(Updates stock movement and adds statement from the European Commission)
Alphabet's (ABEA.F) Google said Tuesday it is "keen" to resolve an ongoing antitrust probe by the European Union after reports emerged that Brussels is preparing to impose its largest-ever penalty for suspected violations of the bloc's Digital Markets Act.
"We are keen to bring this investigation to a close so we can get back to developing innovative products for our users," a Google spokesperson told. "The changes we've already made to Search under the DMA represent the biggest downgrade in the product's history, creating a second-rate experience for Europeans to the benefit of a few self-interested complainants."
Meanwhile, a European Commission spokesperson told MT that the body is having "extensive discussions" with Google on future compliance solutions, saying that simply issuing a fine "formalises the infringement without solving the issue at hand."
"Even with our negotiations on future solutions, we will not hesitate to move to the next steps as soon as possible," the spokesperson said.
Launched in March 2025, the investigation into an alleged breach of the DMA focused on concerns that Google prioritized its own services within search results. The probe was part of broader efforts by the European Commission to ensure the tech company complied with local laws.
The fine is projected to reach the high hundreds of millions of euros and will likely be finalized before the summer recess, Germany's Handelsblatt newspaper reported Monday, citing sources at the European Commission. The sources noted that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen holds the final authority on the exact amount of the fine.
Earlier in May, EU regulators gave Google "a bit more time" to address the antitrust concerns after its initial proposals were deemed "simply not strong enough," according to European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier.
Alphabet's Frankfurt-listed stock was over 2% in the red by Tuesday afternoon.
