Tensions between Brussels and Washington are heating up. The European Union has made it clear that it won’t bow to pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration and is determined to enforce its own digital rules — even if it risks triggering a trade conflict with the United States.
Brussels Prepares a Counteroffensive as Trump Threatens Retaliation
The European Commission is doubling down in 2026, sharpening its focus on enforcing the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA). These laws are designed to crack down on tech monopolies, force platform openness, and demand stronger content moderation from companies like Apple, Meta, Google, and Amazon.
But the move has drawn sharp criticism from Washington. Trump’s team is reportedly threatening tariffs on European goods if the EU doesn’t back down. The U.S. argues that Europe’s regulations disproportionately target Silicon Valley giants, while turning a blind eye to Chinese competitors.
Europe Stands Firm
Teresa Ribera, head of competition policy within the EU, said she had to be “blunt” with her U.S. counterparts:
“I told them openly — we won’t repeal our rules just because America disagrees.”
There’s growing determination in Brussels to stay the course — even if it means diplomatic fallout across the Atlantic.
Apple and Meta Adjust, Google and Musk Under Fire
While tech firms have criticized Europe’s approach in public, several have already adjusted their operations quietly. Apple and Meta implemented changes in response to recent fines.
Meanwhile, new investigations have been launched:
Meta is being scrutinized over whether it blocks AI developers from accessing WhatsAppGoogle faces questions about scraping online content for AI trainingX (Twitter) received a €120 million penalty for violating DSA transparency rules — prompting fierce backlash from Elon Musk and U.S. officials
U.S. Responds with Visa Bans
As retaliation, the U.S. last month barred former EU commissioner Thierry Breton and four others from entering the country, accusing them of censorship and suppressing U.S.-based social media platforms.
Senator Marco Rubio called it part of a broader effort to dismantle the "global censorship-industrial complex" and warned the list could grow if European regulators don’t change their approach.
TikTok, AI, Search Bias: New Fronts in the Fight
The EU is also ramping up scrutiny of TikTok over alleged election interference, and probing Google’s dominance in search results — a case that could result in a massive fine.
Legal experts say Europe’s enforcement of digital laws has become increasingly difficult due to Trump’s aggressive stance, which is emboldening U.S. tech firms to push back harder — both in Europe and at home.
Warnings Against Capitulation
Analysts at Brussels-based think tank Bruegel have warned that softening enforcement would damage Europe’s economic standing. Strong competition enforcement, they argue, is crucial to preserving Europe’s global competitiveness.
MEP Alexandra Geese (Greens/EFA) went further, saying current enforcement remains slow and insufficient. She described the situation as
“an assault on democracy led by tech oligarchs through social media — and Europe is failing to defend itself.”
Summary:
2026 marks a critical turning point in the battle over digital sovereignty. The EU is preparing to stand its ground against Trump’s pressure and continue enforcing its rules — regardless of trade threats or geopolitical friction. For European regulators, this could be their biggest challenge since the creation of digital legislation.
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