EU Considers Using Google Fines to Lower Member State Contributions

The European Union is considering using fines imposed on Google to reduce member states' contributions to the EU budget. French Minister for Europe Benjamin Haddad suggested this approach, citing a new source of revenue for the EU.

The fines in question amount to €4.6 billion, which could automatically lower the contributions of all member states. This proposal comes as EU governments negotiate the 2028-2034 budget period.

Google has been fined a total of €10.38 billion over nearly two decades for anticompetitive practices. The latest fine was €890 million in July, bringing the total to €10.38 billion.