EU Readies Record Fine Against Google

The European Union is planning to fine Alphabet's Google a high triple-digit million euro amount as part of an antitrust investigation into the company's search practices, with the decision expected to be announced before the summer break, Germany's Handelsblatt newspaper reported on May 25, citing commission sources. The investigation, officially launched in March 2025, centers on concerns that Google favors its own services in search results, and the potential fine would mark the highest penalty the EU has ever imposed for a breach of its Digital Markets Act (DMA). The European Commission indicated it prioritizes securing future compliance over simply issuing penalties. "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, adding that the EU would not hesitate to move to the next steps if necessary. Earlier this month, the Commission gave Google additional time to address concerns after the company's previous proposal fell short. Google pushed back against the EU's regulatory approach, with a company spokesperson stating that changes made to Search under the DMA represent "the biggest downgrade in the product's history, creating a second-rate experience for Europeans to the benefit of a few self-interested complainants." The DMA aims to curb the power of big tech companies and ensure fair competition in digital markets.