It almost sounds like the sort of thing that happens often in the US. I thought the europeans were more resistant to lobbying and other related practices.
You would think Microsoft would fear the precedent.
Attention Governments: Go deploy Linux on your desktops and Microsoft will appear tendering huge sacks of cash. Tell your friends. Don't let them leave with a dime.
It's not like switching off of windows is without its' own costs... Just IT staff retraining alone is huge, let alone the increased staff demands during transition. I'm not saying it isn't worth it, but switching to free software isn't entirely free.
In Europe among politicians , as i guess everywhere, there's also that thing that i will undo everything you have done only because you have done it and i'm against it even if i don't understand it. And BTW probably get something in return from Microsoft.