European publishers, tech groups push EU to conclude Google antitrust probe

A coalition of European publishers, technology firms, and startup organisations has urged the European Commission to conclude its long-running antitrust investigation into Google and impose sanctions if the company is found to have breached competition rules.

In a joint letter addressed to European Union leaders, the groups called on regulators to wrap up the probe next week, arguing that delays are harming European businesses competing in the digital economy.

The letter, seen by Reuters, was signed by several organisations including the European Publishers Council, whose members include Axel Springer, News Corp, and Condé Nast. Other signatories include the European Magazine Media Association, European Tech Alliance, and EU Travel Tech.

The groups are pushing for the investigation, launched by the European Commission on 25 March 2024 under the Digital Markets Act, to be finalised nearly two years after it began.

EU regulators had earlier indicated that cases under the DMA would typically be concluded within 12 months, although the Commission announced formal charges against Google last year.

In their letter, the organisations warned that prolonged delays risk undermining the credibility of the EU’s competition framework.

“The European Commission’s credibility is on the line, and it is important that sustained pressure to dilute the DMA is not shown to have succeeded,” the groups said.

The letter was addressed to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera; and EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen.

According to the coalition, delays in resolving the case are placing European companies at a disadvantage.

“Every passing day further erodes the profitability of European companies, hampering their ability to invest and grow, with many already facing financial distress or even bankruptcy under the weight of Alphabet’s conduct,” the groups said.

The investigation centres on allegations that Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., favours its own services in online search results to the detriment of competitors.

Google has previously denied the allegations and has offered several proposals aimed at addressing concerns raised by rivals and regulators.

However, competitors argue that the proposed remedies are inadequate.

The signatories—including the Initiative for Neutral Search, the Innovative Europe Foundation, and the German Startup Association—have called on the European Commission, the EU’s competition watchdog, to adopt a formal non-compliance decision against Alphabet.

They are also urging regulators to issue a cease-and-desist order and impose a deterrent fine if the company is found to have violated the bloc’s digital competition rules.