Microsoft, Amazon face EU cloud rules in November

Microsoft and Amazon are heading toward a test in Europe. Their cloud arms, Azure and AWS, may face tougher rules from the EU in November. But the decision is not final yet, and the timing could change.

EU prepares to tighten cloud checks for Microsoft and Amazon

As reported by Business Times, EU regulators are finishing a Digital Markets Act investigation into Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services. People close to the situation claim the decision is expected in November. However, the work is still in draft form, so the date could slip. The move is important because both services could be treated as gatekeepers under the EU’s Digital Markets Act. That would place them under tougher rules because of their role in the cloud market.

The two cloud arms would have to follow rules on interoperability, customer lock-in and self-preferencing if they are formally designated. The aim is to make it easier for customers to move between providers and support fairer competition. The European Commission has not made a final ruling. In June, it sent preliminary findings to both Microsoft and Amazon’s team and said its assessments were still ongoing.

How the cloud probe began

The European Commission opened three market investigations in November 2025. Two looked at whether AWS and Azure should be named gatekeepers. The third looked at whether the DMA can deal with practices that may hurt competition in cloud services. The probes were opened even though the two cloud services did not meet the DMA’s usual size and market thresholds. The Commission instead wanted to study whether they act as important gateways for businesses and users.

Cloud services are a key part of business. Companies use them to store data, run apps and support digital tools. They are also important for artificial intelligence. That is why the EU is looking closely at how providers operate. The wider issue is also about choice, access and how easy it is for a customer to change provider.

Rules could change the working for Microsoft and Amazon

A formal gatekeeper label could bring new duties aimed at reducing switching barriers and improving links between cloud platforms. Customers often build systems around one provider’s tools, making a move costly and hard. The rules would not start immediately after a November decision. Under the DMA process, the cloud businesses would have 6 months to meet the new obligations after designation.

Both Amazon and Microsoft’s team have said they are engaging with European regulators. Microsoft has said it continues to work with officials, while AWS has argued that European customers already have more choice than before. For now, the question is what the final decision will say. A November ruling could bring limits for two of the world’s biggest cloud businesses. It could also give smaller rivals more room to compete.

Still, this is not a final crackdown. The Commission has stressed that its assessment is ongoing. The coming weeks will show whether the planned November decision arrives on time and how far the EU is ready to go.

Author’s Opinion

The EU’s move makes sense as cloud services become more important to business. Still, rules should not become heavy enough to slow technology. The best result would be more choice for customers without hurting innovation.

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