The European Union remains firm in its stance against major tech giants, Apple Inc., Meta Platforms Inc., and Alphabet Inc.’s Google, amidst ongoing trade tensions with the United States. According to Bloomberg, the EU’s competition chief, Teresa Ribera, has made it clear that the enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) will not be used as leverage in trade negotiations with US President Donald Trump. Ribera emphasized the importance of mutual respect in regulatory affairs, stating, “We do not challenge the United States on how they implement their rules or how they adopt regulations.”
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The EU is under pressure to finalize an agreement with Washington before a significant increase in tariffs on its exports to the US, which are set to rise to 50% by July 9. Currently, US duties affect approximately EUR380 billion ($446 billion) worth of EU exports, representing about 70% of their total exports to the US. Despite the looming threat of increased tariffs, the EU continues to enforce its digital antitrust rules. Recently, Apple Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. faced fines of EUR500 million and EUR200 million, respectively, for non-compliance with the DMA.
Negotiations with Apple regarding compliance with the DMA have been described as progressing “very well,” with an update expected soon, according to Ribera. Over the years, the EU has imposed significant penalties on tech companies, including more than $8 billion in fines against Alphabet Inc.’s Google and a EUR13 billion back tax order for Apple in Ireland. Additionally, the EU has enforced changes in Amazon.com Inc.’s marketplace and Apple’s tap-and-go chip, while also investigating Microsoft Corp.’s Teams software. Data from the IndexBox platform highlights the EU’s strategic approach in regulating digital markets, aiming to ensure fair competition and consumer protection within its jurisdiction. This ongoing regulatory effort underscores the EU’s commitment to maintaining its digital sovereignty in the face of international trade pressures.
