Microsoft has announced that those in Europe will not be offered the upgrade option for the worldwide upgrade program that Microsoft is starting today.

According to Microsoft, they are unable to do this as the are trying to comply with the EU competition regulations. While the rest of the world will be able to buy a new PC between now and the Windows 7 launch and get a free upgrade to Win7, those in the EU will have to pay for it.

On the plus side of things, Microsoft says that while the rest of the world will only receive upgrade version of Windows 7, Europeans will be able purchase the full version of Windows 7 which will be priced to match the cost of the upgrade version. Windows 7 prices for the EU will cost £79.99, £189.99,and £199.99 for the Home Premium, Profession, and Ultimate editions respectively when purchased as an upgrade, while those going to pick it up in the EU as a retail package will have to pay £149.99, £219.99, and £229.99 respectively.