TITLE: European Commission Review Confirms Digital Markets Act Remains Fit for Purpose
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On 28 April 2026, the European Commission published its first review of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), concluding that the regulation remains fit for purpose and has delivered positive impacts during its first two years of application.
The review, based on analysis of over 450 contributions from stakeholders including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), gatekeepers, civil society organisations, and academics, found that the DMA has opened new opportunities for businesses and developers while enhancing user control. Key achievements include enabling users to transfer data between services and devices, select alternative search engines and web browsers as defaults, and exercise meaningful choice regarding personal data combination across services. The regulation has also facilitated ecosystem opening, with manufacturers of connected devices gaining enhanced interoperability access, alternative app stores launching, and new messaging applications emerging through interoperability obligations.
The review identifies cloud services and artificial intelligence as priority areas for future enforcement to further advance the DMA's objectives of fairness and market contestability. The Commission notes that simplifying procedures, enhancing transparency, and monitoring emerging digital trends would strengthen the DMA's effectiveness. The review also highlights significant untapped potential to fully achieve the regulation's objectives, requiring continuous regulatory dialogue and rigorous enforcement.
The Commission published a complementary study on social network interoperability, finding no clear demand from consumers and businesses for interoperability between designated social networks, though it will continue monitoring these services.
The DMA requires a comprehensive review every three years as mandated by the regulation itself to ensure continued effectiveness in evolving digital markets. The report is addressed to the European Parliament, the Council, and the European Economic and Social Committee.