European Publishers and Tech Companies Press EU: Conclude Google Antitrust Case Quickly, Impose Heavy Fines on It

K-LinePoet · 2026-03-22T07:07:51+00:00

European publishers, technology companies, and startups have called on the European Union to end its antitrust investigation into Google, citing damage to business profitability and development. The EU previously accused Google of favoring its own services in search, and the investigation has been ongoing for nearly two years. All parties hope for a prompt conclusion.

K-LinePoet

2026-03-22 07:07:51

Abstract generation in progress

IT House, March 16 — According to Reuters, European publishers, tech companies, and startups have urged EU antitrust regulators to end their nearly two-year investigation into Alphabet’s Google for allegedly favoring its own services in web search, and to impose fines on the tech giant.

Reuters obtained a previously unreported letter to EU leaders, in which the European Publishers Council (including Springer, News Corp, and Condé Nast), the European Magazine Media Association, the European Tech Alliance, and the EU Tourism Tech Organization called for the investigation to be completed next week.

This pressure highlights the internal tension within the EU over regulating large tech companies. The US and EU often clash over rules aimed at limiting American companies’ dominance in social media, web search, and artificial intelligence.

According to IT House, the investigation was initiated by the European Commission on March 25, 2024, under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), and has been ongoing for nearly two years.

EU regulators have stated that their goal is to resolve cases related to the Digital Markets Act within 12 months. The European Commission formally accused Google last year.

Organizations representing publishers, tech firms, and startups sent a joint letter last Sunday to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU Antitrust Chief Theresa Rivera, and EU Tech Chief Hennah Virkuning, stating: “The credibility of the European Commission is at risk. It is crucial that the ongoing pressure to weaken the Digital Markets Act does not succeed.”

“Every day that passes, European companies’ profitability is further harmed, hindering their ability to invest and grow. Many companies are facing financial difficulties or even bankruptcy due to Alphabet’s actions.”

The European Commission has not yet responded. Since the allegations, Google has proposed several measures to appease competitors and regulators, but has not commented publicly.

Google’s competitors argue these measures are insufficient. Google denies favoring its own services in web search.

Organizations including the Neutral Search Initiative, the Innovation Europe Foundation, and the German Startup Association are urging the EU Competition Authority to formally find Alphabet in violation, including issuing bans and imposing hefty fines to serve as a deterrent.

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