There's an interesting piece in the NYTimes about Google's spend in Europe, which is suggested that Google is trying to endear itself in Europe in the wake of its European regulatory issues.

The cynics out there will love this one, however, there are many institutions, through to individuals, that are benefiting. A key factor is when the EU brings its antitrust charges. Of course, these should be completely independent of the "goodwill" generated by these schemes.

In Google’s case, experts say, its push to sponsor digital skills training, museum exhibitions and other programs equates to an almost unprecedented effort by a United States tech company to change the perceptions of Europeans, many of whom still see it as an American interloper that does not play by the rules.Google Spending Millions to Endear Itself in Europe [nytimes.com]

EU files fresh competition charges against Google [webmasterworld.com]