EU Condemns US Travel Curbs, Defends Digital Regulatory Sovereignty

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Wednesday, December 24th, 2025

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Source: Xinhua

BRUSSELS: The European Commission has strongly criticized a recent decision by the United States to impose travel restrictions on five European individuals, including former European Commissioner Thierry Breton, warning that it stands ready to act decisively to protect the European Union’s regulatory independence.

In an official response issued on Wednesday, a Commission spokesperson emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Europe and a shared democratic value with the United States. The spokesperson underlined that the European Union operates as an open, rules-based single market and retains the sovereign authority to regulate economic and digital activity in line with its democratic principles and international obligations.

The Commission stressed that the EU’s digital regulations are designed to ensure a safe, fair, and balanced online environment, providing a level playing field for all companies operating within the bloc. These rules, the spokesperson added, are applied consistently and without discrimination, regardless of a company’s origin.

According to EU officials, the Commission has formally sought clarification from U.S. authorities regarding the decision and remains engaged through diplomatic channels.

The travel restrictions were announced by the U.S. State Department earlier this week, with American officials alleging that the targeted individuals were involved in actions affecting content moderation on U.S.-based social media platforms. The move has raised concerns in Brussels over potential interference with the EU’s digital policy framework.