Udo Bullmann: Google must play by the EU rules when in the EU market. No company is above EU law

S&Ds welcomed today the decision of the European Commission to impose a €4.3 billion penalty on Google for abusing its dominant position in the Android operating system for mobile phones.

Reacting to the announcement by the competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager, S&D Group president Udo Bullmann said:

“Once again Google is making headlines with its illegal methods to maintain its dominance in the market for mobile and other devices. This is the eighth consecutive year of EU’s antitrust battle with Google and so far, there is no sign of change. Google continues to shamelessly disregard EU law and do business as usual to the detriment of its competitors and of European consumers. This is unacceptable.

“Google must understand that being the most important player comes with great responsibility. It must immediately end these illegal practices and offer proposed remedies to its anticompetitive behaviour without further delay.
“Competition Commissioner Vestager has shown today that no company, no matter how important, is above the law. We fully support her decision to fine Google for abusing Android dominance in the EU market.

“Tech giants and multinationals must know that they are welcome in Europe but they must play by the rules. It is certain that they bring innovation, jobs and more choices for European consumers. This however cannot become an excuse for infringing on EU antitrust law. In order for companies to benefit from the EU market, they must respect EU law and the responsibilities that come with it. Greater competition and more choices is not a one-way street.”