EU condemns US visa bans on European officials, threatens action

The European Union has forcefully condemned a move by the United States to impose visa restrictions on five European nationals, warning it will take decisive action to protect the bloc's sovereignty. The individuals, which include former European Commissioner Thierry Breton, were targeted by the U.S. State Department on Tuesday.

Defense of EU rules and fundamental values

In an official statement, the European Commission described freedom of expression as a fundamental right and a core value shared with the U.S. It asserted the EU's sovereign authority to regulate its single market, stating, "Our digital rules ensure a safe, fair, and level playing field for all companies, applied fairly and without discrimination."

Request for clarity and threat of retaliation

Brussels has formally requested clarifications from Washington regarding the visa bans. The EU statement warned that "if needed, we will respond swiftly and decisively to defend our regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures." This marks a significant diplomatic escalation over issues of digital governance and perceived extraterritorial enforcement.

Background of the US action

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the visa restrictions, accusing the five Europeans of leading organized efforts to coerce online platforms into censoring what he termed "American viewpoints." The dispute centers on the enforcement of the EU's Digital Services Act and other regulations affecting major U.S. tech firms.