PARIS — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has publicly endorsed a proposed space venture between Airbus, Leonardo and Thales — a rare intervention by a top EU official in an ongoing competition matter — as the satellite-makers seek Brussels’ approval for the deal. EU officials generally refrain from commenting on open antitrust proceedings. The Commission received a rap on the knuckles in 2015 from the European Ombudsman after former competition chief Joaquín Almunia made public comments on an ongoing investigation into a banking cartel.
Von der Leyen’s high-profile backing comes as the three satellite-makers hold informal talks with the Commission’s competition directorate on the €6.5 billion deal, which raises complex antitrust issues and could require divestments to win approval. They have yet to submit a formal notification for a merger review. She is also a prime mover behind an overhaul of the EU’s merger guidelines, which in addition to traditional competition concerns would allow greater latitude for mergers that create so-called European champions.
Von der Leyen’s advocacy of European champions has put her at odds with Teresa Ribera, her deputy in charge of competition, who has repeatedly warned that the updated guidelines should not offer a blank check for corporations to merge at the expense of consumers. Francesca Micheletti reported from Brussels. Jacob Parry contributed reporting from Brussels.
Giorgio Leali contributed from Paris. This article has been updated.
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