European Cloud Providers Urge EU to Halt Broadcom’s Shutdown of VMware Partner Program

A European trade group representing smaller cloud infrastructure providers has formally asked the European Commission to intervene in Broadcom’s decision to terminate VMware’s Cloud Service Provider (VCSP) program. The organization, CISPE, argues that the move threatens the survival of many smaller providers and reduces competition in the cloud services market. According to the complaint, Broadcom’s actions following its 2023 acquisition of VMware—including steep price increases, stricter payment terms, and bundled product requirements—have already placed significant strain on partners and customers alike.

The VCSP program, which allowed numerous cloud providers across Europe to resell VMware services, officially closed in January 2026, with all transactions required to be completed by March 31. After that deadline, only a limited number of authorized partners will be allowed to continue offering VMware subscriptions. CISPE claims this change could force hundreds of providers out of the market or compel them to migrate customers to alternative platforms at considerable cost.

The group characterizes Broadcom’s strategy as anti-competitive and harmful to customer choice, urging regulators to impose interim measures to pause the transition. Broadcom, however, rejects these claims, stating that the allegations misrepresent market realities and emphasizing its ongoing investment in European partners. The dispute highlights broader concerns about consolidation in the cloud computing sector and its potential impact on competition, pricing, and innovation across Europe.