#Margrethe Vestager

[trendynewsnow]

The Legacy of Margrethe Vestager: Pioneering Tech Regulation in the EU

The Legacy of Margrethe Vestager: A Trailblazer in Tech Regulation Margrethe Vestager, the esteemed European Union antitrust enforcer known for her formidable stance against the tech industry, recently strolled through her office in Brussels, contemplating the various artifacts she had gathered over her decade-long tenure, which is set to conclude later this month. Among the items was a striking…

[der-auftrittsberater]

Europa in Woche 2024/37: Politische Turbulenzen und Streit bei Bildung neuer EU-Kommission

Moin, Europa Woche 2024/37: +++ LEYEN GRÜBELT: EU-Kommissionsteam lässt auf sich warten +++ VESTAGER LACHT: EU siegt in Milliardenprozess gegen Apple & Google +++ MIGRATION SPALTET: EU-Zorn und Zank +++ Das alles und noch viel mehr in www.european.expert

Europa: Themen der Woche (Europäische Union) – Das hat die Politik in Europa, die Europaeische Union, und die EU-Öffentlichkeit in der Europawoche 2024/37 an- und umgetrieben:  Das neue Kommissionsteam lässt auf sich warten – von der Leyen kommt mit der Zusammenstellung nicht voran … Siehe unten. Kurz vor Ende ihrer Amtszeit feiert EU-Wettbewerbskommissarin Margrethe Vestager den größten…

[dahaneler100]

Avrupa Yatırım Bankası'nın yeni başkanı İspanyol bakan Nadia Calvino olacak

İspanya Maliye Bakanı Nadia Calvino, aylarca süren tartışmaların ardından Danimarkalı Margrethe Vestager’ı geride bıraktı. REKLAM İspanya Maliye Bakanı Nadia Calvino, AB maliye bakanları arasında uzun süredir devam eden anlaşmazlığı çözerek Avrupa Yatırım Bankası’nın (EIB) bir sonraki başkanı seçildi. Bankanın yönetim kuruluna başkanlık eden Belçikalı bakan Vincent van Peteghem gazetecilere,…

[reportwire]

Biden rebuffs UK bid for closer cooperation on tech

Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. LONDON — Britain was rebuffed by the Biden administration after multiple requests to develop an advanced trade and technology dialogue similar to structures the U.S. set up with the European Union. On visits to Washington as a Cabinet minister over the past two years, Liz Truss urged U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo…

[dreamings-free]

Threads isn’t available in the EU and no news as when it will be, so that makes it easy to avoid joining. I’m sure update accounts will tell us if anything significant is posted.

haha nice I didn’t even know that thanks anon

[mariacallous]

Apple has been ordered to pay €13 billion ($14.4bn) of unpaid taxes to the Irish state, in a court ruling that ended a decade-long fight between Europe and the big tech company.

In a judgment handed down on Tuesday, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) agreed with a European Commission ruling in 2016, which found that for a period of more than 20 years Apple enjoyed illegal tax advantages that constituted state aid from the Irish government.

“The Court of Justice gives final judgment in the matter and confirms the European Commission’s 2016 decision: Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid, which Ireland is required to recover,” the court said in a statement.

“Today is a huge win for European citizens and tax justice,” Margrethe Vestager, the European competition commissioner, said in a statement on X. “Ireland granted illegal aid to Apple.”

The Irish government said that it will respect the decision of the court, and points to it being of “historical relevance only”, claiming that it dates back to revenues in 1991 and 2007 which are “no longer in force,” because it introduced changes to its tax regime. “The Irish position has always been that Ireland does not give preferential tax treatment to any companies or taxpayers,” the government’s statement read.

Dr Stephen Daly, a reader in tax law at King’s College London, says he is “stunned” by the decision, which has come after a lengthy back and forth legal battle that saw the European General Court find in Apple’s favour in 2020.

“I really didn’t see this coming,” Daly says. “I thought the Commission’s path to victory was incredibly narrow because it suffered some big defeats in similar cases against Fiat and Amazon. I thought this would be the same outcome. I’m also stunned because this is the biggest tax case in history: €13bn—which will be more than €14bn when interest is added on—will have to be paid back.”

The case relates to tax deals the Irish authorities struck with Apple in 1991 and 2007 to encourage it to headquarter two European subsidiaries in the country. Other companies were not offered the same favourable terms, leading the European Commission to accuse Ireland of giving Apple a “selective advantage.”

Ireland has long come under scrutiny for allegedly providing a tax haven for US firms. During his last stint in the White House, current presidential hopeful Donald Trump namechecked the country in a speech in which he vowed to bring “trillions of dollars” in tax revenues back to the US.

“For too long our tax code has incentivised companies to leave our country in search of lower tax rates,” he said in 2017. “It happens—many, many companies. They’re going to Ireland. They’re going all over.”

According to Daly, the ECJ decision is “not good for Ireland.” “Ireland has always tried to position itself as a country that provides generous tax rules but rules that are fair,” he says. “This certainly has harmed Ireland Inc.”

Chiara Putaturo, an EU tax policy advisor at the charity Oxfam, which is engaged in a long-running campaign against tax havens, said the judgment “delivers long-overdue justice after over a decade of Ireland standing by and allowing Apple to dodge taxes,” adding that it “‘exposes EU tax havens’ love affair with multinationals.”

However, Putaturo said that while Ireland will be forced to recover the €13bn from Apple, the case has not outlawed the use of so-called “sweetheart tax deals” in the EU. Notably, in the Fiat and Amazon cases, which were decided in 2022 and 2023 respectively, the ECJ ruled that similar deals struck in Luxembourg did not amount to state aid.

[royal-hair]

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark presenting the 2024 Ebbe Munck Honorary Award to Margrethe Vestager at Christiansborg Palace - 05.11.24

[beardedmrbean]

Apple has been fined €1.8bn (£1.5bn) by the EU for breaking competition laws over music streaming.

The firm had prevented streaming services from informing users of payment options outside the Apple app store, the European Commission said.

Competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager said Apple abused its dominant position in the market for a decade.

She ordered the US tech giant to remove all the restrictions. Apple has said it will appeal against the decision.

The European Commission's decision was triggered by a complaint by Swedish music streaming service Spotify, which was unhappy about the restriction and Apple's 30% fee..

Ms Vestager said Apple had restricted "developers from informing consumers about alternative, cheaper music services available outside of the Apple ecosystem".

"This is illegal under EU antitrust rules," she said.

However, Apple said it would appeal, adding there was no evidence consumers had been harmed.

"The decision was reached despite the Commission's failure to uncover any credible evidence of consumer harm, and ignores the realities of a market that is thriving, competitive, and growing fast," the company said in a statement.

"The primary advocate for this decision, and the biggest beneficiary, is Spotify, a company based in Stockholm, Sweden.

"Spotify has the largest music streaming app in the world, and has met with the EC [European Commission] more than 65 times during this investigation," it said.

Spotify attacks Apple's 'outrageous' 27% commission

Spotify called the fine handed out to Apple "an important moment" and said it sent "a powerful message" that "no company, not even a monopoly like Apple, can wield power abusively to control how other companies interact with their customers".

Apple said the Swedish company pays no commission to them as it sells its subscriptions on its website and not on the app store.

Spotify had argued that the restrictions benefit Apple's rival music streaming service, Apple Music.

Digital Markets Act

In January, Apple announced plans to allow EU customers to download apps outside of their own app store, as the introduction of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) drew closer.

The aim of the European Union's DMA is to help competition in the technology sector and to try to break down the stronghold the likes of Apple and Google have on the market.

The tech companies were given six months from August last year to comply with a full list of requirements under the new legislation, or face a fine of up to 10% of their annual turnover.

The firms have until later this week to comply with a raft of changes announced since the start of the year, as Apple, Meta and TikTok pursue challenges to aspects of the law.

Law professor at EDHEC, Anne Witt, told the BBC the DMA will have a "significant impact" on the way designated platforms operate within the EU.

"It is a more effective but also much blunter legal tool in the fight against market concentration in the digital economy," she said.

Last week, Spotify and 33 other companies operating across a wide range of digital sectors wrote to the European Commission with a renewed attack on Apple's "lack of compliance" with the DMA.

"Apple's new terms not only disregard both the spirit and letter of the law, but if left unchanged, make a mockery of the DMA and the considerable efforts by the European Commission and EU institutions to make digital markets competitive," it said.

[aktionfsa-blog-blog]

Meta soll 800 Millionen zahlen

Bußgeld zum Abschied der alten EU-Kommission

Meta soll 798 Millionen Euro zahlen, weil es seinen Online-Kleinanzeigendienst Facebook Marketplace an das weitverbreitete soziale Netzwerk Facebook gekoppelt und Wettbewerber benachteiligt haben soll, schreibt Telepolis. Durch diese Koppelung wurden " anderen Anbietern von Online-Kleinanzeigendiensten unfaire Handelsbedingungen auferlegt", erklärte EU-Wettbewerbskommissarin Margrethe Vestager.

Nun wird Meta gegen dieses Bußgeld klagen und es werden wieder ca. 10 Jahre vergehen wie in dem genau vor einem Monat beschriebenen Verfahren in Deutschland: "Meta verlor vor dem EuGH". Auch damals wurde endlos geklagt und inzwischen behauptet Meta, dass sie "alles ganz anders" machen als zum Klagezeitpunkt.

Nebenbei wird Meta - und auch die anderen GAFAM-Internetkonzerne - weiter mit seine Lobbyisten in Brüssel dafür sorgen, dass ihre Profitaussichten weiter gut bleiben: "Meta, Lobbyist Nr. 1 bei der EU".

Telepolis erinnert an die Tätigkeit von Frau Vestager: "Für die EU-Wettbewerbskommissarin Vestager dürfte die Rekordstrafe eine ihrer letzten Amtshandlungen sein. In ihrer zehnjährigen Amtszeit war sie eine der schärfsten Kritikerinnen des Silicon Valley. Gegen Google verhängte sie Kartellstrafen von mehr als acht Milliarden Euro."

Das gestrige Scheitern des EU-Entwaldungsgesetzes durch die gemeinsame Abstimmung von EVP und Rechtsaußen macht schon mal deutlich, dass wir uns noch an die letzten EU-Parlamente und einzelne EU-KommissarInnen zurücksehnen werden ...

Mehr dazu bei https://www.telepolis.de/features/EU-Rekordstrafe-fuer-Meta-Facebook-Marketplace-missbrauchte-Marktmacht-10035801.html

Kategorie[21]: Unsere Themen in der Presse Short-Link dieser Seite: a-fsa.de/d/3DS Link zu dieser Seite: https://www.aktion-freiheitstattangst.org/de/articles/8967-20241115-meta-soll-800-millionen-zahlen.html

[warningsine]

BRUSSELS, June 14 (Reuters) - Alphabet's (GOOGL.O) Google may have to sell part of its lucrative adtech business to address concerns about anti-competitive practices, EU regulators said on Wednesday, threatening the company with its harshest regulatory penalty to date.

The European Commission set out its charges in a statement of objections to Google two years after opening an investigation into behaviours such as favouring its own advertising services, which could also lead to a fine of as much as 10% of Google's annual global turnover.

The stakes are higher for Google in this latest clash with regulators as it concerns the company's biggest money maker, with the advertising business accounting for 79% of total revenue last year.

Its 2022 advertising revenue, including from search services, Gmail, Google Play, Google Maps, YouTube adverts, Google Ad Manager, AdMob and AdSense, amounted to $224.5 billion.

Google has a few months to respond to the charge. It can also ask for a closed hearing in front of senior Commission antitrust officials and their national counterparts before the EU issues a decision in a process that could take a year or more. The company also could potentially settle by offering stronger remedies than previously proposed.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said Google may have to sell part of its adtech business because a behavioural remedy is unlikely to be effective at stopping the anti-competitive practices.

"For instance, Google could divest its sell-side tools, DFP and AdX. By doing so, we would put an end to the conflicts of interest," she told a news conference.

"Of course I know this is a strong statement but it is a reflection of the nature of the markets, how they function and also why a behavioural commitment seemed to be out of the question."

Google said it disagreed with the Commission's charge.

"The Commission's investigation focuses on a narrow aspect of our advertising business and is not new. We disagree with the EC's view," Dan Taylor, Google's vice president of global ads, said in a statement.

Vestager said investigations would continue into Google's introduction of a privacy sandbox set of tools to block third party cookies on its Chrome browser and its plan to stop making the advertising identifier available to third parties on Android smartphones.

She said the EU had closely cooperated with competition authorities in the United States and the UK.

The European Publishers Council, which filed a complaint to the Commission last year, welcomed the charge.

The Commission said Google favours its own online display advertising technology services to the detriment of competing providers of advertising technology services, advertisers and online publishers.

It said Google has abused its dominance since 2014 by favouring its own ad exchange AdX in the ad selection auction by its dominant publisher ad server DFP, and also by favouring AdX in the way its ad buying tools Google Ads and DV360 place bids on ad exchanges.

Google is the world's dominant digital advertising platform with a 28% market share of global ad revenue, according to research firm Insider Intelligence.

Google had sought to settle the case three months after the investigation was opened but regulators grew frustrated with the slow pace and the lack of substantial concessions, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters previously.

[vietnamjournal]

Châu Âu muốn duy trì cạnh tranh nhưng tránh "thương chiến" với Mỹ

Châu Âu muốn duy trì cạnh tranh nhưng tránh “thương chiến�� với Mỹ

BNEWS EU không nên “lao vào cuộc chiến thương mại” với Mỹ để phản ứng lại các biện pháp bảo hộ của Đạo luật Giảm lạm phát được Washington thông qua mới đây. Phát biểu tại Diễn đàn Toàn cầu về Cạnh tranh của Tổ chức Hợp tác và Phát triển Kinh tế (OECD), được tổ chức 1/12 tại thủ đô Paris, Phó chủ tịch điều hành của Ủy ban châu Âu phụ trách Cạnh tranh Margrethe Vestager cho rằng Liên minh châu Âu…

[timesofinnovation]

As digital threats become more sophisticated, the need for robust cybersecurity measures across Europe has never been more critical. The NIS2 Directive, part of the European Union's comprehensive approach to securing its digital environment, outlines essential measures designed to enhance the cybersecurity landscape for businesses and citizens alike. One of the primary objectives of the NIS2 Directive is to establish a high standard of cybersecurity across the EU. It aims to manage cybersecurity risks effectively while setting clear criteria for the identification and reporting of significant cyber incidents to national authorities. This action reinforces Europe’s resilience against the ever-growing threat of cyber-attacks. Margrethe Vestager, the Executive Vice-President for Europe Fit for the Digital Age, emphasizes the directive's significance by stating, “Cybersecurity is one of the main building blocks for the protection of our citizens and our infrastructure.” The NIS2 Directive specifically targets critical sectors, including essential digital service providers such as cloud computing, data centres, online marketplaces, search engines, and social networking platforms. These sectors are the backbone of the digital economy, and their security is paramount. For instance, cloud providers must now implement rigorous risk management measures to protect the sensitive data they handle. These companies will be required to report significant cyber incidents to national authorities, allowing for swift action and a coordinated response to potential threats. The directive defines what constitutes a ‘significant’ cyber incident, providing a clear framework that companies must navigate. This streamlines the reporting process, ensuring that stakeholders are promptly informed about threats that could impact the public and economic life of the Union. Such regulations are vital in enabling digital infrastructure providers to maintain their integrity and service quality, ultimately safeguarding the interests of users. The NIS2 Directive also marks a significant shift in regulatory responsibility. As of October 18, 2024, all EU Member States must have transposed the directive into their national laws. This includes stringent enforcement measures to ensure compliance, indicating a new era of accountability in cybersecurity governance across Europe. By harmonizing practices and penalties across Member States, the directive seeks to foster a unified approach to cybersecurity. This uniformity enables businesses to operate under consistent regulations, helping to build trust and enhance collaboration among nations. Moreover, the directive enhances information sharing between various stakeholders, including public and private sectors. Timely and relevant information can significantly mitigate risks and enable faster responses to cyber threats. As cyber risks evolve, so too must the strategies to combat them. The NIS2 Directive facilitates this evolution by incorporating up-to-date rules and best practices to address modern challenges. The backdrop of the NIS2 Directive’s implementation reflects an urgent need for action. High-profile cyber incidents in recent years have highlighted vulnerabilities that can affect everything from financial systems to essential public services. For example, the 2020 cyber-attack on the European Union’s drug regulator raised serious concerns about data security and regulatory processes. The implementation of NIS2 signifies a proactive step toward preventing such incidents in the future. As businesses navigate the complexities of these new regulations, adopting a culture of cybersecurity awareness will be essential. This includes not only compliance with the technical aspects of the NIS2 Directive but also fostering an organizational mindset that prioritizes cybersecurity in daily operations. Employee training, regular security audits, and investment in advanced security technologies are vital components of such a culture.

With the official rules set to be published soon, the countdown to implementation begins. All eyes are on the EU Member States as they prepare to comply with the new framework. As we move closer to the October 2024 deadline, the importance of these regulations in reinforcing the digital economy cannot be overstated. They represent a significant commitment to safeguarding the cyber infrastructure that supports our everyday lives. Overall, the NIS2 Directive is poised to create a safer digital landscape for all. The measures outlined will ensure that essential services remain resilient against cyber threats, promoting confidence in Europe’s digital economy. As Margrethe Vestager remarked, the urgency for Member States to act swiftly is paramount. By adhering to these new rules, Europe can protect its citizens, infrastructure, and economic interests in an increasingly interconnected world.

[head-post]

Apple faces first EU fine under Digital Markets Act

Apple could become the first company to be fined under the European Union’s new digital antitrust rules for large technology corporations. The European Commission is preparing to fine Apple for practices that the regulator believes limit competition in the App Store.

Earlier in March 2024, the European Commission had already fined Apple €1.84bn (about $2bn) after investigating a complaint by music streaming service Spotify. The Commission concluded that Apple had prevented app developers from redirecting users to cheaper payment options for purchases outside the App Store, which is unacceptable under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The amount of the new fine is not yet known, but the DMA provides for penalties of up to 10% of a company’s annual worldwide turnover for a first offence and up to 20% for repeat offences. Given Apple’s revenues last year, the fine could reach $38bn. The European Commission is expected to announce its decision this month, even before Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager steps down.

Apple is also under investigation for allegedly obstructing the development of alternative app shops in the EU. In addition, the EU won a case in September 2024 that requires Apple to pay €13bn ($14.4bn) in unpaid tax. Apple CEO Tim Cook allegedly even appealed to Donald Trump about the fines imposed on the company. At the moment, Apple has not officially commented on the impending fine.

Read more HERE

[korrektheiten]

EU rudert jetzt auch beim Diesel zurück

Tichy:»Die EU rechnet nicht mit einem rückwirkenden Verbot von Dieselfahrzeugen. Das hat die scheidende Vize-Präsidentin der Kommission, Margrethe Vestager, jetzt in einer Antwort auf eine Abgeordneten-Frage klargestellt. Anlass war ein derzeit laufendes Verfahren vor dem EU-Gerichtshof (EuGH). Dabei geht es um die Einhaltung von neuen Schadstoffgrenzwerten bei älteren Dieselfahrzeugen. Die Kommission sei nicht der Auffassung, Der Beitrag EU rudert jetzt auch beim Diesel zurück erschien zuerst auf Tichys Einblick. http://dlvr.it/TFTHNs «

[mariacallous]