Microsoft announced today that depending on the European Commision's anti-trust requirements, it may delay the release of Windows Vista in Europe. Windows Vista would be delayed in Europe for the modification of the XP successor to meet anti-trust requirements. The European Commision responed promply. A representative said "It is not up to the Commission to give Microsoft a green light before Vista is put on the market; it is up to Microsoft to accept and implement its responsibilities as a near-monopolist to ensure full compliance with EU competition rules". The Commission and Microsoft are locked in a legal battle dating back to 2004 when Brussels hit the company with a 500 million Euro ($640 million) antitrust fine and required Microsoft change their business practices.