EU Considers AWS and Microsoft Azure as DMA Gatekeepers

On June 25, 2026, the European Commission announced preliminary findings that Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure may qualify as gatekeeper cloud computing services under the EU Digital Markets Act.

The proposed designation would extend existing DMA oversight of Amazon and Microsoft to their cloud businesses. Gatekeepers face additional obligations intended to prevent conduct that could restrict contestability or unfairly disadvantage business users and competitors.

The Commission’s assessment reflects the strategic importance of cloud infrastructure for European businesses, public authorities, software providers, and artificial intelligence services. A final designation could require the companies to adjust certain commercial or technical practices where these fall within the DMA’s obligations.

Amazon Web Services criticized the preliminary findings, stating that they did not adequately account for the range of cloud providers available to European customers. The company also warned that the approach could discourage investment and innovation in Europe’s cloud sector.

Microsoft has already been designated a gatekeeper for other core platform services, as has Amazon. The Commission’s cloud assessment remains preliminary, and the companies will have an opportunity to respond before any final decision is adopted.