MEPs propose tweaks to EU competition policy | News | European Parliament

MEPs propose tweaks to EU competition policy | News | European Parliament Launch the search European Parliament MEPs propose tweaks to EU competition policy Press Releases Plenary session ECON 30 minutes ago Share this page: Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp MEPs have proposed tweaks to EU competition policy to clamp down on US tech giants, promote EU champions, and improve the EU’s strategic autonomy. In their yearly report on competition policy, drafted by Stéphanie Yon-Courtin (Renew, FR) and adopted on Tuesday, MEPs push for changes aimed at turning competition rules into a tool better suited for today’s realities. The report was adopted with 501 votes in favour, 61 against and 95 abstentions. Bolstering enforcement of the digital and AI sectors MEPs calls for tougher and faster enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) through more market investigations, interim measures, non-compliance cases, and fines. To achieve this, they propose a “DMA fee” to secure stable enforcement resources. MEPs also call on the Commission to use the ongoing cloud services market investigation to adjust DMA obligations and ensure that they effectively address the barriers that prevent users from switching providers. MEPs also urge the Commission to assess whether core platform services should expand to include AI models, AI chatbots, virtual assistants, and connected TV OS. This would have the effect of widening the DMA’s reach. EU strategic autonomy and enabling EU champions MEPs want to see a merger policy shift to facilitate pan-European consolidation and long term resilience while safeguarding consumer welfare. This would make it easier for large European groups to emerge and compete on the global stage. They also say that below threshold “killer acquisitions” need to be dealt with more firmly, especially in the digital, AI, and pharmaceutical sectors. On payment systems, MEPs call on the Commission to conclude ongoing investigations into Visa/Mastercard fees and in the payments sector without undue delay. They also suggest revisiting the Interchange Fee Regulation, and emphasise that the digital euro is a crucial opportunity to reduce the over reliance on non-EU card schemes, and to strengthen competition and the EU’s strategic autonomy in the payments sector. They also call for a stronger enforcement of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation against online platforms and marketplaces based outside the EU, while easing burdens on SMEs. MEPs encourage key infrastructure to be built to boost Europe’s autonomy and innovation, including cloud services, AI infrastructure, financial market infrastructure and resilient, interoperable and competitive European payment systems, while also ensuring competitive energy markets which would guarantee stable and affordable prices. New market investigation tool An EU-level new market investigation tool could help address structural competition issues across the EU, MEPs say. Such a tool already exists in some member states. They therefore call on the Commission to introduce such a tool to complement the existing framework in order to address market failures which cannot be tackled effectively under the current rules. More fairness MEPs want binding procedural time limits for antitrust investigations and a study to ensure fines exceed illicit gains. They also want SMEs to be able to gain better access to defence markets. Finally, with regards to sports, MEPs flag the growing trend of multi-club ownership and also propose considering a ban on dynamic ticket pricing in the forthcoming Digital Fairness Act. Rapporteur quote Ms Yon-Courtin said: "Competition decisions must never bow to politics. My report calls for assessing whether competition powers should leave the Commission for a truly independent European Competition Authority. One that won't blink when Trump picks up the phone. And this isn't abstract. In my report, we points to ongoing DMA investigations that drag on and on. We have the rules. What we lack is the will to enforce them. On payments, the picture is stark: we depend on two American companies, Visa and Mastercard. My report calls for more competition in this space and the digital euro is our chance to take back control." Contacts: John SCHRANZ Press Officer (MT) Contact data: Phone number: +32 228 44264 (BXL) Mobile number: +32 498 98 14 02 E-mail: john.schranz@europarl.europa.eu X account: @EP_Economics Bluesky account: @econ.europarl.europa.eu Further information Adopted text will be available here (click on 07.07.2026) Profile of the rapporteur Product information Ref.: 20260707IPR46355 Share this page: Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Sign up for mail updates PDF version