The United States government’s recent sanctions against former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and the executive directors of the Berlin-based non-profit “Hate Aid” have triggered a wave of sharp criticism in Brussels and within the German Bundestag, raising concerns about transatlantic relations and regulatory autonomy.
The European Commission unequivocally condemned the U.S. decision, emphasizing that freedom of expression constitutes a fundamental right in Europe and a shared value between the U.S. and the democratic world. The statement underscored the EU’s sovereign right to regulate economic activities within its open, rules-based internal market, ensuring fair competition and adherence to democratic principles and international commitments.
“Our digital regulations guarantee safe, fair and equitable conditions for all companies, applied fairly and without discrimination” the Commission asserted, demanding clarification from U.S. authorities and pledging to engage in ongoing dialogue. A firmer response was promised if necessary, indicating a commitment to defend regulatory autonomy against what the EU perceives as unjustified actions. The implicit reference to the Digital Services Act (DSA), previously utilized against major US technology firms, signals that the EU intends to protect its regulatory framework.
The political sensitivity of the situation was further highlighted by reactions within Germany. Johannes Schätzl, the German Social Democratic Party (SPD) parliamentary spokesperson for digital policy, termed the sanctions a “severe intrusion into civil society engagement”. He urged the German government to unequivocally defend the rule of law and support the affected organizations, demanding clarity from Washington regarding the legal basis and proportionality of the measures. While dismissing accusations of censorship, Schätzl expressed concern that far-right elements within Germany were echoing the U.S. administration’s narrative, a development he described as “disturbing.
Marcel Emmerich, the Green Party’s domestic policy spokesperson, echoed this call for a robust German response, characterizing the sanctions as “an attack on our European democracy, which does not instrumentalize freedom against human dignity”. He questioned the integrity of those who champion freedom while simultaneously punishing individuals acting within the bounds of legally established frameworks. Emmerich argued that Europe’s silence would be detrimental and stressed the need for a clear and resolute answer, calling on Germany to advocate for the forceful implementation of the Digital Services Act across the EU.
The ensuing debate underscores a growing tension between the U.S. and the EU over digital regulation and the potential for escalating trade and political friction. The incident highlights the EU’s increasing determination to assert its regulatory independence, even if it risks confrontation with its key transatlantic partner.