The European Union has decided not to fine the American technology giants Apple and Meta for violating antitrust law, The Wall Street Journal reported.
According to the publication, the European Commission initially planned to announce the fines on April 15, but after a meeting between the European Commissioner for Trade Policy and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and representatives of the US administration on April 14, the EU decided to postpone the imposition of the fines in order not to jeopardize the ongoing trade negotiations between the EU and the US. At the same time, the European Commission does not plan to cancel the fines against the aforementioned technology giants; it is still unclear how long the deferral will last.
In April, Euractiv reported that the EU could soon fine Apple and Meta, as the 12-month deadline for investigating whether foreign technology companies have violated the Community's laws on digital markets and digital services expires. Brussels intends to fine Meta more than $1 billion.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that the United States would be able to conclude a trade deal with EU countries before the end of the 90-day period for which he ordered a postponement of tariff increases for a number of countries.
On April 2, Trump announced the introduction of import tariffs on products from 185 countries and territories. The universal tariffs of 10% came into effect on April 5, and the individual tariffs on April 9. On April 9, Trump announced that he was suspending tariff increases for 90 days for 75 countries that had expressed a willingness to negotiate. They will be subject to import duties of 10%.
The American leader said that he was open to discussing tariff levels with trading partners. In addition, the head of the Washington administration did not rule out extending this three-month pause.