The European Union has reportedly postponed fining Apple
The European Union has reportedly postponed fining Apple and Meta over alleged Digital Markets Act violations, specifically so the decision would not affect trade negotiations.
In January 2025, it was reported that the EU appeared to have put its planned rulings and fines against Apple on hold. It was partly because key EU staff were being replaced, but also because the European Commission was waiting to assess what the then-new Trump administration would do.
Subsequently, it was reported that the EU was planning to drastically reduce its fines against Apple and Meta, because of fears it Trump would impose retaliatory tariffs. Now according to the Wall Street Journal, the EU has delayed fines still further.
“We’re currently working on the adoption of final decisions in the short term,” said a spokesperson.
However, reportedly, the European Commission told at least one of the two companies that it would be imposing fines on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The Commission was to deliver cease-and-desist orders to both companies on that date.
However, this week EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic, and separately Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Trump. Just ahead of the meetings, the EU is said to have decided to postpone announcing the fines, and a committee scheduled for Monday was also delayed.
It appears to have worked as Trump is now said to have told officials that he’d have “very little problem” agreeing a trade deal with the EU.
The EU is still expected to press ahead with fines and the cease-and-desist orders intended to make Apple and Meta further comply with the Digital Markets Act. However, there is no indication of when the EU will resume its plans.
