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The European Union is preparing to hit Google with a high triple-digit million euro fine as regulators move toward wrapping up a major antitrust investigation under the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to the report.
Brussels is nearing a final decision and could formally announce the penalty before the summer break, and if confirmed, the move would mark the largest fine imposed so far under the EU’s DMA framework.
The investigation, launched in March 2025, centers on accusations that Google gives preferential treatment to its own services in search results, including products such as Google Flights and AI-generated summaries.
EU officials argue the practices distort competition and make it harder for rivals to gain visibility. A European Commission spokesperson signaled that regulators remain focused on securing compliance rather than simply issuing financial penalties.
"Even with our negotiations on future solutions, we will not hesitate to move to the next steps as soon as possible," spokesperson Thomas Regnier said in an emailed statement to German newspaper Handelsblatt.
Google criticized the impact of the EU’s digital rules on its search platform and argued that changes already introduced under the DMA have weakened the user experience in Europe.
"The changes we've already made to Search under the DMA represent the biggest downgrade in the product's history," a Google spokesperson noted, adding that the modifications create "a second-rate experience for Europeans." The company nevertheless indicated it wants to settle the dispute and continues discussions with regulators over additional adjustments.
According to the report, Brussels remains dissatisfied with how Google handles its AI-powered "AI Overview" feature generated by Gemini. EU officials reportedly believe the tool still favors Google’s own ecosystem and strengthens the company’s dominance in online search.
The case is unfolding amid wider friction between Washington and Brussels over the EU’s tougher stance on major American technology firms.
The DMA allows the European Commission to fine companies up to 10% of their annual global revenue for violations. Handelsblatt reported the eventual penalty against Google would remain below the legal maximum because the company has already made some concessions during negotiations.
The Google probe is not the only DMA-related case currently moving through Brussels. EU regulators are also examining allegations that Google unfairly ranks media organizations in search results and restricts app developers from steering users toward offers outside the Google Play Store ecosystem.
The European Commission recently imposed a separate €3 billion ($3.5 billion) antitrust fine on Alphabet over online advertising practices.
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