Despite not meeting the Digital Markets Act's automatic thresholds, Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure are reportedly facing classification as "gatekeepers" by the European Commission. This move triggers three new market investigations, deepening the EU's antitrust law impact on Microsoft and Amazon cloud services in 2026, according to heise online. The Commission is launching these investigations even though neither company currently meets the DMA's quantitative thresholds for such a designation, as reported by Bloomberg. This regulatory tension suggests the EU is asserting greater control over critical digital infrastructure, potentially setting a precedent for regulating global tech giants based on qualitative market influence rather than strict numerical criteria. Such designations could impose significant new obligations, reshaping market competition.
The Commission's Immediate Next Steps
The European Commission expects to announce preliminary results of its investigation into US cloud providers under the Digital Markets Act next week, according to heise online. These results will reveal the Commission's specific concerns and outline potential obligations. This initial disclosure will significantly influence the European operations of cloud providers, signaling the EU's regulatory intent.
Expanding Scrutiny Beyond Traditional Thresholds
EU authorities are expanding scrutiny of the cloud computing market, potentially subjecting major cloud service operators to stricter obligations, according to PYMNTS. This marks a strategic shift by the EU to regulate foundational digital services. The move aims to prevent anti-competitive practices in a critical, rapidly growing sector, significantly extending the EU's regulatory reach into core digital infrastructure.
A Long-Term Regulatory Focus
The EU's investigation into cloud services under the Digital Markets Act began in November 2025, according to heise online. The EU's sustained strategic focus on cloud market regulation is underscored by this timeline. A firm commitment to shaping competition within essential digital infrastructure is signaled, indicating a proactive rather than reactive regulatory stance.
Anticipating the Final Decision
The final decision on the Digital Markets Act assessment for AWS and Azure is expected by the end of 2026, according to heise online. AWS and Azure will operate under prolonged regulatory uncertainty due to this extended timeline. Such a delay will inevitably impact their long-term strategic planning and investment decisions within the European market.
Based on the article's facts, the EU appears poised to redefine "gatekeeper" status, likely compelling major cloud providers to fundamentally alter their European market strategies if these investigations conclude with formal designations.
