EU Might Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says
The EU could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the US against five European individuals involved in fighting online hate and misinformation, an EU official stated.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions targeted individuals that were at the heart of efforts to enact laws governing American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the decision.
The bans were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders contend the regulations are necessary to control hate speech and disinformation.
This row threatens to become part of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other legal developments:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to reduce federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the new year, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following concluding a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the stripping of the current president’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
