French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly criticized the U.S. visa restrictions imposed on Thierry Breton and four other Europeans.

Axar.az reports that he described this step as a threat to the European Union’s digital sovereignty and a coercive measure.

Macron stated that the EU’s digital regulatory rules were adopted through a “democratic and sovereign process” with the participation of the European Parliament and the Council.

He emphasized that these rules aim to ensure fair competition within Europe and do not target any third country.

Macron added that regulations concerning the EU’s digital space cannot be determined outside of Europe. He further noted that France will continue to work with the European Commission and its partners to protect digital sovereignty and regulatory independence.