Is it safe to say that Google gets away with that sideloading restrictions? Will the EU have a word here or can they just decide it like that?

That’s what they want. If you don’t agree don’t get a kindle.

I use Gmaps WV (from F-Droid) for that, comes in handy when you need to know traffic time.

Its not about security for google, its about to have more control over their platform. They saw apple got away with their policies about sideloading here in Europe (which is still a pain in the ass) so they thought why not have it in android.

Yes, all custom ROMs without Play Protect won’t be affected.

Where are you from? Just curious. I heard of him only from a south park series.

I would block the internet connection in your firewall settings so you won’t get an upgrade if that is a bug.