Ursula Von Der Leyen as Donald Trump
MEPs accuse the president of the European Commission of subservience to Trump and of using European laws that regulate technology giants as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the USA.
The European Commission is under fire because it is taking into account US recommendations in a new transatlantic “dialogue” on digital regulation. Several MEPs warn that the measure could lead to setbacks in emblematic technological laws of the European Union and pave the way for foreign influence in its application.
At the heart of the dispute are the EU’s key digital regulations — the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) — which aim to curb the power of big tech companies and strengthen consumer protection. Critics fear that allowing the US to participate in discussions about these laws could weaken their implementation.
The Greens deputy, Alexandra Geeseaccused the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, of always giving in to pressure from Donald Trump and putting European sovereignty at risk. “Donald Trump’s approval ratings are at historic lows, and his war on Iran is devastating the global economy. But instead of creating a sovereign path forward for Europe, Ursula von der Leyen, continues to kiss the ring”, accuses .
Gesse argues that involving US authorities would, in practice, allow large technology platforms to “evaluate their own homework”, classifying the measure as a potential threat to both European companies and democratic standards.
The negative reaction comes after the confirmation, by the Commission’s spokesperson, Thomas Regnier, that Brussels is exploring a cooperation framework with Washington on digital markets. Although Regnier has stressed that EU laws are “not subject to negotiation”, many MEPs remain skeptical of these promises.
The German MEP Sergey Lagodinsky described the proposal as a possible “capitulation” to US pressureurging the EU to suspend trade negotiations and consider activating its anti-coercion mechanisms.
Criticism of the Commission comes amid growing pressure from US authorities, who have resisted EU efforts to regulate American tech giants. The proposed dialogue would represent a notable shift from the European Commission’s long-standing position that its set of digital rules is non-negotiable.
