Javier Espinoza, Europe Executive Editor of The Capitol Forum, speaks with Martijn Snoep, head of the Dutch Competition Authority, about the evolving landscape of antitrust enforcement in Europe.
Snoep emphasizes the need for a value-based competition policy over transactional deal-making and highlights the challenges of regulating Big Tech. While he sees Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) as a step forward, he stresses that strong enforcement is essential to curb monopolistic practices.
He also advocates for new regulatory tools to address market concentration, particularly in areas where traditional antitrust measures fall short—such as private equity-driven acquisitions. Additionally, he warns against the politicization of competition law, rejects claims that Europe’s regulatory actions stem from a lack of domestic tech giants, and calls for more proactive, collaborative enforcement across EU member states.
Despite challenges in digital and energy transitions, Snoep remains optimistic about Europe’s ability to enhance its competitive position through innovation, regulatory modernization, and deeper economic integration.
