EU Gets Cold Feet Over Google Fine, Fears Potential Trump Backlash

The European Union's competition authorities have reportedly backed down from imposing a fine on Google over alleged misuse of its ad services. The decision comes amidst concerns about potential backlash from the Trump administration. The regulator had been planning to announce the fine on Monday, but the decision has now been postponed. This is seen as a strategic move to avoid further escalating tensions between the EU and the United States, particularly given the ongoing trade disputes between the two economic powers. The case centers around Google's alleged anti-competitive practices in its online advertising business. However, the EU's hesitation to move forward with the fine highlights the delicate balance it is trying to strike between enforcing competition rules and maintaining diplomatic relations with the US government. The decision underscores the complex geopolitical considerations that can influence regulatory actions, even in cases involving potential violations of competition laws. The postponement of the fine suggests the EU is carefully weighing the potential consequences of its decisions in the current global political climate.