Brussels, December 25 (NA) — The European Commission condemned the United States' decision to impose travel restrictions on five European citizens, including former Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton, and warned it will act "quickly and decisively" to defend the European Union's (EU) regulatory autonomy if the situation requires it.
"Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Europe and a value we share with the United States throughout the democratic world," a European Commission spokesperson stated, as reported by the Argentine News Agency (NA), citing Xinhua.
The spokesperson emphasized that the EU is "an open, single market based on rules" and stressed that the bloc retains the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in accordance with its democratic values and international commitments.
Subsequently, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers revealed the names of the five individuals affected, including Thierry Breton, whom she described as the "architect" of the EU's Digital Services Act.
In this context, he defended European digital rules, stating they are designed to ensure "a safe, fair, and level playing field for all companies" and are applied in a non-discriminatory manner. From Brussels, it was also indicated that the Commission has requested formal clarifications from US authorities and reiterated its willingness to maintain dialogue, while making it clear that it will not renounce its regulatory powers.
The visa restrictions were announced on Tuesday by the US Department of State, which accused the sanctioned individuals of involvement in censoring content on American social networks.
