The European Union is currently in the midst of taking strong actions aimed at regulating big tech companies like Google and Apple, all while grappling with the looming threat of tariffs from the U.S. Trump administration.
On March 19, 2025, in a significant move, the EU’s economic security chief, Maros Sefcovic, stated, "We would be much more vigilant with managing the quotas for the steel products entering into the European market." This remark underscores the EU's efforts to protect its struggling metals industry amidst rising global tensions.
In tandem with these protective measures, the European Commission announced that it has found Google’s parent company Alphabet in breach of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This landmark legislation, aimed at fostering competition within the tech sector, takes particular aim at practices that may hinder fair market conditions.
The EU accused Google's Search of granting preferential treatment to its own services over rival offerings, a practice known as "self-preferencing," which the DMA prohibits. Additionally, it was alleged that Google Play, Alphabet's mobile app store, restricts app developers from redirecting consumers to alternative options. Google's response to these allegations came on the same day, with Oliver Bethell, Google's EMEA director for competition, claiming that the EU's findings could have detrimental effects on consumers and businesses. He argued, "The Commission's findings require us to make even more changes to how we show certain types of Search results, which would make it harder for people to find what they are looking for and reduce traffic to European businesses. This is, quite simply, misguided."
Simultaneously, Apple is also facing scrutiny under the DMA. The European Commission sent guidance to the tech giant on the same day, urging Apple to take actionable steps to fulfill its interoperability obligations under EU competition laws. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance competition in the tech sector by facilitating easier communication between different platforms. In contrast, Apple expressed concerns regarding this directive. The company highlighted that these obligations could hinder its innovation capabilities in Europe. An Apple spokesperson stated, "These measures wrap us in red tape, slowing down Apple's ability to innovate for users in Europe and forcing us to give away our new features for free to companies who don't have to play by the same rules." They also assured that the company would continue collaborating with the European Commission to address these growing concerns.
This regulatory push from the EU comes at a time of heightened tension between Europe and the U.S., specifically regarding President Donald Trump’s comments on what he deems "overseas extortion" of American tech companies. Just last month, the Trump administration issued a directive threatening potential tariffs against Europe should the EU continue to impose what it sees as excessive regulations on U.S. technology firms. As this scenario unfolds, it creates a precarious environment for transatlantic trade relations.
Adding further complexity to the situation, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently warned on March 19 against engaging in what she described as a "vicious circle" of tariff wars instigated by the Trump administration. Her remarks reflect a broader concern within the EU regarding retaliatory measures that could spiral into a full-blown trade conflict.
The stakes are high not just for tech companies but for the future of international economic relations. The regulatory measures and potential tariffs highlight the ongoing struggle between national interests and the push for fair competition in the global market.
As the European Commission prepares to make critical decisions regarding violations against major tech players, the world will be watching closely to see how both the EU and Trump’s administration maneuver through this intricate landscape of technology, trade, and regulatory oversight.
These developments set the stage for what could be a defining moment in the relationship between major technology firms and the regulatory bodies governing them, while also impacting broader economic policies across the Atlantic.
