EC slams US travel restrictions on five Europeans including former Commissioner Breton
The European Commission (EC) said on December 24 that it strongly condemns the US decision to impose travel restrictions on five European individuals, including former European Commissioner Thierry Breton.
Deutsche Welle reported that the US State Department on Tuesday said it would deny visas to Breton and four others in protest of European regulation of social media.
The EC said that freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Europe and a shared core value with the US 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,” the statement said.
“Our digital rules ensure a safe, fair, and level playing field for all companies, applied fairly and without discrimination.”
The EC said that it had requested clarifications from the US authorities and remained engaged.
“If needed, we will respond swiftly and decisively to defend our regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures,” the statement said.
(Archive photo: European Parliament)
