The European Commission has postponed announcing a fine against the tech giant Google in an ongoing case under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). According to the newspaper Handelsblatt, citing high-ranking EU officials, the delay is reportedly because Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (CDU) does not wish to provoke US President Donald Trump during the NATO summit, which is taking place in Ankara and runs until Wednesday.
Von der Leyen reportedly fears that imposing the penalty on the American corporation could further jeopardize the already tense transatlantic relationship, possibly inciting the unpredictable US President to rash actions.
Despite this political caution, Google is close to receiving what is anticipated to be the highest fine under the law for digital markets. Handelsblatt reports that the EU intends to impose the fine before the summer recess, leaving only a few days to act after the NATO summit concludes.
The current investigation centers on the question of whether Google favors its own products, thereby pushing users away from competing services. However, a Commission spokesperson confirmed that the body will proceed with the necessary next steps as soon as possible.
