EC about SPPL and finish penalties: this is not a customs war, it is the implementation of EU law

The head of the European Parliament committee for the Internal Market (IMCO) Anna Cavazzini, commenting on the fine imposed by the European Commission on Apple and the finish for violation of EU digital regulations, said that this is not the beginning of the “technological war” between the EU-UA, but consistent implementation of the law.

On Wednesday, the European Commission imposed on Apple and the finish line of penalties in the amount – respectively – EUR 500 million and 200 million for violation of the EU Act on digital markets (DMA). The regulations in force since March 2024 are to ensure honest competition on the EU market, including protecting it against Big Techami, using the dominant position on the market to suppress weaker rivals.

The EC applied a fine on Apple, because the concern blocked the application creators the ability to advertise its products outside the APP Store, belonging to the concern, on the meta – because the company prevented users from freely deciding whether they want to share their personal data to advertisers.

As the decision on penalties was announced at the moment when talks on duties that Donald Trump imposed (then temporarily hung) on ​​products imported with the EU, in the Brussels corridors, was quickly said that hitting American technology may be an element of customs negotiations on the part of the Union.

The EC denied these reports; Spokeswoman Arianna Podesta assured the briefing on Wednesday that “the enforcement of law and trade talks have nothing to do with each other.”

Similarly, the head of IMCO, German MEP Anna Cavazzini, who said that “Wednesday's decision is not the beginning of + technological war + in response to the inconsistent Trump's tariff policy, only the consistent implementation of the existing EU law” believes. She added that companies can easily avoid fines – they only need to comply with European law.

The politician emphasized that DMA benefits both small and medium technology companies and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic, because she promotes honest competition and prevents unfair commercial practices, hindering the activities of smaller companies. “All companies operating on the EU single market must follow the EU regulations, regardless of whether they are based in the EU or in third countries. It would be extremely disturbing if the Commission delayed the procedures even more (…) giving the impression that the EU is blackmailed Trump's threats” – commented Cavazzini, reminding that at the beginning of the year part of the MEPs sent a letter to the vice -leggings. KE: Henny Virkkunen and Teresa Ribery List with a request to accelerate the proceedings in the case of concerns.

Consumer organizations have also positively referred to penalties. “The EC decisions have shown Big Techom that if they want to act in the EU, they must play according to our rules,” said Agustin Reyna, general director of the EU Consumer Organization of Beuc. Reyna also noticed that Apple and Meta had enough time to adapt to DMA.

From Brussels Jowita Kiwnik Pargan (PAP)

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