European Commission Launches FSR Investigation into Goldwind

On 3 February, the European Commission (“Commission”) initiated an ex officio in-depth investigation under the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation (“FSR”) concerning the activities of Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd. in the EU wind energy sector. The probe focuses on the company’s involvement in wind turbine manufacturing, sales, and related services within the EU. According to the Commission’s preliminary assessment, various forms of financial support originating outside the EU (such as grants, preferential tax arrangements, and favourable financing mechanisms including loans) may have strengthened Goldwind’s market position and potentially distorted competition within the internal market. The investigation follows a preliminary inquiry launched by the Commission in April 2024, during which requests for information were sent to several undertakings operating in the EU wind industry.

This case represents only the second ex officio in-depth investigation initiated under the FSR, following the Commission’s earlier investigation concerning Nuctech announced in December 2025. The opening of these proceedings signals the Commission’s readiness to actively use the FSR’s investigative powers beyond merger notifications and procurement reviews.

First Award Granted Under the U.S. Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division, together with the U.S. Postal Service, announced the first monetary award under the Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program, granting USD 1 million to an individual whose information contributed to a criminal enforcement action. The whistleblower’s information led to criminal antitrust and fraud charges against EBLOCK Corporation, which ultimately entered into a deferred prosecution agreement and paid a USD 3.28 million criminal fine. The case concerned a bid-rigging scheme in the online wholesale used-vehicle auction market, involving the exchange of confidential bidding information among competitors as well as the use of “shill bids” designed to artificially inflate auction prices.

The program, introduced in July 2025, allows whistleblowers to receive 15% to 30% of criminal fines exceeding USD 1 million where they provide original information relating to criminal antitrust violations affecting the U.S. Postal Service. In the EBLOCK case, the authorities relied on the routine use of U.S. mail in the course of the unlawful conduct to establish the necessary connection with the Postal Service. The first payout confirms that the program is now operational and highlights its potential to significantly increase the detection of cartel conduct, as financial incentives may encourage employees and other market participants to report potential violations directly to enforcement authorities.

Commission Clears Google’s Acquisition of Wiz

The Commission has unconditionally cleared Google’s acquisition of Wiz, two US-based cloud sector companies. Google provides cloud infrastructure and cloud security services, while Wiz offers a cloud-native application protection platform that helps businesses secure their applications across multiple cloud environments. The investigation found no competition concerns in cloud security or cloud infrastructure markets in the EEA. The Commission confirmed that Google would not gain access to commercially sensitive data on rival providers, and that credible competitors exist for multi-cloud security solutions.

Commission Approves UMG Acquisition of Downtown with Conditions

The Commission has cleared Universal Music Group (“UMG”)’s acquisition of Downtown Music (“Downtown”) under the EU Merger Regulation, subject to conditions. The Commission’s review identified that Downtown’s royalty accounting platform, Curve, holds commercially sensitive data of rival labels, which could have harmed competition. To address this, UMG and Downtown agreed to fully divest Curve, including its customers, data, personnel, and platform, with a transitional license provided for limited internal use. With these remedies, the Commission concluded that the merger no longer raises competition concerns.

Belgium Opens Investigation into Google’s Online Advertising Practices

The Belgian Competition Authority (“BCA”) has initiated a formal investigation into Google concerning potential abuse of dominance in the online advertising sector. The probe examines Google’s general terms of use for its intermediation services, including its ad exchange (AdX) and ad buying tools, as well as any preferential treatment or discriminatory practices affecting users and competitors. The investigation follows a preliminary analysis by the BCA’s Prosecution and Investigation Service, which found serious indications of possible infringement of Belgian and EU competition rules, including abuse of dominance and economic dependence. The case remains at an early stage, and Google will be fully involved in the proceedings. This action highlights Belgium’s continued focus on digital markets and its commitment to ensuring fair competition in online advertising.

EU and UK Sign Competition Cooperation Agreement

According to the press release dated 25 February 2026, the Commission and the United Kingdom have signed the EU-UK Competition Cooperation Agreement. The agreement establishes a clear framework for cooperation on competition matters between the Commission and EU Member State competition authorities on one side, and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority on the other.

For example, the EU and UK will notify each other of significant antitrust and merger investigations and coordinate efforts where necessary. The agreement also sets out the duty of competition authorities to protect the confidentiality of shared information. Consent from the companies that provided the confidential information remains required before any information is shared between authorities. Its entry into force will follow the completion of ratification procedures by both the EU and the UK, with the EU Council and European Parliament required to approve the conclusion of the agreement.

Mexico Blocks Visa’s Acquisition of Prosa Stake

The Mexican competition authority (“CNA”) has rejected Visa’s plan to acquire a 51% stake in local payments processor Prosa, citing risks to competition. The deal would combine the world’s largest card brand with one of Mexico’s leading processors, potentially eliminating Prosa’s Carnet card brand and giving Visa access to transactional data that could disadvantage competitors. Proposed remedies were deemed insufficient, and the authority noted that investments could still proceed without Visa gaining control. Currently, Prosa is held by a group of banks including Grupo Financiero Banorte, HSBC, Invex Controladora, Banco Santander, Bank of Nova Scotia, and Banco Nacional del Ejercito.