“Engaging in behaviors such as self-preferencing, denying access to critical inputs or imposing unfair conditions, and we are not alone in realizing this diagnosis. These concerns are shared around the world. On this side of the Atlantic, they propelled us to create the DMA, which offers a clear regulatory framework outlining certain obligations and prohibited behaviors. The DMA serves as a targeted tool addressing well known harmful practices through a proactive regulatory approach. It coexists with traditional antitrust rules, which remain vital for evaluating emerging challenges and new behaviors. The DMA is designed to level the playing field, fostering new opportunities for businesses and directly benefiting consumers with greater choices of innovative products and services. And it is working. We are already witnessing positive outcomes which directly impact market Active concentration. For instance, we have four new app stores available on iOS, something no one would ever dream about two years ago. Thanks to the choice screen and default changing obligations, the usage of some smaller browsers increased by as much as 200% in some member states. Alternative smartwatch makers will start offering improved products thanks to increased interoperability. And this is not banal. But let's not fool ourselves. We are merely at the beginning of the journey to ensure that the DMA's success going forward. Three key components are essential. First, compliance by regulated companies and their. Andreas is doing a fantastic job. I can confirm the reports. It is crucial that these entities adhere to the law and for the Commission as the sole enforcer, to act decisively, decisively when they do not. Second, Proactive engagement from business users. Companies must seize the newly offered opportunities.”
EU rules on digital competition · Interoperability requirements for digital platforms · EU Competition policy
“It is a privilege to share insights with you on the challenges in digital markets driven by market concentration. These critical questions were initially posed by the Executive Vice President, Vestager, to the Jack Kramer Expert Group, resulting in the pivotal report on competition policy for the digital era. The outcome was swift. Just a year later, we found ourselves discussing a draft of the Digital Markets Act, including in this room. Let me now take a step back and say a couple of things which are maybe obvious, but which are very important for today's discussion. It is essential to recognize both sides of the digital revolution. On the one hand, the benefits are undeniable. Undeniable digital revolution led to unprecedented access to information, new opportunities stemming from the data economy, and significant gains in efficiency and productivity. However, this progress comes at a cost. Today, a small number of companies wield extraordinary economic power, controlling platforms that billions of users rely on daily. Businesses, especially smaller ones operating within the digital ecosystem, face an inherent dependence on these platforms for crucial resources, whether it is access to data distribution networks or the very platforms needed to connect with their own customers. And this creates an uncomfortable dynamic. These platforms effectively act as regulators, setting rules that profoundly impact the market structure and ultimately, our democratic ideals. Digital platforms exhibit unique operational characteristics. These include strong network effects, ecosystems where users get locked in and certain services are at zero price. These dynamics, in turn, foster tipping of the market, with winner winners taking all inevitably leading to high market concentration. Such concentration creates fertile, fertile ground for companies to exploit their power.”
EU rules on digital competition · EU Competition policy