EU says AWS and Microsoft Azure should be treated as DMA gatekeepers

Under the European Commission's Digital Markets Act (DMA), a company is presumed to be a gatekeeper if it meets certain quantitative thresholds. However, the Commission can still investigate and designate a company even if it does not meet the numeric thresholds, provided the service has a major market impact.

The European Commission launched its investigations into AWS and Azure on November 18, 2025, to address unfair or anti-competitive practices in the cloud sector. Today, the European Commission has informed Amazon and Microsoft of its preliminary view that their cloud computing services, AWS and Azure, should be designated as gatekeepers under the DMA.

The EC highlighted that Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure are the largest and second-largest cloud computing services in the European Union. Both of these platforms act as important gateways between businesses and their customers in the EU. The EC further mentioned that AWS and Azure have reached significant turnover, built large and entrenched user bases, and benefit from high switching costs and customer lock-in. Furthermore, their operational capacity and investments appear to have outpaced those of competitors.

Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, said the following:

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.

It is important to note that the findings are preliminary and do not decide the final outcome. Amazon and Microsoft can now review the findings and respond to the Commission. However, if the Commission confirms its preliminary findings, it will formally designate Amazon and Microsoft as gatekeepers for AWS and Azure. Once designated, Microsoft and Amazon will have six months to bring their cloud services into full compliance with the DMA’s rules and regulations.