What could we expect in EU competition law in 2026?

A new Director General of DG Competition in the European Commission, who will probably set a new tone and direction.

More focus on EU competition law supporting the competitiveness of EU industry and business.

The Competitiveness Compass will probably mean more focus by the European Commission on innovation, decarbonisation and increased security.

Simplification agenda will continue.

Work will continue on the new merger guidelines which could be published in 2026, but it could slip into 2027.

Hard decisions will probably have to be taken to uphold EU competition law and policy even if it irritates some other global trading partners.

Regulations 1/2003 and 773/2004 – the backbone of EU competition procedural law, will be updated or, at least, proposals debated during 2026 as to how they can be updated.

Debate will intensify on “remote” digital dawn raids rather than on-site inspections.

New guidelines on exclusionary abuse of dominance are likely in 2026, but probably after the Google/Alphabet Android appeal.

More environmental-related developments in the competition space (e.g. agreement on recycling arrangements).

Transfer block exemption likely to be updated.

There could be a new Transport Block Exemption Regulation and new guidelines on State aid for land and multimodal transport.

More cartel cases.

Intensification of debates and decisions in the digital space including decisions under the Digital Markets Act.

Artificial Intelligence will be even more prominent in competition law issues and there will probably be more investigations and policy developments.

Discussions will probably take place on revising the Commission Guidelines on state aid to airports and airlines.

The Foreign Subsidies Regulation will develop and mature as practice grows and new guidelines take effect.

Possible amendments to the EU motor vehicle block exemption will be discussed.

Procedural decisions in EU merger control are likely including decisions on gun-jumping and the submission of information during investigations.

Competition in the pharma sector will continue to be prominent – focussing more on abuse of dominance than arrangements.