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EU Opens Trio of Cloud Market Probes Targeting Amazon and Microsoft

By  |  November 18, 2025
Amazon, Google, Microsoft, government, SaaS

The European Commission has initiated three separate investigations into the cloud computing operations of Amazon and Microsoft, marking an escalation in its enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The law, designed to rein in dominant technology firms and bolster competition, is now being applied to assess whether the companies’ cloud services function as critical gateways for business users.

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    According to a statement from the Commission, two of the probes will determine whether Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft’s Azure should be formally designated as gatekeepers for their cloud platforms. A third investigation will evaluate whether the DMA’s current framework is sufficient to address concerns about anticompetitive behavior in the fast-growing cloud sector. AWS remains the world’s largest cloud provider, followed by Azure and Google Cloud.

    The inquiries unfold against a backdrop of political friction. Per a statement from EU officials, tensions have risen as U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly aligned himself with American tech companies opposing the EU’s regulatory agenda—fueling speculation that the bloc might face pressure to soften its approach.

    WHAT’S NEXT IN ANTITRUST AND TECHNOLOGY REGULATION™

    EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera signaled the possibility of broader regulatory adjustments, saying in a statement: “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.”

    Related: EU Weighs Extending Big Tech Crackdown to Major Cloud Providers

    Companies under review also responded to the Commission’s actions. A Microsoft spokesperson said the company was prepared to participate in the inquiry, while an AWS representative cautioned against overreach, stating that “designating cloud providers as gatekeepers isn’t worth the risks of stifling invention or raising costs for European companies.”

    Should the investigations conclude that these cloud services meet the DMA’s criteria—including more than 45 million monthly active users and a market value exceeding 75 billion euros—they could be added to the roster of core platform services for which Amazon and Microsoft already hold gatekeeper status. Such a designation would require them to ensure interoperability with competing services and bar them from prioritizing their own offerings. Violations could result in penalties of up to 10% of global annual revenue.

    The Commission expects to complete its review within 12 months.

    Source: EC Europa