European Union regulators are likely to block the €1.63 billion acquisition of Sweden's Etraveli Group by Booking Holdings Inc (BKNG) due to competition concerns. This decision contradicts the UK's Competition and Markets Authority, which approved the deal last year. The European Commission expressed concerns about the deal granting Booking an advantage in the hotel booking sector, potentially facilitating its entry into other areas like car rentals and flights. A formal decision is expected later this month.