From economics to politics
For decades, the European Union (EU) took pride in a competition regime guided by economics rather than politics. Its mission was to protect the competitive process, not particular firms or sectors. That technocratic ideal is fading. Successive crises – from the pandemic and energy shocks, to mounting global industrial rivalry – have blurred the line between competition policy and industrial strategy. As a result, the EU is shifting from an economics-driven model towards a more politically influenced approach.
Strategic autonomy and economic security
Under the banners of strategic autonomy and economic security, the EU is adopting a more pragmatic and interventionist stance. Traditional tools are being supplemented – and sometimes reinterpreted – to address emerging risks and dependencies. Policymakers are seeking outcomes that not only preserve competition but also support long term industrial capacity, technological leadership and security of supply.
Key themes for 2026
We see several themes shaping the competition landscape in 2026:
- Tightening and convergence of foreign direct investment screening across the EU.
- New enforcement challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
- Greater flexibility where industrial strategy, defence and military resilience are at stake.
- Escalating regulation and oversight of large digital platforms.
- Competition authorities seeking new tools to address structural risks and market power beyond traditional antitrust and merger control.
These themes, and more, are included in the Competition Outlook 2026. If you have any questions, please contact Yvo de Vries, Gerrit Oosterhuis, Rick Cornelissen or Greetje van Heezik.
