Link: https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/eu-use-google-fines-cut-member-state-contributions-budget/

• 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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What the fuck did they have been doing with them up until now?