EU Regulators Find Digital Markets Act Effective in First Review

EU regulators conducted their first formal review of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and determined it to be fit for purpose. The review, completed on April 28, stated that the DMA has opened up new opportunities for businesses and developers while giving users more control over their experiences and devices.

This assessment was supported by over 450 contributions from open consultations held between July and November 2025. A 2025 report from Eurostat found that 93 percent of Europeans used internet platforms in 2024. High user volumes position major online platforms as dominant entities in the digital economy.

These platforms act as intermediaries between millions of users and other parts of the digital market.

Regulators have designated Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, Microsoft, and Booking as key platforms with significant influence. They classified 23 of their online services as critical gateways. The term refers to their substantial power in digital markets, which can lead to conditions affecting data control and competition.

The DMA, in effect since November 2022, seeks to limit the influence of large online platforms. It aims to make digital markets more competitive and accessible to innovators, businesses, and new entrants. The act applies specific obligations and prohibitions directly to these platforms instead of relying on standard competition laws.

During a plenary session from April 27 to 30, officials called for improved enforcement of the DMA. This request came in response to external pressures and warnings about procedural compliance issues. The review highlighted the need for smoother implementation to address these concerns.