The 10 biggest European tech stories this week

2) Alphabet’s Google faces a record antitrust fine of around 3 billion euros ($3.4 billion) from the European Commission in the coming weeks, according to media reports.

3) In related news, EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager may open a third front in her battle with Google as she studies whether to escalate a probe into the Internet search giant’s advertising services.

4) British semiconductor giant ARM has acquired Apical, a London-headquartered company that specialises in imaging and embedded computer vision technology, for $350 million in cash.

5) The BBC is to push ahead with plans to launch a British rival to Netflix, after getting the go-ahead from the government to develop a new subscription streaming service.

6) Speaking of Netflix, the company could be subject to European content quotas.

7) Rovio’s Angry Birds movie is off to a good start, grossing $43 million in its opening weekend, and before landing in the US, China and other big markets.

8) Mo’ money in Europe: Runa Capital raised $135 million for its second fund, while e.ventures launched a $150 million fund for early-stage startups.

9) Belgium’s Showpad has closed a $50 million Series C round to keep growing its SaaS sales productivity platform (disclosure: I’m a tiny shareholder in this startup).

10) The German cabinet approved new incentives and tax breaks to boost demand for electric cars in an attempt to meet its target of bringing 1 million of them onto its roads by the end of the decade.

Bonus link: The rise and fall of Lionhead, the British game studio Microsoft acquired in 2006 and closed in April (Eurogamer.net)