Europe calls for a fine against Google: Brussels urged not to delay
This is according to Reuters.
European publishers, tech companies and start-ups have called on EU antitrust regulators to conclude the nearly two-year investigation into Google and fine the company for allegedly promoting its own services in search results.
A letter to this effect was sent to EU leaders by the European Publishers Council, the European Magazine Media Association, the European Tech Alliance, EU Travel Tech and other organisations. They have called for the case to be closed as early as next week.
The European Commission’s investigation began on 25 March 2024 under the Digital Markets Act. Formally, the EU plans to conclude such cases within 12 months, but the investigation has been ongoing for almost two years. The European Commission announced the charges in the case last year.
In their letter, the organisations stated that trust in the European Commission itself is now at stake. They emphasise that every day of delay is damaging the profitability of European companies, preventing them from investing and growing, and that some businesses are already under financial pressure or on the brink of bankruptcy.
The allegations centre on suspicions that Google favours its own services in online search. This is precisely what has become the subject of the antitrust investigation.
From the outset of the case, Google has proposed various changes to address the concerns of competitors and European regulators. However, the company’s opponents consider these measures insufficient. Google itself denies that it promotes its own services in search results in breach of the rules.
The European Commission has confirmed that it has received the letter and stated that it aims to conclude this complex investigation as soon as possible.
The authors of the letter have called on Brussels to adopt a formal decision finding Alphabet in breach of the requirements, to issue an order to cease the infringement, and to impose a fine that will have a deterrent effect.
