EC cites need for ‘European champions’ as merger guidelines review looms

Anne Morris2026-02-17T17:12:00

Source: ALEXANDRE LALLEMAND / Unsplash

In depth: Anticipation builds as first sighting of revised EU merger guidelines is slated for April, and telcos are busy lobbying for an M&A rule change…

This article includes:

Themes: Competition policy; Cross‑border consolidation; EU merger reform; European champions; Market regulation; Telecoms M&A; Investment incentives; Digital Networks Act.
People: António Costa; Christel Heydemann; Emanuele Tarantino; Teresa Ribera; Ursula von der Leyen; Vivek Badrinath.
Geographic: Belgium; Europe; Romania; Spain.
Organisations: Altice France; Bouygues Telecom; BRG; Connect Europe; European Commission (EC); European Council; Financial Times; GSMA; Iliad; MásOrange; McKinsey; MÁSMÓVIL; Orange; Polsat; Reuters; VOO.

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