EU Delays Google Antitrust Fine Amid U.S.-EU Auto Tariff Negotiations – Antitrust enforcement appears linked to broader transatlantic trade discussions, raising concerns over regulatory independence.
BRUSSELS, [Date] – European Union antitrust regulators have postponed a decision to fine Alphabet Inc.’s Google over its advertising technology practices, a move sources say is strategically timed to await a U.S. commitment to reduce tariffs on European cars.
Link to U.S.-EU Trade Deal
According to three sources familiar with the matter, the delay is directly tied to ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and the EU. A key component of these talks has been the reduction of U.S. tariffs on European automobiles, which currently stand at 27.5%.
The European Commission recently proposed scrapping tariffs on imported U.S. industrial goods and is anticipating a reciprocal announcement from the United States to lower its auto tariffs to 15%. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that the EU is holding off on its enforcement action against Google to avoid jeopardizing this fragile trade agreement.
A Sudden Delay in Antitrust Action
The fine was expected to be announced this past Monday by EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera. Google was reportedly informed of the impending announcement on Friday. However, the decision was abruptly postponed without explanation to the company.
The delay is not expected to last more than a month and is attributed to questions raised by EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic regarding Ribera’s decision.
Concerns Over Regulatory Independence
The move has sparked criticism from competition watchdogs. Germany’s Monopolies Commission called the delay “an alarming precedent for the independence of European antitrust enforcement.”
“The protection of competition must not become a pawn of the Trump administration,” its chairman, Tomaso Duso, stated in a public response.
The Investigation and Broader Context
The investigation, prompted by a complaint from the European Publishers Council, has lasted four years. Google faces a modest fine for allegedly favoring its own adtech services over those of rivals.
The situation is further complicated by repeated threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to retaliate against the EU for any regulatory actions taken against American Big Tech companies.
Both the European Commission and Google declined to comment. A Commission spokesperson confirmed only that the investigation is ongoing.
This report is based on information from sources familiar with the matter and was first reported by MLex.
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