The European Union is expected to issue comparatively lenient fines to Apple and Meta (Facebook's parent company) next week for violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This decision comes as Brussels aims to sidestep potential conflicts with a returning US President Donald Trump, according to sources familiar with the matter. The planned actions, which are subject to change before their official release, are slated to be presented to representatives from the EU's 27 member states this Friday. The announcement regarding the fines is anticipated the following week, although this timeline remains flexible. The European Commission has so far declined to provide any comments on the impending decisions. The Digital Markets Act is designed to curb the power of large tech companies and promote competition within the digital marketplace. While the EU remains committed to enforcing the DMA, the specific penalties levied against Apple and Meta appear to be influenced by broader geopolitical considerations. The EU's approach reflects a calculated effort to balance regulatory enforcement with the need to maintain stable transatlantic relations, particularly in anticipation of a potentially less cooperative US administration.
