EU Fines Against Google Could Cut France's Budget Contribution

France wants to lower what its citizens pay into the European Union's budget using billions of euros in fines Google has paid. The country argues that this new revenue source, valued at €4.6 billion, should automatically reduce contributions from all member states.

The largest recent fine against Google was €4.125bn for Android, which was confirmed by the EU's highest court on 2 July after an eight-year legal battle. When interest is included, this total rises to around €4.7 billion.

Under current rules, fines that become final already reduce national contributions either in the year they are booked or the next year. France wants a firm promise from Brussels that Google's money will be treated as such.