cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/11593298
- France argues that proceeds from Google fines—€890 million imposed in July and a cumulative €10.38 billion over nearly two decades—should directly lower national budget contributions, providing a new EU revenue stream.
- The European Commission’s proposed 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework totals nearly €2 trillion (about 1.26 % of EU GNI), with talks underway to finalize budget size and priorities by end‑2026.
- Utilizing fine revenues as budget offsets could ease fiscal pressure on member states, offering a politically palatable ‘own resource’ while highlighting the link between competition enforcement and EU financing.
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“This [Google fines] is a new revenue source for the European Union — worth €4.6 billion — that should automatically lower the contributions of all member states,” [France’s Europe Minister Benjamin] Haddad said.
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Ehrm, nope?
Once fines are considered expected revenue the incentive is to fine people/organizations more and more often. And in reverse: What happens when there is nobody to fine?
Instead fines should be cashed out at the end of the fiscal year and may contribute to next years budget, but not offset the current one.
Instead fines should be cashed out at the end of the fiscal year and may contribute to next years budget, but not offset the current one.
This is what is meant, only that the EU has a multi-year budget, and now they are about to plan for 2028-2034.
It reads to me though as they want to include expected fines, though.
I’d argue the fines should be placed in a sovereign fund to avoid dependence on them. Perhaps one used to develop European/fedi alternatives to Sil-V services?
This is the answer.
