EU plans to fine Google high triple-digit million euro sum, Handelsblatt reports
EU Antitrust Investigation and Impending Fine Against Google
FRANKFURT/BRUSSELS, May 25 (Reuters) - The European Union is planning to fine Alphabet's Google a high triple-digit million euro amount as part of an antitrust investigation, Germany's Handelsblatt newspaper reported, citing commission sources.
Details of the Investigation and Fine
The decision is nearing completion and is expected to be officially announced before the summer break, the paper said, adding it would be the highest fine the EU has ever imposed for a breach of the new Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Background of the Antitrust Probe
The investigation, which was officially launched in March 2025, relates to concerns that Google favours its own services in search results and seeks to ensure the world's most popular internet search engine complies with local regulation.
Commission’s Approach and Statements
The Commission is more interested in finding future compliance solutions with Google than "simply issuing a fine", spokesperson Thomas Regnier said in an emailed statement.
"Even with our negotiations on future solutions, we will not hesitate to move to the next steps as soon as possible," he added.
Google’s Response and Previous Developments
Google was not immediately available for comment.
Earlier this month, the European Commission said it had given Google a little bit more time to soothe concerns after a previous proposal from the company fell short.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Christoph Steitz and Inti Landauro; Editing by Toby Chopra and Sanjeev Miglani)
