Google (and the other portals) would probably shut down a service across all of Europe if it were losing money.
That might be the outcome publishers want. They might imagine that if they eliminate outside links to individual stories, people would be forced to use publisher's sites as portals to the news.
You're exactly right: The big publishers lobbying for this aren't particularly scared of that outcome. They'd prefer to just receive millions from FB & Google, but if those platforms get out of the news sector entirely, they expect their consolation prize to be regaining control over how people find news, renewed brand loyalty, increased front page traffic and an advantage over smaller and new competitors.
Couldn't I or a million other individuals that aren't multinationals with holdings in Europe just start a news site while thumbing my nose at their inalienable rights?
