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Thierry Breton, a former EU official, defended the EU's digital rule book, stating that it was not intended to limit free speech but to address concerns about the amplification of certain online content. Breton's letter warning about the bloc's digital rules in the context of a live discussion between Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump drew criticism. The EU's online content law, known as the Digital Services Act, requires platforms like X to mitigate risks such as disinformation and illegal content under EU or national law. Breton emphasized that the EU does not control free speech and wants big social media platforms to continue operating in Europe, with sanctions in place for non-compliance. [Extracted from the article]

The European Union (EU) has decided to impose tariffs of up to 45% on electric vehicles (EVs) made in China for the next five years. This move is intended to protect European carmakers from competition with Chinese-made vehicles. The EU argues that the Chinese government unfairly subsidizes EV companies, allowing them to sell vehicles at lower prices than European-made ones. China has criticized the tariffs as "unfair" and has threatened to take countermeasures. The EU states that the door remains open for a potential negotiated solution to the trade dispute. [Extracted from the article]

A group of companies, including Meta Platforms, Spotify, and Prada, have written an open letter warning that the European Union's tech regulations could hinder the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI). The letter states that Europe is becoming less competitive and innovative compared to other regions due to inconsistent regulatory decision-making. The signatories call on the EU to harmonize its rules and provide a modern interpretation of data protection laws. The European Commission has responded by stating that it is increasing efforts to support AI innovation. [Extracted from the article]

The European Court of Justice has upheld an order for Ireland to recoup up to €13 billion ($14.35 billion) in taxes from Apple, plus interest. The European Commission had accused Ireland of granting Apple benefits that violated EU state-aid rules, allowing the company to pay less tax than it owed. Apple expressed disappointment with the decision and stated that it has always paid all taxes owed. In a separate ruling, the court also upheld a €2.42 billion ($2.7 billion) fine against Google for abusing its market dominance in search results. These rulings are seen as victories for competition authorities in the EU's efforts to regulate big tech companies. [Extracted from the article]

Former European Central Bank president Mario Draghi has proposed a radical plan to revive Europe's economy and strengthen its defense industry. His report includes over 150 recommendations, such as implementing a more aggressive industrial policy, providing subsidies, and reshaping European capital markets. Draghi argues that failure to implement these reforms would leave Europe in an existential crisis. However, his proposals are likely to face intense arguments and opposition from some countries concerned about protectionism. The report also emphasizes the need for Europe to become more competitive in emerging clean-tech and digital sectors, as well as increase funding for defense research. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the loosening of Apple's control over its App Store, particularly in Europe. Topics include Epic Games launching an alternative app store, Spotify redirecting users to its website for subscriptions, and the broader implications of European regulatory changes on Apple's ecosystem.

The European Commission is launching a formal investigation into Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to determine if the platforms adequately protect minors under the EU's new online-content law. The investigation will focus on the use of algorithms that may encourage addictive behavior in children, as well as age-verification tools and privacy settings for minors. Meta has stated that it is committed to providing safe online experiences for young people and looks forward to sharing details of its work with the European Commission. This investigation is part of a series of probes launched under the EU's online-content law, and it could potentially result in fines of up to 6% of Meta's global annual revenue. [Extracted from the article]

The European Union (EU) is conducting two new investigations into alleged unfair Chinese business practices, just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping's planned visits to Paris and Budapest. The investigations focus on China's domestic procurement practices for medical devices and allegations that Chinese security equipment company Nuctech received foreign subsidies. The EU is concerned about Chinese subsidies and policies that harm European businesses, and these investigations are part of its efforts to address these concerns. China has criticized the EU's actions, accusing them of protectionism. [Extracted from the article]

Phil Schiller, Apple's former chief marketing officer and a close associate of Steve Jobs, has become a vocal defender of the company's ecosystem amid increasing criticism from software developers and regulators. Apple's vision of a seamless and secure electronic device ecosystem has come under attack for its fees and control over external software. Schiller has been the public face of Apple's defense, stating that the company's goal is to make the App Store the safest and best place for users to get apps. Despite retiring from his role in 2020, Schiller continues to advocate for Apple's approach. [Extracted from the article]

The European Union has initiated investigations into Apple, Meta (formerly Facebook), and Google under its new digital-competition law. These probes are the first under the EU's Digital Markets Act, which aims to promote competition in digital advertising, online search, and app ecosystems. The investigations will focus on issues such as app-store rules, personal data usage, and compliance with new regulations. If found in violation, the companies could face fines of up to 10% of their worldwide revenue. The EU intends to conclude the investigations within the next year. [Extracted from the article]

Apple has announced that it will allow iPhone users in Europe to download apps directly from a developer's website, as part of its efforts to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act. This move is seen as a concession to regulators and aims to make it easier for smaller rivals to compete. However, developers will still need to pay Apple a fee for each download above a certain threshold, unless they qualify for a waiver. Apple has also stated that it will allow developers to set up alternative marketplaces exclusively for their apps and provide more flexibility in designing promotions that direct users to external webpages. This announcement follows Apple's recent reversal of its decision to prevent Epic Games from building its own app store in Europe. [Extracted from the article]

The European Union has fined Apple nearly $2 billion for setting unfair rules for developers of music-streaming apps. The EU's executive body, the European Commission, found that Apple violated antitrust rules by restricting app developers from informing users about alternative ways to subscribe to music-streaming services. The fine is one of the largest-ever antitrust penalties imposed by the EU and could signal a wider battle between regulators and the tech giant. Apple plans to appeal the decision, stating that there is no credible evidence of consumer harm. [Extracted from the article]

TikTok is facing an investigation by the European Union (EU) over allegations that it failed to adequately protect minors and manage harmful content on its platform. This investigation is the second formal probe to be opened under the EU's new online-content rules. If found to have broken the rules, TikTok could be fined up to 6% of its global annual revenue. The investigation will focus on whether TikTok has complied with requirements to assess and mitigate systemic risks related to its platform design, including its algorithm and measures to protect minors' privacy and safety. [Extracted from the article]

Amazon and iRobot have terminated their $1.7 billion deal due to regulatory pushback. The deal would have added the popular Roomba vacuum to Amazon's devices portfolio. The European Commission was planning to block the acquisition, citing concerns about competition in the market for robot vacuum cleaners. The deal also faced scrutiny in the US, with the Federal Trade Commission recommending suing to block the transaction. This termination is part of a trend of increased regulatory scrutiny faced by Amazon and other tech companies. As a result of the termination, iRobot is launching a restructuring that includes job cuts and a new CEO. [Extracted from the article]

European officials are concerned about the Biden administration's continuation of protectionist trade policies that were initiated by Donald Trump. Despite President Biden's declaration that "America is back," he has maintained trade barriers, excluded European companies from subsidies, and imposed tighter restrictions on Chinese access to American technology. European diplomats and officials are questioning whether the U.S. can be relied upon to support the rules-based trading system, leading to fears of economic conflict between the two allies. While the EU has taken steps to support its own industries, it remains hesitant to embrace the U.S. approach, which is seen as similar to tactics favored by Beijing. [Extracted from the article]

Apple has agreed to allow third-party mobile wallet and payment services in Europe to use the technology behind its Apple Pay app, in response to concerns from European regulators about competition. The move comes after an investigation by the European Commission into whether Apple's restriction of access to NFC technology violated competition rules. Under the proposed change, consumers in Europe will have the option to use Apple Pay or an app enabled by iOS for contactless payments on their mobile devices. Apple's concession applies to developers in the European Economic Area and does not restrict Europeans from using third-party apps for payments when traveling outside the region. [Extracted from the article]

The European Union's competition watchdog is planning to block Amazon's $1.7 billion bid to acquire iRobot, the maker of Roomba. During a meeting with European Commission officials, Amazon was informed that the deal was likely to be rejected. The commission has raised concerns about the deal potentially restricting competition in the market for robot vacuum cleaners. Amazon has until February 14th to respond to the commission's concerns, but it is possible that they may choose to walk away from the deal. [Extracted from the article]

The European Commission has launched a formal probe into Elon Musk's social-media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, over its handling of illegal content and disinformation. This investigation is the first test of the European Union's new online-content law, which requires major online platforms to address illegal content and provide a way for users to register complaints. X could face fines of up to 6% of its global annual revenue if found to have breached the EU's rules. The investigation will focus on X's compliance with countering illegal content, the effectiveness of its measures against disinformation, and the functionality of its Community Notes feature. [Extracted from the article]

The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI, focusing on whether it should be considered a de facto merger. The CMA is seeking feedback on whether the partnership raises competition concerns in the artificial intelligence market. Microsoft, which invested $13 billion for a 49% stake in OpenAI's for-profit arm, has stated that the partnership has preserved the independence of both companies and fostered AI innovation and competition. The CMA's scrutiny follows an examination of the partnership by Germany's Federal Cartel Office and the European Union's antitrust watchdog. [Extracted from the article]

European Union leaders are planning to warn Chinese leader Xi Jinping about potential new sanctions and trade penalties unless China addresses economic frictions and limits exports to Russia for its war in Ukraine. The EU's trade deficit with China has doubled in the past two years, and European officials believe that Chinese companies are providing militarily usable goods to Russia. While the US has sought to ease tensions with China, European strains with Beijing have intensified. The EU is also concerned about China's overproduction and hopes to convince Chinese officials to take measures on their own to avoid trade barriers. [Extracted from the article]

American whiskey makers are facing a potential 50% tax on shipments to Europe starting in 2024. This tax is a result of the European Union's retaliation for U.S. tariffs on European steel and aluminum. The whiskey industry is just one example of how tariffs meant to protect certain U.S. industries can end up hurting other small businesses. U.S. and EU officials are working to reach a deal to avoid the tariff, but the broader trade dispute remains unresolved. The uncertainty is particularly challenging for whiskey distillers, as their product requires years of aging and planning. Craft distilleries face additional challenges in selling their whiskey in the EU, including the need for major investments and complicated logistics. While U.S. whiskey makers have largely recovered from the decline in EU exports caused by the previous 25% tariff, a 50% tariff would be devastating for the industry. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. and Europe were unable to reach an agreement on eliminating steel and aluminum tariffs ahead of a summit in Washington. The dispute over these tariffs, imposed by President Trump in 2018, remains unresolved and could become a growing issue between the two economies. Talks between officials continued until the day before the summit, but both sides remained far apart in their views. The U.S. and EU will continue discussions over the next two months, with the possibility of extending the current freeze on tariffs if no deal is reached. [Extracted from the article]

A suspect in the fatal shooting of two Swedish citizens in Brussels was shot and killed by police. The attack, which authorities have called terrorism, occurred before a soccer match between Belgium and Sweden. The suspect, of Tunisian origin, had been staying in Belgium illegally. The motive for the attack was claimed to be the victims' Swedish nationality. The suspect had previously lived in Sweden temporarily but was not known to Swedish police. Belgium has experienced several terrorist attacks in recent years. [Extracted from the article]

The European Union's competition watchdog has ordered Illumina, a life-sciences company, to unwind its $7.1 billion acquisition of cancer-test developer Grail. The European Commission had previously prohibited the deal due to concerns about stifling innovation and limiting consumer choice in the emerging market for early cancer-detection blood tests. Illumina must submit a plan for divesting Grail and returning it to its previous level of independence. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to 10% of Illumina's annual worldwide revenue. Illumina is currently reviewing the divestment order, while Grail has expressed satisfaction with the decision. The deal has faced opposition from both EU and US antitrust authorities, and Illumina is involved in ongoing legal battles related to the acquisition. [Extracted from the article]

The global cruise industry is making efforts to become more environmentally friendly in anticipation of new climate regulations. Cruise operators are investing in alternative fuels, redesigning ships for greater efficiency, and adding electricity hookups for when ships are at port. These changes are being made in response to the need to reduce emissions and meet new targets for cleaner fuels. However, the industry faces challenges such as high costs, limited availability of renewable fuels, and a lack of electrical hookups at ports. Despite these obstacles, cruise companies are committed to investing in sustainable technologies and reducing their environmental impact. [Extracted from the article]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to European leaders for more aid following a Russian missile strike that killed over 50 civilians. Zelensky requested additional air-defense systems, artillery, shells, long-range missiles, and drones to protect Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of air defense, as the recent attack on a grocery store and cafe in the northern Kupyansk district highlighted the vulnerability of the country. Zelensky also expressed confidence in continued U.S. support, despite concerns over future assistance. European leaders affirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine and are working on a financing package for the country. [Extracted from the article]