Von der Leyen Accused of Abusing Power Over Space Merger Deal

The European Parliament's top competition lawmaker has criticized Commission President Von der Leyen for backing a major space sector merger before the formal competition review was completed. The allegation centers on whether Von der Leyen improperly pre-empted the merger review process. This raises questions about governance and the independence of EU competition authority over high-stakes corporate deals.

Byte's take

Von der Leyen's early cheerleading for a space merger before competition review finished suggests the Commission's independence on antitrust isn't what it claims.