EU, Responding to Trump's Complaint 'Only Regulating US Big Tech,' Says "Regardless of Nationality"

The European Union (EU) rebutted U.S. President Donald Trump's expression of dissatisfaction with EU regulations on American tech giants, stating that "it is regardless of the company's country of origin."

On the 24th (local time), Lea Zuber, spokesperson for competition at the European Commission, said at a regular briefing that she would not directly comment on President Trump's remarks but responded, "The fines under our competition law system apply to all companies that violate EU law, regardless of nationality."

She added, "When the Commission makes related decisions, the illegal acts committed, the reasons for imposing fines, and the calculation methods are specified," and "Another reason for imposing fines is to prevent further illegal practices."

Stefan De Keersmaecker, the chief deputy spokesperson who attended the briefing that day, explained, "There is strong legislation that helps protect not only citizens but also companies within the EU and the way business is conducted."

Reuters Yonhap News

The day before, President Trump mentioned the EU's regulation of American big tech companies such as Apple, Google, and Facebook during a virtual speech at the World Economic Forum (Davos Forum), stating, "Whether you like these companies or not, they are American companies, and the EU should not do that. In my view, it is a kind of tax. I am very dissatisfied with the EU."

The EU has a strict competition law system. In addition to existing regulatory measures such as antitrust laws, it has passed and is implementing the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) to effectively regulate online platforms. Since Apple, Meta, and Google are under investigation for DMA violations, the level of sanctions is expected to be finalized by the end of March.