The European Commission reportedly halted the announcement of a long-anticipated antitrust fine against Google at the last minute, after internal pressure and diplomatic manoeuvring.
News site MLex, which first broke the story, says the delay was prompted by steps taken by EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and lobbying from the US Department of Justice. Reuters later corroborated this account, linking the delay to broader trade negotiations with the United States—specifically expectations that US tariffs on European car exports would fall from 27.5 per cent to 15 per cent.
What’s in a fine?
Google’s network of advertising services—and an alleged conflict of interest—in 2021. This involves concerns over how Google controls key parts of the digital advertising supply chain, giving it the potential to disadvantage competitors.
On social media, at least one MEP, Stéphanie Yon-Courtin (Renew, France), criticised the move, warning that the EU should not buckle under pressure and saying the story—if true—sent entirely the wrong message. “The digital rules are not negotiable!” she wrote. She added an EU flag.
If this is true, it sends a very bad signal. The digital rules are not negotiable! – Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, MEP
Political pressure from Trump
Reports have emerged that former US President Donald Trump warned the Commission against targeting Big Tech companies, highlighting the external political pressures at play.
European Commission spokesperson Arianna Podestà said in a daily news conference that the Google investigation was ongoing and declined to comment further. Google has also not commented on developments.
