EU opens cloud gatekeeper probes for Amazon and Microsoft

The European Commission launched three market investigations into cloud computing services on November 18, 2025, examining whether Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure should be designated as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act. Two investigations will assess whether these services meet criteria for gatekeeper designation despite not reaching DMA thresholds for size, user numbers and market position. A third investigation will examine whether existing DMA rules can effectively address competitive concerns in the cloud sector.

Cloud computing serves as critical infrastructure for digital services and artificial intelligence development across the European Union. According to the Commission’s announcement, these services must operate in a fair, open and competitive environment to foster innovation, trust and Europe’s strategic autonomy.