Trump Threatens Tariffs After EU Fines Google; German Chancellor's Cabinet Shuffle Stumbles

The European Union has levied a substantial 890 million euro fine against internet giant Google, citing the company's abuse of market power through services like Maps and Shopping. This action has provoked a sharp response from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened Europeans with significantly higher tariffs.

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The EU will pay a very high price.

Trump decried the EU's decision as "illegal and highly discriminatory," accusing the bloc of "robbing American companies." He asserted that the EU would pay a "very high price" and questioned its authority to penalize U.S. corporations for anti-competitive practices within Europe. A 10% tariff on European products entering the U.S. recently took effect.

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robbing American companies

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's attempt at a government reshuffle has hit a snag. His plan to replace the transport minister, a CDU member, with another CDU politician reportedly fell apart overnight when the successor withdrew his acceptance. Merz announced new appointments for his chancellery chief of staff, health minister, and minister for federal-state cooperation, but conspicuously omitted the transport minister position, only stating that "further changes" would occur.

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illegal and highly discriminatory

Adding to the political landscape, the discussion around a potential ban on the AfD party has gained momentum. The debate, which had subsided in recent months, has been reignited by the upcoming state elections in September, particularly in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, alongside Berlin. This resurgence of interest suggests a renewed focus on the legal and political future of the far-right party.

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further changes