(MENAFN) A high-ranking European Union representative has accused the United States of “blackmail” after Washington requested that Brussels ease its digital legislation in return for reducing tariffs on steel and aluminum.

In an interview with a media outlet published on Thursday, European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera criticized the US for what the EU interpreted as a direct challenge to its signature Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act.

The rules enforce strict transparency and competition requirements on major online platforms. Since many of these companies – including Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Amazon – are headquartered in the US, Washington regards the regulations as biased.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently stated that Europe should “reconsider their digital regulations to be more inviting to our big companies” if it hoped to secure a deal on steel and aluminum.

Ribera told the media outlet that such demands amounted to “blackmail” and emphasized that the EU’s digital regulations “are not up for negotiation” and should remain separate from trade discussions.

She highlighted that the EU perceives the legislation as an issue of sovereignty. “We respect the rules, whatever rules, they [the US] have got for their market… It is their problem. It is their regulation and their sovereignty. So it is the case here.”

The tensions arise in the context of a US–EU trade agreement reached in July, which set a 15% tariff on most European exports to the US instead of the higher duties previously threatened by Washington.

In exchange, Brussels committed to increased long-term US energy purchases while keeping broad access for American goods.

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