Microsoft Settles €20M Antitrust Case with CISPE, Agrees to Modify Cloud Service Contracts in Europe

Microsoft has settled a €20M antitrust complaint with CISPE, an Amazon-backed trade association, in Europe by making changes to its cloud service contract clauses.

The deal aims to address concerns about Microsoft tying its business software to Azure cloud services and promote fair competition in the European cloud market.

As part of the settlement, Microsoft will reimburse CISPE for legal expenses and fair software licensing campaigns and offer an enhanced version of Azure Stack HCI for European cloud providers.

The agreement excludes major players like AWS, Google Cloud, and Alibaba.

Microsoft has nine months to fulfill its commitments, with the establishment of a joint ‘European Cloud Observatory’ to monitor progress.

If Microsoft fails to meet its obligations, CISPE reserves the right to refile its complaint with the EU Commission.

Despite ongoing legal challenges and scrutiny for its investment in OpenAI and discrimination allegations, Microsoft’s stock has gained 24% year-to-date.

Microsoft’s resolution of the potential EU antitrust investigation highlights the importance of regulatory outcomes for the tech industry.