EU Designates AWS, Azure Gatekeepers
Analysis based on 25 articles · First reported Jun 18, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
The preliminary designation of Amazon — Amazon Web Services and Microsoft — Microsoft Azure as 'gatekeepers' under the Digital Markets Act is expected to negatively impact their stock prices and market valuations due to increased regulatory scrutiny, compliance costs, and potential restrictions on their business practices in the EU. This move could also benefit smaller cloud providers and foster greater competition in the European cloud computing market, potentially leading to shifts in market share and investment strategies across the industry.
The International — European Commission has issued preliminary findings that could designate Amazon — Amazon Web Services and Microsoft — Microsoft Azure as 'gatekeepers' under the Digital Markets Act. This designation, following a seven-month investigation, would subject the two largest cloud providers to strict obligations and restrictions aimed at curbing their market dominance, including requirements for interoperability and data portability, and limits on self-preferencing. The move expands the DMA's scope to cloud infrastructure, a sector critical for AI development and relied upon by over half of EU businesses. Both Amazon (company) and Microsoft have criticized the assessment, with Amazon (company) arguing it overlooks the breadth of cloud providers and could deter investment, while Microsoft pointed to the growing power of Alphabet Inc. — Google Cloud Platform. The final decision is expected in the coming months and could significantly reshape the cloud computing sector in Europe.
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