Gates: MS Will Be 'Very Responsive'

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates remained in Europe on a "courtesy visit" this week and met with EU Commission heads to talk about progress towards the stipulations of last year's controversial ruling against the company.

Gates told the Belgian parliament Monday, where he was received before heading to the Commission, that Microsoft would be "very responsive" in implementing the required changes - including the removal of Windows Media Player from its operating system.

As reported earlier by BetaNews, the EU Commission believes that Microsoft is dragging its feet and has threatened to fine the company up to $5 million each day. However, Gates has said that Redmond and the Commission have had "a great dialogue" and are making progress.

One person who is not interested in meeting Gates is competition commissioner Neelie Kroes. Through her spokesperson, Kroes made it clear that she had no intention of discussing any matters with Gates.

"Mr. Gates has not requested to meet Mrs. Kroes and Mrs. Kroes is most certainly not going to request to see him," said Kroes' spokesman, Jonathan Todd.

Gates plans to meet more commissioners throughout the day Tuesday.