{{Short description|European Union department}} {{Infobox government agency | jurisdiction = European Union | headquarters = Brussels, Belgium | employees = 888 (2025) | chief1_name = Teresa Ribera | chief1_position = Executive Vice-President | chief2_name = Linsey McCallum | chief2_position = (ACTING) Director-General and Deputy Director-General | chief3_name = Guillaume Loriot | chief3_position = Deputy Director-General | chief4_name = Anthony Whelan | chief4_position = Deputy Director-General | website = https://commission.europa.eu/about/departments-and-executive-agencies/competition_en }} {{Politics of the European Union}} The '''Directorate-General for Competition''' ('''DG Competition''', or internal Commission letter code '''COMP''' or numerical code '''DG 04''')<ref>{{Cite web |title=9.6. Commission directorates-general and services: official titles - Interinstitutional Style Guide - Publications Office of the EU |url=https://style-guide.europa.eu/en/content/-/isg/topic?identifier=9.6-commission-directorates-general-services |access-date=2026-04-02 |website=Interinstitutional Style Guide |language=en-GB}}</ref> is a Directorate-General of the European Commission, located in Brussels. The DG Competition employs around 900 officials.<ref>{{cite web |title=European Commission 2021, HR Key Figures |url=https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/european-commission-hr_key_figures_2021_en.pdf |access-date=December 3, 2021 |publisher=European Commission}}</ref> It is responsible for establishing and implementing competition policy for the European Union. It enforces Articles 101-106 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) "in cooperation with national competition authorities."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Competition|publisher=European Commission|url=https://commission.europa.eu/about/departments-and-executive-agencies/competition_en|date=2026-01-28|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en}}</ref> DG Competition is considered to be one of the most sophisticated antitrust enforcers in the world, alongside the United States Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Smyth|first1=Patrick|title=Background: What is the EC's Competition Directorate?|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/consumer/background-what-is-the-ec-s-competition-directorate-1.3143166|website=The Irish Times|access-date=11 January 2018}}</ref> However, it operates with more independence than either American counterpart, being "structurally more insulated from political and lobbying pressures."<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://fnce.wharton.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Phillippon_Europe_v2.5.pdf|title=How EU Markets Became More Competitive Than US Markets: A Study of Institutional Drift∗|date=July 2018|access-date=30 January 2026|website=Wharton|last1=Gutiérrez|first1=Germán|last2=Philippon|first2=Thomas}}</ref> Between 1990 and 2025, DG Competition imposed a total of 30 billion euros in fines for cartel infringements after court adjustments.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Cartels cases and statistics - Competition Policy|publisher=European Commission|url=https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/antitrust-and-cartels/cartels-cases-and-statistics_en|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en}}</ref>
== History == === 20th century === In 1989, with the passing of Merger Regulation (4064/1989), DG Competition gained the ability to investigate mergers.<ref name=":1">Aydin, U., & Thomas, K. P. (2012). The Challenges and Trajectories of EU Competition Policy in the Twenty-first Century. ''Journal of European Integration'', ''34''(6), 531–547. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1080/07036337.2012.707359</nowiki></ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=EUR-Lex - 31989R4064 - EN|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/1989/4064/oj/eng|website=Official Journal L 395 , 30/12/1989 P. 0001 - 0012; Finnish special edition: P. 0082 ; Swedish special edition: P. 0016 |access-date=2026-01-30|language=EN}}</ref>
In 1997, DG Competition clashed with the United States Department of Justice over the Boeing–McDonnell Douglas merger.<ref name=":1" /> DG Competition did not approve the deal until concessions were made.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=The Boeing-McDonnell Douglas Merger: Competition Law, Parochialism, and the Need for a Globalized Antitrust System|url=https://scholarship.law.bu.edu/faculty_scholarship/3339|journal=George Washington Journal of International Law and Economics|date=1999-01-01|pages=155|volume=32|issue=1|first=Kathleen|last=Luz}}</ref>
=== 21st century ===
==== 2000s ==== In June 2000, DG Competition blocked MCI Worldcom's US$115 billion acquisition of Sprint Corporation in conjunction with the Department of Justice.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Commission prohibits merger between MCI WorldCom and Sprint |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_00_668 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Justice Department Sues to Block WorldCom's Acquisition of Sprint |url=https://www.justice.gov/archive/atr/public/press_releases/2000/5049.htm |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=www.justice.gov}}</ref> It would have been the biggest deal of its kind ever up to that point.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MCI WorldCom Sprint: Good Connection or Static on the Line? |url=http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/mci-worldcom-sprint-good-connection-or-static-on-the-line/ |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=Knowledge at Wharton |language=en-US}}</ref>
In July 2001, DG Competition prohibited GE from acquiring Honeywell for US$42 billion due to dominant positions in several markets including jet engines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lessons from the GE-Honeywell Non-Merger |url=http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/lessons-from-the-ge-honeywell-non-merger/ |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=Knowledge at Wharton |language=en-US}}</ref> Although they worked together during the investigation, their opinion once again diverged with the DOJ.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Commission prohibits GE's acquisition of Honeywell|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/https:////ec.europa.eu//commission//presscorner//detail//en//ip_01_939|website=European Commission|access-date=2026-01-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=GE-Honeywell: The U.S. Decision|url=https://www.justice.gov/archives/atr/speech/ge-honeywell-us-decision|website=U.S. Department of Justice|access-date=2026-01-30|date=29 November 2001|last=Majoras|first=Deborah}}</ref>
In January 2003, after the 2002 annulment by the Court of First Instance of a 2001 decision, the commission cleared Tetra Laval's acquisition of Sidel.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Commission clears acquisition of Sidel by Tetra Laval Group |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_03_36 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Boxed in |url=https://www.economist.com/business/2002/02/14/boxed-in |access-date=2026-02-04 |work=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}}</ref>
In 2003, DG Competition created a chief economist position directly under the director general to lead a team of 20 economists. Between 2003 and 2004, merger units for multiple sectors were integrated into antitrust teams.<ref name=":1" />
In June 2007, the commission prohibited Ryanair's takeover of Aer Lingus, a situation which would repeat itself in 2013.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=27 June 2007 |title=Mergers: Commission prohibits Ryanair's proposed takeover of Aer Lingus |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_07_893 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=27 February 2013 |title=Mergers: Commission prohibits Ryanair's proposed takeover of Aer Lingus |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_13_167 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Neate |first=Rupert |date=2013-02-12 |title=Ryanair expects EU to block Aer Lingus takeover bid |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/feb/12/ryanair-eu-block-aer-lingus-takeover |access-date=2026-02-04 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
In June 2008, a settlement procedure was introduced for cartels with the aim of decreasing the duration and costs of investigations.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Antitrust: Commission\nintroduces settlement procedure for cartels – frequently asked\nquestions|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/https:////ec.europa.eu//commission//presscorner//detail//en//memo_08_458|publisher=European Commission|access-date=2026-01-30}}</ref> In November, Asahi, Pilkington, Saint-Gobain and Soliver were fined a record 1.3 billion euros for forming a car glass cartel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CORRECTED1 - Antitrust: Commission fines car glass producers over €1.3 billion for market sharing cartel |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_08_1685 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gow |first=David |date=2008-11-13 |title=Glassmakers fined record €1.4bn for price-fixing by European regulators |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2008/nov/13/regulators |access-date=2026-02-04 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The General Court would later reduce Pilkington and Saint-Gobain's fines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The General Court reduces the fine imposed on the Saint-Gobain group for the car glass cartel from €880 million to €715 million |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/cje_14_43 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref>
In May 2009, Intel was fined 1.06 billion euros for anticompetitive practices in the central processing unit market.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Antitrust: Commission imposes fine of €1.06 bn on Intel for abuse of dominant position; orders Intel to cease illegal practices |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_09_745 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref> The fine was overturned in court, and the commission proceeded to re-impose a downsized fine on the company.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Questions & Answers - Antitrust: Commission re-imposes €376.36 million fine on Intel for anticompetitive practices in the market for computer chips |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_23_4571 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Intel loses challenge against EU antitrust ruling but wins reduced fine |url=https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/eu-court-cuts-intels-eu-antitrust-fine-2025-12-10/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251211025929/https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/eu-court-cuts-intels-eu-antitrust-fine-2025-12-10/ |archive-date=2025-12-11 |access-date=2026-02-04 |work=Reuters |language=en-US}}</ref>
DG Competition's fines on corporations climbed from 3.4 billion euros between 2000 and 2004 to 9.4 billion euros between 2005 and 2009.<ref name=":0">[http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/3953051-brussels-informers-12 The fight against the cartels: The Brussels informers (1/2)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820083220/http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/3953051-brussels-informers-12|date=2013-08-20}}, Les Echos, 9 July 2013.</ref> The average fine increased from less than 20 million euros by more than a factor of 15 from 2000 to 2008.<ref name=":2" />
==== 2010s ==== From 2010 to 2019, the commission imposed a total of 28.5 billion euros in cartel, antitrust, and merger fines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eca.europa.eu/lists/ecadocuments/sr20_24/sr_competition_policy_en.pdf|title=The Commission's EU merger control and antitrust proceedings: a need to scale up market oversight|year=2020|access-date=30 January 2026|website=European Court of Auditors}}</ref> During the same period, the DG Competition blocked nine out of 3,000 reviewed mergers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Brussels' antitrust issues|url=https://www.dw.com/en/brussels-faces-antitrust-issues-after-failed-mergers/a-52209725|publisher=Deutsche Welle|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en}}</ref>
The following table lists the highest cartel fines (exceeding 1 billion euros) throughout the decade: {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ !Year !Institutions fined !Total fine (Euro) !Market !Fined parties !Exempted parties !References |- |2012 |7 |1.47 billion |Cathode ray tube |LG Electronics, Philips, Samsung SDI, Panasonic, Toshiba, MTPD (a Panasonic subsidiary), Technicolor (formerly Thomson) |Chunghwa |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Antitrust: Commission fines producers of TV and computer monitor tubes € 1.47 billion for two decade-long cartels |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_12_1317 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Garside |first=Juliette |date=2012-12-06 |title=Samsung, Philips and Panasonic hit with record £1.2bn cartel fine |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/dec/06/samsung-philips-panasonic-record-cartel-fine |access-date=2026-02-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> |- |2013 |6 |1.49 billion |Derivative (finance) |Deutsche Bank, RBS, Société Générale, Citigroup, JPMorgan, RP Martin |Barclays, UBS |<ref>{{Cite web |title=AMENDED - Antitrust: Commission fines banks € 1.49 billion for participating in cartels in the interest rate derivatives industry |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/https:////ec.europa.eu//commission//presscorner//detail//en//ip_13_1208 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref> |- |2016 |4 |2.9 billion |Truck |Daimler, Volvo/Renault, Iveco, DAF |MAN SE |<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> |- |2019 |5 |1.07 billion |Foreign exchange spot |Barclays, RBS, Citigroup, JPMorgan, MUFG |UBS |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Antitrust: Commission fines Barclays, RBS, Citigroup, JPMorgan and MUFG €1.07 billion for participating in foreign exchange spot trading cartel |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_19_2568 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref> |} In 2013, Aegean Airlines's rejected 2011 acquisition was approved due to Olympic Air's imminently anticipated financial decline due to Greece's economic conditions.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Greek airline Olympic Air by Aegean Airlines |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_13_927 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Helena |date=2013-11-01 |title=Olympic Air to become subsidiary of Aegean Airlines in €72m deal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/01/olympic-airlines-subsidiary-aegean-airlines-72-million-euro-deal |access-date=2026-02-04 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
In May 2016, the commission prohibited Hutchison's 10.3 billion pound acquisition of O2.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=Mergers: Commission prohibits Hutchison's proposed acquisition of Telefónica UK |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_16_1704 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2016-05-11 |title=EU antitrust regulators block Hutchison's O2 UK mobile bid |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/05/11/eu-antitrust-regulators-block-hutchisons-o2-uk-mobile-bid.html |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> In July, four European truck manufacturers agreed to pay the commission a record 2.9 billion euros for "price increases, timing for the introduction of new emissions technologies and the passing on to customers of the costs for the emissions technologies." Daimler was fined the most, at 1 billion euros. MAN SE was exempted for revealing the cartel to authorities.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=EU fines truckmakers over cartel|url=https://www.dw.com/en/eu-fines-truckmakers-for-14-year-cartel/a-19409995|publisher=Deutsche Welle|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en}}</ref> Scania did not settle, and was fined a year later after further investigation by DG Competition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Antitrust: Commission fines Scania €880 million for participating in trucks cartel |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_17_3502 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref> Its fine was higher than those of Volvo/Renault, Iveco or DAF.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Antitrust: Commission fines truck producers € 2.93 billion for participating in a cartel|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/https:////ec.europa.eu//commission//presscorner//detail//en//ip_16_2582|publisher=European Commission|access-date=2026-01-30}}</ref> In August, the commission deemed that Ireland's 13 billion euros in tax benefits to Apple were illegal under EU law and had to be recovered.<ref>{{Cite web |title=State aid: Ireland gave illegal tax benefits to Apple worth up to €13 billion |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_16_2923 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rolfes |first=Ellen |last2=Reuther |first2=Katie |title=Why Apple owes Ireland $14 billion in taxes |url=https://www.marketplace.org/story/2024/09/13/why-apple-owes-ireland-14-billion-in-taxes |access-date=2026-02-04 |website=www.marketplace.org |language=en}}</ref>
In March 2017, the commission blocked a 21 billion pound merger between the European stock exchange operators Deutsche Börse and London Stock Exchange.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Mergers: Commission blocks proposed merger between Deutsche Börse and London Stock Exchange |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_17_789 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ruddick |first=Graham |date=2017-03-29 |title=London Stock Exchange and Deutsche Börse merger blocked by EU |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/29/london-stock-exchange-deutsche-borse-merger-blocked-ec |access-date=2026-02-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In June, Google was fined 2.42 billion euros for illegally advantaging Google Shopping through its search engine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Antitrust: Commission fines Google €2.42 billion for abusing dominance as search engine by giving illegal advantage to own comparison shopping service |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_17_1784 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-10 |title=Google loses final EU court appeal against 2.4 billion euro fine in antitrust shopping case |url=https://apnews.com/article/google-european-union-antitrust-shopping-court-a281e4e4722efa816e929a52a9939d86 |access-date=2026-02-04 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>
In July 2018, the commission fined Google a record 4.34 billion euros for antitrust violations. These activities included manufacturer software pre-installation requirements, exclusive pre-installation payments, and unapproved Android fork prevention.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Antitrust: Commission fines Google €4.34 billion for illegal practices regarding Android mobile devices to strengthen dominance of Google's search engine |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_18_4581 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Browne |first=Ryan |date=2025-06-19 |title=Google looks likely to lose appeal against record $4.7 billion EU fine |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/19/google-looks-likely-to-lose-appeal-against-record-4point7-billion-eu-fine.html |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>
In February 2019, the commission prohibited Germany's Siemens from acquiring France's Alstom.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |title=Mergers: Commission prohibits Siemens' proposed acquisition of Alstom |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_19_881 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref> The decision drew criticism from France's Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EU blocks Siemens-Alstom merger |url=https://www.dw.com/en/eu-blocks-siemens-alstom-merger-citing-serious-competition-issues/a-47382406 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref>
==== 2020s ==== In September 2022, DG Competition prohibited genomics company Illumina from acquiring healthcare company Grail. Illumina's remedies were deemed insufficient and the company prematurely confirmed the acquisition before the EU's approval.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mergers: Commission prohibits acquisition of GRAIL by Illumina|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/es/https:////ec.europa.eu//commission//presscorner//detail//es//ip_22_5364|publisher=European Commission|access-date=2026-01-30}}</ref> The FTC also blocked the acquisition, leading Illumina to divest in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Illumina, Inc., and GRAIL, Inc., In the Matter of|url=https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/201-0144-illumina-inc-grail-inc-matter|website=Federal Trade Commission|date=2021-03-30|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en}}</ref> The EU Court of Justice later ruled that the commission overstepped.<ref>{{Cite web |title=European Court of Justice rules in favor of Illumina in jurisdictional appeal |url=https://investor.illumina.com/news/press-release-details/2024/European-Court-of-Justice-rules-in-favor-of-Illumina-in-jurisdictional-appeal/default.aspx |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=investor.illumina.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2023, Commissioner Margrethe Vestager drew criticism for selecting Professor Fiona Scott Morton of Yale University, former chief economist of the Obama Administration, as Chief Competition Economist of DG Competition. Both her American nationality and consulting work for Big Tech came under fire by EU leaders, leading her to turn down the position.<ref>{{Cite web|title=US economist turns down key EU antitrust job amid backlash|url=https://www.dw.com/en/us-economist-turns-down-key-eu-antitrust-job-amid-backlash/a-66280636|publisher=Deutsche Welle|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en}}</ref>
In March 2024, Apple was fined 1.8 billion euros for "anti-steering provisions" in relation to music subscriptions on the App Store.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commission fines Apple over €1.8 billion over abusive App store rules for music streaming providers |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_1161 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref> Apple criticized the decision for benefiting Spotify, which held a majority market share in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kharpal |first=Arjun |date=2024-03-04 |title=Apple hit with more than $1.95 billion EU antitrust fine over music streaming |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/04/apple-hit-with-more-than-1point95-billion-eu-antitrust-fine-over-music-streaming.html |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>
Following is a table categorizing the EU's merger interventions from December 2019 to October 2024:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/document/download/f7904ee3-84f6-4c7b-9f00-a9c13de4e226_en?filename=2024_mergers_decisions_en.pdf|title=EU MERGER CONTROL Interventions from December 2019|access-date=30 January 2026|website=European Commission {{!}} Competition}}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ !Transaction Count !Status !Stage !Conditions |- |41 |'''Approved''' |Phase 1 investigation |with remedies |- |17 |'''Approved''' |Phase 2 investigation |with remedies |- |3 |'''Approved''' |Phase 2 investigation |without remedies |- |7 |'''Abandoned''' |during review |without Statement of Objections |- |5 |'''Abandoned''' |during review |with Statement of Objections |- |3 |'''Prohibited''' | | |} In September 2025, the commission fined Google 2.95 billion euros for "favouring its own online display advertising technology services."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commission fines Google €2.95 billion over abusive practices in online advertising technology |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1992 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Browne |first=Ryan |date=2025-09-05 |title=Google hit with $3.45 billion antitrust EU fine amid U.S. trade tensions |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/05/google-slapped-by-eu-with-3point45-billion-antitrust-fine.html |access-date=2026-02-04 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>
== Official merger prohibitions == For acquisitions, the acquiring party is in bold. {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ !# !Year !FIrms !Headquarters locations !Type !Entity name !Market !Reference |- | rowspan="2" |1 | rowspan="2" |1991 |'''Aerospatiale-Alenia''' |{{Flag|France}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Regional turbo-prop aircraft | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decision - 91/619 - EN - EUR-Lex |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/1991/619/oj/eng |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=eur-lex.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> |- |de Havilland |{{Flag|Canada}} |- | rowspan="3" |2 | rowspan="3" |1994 |Bertelsmann | rowspan="3" |{{Flag|Germany}} | rowspan="3" |Joint venture | rowspan="3" |MSG Media Service | rowspan="3" |Television, Other communication services | rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decision - 94/922 - EN - EUR-Lex |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/1994/922/oj/eng |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=eur-lex.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> |- |Kirch |- |Deutsche Telekom |- | rowspan="3" |3 | rowspan="3" |1995 |Norsk Telekom |{{Flag|Norway}} | rowspan="3" |Joint venture | rowspan="3" |Nordic Satellite Distribution | rowspan="3" |Satellite transmission services, Distribution services | rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decision - 96/177 - EN - EUR-Lex |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/1996/177/oj/eng |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=eur-lex.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> |- |TeleDanmark |{{Flag|Denmark}} |- |Kinnevik |{{Flag|Sweden}} |- | rowspan="3" |4 | rowspan="3" |1995 |RTL4 |{{Flag|Luxembourg}} | rowspan="3" |Joint venture | rowspan="3" |Holland Media Group | rowspan="3" |TV advertising and production | rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=HOLLAND MEDIA GROUP - DUTCH TV JOINT VENTURE CANNOT BE CLEARED IN ITSCURRENT FORM. - COMMISSION AND PARTIES POSITIVELY DISCUSS SOLUTIONS, VANMIERT SAYS. |url=https://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-95-995_en.htm |access-date=2026-02-03 |website=European Commission}}</ref> |- |Veronica |{{Flag|Netherlands}} |- |Endemol |{{Flag|Netherlands}} |- | rowspan="2" |5 | rowspan="2" |1996 |Gencor |{{Flag|South Africa}} | rowspan="2" |Merger | rowspan="2" |Impala Platinum, Lonrho Platinum Division | rowspan="2" |Platinum group | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decision - 97/26 - EN - EUR-Lex |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/1997/26(1)/oj/eng |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=eur-lex.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> |- |Lonrho |{{Flag|Great Britain}} |- | rowspan="2" |6 | rowspan="2" |1996 |'''Kesko''' | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Finland}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Daily consumer goods | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decision - 97/277 - EN - EUR-Lex |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/1997/277/oj/eng |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=eur-lex.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> |- |Tuko |- | rowspan="3" |7 | rowspan="3" |1996 |Société Européenne des Produits Réfractaires |{{Flag|France}} | rowspan="3" |Joint venture | rowspan="3" | | rowspan="3" |Silicon carbide | rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decision - 97/610 - EN - EUR-Lex |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/1997/610/oj/eng |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=eur-lex.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> |- |Elektroschmelzwerk Kempten GmbH |{{Flag|Germany}} |- |NOM |{{Flag|Netherlands}} |- | rowspan="2" |8 | rowspan="2" |1997 |'''Blokker''' |{{Flag|Netherlands}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Toys | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decision - 98/663 - EN - EUR-Lex |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/1998/663/oj/eng |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=eur-lex.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> |- |Toys "R" Us |{{Flag|United States}} |- | rowspan="2" |9 | rowspan="2" |1997 |Bertelsmann AG | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Germany}} | rowspan="2" |Merger | rowspan="2" |Premiere Digital | rowspan="2" |Digital pay television | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BERTELSMANN AND KIRCH AGREE ON IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF SALES OF D-BOX DECODER BY PREMIERE |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_97_1119 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Commission warns BERTELSMANN and KIRCH against infringement of European merger control |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_97_1062 |access-date=2026-02-03 |website=European Commission}}</ref> |- |Kirch Group |- | rowspan="2" |10 | rowspan="2" |1998 |Deutsche Telekom | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Germany}} | rowspan="2" |Merger | rowspan="2" |BetaResearch | rowspan="2" |Encryption technology | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decision - 99/154 - EN - EUR-Lex |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/1999/154(1)/oj/eng |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=eur-lex.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> |- |BetaTechnik |- | rowspan="2" |11 | rowspan="2" |1999 |'''Airtours''' | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Great Britain}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Leisure travel services | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decision - 2000/276 - EN - EUR-Lex |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2000/276/oj/eng |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=eur-lex.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> |- |First Choice |- | rowspan="2" |12 | rowspan="2" |2000 |'''Scania''' | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Sweden}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Heavy trucks, Buses, Touring coaches | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Commission prohibits Volvo's acquisition of its main competitor Scania |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_00_257 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref> |- |Volvo |- | rowspan="2" |13 | rowspan="2" |2000 |MCI Worldcom | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|United States}} | rowspan="2" |Merger | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Internet | rowspan="2" |<ref name=":6" /> |- |Sprint |- | rowspan="2" |14 | rowspan="2" |2001 |'''General Electric''' | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|United States}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Aero-engines, Avionics | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Commission prohibits GE's acquisition of Honeywell |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_01_939 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref> |- |Honeywell |- | rowspan="2" |15 | rowspan="2" |2001 |'''Tetra Laval''' |{{Flag|Netherlands}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |SBM machines | rowspan="2" |<ref name=":7" /> |- |Sidel |{{Flag|France}} |- | rowspan="2" |16 | rowspan="2" |2001 |'''Schneider Electric''' | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|France}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Electrical equipment | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commission prohibits acquisition of control of Legrand by Schneider Electric |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_01_1393 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref> |- |Legrand |- | rowspan="3" |17 | rowspan="3" |2004 |'''ENI''' |{{Flag|Italy}} | rowspan="3" |Acquisition | rowspan="3" | | rowspan="3" |Electricity, Gas | rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mergers: Commission prohibits acquisition of GDP by EDP and ENI |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_04_1455 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref> |- |'''EDP''' |{{Flag|Portugal}} |- |GDP |{{Flag|Portugal}} |- | rowspan="2" |18 | rowspan="2" |2007 |'''Ryanair''' | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Ireland}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Short-haul flights | rowspan="2" |<ref name=":8" /> |- |Aer Lingus |- | rowspan="2" |19 | rowspan="2" |2011 |Olympic Air | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Greece}} | rowspan="2" |Merger | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Air transport | rowspan="2" |<ref name=":10" /> |- |Aegean Airlines |- | rowspan="2" |20 | rowspan="2" |2013 |'''UPS''' |{{Flag|United States}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Express delivery of small packages | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mergers: Commission blocks proposed acquisition of TNT Express by UPS |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_13_68 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref> |- |TNT Express |{{Flag|Netherlands}} |- | rowspan="2" |21 | rowspan="2" |2013 |'''Ryanair''' | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Ireland}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Short-haul flights | rowspan="2" |<ref name=":9" /> |- |Aer Lingus |- | rowspan="2" |22 | rowspan="2" |2016 |'''Hutchison 3G''' | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Great Britain}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Mobile network | rowspan="2" |<ref name=":11" /> |- |O2 UK |- | rowspan="2" |23 | rowspan="2" |2017 |Deutsche Börse |{{Flag|Germany}} | rowspan="2" |Merger | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Clearing of fixed income instruments | rowspan="2" |<ref name=":12" /> |- |London Stock Exchange |{{Flag|Great Britain}} |- | rowspan="2" |24 | rowspan="2" |2019 |'''Siemens''' |{{Flag|Germany}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Railway and metro signalling systems, Rolling stock | rowspan="2" |<ref name=":13" /> |- |Alstom |{{Flag|France}} |- | rowspan="2" |25 | rowspan="2" |2019 |'''Wieland-Werke''' | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Germany}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Rolled copper | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 February 2019 |title=EU Blocks Wieland's Acquisition Of Aurubis' Rolled Copper Products Business |url=https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/eu-blocks-wielands-acquisition-aurubis-rolled-copper-products-business-2019-02-06 |url-status=live |access-date=2 February 2026 |website=Nasdaq}}</ref> |- |Aurubis |- | rowspan="2" |26 | rowspan="2" |2019 |Thyssenkrupp |{{Flag|Germany}} | rowspan="2" |Joint Venture | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Steel | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mergers: Commission prohibits proposed merger between Tata Steel and ThyssenKrupp |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/it/ip_19_2948 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref> |- |Tata Steel |{{Flag|India}} |- | rowspan="2" |27 | rowspan="2" |2022 |'''Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings''' | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|South Korea}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Large liquefied gas carriers | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mergers: Commission prohibits proposed acquisition of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering by Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_343 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=EU blocks merger of Daewoo and Hyundai |url=https://www.dw.com/en/eu-blocks-merger-of-daewoo-and-hyundai/a-60412841 |access-date=2026-01-30 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |language=en}}</ref> |- |Daewoo Shipbuilding |- | rowspan="2" |28 | rowspan="2" |2022 |'''Illumina''' | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|United States}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Early cancer detection tests | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mergers: Commission prohibits acquisition of GRAIL by Illumina |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_5364 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=European Commission}}</ref> |- |GRAIL |- | rowspan="2" |29 | rowspan="2" |2023 |'''Booking''' |{{Flag|United States}} | rowspan="2" |Acquisition | rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Hotel online travel agencies | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mergers: Commission prohibits proposed acquisition of eTraveli by Booking |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_4573 |access-date=2026-02-03 |website=European Commission}}</ref> |- |eTraveli |{{Flag|Sweden}} |}
==See also== * Antitrust cases against Google by the European Union * Apple's EU tax dispute * European Commissioner for Competition * European Union competition law * European Union v. Microsoft
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/competition/index_en.htm Directorate-General for Competition]
{{Eu-directorates-general}} {{Authority control}}
Competition Category:Competition regulators Category:Regulation in the European Union