The European Union and some member States reacted sharply Wednesday (December 24, 2025) to U.S. sanctions imposed on five European figures involved in regulating tech companies, including former European commissioner Thierry Breton.
They were responding after the U.S. state department announced Tuesday (December 23) it would deny visas to the five, accusing them of seeking to "coerce" American social media platforms into censoring viewpoints they oppose.
France, Germany and Spain also condemned the news from Washington.
A statement from the Commission said: "We have requested clarifications from the U.S. authorities and remain engaged. If needed, we will respond swiftly and decisively to defend our regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures.
"Our digital rules ensure a safe, fair, and level playing field for all companies, applied fairly and without discrimination."
