What changes is the EU proposing to its merger rules?

The EU plans to update its merger rules to consider impacts beyond short-term price effects, including factors such as sustainability, innovation, and resilience.

Why is the EU updating its merger guidelines?

The update is driven by a need to reflect changes in the market over the past 20 years and to improve competitiveness against U.S. and Chinese rivals.

Will the new rules make it easier for companies to merge?

While the rules will look beyond short-term price effects, they will still preserve the spirit of protecting consumers and the market, not giving companies a blank cheque for consolidation.

When will the new EU merger guidelines be finalized?

Orientation debates and consultations are expected to wrap up by this spring, after which the final guidelines will be set.

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Finance

EU's ribera: Bloc's new merger rules to look beyond short-term price effects

Q: Who will be involved in the consultation process for the new guidelines?

The European Commission will consult with member states, national regulators, and the public before finalizing the guidelines.

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on March 10, 2026

2 min read

Last updated: March 10, 2026

EU's Ribera: Bloc's new merger rules to look beyond short-term price effects - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review

European Commission Updates Approach to Merger Assessments

Background: Calls for Regulatory Flexibility

MADRID, March 10 (Reuters) - The European Union will update its merger rules to look beyond short-term price effects but without giving companies a blank cheque for consolidation, according to the European Commission's competition chief Teresa Ribera.

Large players in sectors including telecoms and banking have long been lobbying Brussels for more flexibility in regulations to allow for greater consolidation and competition with rivals in the U.S. and China.

Key Changes in the Updated Guidelines

Extending the Assessment Time Frame

"We're updating the guidelines that have been applied over the last 20 years; the world has changed very significantly in those two decades," Ribera told Spanish newspaper Expansion in an interview published on Tuesday.

Currently, the EU assesses the impact of mergers on consumer prices over three years after a deal. Ribera said the time frame could be extended because in more disruptive and innovative sectors, the benefits "aren't really seen until some time has passed".

Preserving Consumer Protection

However, Ribera said the spirit of the current rules - protecting consumers and the broader market - must be preserved, noting that "more than 95% of mergers have taken place without any problem".

Incorporating New Evaluation Criteria

Ribera said future guidelines would also weigh factors other than price, including sustainability, innovation or resilience, and companies would have to play a bigger role in providing evidence to regulators.

Next Steps in the Rulemaking Process

Consultation and Implementation Timeline

On timing, she said the Commission would hold an orientation debate next week before consultations with member states, national regulators and the public that are expected to wrap up by this spring.

Reporting and Editorial Credits

(Reporting by David Latona; Editing by Louise Heavens)