Ursula von der Leyen has halted a previously planned multibillion-euro fine against Google at the last minute. This is reported by both the Handelsblatt and Capitol Forum. In an open letter released today, more than 30 organizations are calling on the Commission President to impose the fine promptly and thus effectively enforce the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
This stems from two investigations by the European Commission into whether Google has abused its market power and thereby violated the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA is intended to prevent large tech companies from abusing their power to consolidate and expand their monopoly positions.
According to reports, these investigations had already been concluded, and a fine in the billions was set to be imposed in March 2026. However, shortly before the announcement, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is said to have personally intervened and suspended the fine until further notice.
Just last week, the European Parliament issued a resolution in which it issued a clear warning against “external political pressure aimed at weakening the law.” Members of Parliament called for the ongoing DMA proceedings to be “concluded without delay.”
Felix Duffy, a campaigner and researcher at LobbyControl, comments:
“The European Commission has caved in and sent a dangerous signal: if tech companies face no consequences for violating EU digital rules, laws like the DMA will remain ineffective. The extent of the EU’s digital dependence on the U.S. is very clear here: Instead of enforcing its own rules, the EU is apparently allowing itself to be pressured by the U.S., thereby weakening the protection of its citizens and fundamental democratic principles.
However, effective enforcement of the DMA is crucial to curbing Big Tech’s abuse of power and protecting our democracy from the excessive influence of Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and others.
What is needed now is decisive action, not delaying tactics. The European Commission must effectively enforce and defend its own rules—even in the face of political pressure from the United States.”
Max Bank, EU Competition Lead bei Rebalance Now comments:
“So far, the EU has not made sufficient use of the tools provided by the Digital Markets Act: proceedings are dragging on, decisions are being delayed, and key enforcement mechanisms are being applied too hesitantly.
While the Digital Markets Act is having an impact, it risks becoming a paper tiger because the Commission is not taking consistent action. When even overdue fines against companies like Google are blocked for political reasons, it undermines the law’s credibility and sends a dangerous signal to the big tech companies.”
Further information:
- In an open letter, civil society organizations from across Europe are calling on Ursula von der Leyen to ensure the effective and timely implementation of the Digital Markets Act.
- In an online petition launched by LobbyControl, more than 20,000 people are calling on the European Commission to effectively enforce the Digital Markets Act.
