"It was the right moment." Vice-President of the European Commission explains the decision on penalties for Apple and Meta

On Wednesday, Brussels imposed on American technological giants punishments EUR hundreds of millions for breach of EU digital principles — despite president Donald Trump in the event of the imposition of fines, he threatened with retaliation duties.

— These are decisions that are not taken emotionally, but with seriousness and on the basis of evidence, he declares Teresa Ribera, Vice-President of the EC, liable for the conversation with POLITICO. — It's law enforcement..

In fresh weeks, the Commission has been under force to issue verdicts due to the fact that did not meet the announced deadline by the end of March.

Neither Ribera nor Henna Virkkunen, Commissioner for Digital Affairs — co-responsible for the enforcement of the digital marketplace act setting out the principles of technology companies in Europe — were in Brussels erstwhile the decision was made.

Ribera, who is on a weekly delegation in Mexico, says Delaying decisions due to her journey would not make sense.

— It was the right moment,” stresses Ribera, adding that the decisions show that the Commission "seriously addressing equal opportunities" and gives opportunities to companies and "those who would like to make fresh business, innovators, users and consumers". “I felt that many people wanted to hurry, even if the procedures have not yet been finalised [...] due to the fact that to respond to White home announcements. I think that would be unfair.

Apple threatens to fine EUR 500 million (about PLN 2.1 billion) for infringement of the regulations concerning app stores, while Meta has received a punishment of EUR 200 million (about PLN 855 million) for a model that requires European Union users to pay for access to Facebook and Instagram free ads.

Meta reacted furiously to these decisions, calling them “the duty” which is intended to harm successful American companies. Apple claimed to be ‘unfairly’ attacked. Both companies announced that they would appeal the Commission decision.

— I have not heard these companies complain about the US antitrust authorities, says Ribera, stressing that they have a "very akin approach" to the fresh digital reality like the EU. “So I do not know why they think that we Europeans should be the mark of complaints.