European publishers call for strong remedies following the European Commission’s decision against Google in its adtech investigation on Friday. The 2.95bn Euro fine is is a reflection of the gravity and duration of the infringements, but entirely insufficient alone to deter similar harmful conduct in the future, they argue.

Iacob Gammeltoft, Senior Policy Manager, said: “The conflicts of interests that underpin the illegal conduct are structural in their nature, we therefore expect structural remedies to be the starting point for discussions about finding a resolution to this problem”.

Given the scale of Google’s European revenues in online advertising, EU competition enforcers should make sure that the fine does not simply become yet another cost of doing business for Google.

News Media Europe is part of the investigation’s administrative procedure as an interested party in the case. This is because Google’s practices in online advertising have been uniquely harmful for the business of news publishers in Europe, depriving them of crucial revenues that are essential for the good functioning of a free and independent press.

About News Media Europe

News Media Europe represents the voice of independent news media across Europe. The organisation advocates for policies that support press freedom, media sustainability, and the role of journalism in democratic societies.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Iacob Gammeltoft, Senior Policy Manager

iacob.gammeltoft@newsmediaeurope.eu / +32(0)472 536703

www.newsmediaeurope.eu