App stores that operate in the EU are subject to EU law, and can be forced to remove noncompliant apps.

Ahh, but they’ve already mandated side loading to piss off apple! Bit of an own-goal there.

> Apps installed through alternative app distribution undergo a Notarization process to ensure every app meets baseline platform integrity standards...

> Notarization for iOS and iPadOS apps is a baseline review that applies to all apps, regardless of their distribution channel, focused on platform policies for security and privacy and to maintain device integrity.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/118110

Why do you think the EU hasn’t opposed Apple’s plan to notarize every app, even sideloaded ones? They like the censorship potential.