Commission reaches preliminary position that Amazon's and Microsoft's market leading cloud services should be designated under the DMA

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.

Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition

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.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

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.

Read the full press release

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