AMSTERDAM, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Hotel reservation website

Booking.com must comply with strict EU obligations as

of Thursday, following its designation as a "gatekeeper" under

the Digital Markets Act in May, the European Commission said.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is one of the most stringent

regulations targeting tech giants' market dominance, imposing

tougher obligations to moderate content, allow fair competition

and make it easier for consumers to switch between services.

Booking said it was in full compliance with the new EU

rules, following "intense efforts" across its business.

"We are confident that our compliance solutions satisfy the

requirements of the DMA and deliver the experience that both

travelers and our partners expect of us," the company said in a

blog post.

"We remain committed to continuing the constructive

discussions with the European Commission and interested

stakeholders," it said.

The DMA designates companies with more than 45 million

monthly active users and 75 billion euros ($79 billion) in

market capitalisation as gatekeepers, providing a core platform

service for business users.

If a gatekeeper does not comply with the DMA, the Commission

can impose fines of up to 10% of the company's total worldwide

turnover, which can go up to 20% in case of repeated

infringements. It can also impose limits on takeover activity.

($1 = 0.9520 euros)