Digital markets act in the making : challenges and potential of the new EU regulation on big tech

Abstract

On 1st October, 2021, the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies (RSCAS) hosted a conference: “Digital Markets Act in the making: Challenges and potential of the new EU regulation on Big Tech”, which was organized by the Florence School of Regulation – Communications and Media (FSR C&M) at the European University Institute (EUI) campus in Florence. The conference focused on the Digital Markets Act (DMA): the proposed EU Regulation, which was published by the European Commission on 15th December, 2020, and which aims to ensure fair and open digital markets.[1] The proposal is currently pending approval by the European Parliament and the Council. The Conference gathered academics, practitioners, officials from the National Competition Authorities (NCAs), the European Commission, the industry, as well as from law and economic consulting firms, to discuss and exchange views on the controversies that have been generated by the DMA proposal. The diversity of views ensured a lively debate. This Policy Brief summarizes the main points raised during the discussion.