By 
Teresa Ribera, Spain’s current minister for ecological transition, has been nominated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take on the role of Europe’s next antitrust chief. If confirmed by the European Parliament, Ribera will be tasked with overseeing competition policies at a critical time, as she navigates mounting pressures from Big Tech, banks, and airlines, all while balancing demands for more flexible rules to help create stronger EU champions.
Ribera, a 55-year-old Spanish socialist and prominent figure in Europe’s climate policy, is known for her ambitious stance on ecological reforms. As the new competition commissioner, she will hold the authority to approve or block multi-billion euro mergers and levy substantial fines against companies found guilty of stifling competition or colluding to fix prices.
Among her top priorities will be ensuring that tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Meta comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This landmark legislation is designed to limit the dominance of Big Tech and provide consumers with more competitive options. Ribera inherits the task from her predecessor, Margrethe Vestager, who had previously scrutinized these companies for non-compliance with the DMA.
Tackling Big Tech and AI Domination
Ribera will also face the growing influence of artificial intelligence, as concerns mount over how major tech companies might leverage their market power to dominate this emerging field. With AI rapidly transforming industries, there is pressure on the new commissioner to curb potential monopolistic behavior by Big Tech, ensuring fair competition and safeguarding consumer interests.
Additionally, Ribera may escalate the crackdown on foreign subsidies, a campaign started by Vestager to prevent non-EU companies from unfairly acquiring EU businesses or winning public contracts with state-backed financial advantages. This move is seen as crucial to maintaining a level playing field within the EU market.
Strong Precedents and Future Challenges
Recent rulings by Europe’s highest court, which upheld the European Commission’s €13 billion tax order to Apple and a €2.42 billion antitrust fine against Google, could embolden Ribera to maintain a firm stance on antitrust violations. However, this approach may face resistance, as there are growing calls, led by figures like former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, to relax antitrust rules in order to foster the development of EU industrial champions capable of competing with their U.S. and Chinese counterparts.
Dual Role: Green Energy Transition
In addition to her role as competition commissioner, Ribera has been appointed as the executive vice president for a clean, just, and competitive energy transition. She will be responsible for ensuring that Europe remains on track to meet its ambitious climate goals, working to advance green energy policies while driving economic competitiveness.
Her track record includes brokering EU-wide agreements on emissions limits for trucks and negotiating contentious reforms to EU power market rules. This background in policy negotiation will be invaluable as she seeks to balance the twin priorities of competition and sustainability in her new role.
Ribera’s nomination signals a continued focus on regulating the power of Big Tech while promoting sustainable economic growth within the EU, setting the stage for a dynamic and challenging tenure.
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