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Microsoft vs. Google: New Front in Europe’s Cloud Regulation Battle

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 29, 2024

The conflict between Microsoft and Google over cloud services is intensifying in Europe, with Microsoft alleging that Google is driving a “shadow campaign” to sway EU cloud policy. Microsoft claims Google is secretly backing the Open Cloud Coalition, positioning smaller European cloud providers as the face of the movement while promoting Google’s interests in cloud regulation. The coalition, set to launch on October 29, aims to push for open cloud principles, but Microsoft warns that Google’s goal is to undermine Microsoft’s standing amid increased global scrutiny of its own practices.

This development comes after Microsoft’s 2019 licensing change raised EU complaints, arguing it limits competition by restricting Microsoft software to Azure. Microsoft recently settled a case with European cloud providers, but the deal excludes tech giants like AWS and Google, leading Google to file an independent complaint. Now, as a new European Commission prepares to take office, both companies are maneuvering for favorable regulatory stances, with Microsoft claiming Google’s lobbying distracts from its own antitrust challenges.

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A Google spokesperson responded, emphasizing transparency about their coalition membership and concerns that Microsoft’s practices limit customer choices, impacting security and innovation. The European cloud regulation dispute is shaping up as a key battleground, with both tech giants seeking to gain regulatory leverage in the region’s burgeoning cloud market.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.