Microsoft avoided a EU antitrust fine by promising reduced prices for Office products, excluding Teams app. Complaints were filed by Salesforce-owned Slack and German rival alfaview. Price gap increased by 50% for Microsoft 365 and Office 365 suites without Teams. Microsoft commits to interoperability for 10 years and export of Teams data to rivals for European customers.

EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera praises decision for opening competition, allowing businesses to choose communication tools freely. President Trump criticized the 2.95-billion-euro fine on Google, hinting at possible tariffs retaliation. Microsoft and alfaview executives welcome the agreement, noting benefits for Europe’s digital sovereignty and innovation. Salesforce sees settlement as a step forward, calling for rigorous monitoring of Microsoft’s compliance.

Microsoft has been fined 2.2 billion euros for past antitrust violations. Concessions aim to promote fair market conditions, technological diversity, and innovation in Europe. EU antitrust fines can reach 10% of a company’s global annual turnover. ($1 = 0.8535 euros)

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Microsoft swerves EU antitrust fine with price deal for unbundled Teams