It sounds like Apple is extending the Core Technology Fee to *all apps in the EU*

So, upfront CTF cost is gone. For developers in Apple's Small Business Program, there is a 0% 'acquisition fee', 5% commission (and if you ship on the App Store or use IAP, that bumps to 10%), +5% Core Technology Commission. Total 15%, same as today

If you're distributing outside the App Store, and you're in the SBS, somehow you've got to give Apple 5% of your app revenue.

If you're not in the SBS, you pay a 2% acquisition fee on all transactions, 13% commission to exist, +5% CTC. Total 20%

If you're using the External Link entitlement, you must use Apple's API for linking out (so they can track you), and your transactions are also subject to a +5% Core Technology Commission.

(Total commission using external links: 15% for small business program, 20% for everybody else)

I think, based on my read of this, that if you're a small developer on the App Store (and can qualify for the SBS), and want to also provide your apps on an external storefront with some other payment service, your total commission will be 10%, but with no way of Apple tracking that I expect you'll be self-reporting your revenue for them.

Apple retains audit rights for all developers in the EU under these terms.

It's not zero, but these terms are way more reasonable than the Core Technology Fee bullshit. But it also means that there is, from my understanding, no option for alternative distribution that is completely free. The lowest amount you will pay is 10%
@stroughtonsmith which is stupid, if you distribute outside the AppStore you shouldn’t have to pay Apple anything more than the already charge for you to be a developer, that fee should cover their ”ongoing investments in the tools, technologies, and services”, especially when you factor in the value apps provide to their platform.
@Leonick @stroughtonsmith the "ongoing investments in the tools, technologies, and services" should be covered by the hardware sales and subscription services and many other things that Apple still profits from. Or maybe, you know, they could make the app store a compelling, competitive offering for developers, instead of forcing them to use it or not having an iOS app at all.
@Leonick @stroughtonsmith or, to put it the other way, no users will get sad if Apple stops releasing OS updates every year