Brussels, 09/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - As expected (EUROPE 9575), the Commission said in a press release on Wednesday 9 January that it is ending proceedings initiated against the American company, Apple. The proceedings concerned the price differences noted for downloading music in the different EU member states. As Apple had notified its intention to standardise tariffs to the Commission, the latter considers it is pointless to continue with its action.
In April, the Commission had been alerted by the British consumer protection watchdog “Which” to the unequal pricing of Apple's on-line music shop, called iTunes Store, which applied a higher price for clients on British territory (EUROPE 9400). Apple promised to review British prices downwards within six months from 79 to 74 pence per song, the equivalent of the 99 eurocent applied in other member states. Although Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes welcomed this solution, others remain concerned. Helen Smith, Secretary General for the European Independent Music companies association, IMPALA, recalls that it is a matter of ensuring diversity of supply and not only of pricing practice. (C.D.)