EU Competition Policy: No Exemptions for 'European Champions' (politico.eu)

• EU rejects consolidation-as-strategy for industrial policy
• Competition mandate prioritized over national corporate scaling
• Upcoming regulatory update aims to maintain market integrity

"EU Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera has signaled that the upcoming merger regulations will not grant blanket leniency to facilitate the creation of 'European champions.' Despite political pressure to allow consolidation to counter global competition, the Commission insists that competition policy remains focused on consumer welfare and market dynamism. Ribera argues that true industrial strength relies on innovation and competitive pressure rather than artificial market consolidation."