In January 2026, Broadcom signaled the termination of VMware's Cloud Service Provider (CSP) program in Europe, which had significant implications for numerous cloud service providers. This decision led the trade association CISPE to file an antitrust complaint with the European Commission, claiming that Broadcom's actions unfairly removed a large number of partners from the ability to sell VMware products, effectively excluding smaller providers from the market. After acquiring VMware, Broadcom drastically narrowed the selection of channel partners, replacing an inclusive program with a restrictive, invite-only alternative that largely favors larger enterprise clients. Before the acquisition, VMware had over 4,000 CSP partners but now reportedly only has 19 in the United States and about nine in the United Kingdom. The new partnership requirements established by Broadcom—such as a mandate for CSP partners to operate at least 3,500 cores—rendered hundreds of smaller CSPs ineligible for partnership. CISPE expressed concerns about this exclusion and alleged that Broadcom's actions could be interpreted as anti-competitive behavior, particularly in the context of significant price hikes imposed on existing partners. The complaint filed by CISPE also highlights issues such as steep price increases—some customers reporting hikes of up to 900%—as well as product bundling and commitment requirements based on projected usage rather than actual use. Broadcom, in response, has strongly disputed these allegations, claiming that CISPE misrepresents market realities and reiterating its commitment to investing in its remaining partner channels to better meet the needs of European businesses. Looking at the broader context, this unfolding situation underscores the significant changes in the cloud market following Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware. It raises important questions regarding competition in the technology space, especially concerning the interests of smaller providers who rely on robust partnerships with companies like VMware to serve their clients effectively. The ongoing situation could have major implications not only for the CSPs directly affected but also for the overall structure of cloud service partnerships in Europe.