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The European Union’s competition commissioner, Teresa Ribera, has made a firm statement that despite criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump, the EU will not be swayed into altering its laws and principles.
Ribera, in an interview with Reuters in London on February 17, 2025, emphasized the importance of Europe maintaining its strengths and values, particularly in the face of a "transactional" political approach from the Trump administration.
The EU has been under pressure from the U.S., with Trump and his government officials criticizing the bloc for its regulatory stance on American tech companies, describing EU fines as a form of "taxation." Tensions have escalated following Trump’s tariff threats on steel, aluminum, cars, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor chips, with the EU Commission stating a firm and immediate reaction to any tariff increases.
Despite these challenges, Ribera, who is responsible for approving multi-billion euro mergers and imposing fines on companies for anti-competitive behavior, remains committed to the EU’s green agenda and its 2030 climate goals. The commissioner highlighted the need for a legal framework that offers certainty, stability, and predictability, contrasting it with the unpredictability of Trump’s administration.
The EU is preparing to issue decisions on probes into Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) next month, with potential fines of up to 10% of their global annual turnover if found in breach of the Digital Markets Act. Ribera confirmed that the decisions would be based on evidence and discussions with the companies.
Additionally, the Commission is investigating Elon Musk’s social media platform for possible violations of EU rules against illegal content, with Ribera clarifying that Musk’s political ties will not influence the EU’s decision-making process.
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic was scheduled to meet with U.S. counterparts in Washington on Monday, amidst the ongoing friction between the two economic powerhouses.
The EU’s stance appears firm, advocating for its legal and democratic principles while facing the challenges posed by the current U.S. administration’s trade policies.
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