Microsoft reduces the fine of monopoly in the European Union with the price deal for the unlawful teams

Written by Fu Yun Chi and Makini Price

BRUSSELE (Reuters) – Microsoft It avoids a fine of monopoly, which is likely to be exorbitant by promising to reduce prices for office products except for the application of its teams, which is a Friday step that comes at a time when Brussels increases the scrutiny of American technology giants.

The case was run through the SLCHNOLOGIES Inc complaints with the European Commission, which was accused of Microsoft of collecting its chat and video applications teams with its desktop product to obtain an unfair feature of competitors.

His German rival Alfafo filed a similar complaint in 2023.

The European Union Competition said on Friday that Microsoft agreed to expand the price gap by 50 % between some Microsoft 365 and Office 365 wings that exclude the difference and equivalent versions that include difference, including the targeted wings of companies.

The price gap will range from 1 euros to 8 euros and remain in effect for seven years. The American software giant also committed to enhancing the interim operation to facilitate competition for 10 years. The Microsoft display will be performed worldwide.

European clients will also be able to export the difference in the difference of difference to competitors.

“Today’s decision opens competition in this decisive market, and ensures that companies can freely choose the communication and cooperation product that suits their needs,” the European Union, head of anti -monopoly in the European Union, said in a statement.

Ribera bribes us President Trump Last week, after a fine of 2.95 billion euros ($ 3.5 billion) slapped Google in Alphabet on Adtech practices, which he said was unfair and distinct, adding that the United States may be divided with more customs tariffs.

“We are appreciating the dialogue with the committee that led to this agreement, and we are now moving to implement these new obligations immediately and completely,” Nana Louise Lindy, Vice -President of European Government Affairs, said in a statement.

The CEO of Alfavief Niko Fostiropoulos said Microsoft will enhance Europe’s digital ambition.

“He sends an important signal of digital sovereignty in Europe: the just market conditions not only enhance technological diversity, but also provides the long -term innovative power of the European market,” he said.

Salesforce also welcomed the concessions.

“This settlement is a useful step forward, and we salute the committee’s efforts to hold Microsoft accountable,” said Sapastian Niles, Fource Sales President and Chief Legal officials.