Executive Vice-President Margrethe Ribera, in a written answer on 1 July 2026, defended the European Commission's pace in enforcing the Digital Markets Act (DMA) against Alphabet (Google), stressing that two ongoing investigations remain a high priority but require careful review of evidence and respect for procedural rights. The answer, responding to a question from Renew MEP Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, comes amid growing pressure from the European Parliament and the IMCO Committee's DMA working group to conclude proceedings without delay.
Ribera confirmed that the Commission is engaged in intensive discussions with Alphabet about possible solutions to comply with the DMA, but did not commit to a specific deadline for adopting a non-compliance decision or imposing fines under Articles 30 and 31. She reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to full enforcement regardless of geopolitical pressures, echoing the Parliament's April 2026 resolution that warned of external political pressure to weaken the DMA.
The answer contains no concrete numerical targets or deadlines, instead offering declarative support for the DMA's objectives. Ribera stated that the Commission continues to advance all ongoing DMA investigations and stands ready to take further enforcement action where necessary.
Policy orientation Ribera's response signals a cautious, procedurally rigorous approach to enforcement, prioritising legal robustness over speed. This balances the Parliament's call for urgency against the risk of legal challenges from Alphabet.
Institutional follow-up No immediate decision is expected. The Commission will likely continue regulatory dialogue with Alphabet, with a non-compliance decision possible later in 2026 or 2027. The Parliament may increase pressure through hearings or further resolutions.
Stakeholder impact - Alphabet (Google): Faces continued uncertainty and potential fines, but gains time to negotiate compliance solutions. - EU digital competitors: May see delayed relief from alleged self-preferencing and anti-steering practices. - European Parliament: Its calls for speed are acknowledged but not fully met, potentially straining inter-institutional relations. - EU consumers: Continued exposure to potentially anti-competitive practices until enforcement concludes.