EU’s Teresa Ribera blasts US ‘blackmail’ over digital rules in tech trade negotiations

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: The Vice President of the European Commission, Teresa Ribera, responded to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick insisting on concessions over European rules for tech companies.

Ribera criticized Lutnick’s remarks while in conversation with Politico on Wednesday, November 26, and called it “blackmail.” She further explained that America’s intention did not mean that the EU would accept “that kind of blackmail.”

Teresa Ribera condemns Howard Lutnick's demands

While speaking to the publication, Teresa Ribera said that the EU's digital rulebook should not be a factor during trade negotiations. She added that the digital rules they had were a matter of “sovereignty” and should be kept separate.

Ribera added that they respected the rules that America had for its markets, such as the digital market, health sector, steel, cars, and more.

However, she added it was “their problem” since it was their “regulation and their sovereignty." Doubling down on her claims, she said, much like the US, it was also the case in Europe.

“The European digital rulebook is not up for negotiation,” she added.

Ribera also called Howard Lutnick’s remarks a “direct attack” on the Digital Markets Act, a law aimed at regulating big platforms in the digital sphere. She also noted that it was her responsibility to defend a “well-functioning digital market in Europe.”

Howard Lutnick wants 'balanced trade relationship' with Europe

On Monday, Howard Lutnick posted a snippet of himself while speaking to Bloomberg TV on X.

Along with the video, he wrote that the message was “simple.” He stated that if Europe eased up on its digital regulatory “chokehold” and created a level playing field for American companies, it would open the door to “hundreds of billions” or even $1 trillion in new investments.

“That’s what a fair, balanced trade relationship can unlock,” he added.

In the video, he urged Europe to “settle” outstanding cases on companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.

He urged the EU to put all of that in the past and come up with a “reasonable” framework that allowed such companies to grow and flourish.

Lutnick further noted that such companies would be willing to invest huge amounts of money to build data centers in European countries.

“The idea is, they take their foot off this regulatory framework and make it more inviting for our companies,” he said.

Lutnick further said he was trying to convince European leaders that “winning” the way Donald Trump was winning in America was the way to go.