BRUSSELS, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission on Wednesday strongly condemned a U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions on five European individuals, including former European Commissioner Thierry Breton, warning it would act "swiftly and decisively" to defend the bloc's regulatory autonomy if needed.

"Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Europe and a shared core value with the United States across the democratic world," a Commission spokesperson said in an attributable response to Xinhua.

The spokesperson stressed that the European Union is "an open, rules-based single market," and retains the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in line with its democratic values and international commitments.

The EU's digital rules are designed to ensure "a safe, fair, and level playing field for all companies," and are applied fairly and without discrimination, the spokesperson said.

The Commission has requested clarifications from U.S. authorities and remains engaged, the spokesperson added.

The U.S. State Department issued visa restrictions on five individuals from the EU and Britain in a statement on Tuesday, claiming that they are involved in content censorship on U.S. social media platforms.

Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers later revealed the five names on X, including Breton, whom she claimed was "a mastermind of the Digital Services Act." ■