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

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.