EU: Parliament demands answers in Google settlement case

MEPs have reportedly sent a letter to the European Commission asking Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia to explain his reasoning for accepting a settlement offer with Google, say reports.

The letter, addressed by Ramon Tremosa and Andreas Schwab, is reportedly calling on Almunia to appear before the EU’s economics and monetary affairs committee. The politicians are reportedly demanding answers as to why the regulator accepted Google’s concessions offer despite rejecting two early offers.

The agreement sparked controversy as Almunia decided not to market test the concessions; two other offers were rejected based on the results of earlier market testing.

In the letter, the MEPs write that Almunia’s appearance “is essential for the members to not only understand why the proposed commitments solve the identified competition concerns and restore competitive conditions to online search and search advertising, but also if they benefit consumers as required under European law.”

The letter follows earlier reports that several European Commissioners similarly disagree with Almunia’s decision to accept Google’s offer.

The search giant had been under the Commission’s watch in a nearly three-year-long case regarding how Google presents its rivals’ search results.

Full Content: The Register

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