Synopsis
The EU on Wednesday said it was ready for talks with the United States to tackle tensions over its digital rules, which the US administration accuses of targeting American giants. The Trump administration has also criticised EU digital content and AI rules.The European Union's digital content and competition rules are one of the thorniest topics in relations between the transatlantic allies.
The EU has slapped fines worth billions of euros on tech companies, many of which are American, for violating European laws - angering Washington.
There is, however, a will on both sides to address their differences - but the EU insists it will not make concessions on its rules.
"We are discussing with the US to set up a dialogue to reinforce our cooperation on digital technologies and markets," EU spokesman Thomas Regnier said.
He said both sides wanted "to clarify misunderstandings" and cooperate to tackle global challenges together.
"We have however always been clear that our legislation is not up for negotiation. This remains absolutely unchanged," Regnier said.
US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said earlier Wednesday Washington wanted to "resolve ongoing issues with" the EU's online competition law, the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
"The biggest single source of friction in the US‑EU economic relationship is the recurrent, punitive fines on US companies," he told reporters in an online briefing.
But he noted he was "encouraged" by talks with EU officials in Brussels.
"I'm confident we'll be able to engage in a process to address disagreements."
The Trump administration has also criticised EU digital content and AI rules.
In a bid to win concessions from Brussels, Washington has dangled the prospect of major economic benefits for Europe, like massive AI investments and tariff cuts on European products.
