On Wednesday, the European Commission imposed €700 million ($797 million) in fines on Apple and Meta, marking the first major sanctions under the landmark legislation aimed at rebalancing competition in digital markets. The Commission accused both companies of reinforcing user dependence on their ecosystems and failing to comply with obligations set out in the DMA.
Next Targets in Sight
According to three sources familiar with the matter, Google and X are under active investigation and may be subject to similar enforcement action in the coming months. The EU's growing resolve comes as former U.S. President Donald Trump—a vocal critic of the DMA—threatens retaliatory tariffs against European countries penalizing American tech firms.
But EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera has dismissed any suggestion of softening the bloc's position.
"Apple and Meta have fallen short of compliance with the DMA by implementing measures that reinforce the dependence of business users and consumers on their platforms," Ribera stated. "All companies operating in the EU must follow our laws and respect European values."
Pressure from Washington
The EU’s push has sparked concern in Washington. Trump, in an executive order issued earlier this year, cited the DMA as grounds for defending U.S. companies from what he called "overseas extortion." Industry experts believe the situation could escalate.
"The U.S. Administration has declared it will consider responsive actions like tariffs to combat certain foreign government policies levied against U.S. companies," said Joe Jones, director of research at the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).
Despite this, EU insiders insist the fines are grounded in law and not retaliation. One senior Commission official, speaking anonymously, said the DMA enforcement demonstrates that the EU has "bite" and won't back down under political pressure.
Smaller Fines, Bigger Strategy
Though the total fines are substantial, analysts note that the size of penalties is smaller than those handed down in previous years under former EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager. Sources say the reduced scale reflects shorter periods of non-compliance, a focus on rectification over punishment, and an effort to avoid exacerbating U.S. tensions.
But regulatory momentum is building. One of the most closely watched cases involves Google’s adtech business, which could result in a forced divestiture—a first in EU competition history. Lawmakers say that would mark a major turning point in enforcement.
“This would be unprecedented. Even Microsoft, after years of antitrust battles, was never forced to break up its operations,” said one EU source.
The decision may be bolstered by a recent U.S. court ruling, which found Google illegally dominates online advertising markets. That judgment is expected to strengthen the EU’s position and potentially shield it from accusations of unilateral action.
"It would be difficult for the EU to justify withdrawing its own investigation unless U.S. authorities imposed a set of remedies on Google which the Commission felt addressed its concerns," said Zach Meyers, director of research at the Centre on Regulation in Europe (CERRE).
X in the Crosshairs
Elon Musk’s X is also under scrutiny. The Commission has accused the platform of violating the Digital Services Act (DSA), a related regulation that mandates transparency and accountability for online platforms. A ruling, possibly involving a financial penalty, is expected soon.
Musk has publicly clashed with the EU over content moderation and compliance, increasing the stakes of the case. Commission sources suggest the decision on X may signal whether enforcement under the DSA will match the Commission’s assertiveness under the DMA.
Beyond Fines: Changing the Playing Field
Some experts argue the EU’s ultimate goal is not punitive, but transformative.
“The real test for the DMA is not whether or not the Commission is willing to levy large fines, but whether we see significant changes to levels of competition,” Meyers said.
European Parliament member Andreas Schwab, who played a key role in shaping the DMA, echoed the sentiment but warned against regulatory hesitation.
“There can be no leeway in enforcement. That would undermine the integrity of EU competition policy and the digital single market,” Schwab said.
As the EU presses forward with enforcement, the coming months could prove pivotal—not just for the future of tech regulation in Europe, but for transatlantic relations and the global digital economy.