European Union Could Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson States
The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the US against five Europeans involved in fighting digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of efforts to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the move.
The bans were imposed this week on a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four activists fighting false information, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities contend the regulations are necessary to control inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This disagreement risks becoming part of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe.
Additional Updates Reported Today
In other judicial developments:
- A US district judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the action was “another example” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the new year, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept dozens of individuals from the US in return for additional aid, after concluding a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital.
Experts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
