Meta before EU Court: Partial Success in the Digital Markets Act

On June 4, 2026, the Court of Justice of the European Union made an important decision under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). In a ruling, the classification of Meta's Marketplace as a gatekeeper was overturned. This decision represents a partial success for the company, which has fought against the strict competition regulations of the DMA.

The Digital Markets Act, which came into force in 2022, aims to create fair competition conditions in the digital sector. Gatekeepers are large platforms that play a key role in access to markets and are therefore subject to special regulatory requirements. The classification as a gatekeeper imposes significant obligations on companies like Meta.

The court ruled that Meta's Marketplace does not meet the criteria to be classified as a gatekeeper. This decision could have far-reaching implications for Meta's business practices, as it is subject to less stringent regulations. The Marketplace is a platform that allows users to buy and sell products and services.

Competition Regulations for Facebook's Messenger Confirmed

Although the court overturned the classification of the Marketplace, it confirmed the competition regulations for Facebook's Messenger. This decision means that Meta is still required to take certain measures to promote competition in the messaging sector. Messenger is one of the most widely used communication platforms worldwide and plays a central role in Meta's ecosystem.

The confirmation of the competition regulations for Messenger could pose a challenge for Meta, as the company must ensure that it meets the requirements of the DMA. This includes, among other things, measures to ensure interoperability with other messaging services and to facilitate access for third-party providers.

The decision of the EU court is evaluated differently by various parties. While some experts view the overturning of the gatekeeper classification as a positive step for Meta, others warn of the potential impacts on competition in the digital market. The regulation of large platforms remains a central issue in European politics.

The EU Commission had originally demanded the classification of the Marketplace as a gatekeeper to ensure that Meta does not establish monopolistic structures in digital commerce. The court's decision could rekindle the discussion about the regulation of platforms in the EU and raise questions about how effective the Digital Markets Act is in practice.

Meta has responded to the court's decision, emphasizing that they remain committed to meeting the requirements of the Digital Markets Act. The company sees the overturning of the gatekeeper classification as a confirmation of its efforts for fair competition in the digital space. Meta's next steps are eagerly awaited as they assess the impact of this decision on their business strategy.

The decision of the EU court is another step in a long legal battle between Meta and European regulators. Developments in digital regulation will continue to be closely monitored, as they are crucial for the future of digital markets in Europe.