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Re:European Alternatives by kergonath on Friday January 23, 2026 @07:23PM (#46739768)
> The EU had such a good deal with the US.

There are regulations. Both Visa and Mastercard were happy with those and made quite a lot of money from their business in the EU. They absorbed and merged with local alternatives and competitors. It’s a bit rich to complain after the game has been going on for a while that the rules are as they are: they’ve always been that way and if they were not happy, they could just have ignored the European markets. Now, if your point is that you’re being shafted, then congratulations: realising is the first step towards solving. Now, vote for a government that will actually regulate the sector in the people’s favour, not the big corps. We cannot help you for that.

Re:European Alternatives by 0xDEAFBEAD on Friday January 23, 2026 @07:46PM (#46739919)
I'm not complaining about Visa or Mastercard fees in the US.

I am pointing out the absurdity of the original European claim that such fees are "protection money" to the US, when the EU is getting a sweetheart deal relative to the US. It's typical disingenuous European rhetoric.

Re:European Alternatives by hermanzegerman on Friday January 23, 2026 @07:53PM (#46739973)
Europe is not getting a "sweetheart deal".

I know it's difficult for you to comprehend, but Governments are supposed to act in the interest of the general population of their country, not for companies and the 1%.

And that includes making sure that markets are working and regulating (near) monopolies

Re:European Alternatives by lava_pidgeon on Saturday January 24, 2026 @03:46AM (#46742049)
Who claimed which money is protection money of US?