This has been 100% expected. It is bacause of lack of US visa waiver to certain EU members (Romania and Bulgaria for example). It's the same for Canadians who travel to the EU and who's country lifted the mentioned restrictions.

https://www.etias.ca/

As much as I like Americans, you have to understand that you were priviledged before and that this privilege has ended because of your country's visa policy treating EU citizens differently.

Honest question, do you complain that USA implemented this same type program in 2008/2009? Or do you just care now because this affects US travelers?

I mean both ways. US implemented it first, Europe implemented it in return. Idiotic and unnecessary and political and, apparently, unavoidable now.

I wasn't aware EU travellers had to get a visa to enter the US.

When I flew to the EU and eastern Europe in 2019, I didn't need a visa. I didn't need to tell anyone my exact dates and itinerary. I paid for a ticket, had a passport, and went.

Yes, we have needed an ESTA for a long time now.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_System_for_Travel...

$20, but you have to apply regularly. They do "something" and you may or may not be approved, and everyone including children need their own one.