The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing its digital regulations across the bloc, despite threats from US President Donald Trump, EU digital chief Henna Virkkunen stated on Monday.
Virkkunen emphasised the importance of these rules for the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she stated: “I will keep enforcing them, for our kids, citizens and businesses.”
Brussels has asserted its sovereign right to regulate the operations of global tech giants seeking access to the EU’s 450 million affluent consumers.
The EU’s digital framework centres on two principal laws:
| Legislation | Purpose |
| Digital Services Act (DSA) | Ensures harmful content is removed from online platforms and protects consumer rights. |
| Digital Markets Act (DMA) | Promotes fair competition among large digital companies. |
These laws aim to prevent scams, fraud, and deliberate manipulation campaigns, safeguarding both consumers and democratic processes, including free and fair elections.
President Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on nations he accuses of targeting American tech companies, following his prior use of tariffs to reshape global trade.
Virkkunen shared a letter addressed to the US Congress, reiterating that the DSA and DMA are EU laws with no extraterritorial jurisdiction in the US or any other country.
She also countered claims from the US State Department and industry figures such as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who labelled the regulations as “censorship”. Virkkunen clarified that the DSA is designed to protect freedom of expression while defending democracies against deliberate manipulation.
Virkkunen further criticised the US Congress for inviting Thierry Breton, her predecessor at the European Commission, to testify before lawmakers. Breton declined the invitation last week, highlighting tensions between EU regulatory independence and US pressure.
