EU Markets: Pullin' a Putin

EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes continues her fetish of wanting to peek into other people's windows. It is refreshing to watch the officialdom of the EU unhinge themselves when dealing with a private sector company they cannot bluff, bully, and/or cajole into toeing the line.

Microsoft is a rather formidable opponent for the EU to fathom. With a market cap over $285 billion, Microsoft would be among the top ten economies if it were a member state of the EU, perspective.

Given that Neelie seems destined to be consumed by her predilection for Windows, some free advice to Microsoft in handling the EU's war on success:

• Amortize all EU fines over the price of all products sold to businesses in Europe. Businesses will in turn pass these new costs along until they reach you the consumer in some form or fashion.
• Amortize all EU fines over the price of all products sold to consumers in Europe. Cut out the middleman and go straight to the person who will be paying for any fines.
• Amortize all EU fines over the price of all service provided to businesses using MSFT products in Europe. Businesses will in turn pass these new costs along until they reach you the consumer in some form or fashion.
• Amortize all EU fines over the price of all service provided to consumers using MSFT products in Europe. Cut out the middleman and go straight to the person who will be paying for any fines.

Since the EU loves labeling laws, Microsoft should make sure each product package has a bright red Euro symbol and wording to the effect of "This Microsoft Product Now 10% More Costly - Courtesy of the EU Regulatory Apparatus!" Maybe even include a smiley face.

As this post was going to print a final choice came into play:

• The Gazprom Option - Pull the plug on Europe. Ship no more Microsoft products and give commercial customers 90 days on service agreements. Walk away. Watch the teeth gnash and the tears flow.

Irrational, impertinent, rash, short-sighted? Of course, but I am just a mere blogger. What is Neelie's problem?

Update: Pavel & ZF set me straight on 'market cap' in the comments section. Keep in mind the irrational, impertinent, rash, and short-sighted nature of this post. I still like the post.