US envoy warns EU of retaliation over possible Starlink restrictions
In short
US ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder warned that European companies could face serious retaliation if the bloc restricts American companies’ access to its markets. The reports link his warning to an EU satellite-spectrum proposal that could limit opportunities for SpaceX.
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US ambassador to the European Union Andrew Puzder warned that European companies could face serious retaliatory measures if the bloc limits access to its markets for American corporations, Russian outlets reported on October 18. RBC linked the warning to potential restrictions affecting companies such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX. TASS reported the warning as coming from a Financial Times report and said Puzder had urged Brussels to be careful. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The dispute concerns a European Commission proposal to reserve part of the frequency spectrum used to connect smartphones directly to satellites for European market participants. Kommersant reported that the measure could restrict Starlink satellite communications in Europe. The outlet said Puzder stressed the importance of the American market to Europe and warned against improving European companies’ competitiveness by reducing that of American firms. RIA Novosti reported that he acknowledged the EU’s right to protect classified information but cautioned against doing so at US companies’ expense. [ 3 , 4 ]
According to RIA Novosti, the commission published a draft regulation at the end of May to reform the use of 2 GHz satellite frequencies after the licences held by US companies Viasat and EchoStar expire in May 2027. The proposal would reserve a third of the spectrum for critical needs and the remaining two-thirds for commercial use. One of those commercial portions would be reserved exclusively for European entrants. RIA Novosti also reported media accounts that SpaceX had warned the proposed division would split the spectrum into small portions that were practically unusable. [ 3 ]
Why it matters
The proposal would reserve part of the spectrum used for direct smartphone-to-satellite connections for European market participants. Kommersant reported that the measure could restrict Starlink satellite communications in Europe.
Key facts
- Puzder warned of serious retaliation if the EU restricts US companies’ market access. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
- The dispute concerns a European Commission proposal on frequencies for direct smartphone-to-satellite connections. [ 3 , 4 ]
- RIA Novosti reported that existing Viasat and EchoStar licences expire in May 2027. [ 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- What specific retaliatory measures the United States might take. The documents report warnings but do not specify the measures.