EU court adviser backs reinstating €1.5 bn antitrust fine against Google
An Advocate General of the EU Court of Justice, Juliane Kokott, recommended overturning a 2024 ruling that had annulled a fine on Google for anti‑competitive clauses in its AdSense for Search service. The adviser urged the case be sent back to the General Court for a new ruling on the €1.49 bn (≈€1.5 bn) penalty. The European Commission had appealed the 2024 decision and may have to reassess the fine, with a final judgment still pending.
Why it matters
If the fine is reinstated, Google could face a liability of roughly €1.5 bn, affecting its cash flow and earnings. The Commission may also recalculate the amount, potentially altering the financial impact.
Key facts
- 1Advocate General Juliane Kokott advised the EU Court of Justice to set aside the General Court’s September 2024 judgment and refer the case back for a new ruling. verdict.co.uk
- 2The case concerns Google’s AdSense for Search service and alleged restrictive clauses in Google Services Agreements. verdict.co.uk
- 3The European Commission originally fined Google €1.49 bn, including €130.1 m for which Alphabet was jointly and severally liable. verdict.co.uk
- 4The General Court annulled the fine on 18 September 2024, finding insufficient evidence of exclusionary effects. verdict.co.uk
- 5The Advocate General’s opinion is non‑binding and a final judgment is due later. verdict.co.uk
Open questions
- Material 1 cites a €1.5 bn (€1.66 bn) fine, while material 2 cites €1.49 bn; the exact fine amount differs.
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 2 of 2 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.