European Cloud Providers File EU Antitrust Complaint Over 1,000% VMware Price Hikes
Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers in Europe filed an EU complaint over Broadcom’s January 2026 termination of its VMware Cloud Service Provider program, citing restrictive contractual demands and price hikes exceeding 1,000%. The group warns these changes have blocked most partners from offering VMware software, slashing vendor revenues and customer choice.
1. Complaint Filed
In March 2026, CISPE submitted a formal competition complaint to the European Commission’s Competition Directorate, arguing Broadcom’s decision to terminate its VMware Cloud Service Provider program in Europe violates antitrust rules. The group highlights the move has significantly narrowed the network of authorized partners.
2. Alleged Abusive Terms
CISPE asserts Broadcom imposed new up-front payment requirements, minimum usage commitments and mandatory software bundling, leading to price increases exceeding 1,000% for some providers. These conditions reportedly exclude most European cloud suppliers from offering VMware-based services.
3. Remedies Sought
The complaint requests immediate suspension of the program termination, reinstatement of VMware white-label access for smaller providers and explicit safeguards against Broadcom retaliation. CISPE also seeks penalties to ensure ongoing compliance with any interim measures.
4. Potential Market Impact
CISPE warns the restrictions could drive many European cloud infrastructure providers out of business and concentrate market power among a few Broadcom-approved partners. Stakeholders express concern over reduced competition and higher costs for enterprise software users.