EU vows not to bow to pressure, condemns US visa bans

BRUSSELS, Belgium (MNTV) – The European Union has strongly condemned US visa restrictions imposed on five European individuals, including a former EU commissioner, pledging swift measures to defend its regulatory autonomy.

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, who include former European Commissioner Thierry Breton, were targeted by the US State Department on Tuesday.

In an official statement, the European Commission described freedom of expression as a fundamental right and a core value shared with the US. 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.”

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.” The declaration marks a significant diplomatic escalation over issues of digital governance and perceived extraterritorial enforcement.

US 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 US tech firms.

The transatlantic tensions highlight growing friction between Washington and Brussels over tech regulation, with the EU maintaining its right to enforce standards within its borders while the US pushes back against what it views as overreach affecting American companies and speech.