EU trade chief stalls Google fine after Trump threats

The EU's trade chief insisted Wednesday he fully backed the bloc's antitrust probe into Google after it emerged he hit pause on plans to fine the tech giant -- seemingly for fear of US retaliation.

An EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, told AFP that a political battle had broken out inside the bloc's executive after trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic this week delayed punishing the US behemoth.

"Sefcovic hit the red button" on the planned fine when it was put forward for approval on Monday, the official said.


The hold-up of the fine follows threats by Trump to go after Europe for regulations seeking to rein in US tech giants.

The wrangling also comes as the EU is waiting for the United States to make good on a promise to lower tariffs on cars under a trade deal agreed in July.

Sefcovic has been the EU's point man on the sensitive trade negotiations with US President Donald Trump's administration.

"I want to underline that I fully support the antitrust investigation against Google," Sefcovic told journalists.

The trade chief did not deny intervening to stop the fine, saying: "Our internal procedures exist for a reason, and using them is nothing out of ordinary."

"This is a complex case that requires a thorough assessment, and every step has been taken in collegial manner," he added.

"I can assure you that my priority is, and always will be, the European interest."

The EU has been probing Google since 2021 over suspicions it was abusing its dominating position in the advertising market.

Brussels recommended in 2023 the US company sell part of its ad services to ensure fair competition.

Google has meanwhile been facing a major antitrust case in the United States.

A US judge on Tuesday rejected the government's demand that Google sell its Chrome web browser, but imposed sweeping requirements to restore competition in online search.

The landmark ruling came after the judge found in August 2024 that Google illegally maintained monopolies in online search through exclusive distribution agreements worth billions of dollars annually.

Shares in Google parent company rose more than eight percent in trading on Wednesday.