Late on Friday, Microsoft formally announced that it will not be shipping a different version of Windows 7 in Europe than it does in the rest of the world. Writing in "Microsoft on the Issues", Dave Heiner writes:

We decided last month that we would ship a unique version of Windows 7 in Europe—which we dubbed Windows 7 “E”—that would not include a Web browser. Instead, we decided to offer IE separately and on an easy-to-install basis to both computer manufacturers and users who wanted the Microsoft browser. We have now decided to alter that launch plan. In the wake of last week’s developments, as well as continuing feedback on Windows 7 E that we have received from computer manufacturers and other business partners, I’m pleased to report that we will ship the same version of Windows 7 in Europe in October that we will ship in the rest of the world. If the Commission accepts our recent proposal, we would then fully implement all of its terms. As proposed, we would use the Internet to deliver a ballot screen update to customers who purchase Windows 7 in the European Economic Area, either as part of a PC or as a retail upgrade product Source: Microsoft on the Issues

Also included in the blog post is a sample ballot screen (shown below). Microsoft have suggested that the ballot screen would be made available in a Windows update (and would also be presented for XP and Vista)

Whilst the proposals set out by Microsoft have yet to be ratified by the European Commission, it seems likely that this will go ahead given the Commission's positive reponse to Microsoft's proposals for the ballot screen. Hopefully common sense will prevail and this will make the best out of a bad situation. Still hedging their bets, Microsoft state that if the proposals are refused, Windows "E" could still be reintroduced.

Presumably, this means that anyone (like myself) who pre-ordered Windows "E" in Europe will now receive the full product instead.