A PYMNTS Company

EU Prepares Major Fine Against Google Over Alleged DMA Violations

By  |  May 26, 2026
Google AI pointer

The European Union is preparing to impose a fine worth “hundreds of millions of euros” on Google as part of an ongoing antitrust investigation tied to the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to a report by the German newspaper Handelsblatt.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    Per a statement cited by Reuters, sources familiar with the matter said the European Commission is close to finalising its decision and could announce the penalty before European institutions begin their summer recess.

    The case stems from a formal investigation launched by the European Commission in March 2025. Regulators have accused Google of giving preferential treatment to its own services within search results, a practice that may violate the DMA, the European Union’s landmark legislation designed to curb the market power of major technology companies.

    According to a statement from Handelsblatt, the planned penalty could become the largest fine issued under the Digital Markets Act since the law came into force. The DMA was introduced to ensure fair competition in digital markets and to prevent so-called “gatekeeper” companies from disadvantaging rivals.

    Related: Google Challenges Federal Antitrust Decision Over Search Dominance

    European Commission spokesperson Thomas Rainer indicated that Brussels is primarily focused on ensuring Google complies with the DMA rather than simply imposing financial penalties. According to a statement from the Commission, regulators are seeking practical changes to Google’s search operations that would align the company with EU competition rules.

    Google has repeatedly criticised the European Union’s demands regarding changes to its search engine. The company previously argued that the required adjustments under the DMA represented “the biggest product deterioration in the history of Search” for users in Europe.

    The dispute between Google and EU regulators has continued in recent months as officials pushed for additional modifications. In early May, the European Commission said it had granted Google more time to revise its proposed search changes after regulators concluded that an earlier version did not adequately address their concerns.

    The investigation is one of several ongoing efforts by the European Union to enforce the Digital Markets Act against major technology firms operating in the region.

    Source: Reuters