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Summary of the panel ‘Digital Gatekeepers‘27.10.2025

We continue our recap of the LIDC Congress 2025 in Vienna with the panel on the question: How can antitrust law ensure fair competition in the online sector, especially in light of the DMA?

The session antitrust law in the online sector, especially in light of the DMA (Digital Markets Act of the European Union) brought together enforcement, academia and private practice. Moderated by Lena Hornkohl (Assistant Professor for European Law at University of Vienna), Thomas Kramler (Head of Unit Digital Platforms at DG Competition of the European Commission), Andras Toth (Chairman of the Hungarian Competition Council and Associate Professor for Digital Law at Károli Gáspár University), Astrid Ablasser-Neuhuber (Partner at bpv Huegel Attorneys at Law) and Verena Dorner (Professor for Digital Ecosystems at University of Economics Vienna) opened the discussion by outlining current enforcement challenges in digital markets. They highlighted that market dynamics evolve far more rapidly than legal proceedings. Authorities at both EU and national levels must therefore find ways to increase agility while preserving legal certainty.

A core topic was the interaction between the DMA and traditional antitrust enforcement. Some participants emphasized the need for both frameworks to operate in tandem, given that the DMA will not cover all digital markets. Others stressed that antitrust tools must continue to adapt in order to complement regulatory obligations and safeguard innovation incentives.
Further discussion addressed future technological developments, including AI ecosystems and new forms of gatekeeping power. Preparing enforcement tools for these shifts was seen as essential to avoid reactive policymaking. When looking ahead, the question arose whether Europe can maintain rigorous fairness standards and still foster globally competitive digital players. No single view prevailed, although there was broad agreement that well-designed enforcement and clear regulatory direction can support both objectives.
The panel concluded with a short reflection from each speaker on what they would change in digital competition enforcement. Suggestions ranged from faster procedures and stronger institutional cooperation to better alignment between regulation and antitrust practice.

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Summary of the panel ‘Digital Gatekeepers‘27.10.2025

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