French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly condemned the United States’ decision to impose visa restrictions on former European Commissioner Thierry Breton and four other European figures involved in the fight against disinformation.
In a post on the platform X, Macron described the move as political pressure on the European Union, warning that it represents a serious threat to Europe’s digital sovereignty.
“France condemns the visa restriction measures taken by the United States against Thierry Breton and four other European figures. These measures constitute intimidation and coercion, aimed at undermining European digital sovereignty,” Macron wrote.
The French president emphasized that France, together with the European Commission and EU partners, will continue to defend the European Union’s regulatory autonomy in the digital sphere.
“Together with the European Commission and our European partners, we will continue to protect our digital sovereignty and regulatory autonomy,” Macron stressed.
Macron’s statement highlights growing transatlantic tensions over digital governance, as the European Union seeks to assert its authority in regulating online platforms, combating disinformation, and safeguarding democratic processes from external pressure.
