US warns EU of retaliation over satellite spectrum plan favoring European firms

The US ambassador to the EU, Andrew Puzder, warned that European firms could face “devastating” retaliation if Brussels limits American rivals like SpaceX in its satellite spectrum plan. He said favoring domestic companies is not a legitimate aim, even though the US restricts Chinese EV imports. The dispute centers on a European Commission proposal to reserve part of the radio spectrum for European satellite-to-smartphone operators, reducing frequencies available to US and Chinese firms. SpaceX argues this could harm connectivity in Ukraine, where Starlink is vital for communications. The plan is part of Europe’s broader push for technological sovereignty, including a Cloud and AI Development Act. Puzder questioned EU enforcement of the Digital Markets Act, suggesting fines on US firms may aim to raise budget revenue rather than improve competition.