Competition
EU launches ‘in-depth’ probe of Google bid for Fitbit
The European Commission launched an "in-depth investigation" on Tuesday (4 August) into whether US tech giant Google's planned €1.7 billion purchase of smartwatch maker Fitbit would give it an unfair market advantage.
EU clears creation of world’s second-largest trainmaker
The European Commission on Friday (31 July) signed off on a merger between French trainmaker Alstom and the rail arm of Canadian firm Bombardier, setting a number of competition criteria in the process.
Vestager calls for EU-US ‘common vision’ on platform competition policy
Worldwide jurisdictions and particularly the EU and the US should formulate "common visions" on how best to regulate competition in the platform economy, the Commission's digital chief Margrethe Vestager has said.
Facebook accused of ‘copy, acquire and kill’ tactics in US antitrust hearing
Social media giant Facebook has come in for heavy criticism as part of a US congressional hearing into the dominance of online tech platforms, being accused of ‘copy, acquire and kill’ tactics as part of its history in acquiring smaller...
Commission eyes US GAFA hearing for future competition challenges
The heads of US tech giants Facebook, Amazon, Google and Apple are set to testify in a US congressional hearing on Wednesday (29 July) as part of an ongoing probe into the dominance of digital platforms. For the EU, the hearing could provide a valuable insight into how to address competition challenges in the digital economy.
Spain agrees on terms to open up railway market
Spain's competition watchdog approved criteria on Thursday (23 July) which will allow private companies to compete with state-owned rail operator Renfe's medium-distance and local services, while safeguarding its financial stability.
Vestager hails KLM’s ‘very good’ €3.4bn bailout
The European Commission has approved the Dutch government’s €3.4 billion support package for national airline KLM, despite criticism levelled at conditions linked to pay cuts.
Alstom offers factory sale in return for Bombardier merger approval
France’s TGV high-speed train maker Alstom on Thursday (9 July) offered to sell a French rail factory and make other concessions to win European Commission approval for its planned purchase of Bombardier Inc’s transportation business.
Austria’s trains take over short-haul flight route
Austrian Airlines will cease operating its Vienna-Salzburg route, the flag-carrier announced on Thursday (2 July). Instead, the service will be replaced by more direct trains, in an effort to honour the terms of the government's recent bailout deal.
Alstom ready to sell assets to get EU merger approval
French TGV high-speed train maker Alstom is prepared to sell assets to secure early EU antitrust approval for its bid for Bombardier Inc's rail division, people familiar with the matter said.
Coronavirus prompts airline nationalisation spree
Portugal and Italy are both flirting with bringing their flag-carrying airlines under state-ownership to combat the economic hardships caused or exacerbated by the global pandemic.
Dutch government unveils KLM rescue plan
The Netherlands' national airline, KLM, is set for a €3.4 billion bailout package should it meet certain employment, financial and sustainability targets, the Dutch government announced on Friday (26 June). It still requires regulatory approval from Brussels.
Lufthansa’s €9bn mega-bailout cleared for takeoff
Lufthansa shareholders and the European Commission both approved Berlin’s €9 billion rescue package on Thursday (25 June), as the German airline continues to struggle to ride out the economic slump caused by the coronavirus.
‘Ghost flights’ issue returns to haunt airports and airlines
Airport and airline operators are already locked in a spat about whether a rules waiver granted by the EU back in March should be extended, although a decision is not due until mid-September.
EU warns of competition concerns over LSE’s $27 billion bid for Refinitiv
European Union antitrust regulators on Monday (22 June) warned about the possible anti-competitive effects of the London Stock Exchange's $27 billion bid for data and analytics company Refinitiv as they launched a four-month investigation into the deal.
Fiat-Chrysler’s Peugeot mega-merger to face EU scrutiny
The European Commission confirmed on Wednesday (17 June) that a proposed tie-up between Italo-American motor group Fiat-Chrysler and French carmaker Peugeot would be subject to an in-depth antitrust probe.
EU seeks to beef up its defences against foreign subsidies
The European Commission outlined on Wednesday (17 June) new tools to address the disruption caused by subsidised foreign companies operating in the single market, including the possibility to block the acquisition of European firms.
Brussels launches investigation against Apple for abusive practices
The European Commission opened two parallel investigations into Apple on Tuesday (16 June) to see whether the US tech giant has excluded rivals and imposed unfair conditions on 'app' developers via its Apple Store and its payment service Apple Pay.
Weaponizing transparency: Dealing with security risks of Chinese investments
Increasing transparency is a key measure to manage and mitigate many security risks posed by Chinese investments into sensitive sectors. Slovakia's experience in fighting shell corporations and oligarchs offers an example of how to do it, writes Matej Šimalčík.
Commission charts new competition tool ‘fit for the digital age’
A new competition tool 'fit for the digital age' is set to be unveiled by the European Commission before the end of this year, which has prompted stakeholders to begin analysing the wider impact that it could have on fostering competition across the EU's market economies.
Fiat-Peugeot merger to face EU probe, say sources
Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) and Peugeot maker PSA face a lengthy EU antitrust investigation after declining to offer concessions to allay EU antitrust concerns about their planned $50 billion merger, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday (10 June).
RWE-E.ON deal will run smaller firms out of the market, green power boss claims
The European Commission’s decision to approve an agreement between Germany’s big power firms risks distorting energy market competition, according to the head of another company, who explained to EURACTIV Germany why he has started legal action.
Lufthansa board gives green light to €9bn bailout
The supervisory board of German airline Lufthansa voted on Monday (1 June) in favour of the government's €9 billion aid package, after the European Commission compromised on its conditions for approving the bailout.