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It looks like things just took a bad turn for Microsoft in Europe. Talks broke down between the EU and Microsoft, and it looks like Europe is going to finally do what the American judicial system doesn't have the balls to do: punish Microsoft for behaving unfairly. From this article: "The EC is expected to fine Microsoft between €100 million (£67 million) and €1 billion for having broken the European Union's antitrust laws." Here's the statement from Mario Monti, the European competition commissioner: Brussels, 18 March 2004 Commissioner Monti's statement on Microsoft I would just like to inform you that a settlement on the Microsoft case has not been possible. I therefore intend to propose to my colleagues in the Commission next Wednesday to adopt a decision, which has already received the unanimous backing of Member States. I would like to stress the constructive and co-operative spirit displayed by Microsoft in the last few weeks. I also want to acknowledge the high degree of professionalism of the members of the Microsoft team at all levels. We made substantial progress towards resolving the problems which have arisen in the past but we were unable to agree on commitments for future conduct. In the end, I had do decide what was best for competition and consumers in Europe. I believe they will be better served with a decision that creates a strong precedent. It is essential to have a precedent which will establish clear principles for the future conduct of a company with such a strong dominant position in the market. |
