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Macron Calls for Lifting US Sanctions on Breton and Guyou

Published February 22, 2026, 12:11
Macron Calls for Lifting US Sanctions on Breton and Guyou

French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a letter to US President Donald Trump requesting the lifting of sanctions imposed on two French officials: former European Commissioner Thierry Breton and judge Nicolas Guiou. Macron describes the sanctions as “unfair” and argues that they undermine European regulatory autonomy. Thierry Breton is accused by the State Department of “censorship” against American interests, due to his initiative for European digital services legislation (DSA). Macron counters that European digital regulations do not have extraterritorial application and apply without discrimination within the European Union. Judge Nicolas Guiou, for his part, has been sanctioned for his involvement in issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court. Macron emphasizes that the sanctions undermine the principle of judicial independence and the mandate of the ICC. Guiou, despite the sanctions imposed on him, states that he can cope without American services, but warns that a change in US policy is needed. Macron's letter is a strong criticism of US policy and an attempt to defend European sovereignty.