PARIS, December 24, 2025* – French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly denounced visa restriction measures imposed by the United States on former European Commissioner Thierry Breton and four other European officials, describing them as “intimidation and coercion” aimed at undermining Europe’s digital sovereignty.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Macron emphasized that the EU’s digital regulations, including the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA), were enacted through a democratic process by the European Parliament and Council. These rules, he said, promote fair competition among digital platforms and ensure consistency between offline and online illegality, without targeting any specific country.
“The rules governing the European Union’s digital space are not meant to be determined outside Europe,” Macron declared. He pledged that France, alongside the European Commission and EU partners, would continue defending the bloc’s regulatory autonomy.
The US actions appear linked to ongoing tensions over EU enforcement of digital regulations against American tech giants, particularly in relation to content moderation and free speech concerns. Breton, who served as EU Internal Market Commissioner until recently, had been a vocal enforcer of these rules and was involved in high-profile disputes with platforms like X.
The announcement has sparked significant backlash online, with critics accusing the EU of hypocrisy. Several prominent users highlighted a 2024 letter from Breton to X owner Elon Musk, warning of potential DSA violations ahead of a live interview with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau referenced this incident, noting the lack of condemnation from France at the time.
The visa restrictions mark a new escalation in transatlantic frictions over digital policy, as the incoming US administration signals a tougher stance on perceived foreign interference in American tech and speech matters.
As of Christmas Day 2025, neither the US State Department nor the affected individuals have issued detailed public responses to Macron’s statement. The development underscores deepening divides between Washington and Brussels on issues of digital governance and sovereignty.
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