Google could face anti-trust charges in Europe in the next few weeks, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing a person familiar with the matter.
The European Commission, the European Union's (EU) executive arm, is asking companies that filed complaints against Google for permission to publish some information they submitted as part of the investigation, the newspaper said, citing sources. Shopping and travel companies were among those asked.
Antitrust experts said the move was a strong sign that the EU was laying the groundwork for formal charges against Google.
Google was not available for comment when contacted by CNBC.
The move is the latest punch thrown in a five-year-old investigation that has stalled three times and caused political backlash. The investigation has focused on accusations that Google has abused its dominant position in the European Internet search market.
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