EU Holds Firm on Tech Rules Despite Trump Pressure
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing its digital regulations, including the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), despite mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Statement from EU Leadership
Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s digital chief, stated on Monday, September 1, that enforcement will continue across the bloc. She emphasized that the rules protect fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and serve citizens, businesses, and future generations.
Trump’s Tariff Warnings
This declaration comes amid threats from President Trump, who warned that he might impose tariffs and export restrictions on countries implementing digital taxes or regulations deemed harmful to U.S. tech companies. Although Trump did not explicitly name the EU, his remarks have been widely interpreted as targeting its regulatory framework.
Europe’s Response
EU leaders and officials—including France, Germany, and the European Commission—have maintained that the DSA and DMA are tools for ensuring fairness and safety in the digital space and are not designed specifically to disadvantage U.S. firms. They reaffirm that regulation is a matter of European sovereignty and reserved for EU institutions and member states.
