European Commission opens talks with US after €890 million Google fine spikes transatlantic tensions

Published on 24/07/2026 – 15:03 GMT+2

The European Commission announced on Friday that it will work with the United States to defuse rising tensions following Thursday’s €890 million fine imposed on Google for dominant market behaviour in the EU’s digital sector. The penalty triggered a sharp response from Washington.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer warned that the EU’s fine jeopardises ongoing dialogue on digital regulation and threatens the trade accord reached between the two sides last year after months of negotiation. The Trump administration has repeatedly condemned EU digital rules, characterising them as non‑tariff barriers that disproportionately target American technology firms.

Commission chief spokesperson Paula Pinho confirmed that the U.S. has left the door open for discussion. “There is a call for dialogue which we fully embrace,” she said, adding that Brussels will engage while preserving the EU’s regulatory autonomy.

‘The EU undermines dialogue’

Earlier this week, 25 U.S. lawmakers wrote to President Donald Trump urging an investigation into EU trade practices ahead of the anticipated fine. The €890 million penalty was issued under the EU’s Digital Markets Act—a law that Washington has consistently criticised—alongside the Digital Services Act, which targets illegal content on large online platforms.

“We are trying to resolve our concerns with the EU’s Digital Markets Act and other actions through responsible, constructive dialogue,” Greer stated after the fine was announced. “The EU’s recent actions undermine these efforts and pose a real risk to the continuation of transatlantic stability with respect to trade,” he added.

German Socialist MEP Bernd Lange, the European Parliament’s trade chief, expressed concern about further escalation in transatlantic relations and anticipated additional U.S. measures. Lange, who led the negotiations for the 2025 EU‑U.S. trade agreement between Trump and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, noted that despite the deal, EU officials still view the relationship as volatile.

Separately, the White House unveiled a new tariff regime targeting trading partners, including the EU, citing forced‑labour allegations. Brussels chose not to retaliate, arguing that the tariffs remain within the 15 % cap stipulated by the trade agreement.

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