It’s European leaders’ turn to be up in arms about new United States-imposed visa bans. These bans are aimed at five leading European regulators who are pushing for tough new rules on their American tech counterparts. The wide-ranging bans have greatly escalated tensions between Europe and Washington. Thierry Breton, the EU commissioner widely seen as the chief architect of the DSA, is a key one. This latest controversy is part of larger conversations around digital sovereignty, censorship, and U.S.-China relations.
The European Parliament and the Council adopted the Digital Services Act to rein in powerful online platforms. This important law levels the playing field so that illegal activity offline is treated the same way online. This bill is a great example of a democratic and sovereign process at work. It underscored the European Union’s commitment to level the playing field for all tech companies. Thierry Breton, one of the key architects of the DSA, called it Europe’s digital constitution.
Retaliatory to the US visa bans are Breton and four other anti-disinformation campaigners from Germany and the UK. The proposed step has incited a storm of outrage from European political leaders. European reactions French President Emmanuel Macron blasted the bans as illegal, charging Washington with “coercion and intimidation.” He contended that such measures weaken European digital sovereignty and constitute a poser understanding of freedom of speech.
Germany’s Justice Ministry echoed Macron’s sentiments, stating that the visa bans were “unacceptable” and that the two German campaigners had the government’s “support and solidarity.” Washington’s perspective on the DSA as censorship. By contrast, European leaders say that it is necessary to fight hate speech and misinformation on big digital platforms.
As the battle over the DSA escalates, tensions are mounting. This clash serves to underscore one of the most profound cultural and political divides between Europe and the Trump administration. Macron noted that this situation recalls historical instances where America favored adversaries over allies, suggesting a troubling shift in transatlantic relations.
Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s Foreign Minister, said that the sanction against Thierry Breton signals appreciation and support for his strong defense of European sovereignty. He echoed our deep conviction that the citizens of Europe need to reclaim their digital space. They must refuse to allow outside interests to write the playbook for them.
“The DSA was democratically adopted by the EU for the EU – it does not have extraterritorial effect.” – Johann Wadephul
European leaders have long touted the DSA as a necessary step for preserving democratic values within their digital spaces. Spain’s Foreign Ministry stressed that “a safe digital space, free from illegal content and disinformation, is a fundamental value for democracy in Europe.” At the same time, they doubled down on the idea that anyone calling the DSA censorship is not accurately portraying their constitutional structure.
Thierry Breton highlighted the overwhelming support for the DSA among European parliamentarians, stating, “As a reminder: 90% of the European parliament – our democratically elected body – and all 27 member states unanimously voted the DSA. To our American friends: censorship isn’t where you think it is.”
European officials responded to Washington’s fears about potential censorship by reiterating their dedication to upholding freedom of speech and digital autonomy. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, declared, “Freedom of speech is the foundation of our strong and vibrant European democracy. We are proud of it. We will protect it.”
The impact of this growing diplomatic rift could result in far-reaching consequences. Brussels seems willing and able to move fast and furiously. They are retaliating against what they perceive as “unjustified measures” on behalf of the United States. The chilling effects of these visa bans could be lasting. They can influence coming negotiations on transatlantic cooperation in digital regulation.