By Matt Williams - 16th September 2007
European competition commissioner Neelie Kroes has hailed Monday’s court verdict against Microsoft as a “landmark” decision for the EU.
The Dutch competition chief told journalists on Monday that the Court of First Instance ruling proved that the commission’s decision to take a firm line in the case was the right action.
“This ruling sends a clear message that super-dominant companies cannot abuse their position to hurt consumers or dampen competition in the market place,” she said.
“The court has confirmed the commission’s view that consumers are suffering at the hands of Microsoft.”
“Microsoft must now comply fully with its legal obligations to desist from engaging in anti-competitive conduct. The commission will do its utmost to ensure that Microsoft complies swiftly.”
UK centre-right deputy Malcolm Harbour echoed Kroes’ reaction, welcoming the judgment, “because it supports our policy of free and open markets and maximum competition in this important area.”
The European Consumers Bureau (BEUC) also welcomed the decision.
“For a company in a dominant position, this was anti-competitive behavior,” said BEUC director Jim Murray.
General Counsel for Microsoft, Brad Smith, said that the company would comply with the ruling.
“It’s clearly very important to us as a company that we comply with our obligations under European Law”, he said.
Meanwhile Kroes was adamant that today’s decision set an important precedent for future cases.
“We have been strengthened in our approach…I will not tolerate continuous non-compliance,” she said.
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