The US Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, criticised the €890 million fine imposed by the European Commission on Google on Thursday 23 July for breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA) (see EUROPE 13915/2), describing it as “the latest example of an increasingly aggressive approach targeting American technology companies”. While stating that Washington was seeking to resolve its differences with the European Union through a “responsible and constructive” dialogue, he warned of “a real risk to the continuation of transatlantic trade stability”.
“The European Union regularly claims to be seeking stability and predictability in our trade relationship. Yet these measures create immense uncertainty for US exports”, Mr Greer said, referring to the various fines imposed on Google over the years - which “now amount to more than 2% of the European Union’s budget”, in particular referring to the previous €4.1 billion fine imposed on Google for abuse of a dominant position and upheld in July by the Court of Justice of the European Union (see EUROPE 13901/20). He also highlighted “the largest loan ever granted by a State to Airbus”.
The European Commission’s chief spokesperson, Paula Pinho, replied, on 24 July, that the EU remained “fully committed to this dialogue, while preserving its regulatory autonomy” and applying these rules “in a non-discriminatory manner”. She also stated that the 10% customs duty on European products announced by US President Donald Trump was “consistent with the commitments undertaken by the United States” under the so-called ‘Turnberry’ agreement (see EUROPE 13916/7). (Original version in French by Ana Pisonero Hernández)