The European Commission unveiled guidance loosening the application of strict
abuse-of-dominance rules if dominant firms can demonstrate their conduct
enhances EU resilience. Firms may rebut abuse allegations — including claims of
excessive pricing — by arguing actions support public health, product safety or
protection against supply shocks. Companies may also claim that conduct
otherwise deemed illegal yields efficiency gains, including for EU
sustainability objectives. EU competition affairs chief Teresa Ribera said the
guidelines clarify legal boundaries and improve predictability for firms
operating in Europe.
