Barrier to competition, the Google case on the counter … – Il Sole 24 Ore

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This article was published on 23 September 2014 at 18:09.
The last change is the 23 September 2014 at 18:24.

BRUSSELS – The European Commission presideduta next to Jean-Claude Juncker, who should come into the office November 1, is likely to inherit the Google case. Speaking yesterday before the Commission for Economic Affairs of the European Parliament, the current Competition Commissioner Joaquín Almunia again called on the American multinational new commitments to address a market situation that the EU executive sees an obstacle to competition.

The investigation “will end when it will end (…) I will work until the last minute,” said Almunia, who should leave his post on October 31. However, he pointed out, if you do not find a solution by the end of October, the game “will pass on to my successor.” Competition Commissioner is nominated for Margrethe Vestager, Danish Minister of Finance. The Commission has already rejected on two different occasions the commitments of Brussels with Google to find an amicable solution.

In the American society is criticized to advertise their services, rather than those of the competition, when they appear on a computer screen or mobile phone the results of a search. In spring Almunia seemed on the point of accepting the proposals for Google, but the face of the criticism of the 18 claimants out of 20, the Commissioner asked the group to California to further enhance its commitments. A renewed demand yesterday.

For the past four years, the issue is at the center of heated discussions. In Parliament, Almunia said that if the negotiations do not reach a positive outcome, the European Commission will not be able to steer the company a formal complaint. Ultimately, Google faces a fine equal to 10% of its revenue (about 60 billion euro in 2013). The Spanish politician admitted that the case is very complex because the industry as a whole is very changeable.

During her audition, Almunia noted that ua investigation against Microsoft accused is also an obstacle to free competition, closed in 2013 after 16 years of investigation. There is no clear position on the issue of Mrs. Vestager Google. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, however, recently explained that free competition in the digital economy would be his top priority. Google is also accused of not respecting enough privacy of its users.

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