A recent United States court decision has significantly complicated the European Union’s ongoing Google antitrust push, rejecting calls for a forced divestiture of the tech giant’s powerful advertising technology business. This ruling emerged on Wednesday, specifically from Judge Leonie Brinkema of the Federal District of Eastern Virginia.
Judge Brinkema’s order denied the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DoJ) request for a structural breakup. Consequently, Brussels finds itself largely alone in advocating for the online advertising behemoth to restructure itself, especially amid current transatlantic disagreements.
The European Commission had, just last September, asserted that divestiture was the sole effective solution to Google’s inherent conflicts of interest within the ad tech market. This stance came a year after the Commission fined Google €2.95 billion for monopolistic practices in digital advertising. Earlier, in April 2025, a U.S. judge had also found Google liable in a DoJ lawsuit.
Many observers believe the Commission had been anticipating a strong U.S. ruling to support its own position. Max von Thun, Europe director at the Open Markets Institute, noted that Brussels “should have acted independently long ago.” Furthermore, Arielle Garcia, CEO of U.S. watchdog Check My Ads, warned that a Europe-only remedy might have minimal impact, despite being technically feasible.
The mood among complainants is reportedly one of resignation. Several individuals involved in the original complaint privately expressed doubts about the viability of carving out a U.S. company’s business solely within Europe. Tim Cowen, a partner at Preiskel & Co. representing a complainant, explained that the true critical issue is non-discrimination, not just a breakup.
Obstacles to a breakup are both structural and political. Google’s advertising tools operate as a unified global system. A sale mandated by Brussels would apply only on one side of the Atlantic, ignoring the cross-border nature of major advertisers and publishers. Anthony Whelan, Director General of DG Competition, acknowledged the political difficulties and inherent challenges of structural remedies, particularly after investment activities are completed.
The EU executive is currently assessing Google’s compliance plan, having granted an extension in March to thoroughly review the proposal. Google submitted this plan in November 2025, offering operational changes instead of a sale. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has previously threatened tariffs over EU actions against U.S. tech firms.
Andreas Schwab, a German lawmaker, criticized the Commission for giving Google “more time to extend its market power.” Campaigners marked the one-year anniversary of the fine by symbolically pelting a Google logo with fake money. Civil society groups emphasize that the case tests Europe’s resolve. Google is appealing the Commission’s decision at the EU’s General Court and expressed satisfaction with the recent U.S. ruling.
