aid maps for 2028-2034 - Call for evidence (23/02/2026)

Based on the Guidelines on regional State aid, EU countries can grant regional aid in assisted areas in the EU, as identified in a regional aid map and in line with the conditions laid down in those guidelines.
The current regional aid maps expire on 31 December 2027. This initiative aims to update the statistical data required for creating the new regional aid maps that will be used from 2028 to 2034.

Commission approves €260 million Belgian State aid for carbon capture and storage project (11/03/2026)

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €260 million Belgian measure in favour of Air Liquide Large Industry NV ('Air Liquide') and BASF Antwerpen NV ('BASF') for a carbon capture and storage ('CCS') project, Kairos@C. The measure will contribute to Belgium's climate targets by decarbonising the industry through an integrated cross-border CCS value chain, in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal.

Commission and EDPB publish contributions to the consultation on the draft joint guidelines on the interplay between DMA and GDPR (12/03/2026)

Today, the Commission and the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) published the individual contributions received in response to the public consultation on the draft joint guidelines on the interplay between the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), launched by the Commission and the EDPB.  The Commission and the EDPB welcome the high level of participation, with over 100 contributions submitted by a broad range of parties, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), trade and business associations, gatekeepers, civil society and consumer organisations, academics, think tanks, law firms, and individual citizens. The contributions show the respondents’ broad support for the initiative and the cross-regulatory dialogue, which is widely seen as necessary to ensure coherence between the enforcement of the DMA and the protection of fundamental rights under the GDPR. 

Evaluation Support Study for the Revision of the Guidelines on State Aid to Airports and Airlines (10/03/2026)

This Study supports the revision of the EU Guidelines on State Aid to Airports and Airlines in light of evolving market dynamics, the impact of COVID-19, and the challenges of the green transition for the European aviation sector. Evidence was collected through literature review, data analysis, stakeholder consultations, and six case studies. The findings show that profitability remains a structural challenge for regional airports (i.e. airports with annual passenger traffic volume of up to 3 million passengers per year): only about 54% of European regional airports that the Study has sampled were cost-covering in 2024 (figures reported by EU airport associations are even lower).

Gatekeepers publish updated reports on DMA compliance (09/03/2026)

The gatekeepers designated on 6 September 2023, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta and Microsoft, have submitted reports on their updated compliance measures under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), outlining the changes they have implemented and measures they have taken during the past year. The gatekeepers also submitted to the Commission updated independently audited reports on consumer profiling techniques.

EU-Africa School on Competition Policy (04/02/2026)

DG Competition has launched today an open call for tenders for the organisation of a EU-Africa School on Competition Policy.
The focus of the planned activity will primarily be to explain key concepts of EU competition law and enforcement policy to African officials and to introduce them to the functioning of the European Competition Network. This action should allow African enforcement officials and policymakers alike to critically reflect on and review current domestic competition legislation as well as enforcement practices. As a potential result, competition law enforcement will become fairer, predictable and more rigorous, thereby improving investment conditions for EU and African companies on the African continent.
Deadline for applications is 19th March 2026.

Keynote speech of the EVP Ribera at the 23rd International Conference on Competition (IKK) (12/03/2026)

Keynote speech of the EVP Ribera at the 23rd International Conference on Competition,
Berlin, 12 March 2026.
[...] "Competition enforcement can complement political priorities but parliaments decide on political priorities and trade-offs.
So, in these uncertain geopolitical times I wish for competition policy that we know is principled, that we work to modernise and that we acknowledge is very relevant, but complementary." [...]

Commission approves €150 million Romanian State aid scheme for electricity storage (06/03/2026)

The European Commission has approved a €150 million (RON 764 million) Romanian scheme to support electricity storage, in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025.

Commission approves €200 million Spanish State aid for manufacturing capacity in the EV value chain (05/03/2026)

The European Commission has approved a €200 million Spanish State aid scheme to support strategic investments that add manufacturing capacity for the electric vehicle (EV) value chain, in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025.

Brasserie Nationale / Boissons Heintz – Too much foam? Brussels reviews a deal already bottled (02/03/2026)

Following a request by the Luxembourg competition authority pursuant to Article 22 of the EU Merger Regulation, the European Commission conducted an expost review of the acquisition of Boissons Heintz by Brasserie Nationale.
The Transaction was cleared in Phase I, subject to the divestiture of Boissons Heintz’s on-trade activities. This divestment business has been acquired by a Belgian wholesaler, Brasserie Maziers, that the Commission approved. This remedy enables Brasserie Maziers to enter into Luxembourg and contributes to the further integration of the internal market.

Youth Policy Dialogue with EVP Teresa Ribera (03/03/2026)

On March 3rd, Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera, responsible for a Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition hosted her second Youth Policy Dialogue. The ten young winners of DG Competition’s Student Challenge linked to the Blueprint Conference of last January met the EVP. They discussed together a blueprint for our future in Europe, exchanging bold and innovative ideas for competition policy and other, broader policies of the European Commission.

Commission opens in-depth State aid investigation into Romania's amended restructuring plan for CE Oltenia (27/02/2026)

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether Romania's proposed amendments to power company CE Oltenia's restructuring plan are in line with EU state aid rules.

Commission approves €1.1 billion French State aid scheme to support cleantech manufacturing capacity, in line with Clean Industrial Deal objectives (27/02/2026)

The European Commission has approved a €1.1 billion French scheme to support strategic investments that add clean technology (cleantech) manufacturing capacity in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025. This is the eighth cleantech manufacturing capacity scheme approved since the CISAF was adopted, unlocking over €10 billion in support for investments in such capacity.

Commission invites comments on draft new State aid General Block Exemption Regulation (25/02/2026)

The European Commission has today launched a public consultation on the draft of a simpler and more streamlined General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER). The new version will align the GBER with current social, market and technological conditions. The Commission invites Member States and all other interested parties to comment on the draft by 23 April 2026.

Commission approves €400 million Greek State aid scheme to support cleantech manufacturing capacity, contributing to Clean Industrial Deal objectives (24/02/2026)

The European Commission has approved a €400 million Greek State aid scheme to support strategic investments that add clean technology (cleantech) manufacturing capacity in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025.

EU and UK agree to cooperate closely on competition matters (25/02/2026)

Today, the European Commission and the United Kingdom signed the EU-UK Competition Cooperation Agreement. The agreement sets a new and clear framework for cooperation on competition matters between, on the one side, the Commission and EU Member State competition authorities, and, on the other side, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority. It is the first dedicated EU-UK agreement fully focused on competition cooperation following the withdrawal of the UK from the Union.
See also Opening remarks by Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera at the signing ceremony of the EU – UK Competition Cooperation Agreement.

Air Canada v Commission (26/02/2026)

The Commission takes note of the judgments by the Court of Justice dismissing almost all appeals brought by the airlines against the General Court’s judgments of 2022. In its judgments, the Court of Justice fully upholds the Commission’s and General Court’s assessment of the cartel conduct concerning the provision of airfreight services on a global basis and the Commission’s jurisdiction to prosecute international cartels. The Commission takes note of the decision of the Court of Justice to set aside the judgment of the General Court addressed to SAS and reduce the amount of the fine imposed on SAS.
See also judgment in SAS Cargo Group and Others v Commission.

Shaping the Future of EU Merger Control Conference (05/03/2026)

On 5 March 2026, DG Competition will host a conference to discuss key aspects of the ongoing review of the Merger Guidelines. This event will bring together leading experts and stakeholders to explore the latest developments and challenges in EU merger control.

The conference will debate three broad themes:

1. Driving productivity and innovation in the Single Market: the role of EU Merger control;
2. How can mergers promote a more sustainable Europe?; and
3. Mergers and the cost of living: price effects, workers woes and other impacts to society.

Commission publishes summary of responses to the consultation on the ongoing review of the antitrust enforcement Regulation 1/2003 (19/02/2026)

Today, the European Commission published a summary of the contributions received in response to the public consultation on the ongoing review of Regulation 1/2003, the EU's procedural framework for enforcing its antitrust rules.
The Commission welcomes the high level of participation, with over 80 contributions submitted by a broad range of interested parties, including businesses, associations, legal professionals, civil society organisations, academics, citizens, public authorities and national competition authorities. The assessment of the contributions will inform the Commission's legislative proposal for the revision of Regulation 1/2003, which is foreseen within a year. The public consultation, which was launched on 10 July 2025 as part of the ongoing review, included a questionnaire and a call for evidence. The individual contributions received in the context of the consultation are already public.

Commission publishes summary of responses to consultation on Foreign Subsidies Regulation review (20/02/2026)

Today, the European Commission published a summary of the contributions received in response to the public consultation on the ongoing review of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR). These contributions will feed into the Commission's review report, which will be presented to the European Parliament and the Council later this year as required by the FSR.

Commission closes antitrust investigation following the withdrawal by Edwards Lifesciences of its disputed company policy (16/02/2026)

The European Commission has decided to close its antitrust investigation into allegedly anticompetitive behaviour by Edwards Lifesciences, a producer of medical devices for cardiovascular applications. The closure of the investigation follows the company's withdrawal of its so-called Global Unilateral Pro-Innovation (Anti-Copycatting) Policy ('UPIP'). Hence, the UPIP is no longer applicable and has been removed from the company's website.