The EU condemns the travel restrictions imposed by the USA on some European citizens.
The European Commission condemns the United States' decision to impose travel restrictions on certain European citizens, warning that it will defend freedom of expression and the EU's autonomy in applying its digital rules.
Brussels, December 24, 2025 – The European Commission has condemned the United States' decision to impose travel restrictions on five European citizens, including former European Commissioner Thierry Breton. The EU executive describes the measure as unjustified and warns that it will defend freedom of expression and the Union's right to apply its own economic and digital rules.
In short
The US has imposed travel restrictions on five European citizens.
Among those affected is former European Commissioner Thierry Breton.
The European Commission describes the measure as unjustified.
The EU invokes freedom of expression and the right to regulate its digital market.
Brussels has requested clarifications from Washington and warns of a possible response.
In an official statement published on Wednesday, the Commission emphasizes that freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Europe and a common value with the United States within the democratic world. Brussels states that Washington's decision contradicts this principle and risks affecting transatlantic relations.
The Commission reminds that the European Union is a unique open market based on rules, with the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in accordance with its democratic values and international commitments. In this context, the EU's digital rules are presented as being applied fairly, without discrimination, and aimed at ensuring a safe and fair environment for all companies operating in the European market.
The European executive has announced that it has requested clarifications from the American authorities regarding the reasons behind the decision and that it remains committed to dialogue. At the same time, the Commission warns that, if necessary, the Union will respond "quickly and decisively" to protect its regulatory autonomy in the face of measures deemed unjustified.
The European Union's digital rules, especially the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), have introduced strict obligations for large online platforms and technology companies with dominant market positions. These include requirements regarding content moderation, algorithmic transparency, data access, and limiting anti-competitive practices.
In the United States, these regulations are perceived by some political and economic circles as measures with a disproportionate impact on American companies that dominate the global digital platform sector. Critics argue that the DSA and DMA could affect freedom of expression, business models, and the competitiveness of US firms.
For its part, the European Union asserts that these rules are nationality-neutral, applying to all companies operating in the EU market, and that their purpose is to protect consumers, competition, and the integrity of the European digital space.
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