Teresa Ribera, the newly appointed European Union competition chief, has indicated that the potential breakup of Google’s business remains under consideration. This includes possible divestments of parts of Alphabet Inc.’s operations, which have been discussed by both her predecessor Margrethe Vestager and the US Department of Justice to curb Big Tech’s growing market dominance.
In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Ribera confirmed that divestments were a potential solution to address concerns over market concentration in the tech sector. “It’s something that is of course on the table,” she said, emphasizing the need for cooperation with global competition authorities, including those in the U.S. She added that each case would be assessed individually.
Vestager had previously suggested splitting off Google’s adtech business to tackle its dominance in digital advertising. The U.S. has similarly pushed for broader divestments, including the forced sale of Google’s Chrome browser, to reduce its alleged control over online search.
Ribera, a Spanish socialist, faces significant challenges in her new role, overseeing both competition and the EU’s green deal amid concerns about de-industrialization. One early test for Ribera will be managing her relationship with the incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, who has often criticized Europe’s treatment of the U.S. and threatened trade conflicts. Ribera has expressed a desire to foster a cooperative relationship, noting the appointment of Irish-born Gail Slater to head up U.S. antitrust enforcement.
Additionally, Ribera faces competition from China, particularly in the green technology sector, as EU countries struggle to match Chinese subsidies and tax breaks. She highlighted the importance of the EU’s Foreign Subsidies Regulation, which aims to prevent foreign state-backed firms from distorting competition within the EU market.
Ribera’s efforts to create a more competitive European market will face challenges, especially with ongoing political instability in key EU member states like France and Germany. Nonetheless, Ribera has expressed commitment to fostering European champions in technology and other strategic industries.
