In a statement issued on Tuesday in Brussels, the Commission said it “strongly condemns the U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions on five European individuals, including former European Commissioner Thierry Breton.”
The European Commission has condemned the decision of the United States government to impose travel restrictions on five European individuals, including former European Commissioner Thierry Breton.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Brussels, the Commission said it “strongly condemns the U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions on five European individuals, including former European Commissioner Thierry Breton.”
The Commission stressed that the move runs contrary to shared democratic principles between Europe and the United States, noting that “freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Europe and a shared core value with the United States across the democratic world.”
It further defended the European Union’s regulatory framework, stating that “the EU is an open, rules-based single market, with the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in line with our democratic values and international commitments.”
According to the Commission, its regulatory approach, particularly in the digital sector, is not targeted at any specific country or company. “Our digital rules ensure a safe, fair, and level playing field for all companies, applied fairly and without discrimination,” the statement said.
The European Commission disclosed that it has already engaged Washington over the issue, adding that “we have requested clarifications from the U.S. authorities and remain engaged.”
Warning of possible countermeasures, the Commission said it would not hesitate to act if necessary. “If needed, we will respond swiftly and decisively to defend our regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures,” the statement added.
The statement reads: “Statement by the European Commission on the U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions on certain EU individuals
“The European Commission strongly condemns the U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions on five European individuals, including former European Commissioner Thierry Breton.
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Europe and a shared core value with the United States across the democratic world.
“The EU is an open, rules-based single market, with the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in line with our democratic values and international commitments.
“Our digital rules ensure a safe, fair, and level playing field for all companies, applied fairly and without discrimination. 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.”