Von der Leyen's blessing for EU satellite 'champion' raises due process concerns
By Lewis Crofts and Nicholas Hirst ( September 10, 2026, 17:31 GMT | Comment) -- Ursula von der Leyen's honeyed words for a joint venture between Airbus, Leonardo and Thales on Thursday was an exceptional intervention that will trigger concerns over respect for the European Commission's normally rigorous merger procedures. Commenting on deals that aren't notified is normally a 'no go' for the EU executive, so the commission president's backing is at best a misstep and at worst grounds for complaint over a compromised process.Ursula von der Leyen's honeyed words for a joint venture between Airbus, Leonardo and Thales on Thursday was an exceptional intervention that will trigger concerns over respect for the European Commission's normally rigorous merger procedures....
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