Ursula von der Leyen.Image: keystone
December 24, 2025, 1:05 p.mDecember 24, 2025, 2:57 p.m
Ursula von der Leyen’s EU Commission is threatening retaliatory measures against the entry bans imposed by the US government against former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and other Europeans.
The authorities in Brussels announced that they strongly condemn the decision of the United States. Clarification has been requested from the US authorities. If necessary, they will respond quickly and decisively to defend the right to set their own rules.
“Our digital rules ensure safe and fair competition for all companies and are applied without discrimination,” the statement says. Freedom of expression is one of the fundamental rights in Europe and is a value that is shared with the USA and other democracies.
The EU Commission did not initially explain how exactly it could react to the travel bans. It would be conceivable, for example, that she would propose restricting cooperation with the USA in certain areas. If the dispute escalates further, economic countermeasures cannot be ruled out.
Warning to the EU Commission?
In addition to the former EU Commissioner Breton, the entry bans imposed by the US government affect, among others, the managing directors of the German advice center HateAid, which combats Internet hate speech. They are justified by alleged censorship of US online platforms and could also be understood as a warning to the EU Commission to continue to apply European digital laws against US companies.
Breton is an architect of EU digital laws designed to guarantee fair competition and the protection of children and democratic elections. During his term of office (2019-2024), the Frenchman repeatedly clashed with Twitter boss Elon Musk – especially when he supported Donald Trump in the US presidential election campaign last year via his short message platform. (sda/dpa)