Microsoft offers browser choice for EU consumers 

"The proposal recognises the principle that consumers should be given a free and effective choice of Web browser," the European Commission said in a statement welcoming Microsoft's decision.

The Commission, the European Union's executive arm, said it will investigate whether the proposal is practical. It said Microsoft's proposal was in line with what it had suggested in January. 

The Redmond-based company said it hoped the offer would settle ongoing EU antitrust cases. 

"Under our new proposal, among other things, European consumers who buy a new Windows PC with Internet Explorer set as their default browser would be shown a 'ballot screen' from which they could, if they wished, easily install competing browsers from the Web," Microsoft said in a statement.

Microsoft has also made proposals that it said would improve the interoperability between products developed by other companies and its ubiquitous Windows operating system.

"We believe that if ultimately accepted, this proposal will fully address the European competition law issues relating to the inclusion of Internet Explorer in Windows and interoperability with our high-volume products," Microsoft said.

"Again, these proposals require further investigation before the Commission reaches any conclusion as to the next steps," the EU executive said.

(EurActiv with Reuters.)