About: Magrethe Vestager
EU bolsters probe into Facebook buyout of Kustomer
The EU on Monday (2 August) deepened its probe into Facebook's acquisition of Kustomer over concerns the social network giant could restrict the US start-ups' rivals' use of its WhatsApp and Instagram platforms.
Massive German state aid to virus-hit firms? Others in EU doing as much or more: Vestager
Concerns that Germany may have an unfair competitive advantage because of billions of euros pumped into its virus-hit companies are not backed by data which show other EU states doing as much if not more for their businesses, Europe's antitrust chief said.
Poland slaps €6.45 billion fine on Gazprom over Nord Stream 2 pipeline
Poland's anti-monopoly watchdog on Wednesday (7 October) said it was demanding Russian gas giant Gazprom pay a €6.45 billion fine over the Nord Stream 2 pipeline linking Russia to Germany.
Vestager: Discrepancy in state aid distorts single market, hampers recovery
The European Union's competition chief Margrethe Vestager has expressed concern about the "huge differences" in coronavirus state aid among member states, saying they were starting to distort the bloc's single market.
Commission proposes gradual lifting of borders, in bid to save Europe’s summer
The European Commission on Wednesday (13 May) set out plans for a phased restart of travel this summer, proposing a gradual lifting of borders in an attempt to kick start a tourism sector hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The commission‘s digital strategy: More competition, less emissions
In its digital strategy published on Wednesday (19 February), the European Commission committed itself to fostering 'Technology that works for the people' by increasing the digital prowess of European citizens and companies, doubling down on the market power of tech giants and tapping into ICT’s potential for sustainability.
Is Bulgaria’s Belene nuclear plant in line with EU competition law?
A Bulgarian lawyer has sent an eight-page letter to the European Commission pointing to various alleged violations of EU competition rules relating to the oft-delayed Belene nuclear power plant, EURACTIV Bulgaria reports.
Digital in 2020: A geopolitical programme
Departing from a tumultuous 2019, in which several tech behemoths faced the ire of European regulators, the forthcoming twelve months in the digital arena will prove to be lively in terms of EU policy.
Why the EU leads in digital regulation, but lags in digital innovation
In its efforts to harmonise the digital legislation of its 28 countries, the European Union has accidentally become the world’s digital regulator – while ceding ground to other digital innovators.
Apple says $14 bln EU tax order ‘defies reality and common sense’
Apple launched a legal challenge against Brussels in an EU top court on Tuesday (17 September), saying the European Union's 2016 order for the company to pay 13 billion euros in back taxes to Ireland "defies reality and common sense".
Agriculture DG loses state aid oversight to boost competition rules
In an unexpected move, Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen has decided to move state aid competences in farming and fisheries from two directorates-general, Agriculture and Maritime affairs and fisheries, to DG Competition.
Trump takes aim at Vestager: ‘She hates the US’
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (26 June) suggested the European Union was out of line in "suing" US technology companies like Facebook and Alphabet Inc's Google, saying legal action against those firms should be the purview of the United States.
Tsipras: Unlike Weber, Timmermans and Vestager had wide support
The EPP’s “party choice” of Manfred Weber killed the Spitzenkandidaten process as two other candidates, socialist Frans Timmermans and liberal Margrethe Vestager, also had to be dropped despite actually enjoying wider support in the EU Council, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Friday (21 June).
Macron: ‘No majority for Mr. Weber’ and other Spitzenkandidats
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday (21 June) the three so-called Spitzenkandidaten – or lead candidates – for the European Commission presidency had each failed to receive enough support among European Union leaders in Brussels.
How to pick the next saviour of the euro
EU leaders will try to pick the new European Central Bank president on Thursday evening (20 June), in times when further monetary flexibility is becoming more likely, but EU officials and diplomats have warned against politicising the election of Mario Draghi's successor.
French economy ministry wants to overhaul EU competition policies
The French Ministry of Economy wants to change competition practices and trade policy in Europe. Its proposals also aim to tackle new digital conglomerates. EURACTIV France reports.
EU tells Britain to reclaim illegal tax breaks offered to multinationals
A preferential UK tax scheme designed to attract multinational companies partially violated EU state aid rules, the European Commission concluded on Tuesday (2 April), calling on British authorities to recover the undue tax breaks, only a few days away from Brexit.
EU regulators want to know if merchants hurt by Amazon copies
EU antitrust regulators are asking retailers and manufacturers whether Amazon’s sales of own brand products similar to theirs have harmed their business, a move which could lead to a formal case and possibly fines against the U.S. tech giant.
Summit to set rules in race to succeed Juncker
The race to succeed Jean-Claude Juncker as head of the first post-Brexit European Commission begins later this month – and in typical EU style it is starting with a row about how the race should be run.
Vestager: EU will act if OECD fails on taxing internet giants
The European Union will take measures to tax US tech giants if the international community doesn't agree to a new system early next year, Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said on Tuesday (21 November).
EU denounces ‘shocking’ Paradise Papers revelations
The European Union on Monday (6 November) denounced the "shocking" revelations on the way top companies and dignitaries, including Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, avoid taxes using offshore wealth hubs.
The Brief: Can a weak president make the European Parliament stronger?
Antonio Tajani’s election as president of the European Parliament was not greeted with much enthusiasm.
Spanish promotion of regional languages did not breach state aid rules
The European Commission cleared Spain on Tuesday (21 September) of any wrongdoing after investigating its granting of public subsidies to regional language schemes. EURACTIV Spain reports.