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US envoy warns EU of retaliation over SpaceX curbs

Published

The US ambassador to the EU said European companies face "devastating" retaliation from Washington. He was speaking about Brussels plans to restrict American rivals, such as Elon Musk's SpaceX, from parts of the European market.

The warning targets plans in Brussels to limit access for American firms in parts of the European market. SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, is named as one example of an American rival that the plans would affect.

The ambassador said European companies would bear the cost if Brussels goes ahead. The EU has not yet answered the warning.

Key facts

Who
Elon Musk (owner of SpaceX, named as the head of an American rival); US ambassador to the EU (warned of retaliation; name not given in the text); Andrew Puzder (US Ambassador); SpaceX (American satellite operator that criticized the proposal)
What
The US ambassador to the EU warned of "devastating" retaliation against European companies if Brussels proceeds with plans to restrict American rivals such as SpaceX from parts of the European market.
When
19 October 2026
Where
Europe, Brussels, Washington
Status
Reported

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Democrats won back both the US House and Senate in the midterm elections held on 3 November, according to media projections. Exit polls showed voters were angry about high prices and the direction of the country, and rebuked President Donald Trump.

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