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EU Set to Fine Google Hundreds of Millions Under Digital Markets Act
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The European Commission is reportedly preparing to fine Google under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) as soon as next week, following non-compliance investigations into self-preferencing on Google Search and anti-steering rules on the Play Store. The fine is expected to run into hundreds of millions of euros, though the DMA allows for up to 10% of global annual turnover. The Digital Markets Advisory Committee is set to meet on 23 July to discuss the case. The Commission issued preliminary breach findings in March 2025 but has yet to issue final decisions. The case has taken longer than similar proceedings against Apple and Meta, which were fined €500 million and €200 million respectively in April 2025. The Commission faces pressure from European competitors and civil society to enforce the rules, while also facing political pressure from the Trump administration not to sanction US tech companies.
Source report
The European Commission is reportedly preparing to fine US tech giant Google under the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA), with a penalty potentially coming as early as next week.
According to internal documents seen by the Financial Times, the fine is expected to run into hundreds of millions of euros. It follows non-compliance investigations into Google's self-preferencing practices on Google Search and anti-steering rules on its Play Store, based on earlier Commission findings.
Under the DMA, fines can reach up to 10% of a company's global annual turnover — or even higher for repeat infringements.
Advisory Committee Meeting Scheduled
The Digital Markets Advisory Committee — composed of national competition authorities alongside the Commission's competition and technology departments (DG COMP and DG CNECT) — must be consulted before fines are issued against DMA gatekeepers. The committee is next scheduled to meet on 23 July.
Lengthy Investigation Process
The Commission has been investigating Google for self-preferencing on search since March 2024, focusing on concerns that the company favours its own vertical search services over rival digital aggregators.
It has also been examining Google's compliance with DMA obligations requiring the company to allow app developers to freely inform customers of offers and opportunities to transact outside its app store.
In March 2025, the Commission issued preliminary findings concluding that Google's practices breached the DMA. However, final decisions remain pending.
Contrast with Other Tech Cases
Notably, the Commission initiated two other non-compliance proceedings in March 2024 — one concerning Apple's steering rules and another probing Meta's "pay-or-consent" ad models. Those cases led to fines of €500 million and €200 million respectively in April 2025.
The EU's executive has taken considerably longer to conclude the Google case. It has also not yet decided on potential further enforcement in the Apple and Meta cases, which could result in daily penalties if ongoing non-compliance is confirmed.
External Pressures
On Google, the Commission faces pressure from competitors, civil society organisations, and consumer groups to finalise enforcement. This week, more than 40 European companies signed an open letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging her to "finish the job" and enforce the DMA against Google.
Conversely, the bloc remains under aggressive political pressure from the Trump administration not to sanction US tech companies.
Neither the Commission nor Google immediately responded to Euractiv's request for comment.
Source
EuractivWestern
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EU Fines Google €890 Million for Digital Markets Act Violations